Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879869114 | β-lactam-synthon-interceded synthesis of isatin-imidazolidine-2-thione conjugates with structural validation using molecular dynamic simulations and cytotoxic evaluation | Nisha, Singh P., Hendricks D., Bisetty K., Kumar V. | 2013 | Synlett | 24 | 14 | 10.1055/s-0033-1339315 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Nisha, Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Hendricks, D., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Bisetty, K., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | β-Lactam-synthon-interceded synthesis of isatin-imidazolidine-2-thione conjugates was carried out via base-assisted intermolecular amidolysis of 3-isothiocyanato-2-azetidinones with C-5 substituted isatins. The observed enolization in the assigned structure of the conjugates was validated using molecular dynamic (MD) simulations performed under explicit solvent conditions. The synthesized scaffolds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic profiles against the oesophageal cancer cell line WHCO1. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York. | β-lactam synthon; cytotoxicity; imidazolidine-2-thione; intermolecular amidolysis; molecular dynamic simulations | 2 azetidinone derivative; 3 isothiocyanato 2 azetidinone derivative; beta lactam derivative; beta lapachone; cytotoxic agent; imidazolidine derivative; isatin derivative; isatin imidazolidine 2 thione conjugate; lapachol; solvent; unclassified drug; amidolysis; article; cancer cell; chemical reaction; conjugation; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug structure; drug synthesis; enolization; IC 50; molecular dynamics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869142384 | 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-s2.0-57749118625 | Zircon U-Pb strain chronometry reveals deep impact-triggered flow | Moser D.E., Davis W.J., Reddy S.M., Flemming R.L., Hart R.J. | 2009 | Earth and Planetary Science Letters | 277 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.09.036 | Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. N6A 5B7, Canada; Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth St, Ottawa, K1A 0E8, Canada; Department of Applied Geology, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; iThemba labs, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Moser, D.E., Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. N6A 5B7, Canada; Davis, W.J., Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth St, Ottawa, K1A 0E8, Canada; Reddy, S.M., Department of Applied Geology, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Flemming, R.L., Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. N6A 5B7, Canada; Hart, R.J., iThemba labs, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Large (> 100 km) meteorite impact cratering events play important roles in surface and biosphere evolution, however, their potential for widespread ductile modification of the lithosphere has been difficult to assess, due partly to our inability to isotopically age-correlate deep mineral fabrics with surface records. We have integrated benchmark U-Pb zircon dating methods (ID-TIMS, SHRIMP) with new microstructural techniques (EBSD, μXRD) to demonstrate that crystal-plastic deformation can cause rapid out-diffusion of radiogenic Pb and accompanying trace element alteration in crystalline zircon. We have used this phenomenon to directly date fabric in Archean zircons and xenoliths of the lower crust of South Africa at 2023 ± 15 million years, coeval with the 2020 ± 3 million year old Vredefort cratering event at surface, with extent ≥ 20,000 km 2. Our findings indicate that regional exogenic fabrics, similar to high-temperature tectonic fabrics, exist in ancient crust. Moreover, our results establish that crystal-plastic deformation in the lithosphere can now be directly dated and linked to planetary evolution by zircon U-Pb strain chronometry. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | deformation; EBSD; geochronology; impact; planetary; tectonics; U-Pb dating; zircon | Archean; Deep impacts; EBSD; High temperatures; impact; Lower crusts; Meteorite impacts; Microstructural; Mineral fabrics; planetary; Planetary evolutions; South Africa; Tectonic fabrics; U-Pb dating; Zircon dating; Chemical elements; Deformation; Electron diffraction; Fabrics; Geomorphology; Lead; Lead alloys; Meteor impacts; Minerals; Plastic deformation; Silica; Silicate minerals; Tectonics; Trace elements; Zircon; Geochronology; crater; deformation; geochronology; high temperature; planetary evolution; SHRIMP dating; tectonics; trigger mechanism; uranium-lead dating; zircon | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649134931 | Zimbabwean urban grooves and their subversive performance practices | Manase I. | 2009 | Social Dynamics | 35 | 1 | 10.1080/02533950802666923 | Department of English, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Manase, I., Department of English, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | This paper examines the role played by popular culture in response to the effects of the unfolding social and political repression on the ordinary Zimbabwean after 2000. The arts is one sector where the Zimbabwean government fostered its repressive hegemony. An urban youth music genre called 'urban grooves' rose to prominence during the period under focus here and some of the artists colluded with the government in propagating an anti-Western imperialism campaign. This paper evaluates the nature of the genre's performance practices and its role in the government's anti-Western imperialism campaign. It also discusses the complexities associated with notions of complicity and resistance as urban grooves artists resisted both Western hegemony, as per the government's campaign, and subverted the same government's censorship of the urban youth's and the general society's imaginary and other freedoms. | Anti-western cultural imperialism; Complicity; Popular culture; Subversion; Zimbabwean urban grooves | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748902768 | 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-s2.0-33645658721 | Yield performance and release of four late blight tolerant potato varieties in Kenya | Lung'aho C., Nderitu S.K.N., Kabira J.N., El-Bedewy R., Olanya O.M., Walingo A. | 2006 | Journal of Agronomy | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/ja.2006.57.61 | National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 25, Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt; USDA-ARS, New England Plant Soil and Water Laboratory, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States | Lung'aho, C., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Nderitu, S.K.N., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Kabira, J.N., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; El-Bedewy, R., Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 25, Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt; Olanya, O.M., USDA-ARS, New England Plant Soil and Water Laboratory, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States; Walingo, A., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya | To improve yield potential, potato varieties Kenya Faulu, Kenya Karibu, Kenya Mavuno and Kenya Sifa have been approved for variety release by the Kenya Variety Release Committee. The varieties are medium late to late maturing, high yielding with good tuber and culinary characteristics. The released varieties were selections from advanced potato clones KP90142.7, KP90172.34 and KP91301.10 derived from Population A (high levels of late blight resistance) in which materials for original crosses were obtained from the International Potato Center (CIP). The clone 720097.1 is a derivative of ex-Mexican origin, obtained from germplasm collections at CIP. In multi-location experiments conducted in various agro-ecological regions of Kenya, tuber yield of the newly released varieties were significantly greater than the resistant check variety Tigoni, as well as the other clones evaluated. The released varieties had good agronomic characteristics, high late blight tolerance and acceptable culinary properties. Deployment and utilization of the newly released varieties can greatly improve yield performance in the low input farming systems of Kenyan highlands. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Kenya; Late blight tolerance; Potato; Solanum tuberosum; Utilization; Variety release | Solanum tuberosum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748694684 | Yield performance and land-use efficiency of barley and faba bean mixed cropping in Ethiopian highlands | Agegnehu G., Ghizaw A., Sinebo W. | 2006 | European Journal of Agronomy | 25 | 3 | 10.1016/j.eja.2006.05.002 | Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Agronomy and Crop Physiology, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Agegnehu, G., Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Agronomy and Crop Physiology, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ghizaw, A., Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Agronomy and Crop Physiology, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Sinebo, W., Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Agronomy and Crop Physiology, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mixed intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) was compared with sole cropping for three growing seasons (2001-2003) at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre, in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The treatments were sole barley (125 kg ha-1), sole faba bean (200 kg ha-1) and an additive series of 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 and 62.5% of the sole seed rate of faba bean mixed with full barley seed rate. A randomised complete block design replicated four times was used. Mixed cropping and year effects were significant for seed and biomass yields of each crop species. Barley yield was reduced by mixed cropping only when the seed rate of faba bean exceeded 50 kg ha-1 or 25% of the sole seed rate. There was no mixed cropping by year interaction effect for barley grain yield but for faba bean seed yield. Total yield, barley yield equivalent, land equivalent ratio (LER) and system productivity index (SPI) of mixtures exceeded those of sole crops especially when faba bean seed rate in the mixture was increased to 75 kg ha-1 (37.5%) or more. The highest barley yield equivalent, SPI, crowding coefficient and LER were obtained when faba bean was mixed at a rate of 37.5% with full seed rate of barley. From this study, it is inferred that mixed intercropping of faba bean in normal barley culture at a density not less than 37.5% of the sole faba bean density may give better overall yield and income than sole culture of each crop species. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Aggressivity; Barley; Crowding coefficient; Faba bean; Intercropping; Land equivalent ratio; Mixed cropping | barley; comparative study; intercropping; land use; legume; mixed farming; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare; Vicia faba | None |
None | None | Yield performance and adaptation of four sorghum cultivars in Igunga and Nzega districts of Tanzania | Bucheyeki T.L., Shenkalwa E.M., Mapunda T.X., Matata L.W. | 2010 | Communications in Biometry and Crop Science | 5 | 1 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Tumbi Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 306, Tabora, Tanzania | Bucheyeki, T.L., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Shenkalwa, E.M., Tumbi Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 306, Tabora, Tanzania; Mapunda, T.X., Tumbi Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 306, Tabora, Tanzania; Matata, L.W., Tumbi Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 306, Tabora, Tanzania | Sorghum plays a significant role for the smallholder farmers of Tanzania. It is the chief source of food and income for majority of Tanzanians but yields are low and crop management lacking leading to smallholder food and income insecurity. An experiment was conducted in the Nzega and Igunga districts of Tabora to compare improved cultivars Tegemeo, Pato and Macia to the commonly used landrace Wilu for adaptation and yield, assess farmers' preferences, and assess the economic potential of improved sorghum cultivars. Cultivar performance was measured for three seasons in a randomized complete block design with three replications per location. Tegemeo out-yielded other cultivars and had high average yields (2580 kg ha -1). Wilu had the lowest yield (1460 kg ha -1) but had consistent yields across environments. Ninety farmers developed seven criteria for cultivars assessments. Results of the farmers' rankings indicated Tegemeo was the best cultivar and recommended it be grown in the area. An economic analysis indicated the potential of doubling sorghum grain yield from 1000 to 2000 kg ha -1 and income from 525,600 to 928,800 TSh ha -1. The combined statistical, farmers assessment and economic analysis showed changing order of importance of some cultivars which draws attention to breeders and policy makers on the importance of farmer's indigenous technical knowledge acknowledgement and participatory plant breeding in cultivars selection. © CBCS 2010. | Adaptation; Economic analysis; Farmer's assessment; Sorghum bicolour; Yield | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251638823 | Yield evaluation of three early maturing bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) Landraces at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Fumesua-Kumasi, Ghana | Berchie J.N., Sarkodie-Addo J., Adu-Dapaah H., Agyemang A., Addy S., Asare E., Donkor J. | 2010 | Journal of Agronomy | 9 | 4 | 10.3923/ja.2010.175.179 | CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Berchie, J.N., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Sarkodie-Addo, J., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Adu-Dapaah, H., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Agyemang, A., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Addy, S., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asare, E., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Donkor, J., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | The aim of this study was to determine the field performance of three early maturing bambara groundnut landraces which were identified in a controlled environment study by the lead author at the University of Guelph, Guelph-Ontario, Canada between October 2008 and March, 2009. Bambara groundnut is an indigenous African grain legume which is cultivated for food especially in the dry areas with short and erratic rainfall. Three bambara groundnut landraces; Burkina, Zebra coloured and Mottled Cream were evaluated for yield at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Kumasi-Ghana. The trial was sown on the 1st of April, 2009. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Plants were sown at a spacing of 50 by 20 cm at two seeds per hill and thinned to one seedling per hill at 20 DAS. Zebra coloured took the least number of days to mature (89.5 days) followed by Mottled Cream (98.2 days) and Burkina (112.5 days). Zebra coloured produced the greatest pod yield per plant (23.6 g) followed by Burkina (17.7 g) and Mottled Cream (12.5 g). The base colour of the three landraces which is cream has been identified to be the preference of bambara groundnut growers and consumers. In areas with erratic rainfall and the lower latitudes where long daylength can negatively affect bambara groundnut yields, these early maturing landraces have the potential to reduce variation in bambara groundnut yields. | Bambara groundnut; Early maturing; Evaluation; Pod yield; Yield | Arachis hypogaea; Bambara; Equus subg. Hippotigris; Vigna subterranea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860466986 | Yield and quality performance of sesame varieties as affected by potassium fertilizer | Olaniyi J.O. | 2011 | Tropical Agriculture | 88 | 1 | None | Department Of Agronomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Olaniyi, J.O., Department Of Agronomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | In view of the relative importance of Sesamum indicum, as a good source of oil and medicinal plants in Africa, the production of good quality and high yielding varieties is highly desirable. The pot experiment was conducted at Ogbomoso in the southwestern Nigeria to determine the level of K fertilizer needed for the maximum seed yield and quality of three sesame varieties. The treatments used included four levels of potassium fertilizer (0, 15, 30 and 45kg K20 ha-1) and three varieties of sesame namely; Pachequero, Panshin and C-K2. These twelve treatments were assigned into a completely randomized design fitted into a factorial experiment with three replications. The plant growth and yield attributes such as plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, and number of seeds per pod significantly (P≤0.05) improved with increased rate of potassium fertilizer with optimum value obtained at 30kg K20 ha-1. K application significantly (P≤0.05) affected the seed yield and yield components of the three sesame varieties with optimum values obtained at 30kg K20 ha-1. The quality and nutrient elements compositions significantly increased with optimum values obtained when 30 kg K2 0 ha -1 was applied. Therefore, 30kg K20 ha-1 could be applied to sesame on the less productive soils in Ogbomoso. Although all sesame varieties used recorded better performance in this agro-ecological zone, C-K2 showed an outstanding seed yield performance with or without K fertilizer applications. However, the best variety in terms of seed quality was pachequero. © 2011 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Potassium fertilizer; Seed quality; Seed yield; Sesamum indicum; Varieties | Sesamum indicum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928243911 | Yield and performance analysis of the first grid-connected solar farm at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, Lesotho | Mpholo M., Nchaba T., Monese M. | 2015 | Renewable Energy | 81 | None | 10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.001 | National University of Lesotho, Dept. of Physics and Electronics, Roma, Lesotho; Materials Research and Engineering Center, Univ. of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Moshoeshoe I International Airport, PO Box 629, Maseru, Lesotho | Mpholo, M., National University of Lesotho, Dept. of Physics and Electronics, Roma, Lesotho, Materials Research and Engineering Center, Univ. of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Nchaba, T., Materials Research and Engineering Center, Univ. of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Monese, M., Moshoeshoe I International Airport, PO Box 629, Maseru, Lesotho | The performance of a newly installed 281 kW<inf>p</inf> first grid-connected photovoltaic solar farm in Lesotho is evaluated against the basic parameters stated in the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) Standard 61724 and a number of other studies. The performance parameters selected are those that mainly indicate the suitability of a site for solar power development. Using normalised values, a brief comparison with other farms across the globe is made to assess the relative performance of the farm. The results show that its performance is satisfactory, with a weighted performance ratio of 0.70 compared to the global average of 0.70-0.80 for sufficiently well performing farms. However, the performance could be improved with improved operational monitoring of the farm. Additional performance parameters are assessed relative to the standard and the farms in other countries, such as capture and system losses, system efficiencies, and capacity factors, are above the thresholds for satisfactory performance. Measurements at the site show a high solar energy resource in the range of 4.0-7.2kWh/m2/day. The results show that the area is suitable for grid connected photovoltaic systems. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Lesotho; Photovoltaic; Solar efficiency; Solar performance; Solar plant; Solar yield | Energy resources; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy; Lesotho; Photovoltaic; Solar performance; Solar plant; Solar yield; Solar power generation; energy efficiency; global climate; performance assessment; photovoltaic system; solar power; Lesotho | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873245871 | Yield and agronomic performance of maize hybrids resistant to the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) | Tefera T., Demissie G., Mugo S., Beyene Y. | 2013 | Crop Protection | 46 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2012.12.010 | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Bako National Maize Research Project, Po Box 2003, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia | Tefera, T., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Demissie, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Bako National Maize Research Project, Po Box 2003, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia; Mugo, S., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Beyene, Y., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya | This study evaluated improved maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) with varying level of resistance to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, for yield and agronomic traits for two seasons. A total of 22 improved maize hybrids and three commercial standards were tested. Out of the 22 tested, two hybrids CKPH08035 (7.4-9.9 t ha-1) and CKPH08039 (7.3-9.8 t ha-1) significantly out yielded the commercial standards WH505 (8.8 t ha-1) and BH140 (5.5 t ha-1). In addition to yield, the improved hybrids also possess desirable traits including good plant height, good plant and ear aspects and good husk cover. The hybrid CKPH08004 had the lowest Dobie index of susceptibility and was regarded as resistant to S. zeamais. Weevils fed with the resistant hybrids produced low numbers of F1 generation weevils, had a high median developmental time and a low percentage of grain damage and grain weight loss. An increasing number of F1 generation resulted in an increasing grain damage and grain weight loss. We found an inverse relationship between the susceptibility index and percent mortality. However, the numbers of F1 generation, percent grain damage and grain weight loss were positively correlated with the susceptibility index. The use of resistant maize hybrids should be promoted in managing S. zeamais in stored maize under subsistence farming conditions in Africa. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Grain yield; Host resistance; Maize; Postharvest loss; Sitophilus zeamais | agronomy; beetle; crop damage; crop yield; hybrid; index method; mortality; performance assessment; pest resistance; pest species; plant-herbivore interaction; Coleoptera; Curculionidae; Sitophilus zeamais; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953329293 | Yellow Oleander Seed Oil Extraction Modeling and Process Parameters Optimization: Performance Evaluation of Artificial Neural Network and Response Surface Methodology | Ajala S.O., Betiku E. | 2015 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 39 | 6 | 10.1111/jfpp.12366 | Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Ajala, S.O., Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Betiku, E., Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | The effects of sample weight, time and solvent type on YOSO yield were evaluated using ANN and RSM. The predicted optimal condition for the extraction process was found to be the same for the ANN and RSM models developed: sample weight of 20g, time of 3h and petroleum ether. The models predictions of YOSO yield (ANN [77.42%] and RSM [78.64%]) at optimum levels were verified experimentally (ANN [77.63%] and RSM [76.64%]). Evaluation of the models by R2 and AAD showed that the ANN model was better (R2=1.00, AAD=0.61%) than the RSM model (R2=0.98, AAD=3.19%) in predicting YOSO yield. Physicochemical properties of the YOSO indicated that it was nonedible and the fatty acids profile showed that the oil was highly unsaturated (76.13%). Practical Applications: This study demonstrated modeling of YOSO extraction and optimization of process parameters that are involved. The performance evaluation results showed that both the ANN and RSM could be used for modeling and optimization of YOSO extraction process. Also, the characterization of the oil showed that it could serve as raw material for many chemical industries such as biodiesel production, soap, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industrials. The results from this study can be successfully scaled up to pilot scale. Also, the results could be extended to the extraction of other oilseeds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Chemical industry; Fatty acids; Neural networks; Oils and fats; Unsaturated fatty acids; Biodiesel production; Extraction process; Fatty acids profiles; Modeling and optimization; Optimization of process parameters; Physicochemical property; Process parameters optimizations; Response surface methodology; Extraction | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36148993897 | Yeast vitality - A holistic approach toward an integrated solution to predict yeast performance | Lodolo E.J., Cantrell I.C. | 2007 | Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists | 65 | 4 | 10.1094/ASBCJ-2007-0809-01 | SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa; SABLtd. Brewing Centre of Excellence, P.O. Box 123902, Alrode 1451, South Africa | Lodolo, E.J., SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa, SABLtd. Brewing Centre of Excellence, P.O. Box 123902, Alrode 1451, South Africa; Cantrell, I.C., SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa | The underlying philosophy behind yeast vitality tests has been reconsidered and a new holistic approach proposed to predict brewing yeast fermentation performance. In this holistic approach, special emphasis is placed on the impact of yeast physiology when combined with varying growth media. Two methods of applying this approach are described, and a "low-tech" (quartets) approach that can be applied readily in commercial breweries is recommended. © 2007 American Society of Brewing Chemists, Inc. | DNA; Fermentation performance; Flow cytometry; Quartets; Vitality; Yeast | None | None |
None | None | Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: A prospective, multi-centre evaluation | Reither K., Manyama C., Clowes P., Rachow A., Mapamba D., Steiner A., Ross A., Mfinanga E., Sasamalo M., Nsubuga M., Aloi F., Cirillo D., Jugheli L., Lwilla F. | 2015 | Journal of Infection | 70 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.10.003 | Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of The University of Munich (LMU), Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany; St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, AISPO, Kampala, Uganda; Emerging Bacterial Pathogens, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy | Reither, K., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Manyama, C., National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Clowes, P., National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of The University of Munich (LMU), Germany; Rachow, A., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of The University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany; Mapamba, D., National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Steiner, A., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Ross, A., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Mfinanga, E., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Sasamalo, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Nsubuga, M., St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, AISPO, Kampala, Uganda; Aloi, F., St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, AISPO, Kampala, Uganda; Cirillo, D., Emerging Bacterial Pathogens, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Jugheli, L., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Lwilla, F., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania | Background: Following endorsement by the World Health Organisation, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay has been widely incorporated into algorithms for the diagnosis of adult tuberculosis (TB). However, data on its performance in children remain scarce. This prospective, multi-centre study evaluated the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis in children. Methods: Children older than eight weeks and younger than 16 years with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled at three TB endemic settings in Tanzania and Uganda, and assigned to five well-defined case definition categories: culture-confirmed TB, highly probable TB, probable TB, not TB, or indeterminate. The diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF was assessed using culture-confirmed TB cases as reference standard. Results: In total, 451 children were enrolled. 37 (8%) had culture-confirmed TB, 48 (11%) highly probably TB and 62 probable TB (13%). The Xpert MTB/RIF assay had a sensitivity of 68% (95% CI, 50%-82%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 97%-100%); detecting 1.7 times more culture-confirmed cases than smear microscopy with a similar time to detection. Xpert MTB/RIF was positive in 2% (1/48) of highly probable and in 3% (2/62) of probable TB cases. Conclusions: Xpert MTB/RIF provided timely results with moderate sensitivity and excellent specificity compared to culture. Low yields in children with highly probable and probable TB remain problematic. © 2014 The British Infection Association. | Childhood tuberculosis; Diagnostics; Evaluation; Pulmonary tuberculosis; Xpert MTB/RIF | adolescent; Article; child; clinical trial; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; infant; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; multicenter study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; newborn; predictive value; prospective study; sensitivity and specificity; standard; Tanzania; Uganda; Xpert MTB RIF assay; adult; algorithm; evaluation study; microbiology; microscopy; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; procedures; sputum; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; world health organization; Adolescent; Adult; Algorithms; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tanzania; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Uganda; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908452073 | Wound-healing activity of the aqueous leaf extract and fractions of ficus exasperata(Moraceae) and its safety evaluation on albino rats | Umeh V., Ilodigwe E., Ajaghaku D., Erhirhie E., Moke G., Akah P. | 2014 | Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine | 4 | 4 | 10.4103/2225-4110.139105 | Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, United States; Department of Ph | Umeh, V., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Ilodigwe, E., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Ajaghaku, D., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Erhirhie, E., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, United States; Moke, G., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, United States; Akah, P., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ficus exasperata have been reported to have wide applications in the treatment of many human diseases. However, its traditional use in the treatment of wounds has not been validated by any scientific study. Also, its safety in the management of chronic disease conditions requires attention. We evaluated the wound-healing activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of F. exasperata, as well as its safety after subchronic oral administration. Similar percentage of wound contraction was observed with 5% w/w extract ointment application and administration of cicatrin powder (standard) on the 4 th day, while better contraction than the standard was recorded with higher concentrations of the extract ointment. Of all the fractions tested, significant (P < 0.05) contraction was only noticed in chloroform fraction, though lower than that of the aqueous extract. The extract also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of all the tested microbial isolates. Extract administered up to 5000 mg/kg (single dose administration) did not cause any mortality after 24 h. Mortality was, however, recorded at 4000 mg/kg within the first 20 days of subchronic administration of the extract. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and in particular, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed at different doses and time periods. Pathological and histological changes were noticed in the liver and kidney on the 91 st day of the study with 4000 mg/kg of the extract. Except for the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in WBC on the 91 st day, no other significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in other hematological parameters. The aqueous extract demonstrated better wound-healing activity than its fractions; however, the extract may not be safe at higher doses for subchronic oral administration, as may be the case in the management of chronic disease conditions. | Chronic diseases; Ficus exasperata; Hematological parameters; Liver enzymes; Toxicity; Wound healing | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878621917 | World Health Organization Guideline Development: An Evaluation | Sinclair D., Isba R., Kredo T., Zani B., Smith H., Garner P. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0063715 | Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; South African Cochrane Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Sinclair, D., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Isba, R., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Kredo, T., South African Cochrane Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Zani, B., South African Cochrane Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, H., Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Garner, P., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background:Research in 2007 showed that World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations were largely based on expert opinion, rarely used systematic evidence-based methods, and did not follow the organization's own "Guidelines for Guidelines". In response, the WHO established a "Guidelines Review Committee" (GRC) to implement and oversee internationally recognized standards. We examined the impact of these changes on WHO guideline documents and explored senior staff's perceptions of the new procedures.Methods and Findings:We used the AGREE II guideline appraisal tool to appraise ten GRC-approved guidelines from nine WHO departments, and ten pre-GRC guidelines matched by department and topic. We interviewed 20 senior staff across 16 departments and analyzed the transcripts using the framework approach. Average AGREE II scores for GRC-approved guidelines were higher across all six AGREE domains compared with pre-GRC guidelines. The biggest changes were noted for "Rigour of Development" (up 37.6%, from 30.7% to 68.3%) and "Editorial Independence" (up 52.7%, from 20.9% to 73.6%). Four main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) high standards were widely recognized as essential for WHO credibility, particularly with regard to conflicts of interest; (2) views were mixed on whether WHO needed a single quality assurance mechanism, with some departments purposefully bypassing the procedures; (3) staff expressed some uncertainties in applying the GRADE approach, with departmental staff concentrating on technicalities while the GRC remained concerned the underlying principles were not fully institutionalized; (4) the capacity to implement the new standards varied widely, with many departments looking to an overstretched GRC for technical support.Conclusions:Since 2007, WHO guideline development methods have become more systematic and transparent. However, some departments are bypassing the procedures, and as yet neither the GRC, nor the quality assurance standards they have set, are fully embedded within the organization. © 2013 Sinclair et al. | None | article; conflict of interest; interview; practice guideline; publishing; quality control; standard; world health organization; Guideline Adherence; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Quality Control; Questionnaires; Research Design; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-76249128804 | Work-related allergy and asthma in spice mill workers - The impact of processing dried spices on IgE reactivity patterns | Van Der Walt A., Lopata A.L., Nieuwenhuizen N.E., Jeebhay M.F. | 2010 | International Archives of Allergy and Immunology | 152 | 3 | 10.1159/000283038 | Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Applied Science, Allergy Research Group, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | Van Der Walt, A., Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa; Lopata, A.L., Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Applied Science, Allergy Research Group, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Nieuwenhuizen, N.E., Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Jeebhay, M.F., Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Three spice mill workers developed work-related allergy and asthma after prolonged exposure to high levels (>10 mg/m3) of inhalable spice dust. Patterns of sensitization to a variety of spices and putative allergens were identified. Methods: Work-related allergy and asthma were assessed on history, clinical evaluation, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Specific IgE reactivity to a range of common inhalant, food and spice allergens was evaluated using ImmunoCAP and allergen microarray. The presence of non-IgE-mediated reactions was determined by basophil stimulation (CAST-ELISA). Specific allergens were identified by immunoblotting to extracts of raw and dried processed garlic, onion and chili pepper. Results: Asthma was confirmed in all 3 subjects, with work-related patterns prominent in worker 1 and 3. Sensitization to multiple spices and pollen was observed in both atopic workers 1 and 2, whereas garlic and chili pepper sensitization featured in all 3 workers. Microarray analysis demonstrated prominent profilin reactivity in atopic worker 2. Immunoblotting demonstrated a 50-kDa cross-reactive allergen in garlic and onion, and allergens of approximately 40 and 52 kDa in chili pepper. Dry powdered garlic and onion demonstrated greater IgE binding. Conclusions: This study demonstrated IgE reactivity to multiple spice allergens in workers exposed to high levels of inhalable spice dust. Processed garlic and onion powder demonstrated stronger IgE reactivity than the raw plant. Atopy and polysensitization to various plant profilins, suggesting pollen-food syndrome, represent additional risk factors for sensitizer-induced work-related asthma in spice mill workers. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel. | Allergy; Asthma; Garlic; Processed allergens; Spices; Work-related allergy | food allergen; immunoglobulin E; anamnesis; article; atopy; basophil; cell stimulation; clinical assessment; cross reaction; dry powder; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; garlic; immunoblotting; immunoreactivity; inhalation; lung function; molecular weight; nonhuman; occupational allergy; occupational asthma; occupational exposure; occupational hazard; onion; pepper; priority journal; processing; risk assessment; risk factor; spice; spirometry; Adult; Airway Obstruction; Antigens, Plant; Asthma; Blotting, Western; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Capsicum; Female; Food Handling; Food Preservatives; Forced Expiratory Volume; Garlic; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunoglobulin E; Inhalation Exposure; Lung; Male; Nitric Oxide; Occupational Diseases; Onions; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Plant Extracts; Plant Proteins; Pollen; Protein Array Analysis; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial; Skin Tests; Spices; Spirometry | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846786760 | Working practices and incomes of health workers: Evidence from an evaluation of a delivery fee exemption scheme in Ghana | Witter S., Kusi A., Aikins M. | 2007 | Human Resources for Health | 5 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-5-2 | Immpact, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Witter, S., Immpact, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; Kusi, A., Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Aikins, M., Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Background: This article describes a survey of health workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) which was carried out in 2005 in two regions of Ghana. The objective of the survey was to ascertain the impact of the introduction of a delivery fee exemption scheme on both health workers and those providers who were excluded from the scheme (TBAs). This formed part of an overall evaluation of the delivery fee exemption scheme. The results shed light not only on the scheme itself but also on the general productivity of a range of health workers in Ghana. Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed, covering individual and household characteristics, working hours and practices, sources of income, and views of the exemptions scheme and general motivation. After field testing, this was administered to 374 respondents in 12 districts of Central and Volta regions. The respondents included doctors, medical assistants (MAs), public and private midwives, nurses, community health nurses (CHNs), and traditional birth attendants, both trained and untrained. Results: Health workers were well informed about the delivery fee exemptions scheme and their responses on its impact suggest a realistic view that it was a good scheme, but one that faces serious challenges regarding financial sustainability. Concerning its impact on their morale and working conditions, the responses were broadly neutral. Most public sector workers have seen an increased workload, but counterbalanced by increased pay. TBAs have suffered, in terms of client numbers and income, while the picture for private midwives is mixed. The survey also sheds light on pay and productivity. The respondents report long working hours, with a mean of 54 hours per week for community nurses and up to 129 hours per week for MAs. Weekly reported client loads in the public sector range from a mean of 86 for nurses to 269 for doctors. Over the past two years, reported working hours have been increasing, but so have pay and allowances (for doctors, allowances now make up 66% of their total pay). The lowest paid public health worker now earns almost ten times the average gross national income (GNI) per capita, while the doctors earn 38.5 times GNI per capita. This compares well with average government pay of four times GNI per capita. Comparing pay with outputs, the relatively high number of clients reported by doctors reduces their pay differential, so that the cost per client - $ 1.09 - is similar to a nurse's (and lower than a private midwife's). Conclusion: These findings show that a scheme which increases demand for public health services while also sustaining health worker income and morale, is workable, if well managed, even within the relatively constrained human resources environment of countries like Ghana. This may be linked to the fact that internal comparisons reveal Ghana's health workers to be well paid from public sector sources. © 2007 Witter et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881237925 | Workforce innovation through mentoring: An action research approach to programme evaluation | Akhurst J., Lawson S. | 2013 | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation | 20 | 8 | None | York St John University, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa | Akhurst, J., York St John University, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Lawson, S. | Background: The North East Neurosciences Network Workforce Innovations Programme used mentoring to develop neuro-practitioners' specialist skills and efficacy in health and social care settings. The programme aimed to improve services and outcomes for and with people living with long-term neurological conditions by enhancing practice and partnership building. This study used action research to evaluate the programme's impact over an 18 month period, in collaboration with a group of 10 mentors, their mentees, and the programme's steering group. Content: This study describes the action research undertaken for evaluating this 18-month mentoring programme, showing how the research questions, data collection and analysis evolved. It demonstrates how the approach facilitated participants' reflections, enabling them to evaluate and improve their practice. The evaluation shows how the programme equipped participants with skills for partnership and community-based approaches. The participants' experiences of using action research in this way are explored; and the challenges that arose in the context of a rapidly-changing health service are described. Conclusions: Noteworthy features of the programme include its evolving collaborative nature, the integration of action research from the start, and the coherence of action research with other elements of the delivery. Changes in participants' approaches illustrate the potential contributions of this type of programme within a community of practice, to develop personal efficacy in a context broader than a 'specialism' and as an alternative to traditional in-service training. Improved ways of working impacted on inter-collegial practice, service delivery and outcomes, translating policy into action. © 2013 MA Healthcare Ltd. | Collaborative action research; Long-term neurological conditions; Mentoring; Partnership; Specialist workforce development | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33244492442 | Work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performance | Ntayi J.M. | 2005 | Journal of African Business | 6 | 02-Jan | 10.1300/J156v06n01_09 | Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda | Ntayi, J.M., Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda | This study explores the relationship between work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performance. Using data from Uganda retail firms, this study finds that work ethic was a significant positive predictor of salesforce task performance. Further, there was a significant relationship between the different behavioural families of work-related activity work withdrawal behaviours, organizational retaliation behaviours and salesforce task performance. Results from regression analysis indicate that organizational retaliation behaviours and work withdrawal behaviours are important factors for explaining declining performance of salespeople in Uganda retail firms. Managers aiming to improve salesforce task performance should recruit individuals with a strong work ethic. Additionally, retail managers need to reduce work withdrawal and organizational retaliation behaviours so as to increase salesforce task performance. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Job withdrawal behaviours; Locus of control; Organizational retaliation behaviours; Work ethic; Work withdrawal behaviours | ethics; performance assessment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947078987 | Workers' remittances, one of the reliable souces of capital inflows to Ethiopia - Its performance analysis towards shaping the economic growth | Ghosal S. | 2015 | Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research | 2 | 6 | None | Faculty of Business and Economics, Assosa University, Ethiopia | Ghosal, S., Faculty of Business and Economics, Assosa University, Ethiopia | The internationally migrant workers' income share sent back to home country from the country of employment constitutes a vital portion of capital flows to the home country with multidimensional macroeconomic impacts on the economy. Moreover, Workers' remittances have gained an extraordinary importance in developing countries like Ethiopia. This paper attempts to analyze the role of the workers' remittance as a key component among other capital flows to a country in general and Ethiopia in particular. Further, positive impact of workers' remittances on economic growth in Ethiopia has been examined with the empirical evidences and certain drawbacks in transmission system found which needs rectification by interference of Government's new policy adoption. | Capital flows; Economic growth; Gross domestic product; Migration; Remittances | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951786726 | Women war survivors of the 1989-2003 conflict in Liberia: The impact of sexual and gender-based violence | Liebling-Kalifani H., Mwaka V., Ojiambo-Ochieng R., Were-Oguttu J., Kinyanda E., Kwekwe D., Howard L., Danuweli C. | 2011 | Journal of International Women's Studies | 12 | 1 | None | Clinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Makerere University, Uganda; Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; University of York, United Kingdom; University of Liberia, Liberia | Liebling-Kalifani, H., Clinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Mwaka, V., Makerere University, Uganda; Ojiambo-Ochieng, R., Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Were-Oguttu, J., Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; Kinyanda, E., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Kwekwe, D., Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; Howard, L., University of York, United Kingdom; Danuweli, C., University of Liberia, Liberia | This article presents a summary of the qualitative data from research carried out in post-conflict Liberia by Isis-WICCE, a women's international non-government organisation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Development of Liberia and Women in Peace-building Network, WIPNET. Analysis of research findings detail women's experiences of conflict and the serious effects of sexual violence and torture on their physical and psychological health. The paper also describes the omission of women from justice and rehabilitation processes. In support of women participants' views, the authors' recommend that funding is urgently required for the provision of holistic and sustainable, gender- sensitive services. Additional recommendations are made with respect to health, justice and policy changes in line with enhancing women survivor's roles and utilising their skills and resilience. | Gender-based violence; Liberia; Sexual; War; Women | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951657673 | Women, power and subversion in orature: A palace performance in Yorubaland, Nigeria | Jegede O.B. | 2006 | Journal of Gender Studies | 15 | 3 | 10.1080/09589230600862000 | Department of English, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Jegede, O.B., Department of English, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | It is our contention in this paper that though royal wives in Oyo-Yorùbá community are invisible in some social, political and religious lives of their people, they are visible in the sphere of poetic creation. We opine that Yorùbá kings are powerful in most spheres, but in orature, the power of women in general, and royal wives in particular, cannot be underestimated. Through the examples of 'yùngbà' and 'igbátítí', two poetic spheres created by tradition for royal wives from Oyo-Yorùbá community, this paper argues that royal wives reposition themselves as channels of poetic utterance. They use poetry to redefine their position as wives and women, reassert themselves and subvert unwanted values. In particular, they use their creative power as a weapon for subverting male-constructed structures and views in society. In exercising their creative power, the women use their power to speak, to perform and to decide the course of action. In conclusion, we state that contemporary women writers also enhance the efforts of women in orature. In this regard, the paper refers to Emecheta's novels that condemn the economic, sexual and social exploitation of women. Like the royal wives, Emecheta creates protagonists who use their intellectual power to decide on issues that concern them. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | Gender relations; Kingship; Power; Subversion; Visibility; Women | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906890944 | Witwatersrand gold reef evaluation: The 'variancegram' tool | Lemmer C., Mogilnicki M. | 2014 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 114 | 8 | None | Geological and Geostatistical Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Asfaltowa, Warsaw, Poland | Lemmer, C., Geological and Geostatistical Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mogilnicki, M., Asfaltowa, Warsaw, Poland | The resolution with which the different categories of resources are forecast for Witwatersrand gold reefs should ideally tie in with block sizes that are optimal in terms of the variability structures of the reefs. A tool, called the 'variancegram', is proposed as a basis for block size choice. A variancegram is intrinsic to the particular reef and mine concerned. A further requirement is the ability to attach global confidence limits to weighted average estimates built up from combinations of local kriged estimates. Approximations to derive global kriging variances based on variables derived from local kriging deliver hugely inflated results if ordinary kriging is used, and markedly better, but not accurate, values if simple kriging is used. These approximations improve as the number of samples used in kriging each block is increased. It is shown that the behaviour of the different components of the global kriging variance with increasing number of samples, all differs, but they all link to the variancegram for the particular reef. The variancegram can thus be used to correct the different components to the values they would have had if all samples were used in kriging each block, and so deliver the 'correct' global kriging variance, even though only a limited number of samples were used in kriging each block. The desirability of having very stable solutions implemented in production systems is taken into account in the proposals. It is anticipated that the same variancegram findings will also hold for other densely sampled deposits, but this remains to be investigated. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014. | Classification; Global kriging variance; Resources | Classification (of information); Gold; Reefs; Confidence limit; Kriging; Number of samples; Ordinary kriging; Production system; Resources; Stable solutions; Weighted averages; Interpolation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951713262 | Within-neighborhood patterns and sources of particle pollution: Mobile monitoring and geographic information system analysis in four communities in Accra, Ghana | Dionisio K.L., Rooney M.S., Arku R.E., Friedman A.B., Hughes A.F., Vallarino J., Agyei-Mensah S., Spengler J.D., Ezzati M. | 2010 | Environmental Health Perspectives | 118 | 5 | 10.1289/ehp.0901365 | Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Cyprus International Institute for the Environment and Public Health, Nicosia, Cyprus; Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Physics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Environmental Science Program, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Dionisio, K.L., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Rooney, M.S., Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Arku, R.E., Cyprus International Institute for the Environment and Public Health, Nicosia, Cyprus, Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Friedman, A.B., Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Hughes, A.F., Department of Physics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Vallarino, J., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Agyei-Mensah, S., Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana, Environmental Science Program, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Spengler, J.D., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Ezzati, M., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Cambridge, MA, United States | Background: Sources of air pollution in developing country cities include transportation and industrial pollution, biomass and coal fuel use, and resuspended dust from unpaved roads. Objectives: Our goal was to understand within-neighborhood spatial variability of particulate matter (PM) in communities of varying socioeconomic status (SES) in Accra, Ghana, and to quantify the effects of nearby sources on local PM concentration. Methods: We conducted 1 week of morning and afternoon mobile and stationary air pollution measurements in four study neighborhoods. PM with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 μm (PM10) was measured continuously, with matched global positioning system coordinates; detailed data on local sources were collected at periodic stops. The effects of nearby sources on local PM were estimated using linear mixed-effects models. Results: In our measurement campaign, the geometric means of PM2.5 and PM10 along the mobile monitoring path were 21 and 49 μg/m3, respectively, in the neighborhood with highest SES and 39 and 96 μg/m3, respectively, in the neighborhood with lowest SES and highest population density. PM2.5 and PM10 were as high as 200 and 400 μg/m3, respectively, in some segments of the path. After adjusting for other factors, the factors that had the largest effects on local PM pollution were nearby wood and charcoal stoves, congested and heavy traffic, loose dirt road surface, and trash burning. Conclusions: Biomass fuels, transportation, and unpaved roads may be important determinants of local PM variation in Accra neighborhoods. If confirmed by additional or supporting data, the results demonstrate the need for effective and equitable interventions and policies that reduce the impacts of traffic and biomass pollution. | Africa; Biomass; Geographic information system; Particulate matter; Poverty; Spatial; Urbanization | charcoal; air pollution; article; biomass; controlled study; geographic information system; Ghana; global positioning system; particle size; particulate matter; pollution monitoring; population density; priority journal; quantitative analysis; social status; traffic; waste disposal; wood; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Developing Countries; Environmental Monitoring; Geographic Information Systems; Ghana; Humans; Linear Models; Particulate Matter; Social Class; Time Factors; Transportation; Urban Health; Weather | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952930626 | Wine science in the omics era: The impact of systems biology on the future of wine research | Rossouw D., Bauer F.F. | 2009 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 30 | 2 | None | Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Rossouw, D., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Bauer, F.F., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Industrial wine making confronts viticulturalists, wine makers, process engineers and scientists alike with a bewildering array of independent and semi-independent parameters that can in many cases only be optimized by trial and error. Furthermore, as most parameters are outside of individual control, predictability and consistency of the end product remain difficult to achieve. The traditional wine sciences of viticulture and oenology have been accumulating data sets and generating knowledge and know-how that has resulted in a significant optimization of the vine growing and wine making processes. However, much of these processes remain based on empirical and even anecdotal evidence, and only a small part of all the interactions and cause-effect relationships between individual input and output parameters is scientifically well understood. Indeed, the complexity of the process has prevented a deeper understanding of such interactions and causal relationships. New technologies and methods in the biological and chemical sciences, combined with improved tools of multivariate data analysis, open new opportunities to assess the entire vine growing and wine making process from a more holistic perspective. This review outlines the current efforts to use the tools of systems biology in particular to better understand complex industrial processes such as wine making. | Metabolomics; Proteomics; Systems biology; Transcriptomics; Wine; Yeast | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960152560 | Wind resource evaluation in six selected high altitude locations in Nigeria | Ohunakin O.S. | 2011 | Renewable Energy | 36 | 12 | 10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.026 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper presents an assessment of wind energy potentials of six selected high altitude locations within the North-West and North-East geopolitical regions, Nigeria, by using 36-year (1971-2007) wind speed data subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The results showed that the maximum mean wind speed is obtained in Katsina as 9.839 m/s while the minimum value of 3.397 m/s is got in Kaduna for all the locations considered. The annual wind power density and energy variation based on the Weibull analysis ranged from 368.92 W/m2 and 3224.45 kWh/m2/year to 103.14 W/m2 and 901.75 kWh/m2/year in Kano and Potiskum for the maximum and minimum values respectively. Furthermore, Katsina and Kano will be suitable for wind turbine installations while Gusau will only be appropriate for wind energy utilization using taller wind turbine towers whereas Kaduna, Bauchi and Potiskum will be considered marginal for wind power development based of their respective annual mean wind speeds and power densities. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Mean wind speeds; Nigeria; Power density; Weibull distributions | Annual mean; Energy variations; High altitude; Mean wind speed; Minimum value; Nigeria; Power densities; Turbine installation; Weibull; Weibull analysis; Wind power density; Wind power development; Wind resources; Wind speed data; Wind turbine towers; Distribution functions; Energy utilization; Wind effects; Wind power; Wind turbines; Weibull distribution; altitude; assessment method; energy efficiency; geopolitics; renewable resource; wind power; wind turbine; wind velocity; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881218581 | Wind profile characteristics and turbine performance analysis in Kano, north-western Nigeria | Ajayi O.O., Fagbenle R.O., Katende J., Aasa S.A., Okeniyi J.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/2251-6832-4-27 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and T | Ajayi, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Fagbenle, R.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; Katende, J., College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Gaborone, Botswana; Aasa, S.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria | This study analyzed the electricity generation potential from wind at Kano, Nigeria (12.05°N; 08.2°E; altitude 472.5 m; air density 1.1705 kg/m3). Twenty one years (1987 to 2007) monthly mean wind speed data at a height of 10 m were assessed from the Nigeria Meteorological Department, Oshodi. The data were subjected to different statistical tests and also compared with the two-parameter Weibull probability density function. The outcome shows that the average monthly wind speed ranged from 6.6 to 9.5 m/s. Seasonally, average wind speeds ranged between 6.6 to 8.5 m/s and 7.4 to 9.5 m/s for dry (October to March) and wet (April to September) seasons, respectively. Also, estimated monthly wind power ranged between 3.6 and 12.5 MWh/m2. The most probable and maximum energy carrying wind speeds were also determined and the two parameters of the Weibull statistics were found to lie between 2.1 ≤ k ≤ 4.9 and 7.3 ≤ c ≤ 10.7, respectively. These results indicate that wind speeds at Kano may be economically viable for wind-to-electricity at and above the height of 10 m. In addition, five practical turbine models were assessed for the site's wind profile, with results suggesting strong economic viability. © 2013 Ajayi et al. | Kano; Nigeria; Renewable energy; Weibull; Wind power | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881290608 | Will woody plant encroachment impact the visitor experience and economy of conservation areas? | Gray E.F., Bond W.J. | 2013 | Koedoe | 55 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1106 | South African Environmental Observation Network Fynbos Node, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Gray, E.F., South African Environmental Observation Network Fynbos Node, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Bond, W.J., Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Woody plant encroachment into savannas is a globally prevalent phenomenon and impacts ecosystem goods and services such as biodiversity, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, grazing and hydrology. The direct ecological and economic consequences for rangelands have been fairly well studied, but, to our knowledge, the economic impact on conservation efforts has not been investigated. African savannas are important as conservation areas because they support large numbers of the world's remaining megafauna. This study used visitor surveys and long-term mammal distribution data to investigate how an increase in tree density might affect the visibility of animals in a conservation area, which could reduce the satisfaction of visitors to the area. We found that apparent herd sizes and density of animals were much reduced in woody areas, suggesting that visibility is negatively impacted. Visitor surveys determined that a large fraction (almost half) of potential future visitors to the park may be lost if animals became more difficult to see and that the majority of these would be the higherspending visitors. Responses differed depending on the origin of visitors, with international visitors being more interested in seeing animals, whilst local visitors were more content with just being away from the city. The results suggest that woody plant encroachment may have significant impacts on visitor numbers to savanna conservation areas, whilst animal numbers and densities may also be significantly impacted. Conservation implications: The results pointed to potentially significant economic consequences for conservation efforts as visitors become less satisfied with their experience. Perceptions of visitors are important for management decisions as park fees contribute significantly to conservation efforts. This could ultimately result in a reduced capacity for African conservation areas to conserve their biodiversity effectively. The results suggest that management may need to re-evaluate their approach to controlling woody plant encroachment. © 2013. The Authors. | None | biodiversity; economic impact; ecosystem service; fauna; nature conservation; rangeland; savanna; woody plant; Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953757154 | Wildlife damage and its impact on public attitudes towards conservation: A comparative study of Kenya and Botswana, with particular reference to Kenya's Laikipia Region and Botswana's Okavango Delta Region | Sifuna N. | 2010 | Journal of Asian and African Studies | 45 | 3 | 10.1177/0021909610364776 | Moi University School of Law, PO Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | Sifuna, N., Moi University School of Law, PO Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | While wildlife is a valuable natural resource with several beneficial values to the people of Kenya and Botswana, wild animals in both countries usually cause damage to society in terms of attacks on people and livestock, damage to crops and other property such as infrastructure, and disruption of peaceful existence in local communities living in close proximity to wildlife areas. Wildlife damage would ordinarily result in people having negative attitudes towards conservation. Interestingly, however, people's perceptions of wildlife in these countries seem to be diametrically different in that whereas public attitudes in Kenya are generally negative, in Botswana they are remarkably positive. This study set out to establish the reasons for this variance in conservation attitudes. It established that the major cause for this variance in perception is that while in Kenya wildlife conservation is more often thought of in terms of wildlife welfare and hardly in terms of human welfare, in Botswana human welfare concerns have been mainstreamed in conservation efforts. People have, for instance, been allowed to derive direct benefits from wildlife through consumptive utilization, unlike in Kenya where only indirect benefits through non-consumptive uses are permitted. These direct benefits seem to mitigate the effects of wildlife damage, especially the resultant negative attitudes of people towards wildlife. The present and future survival of wildlife in many parts of the world, and especially in African countries such as Kenya and Botswana, depends to a large measure on the goodwill of the people, particularly local communities, in their everyday contact with it. © The Author(s) 2010. | Human-wildlife conflicts; Laikipia; Livelihoods; Local communities; Okavango; Public attitudes; Wildlife damage | comparative study; natural resource; nature conservation; nature-society relations; perception; public attitude; survival; Kenya; Laikipia; Namibia; Okavango; Rift Valley; Animalia | None |
None | None | Wildlife Conservation in Zambia: Impacts on Rural Household Welfare | Richardson R.B., Fernandez A., Tschirley D., Tembo G. | 2012 | World Development | 40 | 5 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.09.019 | Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; United Nations World Food Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia | Richardson, R.B., Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; Fernandez, A., United Nations World Food Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tschirley, D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; Tembo, G., University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia | We investigate the impact of wildlife conservation policies in Zambia on household welfare in game management areas (GMAs), which are buffer zones around national parks. Analysis of data from a nationwide survey of rural households shows that GMAs are positively associated with household income and crop damage from wildlife conflicts. Gains and damages were greatest among households in GMAs with greater wildlife diversity, with net gains relatively greater for wealthier households. Households in prime (well stocked) GMAs were more likely to participate in off-farm wage and self-employment compared to other rural households, but they were also more likely to suffer crop losses related to wildlife conflicts. The findings suggest that wildlife conservation and tourism development can contribute to pro-poor development, but may be sustainable only if human-wildlife conflicts are minimized or compensated. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; National parks; Rural development; Wildlife conservation; Zambia | buffer zone; conservation management; household survey; national park; nature conservation; rural development; self employment; sustainability; tourism development; wage; welfare impact; wildlife management; Zambia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929076032 | Wildlife based land reform and its impact on household food security - A case from Zimbabwe | Mushuku A., Ngwenya T.A. | 2014 | Journal of Rural Development | 33 | 4 | None | Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Mushuku, A., Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Ngwenya, T.A., Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | The study was conducted to evaluate the Wildlife Based Land Reform Programme and its impact on household food security in Matetsi Intensive Conservation Area A1 resettlement villages. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to households in Woodlands village to gather quantitative data to assess the level of household food security in the study area. In addition, a focus group discussion was done with three village heads, the ward councillor and three members of the Village Development Committee to examine the challenges faced by the resettled farmers in the wildlife venture and assess the level of stakeholder support. Key informant interviews were done with representatives of some selected government departments to examine their roles and responsibilities in the programme. The results of the study revealed that the programme had a significant contribution towards household food security. Access to more productive land resulted in significant improvements in cereal production. The additional income from hunting dividends helped beneficiaries to purchase agricultural inputs and more non-staple foods resulting in families living on a diversified diet. The study concludes that the Wildlife Based Land Reform Programme achieved its main goal of improving household food security. The study recommends that the few challenges faced by the farmers such as lack of wildlife management knowledge and resource constraints should be priority interventions to ensure the sustainability of the livelihoods in the study area. | None | cereal; food security; land reform; quantitative analysis; stakeholder; sustainability; village; wildlife management; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907364089 | Wild flower harvesting on the Agulhas Plain, South Africa: Impact of harvesting intensity under a simulated commercial harvesting regime for two re-seeding and two re-sprouting fynbos species | Privett S.D.J., Krug R.M., Forbes G., Gaertner M. | 2014 | South African Journal of Botany | 94 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2014.06.015 | Fynbos Ecoscapes, Witkrans, Gansbaai 7220, South Africa; CapeNature, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, 16 17th Avenue, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa; Laboratoire de l'Ecology, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud XI, Orsay, France; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD), Westlake Conservation Office, City of Cape Town, Ou Kaapse Weg, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa | Privett, S.D.J., Fynbos Ecoscapes, Witkrans, Gansbaai 7220, South Africa; Krug, R.M., Laboratoire de l'Ecology, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud XI, Orsay, France, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Forbes, G., CapeNature, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, 16 17th Avenue, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa; Gaertner, M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD), Westlake Conservation Office, City of Cape Town, Ou Kaapse Weg, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa | We present a simple method for assessing the medium-term sustainability of different flower harvesting intensities (i.e. percentage of number of stems harvested per individual) for two re-seeders and re-sprouters of fynbos plants on the Agulhas Plain in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. We interpret our results from an ecological point of view, looking at impacts of harvesting on vegetative re-growth and survival of frequently harvested fynbos species, and an economic point of view, determining the cumulative number of stems harvested per year.We analysed the impact of different harvesting intensities on two obligate re-seeding (Erica corifolia (L.) and Erica imbricata (L.)) and two strongly re-sprouting species (Brunia laevis (Thunb.) and Staavia radiata (L. Dahl)) on different flower farms. Seventy-five randomly selected plants of each species were experimentally harvested in the same way as is done by flower harvesters. Fifteen plants of each species were left as controls (un-harvested) and 15 each were harvested (cut 15-20. cm below the inflorescence) such that 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the inflorescences were removed. Harvested stems were labelled and the number of new shoots counted. Additionally we recorded plant height and mortality.100% harvesting resulted in high mortality rates for both re-seeders (for both species 100% of the individuals were dead at the end of the experiment) and resprouters (for one species all 15 individuals were dead at the end of the experiment and for the other species 4 of 15). Re-seeders in particular were highly susceptible to harvesting below the first branching node, which generally also resulted in plant death. Both guilds can survive up to 75% harvesting (resprouters experienced no mortality for one species, while in the other 4 out of 15 died; of the re-seeders, 9 out of 15 died in the one species, while only 1 out of 15 in the other) and are still able to grow in height. For both seeders and resprouters we recommend that flower harvesters do not harvest in young veld. To ensure sufficient seed set and to avoid seed bank depletion we recommend to preferably only harvest between 25 and 50% of stems per individual. © 2014 South African Association of Botanists. | Cape Floristic Region; Conservation; Flower farming; Fynbos; Threshold | flower; growth response; mortality; seed bank; species diversity; wild population; Agulhas Plain; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861325273 | Widespread impact of HLA restriction on immune control and escape pathways of HIV-1 | Carlson J.M., Listgarten J., Pfeifer N., Tan V., Kadie C., Walker B.D., Ndung'u T., Shapiro R., Frater J., Brumme Z.L., Goulder P.J.R., Heckerman D. | 2012 | Journal of Virology | 86 | 9 | 10.1128/JVI.06728-11 | Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Redmond, WA, United States; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States; HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Carlson, J.M., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Listgarten, J., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Pfeifer, N., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Tan, V., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Kadie, C., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Redmond, WA, United States; Walker, B.D., Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ndung'u, T., Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Shapiro, R., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Frater, J., Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Brumme, Z.L., Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Goulder, P.J.R., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Heckerman, D., Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States | The promiscuous presentation of epitopes by similar HLA class I alleles holds promise for a universal T-cell-based HIV-1 vaccine. However, in some instances, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) restricted by HLA alleles with similar or identical binding motifs are known to target epitopes at different frequencies, with different functional avidities and with different apparent clinical outcomes. Such differences may be illuminated by the association of similar HLA alleles with distinctive escape pathways. Using a novel computational method featuring phylogenetically corrected odds ratios, we systematically analyzed differential patterns of immune escape across all optimally defined epitopes in Gag, Pol, and Nef in 2,126 HIV-1 clade C-infected adults. Overall, we identified 301 polymorphisms in 90 epitopes associated with HLA alleles belonging to shared supertypes. We detected differential escape in 37 of 38 epitopes restricted by more than one allele, which included 278 instances of differential escape at the polymorphism level. The majority (66 to 97%) of these resulted from the selection of unique HLA-specific polymorphisms rather than differential epitope targeting rates, as confirmed by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay (ELISPOT) data. Discordant associations between HLA alleles and viral load were frequently observed between allele pairs that selected for differential escape. Furthermore, the total number of associated polymorphisms strongly correlated with average viral load. These studies confirm that differential escape is a widespread phenomenon and may be the norm when two alleles present the same epitope. Given the clinical correlates of immune escape, such heterogeneity suggests that certain epitopes will lead to discordant outcomes if applied universally in a vaccine. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. | None | epitope; Gag protein; gamma interferon; HLA antigen; Nef protein; Pol protein; allele; antigen specificity; article; cladistics; cohort analysis; DNA polymorphism; enzyme linked immunospot assay; HLA system; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immune escape; immunological parameters; immunoregulation; major clinical study; nonhuman; priority journal; virus load; virus typing; Alleles; Epitopes; Gene Expression; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HLA Antigens; Humans; Immune Evasion; Mutation; Polymorphism, Genetic; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861338583 | Why performance-based contracting failed in Uganda - An " open-box" evaluation of a complex health system intervention | Ssengooba F., McPake B., Palmer N. | 2012 | Social Science and Medicine | 75 | 2 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.02.050 | Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Uganda; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Institute for International Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, United Kingdom | Ssengooba, F., Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Uganda, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; McPake, B., Institute for International Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, United Kingdom; Palmer, N., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Performance-based contracting (PBC) is a tool that links rewards to attainment of measurable performance targets. Significant problems remain in the methods used to evaluate this tool. The primary focus of evaluations on the effects of PBC (black-box) and less attention to how these effects arise (open-box) generates suboptimal policy learning. A black-box impact evaluation of PBC pilot by the Development Research Group of the World Bank (DRG) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) concluded that PBC was ineffective.This paper reports a theory-based case study intended to clarify how and why PBC failed to achieve its objectives. To explain the observed PBC implementation and responses of participants, this case study employed two related theories i.e. complex adaptive system and expectancy theory respectively.A prospective study trailed the implementation of PBC (2003-2006) while collecting experiences of participants at district and hospital levels.Significant problems were encountered in the implementation of PBC that reflected its inadequate design. As problems were encountered, hasty adaptations resulted in a . de facto intervention distinct from the one implied at the design stage. For example, inadequate time was allowed for the selection of service targets by the health centres yet they got 'locked-in' to these poor choices. The learning curve and workload among performance auditors weakened the v+alidity of audit results. Above all, financial shortfalls led to delays, short-cuts and uncertainty about the size and payment of bonuses.The lesson for those intending to implement similar interventions is that PBC should not be attempted 'on the cheap'. It requires a plan to boost local institutional and technical capacities of implementers. It also requires careful consideration of the responses of multiple actors - both insiders and outsiders to the intended change process. Given the costs and complexity of PBC implementation, strengthening conventional approaches that are better attuned to low income contexts (financing resource inputs and systems management) remains a viable policy option towards improving health service delivery. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Case study; Health program evaluation; Health system; Performance-based contracting; Uganda | health care; health policy; health services; institutional framework; performance assessment; policy reform; article; case study; financial bonus payment; financial management; health care delivery; health care financing; health care system; health center; health service; learning curve; medical audit; performance based contracting; prospective study; reward; theory; Uganda; workload; Contract Services; Health Services Research; Humans; Management Audit; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Prospective Studies; Quality of Health Care; Uganda; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887138674 | Why Namibian Farmers Are Satisfied With the Performance of Their Livestock Guarding Dogs | Potgieter G.C., Marker L.L., Avenant N.L., Kerley G.I.H. | 2013 | Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 18 | 6 | 10.1080/10871209.2013.803211 | Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; National Museum of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Potgieter, G.C., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Marker, L.L., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Avenant, N.L., National Museum of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The success of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) in mitigating farmer-predator conflict relies on the perceptions of farmers that use them. Purebred LGDs are provided to Namibian farmers by the Cheetah Conservation Fund as a farmer-predator conflict mitigation measure. We examined the perceptions of farmers using 164 of these LGDs by analyzing data collected during face-to-face interviews from 2000-2010. Although most respondents reported reduced livestock losses since LGD introduction, satisfaction with LGD performance was more strongly linked to their observations of LGD behavior. The most commonly reported negative behaviors were staying home (29 LGDs, 18%) and chasing wildlife (25 LGDs, 15%). On subsistence farms, care provided was negatively correlated with LGD age (r = -.34, n = 35, p =.04) and LGDs reportedly staying home were provided with less care than other LGDs. Overall, LGDs performed satisfactorily on commercial and subsistence farms, and thus contributed to farmer-predator conflict mitigation. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | farmer perceptions; human-wildlife conflict; livestock losses; Namibia | None | National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-49749092737 | Why is surgery cancelled? A retrospective evaluation | Chamisa I. | 2008 | South African Journal of Surgery | 46 | 3 | None | Department of General Surgery, Prince Mishyeni Memorial Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Chamisa, I., Department of General Surgery, Prince Mishyeni Memorial Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Introduction. The cancellation of surgery wastes theatre time and creates hardship for patients, who often plan their working and family lives around the proposed operation date. Methods. A retrospective evaluation of cancellations of scheduled elective and urgent operations was done using theatre records from May 2006 to April 2007. The reasons for cancellation were examined. Results. Of a total of 5 786 operations, 5.6% were cancelled or postponed. Lack of medical clearance and patient preparation (65.1%) was the most common reason for cancellation. Lack or failure of instruments and patient cancellation constituted 2.8% and 1.8% of the cancellations respectively. Conclusion. Last-minute cancellation of surgery was a significant problem, and appreciation of the usual reasons for cancellations can improve theatre utilisation and avoid inconveniencing patients and their families. | None | article; elective surgery; emergency; hospital; hospital management; human; operating room; patient; retrospective study; South Africa; statistics; surgery; time; utilization review; Appointments and Schedules; Emergencies; Hospitals; Humans; Operating Rooms; Patient Dropouts; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Surgical Procedures, Elective; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449361964 | Who will guard the guardians? Amartya Sen's contribution to development evaluation | Porter S., de Wet J. | 2009 | Development in Practice | 19 | 3 | 10.1080/09614520902807987 | Development Research Unit (SALDRU), Department of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Porter, S., Development Research Unit (SALDRU), Department of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; de Wet, J., Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | An Action Learning process integrated with Sen's Capability Approach can support development agencies to formulate interventions that enhance freedom. The authors show that putting this approach into practice has important implications for the manner in which 'development' is undertaken as an ideological project. It may help to examine and challenge those who hold power in development: the guardians. This finding is the result of an emergent Action Learning process that was initiated by applying Sen's principles to focus-group interviews with women who care for people affected by HIV and AIDS. One of the findings of these focus groups was that the participants valued the process because it opened a space for them to influence the work of the implementing NGO. Essentially, they could hold the implementing agency to account. Reflection on this outcome by the agency led to important shifts in processes that are more supportive of freedom. © 2009 Oxfam GB. | Civil society; Methods; Sub-Saharan Africa | Economic Development; Economics; Freedom; Nongovernmental Organizations; Sen, Amartya; autonomy; civil society; development project; learning; project assessment; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858393170 | Who was allocated Fast Track land, and what did they do with it? Selection of A2 farmers in Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe and its impacts on agricultural production | Marongwe N. | 2011 | Journal of Peasant Studies | 38 | 5 | 10.1080/03066150.2011.636483 | University of theWestern Cape, School of Government, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, South Africa | Marongwe, N., University of theWestern Cape, School of Government, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, South Africa | Questions of who was allocated land under Zimbabwe's Fast Track land reform programme and how productive the beneficiaries have been are highly controversial. This article presents detailed empirical data on beneficiaries who were small and medium-sized commercial farms (the A2 model) in Goromonzi district, land allocation processes, and land use. Goromonzi District is one of the four districts that share a boundary with Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. A questionnaire survey targeting 65 A2 beneficiaries was implemented in 2003, while key informant interviews were done in 2006. Drawing on both primary and official data, the article shows that official criteria for selecting beneficiaries for A2 farms that emphasized the potential to use the land productively were ignored in practice. The institutions responsible for land allocation were captured by members of the ruling party and by representatives of the state security apparatus, and most beneficiaries were drawn from the governing or the local elite. Many lacked sufficient capital to invest meaningfully in commercial agriculture, did not have relevant farming experience, and were unable to put the bulk of their land into production for several years. As a result, in Goromonzi District the impact of Fast Track land reform on commercial agriculture has been negative. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | A2 farms; agriculture; beneficiary selection; Fast Track land reform; Goromonzi; governing elite; selection criteria; Zimbabwe | agricultural production; farming system; land reform; land use; small and medium-sized enterprise; smallholder; Zimbabwe | None |
WoS | WOS:000323242100002 | Who views what? Impact assessment through the eyes of farmers, development organization staff and researchers | Cosyns, Hannes,De Wulf, Robert,Van Damme, Patrick | 2013 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY | 20 | 4 | 10.1080/13504509.2013.806372 | Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Ghent University, World Agroforestry Ctr ICRAF GRP 1 | "Cosyns, Hannes: Ghent University","De Wulf, Robert: Ghent University", | The present study assesses the impact of a rural development project on farmers' livelihoods, as perceived by farmers, development organization staff and researchers. The project concerned, aimed to increase small-scale farmers' financial benefits by promoting the commercialization of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Pax kernels (njansang) in Cameroon. The three parties evaluated the impacts of the project, over the 2005-2010 period, through indicators embedded in the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (natural, financial, human, social and physical assets). Project households were compared with control households. Results show that farmers' and development organization staff's views were aligned regarding the relative importance of the indicators to measure success (with overlaps > 85%). The three stakeholders evaluated changes of farmers' livelihood indicators over the 2005-2010 period on 5-point Likert items. All three stated that most indicators improved significantly more in project than in control households (p < 0.001). Development organization staff probably overestimated changes induced by project interventions as they perceived significantly larger changes as compared with farmers and researchers (p < 0.05). Our study highlights the differences between impact perceived by farmers, development organization staff and researchers and helps to build the knowledge base of the potential and reliability of participatory evaluation approaches. Furthermore, an approach to assess impacts on people's livelihood is proposed, combining the strengths of participatory evaluation with those of classic evaluation methods. | COMMERCIALIZATION,"LIKERT SCALE",participatory,Ricinodendron,"RURAL DEVELOPMENT","Sustainable livelihood framework",ACCURACY,CAMEROON,COMMERCIALIZATION,LIVELIHOOD,MANAGEMENT,"STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION","SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT",SYSTEMS,"TIMBER FOREST PROD | None | None |
None | None | WHO multicenter evaluation of FACSCount CD4 and Pima CD4 T-cell count systems: Instrument performance and misclassification of HIV-infected patients | Wade D., Daneau G., Aboud S., Vercauteren G.H., Urassa W.S.K., Kestens L. | 2014 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 66 | 5 | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000214 | Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Unit of Immunology, Laboratory of Bacteriology Virology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, 92000, Senegal; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salam, Tanzania; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Wade, D., Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Unit of Immunology, Laboratory of Bacteriology Virology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, 92000, Senegal, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Daneau, G., Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Aboud, S., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salam, Tanzania; Vercauteren, G.H., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Urassa, W.S.K., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Kestens, L., Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | BACKGROUND: CD4 T-cell counts are used to screen and follow-up HIV-infected patients during treatment. As part of the World Health Organization prequalification program of diagnostics, we conducted an independent multicenter evaluation of the FACSCount CD4 and the Pima CD4, using the FACSCalibur as reference method. METHODS: A total of 440 paired capillary and venous blood samples were collected from HIV-infected patients attending the HIV outpatient clinic in Antwerp, Belgium, and the HIV care and treatment center in Dar es Salam, Tanzania. Capillary blood was run on Pima analyzer, whereas venous blood was analyzed on FACSCount, Pima, and FACSCalibur instruments. Precision and agreement between methods were assessed. RESULTS: The FACSCount CD4 results were in agreement with the FACSCalibur results with relative bias of 0.4% and 3.1% on absolute CD4 counts and an absolute bias of -0.6% and -1.1% on CD4% in Antwerp and Dar es Salam, respectively. The Pima CD4 results were in agreement with the FACSCalibur results with relative bias of -4.1% and -9.4% using venous blood and of -9.5% and -0.9% using capillary blood in Antwerp and Dar es Salam, respectively. At the threshold of 350 cells per microliter, the FACSCount CD4 and Pima CD4 using venous and capillary blood misclassified 7%, 9%, and 13% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The FACSCount CD4 provides reliable CD4 counts and CD4% and is suitable for monitoring adult and pediatric HIV patients in moderate-volume settings. The Pima CD4 is more suitable for screening eligible adult HIV patients for antiretroviral treatment initiation in low-volume laboratories. Copyright © 2014 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | CD4 count; CD4%; FACSCount CD4; Pima CD4; Resource-limited settings | adolescent; adult; aged; article; Belgium; blood sampling; capillary blood; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4 T cell count test; clinical assessment; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; measurement accuracy; multicenter study; outpatient department; priority journal; Tanzania; venous blood; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Belgium; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248551114 | WHO HIV clinical staging or CD4 cell counts for antiretroviral therapy eligibility assessment? An evaluation in rural Rakai district, Uganda | Kagaayi J., Makumbi F., Nakigozi G., Wawer M.J., Gray R.H., Serwadda D., Reynolds S.J. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 9 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32810c8dce | Rakai Health Sciences Programme, Rakai, Uganda; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | Kagaayi, J., Rakai Health Sciences Programme, Rakai, Uganda; Makumbi, F., Rakai Health Sciences Programme, Rakai, Uganda; Nakigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Programme, Rakai, Uganda; Wawer, M.J., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Gray, R.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Reynolds, S.J., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | The ability of WHO clinical staging to predict CD4 cell counts of 200 cells/μl or less was evaluated among 1221 patients screened for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sensitivity was 51% and specificity was 88%. The positive predictive value was 64% and the negative predictive value was 81%. Clinical criteria missed half the patients with CD4 cell counts of 200 cells/μl or less, highlighting the importance of CD4 cell measurements for the scale-up of ART provision in resource-limited settings. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | None | adult; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical assessment; clinical evaluation; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic value; female; human; major clinical study; male; prediction; priority journal; scale up; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; world health organization; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; HIV Infections; Humans; Rural Health; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349921261 | Which lap is the slowest? An analysis of 32 world mile record performances | Noakes T.D., Lambert M.I., Hauman R. | 2009 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 43 | 10 | 10.1136/bjsm.2008.046763 | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Association of Track and Field Statisticians, Parow, South Africa; Association of Road Running Statisticians, Parow, South Africa; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa | Noakes, T.D., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hauman, R., Association of Track and Field Statisticians, Parow, South Africa, Association of Road Running Statisticians, Parow, South Africa | Objectives: The pacing strategies adopted by world-record breakers during the 1-mile footrace in order to evaluate different models for the biological basis of pacing was determined in this study. Methods: Lap times in 32 world record performances were analysed. Average times for each of the four laps and as percentages of total race time were calculated. Results: The slowest laps in 90% of races were either the second (34%) or the third (56%) laps. In only two (6%) records was the final lap the slowest, whereas in 24 (76%), it was either the fastest (38%) or the second fastest (38%) lap. Mean times for the second and third laps were both significantly slower than were times for the first or final laps, but there was no significant difference in times for the first and final lap. Conclusion: The finding that world record beaters run the final lap in their quickest mile races faster than the second and third laps matches findings for races at longer distances. The presence of this "end spurt" suggests that the pacing strategy is regulated "in anticipation" and is not purely the result of a developing "peripheral fatigue". | None | achievement; article; athlete; competition; exercise; fatigue; human; physical performance; running; sport; time; athletic performance; male; physiology; running; time; track and field; trends; Athletic Performance; Humans; Male; Running; Time; Track and Field | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899845225 | Which farmers benefit most from sustainable intensification? An ex-ante impact assessment of expanding grain legume production in Malawi | Franke A.C., van den Brand G.J., Giller K.E. | 2014 | European Journal of Agronomy | 58 | None | 10.1016/j.eja.2014.04.002 | Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Franke, A.C., Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands, Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; van den Brand, G.J., Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Giller, K.E., Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | Legume technologies are widely promoted among smallholders in southern Africa, providing an opportunity for sustainable intensification. Farms and farming strategies of smallholders differ greatly within any given locality and determine the opportunities for uptake of technologies. We provide an ex-ante assessment of the impact of grain legumes on different types of farms and identify niches for grain legumes in Malawi. After creation of a farm typology, detailed farm characterisations were used to describe the farming system. The characterisations provided the basis for the construction of simplified, virtual farms on which possible scenarios for expanding and intensifying grain legume production were explored using the farm-scale simulation model NUANCES-FARMSIM. Observed yields and labour inputs suggested that maize provides more edible yield per unit area with a higher calorific value and greater labour use efficiency than groundnut and soybean. Crop yields simulated by the model partly confirmed these yield trends, but at farm level maize-dominated systems often produced less food than systems with more grain legumes. Improved management practices such as addition of P-based fertiliser to grain legumes and inoculation of soybean were crucial to increase biological nitrogen fixation and grain yields of legumes and maize, and created systems with increased area of legumes that were more productive than the current farms. Improved legume management was especially a necessity for low resource endowed farmers who, due to little past use of P-based fertiliser and organic inputs, have soils with a poorer P status than wealthier farmers. Economic analyses suggested that legume cultivation was considerably more profitable than continuous maize cropping. Highest potential net benefits were achieved with tobacco, but the required financial investment made tobacco cultivation riskier. Grain legumes have excellent potential as food and cash crops particularly for medium and high resource endowed farmers, a role that could grow in importance as legume markets further develop. For low resource endowed farmers, legumes can improve food self-sufficiency of households, but only if legumes can be managed with P fertiliser and inoculation in the case of soybean. Given that low resource endowed farmers tend to be risk averse and have few resources to invest, the ability of poorer farmers to adopt legume technologies could be limited. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Crop model; Farm typologies; Groundnut; Maize; Soybean | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937517571 | Whey or Casein Hydrolysate with Carbohydrate for Metabolism and Performance in Cycling | Oosthuyse T., Carstens M., Millen A.M.E. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Medicine | 36 | 8 | 10.1055/s-0034-1398647 | Exercise Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, South Africa | Oosthuyse, T., Exercise Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, South Africa; Carstens, M., Exercise Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, South Africa; Millen, A.M.E., Exercise Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, South Africa | The protein type most suitable for ingestion during endurance exercise is undefined. This study compared co-ingestion of either 15 g/h whey or casein hydrolysate with 63 g/h fructose: maltodextrin (0.8:1) on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, exercise metabolism and performance. 2h postprandial, 8 male cyclists ingested either: carbohydrate-only, carbohydrate-whey hydrolysate, carbohydrate-casein hydrolysate or placebo-water in a crossover, double-blind design during 2h of exercise at 60%W <inf>max</inf> followed by a 16-km time trial. Data were evaluated by magnitude-based inferential statistics. Exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, measured from 13CO<inf>2</inf> breath enrichment, was not substantially influenced by co-ingestion of either protein hydrolysate. However, only co-ingestion of carbohydrate-casein hydrolysate substantially decreased (98% very likely decrease) total carbohydrate oxidation (mean±SD, 242±44; 258±47; 277±33g for carbohydrate-casein, carbohydrate-whey and carbohydrate-only, respectively) and substantially increased (93% likely increase) total fat oxidation (92±14; 83±27; 73±19g) compared with carbohydrate-only. Furthermore, only carbohydrate-casein hydrolysate ingestion resulted in a faster time trial (-3.6%; 90% CI: ±3.2%) compared with placebo-water (95% likely benefit). However, neither protein hydrolysate enhanced time trial performance when compared with carbohydrate-only. Under the conditions of this study, ingesting carbohydrate-casein, but not carbohydrate-whey hydrolysate, favourably alters metabolism during prolonged moderate-strenuous cycling without substantially altering cycling performance compared with carbohydrate-only. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart. | cycling time trial; endurance exercise; exogenous carbohydrate oxidation; gastrointestinal comfort; multiple transportable carbohydrates; protein hydrolysate | carbohydrate diet; casein; casein hydrolysate; fructose; maltodextrin; polysaccharide; administration and dosage; adult; athletic performance; beverage; carbohydrate diet; comparative study; controlled study; crossover procedure; cycling; diet supplementation; double blind procedure; endurance; human; male; metabolism; oxidation reduction reaction; physiology; randomized controlled trial; whey; Adult; Athletic Performance; Beverages; Bicycling; Caseins; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Fructose; Humans; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Physical Endurance; Polysaccharides; Whey | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872326699 | Where is my daddy? an exploration of the impact of absentee fathers on the lives of young people in Botswana | Thupayagale-Tshweneagae G., Mgutshini T., Nkosi Z.Z. | 2012 | Africa Development | 37 | 3 | None | Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | Thupayagale-Tshweneagae, G., Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; Mgutshini, T., Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; Nkosi, Z.Z., Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | A substantial body of research has consistently concluded that children growing up with absentee fathers are at an increased risk of maladjustment. This paper argues that co-parenting can have both direct and indirect or mediated effects on children. Co-parenting has an added benefit of modelling dyadic skills that include proving mutual emotional support, influence, and amicable resolution of disputes. Through qualitative data obtained in 2009 from 45 final year students at the University of Botswana, the authors conclude that African personhood is a larger-than-self conception, which also includes more than the physical being and shows that young people raised in father-absent families view their personhood as inferior, less guarded, and incomplete, relative to that of their counterparts who were born and raised in married-couple families. Living a full quality life eludes youth who were raised by mothers only, affirming the importance of fathers in the personhood of any individual. © Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, 2012. | Absentee fathers; Co-parenting; Youth personhood | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893334213 | When to Randomize: Lessons From Independent Impact Evaluation of Reading to Learn (RtL) Programme to Improve Literacy and Numeracy in Kenya and Uganda | Oketch M., Ngware M., Mutisya M., Kassahun A., Abuya B., Musyoka P. | 2014 | Peabody Journal of Education | 89 | 1 | 10.1080/0161956X.2014.862470 | Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom; African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya | Oketch, M., Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom; Ngware, M., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Mutisya, M., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Kassahun, A., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Abuya, B., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Musyoka, P., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya | In East Africa, there is great effort directed toward ensuring that there is learning and value for money invested in universal education policies initiated over the past decade. Kenya and Uganda are two countries that typify this effort. The effort includes the work of research organisations such as Uwezo, which assess learning levels; RTI, which assesses language and early grade reading; and the work of African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), which looks at schooling patterns of different households. All these studies paint a disappointing picture both for the universal access Education for All policy and the large sums of money that have been devoted to achieve it. The verdict is that too many pupils in schools are not learning and too many poor ones are excluded from universal public access. Uwezo reports that 70% of pupils in Grade 3 cannot do Grade 2 work, and 9% of those completing Primary 8 in Kenya cannot do Grade 2 work. Answers are not easy to find, so borrowing what has worked elsewhere has been attempted. This article presents one effort toward finding what can work to improve learning for pupils in early grades. It is based on the idea of "Reading to Learn" implemented elsewhere and attempted in East Africa by Aga Khan Foundation and independently evaluated by APHRC using randomization methods. Lessons presented highlight the role and complexities of randomization in addressing the educational challenges in East Africa. © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000256016000009 | When the trivial becomes meaningful: Reflections on a process evaluation of a home visitation programme in South Africa | Marais, Sandra,Munro, Salla,Odendaal, Willem A.,Van Niekerk, Ashley | 2008 | EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING | 31 | 2 | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2008.02.006 | South African Medical Research Council, University of South Africa | "Marais, Sandra: South African Medical Research Council","Munro, Salla: South African Medical Research Council","Van Niekerk, Ashley: South African Medical Research Council", | This paper reflects on a process evaluation of a home visitation programme in South Africa. The programme, implemented in two low-income communities, focused on the reduction of risks to unintentional childhood injuries. The evaluation comprised a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including observations in conjunction with an evaluator's journal, diaries kept by the home visitors, interviews and focus group discussions. Short questionnaires were administered to programme staff and home visitors. Caregivers were visited to attain their assessment of visitors and the programme. These methods resulted in a detailed description of implementation processes, but more importantly gave insight into the experiences and perceptions of the social actors, i.e. programme staff, visitors and caregivers. It also offered possible explanations for the difference in the intervention effect between the two sites. Two major challenges to the evaluation were: (i) the power-imbalance between the evaluator and community participants (visitors and caregivers) and (ii) the language- and cultural barriers between evaluator and community participants. The evaluation demonstrated that process information can contribute towards explaining outcome results, but also that active participation from all social actors is a necessary condition if process evaluations are to result in programme improvement. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "home visitation","process evaluation","QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS","unintentional childhood injuries","PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH",PREVENTION,RISK | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000297213800001 | When does rigorous impact evaluation make a difference? The case of the Millennium Villages | Clemens, Michael A.,Demombynes, Gabriel | 2011 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 3 | 3 | 10.1080/19439342.2011.587017 | The World Bank, Ctr Global Dev | "Demombynes, Gabriel: The World Bank", | When is the rigorous impact evaluation of development projects a luxury, and when a necessity? The authors study one high-profile case: the Millennium Villages Project (MVP), an experimental and intensive package intervention to spark sustained local economic development in rural Africa. They illustrate the benefits of rigorous impact evaluation in this setting by showing that estimates of the project's effects depend heavily on the evaluation method. Comparing trends at the MVP intervention sites in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria with trends in the surrounding areas yields much more modest estimates of the project's effects than the before-versus-after comparisons published thus far by the MVP. Neither approach constitutes a rigorous impact evaluation of the MVP, which is impossible to perform due to weaknesses in the evaluation design of the project's initial phase. These weaknesses include the subjective choice of intervention sites, the subjective choice of comparison sites, the lack of baseline data on comparison sites, the small sample size, and the short time horizon. The authors describe one of many ways that the next wave of the intervention could be designed to allow proper evaluation of the MVP's impact at little additional cost. | evaluation,"millennium development goals",PACKAGE,VILLAGE,ECONOMICS,KENYA,RANDOMIZATION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902540275 | What works best and when: Accounting for multiple sources of pureselection bias in program evaluations | Jung H., Pirog M.A. | 2014 | Journal of Policy Analysis and Management | 33 | 3 | 10.1002/pam.21764 | School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States; Indiana University, 1315 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States; Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Sanlam Centre for Public Management and Governance, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Jung, H., School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States; Pirog, M.A., Indiana University, 1315 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States, Sanlam Centre for Public Management and Governance, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Most evaluations are still quasi-experimental and most recent quasi-experimental methodological research has focused on various types of propensity score matching to minimize conventional selection bias on observables. Although these methods create better-matched treatment and comparison groups on observables, the issue of selection on unobservables still looms large. Thus, in the absence of being able to run randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or natural experiments, it is important to understand how well different regression-based estimators perform in terms of minimizing pure selection bias, that is, selection on unobservables. We examine the relative magnitudes of three sources of pure selection bias: heterogeneous response bias, time-invariant individual heterogeneity (fixed effects [FEs]), and intertemporal dependence (autoregressive process of order one [AR(1)]). Because the relative magnitude of each source of pure selection bias may vary in different policy contexts, it is important to understand how well different regression-based estimators handle each source of selection bias. Expanding simulations that have their origins in the work of Heckman, LaLonde, and Smith (), we find that difference-in-differences (DID) using equidistant pre- and postperiods and FEs estimators are less biased and have smaller standard errors in estimating the Treatment on the Treated (TT) than other regression-based estimators. Our data analysis using the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program replicates our simulation findings in estimating the TT. © 2014 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000306994100004 | "What Took You So Long?" The Impact of PEPFAR on the Expansion of HIV Testing and Counseling Services in Africa | Cheng, Alison S.,Lembariti, Salama,Marum, Elizabeth,Moore, Jan,Mugo, Nelly,Parekh, Bharat,Phiri, Mannasseh,Taegtmeyer, Miriam | 2012 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 60 | None | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31825f313b | United States Agency for International Development (USAID), University of Liverpool, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci, Soc Family Hlth | "Cheng, Alison S.: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)","Taegtmeyer, Miriam: University of Liverpool", | HIV testing and counseling services in Africa began in the early 1990s, with limited availability and coverage. Fears of stigma and discrimination, complex laboratory systems, and lack of available care and treatment services hampered expansion. Use of rapid point-of-care tests, introduction of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and increasing provision of antiretroviral drugs were key events in the late 1990s and early 2000s that facilitated the expansion of HIV testing and counseling services. Innovations in service delivery included providing HIV testing in both clinical and community sites, including mobile and home testing. Promotional campaigns were conducted in many countries, and evolutions in policies and guidance facilitated expansion and uptake. Support from President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and national governments, other donors, and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria contributed to significant increases in the numbers of persons tested in many countries. Quality of both testing and counseling, limited number of health care workers, uptake by couples, and effectiveness of linkages and referral systems remain challenges. Expansion of antiretroviral treatment, especially in light of the evidence that treatment contributes to prevention of transmission, will require greater yet strategic coverage of testing services, especially in clinical settings and in combination with other high-impact HIV prevention strategies. Continued support from President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, governments, and other donors is required for the expansion of testing needed to achieve international targets for the scale-up of treatment and universal access to knowledge of HIV status. | COUNSELING,HIV,PEPFAR,TESTING,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COST-EFFECTIVENESS,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"DISCORDANT COUPLES",KENYA,PREVENTION,SCALING-UP,STRATEGIES,TRANSMISSION,UGANDA | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867363043 | What's in a name? The effect of a brand name on consumers' evaluation of fresh milk | Joubert J.P., Poalses J. | 2012 | International Journal of Consumer Studies | 36 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2011.01065.x | Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Joubert, J.P., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Poalses, J., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | It is commonly accepted that packaged fresh milk available from reputable retail outlets taste the same and that when consumers choose between relatively similar products, such as milk, the purchasing decision tends to become simplified by considering product images and relying on brand names with clear and positive associations. One may thus ask whether the brand name of milk can influence consumers' evaluation of the actual sensory taste delivery. A quasi-experimental milk tasting was conducted to investigate this question. The procedure involved 312 participants who assessed milk from various milk brands that were decanted from either branded or unbranded packaging. The findings confirmed that the subjective associations bestowed on a brand name do indeed influence the way in which consumers experience the taste delivery of a milk product. This poses a challenge to milk brand manufacturers to identify alternative ways in which they could differentiate milk product offerings from competitor brands in order to retain or establish positive brand associations and ultimately ensure consumer loyalty. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Brand association; Brand name; Consumer liking; Fresh milk; Quasi-experimental design | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69249172393 | What should make up a final mark for a course? An investigation into the academic performance of first year bioscience students | Downs C.T. | 2006 | Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education | 31 | 3 | 10.1080/02602930500352998 | School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Downs, C.T., School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Performance of individual students in a tertiary level course is usually reflected in a final mark that determines their progress and transfer to higher courses. The contributions of different types of assessment to this final mark vary greatly within and between subjects in and between institutions. Performance of students in a first year course, Bioscience at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg (UKZN) was assessed to determine if there were any patterns emerging in the broad components that contributed to the final mark, namely the coursework, theory and practical examinations. Performance of students was compared in Bioscience 110 for the years 1995-2000 using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Students performed best in coursework. All students performed poorly in the theory examinations. In addition differential performance between students, particularly the performance of sub-groups within the class was investigated. Of particular interest were English second language (ESL) students, and previous Science Foundation Programme (SFP) students. The latter are mainly previously disadvantaged Black students. All sub-groups of students showed similar trends in performance in Bioscience assessment tasks and final marks. However, the SFP students' final marks were lower than the other sub-groups, and showed a decreased performance for the same period. Most students, excluding SFP students, fell in the 50-59% category for the final Bioscience 110 marks obtained for the period 1995-2000. Theory examinations were investigated further, and were analysed in their component parts, namely multiple choice (MCQ), short questions and essay. Students performed best and consistently in MCQ. In contrast, students performed poorly in the short question and essay sections. Although the different ethnic subgroupings showed similar trends in performance, the SFP students showed the poorest performance. In particular, they scored lowest in the theory examinations where they performed more poorly than the other sub-groupings in short questions and essays that require higher order cognitive skills. These patterns suggest that changes are required at the teaching, student and assessment interfaces. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928565834 | What is the role of impact assessment in the long term? | Bond A. | 2015 | Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management | 17 | 1 | 10.1142/S1464333215500064 | School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University (Potchefstroom), South Africa | Bond, A., School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University (Potchefstroom), South Africa | This short paper makes the case that most impact assessment (IA) has sustainable development as the stated goal, but that it doesn't deliver sustainable outcomes. A key pillar of sustainable development is equity, both intra-generational (defined after Lamorgese and Geneletti (2013, p.119) as ensuring "equity of opportunity for everyone, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community and seek to create a good quality of life for everyone") and inter-generational equity (defined after Gibson et al. (2005, p. 235) as favouring "present options and actions that are most likely to preserve or enhance the opportunities and capabilities of future generations to live sustainably"). Notwithstanding the importance of intra-generational equity, this paper focuses on the problem that inter-generational equity presents to IA both because of the prevalence of short-term planning, and because approaches developed to deal with inherent uncertainty associated with impacts considered in the long term are overly resource intensive and therefore impractical. A research focus on IA processes that can deal with inter-generational impacts cost effectively might provide the basis on which to develop an IA tool that actually delivers on its stated goal and fits in with current decision-making norms. © 2015 Imperial College Press. | cost effectiveness; impact assessment; Inter-generational equity; long-term prediction; sustainable development | cost-benefit analysis; decision making; environmental impact assessment; sustainable development; uncertainty analysis | None |
WoS | WOS:000298383700020 | What Is the Impact of Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing on the Clinical Status of Newly Enrolled Adults in a Large HIV Care Program in Western Kenya? | Braitstein, Paula,Kimaiyo, Sylvester,Mamlin, Joseph,Ndege, Samson,Wachira, Juddy | 2012 | CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 54 | 2 | 10.1093/cid/cir789 | Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University System, Moi University, Regenstrief Institute Inc, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), University of Toronto, USAID AMPATH | None | Background. This article describes the effect point of entry into the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care program had on the clinical status of adults presenting for the first time to USAID-AMPATH (US Agency for International Development-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) Partnership clinics for HIV care.
Methods. All patients aged >= 14 years enrolled between August 2008 and April 2010 were included. Points of entry to USAID-AMPATH clinics were home-based counseling and testing (HBCT), provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC), HIV testing in the tuberculosis clinic, and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Tests for trend were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the effect of HBCT versus other points of entry on primary outcomes controlling for age and sex.
Results. There were 19 552 eligible individuals. Of these, 946 tested in HBCT, 10 261 in VCT, 8073 in PITC, and 272 in the tuberculosis clinic. The median (interquartile range) enrollment CD4 cell counts among those who tested HIV positive was 323 (194-491), 217 (87-404), 190 (70-371), and 136 cells/mm(3) (59-266) for HBCT, VCT, PITC, and the tuberculosis clinic, respectively (P < .001). Compared with those patients whose HIV infection was diagnosed in the tuberculosis clinic, those who tested positive in HBCT were, controlling for age and sex, less likely to have to have World Health Organization stage III or IV HIV infection at enrollment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], .03-.06), less likely to enroll with a CD4 cell count of < 200 cells/mm(3) (AOR, 0.20; 95% CI, .14-.28), and less likely to enroll into care with a chief complaint (AOR, 0.08; 95% CI, .05-.12).
Conclusions. HBCT is effective at getting HIV-infected persons enrolled in HIV care before they become ill. | ,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DISCORDANCE,GENDER,INFECTION,PREVALENCE,PREVENTION,SCALE-UP,SELF-DISCLOSURE,SEROSTATUS,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954135417 | What impact are EU supermarket standards having on developing countries' export of high-value horticultural products? Evidence from Kenya | Asfaw S., Mithöfer D., Waibel H. | 2010 | Journal of International Food and Agribusiness Marketing | 22 | 3 | 10.1080/08974431003641398 | International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya; World Agro-Forestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany | Asfaw, S., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya; Mithöfer, D., World Agro-Forestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Waibel, H., Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany | European Union retailers are setting global benchmarks for the production of fresh food and are asking their suppliers for produce to be certified according to food safety and quality standards. Compliance with these standards for developing countries' small-scale producers entails costly investment in variable inputs and longterm structures. Limited empirical evidence exists either to refute or confirm the concern that the proliferation and enhanced stringency of these standards marginalize smallholders from the global market. This paper therefore explores the costs of compliance, factors explaining the smallholder decision to adopt EU private quality standards, and the impacts of the standards on farm financial performance. We develop a 2-stage standard treatment effect model to account for self-selection as a source of endogeneity. Analysis is based on a random cross section sample of 439 small-scale export vegetable producers in Kenya whose production was monitored in 2005-2006. We demonstrate that adopters and nonadopters are distinguishable by their asset holding and household wealth, access to services, labor endowment, and level of education. Once we control for the endogeneity problem, we find that small-scale producers can benefit substantially from adopting the standards at the farm level. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Adoption; EurepGAP standards; Export vegetables; Impact assessment; Kenya | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930412536 | What else is in your supplement? A review of the effectiveness of the supportive ingredients in multi-ingredient performance supplements to improve strength, power, and recovery | Allman B.R., Kreipke V.C., Ormsbee M.J. | 2015 | Strength and Conditioning Journal | 37 | 3 | 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000142 | Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Discipline of Biokinetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Allman, B.R., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Kreipke, V.C., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Ormsbee, M.J., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States, Discipline of Biokinetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This review summarizes the empirical research of the effectiveness, safety, and dosages of the lesser-known, but commonly added, supportive ingredients in multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS). primary ingredients that are well known and previously reviewed (I.E., caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine) are excluded from this review. the improvements reported are commonly mediated by secondary mechanisms such as improved blood flow, protein balance, metabolism, and antioxidant status. overwhelming evidence exists suggesting that the supportive ingredients in MIPS are safe to use; however, the amount present in most MIPS is likely too small to elicit strength, power, or recovery responses. © 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association. | betaine; Carnitine; glucuronolactone; nitrates; performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-17444426719 | What do we know about the perception educators have of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the holistic development of adolescent learners? | De Lange N., Greyling L., Leslie G.B. | 2005 | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth | 12 | 42371 | None | Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Faculty of Education, Vista University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Parkside Primary School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | De Lange, N., Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Greyling, L., Faculty of Education, Vista University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Leslie, G.B., Parkside Primary School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | HIV/AIDS is part of the South African reality to such an extent that more than half the children admitted to South Africa's second largest hospital are HIV-positive or have full-blown AIDS. This has implications for the education sector, as HIV/AIDS has also infiltrated and affected schools and education institutions and calls for the role of the educator to exceed that of teaching. It is now more than ever necessary that educators pay close attention to the holistic development of the learner, infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. This research attempted to determine what perceptions senior phase educators have regarding HIV/AIDS and its impact on the holistic development of adolescent learners within their ecosystem and then to formulate recommendations based on the findings. To achieve these aims a qualitative, descriptive and contextual research design was chosen. The first theme regarding the educators' perceptions of HIV/AIDS revealed various categories, i.e an awareness of the prevalence of HIV/AIDS; medical knowledge of HIV/AIDS; causes of HIV/AIDS; feelings about it as well as views on what is needed for stopping the spread. The second theme regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on the holistic development of the learners showed the following categories: understanding of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the holistic development of the adolescent (physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially and morally), on the family, on the peer group, on the school and on the community. © 2005 A B Academic Publishers. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449107995 | What contributes to the enhanced use of customer, competition and technology knowledge for product innovation performance?. A survey of multinational industrial companies' subsidiaries operating in China | Zhang J., Hoenig S., Di Benedetto A., Lancioni R.A., Phatak A. | 2009 | Industrial Marketing Management | 38 | 2 | 10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.12.007 | Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | Zhang, J., Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; Hoenig, S., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Di Benedetto, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Lancioni, R.A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Phatak, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | This study extends an emerging research area in knowledge management to new product development by empirically examining the factors associated with the use of different types of knowledge flows from various sources and product innovation performance (i.e., market success of new products) in the multinational companies' subsidiaries in China. The findings seem to indicate the vitality of considering a broad spectrum of knowledge management related variables such as a subsidiary's product development strategy, market conditions it faces, its knowledge capacity and knowledge support structure. Furthermore, we found that subsidiaries with better performance are generally excel in the use of competition knowledge flow, the development of moderate innovative products, communication among different functional departments or product development groups, the codification of knowledge, and a supportive culture. © 2008. | China; Knowledge flow; Knowledge management; Product innovation performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957454274 | Wet season predictive technique for monitoring the hydrocarbon degradation in a continuous discharge of wastewater in pond system | Ukpaka C.P., Ogoni H.A., Amadi S.A., Akor J.A. | 2010 | Modelling, Measurement and Control C | 71 | 02-Jan | None | Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Niger Delta of University of Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Dept of A | Ukpaka, C.P., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ogoni, H.A., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Niger Delta of University of Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Amadi, S.A., Dept of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akor, J.A., Dept of Agriculture and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Mathematical model was developed in this paper for the prediction of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in a continuous discharge of wastewater in a pond system for wet season. The general partial differential equation obtained from the process was resolved using separation of variables tools. The functional parameters were evaluated and computed as shown in this paper, which led to the determination of maximum specific growth rate, maximum degradation rate and equilibrium constant for both theoretical and experimental obtained results. The comparison of theoretical and experimental results in terms of maximum specific growth rate and equilibrium constant shows a good match. This illustrates that the theoretical model developed is reliable and can be used to predict and monitor the degradation of individual hydrocarbon in a pond system upon the influence of momentum transfer. | Correlation; Hydrocarbon degradation; Microbial growth; Model; Pond; Wastewater | Correlation; Degradation rate; Functional parameters; Hydrocarbon degradation; Maximum specific growth rates; Microbial growth; Petroleum hydrocarbons; Pond; Pond systems; Predictive techniques; Separation of variables; Theoretical models; Wet season; Equilibrium constants; Hydrocarbons; Lakes; Mathematical models; Partial differential equations; Petroleum chemistry; Wastewater; Degradation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954471412 | Wetland craft plants in KwaZulu-Natal: An ecological review of harvesting impacts and implications for sustainable utilization | Traynor C.H., Kotze D.C., Mckean S.G. | 2010 | Bothalia | 40 | 1 | None | Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, P.O. Box 394, 3290 Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, 3209 Scotteville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, 3202 Cascades, South Africa | Traynor, C.H., Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, P.O. Box 394, 3290 Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Kotze, D.C., Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, 3209 Scotteville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mckean, S.G., Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, 3202 Cascades, South Africa | In South Africa, wetland plants have been used for centuries and they continue to be harvested for subsistence and commercial purposes. Fibres for crafts are collected by cutting the aboveground parts. KwaZulu-Natal is one of the major basket-producing regions in southern Africa and at least twenty-two species of wetland plants are harvested for crafts. A literature review of the harvested species revealed that the impacts of cutting have only been extensively investigated for Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. and Juncus kraussii Hochst. The review suggested that, where plants display strong seasonal aboveground productivity patterns, cutting should take place after shoot senescence and before new shoot emergence to minimize damage to plants. Cutting in the short term could increase the density of green stems. However, in the long term in Phragmites australis, it may deplete the rhizome reserves and reduce the density of useable (longer and thicker) culms. The opportunity for sustainable harvests was investigated by considering the geographic distribution, whether species are habitat specific or not, and local population sizes of the craft plants. Juncus kraussii is of the greatest conservation concern. Ecologically sustainable wetland plant harvesting could contribute to the wise use of wetlands, an approach promoted nationally and internationally. | Basketry; Cutting disturbance; Management; Sustainable utilization; Wise use of wetland | Juncus kraussii; Phragmites australis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861551153 | West African Immigrants' Perceptions of Advertising in General and Impact on Buying Decisions | Blankson C., Spears N., Hinson R.E. | 2012 | Journal of International Consumer Marketing | 24 | 3 | 10.1080/08961530.2012.682038 | Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311396, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States; The University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Blankson, C., Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311396, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States; Spears, N., Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311396, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States; Hinson, R.E., Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311396, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States, The University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Despite the increasing attention to African immigrants in the United States, and the pivotal role that advertising messages play in the immigrant community, examination of African immigrants' purchasing behavior and perceptions of advertising have been overlooked by marketing scholars. The purpose of this research is to investigate West African immigrants' perceptions of advertising in general and its impact on buying decisions. Data analyses extract five perceptual factors toward advertising in general, namely, "advertising is a pleasure and affects perceptions," "advertising heightens vanity," "advertising intensifies materialism," "advertising enhances social role and image," and "advertising is good for the economy." With the exception of "advertising heightens vanity," all the identified factors impact buying decisions. The overall results show that consumers rely on a broad scope of information about the impact of advertisements on standards of living and the economy. This study can be of value to marketing scholars, practitioners, and policy makers interested in the United States African immigrant community. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Advertising in general; consumer perceptions; factor analyses; multicultural marketplaces; United States; West African immigrants | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929942930 | Well-aligned graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with zinc oxide nanocrystals for high performance photocatalytic application | Kaviyarasu K., Magdalane C.M., Manikandan E., Jayachandran M., Ladchumananandasivam R., Neelamani S., Maaza M. | 2015 | International Journal of Nanoscience | 14 | 3 | 10.1142/S0219581X15500076 | Department of Physics, Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, Enathur, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India; Nanosciences/Nanotechnology Laboratories, Materials Research Department and Nanoscience Laboratories, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India; Electrochemical Materials Science Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India; Department of Textile Engineering and Post Graduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering, Centre of Technology, Federal University of the State of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Coastal Management Program, Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, Safat, Kuwait | Kaviyarasu, K., Department of Physics, Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, Enathur, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, Nanosciences/Nanotechnology Laboratories, Materials Research Department and Nanoscience Laboratories, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation of South Africa, South Africa; Magdalane, C.M., Department of Chemistry, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India; Manikandan, E., Nanosciences/Nanotechnology Laboratories, Materials Research Department and Nanoscience Laboratories, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation of South Africa, South Africa; Jayachandran, M., Electrochemical Materials Science Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India; Ladchumananandasivam, R., Department of Textile Engineering and Post Graduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering, Centre of Technology, Federal University of the State of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Neelamani, S., Coastal Management Program, Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, Safat, Kuwait; Maaza, M., Nanosciences/Nanotechnology Laboratories, Materials Research Department and Nanoscience Laboratories, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation of South Africa, South Africa | Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets modified with zinc oxide nanocrystals were achieved by a green wet-chemical approach. As-obtained products were characterized by XRD, Raman spectra, XPS, HR-TEM, EDS, PL and Photocatalytic studies. XRD studies indicate that the GO nanosheet have the same crystal structure found in hexagonal form of ZnO. The enhanced Raman spectrum of 2D bands confirmed formation of single layer graphene oxides. The gradual photocatalytic reduction of the GO nanosheet in the GO:ZnO suspension of ethanol was studied by using X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy. The nanoscale structures were observed and confirmed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The evolution of the elemental composition, especially the various numbers of layers were determined from energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS). PL properties of GO:ZnO nanosheet were found to be dependent on the growth condition and the resultant morphology revealed that GO nanosheet were highly transparent in the visible region. The photocatalytic performance of GO:ZnO nanocomposites was performed under UV irradiation. Therefore, the ZnO nanocrystals in the GO:ZnO composite could be applied in gradual chemical reduction and consequently tuning the electrical conductivity of the graphene oxide nanosheet. © 2015 World Scientific Publishing Company. | Electrical characterization; Electron microscopy; Nanostructures; Raman spectroscopy; X-ray photo-emission spectroscopy | Crystal structure; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Nanocrystals; Nanosheets; Raman scattering; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Zinc; Zinc oxide; Electrical conductivity; Energy dispersive x-ray; Graphene oxide nanosheet; Graphene oxide nanosheets; Photocatalytic application; Photocatalytic performance; Photocatalytic reduction; Zinc oxide nanocrystals; Graphene | None |
None | None | Welfare impacts of smallholder farmers’ participation in maize and pigeonpea markets in Tanzania | Mmbando F.E., Wale E.Z., Baiyegunhi L.J.S. | 2015 | Food Security | 7 | 6 | 10.1007/s12571-015-0519-9 | Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 6024, Arusha, Tanzania | Mmbando, F.E., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 6024, Arusha, Tanzania; Wale, E.Z., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Baiyegunhi, L.J.S., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | This paper evaluates the impact of maize and pigeonpea market participation and the level of participation on household welfare measured by consumption expenditure in rural Tanzania. The study used cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2010 from 700 randomly selected households in northern and eastern zones of Tanzania. Propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression techniques were employed to address the welfare impacts of market participation for binary treatment, while linear regression was employed to address the welfare impacts of the level of market participation. Maize and pigeonpea market participation and the level of participation had positive and significant impacts on the welfare of rural households. On average, maize and pigeonpea market participation increased consumption expenditure per capita in the range of 19.2–20.4 % and 28.3–29.4 %, respectively. Similarly, a one unit increase in the predicted level of market participation increased per capita consumption expenditure by 0.5 and 0.3 %, for both maize and pigeonpea, respectively. This confirms the potential role of market participation and the level of participation in improving rural household welfare, as higher consumption expenditures from market participation also mean improved food security and reduced poverty. Policies aimed at reducing the transaction costs of accessing markets such as improved market information, rural infrastructure and household capacity to produce surplus production are critical to the improvement of household welfare. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Endogenous switching; Market participation; Propensity score matching; Rural household welfare; Tanzania | None | None |
None | None | Weed species diversity on arable land of the dryland areas of central Tanzania: Impacts of continuous application of traditional tillage practices | Shemdoe R.S., Mbago F.M., Kikula I.S., Van Damme P.L. | 2008 | GeoJournal | 71 | 42403 | 10.1007/s10708-008-9147-7 | Institute of Human Settlements Studies, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Botany, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany, Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Shemdoe, R.S., Institute of Human Settlements Studies, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mbago, F.M., Department of Botany, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kikula, I.S., Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Van Damme, P.L., Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany, Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | This paper presents findings from a study that assessed influence of continuous application of a particular traditional tillage practice on weed species richness, diversity and composition and identifies weed species with positive benefits to the communities in semi-arid areas of Mpwapwa district, central Tanzania. In this area farmers apply three different traditional tillage practices which are no-till (NT), shallow tillage (ST) and Ridging System (RT). A total of 36 farm fields were surveyed in 2006/2007 cropping season where 63 weed species from 26 families were identified. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between practices (p < 0.05), with NT practice having highest weed species richness and diversity. Among the five more prevalent weed species appearing, Bidens lineariloba was observed to exist in all the three practices. Community representatives during focus group discussions indicated 9 weed species out of 63 identified to have beneficial uses. These species are Cleome hirta, Amaranthus graecizans, Bidens lineoriloba, Bidens pilosa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Launaea cornuta, Heteropogon contortus, Tragus berteronianus and Trichodesma zeylanicum. Their main uses include leaf-vegetable, medicines, fodder and materials for thatching. From this study NT has highest weed species richness and diversity which therefore suggests that much more time is needed for weeding in this practice compared to other practice which was the farmers' concern. It was also noted that although weed species have negative effects in crop production and production costs, they still play a vital role in food security and for the health of different people in marginal areas as well as for the complete ecosystem including micro and macrofauna. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Land uses; Semiarid areas; Tillage systems; Weed flora diversity; Weed species richness | Crops; Ecosystems; Weed control; Semiarid areas; Tillage systems; Weed flora diversity; Weed species richness; Land use; arable land; community composition; cost-benefit analysis; dryland farming; food security; land use; semiarid region; species diversity; species richness; tillage; weed; zero tillage; Africa; Dodoma [Tanzania]; East Africa; Mpwapwa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Amaranthus graecizans; Bidens; Bidens pilosa; Cleome; Cornuta; Dactyloctenium aegyptium; Heteropogon contortus; Launaea; Tragus berteronianus; Trichodesma | None |
None | None | Weed management in upland rice in sub-Saharan Africa: Impact on labor and crop productivity | Ogwuike P., Rodenburg J., Diagne A., Agboh-Noameshie A.R., Amovin-Assagba E. | 2014 | Food Security | 6 | 3 | 10.1007/s12571-014-0351-7 | Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin; Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)-East and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 33581, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Ogwuike, P., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin; Rodenburg, J., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)-East and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 33581, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Diagne, A., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin; Agboh-Noameshie, A.R., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin; Amovin-Assagba, E., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin | Rice is one of the most important crops for food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There exists, however, a widening gap between its regional demand and supply. Competition from weeds is typically one of the major biophysical constraints in upland rice, frequently leading to significant yield losses and sometimes to complete crop failure, thereby threatening the food security of subsistence farmers. However, weed management practices that are currently employed to avoid such losses are associated with high weeding labor demands. This study examined the relationships between weeding times per farm, average time per hectare per weeding and rice yields of upland rice farmers in SSA, with the objective of estimating the impact of weeds on rural households' economies in SSA reliant on upland rice production systems. To this end, we analyzed survey data collected from 992 farmers in four countries (Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo and Uganda). The counterfactual outcomes framework of modern evaluation theory was used to estimate the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) of the number of times a farm is weeded on weeding labor efficiency, as measured by the average number of hours spent per hectare at each weeding, and on crop productivity expressed as rice grain yield per hectare. A single weeding required 173 h per hectare, while weeding twice required 130 h per hectare per weeding (259 h per hectare in total) and weeding three times required 125 h per hectare per weeding (376 h per hectare in total). Correspondingly, a single weeding was associated with an average rice yield of 1.2 t ha-1, weeding twice yielded 1.7 t ha-1 and weeding three times yielded 2.2 t ha-1. Compared to the situation where the farm is weeded only once and controlling for other factors, the model estimated yield gains of a second weeding to be 0.33 t ha-1 and a third weeding to result in a gain of 0.51 t ha-1. The estimated labor gains were respectively 64.2 and 68.1 h per hectare per weeding for a second and a third weeding. We conclude that weeding an upland rice crop more than once in SSA increases weeding labor efficiency by about 37 % and rice productivity by more than 27 %. Rather than motivating farmers to increase their labor inputs for manual weeding, however, we propose that more research and development funds should be devoted to developing, testing and promoting locally adapted strategies of labor-saving weed management in rice in sub-Saharan Africa. This will result in a significant contribution to regional food security and poverty alleviation. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Average treatment effect; Hand weeding; Impact assessment; Rain fed rice; Structural economic method; Subsistence farming | crop production; food security; labor; poverty alleviation; research and development; rice; subsistence; weed; weed control; yield; Cameroon; Democratic Republic Congo; Sub-Saharan Africa; Togo; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876702326 | Weathering performance of delignified pine-based polyvinyl chloride composites | Fabiyi J.S., McDonald A.G. | 2013 | Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites | 32 | 8 | 10.1177/0731684412472382 | Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria; Renewable Materials Program, Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-1132, United States | Fabiyi, J.S., Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria; McDonald, A.G., Renewable Materials Program, Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-1132, United States | The influence of pine fiber treatments on the color and chemical changes of polyvinyl chloride-based wood plastic composites exposed to outside and xenon-arc accelerated weathering was investigated. The wood plastic composites were produced from pine fiber (untreated control, acetone extracted, and holocellulose (delignified)) and polyvinyl chloride. Different analytical tools (colorimetry, microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography) were employed for weathered wood plastic composites characterization. The study showed that longer exposure time in both outside and accelerated weathering regimes caused an increase in color change and lightness, cracking, higher oxidation but decrease in wood (lignin) content of the weathered wood plastic composites' surface for all the wood fiber types. The polyvinyl chloride molecular weight decreased with increase in exposure time of the composites. From this study, delignified wood fiber-based wood plastic composites had less color (lightness) change and reduced surface cracking with lowest weathered surface oxidation. Furthermore, relationships between accelerated and outside weathered wood plastic composite surfaces were observed. © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/ journalsPermissions.nav. | Composites; degradation; spectroscopy; water absorption; wood plastic composites | Accelerated weathering; Chemical change; Fiber treatment; Surface cracking; Surface oxidations; Untreated control; Weathering performance; Wood plastic composite; Acetone; Color; Colorimetry; Composite materials; Degradation; Fibers; Gel permeation chromatography; Infrared spectroscopy; Spectroscopy; Surface defects; Water absorption; Weathering; Xenon; Wood products; Acetone; Chromatography; Color; Colorimetry; Degradation; Infrared Spectroscopy; Polymer Wood Combinations; Water Absorption; Weathering; Wood Products | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845885587 | Weaning foods and their impact on child-feeding practices among low-income Nigerian mothers | Ijarotimi O.S., Ogunsemore M.T. | 2006 | Food and Nutrition Bulletin | 27 | 4 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition Division, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Ijarotimi, O.S., Department of Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition Division, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ogunsemore, M.T., Department of Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition Division, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Background. Many children in rural communities of developing countries die of nutrition-related causes due to lack of nutrition education and low purchasing power of the families, which result in low-quality weaning foods and poor feeding practices. Objective. To evaluate the nutritional composition of local weaning foods and their impact on child feeding practices among low-income Nigerian mothers. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2005 among 294 randomly selected pairs of nursing mothers and their children who attended the postnatal clinic of State Specialist Hospital and Comprehensive Health Centers in Akure community, Ondo State, Nigeria. A structured, self-or interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on infant demographic characteristics, feeding, and socioeconomic characteristics of the parents. The children's weights were recorded, and samples of the weaning foods were analyzed. Results. The mothers' ages ranged from 22 to 37 years, and the children's from one to 12 months. Among the parents, two-fifths of the respondents worked as drivers, mechanics, carpenters, and the like, while the remaining respondents were civil servants, health professionals, teachers, merchants, and housewives. The educational attainment of the parents ranged from no formal education (1.4%) to higher education (46%); 13% had completed primary school, and 39.6% had completed secondary school. The average monthly family income was between 3,500 and 30,000 naira (US$23.3-$200). Among the children, 58.3% were of normal weight, 41.1% were mildly underweight, 0.3% moderately underweight, and 0.3% severely underweight; 23.1% were exclusively breastfed, 9.5%sturson received breastmilk and traditional medicinal herbs, 15. 6% received breastmilk and commercial weaning food, 7.4% received commercial weaning food only, 14.8% received local weaning foods only, 24.1 % received local weaning foods plus breastmilk, and 5.8% received the family diet. Conclusions. We found that a high proportion of the nursing mothers used local ingredients to formulate weaning foods for their babies. The nutritional compositions of these foods is of high quality and are suitable as weaning foods, particularly for infants of low-income parents who do not have access to commercial weaning foods. © 2006, The United Nations University. | Child-feeding practices; Nutrition education; Nutritional composition of local weaning foods | child care; feeding; food intake; food quality; low income population; nutritional requirement; nutritive value; rural area; weaning; adult; article; baby food; breast feeding; catering service; cross-sectional study; female; human; infant nutrition; male; mother; newborn; Nigeria; nutritional value; poverty; psychological aspect; socioeconomics; standard; statistics; weaning; Adult; Breast Feeding; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Food Supply; Humans; Infant Food; Infant Nutrition Physiology; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mothers; Nigeria; Nutritive Value; Poverty; Socioeconomic Factors; Weaning; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859358368 | Wavelets for ICU monitoring | Salatian A., Adepoju F. | 2012 | International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology | 4 | 1 | None | School of Information Technology and Communications, American University of Nigeria, Yola Bypass PMB 2250, Yola, Nigeria | Salatian, A., School of Information Technology and Communications, American University of Nigeria, Yola Bypass PMB 2250, Yola, Nigeria; Adepoju, F., School of Information Technology and Communications, American University of Nigeria, Yola Bypass PMB 2250, Yola, Nigeria | The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bedside monitors present the medical staff with large amounts of continuous data which can create a number of challenges. If the data is transmitted as part of a telemedicine system then the large volume of data can put pressure on bandwidth and affect the quality of service of the network. Another challenge is that the large volume of data has to be interpreted by medical staff to make a patient state assessment. In this paper we propose a time series analysis technique called data wavelets to derive trends in the data-this acts as a form of data compression for telemedicine and improves the quality of service of a network and also facilitates clinical decision support in the form of qualitative reasoning for patient state assessment. Our approach has been successfully applied to cardiovascular data from a neonatal ICU. | Clinical decision support; Data compression; Data wavelets; Quality of service; Telemedicine | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-27744543444 | Water supplies in some rural communities around Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria: Impact on water-related diseases | Opara A.A. | 2005 | Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health | 36 | 4 | None | Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Opara, A.A., Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Two traditional surface water sources and one piped supply around Calabar, Nigeria were examined to reveal the community water use patterns and the impact on water-related diseases. Using questionnaires, it was shown that some communities trekked long distances (up to 5 km) to reach their supply source. The quantity of water collected per day in each of the five rural sources was inadequate (approximately 6 buckets or 90 liters). The traditional water sources were not available all year round, forcing users to trek longer distances for alternative supplies. Only 4.4% of rural water users subjected them to any further treatment, such as boiling or filtration. Fetching water was the occupation of children; they were the worst hit by water-related diseases, such as diarrhea/ dysentery, stomachache, worms and scabies/craw-craw. About 84% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their water supplies. Deaths due to apparent water-related diseases occurred among 6.3% of respondents during the twelve months preceding the study. The overall impact was a loss of school hours/days, loss of labor and general discouragement. The community served with piped treated water fared better in all respects. | None | animal; article; diarrhea; drinking; dysentery; helminth; human; microbiology; Nigeria; questionnaire; rural population; scabies; standard; water pollution; water supply; Animals; Diarrhea; Drinking; Dysentery; Helminths; Humans; Nigeria; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Scabies; Water Microbiology; Water Pollution; Water Supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48349130533 | Water resources management strategies for adaptation to climate-induced impacts in South Africa | Mukheibir P. | 2008 | Water Resources Management | 22 | 9 | 10.1007/s11269-007-9224-6 | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Mukheibir, P., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper focuses on the development of a framework for strategy considerations for water resources management in South Africa to meet the development goals in the municipal and agricultural sectors. The north western part of South Africa experiences severe periods of drought and according to the climate change projections, will be most vulnerable to future climate induced water supply stress. A framework for selecting appropriate strategies is presented. A series of potential adaptation strategies most suitable for long term adaptation are discussed. These include both supply and demand side strategies. Barriers and obstacles to implementing these strategies include human and financial resource deficiencies at local municipal and community levels. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007. | Adaptation; Agriculture; Climate change; South Africa; Water resources management | Climate change; Competition; Drought; Information management; Knowledge management; Strategic planning; Water management; Adaptation strategies; Business media; Community levels; Future climate; Long term; Resource deficiencies; South Africa (SA); Supply and demand; Water resources management; Planning; adaptive management; agriculture; climate change; strategic approach; water management; water resource; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900016326 | Water quality of Flag Boshielo Dam, Olifants River, South Africa: Historical trends and the impact of drought | Dabrowski J., Oberholster P.J., Dabrowski J.M. | 2014 | Water SA | 40 | 2 | 10.4314/wsa.v40i2.17 | Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa | Dabrowski, J., Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Oberholster, P.J., Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Dabrowski, J.M., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Increasing demands for water, discharge of effluents, and variable rainfall have a negative impact on water quality in the Olifants River. Crocodile and fish mortalities attributed to pansteatitis, in Loskop Dam and downstream in the Kruger National Park (KNP), have highlighted the serious effects these impacts are having on aquatic ecosystems. Flag Boshielo Dam is a reservoir on the Olifants River, located between Loskop Dam and the KNP. It has the largest crocodile population outside of the KNP, and pansteatitis has not been reported in fish or crocodiles to date. This study evaluated comparative water quality parameters concurrent to a similar study undertaken at Loskop Dam to establish possible environmental drivers of pansteatitis. Long-term monitoring data collected by the Department of Water Affairs were analysed for trends using a Seasonal-Kendall trend test. Short-term monitoring showed that water quality in Flag Boshielo Dam was of a good standard for ecosystem health. Concentrations of dissolved Cu, Se, V and Zn were always below instrument detection limits, and Al, Fe and Mn were mostly within guideline levels for ecosystem health. A severe drought occurred between November 2002 and December 2005. Long-term monitoring showed that water quality during the drought deteriorated, with high levels of dissolved salts, especially K, Na, Cl, F, and total alkalinity. Following the drought, dissolved salt concentrations dropped, and there was a brief flush of inorganic N and P. However, between 1998 and 2011, inorganic N showed a significant decreasing trend into the oligotrophic range, while inorganic P remained in the oligo- to mesotrophic range. The inorganic N to inorganic P ratio of 5.4 after the drought was indicative of N limitation, and the phytoplankton assemblage was dominated by nitrogen-fixing species, especially Cylindrospermopsis sp. In contrast, further upstream, Loskop Dam has undergone increasing eutrophication, has frequent blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa and Ceratium hirundinella, and concentrations of Al, Fe and Mn periodically exceed guideline levels. The difference in trophic state, phytoplankton assemblage and levels of productivity between these two reservoirs may provide insights into the aetiology of pansteatitis, which is frequently associated with dietary causes. | Drought; Flag Boshielo Dam; Limnology; Nitrogen limitation; Olifants River; Trend analysis | Dams; Dissolution; Drought; Effluents; Eutrophication; Fish; Limnology; Manganese; Nitrogen fixation; Number theory; Phytoplankton; Reservoirs (water); River pollution; Water quality; Instrument detection limits; Long term monitoring; Long-term monitoring datum; Microcystis aeruginosa; Nitrogen limitation; Short-term monitoring; Trend analysis; Water quality parameters; Rivers; alkalinity; data acquisition; discharge; drought; ecosystem health; effluent; eutrophication; fish; guideline; mortality; phytoplankton; water quality; Kruger National Park; Loskop Dam; Mpumalanga; Olifants River; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953049473 | Water quality evaluation of Vaal River, Sharpeville and Bedworth Lakes in the Vaal region of South Africa | Dikio E.D. | 2010 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 2 | 6 | None | Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P.O. Box X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | Dikio, E.D., Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P.O. Box X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | The objective of this study was to determine the levels of chloride, fluoride, hardness and alkalinity of water samples from Vaal River, Sharpeville and Bedworth lakes in the Vaal region of South Africa. Water samples from the lakes and river were analyzed for fluoride by ion chromatography while chloride and alkalinity and hardness measurements were by titrimetric methods. The results showed Vaal River water to contain low fluoride concentration when compared to Sharpeville and Bedworth lakes. Fluoride ion concentration was found to be below levels that could cause fluorosis in the region. Chloride ion concentration was an average of 200 mg/L while water alkalinity was an average of 230 mg/L. The pH values recorded strongly indicate the presence of dissolved ions in solution that contributes to alkalinity and hardness of the water in the region. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2010. | Bedworth lake; Sharpeville lake; Vaal region; Vaal river; Water analysis | Bedworth lake; Chloride ion concentration; Fluoride concentrations; Fluoride ion; Hardness measurement; pH value; River water; Sharpeville lake; South Africa; Vaal region; Vaal river; Water quality evaluation; Water samples; Alkalinity; Chlorine compounds; Hardness; Ion chromatography; Ions; Lakes; pH; Quality control; Rivers; Water pollution; Water hardness | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947658918 | Water quality changes in relation to Diptera community patterns and diversity measured at an organic effluent impacted stream in the Niger Delta, Nigeria | Arimoro F.O., Ikomi R.B., Iwegbue C.M.A. | 2007 | Ecological Indicators | 7 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ecolind.2006.06.002 | Department of Zoology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | Arimoro, F.O., Department of Zoology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Ikomi, R.B., Department of Zoology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | Impact of abattoir effluents (characterized by intestinal and stomach contents of slaughtered animals, ashes from roasted animals and blood stains) on water quality, distribution and abundance of Diptera were investigated in an urban stream, River Orogodo, Southern Nigeria, from July 2003 to June 2004. Water quality changes indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in conductivity, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total hardness, nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus between the three stations sampled. Higher values of these parameters were observed at the impacted station. The abundance and community structure of Diptera patterns, especially Chironomidae, Culicidae and Syrphidae families (all indicative of poor water quality) showed strong evidence of impact from the abattoir effluents. Comparisons of abundance values demonstrated high significance (p < 0.05) between the impacted station and the upstream (station 1) and downstream station (station 3). Shannon index and Berger-Parker dominance were greater at the impacted station (station 2). Analysis of faunal similarities showed that upstream station 1(unpolluted site) was significantly different from stations 2 and 3. The distinct taxa found in station 2 (the impacted station) suggest that the organic input from the abattoir favoured their abundance as most of them were opportunistic species. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Diptera; Impact; Nigeria; Orogodo stream; Water quality | Animals; Effluents; Hardness; Nigeria; Rivers; Diptera patterns; Downstream stations; Orogodo stream; Water quality; abundance; bioindicator; community structure; ecological impact; effluent; fly; organic pollutant; river pollution; species diversity; water quality; Africa; Delta; Nigeria; Orogodo River; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Animalia; Chironomidae; Culicidae; Diptera; Syrphidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942984865 | Water Delivery Performance at Metahara Large-Scale Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia | Dejen Z.A., Schultz B., Hayde L. | 2015 | Irrigation and Drainage | 64 | 4 | 10.1002/ird.1917 | UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia | Dejen, Z.A., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands, Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; Schultz, B., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; Hayde, L., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands | Water distribution, delivery and hydrodynamics in manually operated gravity irrigation schemes are often complex. The nature of the hydrodynamics and its impacts on water delivery are generally not well understood by operators. The Metahara Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia, with a gross irrigated area of 11 500 ha, is an example of such a scheme. This paper assesses water supply and demand of the scheme and evaluates the water delivery performance to 15 offtakes at head, middle and tail reaches of a 10-km-long canal. Adequacy, efficiency, equity and dependability were used as indicators of water delivery performance. Results indicated that average annual irrigation supply is in excess of demand by 24%. Water delivery at tertiary levels was adequate in terms of quantity, and suggests insignificant field losses. However, a significant amount is lost in the conveyance and distribution canals and to saline swamps at tail ends. Unlike claims of water shortage, the major water management challenge is lack of sound operational rules, which made the delivery inequitable and inefficient. Delivery was inferior in terms of adequacy and dependability at middle reach offtakes. Optimal water diversion and distribution not only save water, but also reduce the danger of waterlogging and salinity in the scheme. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Ethiopia; Gravity irrigation; Metahara; Performance; Water delivery | None | None |
None | None | Watching the watcher: An evaluation of local election observers in Tanzania | Makulilo A.B. | 2011 | Journal of Modern African Studies | 49 | 2 | 10.1017/S0022278X11000036 | Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 75, 116 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Makulilo, A.B., Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 75, 116 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The unfolding of the Third Wave of democracy cast a mounting weight on election observation in transition countries, partly due to the inability of regimes in power to conduct free and fair elections. However, observation is not always neutral. Sometimes observers distance themselves from the data they collect, leading to controversial certification of elections. In this case stakeholders may view them as partial, hence downsizing their credibility and trust. Yet observers' reports have rarely been reviewed. This article evaluates three reports by the leading election observer in Tanzania, the Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee (TEMCO) for the 1995, 2000 and 2005 general elections. It notes that despite the prevalence of the same factors that TEMCO considered as irregularities in the 1995 and 2000 general elections when it certified those elections as free but not fair, it issued a clean, free and fair verdict on the 2005 general elections. This conclusion, at variance from the data, reveals problems in assuring observer neutrality. © 2011 Cambridge University Press. | None | democracy; election; historical perspective; political history; stakeholder; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957467708 | Wastewater use in crop production in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa: Impacts on health in farm households | Weldesilassie A.B., Boelee E., Drechsel P., Dabbert S. | 2011 | Environment and Development Economics | 16 | 1 | 10.1017/S1355770X1000029X | Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Weldesilassie, A.B., Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Boelee, E., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Drechsel, P., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dabbert, S., Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Using stream water polluted with untreated wastewater in agriculture is controversial due to its combination of benefits and negative health impacts. Using data from a household survey, wastewater and freshwater farmers were analysed comparatively to examine the perceived impacts of irrigation water quality on farmers' health and to evaluate the extent of health damage. Probability of illness was estimated using the theory of utility-maximising behaviour of households subject to the conventional farm household production model, augmented by adding a health production function. Reduced model and instrumental variable probit specifications both show that perceived illness prevalence is significantly higher for household members working on wastewater irrigation farms than for those working with freshwater. Our data entails econometric complications (e.g., endogeneity of farmers' behaviour, unobserved location-specific characteristics). Ignoring these will result in underestimation of the value of policy interventions designed to reduce potential health damage of wastewater use in irrigation. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
None | None | Wastewater treatment performance efficiency of constructed wetlands in African countries: A review | Mekonnen A., Leta S., Njau K.N. | 2015 | Water Science and Technology | 71 | 1 | 10.2166/wst.2014.483 | Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania | Mekonnen, A., Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Leta, S., Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Njau, K.N., Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania | In Africa, different studies have been conducted at different scales to evaluate wastewater treatment efficiency of constructed wetland. This paper aims to review the treatment performance efficiency of constructed wetland used in African countries. In the reviewed papers, the operational parameters, size and type of wetland used and the treatment efficiency are assessed. The results are organized and presented in six tables based on the type of wetland and wastewater used in the study. The results of the review papers indicated that most of the studies were conducted in Tanzania, Egypt and Kenya. In Kenya and Tanzania, different full-scale wetlands are widely used in treating wastewater. Among wetland type, horizontal subsurface flow wetlands were widely studied followed by surface flow and hybrid wetlands. Most of the reported hybrid wetlands were in Kenya. The results of the review papers indicated that wetlands are efficient in removing organic matter (biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand) and suspended solids. On the other hand, nutrient removal efficiency appeared to be low. © IWA Publishing 2015. | Constructed wetland; Horizontal subsurface flow; Removal efficiency; Surface flow | Biochemical oxygen demand; Chemical oxygen demand; Efficiency; Oxygen; Wastewater treatment; Constructed wetlands; Horizontal subsurface flow; Nutrient removal efficiency; Operational parameters; Removal efficiencies; Surface flow; Treatment performance; Wastewater treatment efficiencies; Wetlands; organic matter; phosphorus; surface water; constructed wetland; pollutant removal; sewage treatment; subsurface flow; surface flux; Africa; Article; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; constructed wetland; nonhuman; nutrient loading; sludge dewatering; suspended particulate matter; waste water management; Egypt; Kenya; sewage; standards; Tanzania; wetland; Egypt; Kenya; Tanzania; Africa; Egypt; Kenya; Tanzania; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wetlands | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349884322 | Warneckea austro-occidentalis, a new species from Cameroon and Nigeria, and re-evaluation of W. fascicularis var. mangrovensis (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae) | Stone R.D., Ghogue J.-P., Cheek M. | 2009 | Kew Bulletin | 64 | 2 | 10.1007/s12225-009-9106-6 | School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Herbier National du Cameroun, B.P. 1601, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom | Stone, R.D., School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Ghogue, J.-P., Herbier National du Cameroun, B.P. 1601, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Cheek, M., Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom | Described and illustrated is Warneckea austro-occidentalis R. D. Stone, an endemic of tropical forests in Cameroon's South West Province and adjacent Nigeria. The name W. mangrovensis (Jacq.-Fél.) R. D. Stone is also proposed at species level for the taxon originally described as W. fascicularis var. mangrovensis Jacq.-Fél. An IUCN (2001) status of endangered is assigned for both W. austro-occidentalis and W. mangrovensis. © The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2009. | Africa; Cameroon; Gabon; Melastomataceae; Nigeria; Warneckea | Melastomataceae; Warneckea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860992210 | Walking the sustainability assessment talk - Progressing the practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA) | Morrison-Saunders A., Retief F. | 2012 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 36 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2012.04.001 | School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University, South Africa; School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Australia | Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University, South Africa, School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Australia; Retief, F., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University, South Africa | Internationally there is a growing demand for environmental impact assessment (EIA) to move away from its traditional focus towards delivering more sustainable outcomes. South Africa is an example of a country where the EIA system seems to have embraced the concept of sustainability. In this paper we test the existing objectives for EIA in South Africa against sustainability principles and then critique the effectiveness of EIA practice in delivering these objectives. The outcome of the research suggests that notwithstanding a strong and explicit sustainability mandate through policy and legislation, the effectiveness of EIA practice falls far short of what is mandated. This shows that further legislative reform is not required to improve effectiveness but rather a focus on changing the behaviour of individual professionals. We conclude by inviting further debate on what exactly practitioners can do to give effect to sustainability in EIA practice. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. | Effectiveness; Environmental impact assessment; Legislation; Sustainability assessment; Sustainable development | Effectiveness; Growing demand; Legislative reforms; South Africa; Sustainability assessment; Sustainability principles; Sustainable outcomes; Environmental impact assessments; Sustainable development; Laws and legislation; environmental impact assessment; environmental legislation; environmental policy; sustainability; sustainable development; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82955175530 | Vuvuzela media coverage during the 2010 FIFA soccer world cup tournament: Impact on raising awareness of noise-induced hearing loss | Ramma L. | 2011 | Noise and Health | 13 | 55 | 10.4103/1463-1741.90302 | Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital, F-45, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa | Ramma, L., Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital, F-45, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa | Hearing loss, most specifically noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to vuvuzela noise, received extended media coverage before and during the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) soccer world cup tournament. This study aimed to evaluate the impact that this media coverage had on raising awareness about NIHL due to exposure to vuvuzela noise at soccer matches among South African soccer spectators. A descriptive survey study, using a 24-item, self-administered questionnaire was used for this study. One hundred and forty seven (147) soccer spectators were surveyed before (N 1 =73) and after (N 2 =74) the tournament. Systematic sampling strategy was used to select the participants. Participants completed the questionnaire before the start of matches. Sixteen percent of the participants surveyed reported having had some media exposure about NIHL due to exposure to vuvuzela noise during soccer matches before the tournament in comparison to 26% of the participants after the tournament. This increase in the level of awareness was not statistically significant. Further, most participants were still not aware of the risk of NIHL to them from exposure to excessive noise during matches and did not consider hearing loss from noise exposure during soccer matches a serious concern both before and after the tournament. The results of this study therefore seem to suggest that vuvuzela media coverage during the 2010 FIFA soccer world cup tournament did not significantly raise the level of awareness about NIHL due to exposure to excessive noise during matches among the spectators surveyed. | Awareness; Hearing loss; Noise-induced hearing loss; Soccer; Spectators; Vuvuzela | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856005905 | Vulnerability of coastal communities to key impacts of climate change on coral reef fisheries | Cinner J.E., McClanahan T.R., Graham N.A.J., Daw T.M., Maina J., Stead S.M., Wamukota A., Brown K., Bodin O. | 2012 | Global Environmental Change | 22 | 1 | 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.09.018 | Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460-1099, United States; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya; Computational Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, Sweden; Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, Sweden | Cinner, J.E., Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; McClanahan, T.R., Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460-1099, United States; Graham, N.A.J., Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Daw, T.M., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Maina, J., Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya, Computational Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Stead, S.M., School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Wamukota, A., Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya; Brown, K., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Bodin, O., Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, Sweden, Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, Sweden | Coral reefs support the livelihood of millions of people especially those engaged in marine fisheries activities. Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to climate change induced stresses that have led to substantial coral mortality over large spatial scales. Such climate change impacts have the potential to lead to declines in marine fish production and compromise the livelihoods of fisheries dependent communities. Yet few studies have examined social vulnerability in the context of changes specific to coral reef ecosystems. In this paper, we examine three dimensions of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity) of 29 coastal communities across five western Indian Ocean countries to the impacts of coral bleaching on fishery returns. A key contribution is the development of a novel, network-based approach to examining sensitivity to changes in the fishery that incorporates linkages between fishery and non-fishery occupations. We find that key sources of vulnerability differ considerably within and between the five countries. Our approach allows the visualization of how these dimensions of vulnerability differ from site to site, providing important insights into the types of nuanced policy interventions that may help to reduce vulnerability at a specific location. To complement this, we develop framework of policy actions thought to reduce different aspects of vulnerability at varying spatial and temporal scales. Although our results are specific to reef fisheries impacts from coral bleaching, this approach provides a framework for other types of threats and different social-ecological systems more broadly. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Coral bleaching; Coral reef; Fisheries; Global climate change; Resilience; Social-ecological systems; Vulnerability | climate change; coastal zone; coral; coral bleaching; coral reef; economic impact; environmental stress; fishery economics; fishery production; global change; mortality; nature-society relations; policy approach; vulnerability; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (West); Anthozoa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865818749 | Vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation to sea level rise taking an ecosystem-based approach | Alverson K. | 2012 | Oceanography | 25 | 3 | 10.5670/oceanog.2012.101 | Climate Change Adaptation and Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch, Climate Adaptation Unit, United Nations Environment Programme Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, Nairobi, Kenya | Alverson, K., Climate Change Adaptation and Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch, Climate Adaptation Unit, United Nations Environment Programme Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, Nairobi, Kenya | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871891224 | Vowel targeted intervention for children with persisting speech difficulties: Impact on intelligibility | Speake J., Stackhouse J., Pascoe M. | 2012 | Child Language Teaching and Therapy | 28 | 3 | 10.1177/0265659012453463 | Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Child Health, Ida Darwin Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB1 9SA, United Kingdom; University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; University of Cape Town, South Africa | Speake, J., Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Child Health, Ida Darwin Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB1 9SA, United Kingdom; Stackhouse, J., University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; Pascoe, M., University of Cape Town, South Africa | Compared to the treatment of consonant segments, the treatment of vowels is infrequently described in the literature on children's speech difficulties. Vowel difficulties occur less frequently than those with consonants but may have significant impact on intelligibility. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of vowel targeted intervention (VTI) with two 10-year-old children with severe and persisting speech difficulties measures of (a) percentage vowels correct and (b) intelligibility outcomes by peer group listeners were used. Assessment of vowel production was used to design and carry out intervention for each child, the success of which was measured in two ways: comparing (a) percentage of vowels correct before and after the intervention, (b) the percentage of pre- vs. post-intervention utterances understood by a group of typical peer listeners (aged 9 to 11 years). Pre- and post-intervention speech samples (comprising single words, imitated sentences and spontaneous speech) were edited onto a CD for these listeners, who were asked to write down what had been said. The two children with speech difficulties made significant improvement in vowel production as measured by the percentage of vowels correct. The listeners perceived more productions accurately post-intervention than pre-intervention. There was also a reduction in the range of the listeners' misperceptions of target words. VTI was effective in terms of both increasing PVC and intelligibility outcomes as judged by peer group listeners. It is not more complicated to carry out VTI than consonant targeted intervention; this should be considered more often when planning therapy for children where vowels are affected. © The Author(s) 2012. | intelligibility; intervention; peer-group listeners; persisting speech difficulties; treatment outcomes; vowels | None | None |
None | None | Vouchers for scaling up insecticide-treated nets in Tanzania: Methods for monitoring and evaluation of a national health system intervention | Hanson K., Nathan R., Marchant T., Mponda H., Jones C., Bruce J., Stephen G., Mulligan J., Mshinda H., Schellenberg J.A. | 2008 | BMC Public Health | 8 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-8-205 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Hanson, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Nathan, R., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Marchant, T., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mponda, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Jones, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Bruce, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Stephen, G., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mulligan, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Mshinda, H., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Schellenberg, J.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, PO Box 78373, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background. The Tanzania National Voucher Scheme (TNVS) uses the public health system and the commercial sector to deliver subsidised insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to pregnant women. The system began operation in October 2004 and by May 2006 was operating in all districts in the country. Evaluating complex public health interventions which operate at national level requires a multidisciplinary approach, novel methods, and collaboration with implementers to support the timely translation of findings into programme changes. This paper describes this novel approach to delivering ITNs and the design of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Methods. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary M&E design was developed collaboratively between researchers and the National Malaria Control Programme. Five main domains of investigation were identified: (1) ITN coverage among target groups, (2) provision and use of reproductive and child health services, (3) "leakage" of vouchers, (4) the commercial ITN market, and (5) cost and cost-effectiveness of the scheme. Results. The evaluation plan combined quantitative (household and facility surveys, voucher tracking, retail census and cost analysis) and qualitative (focus groups and in-depth interviews) methods. This plan was defined in collaboration with implementing partners but undertaken independently. Findings were reported regularly to the national malaria control programme and partners, and used to modify the implementation strategy over time. Conclusion. The M&E of the TNVS is a potential model for generating information to guide national and international programmers about options for delivering priority interventions. It is independent, comprehensive, provides timely results, includes information on intermediate processes to allow implementation to be modified, measures leakage as well as coverage, and measures progress over time. © 2008 Hanson et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | insecticide; article; bed net; child health care; cost effectiveness analysis; government; interview; malaria control; market; reproductive health; Tanzania; animal; bed; economics; female; health care quality; health center; human; interdisciplinary communication; malaria; methodology; mosquito; pregnancy; public health; social care; Tanzania; utilization review; Animals; Bedding and Linens; Female; Humans; Insecticides; Interdisciplinary Communication; Malaria; Maternal-Child Health Centers; Mosquito Control; National Health Programs; Pregnancy; Process Assessment (Health Care); Program Evaluation; Public Assistance; Tanzania | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000246162900008 | Voluntary counselling and testing: uptake, impact on sexual behaviour, and HIV incidence in a rural Zimbabwean cohort | Chawira, Godwin,Cremin, Ide,Dube, Sabada,Gregson, Simon,Kakowa, Memory,Lopman, Ben,Nyamukapa, Constance,Oberzaucher, Nicole,Sherr, Lorraine | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 7 | None | Imperial College London, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Medical School, University College London, University of London, Biomed Res & Training Inst, European Ctr Social Welf Policy & Res | None | Objectives: To examine the determinants of uptake of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services, to assess changes in sexual risk behaviour following VCT, and to compare HIV incidence amongst testers and non-testers.
Methods: Prospective population-based cohort study of adult men and women in the Manicaland province of eastern Zimbabwe. Demographic, socioeconomic, sexual behaviour and VCT utilization data were collected at baseline (1998-2000) and follow-up (3 years later). HIV status was determined by HIV-1 antibody detection. In addition to services provided by the government and non-governmental organizations, a mobile VCT clinic was available at study sites.
Results: Lifetime uptake of VCT increased from under 6% to 11% at follow-up. Age, increasing education and knowledge of HIV were associated with VCT uptake. Women who took a test were more likely to be HIV positive and to have greater HIV knowledge and fewer total lifetime partners. After controlling for demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour was not independently associated with VCT uptake. Women who tested positive reported increased consistent condom use in their regular partnerships. However, individuals who tested negative were more likely to adopt more risky behaviours in terms of numbers of partnerships in the last month, the last year and in concurrent partnerships. HIV incidence during follow-up did not differ between testers and non-testers.
Conclusion: Motivation for VCT uptake was driven by knowledge and education rather than sexual risk. Increased sexual risk following receipt of a negative result may be a serious unintended consequence of VCT. It should be minimized with appropriate pre- and post-test counselling. (c) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | counselling,"HIV INCIDENCE","sexual behaviour",VCT,ZIMBABWE,AFRICA,COUPLES,EFFICACY,KENYA,MEN,PREVENTION,RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"RISK BEHAVIOR",TANZANIA,TRANSMISSION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954402441 | Volumetric analysis and chemistry students performance: Combined influence of study habit, physiological and psychological factors | Alam G.M., Oke O.K., Orimogunje T. | 2010 | Scientific Research and Essays | 5 | 11 | None | University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mathematics and Science Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Science and Technical Education Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Alam, G.M., University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Oke, O.K., Mathematics and Science Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Orimogunje, T., Science and Technical Education Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Several factors can work in concert to influence the students' attitudes and behavior towards quantitative aspect of practical chemistry particularly volumetric analysis. This study investigated the influence of students' study habit, physiological and psychological factors on their attitudes and behavior towards the volumetric analysis in practical chemistry. Two hundred and forty randomly selected senior secondary two students from six secondary schools in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State constituted the sample. It was hypothesized that students' study habit variables such as time allocation, reading and note-taking, concentration, anxiety and stress, and teachers' consultation would not significantly influence students' attitudes during volumetric analysis practical exercises. The hypotheses were tested by using chi square at 0.05 levels of significance following the administration of study habit inventory on the subjects. The results indicated that these factors actually influenced the attitudes of the subjects towards volumetric analysis exercises. It was recommended that chemistry teachers need to have proper understanding of these physiological and psychological factors to enable them enhance students' attitudes and performances in practical chemistry. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Physiological and psychological factors; Students' attitudes and performance; Study habit; Volumetric analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881502970 | Voltage-differentiated electricity tariffs and economic evaluation of a supply voltage choice: A case of a customer in South Africa | Mbuli N., Pretorius J. | 2013 | International Review of Electrical Engineering | 8 | 3 | None | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Road, Oakaland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Eskom Holdings SoC Limited, Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), P. O. Box 2011, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 44587, Linden, 2104, South Africa | Mbuli, N., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Road, Oakaland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa, University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Eskom Holdings SoC Limited, Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), P. O. Box 2011, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa; Pretorius, J., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Road, Oakaland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 44587, Linden, 2104, South Africa | The cost of providing electricity to customers depends on the voltage at which they take supply. Because of this, many utilities around the world have electricity tariff rates that vary according to the voltage at which supply is taken. Economic evaluation of investments is a critical factor to ensure their worth, and this applies equally to electrical infrastructure, including customer load connection. In this paper, the authors evaluated the worth of taking supply at a higher voltage in comparison with doing so at a lower voltage. The impact of the customer's load size and load factor on this worth was also studied. A case study considering voltage-differentiated electricity tariffs in Eskom was conducted. It was demonstrated that, in the case of Eskom's scenario, taking supply at a higher voltage had a significant worth to eligible customers. Such worth increased significantly with load and factor. It was concluded that, in assessing the worth of investment, customers have to assess the impact of voltage choice on their investments carefully as this could help identify voltage that can make marginal projects worthwhile and those that are justifiable even more robust. © 2013 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Cumulative net present value; Economic evaluation; Electricity tariff; Net Present Value (NPV); Payback period | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-73449148719 | Volatile compounds profile and sensory evaluation of Beninese condiments produced by inocula of Bacillus subtilis | Azokpota P., Hounhouigan J.D., Annan N.T., Odjo T., Nago M.C., Jakobsen M. | 2010 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 90 | 3 | 10.1002/jsfa.3835 | Département de Nutrition et Sciences Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Agronomiques Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M-20, Accra, Ghana; Centre de Biométrie, de Statistique et d'Informatique Générale de la Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526, Cotonou, Benin; Department of Food Science, Food Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DR-1958, Frederiksberg C, Denmark | Azokpota, P., Département de Nutrition et Sciences Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Agronomiques Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin; Hounhouigan, J.D., Département de Nutrition et Sciences Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Agronomiques Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin; Annan, N.T., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M-20, Accra, Ghana; Odjo, T., Centre de Biométrie, de Statistique et d'Informatique Générale de la Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526, Cotonou, Benin; Nago, M.C., Département de Nutrition et Sciences Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Agronomiques Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin; Jakobsen, M., Department of Food Science, Food Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DR-1958, Frederiksberg C, Denmark | BACKGROUND: Three Beninese food condiments (ABS124h, IBS248h and SBS348h) were produced by controlled fermentation of African locust beans using inocula of pure cultures of Bacillus subtilis,BS1,BS2andBS3,respectively.Quantitativeandqualitative assessments of the volatile compounds in the condiments produced have been performed using the Likens-Nickerson simultaneous distillation-extraction method and GC-MS analysis, followed by a sensory evaluation in comparison with the spontaneously fermented condiments. RESULTS:A total of 94 volatile compounds have been found including 53 compounds identified in relatively high concentrations and were subdivided into seven main groups with the predominance of four major groups: pyrazines, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols. Compared to the spontaneously fermented condiments, volatile compounds identified in controlled fermented condiments have been found in high number and in concentrations which varied according to the inoculum of B. subtilis used. The condiments produced with starter cultures scored significantly (P < 0.05) higher for odour than the spontaneously fermented condiments. But the overall acceptability (7/10) of the two types of condiments was similar. CONCLUSION: The investigated B.subtilis, BS1, BS2 and BS3 can be considered as potential starter cultures for the fermentation of African locust beans to produce good quality of Beninese food condiments. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry. | Bacillus subtilis; Beninese condiments; Parkia biglobosa; Sensory evaluation; Starter cultures; Volatile compounds | plant extract; volatile organic compound; article; Bacillus subtilis; Benin; chemistry; condiment; distillation; fermentation; food control; legume; metabolism; microbiology; odor; plant seed; Bacillus subtilis; Benin; Condiments; Distillation; Fabaceae; Fermentation; Food Microbiology; Odors; Plant Extracts; Seeds; Volatile Organic Compounds; Bacillus subtilis; Parkia biglobosa; Parkia filicoidea | None |
None | None | Vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania: The impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy on coverage | Masanja H., Schellenberg J.A., Mshinda H.M., Shekar M., Mugyabuso J.K.L., Ndossi G.D., De Savigny D. | 2006 | BMC Health Services Research | 6 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-6-142 | Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Human Development Network (HDNHE), World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Helen Keller International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Essential Health Interventions Project, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Masanja, H., Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Schellenberg, J.A., Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Mshinda, H.M., Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Shekar, M., Human Development Network (HDNHE), World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Mugyabuso, J.K.L., Helen Keller International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ndossi, G.D., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; De Savigny, D., Department of Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland, Tanzania Essential Health Interventions Project, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: Efficient delivery strategies for health interventions are essential for high and sustainable coverage. We report impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy from routine delivery through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI+) approach to twice-yearly mass distribution campaigns on coverage of vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania Methods: We investigated disparities in age, sex, socio-economic status, nutritional status and maternal education within vitamin A coverage in children between 1 and 2 years of age from two independent household level child health surveys conducted (1) during a continuous universal targeting scheme based on routine EPI contacts for children aged 9, 15 and 21 months (1999); and (2) three years later after the introduction of twice-yearly vitamin A supplementation campaigns for children aged 6 months to 5 years, a 6-monthly universal targeting scheme (2002). A representative cluster sample of approximately 2,400 rural households was obtained from Rufiji, Morogoro Rural, Kilombero and Ulanga districts. A modular questionnaire about the health of all children under the age of five was administered to consenting heads of households and caretakers of children. Information on the use of child health interventions including vitamin A was asked. Results: Coverage of vitamin A supplementation among 1-2 year old children increased from 13% [95% CI 10-18%] in 1999 to 76% [95%CI 72-81%] in 2002. In 2002 knowledge of two or more child health danger signs was negatively associated with vitamin A supplementation coverage (80% versus 70%) (p = 0.04). Nevertheless, we did not find any disparities in coverage of vitamin A by district, gender, socio-economic status and DPT vaccinations. Conclusion: Change in programmatic delivery of vitamin A supplementation was associated with a major improvement in coverage in Tanzania that was been sustained by repeated campaigns for at least three years. There is a need to monitor the effect of such campaigns on the routine health system and on equity of coverage. Documentation of vitamin A supplementation campaign contacts on routine maternal and child health cards would be a simple step to facilitate this monitoring. © 2006 Masanja et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | retinol; retinol; article; child health; controlled study; cost; health program; health survey; human; preschool child; questionnaire; Tanzania; vitamin supplementation; attitude to health; diet supplementation; economics; evaluation study; health care survey; infant; insurance; nutritional status; organization and management; preventive health service; primary health care; procedures; socioeconomics; supply and distribution; utilization; Vitamin A Deficiency; Child, Preschool; Dietary Supplements; Health Care Surveys; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Immunization Programs; Infant; Nutritional Status; Primary Health Care; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Tanzania; Universal Coverage; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884258752 | Visual performance in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration undergoing treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab | Sabour-Pickett S., Loughman J., Nolan J.M., Stack J., Pesudovs K., Meagher K.A., Beatty S. | 2013 | Journal of Ophthalmology | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/268438 | Department of Optometry, School of Physics, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland; Institute of Eye Surgery, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland; Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, Australia | Sabour-Pickett, S., Department of Optometry, School of Physics, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland, Institute of Eye Surgery, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland, Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Loughman, J., Department of Optometry, School of Physics, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland, African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nolan, J.M., Institute of Eye Surgery, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland, Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Stack, J., Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Pesudovs, K., Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, Australia; Meagher, K.A., Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Beatty, S., Institute of Eye Surgery, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland, Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland | Purpose. To assess visual function and its response to serial intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nv-AMD). Methods. Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with nv-AMD, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) logMAR 0.7 or better, undergoing intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, were enrolled into this prospective study. Visual function was assessed using a range of psychophysical tests, while mean foveal thickness (MFT) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results. Group mean (±sd) MFT reduced significantly from baseline (233 (±59)) to exit (205 (±40)) (P = 0.001). CDVA exhibited no change between baseline and exit visits (P = 0.48 and P = 0.31, resp.). Measures of visual function that did exhibit statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05 for all) included reading acuity, reading speed, mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity (CS), mesopic and photopic glare disability (GD), and retinotopic ocular sensitivity (ROS) at all eccentricities. Conclusion. Eyes with nv-AMD undergoing intravitreal ranibizumab injections exhibit improvements in many parameters of visual function. Outcome measures other than CDVA, such as CS, GD, and ROS, should not only be considered in the design of studies investigating nv-AMD, but also in treatment and retreatment strategies for patients with the condition. © 2013 Sarah Sabour-Pickett et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938930442 | Visual evaluation of beef tenderness by using surface structural observations and its relationship to meat colour | Modika K.Y., Frylinck L., Moloto K.W., Strydom P.E., Heinze P.H., Webb E.C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 45 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v45i3.4 | Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | Modika, K.Y., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Frylinck, L., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Moloto, K.W., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Strydom, P.E., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Heinze, P.H., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | The study describes the relationship between visual and instrumental measurements for colour and tenderness between five South African beef breeds: Bos indicus (Brahman), Sanga type (Nguni), British Bos taurus (Angus), European Bos taurus (Charolais) and the composite (Bonsmara). Ten animals per genotype were used (total = 50). The carcasses were split and the right sides were electrically stimulated, while the left sides were not stimulated. Steaks were aged until three days post mortem on polystyrene plates and until 9, 14 and 20 days post mortem in vacuum bags. The steaks were evaluated by visual analysis for colour, marbling, fibre separation, surface texture and structure integrity by a 10-member trained panel. Colour was also measured by the CIE L*, a*, b* system using a Minolta meter, and tenderness was measured by means of Warner-Bratzler shear force. High negative correlations were observed between the visual colour and L* (r =-0.809), b* (r =-0.698) and high positive correlations were observed between the visual colour and hue (r = 0.797). There were also negative correlations between shear force and structure integrity (r =-0.410) and fibre separation (r =-0.401). Very low negative correlations were observed between colour and shear force (r =-0.242). Therefore, although it may be possible to judge meat colour by visual analysis, it does not appear possible to predict tenderness by colour judgment. There is potential for an experienced eye to predict tenderness by observing visual structural properties such as fibre separation and structural integrity. | Meat colour and tenderness; Tenderness prediction; Trained visual panel; Visual analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-37649003663 | Virtual international experiences in veterinary medicine: an evaluation of students' attitudes toward computer-based learning | French B.C., Hird D.W., Romano P.S., Hayes R.H., Nijhof A.M., Jongejan F., Mellor D.J., Singer R.S., Fine A.E., Gaye J.M., Davis R.G., Conrad P.A. | 2007 | Journal of Veterinary Medical Education | 34 | 4 | None | US Air Force; Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis Medical Center, PSSB 2400, 4150 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States; Computer Assisted Learning Facility, Office of the Dean, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL 3508 Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University; Department of Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Population Medicine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, United States; Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164-7010, United States; Center for Food Security and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50013, United States; Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | French, B.C., US Air Force; Hird, D.W., Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Romano, P.S., Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis Medical Center, PSSB 2400, 4150 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States; Hayes, R.H., Computer Assisted Learning Facility, Office of the Dean, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Nijhof, A.M., Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL 3508 Utrecht, Netherlands; Jongejan, F., Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Department of Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Mellor, D.J., Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom; Singer, R.S., Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Fine, A.E., Population Medicine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, United States; Gaye, J.M., Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164-7010, United States; Davis, R.G., Center for Food Security and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50013, United States; Conrad, P.A., Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | While many studies have evaluated whether or not factual information can be effectively communicated using computer-aided tools, none has focused on establishing and changing students' attitudes toward international animal-health issues. The study reported here was designed to assess whether educational modules on an interactive computer CD elicited a change in veterinary students' interest in and attitudes toward international animal-health issues. Volunteer veterinary students at seven universities (first-year students at three universities, second-year at one, third-year at one, and fourth-year at two) were given by random assignment either an International Animal Health (IAH) CD or a control CD, ParasitoLog (PL). Participants completed a pre-CD survey to establish baseline information on interest and attitudes toward both computers and international animal-health issues. Four weeks later, a post-CD questionnaire was distributed. On the initial survey, most students expressed an interest in working in the field of veterinary medicine in another country. Responses to the three pre-CD questions relating to attitudes toward the globalization of veterinary medicine, interest in foreign animal disease, and inclusion of a core course on international health issues in the veterinary curriculum were all positive, with average values above 3 (on a five-point scale where 5 represented strong agreement or interest). Almost all students considered it beneficial to learn about animal-health issues in other countries. After students reviewed the IAH CD, we found a decrease at four universities, an increase at one university, and no change at the remaining two universities in students' interest in working in some area of international veterinary medicine. However, none of the differences was statistically significant. © 2007 AAVMC. | Computer-based; Education; International; Veterinary medicine | adolescent; adult; article; attitude; attitude to computers; education; female; human; international cooperation; Internet; male; methodology; psychological aspect; questionnaire; student; teaching; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Attitude to Computers; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Education, Distance; Education, Veterinary; Female; Humans; International Cooperation; Internet; Male; Questionnaires; Students; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916244520 | Viral load versus CD4+ monitoring and 5-year outcomes of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive children in Southern Africa: A cohort-based modelling study | Salazar-Vizcaya L., Keiser O., Technau K., Davies M.-A., Haas A.D., Blaser N., Cox V., Eley B., Rabie H., Moultrie H., Giddy J., Wood R., Egger M., Estill J. | 2014 | AIDS | 28 | 16 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000446 | Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland; Rahima Moosa Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Khayelitsha ART Programme, Médecins Sans Frontières, India; Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Salazar-Vizcaya, L., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland; Keiser, O., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland; Technau, K., Rahima Moosa Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Davies, M.-A., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Haas, A.D., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland; Blaser, N., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland; Cox, V., Khayelitsha ART Programme, Médecins Sans Frontières, India; Eley, B., Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rabie, H., Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Moultrie, H., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Giddy, J., McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Egger, M., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Estill, J., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, Bern, Switzerland | Objectives: Many paediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in Southern Africa rely on CD4+ to monitor ART. We assessed the benefit of replacing CD4+ by viral load monitoring.Design: A mathematical modelling study.Methods: A simulation model of HIV progression over 5 years in children on ART, parameterized by data from seven South African cohorts. We simulated treatment programmes with 6-monthly CD4+ or 6- or 12-monthly viral load monitoring. We compared mortality, second-line ART use, immunological failure and time spent on failing ART. In further analyses, we varied the rate of virological failure, and assumed that the rate is higher with CD4+ than with viral load monitoring.Results: About 7% of children were predicted to die within 5 years, independent of the monitoring strategy. Compared with CD4+ monitoring, 12-monthly viral load monitoring reduced the 5-year risk of immunological failure from 1.6 to 1.0% and the mean time spent on failing ART from 6.6 to 3.6 months; 1% of children with CD4+ compared with 12% with viral load monitoring switched to second-line ART. Differences became larger when assuming higher rates of virological failure. When assuming higher virological failure rates with CD4+ than with viral load monitoring, up to 4.2% of children with CD4+ compared with 1.5% with viral load monitoring experienced immunological failure; the mean time spent on failing ART was 27.3 months with CD4+ monitoring and 6.0 months with viral load monitoring.Conclusion: Viral load monitoring did not affect 5-year mortality, but reduced time on failing ART, improved immunological response and increased switching to second-line ART. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antiretroviral therapy; Children; Mathematical model; Sub-Saharan Africa; Viral load monitoring | antivirus agent; nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; proteinase inhibitor; antiretrovirus agent; antiviral therapy; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; child; childhood disease; cohort analysis; disease course; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; mortality; outcome assessment; patient compliance; simulation; therapy; treatment failure; treatment outcome; virus load; adolescent; Africa; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; comparative study; drug monitoring; evaluation study; female; HIV Infections; immunology; infant; male; preschool child; procedures; survival; theoretical model; virology; Adolescent; Africa, Southern; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Drug Monitoring; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Male; Models, Theoretical; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load | 32333B-150934, SNSF, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; 5U01-AI069924-05, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959624575 | Violence and culture on women role performance in economic and sustainable development in Nigeria | Arisi R.O. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 21 | 3 | None | Social Science Education, Delta State University Abraka, Nigeria | Arisi, R.O., Social Science Education, Delta State University Abraka, Nigeria | Nigeria just like any other African Countries is besieged with harmful cultural practices which tend to regulate womanhood in the Socio-economic as well as political development of the nation. To this extent, this paper will examine the issues of violence against women and the destabilizing effect of cultural practices among women which tends to limit their role in the sustainable development of the nation. This paper will also proffer solutions to the identifiable social and cultural practices which tend to limit the role performance of women in the country. | None | None | None |
None | None | Village electrification technologies - An evaluation of photovoltaic cells and compact fluorescent lamps and their applicability in rural villages based on a Tanzanian case study | Gullberg M., Ilskog E., Katyega M., Kjellström B. | 2005 | Energy Policy | 33 | 10 | 10.1016/j.enpol.2003.12.005 | Royal Institute of Technology, Avdelningen Byggnadsteknik, Brinellvagen 34, Stockholm S-100 44, Sweden; Luleå University of Technology, Luleå S-971 87, Sweden; Tanzania Elec. Supply Company Ltd., P.O. Box 9024, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Gullberg, M., Royal Institute of Technology, Avdelningen Byggnadsteknik, Brinellvagen 34, Stockholm S-100 44, Sweden; Ilskog, E., Luleå University of Technology, Luleå S-971 87, Sweden; Katyega, M., Tanzania Elec. Supply Company Ltd., P.O. Box 9024, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kjellström, B., Luleå University of Technology, Luleå S-971 87, Sweden | Electrification of remote sites in developing countries is often realised trough diesel generator sets and an electric distribution network. This was also the technology used in the village Urambo, where the first rural electrification co-operative in Tanzania was started in 1994. Climate change however calls for decreased fossil fuel combustion worldwide and new technologies have been further developed since the erection of the diesel generator sets in Urambo. It is therefore not obvious that electrification of other rural areas shall follow the Urambo example. In this article, the situation for 250 electricity consumers in Urambo will be demonstrated and the implications for them of introducing new technologies will be evaluated. Technology options regarded in the study are individual photovoltaic (PV) power systems and either incandescent lamps, tube lights or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) supplied by diesel generation. The different options have been evaluated with respect to consumer costs and environmental impact. The results of the comparison show that PV generation is able to compete with diesel generation if combined with incandescent lamps, but not when tube lights or CFLs are used in the conventional supply system. It should be noted, however, that while the diesel option offer financially more attractive solutions, individual PV systems do not result in any CO2 emissions. Furthermore, PV systems normally have a higher reliability. However, since the diesel option is not only cheaper but also offers a wider range of energy services and facilitates, future connection to the national electric grid, the conclusion is that this is preferable before individual PV systems for communities similar to Urambo, if the consumers shall pay the full cost of the service. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Rural electrification; Tanzania; Technologies | Climate change; Combustion; Costs; Electric generators; Electric power distribution; Environmental impact; Fluorescent lamps; Fossil fuels; Incandescent lamps; Reliability; Compact fluorescent lights (CFL); Diesel generators; Photovoltaic power systems; Tanzania; Photovoltaic cells; alternative energy; photovoltaic system; resource development; rural electrification; solar power; technological development; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; World | None |
WoS | WOS:000322531600001 | Views from the global south: exploring how student volunteers from the global north can achieve sustainable impact in global health | Dimaras, Helen,Ouma, Brian D. O. | 2013 | GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH | 9 | None | 10.1186/1744-8603-9-32 | Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University College London, University of London, University of Toronto, Daisys Eye Canc Fund Canada, Daisys Eye Canc Fund Kenya, Toronto Western Res Inst | None | Background: The body of research and practice regarding student volunteer abroad experiences largely focuses on ensuring the optimal learning experience for the student from the Global North, without equivalent attention to the benefits, if any, to the host institution in the Global South. In this debate article, we examine an often overlooked component of global student volunteer programs: the views of the local partner on what makes for a mutually beneficial partnership between volunteers from the Global North and institutions in the Global South.
Discussion: To guide our discussion, we drew upon the experiences of a Kenyan NGO with a Canadian student volunteer in the summer of 2012, organized via a formalized partnership with a Canadian university. We found that the approach of the NGO to hosting the student mirrored the organizational behaviour theories of Margaret J. Wheatley, who emphasized a disorderly or 'chaotic' approach to acquiring impactful change, coupled with a focus on building solid human relationships. Rather than following a set of rigid goals or tasks, the student was encouraged to critically engage and participate in all aspects of the culture of the organization and country, to naturally discover an area where his priorities aligned with the needs of the NGO. Solid networks and interpersonal connections resulted in a process useful for the organization long after the student's short-term placement ended.
Summary: Our discussion reveals key features of successful academic volunteer abroad placements: equal partnership in the design phase between organizations in the Global North and Global South; the absence of rigid structures or preplanned tasks during the student's placement; participatory observation and critical engagement of the student volunteer; and a willingness of the partners to measure impact by the resultant process instead of tangible outcomes. | "critical engagement","global health","MEDICAL EDUCATION","student volunteers","study abroad","volunteer tourism",ABROAD,EDUCATION,ELECTIVES,EXPERIENCES,PROGRAM,RESIDENTS,WORK | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898448405 | Views from below: Students' perceptions of teaching practice evaluations and stakeholder roles | Sosibo L. | 2013 | Perspectives in Education | 31 | 4 | None | Department of Education, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Sosibo, L., Department of Education, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Interest in teaching practice as an essential component of teacher education is growing. In spite of this, there is a dearth of research investigating students' perceptions of teaching practice evaluations from them as beneficiaries. This qualitative study examines students' perceptions of teaching practice evaluations administered by means of observations and criteria-based forms from a systems theory approach, with a view to establishing how effectively all aspects of support, structure and teaching practice evaluation interact and contribute to the development of new teachers. The sample was drawn from one of three campuses that offer the teacher education programme. Data was gathered from 12 focus groups of 57 students using in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Results revealed that, although students generally found teaching practice evaluations meaningful, several systemic factors mitigated against their growth and development. Recommendations included strengthening partnerships between schools and university and among all stakeholders; development of a teaching practice theoretical framework and alignment of teaching practice in the campuses that offer the teacher education programme, and developing teaching practice frameworks and structures that could offer students meaningful learning experiences while they are in the schools. © 2013 University of the Free State. | Collaboration; Evaluations; Stakeholders; Support; Teacher education; Teaching practice | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952049445 | Vibration control and preliminary evaluation of a piezoelectric actuator for use as a force-feedback device | M'Boungui G., Lemaire-Semail B., Giraud F. | 2014 | European Journal of Electrical Engineering | 17 | 1 | 10.3166/EJEE.17.9-26 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag 7680, Pretoria, South Africa; Laboratoire D'Électrotechnique et D'Électronique de Puissance de Lille, IRCICA, Université Lille 1, 50 Av. Halley, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France | M'Boungui, G., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag 7680, Pretoria, South Africa; Lemaire-Semail, B., Laboratoire D'Électrotechnique et D'Électronique de Puissance de Lille, IRCICA, Université Lille 1, 50 Av. Halley, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France; Giraud, F., Laboratoire D'Électrotechnique et D'Électronique de Puissance de Lille, IRCICA, Université Lille 1, 50 Av. Halley, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France | As a solution to cope with the lack of compactness and simplicity often encountered in haptic interfaces, we propose a device based on friction coefficient control principle. This device includes polarised piezoceramics well adjusted and glued to a 64x38x3 mm copperberyllium plate supported by four legs. Then, properly energised around a resonant frequency, with legs at antinodes, a stationary wave is created in the plate. Variable friction forces between the legs and the plane substrate are created by the control of the wave amplitude, according to electro-active lubrication. So the user obtains force feedback by holding the plate, and moving it on a plane substrate, as he could do with a mouse interface. Preliminary psychophysical evaluation trends to assess the validity of the device as a force feedback interface. © 2014 Lavoisier. | Electro-active lubrication; Haptic; Piezoelectric actuator | Actuators; Friction; Haptic interfaces; Interfaces (materials); Lubrication; Natural frequencies; Piezoelectric ceramics; Piezoelectricity; Control principle; Electro actives; Force feedback devices; Friction coefficients; Haptic; Lack of compactness; Psychophysical evaluation; Variable frictions; Piezoelectric actuators | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864757592 | Very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity (ER) investigation for groundwater potential evaluation in a complex geological terrain around the Ijebu-Ode transition zone, southwestern Nigeria | Osinowo O.O., Olayinka A.I. | 2012 | Journal of Geophysics and Engineering | 9 | 4 | 10.1088/1742-2132/9/4/374 | Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Osinowo, O.O., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olayinka, A.I., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Groundwater exploration in either a basement or sedimentary environment is often fairly well defined and focuses on delineating weathered/fractured rocks or saturated formations, respectively. Conversely, unique geological structures, the complex coexistence of different rock types and poorly defined basal/lateral contacts between basement and sedimentary rocks make groundwater development in a geological transition environment very challenging. Ijebu-Ode and its environs lie within such a problematic transition zone, between the Precambrian basement rocks and Cretaceous sediments of the Dahomey Basin, in southwestern Nigeria, where associated acute groundwater development challenges require adequate subsurface information to maximize its groundwater resource potential. This study integrated very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity (ER) geophysical prospecting techniques for a detailed terrain study of Ijebu-Ode in order to establish the reasons for the low groundwater resource potential in the area. Thirty five VLF-EM profiles, 140 vertical electrical soundings (VES) and relevant hydrogeological data were acquired along grids and profiles. Data were filtered, inverted and enhanced using appropriate software packages. The current density and geoelectric parameters of the VLF-EM and VES data were employed to generate terrain maps, the conductivity distribution and a subsurface basement model of the study area. Current density plots and geoelectric parameters identified up to three layers in the basement complex terrain which comprised lateritic topsoil, weathered basement and fresh basement rocks. The five layers encountered in the sedimentary terrain were topsoil, a lateritic unit, a dry sandy unit, a saturated sandy unit and fresh basement rocks. The hydraulic conductivity of the thick (3-18m) lateritic unit was determined to be 1.32×10 5mm s 1, while that of the underlying sandy units ranged from 2.65×10 4to 1.36×10 3mm s 1. The thick but less permeable lateritic unit which overlaid the more permeable rocks constituted a partial impermeable overburden that prevented an adequate groundwater recharge during and immediately after rainfall. Three zones were delineated as low, medium and high groundwater resource potential areas, located in the northern, central and southern part of the study area, respectively. The low groundwater resource potential around Ijebu-Ode is due to the less permeable lateritic overburden, which prevents an adequate recharge during rainfall and the rugged/undulating basement topography that controls the distribution and storage of the limited recharged water. The southern part of the study area can be developed to meet the water needs of the inhabitants. © 2012 Sinopec Geophysical Research Institute. | basement; current density; Dahomey Basin; geoelectrical parameter; lateritic unit | basement rock; electrical resistivity; electromagnetic method; geoelectric field; groundwater exploration; groundwater resource; hydraulic conductivity; resource development; sedimentary rock; terrain; transition zone; Atlantic Ocean; Dahomey Basin; Gulf of Guinea; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884409131 | Vertical electrical sounding investigation for delineation of geoelectric layers and evaluation of groundwater potential in Ajagba, Asa and Ikonifin localities of Ola Oluwa local government area of Osun state, south western Nigeria | Onimisi M., Daniel A., Kolawole M.S. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 6 | 18 | None | Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria; Formerly Hydromarine Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria | Onimisi, M., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria, Formerly Hydromarine Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria; Daniel, A., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria; Kolawole, M.S., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys were carried out at Ajagba, Asa and Ikonifin communities in the north of Ola Oluwa local government area of Osun state, Nigeria in order to delineate the geoelectric layers in the area as well as evaluate the groundwater potential. The area is in the basement complex terrain of Nigeria where the occurrence of groundwater is highly unpredictable and hence requires the use of hydrologic, geophysical and geologic surveys to achieve success in groundwater development programs. The survey delineated a maximum of four geoelectric layers which may be interpreted to correspond to four geologic layers viz the topsoil, weathered basement, partly weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement. The weathered basement and the partly weathered/fractured basement layers constitute the aquifer units. The partly weathered/fractured layer is significant in enhancing the ground water potential in this area because of its relatively low resistivity resulting from its high fracture frequency. The ground water potential in the area varies from medium to high. Groundwater development is therefore feasible in these communities. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Basement; Geoelectric layers; Groundwater; Layer thickness; Resistivity; Survey | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939238050 | Verbal autopsy: Evaluation of methods to certify causes of death in Uganda | Mpimbaza A., Filler S., Katureebe A., Quick L., Chandramohan D., Staedke S.G. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0128801 | Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Mpimbaza, A., Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Filler, S., Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Katureebe, A., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Quick, L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Chandramohan, D., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Staedke, S.G., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | To assess different methods for determining cause of death from verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaire data, the intra-rater reliability of Physician-Certified Verbal Autopsy (PCVA) and the accuracy of PCVA, expert-derived (non-hierarchical) and data-driven (hierarchal) algorithms were assessed for determining common causes of death in Ugandan children. A verbal autopsy validation study was conducted from 2008-2009 in three different sites in Uganda. The dataset included 104 neonatal deaths (0-27 days) and 615 childhood deaths (1-59 months) with the cause(s) of death classified by PCVA and physician review of hospital medical records (the 'reference standard'). Of the original 719 questionnaires, 141 (20%) were selected for a second review by the same physicians; the repeat cause(s) of death were compared to the original,and agreement assessed using the Kappa statistic.Physician reviewers' refined non-hierarchical algorithms for common causes of death from existing expert algorithms, from which, hierarchal algorithms were developed. The accuracy of PCVA, non-hierarchical, and hierarchical algorithms for determining cause(s) of death from all 719 VA questionnaires was determined using the reference standard. Overall, intra-rater repeatability was high (83% agreement, Kappa 0.79 [95% CI 0.76-0.82]). PCVA performed well, with high specificity for determining cause of neonatal (>67%), and childhood (>83%) deaths, resulting in fairly accurate cause-specific mortality fraction (CSMF) estimates. For most causes of death in children, non-hierarchical algorithms had higher sensitivity, but correspondingly lower specificity, than PCVA and hierarchical algorithms, resulting in inaccurate CSMF estimates. Hierarchical algorithms were specific for most causes of death, and CSMF estimates were comparable to the reference standard and PCVA. Inter-rater reliability of PCVA was high, and overall PCVA performed well. Hierarchical algorithms performed better than non-hierarchical algorithms due to higher specificity and more accurate CSMF estimates. Use of PCVA to determine cause of death from VA questionnaire data is reasonable while automated data-driven algorithms are improved. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. | None | algorithm; Article; autopsy; cause of death; childhood mortality; controlled study; intrarater reliability; measurement accuracy; measurement repeatability; medical record review; newborn death; questionnaire; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; Ugandan; validation study; verbal autopsy | CDC, United States Agency for International Development; USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856038178 | Vegetation inventory of the Redemption camp, Ogun State, Nigeria; Evaluation of medicinal plant resources and strategies for conservation | Durugbo E.U., Oyetoran B.O., Oyejide N.E. | 2012 | Journal of Biological Sciences | 12 | 1 | 10.3923/jbs.2012.34.42 | Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria | Durugbo, E.U., Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oyetoran, B.O., Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oyejide, N.E., Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria | Plants are of great importance in the environment. They help in conserving soil fertility, prevention of erosion, recycling of oxygen and water. They also provide shade, seeds, fruits, timber, vegetables and medicines for man and his livestock. The Redemption Camp falls within the moist equatorial/tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria known for its rich reserve of economic and medicinal plants. This forest has been over exploited and the rate at which the vegetation around the Camp is being destroyed is alarming. Going by the UN declaration of 2010 as the year of biodiversity, there arose an urgent need to document the available plant species in the Redemption City, noting their different uses and promoting ample action towards their conservation through awareness programmes, housing in herbarium and cultivation of a medicinal plant farm. An inventory of the vegetation around the Camp was undertaken between March and November 2010. A total of 472 plants species belonging to one hundred and thirteen (113) families majority of which have previously been documented as medicinal plants were recorded. Herbs, trees and shrubs dominated the flora. The records of herbs and grasses could have possibly arisen as pioneer species of formerly forested areas cleared for housing and other development projects. The most diverse families were Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Leguminosae, Moraceae and Cyperaceae, while the commonest trees were Ficus capensis, F. polita, F. exasperata, Elaeis guineensis, Morinda lucida, Albizia lebbeck, Anthocleista vogelii, Maragaritaria discoides, Bridelia micrantha, Carica papaya, Spondias mombin, Blighia sapida, Antiaris africana, Alstonia boonei, Sterculia trigacantha, Rauvolfia vomitora, Ceiba pentandra, Albizia zygia, Newbouldia laevis, Anthocleista djalonensis and Bombax bounopozense. The numerous climbers characteristic of the tropical rainforest indicated the presence of forests in the recent past. This listing of the medicinal plants will pave way for other researchers as th search for new drugs continues. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Biodiversity; Herbarium; Medicinal plants; Redemption city; Southwestern Nigeria | Albizia; Albizia lebbeck; article; Asteraceae; Cyperaceae; Elaeis guineensis; environmental protection; Euphorbiaceae; Fabaceae; Ficus; Ficus capensis; Ficus exasperata; Ficus polita; forest; grass; herb; legume; medicinal plant; Moraceae; Morinda lucida; Nigeria; nonhuman; Poaceae; shrub; tree; vegetation; Albizia lebbeck; Albizia zygia; Alstonia boonei; Anthocleista djalonensis; Anthocleista vogelii; Antiaris; Asteraceae; Blighia sapida; Bombax; Bridelia micrantha; Carica papaya; Ceiba pentandra; Cyperaceae; Elaeis guineensis; Euphorbiaceae; Fabaceae; Ficus (angiosperm); Ficus exasperata; Moraceae; Morinda lucida; Newbouldia laevis; Poaceae; Rauvolfia; Spondias mombin; Sterculia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950023263 | Vegetation history and climate fluctuations on a transect along the Dead Sea west shore and their impact on past societies over the last 3500 years | Neumann F.H., Kagan E.J., Leroy S.A.G., Baruch U. | 2010 | Journal of Arid Environments | 74 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.04.015 | Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Steinmann-Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhei Israel Street, Jerusalem, 95501, Israel; Institute of Earth Sciences, Givat Ram, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, West London, United Kingdom; 99 Hashalom street, Mevasseret Ziyyon, 90805, Israel | Neumann, F.H., Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa, Steinmann-Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany, Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Kagan, E.J., Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhei Israel Street, Jerusalem, 95501, Israel, Institute of Earth Sciences, Givat Ram, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; Leroy, S.A.G., Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, West London, United Kingdom; Baruch, U., 99 Hashalom street, Mevasseret Ziyyon, 90805, Israel | This study represents the vegetation history of the last 3500 years and conducts an analysis of the climatic fluctuations on a 75 km long transect on the western Dead Sea shore. Palynological and sedimentological data are available from six cores near Mount Sedom, Ein Boqueq, and Ein Gedi and from outcrops near Ze'elim and Ein Feshkha. The comparison of the pollen data with the lake levels shows synchronous trends. During the Middle Bronze Age, Iron Age and Hellenistic to Byzantine Period the high lake level of the Dead Sea signals an increase in precipitation. Contemporaneously, values of cultivated plants indicate an increase in agriculture. Lake level is low during the Late Bronze Age, within the Iron Age and at the end of the Byzantine period, indicating dry periods when all pds show a decrease of cultivated plants. Forest regeneration led by drought-resistant pines is observed in all pollen diagrams (pds) following the agricultural decline in the Byzantine period and, in the pds near Ein Boqeq, Ze'elim and Ein Feshkha, during the late Iron Age. The modern vegetation gradient is reflected in the palaeo-records: a stronger expansion of Mediterranean vegetation and cultivated plants in the northern sites is recognisable. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Holocene; Israel; Palynology; Vegetation transect | agricultural change; climate change; coastal zone; coniferous tree; drought resistance; historical geography; Holocene; paleoenvironment; palynology; precipitation intensity; regeneration; sedimentology; vegetation history; Dead Sea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886929268 | Vegetation change (1988-2010) in Camdeboo National Park (South Africa), using fixed-point photo monitoring: The role of herbivory and climate | Masubelele M.L., Hoffman M.T., Bond W., Burdett P. | 2013 | Koedoe | 55 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1127 | Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa | Masubelele, M.L., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Bond, W., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Burdett, P., Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa | Fixed-point photo monitoring supplemented by animal census data and climate monitoring potential has never been explored as a long-term monitoring tool for studying vegetation change in the arid and semi-arid national parks of South Africa. The long-term (1988-2010), fixed-point monitoring dataset developed for the Camdeboo National Park, therefore, provides an important opportunity to do this. Using a quantitative estimate of the change in vegetation and growth form cover in 1152 fixed-point photographs, as well as series of step-point vegetation surveys at each photo monitoring site, this study documented the extent of vegetation change in the park in response to key climate drivers, such as rainfall, as well as land use drivers such as herbivory by indigenous ungulates. We demonstrated the varied response of vegetation cover within three main growth forms (grasses, dwarf shrubs [< 1 m] and tall shrubs [> 1 m]) in three different vegetation units and landforms (slopes, plains, rivers) within the Camdeboo National Park since 1988. Sites within Albany Thicket and Dwarf Shrublands showed the least change in vegetation cover, whilst Azonal vegetation and Grassy Dwarf Shrublands were more dynamic. Abiotic factors such as drought and flooding, total annual rainfall and rainfall seasonality appeared to have the greatest influence on growth form cover as assessed from the fixed-point photographs. Herbivory appeared not to have had a noticeable impact on the vegetation of the Camdeboo National Park as far as could be determined from the rather coarse approach used in this analysis and herbivore densities remained relatively low over the study duration. Conservation implications: We provided an historical assessment of the pattern of vegetation and climatic trends that can help evaluate many of South African National Parks' biodiversity monitoring programmes, especially relating to habitat change. It will help arid parks in assessing the trajectories of vegetation in response to herbivory, climate and management interventions. © 2013. The Authors. | None | environmental modeling; environmental monitoring; growth response; herbivory; quantitative analysis; shrub; vegetation cover; vegetation dynamics; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865298437 | Variations in magnetic properties of target basalts with the direction of asteroid impact: Example from Lonar crater, India | Arif M., Basavaiah N., Misra S., Deenadayalan K. | 2012 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 47 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1945-5100.2012.01395.x | Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai-410 218, India; School of Geological Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban-4000, South Africa | Arif, M., Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai-410 218, India; Basavaiah, N., Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai-410 218, India; Misra, S., School of Geological Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban-4000, South Africa; Deenadayalan, K., Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai-410 218, India | The Lonar crater in Maharashtra state, India, has been completely excavated on the Deccan Traps basalt (approximately 65Ma) at approximately 570±47ka by an oblique impact of a possible chondritic asteroid that struck the preimpact target from the east at an angle of approximately 30-45 o to the horizon where the total duration of the shock event was approximately 1s. It is shown by our early work that the distribution of ejecta and deformation of target rocks around the crater rim are symmetrical to the east-west plane of impact (Misra et al. 2010). The present study shows that some of the rock magnetic properties of these shocked target basalts, e.g., low-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), natural remanent magnetization (NRM)/bulk susceptibility (χ), and high-coercivity and high-temperature (HC_HT) magnetization component, are also almost symmetrically oriented with reference to the plane of impact. Studies on the relative displacements of K 3 (minimum) AMS axes of shocked basalts from around the crater rim and from the adjacent target rocks to the approximately 2-3km west of the crater center suggest that the impact stress could have branched out into the major southwestward and northwestward components in the downrange direction immediately after the impact. The biaxial distribution of AMS axes in stereographic plots for the unshocked basalts transforms mostly into triaxial distribution for the shocked basalts, although transitional type distribution also exists. The degree of anisotropy (P′) of AMS ellipsoids of the shocked basalts decreases by approximately 2% when compared with those of the unshocked target (approximately 1.03). The NRM/χ (Am -1) values of the shocked basalts on the rim of the Lonar crater do not show much change in the uprange or downrange direction on and close to the east-west plane of impact, and the values are only approximately 1.5times higher on average over the unshocked basalts around the crater. However, the values become approximately 1.4-16.4times higher for the shocked basalts on the crater rim, which occur obliquely to the plane of impact. The target basalts at approximately 2-3km west of the crater center in the downrange also show a significant increase (up to approximately 26times higher) in NRM/χ. The majority of the shocked basalt samples (approximately 73%) from around the crater rim, in general, show a lowering of REM, except those from approximately 2-3km west of the crater center in the downrange, where nearly half of the sample population shows a higher REM of approximately 3.63% in average. The shocked target basalts around the Lonar crater also acquired an HC_HT magnetization component due to impact. These HC_HT components are mostly oriented in the uprange direction and are symmetrically disposed about the east-west plane of impact, making an obtuse angle with the direction of impact. The low-coercivity and low-temperature (LC_LT) components of both the unshocked and shocked basalts are statistically identical to the present day field (PDF) direction. This could be chemical and/or viscous remanent magnetization acquired by the target basalts during the last 570±47ka, subsequent to the formation of the Lonar crater. The shocked Lonar target basalts appear to have remagnetized under high impact shock pressure and at low temperature of approximately 200-300°C, where Ti-rich titanomagnetite was the main magnetic remanence carrier. © The Meteoritical Society, 2012. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748685240 | Variation of the genomic proportion of the recurrent parent in BC 1 and its relation to yield performance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) breeding for low-input conditions | Uptmoor R., Wenzel W., Ayisi K., Donaldson G., Gehringer A., Friedt W., Ordon F. | 2006 | Plant Breeding | 125 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2006.01270.x | Institute of Vegetable and Fruit Science, University of Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, D-30419 Hannover, Germany; Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Grain Crops Institute (GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Plant Production, University of the North, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Northern Province Department of Agriculture, Land and Environment (NPDALE), Potgietersrus, South Africa; Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding I (IPZ), Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance Resources, Federal Center for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants, Theodor-Roemer-Weg 4, D-06449 Aschersleben, Germany | Uptmoor, R., Institute of Vegetable and Fruit Science, University of Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, D-30419 Hannover, Germany; Wenzel, W., Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Grain Crops Institute (GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Ayisi, K., Department of Plant Production, University of the North, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Donaldson, G., Northern Province Department of Agriculture, Land and Environment (NPDALE), Potgietersrus, South Africa; Gehringer, A., Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding I (IPZ), Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Friedt, W., Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding I (IPZ), Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Ordon, F., Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance Resources, Federal Center for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants, Theodor-Roemer-Weg 4, D-06449 Aschersleben, Germany | In order to define the variation of the genomic proportion of the recurrent parent [G(RP)] and its relation to yield, G(RP) of individual BC1 plants of two sorghum populations composed of a high-yielding cultivar as recurrent parent (RP) and a donor with superior drought resistance or grain quality, respectively, was estimated using AFLPs and SSRs. G(RP) in BC1 ranged from 0.53 to 0.95 and averaged to 0.76 in the population (NP4453 x 'SV-2') x 'SV-2'. G(RP) varied between 0.60 and 0.86 and averaged to 0.74 in the BC1 of (ICV-219 x 'SV-2') x 'SV-2'. Results show that plants with a G(RP) equivalent to BC2 (0.875) or BC3 (0.938), respectively, can be selected from BC1. Yield performance of BC1S1 families was tested in field trials carried out in South Africa. The correlation between yield and G(RP) in BC1 was low. Selection according to G(RP) did not result in an effective preselection for yield. © 2006 The Authors. | AFLP; BC1; Genomic proportion of the recurrent parent; Sorghum bicolor; SSR; Yielding ability | Sorghum bicolor | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862867593 | Variation in thermal performance among insect populations | Sinclair B.J., Williams C.M., Terblanche J.S. | 2012 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 85 | 6 | 10.1086/665388 | Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Sinclair, B.J., Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Williams, C.M., Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Terblanche, J.S., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Among-population variation in insect thermal performance is important for understanding patterns and mechanisms of evolution and predicting insect responses to altered climate regimes in future or novel environments. Here we review and discuss several key examples of among-population variation in insect thermal performance, including latitudinal gradients in chill coma recovery time, variation in energy consumption and metabolic biochemistry, rapid changes in thermal biology with range expansion in invasive and introduced species, and potential constraints on variation in thermal performance traits. This review highlights that while there is substantial evidence for among-population variation that is generally correlated with local climate regimes, neither the underlying mechanisms nor the implications for whole-animal fitness in the field are well understood. We also discuss the potential limitations of interpreting evolved variation among populations and argue for a genes-to-environment approach to population-level variation in thermal biology of insects. © 2012 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | climate change; evolutionary biology; fitness; genotype-environment interaction; insect; invasive species; latitudinal gradient; life history trait; performance assessment; animal; article; climate change; energy metabolism; evolution; genetic variability; genetics; genotype environment interaction; insect; physiology; temperature; Animals; Biological Evolution; Climate Change; Energy Metabolism; Gene-Environment Interaction; Genetic Variation; Insects; Temperature; Animalia; Hexapoda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915819117 | Variation in pantothenate kinase type determines the pantothenamide mode of action and impacts on coenzyme A salvage biosynthesis | De Villiers M., Barnard L., Koekemoer L., Snoep J.L., Strauss E. | 2014 | FEBS Journal | 281 | 20 | 10.1111/febs.13013 | Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | De Villiers, M., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Barnard, L., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Koekemoer, L., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Snoep, J.L., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Strauss, E., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | N-substituted pantothenamides are analogues of pantothenic acid, the vitamin precursor of CoA, and constitute a class of well-studied bacterial growth inhibitors that show potential as new antibacterial agents. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of pantothenate kinase (PanK; EC 2.7.1.33) (the first enzyme of CoA biosynthesis) in mediating pantothenamide- induced growth inhibition by one of two proposed mechanisms: first, by acting on the pantothenamides as alternate substrates (allowing their conversion into CoA antimetabolites, with subsequent effects on CoA- and acyl carrier protein-dependent processes) or, second, by being directly inhibited by them (causing a reduction in CoA biosynthesis). In the present study we used structurally modified pantothenamides to probe whether PanKs interact with these compounds in the same manner. We show that the three distinct types of eubacterial PanKs that are known to exist (PanKI, PanKII and PanKIII) respond very differently and, consequently, are responsible for determining the pantothenamide mode of action in each case: although the promiscuous PanKI enzymes accept them as substrates, the highly selective PanKIIIs are resistant to their inhibitory effects. Most unexpectedly, Staphylococcus aureus PanK (the only known example of a bacterial PanKII) experiences uncompetitive inhibition in a manner that is described for the first time. In addition, we show that pantetheine, a CoA degradation product that closely resembles the pantothenamides, causes the same effect. This suggests that, in S. aureus, pantothenamides may act by usurping a previously unknown role of pantetheine in the regulation of CoA biosynthesis, and validates its PanK as a target for the development of new antistaphylococcal agents. © 2014 FEBS. | Coenzyme A; Growth inhibition; Pantetheine; Pantothenamide; Pantothenate kinase | acyl carrier protein; coenzyme A; growth inhibitor; pantetheine; pantothenamide; pantothenate kinase; pantothenate kinase 1; pantothenate kinase 2; pantothenate kinase 3; unclassified drug; amide; antiinfective agent; coenzyme A; isoenzyme; pantothenate kinase; pantothenic acid; phosphotransferase; vitamin B complex; Article; bacterial cell; binding affinity; concentration response; drug design; drug determination; drug mechanism; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; enzyme mechanism; enzyme substrate; enzyme synthesis; Escherichia coli; growth inhibition; inhibition kinetics; minimum inhibitory concentration; molecular probe; nonhuman; protein protein interaction; Staphylococcus aureus; structure activity relation; structure analysis; binding site; chemical structure; drug effects; enzymology; growth, development and aging; kinetics; metabolism; Amides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Binding Sites; Coenzyme A; Drug Design; Isoenzymes; Kinetics; Molecular Structure; Pantothenic Acid; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor); Staphylococcus aureus; Vitamin B Complex; Bacteria (microorganisms); Staphylococcus aureus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881479814 | Variant ataxia telangiectasia: Clinical and molecular findings and evaluation of radiosensitive phenotypes in a patient and relatives | Claes K., Depuydt J., Taylor A.M.R., Last J.I., Baert A., Schietecatte P., Vandersickel V., Poppe B., De Leeneer K., D'Hooghe M., Vral A. | 2013 | NeuroMolecular Medicine | 15 | 3 | 10.1007/s12017-013-8231-4 | Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; NRF IThemba LABS, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Department of Neurology and Child Neurology AZ St-Jan, 8000 Brugge, Belgium | Claes, K., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Depuydt, J., Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Taylor, A.M.R., School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Last, J.I., School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Baert, A., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Schietecatte, P., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Vandersickel, V., NRF IThemba LABS, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Poppe, B., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; De Leeneer, K., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; D'Hooghe, M., Department of Neurology and Child Neurology AZ St-Jan, 8000 Brugge, Belgium; Vral, A., Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | Variant ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) may be an underdiagnosed entity. We correlate data from radiosensitivity and kinase assays with clinical and molecular data from a patient with variant A-T and relatives. The coding region of ATM was sequenced. To evaluate the functional effect of the mutations, we performed kinase assays and developed a novel S-G2 micronucleus test. Our patient presented with mild dystonia, moderately dysarthric speech, increased serum α-fetoprotein but no ataxia nor telangiectasias, no nystagmus or oculomotor dyspraxia. She has a severe IgA deficiency, but does not have recurrent infections. She is compound heterozygote for ATM c.8122G>A (p.Asp2708Asn) and c.8851-1G>T, leading to in frame loss of 63 nucleotides at the cDNA level. A trace amount of ATM protein is translated from both alleles. Residual kinase activity is derived only from the p.Asp2708Asn allele. The conventional G0 micronucleus test, based on irradiation of resting lymphocytes, revealed a radiosensitive phenotype for the patient, but not for the heterozygous relatives. As ATM is involved in homologous recombination and G2/M cell cycle checkpoint, we optimized an S-G2 micronucleus assay, allowing to evaluate micronuclei in lymphocytes irradiated in the S and G2 phases. This test showed increased radiosensitivity for both the patient and the heterozygous carriers. Intriguingly, heterozygous carriers of c.8851-1G>T (mutation associated with absence of kinase activity) showed a stronger radiosensitive phenotype with this assay than heterozygous carriers of p.Asp2708Asn (mutation associated with residual kinase activity). The modified S-G2 micronucleus assay provided phenotypic insight into complement the diagnosis of this atypical A-T patient. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | ATM heterozygous carriers; cDNA analysis; In vitro radiosensitivity; Kinase assay; S-G2 micronucleus assay; Variant ataxia telangiectasia | alpha fetoprotein; baclofen; levodopa; psychotropic agent; tetrazepam; adult; anamnesis; article; ataxia telangiectasia; ATM gene; case report; cell cycle checkpoint; cell cycle progression; cerebral palsy; clinical feature; controlled study; disease severity; dystonia; enzyme activity; female; gene; gene locus; gene mutation; gene sequence; genetic transcription; genetic variability; heterozygosity; homologous recombination; human; immunoglobulin A deficiency; mental disease; micronucleus test; missense mutation; molecular typing; mutational analysis; nucleotide sequence; phenotype; priority journal; protein blood level; psychotherapy; radiosensitivity; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; strabismus; Ataxia telangiectasia; Adult; Amino Acid Substitution; Ataxia Telangiectasia; Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins; Breast Neoplasms; Caffeine; Child; Exons; Female; G2 Phase; Heterozygote; Humans; Lymphocytes; Male; Micronucleus Tests; Mutation, Missense; Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary; Neurologic Examination; Pedigree; Phenotype; Radiation Tolerance; Recombinational DNA Repair; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal; RNA Splice Sites; S Phase; Sequence Analysis, DNA | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942249582 | Variable piperaquine exposure significantly impacts protective efficacy of monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the prevention of malaria in Ugandan children | Sundell K., Jagannathan P., Huang L., Bigira V., Kapisi J., Kakuru M.M., Savic R., Kamya M.R., Dorsey G., Aweeka F. | 2015 | Malaria Journal | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/s12936-015-0908-8 | Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampala, Uganda; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutics, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health SciencesKampala, Uganda | Sundell, K., Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Jagannathan, P., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Huang, L., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Bigira, V., Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampala, Uganda; Kapisi, J., Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampala, Uganda; Kakuru, M.M., Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampala, Uganda; Savic, R., Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutics, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Kamya, M.R., Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health SciencesKampala, Uganda; Dorsey, G., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Aweeka, F., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, United States | Background: Anti-malarial chemoprevention with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PQ) is a promising tool for malaria control, but its efficacy in children may be limited by inadequate drug exposure. Methods: Children were enrolled in a non directly-observed trial of DHA/PQ chemoprevention in a high transmission setting in Uganda. Children were randomized at 6 months of age to no chemoprevention (n = 89) or monthly DHA/PQ (n = 87) and followed through 24 months of age, with pharmacokinetic sampling performed at variable times following monthly dosing of DHA/PQ. A previously published pharmacokinetic model was used to estimate piperaquine (PQ) exposure in each child, and associations between PQ exposure and the protective efficacy (PE) of DHA/PQ were explored. Results: The incidence of malaria was 6.83 and 3.09 episodes per person year at risk in the no chemoprevention and DHA/PQ arms, respectively (PE 54 %, 95 % CI 39-66 %, P < 0.001). Among children randomized to DHA/PQ, 493 pharmacokinetic samples were collected. Despite nearly 100 % reported adherence to study drug administration at home, there was wide variability in PQ exposure, and children were stratified into three groups based on average PQ exposure during the intervention that was determined by model generated percentiles (low, n = 40; medium, n = 37, and high, n = 10). Gender and socioeconomic factors were not significantly associated with PQ exposure. In multivariate models, the PE of DHA/PQ was 31 % in the low PQ exposure group (95 % CI 6-49 %, P = 0.02), 67 % in the medium PQ exposure group (95 % CI 54-76 %, P < 0.001), and 97 % in the high PQ exposure group (95 % CI 89-99 %, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The protective efficacy of DHA/PQ chemoprevention in young children was strongly associated with higher drug exposure; in children with the highest PQ exposure, monthly DHA/PQ chemoprevention was nearly 100 % protective against malaria. Strategies to ensure good adherence to monthly dosing and optimize drug exposure are critical to maximize the efficacy of this promising malaria control strategy. Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials Identifier NCT00948896 © 2015 Sundell et al. | Chemoprevention; Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine; Malaria; Pharmacokinetics; Plasmodium falciparum | dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; area under the curve; Article; child; controlled study; drug efficacy; drug half life; female; human; infection prevention; malaria; male; medication compliance; oral clearance; patient compliance; randomized controlled trial (topic); socioeconomics; Ugandan; volume of distribution | 5R01HD068174-05, NICHD, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 5R01HD068174-05, NIH, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; K23 AI100949, NIAID, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; K23 AI100949, |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900524562 | Variable-gear EV reluctance synchronous motor drives -An evaluation of rotor structures for position-sensorless control | Villet W.T., Kamper M.J. | 2014 | IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics | 61 | 10 | 10.1109/TIE.2013.2288231 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Villet, W.T., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Kamper, M.J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | The reluctance synchronous motor (RSM) is identified to be well suited for the variable-gear (VG) electric vehicle (EV) drive. It is shown in this paper, however, that the RSM drive's position-sensorless capability is limited at zero or very small current magnitudes due to a limited saliency magnitude. In this paper, a novel epoxy-resin-casted rotor with no iron ribs is proposed to increase the saliency of the RSM at zero reference current. This rotor RSM is simulated in finite-element (FE) analysis, built, evaluated, and compared with conventional flux barrier rotor RSMs. The effect of rotor skewing on the position-sensorless control (PSC) capability of the RSM is also evaluated by means of FE analysis and measurements. Other performance aspects are also considered in this paper. It is concluded that, overall, the skewed epoxy-resin-casted rotor RSM drive has no PSC problems in the entire load and speed regions and is well suited for VG EV drives. © 1982-2012 IEEE. | position sensorless control; Reluctance synchronous machines; variable speed drives | Electric drives; Finite element method; Resins; Synchronous motors; Variable speed drives; Current magnitudes; Flux barrier; Performance aspects; Position sensorless control; Reference currents; Reluctance synchronous machine; Reluctance synchronous motors; Rotor structures; Position control | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149351112 | Valvular regurgitation impact on left ventricular 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic indices in patients with essential hypertension | Ajayi O.E., Abiona T.C., Balogun M.O., Ajayi A.A.L. | 2010 | Journal of the National Medical Association | 102 | 10 | None | Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, United States; Division of Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacolog | Ajayi, O.E., Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Abiona, T.C., Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, United States; Balogun, M.O., Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajayi, A.A.L., Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, United States, Division of Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States | Background: Blacks have both a higher hypertension prevalence and accelerated cardiac end organ damage. Because blacks also have a higher prevalence of valvular heart disease, which occurs at a younger age than for whites, we further examined the contribution of valvular regurgitation to the severity of hypertensive heart disease in Nigerians. Methods: We evaluated and compared echocardiographic indexes in 75 essential hypertensive Nigerians with (n = 48) and without (n = 27) valvular regurgitations. Demographic and echocardiographic indices, as well as the types and severity of valvular lesions were compared between the groups using bivariate logistic regression and analysis of variance. Results: The 2 groups were of similar demographics, but those with regurgitations had larger cardiac size (p < .05), greater mass (147 ± 31 vs 122 ± 32 g/m 2, p = .01) higher volume (p < .01), and left atrial size (35.6 ± 4.6 vs 33.3 ± 4.6 mm, p < .05). Atrial size, cardiac volume, and dimension were independent correlates/predictors of regurgitation occurrence. Relative wall thickness of at least 0.6 was more common in regurgitation patients. Cardiac mass was correlated to increasing age (r = 0.23, p = .043). The valvular lesions frequencies were aortic regurgitation, 8; mitral regurgitation, 22; and mixed, 18. The aortic orifice dimension was significantly different among the regurgitant cases, highest in aortic regurgitation (p = .001). Aortic orifice dimension increased with hypertension duration (p = .028). Conclusions: Regurgitant lesions are common and occur early in hypertensive Africans. Apparently mild valvular regurgitation may accentuate preclinical concentric hypertrophy in hypertensive blacks. | Cardiovascular; Hypertension; Nigeria | adult; aorta valve regurgitation; arterial wall thickness; artery diameter; article; cardiovascular risk; clinical article; clinical assessment; comparative study; controlled study; disease duration; disease severity; Doppler echocardiography; essential hypertension; female; heart left atrium; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; heart left ventricle enddiastolic volume; heart left ventricle filling; heart rate; heart size; heart volume; human; male; mitral valve regurgitation; Nigeria; priority journal; two dimensional echocardiography; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Organ Size; Ventricular Function, Left | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-20144361977 | Valuing the impacts of climate change on protected areas in Africa | Velarde S.J., Malhi Y., Moran D., Wright J., Hussain S. | 2005 | Ecological Economics | 53 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2004.07.024 | Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United Kingdom | Velarde, S.J., Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Malhi, Y., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Moran, D., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Wright, J., Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United Kingdom; Hussain, S., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom | This study quantifies the economic costs of climate change impacts on protected areas in Africa. Downscaled results from four Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are used to classify different ecosystems in accordance with the Holdridge Life Zone (HLZ) system. A benefits transfer approach is then used to place an economic value on the predicted ecosystem shifts resulting from climate change in protected areas. The results provide approximations for the impacts on biodiversity in Africa under the "business-as-usual" scenario established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the middle and end of the 21st century. The geographical analysis shows that there are twenty HLZs in Africa and all of them are represented in the protected area network. Three of these HLZs do not change in extent as a result of climate change. Assuming initially that the willingness to pay (WTP) values and the preferences for different ecosystem services remain constant, three of the GCM models show an (undiscounted) negative economic impact of climate change for protected areas in Africa for the year 2100. The worst-case damage scenario totals USD 74.5 million by 2100. However, the model for the year 2065 shows a higher undiscounted value than the present. The finding of positive net impacts from warming is consistent with the predictions of other macro models that show potential gains from warming scenarios. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | African protected areas; Benefits transfer; Climate change; Ecosystem shifts; Holdridge life zones | climate change; economic impact; environmental impact; protected area; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60649115420 | Valuing the Guinea current large marine ecosystem: Estimates of direct output impact of relevant marine activities | Chukwuone N.A., Ukwe C.N., Onugu A., Ibe C.A. | 2009 | Ocean and Coastal Management | 52 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.12.008 | Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | Chukwuone, N.A., Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ukwe, C.N., Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Onugu, A., Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Ibe, C.A., Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | This study is a first step towards valuing the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem (GCLME), one of the five world's most productive marine areas that are rich in fishery resources, petroleum production, and an important global region of marine biological diversity. The area is highly degraded and thus demands urgent attention to recover and sustain depleted fisheries; restore degraded habitats; and reduce land and ship-based pollutions. Achieving this goal would be a mirage if the actual value of the ecosystem's contribution to the society is not known. Valuation can help identify the main beneficiaries of conservation and the magnitude of benefits they receive, and help design measures to capture some of these benefits and contribute to financing of conservation. Hence this study used the direct output approach to estimate the value of relevant marine activities in the area. The result shows that the total value of output in GCLME when some outputs namely, marine fishery, offshore oil production, NTFP (periwinkle) and mining, are considered as $49,941.4 million. Among these uses, offshore oil production has the highest value accounting for 59.79% of the total estimate. These estimates provides sufficient evidence to show that GCLME provide enormous value and should be managed appropriately to sustain the gains if the economic development would be guaranteed especially considering that most countries in the GCLM depend on natural resources for their survival. Evolving a well defined property rights regime and an efficient governance system for management is recommended. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Ecosystems; Fisheries; Ocean currents; Offshore oil fields; Biological diversities; Design measures; Economic development; Fishery resources; Global regions; Governance systems; Large marine ecosystems; Marine areas; Marine fisheries; Offshore oil productions; Petroleum productions; Property rights; Total values; Offshore oil well production; anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; conservation; human activity; marine ecosystem; marine pollution; Africa; Guinea; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Catharanthus roseus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951202383 | Values orientation, needs satisfaction and job performance of public servants in Cross River State of Nigeria | Bassey P.U., Omori A.E. | 2015 | Organizational Cultures | 14 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Educational Psychology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Bassey, P.U., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Omori, A.E., University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of values orientation and needs satisfaction on public servants’ job performance in Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey data collected from five hundred (500) public servants were used in the study. In all, four hypotheses were formulated covering the variables in the study. The Workers’ Values Orientation, Needs Satisfaction and Performance Questionnaire (WVANSAPQ) was used, and data collected was tested at the 0.05 level of significance using the Pearson Moment Coefficient. The results and data analysis indicated that values orientation and needs satisfaction had significant influence on public servants’ job performance. Consequently, the study recommended that the government and counselors as well as employers of labour should embark on reorienting workers, particularly public servants in the area of values orientation and counseling in the public sector in order to raise their level of awareness and consciousness to the variables in the study as a means of facilitating their job effectiveness in the 21st century. © Common Ground, Peter Unoh Bassey, Anne Emmanuel Omori, All Rights Reserved. | Job performance; Needs satisfaction; Public servants; Values orientation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855212815 | Value based financial performance measures: An evaluation of relative and incremental information content | Erasmus P. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 6 | 0.041666666667 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Erasmus, P., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Value-based (VB) financial performance measures are often advanced as improvements over traditional measures. It is argued that the inclusion of a firms cost of capital in the calculation of these measures facilitates the evaluation of value creation. Furthermore they attempt to remove some accounting distortions resulting from the limitations of conventional accounting information. This paper investigates the ability of four VB measures to explain market-adjusted share returns and compare it to that of some traditional measures. Empirical results indicate that the relative information contents of the VB measures are not greater than that of earnings. The incremental information content tests indicate that their components add significantly to the information content of earnings, but that the level of significance is relatively low. | Accounting information; Cost of capital; Financial performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051681371 | Value and impact of massive blood transfusion protocols in the management of trauma patients | Ortega-Gonzalez M.D.C., Monzon-Torres B.I. | 2011 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 17 | 4 | None | Department of Anaesthesia, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Trauma Directorate, Division of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ortega-Gonzalez, M.D.C., Department of Anaesthesia, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Monzon-Torres, B.I., Trauma Directorate, Division of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa | Trauma-related injuries are the second leading cause of death and disability in South Africa. The traditional approach to surgery and resuscitation of severely injured patients has undergone change over the past 10 years. New concepts like damage control surgery and damage control resuscitation radically changed the practice of conventional resuscitation. Bleeding trauma patients die as a consequence of the so-called lethal triad or bloody vicious cycle: acidosis, coagulopathy and hypothermia. Effective initial management of trauma patients can help to improve outcomes. © SASA. | Coagulopathy; Damage control resuscitation; Damage control surgery; Hypothermia; Massive bleeding; Massive blood transfusion protocol; Metabolic acidosis | accidental injury; article; bleeding; blood clotting disorder; blood component therapy; blood transfusion; damage control surgery; human; hypothermia; injury; metabolic acidosis; resuscitation; South Africa; traumatology | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747196960 | Validation study of the Siriraj stroke score in African Nigerians and evaluation of the discriminant values of its parameters: A preliminary prospective CT scan study | Kolapo K.O., Ogun S.A., Danesi M.A., Osalusi B.S., Odusote K.A. | 2006 | Stroke | 37 | 8 | 10.1161/01.STR.0000229893.02732.02 | Department of Medicine, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria; West African Post Graduate Medical College, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria; Departme | Kolapo, K.O., Department of Medicine, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ogun, S.A., Department of Medicine, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Department of Medicine, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, P.O.Box 1333, Ikorodu, Lagos state, Nigeria; Danesi, M.A., Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria; Osalusi, B.S., Department of Medicine, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria; Odusote, K.A., West African Post Graduate Medical College, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE - CT scanning is important to identify stroke pathology and exclude mimics. Its poor availability in our environment makes the search for simple, reliable clinical-score imperative. This study aims to validate the Siriraj Stroke score (SSS) and determine the discriminant values of its parameters in the black population of African-Nigerians. METHODS - A prospective multicenter study was carried out on patients that presented with stroke and had brain CT scan done within 14 days of onset. An interviewer structured questionnaire was administered and SSS computed. The stroke-type was classified and compared with CT diagnosis. Data were analyzed using Epi-info-2002. RESULTS - 1122 patients presented with clinical features of stroke, of which only 101 (9%) could afford the cost of CT scan. Of these, 90 had CT-scan features consistent with acute stroke, 5 had cortical atrophy and 1 was normal. Thus, 96 patients were analyzed, of which 68 (71%) had cerebral ischemia and 28 (29%) had intracerebral hemorrhage. The 6 patients with no visible infarct on CT were regarded as cerebral infarction. The correlation between SSS, headache, vomiting, loss-of-consciousness and CT diagnosis achieved statistical significance, whereas atheroma markers and diastolic blood pressure did not. The SSS has an overall predictive accuracy of 80%. CONCLUSIONS - This preliminary study has shown that only 9% of our hospital stroke population had benefit of CT scan. The limited number of patients studied and their potential lack of representativeness, represent a funding issue to properly establish the performance of clinical scoring systems and assist in descriptive epidemiology of hospital and community-based stroke studies in resource-poor settings. However, in this study, the SSS diagnosis correlates significantly with CT diagnosis. © 2006 American Heart Association, Inc. | Clinical studies; CT; Stroke | adult; aged; article; atheroma; brain atrophy; brain hemorrhage; brain infarction; brain ischemia; clinical feature; clinical trial; community; comparative study; computer assisted tomography; consciousness level; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; correlation analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic procedure; diastolic blood pressure; discriminant validity; female; headache; health care cost; hospital; human; interview; major clinical study; male; multicenter study; Negro; prediction; priority journal; prospective study; questionnaire; statistical significance; stroke; validation process; vomiting; brain hemorrhage; brain infarction; cerebrovascular accident; computer assisted tomography; differential diagnosis; discriminant analysis; economics; hospitalization; middle aged; Negro; Nigeria; pathophysiology; radiography; sensitivity and specificity; statistics; validation study; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Cerebral Infarction; Cerebrovascular Accident; Diagnosis, Differential; Discriminant Analysis; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Tomography, X-Ray Computed | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953714555 | Validation study of immunoaffinity column chromatography coupled with solution fluorometry or HPLC for the detection of aflatoxin in peanuts and corn: Performance Tested MethodSM 050901 | Lupo A., Quain A., Fitzsimmons A., Allan A., Popping B., Trucksess M., Shephard G. | 2011 | Journal of AOAC International | 94 | 2 | None | Submitting Company, Neogen Corp., 620 Lesher Pl, Lansing, MI 48912, United States; Trilogy Analytical Laboratories, 870 Vossbrink Dr., Washington, MO 63090, United States; Eurofins, CTC, Neulaender Gewerbepark 1, D-21078, Hamburg, Germany; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy, College Park, MD 20740, United States; AOAC General Referee, Mycotoxins, PROMEC, Medical Research Council, South Africa | Lupo, A., Submitting Company, Neogen Corp., 620 Lesher Pl, Lansing, MI 48912, United States, Trilogy Analytical Laboratories, 870 Vossbrink Dr., Washington, MO 63090, United States; Quain, A., Submitting Company, Neogen Corp., 620 Lesher Pl, Lansing, MI 48912, United States, Trilogy Analytical Laboratories, 870 Vossbrink Dr., Washington, MO 63090, United States; Fitzsimmons, A., Submitting Company, Neogen Corp., 620 Lesher Pl, Lansing, MI 48912, United States, Trilogy Analytical Laboratories, 870 Vossbrink Dr., Washington, MO 63090, United States; Allan, A., Submitting Company, Neogen Corp., 620 Lesher Pl, Lansing, MI 48912, United States, Trilogy Analytical Laboratories, 870 Vossbrink Dr., Washington, MO 63090, United States; Popping, B., Eurofins, CTC, Neulaender Gewerbepark 1, D-21078, Hamburg, Germany; Trucksess, M., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy, College Park, MD 20740, United States; Shephard, G., AOAC General Referee, Mycotoxins, PROMEC, Medical Research Council, South Africa | Neogen Corp. has developed the Neocolumn for Aflatoxin DR for the detection of total aflatoxin by HPLC or solution fluorometry. The purpose of this study was to validate the method under the requirements of the AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program. There are several AOAC Official MethodsSM for detection of total aflatoxin in corn; they consist of rapid and analytical-based methods and two rapid methods (PTMs 030701 and 050901) that have been performance tested by the AOAC Research Institute. A widely used reference method, however, is AOAC Official MethodSM 991.31, which uses immumoaffinity cleanup followed by HPLC or solution fluorometry and is referred to as the reference method in this document. In internal studies, the Neocolumn method coupled with solution fluorometry demonstrated a relative recovery from peanuts of 101.6% of the reference value, with a CV of 3.9% across all levels analyzed; when coupled with HPLC, the Neocolumn method demonstrated a relative recovery from peanuts of 103.0% of the reference value with a CV of 3.5% across all levels analyzed. The Neocolumn method coupled with solution fluorometry demonstrated a relative recovery from corn of 116.9% of the reference value with a CV of 6.1% across all levels analyzed; when coupled with HPLC, the Neocolumn method demonstrated a relative recovery from corn of 91.2% of the reference value, with a CV of 5.4% across all levels analyzed. Calculations were made by comparison with the mean result obtained by the HPLC reference method, which showed respective CV values of 3.9 and 2.0% for recoveries from peanuts and corn, respectively. | None | CV value; Immunoaffinity columns; Rapid method; Reference method; Reference values; Research institutes; Total aflatoxins; Validation study; Aflatoxins; Column chromatography; Fluorometers; High performance liquid chromatography; Recovery; aflatoxin; article; chemistry; chromatography; fluorometry; food analysis; high performance liquid chromatography; maize; methodology; peanut; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; Aflatoxins; Arachis hypogaea; Chromatography; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Fluorometry; Food Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Zea mays; Zea mays | None |
None | None | Validation, performance under field conditions, and cost-effectiveness of Capillus HIV-1/HIV-2 and determine HIV-1/2 rapid human immunodeficiency virus antibody assays using sequential and parallel testing algorithms in Tanzania | Mayhood M.K., Afwamba I.A., Odhiambo C.O., Ndanu E., Thielman N.M., Morrissey A.B., Shao J.F., Pence B.W., Crump J.A. | 2008 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 46 | 12 | 10.1128/JCM.01045-08 | Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Kikundi Cha Wanawake Kilimanjaro Kupambana na UKIMWI (KIWAKKUKI; Women Against AIDS in Kilimanjaro), Moshi, Tanzania; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3867, Durham, NC 27710, United States | Mayhood, M.K., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Afwamba, I.A., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Odhiambo, C.O., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Ndanu, E., Kikundi Cha Wanawake Kilimanjaro Kupambana na UKIMWI (KIWAKKUKI; Women Against AIDS in Kilimanjaro), Moshi, Tanzania; Thielman, N.M., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Morrissey, A.B., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Shao, J.F., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Pence, B.W., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Crump, J.A., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3867, Durham, NC 27710, United States | Rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody tests support the effort to expand access to HIV testing and counseling services in remote, rural, and poor parts of the world. We validated the Capillus HIV-1/HIV-2 (Trinity Biotech PLC, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland) and Determine HIV-1/2 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) rapid tests in a reference laboratory using patient samples from Tanzania and evaluated the performance of the tests under field conditions in northern Tanzania. We used the resulting data to study sequential and parallel testing algorithms. In the validation study, sensitivity, specificity, the predictive value of a positive test (PV+), and the predictive value of a negative test (PV-) were all 100% for Capillus and Determine. In the field evaluation among 12,737 clients, sensitivity, specificity, PV+, and PV- were 99.7%, 99.8%, 98.7%, and 99.9%, respectively, for Capillus and 99.6%, 99.9%, 99.5%, and 99.9%, respectively, for Determine. A sequential testing algorithm that did not confirm a negative initial Capillus result with a Determine result cost $7.77 per HIV diagnosis but missed 0.3% of HIV infections. A sequential testing algorithm that did not confirm a negative initial Determine result with a Capillus result cost $7.64 per HIV diagnosis but missed 0.4% of HIV infections. A parallel testing algorithm cost $13.46 per HIV diagnosis but detected more HIV-infected clients. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | virus antibody; algorithm; article; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; performance measurement system; priority journal; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; sequential analysis; Tanzania; validation study; Cost-Benefit Analysis; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Immunoassay; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2 | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-24344464067 | Validation of species-climate impact models under climate change | Araújo M.B., Pearson R.G., Thuiller W., Erhard M. | 2005 | Global Change Biology | 11 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01000.x | Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TD, United Kingdom; Biogeography and Conservation Laboratory, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal; Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag x7, Claremont 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Postfach 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain | Araújo, M.B., Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TD, United Kingdom, Biogeography and Conservation Laboratory, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; Pearson, R.G., Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TD, United Kingdom, Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal; Thuiller, W., Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag x7, Claremont 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Erhard, M., Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Postfach 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany | Increasing concern over the implications of climate change for biodiversity has led to the use of species-climate envelope models to project species extinction risk under climate-change scenarios. However, recent studies have demonstrated significant variability in model predictions and there remains a pressing need to validate models and to reduce uncertainties. Model validation is problematic as predictions are made for events that have not yet occurred. Resubstituition and data partitioning of present-day data sets are, therefore, commonly used to test the predictive performance of models. However, these approaches suffer from the problems of spatial and temporal autocorrelation in the calibration and validation sets. Using observed distribution shifts among 116 British breeding-bird species over the past ∼20 years, we are able to provide a first independent validation of four envelope modelling techniques under climate change. Results showed good to fair predictive performance on independent validation, although rules used to assess model performance are difficult to interpret in a decision-planning context. We also showed that measures of performance on nonindependent data provided optimistic estimates of models' predictive ability on independent data. Artificial neural networks and generalized additive models provided generally more accurate predictions of species range shifts than generalized linear models or classification tree analysis. Data for independent model validation and replication of this study are rare and we argue that perfect validation may not in fact be conceptually possible. We also note that usefulness of models is contingent on both the questions being asked and the techniques used. Implementations of species-climate envelope models for testing hypotheses and predicting future events may prove wrong, while being potentially useful if put into appropriate context. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Bioclimatic-envelope models; Breeding birds; Britain; Climate change; Model accuracy; Uncertainty; Validation | biodiversity; bird; breeding population; climate change; extinction risk; Eurasia; Europe; United Kingdom; Western Europe; Aves | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892454034 | Validation of public health competencies and impact variables for low- and middle-income countries | Zwanikken P.A.C., Alexander L., Huong N.T., Qian X., Valladares L.M., Mohamed N.A., Ying X.H., Gonzalez-Robledo M.C., Linh L.C., Wadidi M.S.E.A., Tahir H., Neupane S., Scherpbier A. | 2014 | BMC Public Health | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-14-55 | Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Department of Demography, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands | Zwanikken, P.A.C., Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Alexander, L., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Huong, N.T., Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Qian, X., School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Valladares, L.M., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Mohamed, N.A., Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Ying, X.H., School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Gonzalez-Robledo, M.C., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Linh, L.C., Department of Demography, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Wadidi, M.S.E.A., Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Tahir, H., University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan; Neupane, S., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Scherpbier, A., Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands | Background: The number of Master of Public Health (MPH) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing, but questions have been raised regarding the relevance of their outcomes and impacts on context. Although processes for validating public health competencies have taken place in recent years in many high-income countries, validation in LMICs is needed. Furthermore, impact variables of MPH programmes in the workplace and in society have not been developed. Method. A set of public health competencies and impact variables in the workplace and in society was designed using the competencies and learning objectives of six participating institutions offering MPH programmes in or for LMICs, and the set of competencies of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice as a reference. The resulting competencies and impact variables differ from those of the Council on Linkages in scope and emphasis on social determinants of health, context specificity and intersectoral competencies. A modified Delphi method was used in this study to validate the public health competencies and impact variables; experts and MPH alumni from China, Vietnam, South Africa, Sudan, Mexico and the Netherlands reviewed them and made recommendations. Results: The competencies and variables were validated across two Delphi rounds, first with public health experts (N = 31) from the six countries, then with MPH alumni (N = 30). After the first expert round, competencies and impact variables were refined based on the quantitative results and qualitative comments. Both rounds showed high consensus, more so for the competencies than the impact variables. The response rate was 100%. Conclusion: This is the first time that public health competencies have been validated in LMICs across continents. It is also the first time that impact variables of MPH programmes have been proposed and validated in LMICs across continents. The high degree of consensus between experts and alumni suggests that these public health competencies and impact variables can be used to design and evaluate MPH programmes, as well as for individual and team assessment and continuous professional development in LMICs. © 2014 Zwanikken et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Impact; Low- and middle-income countries; Master of Public Health; Public health competencies | article; China; Delphi study; developing country; education; human; Mexico; professional competence; program evaluation; public health; public health service; South Africa; standard; Sudan; validation study; Viet Nam; China; Delphi Technique; Developing Countries; Humans; Mexico; Professional Competence; Program Evaluation; Public Health; Public Health Administration; South Africa; Sudan; Vietnam | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868348815 | Validation of non-pollen palynomorphs as paleoenvironmental indicators in tropical Africa: Contrasting ~200-year paleolimnological records of climate change and human impact | Gelorini V., Ssemmanda I., Verschuren D. | 2012 | Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology | 186 | None | 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2012.05.006 | Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Department of Geology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Gelorini, V., Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Ssemmanda, I., Department of Geology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Verschuren, D., Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium | Multi-proxy investigation of high-resolution, ~. 200-year sediment records from two shallow, climate-sensitive crater lakes in western Uganda, surrounded by either presently undisturbed (Lake Chibwera) or severely disturbed (Lake Kanyamukali) catchments, provides insights into lake ecosystem and vegetation response to short-term natural climate variability, as separate from local human impact. Here, we present fossil non-pollen palynomorph (NPP) assemblages, mainly including spores of saprotrophic, coprophilous (dung-colonizing), and/or mycorrhizal fungi, to assess and validate their paleoecological significance in a tropical African context. At both sites, high abundances of the saprotrophic Coniochaeta spp. broadly coincide with documented decade-scale episodes of increased humidity (early- to mid-19th century, ~. 1870-1900. AD and late 20th century). Severe drought in the late 18th and early 19th century reduced both lakes to ephemeral ponds, which were intensively visited by large wild and/or domestic herbivores, as indicated by abundant Sordaria spp. and Delitschia spp., obligately growing on herbivore dung. From the mid-19th century onwards, large herbivore presence at Chibwera declined, and remained low as the site became incorporated in a game reserve in the early 20th century, and was added to Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1965. In contrast, herbivore presence remained strong at Kanyamukali, where grazing and subsistence farming intensified from the mid-20th century onwards. The location of Lake Kanyamukali near an ancient cattle trail and/or trading route underscores its historical linkage with transhumance. Grazing activity at Kanyamukali is indicated mainly by slightly increased abundances of coprophilous Sordaria spp. and of Glomus sp., indicative of soil erosion. Only this modest change in the NPP assemblage can be uniquely attributed to relatively intense recent human impact at Kanyamukali, contrasting with the strong NPP response at both lakes to the shifts in large herbivore behavior associated with late 18th- and early 19th century climatic drought. Comparison of the two records therefore allows us to conclude that in African lakes, (i) only high densities of domestic large herbivores create a paleoenvironmental NPP signature that can be unambiguously linked to past pastoralist activity, and (ii) facultative coprophilous fungal spores are overwhelmingly controlled by natural, climate-driven fluctuations in the local availability of preferred substrates for the fungi. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Climate change; Human impact; Lake sediment records; Late Holocene; Non-pollen palynomorphs; Western Uganda | anthropogenic effect; climate variation; fossil record; fungus; Holocene; lacustrine deposit; paleoecology; paleoenvironment; paleolimnology; palynomorph; Uganda; Bacteria (microorganisms); Bos; Coniochaeta; Coprophilous; Delitschia; Fungi; Glomus; Sordaria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858738941 | Validation of noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical endocrine activity in ground-feeding aardwolves (Proteles cristata): Exemplifying the influence of consumption of inorganic material for fecal steroid analysis | Ganswindt A., Muilwijk C., Engelkes M., Muenscher S., Bertschinger H., Paris M., Palme R., Cameron E.Z., Bennett N.C., Dalerum F. | 2012 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 85 | 2 | 10.1086/664591 | Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CM, Netherlands; Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered Mammals, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna A-1210, Austria; School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia; Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia | Ganswindt, A., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Muilwijk, C., Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CM, Netherlands; Engelkes, M., Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CM, Netherlands; Muenscher, S., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Bertschinger, H., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Paris, M., Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CM, Netherlands, Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered Mammals, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Palme, R., Department of Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna A-1210, Austria; Cameron, E.Z., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia; Bennett, N.C., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Dalerum, F., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa | Biologically inert material in feces may confound interpretations of noninvasive fecal endocrine data, because it may induce variance related to differences in foraging behavior rather than to differences in endocrine activity. We evaluated two different enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for the noninvasive evaluation of adrenocortical activity in ground-feeding aardwolves (Proteles cristata) and tested the influence of soil content in aardwolffeces on the interpretation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite data. Using adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges for validation, we successfully identified a cortisol EIA suitable for assessing adrenocortical activity in aardwolves. An alternatively tested 11-oxoetiocholanolone EIA failed to detect a biologically relevant signal after ACTH administration. Although the proportion of inorganic content in aardwolf feces did not alter qualitative conclusions from the endocrine data, the data related to mass of organic content had a larger amount of variance attributed to relevant biological contrasts and a lower amount of variance attributed to individual variation, compared with data related to total dry mass of extracted material. Compared with data expressed as dry mass of extracted material, data expressed as mass of organic content may provide a more refined and statistically powerful measure of endocrine activity in species that ingest large amounts of indigestible material. © 2012 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | 11 oxoetiocholanolone; 11-ketoetiocholanolone; corticotropin; drug derivative; etiocholanolone; glucocorticoid; hydrocortisone; comparative study; endocrine disruptor; feces; felid; foraging behavior; immunoassay; steroid; adrenal cortex; animal; article; Carnivora; chemistry; diet; enzyme immunoassay; feces; feeding behavior; female; immunology; male; metabolism; methodology; soil; validation study; Adrenal Cortex; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Diet; Etiocholanolone; Feces; Feeding Behavior; Female; Glucocorticoids; Hyaenidae; Hydrocortisone; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Soil; Proteles; Proteles cristatus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856575875 | Validation of a new test for Schistosoma haematobium based on detection of Dra1 DNA fragments in urine: Evaluation through latent class analysis | Ibironke O., Koukounari A., Asaolu S., Moustaki I., Shiff C. | 2012 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 6 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001464 | Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; MRC Centre of Outbreak Analysis and Modeling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, U | Ibironke, O., Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Koukounari, A., MRC Centre of Outbreak Analysis and Modeling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, United Kingdom; Asaolu, S., Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; Moustaki, I., Department of Statistics, London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom; Shiff, C., Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States | Background: Diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in chronically infected adults is challenging but important, especially because long term infection of the bladder and urinary tract can have dire consequences. We evaluated three tests for viable infection: detection of parasite specific DNA Dra1 fragments, haematuria and presence of parasite eggs for sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp). Methods: Over 400 urine specimens collected from adult volunteers in an endemic area in Western Nigeria were assessed for haematuria then filtered in the field, the filter papers dried and later examined for eggs and DNA. The results were stratified according to sex and age and subjected to Latent Class analysis. Conclusions: Presence of Dra1 in males (Se = 100%; Sp = 100%) exceeded haematuria (Se = 87.6%: Sp = 34.7%) and detection of eggs (Se = 70.1%; Sp = 100%). In females presence of Dra1 was Se = 100%: Sp = 100%, exceeding haematuria (Se = 86.7%: Sp = 77.0%) and eggs (Se = 70.1%; Sp = 100%). Dra1 became undetectable 2 weeks after praziquantel treatment. We conclude detection of Dra1 fragment is a definitive test for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium infection. © 2012 Ibironke et al. | None | DNA fragment; dra1 DNA fragment; praziquantel; unclassified drug; helminth DNA; helminth protein; adult; article; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; hematuria; human; latent class analysis; male; microscopy; Nigeria; nonhuman; parasite identification; polymerase chain reaction; Schistosoma hematobium; schistosomiasis; sensitivity and specificity; statistical analysis; urinalysis; animal; chemistry; genetics; hematuria; isolation and purification; middle aged; parasitology; schistosomiasis haematobia; urine; validation study; Adult; Animals; DNA, Helminth; Female; Helminth Proteins; Hematuria; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Parasite Egg Count; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Urine | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748526198 | UV-visible and electrochemical monitoring of carbon monoxide release by donor complexes to myoglobin solutions and to electrodes modified with films containing hemin | Obirai J.C., Hamadi S., Ithurbide A., Wartelle C., Nyokong T., Zagal J., Top S., Bedioui F. | 2006 | Electroanalysis | 18 | 17 | 10.1002/elan.200603571 | Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Facultad de Química Y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile; Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie des Complexes Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7576, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France | Obirai, J.C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France, Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Hamadi, S., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Ithurbide, A., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Wartelle, C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Nyokong, T., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Zagal, J., Facultad de Química Y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile; Top, S., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie des Complexes Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7576, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France; Bedioui, F., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France | This study reports on the evaluation of the CO donating behavior of tricarbonyl dichloro ruthenium(II) dimer ([Ru(CO)3Cl 2]2) and 1,3-dimethoxyphenyl tricarbonyl chromium (C 6H3(MeO)2Cr(CO)3) complex by UV-visible technique and electrochemical technique. The CO release was monitored by following the modifications of the UV-visible features of MbFe(II) in phosphate buffer solution and the redox features of reduced Hemin, HmFe(II), confined at the surface of a vitreous carbon electrode. In the latter case, the interaction between the hemin-modified electrode and the released CO was seen through the observation of an increase of the reduction current related to the FeIII/FeII redox process of the immobilized porphyrin. While the ruthenium-based complex, ([Ru(CO)3Cl2] 2), depended on the presence of Fe(II) species to release CO, it was found that the chromium-based complex released spontaneously CO. This was facilitated by illuminating and/or simple stirring of the solution containing the complex. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. | Carbon monoxide; Chromium CO-releasing complex; Cyclic voltammetry; Hemin modified electrode; Myoglobin; Ruthenium complex; UV-visible spectrophotometry | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000317880300013 | Utilizing community health worker data for program management and evaluation: Systems for data quality assessments and baseline results from Rwanda | Basinga, Paulin,Drobac, Peter,Farmer, Didi Bertrand,Hedt-Gauthier, Bethany,Hirschhorn, Lisa,Karamaga, Adolphe,Mitsunaga, Tisha,Mugeni, Cathy,Ngabo, Fidele,Ngizwenayo, Elias | 2013 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 85 | None | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.02.033 | Harvard University, University of Rwanda, Brigham & Womens Hosp, Minist Hlth, PIH, Rwinkwavu Dist Hosp | "Basinga, Paulin: University of Rwanda","Hedt-Gauthier, Bethany: Harvard University", | Community health workers (CHWs) have and continue to play a pivotal role in health services delivery in many resource-constrained environments. The data routinely generated through these programs are increasingly relied upon for providing information for program management, evaluation and quality assurance. However, there are few published results on the quality of CHW-generated data, and what information exists suggests quality is low. An ongoing challenge is the lack of routine systems for CHW data quality assessments (DQAs). In this paper, we describe a system developed for CHW DQAs and results of the first formal assessment in southern Kayonza, Rwanda, May-June 2011. We discuss considerations for other programs interested in adopting such systems. While the results identified gaps in the current data quality, the assessment also identified opportunities for strengthening the data to ensure suitable levels of quality for use in management and evaluation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa,"community case management","community health worker","DATA QUALITY","Lot Quality Assurance Sampling",LQAS,RWANDA,CHALLENGES,COUNTRIES,INFORMATION-SYSTEM,MALAWI,POLICY | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938702208 | Utilization of law library collections for improving academic performance by undergraduate law students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | Onwudinjo O.T.U., Ogbonna U.A., Nwadiogwa O.J. | 2015 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2015 | 1 | None | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Digital Library, Festus Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | Onwudinjo, O.T.U., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ogbonna, U.A., Digital Library, Festus Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Nwadiogwa, O.J., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | This study showcases the law library collections and their utilization by the undergraduate students of Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of the use being made of the resources by the undergraduate law students of the university, the types of law library resources, benefits derived and the frequency of use. The research method was a descriptive survey. The population consisted of the law undergraduate students of the university in the 2013/2014 academic session which had 550 registered users of the library. The sample was 132 students made up of 100 to 500 levels. 132 questionnaire were administered randomly to the students. Out of this number, 132 was returned representing 100% rate of response. Data collected were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study shows that greater number of law students use law library at least twice a week for preparing for examinations. In the light of this, the study recommended that the law library should be adequately stocked with current and relevant law resources, as well as improving the reading environment so as to make it more conducive for learning and research. | Faculty of law; Frequency of use; Law journals; Law library collections; Law reports; Law statutes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-18144391576 | Utilization of cellobiose by recombinant β-glucosidase-expressing strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Characterization and evaluation of the sufficiency of expression | McBride J.E., Zietsman J.J., Van Zyl W.H., Lynd L.R. | 2005 | Enzyme and Microbial Technology | 37 | 1 | 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2005.01.034 | Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | McBride, J.E., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Zietsman, J.J., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Zyl, W.H., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Lynd, L.R., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States | Two recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the BGL1 (β-glucosidase) gene originating from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were characterized with respect to gene expression and growth on cellobiose under air and nitrogen gas phases. The laboratory strain Y294[ySF1], with β-glucosidase expression from a multi-copy plasmid, grew at comparable rates on cellobiose and glucose under both air and nitrogen gas phases. By contrast, strain N96[ySF1] grew at a much slower rate on cellobiose than on glucose under both gas phases. For the various strain and substrate combinations tested, cell-specific enzyme activity was significantly higher under a nitrogen gas phase as compared to an air gas phase. The ability of these strains to grow on cellobiose, a non-native substrate, was evaluated in terms of a dimensionless 'sufficiency' parameter, S, consisting of the ratio of the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose production from cellobiose to the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose consumption. At sufficiency values substantially less than one, specific growth rates were found to be limited by heterologous enzyme expression, whereas for values of sufficiency near and greater to one, specific growth rates on cellobiose approached their values on glucose. The concept of sufficiency appears to have general utility for work aimed at growth enablement on non-native substrates by virtue of heterologous enzyme expression. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | β-Glucosidase; Cellobiose; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Sufficiency | Cell culture; Genes; Glucose; Microorganisms; Strain; Substrates; Cellobiose; Gas phase; Gene expression; Saccharomycel cerevisiae; Enzymes; beta glucosidase; cellobiose; nitrogen; air; article; controlled study; culture medium; fungal metabolism; fungal strain; fungus growth; gene expression; glucose metabolism; growth rate; nonhuman; protein expression; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomycopsis fibuligera | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845295765 | Utility of the Koppitz norms for the Bender Gestalt Test performance of a group of Sesotho-speaking children | Makhele L., Walker S., Esterhuyse K. | 2006 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 18 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Makhele, L., Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Walker, S., Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Esterhuyse, K., Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Objective: This study investigated the utility of the Koppitz administration, scoring and norms for the Bender Gestalt Test (BGT) as a neurocognitive screening instrument for Sesotho-speaking children. Method: The BGT protocols of 671 Sesotho-speaking children between the ages of seven and nine were reviewed. Data pertaining to socioeconomic status were also gathered for 360 of the participants. The BGT performance of the Sesotho sample was compared to that of the original Koppitz norm group. Furthermore, the two groups were compared with regard to their respective age-related rates of improvement in BGT performance. The effects of gender and socioeconomic status on the BGT performance of the Sesotho group were also investigated. Results: The Sesotho-speaking group incurred a significantly higher number of errors, compared to the Koppitz norm group. Moreover, the Sesotho group exhibited no age-related improvement in their BGT performance. Socioeconomic status showed no effect on the group's BGT performance, while age only showed a significant effect within the nine-year-old group. Conclusions: The BGT exhibits limited utility as a screening instrument for neurocognitive impairment amongst Sesotho-speaking children. Limitations of the current study are highlighted and suggestions are made regarding future directions for research. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | None | article; Bender test; cognition; controlled study; education program; ethnic group; female; human; human experiment; language; language ability; male; medical research; neuropsychological test; practice guideline; school child; socioeconomics; Student t test | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-17844409094 | Utility of rapid on-site evaluation of transbronchial needle aspirates | Diacon A.H., Schuurmans M.M., Theron J., Louw M., Wright C.A., Brundyn K., Bolliger C.T. | 2005 | Respiration | 72 | 2 | 10.1159/000084050 | Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, PO Box 19063, 7505 Tygerberg, South Africa | Diacon, A.H., Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Internal Medicine, PO Box 19063, 7505 Tygerberg, South Africa; Schuurmans, M.M., Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Theron, J., Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Wright, C.A., Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Brundyn, K., Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Bolliger, C.T., Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Rapid on-site evaluation has been proposed as a method to improve the yield of transbronchial needle aspiration. Objectives: This study investigated whether on-site analysis facilitates routine diagnostic bronchoscopy in terms of sampling, yield and cost. Methods: Patients with lesions accessible for transbronchial needle aspiration on computed tomography were investigated. A cytopathologist screened the needle aspirates on site for the presence of diagnostic material. The bronchoscopic sampling process was adjusted according to the results. In 90 consecutive patients with neoplastic disease (n = 70; 78%), non-neoplastic disease (n = 16; 18%) or undiagnosed lesions (n = 4; 4%) we aspirated 162 lung tumours or lymph node sites (mediastinal: 7%; tracheobronchial: 68%; other: 25%). In 90 consecutive patients with neoplastic disease (n = 70; 78%), non-neoplastic disease (n = 16; 18%) or undiagnosed lesions (n = 4; 4%) we aspirated 162 lung lesions (paratracheal tumours or lymph nodes: 7%; tracheobronchial lymph nodes: 68%; other: 25%). Results: The diagnostic yield of needle aspiration was 77 and 25% in patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, respectively. Sampling could be terminated in 64% of patients after needle aspiration had been performed as the only diag-nostic modality, and on-site analysis identified diagnostic material from the first site aspirated in 50% of patients. Only in 2 patients (2%) diagnostic aspirates were not recognized on site. On-site analysis was cost effective due to savings for disposable diagnostic tools, which exceeded the extra expense for the on-site cytology service provided. Conclusions: Rapid on-site analysis of transbronchial aspirates is a highly useful, accurate and cost-effective addition to routine diagnostic bronchoscopy. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG. | Bronchoscopy; Cytodiagnosis; Fine-needle biopsy; Lung neoplasms; Transbronchial needle aspiration | adolescent; adult; aged; article; bronchoscopy; cancer diagnosis; computer assisted tomography; cost benefit analysis; cytopathology; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic value; female; human; human tissue; lung cancer; lymph node; major clinical study; male; needle biopsy; priority journal; sampling; tracheobronchial tree; transbronchial biopsy; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Bronchi; Bronchoscopy; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887212781 | Utility and diagnostic performance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by two immunochromatographic assays as compared with the molecular Genotype assay in Nigeria | Pokam B.T., Asuquo A.E., Goh K.S., Abia-Bassey L.N., Rastogi N. | 2013 | International Journal of Mycobacteriology | 2 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2012.12.002 | Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria; WHO Supranational TB Reference Laboratory, TB and My | Pokam, B.T., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon; Asuquo, A.E., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Goh, K.S., WHO Supranational TB Reference Laboratory, TB and Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, 97183 Abymes, Guadeloupe; Abia-Bassey, L.N., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Rastogi, N., WHO Supranational TB Reference Laboratory, TB and Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, 97183 Abymes, Guadeloupe | Among the disadvantages of smear microscopy for detection of tuberculosis cases is its inability to differentiate between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study evaluated two, new immunochromatographic assays - Capilia TB-Neo and SD Bioline - on unheated and heated cultures at 80. °C for 30. min respectively for their ability to discriminate between MTB complex and NTM as compared with the molecular Genotype assay. Mycobacteria used in the study were obtained from smear-positive specimens collected from patients at four major hospitals in Cross River State, Nigeria. Capilia TB-Neo and SD Bioline showed sensitivities of 98.8% and 93.8% respectively and 100% specificity for both assays. Heating the isolates did not significantly impact the test performance. Both tests are recommended for use in rapid differentiation of strains isolated in Nigeria. © 2013 Asian-African Society for Mycobacteriology. | Capilia TB-Neo; Heated strains; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; SD Bioline | article; bacterium culture; bacterium identification; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; genotype; genotyping technique; heating; human; immunoaffinity chromatography; intermethod comparison; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Nigeria; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; sputum smear; strain difference; tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646880433 | Utilisation and impact of the Essential Electronic Agricultural Database (TEEAL) on library services in a Nigerian university of agriculture | Oduwole A.A., Sowole A.O. | 2006 | Program | 40 | 2 | 10.1108/00330330610669271 | University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Oduwole, A.A., University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sowole, A.O., University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Purpose - This study examined the utilisation of the Essential Electronic Agricultural Library database (TEEAL) at the University of Agriculture Library, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - Data collection was by questionnaire following a purposive sampling technique. A total of 104 out 150 (69.3 per cent) responses were received and analysed. Findings - Postgraduate and final year undergraduates are the major users of the TEEAL database. The study also revealed that though most of the users are computer literate, they still seek the assistance of library staff for database searching. The major constraints to the use of the TEEAL database include the high cost of printing of selected papers and the limited number of workstations. Practical implications - The study recommends that the number of workstations be increased, the cost of printouts should be subsidised by the university and more library staff should be trained in ICT. Originality/value - Offers recommendations to improve the accessibility of quality information for research in Nigerian universities. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Agriculture; Developing countries; Information retrieval; Nigeria; University libraries | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948823505 | Uterine prolapse and its impact on quality of life in the jhaukhel-duwakot health demographic surveillance site, Bhaktapur, Nepal | Shrestha B., Onta S., Choulagai B., Paudel R., Petzold M., Krettek A. | 2015 | Global Health Action | 8 | 1 | 10.3402/gha.v8.28771 | Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Health Metrics, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biomedicine and Public Health, School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skö vde, Sweden; Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway | Shrestha, B., Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Onta, S., Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal; Choulagai, B., Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Paudel, R., Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal; Petzold, M., Health Metrics, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Krettek, A., Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, Department of Biomedicine and Public Health, School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skö vde, Sweden, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway | Background: Uterine prolapse (UP) is a reproductive health problem and public health issue in low-income countries including Nepal. Objective: We aimed to identify the contributing factors and stages of UP and its impact on quality of life in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site of Bhaktapur, Nepal. Design: Our three-phase study used descriptive cross-sectional analysis to assess quality of life and stages of UPand case-control analysis to identify contributing factors. First, a household survey explored the prevalence of self-reported UP (Phase 1). Second, we used a standardized tool in a 5-day screening camp to determine quality of life among UP-affected women (Phase 2). Finally, a 1-month community survey traced self-reported cases from Phase 1 (Phase 3). To validate UP diagnoses, we reviewed participants' clinical records, and we used screening camp records to trace women without UP. Results: Among 48 affected women in Phase 1, 32 had Stage II UP and 16 had either Stage I or Stage III UP. Compared with Stage I women (4.62%), almost all women with Stage III UP reported reduced quality of life. Decreased quality of life correlated significantly with Stages I-III. Self-reported UP prevalence (8.7%) included all treated and non-treated cases. In Phase 3, 277 of 402 respondents reported being affected by UP and 125 were unaffected. The odds of having UP were threefold higher among illiterate women compared with literate women (OR-3.02, 95% CI 1.76-5.17), 50% lower among women from nuclear families compared with extended families (OR-0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.90) and lower among women with 1-2 parity compared to -5 parity (OR-0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.75). Conclusions: The stages of UP correlated with quality of life resulting from varied perceptions regarding physical health, emotional stress, and social limitation. Parity, education, age, and family type associated with UP. Our results suggest the importance of developing policies and programs that are focused on early health care for UP. Through family planning and health education programs targeting women, as well as women empowerment programs for prevention of UP, it will be possible to restore quality of life related to UP. © 2015 Binjwala Shrestha et al. | Health Demographic Surveillance Site; Nepal; Quality of life; Uterine prolapse | None | None |
None | None | Using verbal autopsy to measure causes of death: The comparative performance of existing methods | Murray C.J.L., Lozano R., Flaxman A.D., Serina P., Phillips D., Stewart A., James S.L., Vahdatpour A., Atkinson C., Freeman M.K., Ohno S.L., Black R., Ali S.M., Baqui A.H., Dandona L., Dantzer E., Darmstadt G.L., Das V., Dhingra U., Dutta A., Fawzi W., Gó | 2014 | BMC Medicine | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1741-7015-12-5 | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; National Institute of Public Health, Universidad 655, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St #5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Public Health Laboratory-IdC, P.O. BOX 122 Wawi Chake Chake Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Public Health Foundation of India, ISID Campus, 4 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India; Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98012, United States; CSM Medical University, Shah Mina Road, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India; Dept of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, E5521, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Wawi, Chake-Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Johns Hopkins University, 214A Basement, Vinobapuri Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi 110024, India; Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-6018, United States; The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, 83/117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Community Empowerment Lab, Shivgarh, India; Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Corporate Ave, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, 314 Savage Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States; The George Institute for Global Health, 839C, Road No. 44A, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033, India; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Level 2 Public Health Building School of Population Health, Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Building 379, 207 Bouverie St., Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia | Murray, C.J.L., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Lozano, R., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States, National Institute of Public Health, Universidad 655, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Flaxman, A.D., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Serina, P., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Phillips, D., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Stewart, A., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; James, S.L., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Vahdatpour, A., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Atkinson, C., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Freeman, M.K., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Ohno, S.L., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Black, R., Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St #5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Ali, S.M., Public Health Laboratory-IdC, P.O. BOX 122 Wawi Chake Chake Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Baqui, A.H., Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St #5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Dandona, L., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States, Public Health Foundation of India, ISID Campus, 4 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India; Dantzer, E., Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Darmstadt, G.L., Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98012, United States; Das, V., CSM Medical University, Shah Mina Road, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India; Dhingra, U., Dept of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, E5521, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States, Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Wawi, Chake-Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Dutta, A., Johns Hopkins University, 214A Basement, Vinobapuri Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi 110024, India; Fawzi, W., Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-6018, United States; Gómez, S., National Institute of Public Health, Universidad 655, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Hernández, B., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Avenue Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, United States; Joshi, R., The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, 83/117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Kalter, H.D., Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St #5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Kumar, A., Community Empowerment Lab, Shivgarh, India; Kumar, V., Community Empowerment Lab, Shivgarh, India; Lucero, M., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Corporate Ave, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines; Mehta, S., Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, 314 Savage Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States; Neal, B., The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, 83/117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Praveen, D., The George Institute for Global Health, 839C, Road No. 44A, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033, India; Premji, Z., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ramírez-Villalobos, D., National Institute of Public Health, Universidad 655, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Remolador, H., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Corporate Ave, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines; Riley, I., School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Level 2 Public Health Building School of Population Health, Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Romero, M., National Institute of Public Health, Universidad 655, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Said, M., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sanvictores, D., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Corporate Ave, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines; Sazawal, S., Dept of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, E5521, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States, Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Wawi, Chake-Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Tallo, V., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Corporate Ave, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines; Lopez, A.D., University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Building 379, 207 Bouverie St., Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia | Background: Monitoring progress with disease and injury reduction in many populations will require widespread use of verbal autopsy (VA). Multiple methods have been developed for assigning cause of death from a VA but their application is restricted by uncertainty about their reliability.Methods: We investigated the validity of five automated VA methods for assigning cause of death: InterVA-4, Random Forest (RF), Simplified Symptom Pattern (SSP), Tariff method (Tariff), and King-Lu (KL), in addition to physician review of VA forms (PCVA), based on 12,535 cases from diverse populations for which the true cause of death had been reliably established. For adults, children, neonates and stillbirths, performance was assessed separately for individuals using sensitivity, specificity, Kappa, and chance-corrected concordance (CCC) and for populations using cause specific mortality fraction (CSMF) accuracy, with and without additional diagnostic information from prior contact with health services. A total of 500 train-test splits were used to ensure that results are robust to variation in the underlying cause of death distribution.Results: Three automated diagnostic methods, Tariff, SSP, and RF, but not InterVA-4, performed better than physician review in all age groups, study sites, and for the majority of causes of death studied. For adults, CSMF accuracy ranged from 0.764 to 0.770, compared with 0.680 for PCVA and 0.625 for InterVA; CCC varied from 49.2% to 54.1%, compared with 42.2% for PCVA, and 23.8% for InterVA. For children, CSMF accuracy was 0.783 for Tariff, 0.678 for PCVA, and 0.520 for InterVA; CCC was 52.5% for Tariff, 44.5% for PCVA, and 30.3% for InterVA. For neonates, CSMF accuracy was 0.817 for Tariff, 0.719 for PCVA, and 0.629 for InterVA; CCC varied from 47.3% to 50.3% for the three automated methods, 29.3% for PCVA, and 19.4% for InterVA. The method with the highest sensitivity for a specific cause varied by cause.Conclusions: Physician review of verbal autopsy questionnaires is less accurate than automated methods in determining both individual and population causes of death. Overall, Tariff performs as well or better than other methods and should be widely applied in routine mortality surveillance systems with poor cause of death certification practices. © 2014 Murray et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Cause of death; InterVA; King-Lu; Random forests; Symptom pattern; Tariff; VA; Validation; Verbal autopsy | article; autopsy; cause of death; controlled study; diagnostic procedure; groups by age; health service; human; medical information system; mortality; physician; stillbirth; verbal autopsy; Adult; Autopsy; Cause of Death; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Internationality; Physician's Role; Reproducibility of Results | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956953727 | Using the servqual model to evaluate the impact of public service reforms in the provision of primary health care in Botswana | Pansiri J., Mmereki R.N. | 2010 | Journal of African Business | 11 | 2 | 10.1080/15228916.2010.509005 | Department of Management, Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Rd., Gaborone, Private Bag, UB 0022, Botswana | Pansiri, J., Department of Management, Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Rd., Gaborone, Private Bag, UB 0022, Botswana; Mmereki, R.N., Department of Management, Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Rd., Gaborone, Private Bag, UB 0022, Botswana | The health sector is pivotal to any national development initiative;hence,Botswana has taken seriously the principle of primary health care as contained in the the Alma-Ata declaration of 1978. As a demonstration of their commitment, the government of Botswana has passed a number of National Development Plans, health policies, and numerous reforms with a view of enhancing service quality in this sector. Many reforms and restructuring exercises are still ongoing. This study uses the SERVQUAL model to evaluate the implementation of Work Improvement Teams (WITs) in the hospitals/clinics as a reform initiative adopted by the Botswana government to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and performance of the public sector (particularly the health sector). This discussion will demonstrate that the SERVQUAL model can be used to review the impact of public policy. This will be achieved by measuring the level of service quality and customer satisfaction using the SERVQUAL model through data that were collected from 151 hospital/clinic customers in Gaborone, the capital city of the Republic of Botswana. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, and the findings indicate that the adoption and implementation of reforms in the public health sector have not improved the level of service quality and customer satisfaction as indicated by a significant gap between customer expectations and perceptions. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Botswana; Primary health care; Public service reforms; Work improvement teams | health care; health policy; health services; health worker; hospital sector; modeling; public service; reform process; Botswana; Gaborone; Alma | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929153772 | Using theory and formative research to design interventions to improve community health worker motivation, retention and performance in Mozambique and Uganda | Strachan D.L., Källander K., Nakirunda M., Ndima S., Muiambo A., Hill Z., Meek S., Tibenderana J., Castel-Branco A.C., Kertho E., Strachan D., Kirkwood B., Soremekun S., Lingam R., Vassal A., Kasteng F. | 2015 | Human Resources for Health | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12960-015-0020-8 | UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford St., London, United Kingdom; Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, United Kingdom; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Malaria Consortium Uganda, Plot 25 Upper Naguru East Road, P.O.Box 8045, Kampala, Uganda; Malaria Consortium Mozambique, Rua Joseph Ki-Zerbo 191, PO Box 3655, Coop, Maputo, Mozambique; Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; UCL Institute for Global Health, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom | Strachan, D.L., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford St., London, United Kingdom; Källander, K., Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, United Kingdom, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; Nakirunda, M., Malaria Consortium Uganda, Plot 25 Upper Naguru East Road, P.O.Box 8045, Kampala, Uganda; Ndima, S., Malaria Consortium Mozambique, Rua Joseph Ki-Zerbo 191, PO Box 3655, Coop, Maputo, Mozambique; Muiambo, A., Malaria Consortium Mozambique, Rua Joseph Ki-Zerbo 191, PO Box 3655, Coop, Maputo, Mozambique; Hill, Z., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford St., London, United Kingdom, UCL Institute for Global Health, United Kingdom; Meek, S., Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; Tibenderana, J., Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; Castel-Branco, A.C., Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; Kertho, E., Malaria Consortium, United Kingdom; Strachan, D., UCL Institute for Global Health, United Kingdom; Kirkwood, B., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Soremekun, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Lingam, R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Vassal, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Kasteng, F., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom | Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly being used in low-income countries to address human resources shortages, yet there remain few effective, evidence-based strategies for addressing the enduring programmatic constraints of worker motivation, retention and performance. This paper describes how two interventions were designed by the Innovations at Scale for Community Access and Lasting Effects (inSCALE) project to address these constraints in Uganda and Mozambique drawing on behavioural theory and formative research results. Methods: A review of the work motivation and CHW motivation literature-incorporating influences on retention and performance-was conducted on articles sourced through electronic web searches. Formative research with a focus on the barriers and facilitators to CHW motivation, retention and performance was conducted with community health workers and key stakeholders in Uganda and Mozambique. An analytical induction approach to the thematic analysis of transcripts from 98 in-depth interviews and 26 focus group discussions was adopted across the country settings. Results: From the theoretical review, it was determined that the interventions should promote CHWs as members of a collective by highlighting a sense of shared experience, focus on alignment between worker and programme goals, and emphasise the actions that lead to good performance. The Social Identity Approach was selected as the theory most likely to lead to the development of effective, scalable and sustainable interventions by addressing the identified gap in the literature of the influence of CHW working context. The formative research indicated that CHWs value feedback and feeling connected to the health system and their community, are motivated by status and community standing, and want to be provided with the necessary tools to perform. Two interventions based on these results were developed: a participatory, local community approach and an information communication technology (ICT) approach. Conclusions: Drawing on contextual data and theory that is sensitive to context can potentially lead to the development of appropriate and effective interventions when aiming to improve the motivation, retention and performance of CHWs in Uganda and Mozambique and other comparable settings. Evaluation of the developed interventions is crucial to assess this potential. © 2015 Strachan et al. | Community health workers; Human resources for health; Motivation; Mozambique; Performance; Retention; Social identity approach; Uganda | None | None |
None | None | Using the Hawthorne effect to examine the gap between a doctor's best possible practice and actual performance | Leonard K.L., Masatu M.C. | 2010 | Journal of Development Economics | 93 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2009.11.001 | University of Maryland College Park, 2200 Symons Hall, MD 20742, United States; Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha (CEDHA), P.O. Box 1162, Arusha, Tanzania | Leonard, K.L., University of Maryland College Park, 2200 Symons Hall, MD 20742, United States; Masatu, M.C., Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha (CEDHA), P.O. Box 1162, Arusha, Tanzania | Many doctors in developing countries provide considerably lower quality care to their patients than they have been trained to provide. The gap between best possible practice and actual performance (often referred to as the know-do gap) is difficult to measure among doctors who differ in levels of training and experience and who face very different types of patients. We exploit the Hawthorne effect-in which doctors change their behavior when a researcher comes to observe their practices-to measure the gap between best and actual performance. We analyze this gap for a sample of doctors and also examine the impact of the organization for which doctors work on their performance. We find that some organizations succeed in motivating doctors to work at levels of performance that are close to their best possible practice. This paper adds to recent evidence that motivation can be as important to health care quality as training and knowledge. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | Hawthorne effect; Health care; Motivation; Practice quality; Tanzania | developing world; health care; health worker; performance assessment; training; Tanzania | None |
None | None | Using Task Clarification and Feedback Training to Improve Staff Performance in an East African Nongovernmental Organization | Durgin A., Mahoney A., Cox C., Weetjens B.J., Poling A. | 2014 | Journal of Organizational Behavior Management | 34 | 2 | 10.1080/01608061.2014.914007 | Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States; APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania | Durgin, A., Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mahoney, A., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cox, C., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weetjens, B.J., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Poling, A., Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania | The present study used a multiple-baseline design to illustrate the effectiveness of an intervention package consisting of a multipurpose job aid and feedback training in improving the performance of supervisors and animal trainers in a nongovernmental organization headquartered in East Africa. Prior to the intervention, the performance of three supervisors and three animal trainers was suboptimal. Performance improved when supervisors were taught to use the job aid and provide feedback, and reached a high and consistent level during a subsequent phase, in which supervisors used the job aid independently. Limited maintenance and generalization data suggest that the intervention package produced lasting and generalized effects, and social validity data suggest that supervisors viewed the intervention as acceptable. These findings appear to be the first experimentally controlled demonstration of the potential value of organizational behavior management in improving performance in nongovernmental organizations working in resource-poor areas. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | feedback; job aid; nongovernmental organization; organizational behavior management; social validity; task clarification | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900308543 | Using systemic structural activity approach in identifying strategies enhancing human performance in mining production drilling activity | Sanda M.-A., Johansson J., Johansson B., Abrahamsson L. | 2014 | Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science | 15 | 3 | 10.1080/1463922X.2012.705916 | Department of Organization and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden | Sanda, M.-A., Department of Organization and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Johansson, J., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden; Johansson, B., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden; Abrahamsson, L., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden | This article seeks to identify performance-enhancing strategies that could be used to improve and optimise human-technology collaboration in rock drilling 'activity' in deep mines. Results from the analysis of miners' motor actions during rock drilling activity showed that by using procedurally driven strategies, they were able to perform simultaneously two specific tasks that required high levels of concentration and visual control in the normal visual field available to them from inside the protective cabin of the high-technology equipment they were using. The miners simultaneously combine their mental actions and motor actions in recognising and remedying the constraining effects of unfamiliar stimuli during the rock drilling task. It is concluded that the functional efficiency and effectiveness of rock drilling as well as the miner's productive performance in future automated and digitised deep mines could be enhanced by identifying the procedural characteristics of their performance-enhancing actions and operational strategies. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | digitised deep mine; performance-enhancing strategy; procedural and declarative knowledge; rock drilling task; systemic structural analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149369683 | Using school performance data to drive school and education district office accountability and improvement: The case of Ghana | Prew M., Quaigrain K. | 2010 | Educational Management Administration and Leadership | 38 | 6 | 10.1177/1741143210379057 | Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa | Prew, M., Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa; Quaigrain, K., Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa | This article looks at a school management tool that allows school managers and education district offices to review the performance of their schools and use the broad-based data to undertake orchestrated planning with districts planning delivery based on the needs of schools and in support of school improvement plans. The review process also allows communities to engage with their schools and hold them accountable for their performance and to steer schools to meet community expectations. A district in northern Ghana is presented as a case study. The article concludes that this generation of school-level data and its use to inform improved planning and delivery also allows districts and schools to monitor how well they are doing in promoting access for all children to school and monitoring the quality of schooling they receive. This is critical information needed to understand the dynamics of school enrolment and drop-out and to make schools more accountable. So school performance review, as practised in Ghana, allows schools to improve while becoming more accountable to their communities. © The Author(s) 2010. | accountability; inspection; quality education; school and district leadership; school improvement; school performance review; universal primary education | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40349096731 | Using radar charts with qualitative evaluation: Techniques to assess change in blended learning | Kaczynski D., Wood L., Harding A. | 2008 | Active Learning in Higher Education | 9 | 1 | 10.1177/1469787407086743 | University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensecola, FL 32514-5750, United States; Division of Economic and Financial Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; University of Pretoria, Department of Maths and Applied Maths, 0002 Pretori, South Africa | Kaczynski, D., University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensecola, FL 32514-5750, United States; Wood, L., Division of Economic and Financial Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Harding, A., University of Pretoria, Department of Maths and Applied Maths, 0002 Pretori, South Africa | When university academics implement changes in learning, such as introducing blended learning, it is conventional practice to examine and evaluate the impact of the resulting curriculum reform. Judging the worth and impact of an educational development is a complex task involving subtle differences in learning. Qualitative methods to explore these deep processes in learning include using interviews, observations and open-ended questionnaires targeting all stakeholders in the process, such as students, teachers, administration and technical staff. These evaluation tasks generate a mass of raw data that many faculty members in higher education are unaccustomed to analyzing. This article provides a framework using radar charts adapted from the field of organizational development. A modified six-zone radar chart was used to assess the extent of blended learning in order to compare changes in the learning environment. Data collection included interviews, classroom observations and electronic records generated during educational delivery over a 1-year period of time. A purposeful sample of online course data was collected by three participating universities in South Africa, Australia, and the United States. © 2008 SAGE Publications. | Blended learning; Curriculum development; Evaluation; Instructional assessment; International education; Qualitative research; Radar chart | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000242192600012 | Using qualitative methods for course evaluation - A case study from Botswana | Brown, Marie Scott,Mogobe, Keitshokile D.,Ntsayagae, Esther,Sabone, Motshedisi,Sebego, Miriam,Seboni, Naomi | 2006 | NURSE EDUCATOR | 31 | 6 | None | Washington State University, Univ Botswana & Swaziland | None | This article is a report of a qualitative evaluation of a course on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome carried out jointly by faculty from Botswana and the United States at a University in Botswana. It demonstrates the importance of both international nurse educator expertise in impacting a major pandemic and the use of qualitative methods for course evaluation. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920895474 | Using provider performance incentives to increase HIV testing and counseling services in Rwanda | de Walque D., Gertler P.J., Bautista-Arredondo S., Kwan A., Vermeersch C., de Dieu Bizimana J., Binagwaho A., Condo J. | 2015 | Journal of Health Economics | 40 | None | 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2014.12.001 | Development Research Group, The World Bank, United States; Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, United States; National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; The World Bank, United States; Camris International, United States; Ministry of Health, Government of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; Harvard Medical School, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, United States; Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, United States; School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda | de Walque, D., Development Research Group, The World Bank, United States; Gertler, P.J., Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, United States; Bautista-Arredondo, S., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Kwan, A., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Vermeersch, C., The World Bank, United States; de Dieu Bizimana, J., Camris International, United States; Binagwaho, A., Ministry of Health, Government of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda, Harvard Medical School, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, United States, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, United States; Condo, J., School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda | Paying for performance provides financial rewards to medical care providers for improvements in performance measured by utilization and quality of care indicators. In 2006, Rwanda began a pay for performance scheme to improve health services delivery, including HIV/AIDS services. Using a prospective quasi-experimental design, this study examines the scheme's impact on individual and couples HIV testing. We find a positive impact of pay for performance on HIV testing among married individuals (10.2 percentage points increase). Paying for performance also increased testing by both partners by 14.7 percentage point among discordant couples in which only one of the partners is an AIDS patient. © 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. | Africa; Couple testing; Health human resources; HIV testing and counseling; Performance-based financing | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; health services; human immunodeficiency virus; incentive; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; Article; controlled study; female; health care delivery; health care planning; health care quality; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; marital therapy; pay for performance; personnel management; prospective study; quasi experimental study; Rwanda; total quality management; Rwanda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651242373 | Using performance indicators as a water loss management tool in developing countries | Mutikanga H., Sharma S., Vairavamoorthy K., Cabrera Jr. E. | 2010 | Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology - AQUA | 59 | 8 | 10.2166/aqua.2010.066 | National Water and Sewerage Corporation, PO Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands; University of Birmingham, School of Civil Engineering, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; ITA-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain | Mutikanga, H., National Water and Sewerage Corporation, PO Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands; Sharma, S., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Vairavamoorthy, K., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands, University of Birmingham, School of Civil Engineering, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Cabrera Jr., E., ITA-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain | Water utilities in developing countries are facing the challenges of substantial water losses in their water supply systems. In order to deliver water to their customers more efficiently and effectively, utilities must be able to measure and assess the performance of their water supply systems against set management objectives. However, water loss assessment is still not widely practised in developing countries. The task of measuring and evaluating performance is accomplished by performance assessment systems through well-defined performance indicators (PIs). Most PIs currently used are often not applicable in developing countries. This paper presents an eight-step participatory methodology for the selection of indicators and highlights challenges of integrating a PI culture in developing countries. In total, 25 PIs have been proposed as part of a standardized water balance methodology and so far 16 PIs have been tested successfully. The other nine PIs have not been tested, as the costs of generating and collecting reliable data outweigh the added benefits. In addition an appropriate water loss performance indicator computational tool has been developed to promote use of standardized water balance and performance measures by the utilities of developing countries. © IWA Publishing 2010. | Developing countries; Indicators; Performance assessment; Water losses | Computational tools; Indicators; Management objectives; Performance assessment; Performance indicators; Performance measure; Water balance; Water loss; Water loss management; Water losses; Water utility; Benchmarking; Electric utilities; Rating; Reservoirs (water); Waste disposal; Water supply; Water supply systems; Developing countries; developing world; performance assessment; water management; water supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944877292 | Using pay for performance incentives (P4P) to improve management of suspected malaria fevers in rural Kenya: A cluster randomized controlled trial | Menya D., Platt A., Manji I., Sang E., Wafula R., Ren J., Cheruiyot O., Armstrong J., Neelon B., O'Meara W.P. | 2015 | BMC Medicine | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12916-015-0497-y | Moi University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya; Moi University School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States | Menya, D., Moi University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Platt, A., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Manji, I., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya; Sang, E., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya; Wafula, R., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya; Ren, J., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Cheruiyot, O., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya; Armstrong, J., Moi University School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Neelon, B., Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; O'Meara, W.P., Moi University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States | Background: Inappropriate treatment of non-malaria fevers with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is a growing concern, particularly in light of emerging artemisinin resistance, but it is a behavior that has proven difficult to change. Pay for performance (P4P) programs have generated interest as a mechanism to improve health service delivery and accountability in resource-constrained health systems. However, there has been little experimental evidence to establish the effectiveness of P4P in developing countries. We tested a P4P strategy that emphasized parasitological diagnosis and appropriate treatment of suspected malaria, in particular reduction of unnecessary consumption of ACTs. Methods: A random sample of 18 health centers was selected and received a refresher workshop on malaria case management. Pre-intervention baseline data was collected from August to September 2012. Facilities were subsequently randomized to either the comparison (n=9) or intervention arm (n=9). Between October 2012 and November 2013, facilities in the intervention arm received quarterly incentive payments based on seven performance indicators. Incentives were for use by facilities rather than as payments to individual providers. All non-pregnant patients older than 1year of age who presented to a participating facility and received either a malaria test or artemether-lumefantrine (AL) were eligible to be included in the analysis. Our primary outcome was prescription of AL to patients with a negative malaria diagnostic test (n=11,953). Our secondary outcomes were prescription of AL to patients with laboratory-confirmed malaria (n=2,993) and prescription of AL to patients without a malaria diagnostic test (analyzed at the cluster level, n=178 facility-months). Results: In the final quarter of the intervention period, the proportion of malaria-negative patients in the intervention arm who received AL was lower than in the comparison arm (7.3% versus 10.9%). The improvement from baseline to quarter 4 in the intervention arm was nearly three times that of the comparison arm (ratio of adjusted odds ratios for baseline to quarter 4=0.36, 95% CI: 0.24-0.57). The rate of prescription of AL to patients without a test was five times lower in the intervention arm (adjusted incidence rate ratio=0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.48). Prescription of AL to patients with confirmed infection was not significantly different between the groups over the study period. Conclusions: Facility-based incentives coupled with training may be more effective than training alone and could complement other quality improvement approaches. Trial registration: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01809873 ) on 11 March 2013. © 2015 Menya et al. | Kenya; Malaria; Malaria case management; Pay for performance; Performance-based incentives | artemether; artemisinin; benflumetol; Article; child; clinical effectiveness; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; endemic disease; evidence based medicine; financial management; funding; health care cost; health care delivery; health care facility; health center; health program; human; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; microscopy; multicenter study; outcome assessment; pay for performance program; preschool child; quality control; randomized controlled trial; rural population; school child; sensitivity and specificity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874255771 | Using participatory impact diagrams to evaluate a community development project in Kenya [Utilisation des diagrammes d'impact participatives pour évaluer un projet de développement communautaire au Kenya] | Kariuki J., Njuki J. | 2013 | Development in Practice | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/09614524.2013.753031 | International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya | Kariuki, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya; Njuki, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya | Participatory approaches for impact assessment are increasingly becoming popular with development organisations for engaging multiple stakeholders. We present our use of participatory impact diagrams as an evaluation tool within a mixed methods impact assessment of several drought-reduction interventions in Kenya. Results show that because men and women have different roles, their experiences of interventions vary. We discuss how this methodology encouraged communities to describe various intervention outcomes including unintended impacts, often overlooked by conventional impact assessment approaches. Methodological challenges included the integration of quantitative data; opportunities for its application within the wider discipline of monitoring and evaluation are considered. © 2013 Copyright International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). | Aid - Monitoring and evaluation; Aid - Aid effectiveness; Gender and diversity; Methods; Monitoring and evaluation; Sub-Saharan Africa | aid organization; assessment method; community development; development aid; drought; gender; monitoring; participatory approach; stakeholder; Kenya | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349151120 | Using participatory epidemiological techniques to estimate the relative incidence and impact on livelihoods of livestock diseases amongst nomadic pastoralists in Turkana South District, Kenya | Bett B., Jost C., Allport R., Mariner J. | 2009 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 90 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.05.001 | International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya | Bett, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Jost, C., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya; Allport, R., Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium, P.O. Box 13986-00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Mariner, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya | A participatory epidemiological (PE) study was carried out with Turkana pastoralists in Turkana South District, Kenya, to determine the relative incidence of livestock diseasess and their impact on livelihoods. A sub-location was used as the sampling unit. A sub-location is the smallest administrative unit and is occupied by clusters of families (called adakars) that share common grazing patterns. A total of 32 sub-locations were randomly selected for the study. At least one focus group discussion involving more than 10 people was held with each adakar. In addition, key informant interviews involving local leaders and animal health service providers were conducted before or after the group sessions. PE techniques that were used with the stock owners include participatory mapping, relative incidence scoring, proportional piling, disease impact matrix scoring, seasonal calendars and probing. The methods used were pre-tested in four sub-locations that were excluded from further study. The study revealed that goats, with median score of 33 (10th and 90th percentiles of 25, 44, respectively) and sheep, median score of 20.5 (15, 26) were perceived to be the most abundant livestock species while goats (median score of 32 [21, 56]) and camels (median score of 22.5 [11, 33]) contributed the most to the livelihoods of the pastoralists. For goats, the overall relative incidence scores of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and mange were 23.5% (15, 34), 25% (21, 45) and 20% (19, 28), respectively. The respective median scores for case fatality rates were 66% (45, 76.5), 62.5% (25, 100) and 73.2% (21.4, 85.7). Disease impact matrix scores indicated that mange was the most important disease of goats. Mange (range: 28-32%) and pox (range: 16-38%) were perceived to be the most prevalent diseases in camels. Livestock movements, limited access to veterinary services and stock theft were identified as key factors that contributed to the high prevalence and persistence of these diseases. This paper discusses strategies that could be used to control these diseases given the challenges associated with nomadic pastoralism and insecurity. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diseases; Goats; Kenya; Participatory epidemiology (PE); Turkana pastoralists | animal; animal husbandry; article; camel; economics; goat; goat disease; human; incidence; Kenya; sheep; sheep disease; socioeconomics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Goat Diseases; Goats; Humans; Incidence; Kenya; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; Animalia; Camelidae; Capra; Capra hircus; Mycoplasma; Ovis aries; Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82255179058 | Using OVA modeling to improve classification performance for large datasets | Lutu P.E.N., Engelbrecht A.P. | 2012 | Expert Systems with Applications | 39 | 4 | 10.1016/j.eswa.2011.09.156 | Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Lutu, P.E.N., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | One-Versus-All (OVA) classification is a classifier construction method where a k-class prediction task is decomposed into k 2-class sub-problems. One base model is constructed for each sub-problem and the base models are then combined into one model. Aggregate model implementation is the process of constructing several base models which are then combined into a single model for prediction. In essence, OVA classification is a method of aggregate modeling. This paper reports studies that were conducted to establish whether OVA classification can provide predictive performance gains when large volumes of data are available for modeling as is commonly the case in data mining. It is demonstrated in this paper that firstly, OVA modeling can be used to increase the amount of training data while at the same time using base model training sets whose size is much smaller than the total amount of available training data. Secondly, OVA models created from large datasets provide a higher level of predictive performance compared to single k-class models. Thirdly, the use of boosted OVA base models can provide higher predictive performance compared to un-boosted OVA base models. Fourthly, when the combination algorithm for base model predictions is able to resolve tied predictions, the resulting aggregate models provide a higher level of predictive performance. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Boosting; Dataset partitioning; Dataset sampling; Dataset selection; Ensemble classification; Model aggregation; OVA classification; ROC analysis | Aggregate model; Base models; Boosting; Classification performance; Construction method; Data sets; Ensemble classification; Large datasets; Prediction tasks; Predictive performance; ROC analysis; Sub-problems; Training data; Forecasting; Classification (of information) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645005227 | Using niche-based modelling to assess the impact of climate change on tree functional diversity in Europe | Thuiller W., Lavorel S., Sykes M.T., Araújo M.B. | 2006 | Diversity and Distributions | 12 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1366-9516.2006.00216.x | Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Center, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag x 7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal; Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Geobiosphere Science Centre, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB, United Kingdom; Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, C/Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain | Thuiller, W., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Climate Change Research Group, Kirstenbosch Research Center, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag x 7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa, Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Lavorel, S., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS, Université J. Fournier, BP 53X, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Sykes, M.T., Geobiosphere Science Centre, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Araújo, M.B., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Macroecology and Conservation Unit, University of Évora, Estrada dos Leões, 7000-730 Évora, Portugal, Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB, United Kingdom, Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, C/Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain | Rapid anthropogenic climate change is already affecting species distributions and ecosystem functioning worldwide. We applied niche-based models to analyse the impact of climate change on tree species and functional diversity in Europe. Present-day climate was used to predict the distributions of 122 tree species from different functional types (FT). We then explored projections of future distributions under one climate scenario for 2080, considering two alternative dispersal assumptions: no dispersal and unlimited dispersal. The species-rich broadleaved deciduous group appeared to play a key role in the future of different European regions. Temperate areas were projected to lose both species richness and functional diversity due to the loss of broadleaved deciduous trees. These were projected to migrate to boreal forests, thereby increasing their species richness and functional diversity. Atlantic areas provided an intermediate case, with a predicted reduction in the numbers of species and occasional predicted gains in functional diversity. This resulted from a loss in species within the broadleaved deciduous FT, but overall maintenance of the group. Our results illustrate the fact that both species-specific predictions and functional patterns should be examined separately in order to assess the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and gain insights into future ecosystem functioning. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Climate change; Functional diversity; Niche-based models; Species richness | climate change; ecosystem function; functional response; modeling; niche; species richness; Eurasia; Europe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868676563 | Using multivariate techniques to evaluate impact of coal mining on river Achokpa stream sediments | Ameh E.G., Omali A.O., Imeokparia E.G. | 2011 | International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences | 6 | 3 | None | Earth Sciences Dept., Kogi State University, P.M.B.1008 Anyigba, Nigeria; Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria | Ameh, E.G., Earth Sciences Dept., Kogi State University, P.M.B.1008 Anyigba, Nigeria; Omali, A.O., Earth Sciences Dept., Kogi State University, P.M.B.1008 Anyigba, Nigeria; Imeokparia, E.G., Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria | Parameters analysed shows strong, positive correlation between Cu and Zn, Cu and Pb; moderate correlation was observed between Pb and Ni; weak correlation between Fe and Cu; Fe and Zn. Moderate to weak correlations exist between Mg and Cd, Mg and Zn, Mg and Cu and moderate to weak negative correlations were observed between Ca and Mg, Ca and Cu, Na and K, Na and Pb, Na and Ni. Anthropogenic factor (AF) revealed 96.52% for Pb, 93.39% for Cu, 85.39% for Cu, 81.22 for Zn, 75.27% for Ni and 58.36% for Cd. Factor analysis show that factor one has 26.48% of variance with high loadings of Pb and Ni. Factor two accounts for 25.33% of variance with high to moderate loading for Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb while factors three and four accounted for 21.13% and 18.72% of variance with moderate loadings of Mg and Cu; Na and Fe respectively. R-mode cluster analysis revealed three clusters: cluster one consists of Cu, Pb, Mg and Zn; cluster two is made up of Na, Fe and Cd and cluster three consists of K, Ni and Ca. Q-mode cluster analysis extracted two clusters: cluster one consists of locations OK06,OK10, OK04, OK09, OK01 and OK05 while cluster two include OK02 and OK03. EF shows that Zn has the highest EF in almost all locations, followed by Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd. Fe has the least impact and all locations except OK01 is not impacted by these heavy metals. Igeo index revealed Pb has the highest Igeo index in all locations, followed by Cu, and Fe. Cd has the least contamination. These heavy metals are highest at locations OK06, OK05, OK04, OK03, and OK02. CF index indicates Pb to be the most contaminated of all heavy metals, followed by Cu and Fe. The least metal is Cd. Most affected locations are OK05, OK06, OK04, OK03, OK02, OK01 and OK08. PLI shows progressive deterioration of all sites with locations OK06, Ok05, OK04, OK03 and OK02 as the most affected. © Research India Publications. | Anthropogenic; Enrichment factor; Geo-accumulation index; Multivariate analysis | Anthropogenic; Anthropogenic factors; Coal mining; Enrichment factors; Geo-accumulation index; High loadings; Multi variate analysis; Multivariate techniques; Negative correlation; Positive correlations; Stream sediments; Weak correlation; Cadmium; Cadmium compounds; Calcium; Cluster analysis; Coal mines; Lead; Loading; Multivariant analysis; Sodium; Zinc; Copper; cluster analysis; enrichment; environmental impact; factor analysis; fluvial deposit; geoaccumulation index; heavy metal; loading; multivariate analysis; sediment pollution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953770102 | Using mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of periodic presumptive treatment on the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and HIV among female sex workers | Vickerman P., Ndowa F., O'Farrell N., Steen R., Alary M., Delany-Moretlwe S. | 2010 | Sexually Transmitted Infections | 86 | 3 | 10.1136/sti.2008.034678 | Health Policy Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Pasteur Suite, Ealing Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Population Health Research Unit, Universitaire de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa | Vickerman, P., Health Policy Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ndowa, F., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; O'Farrell, N., Pasteur Suite, Ealing Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Steen, R., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Alary, M., Population Health Research Unit, Universitaire de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Delany-Moretlwe, S., Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: In settings with poor sexually transmitted infection (STI) control in high-risk groups, periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) can quickly reduce the prevalence of genital ulcers, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). However, few studies have assessed the impact on HIV. Mathematical modelling is used to quantify the likely HIV impact of different PPT interventions. Methods: A mathematical model was developed to project the impact of PPT on STI/HIV transmission amongst a homogeneous population of female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients. Using data from Johannesburg, the impact of PPT interventions with different coverages and PPT frequencies was estimated. A sensitivity analysis explored how the projections were affected by different model parameters or if the intervention was undertaken elsewhere. Results: Substantial decreases in NG/CT prevalence are achieved among FSWs receiving PPT. Although less impact is achieved among all FSWs, large decreases in NG/CT prevalence (>50%) are possible with >30% coverage and supplying PPT every month. Higher PPT frequencies achieve little additional impact, whereas improving coverage increases impact until NG/CT becomes negligible. The impact on HIV incidence is smaller, longer to achieve, and depends heavily on the assumed NG/CT cofactors, whether they are additive, the assumed STI/HIV transmission probabilities and STI durations. Greater HIV impact can be achieved in settings with lower sexual activity (except at high coverage), less STI treatment or high prevalences of Haemophilus ducreyi. Conclusions: Despite the model's assumption of homogeneous risk behaviour probably resulting in optimistic projections, and uncertainty in STI cofactors and transmission probabilities, projections suggest PPT interventions with sufficient coverage (≥40%) and follow-up (≥2 years) could noticeably decrease the HIV incidence (>20%) among FSW populations with inadequate STI treatment. | None | article; Chlamydia trachomatis; controlled study; disease transmission; female; Haemophilus ducreyi; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; male; mathematical model; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; prevalence; priority journal; prostitution; sensitivity analysis; sexual behavior; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Models, Biological; Prevalence; Prostitution; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873747198 | Using Large Climate Ensembles to Plan for the Hydrological Impact of Climate Change in the Freshwater Environment | Fung F., Watts G., Lopez A., Orr H.G., New M., Extence C. | 2013 | Water Resources Management | 27 | 4 | 10.1007/s11269-012-0080-7 | Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Geographic Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Fung, F., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Watts, G., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; Lopez, A., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom; Orr, H.G., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; New, M., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental and Geographic Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Extence, C., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom | We explore the use of large ensembles of climate scenarios to inform climate change adaptation in response to hydrological impacts on the freshwater environment, using a sensitive chalk river in south east England to illustrate the approach. The climateprediction. net experiment provides large ensembles of transient climate series from 1920 to 2080. We use 246 transient climate series in the CATCHMOD rainfall-run-off model to develop large ensembles of plausible river flows for the River Itchen. This transient ensemble allows the exploration of how flows may change through the twenty-first century, and demonstrates the range of possible consequences for freshwater ecosystems, based on invertebrate community impacts. Hydrological modelling of flow sequences including abstraction allows the continued effectiveness of river support from groundwater to be assessed. A new environmental impact matrix considers the response of the freshwater ecosystem in the Itchen, concentrating particularly on macro-invertebrates. Through the century increasing numbers of models fail the flow targets, with a minority of models suggesting flows that would lead to irreversible change to the invertebrate community. The large ensemble provides a richer picture of the range of possible change, allowing managers to explore a range of different responses. The approach used is illustrative, but demonstrates that large ensembles may be of great value in improving the understanding of the possible impact of climate change, provided that they can be communicated effectively to decision-makers. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Climate change; Decision making; Large ensembles; Macro-invertebrate response; Modelling; River ecosystems; Uncertainty; Water resources | Climate change adaptation; Climate scenarios; Decision makers; England; Freshwater ecosystem; Freshwater environments; Hydrological impacts; Hydrological modelling; Invertebrate communities; Irreversible changes; Large ensembles; Macroinvertebrates; River ecosystem; River flow; Uncertainty; Climate change; Decision making; Ecosystems; Environmental impact; Groundwater; Models; Rivers; Uncertainty analysis; Water resources; Climate models; climate change; climate effect; climate prediction; decision making; ensemble forecasting; environmental impact; freshwater environment; hydrological modeling; macroinvertebrate; rainfall-runoff modeling; river flow; river system; uncertainty analysis; England; Hampshire; Itchen River; United Kingdom; Invertebrata | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250323557 | Using internal incentive contracts to improve water utility performance: The case of Uganda's NWSC | Mugisha S., Berg S.V., Muhairwe W.T. | 2007 | Water Policy | 9 | 3 | 10.2166/wp.2007.010 | Institutional Development and Performance Management Expert, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Plot 23, Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda; Public Utility Research Center, University of Florida, Warrington College of Business, PO Box 117142, Gainesville, FL 32611-7142, United States | Mugisha, S., Institutional Development and Performance Management Expert, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Plot 23, Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda; Berg, S.V., Public Utility Research Center, University of Florida, Warrington College of Business, PO Box 117142, Gainesville, FL 32611-7142, United States; Muhairwe, W.T., Institutional Development and Performance Management Expert, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Plot 23, Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda | The achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 requires significant managerial innovation and creativity, especially in low-income countries where utility inefficiencies are still most prevalent. This paper describes approaches that have been used in Uganda's National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). We outline the potential for internal incentive contracts in delivering efficiency gains under public - public water management settings. No simple recipe for promoting efficiency exists. However, this paper highlights useful ingredients, including proper contract framework design, competition for managerial responsibility, effective business planning, performance monitoring and the use of managerial incentives. We conclude that these factors require careful consideration during the planning and implementation of incentive contracts. © IWA Publishing 2007. | Contracts; Incentives; Performance; Uganda; Water utility | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863785889 | Using individual differences to predict job performance: Correcting for direct and indirect restriction of range | Sjöberg S., Sjöberg A., Näswall K., Sverke M. | 2012 | Scandinavian Journal of Psychology | 53 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2012.00956.x | Stockholm University, Sweden; University of Canterbury, New Zealand; North-West University, South Africa | Sjöberg, S., Stockholm University, Sweden; Sjöberg, A., Stockholm University, Sweden; Näswall, K., Stockholm University, Sweden, University of Canterbury, New Zealand; Sverke, M., Stockholm University, Sweden, North-West University, South Africa | The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences, indicated by personality (FFM) and general mental ability (GMA), and job performance applying two different methods of correction for range restriction. The results, derived by analyzing meta-analytic correlations, show that the more accurate method of correcting for indirect range restriction increased the operational validity of individual differences in predicting job performance and that this increase primarily was due to general mental ability being a stronger predictor than any of the personality traits. The estimates for single traits can be applied in practice to maximize prediction of job performance. Further, differences in the relative importance of general mental ability in relation to overall personality assessment methods was substantive and the estimates provided enables practitioners to perform a correct utility analysis of their overall selection procedure. © 2012 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology © 2012 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations. | General mental ability; Job performance; Personality; Personnel selection; Range restriction correction | aptitude; article; human; individuality; methodology; personality; personality test; personnel management; psychological model; regression analysis; Aptitude; Employee Performance Appraisal; Humans; Individuality; Models, Psychological; Personality; Personality Assessment; Personnel Selection; Regression Analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50949100402 | Using in-depth qualitative data to enhance our understanding of quantitative results regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS on households in rural Uganda | Seeley J., Biraro S., Shafer L.A., Nasirumbi P., Foster S., Whitworth J., Grosskurth H. | 2008 | Social Science and Medicine | 67 | 9 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.07.001 | School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; School of Public Health, Boston University, United States; Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Seeley, J., School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Biraro, S., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Shafer, L.A., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Nasirumbi, P., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Foster, S., School of Public Health, Boston University, United States; Whitworth, J., Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; Grosskurth, H., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Two significant challenges face researchers tracking HIV-related socio-economic and demographic change over time in large cohort studies. Firstly, data collected in cohort studies established to describe the dynamics of HIV infection may contain no systematic data on household consumption expenditures which is an established measure of current and long-run household welfare. The second challenge is the choice of the unit of analysis in order to recognise and record impact; this is because most cohorts use the household as that unit. This means that the influence of factors outside that unit cannot easily be tracked. In this paper we show how a detailed understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on wider families and social networks, obtained through in-depth longitudinal research with a small number of households, can shed light on the findings from quantitative analysis from a larger cohort in the same population in rural Uganda. The findings of large-scale survey data from more than 2000 households over a 12-year period showed a lack of a strong association between poverty, HIV status and/or death of the household head. In-depth ethnographic research with 26 households in 1991/2 and a restudy of the same households in 2006/7 provide insights into the reasons for this finding: the choice of socio-economic indicators and support from other family and community members play a part in affecting survey findings on the impact of HIV at household level. One other factor is important in explaining the findings. HIV-infected family members from outside the household may drain resources from the household, so looking at the impact of HIV and AIDS on people's wider families provides pointers to why those who have not had an AIDS-related death in their own household may have failed to prosper. Our qualitative findings show that AIDS may well throw households into disarray and poverty, but more often reduces development and hinders families from getting out of poverty. Used strategically, small longitudinal studies can provide important information with which to explain patterns observed in large-scale quantitative datasets. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | HIV/AIDS; Households; Longitudinal research; Mixed methods; Uganda | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; cohort analysis; health impact; health survey; household expenditure; human immunodeficiency virus; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; rural area; socioeconomic conditions; welfare impact; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cohort analysis; death; disease association; ethnographic research; family; female; health survey; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; longitudinal study; male; poverty; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; rural area; social network; socioeconomics; Uganda; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Pedigree; Poverty; Qualitative Research; Risk Factors; Rural Health; Rural Population; Uganda; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907092997 | Using impacts of deep-level mining to research karst hydrology—a Darcy-based approach to predict the future of dried-up dolomitic springs in the Far West Rand goldfield (South Africa). Part 2: predicting inter-compartmental flow and final groundwater tabl | Schrader A., Winde F., Erasmus E. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 72 | 7 | 10.1007/s12665-014-3298-2 | North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Schrader, A., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Winde, F., Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Erasmus, E., Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Some of the world’s deepest goldmines operate below dolomitic karst aquifers in the Far West Rand (FWR) goldfield, South Africa. Associated impacts include the continuous dewatering of karst aquifers for over six decades and irreversible changes of the hydrogeological setting. Affecting an area of approximately 400 km2 by drawing down the water table up to 700 m, these impacts, and the large amounts of data generated in the process, are used as unique research opportunities to better understand the complex karst hydrology. The focus of this study is on predicting final water table elevations in rewatered aquifers after mining ceases taking the fact that mines hydraulically linked previously disconnected aquifers into account. While part 1 of this series develops the conceptual model, this second part utilises large sets of pertinent data to calculate actual flow rates for predicting the fate of dried up springs after mine closure. Following a Darcy-based approach first applied by Swart et al. (Environ Geol 44:751–770, 2003a) it is not only predicted that the springs will flow again but also shown that linear relationships exist between flow rates through a combined system of karst-fractured aquifers overlying the mine void and the associated hydraulic head driving them. This suggests that—at this scale—porous media-based equations can be meaningfully used to predict flow in non-porous media. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Darcy’s law; Deep-level mining; Dewatered dolomitic compartments; Dried-up karst springs; Post-mine closure rewatering | Aquifers; Dewatering; Flow rate; Forecasting; Gold; Groundwater resources; Landforms; Plant shutdowns; Porous materials; Springs (water); Deep-level mining; Dewatered dolomitic compartments; Hydrogeological settings; Karst springs; Large amounts of data; Re-watering; Research opportunities; Water table elevation; Hydrogeology; closure; dewatering; hydraulic head; karst; karst hydrology; mining; water flow; water table; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919863409 | Using impacts of deep-level mining to research karst hydrology—a Darcy-based approach to predict the future of dried-up dolomitic springs in the Far West Rand goldfield (South Africa). Part 1: a conceptual model of recharge and inter-compartmental flow | Schrader A., Winde F., Erasmus E. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 72 | 9 | 10.1007/s12665-014-3263-0 | North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Schrader, A., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Winde, F., Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Erasmus, E., Mine Water Re-Search Group, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Some of the world’s deepest goldmines are located in the Far West Rand (FWR) goldfield operating below of up to 1.2-km-thick dolomites hosting some of the largest karst aquifers in South Africa. Associated impacts include the dewatering of the overlying karst aquifers as well as linking previously disconnected compartments by mining through aquicludes (dykes). The focus of the study is on predicting groundwater balances in re-watered aquifers after mining ceases as this will determine whether or not associated karst springs that dried-up due to dewatering will ever flow again. Critically revisiting, Swart et al. (Environ Geol 44:751–770, 2003a) who predict that all springs will flow again, this study uses significantly larger data sets and modified assumptions to increase the robustness of findings as the question is crucial for post-closure development. As a first of two papers, this part develops a conceptual model on the mega-compartment concept that predicts a flat water table across all linked compartments that would leave the springs dry. The model identifies the ratio between inflowing surface water (recharge) and underground water losses to downstream compartments via mined-through dykes (‘inter-compartmental groundwater flow’, IGF) as a key factor governing the elevation of the post-mining water table, creating the base for part 2, where the IGF and the post-mining water tables are determined using unique large data sets that have not been evaluated before. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Dewatering; Dolomitic compartments; Mega-compartment concept; Post-mining spring flow; Re-watering | Aquifers; Dewatering; Forecasting; Gold; Groundwater; Groundwater flow; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Landforms; Springs (water); Surface waters; Conceptual model; Deep-level mining; Dolomitic compartments; Karst hydrology; Large datasets; Mega-compartment concept; Re-watering; Spring flow; Recharging (underground waters); conceptual framework; Darcy law; data set; dewatering; dike; dolomite; environmental impact; gold mine; groundwater flow; karst hydrology; prediction; recharge; water budget; water table; South Africa; Centrostegia thurberi | 86331, NRF, National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920281316 | Using hydrochemical tracers to assess impacts of unsewered urban catchments on hydrochemistry and nutrients in groundwater | Nyenje P.M., Foppen J.W., Uhlenbrook S., Lutterodt G. | 2014 | Hydrological Processes | 28 | 24 | 10.1002/hyp.10070 | Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands; Makerere University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Section of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, Delft, Netherlands; Department of Civil Engineering, Central University College, PO Box DS 2310, Dansoman-Accra, Ghana | Nyenje, P.M., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands, Makerere University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Foppen, J.W., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands; Uhlenbrook, S., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands, Section of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, Delft, Netherlands; Lutterodt, G., Department of Civil Engineering, Central University College, PO Box DS 2310, Dansoman-Accra, Ghana | We applied graphical methods and multivariate statistics to understand impacts of an unsewered slum catchment on nutrients and hydrochemistry of groundwater in Kampala, Uganda. Data were collected from 56 springs (groundwater), 22 surface water sites and 13 rain samples. Groundwater was acidic and dominated by Na, Cl and NO3. These ions were strongly correlated, indicating pollution originating from wastewater infiltration from on-site sanitation systems. Results also showed that rain, which was acidic, impacted on groundwater chemistry. Using Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified three distinct water quality groups. The first group had springs dominated by Ca-Cl-NO3, low values of electrical conductivity (EC), pH and cations, and relatively high NO3 values. These springs were shown to have originated from the acidic rains because their chemistry closely corresponded to ion concentrations that would occur from rainfall recharge, which was around 3.3 times concentrated by evaporation. The second group had springs dominated by Na-K-Cl-NO3 and Ca-Cl-NO3, low pH but with higher values of EC, NO3 and cations. We interpreted these as groundwater affected by both acid rain and infiltration of wastewater from urban areas. The third group had the highest EC values (average of 688μS/cm), low pH and very high concentrations of NO3 (average of 2.15mmol/l) and cations. Since these springs were all located in slum areas, we interpreted them as groundwater affected by infiltration of wastewater from poorly sanitized slums areas. Surface water was slightly reducing and eutrophic because of wastewater effluents, but the contribution of groundwater to nutrients in surface water was minimal because o-PO4 was absent, whereas NO3 was lost by denitification. Our findings suggest that groundwater chemistry in the catchment is strongly influenced by anthropogenic inputs derived from nitrogen-containing rains and domestic wastewater. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Acid rain; Groundwater; Multivariate statistics; Nutrients; Slums; Uganda | Acid rain; Calcium; Catchments; Cluster analysis; Effluents; Groundwater; Groundwater geochemistry; Hierarchical systems; Housing; Infiltration; Multivariant analysis; Nutrients; pH; Positive ions; Precipitation (meteorology); Rain; River pollution; Runoff; Sanitation; Surface waters; Water quality; Electrical conductivity; Groundwater chemistry; Hierarchical cluster analysis; Hydrochemical tracers; Multivariate statistics; On-site sanitation systems; Slums; Uganda; Hydrochemistry | None |
None | None | Using HIV-attributable mortality to assess the impact of antiretroviral therapy on adult mortality in rural Tanzania | Kanjala C., Michael D., Todd J., Slaymaker E., Calvert C., Isingo R., Wringe A., Zaba B., Urassa M. | 2014 | Global Health Action | 7 | None | 10.3402/gha.v7.21865 | National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kanjala, C., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Michael, D., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Todd, J., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Slaymaker, E., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Calvert, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Isingo, R., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Wringe, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Zaba, B., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania | Background: The Tanzanian national HIV care and treatment programme has provided free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-positive persons since 2004. ART has been available to participants of the Kisesa open cohort study since 2005, but data to 2007 showed a slow uptake of ART and a modest impact on mortality. Additional data from the 2010 HIV serological survey provide an opportunity to update the estimated impact of ART in this setting. Methods: The Kisesa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) has collected HIV serological data and demographic data, including verbal autopsy (VA) interviews since 1994. Serological data to the end of 2010 were used to make two estimates of HIV-attributable mortality, the first among HIV positives using the difference in mortality between HIV positives and HIV negatives, and the second in the population using the difference between the observed mortality rate in the whole population and the mortality rate among the HIV negatives. Four time periods (1994-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2007, and 2008-2010) were used and HIVattributable mortality estimates were analysed in detail for trends over time. A computer algorithm, InterVA-4, was applied to VA data to estimate the HIV-attributable mortality for the population, and this was compared to the estimates from the serological survey data. Results: Among HIV-positive adults aged 45-59 years, high mortality rates were observed across all time periods in both males and females. In HIV-positive men, the HIV-attributable mortality was 91.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 84.6%-95.3%) in 2000-2004 and 86.3% (95% CI: 71.1%-93.3%) in 2008-2010, while among women, the HIV-attributable mortality was 87.8% (95% CI: 71.1%-94.3%) in 2000-2004 and 85.8% (95% CI: 59.6%-94.4%) in 2008-2010. In the whole population, using the serological data, the HIV-attributable mortality among men aged 30-44 years decreased from 57.2% (95% CI: 46.9%-65.3%) in 2000-2004 to 36.5% (95% CI: 18.8%-50.1%) in 2008-2010, while among women the corresponding decrease was from 57.3% (95% CI: 49.7%-63.6%) to 38.7% (95% CI: 27.4%-48.2%). The HIV-attributable mortality in the population using estimates from the InterVA model was lower than that from HIV sero-status data in the period prior to ART, but slightly higher once ART became available. Discussion: In the Kisesa HDSS, ART availability corresponds with a decline in adult overall mortality, although not as large as expected. Using InterVA to estimate HIV-attributable mortality showed smaller changes in HIV-related mortality following ART availability than the serological results. © 2014 Chifundo Kanjala et al. | ART; HDSS; HIV-attributable mortality; InterVA model; Serological survey; Verbal autopsy | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000339242700008 | Using Health Surveillance Systems Data to Assess the Impact of AIDS and Antiretroviral Treatment on Adult Morbidity and Mortality in Botswana | Boerma, Ties,Granich, Reuben,Korenromp, Eline,Lazenby, Mark,Letebele, Judith,Low-Beer, Daniel,Motlapele, Diemo,Stoneburner, Rand,Tassie, Jean-Michel | 2014 | PLOS ONE | 9 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0100431 | Erasmus University Rotterdam, World Health Organization, Yale University, Grad Inst Int & Dev Studies, Republ Botswana Minist Hlth, UNAIDS | "Lazenby, Mark: Yale University","Tassie, Jean-Michel: World Health Organization", | Introduction: Botswana's AIDS response included free antiretroviral treatment (ART) since 2002, achieving 80% coverage of persons with CD4<350 cells/mu l by 2009-10. We explored impact on mortality and HIV prevalence, analyzing surveillance and civil registration data.
Methods: Hospital natural cause admissions and deaths from the Health Statistics Unit (HSU) over 1990-2009, all-cause deaths from Midnight Bed Census (MNC) over 1990-2011, institutional and non-institutional deaths recorded in the Registry of Birth and Deaths (RBD) over 2003-2010, and antenatal sentinel surveillance (ANC) over 1992-2011 were compared to numbers of persons receiving ART. Mortality was adjusted for differential coverage and completeness of institutional and non-institutional deaths, and compared to WHO and UNAIDS Spectrum projections.
Results: HSU deaths per 1000 admissions declined 49% in adults 15-64 years over 2003-2009. RBD mortality declined 44% (807 to 452/100,000 population in adults 15-64 years) over 2003-2010, similarly in males and females. Generally, death rates were higher in males; declines were greater and earlier in younger adults, and in females. In contrast, death rates in adults 65+, particularly females increased over 2003-2006. MNC all-age post-neonatal mortality declined 46% and 63% in primary and secondary level hospitals, over 2003-2011. We estimated RBD captured 80% of adult deaths over 2006-2011. Comparing empirical, completeness-adjusted deaths to Spectrum estimates, declines over 2003-2009 were similar overall (47% vs. 54%); however, Spectrum projected larger and earlier declines particularly in women. Following stabilization and modest decreases over 1998-2002, HIV prevalence in pregnant women 15-24 and 25-29-years declined by >50% and >30% through 2011, while continuing to increase in older women.
Conclusions: Adult mortality in Botswana fell markedly as ART coverage increased. HIV prevalence declines may reflect ART-associated reductions in sexual transmission. Triangulation of surveillance system data offers a reasonable approach to evaluate impact of HIV/AIDS interventions, complementing cohort approaches that monitor individual-level health outcomes. | ,COMMUNITY,DEATHS,HIV,IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS-INFECTION,INDIVIDUALS,NEW-YORK-CITY,PREVALENCE,SOUTH-AFRICA,SPECTRUM,THERAPY | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910645933 | Using geographic information systems to track polio vaccination team performance: Pilot project report | Gammino V.M., Nuhu A., Chenoweth P., Manneh F., Young R.R., Sugerman D.E., Gerber S., Abanida E., Gasasira A. | 2014 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 210 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jit285 | Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-E05, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Geospatial Research Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United Sta | Gammino, V.M., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-E05, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Nuhu, A., Geospatial Research Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States; Chenoweth, P., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-E05, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Manneh, F., National Primary Health Care Development Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria; Young, R.R., Expanded Programme on Immunization, World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria; Sugerman, D.E., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-E05, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Gerber, S., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-E05, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Abanida, E., Geospatial Research Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States; Gasasira, A., National Primary Health Care Development Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria | The application of geospatial data to public health problems has expanded significantly with increased access to low-cost handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers and free programs for geographic information systems analysis. In January 2010, we piloted the application of geospatial analysis to polio supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in northern Nigeria. SIA teams carried GPS receivers to compare hand-drawn catchment area route maps with GPS tracks of actual vaccination teams. Team tracks overlaid on satellite imagery revealed that teams commonly missed swaths of contiguous households and indicated that geospatial data can improve microplanning and provide nearly real-time monitoring of team performance. © 2014 Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US. | geospatial analysis; GIS; immunization campaign; operations research; polio; program evaluation; supplemental immunization activity | Article; artifact; geographic information system; global positioning system; health care delivery; health program; household; human; monitoring; Nigeria; pilot study; reference database; rural area; satellite imagery; study; urban area; vaccination; epidemiology; female; male; poliomyelitis; utilization; poliomyelitis vaccine; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Pilot Projects; Poliomyelitis; Poliovirus Vaccines; Vaccination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897471101 | Using evaluation as action research: Reflections on teaching practice using Brookfield's four lenses model | Ndebele C. | 2014 | Anthropologist | 17 | 2 | None | Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, University of Venda, P. Bag. X 5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Ndebele, C., Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, University of Venda, P. Bag. X 5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | As one goes about the process of teaching there is need to sit down after every session and take stock of the proceedings with a view to identifying what went well and what might need further improvement Four lenses that teachers could use to critically reflect on their practice are discussed in this article: eliciting evaluation from students, peer evaluation, research and theory and our own autobiographies as learners and teachers. To some extent academics are all prisoners trapped within the perceptual frameworks that determine how they view their experiences and in order to break away from this prison there is need to engage in critical reflection. In this article, through a qualitative analysis of student evaluation data, peer feedback and relevant literature; The researcher shares his reflection on his practice through experimenting with the four lenses at a historically disadvantaged university.What emerged from the reflective exercise is that looking beyond one's own self to others for their views on one's practice does indeed enrich one's knowledge and helps to improve practice. Colleagues, the literature and students can indeed serve as critical mirrors reflecting back to lecturers' images of their actions that often take them by surprise. © Kamla-Raj 2014. | Autobiography; Feedback; Peer review; Relevant literature; Student eyes; Triangulation | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000323978800001 | Using electronic technology to improve clinical care - results from a before-after cluster trial to evaluate assessment and classification of sick children according to Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) protocol in Tanzania | Hedt-Gauthier, Bethany L.,Lesh, Neal,Mitchell, Marc,Msellemu, Daniel,Nkaka, Melania | 2013 | BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING | 13 | None | 10.1186/1472-6947-13-95 | Harvard University, Dimagi Inc, D Tree Int, Ifakara Hlth Inst | None | Background: Poor adherence to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) protocol reduces the potential impact on under-five morbidity and mortality. Electronic technology could improve adherence; however there are few studies demonstrating the benefits of such technology in a resource-poor settings. This study estimates the impact of electronic technology on adherence to the IMCI protocols as compared to the current paper-based protocols in Tanzania.
Methods: In four districts in Tanzania, 18 clinics were randomly selected for inclusion. At each site, observers documented critical parts of the clinical assessment of children aged 2 months to 5 years. The first set of observations occurred during examination of children using paper-based IMCI (pIMCI) and the next set of observations occurred during examination using the electronic IMCI (eIMCI). Children were re-examined by an IMCI expert and the diagnoses were compared. A total of 1221 children (671 paper, 550 electronic) were observed.
Results: For all ten critical IMCI items included in both systems, adherence to the protocol was greater for eIMCI than for pIMCI. The proportion assessed under pIMCI ranged from 61% to 98% compared to 92% to 100% under eIMCI (p < 0.05 for each of the ten assessment items).
Conclusions: Use of electronic systems improved the completeness of assessment of children with acute illness in Tanzania. With the before-after nature of the design, potential for temporal confounding is the primary limitation. However, the data collection for both phases occurred over a short period (one month) and so temporal confounding was expected to be minimal. The results suggest that the use of electronic IMCI protocols can improve the completeness and consistency of clinical assessments and future studies will examine the long-term health and health systems impact of eIMCI. | ,GUIDELINES,HEALTH-WORKERS,IMPLEMENTATION,"MULTICOUNTRY EVALUATION",STRATEGY | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926250365 | Using decision tree analysis to understand foundation science student performance. Insight gained at one south african university | Frances Kirby N., Roslyn Dempster E. | 2014 | International Journal of Science Education | 36 | 17 | 10.1080/09500693.2014.936921 | School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Frances Kirby, N., School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Roslyn Dempster, E., School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | The Foundation Programme of the Centre for Science Access at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa provides access to tertiary science studies to educationally disadvantaged students who do not meet formal faculty entrance requirements. The low number of students proceeding from the programme into mainstream is of concern, particularly given the national imperative to increase participation and levels of performance in tertiary-level science. An attempt was made to understand foundation student performance in a campus of this university, with the view to identifying challenges and opportunities for remediation in the curriculum and processes of selection into the programme. A classification and regression tree analysis was used to identify which variables best described student performance. The explanatory variables included biographical and school-history data, performance in selection tests, and socio-economic data pertaining to their year in the programme. The results illustrate the prognostic reliability of the model used to select students, raise concerns about the inefficiency of school performance indicators as a measure of students’ academic potential in the Foundation Programme, and highlight the importance of accommodation arrangements and financial support for student success in their access year. ©2014 Taylor & Francis | Access to tertiary science studies; Factors affecting performance; Foundation Programme; Tree analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855537022 | Using crystallisation fractionation to monitor thermo-oxidative degradation of impact poly(propylene) copolymers | De Goede E., Mallon P.E., Pasch H. | 2012 | Macromolecular Materials and Engineering | 297 | 1 | 10.1002/mame.201100058 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | De Goede, E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mallon, P.E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | ICPPs are complex materials that contain various ethylene/propylene copolymers in addition to the majority poly(propylene) phase. To understand their molecular structure, multiple fractionation and analysis techniques are used. In this study, TREF and CRYSTAF are used to study the difference in the thermo-oxidative degradation of two grades of ICPPs with different ethylene contents. Direct correlations are drawn between the carbonyl index, molecular weight and crystallisability at various stages of degradation. The higher ethylene content sample shows increased thermal stability. This is due to the fact that the ethylene/propylene fraction is more stable due to the higher comonomer content and lower isotacticity as well as due to the higher amount of this fraction in the material. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | differential scanning calorimetry; impact PP copolymers; SEC/FTIR; temperature rising elution fractionation; thermo-oxidative degradation | Analysis techniques; Carbonyl index; Comonomer content; Complex materials; Ethylene/propylene copolymers; Isotacticities; Poly(propylene) copolymers; SEC/FTIR; Thermo-oxidative degradation; Copolymers; Degradation; Differential scanning calorimetry; Ethylene; Propylene; Polypropylenes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-83955164254 | Using Competitive Population Evaluation in a differential evolution algorithm for dynamic environments | Du Plessis M.C., Engelbrecht A.P. | 2012 | European Journal of Operational Research | 218 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejor.2011.08.031 | Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Du Plessis, M.C., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper proposes two adaptations to DynDE, a differential evolution-based algorithm for solving dynamic optimization problems. The first adapted algorithm, Competitive Population Evaluation (CPE), is a multi-population DE algorithm aimed at locating optima faster in the dynamic environment. This adaptation is based on allowing populations to compete for function evaluations based on their performance. The second adapted algorithm, Reinitialization Midpoint Check (RMC), is aimed at improving the technique used by DynDE to maintain populations on different peaks in the search space. A combination of the CPE and RMC adaptations is investigated. The new adaptations are empirically compared to DynDE using various problem sets. The empirical results show that the adaptations constitute an improvement over DynDE and compares favorably to other approaches in the literature. The general applicability of the adaptations is illustrated by incorporating the combination of CPE and RMC into another Differential Evolution-based algorithm, jDE, which is shown to yield improved results. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Differential evolution; Dynamic environments; Evolutionary computation; Optimization | Competitive population; Differential Evolution; Differential evolution algorithms; Dynamic environments; Dynamic optimization problems; Empirical results; Evolutionary computations; Multi-population DE algorithms; Reinitialization; Search spaces; Optimization; Evolutionary algorithms | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905019402 | Using clickers to facilitate interactive engagement activities in a lecture room for improved performance by students | Tlhoaele M., Hofman A., Naidoo A., Winnips K. | 2014 | Innovations in Education and Teaching International | 51 | 5 | 10.1080/14703297.2013.796725 | Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Curriculum Development and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Tlhoaele, M., Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hofman, A., Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Naidoo, A., Curriculum Development and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Winnips, K., Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | What impact can interactive engagement (IE) activities using clickers have on students' motivation and academic performance during lectures as compared to attending traditional types of lectures? This article positions the research on IE within the comprehensive model of educational effectiveness and Gagné's instructional events model. For the study on which this article is based, an IE model was designed and explored within a pilot group. This model identified situations that make the model effective in terms of improving students' motivation and academic performance. Personal response systems (PRS, also referred to as 'clickers') were used to promote interaction. A pre-test/post-test control group design was used. Data were collected through a questionnaire and class tests. The results indicated the significance of IE activities amongst students in this research. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | class discussion; group discussion; individual effort; interactive engagement; personal response system | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247376503 | Using blended learning to boost motivation and performance in introductory economics modules | van Der Merwe A. | 2007 | South African Journal of Economics | 75 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2007.00109.x | Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | van Der Merwe, A., Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | This paper explores the potential of online learning, in a local context, to provide academic economics with much of the context it currently lacks and which may be implicated in students' lack of motivation to engage with the discipline. Since weak motivation can be expected to play out in poor performance, the study set out to establish, firstly, whether the online intervention was a motivational experience for students. Secondly, various tests were performed to determine whether - and how strongly - motivation and performance are related. The study concludes that even the weak statistical promise of online learning, as in this particular case, should be embraced given the interest displayed by students in online economics teaching and learning. © 2007 The Author. Journal compilation © 2007 Economic Society of South Africa 2007. | None | academic performance; economics; learning; student; teaching | None |
None | None | Using a new odour-baited device to explore options for luring and killing outdoor-biting malaria vectors: A report on design and field evaluation of the Mosquito Landing Box | Matowo N.S., Moore J., Mapua S., Madumla E.P., Moshi I.R., Kaindoa E.W., Mwangungulu S.P., Kavishe D.R., Sumaye R.D., Lwetoijera D.W., Okumu F.O. | 2013 | Parasites and Vectors | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-6-137 | Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Matowo, N.S., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Moore, J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Mapua, S., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Madumla, E.P., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Moshi, I.R., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Kaindoa, E.W., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mwangungulu, S.P., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Kavishe, D.R., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Sumaye, R.D., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Lwetoijera, D.W., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Okumu, F.O., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O.Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania | Background: Mosquitoes that bite people outdoors can sustain malaria transmission even where effective indoor interventions such as bednets or indoor residual spraying are already widely used. Outdoor tools may therefore complement current indoor measures and improve control. We developed and evaluated a prototype mosquito control device, the 'Mosquito Landing Box' (MLB), which is baited with human odours and treated with mosquitocidal agents. The findings are used to explore technical options and challenges relevant to luring and killing outdoor-biting malaria vectors in endemic settings. Methods. Field experiments were conducted in Tanzania to assess if wild host-seeking mosquitoes 1) visited the MLBs, 2) stayed long or left shortly after arrival at the device, 3) visited the devices at times when humans were also outdoors, and 4) could be killed by contaminants applied on the devices. Odours suctioned from volunteer-occupied tents were also evaluated as a potential low-cost bait, by comparing baited and unbaited MLBs. Results: There were significantly more Anopheles arabiensis, An. funestus, Culex and Mansonia mosquitoes visiting baited MLB than unbaited controls (P≤0.028). Increasing sampling frequency from every 120 min to 60 and 30 min led to an increase in vector catches of up to 3.6 fold (P≤0.002), indicating that many mosquitoes visited the device but left shortly afterwards. Outdoor host-seeking activity of malaria vectors peaked between 7:30 and 10:30pm, and between 4:30 and 6:00am, matching durations when locals were also outdoors. Maximum mortality of mosquitoes visiting MLBs sprayed or painted with formulations of candidate mosquitocidal agent (pirimiphos-methyl) was 51%. Odours from volunteer occupied tents attracted significantly more mosquitoes to MLBs than controls (P<0.001). Conclusion: While odour-baited devices such as the MLBs clearly have potential against outdoor-biting mosquitoes in communities where LLINs are used, candidate contaminants must be those that are effective at ultra-low doses even after short contact periods, since important vector species such as An. arabiensis make only brief visits to such devices. Natural human odours suctioned from occupied dwellings could constitute affordable sources of attractants to supplement odour baits for the devices. The killing agents used should be environmentally safe, long lasting, and have different modes of action (other than pyrethroids as used on LLINs), to curb the risk of physiological insecticide resistance. © 2013 Matowo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | insecticide; pirimiphos methyl; unclassified drug; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; article; controlled study; Culex; disease carrier; field study; human; malaria; mansonia; medical device; mortality; mosquito; mosquito landing box; nonhuman; odor; Tanzania; vector control; Adult; Animals; Anopheles; Behavior, Animal; Culex; Entomology; Equipment and Supplies; Human Experimentation; Humans; Insect Vectors; Male; Pheromones; Smell; Sterculiaceae; Tanzania; Anopheles arabiensis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942501614 | Using a dual kernel density estimate as a preliminary evaluation of the spatial distribution of diagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Edo State, Nigeria | Oviasu O.I. | 2015 | GeoJournal | 80 | 5 | 10.1007/s10708-014-9590-6 | Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Oviasu, O.I., Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem in Nigeria, presenting challenges to the nation’s health and economy. This study presents an analysis of 442 patients with CKD referred to the renal department at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between 2006 and 2009. It investigates the spatial distribution of the disease across the study area using the kernel density estimate to evaluate the spatial distribution of CKD cases within the state. It involves the analysis of the distribution of CKD cases in relation to their underlying population to determine the areas of high and low density of diagnosed CKD cases across the state. The result highlighted the spatial distribution of diagnosed CKD and also highlighted the areas of concern regarding the spatial distribution of diagnosed CKD within the state. The findings derived from this study would be helpful in the preliminary assessment needed for policy-making decisions that pertain to the strategic allocation of resources for CKD treatment within the health sector. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Chronic kidney disease; Dual kernel density estimate; Edo State; Spatial analysis | Decision making; Hospitals; Areas of concerns; Chronic kidney disease; Edo State; Kernel density estimate; Policy making; Preliminary assessment; Spatial analysis; Strategic allocation; Spatial distribution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870265731 | Using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance modeling | Rezazadeh S., Mehrabi M., Pashaee T., Mirzaee I. | 2012 | Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology | 26 | 11 | 10.1007/s12206-012-0844-2 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Elm-o-Fan University, Urmia, Iran | Rezazadeh, S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Mehrabi, M., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Pashaee, T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Elm-o-Fan University, Urmia, Iran; Mirzaee, I., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran | In this paper, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used for modeling proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance using some numerically investigated and compared with those to experimental results for training and test data. In this way, current density I (A/cm2) is modeled to the variation of pressure at the cathode side PC (atm), voltage V (V), membrane thickness (mm), Anode transfer coefficient αan, relative humidity of inlet fuel RHa and relative humidity of inlet air RHc which are defined as input (design) variables. Then, we divided these data into train and test sections to do modeling. We instructed ANFIS network by 80% of numerical-validated data. 20% of primary data which had been considered for testing the appropriateness of the models was entered ANFIS network models and results were compared by three statistical criterions. Considering the results, it is obvious that our proposed modeling by ANFIS is efficient and valid and it can be expanded for more general states. © 2012 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | ANFIS; Fuel cell performance; PEM fuel cells; Relative humidity | Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system; ANFIS; Fuel cell performance; Inlet air; Membrane thickness; Network models; PEM fuel cell; Performance Modeling; Primary data; Statistical criterion; Test data; Test sections; Transfer coefficient; Atmospheric humidity; Fuzzy systems; Tracking (position); Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959709463 | Use-value or performance: Towards a better understanding of small reservoirs in sub-Saharan Africa [Valeurs d'usage ou performances techniques: Comment apprécier le rôle des petits barrages en Afrique subsaharienne?] | Venot J.-P., Cecchi P. | 2011 | Cahiers Agricultures | 20 | 42371 | 10.1684/agr.2010.0457 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), PMB CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; IRD, UMR G-Eau, Cemagref-Hortus, 361, rue J-F Breton BP 5095, 34196 Montpellier cedex 5, France | Venot, J.-P., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), PMB CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Cecchi, P., IRD, UMR G-Eau, Cemagref-Hortus, 361, rue J-F Breton BP 5095, 34196 Montpellier cedex 5, France | Small reservoirs are a reality of rural sub-Saharan Africa. They trigger technical and institutional innovations, appear to be in high demand among local communities, and remain popular on the agendas of national policy-makers and international development partners in spite of recurrent analyses highlighting that these systems function well below the expectations of their promoters. This paper proposes an analytical framework to understand this apparent contradiction. Local communities do make use of small reservoirs inmany ways but not always as implied by policy discourses and development strategies. Social, eco-technical and managerial analyses would then not disclose the real use-value of these innovations at either the local or the regional (watershed) scales. Understanding the opportunities and risks linked to an intensificationof themultipleuses of small reservoirs requires considering them as rural development and planning interventions. They induce changes in the relations that societies nurture with their environment and catalyze new and multiple claims and uses that sometimes appearconflictual and irreconcilable. | Evaluation; Innovation; Land use planning; Subsaharan Africa; Water reservoirs | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450174230 | Use of white rot-fungi in upgrading maize straw and, the resulting impact on chemical composition and in-vitro digestibility | Akinfemi A., Adu O.A., Adebiyi O.A. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 10 | None | Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Shabu-Lafia, Nigeria; Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ib | Akinfemi, A., Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Shabu-Lafia, Nigeria; Adu, O.A., Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adebiyi, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Studies were carried out for 40 days on the conversion of maize straw into value added ruminant feed using two white-rot fungi: Pleurotus sajor caju and Pleurotus pulmonarius in a solid state fermentation. The chemical composition and in- vitro digestibility of the resulting substrate were determined. The results of the study showed that the crude protein (CP) increased from 7.37% for the control (UM) to 9.66% for the Pleurotus pulmonarius degraded maize straw (PPM) and Pleurotus sajor caju degraded maize straw (PSM). The ether extracts (EE) and ash contents also follow the same trend. On the contrary, Crude Fiber fractions (Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), Acid detergent fiber (ADF),acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose and hemicellulose) decreased significantly (p<0.05) during the period of solid state fermentation. The estimated short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and metabolisable energy (ME) were not significantly different (p>0.05).Organic matter digestibility (OMD) were enhanced by the fungi used compared with the untreated straw. Gas volume also follows the same trend while the rate of gas production constant (c) was highest in UM and PSM. This study shows that the fungal treatment of maize straw enhanced the chemical composition and in -vitro digestibility. | Fermentation; Fungi; Pleurotus pulmonarius; Pleurotus sajor caju; Ruminant | Bovidae; Fungi; Pleurotus; Pleurotus pulmonarius; Pleurotus sajor-caju; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882996014 | Use of volcanic ash and its impact on algae proliferation in drinking water filtration | Mpagi K.H., Rose K., Elzbieta P. | 2013 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 3 | 2 | 10.2166/washdev.2013.080 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; External Services, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Brinellvägen 32, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden | Mpagi, K.H., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Rose, K., External Services, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Elzbieta, P., Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Brinellvägen 32, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden | With increasing pollution of the available water resources, development of safe drinking water supplies is increasingly becoming a challenge, both for developing and developed countries. To alleviate the prevailing difficulties, approaches should focus on sustainable water supply and treatment systems that require minimal maintenance and operator skills. In this study, a pre-treatment of water containing algae using a combination of volcanic ash (VA) and sand in a filtration system was assessed. The results indicated that a combination of VA and sand performed better in the removal of algae than sand alone. However, it was noted that different algae genera were removed at different rates within the two types of media arrangement. In addition, there was an increase in the filtration run length of the ash-sand columns with VA on top of sand of about two and half times compared with the sand columns. It is therefore anticipated that pre-treatment of raw water laden with algae using ash-sand would probably improve on the performance of the subsequent conventional processes in removing intact cells of algae and thus reduce the threat of releasing toxins into the water that may not be removed by the subsequent conventional treatment processes. © IWA Publishing 2013. | Algae; Drinking water; Filtration; Intact cells; Pre-treatment; Volcanic ash | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918586205 | Use of the myocardial performance index as a prognostic indicator of adverse fetal outcome in poorly controlled gestational diabetic pregnancies | Bhorat I.E., Bagratee J.S., Pillay M., Reddy T. | 2014 | Prenatal Diagnosis | 34 | 13 | 10.1002/pd.4471 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Bhorat, I.E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bagratee, J.S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pillay, M., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Reddy, T., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | What is known about the topic?Fetal complications in gestational diabetes without microvascular complications are related to fetal hyperinsulinism. Our present prenatal surveillance techniques in diabetic pregnancies are neither appropriate nor sufficient as a monitoring tool. Impaired cardiac function in fetuses of diabetic pregnancies has been documented, but no link to adverse outcome has been demonstrated. What this study adds to the topic?This study has established an association between fetal cardiac dysfunction and abnormal fetal outcomes in poorly controlled gestational diabetic pregnancies. There seems to be an association between severity of the myocardial performance index elevation and rates of abnormal outcomes. Myocardial performance index may be an attractive monitoring tool of the fetus in poorly controlled diabetic pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any changes in cardiac function in fetuses of poorly controlled gestational diabetics and whether these changes influence perinatal outcome. Methods: Twenty-nine pregnant women with severe gestational diabetes on insulin therapy in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited and matched with 29 women with normal pregnancies (control group). Using Doppler echocardiography, the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) and E wave/A wave peak velocities (E/A) ratios were determined. Placental resistance Doppler markers were also determined in both groups. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as perinatal death, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, cord pH <7.15, 5-min Apgar score <7 and presence of cardiomyopathy. Results: The median Mod-MPI was increased (0.59 vs 0.38; p<0.0001) and the E/A ratio was decreased (0.65 vs 0.76; p<0.0001) in fetuses of diabetic mothers compared with controls. An MPI >0.52 had a sensitivity of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 85-100%] and specificity of 92% (95% CI 70-92%) for prediction of adverse perinatal outcome, including one stillbirth and one neonatal death. No abnormal outcomes occurred in the control group. Conclusions: There is significant impairment of cardiac function in fetuses of poorly controlled gestational diabetics. Mod-MPI and E/A ratio have the potential to improve fetal surveillance in diabetic pregnancies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | adult; clinical trial; cross-sectional study; female; fetus heart; heart function test; human; pathophysiology; pregnancy; pregnancy diabetes mellitus; pregnancy outcome; prospective study; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Heart; Heart Function Tests; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938526082 | Use of the MSCR test to characterize the asphalt binder properties relative to HMA rutting performance - A laboratory study | Zhang J., Walubita L.F., Faruk A.N.M., Karki P., Simate G.S. | 2015 | Construction and Building Materials | 94 | None | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.06.044 | Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, J., Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Walubita, L.F., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Faruk, A.N.M., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Karki, P., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Simate, G.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Abstract Permanent deformation (or rutting) is one of the common distresses occurring in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. HMA is predominantly composed of aggregates and asphalt binder; and the asphalt binder plays a significant role in the HMA performance including permanent deformation and rutting resistance. In order to characterize the properties of the asphalt binder related to HMA rutting, the Superpave performance grade system uses the high-temperature grade, which is determined based on the complex shear modulus (|G∗|) and phase angle (δ) parameter (G∗/sinδ) that is measured from the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test. However, G∗/sinδ is not a performance-based parameter. Therefore, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a performance-based PG binder test, the Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test, to supplement the conventional DSR high temperature test. The primary objective of this laboratory study was to compare the two asphalt binder tests (the MSCR and the DSR high-temperature grade) and two HMA rutting related performance tests (the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test [HWTT] and the Repeated Loading Permanent Deformation [RLPD] Test) for characterizing the asphalt binder high temperature properties relative to HMA permanent deformation and rutting performance. For the asphalt binders and HMA evaluated, the MSCR showed a better correlation with the two rutting related performance tests (HWTT and RLPD) than the DSR high temperature grade. Thus, the MSCR test results shows promise to supplement or serve as a surrogate to the existing DSR test in characterizing the asphalt binder high temperature properties that are related to HMA rutting. However, more lab testing and field validation is still warranted to complement the results and findings reported herein. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Asphalt binder; DSR; G∗; HWTT; J<inf>nr</inf>; MSCR; Permanent deformation; RLPD; Rutting | Asphalt; Asphalt pavements; Creep; Deformation; High temperature properties; Highway administration; Asphalt binders; DSR; HWTT; MSCR; Permanent deformations; RLPD; Rutting; Binders | TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900528190 | Use of survey data to evaluate teaching: A comparison of self and peer evaluations of teaching | Ogbonnaya U.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p370 | Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Ogbonnaya, U.I., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Survey is one of the most widely used methods of investigation into educational systems and practices. While the results from surveys might give insight into what goes on in the educational system, important questions arise: how reliable are the results of surveys in evaluating educational systems and practices? And can the results be used to take high-stakes decisions about teaching and learning? This study examines the reliability of surveys in evaluating teaching by comparing the degree of agreement between mathematics teachers' self-evaluation of their teaching and their peers' evaluation of it. A sample of 31 grade 11 mathematics teachers took part in the study. The result shows that teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching generally did not agree significantly with their peers' evaluations. This finding suggests caution in the use of self and peer evaluations in taking high-stakes decisions on teaching and learning. | Evaluation of teaching; Mathematics teaching; Peer evaluation; Self-evaluation; Survey | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-26944448208 | Use of stored serum from Uganda for development and evaluation of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 testing algorithm involving multiple rapid immunoassays | Singer D.E., Kiwanuka N., Serwadda D., Nalugoda F., Hird L., Bulken-Hoover J., Kigozi G., Malia J.A., Calero E.K., Sateren W., Robb M.L., Wabwire-Mangen F., Wawer M., Gray R.H., Sewankambo N., Birx D.L., Michael N.L. | 2005 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 43 | 10 | 10.1128/JCM.43.10.5312-5315.2005 | Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY 10032, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States; College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogenesis, Division of Retrovirology, Walter-Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | Singer, D.E., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Kiwanuka, N., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Nalugoda, F., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Hird, L., Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Bulken-Hoover, J., Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Kigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Malia, J.A., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Calero, E.K., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Sateren, W., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Robb, M.L., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Wawer, M., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY 10032, United States; Gray, R.H., Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States; Sewankambo, N., College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Birx, D.L., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Michael, N.L., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogenesis, Division of Retrovirology, Walter-Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | We report the development and evaluation of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 testing algorithm consisting of three rapid antibody detection tests. Stored serum samples from Uganda were utilized with a final algorithm sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98.9% (95% confidence interval, 98.6% to 99.3%). Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | algorithm; antibody detection; article; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunoassay; mass screening; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; serum; Uganda; virus identification; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Algorithms; Confidence Intervals; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoassay; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serum; Specimen Handling; Time Factors; Uganda; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938864176 | Use of ServQUAL in the evaluation of service quality of academic libraries in developing countries | Asogwa B.E., Asadu B.U., Ezema J.U., Ugwu C.I., Ugwuanyi F.C. | 2014 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2014 | 1 | None | Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Asogwa, B.E., Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Asadu, B.U., Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ezema, J.U., Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwu, C.I., Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwuanyi, F.C., Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Purpose - This paper assesses the quality of services to users in academic libraries in developing countries using ServQUAL model. The purpose was to expose the service areas where the desires of library users' are not met, ascertain the causes, and suggest corrective measures. Approach - Both primary and secondary sources were explored for data collection. Questionnaire and the websites were used, and the 3,832 library users sampled from four developing countries was the research population of this article. Data was analyzed and discussed using descriptive statistics, and other illustrations. Findings - The paper revealed that in developing countries: all the service indicators evaluated were negatively marked; There is significant different between the perceptions and expectations of library users; Academic libraries are not satisfying users' expectations; While tangibility and empathy were the highest and lowest dimensions in developing countries, reliability and tangibility were the order in developed countries; factors such as lack of modern facilities, poor funding, and weak e-leadership quality were negatively affecting the quality of library services. Greater efforts should be channeled toward closing the gaps between the perceptions and the expectations of library users. Practical Implications -This result could be used in comparing the service quality of academic libraries in developed and developing countries. Originality -This paper is the first attempt to use ServQUAL model in the comparison of service quality of academic libraries in developed and developing countries. | Academic libraries; Service quality; ServQUAL in academic libraries; ServQUAL in developing countries; ServQual model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925428074 | Use of multivariate statistical techniques for the evaluation of temporal and spatial variations in water quality of the Kaduna River, Nigeria | Ogwueleka T.C. | 2015 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 187 | 3 | 10.1007/s10661-015-4354-4 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Abuja, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria | Ogwueleka, T.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Abuja, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria | Multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA), were used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations and to interpret large and complex water quality data sets collected from the Kaduna River. Kaduna River is the main tributary of Niger River in Nigeria and represents the common situation of most natural rivers including spatial patterns of pollutants. The water samples were collected monthly for 5 years (2008–2012) from eight sampling stations located along the river. In all samples, 17 parameters of water quality were determined: total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, Thard, dissolved oxygen (DO), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4-N, Cl, SO4, Ca, Mg, total coliform (TColi), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), HCO3 −, NO3 −, and temperature (T). Hierarchical CA grouped 12 months into two seasons (dry and wet seasons) and classified eight sampling stations into two groups (low- and high-pollution regions) based on seasonal differences and different levels of pollution, respectively. PCA/FA for each group formed by CA helped to identify spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in Kaduna River. CA illustrated that water quality progressively deteriorated from headwater to downstream areas. The results of PCA/FA determined that 78.7 % of the total variance in low pollution region was explained by five factor, that is, natural and organic, mineral, microbial, organic, and nutrient, and 87.6 % of total variance in high pollution region was explained by six factors, that is, microbial, organic, mineral, natural, nutrient, and organic. Varifactors obtained from FA indicated that the parameters responsible for water quality variations are resulted from agricultural runoff, natural pollution, domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewater. Mann–Whitney U test results revealed that TDS, pH, DO, T, EC, TColi, turbidity, total hardness (THard), Mg, Ca, NO3 −, COD, and BOD were identified as significant variables affecting temporal variation in river water, and TDS, EC, and TColi were identified as significant variables affecting spatial variation. In addition, box-whisker plots facilitated and supported multivariate analysis results. This study illustrates the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for classification and processing of large and complex data sets of water quality parameters, identification of latent pollution factors/sources and their spatial-temporal variations, and determination of the corresponding significant parameters in river water quality. © 2015, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Box plots; Cluster analysis; Factor analysis; Principal component analysis; Temporal-spatial variations; Water quality management | Agricultural runoff; Biochemical oxygen demand; Calcium; Chemical oxygen demand; Chlorine; Classification (of information); Cluster analysis; Dissolved oxygen; Factor analysis; Magnesium; Multivariant analysis; Nutrients; Oxygen; Parameter estimation; Pollution; Principal component analysis; Quality control; Quality management; Rivers; Statistical methods; Turbidity; Water conservation; Water management; Water pollution; Water quality; Water resources; Box plots; Electrical conductivity; Multivariate statistical techniques; Spatial variations; Spatio-temporal dynamics; Temporal and spatial variation; Water quality parameters; Water quality variations; River pollution; ammonium nitrate; calcium; chloride; dissolved organic matter; dissolved oxygen; magnesium; runoff; sulfate; cluster analysis; factor analysis; multivariate analysis; principal component analysis; river pollution; river water; spatial analysis; temporal analysis; water quality; Article; chemical oxygen demand; cluster analysis; coliform bacterium; discriminant analysis; dry season; electric conductivity; factorial analysis; hydrology; multivariate analysis; Nigeria; nonhuman; pH; principal component analysis; river; season; seasonal variation; soil erosion; spatiotemporal analysis; statistical analysis; temperature; turbidity; water analysis; water pollution; water quality; water sampling; weathering; wet season; biochemical oxygen demand; chemistry; environmental monitoring; procedures; statistics and numerical data; water pollution; water quality; Kaduna River; Nigeria; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Cluster Analysis; Environmental Monitoring; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Multivariate Analysis; Nigeria; Principal Component Analysis; Rivers; Seasons; Temperature; Water Pollution; Water Quality | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903945381 | Use of job enrichment technique and human resource management performance, among extension managers in North West Province South Africa | Thafe D.R., Oladele O.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p11 | Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | Thafe, D.R., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | The study examined knowledge and utilization of job enrichment techniques among extension managers in North West Province. The population of the study area is extension managers in the North West Province of South Africa. Thirty (30) Extension Managers were sampled randomly from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development database in the four district municipalities of the Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysis was done with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regressions. The findings show that 70% of extension managers are married and mostly are male (66.7%), 86.7% have 1 to 3 children with 63.4% having 1-3 dependents; 33.3% of the respondents were Diploma holders; 30% were Degree holders, 30% had Honours, 6.7% had MSc; 70% are currently studying for higher degree. The most prominently used information sources were advisory leaflets (100%), most managers were not knowledgeable on removal of power of a subordinate improve job satisfaction(80); while the most prominent job enriching techniques used by extension managers was adjustment of performance target (80%). The results further show that there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and the use of job enrichment techniques with F value of 1.83, p < 0.05, R = 0.717. The result further predicted 52 percent of the variation in use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance by extension managers. The significant determinants of use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance among extension managers in North West Province are age (t = -2.155, p =.046), tenure in profession (t = 2.202, p =.042) and job designation (t = -2.273, p =.036). | None | None | None |
None | None | Use of hybrid cultivars in Kagera region, Tanzania, and their impact | Edmeades S., Nkuba J.M., Smale M. | 2007 | Research Report of the International Food Policy Research Institute | None | 155 | None | Agriculture and the Rural Development, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Maruku Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Bukoba, Tanzania; IFPRI, IPGRI | Edmeades, S., Agriculture and the Rural Development, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Nkuba, J.M., Maruku Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Bukoba, Tanzania; Smale, M., IFPRI, IPGRI | Banana hybrid use in Kagera Region, Tanzania have been beneficial in that the reduce vulnerability to production losses from biotic pressures. In order to assess, a treatment model is used as well as for the identification of the determinants of adoption and the effects of adoption on expected yield losses from pests and diseases. Meanwhile, the hybrids are high yielding and resistant to pests and diseases that ravaged banana production in the lakes region. It was shown that the intended impact of reducing yield losses to pests and diseases has been achieved, supporting research efforts aimed at developing resistant planting material and the formal diffusion program. Findings from the research showed that there is a need to disseminate new cultivars to sustain the benefits. Using the disease and pest resistant cultivars help farmers reduce dependence on pesticides and fungicides which are costly and bear health risks for farming communities, not to mention degrade the environment. | None | biotic factor; cultivar; health risk; hybrid; pest resistance; pesticide resistance; yield; Africa; East Africa; Kagera; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919572776 | Use of ground-penetrating radar for construction monitoring and evaluation of perpetual pavements | Li J., Walubita L.F., Simate G.S., Alvarez A.E., Liu W. | 2015 | Natural Hazards | 75 | 1 | 10.1007/s11069-014-1314-1 | Changsha University of Science and Technology (CUST), Changsha, Hunan, China; TTI, PVAMU - The Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, United States; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; TTI, College Station, TX, United States | Li, J., Changsha University of Science and Technology (CUST), Changsha, Hunan, China, TTI, College Station, TX, United States; Walubita, L.F., TTI, PVAMU - The Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, United States; Simate, G.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Alvarez, A.E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; Liu, W., TTI, College Station, TX, United States | The inherent quality of perpetual pavement (PP) governs its performance, which consequently influences the frequency and level of the potential accidents during the whole service life.This paper presents the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a nondestructive testing (NDT) tool that was utilized for construction monitoring and evaluation of Texas (USA) perpetual pavements. The currently existing Texas PP sections typically consist of hot-mix asphalt layers of over 350-mm total thickness supported on a 200-mm-thick treated (6 % lime or 2 % cement) base, which is resting on a well-compacted in situ subgrade soil. Overall, the results indicate that the GPR has great potential as an effective NDT tool for aiding with the construction quality monitoring, forensic investigations, and structural/performance evaluation of PP structures. In particular, the GPR is useful in determining pavement layer thicknesses, assessing compaction uniformity, locating areas of moisture retention, identifying low-density spots and localized high voided areas, indicative assessment of vertical segregation and debonding, and quality assessment of construction joints. Additionally, the current GPR system has the advantage of rapidly and continuously collecting pavement data up to a depth of 610 mm, together with integrated video images and a GPS system, over any desired highway length while traveling at a nominal speed of about 113 km/h without disturbing conventional traffic. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Accidents; Construction; Density; Ground-penetrating radar; Moisture; Perpetual pavement | None | FHWA, Federal Highway Administration |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929614187 | Use of electromagnetic non-destructive techniques for monitoring water and chloride ingress into concrete | Villain G., Ihamouten A., Du Plooy R., Palma Lopes S., Dérobert X. | 2015 | Near Surface Geophysics | 13 | 3 | 10.3997/1873-0604.2015016 | LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; CEREMA, DLRCA, Techniques Physiques Avancées, ERA17, Angers, France; AURECON, Aurecon Center Lynnwood Bridge Office, Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa | Villain, G., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; Ihamouten, A., CEREMA, DLRCA, Techniques Physiques Avancées, ERA17, Angers, France; Du Plooy, R., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France, AURECON, Aurecon Center Lynnwood Bridge Office, Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa; Palma Lopes, S., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; Dérobert, X., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France | This paper deals with the use of three electromagnetic non-destructive in situ techniques to assess concrete conditions: electrical resistivity, capacimetry, and ground-penetrating radar. It shows the potential of these methods to monitor the ingress of water and chlorides into concrete. The electromagnetic properties that are studied here are dielectric permittivity and electrical resistivity, both sensitive to volumetric water content and chloride content. Results are presented from an experimental study conducted on concrete slabs (and corresponding core cylinders) in a controlled laboratory environment. Then, the discussion is focused on the ability of three electromagnetic techniques to assess the depth of the ingress front of different salt solutions and to discern between the 3 NaCl concentrations (0, 15 and 30 g/L). © 2015 European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882932531 | Use of APSDM and EM_press inversion to impact evaluation of a west africa deepwater discovery | Zhang M., Lazaratos S., Yu Y., Lee J.J., Boorman S., Anderson K., Illo O. | 2009 | SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts | 28 | 1 | None | ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, United States; ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Deepwater West Limited, Nigeria | Zhang, M., ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; Lazaratos, S., ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; Yu, Y., ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, United States; Lee, J.J., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Boorman, S., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Anderson, K., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Illo, O., Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Deepwater West Limited, Nigeria | Summary: In this paper we discuss the impact of APSDM and EM_PreSS inversion technology on the evaluation of a West Africa deepwater field. The field is located in an ExxonMobil operated block. The trap was defined as a distributary channel complex (DCC) on the flank of a faulted anticline. The hydrocarbon bearing sands have a class III AVO response for gas and a class III or II AVO response for oil. An exploration well and its side track discovered multiple oil reservoirs in Miocene sands. Using pre-stack time migrated (PSTM) data, dual fluid contacts were observed and interpreted for multiple reservoirs in several fault blocks. In general, oil-water-contacts (OWC's) observed on the PSTM data conform better to the depth structure maps than the gas-oil-contacts (GOC's). The GOC's are inconsistent across the fault blocks. The imaging of the GOC's was improved by anisotropic pre-stack depth migration (APSDM) and further sharpened by additional EM_PreSS inversion processing. An appraisal well and its side track confirmed the GOC determined from seismic interpretation. Use of the APSDM and EM_PreSS inversion favorably impacted business decisions during field appraisal and development planning, increasing our confidence to pursue development without drilling more appraisal wells. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000324164000001 | Use of anchoring vignettes to evaluate health reporting behavior amongst adults aged 50 years and above in Africa and Asia - testing assumptions | Blomstedt, Yulia,Debpuur, Cornelius,Gomez-Olive, Xavier,Hirve, Siddhivinayak,Juvekar, Sanjay,Ng, Nawi,Oti, Samuel,Tollman, Stephen,Wall, Stig | 2013 | GLOBAL HEALTH ACTION | 6 | None | 10.3402/gha.v6i0.21064 | Navrongo Health Research Center, Umea University, University of Witwatersrand, African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr, KEM Hosp Res Ctr | "Blomstedt, Yulia: Umea University","Debpuur, Cornelius: Navrongo Health Research Center","Gomez-Olive, Xavier: University of Witwatersrand","Ng, Nawi: Umea University","Tollman, Stephen: University of Witwatersrand","Wall, Stig: Umea University", | Background: Comparing self-rating health responses across individuals and cultures is misleading due to different reporting behaviors. Anchoring vignettes is a technique that allows identifying and adjusting self-rating responses for reporting heterogeneity (RH).
Objective: This article aims to test two crucial assumptions of vignette equivalence (VE) and response consistency (RC) that are required to be met before vignettes can be used to adjust self-rating responses for RH.
Design: We used self-ratings, vignettes, and objective measures covering domains of mobility and cognition from the WHO study on global AGEing and adult health, administered to older adults aged 50 years and above from eight low-and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. For VE, we specified a hierarchical ordered probit (HOPIT) model to test for equality of perceived vignette locations. For RC, we tested for equality of thresholds that are used to rate vignettes with thresholds derived from objective measures and used to rate their own health function.
Results: There was evidence of RH in self-rating responses for difficulty in mobility and cognition. Assumptions of VE and RC between countries were violated driven by age, sex, and education. However, within a country context, assumption of VE was met in some countries (mainly in Africa, except Tanzania) and violated in others (mainly in Asia, except India).
Conclusion: We conclude that violation of assumptions of RC and VE precluded the use of anchoring vignettes to adjust self-rated responses for RH across countries in Asia and Africa. | "anchoring vignettes",COGNITION,MOBILITY,"reporting heterogeneity","RESPONSE CONSISTENCY",SELF-RATING,"Vignette equivalence",HETEROGENEITY,SATISFACTION,"SELF-RATED HEALTH" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744914994 | Usefulness of histological evaluation of excised nasopharyngeal tumour in a 12-year-old Nigerian boy mimicking adenoids | Alabi B.S., Rafindadi A.H., Saeed N., Anka A. | 2006 | International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra | 1 | 2 | 10.1016/j.pedex.2006.02.001 | Department of Otolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau | Alabi, B.S., Department of Otolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Rafindadi, A.H., Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Saeed, N., Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Anka, A., Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria | Background/aim: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is the commonest benign nasopharyngeal tumour, which tends to bleed is found exclusively in male adolescents. This case was seen at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria, a relatively new tertiary health institution in North Western Nigeria in May 2005, this is to stress the importance of excision biopsy for tumours rather than incisional biopsy in an environment with limited facilities. Results: This 12-year-old male Nigerian boy presented with nasal obstruction, obstructive sleep apnoea and nasal speech previously treated by the native doctors. The tumour was diagnosed based on clinical, posterior rhinoscopy and plain radiological findings and it was surgically excised via a transpalatal approach and histological evaluation of the excised tumour revealed juvenile angiofibroma. Conclusions: The management is discussed with reference to the literature and the limitation of diagnostic facilities is highlighted in a developing country setting and the need for complete surgical excision rather than incisional biopsy especially in the unwary. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Histology; Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma; Male adolescents; Posterior rhinoscopy; Transpalatal approach | adenoid; article; biopsy technique; case report; clinical feature; computer assisted tomography; developing country; diagnostic value; ear nose throat surgery; endoscopy; excision; health care facility; histopathology; human; intermethod comparison; male; medical literature; nasopharynx fibroma; nasopharynx tumor; Nigeria; nose obstruction; school child; sleep apnea syndrome; surgical approach; tertiary health care | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857117291 | Urine heme dipsticks are useful in monitoring the impact of Praziquantel treatment on Schistosoma haematobium in sentinel communities of Delta State, Nigeria | Emukah E., Gutman J., Eguagie J., Miri E.S., Yinkore P., Okocha N., Jibunor V., Nebe O., Nwoye A.I., Richards F.O. | 2012 | Acta Tropica | 122 | 1 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.01.002 | The Carter Center, Plot R/60 GRA, Off High Court Road, Box 4034, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, 2015 Uppergate Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; The Carter Center, 1 Jeka Kadima Street, | Emukah, E., The Carter Center, Plot R/60 GRA, Off High Court Road, Box 4034, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Gutman, J., Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, 2015 Uppergate Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Eguagie, J., The Carter Center, 1 Jeka Kadima Street, Box 7772, Jos, Nigeria; Miri, E.S., The Carter Center, 1 Jeka Kadima Street, Box 7772, Jos, Nigeria; Yinkore, P., Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Health, No. 1 Onyeka Close, Off Delta Broadcasting Service Road, Near LGSC, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Okocha, N., Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Health, No. 1 Onyeka Close, Off Delta Broadcasting Service Road, Near LGSC, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Jibunor, V., Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Health, No. 1 Onyeka Close, Off Delta Broadcasting Service Road, Near LGSC, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Nebe, O., Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Secretariat Phase 3, Garki Abuja, Nigeria; Nwoye, A.I., Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Secretariat Phase 3, Garki Abuja, Nigeria; Richards, F.O., The Carter Center, One Copenhill Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-1406, United States | Nigeria is highly endemic for infection with Schistosoma haematobium, which most commonly manifests itself with blood in urine. To monitor the impact of annual mass drug administration (MDA) with Praziquantel for S. haematobium in Delta State, Nigeria, cross-sectional hematuria surveys of school children were conducted in 8 sentinel villages (SVs) at baseline (n= 240) and after two annual doses (n= 402). We assessed the comparability of three assessments of hematuria (child's reported history, nurse visual diagnosis (NVD) and dipstick) to determine the need for mass treatment. Dipstick was considered to be the gold standard. Prior to treatment, history and NVD each identified only the 3 most highly prevalent SVs, and overall this represented just 37.5% of the 8 SVs in need of treatment. Following treatment, after dipstick prevalence decreased by 88.5% (p< 0.001), and history and NVD identified only one of two villages still needing treatment. The study suggests that dipsticks should be the recommended method for launching and monitoring mass treatment for S. haematobium. © 2012. | Hematuria; Mass treatment; Monitoring; Nigeria; Praziquantel; Schistosomiasis | praziquantel; baseline survey; biomonitoring; child health; comparative study; disease prevalence; disease treatment; drug; endemic species; infectivity; schistosomiasis; village; adolescent; analytic method; article; child; community; cross-sectional study; drug monitoring; female; health survey; hematuria; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; preschool child; prevalence; schistosomiasis haematobia; school child; urine heme dipstick; Adolescent; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Monitoring; Female; Heme; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Praziquantel; Prevalence; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schools; Urine; Delta; Nigeria; Schistosoma haematobium | 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-s2.0-84921469715 | Urban transport safety assessment in Akure based on corresponding performance indicators | Oye A., Aderinlewo O., Croope S. | 2013 | Central European Journal of Engineering | 3 | 1 | 10.2478/s13531-012-0043-z | Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware, United States | Oye, A., Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Aderinlewo, O., Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Croope, S., Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware, United States | The level of safety of the transportation system in Akure, Nigeria was assessed by identifying the associated road safety problems and developing the corresponding safety performance indicators. These indicators were analysed with respect to accidents that occurred within the city from the year 2005 to 2009 based on the corresponding attributable risk measures. The results of the analysis showed the state of existing safety programs in Akure town. Six safety performance indicators were identified namely alcohol and drug use, excessive speeds, protection system (use of seat belts and helmets), use of day time running lights, state of vehicles (passive safety) and road condition. These indicators were used to determine the percentage of injury accidents as follows: 83.33% and 86.36% for years 2005 and 2006 respectively, 81.46% for year 2007 while years 2008 and 2009 had 82.86% and 78.12% injury accidents respectively. © Versita sp. z o.o. | Attributable risk; Injury accidents; Protection system; Safety performance indicators; Vulnerability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938204432 | Urban Impacts of Resource Booms: the Emergence of Oil-Led Gentrification in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana | Eduful A., Hooper M. | 2015 | Urban Forum | 26 | 3 | 10.1007/s12132-015-9257-5 | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Administration Block II, 2nd Floor, UPO PMB, Kumasi, Ghana; Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, 401A Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, United States | Eduful, A., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Administration Block II, 2nd Floor, UPO PMB, Kumasi, Ghana; Hooper, M., Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, 401A Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, United States | Existing research on resource booms and their impacts has largely focused at the national level and been undertaken from an economic perspective, primarily through the lens of the resource curse. This study investigates an emergent resource boom in Ghana, where oil was discovered in 2007. Given the considerable existing research on national-level impacts of resource extraction, this study looks at the urban impacts of oil exploitation on the city of Sekondi-Takoradi, the largest urban settlement closest to the nation’s offshore oil fields. Drawing on detailed questionnaires completed by 636 people across multiple neighbourhoods, the study examines how oil discovery and exploitation have impacted the city. The study finds that many of the changes facing Sekondi-Takoradi can be understood in light of gentrification theory. This is important because there has been considerable debate over the extent to which models of gentrification, largely forged in the developed world, are relevant in the developing world. The findings of this study extend existing knowledge by not only connecting resource booms to processes of urban gentrification in Sub-Saharan Africa but by also demonstrating that multiple forms of gentrification take place simultaneously in these conditions. The paper concludes by suggesting several avenues through which planners and policymakers might better prepare for the kinds of urban changes that are likely to result from developing world resource booms. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Gentrification; Ghana; Natural resources; Oil; Sekondi-Takoradi; Urban | developing world; exploitation; gentrification; natural resource; neighborhood; numerical model; oil field; policy making; urban economy; urban policy; Ghana; Sekondi-Takoradi; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Region | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349190849 | Urban impact on ecological integrity of nearby rivers in developing countries: The Borkena River in highland Ethiopia | Beyene A., Legesse W., Triest L., Kloos H. | 2009 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 153 | 42373 | 10.1007/s10661-008-0371-x | Plant Science and Nature Management (APNA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium; Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States | Beyene, A., Plant Science and Nature Management (APNA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium, Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Legesse, W., Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Triest, L., Plant Science and Nature Management (APNA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium; Kloos, H., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States | Accelerated pollution and eutrophication of rivers and streams because of human activity are a concern throughout the world and severe in Africa where Ethiopia is case in point. The objective of this study was to assess the urban impact on the ecological integrity of the Borkena River at the eastern escarpment of the central Ethiopian highlands. The water quality status and macroinvertebrate distribution and diversity of the river were assessed during the dry and wet seasons. Diversity indices revealed that a severe decline in the ecological integrity of the Borkena River downstream of Dessie and within Kombolcha towns in terms of macroinvertebrate abundance and composition. Clustering and ordination analysis clearly separated reference sites from urban impacted sites. At the urban-impacted sites, dissolved oxygen was also depleted to 0.5 mg/l and BOD5 values were reached to a level of above 1,000 mg/l, with extremely low biological diversity of pollution-sensitive taxa. These patterns are the result of a combination of rampant dumping of untreated wastes exacerbated by geologic, topographic, climatic and land use factors. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008. | Borkena river; Ecological integrity; Ethiopia; Faunal diversity; Macroinvertebrate; Pollution | Borkena river; Ecological integrity; Ethiopia; Faunal diversity; Macroinvertebrate; Developing countries; Dissolution; Dissolved oxygen; Eutrophication; Land use; Natural resources; Pollution; Quality assurance; Rivers; Water quality; River pollution; dissolved oxygen; cluster analysis; developing world; dissolved oxygen; environmental impact; Index of Biotic Integrity; macroinvertebrate; river water; species diversity; water quality; article; biochemical oxygen demand; biodiversity; climate; cluster analysis; controlled study; dumping; environmental impact; Ethiopia; eutrophication; geology; human activities; land use; macroinvertebrate; population abundance; river ecosystem; season; taxon; topography; urban area; water pollution; water quality; Ecology; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Ethiopia; Geography; Rivers; Africa; Borkena River; Dese; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-5744226295 | Urban consumer preferences and sensory evaluation of locally produced and imported rice in West Africa | Tomlins K.I., Manful J.T., Larwer P., Hammond L. | 2005 | Food Quality and Preference | 16 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodqual.2004.02.002 | Natural Resources Institute, The Univ. of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana | Tomlins, K.I., Natural Resources Institute, The Univ. of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; Manful, J.T., Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana; Larwer, P., Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana; Hammond, L., Natural Resources Institute, The Univ. of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom | Parboiled rice produced in Ghana is of poor quality and is being overtaken by imported rice. This study sought to investigate consumer preference and relate sensory attributes with consumer acceptability of rice. The majority of consumers preferred imported raw and parboiled rice to that produced locally. Acceptability was influenced by location and gender. Individual preferences of consumers varied and four different segments of consumers with similar liking of the rice samples were identified. The largest three segments (86% of consumers) preferred the imported rice but differed in their preferences for the local rice. A niche segment (14%) mostly preferred traditional local rice. Regression models to predict consumer preference from the sensory panel scores were based on either brown colour of the cooked rice or unshelled paddy in the uncooked form. The models were suitable for three of the consumer segments representing 86% of the consumers. This suggests that while a sensory panel could be used to rapidly monitor consumer acceptability in product development, it was not valid for all consumers. The implications of these findings are discussed. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa; Consumer acceptability; Ghana; Rice; Sensory evaluation | adult; Africa; aged; article; color; controlled study; female; food intake; food processing; food quality; gender; geography; human; male; monitoring; prediction; regression analysis; rice; scoring system; sensory analysis; statistical model; taste preference; urban area | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897500506 | Urban cities and waste generation in developing countries: A GIS evaluation of two cities in Burkina Faso | Yiougo L.S.A., Oyedotun T.D.T., Some C.Y.C., Da E.C.D. | 2013 | Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering | 7 | 2 | 10.4090/juee.2013.v7n2.280285 | International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Univ | Yiougo, L.S.A., International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Oyedotun, T.D.T., Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Some, C.Y.C., International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Da, E.C.D., Department of Geography, University of Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Cities in developing countries are faced waste management challenges in terms of quantity and quality. Most of the time, solid and liquid wastes are dumped on street and open spaces. Uncontrolled waste dumped has led to diverse kind of health problems. The purpose of this article is to characterize urban cities and evaluate their waste generation using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The focus is on two cities in Burkina Faso. Specific variables which were considered during the survey include urban fabric, grey water outlets and household garbage dumps sites/techniques. The study shows that in the two cities, the most dominant urban fabric is low standard of living (about 64% of housing in Fada and 62% of housing in Pouytenga). The urban fabric is also characterized by the existence of empty spaces. Overall, the average density of grey water discharge points is 0.85 points and 5.7 points per ha of street in Fada N'Gourma and Pouytenga respectively. The average density of solid waste dumps is 1.45 waste dumps per ha street and 7 waste dumps per ha street in Fada N'Gourma and Pouytenga respectively. In case of urgent waste management intervention, the priority areas for speedy intervention are area 10 in Fada N'Gourma, areas 2 and 5 in Pouytenga. GIS applied to waste management can be a decision making tool for urban planners in developing country. © 2013 Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering (JUEE). All rights reserved. | Developing countries; Discharges; Fada N'Gourma; GIS; Pouytenga; Wastes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947033836 | Uptake of Genetic Counseling, Knowledge of Bleeding risks and Psychosocial Impact in a South African Cohort of Female Relatives of People with Hemophilia | Gillham A., Greyling B., Wessels T.-M., Mbele B., Schwyzer R., Krause A., Mahlangu J. | 2015 | Journal of Genetic Counseling | 24 | 6 | 10.1007/s10897-015-9834-8 | National Bioproducts Institute, P.O. Box 818, Pinegowrie, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa | Gillham, A., National Bioproducts Institute, P.O. Box 818, Pinegowrie, Johannesburg, South Africa; Greyling, B., Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wessels, T.-M., Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mbele, B., Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Schwyzer, R., Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Krause, A., Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mahlangu, J., Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa | In excess of 200 people with hemophilia (PWH) and their families have received genetic counseling (GC) at the Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. However, very few of their at-risk female relatives have attended GC to discuss their reproductive risks and options, or their potential bleeding risks. Limited research has been conducted internationally on factors influencing uptake of GC and testing amongst female relatives of PWH. This prospective study aimed to explore the factors that influence the uptake of GC and testing by female relatives of PWH. An open-ended semi-structured interview schedule was developed. Participants included female relatives of PWH who at least had a family member who had received GC. Seventeen participants were interviewed; 7 who had GC previously and 10 who had not. All participants who had previously received GC found the service helpful and were mothers referred because their sons had hemophilia. Of those who had not had GC, possible deterrents included: being unaware of GC service, focus in clinic on PWH and not potential carriers, misunderstood risks related to hemophilia and carrier status, fear of finding out carrier status, and non-disclosure in families. Most participants were unaware of potential bleeding risks for carriers. The information will be used to provide a better service to female relatives of PWH with a goal being to set up a dedicated hemophilia carrier clinic. © 2015, National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. | Bleeding risks; Genetic counseling; Hemophilia carriers; Psychosocial impact; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749097394 | Uptake and performance of farm-based measures for reducing crop raiding by elephants Loxodonta africana among smallholder farms in Laikipia District, Kenya | Graham M.D., Ochieng T. | 2008 | ORYX | 42 | 1 | 10.1017/S0030605308000677 | Laikipia Elephant Project, Centre for Training and Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, Nanyuki, Kenya; Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, United Kingdom | Graham, M.D., Laikipia Elephant Project, Centre for Training and Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, Nanyuki, Kenya, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, United Kingdom; Ochieng, T., Laikipia Elephant Project, Centre for Training and Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, Nanyuki, Kenya | Human-elephant conflict, in particular the damage caused by elephants to smallholder crops, is a major challenge to the conservation of African elephant Loxodonta africana. Conventional tools used to address this problem are capital intensive and require high levels of expertise. In recent years simple, affordable farm-based elephant deterrents, using locally available materials, have been encouraged by a number of human-elephant conflict researchers. There are very few published studies demonstrating the performance of these deterrents, however, and little is known about levels of uptake among smallholder farmers. We trialled a number of such farm-based elephant deterrents with local farmers in three sites within Laikipia District, Kenya. Levels of crop raiding declined after the introduction of treatments but not significantly when compared with control farms. Variable levels of uptake among the participating farmers made it difficult to draw clear conclusions from the trials. However, participating farmers were positive about the deterrent effect of the tools introduced, corroborated by their willingness to make financial commitments towards sustaining future trials. Availability of household labour, local politics, and insecurity were identified as important barriers to uptake of some of the deterrents introduced. Household labour availability should be a key consideration in future endeavours to trial farm-based elephant deterrents. © 2008 Fauna and Flora International. | African elephant; Community-based; Human-elephant conflict; Kenya; Laikipia; Loxodonta africana; Uptake | conflict management; damage; elephant; smallholder; species conservation; willingness to pay; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Laikipia; Rift Valley; Sub-Saharan Africa; Elephantidae; Loxodonta; Loxodonta africana | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953007457 | Upper body muscle strength and batting performance in cricket batsmen | Taliep M.S., Prim S.K., Gray J. | 2010 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | 24 | 12 | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e7261b | Department of Sports Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | Taliep, M.S., Department of Sports Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Prim, S.K., Department of Human Biology, MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Gray, J., Department of Human Biology, MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | The aim of this study was to determine if upper body muscle strength (as measured by the 1 repetition maximum bench press) was associated with cricket batting performance. Cricket batting performance was defined by the maximum hitting distance during a batting task and batting average and strike rate during 1-Day and Twenty/20 (T/20) matches. Eighteen, provincial level, elite cricket batsmen participated in the study. Upper body muscle strength was found to be positively correlated with maximum hitting distance (ρ = 0.0052). There were no significant correlations between upper body strength, batting average, and strike rate for both the 1-Day and T/20 matches. The results of this study have implications for coaches choosing a particular batting line-up. Batsmen who have stronger upper bodies could be favored to bat when a match situation requires them to hit powerful strokes resulting in boundaries. However, coaches cannot use upper body strength as a predictor of overall batting performance in 1-Day or T/20 matches. © 2010 National Strength and Conditioning Association. | Elite; Fitness; Power; Skill; Training | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350475582 | Unwanted pregnancy and it's impact on maternal health and utilization of health services in Tigray region (Adigrat hospital) | Gessessew A. | 2009 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 47 | 1 | None | Department of Gynecology, Mekele Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia | Gessessew, A., Department of Gynecology, Mekele Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia | Background: Unwanted pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of the causes and its impact on maternal health and utilization of health services is crucial to develop preventive strategies. Objective: To assess possible factors of unwanted pregnancy and its impact on maternal health and utilization of health services. Methods: This is a prospective study (February 1, 2002-January 31,2004) conducted on patients with diagnosis of abortion and admitted to gynecological ward of a zonal hospital. Results: Totally 907 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of abortion which accounted for 12.6% of all hospital and 60.6% of gynecological admissions. Majority (69.8%) had unwanted pregnancy. Interference was reported in 81.4% of unwanted pregnancy. More than 95% of patients with wanted and 74.9% of unwanted pregnancies reported to the hospital within 3days of vaginal bleeding (P<0.0001). High incidence of complication was reported on patients with unwanted pregnancy. There were three maternal deaths and all were related to unwanted pregnancy. The mean hospital stay was 1.42 days in wanted and 2.06 days in unwanted pregnancies. Forced sex and failure of contraception were among the reasons for unwanted pregnancy. Conclusion: Unwanted pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Besides, it poses a burden to the utilization of health services. The development and prompt implementation of a strategy, that enables to safely manage unwanted pregnancy in recommended. | None | article; Ethiopia; female; health service; hospital; human; incidence; induced abortion; marriage; maternal mortality; maternal welfare; mortality; parity; pregnancy; prospective study; psychological aspect; questionnaire; risk; socioeconomics; statistics; unwanted pregnancy; utilization review; Abortion, Induced; Ethiopia; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Incidence; Marital Status; Maternal Health Services; Maternal Mortality; Maternal Welfare; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unwanted; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Risk; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877022912 | Untapped potential of health impact assessment [Un potentiel inexploité de l'évaluation de l'impact sanitaire] | Winkler M.S., Krieger G.R., Divall M.J., Cissé G., Wielga M., Singer B.H., Tannera M., Utzingera J. | 2013 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 91 | 4 | 10.2471/BLT.12.112318 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; New Fields, Denver, United States; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Krieger, G.R., New Fields, Denver, United States; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Cissé, G., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Wielga, M., Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Singer, B.H., Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States; Tannera, M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Utzingera, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland | The World Health Organization has promoted health impact assessment (HIA) for over 20 years. At the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), HIA was discussed as a critical method for linking health to "green economy" and "institutional framework" strategies for sustainable development. In countries having a high human development index (HDI), HIA has been added to the overall assessment suite that typically includes potential environmental and social impacts, but it is rarely required as part of the environmental and social impact assessment for large development projects. When they are performed, project-driven HIAs are governed by a combination of project proponent and multilateral lender performance standards rather than host country requirements. Not surprisingly, in low-HDI countries HIA is missing from the programme and policy arena in the absence of an external project driver. Major drivers of global change (e.g. population growth and urbanization, growing pressure on natural resources and climate change) inordinately affect low- and medium-HDI countries; however, in such countries HIA is conspicuously absent. If the cloak of HIA invisibility is to be removed, it must be shown that HIA is useful and beneficial and, hence, an essential component of the 21st century's sustainable development agenda. We analyse where and how HIA can become fully integrated into the impact assessment suite and argue that the impact of HIA must not remain obscure. | None | health impact; human development index; population growth; public health; sustainable development; urbanization; World Health Organization; article; climate change; economic aspect; environmental impact assessment; environmental protection; health care policy; health impact assessment; health program; human; human development; population growth; social aspect; sustainable development; United Nations; urbanization; world health organization; Conservation of Natural Resources; Decision Making; Developing Countries; Environment; Health Impact Assessment; Humans; Policy; Population Dynamics; World Health; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897406677 | University lecturers' views on student-lecturer evaluations | Makondo L., Ndebele C. | 2014 | Anthropologist | 17 | 2 | None | University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Makondo, L., University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Ndebele, C., University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa | This paper discusses university lecturers' views on student-lecturer evaluation of teaching and learning process. Specific reference is given to the university lecturers' views on the usefulness of the evaluation exercise, the evaluation process, items in the evaluation questionnaires and evaluation feedback reports at a formerly disadvantaged South African University. A total of 118 (53.8%) lecturers out of a staff establishment of 219 teaching staff volunteered their participation in this study. Participating lecturers in this descriptive survey design that used predominantly a quantitative approach, were given the opportunity to make their comments based on the results of the student-lecturer evaluation findings. Data were then analysed using content analysis and emerging themes were identified and discussed. The findings of the study show that insights from student-lecturer evaluations are an important source of information for university teaching staff and administration to consider in their quest to improve on the quality of university teaching and learning moves that can help improve on throughput rates. Based on the findings, we conclude that student-lecturer evaluations are beneficial and recommend that their contributions be taken with an open mind alongside other sources of data such as peer evaluations. © Kamla-Raj 2014. | Effectiveness; Grading leniency; Quality; Rating; Student feedback | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960748565 | University lecturers' perceptions of students evaluation of their instructional practices | Machingambi S., Wadesango N. | 2011 | Anthropologist | 13 | 3 | None | Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa | Machingambi, S., Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa; Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa | This article examines lecturers' perceptions of student evaluations on their instructional practices. A total of sixty lecturers from an institution of higher learning in South Africa participated in the study. Data were collected through a researcher- constructed 20-item Likert-type questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency tables and the discussion revolved around the three research questions that formed the pillar of the study. The study established that generally university lecturers had negative perceptions of students' evaluation of their instructional practices. The study specifically revealed that while lecturers were sometimes positive about the use of results of student evaluations for formative purposes, they were strongly opposed to the use of such information for summative purposes. The study, therefore, recommends that student evaluations of teaching must always be triangulated with other multidimensional evaluation methods so as to increase validity and reliability in the evaluation of teaching effectiveness in higher education. © Kamla-Raj 2011. | Formative; Lecture; Summative; Teaching | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960077215 | Unintended Pregnancies Observed with Combined Use of the Levonorgestrel Contraceptive Implant and Efavirenz-based Antiretroviral Therapy: A Three-Arm Pharmacokinetic Evaluation over 48 Weeks | Scarsi K.K., Darin K.M., Nakalema S., Back D.J., Byakika-Kibwika P., Else L.J., DIlly Penchala S., Buzibye A., Cohn S.E., Merry C., Lamorde M. | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 62 | 6 | 10.1093/cid/civ1001 | Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States; Center for Global Health, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland | Scarsi, K.K., Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States; Darin, K.M., Center for Global Health, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Nakalema, S., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Back, D.J., Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Byakika-Kibwika, P., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Else, L.J., Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; DIlly Penchala, S., Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Buzibye, A., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Cohn, S.E., Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Merry, C., Center for Global Health, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Lamorde, M., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda | Background. Levonorgestrel subdermal implants are preferred contraceptives with an expected failure rate of <1% over 5 years. We assessed the effect of efavirenz- or nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) coadministration on levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics. Methods. This nonrandomized, parallel group, pharmacokinetic evaluation was conducted in three groups of human immunodeficiency virus-infected Ugandan women: ART-naive (n = 17), efavirenz-based ART (n = 20), and nevirapine-based ART (n = 20). Levonorgestrel implants were inserted at baseline in all women. Blood was collected at 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was week 24 levonorgestrel concentrations, compared between the ART-naive group and each ART group by geometric mean ratio (GMR) with 90% confidence interval (CI). Secondary endpoints included week 48 levonorgestrel concentrations and unintended pregnancies. Results. Week 24 geometric mean levonorgestrel concentrations were 528, 280, and 710 pg/mL in the ART-naive, efavirenz, and nevirapine groups, respectively (efavirenz: ART-naive GMR, 0.53; 90% CI,. 50,. 55 and nevirapine: ART-naive GMR, 1.35; 90% CI, 1.29, 1.43). Week 48 levonorgestrel concentrations were 580, 247, and 664 pg/mL in the ART-naive, efavirenz, and nevirapine groups, respectively (efavirenz: ART-naive GMR, 0.43; 90% CI,. 42,. 44 and nevirapine: ART-naive GMR, 1.14; 90% CI, 1.14, 1.16). Three pregnancies (3/20, 15%) occurred in the efavirenz group between weeks 36 and 48. No pregnancies occurred in the ART-naive or nevirapine groups. Conclusions. Within 1 year of combined use, levonorgestrel exposure was markedly reduced in participants who received efavirenz-based ART, accompanied by contraceptive failures. In contrast, nevirapine-based ART did not adversely affect levonorgestrel exposure or efficacy. © 2015 The Author 2015. | Contraceptive implant; Efavirenz; Levonorgestrel; Nevirapine; Unintended pregnancy | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000315865700003 | Unintended Impacts and the Gendered Consequences of Peacekeeping Economies in Liberia | Aning, Kwesi,Edu-Afful, Fiifi | 2013 | INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING | 20 | 1 | 10.1080/13533312.2013.761828 | KAIPTC | None | Despite increased international attention to managing the potential impacts of peacekeeping on host countries, unintended consequences continue to emerge. This article focuses particularly on the alternative economies that peacekeeping operations generate and the differential economic impacts on individuals who come into contact with peacekeepers. Based on empirical evidence derived from fieldwork in Liberia, the article highlights the everyday lives of women whose livelihoods have been affected by the presence of peacekeeping missions. It also discusses how such economies adjust during the peacekeeping drawdown phase, and explores the dynamics that such economies have on specific segments of the Liberian population. The argument is that, while peacekeeping economies are critical in stimulating the local economy and providing livelihoods during and in the immediate aftermath of war, they have negative unintended impacts that need mitigation. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858226639 | Unethical behaviour in Nigerian organizational settings: Its evolution, dimensions and impact on national development | Ugwu L.I. | 2011 | Asian Social Science | 7 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ugwu, L.I., Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | A disturbing but unavoidable fact of organizational life is that employees sometimes engage in ethically questionable activities that harm their companies, their co-workers, or the general public. Unethical behaviour in the workplace can take different dimensions ranging from lying, cheating, stealing, sabotage, corruption, to hiding or destruction of official documents. The paper traced the origin of employees' unethical behaviour to the undesirable activities of the colonialists and the corresponding employees' tacit resistance that manifested in the form of unethical behaviour. The employees' undesirable activities were designed to reduce the perceived input-outcome differentials that favoured the colonialists. The questionable ethical activities of the employees have the potential of slowing down the pace of economic development and tarnish the image of the organizations, with gross reduction in public confidence, which invariably deter investors. Consequently, the economic costs of such unethical behaviour in the workplace cannot easily be estimated, but it is likely that billions of Naira is lost annually. The paper contends that individual value system, organizational practices, and wider external environments are some influential factors of unethical behaviour, and therefore, recommends periodic workshops, seminars, and ethics training for employees so that they can internalize high ethical standards in their daily behaviour. | Individual variables and organizational settings; Unethical behaviour | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-76349120879 | Underutilization of vaginal hysterectomy and its impact on residency training | Ocheke A.N., Ekwempu C.C., Musa J. | 2009 | West African Journal of Medicine | 28 | 5 | None | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, P MB 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Ocheke, A.N., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, P MB 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Ekwempu, C.C., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, P MB 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Musa, J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, P MB 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | BACKGROUND: The advantages of vaginal hysterectomy over abdominal hysterectomy include lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and reduced cost to the patient. It is, therefore, important to pass the required skill for vaginal hysterectomy unto trainees. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of vaginal hysterectomies done in a residency training institution in Nigeria and its possible impact on the proficiency of future gynaecologists in performing the procedure. METHODS : A chart review was done on all documented cases of hysterectomies for benign gynaecological conditions done in Jos University Teaching Hospital, over a four-year period (January 2002 to December 2005). Case files of patients who had hysterectomy during the study period were retrieved and the relevant information obtained for analysis of frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 94 hysterectomies for benign gynaecological conditions were done during the study period. Nine (∼10%) vaginal hysterectomies were done. All the vaginal hysterectomies performed were for uterovaginal prolapse by consultants. However, 45 (53%) of the abdominal hysterectomies were performed by consultants and 40 (47%) by residents. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that residents' exposure and training on the act of vaginal hysterectomy is inadequate. This has potential implications on future gynaecologist proficiency to perform this method of surgery that has documented advantages and better outcome for patients. | Abdominal hysterectomy; Hysterectomy; Nigeria; Residency training; Vaginal hysterectomy | abdominal hysterectomy; adult; article; benign tumor; bladder injury; female; fistula; human; intermethod comparison; medical record review; medical student; Nigeria; outcome assessment; patient information; professional competence; residency education; surgical approach; thrombophlebitis; ureter injury; urinary tract infection; uterus prolapse; vaginal hysterectomy; wound infection; Adult; Female; Gynecology; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Hysterectomy; Hysterectomy, Vaginal; Internship and Residency; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Physician's Practice Patterns; Retrospective Studies | None |
None | None | Understanding watershed dynamics and impacts of climate change and variability in the Pangani River Basin, Tanzania | Lalika M.C.S., Meire P., Ngaga Y.M., Chang'a L. | 2015 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 15 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2014.11.002 | Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Forest Economics, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Meteorological Agency, P.O. Box 3056, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Lalika, M.C.S., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Meire, P., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium; Ngaga, Y.M., Department of Forest Economics, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Chang'a, L., Tanzania Meteorological Agency, P.O. Box 3056, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Watersheds and rivers are vital ecological features for the provision of hydrological services for the health, welfare and prosperity of human communities. Nevertheless, anthropogenic activities coupled with climate change and climate variability are blamed for degrading watersheds and rivers and decreasing their capacity to irrigate. To address the situation, it is important to understand why and how water shortages are occurring. This paper reports findings of a study carried out to identify and assess drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in Pangani River Basin of Tanzania. To assess the influence of climate change and variability on hydrological flow and water shortages, time series data on rainfall and temperature were compiled from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency. We also used structured questionnaires to collect data on villagers' perceptions about the drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies. Results indicated a decreasing trend of water flow (p < 0.05) at Kikuletwa-Karangai gauging station along Pangani River Basin. Trend analysis indicated a slight decrease of rainfall and increase of temperature. Although there is no empirical evidence to associate climate change with the decline of rainfall and water flow, adaptation measures need to be put in place in order to mitigate against increasing climate variability, reduced water flow, and projected climate change. Therefore, watershed conservation strategies should also focus on improving the welfare of local communities. Additionally, involvement of stakeholders in the entire PRB is crucial toward watersheds conservation for steady flow of hydrological services. © 2014 European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of Polish Academy of Sciences. | Basin; Climate change; Ecosystem services; Pangani; River; Water; Watershed degradation | climate change; climate effect; climate variation; ecosystem service; environmental degradation; river basin; water flow; watershed; Pangani Basin; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925378460 | Understanding the role of the OneLove campaign in facilitating drivers of social and behavioral change in Southern Africa: A qualitative evaluation | Jana M., Letsela L., Scheepers E., Weiner R. | 2015 | Journal of Health Communication | 20 | 3 | 10.1080/10810730.2014.925014 | School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Research Unit, Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Jana, M., School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Letsela, L., Research Unit, Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scheepers, E., Research Unit, Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication, Johannesburg, South Africa; Weiner, R., Research Unit, Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | In the wake of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, health communication has played an important role in social and behavior change in HIV prevention and treatment efforts. Despite this significant role, it is not always clear how health communication influences individuals and communities to facilitate social and behavior change. Guided predominantly by Lewin's theory of change in the context of complexity thinking, and supported by qualitative evidence from Soul City Institute's midterm evaluation of the OneLove multimedia campaign in 9 southern African countries, this article illustrates how carefully designed health edutainment communication materials facilitate drivers of social and behavior change. Thus, researched and theory-based health communication aimed at behavior and social change remains an important pillar in HIV prevention and treatment, where personal and social agency remain key. Copyright © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872297388 | Understanding the Impact of Subsidizing Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) in the Retail Sector - Results from Focus Group Discussions in Rural Kenya | Kedenge S.V., Kangwana B.P., Waweru E.W., Nyandigisi A.J., Pandit J., Brooker S.J., Snow R.W., Goodman C.A. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0054371 | Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Malaria Control, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nairobi, Kenya; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Kedenge, S.V., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Kangwana, B.P., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Waweru, E.W., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Nyandigisi, A.J., Division of Malaria Control, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Pandit, J., Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nairobi, Kenya; Brooker, S.J., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Goodman, C.A., Malaria Public Health Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: There is considerable interest in the potential of private sector subsidies to increase availability and affordability of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for malaria treatment. A cluster randomized trial of such subsidies was conducted in 3 districts in Kenya, comprising provision of subsidized packs of paediatric ACT to retail outlets, training of retail staff, and community awareness activities. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in ACT availability and coverage, though patient counselling and adherence were suboptimal. We conducted a qualitative study in order to understand why these successes and limitations occurred. Methodology/Principal Findings: Eighteen focus group discussions were conducted, 9 with retailers and 9 with caregivers, to document experiences with the intervention. Respondents were positive about intervention components, praising the focused retailer training, affordable pricing, strong promotional activities, dispensing job aids, and consumer friendly packaging, which are likely to have contributed to the positive access and coverage outcomes observed. However, many retailers still did not stock ACT, due to insufficient supplies, lack of capital and staff turnover. Advice to caregivers was poor due to insufficient time, and poor recall of instructions. Adherence by caregivers to dosing guidelines was sub-optimal, because of a wish to save tablets for other episodes, doses being required at night, stopping treatment when the child felt better, and the number and bitter taste of the tablets. Caregivers used a number of strategies to obtain paediatric ACT for older age groups. Conclusions/Significance: This study has highlighted that important components of a successful ACT subsidy intervention are regular retailer training, affordable pricing, a reliable supply chain and community mobilization emphasizing patient adherence and when to seek further care. © 2013 Kedenge et al. | None | artemether; artemisin; benflumetol; tibamal; unclassified drug; article; awareness; bitter taste; caregiver; drug cost; drug indication; drug marketing; drug packaging; health care availability; health care facility; health education; health promotion; human; intervention study; Kenya; perception; pharmacy; qualitative research; rural area; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Kenya; Male | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928714381 | Understanding the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression | Kader R., Govender R., Seedat S., Koch J.R., Parry C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125088 | Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States | Kader, R., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Govender, R., Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, S., Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Koch, J.R., Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Parry, C., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The objective of this study was to understand the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression among HIV patients. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 1503 patients attending HIV clinics in Cape Town, South Africa were screened for problematic substance use. A sub-sample of 607 patients (303 patients who screened positive for problematic substance use and 304 who did not) participated in this study. Hazardous or harmful alcohol use and problematic drug use predicted missing and stopping ARVs which, in turn, was associated with a decrease in CD4 counts and more rapid HIV-disease progression and poorer health outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The findings of this study underscore the need for an integrated approach to managing substance-use disorders in PLWHA. © 2015 Kader et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; alcohol abuse; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease course; drug abuse; drug treatment failure; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; patient attitude; patient compliance; prediction; South Africa; substance abuse; treatment response | 5U2GPS001137, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-30644458223 | Understanding the impact of eliminating user fees: Utilization and catastrophic health expenditures in Uganda | Xu K., Evans D.B., Kadama P., Nabyonga J., Ogwal P.O., Nabukhonzo P., Aguilar A.M. | 2006 | Social Science and Medicine | 62 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.07.004 | World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; WHO Office, Uganda; Ministry of Health, Uganda; Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda | Xu, K., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Evans, D.B., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Kadama, P., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Nabyonga, J., WHO Office, Uganda; Ogwal, P.O., Ministry of Health, Uganda; Nabukhonzo, P., Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda; Aguilar, A.M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | There is currently considerable discussion between governments, international agencies, bilateral donors and advocacy groups on whether user fees levied at government health facilities in poor countries should be abolished. It is claimed that this would lead to greater access for the poor and reduce the risks of catastrophic health expenditures if all other factors remained constant, though other factors rarely remain constant in practice. Accordingly, it is important to understand what has actually happened when user fees have been abolished, and why. All fees at first level government health facilities in Uganda were removed in March 2001. This study explores the impact on health service utilization and catastrophic health expenditures using data from National Household Surveys undertaken in 1997, 2000 and 2003. Utilization increased for the non-poor, but at a lower rate than it had in the period immediately before fees were abolished. Utilization among the poor increased much more rapidly after the abolition of fees than beforehand. Unexpectedly, the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure among the poor did not fall. The most likely explanation is that frequent unavailability of drugs at government facilities after 2001 forced patients to purchase from private pharmacies. Informal payments to health workers may also have increased to offset the lost revenue from fees. Countries thinking of removing user charges should first examine what types of activities and inputs at the facility level are funded from the revenue collected by fees, and then develop mechanisms to ensure that these activities can be sustained subsequently. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catastrophic expenditure; Service utilization; Uganda; User charges | health and disease; article; clinical pharmacy; health care cost; health care facility; health care personnel; health care utilization; incidence; mathematical analysis; risk reduction; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Catastrophic Illness; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Centers; Developing Countries; Fees and Charges; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Expenditures; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Incidence; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Poverty; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34948840889 | Understanding the impact of a microfinance-based intervention on women's empowerment and the reduction of intimate partner violence in South Africa | Kim J.C., Watts C.H., Hargreaves J.R., Ndhlovu L.X., Phetla G., Morison L.A., Busza J., Porter J.D.H., Pronyk P. | 2007 | American Journal of Public Health | 97 | 10 | 10.2105/AJPH.2006.095521 | Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Acornhoek, South Africa; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; RADAR, PO Box 2, Acornhoek, 1360, South Africa | Kim, J.C., Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Acornhoek, South Africa, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, RADAR, PO Box 2, Acornhoek, 1360, South Africa; Watts, C.H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Hargreaves, J.R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ndhlovu, L.X., Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Acornhoek, South Africa; Phetla, G., Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Acornhoek, South Africa; Morison, L.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Busza, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Porter, J.D.H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Pronyk, P., Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Acornhoek, South Africa, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objectives. We sought to obtain evidence about the scope of women's empowerment and the mechanisms underlying the significant reduction in intimate partner violence documented by the Intervention With Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE) cluster-randomized trial in rural South Africa. Methods. The IMAGE intervention combined a microfinance program with participatory training on understanding HIV infection, gender norms, domestic violence, and sexuality. Outcome measures included past year's experience of intimate partner violence and 9 indicators of women's empowerment. Qualitative data about changes occurring within intimate relationships, loan groups, and the community were also collected. Results. After 2 years, the risk of past-year physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner was reduced by more than half (adjusted risk ratio=0.45; 95% confidence interval=0.23, 0.91). Improvements in all 9 indicators of empowerment were observed. Reductions in violence resulted from a range of responses enabling women to challenge the acceptability of violence, expect and receive better treatment from partners, leave abusive relationships, and raise public awareness about intimate partner violence. Conclusions. Our findings, both qualitative and quantitative, indicate that economic and social empowerment of women can contribute to reductions in intimate partner violence. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; controlled study; empowerment; female; financial management; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; partner violence; rural area; sexual abuse; sexuality; South Africa; wellbeing; women's health; adolescent; adult; aged; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; domestic violence; economics; male; middle aged; organization; organization and management; psychological aspect; randomized controlled trial; rural population; women's rights; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Domestic Violence; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Organizational Objectives; Rural Population; South Africa; Women's Rights | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861540352 | Understanding student performance in a large class | Snowball J.D., Boughey C. | 2012 | Innovations in Education and Teaching International | 49 | 2 | 10.1080/14703297.2012.677658 | Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Centre for Higher Education Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Snowball, J.D., Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Boughey, C., Centre for Higher Education Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Across the world, university teachers are increasingly being required to engage with diversity in the classes they teach. Using the data from a large Economics 1 class at a South African university, this attempts to understand the effects of diversity on chances of success and how assessment can impact on this. By demonstrating how theory can be used to understand results, the paper aims to encourage university teachers to adopt proactive strategies in managing diversity, rather than simply explaining it using student characteristics. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | assessment; Economics teaching; student diversity | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928615589 | Understanding sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents: Evidence from a formative evaluation in Wakiso district, Uganda Adolescent Health | Atuyambe L.M., Kibira S.P.S., Bukenya J., Muhumuza C., Apolot R.R., Mulogo E. | 2015 | Reproductive Health | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/s12978-015-0026-7 | Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala, Uganda | Atuyambe, L.M., Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Kibira, S.P.S., Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Bukenya, J., Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Muhumuza, C., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Apolot, R.R., Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Mulogo, E., Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala, Uganda | Introduction: Adolescents are frequently reluctant to seek sexual and reproductive health services (SRH). In Uganda, adolescent health and development is constrained by translation of the relevant policies to practice. Recent studies done in central Uganda have shown that there is need for a critical assessment of adolescent friendly services (AFS) to gain insights on current practice and inform future interventions. This study aimed to assess the sexual reproductive health needs of the adolescents and explored their attitudes towards current services available. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Wakiso district, central Uganda in September 2013.Twenty focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by gender (10 out-of-school, and 10 in-school), were purposefully sampled. We used trained research assistants (moderator and note taker) who used a pretested FGD guide translated into the local language to collect data. All discussions were audio taped, and were transcribed verbatim before analysis. Thematic areas on; adolescent health problems, adolescent SRH needs, health seeking behaviour and attitudes towards services, and preferred services were explored. Data was analysed using atlas ti version 7 software. Results: Our results clearly show that adolescents have real SRH issues that need to be addressed. In and out-of-school adolescents had sexuality problems such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), defilement, rape, substance abuse. Unique to the females was the issue of sexual advances by older men and adolescents. We further highlight RH needs which would be solved by establishing adolescent friendly clinics with standard recommended characteristics (sexuality information, friendly health providers, a range of good clinical services such as post abortion care etc.). With regard to health seeking behaviour, most adolescents do not take any action at first until disease severity increase. Conclusions: Adolescents in Uganda have multiple sexual and reproductive health needs that require special focus through adolescent friendly services. This calls for resource support in terms of health provider training, information education and communication materials as well as involvement of key stakeholders that include parents, teachers and legislators. © 2015 Atuyambe et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Adolescent; Needs; Reproductive health; Sexual; Uganda | abortion; adolescent; adolescent behavior; adolescent health; adolescent sexual behavior; adult; Article; child; circumcision; condom use; disease severity; female; health care need; health education; help seeking behavior; human; major clinical study; male; qualitative research; rape; reproductive health; sexual education; sexual health; sexuality; sexually transmitted disease; substance abuse; Uganda; unwanted pregnancy | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866464944 | Understanding Long-Term Variations in an Elephant Piosphere Effect to Manage Impacts | Landman M., Schoeman D.S., Hall-Martin A.J., Kerley G.I.H. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0045334 | Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, QLD, Australia; Hall-Martin Consulting CC, Somerset West, South Africa | Landman, M., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Schoeman, D.S., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, QLD, Australia; Hall-Martin, A.J., Hall-Martin Consulting CC, Somerset West, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Surface water availability is a key driver of elephant impacts on biological diversity. Thus, understanding the spatio-temporal variations of these impacts in relation to water is critical to their management. However, elephant piosphere effects (i.e. the radial pattern of attenuating impact) are poorly described, with few long-term quantitative studies. Our understanding is further confounded by the complexity of systems with elephant (i.e. fenced, multiple water points, seasonal water availability, varying population densities) that likely limit the use of conceptual models to predict these impacts. Using 31 years of data on shrub structure in the succulent thickets of the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa, we tested elephant effects at a single water point. Shrub structure showed a clear sigmoid response with distance from water, declining at both the upper and lower limits of sampling. Adjacent to water, this decline caused a roughly 300-m radial expansion of the grass-dominated habitats that replace shrub communities. Despite the clear relationship between shrub structure and ecological functioning in thicket, the extent of elephant effects varied between these features with distance from water. Moreover, these patterns co-varied with other confounding variables (e.g. the location of neighboring water points), which limits our ability to predict such effects in the absence of long-term data. We predict that elephant have the ability to cause severe transformation in succulent thicket habitats with abundant water supply and elevated elephant numbers. However, these piosphere effects are complex, suggesting that a more integrated understanding of elephant impacts on ecological heterogeneity may be required before water availability is used as a tool to manage impacts. We caution against the establishment of water points in novel succulent thicket habitats, and advocate a significant reduction in water provisioning at our study site, albeit with greater impacts at each water point. © 2012 Landman et al. | None | article; biodiversity; confounding variable; elephant; grass; habitat; nonhuman; population density; prediction; quantitative study; scrub; sea surface waters; vegetation; water availability; water management; water supply; Animals; Biodiversity; Drinking Water; Ecosystem; Elephants; Population Density; Water Supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945484673 | Understanding inter-community performance assessments in community-based resource management at Avu Lagoon, Ghana | Agyare A.K., Murray G., Dearden P., Rollins R. | 2015 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 17 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9617-7 | Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Accra, Ghana; Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada | Agyare, A.K., Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Accra, Ghana; Murray, G., Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; Dearden, P., University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Rollins, R., Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada | Community-based natural resources governance (CBNRG) is becoming increasingly important as a means to achieve both conservation and sustainable livelihood goals. Assessing the performance of such approaches is an important step in improving their performance and facilitating their expansion. However, CBNRG initiatives are often not restricted to one community, and significant differences may exist among communities that can be obscured using performance assessments that do not attend to those differences. This paper first assesses the performance of the Avu Lagoon Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) in Ghana through a survey of 232 households and an 18 participant workshop that compares desired outcomes with those outcomes that were perceived to have been achieved (i.e. performance). This paper next examines the differences among four communities within the Avu Lagoon CREMA and provides some insight as to why these differences occur. Results indicate that overall, achieved outcomes fall short of desired outcomes. This is particularly the case for socio-economic outcomes and less so for conservation outcomes. We also find that communities are more homogenous in their desired outcomes than they are in their assessment of performance outcomes. There are important differences among the four communities in terms of the importance attached to outcomes and the achievement of those outcomes. Influential variables include how and who introduced the CBNRG concept to the local communities, existing socio-economic and cultural context, the development status and challenges of the community, effective leadership, and institutional capabilities. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Avu Lagoon CREMA; CBNRG; Community; Conservation; Livelihoods; Protected areas; Variability | community dynamics; household survey; institutional development; leadership; performance assessment; protected area; resource management; socioeconomic impact; sustainability; Ghana | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943182494 | Understanding Heterogeneity in the Impact of National Neglected Tropical Disease Control Programmes: Evidence from School-Based Deworming in Kenya | Nikolay B., Mwandawiro C.S., Kihara J.H., Okoyo C., Cano J., Mwanje M.T., Sultani H., Alusala D., Turner H.C., Teti C., Garn J., Freeman M.C., Allen E., Anderson R.M., Pullan R.L., Njenga S.M., Brooker S.J. | 2015 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 9 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004108 | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Marys Campus, London, United Kingdom; Evidence Action, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Nikolay, B., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mwandawiro, C.S., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Kihara, J.H., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Okoyo, C., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Cano, J., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mwanje, M.T., Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Sultani, H., Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Alusala, D., Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Turner, H.C., London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Marys Campus, London, United Kingdom; Teti, C., Evidence Action, Nairobi, Kenya; Garn, J., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Freeman, M.C., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Allen, E., Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Anderson, R.M., London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Marys Campus, London, United Kingdom; Pullan, R.L., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Njenga, S.M., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Brooker, S.J., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: The implementation of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) treatment programmes occurs in varied environmental, social and economic contexts. Programme impact will be influenced by factors that affect the reduction in the prevalence and intensity of infections following treatment, as well as the subsequent rate of reinfection. To better understand the heterogeneity of programme impact and its underlying reasons, we investigated the influence of contextual factors on reduction in STH infection as part of the national school based deworming (SBD) programme in Kenya. Materials and Methods: Data on the prevalence and intensity of infection were collected within the monitoring and evaluation component of the SBD programme at baseline and after delivery of two annual treatment rounds in 153 schools in western Kenya. Using a framework that considers STH epidemiology and transmission dynamics, capacity to deliver treatment, operational feasibility and financial capacity, data were assembled at both school and district (county) levels. Geographic heterogeneity of programme impact was assessed by descriptive and spatial analyses. Factors associated with absolute reductions of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infection prevalence and intensity were identified using mixed effects linear regression modelling adjusting for baseline infection levels. Principal Findings: The reduction in prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides and hookworms varied significantly by county and within counties by school. Multivariable analysis of factors associated with programme impact showed that absolute A. lumbricoides reductions varied by environmental conditions and access to improved sanitation at schools or within the community. Larger reduction in prevalence and intensity of hookworms were found in schools located within areas with higher community level access to improved sanitation and within counties with higher economic and health service delivery indicator scores. Conclusions: The study identifies factors associated with the impact of school-based deworming and in particular highlights how access to water, sanitation and hygiene and environmental conditions influence the impact of deworming programmes. © 2015 Nikolay et al. | None | anthelmintic agent; Article; Ascaris lumbricoides; deworming program; disease severity; environmental factor; financial management; health care delivery; health program; helminthiasis; hookworm infection; human; hygiene; Kenya; sanitation; socioeconomics; soil; water supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961119304 | Understanding global change impacts on South African biomes using Dynamic Vegetation Models | Moncrieff G.R., Scheiter S., Slingsby J.A., Higgins S.I. | 2015 | South African Journal of Botany | 101 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2015.02.004 | Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Research Institute, Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand | Moncrieff, G.R., Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Scheiter, S., Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Research Institute, Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Slingsby, J.A., Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Higgins, S.I., Department of Botany, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand | The distribution of South African biomes is expected to be drastically altered as a result of climatic change and increasing atmospheric CO2 in the 21st century. Developing the capacity to anticipate change is of critical importance if we are to mitigate and efficiently adapt to the reorganization of South African vegetation cover. Dynamic Vegetation Models (DVMs) simulate the distribution and functioning of plant functional types (PFTs) and their interactions. Outputs include biome distribution maps, assessments of carbon cycling and the quantification of plant productivity, all of which can be produced for past, present and future conditions. DVMs were originally conceived of as analogs to general circulation models (GCMs) and applied globally, but to be unbiased globally necessitates choosing parameters and representing processes that may not be regionally appropriate. Models populated with a modified suite of PFTs and parameterized appropriately for local conditions are better suited to studies concerned with vegetation dynamics and global change impacts at the country or continent-scale. In their current form DGVMs do not include the plant types and key processes of many South African biomes. Therefore, while projections of global change impacts are available for biomes dominated by forest trees, savanna trees and grasses, little can be learned about some of our most biodiverse and threatened biomes, particularly the Fynbos and Thicket biomes, and the Succulent Karoo. We outline the limitations of existing DVMs and improvements required before reliable projections of global change impacts on South African biomes can be produced. Reparameterization of some PFTs and fire models could easily be achieved, and would lead to large improvements in model simulations. However, there remain numerous processes and facets of the ecology of South African vegetation that will limit the applicability of DVMs in their current form. © 2015 South African Association of Botanists. | Biome; CO2; Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM); Dynamic Vegetation Model (DVM); Fynbos; Global change; Plant functional type (PFT) | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50449084792 | Understanding diversity in impact and responses among HIV/AIDS-affected households: The case of Msinga, South Africa | Swaans K., Broerse J., Van Diepen I., Salomon M., Gibson D., Bunders J. | 2008 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 7 | 2 | 10.2989/AJAR.2008.7.2.2.519 | Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1 Golf Road, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Swaans, K., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Broerse, J., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Van Diepen, I., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands, Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Salomon, M., Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1 Golf Road, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Gibson, D., Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bunders, J., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands | To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on rural households in Msinga, South Africa, the sustainable livelihoods framework was adapted. An ethnographic perspective was employed to examine: 1) the impact of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses on people's mind and spirit (the internal environment), and 2) the influence of institutional structures and processes (the external environment), in order to better understand 3) the actions taken by individuals and households in response to HIV and AIDS. Members of three support groups at a local drop-in centre were consulted about the impact of HIV and AIDS on their lives through focus groups, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study shows that the psychosocial impact and associated coping strategies, as well as prevailing gender-based power relations and exclusion from social-exchange networks - which are not (readily) available factors in the sustainable livelihoods framework - affect people's lives in different ways and depend on the specific situation of the individual or household concerned. The study confirms the need to restore a household's resource base and to address psychosocial issues. However, the variation in impact to different households requires a diversified and holistic programme of development interventions. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Accessibility; Coping; Mitigation strategies; Psychosocial aspects; Resource-poor settings; Sustainable livelihoods framework | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; coping behavior; ethnographic research; female; holistic care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; interview; major clinical study; male; questionnaire; rural area; sex ratio; social aspect; social psychology; South Africa; support group; sustainable development | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892502314 | Under-graduate academic programme self-evaluation contained in higher education context: A defense from South Africa University | Selesho J.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p45 | Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Recently institutional self-evaluation has become an important management tool implemeted by universities in improving the quality of academic programmes. Compared to earlier decades, not only employers are demanding quality from universities but the goverment is also putting pressure for accountability and improvement. This study is monitoring the use of selfevaluation as a management tool to improve the quality of teaching and learning at undegraduate level. The study did use the documental analyses as data gathering instrument from the two schools selected in a university. The findings revealed that the two case study schools have a mixed quality management porcess with regard to Teaching and Learning approach. The findings did provide the study with an alignment of teaching and learning together with assessment. The study did reveal that quality assessment can only be achieved once quality teaching and learning has taken place. There were a number of lesson learnt in the study for instances linking of teaching, learning and assessment was an eye opener since this takes the quality of teaching and its efficiency and its effectiveness. | Assessment; Institutional self-evaluation; Teaching and learning; Undergraduate | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859588001 | 'Unconditional aid': Assessing the impact of China's development assistance to Zimbabwe | Hodzi O., Hartwell L., de Jager N. | 2012 | South African Journal of International Affairs | 19 | 1 | 10.1080/10220461.2012.670435 | University of Osnabrueck, Germany; Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Political Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hodzi, O., University of Osnabrueck, Germany; Hartwell, L., Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; de Jager, N., Department of Political Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | China's development assistance to Africa has attracted varied criticisms from academics, Western governments and international donor organisations. The main criticisms have been directed at the lack of good governance conditions on its development assistance to African governments and its dealings with countries under sanction or isolation from the international community, owing to poor governance, human rights abuses and/or corruption. Using the case of Zimbabwe in the current period, the impact of China's development assistance on its prospects for sustainable development is assessed. Since 2000 Zimbabwe has experienced a crisis of governance leading to socio-economic and political decline. This crisis has arguably been exacerbated by China's varied assistance to the Robert Mugabe regime, as well as China's protection of the regime in the United Nations Security Council. It is argued that without encouraging good governance, and managing this relationship for the benefit of Zimbabwe, Harare will not see the gains from development assistance that will lead to the sustainable development of Zimbabwe as a whole. © 2012 The South African Institute of International Affairs. | Aid; China; Development; Governance; MDC-T; Transition; ZANU-PF; Zimbabwe | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876872489 | Uncertainty Surrounding Projections of the Long-Term Impact of Ivermectin Treatment on Human Onchocerciasis | Turner H.C., Churcher T.S., Walker M., Osei-Atweneboana M.Y., Prichard R.K., Basáñez M.-G. | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002169 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Water Research Institute, Department of Environmental Biology and Health, Accra, Ghana; Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada | Turner, H.C., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Churcher, T.S., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Walker, M., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Osei-Atweneboana, M.Y., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Water Research Institute, Department of Environmental Biology and Health, Accra, Ghana; Prichard, R.K., Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada; Basáñez, M.-G., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom | Background: Recent studies in Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal have indicated that annual (or biannual) ivermectin distribution may lead to local elimination of human onchocerciasis in certain African foci. Modelling-based projections have been used to estimate the required duration of ivermectin distribution to reach elimination. A crucial assumption has been that microfilarial production by Onchocerca volvulus is reduced irreversibly by 30-35% with each (annual) ivermectin round. However, other modelling-based analyses suggest that ivermectin may not have such a cumulative effect. Uncertainty in this (biological) and other (programmatic) assumptions would affect projected outcomes of long-term ivermectin treatment. Methodology/Principal Findings: We modify a deterministic age- and sex-structured onchocerciasis transmission model, parameterised for savannah O. volvulus-Simulium damnosum, to explore the impact of assumptions regarding the effect of ivermectin on worm fertility and the patterns of treatment coverage compliance, and frequency on projections of parasitological outcomes due to long-term, mass ivermectin administration in hyperendemic areas. The projected impact of ivermectin distribution on onchocerciasis and the benefits of switching from annual to biannual distribution are strongly dependent on assumptions regarding the drug's effect on worm fertility and on treatment compliance. If ivermectin does not have a cumulative impact on microfilarial production, elimination of onchocerciasis in hyperendemic areas may not be feasible with annual ivermectin distribution. Conclusions/Significance: There is substantial (biological and programmatic) uncertainty surrounding modelling projections of onchocerciasis elimination. These uncertainties need to be acknowledged for mathematical models to inform control policy reliably. Further research is needed to elucidate the effect of ivermectin on O. volvulus reproductive biology and quantify the patterns of coverage and compliance in treated communities. © 2013 Turner et al. | None | ivermectin; article; disease elimination; drug efficacy; female; fertility; health care need; human; mass immunization; mathematical model; nonhuman; Onchocerca volvulus; onchocerciasis; parasite clearance; parasite load; parasite transmission; patient attitude; Simulium damnosum; treatment outcome; Antiparasitic Agents; Female; Humans; Ivermectin; Male; Models, Theoretical; Onchocerciasis; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907281063 | Unannounced quizzes: A teaching and learning initiative that enhances academic performance and lecture attendance in large undergraduate classes | Derera E., Naude M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1193 | School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Derera, E., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Naude, M., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Without a doubt, lecture non-attendance is a growing trend at tertiary institutions. Many academics confront this challenge by implementing different teaching initiatives that encourage lecture attendance. However, lecture attendance does not necessarily mean that learning is taking place. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish whether the use of unannounced quizzes improves class attendance, the module pass rate and academic performance in a large undergraduate class at a university in South Africa. This is an exploratory study which adopted a mixed method research approach to collect data over a period of two semesters during the 2012 academic year. The three data sources used include observations, a questionnaire survey and the university student data base. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse data. The findings reveal that the use of unannounced quizzes has merit; significant positive effects were seen in all three areas-class attendance, module pass rate and students’ academic performance. The study contributes to the field of teaching and learning in three ways, by: (1) exploring a teaching and learning initiative that encourages class attendance; (2) responding to a call for new thinking about how universities could increase their throughput ratio; and (3) possibly reviving future debate about how to effectively impact knowledge creation in a large class situation. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Higher education practices; Large classes; Teaching and learning; Unannounced quizzes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951615444 | Umgidi at the Mabambas': Gender, practice and performance among farm workers in the Sundays River Valley | Connor T. | 2010 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 36 | 1 | 10.1080/03057071003607345 | Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Connor, T., Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | This article describes and analyses an umgidi, a celebratory feast that usually accompanies the final 'coming out' phase of circumcision, among farm workers in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape. Anthropological monographs describing circumcision rituals among Xhosa-speakers appear not to discuss such a feast at all, despite this event being familiar to most rural and urban Xhosa-speakers, particularly in the western half of the Eastern Cape. In the absence of comparative information, this article introduces an umgidi feast as a multivocal event that comments on the spatial, performative and practice-oriented elements of life among workers in the Sundays River Valley. I show that farm workers have a definite sense of identity and place connected to the occupation of land as labour tenants and later as labourers. Their conservative rural values are closely associated with the memories of previous land occupation, but are also combined with experiences of displacement, so that memories of lost land directly inform the creation of current identities. An umgidi feast allows the unification of fragmented groups of kin and clan, and provides an opportunity for workers to articulate the pressures of modern farm employment. The prominence of female workers at umgidi feasts also heightens the use of domestic space as an idiom for commentary on experiences of disruption and labour domination. Broadly, the article contributes to an understanding of ritual among displaced communities in southern Africa, particularly labour tenants and farm workers on white farms. © 2010 The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | agricultural worker; cultural identity; cultural tradition; gender; kinship; memory; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Sundays Valley | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-15844375196 | Ultraviolet protective performance of photoprotective lipsticks: Change of spectral transmittance because of ultraviolet exposure | Maier H., Schauberger G., Martincigh B.S., Brunnhofer K., Hönigsmann H. | 2005 | Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine | 21 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2005.00143.x | Div. of Special/Environ. Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Inst. of Med. Physics/Biostatistics, Univ. of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; School of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, South Africa; Austrian Consumers' Association, Vienna, Austria | Maier, H., Div. of Special/Environ. Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Schauberger, G., Inst. of Med. Physics/Biostatistics, Univ. of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Martincigh, B.S., School of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, South Africa; Brunnhofer, K., Austrian Consumers' Association, Vienna, Austria; Hönigsmann, H., Div. of Special/Environ. Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria | Background: Photoinstability of sunscreens because of ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a well-known and common phenomenon. Recently, it was also shown that sunscreens with complex filter combinations are photo-inactivated by UV exposures, which can easily be acquired by solar exposure over several hours. Objectives: To assess the change of the spectral transmission after UV exposure (UV-challenged protective performance) of 27 commercially available photoprotective lipsticks. Methods: Quartz slides were covered with a lipstick layer (area density 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/cm2 ) and irradiated with increasing doses of solar-simulated radiation. The spectral transmission (T) was measured spectrophotometrically before and after 5, 12.5, 25, and 50 standard erythema doses (SED) of exposure. We calculated the change in transmission (photoinstability) as the difference between the spectral transmission before and after a defined UV exposure, ΔT, and the arithmetic mean, for both the UVA (ΔTA) and UVB (ΔTB) ranges. A product was labelled as photounstable if the mean photoinstability in the UVA, ΔTA, or UVB range, ΔTB, was higher than 5% for an UV exposure of 12.5 SED. Results: Eleven products showed a significant photoinstability in the UVA range (ΔTA between 6% and 27%), only one product in the UVB range (ΔTB = 13%), and one product in both the UVA (ΔTA = 31%) and UVB (ΔTB = 9%) range. In one product photoinstability became significant in the UVA range at higher UV exposures. Conclusions: Out of 27 lipsticks only 13 products showed a photostable performance (ΔTA<5% and ΔTB<5% for 12.5 SED). We propose therefore that only products, which fulfil these UV photostability criteria should be marketed. Copyright © Blackwell Munksgaard 2005. | Lipstick; Photoinactivation; Photoprotection; Photostability; Solar-simulated radiation; Sunscreen; Ultraviolet radiation; UV; UVA; UVB | cosmetic; sunscreen; article; controlled study; erythema; in vitro study; mathematical computing; priority journal; radiation exposure; radiation protection; spectrophotometry; ultraviolet A radiation; ultraviolet B radiation; ultraviolet radiation; Humans; Lip; Photochemistry; Radiation Protection; Skin; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940387791 | Ultrasound evaluation of obstructive uropathy and its hemodynamic responses in southwest Nigeria | Apoku I.N., Ayoola O.O., Salako A.A., Idowu B.M. | 2015 | International Braz J Urol | 41 | 3 | 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2014.0197 | Department of Radiology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria; Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria | Apoku, I.N., Department of Radiology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria; Ayoola, O.O., Department of Radiology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria; Salako, A.A., Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria; Idowu, B.M., Department of Radiology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile - Ife, Osun state, Nigeria | Purpose: To determine the renal arterial hemodynamic changes induced by obstructive uropathy using Doppler ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: 60 adult subjects with suspected obstructive uropathy and 60 asymptomatic apparently healthy controls with normal renal ultrasound features were evaluated. B-mode sonography of the kidneys and spectral Doppler examination of the renal interlobar arteries of all the participants were performed. The mean resistive indices (mRI) of both interlobar arteries were obtained and compared to that of the controls. The mRI of bilaterally obstructed kidneys were also compared with the mRI of unilaterally obstructed kidneys. Results: The mRI of the right and left kidneys of subjects were 0.72±0.04 and 0.69±0.06 while those of the controls were 0.64±0.04 and 0.63±0.03 respectively. The mRI for the grades of caliectasis increased from grade I (0.72±0.03) to grade II (0.73±0.03) and grade III (0.73±0.02) but fell within the most severe levels of obstruction (0.69±0.07). There was no statistically significant relationship between the grades of caliectasis and unilateral or bilateral obstruction for both kidneys. The results show a sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 90% respectively when mRI≥0.7 was used to determine presence of obstruction. Conclusion: Renal duplex sonography is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis of obstructive uropathy. Increased resistive index of the obstructed kidney may be a useful diagnostic tool in situations where intravenous urography cannot be done or is contraindicated. | Hemodynamics; Renal artery; Ultrasonography; Urologic diseases | adult; aged; Doppler flowmetry; echography; epidemiology; female; hemodynamics; human; kidney; kidney artery; kidney calyx; lesions and defects; male; middle aged; Nigeria; pathology; pathophysiology; physiology; procedures; reproducibility; ureter obstruction; vascularization; Adult; Aged; Dilatation, Pathologic; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Calices; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Renal Artery; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Ureteral Obstruction | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908897402 | Ultrasound evaluation of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries in adults with primary hypertension at Ibadan, Nigeria [Evaluation échographique de l’épaisseur de l’intima-media des artères carotides d’adultes avec une hypertension essentielle à Ibada | Umeh E.O., Agunloye, Adekanmi A.J., Adeyinka A.O. | 2013 | West African Journal of Medicine | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Umeh, E.O., Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Agunloye, Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adekanmi, A.J., Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeyinka, A.O., Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measured Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a simple and inexpensive tool for assessing the cumulative effects of hypertension on the carotid arterial walls. It is also an independent predictor of future myocardial infarctionand stroke risk. OBJECTIVES: This study compared ultrasound measured CIMT in hypertensive adults with non-smoking normotensive controls. It also documented variations in CIMT with subjects’ age and sex. METHODOLOGY: Hypertensives (120) of both sexes aged 18years and above were recruited from the Hypertension Clinic at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. Normotensive controls (120) were also recruited from the general public. The CIMT was measured on B- mode ultrasound using the technique of ‘Multiple Carotid Sites Measurement’ RESULTS: Mean CIMT values were 0.756mm ± 0.130 and 0.751mm ± 0.129 for the hypertensive group and 0.638mm ± 0.088 and 0.670mm ± 0.107 for the control group on the left and right sides respectively (P=0.000). Higher CIMT values were noted among male hypertensive subjects (P=0.030). CIMT values also showed positive correlation with subjects’ age. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in CIMT for hypertensives when compared with normotensives in the study area. CIMT also varies with subjects’ age and sex. © 2013, West African Journal of Medicine. All rights reserved. | Carotid; Hypertension; Intima-media thickness; Ultrasound | adult; aged; arterial wall thickness; Article; B scan; case control study; controlled study; correlation coefficient; female; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; middle aged; Nigeria; prospective study; young adult; age; article; carotid artery; cerebrovascular accident; echography; heart infarction; pathology; risk factor; sex difference; very elderly; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carotid Arteries; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Stroke; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954398316 | Ultrasound evaluation of brain infections and its complications in Nigerian infants | Nzeh D., Oyinloye O.I., Odebode O.T., Akande H., Braimoh K. | 2010 | Tropical Doctor | 40 | 3 | 10.1258/td.2010.090384 | Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria | Nzeh, D., Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oyinloye, O.I., Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria; Odebode, O.T., Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria; Akande, H., Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria; Braimoh, K., Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria | Infantile meningitis is a clinical diagnosis. However, suspicion of its complications may warrant further investigations; and transfrontanelle ultrasound is a reliable and cheap way to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosing the complications of infantile meningitis. This is a retrospective study of the transfrontanelle ultrasound findings in 40 infants presenting with clinical indicators of complicated acute bacterial meningitis. There were 20 boys and 20 girls aged 5-115 days (mean, 42.6 ± 30.1 days).The complications of meningitis detectable on ultrasoundwere: hydrocephalus (21[52.5%]); cerebral abscess (2[5%]); subdural empyema (2 [5%]); and ventriculitis (3[7.5%]).Twelve babies (30%) had no abnormal findings. Hydrocephalus is the most common complication of meningitis in our setting. Transfontanelle ultrasound proved to be very reliable in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of complicated meningitis. | None | article; bacterial meningitis; brain abscess; brain ventriculitis; clinical article; diagnostic value; evaluation; female; follow up; human; hydrocephalus; infant; male; Nigeria; reliability; retrospective study; subdural empyema; ultrasound; African Continental Ancestry Group; Brain Abscess; Diagnosis, Differential; Empyema, Subdural; Female; Hospitals, University; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Meningitis, Bacterial; Nigeria; Retrospective Studies; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960165665 | Ultrasound evaluation of abdominal masses in Ethiopian child patients | Kebede A.G., Nigussie Y. | 2011 | Tropical Doctor | 41 | 3 | 10.1258/td.2011.100253 | College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia | Kebede, A.G., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia; Nigussie, Y., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia | The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of abdominal masses and evaluate the value of ultrasound in paediatric abdominal masses. We used a cross-sectional study of abdominal masses in children attending a university teaching hospital. The common abdominal masses were: Wilms' tumour, 12 (14.8%); lym-phoma,11 (13.6%); appendiceal mass/abscess,11 (13.6%); neuroblastoma,7 (8.6%);TB,6 (7.4%); hydronephrosis, 5 (6.2%); abdominal wall abscess,6 (7.4%); hydatidcyst, 4 (4.9%); mesenteric cyst, 3 (3.7%); and intussusceptions, 3 (3.7%). Identification of a purely cystic mass was suggestive of benign lesion (odds ratio [OR] 1/4 1 1 8, P1/4 0.0001) and masses found in the,5 years age group tend to be malignant (OR 1/4 2.77).The most common sites of origin were kidneys, retroperitoneal extra renal and gastrointestinal tract. The overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was 88.9%. | None | abdominal abscess; abdominal mass; appendix tumor; article; child; diagnostic accuracy; echinococcosis; echography; ectopic kidney; female; gallbladder; gastrointestinal tract; human; hydronephrosis; hydrops; infant; intussusception; liver abscess; liver cell carcinoma; lymphoma; major clinical study; male; mesentery cyst; multicystic dysplastic kidney; nephroblastoma; neuroblastoma; pancreas cyst; peritoneum; preschool child; rhabdomyosarcoma; school child; splenomegaly; teratoma; university hospital; Abdomen; Abscess; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cysts; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lymphoma; Male; Neoplasms; Neuroblastoma; Predictive Value of Tests; Wilms Tumor; Phoma | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051699689 | Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract of the captive female African lion (Panthera leo) | Kirberger R.M., Schulman M.L., Hartman M.J. | 2011 | Theriogenology | 76 | 5 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.013 | Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Kirberger, R.M., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Schulman, M.L., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Hartman, M.J., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | The use of transabdominal ultrasonography to assess the oestrous cycle has not been previously described in the African lion (Panthera leo). Twelve sexually mature lionesses and five female cubs had their reproductive organs assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Ovarian findings were compared to laparoscopic findings while performing laparoscopic ovariectomy or salpingectomy. Vaginal cytology was performed and serum progesterone levels were determined. By combining all data the oestrous cycle stage of each lion was determined. One lion was far pregnant and was not operated on. In adults a uterine body could be seen ultrasonographically in 67% of lions while mural structures could be distinguished in 44% of lions. Five uterine horns could be seen in 3 lions. In 12 adults 10 ovaries were found of which eight had discernable follicles or luteal structures. During laparoscopy 12 active ovaries were seen with luteal structures seen in 11 ovaries and follicles in 2 ovaries. Using laparoscopy as the gold standard, ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 83% to detect ovarian reproductive activity. Two uterine cysts and a cluster of periovarian cysts were seen in three different lions. Three lions were pregnant, two were in oestrus, three in a luteal phase (dioestrus), and four were in anoestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound in combination with serum progesterone levels and vaginal cytology can be used to assess ovarian cyclical activity with reasonable accuracy in captive bred lions. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. | Cyclical activity; Laparoscopy; Lioness; Panthera leo; Reproduction; Ultrasound | progesterone; animal; animal disease; article; blood; comparative study; cytology; echography; estrus cycle; female; histology; laparoscopy; lion; ovary; pregnancy; reproduction; uterus; vagina; Animals; Estrous Cycle; Female; Laparoscopy; Lions; Ovary; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Reproduction; Ultrasonography; Uterus; Vagina; Panthera; Panthera leo | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946477870 | Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract in older captive female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) | Schulman M.L., Kirberger R.M., Tordiffe A.S.W., Marker L.L., Schmidt-Küntzel A., Hartman M.J. | 2015 | Theriogenology | 84 | 9 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.011 | Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia | Schulman, M.L., Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Kirberger, R.M., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Tordiffe, A.S.W., National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Marker, L.L., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Schmidt-Küntzel, A., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Hartman, M.J., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa | The study uniquely described the clinical value of transabdominal ultrasonography for monitoring features characterizing the estrous cycle in female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). The reproductive tracts of 21 female, iparous, and relatively aged (median: 11 and interquartile range: 9.25-14 years) captive cheetahs resident on two sites in Namibia were assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Subsequently, the ovarian findings on ultrasound were compared with direct visualization while performing laparoscopic sterilization. A combination of these observations supported by concurrent sampling for vaginal cytology and serum progesterone concentrations defined the estrous status of individual animals. At one site, six cheetahs had been implanted with the GnRH agonist, deslorelin as a contraceptive at least once within the preceding 11 years. On ultrasound, 31 uterine horns and 35 ovaries with discernible structures on 28 (86%) were visualized in the 21 cheetahs. The uterine body was difficult to visualize because of its intrapelvic location. Eleven of 19 uteri (58%) visualized showed endometrial edema suggestive of estrogenization. The uteri of four cheetahs (19%) showed evidence of mild cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Paraovarian cysts were seen on ultrasound (n = 21) and laparoscopy (n = 26) in 16 (76.2%) and 18 (85.7%) cheetahs, respectively. Ovarian volumes obtained from ultrasonographically determined dimensions predicted cyclic activity. Laparoscopy showed that 19 ovaries had discernible follicular structures. In the study population, 10 (47.6%) cheetahs were in proestrus or estrus; none in the luteal phase; and 11 (52.4%) in anestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound, in combination with serum progesterone concentrations and vaginal cytology, was used with acceptable accuracy to assess cyclic ovarian activity in captive cheetahs. A considerable proportion of this aged population showed ovarian activity and the prevalence of paraovarian cysts was notable. A history of prior deslorelin treatment was not associated with either reproductive activity or uterine pathology. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Cheetah; Cystic endometrial hyperplasia; Deslorelin; Ovarian activity; Paraovarian cyst | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744520712 | Ultrasensitive quantitative HIV-1 p24 antigen assay adapted to dried plasma spots to improve treatment monitoring in low-resource settings | Knuchel M.C., Tomasik Z., Speck R.F., Lüthy R., Schüpbach J. | 2006 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 36 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2005.12.005 | Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 30 /32, CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss AIDS Care International, Harare, Zimbabwe | Knuchel, M.C., Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 30 /32, CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; Tomasik, Z., Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 30 /32, CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; Speck, R.F., Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Lüthy, R., Swiss AIDS Care International, Harare, Zimbabwe; Schüpbach, J., Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 30 /32, CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland | Background: Our group has previously developed a quantitative and ultrasensitive HIV-1 p24 antigen assay that is inexpensive, easy-to-perform, and can be carried out in low-resource settings. Since antiretroviral therapies are becoming more accessible in resource-constrained countries, methods to assess HIV-1 viraemia are urgently needed to achieve a high standard of care in HIV-1 management. Objectives: To adapt our quantitative assay to dried plasma spots (DPS), in order to further simplify this test and make it more accessible to resource-constrained countries. Study design: DPS from 47 HIV-seropositive, treated or untreated adult individuals and 30 healthy individuals were examined. Results: A specificity of 100% was observed when p24 antigen was measured using DPS, and no differences of p24 concentration could be seen between DPS and venous plasma. The correlation between DPS and venous plasma p24 was excellent (R = 0.93, CI95% = 0.88-0.96, p < 0.0001). Similarly, p24 antigen concentrations using DPS were well correlated with RNA viral load (R = 0.53, CI95% = 0.27-0.72, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: This quantitative p24 antigen test has similar sensitivity and specificity using DPS and venous plasma, and has the potential to improve health care delivery to HIV-affected individuals in resource-constrained countries. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Dried plasma spots; HIV-1; Low-resource setting; p24 antigen; Treatment monitoring; Viral load | antigen p24; virus RNA; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Gag protein; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; Human immunodeficiency virus antigen; article; correlation analysis; diagnostic accuracy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; nonhuman; priority journal; quantitative analysis; virus identification; virus load; adult; blood; case control study; chemistry; child; comparative study; cost; economics; evaluation; heat; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; methodology; protein denaturation; sensitivity and specificity; serodiagnosis; treatment outcome; virology; Adult; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Anti-HIV Agents; Case-Control Studies; Child; Costs and Cost Analysis; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Evaluation Studies; Heat; HIV Antibodies; HIV Antigens; HIV Core Protein p24; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Protein Denaturation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951623942 | Udder health problems and major bacterial causes of camel mastitis in Jijiga, Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for impacting food security | Abera M., Abdi O., Abunna F., Megersa B. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9424-6 | Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Abera, M., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Abdi, O., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Abunna, F., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Megersa, B., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia | One hundred and forty-five traditionally kept lactating camels (Camelus dromederius) were examined for mastitis by combination of clinical, mastitis card test and subsequent bacteriological isolation. Clinical and sub-clinical mastitis were prevalent in 8.3% (95%CI = 4.6, 14.4) and 20.7% (95%CI = 14.6, 28.4) of the studied animals, respectively. This gives an overall mastitis prevalence of 29.0% (95%CI = 21.9, 37.2) at animal and 17.9% (95%CI = 14.9, 21.3) at quarter levels. High proportion (33.8%) of lactating camels had blind teats and 5.5% had lesions on udder or teat. Taking clinical mastitis and blocked teats into account, the study revealed that only 57.9% of the camels have four teats for milk production. Out of the 505 quarter milk samples examined, 80 (15.8 %) quarters were positive for indicator paper. Upon subsequent culturing, 68.8% (55 out of 80) of the quarter milk samples yielded bacteria. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli and Bacillus species were the major isolates. Mastitis prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by tick infestations, udder lesions, and increased age and parity of the animals. In conclusion, mastitis is a major problem in traditionally managed camels and deserves further attention owning to its potential impact on milk production affecting food security. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Camels; Card test; Ethiopia; Etiology; Mastitis; Prevalence; Risk factors | Animalia; Bacillus (bacterium); Bacteria (microorganisms); Camelidae; Camelus; Escherichia coli; Ixodida; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; camel; catering service; chemistry; Ethiopia; female; human; information processing; mastitis; microbiology; milk; questionnaire; udder; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Data Collection; Ethiopia; Female; Food Supply; Humans; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis; Milk; Questionnaires | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-63149102742 | Two-year virologic outcomes of an alternative AIDS care model: Evaluation of a peer health worker and nurse-staffed community-based program in uganda | Chang L.W., Alamo S., Guma S., Christopher J., Suntoke T., Omasete R., Montis J.P., Quinn T.C., Juncker M., Reynolds S.J. | 2009 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 50 | 3 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181988375 | Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States; Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Chang, L.W., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States; Alamo, S., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Guma, S., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Christopher, J., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Suntoke, T., National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Omasete, R., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Montis, J.P., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Quinn, T.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Juncker, M., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Reynolds, S.J., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | BACKGROUND: There is growing concern about the human resources needed to care for increasing numbers of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings. We evaluated an alternative model, community-based, comprehensive antiretroviral program staffed primarily by peer health workers and nurses. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy during the first 10 months of program enrollment beginning in late 2003. Virologic, immunologic, clinical, and adherence data were collected. RESULTS: Of 360 patients started on treatment, 258 (72%) were active and on therapy approximately 2 years later. Viral load testing demonstrated that 86% of active patients (211/246 tested) had a viral load <400 copies per milliliter. The median CD4 increase for active patients was 197 cells per cubic millimeter (interquartile range, 108-346). Patients with either a history of antiretroviral use or lack of CD4 response were more likely to experience virologic failure. Survival was 84% at 1 year and 82% at 2 years. World Health Organization stage 4 was predictive of both not sustaining therapy and increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A community-based antiretroviral treatment program in a resource-limited setting can provide excellent AIDS care over at least a 2-year period. A comprehensive program based upon peer health workers and nurses provides an effective alternative model for AIDS care. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Adherence; Africa; Antiretroviral treatment; Community health services; Nurses; Program evaluation | antiretrovirus agent; efavirenz; lamivudine; lamivudine plus zidovudine; nevirapine; stavudine; tuberculostatic agent; zidovudine; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adult; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; community health nursing; drug treatment failure; drug withdrawal; female; health care personnel; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; nurse; outcome assessment; patient compliance; priority journal; prognosis; retrospective study; Uganda; unspecified side effect; virus load; world health organization; community care; health care quality; manpower; nonbiological model; nurse; organization and management; peer group; standard; virology; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Community Health Services; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Models, Organizational; Nurses; Patient Compliance; Peer Group; Program Evaluation; Retrospective Studies; Uganda; Viral Load | None |
WoS | WOS:000291851000001 | Two-year evaluation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Children (IPTc) combined with timely home treatment for malaria control in Ghana | Ahorlu, Collins K.,Koram, Kwadwo A.,Seake-Kwawu, Atsu,Weiss, Mitchell G. | 2011 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-127 | Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Basel, University of Ghana, Keta Dist Hlth Management Team, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute | "Ahorlu, Collins K.: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research","Ahorlu, Collins K.: University of Ghana","Koram, Kwadwo A.: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research","Koram, Kwadwo A.: University of Ghana","Weiss, Mitchell G.: University of Basel", | Background: Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) has recently been accepted as an important component of the malaria control strategy. Intermittent preventive treatment for children (IPTc) combined with timely treatment of malaria related febrile illness at home to reduce parasite prevalence and malaria morbidity in children aged between six and 60 months in a coastal community in Ghana. This paper reports persistence of reduced parasitaemia two years into the intervention. The baseline and year-one-evaluation findings were published earlier.
Objective: The main objective in the second year was to demonstrate whether the two interventions would further reduce parasite prevalence and malaria-related febrile illness in the study population.
Methods: This was an intervention study designed to compare baseline and evaluation findings without a control group. The study combined home-based delivery of intermittent preventive treatment for children (IPTc) aged 6 - 60 months and home treatment of suspected febrile malaria-related illness within 24 hours. All children aged 6 - 60 months received home-based delivery of intermittent preventive treatment using amodiaquine + artesunate, delivered at home by community assistants every four months (6 times in 24 months). Malaria parasite prevalence surveys were conducted before the first and after the third and sixth IPTc to the children. The evaluation surveys were done four months after the third and sixth IPTc was given.
Results: Parasite prevalence which reduced from 25% to 3.0% at year-one evaluation had reduced further from 3% to 1% at year-two-evaluation. At baseline, 13.8% of the children were febrile (axilary temperature of >= 37.5 degrees C) compared to 2.2% at year-one-evaluation while 2.1% were febrile at year-two-evaluation.
Conclusion: The year-two-evaluation result indicates that IPTc given three times in a year (every four months) combined with timely treatment of febrile malaria illness, is effective to reduce malaria parasite prevalence in children aged 6 to 60 months in the study community. This must give hope to malaria control programme managers in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of the disease is most debilitating. | ,AFRICA,ANEMIA,DELIVERY,INFANTS,"PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL",RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"ROUTINE VACCINATIONS","SOUTHERN GHANA",SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE,TRANSMISSION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80755139509 | Two dimensional fluidised bed reactor: Performance of a novel multi-vortex distributor | Brink H.G., Saayman J., Nicol W. | 2011 | Chemical Engineering Journal | 175 | 1 | 10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.077 | University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Brink, H.G., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Saayman, J., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Nicol, W., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | The influence of the distributor configuration on interphase mass transfer, gas axial dispersion and bubble size was studied in a pseudo 2-D fluidised bed reactor for two types of distributor configurations; a novel multi-vortex (MV) distributor with tubes directed vertically and horizontally at different heights and a standard perforated plate distributor (baseline). The linear inlet velocity (U0) ranged between 0.1m/s and 0.35m/s, with air as fluidising medium at ambient conditions. The ozone decomposition reaction over Fe2O3 impregnated FCC catalyst was used as an indirect measure for the performance of the FBR and it was found that the MV distributor causes a significant improvement (15% average) in the conversion efficiencies at all velocities tested. Bubble size measurements (using two separate techniques) indicated larger bubbles for the MV distributor, while the visual bubbling to turbulent transition boundary (Uc) for the MV distributor was found to be lower than the baseline distributor. The interphase bubble-emulsion mass transfer was quantified using the model derived by Thompson et al. [32] and was found to be 52% higher for the MV distributor than the baseline distributor. In addition the MV distributor exhibited near plug flow characteristics at velocities exceeding Uc, while this was not the case for the baseline distributor. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Interphase mass transfer quantification; Multi-vortex distributor; Ozone decomposition reaction; Two dimensional fluidized bed reactor | Ambient conditions; Axial dispersions; Bubble size; Bubble size measurement; Different heights; FCC catalysts; Fluidised bed; Indirect measure; Inlet velocity; Inter-phase mass transfer; Multi-vortex distributor; Ozone decomposition; Ozone decomposition reaction; Plug flow; Thompson; Turbulent transition; Chemical reactors; Conversion efficiency; Emulsification; Fluid catalytic cracking; Fluidization; Mass transfer; Ozone; Perforated plates; Two dimensional; Vortex flow; Fluidized beds | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-64149113743 | Tutorial classes - Why bother? An investigation into the impact of tutorials on the performance of economics students | Horn P.M., Jansen A.I. | 2009 | South African Journal of Economics | 77 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2009.01194.x | Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa | Horn, P.M., Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Jansen, A.I., Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa | The deteriorating performance of first-year economics students has become a concern at many South African universities. Addressing the issue requires an understanding of the factors influencing students' success. Studies analysing academic performance use the education production function approach. This approach identifies inputs that are crucial to learning and to achieving certain outputs. Factors that have been investigated in other studies include the impact of lecture attendance on performance, school-leaving exam (matriculation) results, particularly performance in mathematics, and the gender and age of students. This study adds to existing local empirical research by analysing the impact of the tutorial programme as an input. The case study investigates the tutorial programme for first-year economics students at Stellenbosch University using quantitative analysis. Results confirm what previous studies have found, namely that lecture attendance, gender, and matriculation results contribute positively to the performance of first-year economics students. The main finding of the paper is that tutorial attendance also contributes positively to academic performance. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 The Economic Society of South Africa. | Academic performance; Economics; First-year students; Tutorial programme | economics; education; learning; performance assessment; student; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000286143100001 | Turning around an ailing district hospital: a realist evaluation of strategic changes at Ho Municipal Hospital (Ghana) | Dedzo, McDamien,Kegels, Guy,Marchal, Bruno | 2010 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-787 | Ghana Health Service, Inst Trop Med | "Dedzo, McDamien: Ghana Health Service", | Background: There is a growing consensus that linear approaches to improving the performance of health workers and health care organisations may only obtain short-term results. An alternative approach premised on the principle of human resource management described as a form of 'High commitment management', builds upon a bundles of balanced practices. This has been shown to contribute to better organisational performance. This paper illustrates an intervention and outcome of high commitment management (HiCom) at an urban hospital in Ghana. Few studies have shown how HiCom management might contribute to better performance of health services and in particular of hospitals in low and middle-income settings.
Methods: A realist case study design was used to analyse how specific management practices might contribute to improving the performance of an urban district hospital in Ho, Volta Region, in Ghana. Mixed methods were used to collect data, including document review, in-depth interviews, group discussions, observations and a review of routine health information.
Results: At Ho Municipal Hospital, the management team dealt with the crisis engulfing the ailing urban district hospital by building an alliance between hospital staff to generate a sense of ownership with a focus around participative problem analysis. The creation of an alliance led to improving staff morale and attitude, and contributed also to improvements in the infrastructure and equipment. This in turn had a positive impact on the revenue generating capacity of the hospital. The quick turn around in the state of this hospital showed that change was indeed possible, a factor that greatly motivated the staff. In a second step, the management team initiated the development of a strategic plan for the hospital to maintain the dynamics of change. This was undertaken through participative methods and sustained earlier staff involvement, empowerment and feelings of reciprocity. We found that these factors acted as the core mechanisms underlying the changes taking place at Ho Municipal Hospital.
Conclusions: This study shows how a hospital management team in Ghana succeeded in resuscitating an ailing hospital. Their high commitment management approach led to the active involvement and empowerment of staff. It also showed how a realist evaluation approach such as this, could be used in the research of the management of health care organisations to explain how management interventions may or may not work. | ,AFRICA,CARE,CLIMATE,COMMITMENT,CULTURE,HEALTH,"HUMAN-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT","PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT",PERFORMANCE,POLICY | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884549824 | Turks and Caicos Islands climate and its impacts | Jury M.R. | 2013 | Earth Interactions | 17 | 18 | 10.1175/2012ei000490.1 | Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Jury, M.R., Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) climate is described using mesoscale ocean and atmosphere datasets with a focus on thermodynamic versus kinematic controls, the influence of the nearby island of Hispaniola, and factors affecting early colonization and fluctuations of marine resources. The key findings include the following: trade winds accelerate to 7 m s21 north of Hispaniola and enhance anticyclonic subsidence; there is a dry-south/wet-north pattern of rainfall that opposes surface temperature and salinity fields; ocean currents near TCI are northwestward but there is a counterclockwise gyre near Haiti that guided colonization; conch catch increases when trade winds strengthen and SST declines; TCI's dry climate limits groundwater resources, food production, and population density; and Caicos Island sheds a wind wake that boosts SST and local convection, as evident in Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and operational model products. Further studies of small island climates will benefit from an ever-increasing stream of mesoscale datasets. © 2013. | Antilles climate; Caicos Island wind wake; Impacts on resources; Marine environment | Antilles; Impacts on resources; Kinematic control; Marine environment; Operational model; Population densities; Quick scatterometer (QuikSCAT); Surface temperatures; Atmospheric temperature; Commerce; Groundwater; Marine biology; Ocean currents; Population statistics; Wakes; Climate models; anticyclone; atmospheric dynamics; climate effect; climatology; island; kinematics; mesoscale meteorology; QuikSCAT; rainfall; sea surface temperature; thermodynamics; trade wind; wake; Turks and Caicos Islands | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862072624 | Turfgrass performance of diploid buffalograss [buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] half-sib populations | Serba D.D., Gulsen O., Abeyo B.G., Amundsen K.L., Lee D.J., Baenziger P.S., Heng-Moss T.M., Eskridge K.M., Shearman R.C. | 2012 | HortScience | 47 | 2 | None | Forage Improvement Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc., Ardmore, OK 73401, United States; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; CIMMYT, ILRI Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 377H Plant Science Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States | Serba, D.D., Forage Improvement Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc., Ardmore, OK 73401, United States; Gulsen, O., Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Abeyo, B.G., CIMMYT, ILRI Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amundsen, K.L., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 377H Plant Science Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Lee, D.J., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 377H Plant Science Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Baenziger, P.S., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 377H Plant Science Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Heng-Moss, T.M., Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Eskridge, K.M., Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States; Shearman, R.C., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States | Hybridization and selection has been one of the methods used to generate turf grass cultivars in buffalo grass improvement. Three half-sib populations were developed by crossing three buffalo grass female genotypes, NE 3296, NE 2768, and NE 2769, with NE 2871, a male genotype, to 1) investigate the pattern of genetic variability generated for turf grass characteristics through hybridization; 2) assess the effect of parental change on the level of genetic variability generated in a buffalo grass diploid population; and 3) predict the performance of a progeny generated from two heterozygous parents for turf grass performance. The four parents and 20 random F1 progeny selected from each population were established in 2006 at the John Seaton Anderson Turf grass Research Facility located near Mead, NE. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with the progeny nested in the crosses. A visual rating scale of 1-9 was used to evaluate the population. Mean population lateral spread, genetic color, density, and turf grass quality from early summer to fall ranged from 3.5 to 4.5, 7.1 to 7.9, 6.9 to 8.1, and 5.2 and 6.8, respectively. There were significant differences among the crosses and the parents for all the traits studied except quality in June and August. The progeny nested within crosses differed for turf grass genetic color and quality. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) indicated a high improvement potential for turf grass lateral spread and spring density in NE 2768 × NE 2871 and for turf grass genetic color in NE 3296 × NE 2871. From these findings, it can be concluded that hybridization breeding is a worthwhile approach for generating and identifying trans gressive segregants for specific buffalo grass traits. | Genetic color; Lateral spread; Quality; Spring density; Turf grass | Buchloe; Buchloe dactyloides; Poaceae; Urochloa mutica | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930943078 | Tuning optimization algorithms under multiple objective function evaluation budgets | Dymond A.S., Engelbrecht A.P., Kok S., Heyns P.S. | 2015 | IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation | 19 | 3 | 10.1109/TEVC.2014.2322883 | Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Dymond, A.S., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kok, S., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Heyns, P.S., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Most sensitivity analysis studies of optimization algorithm control parameters are restricted to a single objective function evaluation (OFE) budget. This restriction is problematic because the optimality of control parameter values (CPVs) is dependent not only on the problem's fitness landscape, but also on the OFE budget available to explore that landscape. Therefore, the OFE budget needs to be taken into consideration when performing control parameter tuning. This paper presents a new algorithm tuning multiobjective particle swarm optimization (tMOPSO) for tuning the CPVs of stochastic optimization algorithms under a range of OFE budget constraints. Specifically, for a given problem tMOPSO aims to determine multiple groups of CPVs, each of which results in optimal performance at a different OFE budget. To achieve this, the control parameter tuning problem is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem. Additionally, tMOPSO uses a noise-handling strategy and CPV assessment procedure, which are specialized for tuning stochastic optimization algorithms. Conducted numerical experiments provide evidence that tMOPSO is effective at tuning under multiple OFE budget constraints. © 2014 IEEE. | Control parameter tuning; multiobjective optimization; objective function evaluation (OFE) budget | Algorithms; Budget control; Control system analysis; Function evaluation; Optimization; Parameter estimation; Particle swarm optimization (PSO); Sensitivity analysis; Control parameters; Multi objective particle swarm optimization; Multi-objective optimization problem; Multiple objective functions; Numerical experiments; objective function evaluation (OFE) budget; Optimization algorithms; Stochastic optimization algorithm; Multiobjective optimization | National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958751374 | Tuberculosis surveillance in Cape Town, South Africa: An evaluation | Heidebrecht C.L., Tugwell P.S., Wells G.A., Engel M.E. | 2011 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 15 | 7 | 10.5588/ijtld.10.0296 | Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Heidebrecht, C.L., Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Tugwell, P.S., Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Wells, G.A., Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Engel, M.E., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | SETTING: Cape Town, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current system of tuberculosis surveillance in the Cape Metro region. DESIGN: This evaluation was based on the 'Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems' of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, modified to render the framework applicable to the context of tuberculosis (TB) surveillance. The evaluation incorporated qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of system users. RESULTS: System users were very accepting of the system and were committed to seeing it achieve its purpose within public health. Some individuals expressed concerns about the rigidity of the Electronic TB Register software and its analysis capabilities. Dissemination of TB data and evidence-based action within the Cape Metro region are strong attributes of Cape Town's TB surveillance system. At the time of the evaluation, integration of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) data was weak, as was multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) surveillance; the South African Tuberculosis Control Programme is developing initiatives to improve these areas. CONCLUSIONS: Cape Metro's TB surveillance is strong, although it would be strengthened by increasing availability of data reflecting TB-HIV co-infection and MDR-TB. Systems operations could be improved by increasing software flexibility, and increased integration of electronic data across health regions would enhance the capacity and assessment of control efforts. © 2011 The Union. | Epidemiology; Evaluation study; Surveillance; Tuberculosis | article; computer program; disease registry; disease surveillance; evidence based practice; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information dissemination; medical information system; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; priority journal; public health; South Africa; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); Guidelines as Topic; HIV Infections; Humans; Population Surveillance; Registries; Software; South Africa; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; United States | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927911032 | Tuberculosis distorts the inhibitory impact of interleukin-10 in HIV infection | Chetty S., Porichis F., Govender P., Zupkosky J., Ghebremichael M., Pillay M., Walker B.D., Ndung'u T., Kaufmann D.E., Kasprowicz V.O. | 2014 | AIDS | 28 | 18 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000437 | HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB and HIV (K-RITH), KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Chetty, S., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB and HIV (K-RITH), KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Porichis, F., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States; Govender, P., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Zupkosky, J., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States; Ghebremichael, M., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States; Pillay, M., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Walker, B.D., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States; Ndung'u, T., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States; Kaufmann, D.E., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada; Kasprowicz, V.O., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB and HIV (K-RITH), KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States | Objectives: This study aimed to assess how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) coinfection alters the impact of interleukin-10 in chronic HIV infection. Design: We assessed plasma cytokine levels (interleukin-10, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-γ, interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interleukin-13) in 82 individuals presenting with HIV monoinfection, HIV-LTBI (latent MTB infection) coinfection or HIV-TB (active tuberculosis) coinfection. We also assessed the influence of MTB on the functional impact of interleukin-10 receptor alpha (interleukin-10Ra) blockade on HIV and MTB-specific CD4+ T cells. Methods: Plasma cytokine levels were measured by high sensitivity Luminex. We used an ex-vivo interleukin-10Ra blockade assay to assess if functional enhancement of HIV and MTB-specific CD4+ T cells was possible following a 48-h stimulation with HIV gag or pooled ESAT-6 (6 kDa early secretory antigenic target) and CFP-10 (10-kDa culture filtrate protein) peptides. Cell supernatant was collected 48 h after stimulation and the cytokine profile was measured by Luminex. Results: Plasma interleukin-10 levels were elevated in HIV-TB as compared with HIV monoinfection (P<0.05) and HIV-LTBI (P<0.05). Plasma interleukin-10 levels correlated to HIV viral load in HIV monoinfection (P=0.016) and HIV-LTBI (P=0.042), but not HIV-TB. Ex-vivo blockade of interleukin-10Ra significantly enhanced MTB and HIVspecific CD4+ T-cell function in HIV-LTBI individuals but not in HIV-TB individuals. Conclusion: Tuberculosis disrupts the correlation between interleukin-10 and markers of HIV disease progression. In addition, HIV-TB is associated with a more inflammatory cytokine milieu compared with HIV monoinfection. Interestingly, interleukin-10Ra blockade can enhance both HIV and MTB-specific T-cell function in HIV-LTBI, but not in HIV-TB coinfection. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | HIV coinfection; Immune regulation; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-10 receptor alpha blockade; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | culture filtrate protein 10; gamma interferon; interleukin 10; interleukin 10 receptor alpha; interleukin 13; interleukin 2; interleukin 6; tumor necrosis factor alpha; interleukin 10; Article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; cytokine release; disease course; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; mixed infection; priority journal; protein blood level; protein expression; tuberculosis; virus load; blood; complication; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculosis; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; HIV Infections; Humans; Interleukin-10; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884487797 | Tuberculosis Case Finding: Evaluation of a Paper Slip Method to Trace Contacts | Mwansa-Kambafwile J., McCarthy K., Gharbaharan V., Venter F.W.D., Maitshotlo B., Black A. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0075757 | TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Epidemiology Unit, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa | Mwansa-Kambafwile, J., TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; McCarthy, K., Epidemiology Unit, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Gharbaharan, V., TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Venter, F.W.D., TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Maitshotlo, B., TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Black, A., TB/HIV Unit, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa | Setting:South Africa has the third highest tuberculosis (TB) burden in the world. Intensified case finding, recommended by WHO, is one way to control TB.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a paper slip method for TB contact tracing.Method:TB patients were offered paper slips to give to their contacts, inviting them for TB screening. The number of contacts screened and the proportion diagnosed with TB was calculated. Contacts that returned to the clinic after receiving the slips were interviewed. A focus group discussion (FGD) with TB patients was held to determine their acceptability.Results:From 718 paper slips issued, a 26% TB contact tracing rate was found, with a 12% case detection rate. The majority (68%) of contacts were screened within 2 weeks of receiving the slip. Age and gender were not significantly associated with time to screening. 16% of the contacts screened did not reside with the TB patients. 98% of the contacts said the method was acceptable. FGD findings show that this method is acceptable and may prevent stigma associated with TB/HIV.Conclusion:This simple, inexpensive method yields high contact tracing and case detection rates and potentially would yield additional benefits outside households. © 2013 Mwansa-Kambafwile et al. | None | adult; article; case finding; controlled study; female; human; male; paper slip method; screening; social network; South Africa; stigma; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; Contact Tracing; Humans; Mass Screening; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Paper; South Africa; Tuberculosis | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846624283 | Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution disease: Incidence, risk factors and impact in an antiretroviral treatment service in South Africa | Lawn S.D., Myer L., Bekker L.-G., Wood R. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 3 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328011efac | Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Lawn, S.D., Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Myer, L., Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Bekker, L.-G., Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden and impact of immune reconstitution disease (IRD) associated with tuberculosis (TB) among patients initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a study cohort enrolled over 3 years within a community-based ART service in South Africa. METHODS: Patients receiving treatment for TB at the time ART was initiated (n = 160) were studied. Cases of TB-associated IRD during the first 4 months of ART were ascertained. RESULTS: The median baseline CD4 cell count was 68 cells/μl [interquartile range (IQR), 29 - 133 cells/μl) and ART was initiated after a median of 105 days (IQR, 61 - 164 days) from TB diagnosis. Although IRD was diagnosed in just 12% (n = 19) of patients overall, IRD developed in 32% (n = 12) of those who started ART within 2 months of TB diagnosis. Pulmonary involvement was observed in 84% (n = 16) and intra-abdominal manifestations were also common (37%). Overall, 4% (n = 7) of the cohort required secondary level health-care for IRD and two (1%) patients died. In multivariate analysis, risk of IRD was strongly associated with early ART initiation and low baseline CD4 cell count. Of patients with CD4 counts < 50 cells/μl, the proportions who developed IRD following initiation of ART within 0-30, 31-60, 61-90, 91-120 and > 120 days of TB diagnosis were 100%, 33%, 14%, 7% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of TB-associated IRD in this setting is very high for those with low baseline CD4 cell counts initiating ART early in the course of antituberculosis treatment. However, most cases were self-limiting; overall secondary health-care utilization and mortality risk from IRD were low. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Africa; Antiretroviral treatment; Immune reconstitution disease; Resource-limited country; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; corticosteroid; efavirenz; lamivudine; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; stavudine; tuberculostatic agent; abdominal disease; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; death; female; health care; human; immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; laparotomy; lung disease; major clinical study; male; morbidity; multivariate analysis; priority journal; retrospective study; risk; risk factor; South Africa; tuberculosis; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Antitubercular Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Developing Countries; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Immune System Diseases; Inflammation; Male; South Africa; Tuberculosis | None |
WoS | WOS:000273850100001 | Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection: its impact on quality of life | Apers, Ludwig,Belachew, Tefera,Colebunders, Robert,Daba, Shallo,Deribew, Amare,Hailmichael, Yohannes,Negussu, Nebiyu,Tesfaye, Markos,Wogi, Ajeme | 2009 | HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES | 7 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-7-105 | University of Antwerp, Inst Trop Med, Jimma Univ, Oromiya Reg Hlth Bur, Somali Reg Hlth Bur | None | Background-: Very little is known about the quality of life of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infected patients. In this study in Ethiopia, we compared the quality of life HIV positive patients with and without TB.
Methods-: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to April, 2009 in selected hospitals in Oromiya Regional state, Ethiopia. The study population consisted of 467 HIV patients and 124 TB/HIV co-infected patients. Data on quality of life was collected by trained nurses through face to face interviews using the short Amharic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument for HIV clients (WHOQOL HIV). Depression was assessed using a validated version of the Kessler scale. Data was collected by trained nurses and analyzed using SPSS 15.0 statistical software.
Results: TB/HIV co-infected patients had a lower quality of life in all domains as compared to HIV infected patients without active TB. Depression, having a source of income and family support were strongly associated with most of the Quality of life domains. In co-infected patients, individuals who had depression were 8.8 times more likely to have poor physical health as compared to individuals who had no depression, OR = 8.8(95%CI: 3.2, 23). Self-stigma was associated with a poor quality of life in the psychological domain.
Conclusion-: The TB control program should design strategies to improve the quality of life of TB/HIV co-infected patients. Depression and self-stigma should be targeted for intervention to improve the quality of life of patients. | ,DISTRESS,HEALTH,INFECTION,INSTRUMENT,VERSION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864946809 | Tuberculosis among children in Kenya: Epidemiology and impact of HIV in two provinces | Cavanaugh J., Genga K., Marigu I., Laserson K., Ackers M., Cain K. | 2012 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 58 | 4 | 10.1093/tropej/fmr098 | Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Division of Leprosy TB and Lung Disease, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya; Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya; Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States | Cavanaugh, J., Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States, Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Genga, K., Division of Leprosy TB and Lung Disease, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya; Marigu, I., Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Laserson, K., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Ackers, M., Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Cain, K., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States | We collected clinical register data on children in two provinces of Kenya and conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess characteristics associated with death. Among 987 children with tuberculosis (TB), pulmonary disease was diagnosed in 689 (70%) children. Final outcomes were known for 830 children, 40 (5%) of whom died during TB treatment. HIV test results were available for 670 (68%) children; 371 (55%) of whom tested positive. Only 63 of 134 (47%) of children <1 year were tested for HIV. There were no data on CD4 or anti-retroviral use. The relative risk for death for HIV-infected children compared to HIV-uninfected children was 9.3 for children <1 year [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-69.2], 3.9 for children aged 1-4 (95% CI 0.9-17.7) and 0.9 for children aged 5-14 (95% CI 0.3-2.6). In Kenya, HIV infection in children with TB is common, and our data suggest that HIV is particularly deadly in TB patients <1 year, the group with the lowest rate of testing. Poor data recording and reporting limit our understanding of TB in this age group. Expansion of HIV testing may improve survival, and more complete data recording and reporting will enhance our understanding of pediatric TB. Published by Oxford University Press 2011. | Epidemiology; HIV; Pediatrics; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; adult; article; bivariate analysis; child; childhood disease; clinical assessment; controlled study; epidemiology; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; Kenya; lung disease; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; mortality; multivariate analysis; preschool child; register; school child; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Age Distribution; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antitubercular Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Confidence Intervals; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-22744456563 | Tryptic digests of sorghum malt sprouts: Evaluation of their stimulatory roles during very-high-gravity ethanol fermentation | Ezeogu L.I., Okolo B.N., Ogbonna J.C. | 2005 | Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists | 63 | 3 | 10.1094/ASBCJ-63-0121 | Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan; Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Ezeogu, L.I., Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Okolo, B.N., Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ogbonna, J.C., Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan | Tryptic digests of sprouts from two Nigerian sorghum cultivars were evaluated for their effects on very-high-gravity-fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae WY1006. Yeast growth, fermentation vigor, and ethanol production were considerably (P < 0.05) enhanced by small amounts (1.25 to 6.25 g/L) of digests. CO2 emission rates after 24 hr were 48.3 to 69.2 mg/hr (Local White [TDSS-LW] digest) and 67.1 to 89.2 mg/hr (Local Red [TDSS-LR] digest) compared with 41.3 mg/hr in the unsupplemented control. Yeast growth increased 1.6- to 2.0- and 1.7- to 2.2-fold, respectively with TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR. At 83.7 to 105.0 and 102.0 to 128.8 g/L, respectively, TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR supported significantly (P < 0.05) higher ethanol production than did the control (64.0 g/L). Final ethanol values with TDSS-LR were always (P < 0.05) higher than those with TDSS-LW, but very comparable with values from yeast extract-supplemented media (105.9 to 137.5 g/L). Sprout digest concentrations supporting maximum ethanol production were 5.0 and 3.75 g/L, respectively for TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR. At 3.75 g/L or below, more ethanol was produced by yeast in media with TDSS-LR than was observed in corresponding yeast extract-containing media. Results suggest that tryptic digests of sorghum sprouts can serve as viable alternatives to expensive yeast extract in ethanologenic fermentation. © 2005 American Society of Brewing Chemists, Inc. | Ethanol production; Fermentation vigor; Supplementation; Yeast growth | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938288655 | Trypanosome infection in dromedary camels in Eastern Ethiopia: Prevalence, relative performance of diagnostic tools and host related risk factors | Fikru R., Andualem Y., Getachew T., Menten J., Hasker E., Merga B., Goddeeris B.M., Büscher P. | 2015 | Veterinary Parasitology | 211 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.008 | College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium; KU Leuven, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department Biosystems, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, Leuven, Belgium; School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, PO Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium | Fikru, R., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium, KU Leuven, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department Biosystems, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, Leuven, Belgium; Andualem, Y., School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, PO Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia; Getachew, T., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Menten, J., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium; Hasker, E., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium; Merga, B., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Goddeeris, B.M., KU Leuven, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department Biosystems, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, Leuven, Belgium; Büscher, P., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium | A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chifra and Dewe districts of Afar region, Eastern Ethiopia, to determine the prevalence, agreement between diagnostic tests and host related risk factors of trypanosome infection in camel. An overall prevalence of 2%, 24.1%, 21.3%, 9.5% and 7.8% was recorded with respectively Giemsa stained thin blood smear, CATT/T. evansi, RoTat1.2 PCR, 18S PCR and ITS-1PCR in a cohort of 399 animals. Only one T. vivax infection was confirmed by TvPRAC PCR indicating T. evansi as the predominant species affecting camels in the study area. No single animal was positive when tested with T. evansi type B specific EVAB PCR. There was slight agreement between the CATT/T. evansi and the molecular tests. Among the PCR methods, RoTat 1.2 PCR yielded a significantly higher positivity rate compared to 18S PCR and ITS-1 PCR. There was no significant difference in the positivity rate observed in each gender of camels (p>0.05). The positivity rate was significantly higher in camels with poor body condition and in older animals when tested using the CATT/T.evansi or RoTat 1.2 PCR (p>0.05). Camels that tested positive with all tests had significantly lower PCV's (p<0.05). This study provides further evidence that T. evansi is endemic in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The latent class analysis indicated an estimate overall prevalence of 19% (95% CI: 13-28). Moreover, the model indicated low sensitivity of CATT/T. evansi (43%) and the PCR tests (39-53%) but higher specificity of the PCR tests (86-99%) and low specificity of CATT/T. evansi (80%). This study suggests that improved sensitivity and reliability of the tests would help diagnosis of trypanosomosis. Further studies are required to determine the prevalence of clinical disease and losses due to trypanosomosis. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Dromedary camel; Ethiopia; Prevalence; Risk factor; Trypanosoma evansi; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanosomosis | animal parasitosis; Article; blood smear; cohort analysis; controlled study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; dromedary; Ethiopia; female; host parasite interaction; infection risk; male; nonhuman; parasite identification; parasite prevalence; polymerase chain reaction; risk assessment; risk factor; sensitivity and specificity; serology; Trypanosoma evansi; Trypanosoma vivax; trypanosomiasis; Animalia; Camelidae; Camelus dromedarius; Trypanosoma evansi; Trypanosoma vivax | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651314444 | Truck productivity, efficiency, energy use, and carbon dioxide output: Benchmarking of international performance | Woodrooffe J., Glaeser K.-P., Nordengen P. | 2010 | Transportation Research Record | None | 2162 | 10.3141/2162-08 | Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, 2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150, United States; Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen (BASt), Brüderstraße 53, Bergisch Gladbach, D-51427, Germany; CSIR, South Africa, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Woodrooffe, J., Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, 2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150, United States; Glaeser, K.-P., Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen (BASt), Brüderstraße 53, Bergisch Gladbach, D-51427, Germany; Nordengen, P., CSIR, South Africa, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | The Joint Transport Research Centre of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Transport Forum recently conducted a benchmarking study of the safety and productivity of typical highway transport trucks from various countries. This paper focuses on vehicle productivity and efficiency in regard to the movement of freight. Forty vehicles from 10 countries were examined. The vehicles were designed for longer-haul applications and were classified in three separate categories: workhorse vehicles, which are the most common and can travel on most roads; high-capacity vehicles, which may be restricted to a certain class of road; and very high-capacity vehicles, which may be restricted to specific highways or routes. The metrics used in the analysis include maximum cargo mass and volume capacity, optimum cargo density, fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide output as a function of the freight task. The study found that size and weight regulations have a significant effect on the productivity and efficiency of heavy vehicles, including fuel consumption and vehicle emissions per unit of cargo transported. Significant variations were found among the vehicles from participating countries as well as within vehicle classes. It was also apparent that, in general, higher-productivity vehicles are correlated more strongly with increased cargo volume than with increased cargo mass and that larger trucks are better suited to lower-density freight than are workhorse vehicles. The study also found that it is important to consider the freight task when evaluating vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. | None | Cargo volume; Energy use; Heavy vehicle; High-capacity; International transport; Organisation for economic co-operation and development; Per unit; Transport research; Vehicle emission; Volume capacity; Automobiles; Benchmarking; Carbon dioxide; Fuels; International cooperation; Lead acid batteries; Productivity; Roads and streets; Steel metallurgy; Trucks; Vehicles | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45349092809 | Tropical vegetable (Amaranthus cruentus) leaf meal as alternative protein supplement in broiler starter diets: Bionutritional evaluation | Fasuyi A.O., Dairo F.A.S., Adeniji A.O. | 2008 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Fasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Dairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Adeniji, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Amaranthus cruentus is a tropical leaf vegetable grown in most tropical regions of the world for its vegetable protein. The fresh matured leaves of the plant were harvested and sun dried until a moisture content of between 12-13% was obtained. The sun dried leaves (Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal, ACLM) were milled and analysed for their proximate composition. Crude protein was 23.0%±0.55; crude fat, 5.4%±0.01; crude fibre, 8.8%±0.02; ash, 19.3%±0.01 and gross energy, 3.3±0.01kcal/g all on dry matter basis. Methionine and to a lesser extent, lysine, arginine, leucine and aspartate were high. The ACLM was incorporated into five formulated broiler starter diets at varying inclusion levels. The control diet 1 had no ACLM inclusion. All the six diets including control diet 1 were formulated isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed to the experimental chicks (n = 540). Birds kept on diet 2 (5% ACLM inclusion level) had the best average weight gain (WG) of 372.9±29.94g/chick. The feed efficiency (FE) value and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) for birds on diet 2 were similar (P > 0.05) to values obtained for the reference diet. The nitrogen retention (NR) and apparent nitrogen digestibility (AND) values obtained for diet 2 were highest at 1.48±0.24gN/chick/day and 63.12%±10.28, respectively. Except for dressed weight and the back of chicken all the organs weights taken were similar (P > 0.05). Haematological examinations were similar (P > 0.05). Results generally indicated that ACLM could be a useful dietary protein source for broiler starter chicks at 5% inclusion level. | Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal; Antinutrients; Broiler chicken; Nitrogen utilization | Amaranthus; Amaranthus cruentus; Aves | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953120558 | Tropical cyclones in the SW Indian Ocean. Part 2: Structure and impacts at the event scale | Chang-Seng D.S., Jury M.R. | 2010 | Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics | 106 | 42433 | 10.1007/s00703-010-0059-y | Institute for Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany; Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Chang-Seng, D.S., Institute for Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany; Jury, M.R., Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | The southwest Indian Ocean (5°-20°S, 45°-70°E) experiences frequent tropical cyclones (TC) in the December-March season. In this paper, TC composite and case-study structure and impacts are studied using daily oceanic and atmospheric fields from model-reanalyzed data, satellite remote sensing, and in situ station data. The TC environment is characterized according to mean track: W-, SW-, and S-moving. Case studies of TC are investigated, and impacts such as storm surge and rainfall are evaluated through comparison of 'real' and 'model' datasets in the period since 1998. The northern sub-tropical jet stream is found to influence the intensity and track of TC in the SWIO. The composite SW-moving TC maintains intensity compared to the other tracks, which decline in strength. Variability is found in TC rainfall distribution, with maximum intensity in a spiral band 1-2 days before peak intensity, based on satellite estimates. There is a re-establishment of equatorial rainfall in the case of southward moving TC after peak intensity. The W-moving TC lacks monsoon inflow compared to the recurving TC. Comparisons are made between low-resolution model-estimated rainfall, various satellite products, and station-observed rainfall. TC spiral rain-band intensity is found to be similar to that reported elsewhere in the tropics, based on a limited sample of TRMM PR data and station reports. The satellite-derived daily rainfall out-performs NCEP reanalysis due to low resolution and underestimated diabatic heating. Similarly, the circulation within a 300-km radius of the composite TC is poorly resolved by re-analysis; winds, swells, and storm surges are too low by a factor of two compared with QuikSCAT and in situ measurements. This work will offer ways to adjust operational forecasts of winds, rainfall, and swells around tropical cyclones, so that TC risk and impacts are better managed. © 2010 Springer-Verlag. | None | atmospheric structure; in situ measurement; jet stream; monsoon; precipitation intensity; QuikSCAT; seasonality; storm surge; storm track; tropical cyclone; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (Southwest) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859938493 | Trophic status of Vondo and Albasini Dams; impacts on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water | Odiyo J.O., Chimuka L., Mamali M.A., Fatoki O.S. | 2012 | International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 9 | 2 | 10.1007/s13762-012-0034-x | School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, WITS, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Water Affairs, Private Bag x 9506, Polokwane, 0700 Thohoyandou, South Africa; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Odiyo, J.O., School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Chimuka, L., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, WITS, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mamali, M.A., Department of Water Affairs, Private Bag x 9506, Polokwane, 0700 Thohoyandou, South Africa; Fatoki, O.S., Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | The presence and levels of major nutrients in the water from Vondo and Albasini Dams and their water treatment plants have been assessed to determine trophic status of the dams and impacts on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water. Water quality parameters particularly phosphates and nitrates are critical in assessing the trophic status. Water quality parameters linked to eutrophication and agrochemicals were analyzed. Phosphate was undetectable in both dams. The nitrate levels in Albasini and Vondo Dams which were from 1.16 to 6.65 mg/L and 0.46 to 4.19 mg/L, respectively, were within and above the South African guideline for aquatic ecosystems of 2 mg/L. The raw water pH for Vondo and Albasini Dams were from 6.20 to 7.46 and 6.35 to 8.70, respectively, and were mostly within acceptable guidelines for aquatic ecosystems. The water transparency for Vondo and Albasini Dams were from 0.5 to 4.2 m and 0.4 to 0.9 m, respectively. The levels of all other water quality parameters investigated in both dams and their WTPs mostly indicate low, rarely high and no water quality problems in aquatic ecosystems and drinking water. The low levels of total suspended solids and water transparency, the pH range, low to high electrical conductivity, low to acceptable dissolved oxygen levels, acceptable to high biological oxygen demand and nitrate levels for both dams indicate oligotrophic to eutrophic states. Though oligotrophic state dominates, the mixture of trophic states has been attributed to increase in urbanization and intensive agriculture. © 2012 CEERS, IAU. | Eutrophication; Oligotrophic and Eutrophic states; Physico-Chemical parameters; Water transparency | Aquatic ecosystem; Biological oxygen demand; Dissolved oxygen levels; Eutrophic state; Low level; Low-to-high; Nitrate levels; pH range; Physicochemical parameters; Raw water; Total suspended solids; Trophic state; Trophic status; Water quality parameters; Water quality problems; Water transparency; Agricultural chemicals; Agriculture; Biochemical oxygen demand; Ecosystems; Electric conductivity; Eutrophication; Transparency; Water quality; Dams | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907953814 | Trophic level-based indicators to track fishing impacts across marine ecosystems | Shannon L., Coll M., Bundy A., Gascuel D., Heymans J.J., Kleisner K., Lynam C.P., Piroddi C., Tam J., Travers-Trolet M., Shin Y. | 2014 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 512 | None | 10.3354/meps10821 | Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, Barcelona, Spain; Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Ocean Ecosystem Science, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Université Européenne de Bretagne, Agrocampus Ouest, UMR985 Écologie et Santé des Écosystèmes, 65 route de Saint Brieuc, CS 8421, Rennes cedex, France; Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, United Kingdom; University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom; Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra (VA), Italy; Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle s/n, Apartado 22, Callao, Lima, Peru; IFREMER, Fisheries Laboratory, 150 quai Gambetta, BP699, Boulogne/mer, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France | Shannon, L., Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Coll, M., Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, Barcelona, Spain, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; Bundy, A., Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Ocean Ecosystem Science, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Gascuel, D., Université Européenne de Bretagne, Agrocampus Ouest, UMR985 Écologie et Santé des Écosystèmes, 65 route de Saint Brieuc, CS 8421, Rennes cedex, France; Heymans, J.J., Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, United Kingdom; Kleisner, K., University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Lynam, C.P., Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom; Piroddi, C., Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra (VA), Italy; Tam, J., Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle s/n, Apartado 22, Callao, Lima, Peru; Travers-Trolet, M., IFREMER, Fisheries Laboratory, 150 quai Gambetta, BP699, Boulogne/mer, France; Shin, Y., Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France | Trophic level (TL)-based indicators have been widely used to examine fishing impacts in aquatic ecosystems and the induced biodiversity changes. However, much debate has ensued regarding discrepancies and challenges arising from the use of landings data from commercial fisheries to calculate TL indicators. Subsequent studies have started to examine survey-based and model-based indicators. In this paper, we undertake an extensive evaluation of a variety of TL indicators across 9 well-studied marine ecosystems by making use of model- as well as surveyand catch-based TL indicators. Using detailed regional information and data on fishing history, fishing intensity, and environmental conditions, we evaluate how well TL indicators are capturing fishing effects at the community level of marine ecosystems. Our results highlight that the differences observed between TL indicator values and trends is dependent on the data source and the TL cut-off point used in the calculations and is not attributable to an intrinsic problem with TLbased indicators. All 3 data sources provide useful information about the structural changes in the ecosystem as a result of fishing, but our results indicate that only model-based indicators represent fishing impacts at the whole ecosystem level. © Inter-Research and Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2014 | Catch; Convention on biological diversity; Ecosystem approach to fisheries; Ecosystem model; Food webs; Global comparison; Indicator; Survey; Trophic level; Trophic spectra | biodiversity; bioindicator; commercial species; data set; ecological modeling; ecosystem modeling; environmental conditions; fishery management; fishing; food web; marine ecosystem; survey; trophic level | M1228, Defra, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; DFO, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; DST, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; EC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; NRF, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; PEW, Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50349102618 | Trophallactic activities in the honeybee brood nest - Heaters get supplied with high performance fuel | Basile R., Pirk C.W.W., Tautz J. | 2008 | Zoology | 111 | 6 | 10.1016/j.zool.2007.11.002 | BEEgroup, Department of Zoology II, Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Basile, R., BEEgroup, Department of Zoology II, Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; Pirk, C.W.W., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Tautz, J., BEEgroup, Department of Zoology II, Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany | Honeybees actively regulate their brood temperature by heating between 33 and 36 °C if ambient temperatures are lower. Heat is generated by vibrating the flight muscles. Heating rapidly depletes the worker's internal energy; therefore heating performance is limited by the honey that is ingested before the heating process. Stored honey is the predefined fuel for flying and heating, but it is stored at a distance from the broodcomb, causing a potential logistic problem of efficient energy supply in the brood area. Our study focused on the behaviour and the thoracic temperature of the participants in trophallactic food exchanges on the broodcomb. We found that 85.5% of the recipients in a trophallactic food exchange have a higher thoracic temperature during feeding contacts than donors and after the feeding contact the former engage in brood heating more often. The donor bees have lower thoracic temperature and shuttle constantly between honey stores and the broodcomb where they transfer the stored honey to heating bees. Providing heat-emitting workers with small doses of high performance fuel contributes to an economic distribution of resources consistent with physiological conditions of the bees and the ecological requirements of the hive. The trophallaxis-based system is essential to provide the energy-intensive brood warming activity. The emerging independence from ambient temperatures is not only beneficial for brood rearing during times of sudden cold spells, but also enables the honeybees in temperate regions to raise brood in early spring and might be the decisive factor for the occurrence of honeybees in temperate climates in general. © 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. | Apis mellifera; Brood heating; Food exchange; Trophallaxis | animal; article; bee; body temperature; feeding behavior; heat; honey; nesting; physiology; social behavior; thermoregulation; Animals; Bees; Body Temperature; Body Temperature Regulation; Feeding Behavior; Honey; Hot Temperature; Nesting Behavior; Social Behavior; Apis mellifera; Apoidea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-75749140517 | Trombe wall redesign for a poultry chick brooding application in the equatorial region - analysis of the thermal performance of the system using the Galerkin finite elements | Nwosu N.P. | 2010 | International Journal of Sustainable Energy | 29 | 1 | 10.1080/14786450903295861 | National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwosu, N.P., National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The vertical Trombe wall configuration with a pole-facing orientation is a relatively inadequate design for the equatorial climatic belt. In this work, a hemispherical, passive design is proposed for a poultry brooding enterprise in the region. An analysis is undertaken of the heat transfer balance across the wall; it is found that improvement in the absorptive and storage capacity of the wall is enhanced with high absorptive coating quality, also, the thermal condition of the brooding space, which is fed by the stored heat, is enhanced by a low convection heat transfer coefficient. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Galerkin finite elements; Poultry brooding; Solar; Trombe | Coating quality; Convection heat transfer coefficients; Equatorial regions; Galerkin finite elements; Inadequate design; Passive design; Storage capacity; Thermal condition; Thermal Performance; Trombe wall; Galerkin methods; Heat convection; Heat exchangers; Finite element method; brood rearing; design; equipment; finite element method; Galerkin method; heat balance; heat transfer; poultry; solar power; solar radiation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928400347 | Triple return on investment: The cost and impact of 13 interventions that could prevent stillbirths and save the lives of mothers and babies in South Africa | Michalow J., Chola L., McGee S., Tugendhaft A., Pattinson R., Kerber K., Hofman K. | 2015 | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12884-015-0456-9 | Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Medical Research Council Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, University of Pretoria, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pretoria, South Africa; Save the Children, Cape Town, South Africa | Michalow, J., Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chola, L., Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; McGee, S., Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tugendhaft, A., Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pattinson, R., Medical Research Council Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, University of Pretoria, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pretoria, South Africa; Kerber, K., Save the Children, Cape Town, South Africa; Hofman, K., Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening-South Africa (PRICELESS SA), Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: The time of labor, birth and the first days of life are the most vulnerable period for mothers and children. Despite significant global advocacy, there is insufficient understanding of the investment required to save additional lives. In particular, stillbirths have been neglected. Over 20 000 stillbirths are recorded annually in South Africa, many of which could be averted. This analysis examines available South Africa specific stillbirth data and evaluates the impact and cost-effectiveness of 13 interventions acknowledged to prevent stillbirths and maternal and newborn mortality. Methods: Multiple data sources were reviewed to evaluate changes in stillbirth rates since 2000. The intervention analysis used the Lives Saved tool (LiST) and the Family Planning module (FamPlan) in Spectrum. LiST was used to determine the number of stillbirths and maternal and neonatal deaths that could be averted by scaling up the interventions to full coverage (99%) in 2030. The impact of family planning was assessed by increasing FamPlan's default 70% coverage of modern contraception to 75% and 80% coverage. Total and incremental costs were determined in the LiST costing module. Cost-effectiveness measured incremental cost effectiveness ratios per potential life years gained. Results: Significant variability exists in national stillbirth data. Using the international stillbirth definition, the SBR was 17.6 per 1 000 births in 2013. Full coverage of the 13 interventions in 2030 could reduce the SBR by 30% to 12.4 per 1 000 births, leading to an MMR of 132 per 100 000 and an NMR of 7 per 1 000 live births. Increased family planning coverage reduces the number of deaths significantly. The full intervention package, with 80% family planning coverage in 2030, would require US$420 million (US$7.8 per capita) annually, which is less than baseline costs of US$550 million (US$10.2 per capita). All interventions were highly cost-effective. Conclusion: This is the first analysis in South Africa to assess the impact of scaling up interventions to avert stillbirths. Improved coverage of 13 interventions that are already recommended could significantly impact the rates of stillbirth and maternal and neonatal mortality. Family planning should also be prioritized to reduce mortality and overall costs. © 2015 Michalow et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Child health; Cost analysis; Maternal health; South Africa; Stillbirths | magnesium sulfate; tetanus toxoid; antibiotic therapy; Article; case management; child care; corticosteroid therapy; cost effectiveness analysis; delivery; early diagnosis; family planning; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunization; intrauterine growth retardation; labor; maternal care; maternal diabetes mellitus; maternal hypertension; mortality; newborn; newborn death; obstetric procedure; preeclampsia; prematurity; prenatal care; resuscitation; South Africa; stillbirth; syphilis; third trimester pregnancy | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924350478 | Trinuclear half-sandwich RuII, RhIII and IrIII polyester organometallic complexes: Synthesis and in vitro evaluation as antitumor agents | Burgoyne A.R., Makhubela B.C.E., Meyer M., Smith G.S. | 2015 | European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry | 2015 | 8 | 10.1002/ejic.201403192 | 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 | Burgoyne, A.R., 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; 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 obtained from the condensation of 4-aminophenylmethanol and either 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde or salicylaldehyde were used to synthesise bidentate trimeric ester ligands. The trimeric ester ligands were used to prepare a new series of trinuclear polyester organometallic complexes by using the dimeric precursors, [Ru(η6-p-iPrC6H4Me)Cl2]2, [Rh(C5Me5)Cl2]2 or [Ir(C5Me5)Cl2]2. The Schiff base ligands act as bidentate donors to each metal. All compounds were characterised by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and EI/ESI mass spectrometry. Model mononuclear analogues were prepared, and the molecular structures of selected compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The mono- and trimeric ligands and the metal complexes were evaluated for inhibitory effects against the human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) and A2780cisR (cisplatin-resistant), and the model human skin fibroblast cell line, KMST-6. Polyester-containing trinuclear half-sandwich RuII, RhIII and IrIII complexes were prepared and characterised. The cytotoxicity was investigated for all compounds. Aqueous stability studies and interactions with model DNA 5′-GMP were performed for the most-active compounds. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | Antitumor agents; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Half-sandwich complexes; Polyesters | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69549092745 | Trends in productivity of crops, fallow and rangelands in Southwest Niger: Impact of land use, management and variable rainfall | Hiernaux P., Ayantunde A., Kalilou A., Mougin E., Gérard B., Baup F., Grippa M., Djaby B. | 2009 | Journal of Hydrology | 375 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.01.032 | CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; ILRI, ICRISAT Research Station, B.P. 320, Samanko, Bamako, Mali; ILRI, ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, B.P. 12404, Niamey, Niger; IRD, B.P. 2528, Hippodrome 238 Rue, 234 Bamako, Mali; ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Environment Sciences and Management Dpt., Univ. of Liège, Arlon, Belgium | Hiernaux, P., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Ayantunde, A., ILRI, ICRISAT Research Station, B.P. 320, Samanko, Bamako, Mali; Kalilou, A., ILRI, ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, B.P. 12404, Niamey, Niger; Mougin, E., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France, IRD, B.P. 2528, Hippodrome 238 Rue, 234 Bamako, Mali; Gérard, B., ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Baup, F., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Grippa, M., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Djaby, B., Environment Sciences and Management Dpt., Univ. of Liège, Arlon, Belgium | To document trends in land use and herbaceous production, 71 field sites sampled among cropped fields, fallow fields and rangelands in the Fakara region (Niger) were monitored from 1994 to 2006. The overall trend in land use confirmed the historical increase of the cropped areas since mid 20th century, at an annual rate of 2% from 1994 to 2006. This trend is the result of changes in the relative extent of fields permanently cropped and fields under shifting cultivation, and for the latter, the relative proportion of short (3 years) and long (10 years) duration fallows. Type of land use together with topography and soil type determine the herbaceous production and the resulting yield measured towards the end of the wet season. The variation in site yields between years is of the same order of magnitude as the variation in yields between sites within a year. There is an overall decreasing trend in site yields by 5% annually from 1994 to 2006 that is not explained by variations in rainfall. The decreasing trend is observed on fields under shifting cultivation, fallowed fields and rangelands, although not all sites are equally affected. Causes are likely to be multiple which might include changes in land use, decline of soil fertility and increased grazing pressure. Indeed, the remaining rangelands on marginal land and the fallows still accessible to livestock are subject to such a heavy grazing during the rainy season that the herbaceous standing mass measured at the end of the season reflects poorly the actual production. After the two first years of cropping, the herbaceous yield in fields under shifting cultivation with no fertilisation is negatively affected by the number of successive years of cropping. Moreover, clearing fallow after a decreasing number of years affects the mean herbaceous yield of fallowed fields by reducing the contribution of more productive old fallows. Changes in land use, grazing pressure and soil fertility also triggered changes in species composition with a strong reduction in diversity from rangelands to fallows, and again from fallows to cropland weeds. No correlations was found however between productivity and species composition. Cumulative rainfall does not explain between site or between year deviations in herbaceous yield even when sites are sorted by land use type or by soil type in the case of fallow and rangelands. Simulated production calculated with the STEP model does not explain herbaceous yields much better even when sites are grouped by land use and soil type. However, relative changes of herbaceous yields are reasonably predicted on sites that remained fallowed and were not heavily grazed for at least four consecutive years. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fallows; Land use; Millet crops; Sahel; Vegetation dynamics; Vegetation growth modelling | Fallows; Millet crops; Sahel; Vegetation dynamics; Vegetation growth modelling; Crops; Fertilizers; Geologic models; Productivity; Rain; Soil surveys; Soils; Vegetation; Land use; crop production; crop yield; fallow; growth modeling; land management; land use; land use change; millet; rainfall; rangeland; shifting cultivation; soil fertility; topographic effect; vegetation dynamics; Africa; Fakara; Niger [West Africa]; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tillaberi; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863422439 | Trends in consultation and public participation within environmental impact assessment in Kenya | Mwenda A.N., Bregt A.K., Ligtenberg A., Kibutu T.N. | 2012 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 30 | 2 | 10.1080/14615517.2012.668075 | Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO BOX 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, PO BOX 62157-00200, Nairobi, Kenya | Mwenda, A.N., Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO BOX 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Bregt, A.K., Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO BOX 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Ligtenberg, A., Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO BOX 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Kibutu, T.N., Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, PO BOX 62157-00200, Nairobi, Kenya | The objective of this study was to document trends in public participation within environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Kenya, using a Consultation and Public Participation Index (CPPI) developed for the analysis of EIA Study Reports submitted to the Environment Authority between 2002 and 2010. Results indicated that public participation remained relatively low, with the highest score of 1.65 in 2010, out of a possible score of 5. Scores for individual dimensions within the index fluctuated during the study period, with participation methods and type of participants scoring the highest, following increased emphasis by the Environment Authority on the conducting and reporting of public participation. This was followed by venue, notification and language used, in that order, which were often not reported, and, when reported, choices per dimension were limited. This is the first time this index has been used, yet it serves as a good starting point to evaluate public participation within EIA. © 2012 Copyright IAIA. | Consultation and Public Participation Index (CPPI); environmental impact assessment (EIA); Kenya; public participation | environmental impact assessment; environmental planning; local participation; Kenya | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941646622 | Trend analysis in climatic variables and impacts on rice yield in Nigeria | Akinbile C.O., Akinlade G.M., Abolude A.T. | 2015 | Journal of Water and Climate Change | 6 | 3 | 10.2166/wcc.2015.044 | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Akinbile, C.O., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Akinlade, G.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Abolude, A.T., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The effects of changes in meteorological parameters on rice yield variations were considered. Weather parameters, temperature (T), rainfall (R), relative humidity (RH) and solar radiation (SR), and rice yield variation for Ibadan were analyzed. Meteorological parameters were obtained from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture while rice yield data were obtained from the Africa Rice Centre both in Nigeria for three decades (1980-2010). Trends analysis of past and recent variations using the weather parameters obtained showed trends of variability of each parameter with respect to rice yield. Mann-Kendall trend and Sen's slope tests were performed on the respective meteorological variables while correlation, multiple regression and variability index (VI) were also computed for these parameters. Results showed that T, RH and rice yield were negative and decreased significantly (P < 0.001) while R and SR showed statistically non-significant increasing trends in the last three decades. R and T decreased at the rate of 3% per year and 0.03% per decade, respectively. Results of annual VI showed that decreases observed in RH, SR and rice yield were rather recent. T, SR and R were found to have the most significant effect on rice yield of all the meteorological parameters considered. © IWA Publishing 2015. | Nigeria; Rice yield; Trend analysis; Weather parameters | Climate change; Meteorological parameters; Meteorological variables; Multiple regressions; Nigeria; Rice yield; Trend analysis; Tropical agriculture; Weather parameters; Balloons; climate change; climate effect; crop yield; multiple regression; rice; trend analysis; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896697922 | Traumatic events and their relative PTSD burden in Northern Ireland: A consideration of the impact of the 'Troubles' | Ferry F., Bunting B., Murphy S., O'Neill S., Stein D., Koenen K. | 2014 | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | 49 | 3 | 10.1007/s00127-013-0757-0 | Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, United Kingdom; Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States | Ferry, F., Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, United Kingdom; Bunting, B., Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom; Murphy, S., Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom; O'Neill, S., Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom; Stein, D., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Koenen, K., Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States | Purpose: Over a 30-year period in its recent history, daily life in Northern Ireland (NI) was characterised by civil violence, colloquially termed as the 'Troubles'. The current report examines exposure to 29 traumatic event types and the associated conditional prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the Northern Ireland population, with a focus on the impact of traumatic events that were characteristic of the NI 'Troubles'. Method: Results presented are based on analysis of data from the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress (NISHS). The NISHS is a representative epidemiological study of mental health among the NI adult population (N = 4,340) and part of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Results: Perpetration of violence, physical assault by a spouse or partner and private events were the event types associated with the highest conditional prevalence of PTSD. Despite this elevated risk, collectively these events accounted for just 16.8 % of the overall public burden of PTSD, given their low prevalence among the general population. Events that were characteristic of civil conflict, including unexpected death of a loved one, witnessing death or a dead body or someone seriously injured and being mugged or threatened with a weapon accounted for the highest proportion of the overall public health burden of PTSD (18.6, 9.4 and 7.8 %, respectively). These findings are a feature of the higher prevalence of these events among the general population coupled with their moderate to above average risk of PTSD. Conclusions: Despite the formal end to conflict in NI in 1999, a substantial proportion of the adult population continue to suffer the adverse mental health effects of chronic trauma exposure. Given rates of recovery of PTSD in the absence of evidence-based treatments, it is likely that the legacy of mental ill health associated with conflict, if not adequately addressed, will endure for many years. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Conflict; Mental health; Northern Ireland; PTSD; Trauma | adult; aged; article; cost of illness; female; human; male; mental health; mental stress; middle aged; posttraumatic stress disorder; prevalence; psychological aspect; statistics; United Kingdom; violence; Adult; Aged; Cost of Illness; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Northern Ireland; Prevalence; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological; Violence | R01 MH070884, NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health; R01 MH093612-01, NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health; R03- TW006481, FIC, Fogarty International Center |
None | None | Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) to Define Endpoints for Lymphatic Filariasis Mass Drug Administration: A Multicenter Evaluation | Chu B.K., Deming M., Biritwum N.-K., Bougma W.R., Dorkenoo A.M., El-Setouhy M., Fischer P.U., Gass K., Gonzalez de Peña M., Mercado-Hernandez L., Kyelem D., Lammie P.J., Flueckiger R.M., Mwingira U.J., Noordin R., Offei Owusu I., Ottesen E.A., Pavluck A., | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002584 | Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Public Health, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; Programme National d'Élimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Programme National d'Élimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé, Lomé, Togo; Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Infectious Diseases Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Centro National de Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Infectious Disease Office, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Manila, Philippines; Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, National institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Epidemiology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Anti Filariasis Campaign, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Division of Community and Natural Resources, American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, American Samoa; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Parasitology, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Public Health Directorate, Port Vila, Vanuatu | Chu, B.K., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Deming, M., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Biritwum, N.-K., Department of Public Health, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; Bougma, W.R., Programme National d'Élimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Dorkenoo, A.M., Programme National d'Élimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé, Lomé, Togo; El-Setouhy, M., Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Fischer, P.U., Infectious Diseases Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Gass, K., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Gonzalez de Peña, M., Centro National de Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Mercado-Hernandez, L., Infectious Disease Office, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Manila, Philippines; Kyelem, D., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Lammie, P.J., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Flueckiger, R.M., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Mwingira, U.J., Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, National institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Noordin, R., Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Offei Owusu, I., Epidemiology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Ottesen, E.A., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Pavluck, A., Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States; Pilotte, N., Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States; Rao, R.U., Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Samarasekera, D., Anti Filariasis Campaign, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Schmaedick, M.A., Division of Community and Natural Resources, American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, American Samoa; Settinayake, S., Anti Filariasis Campaign, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Simonsen, P.E., University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Supali, T., Department of Parasitology, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Taleo, F., Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Public Health Directorate, Port Vila, Vanuatu; Torres, M., Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States; Weil, G.J., Infectious Diseases Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Won, K.Y., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background:Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for global elimination through treatment of entire at-risk populations with repeated annual mass drug administration (MDA). Essential for program success is defining and confirming the appropriate endpoint for MDA when transmission is presumed to have reached a level low enough that it cannot be sustained even in the absence of drug intervention. Guidelines advanced by WHO call for a transmission assessment survey (TAS) to determine if MDA can be stopped within an LF evaluation unit (EU) after at least five effective rounds of annual treatment. To test the value and practicality of these guidelines, a multicenter operational research trial was undertaken in 11 countries covering various geographic and epidemiological settings.Methodology:The TAS was conducted twice in each EU with TAS-1 and TAS-2 approximately 24 months apart. Lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) formed the basis of the TAS survey design but specific EU characteristics defined the survey site (school or community), eligible population (6-7 year olds or 1st-2nd graders), survey type (systematic or cluster-sampling), target sample size, and critical cutoff (a statistically powered threshold below which transmission is expected to be no longer sustainable). The primary diagnostic tools were the immunochromatographic (ICT) test for W. bancrofti EUs and the BmR1 test (Brugia Rapid or PanLF) for Brugia spp. EUs.Principal Findings/Conclusions:In 10 of 11 EUs, the number of TAS-1 positive cases was below the critical cutoff, indicating that MDA could be stopped. The same results were found in the follow-up TAS-2, therefore, confirming the previous decision outcome. Sample sizes were highly sex and age-representative and closely matched the target value after factoring in estimates of non-participation. The TAS was determined to be a practical and effective evaluation tool for stopping MDA although its validity for longer-term post-MDA surveillance requires further investigation. | None | albendazole; diethylcarbamazine; article; Brugia; child; female; health survey; human; immunoaffinity chromatography; lymphatic filariasis; male; Microfilaria; multicenter study; polymerase chain reaction; quality control; school child; Transmission Assessment Survey; Wuchereria bancrofti; Animals; Brugia; Child; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Epidemiological Monitoring; Female; Filaricides; Humans; Male; Wolbachia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941550684 | Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of yoruba version of the short-form 36 health survey | Mbada C.E., Adeogun G.A., Ogunlana M.O., Adedoyin R.A., Akinsulore A., Awotidebe T.O., Idowu O.A., Olaoye O.A. | 2015 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12955-015-0337-y | Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria; African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Ibadan, Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, Nigeri | Mbada, C.E., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya; Adeogun, G.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria; Ogunlana, M.O., University of Ibadan, Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, Nigeria, Nigeria; Adedoyin, R.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria; Akinsulore, A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Mental Health, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria; Awotidebe, T.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria; Idowu, O.A., Department of Physiotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Olaoye, O.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Ile - Ife, Nigeria | Background and objective: The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) is a valid quality of life tool often employed to determine the impact of medical intervention and the outcome of health care services. However, the SF-36 is culturally sensitive which necessitates its adaptation and translation into different languages. This study was conducted to cross-culturally adapt the SF-36 into Yoruba language and determine its reliability and validity. Methods: Based on the International Quality of Life Assessment project guidelines, a sequence of translation, test of item-scale correlation, and validation was implemented for the translation of the Yoruba version of the SF-36. Following pilot testing, the English and the Yoruba versions of the SF-36 were administered to a random sample of 1087 apparently healthy individuals to test validity and 249 respondents completed the Yoruba SF-36 again after two weeks to test reliability. Data was analyzed using Pearson's product moment correlation analysis, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, multi trait scaling analysis and Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) at p < 0.05. Results: The concurrent validity scores for scales and domains ranges between 0.749 and 0.902 with the highest and lowest scores in the General Health (0.902) and Bodily Pain (0.749) scale. Scale-level descriptive result showed that all scale and domain scores had negative skewness ranging from -2.08 to -0.98. The mean scores for each scales ranges between 83.2 and 88.8. The domain scores for Physical Health Component and Mental Health Component were 85.6 ± 13.7 and 85.9 ± 15.4 respectively. The convergent validity was satisfactory, ranging from 0.421 to 0.907. Discriminant validity was also satisfactory except for item '1'. The ICC for the test-retest reliability of the Yoruba SF-36 ranges between 0.636 and 0.843 for scales; and 0.783 and 0.851 for domains. Conclusion: The data quality, concurrent and discriminant validity, reliability and internal consistency of the Yoruba version of the SF-36 are adequate and it is recommended for measuring health-related quality of life among Yoruba population. © 2015 Mbada et al. | Cultural adaptation; Health-related quality of life; Psychometric properties; Translation; Yoruba SF-36 | adult; Article; concurrent validity; convergent validity; correlation coefficient; cultural factor; cultural psychiatry; discriminant validity; female; General Health Questionnaire; health status; human; internal consistency; major clinical study; male; mental health; middle aged; practice guideline; psychometry; quality of life; scoring system; Short Form 36; social adaptation; test retest reliability; translational research; validation study; Yoruba (people); aged; cultural factor; health status; health status indicator; Nigeria; outcome assessment; pain; psychometry; publication; questionnaire; reproducibility; standards; young adult; Adult; Aged; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Female; Health Status; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Pain; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translations; Young Adult | None |
None | None | Transition of Shifting Cultivation and its Impact on People's Livelihoods in the Miombo Woodlands of Northern Zambia and South-Western Tanzania | Grogan K., Birch-Thomsen T., Lyimo J. | 2013 | Human Ecology | 41 | 1 | 10.1007/s10745-012-9537-9 | Department of Geography and Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Resources Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Grogan, K., Department of Geography and Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Birch-Thomsen, T., Department of Geography and Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Lyimo, J., Institute of Resources Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Shifting cultivation has long been a major livelihood for people in the miombo woodlands of southern, central and eastern Africa. However, increasing deforestation and forest degradation throughout the region are resulting in growing pressure on traditional shifting agricultural systems. Indeed, agricultural intensification and expansion itself is considered the primary cause of miombo deterioration, which is driven by both endogenous and exogenous variables operating at various scales. On the basis of data collected in the 1990s and 2010 from two villages in Northern Province, Zambia and two in the Rukwa Region, Tanzania, the paper will document the transition of shifting cultivation towards more intensive land use practices. It is argued that the main drivers influencing miombo degradation, and thereby the transition process of traditional shifting cultivation practices, have been a growing population, government policies, and an increasing commercialization/market integration. Questionnaires, focus group meetings, and in-depth interviews reveal that despite the breakdown of the traditional shifting cultivation practices, a general improvement of livelihoods has taken place. This has happened through adaptation and diversification in both agricultural practices and livelihood activities. However, it is also seen that because of the often rapidly changing external factors (market conditions and policies), life in the shifting cultivation communities involves a continual shift of emphasis among a variety of livelihood strategies. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Diversification; Livelihoods; Miombo woodland; Shifting cultivation; Tanzania; Transition; Zambia | agricultural intensification; agricultural practice; deforestation; land use; shifting cultivation; traditional agriculture; woodland; Northern Province [Zambia]; Rukwa; Tanzania; Zambia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863743000 | Transient analysis and performance prediction of nocturnal radiative cooling of a building in Owerri, Nigeria | Nwaigwe K.N., Okoronkwo C.A., Ogueke N.V., Ugwuoke P.E., Anyanwu E.E. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 15 | None | School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwaigwe, K.N., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Okoronkwo, C.A., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ogueke, N.V., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ugwuoke, P.E., National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anyanwu, E.E., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | A study aimed at a Transient analysis and performance prediction of passive cooling of a building using long wave nocturnal radiation in Owerri, Nigeria are presented. The system modeled consists of the room of a building with a radiator panel attached to its roof, water storage tank located inside the room, pump to circulate water through the radiator panel at night and through a heat exchanger in the room during the day. The mathematical model is based on the thermal radiation properties of the local atmosphere, the heat exchange equations of the radiator panel with the sky during the night and the equations incorporating the relevant heat transfers within the space to be cooled during the day. The resulting equations were transformed into explicit finite difference forms for easy implementation on a personal computer in MATLAB language. This numerical model permits the evaluation of the rate of heat removal from the water storage tank through the radiator panel surface area, Q wt, out, temperature depression between the ambient and room temperatures (T amb-T rm) and total heat gained by water in the storage tank from the space to be cooled through the action of the convector during the day, Q wt, in. The resulting rate of heat removal from the radiator gave a value of 57.6 W/m 2, temperature depression was predicted to within 1-1.5°C and the rate of heat gain by the storage water was 60 W/m 2. A sensitivity analysis of the system parameters to ±25% of the base case input values was carried out and the results given as a percentage variation of the above system performance parameters showed consistency to the base case results. An optimal scheme for the modeled 3.0×3.0×2.5 m 3 room showed a radiator area of 18.2 m 2, a convector area of 28.62 m 2 and a tank volume of 1.57 m 3. These results show that passive nocturnal cooling technique is a promising solution to the cooling needs for preservation of food and other agricultural produce. It is also useful in small office space cooling. Thus the model developed is undoubtedly a useful design tool for the development of passive cooling systems that can reduce considerably the huge cooling cost requirements of mechanical air conditioning systems. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Finite difference; Nocturnal cooling; Radiative; Temperature; Transient | Airconditioning systems; Cost requirements; Design tool; Finite difference; Heat exchange; Heat gains; Heat removal; Input values; Long waves; Matlab languages; Nigeria; Nocturnal cooling; Office space; Optimal scheme; Passive cooling; Performance prediction; Radiative; Radiative cooling; Radiator panel; Room temperature; Storage tank; System performance parameters; Temperature depression; Thermal radiation properties; Water storage tanks; Cooling; Food storage; Mathematical models; Office buildings; Personal computers; Radiators; Tanks (containers); Temperature; Transient analysis; Transients; Cooling systems | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913530785 | Transforming south african libraries through leadership education: A programme evaluation | Hart G.C., Hart M. | 2014 | Libri | 64 | 4 | 10.1515/libri-2014-0030 | Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, Cape Town, South Africa | Hart, G.C., Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Hart, M., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, Cape Town, South Africa | This article emanates from the independent evaluation of a South African library leadership education programme, run by the Centre for African Library Leadership (CALL). The programme's rationale lies in the drive to transform South African librarianship in the face of a range of challenges-some of them inherited from the apartheid past, others shared with libraries throughout the world. The Carnegie Corporation-sponsored programme aimed at developing leadership insights and qualities in current and potential future library managers. The article reports on the evaluative methodology, which comprised a questionnaire survey of all course alumni, interviews of CALL managers, and five sets of focus group interviews with course alumni and alumni of the followup Train-the-Trainer courses. The very positive results of the questionnaire survey are described and analysed, and key themes and comments emerging from several openended questions are discussed. Triangulation is provided by in-depth comments from the five focus groups, and in the process important themes are uncovered. The distinctive strengths of the programme were found to be its sensitivity to the South African context and its "inside-out" approach to leadership training. In most aspects the programme was found to be very successful, although there was uncertainty about its further continuance and the roles of the Train-the-Trainer alumni. The evaluation suggests that the CALL programme should serve as a model for transformative leadership education in South Africa and beyond. Recommendations include continuation of such projects to a wider set of libraries and their staff, with further use of the experiential approach to training, theory grounded in hands-on practice, and emphasis on self-development and self-awareness. However, the full potential of such programmes can only be realised if senior library management buys in to the values of the programme, and is engaged in implementation plans. © 2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston 2014. | Education; Evaluation; Leadership; South Africa; Transformation | None | Carnegie Corporation of New York |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912561321 | Transforming conflicts with information: Impacts of UN peace radio programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Jacob J.U.-U. | 2014 | War and Society | 33 | 4 | 10.1179/0729247314Z.00000000043 | American University of Nigeria, Nigeria | Jacob, J.U.-U., American University of Nigeria, Nigeria | This paper examines the nature and impacts of two intervention radio programmes broadcast on Radio Okapi - the radio service of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) managed by the Swiss-based Hirondelle Foundation. A matched randomized rechnique was used to assign Rwandan Hutus and Congolese autochthons in South Kivu province to listen to one of the two programmes within their naturalistic contexts for thirteen months. Autochthon control groups listened to Gutahuka, while Hutu control groups listened to Dialogue Entre Congolais. At the end of the treatment, participants' perceptions of barriers to peace, descriptive and prescriptive interventions; victimhood and villainy; opportunities for personal development and civic engagement were assessed in sixteen focus groups across four towns. Two critical findings have emerged from the study: first, hate contents are not only ones that are overtly hateful - messages targeted at specific groups for the purpose of achieving behavioural change can lead to alienation and hostility towards the target group by non-target groups exposed to the messages; second, contextually associated individuals or social groups do not always have homogenous interpretation of media messages. At the core of audience engagement and interpretation is the idealogical orientation of messages that audiences are exposed to and how such messages interact with local epistemes including historical and subjective realities. The paper concludes that media intervention contents that purvey a narrative without first understanding how it interacts with other epistemic narratives and metaphors on ground, run the risk of deepening rifts between groups and escalating the conflict. © 2014 School of Humanities & Social Sciences, The University of New South Wales | Demobilisation; Dialogue entre congolais; Disarmament; Gutahuka; Information intervention; Repatriation | None | BIEA, British Institute in Eastern Africa |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-65149083096 | Transferability of management innovation to Africa: A study of two multinational companies' performance management system in Nigeria | Mamman A., Baydoun N., Adeoye B. | 2009 | Global Business Review | 10 | 1 | 10.1177/097215090801000101 | International and Comparative Management, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; School of E-Business and Quality Management, ETQM College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; KPMG Professio | Mamman, A., International and Comparative Management, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Baydoun, N., School of E-Business and Quality Management, ETQM College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Adeoye, B., KPMG Professional Services, 18A Temple Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria | Horwitz et al. (2006: 807) have argued that the debate regarding convergence/divergence perspectives in the cross-cultural diffusion of human resource management (HRM) practices is a somewhat simplistic one.™ The authors are of the view that because convergent similarity of HRM practice exists at a nominal level, the notions of hybridization and crossvergence are better in explaining HRM practices and their diffusion across countries. While the authors focused on exploring explanations of the differences in HRM practices, the article provocatively challenges researchers and experts to explore the question of whether Multinational Companies (MNCs) should adapt Human Resource Management Innovation (HRMI) and if so, why? And how? The main aim of this article is to investigate the following questions: (a) Given that MNCs transfer HRMI to developing countries, which policy should guide the transfer (polycentric or ethnocentric?); and (b) Given that host-country nationals (HCNs) are not passive recipients of HRMI, what are the implications of the policy (polycentric or ethnocentric) for MNCs? The result of our investigation and the review of literature suggest that the MNCs™ performance management (PM) policies are partially ethnocentric, but the practice, as perceived by some HCNs (employees), is polycentric. For example, some HCNs perceive some degree of nepotism and patronage in the system. Also, many felt that their line managers were biased against them. Similarly, a significant number of HCNs felt that their views are not taken into account during PM review and they do not receive feedback from their managers. The implications of the findings are then discussed. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049142415 | Transcutaneous ultrasonographic evaluation of the air-filled equine stomach and duodenum following gastroscopy | Kihurani D.O.G., Carstens A., Saulez M.N., Donnellan C.M.B. | 2009 | Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound | 50 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01561.x | Clinical Studies Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | Kihurani, D.O.G., Clinical Studies Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Carstens, A., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Saulez, M.N., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Donnellan, C.M.B., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | Gastroscopy with air insufflation was performed in 10 ponies, after which a transcutaneous ultrasound examination of the stomach and duodenum was performed immediately and at 1, 2, and 4 h postgastroscopy, and 24 h after feeding. Stomach measurements included the dorsoventral and craniocaudal dimensions, as well as the stomach depth from the skin surface and stomach wall thickness at the different time periods. Gastric wall folding was observed in one pony, becoming most distinct 2-4 h postgastroscopy. An undulating stomach wall was noted in eight other ponies postgastroscopy. These observations appeared to be a response to the deflation of the stomach as the insufflated air was released gradually. Gas was detected in the duodenum after the gastroscopy. The parameters measured were noted to be useful to evaluate the extent of stomach distension due to air or feed. The ultrasonographic appearance of the stomach can, therefore, be altered by gastroscopy and this should be borne in mind when examining horses with suspected gastric disease. © Copyright 2009 by the American College of Veterinary Radiology. | Equine; Gastric wall folding; Stomach measurements; Ultrasonography | aeration; air; animal; animal disease; article; duodenum; echography; gastroscopy; histology; horse; stomach; Air; Animals; Duodenum; Gastroscopy; Horses; Insufflation; Stomach; Equidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876468432 | Transbronchial fine needle aspiration biopsy and rapid on-site evaluation in the setting of superior vena cava syndrome | Brundyn K., Koegelenberg C.F.N., Diacon A.H., Louw M., Schubert P., Bolliger C.T., Van Den Heuvel M.M., Wright C.A. | 2013 | Diagnostic Cytopathology | 41 | 4 | 10.1002/dc.21857 | Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Brundyn, K., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Koegelenberg, C.F.N., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Diacon, A.H., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Schubert, P., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Bolliger, C.T., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Den Heuvel, M.M., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Wright, C.A., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa | There is a paucity of prospective data on flexible bronchoscopy with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in the setting of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The aims of this prospective study were to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of these investigations and specifically to evaluate the role of ROSE in limiting the need for tissue biopsies. Over a 5-year period 48 patients (57.4 ± 9.7 years) with SVC syndrome secondary to intrathoracic tumors underwent flexible bronchoscopy with TBNA and ROSE. Endobronchial Forceps biopsy was reserved for visible endobronchial tumors with no on-site confirmation of diagnostic material. ROSE confirmed diagnostic material in 41 cases (85.4%), and in only one of the remaining cases did the addition of a forceps biopsy increase the diagnostic yield (overall diagnostic yield of 87.5%). No serious complications were noted. The final diagnoses made included nonsmall lung cancer (n = 27), small cell lung cancer (n = 16), and metastatic carcinoma (n = 3). Two undiagnosed cases died of suspected advanced neoplasms (unknown primary tumors). We conclude that TBNA has a high diagnostic yield and is safe in the setting of SVC syndrome. With the addition of ROSE, tissue biopsy is required in the minority of cases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | bronchogenic carcinoma; rapid on-site evaluation; superior vena cava syndrome; transbronchial fine needle aspiration biopsy | adult; advanced cancer; aged; article; breast carcinoma; bronchoscopy; clinical article; clinical evaluation; diagnostic value; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; human; lung non small cell cancer; lung small cell cancer; male; metastasis; priority journal; prospective study; prostate carcinoma; rapid on site evaluation; superior cava vein syndrome; thorax tumor; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; cell nucleus; evaluation study; fine needle aspiration biopsy; middle aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; nuclear shape; procedures; sensitivity and specificity; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome; Aged; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Bronchoscopy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Nucleus; Cell Nucleus Shape; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902280481 | Trajectory of motor performance over twelve months in nigerian stroke survivors | Vincent-Onabajo G.O., Hamzat T.K., Owolabi M.O. | 2014 | Brain Impairment | 15 | 1 | 10.1017/BrImp.2014.3 | Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Neurology Unit, Universit | Vincent-Onabajo, G.O., Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Hamzat, T.K., Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Owolabi, M.O., Department of Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Objective: Submissions on recovery of post-stroke motor performance vary, especially in relation to increasing time after stroke. This study examined the trajectory of motor performance over the first 12 months after stroke. Methods: Consecutive first-incidence stroke survivors (N = 83) were recruited within 1 month of onset from a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Simplified Fugl Meyer scale (S-FM) was used to assess motor performance at monthly intervals. Changes in overall motor performance, and differences between the affected upper and lower extremities, were examined using Friedman's ANOVA and paired t-tests, respectively. Results: Significant improvement in motor performance was observed across 12 months (p <.001), with the proportion of stroke survivors with severe impairment at onset (53.3%) decreasing to 20% by 12 months. Lower extremity motor performance scores were significantly higher than for the upper extremity from 1 to 12 months (p <.01 at 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 months; and p <.05 at the remaining months). Conclusions: The potential for long-term improvement in motor performance after stroke was observed, suggesting that this can be harnessed by long-term rehabilitation efforts. The comparatively poorer outcome in the upper extremity indicates the need for extra rehabilitation strategies to enhance upper-extremity motor recovery in the first year of stroke. Copyright © Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment 2014. | Keywords: motor performance; lower extremity; Nigeria; stroke; upper extremity | adult; aged; arm; article; cerebrovascular accident; convalescence; female; functional status; human; leg; male; motor performance; Nigeria; rehabilitation care; Simplified Fugl Meyer scale; survivor; tertiary health care | None |
WoS | WOS:000279725600004 | TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN RESEARCH ETHICS EVALUATION AMONG RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN THREE AFRICAN COUNTRIES: CAMEROON, MALI AND TANZANIA | Ateudjieu, Jerome,Baume, Cedric,Hirtle, Marie,Ikingura, Joyce,Niare, Alassane,Sprumont, Dominique,Williams, John | 2010 | DEVELOPING WORLD BIOETHICS | 10 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1471-8847.2009.00266.x | University of Fribourg, University of Geneva, University of Neuchatel, University of Ottawa, University of Yaounde I, Malaria Res & Training Ctr | "Ateudjieu, Jerome: University of Yaounde I","Sprumont, Dominique: University of Neuchatel","Williams, John: University of Ottawa", | Background:
As actors with the key responsibility for the protection of human research participants, Research Ethics Committees (RECs) need to be competent and well-resourced in order to fulfil their roles. Despite recent programs designed to strengthen RECs in Africa, much more needs to be accomplished before these committees can function optimally.
Objective:
To assess training needs for biomedical research ethics evaluation among targeted countries.
Methods:
Members of RECs operating in three targeted African countries were surveyed between August and November 2007. Before implementing the survey, ethical approvals were obtained from RECs in Switzerland, Cameroon, Mali and Tanzania. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in English and in French.
Results:
A total of 74 respondents participated in the study. The participation rate was 68%. Seventy one percent of respondents reported having received some training in research ethics evaluation. This training was given by national institutions (31%) and international institutions (69%). Researchers and REC members were ranked as the top target audiences to be trained. Of 32 topics, the top five training priorities were: basic ethical principles, coverage of applicable laws and regulations, how to conduct ethics review, evaluating informed consent processes and the role of the REC.
Conclusion:
Although the majority of REC members in the targeted African countries had received training in ethics, they expressed a need for additional training. The results of this survey have been used to design a training program in research ethics evaluation that meets this need. | Africa,CURRICULUM,"ETHICS COMMITTEES",RESEARCH,"TRAINING PROGRAM" | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000312264200025 | Training hospital providers in basic CPR skills in Botswana: Acquisition, retention and impact of novel training techniques | Boulet, John R.,Church, Kasey K.,Davis, Amanda,Irving, Sharon Y.,Kestler, Andrew M.,Mazhani, Loeto,Meaney, Peter A.,Nadkarni, Vinay M.,Niles, Dana E.,Shilkofski, Nicole,Steenhoff, Andrew P.,Sutton, Robert M.,Tsima, Billy | 2012 | RESUSCITATION | 83 | 12 | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.04.014 | Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Botswana, University of Pennsylvania, Botswana Univ Pennsylvania Partnership, Fdn Adv Int Med Educ & Res, Perdana Univ | "Church, Kasey K.: Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia","Church, Kasey K.: University of Pennsylvania","Davis, Amanda: Thomas Jefferson University","Kestler, Andrew M.: University of Botswana","Mazhani, Loeto: University of Botswana","Meaney, Peter A.: Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia","Meaney, Peter A.: University of Pennsylvania","Tsima, Billy: University of Botswana", | Objective: Globally, one third of deaths each year are from cardiovascular diseases, yet no strong evidence supports any specific method of CPR instruction in a resource-limited setting. We hypothesized that both existing and novel CPR training programs significantly impact skills of hospital-based healthcare providers (HCP) in Botswana.
Methods: HCP were prospectively randomized to 3 training groups: instructor led, limited instructor with manikin feedback, or self-directed learning. Data was collected prior to training, immediately after and at 3 and 6 months. Excellent CPR was prospectively defined as having at least 4 of 5 characteristics: depth, rate, release, no flow fraction, and no excessive ventilation. GEE was performed to account for within subject correlation.
Results: Of 214 HCP trained, 40% resuscitate >= 1/month, 28% had previous formal CPR training, and 65% required additional skills remediation to pass using AHA criteria. Excellent CPR skill acquisition was significant (infant: 32% vs. 71%, p < 0.01; adult 28% vs. 48%, p < 0.01). Infant CPR skill retention was significant at 3 (39% vs. 70%, p < 0.01) and 6 months (38% vs. 67%, p < 0.01), and adult CPR skills were retained to 3 months (34% vs. 51%, p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, low cognitive score and need for skill remediation, but not instruction method, impacted CPR skill performance.
Conclusions: HCP in resource-limited settings resuscitate frequently, with little CPR training. Using existing training, HCP acquire and retain skills, yet often require remediation. Novel techniques with increased student: instructor ratio and feedback manikins were not different compared to traditional instruction. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | "BASIC LIFE SUPPORT","CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION","CHEST COMPRESSION",COMPETENCE,CPR,"DEVELOPING COUNTRIES","emergency training",manikin,"resource-limited setting","RESUSCITATION EDUCATION","BLS SKILLS",CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749092440 | Training, development and employee performance in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria | Hamilton D.I., Oparanma A.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 3 | None | Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Hamilton, D.I., Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Oparanma, A.O., Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study was designed to ascertain how training and development affects employee performance. Using a nomothetic research design in which data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed through frequency distribution and simple percentage. We found that employee performance level is not necessarily determined by the level of training and development nor by the training technique but by the type of training and development employees are exposed to, and by the competence employees develop as a result of training and development. We recommend that training and development programmes be focused on competence building in employees. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Competence; Development; Performance; Training | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893704374 | Training and Farmers' Organizations' Performance | Miiro R.F., Matsiko F.B., Mazur R.E. | 2014 | Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension | 20 | 1 | 10.1080/1389224X.2013.803987 | Department of Extension and Innovations Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Sociology Department, Iowa State University, Iowa, United States | Miiro, R.F., Department of Extension and Innovations Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Matsiko, F.B., Department of Extension and Innovations Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mazur, R.E., Sociology Department, Iowa State University, Iowa, United States | Purpose: This study sought to determine the influence of training transfer factors and actual application of training on organization level outcomes among farmer owned produce marketing organizations in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews based on the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (LTSI) were conducted with 120 PMO leaders trained in partnership management skills by a four year extension project. Data were collected on training transfer factors, transferred training, and training related organization level outcomes. Data were analyzed by OLS hierarchical regression analysis. Findings: The performance of the producer marketing organizations in terms of 'improved inter-organization relations' and 'improved services' was found to be significantly predicted by 'personal capacity to transfer,' 'receiving feedback,' and 'resource availability.' Practical implications: Rural service providers who build capacity of local organizations can use this knowledge to pursue certain strategic human level organizational outcomes by manipulating transfer system factors such as providing feedback and supportive resources to help trainees.Originality/value: The LTSI model has been tested for its role in explaining human level organizational outcomes in a developing country setting. We have also seen that specific training transfer system factors will be responsible for certain elements of the multidimensional outcomes of training. © 2013 Wageningen University. | Farmers' marketing organizations; Non-financial organizational outcomes; Transfer of training; Uganda | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951090072 | TrailMaking Test performance contributes to subjective judgment of visual efficiency in older adults | Setti A., Loughman J., Savva G.M., Kenny R. | 2015 | PeerJ | 2015 | 12 | 10.7717/peerj.1407 | The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Optometry Department, College of Sciences and Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland; African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Health, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland | Setti, A., The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Loughman, J., Optometry Department, College of Sciences and Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland, African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Health, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Savva, G.M., The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Kenny, R., The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland | Introduction. The determinant factors that influence self-reported quality of vision have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated a range of contextual information, established psychophysical tests, and in particular, a series of cognitive tests as potentially novel determinant factors. Materials & Methods. Community dwelling adults (aged 50+) recruited to Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, excluding those registered blind, participated in this study (N = 5,021). Self-reports of vision were analysed in relation to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, ocular pathology, visual (Choice Response Time task; TrailMaking Test) and global cognition. Contextual factors such as having visited an optometrist and wearing glasses were also considered. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine univariate andmultivariate associations. Results and Discussion. Poor Trail Making Test performance (Odds ratio, OR = 1.36), visual acuity (OR = 1.72) and ocular pathology (OR = 2.25) were determinant factors for poor versus excellent vision in self-reports. Education, wealth, age, depressive symptoms and general cognitive fitness also contributed to determining self-reported vision. Conclusions. TrailMaking Test contribution to self-reports may capture higher level visual processing and should be considered when using self-reports to assess vision and its role in cognitive and functional health. © 2015 Setti et al. | Ocular pathology; Self-report; Trail making test; Visual acuity; Visual search | adult; Article; cognition; cognitive function test; contrast sensitivity; depression; female; human; interview; major clinical study; male; photopic vision; psychophysiology; quality of life; response time; trail making test; vision test; visual acuity; visual efficiency; visual field | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955709861 | Traffic impacts on PM2.5 air quality in Nairobi, Kenya | Kinney P.L., Gichuru M.G., Volavka-Close N., Ngo N., Ndiba P.K., Law A., Gachanja A., Gaita S.M., Chillrud S.N., Sclar E. | 2011 | Environmental Science and Policy | 14 | 4 | 10.1016/j.envsci.2011.02.005 | Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, United States; Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, College of Architecture and Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, G.P.O., Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Sustainable Urban Development, Earth Institute, Columbia University, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 520, New York, NY 10115, United States; Columbia University, Sustainable Development in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th Street, New York, NY 10027, United States; Department of Civil Engineering, College of Architecture and Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, G.P.O.. Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Chemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 61 Rt 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States | Kinney, P.L., Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, United States; Gichuru, M.G., Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, College of Architecture and Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, G.P.O., Nairobi, Kenya; Volavka-Close, N., Center for Sustainable Urban Development, Earth Institute, Columbia University, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 520, New York, NY 10115, United States; Ngo, N., Columbia University, Sustainable Development in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th Street, New York, NY 10027, United States; Ndiba, P.K., Department of Civil Engineering, College of Architecture and Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, G.P.O.. Nairobi, Kenya; Law, A., Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, United States; Gachanja, A., Department of Chemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Gaita, S.M., Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, College of Architecture and Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, G.P.O., Nairobi, Kenya; Chillrud, S.N., Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 61 Rt 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States; Sclar, E., Center for Sustainable Urban Development, Earth Institute, Columbia University, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 520, New York, NY 10115, United States, Columbia University, Sustainable Development in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th Street, New York, NY 10027, United States | Motor vehicle traffic is an important source of particulate pollution in cities of the developing world, where rapid growth, coupled with a lack of effective transport and land use planning, may result in harmful levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air. However, a lack of air monitoring data hinders health impact assessments and the development of transportation and land use policies that could reduce health burdens due to outdoor air pollution. To address this important need, a study of traffic-related PM2.5 was carried out in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, a model city for sub-Saharan Africa, in July 2009. Sampling was carried out using portable filter-based air samplers carried in backpacks by technicians on weekdays over two weeks at several sites in and around Nairobi ranging from high-traffic roadways to rural background. Mean daytime concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 10.7 at the rural background site to 98.1μg/m3 on a sidewalk in the central business district. Horizontal dispersion measurements demonstrated a decrease in PM2.5 concentration from 128.7 to 18.7μg/m3 over 100m downwind of a major intersection in Nairobi. A vertical dispersion experiment revealed a decrease from 119.5μg/m3 at street level to 42.8μg/m3 on a third-floor rooftop in the central business district. Though not directly comparable to air quality guidelines, which are based on 24-h or annual averages, the urban concentrations we observed raise concern with regard to public health and related policy. Taken together with survey data on commuting patterns within Nairobi, these results suggest that many Nairobi residents are exposed on a regular basis to elevated concentrations of fine particle air pollution, with potentially serious long-term implications for health. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Health; Nairobi; Outdoor air quality; Sub-Saharan Africa; Transport; Urban | air monitoring; air particle control; air pollution; air quality; air sampling; airborne particle; article; atmospheric dispersion; controlled study; human; Kenya; priority journal; traffic | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857293258 | Traffic congestion: Modelling its economic impact on petroleum products distribution in a metropolis | Nwalozie G.K., Oni S.I., Ege E.E., Onuoha D.I., Oke S.A., Asenime C. | 2011 | International Journal of Applied Management Science | 3 | 2 | 10.1504/IJAMS.2011.040233 | Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, C/o Head of Department's Office, Ihiagwa, Owerri PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo | Nwalozie, G.K., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Oni, S.I., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ege, E.E., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Onuoha, D.I., Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, C/o Head of Department's Office, Ihiagwa, Owerri PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oke, S.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Room 10, Mezzanine Complex, Lagos, Nigeria; Asenime, C., Department of Transport Policy and Planning, School of Transport, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria | This paper considers the financial implications of the traffic congestion problem in the distribution of petroleum products in a Nigerian metropolis. Data relating to truck movements, their servicing costs and other parameters that are connected with traffic congestion are collected and analysed using SPSS. The regression models that describe the differences in expenditure and variation in incomes from the use of the trucks are established. In terms of monetary losses, about $99.7 per truck per year were lost owing to traffic congestion as part of the fleet maintenance cost, which was not budgeted for and about $1,559.1 in deficit of the budgeted income per truck per year (deficit in income). Thus, the transportation haulage industry loses substantial money due to traffic congestion on an annual basis. Information in this work could be utilised for performance improvement purpose when performance targets/reward schemes are set and monitored for cost saving activities due to traffic congestion. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Delays; Lagos; Tanker drivers; TAT; Traffic congestion; Trucks; Turn around time | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744929627 | Traditional healers, treatment delay, performance status and death from TB in rural South Africa | Barker R.D., Millard F.J.C., Malatsi J., Mkoana L., Ngoatwana T., Agarawal S., De Valliere S. | 2006 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 10 | 6 | None | Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MI, United States; Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom | Barker, R.D., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; Millard, F.J.C., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Malatsi, J., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Mkoana, L., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Ngoatwana, T., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Agarawal, S., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; De Valliere, S., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MI, United States, Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom | BACKGROUND: People in sub-Saharan Africa frequently consult traditional healers before reaching the government health services (GHS). This can lead to delays in starting effective anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. To our knowledge, no studies have shown a direct relationship between visiting traditional healers, increased morbidity and death from TB. METHODS: All patients starting on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy at a rural hospital in South Africa in 2003 were included in the study. TB nurses interviewed the patients and established how long they had had symptoms before treatment was started, whether they had visited traditional healers before coming to the hospital, their performance status and, later, whether they had died. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, those who attended a traditional healer took longer to access anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy (median 90 days, range 0-210) than those who went directly to the GHS (median 21, range 0-120). Patients who visited a traditional healer had worse performance status (P < 0.001), and were more likely to die (24/77 [31%] vs. 4/33 [12%], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Treatment delay due to visiting traditional healers can have dire consequences for patients with TB. Efforts are required to engage with health care practitioners outside the government sector to improve the prospects for patients with TB. © 2006 The Union. | Death; Karnofsky performance status; Sub-Saharan Africa; TB; Traditional medicine; Treatment | adolescent; adult; aged; article; female; health service; health status; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; therapy delay; traditional medicine; tuberculosis; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Rural Health; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-32144457214 | Traditional healers for HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning, Kiboga district, Uganda: Evaluation of a program to improve practices | Ssali A., Butler L.M., Kabatesi D., King R., Namugenyi A., Kamya M.R., Mandel J., Chen S.Y., McFarland W. | 2005 | AIDS and Behavior | 9 | 4 | 10.1007/s10461-005-9019-9 | Traditional and Modern Health Practitioners Together Against AIDS (THETA), Kampala, Uganda; Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; District Health Team, Kiboga District, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-6033, United States | Ssali, A., Traditional and Modern Health Practitioners Together Against AIDS (THETA), Kampala, Uganda; Butler, L.M., Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kabatesi, D., Traditional and Modern Health Practitioners Together Against AIDS (THETA), Kampala, Uganda; King, R., Traditional and Modern Health Practitioners Together Against AIDS (THETA), Kampala, Uganda; Namugenyi, A., District Health Team, Kiboga District, Uganda; Kamya, M.R., Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mandel, J., Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Chen, S.Y., San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; McFarland, W., Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-6033, United States | In the face of ongoing epidemics of HIV/AIDS and STI, high demand for family planning, and limited resources, traditional healers may be under-utilized providers of reproductive health education in rural sub-Saharan Africa. We implemented a training program in HIV prevention and family planning methods for healers in the Kiboga district of Uganda and evaluated the program's impact on healers' clinical practice and the diffusion of information to their female clients. Of 46 healers recruited, 30 (65%) completed a pre- and post- training interview. Following training, traditional healers increased discussions of family planning with their clients. Of 84 female clients recruited, 44 (52%) completed the interview before and after the training for healers. Female clients corroborated that they increased discussions of family planning with their healers, as well as discussions about HIV/AIDS. Both healers and their female clients were more likely to make a connection between family planning, condom use, and HIV prevention after the training compared to before the training. Findings provide evidence that traditional healers in a rural area of Uganda can successfully adapt HIV prevention messages and family planning information into their clinical practices. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. | Family planning; HIV prevention; Traditional healers; Uganda | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; clinical practice; condom; controlled study; counseling; evaluation; family planning; female; gender; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; interview; male; medical information; normal human; traditional medicine; training; Uganda; Adult; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Education; HIV Infections; Humans; Interviews; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Middle Aged; Program Evaluation; Rural Population; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40149106819 | Traditional circumcision during manhood initiation rituals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A pre-post intervention evaluation | Peltzer K., Nqeketo A., Petros G., Kanta X. | 2008 | BMC Public Health | 8 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-8-64 | Health Systems Research Unit, Social Aspect of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Impilo Ya Bantu Health, Lusikisiki, South Africa | Peltzer, K., Health Systems Research Unit, Social Aspect of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Nqeketo, A., Health Systems Research Unit, Social Aspect of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Petros, G., Health Systems Research Unit, Social Aspect of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Kanta, X., Impilo Ya Bantu Health, Lusikisiki, South Africa | Background. Circumcisions undertaken in non-clinical settings can have significant risks of serious adverse events, including death. The aim of this study was to test an intervention for safe traditional circumcision in the context of initiation into manhood among the Xhosa, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods. Traditional surgeons and nurses registered with the health department were trained over five days on ten modules including safe circumcision, infection control, anatomy, post-operative care, detection and early management of complications and sexual health education. Initiates from initiation schools of the trained surgeons and nurses were examined and interviewed on 2 nd, 4th, 7th and 14th day after circumcision. Results. From 192 initiates physically examined at the 14th day after circumcision by a trained clinical nurse high rates of complications were found: 40 (20.8%) had mild delayed wound healing, 31 (16.2%) had a mild wound infection, 22 (10.5%) mild pain and 20 (10.4%) had insufficient skin removed. Most traditional surgeons and nurses wore gloves during operation and care but did not use the recommended circumcision instrument. Only 12% of the initiates were circumcised before their sexual debut and they reported a great deal of sexual risk behaviour. Conclusion. Findings show weak support for scaling up traditional male circumcision. © 2008 Peltzer et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; adult; article; circumcision; controlled study; demography; health behavior; health program; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; infection risk; male; patient assessment; patient care; postoperative care; postoperative complication; postoperative hemorrhage; postoperative infection; postoperative period; risk assessment; sexual behavior; sexual education; South Africa; surgeon; surgical technique; African medicine; circumcision; community health nursing; cultural anthropology; education; ethnology; evaluation; instrumentation; postoperative complication; safety; South Africa; surgery; Adolescent; Circumcision, Male; Culture; Humans; Infection Control; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Postoperative Complications; Public Health Nursing; Safety; South Africa; Surgery | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846109799 | Traditional birth attendants, HIV/AIDS and safe delivery in the Eastern Cape, South Africa - Evaluation of a training programme | Peltzer K., Henda N. | 2006 | South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 12 | 3 | None | Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Turfloop, Limpopo, South Africa; Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Peltzer, K., Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, Limpopo, South Africa; Henda, N., Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction. Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are still frequently utilised in rural areas in South Africa, even when mothers have access to formal health care facilities. Studies reveal that utilisation of TBAs can be beneficial in some contexts, with support and supervision from the Western health sector. Aim. To evaluate a training programme for TBAs on HIV/AIDS and safe delivery. Method. The study used a pre-post training evaluation design of 50 TBAs in two primary health care clinic areas in rural South Africa. Results. Most TBAs had some knowledge of risk signs during pregnancy. At follow-up assessment HIV/AIDS knowledge had significantly increased and HIV risk practices when assisting during a delivery had significantly decreased. Most TBAs were involved in HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) management such as risk assessment, risk reduction counselling, distribution of condoms, community education and home-based care. After the training significantly more TBAs conducted prenatal check-ups, assessed the baby's position in the uterus and took the mother's and baby's pulse, and fewer TBAS conducted abnormal or complicated deliveries. Conclusion. Training of TBAs can increase their knowledge, improve their attitudes and reduce risk practices. TBAs need skilled and equipped available support to carry out basic preventive measures in the obstetric patient, anticipate and identify obstetric complications, administer nevirapine prophylaxis, and make appropriate and timely referrals backed up with efficient referral mechanisms to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. | None | nevirapine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; African medicine; aged; article; delivery; female; health behavior; health education; health personnel attitude; health practitioner; HIV education; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; obstetric patient; patient counseling; patient referral; patient safety; pregnancy; prenatal care; prenatal screening; primary health care; risk assessment; risk reduction; rural health care; safe sex; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897417085 | Trade reforms, macroeconomic performance and welfare in Malawi | Ngalawa H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p307 | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | Ngalawa, H., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | This paper sets out to show efficiency gains and/or losses of trade reforms in Malawi using simulation experiments in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. Among others, the study shows that a 50 percent tariff cut coupled with fixed government savings has the same impact on selected macroeconomic variables when capital is mobile as when it is activity specific. When capital is activity-specific, the tariff cut has a positive impact on labour income in the non-agricultural sector and a similar impact on capital income in commercial agriculture. Overall labour income in the agricultural sector is unaffected while the impact on capital income in small scale agriculture and non-agriculture sectors is negative. When capital is mobile, the tariff cut leads to a fall in the capital income in small scale agriculture. The study further shows that doubling foreign aid to Malawi increases consumption and adversely affects the production side of the economy. | Computable general equilibrium; Trade reforms; Welfare | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946708220 | Trade policy, consumer preference and the performance of textile industry: A case study of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria | A. Kilishi A., Adetunji Babatunde M., S. Bankole A. | 2014 | International Journal of Commerce and Management | 24 | 3 | 10.1108/IJCoMA-05-2012-0031 | Department of Economics, Trade Policy Research and Training Programme, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Economics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | A. Kilishi, A., Department of Economics, Trade Policy Research and Training Programme, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adetunji Babatunde, M., Department of Economics, Trade Policy Research and Training Programme, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; S. Bankole, A., Department of Economics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of consumers preferences on textile materials and the impact of consumer preference on performance of textile industry. This is because as consumers have access to a variety of textile products, they strongly developed and shifted preference to foreign sources, which could lead to the eventual demise of many of the textile factories. Design/methodology/approach – The logit model is adopted to describe the behaviour of consumers when faced with a variety of mutually exclusive choices. The model also describes the consumers’ choice of differentiated goods with common consumption objectives but with different characteristics. Findings – Findings revealed that consumers in Nigeria prefer foreign textile to locally made textile. In addition, differences in quality and availability are factors that drive consumer’s preference towards foreign textile. Also, the inefficient performance of the Nigerian textile industry is influenced by limited demand from the domestic market, poor infrastructure and smuggling. Hence, there is a need for innovative entrepreneurship, concentration on quality improvement and alleviating supply constraints. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines consumer preferences in the Nigerian textile industry. © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Consumer; Textile; Trade policy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906077340 | Trade density for external market evaluation | Kvasha S., Ryabchenko O., Zhemoyda O. | 2014 | Actual Problems of Economics | 156 | 6 | None | National Scientific Centre Institute of Agrarian Economics, Kyiv, Ukraine; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Department Economy of Enterprise, National University of Life and Environmental Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine | Kvasha, S., National Scientific Centre Institute of Agrarian Economics, Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryabchenko, O., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zhemoyda, O., Department Economy of Enterprise, National University of Life and Environmental Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine | The article shows that both Ukraine's accession to the WTO in 2008 and the processes of the EU enlargement have created additional challenges for trade development at the continent. Special attention is paid to historical and geographical aspects of trade development in Europe. Prospects of free trade areas, beneficial both for Ukraine and the EU, are studied in detail. Trade density in the EU is analyzed using the mathematical methods. Such aspects as tariff policy, non-tariff barriers import duties are considered separately. Agricultural markets were taken for this analysis due to their high importance for Ukraine. © Sergii Kvasha, Oksana Ryabchenko, Oleksandr Zhemoyda, 2014. | European Union; Free trade area; Trade density; Ukraine | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873738800 | Trade credit and performance of firms in Nigeria | Ojenike J.O., Asaolu T.O., Olowoniyi A.O. | 2013 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 56 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Ojenike, J.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Asaolu, T.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Olowoniyi, A.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This study analyzed the effect of trade credit on firm's performance. Panel data framework was fitted to the secondary data obtained from 70 sampled firms for the period 2000-2009. Data collected were analyzed using panel econometric approach of fixed effect, random effect and Hausman test. The result indicates that trade credit positively influenced Net Profit Margin (NPM), return on investment (ROI) and return on capital employed (ROCE) by firms. The finding implied that trade credit financing is an integral part of doing business for firms especially those that find raising funds from the credit market difficult and could not generate adequate internal funds for their working capital requirements. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | NPM; ROA; ROCE; ROI; Trade credit | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873714820 | Tracking the impact of Pliocene/Pleistocene sea level and climatic oscillations on the cladogenesis of the Cape legless skink, Acontias meleagris species complex, in South Africa | Engelbrecht H.M., van Niekerk A., Heideman N.J., Daniels S.R. | 2013 | Journal of Biogeography | 40 | 3 | 10.1111/jbi.12024 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Engelbrecht, H.M., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Heideman, N.J., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Daniels, S.R., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa | Aim: To determine the geographical boundaries among cryptic lineages and examine the evolutionary drivers of cladogenesis within the Cape legless skink, Acontias meleagris species complex. Location: Coastal plains and adjacent interior of the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Methods: A total of 231 specimens from 55 localities were collected from the entire known distribution range of the A. meleagris complex. Partial sequence data were collected from two mitochondrial DNA loci, 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and one protein-coding nuclear DNA locus, exophilin 5 (EXPH5). Phylogenetic, phylogeographical and population genetic analyses, together with divergence time estimation, were conducted on the DNA sequence data to examine evolutionary history and diversification within the species complex. Results: Marked genetic structure was observed within the A. meleagris complex, and five clades were retrieved, most of which were statistically well supported. These five clades were also evident within the haplotypic analyses and were characterized by demographic stability. Cladogenesis was induced during the Pliocene/Pleistocene epochs, most likely as a result of oscillations in climate and sea level, and Neogene geomorphic phenomena. The Breede River Valley is an area of high genetic diversity and is likely to have served as a refugium. Main conclusions: Lineage diversification and the current biogeographical patterning reflect the impact of sea level oscillations on historical coastal habitat availability. Fine-scale differences between co-distributed subterranean and supraterranean herpetofaunal taxa can be attributed to differences in life-history traits amongst different habitat types. Historical evolutionary drivers within this subterranean species complex are inferred and discussed. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Acontiinae; Biogeography; Cape region; Cladogenesis; Herpetofauna; Pleistocene; Pliocene; Subterranean; Supraterranean | climate oscillation; coastal plain; cytochrome; divergence; evolutionary biology; genetic structure; genetic variation; geographical distribution; geomorphology; habitat availability; habitat type; herpetofauna; life history trait; lizard; mitochondrial DNA; paleobiogeography; phylogenetics; phylogeography; Pleistocene; Pliocene; refugium; sea level; species complex; subterranean environment; tracking; Breede River; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Western Cape; Acontias meleagris; Acontiinae | None |
WoS | WOS:000343399700007 | Tracking progress of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method | Afful-Dadzie, Anthony,Afful-Dadzie, Eric,Nabareseh, Stephen,Oplatkova, Zuzana Kominkova | 2014 | KYBERNETES | 43 | 8 | 10.1108/K-03-2014-0049 | Tomas Bata University Zlin, University of Ghana | "Afful-Dadzie, Anthony: University of Ghana","Afful-Dadzie, Eric: Tomas Bata University Zlin","Nabareseh, Stephen: Tomas Bata University Zlin","Oplatkova, Zuzana Kominkova: Tomas Bata University Zlin" | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a new assessment methodology for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM) and the Delphi technique. The proposed approach by its design simplifies the review processes and also quantifies the outcome of the assessment result for easier interpretation and benchmarking among member countries. The proposed hybrid method demonstrates how the subjective APRM thematic areas and their objectives can be efficiently tracked country by country while addressing the key identified challenges.
Design/methodology/approach - Using a numerical example, a demonstration of how the APRM assessment could be carried is shown using the FCEM and the Delphi method. The APRM's own thematic areas are used as the evaluation factors and the weights are assigned using Delphi technique. A novel remark set is constructed to linguistically describe the performance of a country against each or all of the thematic areas. Then in line with the maximum membership degree principle, the position of the maximum number would correspond to its respective remark element to indicate the level of performance.
Findings - The result shows a hybrid method of FCEM and Delphi used to determine whether a member country has "achieved", "on track", "very likely to be achieved", "possible if some changes are made" or "off-track" on the four focus areas of the APRM. The method provides a well-organized way of tracking progress of member countries. It is also an ideal method of tracking progress of individual thematic areas and objectives. Moreover, the simplicity of the proposed method, the preciseness of the final result it generates and the clear interpretation of the result makes it a stronger alternative to the current approach for assessing member countries.
Practical implications - The APRM is a respected body with the backing of the heads of state in Africa. As most African countries become conscious of the pressure to meet international standards as far as governance performance is concerned, this proposed assessment methodology if adopted would go a long way in improving performance evaluation on the continent.
Originality/value - The proposed methodology is unique in its simplicity and its ability to evaluate any of the APRM thematic areas independent of the others. This means an overall performance can be tracked as well as that of individual evaluation factors. | "African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)","Delphi method","fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM)","FUZZY LOGIC","DELPHI METHOD" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951782350 | Tracking a sample of patients lost to follow-up has a major impact on understanding determinants of survival in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in Africa | Geng E.H., Glidden D.V., Emenyonu N., Musinguzi N., Bwana M.B., Neilands T.B., Muyindike W., Yiannoutsos C.T., Deeks S.G., Bangsberg D.R., Martin J.N. | 2010 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 15 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02507.x | Division of HIV/AIDS, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States; East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | Geng, E.H., Division of HIV/AIDS, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States, East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Glidden, D.V., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Emenyonu, N., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Musinguzi, N., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Bwana, M.B., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Neilands, T.B., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Muyindike, W., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Yiannoutsos, C.T., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN, United States; Deeks, S.G., Division of HIV/AIDS, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States, East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Bangsberg, D.R., East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda, Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Martin, J.N., Division of HIV/AIDS, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States, East Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Consortium, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, United States | Objective To date, data regarding the determinants of mortality in HIV-infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa have been primarily derived from routine clinical care settings practicing the public health approach. Losses to follow-up, however, are high in these settings and may lead to bias in understanding the determinants of mortality. Methods We evaluated HIV-infected adults initiating ART between January 1, 2004 and September 30th, 2007 in an ART clinic in southwestern Uganda. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained through routine clinical care. In evaluating determinants of mortality, a 'naïve' analysis used only deaths known through routine processes. A 'sample-corrected' approach incorporated, through probability weights, outcomes from a representative sample of patients lost to follow-up whose vital status was ascertained through tracking in the community. Results In 3,628 patients followed for up to 3.75 years after ART initiation, the 'naïve' approach identified male sex and lower pre-ART CD4 count as independent determinants of mortality. The 'sample-corrected' approach found lower pre-ART CD4 count, older age, lower weight and calendar year of ART initiation, but not male sex, to be independent determinants of mortality. Conclusions Analyses to identify determinants of mortality in HIV-infected patients on ART in Africa that do not account for losses to follow-up can identify spurious associations and miss actual relationships - both with the potential to mislead public health efforts. A sampling-based approach to account for losses to follow-up represents a feasible and potentially scalable method to strengthen the evidence available for implementation of ART delivery in Africa. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Africa; Antiretroviral scale-up strategies; Determinants of mortality on antiretroviral therapy; Losses to follow-up; Monitoring and evaluation; Sampling studies | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; disease treatment; drug prescribing; health risk; hospital sector; human immunodeficiency virus; medicine; monitoring; mortality risk; public health; sampling; tracking; adult; Africa; age; article; body weight; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; disease surveillance; female; follow up; health care delivery; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; patient care; patient compliance; patient monitoring; public health service; sex difference; survival rate; treatment duration; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Lost to Follow-Up; Male; Medication Adherence; Patient Dropouts; Sex Factors; Treatment Outcome; Uganda; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928940092 | Tracing shadows: How gendered power relations shape the impacts of maternal death on living children in sub Saharan Africa | Yamin A.E., Bazile J., Knight L., Molla M., Maistrellis E., Leaning J. | 2015 | Social Science and Medicine | 135 | None | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.04.033 | Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Partners In Health-Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi; HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | Yamin, A.E., Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Bazile, J., Partners In Health-Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi; Knight, L., HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Molla, M., Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Maistrellis, E., Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Leaning, J., Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States | Driven by the need to better understand the full and intergenerational toll of maternal mortality (MM), a mixed-methods study was conducted in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa to investigate the impacts of maternal death on families and children. The present analysis identifies gender as a fundamental driver not only of maternal, but also child health, through manifestations of gender inequity in household decision making, labor and caregiving, and social norms dictating the status of women. Focus group discussions were conducted with community members, and in depth qualitative interviews with key-informants and stakeholders, in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, and South Africa between April 2012 and October 2013. Findings highlight that socially constructed gender roles, which define mothers as caregivers and fathers as wage earners, and which limit women's agency regarding childcare decisions, among other things, create considerable gaps when it comes to meeting child nutrition, education, and health care needs following a maternal death. Additionally, our findings show that maternal deaths have differential effects on boy and girl children, and exacerbate specific risks for girl children, including early marriage, early pregnancy, and school drop-out. To combat both MM, and to mitigate impacts on children, investment in health services interventions should be complemented by broader interventions regarding social protection, as well as aimed at shifting social norms and opportunity structures regarding gendered divisions of labor and power at household, community, and society levels. © 2015 . | Child health; Ethiopia; Gender roles; Malawi; Masculinities; Maternal mortality; South Africa; Tanzania | child care; child health; gender relations; gender role; health services; maternal mortality; womens status; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; Article; attitude to death; child; child health care; child nutrition; education; Ethiopia; father; female; health care access; human; Malawi; male; masculinity; maternal mortality; mother; orphaned child; sex difference; sex role; sexism; social norm; social status; socioeconomics; South Africa; Tanzania; wellbeing; Africa south of the Sahara; child health; developing country; gender identity; health service; information processing; maternal mortality; orphaned child; pregnancy; qualitative research; social norm; supply and distribution; Ethiopia; Malawi; South Africa; Tanzania; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Child; Child Health; Child, Orphaned; Developing Countries; Fathers; Female; Focus Groups; Gender Identity; Health Services; Humans; Male; Maternal Death; Maternal Mortality; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Social Norms; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649712599 | Trace elements and major minerals evaluation of Spondias mombin, Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia leaves | Ayoola P.B., Adeyeye A., Onawumi O.O. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 9 | 8 | None | Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Ayoola, P.B., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeyeye, A., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Onawumi, O.O., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Samples of the plants were collected in Oyo state at Igbo-agbonin in the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Sabo road, Ogbomoso and were analyzed for the presence of trace elements such as; Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results showed that trace element concentrations in Spondias mombin (Hog plum) were as follow: Fe, 574.00mg/kg, Zn, 59.60mg/kg, Mn, 23.00mg/kg, Cr, 66.00mg/kg Cu, 13.00mg/kg, Cd 50.00mg/kg. The mineral composition results showed that the leaves contained K 1.20%, Ca 1.05% and P, 0.32% Na 1.80%. Results of trace elements concentration in Vernonia amygdalina leaves were as follow: Fe, 277.30mg/kg, Zn, 74.50 mg/kg, Mn, 227.00mg/kg, Cr, 89.00mg/kg Cu, 11.00mg/kg and Cd, 4.30mg/kg. The mineral analysis revealed in the plant leaves, K 0.51%, Na 0.57%, Ca 0.45%, P 0.23%. Result of trace elements concentration in Momordica charantia were as follow: Fe, 8.125mg/kg, Zn, 354.8mg/kg, Mn, 37.00mg/kg, Cr, 162.00mg/kg, Cu, 21.00mg/kg, Cd, 51.40mg/kg and Pb 48.00mg/kg. the mineral analysis revealed in the plant, K 0.81%, Na 0.93%, Ca 0.90%, P 0.81%. The results obtained from the study show that the three plants are medicinal, Spondias mombin and Vernonia amygdalina are good antianaemic and antidiabetics agents, because of the high contents of Iron and chromium present in them. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Momordica charantia; Prophylactic; Spondias mombin; Therapeutic; Vernonia amygdalina | cadmium; chromium; iron; lead; manganese; trace element; zinc; article; atomic absorption spectrometry; bone metabolism; chemical analysis; concentration response; controlled study; herbal medicine; medicinal plant; Momordica charantia; nonhuman; physical chemistry; phytochemistry; plant leaf; spondias mombin; Vernonia; vernonia amygdalina; Momordica charantia; Prunus umbellata; Spondias mombin; Vernonia amygdalina | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903780995 | Toxicopathological evaluation of Picralima nitida seed aqueous extract in Wistar rats [Wistar si{dotless}çanlari{dotless}nda Picralima nitida tohumu si{dotless}vi{dotless} ekstresinin toksikopatolojik deǧerlendirilmesi] | Sunmonu T.O., Oloyede O.B., Owolarafe T.A., Yakubu M.T., Dosumu O.O. | 2014 | Turkish Journal of Biochemistry | 39 | 2 | 10.5505/tjb.2014.83997 | Departments of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Departments of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Sunmonu, T.O., Departments of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oloyede, O.B., Departments of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Owolarafe, T.A., Departments of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Yakubu, M.T., Departments of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Dosumu, O.O., Departments of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Objective: Picralima nitida is a widely used medicinal plant in West Africa for treating malaria, diarrhea and inflammation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicological effect of aqueous seed extract of the plant in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-four apparently healthy animals were randomized into 4 groups comprising 6 rats each and orally administered with aqueous extract of P. nitida seeds at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight with distilled water as control for 14 days. Specific liver and kidney function indices were assayed alongside haematological and histopathological analyses to monitor toxicity according to standard methods. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and tannins. The extract had no significant effect on all kidney function indices assayed but caused a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the activities of liver enzymes accompanied by significant decrease in liver to body weight ratio, serum total protein and globulin concentrations. No significant alteration was observed in the serum levels of albumin and conjugated bilirubin whereas the extract brought about significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum total bilirubin concentration. Haematological analysis revealed no significant effect on erythrocyte indices in contrast to white blood cell count and its differentials which were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) following extract administration. Histopathological studies further showed no distortion of cell structures in the studied organs. Conclusion: The available evidences in this study suggest that aqueous extract of P. nitida seeds exhibits mild and selective toxicity with liver as the target organ. Therefore, the herb may not be completely 'safe' as an oral remedy; and long term administration should be avoided. © TurkJBiochem.com. | Haematology; Histopathology; Phytochemical screening; Picralima nitida; Toxicology | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; alkaloid; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; creatinine; electrolyte; globulin; glycoside; Picralima nitida extract; plant extract; saponin; steroid; tannin; unclassified drug; urea; uric acid; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; body weight; chemical analysis; controlled study; erythrocyte; hematocrit; histopathology; kidney function test; leukocyte count; liver function test; male; medicinal plant; nonhuman; phytochemistry; picralima nitida; plant seed; rat; toxicity testing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942195174 | Toxicopathological Evaluation of Hydroethanol Extract of Dianthus basuticus in Wistar Rats | Ashafa A.O.T., Kazeem M.I. | 2015 | Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/348519 | Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Ashafa, A.O.T., Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; Kazeem, M.I., Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Background. Dianthus basuticus is a commonly used medicinal plant in Basotho traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, but there is no report on its safety or toxicity. Therefore, we evaluated the toxicity profile of the hydroethanol whole plant extract of Dianthus basuticus in Wistar rats. Methods. Acute toxicity test was performed with single oral administration of 100-3200 mg/kg body weight of D. basuticus extract to rats and the animals were observed for 14 days for signs of toxicity. The subacute toxicity experiment was conducted by oral administration of graded doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) of D. basuticus extract daily for 28 days. Behavioural changes as well as haematological, biochemical, and histological parameters were then evaluated. Results. There was no observable sign of toxicity in the acute toxicity test. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the feed and water intake as well as total cholesterol and triglycerides of the D. basuticus extract-treated rats in subacute toxicity study. There were no treatment related differences in the haematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations. Conclusions. Administration of hydroethanol extract of D. basuticus may be safe at the dosages tested in this study but its continuous usage can cause anorexia. © 2015 Anofi Omotayo Tom Ashafa and Mutiu Idowu Kazeem. | None | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alcohol; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; calcium; chloride; creatinine; Dianthus basuticus extract; electrolyte; gamma glutamyltransferase; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; plant extract; potassium; protein; sodium; triacylglycerol; unclassified drug; urea; uric acid; acute toxicity; animal cell; animal experiment; Article; behavior change; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; Dianthus; Dianthus basuticus; drug safety; eosinophil; female; hematological parameters; lymphocyte; male; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; monocyte; neutrophil; nonhuman; practice guideline; priority journal; rat; toxicity testing; triacylglycerol blood level | NRF, National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930622585 | Toxicological evaluations of Stigma maydis (corn silk) aqueous extract on hematological and lipid parameters in Wistar rats | Saheed S., Oladipipo A.E., Abdulazeez A.A., Olarewaju S.A., Ismaila N.O., Emmanuel I.A., Fatimah Q.D., Aisha A.Y. | 2015 | Toxicology Reports | 2 | None | 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.04.001 | Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Medical Laboratory Sciences Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechno | Saheed, S., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria, Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Biochemical, Microbial and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Oladipipo, A.E., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Abdulazeez, A.A., Medical Laboratory Sciences Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Olarewaju, S.A., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ismaila, N.O., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Emmanuel, I.A., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Fatimah, Q.D., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Aisha, A.Y., Phytomedicine, Food Factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria | Despite the acclaimed phytotherapeutic attributes of Stigma maydis in folkloric medicine, there is paucity of information on its toxicity profile on hematological and lipid parameters. The toxicological effect of aqueous extract of corn silk at 100, 200 and 400. mg/kg body weight on hematological indices in Wistar rats were evaluated progressively at 24. h after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Lipid parameters were also analyzed at the end of the experimental period. We observed that the extract did not exhibit any significant (p>. 0.05) effect on red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume at all the tested doses. The study however showed a significant increase in the serum levels of white blood cell, platelet, lymphocytes, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; as well as feeding pattern in the animals, while the concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and artherogenic index value were significantly lowered. These findings are suggestive of non-hematotoxic potential of the extract. Overall, the effect exhibited by corn silk extract in this study proved that, it is unlikely to be hematotoxic and could be a good candidature in the management of coronary heart diseases if consumed at the doses investigated. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Anti-lipidemic; Hematotoxic; Lymphocyte; Metabolic; Phytotherapeutic; Thrombopoiesis | low density lipoprotein cholesterol; plant extract; Stigma maydis extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; Article; biochemical analysis; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; drug isolation; erythropoiesis; fluid intake; hematological parameters; lipid blood level; lymphocyte; nonhuman; rat; thrombocyte count; toxicology | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898641669 | Toxicological evaluations of methanolic extract of moringa oleifera leaves in liver and kidney of male wistar rats | Oyagbemi A.A., Omobowale T.O., Azeez I.O., Abiola J.O., Adedokun R.A.M., Nottidge H.O. | 2013 | Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology | 24 | 4 | 10.1515/jbcpp-2012-0061 | Department of Veterinary Physiology,Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Oyagbemi, A.A., Department of Veterinary Physiology,Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Omobowale, T.O., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Azeez, I.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology,Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Abiola, J.O., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adedokun, R.A.M., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Nottidge, H.O., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Background: This study was conducted to investigate toxicological effects associated with prolonged consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves as a beverage. Methods: Thirty rats were used in this study. They were grouped into five groups of six rats. Rats in group I received 2 mL/kg body weight (b.w.) of corn oil (vehicle). Animals in groups II, III, IV and V received 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of methanolic extract of M. oleifera (MEMO) for 8 weeks. Serum collected was analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Results: There was a significant (p <0.05) increase in serum total protein and globulin in a dose-dependent manner. Rats that received MEMO at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine which pointed to hepatic and kidney damage. All experimental animals that received MEMO had a significant (p <0.05) increase in body weight in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: This study therefore confirms for the first time that chronic administration of M. oleifera leaves might predispose to hepatic and kidney damage. | Kidney; Liver; Moringa oleifera; Toxicity assessment | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; aspartate aminotransferase; corn oil; creatinine; globulin; methanol; Moringa oleifera extract; protein; adult; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; animal experiment; animal model; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; beverage; body weight; chronic drug administration; controlled study; creatinine blood level; enzyme activity; food intake; liver toxicity; long term exposure; male; Moringa oleifera; nephrotoxicity; nonhuman; plant leaf; protein blood level; protein determination; rat; toxicity testing; urea blood level; urea nitrogen blood level; weight gain; Wistar rat; Animals; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Male; Methanol; Moringa oleifera; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Toxicity Tests, Subchronic | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68149131986 | Toxicological evaluation of the essential oil from mentha longifolia l. subsp. capensis leaves in rats | Odeyemi O.O., Yakubu M.T., Masika P.J., Afolayan A.J. | 2009 | Journal of Medicinal Food | 12 | 3 | 10.1089/jmf.2008.0136 | Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Odeyemi, O.O., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Yakubu, M.T., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Masika, P.J., Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | The effects of the essential oil from the leaves of Mentha longifolia L. subsp. capensis on some biochemical parameters of Wistar rats were studied. The oil at 125, 250, 375, and 500μL/kg of body weight reduced (P<.05) the red blood cells and lymphocytes with no definite pattern on the white blood cells and mean cell volume. The doses significantly increased the neutrophils, monocytes, large unstained cells, liver-body weight ratio, and serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol, and inorganic phosphate but had no effect on the heart body weight ratio and serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Na+, Ca 2+, Cl-, K+, creatinine, and uric acid. The oil at 500f body weight also increased the kidney-body weight ratio. In contrast, the oil reduced the serum urea and atherogenic index. The total and conjugated bilirubin, together with the total protein and albumin, in the serum increased only with oil at 125μL/kg of body weight. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity also increased with no significant change in those of γ-glutamyl transferase and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. The results indicate dose- and parameter-specific effect of the essential oil. Although the essential oil from M. longifolia leaves may not predispose to atherosclerosis, it may increase the functional activity of the rat liver at the lowest dose investigated. Therefore, the essential oil from M. longifolia may not be completely "safe" at the doses investigated. © Copyright 2009, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. | Essential oil; Functional activity; Hematological parameters; Mentha longifolia; Selective toxicity; Serum lipids | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; calcium; chlorine; creatinine; essential oil; gamma glutamyltransferase; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; Mentha longifolia extract; phosphate; potassium; protein; sodium; unclassified drug; uric acid; angiosperm; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; atherogenesis; atherosclerosis; body weight; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; erythrocyte count; female; heart weight; leukocyte count; liver weight; lymphocyte count; male; Mentha longifolia; neutrophil count; nonhuman; plant leaf; priority journal; rat; toxicity testing; triacylglycerol blood level; urea blood level; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Bilirubin; Blood Cell Count; Blood Cells; Blood Proteins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Kidney; Lipids; Liver; Male; Mentha; Oils, Volatile; Organ Size; Phosphates; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serum Albumin; Urea; Mentha longifolia; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849126953 | Toxicological evaluation of the effect of water contaminated with lead, phenol and benzene on liver, kidney and colon of Albino rats | Adeyemi O., Ajayi J.O., Olajuyin A.M., Oloyede O.B., Oladiji A.T., Oluba O.M., Adeyemi O., Ololade I.A., Adebayo E.A. | 2009 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 47 | 4 | 10.1016/j.fct.2009.01.023 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Departmen | Adeyemi, O., Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria; Ajayi, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Olajuyin, A.M., Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Oloyede, O.B., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oladiji, A.T., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oluba, O.M., Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria; Ololade, I.A., Department of Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Adebayo, E.A., Department of Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | The effect of water contaminated with phenol, benzene and lead on rats cellular system was investigated. Selected enzyme activity of the kidney and colon of rats was carried out. Standard enzyme assays were also conducted for selected liver enzymes such as alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Serum indices of liver and kidney function were also determined. The direct bilirubin of test rats were observed to be 3.2 ± 0.2 U/mol/l while that of control rat was 1.2 ± 0.003 U/mol/l. The total bilirubin of test rats was found to be 8.4 ± 0.8 U/mol/l while that of the control was 5.6 ± 0.5 U/mol/l. Generally, enzymes activity in the tissues of test rats were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower relative to control, while the enzyme activity of the serum of test rats was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control. It could be inferred that experimental data suggest possible damage to the tissues and that consumption of polluted water may account for increasing cases of renal and hepatic failure among people in developing countries. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Bilirubin; Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase; Phosphatases; Transaminases; Water | acid phosphatase; alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; benzene; bilirubin glucuronide; gamma glutamyltransferase; lead; phenol; water; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; colon; controlled study; enzyme activity; enzyme assay; experimental rat; gastrointestinal toxicity; kidney function; liver function; liver toxicity; male; nephrotoxicity; nonhuman; rat; tissue injury; water contamination; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Benzene; Bilirubin; Colon; Creatinine; Drinking; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Function Tests; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lead; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Function Tests; Male; Phenol; Rats; Urea; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Rattus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962547587 | Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) in rodents | Awodele O., Amagon K.I., Agbo J., Prasad M.N.V. | 2015 | Interdisciplinary Toxicology | 8 | 2 | 10.1515/intox-2015-0014 | Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Department of Plant Sciences, Un | Awodele, O., Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria; Amagon, K.I., Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Agbo, J., Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria; Prasad, M.N.V., Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India | Bridelia ferruginea is a woody shrub that grows in the Savannah or rain forests of Africa and has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, arthritis and boils. Despite all these uses, extensive toxicological evaluation has not been carried out. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicological effects of the stem bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea in rats. The lethal dose (LD50) was determined using probit analysis and graded doses of the extract (250-4 000 mg/kg) were administered to the animals via oral and intraperitoneal routes and observed for mortality, behavioral changes and signs of toxicity. Sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out at doses of 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 mg/kg administered daily for 60 days. The animals were sacrificed after 60 days. Blood was collected for biochemical (renal and hepatic), hematological, oxidative stress, sperm and histopathological examinations, using standard methods. LD50 of the extract was estimated as >4 000 mg/kg orally; neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality were observed. There were no significant differences in the animals and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters in the treated groups compared to the control group. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of lipid peroxidation and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count were observed in the treated animals compared with the control group. The stem-bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea was found to be relatively safe, though it has the potential to cause lipid peroxidation and damage sperm quality and should thus be used with caution. © 2015 Interdisciplinary Toxicology. | biochemistry; Bridelia ferruginea; hematology; oxidative stress; sperm count | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855990038 | Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) | Awodele O., Oreagba I.A., Odoma S., Teixeira Da Silva J.A., Osunkalu V.O. | 2012 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 139 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.008 | Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki cho, Kita gun, Ikenobe 761-0795, Japan; Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, Universi | Awodele, O., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Oreagba, I.A., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Odoma, S., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Teixeira Da Silva, J.A., Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki cho, Kita gun, Ikenobe 761-0795, Japan; Osunkalu, V.O., Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria | Ethnopharmacological relevance: The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective. However, over the past decade, several news-catching episodes in developed communities indicated adverse effects, sometimes life-threatening, allegedly arising as a consequence to taking herbal products or traditional medicines from various ethnic groups. Despite the popular use of Moringa oleifera for treating various disorders, there is limited or no scientific data available regarding safety aspects of this remedy, nor are there any documented toxicological studies that can be used to ascertain the safety index of its herbal preparation. Therefore, this present study aimed to carry out extensive toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. Materials and Methods: In an acute toxicity test, male Wistar albino mice were orally administered an aqueous extract up to 6400 mg/kg and intraperitoneally up to 2000 mg/kg. A sub-chronic toxicity test was performed by daily administration with the extract at 250, 500 and 1500 mg/kg orally for 60 days. Control rats received distilled water. Sperm quality was analyzed, haematological and biochemical (liver enzymes, urea and creatinine) parameters were determined and a histopathological examination was carried out. Results: The LD 50 was estimated to be 1585 mg/kg. The extract did not elicit any significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in sperm quality, haematological and biochemical parameters in the treated rats compared to the control. Moreover, there was no significant difference in weight gain of the control and treated animals although there was a dose-dependent reduction in food consumption of the animals treated with 250 to 1500 mg/kg extract. Conclusions: Results obtained in this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera is relatively safe when administered orally. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Haematology; Liver and renal function; Moringa oleifera; Sub-chronic toxicity | creatinine; liver enzyme; Moringa oleifera extract; urea; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; brain; controlled study; creatinine blood level; erythrocyte count; food intake; heart; hemoglobin blood level; histopathology; kidney; LD 50; leukocyte count; liver; male; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; Moringa oleifera; nonhuman; plant leaf; rat; sperm; spermatozoon count; spermatozoon motility; testis; thrombocyte count; weight gain; Administration, Oral; Animals; Biological Markers; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Creatinine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Enzymes; Glutathione; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Kidney; Lethal Dose 50; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Moringa oleifera; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plants, Medicinal; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Time Factors; Toxicity Tests; Urea; Animalia; Moringa oleifera; Moringaceae; Mus; Rattus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922625230 | Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in Wistar albino rats | Olukunle J.O., Jacobs E.B., Ajayi O.L., Biobaku K.T., Abatan M.O. | 2015 | Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine | 12 | 1 | 10.1515/jcim-2013-0066 | Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokut | Olukunle, J.O.; Jacobs, E.B., Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.L., Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Biobaku, K.T., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Abatan, M.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | Background: Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae) is highly accepted for traditional treatment of human plasmodiasis in Africa. Methods: The toxicological effects of the aqueous leaf extract of A. wilkesiana were studied in 45 male and female Wistar albino rats. An acute toxicity testing was done using 21 rats divided into seven groups and LD50 determined. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract was administered orally over a period of 28 days to rats in three groups with doses of 400mg kg-1, 800mg kg-1 and 1,600 mg kg-1, respectively, and the fourth group administered with water served as control. Blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis; organs of the animals were harvested for histopathological examination. Results: The acute toxicity testing showed that the extract was non-toxic at doses up to 3,000mg kg-1 and the LD50 was calculated to be 2,828.34mg kg-1. The study showed that at 1,600mg kg-1 dose, the extract caused a decrease in the level of neutrophils (NEUT) while lymphocytes (LYMP) were statistically significantly increased. The administration of the extract also resulted in varying significant dose dependent increase in the levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). There were also significant increases in the level of total protein (TP), urea (URN) and albumin (GLB) especially at 1,600mg kg-1 dosage. Histopathology showed that the extract caused mild to severe significant lesions that are dose dependent in the liver and kidney when compared with the control group. Conclusions: Prolonged administration of high dose of A. wilkesiana extract has tendency to cause organ toxicity. © 2015, walter de gruyter gmbh. All rights reserved. | Acalypha wilkesiana; Hematology; Histopathology; Serum biochemistry; Toxicity | Acalypha wilkesiana extract; alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; plant extract; protein; unclassified drug; urea; alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; plant extract; urea; Acalypha wilkesiana; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal model; Article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; controlled study; disease severity; dose response; histopathology; LD 50; liver toxicity; lymphocyte; nephrotoxicity; neutrophil; nonhuman; plant leaf; protein blood level; rat; urea blood level; Wistar rat; Acalypha; adverse effects; animal; blood; drug effects; enzymology; female; kidney; liver; male; metabolism; toxicity testing; Acalypha; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Female; Kidney; Liver; Male; Plant Extracts; Rats, Wistar; Toxicity Tests, Acute; Urea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749147106 | Toxicological evaluation of the anti-malarial herb Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in rodents | Ansah C., Mfoafo E.A., Woode E., Opoku-Okrah C., Owiredu W.K.B.A., Duwiejua M. | 2008 | Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology | 3 | 5 | 10.3923/jpt.2008.335.343 | Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Ansah, C., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Mfoafo, E.A., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Woode, E., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Opoku-Okrah, C., Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Duwiejua, M., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | In this study, we evaluated the aqueous extract of the roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Periplocaceae), an anti-malarial herb in the West African sub-region for possible toxicity in rodents. Administration of cryptolepis (10-1000 mg kg-1) daily for two weeks did not cause significant changes in most of the haematological parameters assessed. However, the MCV reduced from a vehicle-treated value of 63.1±0.6 to 58.1±09 g dL-1 at a dose of 10 zng kr-1, which reflected in an increased MCHC (27.8±0.3 to 30.5±0.3 g dL-1), since the Hb concentration remained unchanged. Serum transaminase levels did not change significantly suggesting a limited effect on the liver. Administration of the extract (50-1000 mg kg-1, p.o.) 30 min before pentobarbitone (50 mg kg-1, i.p.) caused a dose-dependent prolongation of the rat sleeping time from 66.6±8.1 min (vehicle-treated control) to 266.5±7. 0 min (1000 mg kg-1). Similarly, daily treatment with the extract (50-1000 mg kg-1) for 2 weeks prolonged the sleeping time from 155±28.4 to 292.8:±28.7 min. This effect appeared to be CNS-related rather than an enzymatic as reflected in a decreased locomotor activity (1 9.4±1.5 to 1.84.8 min-1) at a dose of 500 mg kg-1 body weight. All together, our results suggest that Cryptolepis could synergize with hypno-sedatives or other CNS depressants and therefore caution needs to be taken in the concomitant administration of Cryptolepis and other CNS depressants. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc. | Antimalarial; CNS depressant; Cryptolepis sanguinolenta; Haematological parameters; Rodents; Sleeping time | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aminotransferase; antimalarial agent; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; carbon monoxide; central depressant agent; Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract; cytochrome P450; gamma glutamyltransferase; globulin; hemoglobin; hypnotic sedative agent; ketoconazole; pentobarbital; plant extract; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; aqueous solution; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; bilirubin blood level; binding assay; central nervous system; controlled study; Cryptolepis; cryptolepis sanguinolenta; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug potentiation; drug solution; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; hematological parameters; herbal medicine; kidney mass; liver toxicity; liver weight; locomotion; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; mouse; nonhuman; organ weight; plant root; protein blood level; rat; sleep time; spleen weight; stomach; toxicity testing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-76749165704 | Toxicological evaluation of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut oil-based diet in rats | Oladiji A.T., Abodunrin T.P., Yakubu M.T. | 2010 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 48 | 3 | 10.1016/j.fct.2009.12.030 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | Oladiji, A.T., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Abodunrin, T.P., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Yakubu, M.T., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | The effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut oil-based diet on the growth performance and some biochemical constituents of rat tissues was investigated following a feeding period of 6 weeks. The results revealed that the volume of water taken, the amount of feed consumed and the weight gained by the animals maintained on the nut oil-based diet were not significantly (P > 0.05) different from those fed on soybean oil-based diet. The reduction in the activities of ALP, GOT and GPT in the liver and heart of animals fed on the nut oil-based diet was accompanied by increase in the serum enzymes. The nut oil-based diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of total cholesterol and HDL-C whereas triglycerides and atherogenic index increased. The serum LDL-C level of the nut oil-based diet fed animals compared well with those of soybean oil-based diet. These alterations suggested that adverse effects have occurred, possibly by altered membrane permeability of the hepatocytes and cardiac cells. Similar alterations in the serum lipids of animals maintained on nut oil-based diet also portends cardiovascular risk. Although, T. conophorum nut oil did not adversely affect growth performance and the feeding appetite of the animals, it is not completely 'safe' for consumption. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | 'Marker' enzymes; Cardiovascular risk; Growth performance; Serum lipids; Soybean oil; Tetracarpidium conophorum | alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; cholesterol; edible oil; high density lipoprotein; low density lipoprotein; soybean oil; triacylglycerol; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; atherogenic diet; biochemical composition; cell membrane permeability; cholesterol blood level; concentration (parameters); controlled study; diet supplementation; enzyme activity; enzyme blood level; feeding; female; fluid intake; food analysis; food safety; heart; lipid blood level; liver; male; nonhuman; nut; rat; Tetracarpidium conophorum; tissue growth; toxicity testing; weight gain; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Eating; Euphorbiaceae; Female; Indicators and Reagents; Male; Nigeria; Nuts; Plant Oils; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Soybeans; Triglycerides; Animalia; Glycine max; Rattus; Tetracarpidium conophorum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921669039 | Toxicological evaluation of methanol leaves extract of Vernonia Bipontini Vatke in blood, liver and kidney tissues of mice | Alebachew M., Kinfu Y., Makonnen E., Bekuretsion Y., Urga K., Afework M. | 2014 | African Health Sciences | 14 | 4 | 10.4314/ahs.v14i4.33 | Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Drug Research, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Alebachew, M., Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kinfu, Y., Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Makonnen, E., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bekuretsion, Y., Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Urga, K., Department of Drug Research, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Afework, M., Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: Various medicinal plants have been studied using modern scientific approaches. These plants have a variety of properties and various biological components that can be used to treat various diseases. However, harmful effects of plants are common clinical occurrence.Objective:This study was designed to investigate toxicological assessment of acute and chronic methanol leaf extract of Vernonia bipontini Vatke (V.bipontini V) on blood, liver and kidney tissues of mice.Methods: Lethal dose (LD) at which 50% of experimental mice died and long term toxicity of methanolic leaf extract of V. bipontini V were determined. Some hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Then, liver and kidney tissues of each animal were taken and processed for light microscopy.Results: Almost all mice treated with 800mg/kg methanol leaf extract of V. bipontini V showed swellings on the left part of abdominal region related to location of spleen, mild diarrhea and enlargement of spleen. The LD50 of the methanol leaf extract of V. bipontini V was 2130.6±1.5mg/kg. Treatment with 800mg/kg body weight of methanol leaf extract significantly decreased body, liver and kidney weights, red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hgb), mean cell haemoglobin (Mch), Mchc, platelet and significantly increased serum aspartate transferance (AST), vatanine tranferance(ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP) levels while 400mg/kg dose had no effect on these parameters. The reduced organ weights did not correlate with loss of body weight at 800mg/kg of methanol leaf extract of the plant. Light microscope observations of liver tissue of mice treated with 800mg/kg of the methanol leaf extract revealed dilated sinusoids, nuclear enlargement, lots of bi-nucleation of hepatocytes, peripheral cramped chromatin, shrinkages (single cell death) of hepatocytes, fragmentation of hepatocytes while no histopathological changes were observed in liver and kidney of mice treated at 400mg/kg. Kidney tissue sections of mice did not show significant histopathological changes at 400mg/kg. However, at 800mg/kg kidney sections showed increased cellularity of glomerulus, urinary space obliteration and enlarged macula densa.Conclusion: This study suggests that the methanol leaf extract may have been phytotoxic to liver that resulted in a rise in serum AST, ALT and ALP levels. © 2014 Makerere University, Medical School. All rights reserved. | Hematological and biochemical; Kidney; Liver; Methanol; Swiss Albino mice; V. Bipontini Vatke | alkaline phosphatase; hemoglobin; herbaceous agent; plant extract; unclassified drug; vernonia bipontini vatke extract; abdominal swelling; adult; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; body weight; controlled study; diarrhea; disease severity; drug blood level; drug liver level; drug tissue level; enzyme blood level; erythrocyte count; female; hematological parameters; hemoglobin blood level; kidney; kidney injury; kidney mass; LD 50; liver cell damage; liver sinusoid; liver weight; male; medicinal plant; microscopy; mouse; nonhuman; plant leaf; splenomegaly; thrombocyte count; toxicokinetics; Vernonia bipontini Vatke; weight reduction | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897383318 | Toxicological evaluation of Melocia corchorifolia leaves (L.) fed to albino rat | Umar K.J., Hassan L.G., Dangoggo S.M., Maigandi S.A., Sani N.A., Dogonyaro A.I. | 2014 | International Journal of Biological Chemistry | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/ijbc.2014.48.57 | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; College of Science and Technology, Department of Science, Sokoto St | Umar, K.J., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Hassan, L.G., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dangoggo, S.M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Maigandi, S.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Sani, N.A., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dogonyaro, A.I., College of Science and Technology, Department of Science, Sokoto State Polytechnic, Sokoto, Nigeria | Wild leafy vegetables are widely eaten in developing countries and serves as nutrient supplements. The present study examined the effect of feeding albino rats with 75% Melocia corchorifolia leaves with respect to their body weight, liver and kidney biochemical, haematological and histological response. Results showed that the rats fed with M. corchorifolia leaves experience decrease in body weight compared to the control group. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), platelets, Mean Carpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Carpuseular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Carpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and leukocyte (lymphocyte, neutophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) differential counts were not significantly (p>0.05) different between control and treatment. Similarly, serum total protein, globulin and bilirubin were not significantly different, but that of albumin was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the treatment than control group. The serum enzyme activities, i.e., aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in sample treatment than the control; which is an indication of organ toxicity by cellular destruction induced by the phyto-toxin present in the fed. Renal function indices-serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were not significantly different (p>0.05) between control and treatment. The results of this study showed that Melocia corchorifolia leaves have a relatively low or no toxicity profile. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Albino rat; Haematology; Histology; Melocia corchorifolia; Serum biochemistry; Toxicity; Vegetables | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876027786 | Toxicological evaluation of five herbal drugs hawked in minna, niger state | Okunji K.E., Galadima M., Jigam A.A. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 2 | 12 | 10.7324/JAPS.2012.21229 | Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria | Okunji, K.E., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria; Galadima, M., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria; Jigam, A.A., Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria | The medicinal and cultural acceptance of herbal drugs has been established since ancient time but often without any toxicological assessment. In the present study the toxicological assessment of five herbal medicinal concoctions sold in Minna, Nigeria was carried out in mice. Parameters determined included weight variations, packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, glucose and triacylglycerides which were compared to control groups that were administered 20ml/kg body weight of normal saline. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids in most of the drugs. Safe doses of the drugs in the rodents were determined to range between 150 - 800mg/Kg body weight while LD50 were in the range of 800 - 2500mg/Kg body weight. Serum glucose, total proteins and triglycerides were each significantly (p<0.05) elevated in at least three of the five drug treatments at the end of the five weeks study period. There were however consistent decline in total body weights and packed cell volumes of the experimental animal during the same period. These results constitute early indices to the potential adverse physiological effects of repeated usage of the concoctions analysed. | Adverse effects; Concoctions; Herbal; Toxic | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949445102 | Toxicological evaluation of drinking water sources in some rural communities in southern nigeria after mycofiltration treatment | Olorunfemi D., Efechuku U., Esuana J. | 2015 | Polish Journal of Environmental Studies | 24 | 3 | 10.15244/pjoes/34672 | Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Environmental Science Unit, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Olorunfemi, D., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Efechuku, U., Environmental Science Unit, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Esuana, J., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Available domestic water in many communities in Nigeria is increasingly polluted on a daily basis. A major issue of national interest is how these polluted drinking water sources could be fully assessed and mitigated. In this study, mycofiltrated domestic water samples obtained from hand-dug wells and boreholes in six rural communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria were evaluated for potential cyto-genotoxicity using the Allium cepa bioassay. Data obtained from physicochemical analysis after a 24- hour mycofiltration treatment of the water samples revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction/total elimination of heavy metals and microbial load in the samples. Results obtained from the 96-hour macroscopic evaluation of A. cepa showed that compared to onions grown in untreated samples, significant (p < 0.05) reduction in root growth inhibition occurred in bulbs cultivated in mycofiltrated samples. Root tips of A. cepa processed for cytological studies by the aceto-orcein squash technique after exposure to the water samples for 48 hours also showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in chromosomal aberrations in onion bulbs grown in mycofiltrated samples. These findings show that mycofiltration technique is an efficient and affordable technology for toxicity reduction in drinking water sources available for rural dwellers in developing countries. © 2015, Pol. J. Environ. Stud. All Rights Reserved. | Allium cepa assay; Domestic water; Microbial Load; Mycofiltration; Physicochemical analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-71749119345 | Toxicological evaluation of dietary fumonisin B1 on serum biochemistry of growing pigs | Gbore F.A., Egbunike G.N. | 2009 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Nigeria; Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Gbore, F.A., Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Nigeria; Egbunike, G.N., Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty-four male Large White weanling pigs of 8-9 weeks of age averaging 6.94±0.26 kg were used to evaluate the effect of dietary fumonisin B1 (FB1) on serum biochemical parameters. The animals were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments containing 0.2, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 mg FB1/kg constituting the control, diets 1, 2 and 3 respectively, in a 6-month feeding trial. Blood sample was collected from the ear vein of each animal at the end of the feeding trial for biochemical analyses. Animals fed the control diet and diet 1 had significantly (P<0.05) higher serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations as well as the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and serum cholesterol concentrations than those on diets 2 and 3, while the serum triglyceride concentrations of the animals fed diets 1 and 2 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those fed diet 3 but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed the control diet. The study revealed that chronic ingestion of dietary FB1 ≥10.0 mg kg-1 may result in significant alterations of serum biochemical parameters in growing pigs suggesting chronic gastrointestinal or hepatic disease. | Fumonisin B1; Growing pigs; Serum biochemistry | Animalia; Pieris brassicae; Suidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891775574 | Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of chromolaena odorata in male wistar albino rats | Asomugha R.N., Okafor P.N., Ijeh I.I., Orisakwe O.E., Asomugha A.L., Ndefo J.C. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 3 | 12 | 10.7324/JAPS.2013.31216 | Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria; Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; | Asomugha, R.N., Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria; Okafor, P.N., Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Ijeh, I.I., Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Orisakwe, O.E., Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Asomugha, A.L., Dept. of Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School, Nnewi, Nigeria; Ndefo, J.C., Laboratory Unit, Medical Center, University of Nigeria, Nigeria | To evaluate the toxicological implications of the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. The aqueous leaf extract was administered three times per week, for 90 days at doses of 161.5mg/kg, 32 3mg/kg, 538,5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg body weight, respectively. The control animals received 0.5ml of deionised water alone. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 90days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the heart, testes and kidney harvested for histological analysis. Histopathological examination of the heart, lungs, testis and the kidneys did not show any observable morphological alterations. The biochemical parameters; amylase, albumin and total serum protein, and Na+ were found to be decreased at doses of 538.5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg, while the serum levels of creatine kinase, AST, K+, glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased at the same dose levels. The absence of exhibition of observable toxicity below 538.5mg/kg body weight suggests that the extract may be safe and non-toxic only at very low doses. © 2013 Asomugha RN et al. | Chromolaena odorata; Histopathology; Leaf extract; Toxicity study | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953535639 | Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf and berry extracts of Phytolacca dioica L. in male Wistar rats | Ashafa A.O.T., Sunmonu T.O., Afolayan A.J. | 2010 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 48 | 7 | 10.1016/j.fct.2010.04.029 | Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Ashafa, A.O.T., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Sunmonu, T.O., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Despite the widespread use of Phytolacca dioica L. in folklore medicine of South Africa, there is dearth of information on its safety/toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological effect of aqueous leaf and berry extracts of the plant at different dosages for 14. days on the liver and kidney function indices in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening indicated that the extracts are rich in phytonutrients including alkaloid, tannin, saponins, phenolics, lectins and flavonoids; while triterpenoids and phlobatanins were absent. The extracts significantly reduced the body and absolute organ weights of the animals at all the dosages investigated. Whereas, significant increase was observed in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, calcium, creatinine, urea and uric acid; the serum concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin were reduced in the serum following treatment with the extracts. Generally, the effect of the herb appeared to be dosage dependent. This investigation clearly showed that P. dioica can impair normal hepatic and renal functions. This is an indication that the extracts may not be completely safe in male rats when continuously administered for 14. days. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Body weight; Function indices; Haematological parameters; Marker enzymes; Phytolacca dioica | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; alkaloid; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; calcium; creatinine; flavonoid; globulin; herbaceous agent; phenol derivative; Phytolacca dioica extract; plant lectin; saponin; tannin; triterpenoid; unclassified drug; urea; uric acid; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; berry; calcium blood level; controlled study; creatinine blood level; dose response; drug safety; hyperbilirubinemia; liver toxicity; male; nephrotoxicity; nonhuman; phytochemistry; Phytolacca dioica; Phytolaccaceae; plant leaf; rat; toxicity testing; urea blood level; uric acid blood level; weight reduction; Animals; Fruit; Kidney Function Tests; Liver Function Tests; Male; Phytolacca; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Animalia; Phytolacca dioica; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955690695 | Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of Aloe ferox Mill. in loperamide-induced constipated rats | Wintola O.A., Sunmonu T.O., Afolayan A.J. | 2011 | Human and Experimental Toxicology | 30 | 5 | 10.1177/0960327110372647 | Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Wintola, O.A., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Sunmonu, T.O., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Aloe ferox Mill. is a widely used medicinal plant in South Africa for the treatment of many ailments including constipation. The present study evaluated the toxicological effect of aqueous leaf extract of the herb at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days on the haematological parameters as well as liver and kidney function indices in loperamide-induced constipated rats. The extract did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) effect on the kidney and liver-body weight ratio as well as the kidney function indices including serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions at all the dosages investigated. Whereas the serum levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl trasferase (GGT) were not affected, the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated animals were normalized following treatment with extract. The data obtained with respect to the haematological analysis indicated that the extracts had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the haematological parameters with the exception of lymphocyte count which was increased in the untreated constipated rats. This was however attenuated after administering the herb. The available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. © The Author(s) 2010. | Aloe ferox; function indices; haematological parameters; marker enzymes | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; Aloe ferox extract; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; calcium ion; creatinine; gamma glutamyltransferase; loperamide; plant extract; potassium ion; senokot; unclassified drug; urea; uric acid; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; Aloe; Aloe ferox; animal experiment; animal model; aqueous solution; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; body weight; calcium blood level; constipation; controlled study; creatinine blood level; drug safety; enzyme activity; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; hematological parameters; kidney function; kidney mass; liver function; liver weight; lymphocyte count; male; nonhuman; plant leaf; potassium blood level; priority journal; protein blood level; rat; toxicity testing; urea blood level; uric acid blood level; Aloe; Animals; Body Weight; Constipation; Disease Models, Animal; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Loperamide; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Organ Size; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Toxicity Tests; Aloe ferox; Animalia; Rattus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859295158 | Toxicological evaluation and usefulness of lipid peroxidation as biomarker of exposure to crude oil and petroleum products tested against african catfish, clarias gariepinus and hermit crab, clibanarius africanus | King M.A., Sogbanmu T.O., Osibona A.O., Doherty F., Otitoloju A.A. | 2012 | Nature Environment and Pollution Technology | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Ya | King, M.A., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Sogbanmu, T.O., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Osibona, A.O., Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Doherty, F., Department of Biological Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Otitoloju, A.A., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The toxicological evaluations of crude oil, petrol, kerosene and diesel were carried out against the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings and Hermit crab (Clibanarius africanus). On the basis of 96hr LC 50 value, petrol (LC 50 = 2.449 mL/L) was found to be the most toxic followed by diesel (LC50 = 7.839 mL/L), kerosene (LC 50 = 8.095 mL/L), and crude oil (LC 50= 9.355 mL/L) to Clarias gariepinus. For Clibanarius africanus also, petrol (LC 50 = 4.569mL/L) was the most toxic followed by kerosene (LC 50 = 8.705 mL/L), diesel (LC 50 = 13.852 mL/L) and (LC 50 = 35.955 mL/L). On the basis of the computed susceptibility factor, hermit crab was found to be 2x, 2x, 6.1x and slightly more tolerant than catfish when exposed to petrol, diesel, crude oil and kerosene respectively. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay against juveniles of C. gariepinus showed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of all the test chemicals increased significantly when compared to control animals. The observed increase in MDA levels in the liver tissues of test animals exposed to crude oil and refined petroleum products was recommended as a good biomarker for early detection of oil related pollution during biomonitoring programmes. | African catfish; Biomarker; Hermit crab; Lipid peroxidation; Petroleum products; Toxicological evaluation | African catfish; Biomonitoring; Clarias gariepinus; Hermit crab; Lipid peroxidation; Liver tissue; Malondialdehyde; Toxicological evaluation; Aldehydes; Biomarkers; Computer system firewalls; Fish; Gasoline; Kerosene; Oxidative stress; Petroleum products; Petroleum refining; Pollution detection; Shellfish; Tissue; Crude oil; biomarker; biomonitoring; crab; crude oil; lipid; pollution exposure; sublethal effect; teleost; toxicology; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus; Clibanarius; Decapoda (Crustacea) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865180945 | Toxicity study and evaluation of biochemical markers towards the identification of the causative agent for an outbreak of liver disease in Tahtay Koraro Woreda, Tigray | Debella A., Abebe D., Tekabe F., Mamo H., Abebe A., Tsegaye B., Ayana G., Degefa A., Negussie P., Yimer E., Challa F., Lemma E., Tefera A., Mekonnen Y., Afework N., Mudie K., Tadele A., Kidanemariam T., Muchie B., Dadi N. | 2012 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 50 | None | None | Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Drug Administration and Control Authority, Quality Control and Toxicology Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Debella, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebe, D., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tekabe, F., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mamo, H., Drug Administration and Control Authority, Quality Control and Toxicology Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebe, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tsegaye, B., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ayana, G., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Degefa, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Negussie, P., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yimer, E., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Challa, F., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lemma, E., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tefera, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mekonnen, Y., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Afework, N., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mudie, K., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tadele, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kidanemariam, T., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Muchie, B., Drug Administration and Control Authority, Quality Control and Toxicology Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dadi, N., Drug Administration and Control Authority, Quality Control and Toxicology Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: A team of experts of the Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University reported the emergence of unidentified fatal liver disease in Tahtay Koraro Woreda, Tigray in the mid of December 2005. The EHNRI has been then instructed to investigate the possible etiological agent that are likely to be responsible in triggering the health problem and a field survey team consisting of experts were went to the affected area to investigate the situations surrounding the disease. Objectives: This investigation was conducted to determine the possible etiological agent(s) for the stated health problem in the affected village. Method: Acute toxicity study was performed on animal model for the various samples used in human consumption, which was followed by histopathological examination of the liver of the sacrificed laboratory animals. In order to facilitate the elucidation of the causative agent for the alleged health problem further tests for clinical markers and antigens were also performed on the serum collected from affected persons. Result: Neither death nor toxic symptoms manifestations were observed on laboratory animals when feeding the consumable samples for a period of two weeks, however histopathological examination of the liver of the sacrificed animals that were given the unprotected pond water and Tela samples from the affected village as a drink revealed severe hepatoic necrosis. Biochemical test results of the serum samples revealed raised level of some clinical markers that are highly significant for detecting liver abnormality of toxic origin. Serological test for surface antigen ruled out the possible causes of infectious origin such as viral hepatitis. Conclusion: The overall results confirmed that the causative agent for the outbreak of the liver disease was of toxic origin rather than due to infectious agent and this was found to be associated with consumption of contaminated water as well as Tela. | Acute toxicity; Clinical markers; Etiological agent; Histopathogy; Liver disease | biological marker; animal; animal model; article; epidemic; Ethiopia; evaluation; female; human; liver disease; male; statistics; water pollution; Animals; Biological Markers; Disease Outbreaks; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Liver Diseases; Male; Models, Animal; Water Pollution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-72149109283 | Toxicity evaluation of the aqueous extract of the rhizome of Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch.) Skeels. (Fabaceae), in rats | Maphosa V., Masika P.J., Moyo B. | 2010 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 48 | 1 | 10.1016/j.fct.2009.09.040 | Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute (ARDRI), University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Maphosa, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Masika, P.J., Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute (ARDRI), University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Moyo, B., Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Elephantorrhiza elephantina root extract has been used as a traditional remedy for a wide range of ailments both in humans and livestock. As part of the safety assessment of the extract, acute, sub-acute and chronic toxicity tests were conducted by the oral route in rats. Male and female rats were divided into four groups consisting of five rats each and given doses of 200-1600 mg/kg bwt, 200-800 mg/kg bwt and 50-400 mg/kg bwt in acute (1 day), sub-acute (14 days) and chronic toxicity (35 days), respectively. During the experiment, no deaths were observed in any groups and there were no remarkable changes in general appearance, as well as in food and water consumption. Significant (P < 0.05) changes were however noted in body weights, haematological and serum biochemical parameters between the control and treated groups. Histopathological changes were also noted in kidneys, lungs, liver and spleen of rats receiving high doses. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the plant has some potential toxicity at certain dose levels; therefore caution has to be taken when using E. elephantina for medicinal purposes. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Elephantorrhiza elephantina toxicity; Haematology; Histopathology; Serum biochemistry | Elephantorrhiza elephantina extract; herbaceous agent; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; controlled study; death; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug megadose; drug safety; Elephantorrhiza elephantina; female; fluid intake; food intake; histopathology; legume; liver toxicity; lung toxicity; male; nephrotoxicity; nonhuman; rat; rhizome; spleen; toxicity testing; weight change; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fabaceae; Female; Kidney; Liver; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Elephantorrhiza elephantina; Fabaceae; Rattus | 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-s2.0-35548972877 | To what extent are nurses using recognised IMCI protocols to identify and manage children with HIV: An evaluation of IMCI trained nurses in Kwazulu Natal in the use of the HIV portion of the IMCI algorithm | Haskins J.L.M. | 2006 | Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | 8 | 2 | None | Durban University of Technology, Dept. of Postgraduate Nursing Studies, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa | Haskins, J.L.M., Durban University of Technology, Dept. of Postgraduate Nursing Studies, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa | In South Africa HIV infection is an increasing problem. The Department of Health (2004) estimated that by the end of 2003, 5.6 million people had acquired the HIV infection. Given the mother to child transmission of the disease, a paediatric HIV epidemic is expected. These children can be identified and managed using the HIV portion of the IMCI algorithm. This evaluation study sought to assess the accuracy of the use of the HIV portion of the algorithm by IMCI trained nurses in the public sector clinics in KwaZulu Natal province. Quantitative and qualitative procedures were utilized to conduct the survey. Eight nurses were selected through a two phase sampling strategy. The selected nurses were observed and assessed for a total of 72 consultations using a checklist. In addition, a questionnaire was developed and administered to the eight nurses in the original sample as well as 5 others who were conveniently selected. The findings indicate a poor level of accuracy with which IMCI trained nurses' use the algorithm and therefore suggest a poor level of management of HIV infection in children at clinic level in KwaZulu Natal. The findings indicated a reluctance of some IMCI trained nurses to discuss HIV infection with mothers who bring their children to the clinics. Support for IMCI nurses to accurately and effectively use the HIV portion of the IMCI algorithm needs to be introduced in order to provide a better service to children with HIV infection. | Algorithm; Assessment; HIV; IMCI; IMCI trained nurse | None | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000305583300126 | Towards Universal Health Coverage: An Evaluation of Rwanda Mutuelles in Its First Eight Years | Basinga, Paulin,Binagwaho, Agnes,Chin, Brian,Hill, Kenneth,Hirschhorn, Lisa R.,Lewandowski, Jiwon Lee,Lu, Chunling,Murray, Megan | 2012 | PLOS ONE | 7 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0039282 | Asian Development Bank, Harvard University, University of Rwanda | "Basinga, Paulin: University of Rwanda","Chin, Brian: Asian Development Bank","Hill, Kenneth: Harvard University","Hirschhorn, Lisa R.: Harvard University","Lewandowski, Jiwon Lee: Harvard University","Lu, Chunling: Harvard University","Murray, Megan: Harvard University", | Background: Mutuelles is a community-based health insurance program, established since 1999 by the Government of Rwanda as a key component of the national health strategy on providing universal health care. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of Mutuelles on achieving universal coverage of medical services and financial risk protection in its first eight years of implementation.
Methods and Findings: We conducted a quantitative impact evaluation of Mutuelles between 2000 and 2008 using nationally-representative surveys. At the national and provincial levels, we traced the evolution of Mutuelles coverage and its impact on child and maternal care coverage from 2000 to 2008, as well as household catastrophic health payments from 2000 to 2006. At the individual level, we investigated the impact of Mutuelles' coverage on enrollees' medical care utilization using logistic regression. We focused on three target populations: the general population, under-five children, and women with delivery. At the household level, we used logistic regression to study the relationship between Mutuelles coverage and the probability of incurring catastrophic health spending. The main limitation was that due to insufficient data, we are not able to study the impact of Mutuelles on health outcomes, such as child and maternal mortalities, directly. The findings show that Mutuelles improved medical care utilization and protected households from catastrophic health spending. Among Mutuelles enrollees, those in the poorest expenditure quintile had a significantly lower rate of utilization and higher rate of catastrophic health spending. The findings are robust to various estimation methods and datasets.
Conclusions: Rwanda's experience suggests that community-based health insurance schemes can be effective tools for achieving universal health coverage even in the poorest settings. We suggest a future study on how eliminating Mutuelles copayments for the poorest will improve their healthcare utilization, lower their catastrophic health spending, and affect the finances of health care providers. | ,ASIA,CARE,CHINA,COUNTRIES,IMPACT,INSURANCE,OUT-OF-POCKET,PAYMENTS,SERVICES | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925459930 | Towards the solution of abysmal performance in mathematics in junior high schools: Comparing the pedagogical potential Of two | Sarfo F.K., Eshun G., Elen J., Adentwi K.I. | 2014 | Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology | 12 | 3 | 10.14204/ejrep.34.14028 | Department of Educational Leadership, University of Education, Kumasi campus, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Mathematics, Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High School, Agona Ahanta, Ghana; Center for Instructional Psychology and Technology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Interdiscilinary Studies, University of Education, Kumasi Campus, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana | Sarfo, F.K., Department of Educational Leadership, University of Education, Kumasi campus, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana; Eshun, G., Department of Mathematics, Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High School, Agona Ahanta, Ghana; Elen, J., Center for Instructional Psychology and Technology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Adentwi, K.I., Department of Interdiscilinary Studies, University of Education, Kumasi Campus, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana | Introduction: In this study, the effectiveness of two different interventions was investigated. The effects of a concrete abstract intervention and a regular method of teaching intervention were compared. Both interventions were designed in line with the specifications of classical principles of instructional design for learning mathematics in the traditional classroom of junior high school (JHS) in Ghana. The purpose was to contribute to the solution of abysmal performance of mathematics in the JHS. Method: Eighty students randomly selected from JHS, were randomly assigned to the two treatments. The content for the treatments were selected from the JHS syllabus. A teacher was trained to implement the treatments. The main study, consisting of six sessions, was conducted in a regular classroom of the school. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t test, and t independent test were used to analyze the data. Results: Generally, the general performance of students in both groups improved significantly after they had experienced the designed treatments. Comparatively, t independent test revealed that the designed concrete representational abstract intervention (DCRAI) is more effective for improving students' general performance in geometry and algebra than the designed regular method of teaching intervention (DRMTI). Discussion and conclusion: The results of the study imply that instructional design principles are relevant, effective and needed in the design of classroom teaching, to address the poor performance in mathematics in JHSs (in Ghana). © Education & Psychology I+D+i and Ilustre Colegio Oficial de la Psicología de Andalucía Oriental. | Instructional intervention; Junior high school; Mathematics; Regular method of teaching; Representational abstract | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054840574 | Towards optimum chest compression performance during constant peak displacement cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Dellimore K.H.J., Cloete G., Scheffer C. | 2011 | Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing | 49 | 9 | 10.1007/s11517-011-0812-5 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, Western Cape, South Africa | Dellimore, K.H.J., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, Western Cape, South Africa; Cloete, G., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, Western Cape, South Africa; Scheffer, C., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, Western Cape, South Africa | The aim of this study is to determine the conditions necessary to achieve optimum chest compression (CC) performance during constant peak displacement cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This was accomplished by first performing a sensitivity analysis on a theoretical constant peak displacement CPR CC model to identify the parameters with the highest sensitivity. Next, the most sensitive parameters were then optimized for net sternumto-spine compression depth, using a two-variable non-linear least squares method. The theoretical CC model was found to be most sensitive to: thoracic stiffness, maximum sternal displacement, CC rate, and back support stiffness. Based on a two-variable, non-linear least squares analysis to optimize the model for the net sternum-to-spine compression depth during constant peak displacement CPR, it was found that the optimum ranges for the CC rate and back support stiffness are between 40-120 cpm and 241.0-1198.5 Ncm-1, respectively. Clinically, this suggests that current ERC guidelines for the CC rate during peak displacement CPR are appropriate; however, practitioners should be aware that the stiffness of the back support surfaces found in many hospitals may be sub-optimal and should consider using a backboard or a concrete floor to enhance CPR effectiveness. © International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering 2011. | Chest compression; Constant peak displacement; CPR; Non-linear least squares; Optimization | Back supports; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Chest compressions; Concrete floor; CPR; Non-linear least squares; Peak displacement; Sensitive parameter; Optimization; Stiffness; Surface reconstruction; Resuscitation; article; biological model; human; mechanical stress; methodology; pathophysiology; pressure; resuscitation; sternum; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Humans; Models, Cardiovascular; Pressure; Sternum; Stress, Mechanical | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927912291 | Towards malaria microscopy at the point-of-contact: An assessment of the diagnostic performance of the Newton Nm1 microscope in Uganda | Stothard J.R., Nabatte B., Sousa-Figueiredo J.C., Kabatereine N.B. | 2014 | Parasitology | 141 | 14 | 10.1017/S0031182014000833 | Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Stothard, J.R., Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Nabatte, B., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Sousa-Figueiredo, J.C., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Kabatereine, N.B., Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Malaria microscopy in sub-Saharan Africa is often restricted by access to light microscopes. To address this gap, a novel portable inverted monocular microscope, the Newton Nm1, was designed and is now commercially available. Its diagnostic performance was assessed in a blinded-slide trial at ×1000 (oil) of Giemsa-stained thick blood films against a conventional microscope as undertaken by four Ugandan Ministry of Health technicians. With the Newton Nm1, diagnostic performance was: sensitivity 93·5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78·6-99·2%), specificity 100·0% (95% CI 82·4-100·0%), positive predictive value 100·0% (95% CI 88·1-100·0%) and negative predictive value 90·5% (95% CI 69·6-98·8%). Discordance was due to a systematic error underestimating parasitaemia by ∼45%; when counting Plasmodium parasites against 200 white blood cells, blood films with low parasitaemia (i.e. <100 μL-1 of blood) could be overlooked and misclassified. By contrast, specificity was excellent with no false positives encountered. Whilst proven useful, especially in resource-poor environments, it is still unclear how we can ensure the uptake of the Newton Nm1 within sub-Saharan Africa. Copyright © 2014 Cambridge University Press. | Bland-Altman; diagnosis; evaluation; malaria; McArthur microscope; microscopy | adult; Article; child; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; film; Giemsa stain; human; infant; laboratory diagnosis; leukocyte; malaria; malaria microscopy; microscope; microscopy; nonhuman; parasitemia; Plasmodium; point of contact; portable inverted monocular microscope; predictive value; priority journal; schistosomiasis; sensitivity and specificity; systematic error; Uganda; Plasmodium parasites | Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872354866 | Towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: The impact of a rapid results initiative in nyanza province, Kenya | Dillabaugh L.L., Lewis Kulzer J., Owuor K., Ndege V., Oyanga A., Ngugi E., Shade S.B., Bukusi E., Cohen C.R. | 2012 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/602120 | Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Nairobi, Kenya; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Dillabaugh, L.L., Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Lewis Kulzer, J., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Owuor, K., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Ndege, V., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Oyanga, A., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Ngugi, E., U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Nairobi, Kenya; Shade, S.B., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Bukusi, E., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Cohen, C.R., Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES), Research, Care and Training Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Many HIV-positive pregnant women and infants are still not receiving optimal services, preventing the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and improving maternal child health overall. A Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) approach was utilized to address key challenges in delivery of prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) services including highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) uptake for women and infants. The RRI was conducted between April and June 2011 at 119 health facilities in five districts in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Aggregated site-level data were compared at baseline before the RRI (Oct 2010-Jan 2011), during the RRI, and post-RRI (Jul-Sep 2011) using pre-post cohort analysis. HAART uptake amongst all HIV-positive pregnant women increased by 40% (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7) and continued to improve post-RRI (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.8). HAART uptake in HIV-positive infants remained stable (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.4) during the RRI and improved by 30% (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6) post-RRI. Significant improvement in PMTCT services can be achieved through introduction of an RRI, which appears to lead to sustained benefits for pregnant HIV-infected women and their infants. © 2012 Lisa L. Dillabaugh et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917698943 | Towards contestation of perceptions, Distortions and misrepresentations of meanings, Functions and performance contexts in south african indigenous cultural practices | Mugovhani N.G., Mapaya M.G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1201 | Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa | Mugovhani, N.G., Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa; Mapaya, M.G., Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa | This article aims to contest the distortions and misrepresentations in the earlier writings of western scholars on the indigenous cultural practices of indigenous African language groups. The focus area will be Vhavenda communities around the Vhembe district of the Limpopo province of South Africa. This is the territory which was encroached by the various western missionary societies from as early as 1863. By 1940, most notable missionaries were almost well established in Venda. By the beginning of the 20th century, schools and hospitals also began to mushroom around Venda due to this missionary enterprise. Through interrogation of the various available sources; previous literature, our findings from participatory observations and the openended (sometimes-convergent) interviews and discussions, this article explores a number of the nomenclature and clichés that arose out of this missionary and ethnographic enterprise. The primary objective is to redress the resultant distortions of the information; with the objective of repositioning the distorted facts. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Indigenous african music; Indigenous knowledge systems; Malende; Malombo; Tshigombela; Tshikona; Venda cultural practices | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920437223 | Towards collective circum-antarctic passive acoustic monitoring: The southern ocean hydrophone network (SOHN) | Van Opzeeland I., Samaran F., Stafford K.M., Findlay K., Gedamke J., Harris D., Miller B.S. | 2014 | Polarforschung | 83 | 2 | None | Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | Van Opzeeland, I., Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; Samaran, F., PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Stafford, K.M., Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Findlay, K., Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Gedamke, J., National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Harris, D., Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Miller, B.S., Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | The Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) is an international research program initiated within the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2009 to promote collaborative cetacean research, develop nov el research techniques, and conduct non-lethal research on whales in the Southern Ocean (CHILDERHOUSE 2009). One of the original research projects of the SORP is the Blue and Fin Whale Acoustic Trends Project, which aims to implement a long term passive acoustic research program to examine trends in Antarctic blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin whale (B. physalus) abundance, distribution, and seasonal presence in the Southern Ocean through the use of a network of passive acoustic recorders: the Southern Ocean Hydrophone Network (SOHN). Networks of widely spaced passive acoustic recorders can provide insights in spatio-temporal patterns of the presence and properties of whale calls as well as the potential to monitor trends in Antarctic blue and fin whale abundance. The SOHN will consist of a network of autonomous underwater acoustic re cording stations surrounding the Antarctic continent with each site remaining active throughout the 10-year duration of the project. In addition to circum polar coverage, high priority will be given towards achieving simultaneous temporal coverage, especially in the early years of the project. While logis tical constraints may prevent uniform distribution of SOHN recording sites around the continent, the Acoustic Trends Working group (ATW) aims to have at least one recording site in each of the six IWC management areas (i.e., one per 60° longitudinal wedge). International collaboration and coordination are imperative to achieve the project goals due to the high cost of Antarctic research as well as the broad spatial and temporal scales over which the SOHN will span. Furthermore, standardization of data is paramount for accurate and efficient analysis and interpretation of SOHN data. To facilitate international participation in the SOHN, this document provides practical recommendations to guide and support passive acoustic data of project as well as technical and logistic information and recommendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse collection in Antarctic waters. This whitepaper addresses a wide audience, ranging from scientists from different disciplines with access to instrumenttation and/or infrastructure to collect passive acoustic data in the Southern Ocean, to ship operators or other parties that can provide logistic support to make the SOHN a reality. Background information and an outline of the sci entific aims of project as well as technical and logistic information and re commendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse audience coming from different backgrounds with widely differing levels of experience with the applications and use of passive acoustic instrumentation. By providing the information relevant for SOHN from the ground up, we aim that this document contributes to increase aware ness and participation by a broad range of partner nations and organizations in the SOHN and Acoustic Trends Projects. | None | abundance; autonomous underwater vehicle; bioacoustics; biomonitoring; cetacean; hydrophone; population distribution; spatiotemporal analysis; standardization; Southern Ocean; Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; Balaenoptera physalus; Cetacea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945270040 | Towards Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence in Reproductive Health Information Access Among In-School Adolescent Girls: Impact on Policy and Practice | Anasi S.N. | 2015 | Journal of Hospital Librarianship | 15 | 4 | 10.1080/15323269.2015.1079691 | Technical Processing Division, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Anasi, S.N., Technical Processing Division, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | All young people have the right to access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information. However, most adolescent girls in developing countries face sexuality without adequate information. This is due to the unwritten but active traditional norm against the discussion of sex and sexuality issues with young people. This article reports a descriptive study that investigated the adolescent girls’ degree of access to reproductive health information and the barriers to accessing reproductive health information. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 18 schools, three from each of the six Local Education Districts (LEDs) in Lagos State. The study sample consisted of 1800 girls in the selected schools. Data were collected with a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The result of the study revealed that in-school adolescent girls had limited access to reproductive health information. The findings also showed that lack of time to seek relevant information and unwillingness of parents to discuss reproductive health issues with the adolescents were major obstacles to reproductive health information access. The test of significance of relationship between access to reproductive health information and attitude towards reproductive health issues indicated significant positive relationship between access to reproductive health information and attitude towards reproductive health issues. The study concluded that access to reproductive health information exerts great influence on attitude towards reproductive health issues. The article recommends the adoption of multimedia approach for the dissemination of reproductive health information in public schools in Lagos State. © , Published with license by Taylor & Francis. | adolescent girls; Lagos State; reproductive health information; reproductive health issues | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952508849 | Towards assessing the social sustainability performance of the petroleum industry in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria | Bubou G.M., Brent A.C., Tredoux C. | 2009 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 20 | 1 | None | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Resource Based Sustainable Development, NRE, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Bubou, G.M., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Brent, A.C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Resource Based Sustainable Development, NRE, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; Tredoux, C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Unresolved social issues between the local community and the petroleum industry plague the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. These concerns are addressed by introducing a social sustainability assessment framework for the petroleum industry. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are identified, through a stakeholders' engagement process, for social performance measurement purposes. A five-year time-frame is proposed for the periodic assessment of the state of social sustainability. It is recommended that the petroleum industry make the accounting of social sustainability performance measures a priority before beginning projects, especially greenfield projects, since this can assist in resolving the volatility in the region. | None | Greenfield project; Key performance indicators; Local community; Niger Delta; Periodic assessment; Social issues; Social performance; Social sustainability; Benchmarking; Sustainable development | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78851470158 | Towards a performance-oriented management for large- scale irrigation systems: Case study, Rahad scheme, Sudan | Hamid S.H., Mohamed A.A., Mohamed Y.A. | 2011 | Irrigation and Drainage | 60 | 1 | 10.1002/ird.546 | Hydraulic Research Station, Wad Medani, Sudan; Institute of Water Management and Irrigation, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands | Hamid, S.H., Hydraulic Research Station, Wad Medani, Sudan; Mohamed, A.A., Institute of Water Management and Irrigation, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan; Mohamed, Y.A., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands | The underperformance problem of large-scale irrigation systems particularly in developing countries, has adversely affected levels of production of those systems. The fact that these irrigation systems are not managed in response to their performance has been identified as the main reason behind their malfunctioning. A performance-oriented management approach is demonstrated here to help irrigation system managers take the right decisions, through continuous in-season performance assessment. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite images of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-AVHRR) for the year 2000, complemented by water release data, were used to assess the performance of the Rahad irrigation scheme, Sudan (126 000ha), on a 10-day time step. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm (SEBAL) was used to process the NOAA-AVHRR images. The decisions on irrigation water allocation are guided by maps of the relative water supply and soil moisture content generated for the last time step. Further decision support could be realized using the performance indicators of the system and the soil water balance for the given time step. A semiautomatic computer program was developed which can be easily used by field staff to support their management decisions. It is anticipated that the application of such an approach will improve the performance of large-scale irrigation systems, and support development of a performance-oriented management culture among the staff of these irrigation systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Irrigation systems management; Performance; Remote sensing | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856119401 | Towards an Understanding, Through Action Research, of the Socio-Organizational Issues Impacting on Mobile Technology Adoption and Diffusion Within a Small-to-Medium South African Construction Company | Abrahamse J., Lotriet H. | 2012 | Systemic Practice and Action Research | 25 | 1 | 10.1007/s11213-011-9202-z | Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Computing, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Abrahamse, J., Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Lotriet, H., School of Computing, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | We investigated, through an action research approach, social issues that impact on mobile technology adoption and diffusion in a professional construction management team of a small-to-medium sized South African construction company. The outcome of the study resulted in a framework of thinking that integrates social factors at individual and organisational levels that impacted on the adoption of mobile technologies in the organisation. At the methodological level the study is part of a limited collection of papers that used AR in the study of technology adoption and diffusion and it presents an example of the capability of AR as a method to allow for the integration of the social contexts of users into adoption frameworks. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Action research; Adoption; Construction; Mobile technology; Socio-organisational issues; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880287523 | Towards an OPNET modeler based performance comparison of routing protocols in mobile Ad-hoc networks using voice over IP traffic | Mbougni M., Polite Ncube Z., Oukouomi Noutchie S.C. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Mbougni, M., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Polite Ncube, Z., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Oukouomi Noutchie, S.C., Department of Mathematics, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | With the increasing use of mobile devices and advances in wireless technologies, Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) has drawn great attention for being part of ubiquitous networks. MANET is an autonomous collection of mobile and/or fixed nodes that can communicate together over relatively bandwidth constrained wireless links, and the network topology may change rapidly and unpredictably over time. Unlike the conventional network, MANET is decentralized radio wireless network that can be established in situations where no infrastructure exists or where deployment of infrastructure is expensive or inconvenient. As a result, routing protocols play a crucial role in managing the formation, configuration, and maintenance of the topology of the network. There has been an extensive research on performance analysis of routing protocols in MANETs. However, most of the work done on the performance evaluation of routing protocols is done using the Constant Bit Rate (CBR) traffic. This paper presents the performance analysis of MANETs routing protocols such as Ad hoc on Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), Temporary Ordered Routing Algorithm (TORA), and Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic. The performance metrics used for the analysis of these routing protocols are delay and throughput. The overall results show that the proactive routing protocol (OLSR) performs better in terms of delay and throughput than the reactive Suares Clovis Oukouomi Noutchie. | MANET; Routing protocols; VoIP | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861869814 | Towards an integrated global framework to assess the impacts of land use and management change on soil carbon: Current capability and future vision | Smith P., Davies C.A., Ogle S., Zanchi G., Bellarby J., Bird N., Boddey R.M., McNamara N.P., Powlson D., Cowie A., van Noordwijk M., Davis S.C., Richter D.D.B., Kryzanowski L., van Wijk M.T., Stuart J., Kirton A., Eggar D., Newton-Cross G., Adhya T.K., Br | 2012 | Global Change Biology | 18 | 7 | 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02689.x | Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, United Kingdom; Shell Global Solutions (UK), Shell Technology Centre Thornton, PO Box 1, Chester, CH1 3SH, United Kingdom; Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO CH1 3SH, United States; Resources - Institute for Water Energy and Sustainability, Joanneum Research, Graz, A-8010, Austria; Embrapa Agrobiologia, Seropédica, 23890-000, Brazil; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; Department of Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom; National Centre for Rural Greenhouse Gas Research, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia; World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor 16115, Po Box 161, Bogor, 16001, Indonesia; Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Land Use Section, Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton, T6H 5T6, Canada; Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, NL, Netherlands; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Soils Policy Team, Defra, Area 3C, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, United Kingdom; Energy Technologies Institute, Holywell Building, Holywell Park, Loughborough, LE11 3UZ, United Kingdom; BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1UH, United Kingdom; Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Orissa, 753 006, India; World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC, United States | Smith, P., Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, United Kingdom; Davies, C.A., Shell Global Solutions (UK), Shell Technology Centre Thornton, PO Box 1, Chester, CH1 3SH, United Kingdom; Ogle, S., Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO CH1 3SH, United States; Zanchi, G., Resources - Institute for Water Energy and Sustainability, Joanneum Research, Graz, A-8010, Austria; Bellarby, J., Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, United Kingdom; Bird, N., Resources - Institute for Water Energy and Sustainability, Joanneum Research, Graz, A-8010, Austria; Boddey, R.M., Embrapa Agrobiologia, Seropédica, 23890-000, Brazil; McNamara, N.P., Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; Powlson, D., Department of Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom; Cowie, A., National Centre for Rural Greenhouse Gas Research, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia; van Noordwijk, M., World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor 16115, Po Box 161, Bogor, 16001, Indonesia; Davis, S.C., Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Richter, D.D.B., Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Kryzanowski, L., Land Use Section, Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton, T6H 5T6, Canada; van Wijk, M.T., Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, NL, Netherlands, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Stuart, J., Soils Policy Team, Defra, Area 3C, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, United Kingdom; Kirton, A., Energy Technologies Institute, Holywell Building, Holywell Park, Loughborough, LE11 3UZ, United Kingdom; Eggar, D., BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1UH, United Kingdom; Newton-Cross, G., Energy Technologies Institute, Holywell Building, Holywell Park, Loughborough, LE11 3UZ, United Kingdom; Adhya, T.K., Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Orissa, 753 006, India; Braimoh, A.K., World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC, United States | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 1 methodologies commonly underpin project-scale carbon accounting for changes in land use and management and are used in frameworks for Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprinting of food and energy crops. These methodologies were intended for use at large spatial scales. This can introduce error in predictions at finer spatial scales. There is an urgent need for development and implementation of higher tier methodologies that can be applied at fine spatial scales (e.g. farm/project/plantation) for food and bioenergy crop greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting to facilitate decision making in the land-based sectors. Higher tier methods have been defined by IPCC and must be well evaluated and operate across a range of domains (e.g. climate region, soil type, crop type, topography), and must account for land use transitions and management changes being implemented. Furthermore, the data required to calibrate and drive the models used at higher tiers need to be available and applicable at fine spatial resolution, covering the meteorological, soil, cropping system and management domains, with quantified uncertainties. Testing the reliability of the models will require data either from sites with repeated measurements or from chronosequences. We review current global capability for estimating changes in soil carbon at fine spatial scales and present a vision for a framework capable of quantifying land use change and management impacts on soil carbon, which could be used for addressing issues such as bioenergy and biofuel sustainability, food security, forest protection, and direct/indirect impacts of land use change. The aim of this framework is to provide a globally accepted standard of carbon measurement and modelling appropriate for GHG accounting that could be applied at project to national scales (allowing outputs to be scaled up to a country level), to address the impacts of land use and land management change on soil carbon. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Land use; Land use change; Model; Monitoring; Soil carbon | environmental monitoring; footprint; land management; land use change; life cycle analysis; modeling; soil carbon; spatial analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941206934 | Towards an Explicit Justice Framing of the Social Impacts of Conservation | Martin A., Akol A., Gross-Camp N. | 2015 | Conservation and Society | 13 | 2 | 10.4103/0972-4923.164200 | School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Martin, A., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Akol, A., Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Gross-Camp, N., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | This paper proposes that biodiversity conservation practice will benefit from assessment of environmental justice outcomes, especially in contexts of poverty and social marginalisation. Whilst there is an existing body of work that implicitly considers the justices and injustices arising from biodiversity conservation interventions, we suggest that a more explicit justice assessment might complement this work. We develop some general guidelines for such assessment, drawing on traditions of social and environmental justice, highlighting the importance of considering two types of justice outcome: distribution and recognition. We note the non-equivalence of these different justice values, implying that they cannot be traded-off against each other. We try out these guidelines through a case study of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. We find that the assessment helps us to identify intolerable social impacts of conservation, notably failures to adequately address the long-term impoverishment and domination of the indigenous Batwa people, and offers constructive insight for how conservation can better align with the need for environmental justice. ©Martin et al 2015. | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; ecosystem services; environmental justice; recognition; revenue sharing; tourism; Uganda | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549089282 | Towards a framework for measuring end to end performance of land administration business processes - A case study | Chimhamhiwa D., Molen P.v.d., Mutanga O., Rugege D. | 2009 | Computers, Environment and Urban Systems | 33 | 4 | 10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2009.04.001 | University of KwaZulu Natal, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; International Institute for Geo Information Management and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands | Chimhamhiwa, D., University of KwaZulu Natal, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Molen, P.v.d., International Institute for Geo Information Management and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands; Mutanga, O., University of KwaZulu Natal, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Rugege, D., University of KwaZulu Natal, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Land administration delivery problems, particularly in developing countries, are generally systemic and complex. Requests in land administration are mostly delivered through business processes that run across multiple organizations. Since the delivery challenges go beyond the capabilities of single organizations to solve alone, a multi organizational approach is suggested to detect, assess and improve LA processes. This paper presents a conceptual model for measuring end to end performance of land administration systems based on cross-organizational business processes. The model, which is constructed on six measurement dimensions, is built on a case study of subdivision processes in six urban municipalities, across three developing countries. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cross-organizational business processes, land administration; Performance measurement | Conceptual models; Cross-organizational business processes, land administration; Delivery problems; End-to-end performance; Multiple organizations; Performance measurement; Developing countries; administration; conceptual framework; developing world; land management; land use planning; performance assessment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956911866 | Towards a condition monitoring of rock art sites: The case of BNE 1 in Free State Province, South Africa | Jopela A. | 2010 | South African Archaeological Bulletin | 65 | 191 | None | Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Eduarde Mondlane University, P.O.Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Rock Art Research Institute, GAES, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Jopela, A., Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Eduarde Mondlane University, P.O.Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique, Rock Art Research Institute, GAES, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Management of rock art sites entails continuous monitoring of changes in the condition of the site. Monitoring ensures that changes that occur at the site over time are recorded and controlled. Monitoring is a crucial step in any management process because it enables conservators and managers to determine causes and rates of deterioration, derive a prognosis as well as develop appropriate conservation strategies for sites. Monitoring is thus an indispensable tool for rockart managers in their attempts to minimize or mitigate site damage. This paper analyses how condition change was monitored at a particular rock art site (BNE 1) in Clocolan district, Free State Province, South Africa. Photographic analysis using a digital camera and computer software (Adobe Illustrator Creative Suite 2 and ImageJ), was used to monitor condition change. It is suggested that future monitoring of public rock art sites in Free State in particular and in South Africa in general, should be based on a negotiated partnership between interested parties. | Condition monitoring; Conservation; Heritage management; Rock art; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923551169 | Toward an analytical framework for understanding complex socialecological systems when conducting environmental impact assessments in South Africa | Bowd R., Quinn N.W., Kotze D.C. | 2015 | Ecology and Society | 20 | 1 | 10.5751/ES-07057-200141 | School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of the West of England, United Kingdom | Bowd, R., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Quinn, N.W., Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of the West of England, United Kingdom; Kotze, D.C., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Consideration of biophysical impacts has historically dominated environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice. Despite the emergence of social impact assessment, the consideration of socioeconomic impacts in EIA is variable, as is the extent of their integration in EIA findings. There is growing recognition for the need to move EIA practice toward sustainability assessment, characterized by comprehensiveness, i.e., scope of impacts, integration, i.e., of biophysical and socioeconomic impacts, and a greater strategic focus. This is particularly the case in developing regions and in countries like South Africa, which have statutory requirements for the full consideration of socioeconomic impacts in EIA. We suggest that EIA practice could benefit from incorporating evolving theory around social-ecological systems (SES) as an effective way of moving toward sustainability assessment. As far as we are aware, our study constitutes the first attempt to apply and formalize SES constructs to EIA practice within a regulated procedure. Our framework goes beyond conventional scoping approaches reliant on checklists and matrices by requiring the EIA practitioner to cocreate a conceptual model of the current and future social-ecological system with the implicated communities. This means social and biophysical impacts are assessed integratively, and that communities participate meaningfully in the EIA process, thereby helping address two of the most common shortfalls of EIA practice. The framework was applied in two case studies, establishment of communitybased accommodation linked to existing tourism infrastructure (Eastern Cape, South Africa), and a proposed wine estate (KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa). The framework revealed impacts, which would not be considered in a biophysically-oriented EIA, and helped identify development synergies and institutional and governance needs that are equally likely to have been overlooked. We suggest the framework has value as a counterpoint to established approaches and could contribute to improving the quality of EIAs with respect to the complex SESs that characterize the developing world. © 2015 by the author(s). | Ecosystem services; Environmental impact assessment (EIA); Framework; Participation; Social-ecological system (SES); Sustainability assessment | analytical framework; developing world; ecosystem service; environmental impact assessment; participatory approach; sustainability; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-23444442272 | Tourism impact, distribution and development: The spatial structure of tourism in the Western Cape province of South Africa | Cornelissen S. | 2005 | Development Southern Africa | 22 | 2 | 10.1080/03768350500163014 | Department of Political Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Cornelissen, S., Department of Political Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The structural dimensions of a country's tourism sector, and in particular the spatial structure of tourism production and consumption, relate closely to the nature and extent of the impact that tourism can have. This article examines the spatial characteristics of tourism in the Western Cape province, one of South Africa's foremost international tourist regions, and where its government seeks to use tourism as an instrument of development and socio-economic transformation. To understand how this could be effected it is necessary to understand the spatial distributional effects of tourism, and the underlying reasons for it. To this end the article examines the spatial structure of the provincial accommodation sector as evidenced in patterns of accommodation supply and tourist usage (demand); and trends in the nature, direction and distribution of public and private-sector tourism investments. The central argument is that tourism is geographically focused, with tourist activities concentrated in a few locales and sub-regions. This follows the general demographic and economic contours of the province. Yet trends in capital investments tend to reinforce the spatial concentration of tourism. Attempts by the govemment to spread tourism's benefits have not been too successful due to institutional and capacity deficiencies. Greater emphasis should be placed on developing domestic tourism. © 2005 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | None | regional pattern; spatial analysis; structural analysis; tourist destination; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878360910 | Total building performance approach in building evaluation: Case study of an office building in Singapore | Oyedele L.O., Tham K.W., Fadeyi M.O., Jaiyeoba B.E. | 2012 | Journal of Energy Engineering | 138 | 1 | 10.1061/(ASCE)EY.1943-7897.0000056 | School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's Univ. Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom; Dept. of Building, School of Design and Environment, National Univ. of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, | Oyedele, L.O., School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's Univ. Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom; Tham, K.W., Dept. of Building, School of Design and Environment, National Univ. of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566, Singapore; Fadeyi, M.O., Faculty of Engineering, British Univ. in Dubai, P.O. Box 345015, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Jaiyeoba, B.E., Dept. of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Obafemi Awolowo Univ., Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Although the individual building system has been designed to meet the specific performance criteria, the way people will perceive and react to a total office environment is only known after it is in use and subjected to diagnostic. Evaluation of office space has gone beyond looking at a single building requirement. There exists the need to look at the interrelationship of performance mandates to provide healthy buildings for building occupants and most importantly, to reduce energy consumption during the construction and operation of buildings. This study aims to demonstrate the use of total building performance (TBP) evaluation and diagnostic to assess the performance of an existing office building in Singapore. Two floors of the evaluated high-rise commercial building have been evaluated by using the TBP paradigm. Objective measurements and observations (walkthrough) coupled with occupant survey (subjective measurement) has been conducted. The analysis demonstrates that there is concurrence between the objective and subjective measures, and that the holistic approach of TBP elicited the interrelationships between the performance's mandates and constitutes a sound basis for diagnostics and sustainability improvement. This study is significant because it provides an evaluation tool for ensuring sustainable buildings. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. | Building diagnostics; Carbon emission reduction; Office building; Performance mandates; Singapore; Sustainability; Total building performance | Building performance; Carbon emission reductions; Existing office buildings; Objective and subjective measures; Performance mandates; Reduce energy consumption; Singapore; Subjective measurements; Energy utilization; Intelligent buildings; Sustainable development; Office buildings | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875241328 | Total body imaging evaluation after initial resuscitation in paediatric trauma | Tummers W.S.F.J., Isaacs S., van As A.B. | 2013 | Injury Extra | 44 | 4 | 10.1016/j.injury.2012.12.031 | Department of Trauma Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Tummers, W.S.F.J., Department of Trauma Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Isaacs, S., Department of Trauma Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; van As, A.B., Department of Trauma Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888367458 | To start and quit smoking cigarettes: An evaluation of students in a nigerian city | Atoyebi O.A., Ibirongbe D.O., Babatunde O.A., Atoyebi O.E. | 2013 | Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene | 54 | 2 | None | Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, P.M.B 201, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria | Atoyebi, O.A., Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria, Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, P.M.B 201, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Ibirongbe, D.O., Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Babatunde, O.A., Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Atoyebi, O.E., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria | Introduction: Several factors have been shown to influence cigarette smoking and are important in creating measures for tobacco control. The aim of this study is to identify the factors responsible for making decisions to start or stop cigarette smoking among students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which sampled 280 youths in tertiary institutions using multi-stage sampling technique. The data was collected using self- administered questionnaire that had been pretested and validated. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Frequency tables and cross-tabulations were generated with a 95% confidence interval and predetermined p-value at less than 0.05. Results: All the current smokers (100%) were males, most (73.2%) were within 21 to 25 years of age and 87.8% of them had a relative or friend who smoked. Some (29%) of the students who currently smoked were willing to quit smoking while 73.2% of them had ever attempted to quit smoking. Students who smoked to relieve stress were willing to stop smoking (100.0%), while 40% of those who smoked for pleasure/relaxation were willing to stop smoking. Students who had received lectures on smoking were significantly willing to quit (100.0%) compared with those who had not received such lectures (0.0%) (p=0.000). Discussion: Understanding the role of the factors associated with smoking initiating and cessation is very crucial in planning appropriate intervention for the control of cigarette smoking among the youths and there is need for more youth oriented health education directed towards a proper attitude to tobacco control. | Tobacco; University; Youths | adult; article; control strategy; cross-sectional study; evaluation research; female; human; leisure; male; Nigeria; normal human; peer pressure; pleasure; questionnaire; research student; smoking cessation; smoking habit | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77249095073 | Torque performance of optimally designed three- and five-phase reluctance synchronous machines with two rotor structures | Rakgati E.T., Kamper M.J. | 2006 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 97 | 1 | None | Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa | Rakgati, E.T., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa; Kamper, M.J., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa | In this paper the torque performance of optimally designed three- and five-phase reluctance synchronous machines with different normal laminated rotor structures are studied. Both the round rotor with internal flux barriers and salient-pole rotor with no internal flux barriers but only cut-outs are investigated. The effect on the torque performance by adding third harmonic current component to the phase currents in a five-phase reluctance synchronous machine is also studied. The magnetostatic finite-element field solution with skew taken into account is used directly by an optimisation algorithm to optimise in multi-dimensions the design of the machines under same copper losses and volume. It is found that the torque increase due to third harmonic current injection is only 4% in the case of the five-phase machine with salient-pole rotor; the three-phase machine with round, internal-flux-barrier rotor is shown to outperform this machine in terms of torque by 28%. The measured torque results of the three-phase machine with round, internal-flux-barrier rotor are presented and compared with calculated results.Copyright © 2004 IEEE. | Design optimization; Finite element method; Five-phase; Reluctance synchronous machine; Rotor structures | Copper loss; Cut out; Design optimization; Finite-element fields; Five-phase machines; Internal fluxes; Laminated rotors; Optimisations; Phase currents; Reluctance synchronous machine; Rotor structures; Third harmonic; Third harmonic current injection; Three-phase machines; Finite element method; Optimal systems; Poles; Structural optimization; Torque; Machine design | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-73949086112 | Topography over the Chicxulub impact crater from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data | Kinsland G.L., Pope K.O., Cardador M.H., Cooper G.R.J., Cowan D.R., Kobrick M., Sanchez G. | 2005 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 384 | None | 10.1130/0-8137-2384-1.141 | Energy Institute, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States; Geo Eco Arc Research, 16305 St. Mary's Church Road, Aquasco, MD 20608, United States; Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 152, Mexico D.F. 07730, Mexico; Department of Geophysics, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Cowan Geodata Services-Consulting Geophysicists, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; SRTM Project Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 91109, United States; Regional Application Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States | Kinsland, G.L., Energy Institute, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States; Pope, K.O., Geo Eco Arc Research, 16305 St. Mary's Church Road, Aquasco, MD 20608, United States; Cardador, M.H., Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 152, Mexico D.F. 07730, Mexico; Cooper, G.R.J., Department of Geophysics, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Cowan, D.R., Cowan Geodata Services-Consulting Geophysicists, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; Kobrick, M., SRTM Project Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 91109, United States; Sanchez, G., Regional Application Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States | Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data over the Chicxulub impact crater are imaged and compared to previously available topography data. While the two data sets contain different biases related to variations in terrain and vegetation cover, the correspondence of the two sets supports earlier interpretations that the complex structure of the buried crater is expressed in the topography of the northwestern Yucatán Peninsula, México. © 2005 Geological Society of America. | Chicxulub; Impact crater; SRTM; Topography | crater; impact structure; satellite data; Shuttle Radar Topography Mission; terrain; topography; vegetation cover | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942364410 | Tool life estimation based on acoustic emission monitoring in end-milling of H13 mould-steel | Olufayo O., Abou-El-Hossein K. | 2015 | International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology | 81 | 42373 | 10.1007/s00170-015-7091-5 | Laboratory of Precision Engineering, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Olufayo, O., Laboratory of Precision Engineering, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Abou-El-Hossein, K., Laboratory of Precision Engineering, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Developing a reliable monitoring system is essential to create an autonomous manufacturing industry for increased productivity. The tool life of a machine tool is a major key parameter in accessing process quality control for developing an automated system. Various machining parameters are known to have different effects on the tool life criterion. Thus, it is essential to estimate the correlation of these parameters on tool life. The aim of this research is geared at estimating the tool life criterion from the effects of machining parameters and monitors the high-speed end-milling process of H13 tool with coated carbide inserts using highly correlated AE features. Furthermore, it proposes a diagnostic scheme using a multi-sensor approach for categorising the state of the tool. This scheme uses feature components extracted via statistical means and wavelet transform to serve as inputs for a neural network. The results found that increased speed decreased tool life and feed rate possesses a negative correlation to wear. © 2015, Springer-Verlag London. | Acoustic emission; Machining; Tool life | Acoustic emission testing; Acoustic emissions; Automation; Carbide cutting tools; Carbides; Damage detection; Machine tools; Machining; Machining centers; Milling (machining); Wavelet transforms; Acoustic emission monitoring; Coated carbide insert; High speed end milling; Increased productivity; Manufacturing industries; Process quality control; Reliable monitoring systems; Tool life; Cutting tools | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646425590 | Tomato fruit size, maturity and α-tomatine content influence the performance of larvae of potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) | Mulatu B., Applebaum S.W., Kerem Z., Coll M. | 2006 | Bulletin of Entomological Research | 96 | 2 | 10.1079/BER2005412 | Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, PO Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Institute of Biochemistry Food Science and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel | Mulatu, B., Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, PO Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Applebaum, S.W., Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Kerem, Z., Institute of Biochemistry Food Science and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Coll, M., Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel | Various physical and chemical properties of host plants influence insect larval performance and subsequent adult fitness. Tomato plants are relatively new hosts to the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), with the fruit being its preferred feeding site. However, it is unclear how the biochemical and physical properties of tomato fruits relate to potato tuber moth performance. Significant amounts of α-tomatine were detected in maturing green and ripening fruits of cherry (cv. Ceres) and processing (cv. Serio) types of tomatoes whereas none was detected in a fresh market variety (cv. Marglobe), at comparable stages. α-Tomatine is negatively and significantly correlated with development rate (head capsule size) of larvae reared in the fruits of the cherry and processing type tomatoes. Generally, survival, growth and development were significantly superior for larvae reared in the ripening fruits of the fresh market cultivar. At this stage, the fruits of this cultivar are also the largest. Based on these results it is concluded that fruit α-tomatine content, as well as fruit size and maturity, all affect performance of P. operculella larvae in the fruits of cultivated tomatoes. © CAB International, 2006. | Herbivory; Insect-plant interactions; Phthorimaea operculella; Potato tuber moth; Secondary plant compounds; Tomatine; Tomato | tomatine; cultivar; fruit production; growth and development; host plant; larval development; moth; analysis of variance; animal; article; body weight; chemistry; comparative study; drug effect; growth, development and aging; larva; Lepidoptera; parasitology; physiology; survival; tomato; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Body Weight; Larva; Lepidoptera; Lycopersicon esculentum; Survival Analysis; Tomatine; Ceres; Gelechiidae; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycopersicon esculentum; Phthorimaea operculella; Solanum tuberosum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859497377 | Tocopherol supplementation on stocking density of broiler: Effect on performance characteristics and serum enzymes | Adebiyi O.A. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adebiyi, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A total of two hundred and seventy day-old Arbor Acre strain of broiler chicks were used for this research. Five treatment: T1 - positive control (10 birds/m2), T2 - negative control, T3, T4 and T5 had 20 birds/m2. T1 and T2 had no supplementation with vitamin E (d1-α-tocopheryl acetate). T3, T4 and T5 had 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150 mg/kg vitamin E supplementations respectively. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and weight gain and serum enzymes (Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)) were determined. There were no significant changes in the weight gain and final weight of the birds fed the different dietary treatments. The feed intake increased significantly in birds fed T2 (1.91kg) and compared to their counterpart on vitamin E supplementation (from 1.58 to 1.60 kg). However, FCR of birds on diets T1 (2.50), T4 (2.77) and T5 (2.50) was similar (P>0.05). The total protein and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) values were neither affected by increased stocking density nor with or without vitamin E supplementation. However, increased stocking density without vitamin E supplementation (T2) (0.97 U.I/l) resulted in a significant reduction in the albumin values. Although ALT values increased significantly with increase in vitamin E supplementation, the birds on dietary T1 (8.00 U.I/l) had similar level of ALT with their counterpart on T4 (7.50U.I/l) and T5 (8.50 U.I/l). In conclusion broiler chicks could be stocked up to 20 birds/m2 only if the diet is supplemented with 100mg/kg vitamin E. | Broilers; Serum enzymes; Stock density; Vitamin E | Aves | None |
None | None | Tobacco growers at the crossroads: Towards a comparison of diversification and ecosystem impacts | Geist H.J., Chang K.-t., Etges V., Abdallah J.M. | 2009 | Land Use Policy | 26 | 4 | 10.1016/j.landusepol.2009.01.003 | University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography and Environment, Elphinstone Road, Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom; National Taiwan University, Department of Geography, 1 Roosevelt Road, Section 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan; Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Departamento de História e Geografia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional, Avenida Independência 2293, CEP 96815-900 Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil; Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Forest Economics, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | Geist, H.J., University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography and Environment, Elphinstone Road, Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom; Chang, K.-t., National Taiwan University, Department of Geography, 1 Roosevelt Road, Section 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan; Etges, V., Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Departamento de História e Geografia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional, Avenida Independência 2293, CEP 96815-900 Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil; Abdallah, J.M., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Forest Economics, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | An international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has been in force since 2005, also aimed at regulating tobacco farming: FCTC article 17 on diversification, and FCTC article 18 on socio-ecological issues. Relating to the FCTC, information was gained and evaluated from tobacco farmers of growing areas sampled from major world regions (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, Tabora/Tanzania, Meinung/Taiwan, and Germany/Europe). A local farming survey was carried out in 2007, using a common data protocol, which covered, among others, questions on area and production development, energy used in curing, workforce, economic livelihood situation, and diversification opportunities. In addition to the survey, secondary (national-scale) statistics, public testimonies and other published data were explored. We analyzed these data using a portfolio approach, which combined statistical analysis, meta-analytical study and descriptive narratives. The projected trend of a global shift of tobacco cultivation into the developing world is confirmed, but also refined. Wood is used in Brazil and Tanzania for curing Virginia green leaf, thus contradicting the projected continuous reduction of this energy source. Child labour remains a major component of family farm tobacco operations in Brazil and Tanzania, while the cost and availability of seasonal labour turns into a bottleneck of production in Germany. More diversification opportunities exist than generally claimed, but no efforts are seen to address poor and vulnerable growers, in particular. German and Taiwanese tobacco growers can reasonably be predicted to discontinue farming in the near future, while tobacco cultivation in Brazil and Tanzania is seen to expand, mainly due to the political economy of low-cost production. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the work of the UN Study Group on Economically Sustainable Alternatives to Tobacco Growing (ESATG), effective since 2007. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Agricultural alternatives; Crop substitution; Deforestation; Framework convention on tobacco control; Land use transition; Rural livelihood; Tobacco transition; Wood use | agrarian change; agricultural diversification; agricultural worker; alternative agriculture; comparative study; crop production; cultivation; developing world; ecological impact; family farm; land use change; meta-analysis; rural economy; tobacco; Africa; Asia; Brazil; Central Europe; East Africa; Eurasia; Europe; Far East; Germany; South America; Sub-Saharan Africa; Taiwan; Tanzania; Nicotiana tabacum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955596902 | Titrimetric evaluation of cyanogens in parts of some Nigerian cassava species | Etonihu A.C., Olajubu O., Ekanem E.O., Bako S.S. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria; Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Etonihu, A.C., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Olajubu, O., Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria; Ekanem, E.O., Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Bako, S.S., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | In this study, Tropical Manihot Selection TMS 30572 fresh cassava samples from Kubwa (in Abuja) and Agbara (in Ogun State) of Nigeria were evaluated for cyanogens using titrimetric method. The variations in the cyanide concentrations from different parts of the plant were significant at p<0.05 and of the order leave> peel> tuber (flesh)> stem. The average cyanide contents, respectively for the Abuja and Agbara samples ranged from 32.85±1.55 ppm to 36.17±11.80 ppm for stems; 50.24±0.18 ppm to 74.38±0.41 ppm for tubers; 74.38±0.41 ppm to 84.96±1.70 ppm for peels and 105.21±0.95 ppm to 118.00±13.70 ppm for leaves. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cassava parts; Cyanogens; Nigeria | cyanide; article; cassava; controlled study; food analysis; Nigeria; nonhuman; plant leaf; plant stem; titrimetry; Manihot; Manihot esculenta | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858774220 | Tipping Practices and Policies in Zimbabwe's Hotel Industry: Impacts on Restaurant Waiters' Service Delivery and Work Relationships | Mkono M. | 2011 | Journal of Foodservice Business Research | 14 | 4 | 10.1080/15378020.2011.624054 | Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe | Mkono, M., Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe | This study analyzes tipping practices and policies in Zimbabwe's hotel industry from the perspective of restaurant waiters. The majority of respondents reported that discretionary tipping, as opposed to service charges, is the norm and that most hotels have a tip-pooling system. The findings show that guests who are expected to tip well, based largely on stereotypes as well as past tipping behavior, get better service treatment from waiters. Among themselves, waiters said that the culture of tipping has a huge impact on their work relationships. Most waiters presumed the pooling of tips to be an unfair practice. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Hotels; Service Delivery; Tipping; Waiters; Work relationships | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957268796 | Tinnitus in the elderly: Profile, correlates, and impact in the Nigerian study of ageing | Lasisi A.O., Abiona T., Gureje O. | 2010 | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | 143 | 4 | 10.1016/j.otohns.2010.06.817 | Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Lasisi, A.O., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Abiona, T., Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Gureje, O., Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and correlates of tinnitus among community elderly and its impact on their quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort. SETTING: Yoruba-speaking communities in Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Face-to-face interviews of 1302 subjects 65 years or older selected by the use of a multistage stratified sampling of households. Subjects were assessed for subjective tinnitus, chronic health conditions, functional impairment, and quality of life by use of the brief version of the World Health Organization quality of life instrument. RESULTS: Tinnitus was reported in 184 (110 female and 74 male subjects), giving a prevalence of 14.1 percent (SE = 0.49). Gender, age, economic status, educational level, residence, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with tinnitus. Univariate analysis revealed a history of recurrent otitis media (odds ratio [OR] = 4.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.1-6.6, P = 0.01), head injury (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.1-5.6, P = 0.01), rhinosinusitis (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-4.0, P = 0.01), dizziness (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.1, P = 0.01), and hypertension (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.7, P = 0.05) as significant correlates. However, in multivariate analysis, only a history of otitis media and of head injury remained significant. Compared with those without, persons with tinnitus had a more negative perception of their overall health and a poorer quality of life as well as twofold likelihood to experience impairment in both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus is common among elderly Nigerians and is associated with treatable health conditions, such as otitis media, rhinosinusitis, head injury, and hypertension. Its association with functional impairment and reduced quality of life highlights the need for inclusion in any comprehensive health care for the elderly. © 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved. | None | aged; aging; alcohol consumption; article; chronic otitis media; cigarette smoking; cohort analysis; community care; controlled study; correlation analysis; daily life activity; depression; diabetes mellitus; disabled person; dizziness; educational status; elderly care; female; functional disease; gender; head injury; health care; household; human; hypertension; interview; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; medical history; Nigeria; perception; prevalence; quality of life; recurrent disease; rhinosinusitis; sampling; social status; tinnitus; transient ischemic attack; world health organization; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Prevalence; Tinnitus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954867583 | Timing of serotype 1 pneumococcal disease suggests the need for evaluation of a booster dose | Klugman K.P., Madhi S.A., Adegbola R.A., Cutts F., Greenwood B., Hausdorff W.P. | 2011 | Vaccine | 29 | 18 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.02.089 | Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Medical Research Council, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; London School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; GSK Biologicals, Wavre, Belgium | Klugman, K.P., Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Medical Research Council, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Madhi, S.A., Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Medical Research Council, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Adegbola, R.A., Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Cutts, F.; Greenwood, B., London School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Hausdorff, W.P., GSK Biologicals, Wavre, Belgium | Protection against serotype 1 could not be demonstrated in two randomized trials of 9 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. An analysis of the timing of type 1 cases among vaccinees and controls shows that the vaccine failures occurred among cases occurring after the first year of life. Vaccination was given as three doses in infancy with no booster dose. These data suggest that a booster dose given at 9 months of age, or early in the second year of life, should be evaluated for protection against type 1 pneumococcal disease. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Conjugate pneumococcal vaccine; Pneumococcus; Serotype 1 | Pneumococcus vaccine; article; booster dose; drug dose regimen; Gambia; human; infancy; invasive pneumococcal disease; opsonization; opsonophagocytic activity; pneumococcal infection; priority journal; serotype; South Africa; vaccine failure; Child, Preschool; Gambia; Humans; Immunization, Secondary; Infant; Pneumococcal Infections; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; South Africa; Vaccines, Conjugate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953265639 | Time to ART initiation among patients treated for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in khayelitsha, South Africa: Impact on mortality and treatment success | Daniels J.F., Khogali M., Mohr E., Cox V., Moyo S., Edginton M., Hinderaker S.G., Meintjes G., Hughes J., De Azevedo V., Van Cutsem G., Cox H.S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0142873 | Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Medecins Sans Frontieres, Luxembourg; Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Paris, France; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Daniels, J.F., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Khogali, M., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Mohr, E., Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; Cox, V., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Luxembourg; Moyo, S., International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Edginton, M., Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; Hinderaker, S.G., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meintjes, G., University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Hughes, J., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; De Azevedo, V., City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Cutsem, G., Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cox, H.S., Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Setting Khayelitsha, South Africa, with high burdens of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) and HIV co-infection. Objective To describe time to antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation among HIV-infected RR-TB patients initiating RR-TB treatment and to assess the association between time to ART initiation and treatment outcomes. Design A retrospective cohort study of patients with RR-TB and HIV co-infection not on ART at RRTB treatment initiation. Results Of the 696 RR-TB and HIV-infected patients initiated on RR-TB treatment between 2009 and 2013, 303 (44%) were not on ART when RR-TB treatment was initiated. The median CD4 cell count was 126 cells/mm3. Overall 257 (85%) patients started ART during RR-TB treatment, 33 (11%) within 2 weeks, 152 (50%) between 2-8 weeks and 72 (24%) after 8 weeks. Of the 46 (15%) who never started ART, 10 (21%) died or stopped RR-TB treatment within 4 weeks and 16 (37%) had at least 4 months of RR-TB treatment. Treatment success and mortality during treatment did not vary by time to ART initiation: treatment success was 41%, 43%, and 50% among patients who started ART within 2 weeks, between 2-8 weeks, and after 8 weeks (p = 0.62), while mortality was 21%, 13% and 15% respectively (p = 0.57). Mortality was associated with never receiving ART (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.0, CI 2.1-18.1), CD4 count 100 (aHR 2.1, CI 1.0-4.5), and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with second-line resistance (aHR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.4). Conclusions Despite wide variation in time to ART initiation among RR-TB patients, no differences in mortality or treatment success were observed. However, a significant proportion of patients did not initiate ART despite receiving 4 months of RR-TB treatment. Programmatic priorities should focus on ensuring all patients with RR-TB/HIV co-infection initiate ART regardless of CD4 count, with special attention for patients with CD4 counts 100 to initiate ART as soon as possible after RR-TB treatment initiation. © 2015 Daniels et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | antiretrovirus agent; rifampicin; adult; age distribution; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical effectiveness; cohort analysis; controlled study; drug resistant tuberculosis; female; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; mortality; newborn; outcome assessment; retrospective study; South Africa; treatment duration; tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960835589 | Time for a re-evaluation of mammography in the young? Results of an audit of mammography in women younger than 40 in a resource restricted environment | Taylor L., Basro S., Apffelstaedt J.P., Baatjes K. | 2011 | Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | 129 | 1 | 10.1007/s10549-011-1630-z | Medial Faculty, Breast Clinic, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, PO Box 19063, Cape Town 7505, South Africa | Taylor, L., Medial Faculty, Breast Clinic, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, PO Box 19063, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Basro, S., Medial Faculty, Breast Clinic, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, PO Box 19063, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Apffelstaedt, J.P., Medial Faculty, Breast Clinic, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, PO Box 19063, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Baatjes, K., Medial Faculty, Breast Clinic, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, PO Box 19063, Cape Town 7505, South Africa | Mammography in younger women is considered to be of limited value. In a resource restricted environment without access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and with a high incidence of breast cancer in the young, mammography remains an important diagnostic tool. Recent technical advances and better regulation of mammography make a reassessment of its value in these conditions necessary. Data of all the mammograms performed at a tertiary hospital and private breast clinic between January 2003 and July 2009 in women less than 40 years of age were collected. Indications were the presence of a mass, follow-up after primary cancer therapy, and screening for patients perceived at high risk due to a family history or the presence of atypical hyperplasia. Data acquired were as follows: Demographics, prior breast surgery, indication for mammography, outcome of mammography, diagnostic procedures, and their results. Of 2,167 mammograms, 393 were performed for a palpable mass, diagnostic mammography. In these, the overall cancer detection rate was 40%. If the mammography was reported as breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS®) 5 versus BIRADS® 3 and 4 versus BIRADS® 1 and 2, a final diagnosis of malignancy was established in 96, 48, and 5%, respectively. Of 367 mammograms done for the follow-up after primary treatment of breast cancer, seven cancers were diagnosed for a detection rate of 1.9%. Of 1,312 mammograms performed for screening, the recall rate was 4%; the biopsy rate 2%, and the cancer diagnosis rate 3/1,000 examinations. In contrast to past series, this series has shown that recent advances in mammography have made it a useful tool in the management of breast problems in young women, notably in a resource-restricted environment. Women for screening should be selected carefully. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Mammography; MRI; Resource restricted environments; Ultrasound; Young women | adult; article; breast biopsy; breast cancer; breast hyperplasia; breast surgery; breast tumor; cancer diagnosis; cancer screening; cancer therapy; controlled study; family history; female; follow up; human; imaging system; major clinical study; mammography; predictive value; priority journal; Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammography; Mass Screening; Neoplasm Staging; Young Adult | 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-s2.0-35948957044 | Tillage effects on growth performance of Hevea seedling rootstock and some fertility indices of sandy acid soil in the humid forest area of Nigeria | Okore I.K., Akpobome F.A., Tijani-Eniola H., Oghide E.A. | 2007 | Journal of Rubber Research | 10 | 2 | None | Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Okore, I.K., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Akpobome, F.A., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Tijani-Eniola, H., Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Oghide, E.A., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria | Vast amount of resources are devoted annually for the establishment of Hevea seedling rootstock nursery through conventional tillage, despite global disposition of conservative tillage. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage methods, namely, plough+harrow, plough only, bed and without tillage on the growth performance of Hevea brasiliensis (natural rubber) seedling rootstock and the nutrient status of sandy acid soil in a forest area (Benin) of Nigeria for two years. In both cropping years (2003/2004 and 2004/2005), the effect of tillage methods on seedling height and stem girth did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05). However, seedling dry matter and budding success (69.8 g/tree and 78% on the average, respectively) were significantly higher in the ploughed plots. The plots with no tillage, followed by raised seedbed treatments, had significantly higher values of organic C, available P and exchangeable bases with low levels of Al3+ and H + at 0 cm-15 cm depth. Having recorded no significant difference in crop performance between the nil-tillage and plough+harrow plots, but higher soil nutrient levels in the treatments without tillage for two years; it could be predicted that land preparation without tillage, in addition to ploughing only or raised seed-bed was a better alternative to plough+harrow which often caused soil degradation in the sandy acid soil of high rainfall areas. | CEC; Growth performance; Hevea seedling; Natural rubber; Nigeria; Nursery; Organic C; Rootstock; Tillage practices | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-28244493000 | Tidal impact on breeding African Black Oystercatchers on Robben Island, Western Cape, South Africa | Calf K.M., Underhill L.G. | 2005 | Ostrich | 76 | 42433 | None | Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; School of Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Clarendon Way, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom | Calf, K.M., Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, School of Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Clarendon Way, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Underhill, L.G., Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | Haematopus bachmani | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901617665 | Tick-box admission forms improve the quality of documentation of surgical emergencies, but have limited impact on clinical behaviour | Laing G.L., Bruce J.L., Clarke D.L. | 2014 | South African Medical Journal | 104 | 6 | 10.7196/SAMJ.7673 | Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of General Surgery,Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Laing, G.L., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of General Surgery,Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bruce, J.L., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of General Surgery,Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Clarke, D.L., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of General Surgery,Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Introduction. We used modern error theory to develop a tick-box admission form for emergency surgical patients. The tick boxes were designed to actively direct care down appropriate clinical algorithms by encouraging staff to make decisions based on recorded clinical data. Objective. To audit the effect of these tick-box forms on the quality of documentation and of the resuscitation process. Methods. We designed and implemented a standardised tick-box admission form, and audited its impact by comparing 100 emergency surgical admissions before the intervention with 100 thereafter. We assessed the quality of the documentation in both groups and analysed the effect of use of the tick-box admission form and the decision nodes on the clinical behaviour of the admitting clinicians. Results. The introduction of standardised tick-box admission forms dramatically improved the quality of documentation of acute surgical admissions. However, the impact of the decision nodes on clinical behaviour was less obvious. We demonstrated a tendency to cognitive dissonance in that, even though clinicians recorded abnormal physiological data, they did not consistently interpret this information correctly. Conclusions. Although the use of tick-box admission forms improves the quality of documentation, the impact on clinical behaviour is less certain. Quality improvement is a multifactorial endeavour, and without a pervasive culture of patient safety, tick-boxes alone may well be ineffective. | Cognitive dissonance; Patient safety; Safe practice; Tick-boxes; Violations | documentation; electronic medical record; emergency; health care quality; hospital admission; human; retrospective study; standards; statistics and numerical data; Documentation; Electronic Health Records; Emergencies; Humans; Medical Records Systems, Computerized; Patient Admission; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Retrospective Studies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-23944490137 | Through the magnifying glass: A descriptive theoretical analysis of the possible impact of the South African higher education policies on academic staff and their job satisfaction | Mapesela M., Hay H.R. | 2005 | Higher Education | 50 | 1 | 10.1007/s10734-004-6358-9 | Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Mapesela, M., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hay, H.R., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This article provides a descriptive theoretical analysis of the most important higher education policies and initiatives which were developed by the democratically elected government of South Africa after 1994 to transform the South African higher education system. The article sheds light on the rationale for the policies under scrutiny; how they take cognisance of academics' diverse needs; as well as how their implementation is bound to affect academics and possibly influence job satisfaction. The article argues that the South African higher education fraternity, currently overwhelmed by mammoth change initiatives, is simultaneously faced with two processes, namely transforming the socio-political state of the country, as well as transformation to respond to national higher education policy imperatives. Seemingly South African policy-makers, in their attempts to break away from the past, are oblivious of the realities of thorough policy implementation and do not take the voluminous nature of policies into consideration as an inhibiting factor. Undoubtedly this could have adverse effects for academic staff who are expected to propel change and transformation, but who are oftentimes confronted with the complexities of implementation which entail among others, dealing with cumbersome procedures, processes, bureaucratic structures as well as increasing workloads. © Springer 2005. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-29444435800 | Three independent biological mechanisms cause exercise-associated hyponatremia: Evidence from 2,135 weighed competitive athletic performances | Noakes T.D., Sharwood K., Speedy D., Hew T., Reid S., Dugas J., Almond C., Wharam P., Weschler L. | 2005 | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | 102 | 51 | 10.1073/pnas.0509096102 | University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Sports Medicine Practice, St. Helen's Hospital, Hobart 7216, Tasmania, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; 161 Richdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722, United States; University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa | Noakes, T.D., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Sharwood, K., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Speedy, D., Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Hew, T., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Reid, S., Sports Medicine Practice, St. Helen's Hospital, Hobart 7216, Tasmania, Australia; Dugas, J., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Almond, C., Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Wharam, P., Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Weschler, L., 161 Richdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722, United States | To evaluate the role of fluid and Na+ balance in the development of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), changes in serum Na+ concentrations ([Na+]) and in body weight were analyzed in 2,135 athletes in endurance events. Eighty-nine percent of athletes completed these events either euhydrated (39%) or with weight loss (50%) and with normal (80%) or elevated (13%) serum [Na+]. Of 231 (11%) athletes who gained weight during exercise, 70% were normonatremic or hypernatremic, 19% had a serum [Na+] between 129-135 mmol/liter, and 11% a serum [Na+] of <129 mmol/liter. Serum [Na+] after racing was a linear function with a negative slope of the body weight change during exercise. The final serum [Na+] in a subset of 18 subjects was predicted from the amount of Na+ that remained osmotically inactive at the completion of the trial. Weight gain consequent to excessive fluid consumption was the principal cause of a reduced serum [Na+] after exercise, yet most (70%) subjects who gained weight maintained or increased serum [Na+], requiring the addition of significant amounts of Na+ (>500 mmol) into an expanded volume of total body water. This Na+ likely originated from osmotically inactive, exchangeable stores. Thus, EAH occurs in athletes who (i) drink to excess during exercise, (ii) retain excess fluid because of inadequate suppression of antidiuretic hormone secretion, and (iii) osmotically inactivate circulating Na+ or fail to mobilize osmotically inactive sodium from internal stores. EAH can be prevented by insuring that athletes do not drink to excess during exercise, which has been known since 1985. © 2005 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA. | Endurance; Exchangeable Na+ stores; Fluid overload; Overdrinking; Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion | article; athlete; body weight; drinking; endurance; exercise; fluid balance; human; human experiment; hypernatremia; hyponatremia; inappropriate vasopressin secretion; normal human; priority journal; sodium balance; sodium blood level; total body water; weight reduction; Body Weight; Dehydration; Exercise; Humans; Hyponatremia; Sodium; Sports | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649258471 | Three dimensional spatial perception and academic performance in engineering graphics: A longitudinal investigation | Potter C., Kaufman W., Delacour J., Mokone M., Van Merwe E.D., Fridjhon P. | 2009 | South African Journal of Psychology | 39 | 1 | None | Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Potter, C., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kaufman, W., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Delacour, J., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mokone, M., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Merwe, E.D., School of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fridjhon, P., School of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | In this paper we examine the longitudinal relationship between three dimensional spatial perception and pass rates in engineering graphics, a course requiring ability to use visualisation in engineering drawing and design. Our studies have focused on the development and evaluation of high imagery course materials for engineering students, providing evidence of gains in three dimensional spatial perception in response to this type of instruction. These findings are consistent over a twenty year period, and suggest that abilities to use perception and mental imagery are not fixed or culturally exclusive abilities, but respond to instruction and mediation. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Cognitive processes; Mental imagery; Perception; Spatial ability; Technical education; Visualization | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866376592 | Those Easily Forgotten: The Impact of Emigration on Those Left Behind | Marchetti-Mercer M.C. | 2012 | Family Process | 51 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2012.01407.x | School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Marchetti-Mercer, M.C., School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Much has been written about the experiences and stresses of those who emigrate. By contrast, little attention has been paid to the experiences of those who stay behind-family members and friends who for various reasons do not to join their loved ones in the destination country. In this article, I describe the experiences of some South Africans whose families and friends have emigrated. This study forms part of a larger research project focusing on the impact of emigration on South African family life. Twenty-one participants were interviewed by means of a semistructured interview at least 6 months after one or more family member(s) and/or friend(s) left South Africa, to explore participants' experiences around their loved ones' emigration. A thematic analysis of the data reveals that those left behind experience various emotions, ranging from emotional ambivalence to anger and distress. Emigration is mostly experienced as a vast loss, almost akin to a "death," bringing about significant changes in social networks and relationships. The therapeutic significance of the findings for those working with emigrant families is also explored. © FPI, Inc. | None | adaptive behavior; adult; aged; article; bereavement; family relation; friend; human; interview; middle aged; migration; parent; psychological aspect; sibling; South Africa; videoconferencing; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bereavement; Emigration and Immigration; Family Relations; Friends; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Middle Aged; Parents; Siblings; South Africa; Videoconferencing; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57749184301 | 'This is where we buried our sons': People of advanced old age coping with the impact of the AIDS epidemic in a resource-poor setting in rural Uganda | Seeley J., Wolff B., Kabunga E., Tumwekwase G., Grosskurth H. | 2009 | Ageing and Society | 29 | 1 | 10.1017/S0144686X08007605 | School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Seeley, J., School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Wolff, B., Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Kabunga, E., Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Tumwekwase, G., Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Grosskurth, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Much research on the impact of HIV and AIDS on older people fails to differentiate between age groups, and treats those aged from 50 years to the highest ages as homogeneous. The 'oldest old' or those aged over 75 years may be particularly vulnerable through declining health and independence as a result of the AIDS epidemic, which has forced some to take on roles that younger relatives would have performed had they lived. In this paper we describe the past and current experience of eight people in advanced old age living in rural Uganda who were informants for an ethnographic study of the impact of HIV and AIDS on households during 1991-92 and again in 2006-07. The aim of the study was to understand how they had coped with the impacts of the epidemic. From the eight case studies, it is concluded that family size, socio-economic status and some measure of good fortune in sustained good health enabled these people to live to an advanced age. While we recommend that targeted social protection is important in helping the poorest among the oldest, we suggest that sustaining respect for age and experience, and ensuring that older people do not feel discarded by family and society are as important as meeting their practical needs. © 2008 Cambridge University Press. | Impact of HIV and AIDS; Older people; Oldest old; Uganda | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; elderly population; epidemic; human immunodeficiency virus; low income population; rural area; socioeconomic conditions; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900521533 | They protect us, but are they using protection? The potential impact of HIV on the South African Police Service | George G., Gow J. | 2014 | African Security Review | 23 | 2 | 10.1080/10246029.2014.902387 | Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia | George, G., Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Gow, J., The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia | The drivers of HIV/AIDS in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and impact of the disease on this workforce are neglected areas of research. Existing evidence suggests that while the occupational risk for contracting HIV is low, there are factors associated with the profession that, if left unmanaged, place police officers at risk of contracting HIV. This study's two aims are to identify the potential pathways of HIV infection within policing services and determine the probable impact of HIV/AIDS on SAPS. Through a systematic literature review on HIV/AIDS within police services, and by analysing selected SAPS human resource data, the causal pathways and impact of HIV/AIDS on police services are explored. The study finds that police officers (particularly male officers) are likely to be highly susceptible to HIV infection as a result of risky sexual behaviours born out of occupational characteristics such as high levels of stress, difficult working conditions, living away from home and interactions with sex workers. The problem is exacerbated by the 'macho' culture that often prevails among police officers. HIV/AIDS interventions within SAPS must focus on sustained behaviour change. Further, HIV programmes must equip officers with the knowledge and awareness to avoid engaging in high-risk sexual practices that may compromise their health and the effectiveness of the policing service. © 2014 Institute for Security Studies. | drivers; HIV/AIDS; impact; South African Police Service | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857837922 | The world café in South Africa: A case study on improving performance and commitment | Eriaan O., Cady S.H. | 2012 | Organization Development Journal | 30 | 1 | None | ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | Eriaan, O., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cady, S.H., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | We present a case study based on a body of methodologies within a field referred to as whole system collaboration and change, large-group methods or interventions, and large-scale change. The World Café conversational process was utilized as part of an intervention designed to improve employee commitment and ensure continued effort in a service improvement program at an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company. We describe the process for evaluating the impact of interventions; and, we report that the intervention appeared to improve an objective measure of performance and positively impact attitudes within the organization. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000300690500019 | The World Bank's poverty and social impact analysis | Beddies, Sabine,Dani, Anis,Esteves, AM,Vanclay, F | 2011 | NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ADVANCES | None | None | None | The World Bank, EU, UN | "Dani, Anis: The World Bank", | None | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349208440 | The WHOMEN's scale (women's HAART optimism monitoring and EvaluatioN scale v.1) and the association with fertility intentions and sexual behaviours among HIV-positive women in Uganda | Kaida A., Lima V.D., Andia I., Kabakyenga J., Mbabazi P., Emenyonu N., Patterson T.L., Hogg R.S., Bangsberg D.R. | 2009 | AIDS and Behavior | 13 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1007/s10461-009-9553-y | BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda; University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States; University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, United States; Simon Fraser University (SFU), Burnaby, BC, Canada; Harvard Medical School/MGH, Boston, MA, United States | Kaida, A., BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Lima, V.D., BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Andia, I., Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda; Kabakyenga, J., Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda; Mbabazi, P., Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda; Emenyonu, N., University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States; Patterson, T.L., University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, United States; Hogg, R.S., BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Simon Fraser University (SFU), Burnaby, BC, Canada; Bangsberg, D.R., Harvard Medical School/MGH, Boston, MA, United States | The objective of this study was to develop a reliable HAART optimism scale among HIV-positive women in Uganda and to test the scale's validity against measures of fertility intentions, sexual activity, and unprotected sexual intercourse. We used cross-sectional survey data of 540 women (18-50 years) attending Mbarara University's HIV clinic in Uganda. Women were asked how much they agreed or disagreed with 23 statements about HAART. Data were subjected to a principal components and factor analyses. Subsequently, we tested the association between the scale and fertility intentions and sexual behaviour using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Factor analysis yielded three factors, one of which was an eight-item HAART optimism scale with moderately high internal consistency (α = 0.70). Women who reported that they intended to have (more) children had significantly higher HAART optimism scores (median = 13.5 [IQR: 12-16]) than women who did not intend to have (more) children (median = 10.5 [IQR: 8-12]; P < 0.0001). Similarly, women who were sexually active and who reported practicing unprotected sexual intercourse had significantly higher HAART optimism scores than women who were sexually abstinent or who practiced protected sexual intercourse. Our reliable and valid scale, termed the Women's HAART Optimism Monitoring and EvaluatioN scale (WHOMEN's scale), may be valuable to broader studies investigating the role of HAART optimism on reproductive intentions and sexual behaviours of HIV-positive women in high HIV prevalence settings. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Fertility intentions; HAART; HAART optimism; HAART optimism scale; HIV; Scale; Sexual behaviour; Uganda; Women | adult; article; factorial analysis; female; fertility; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; prevalence; rank sum test; reproduction; scoring system; sexual behavior; sexual intercourse; Uganda; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Attitude to Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fertility; HIV Infections; Humans; Intention; Interviews as Topic; Pregnancy; Questionnaires; Reproductive Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924567176 | The welfare impact of land redistribution: Evidence from a quasi-experimental initiative in Malawi | Mendola M., Simtowe F. | 2015 | World Development | 72 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.02.010 | University of Milano Bicocca, Italy; IZA, Germany; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Mendola, M., University of Milano Bicocca, Italy, IZA, Germany; Simtowe, F., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Land reform may be an effective means of reducing poverty in many developing countries where policy efforts have recently embraced a decentralized market-based approach to land redistribution. We use household panel data combined with a quasi-experimental program to assess the impact of a joint Malawi/World Bank land program on household well-being. Double difference and matching methods are used to address identification sources of bias. Results point to average positive effects on several productive outcomes of beneficiaries, while no effects are found with respect to access to social services. There is also evidence of heterogeneous effects by gender and inheritance systems. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Community-based rural land development program; Land reform; Malawi; Program evaluation | community development; developing world; land reform; poverty alleviation; welfare impact; Malawi | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875979712 | The virtual memory landscape: The impact of information technology on collective memory and commemoration in Southern Africa | Marschall S. | 2013 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 39 | 1 | 10.1080/03057070.2013.763325 | Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Marschall, S., Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | The article considers the impact of new digital technologies and the internet on the process of commemorating the past and memorializing the dead in Southern Africa, with some comparative reference to the developed world context. The theoretical framework is inspired by Wulf Kansteiner's contention that collective memory is the result of the interaction between three overlapping elements - the media of memory, the makers and the consumers or users of memory. It is argued that internet-based commemoration represents the third successive and concurrent phase in the culture of collective remembrance in Southern Africa, following pre-colonial indigenous or vernacular memory practices and colonial forms of 'institutionalised' memory sites. Web-based commemoration is represented as a potentially new form of vernacular memory practice which collapses Kansteiner's groups of makers and users of memory. Selected case studies, mostly from South Africa, will be critically examined and their openness as a democratic space for negotiating the memory of the past assessed. The article maintains that new technologies, although currently still in their infancy, are bound to have an increasingly profound influence on commemoration and the formation and transfer of collective memory in Southern Africa. © 2013 The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | advanced technology; culture; Internet; memory; theoretical study; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-72149134888 | The vanishing farms? The impact of international migration on Albanian Family Farming | Miluka J., Carletto G., Davis B., Zezza A. | 2010 | Journal of Development Studies | 46 | 1 | 10.1080/00220380903197978 | Department of Economics, Business, and Administrative Sciences, University of New York Tirana, Rr: Komuna e Parisit, Tirana, Albania; The World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; UNICEF, Nairobi, Kenya; FAO, Rome, Italy | Miluka, J., Department of Economics, Business, and Administrative Sciences, University of New York Tirana, Rr: Komuna e Parisit, Tirana, Albania; Carletto, G., The World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Davis, B., UNICEF, Nairobi, Kenya; Zezza, A., FAO, Rome, Italy | This paper investigates the impact of international migration on technical efficiency, resource allocation and income from agricultural production of family farming in Albania. The results suggest that migration is used by rural households as a pathway out of agriculture: migration is negatively associated with both labour and non-labour input allocation in agriculture, while no significant differences can be detected in terms of farm technical efficiency or agricultural income. Whether the rapid demographic changes in rural areas triggered by massive migration, possibly combined with propitious land and rural development policies, will ultimately produce the conditions for a more viable, high-return agriculture attracting larger investments remains to be seen. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | None | agricultural production; international migration; policy development; resource allocation; rural area; rural development; technical efficiency; Albania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855490751 | The value of intervening for intimate partner violence in South African primary care: Project evaluation | Joyner K., Mash R.J. | 2011 | BMJ Open | 1 | 2 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000254 | Stellenbosch University, Division of Nursing, Cape Town, South Africa; Stellenbosch University, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Cape Town, South Africa | Joyner, K., Stellenbosch University, Division of Nursing, Cape Town, South Africa; Mash, R.J., Stellenbosch University, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Cape Town, South Africa | Objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. Evidence-based approaches to IPV in primary care are lacking. This study evaluated a project that implemented a South African protocol for screening and managing IPV. This article reports primarily on the benefits of this intervention from the perspective of women IPV survivors. Design: This was a project evaluation involving two urban and three rural primary care facilities. Over 4-8 weeks primary care providers screened adult women for a history of IPV within the previous 24 months and offered referral to the study nurse. The study nurse assessed and managed the women according to the protocol. Researchers interviewed the participants 1 month later to ascertain adherence to their care plan and their views on the intervention. Results: In total, 168 women were assisted and 124 (73.8%) returned for follow-up. Emotional (139, 82.7%), physical (115, 68.5%), sexual (72, 42.9%) and financial abuse (72, 42.9%) was common and 114 (67.9%) were at high/severe risk of harm. Adherence to the management plan ranged from testing for syphilis 10/25 (40.0%) to consulting a psychiatric nurse 28/58 (48.3%) to obtaining a protection order 28/28 (100.0%). Over 75% perceived all aspects of their care as helpful, except for legal advice from a non-profit organisation. Women reported significant benefits to their mental health, reduced alcohol abuse, improved relationships, increased self-efficacy and reduced abusive behaviour. Two characteristics seemed particularly important: the style of interaction with the nurse and the comprehensive nature of the assessment. Conclusion: Female IPV survivors in primary care experience benefit from an empathic, comprehensive approach to assessing and assisting with the clinical, mental, social and legal aspects. Primary care managers should find ways to integrate this into primary care services and evaluate it further. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939457392 | The valuation performance of equity-based multiples in South African context | Nel W.S., Bruwer B.W., le Roux N.J. | 2013 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 | 3 | None | School of Accounting, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; School of Accounting, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Nel, W.S., School of Accounting, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Bruwer, B.W., School of Accounting, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; le Roux, N.J., Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Despite the popularity of multiples among analysts in practice, the emerging market literature offers little empirical guidance for the use thereof. This paper investigates the relative valuation performance of various value drivers when valuing the equity of South African companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange for the period 2001-2010. The empirical results revealed, among other findings, that earnings-based value drivers offered the highest degree of valuation accuracy, while cash flow- and sales-based value drivers offered the lowest degree of valuation accuracy. Dividend- and asset-based value drivers offered average results. An interesting phenomenon was that, contrary to popular belief, cash flow-based value drivers only offered marginal improvements in valuation accuracy viz-à-viz sales-based value drivers; and not consistently so. © 2013, Virtus Interpress. All Rights Reserved. | Assets; Cash flow; Dividends; Earnings; Emerging markets; JSE; Multiples; Sales; Value drivers | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747434821 | The Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation (VALUE) trial: Outcomes in patients receiving monotherapy | Julius S., Weber M.A., Kjeldsen S.E., McInnes G.T., Zanchetti A., Brunner H.R., Laragh J., Schork M.A., Hua T.A., Amerena J., Balazovjech I., Cassel G., Herczeg B., Koylan N., Magometschnigg D., Majahalme S., Martinez F., Oigman W., Gomes R.S., Zhu J.-R. | 2006 | Hypertension | 48 | 3 | 10.1161/01.HYP.0000236119.96301.f2 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Istitito Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States; University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Novartis Pharmaceutical, East Hanover, NJ, United States; Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia; Faculty Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia; Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Megyei Hetényi Géza Kórház, Szolnok, Hungary; Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Institut für Hypertoniker, Vienna, Austria; Appleton Heart Institute, Appleton, WI, United States; National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina; Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Hospital Santa Cruz Instituto Do Coração, Carnaxide, Portugal; Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai, China; University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | Julius, S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; Weber, M.A., State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States; Kjeldsen, S.E., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; McInnes, G.T., University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Zanchetti, A., Istitito Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Brunner, H.R., University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laragh, J., New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Schork, M.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Hua, T.A., Novartis Pharmaceutical, East Hanover, NJ, United States; Amerena, J., Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia; Balazovjech, I., Faculty Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia; Cassel, G., Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Herczeg, B., Megyei Hetényi Géza Kórház, Szolnok, Hungary; Koylan, N., Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Magometschnigg, D., Institut für Hypertoniker, Vienna, Austria; Majahalme, S., Appleton Heart Institute, Appleton, WI, United States; Martinez, F., National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina; Oigman, W., Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Gomes, R.S., Hospital Santa Cruz Instituto Do Coração, Carnaxide, Portugal; Zhu, J.-R., Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai, China | In the main Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation (VALUE) report, we investigated outcomes in 15 245 high-risk hypertensive subjects treated with valsartan- or amlodipine-based regimens. In this report, we analyzed outcomes in 7080 patients (46.4%) who, at the end of the initial drug adjustment period (6 months), remained on monotherapy. Baseline characteristics were similar in the valsartan (N=3263) and amlodipine (N=3817) groups. Time on monotherapy was 3.2 years (78% of treatment exposure time). The average in-trial blood pressure was similar in both groups. Event rates in the monotherapy group were 16% to 39% lower than in the main VALUE trial. In the first analysis, we censored patients when they discontinued monotherapy ("censored"); in the second, we counted events regardless of subsequent therapy (intention-to-treat principle). We also assessed the impact of duration of monotherapy on outcomes. No difference was found in primary composite cardiac end points, strokes, myocardial infarctions, and all-cause deaths with both analyses. Heart failure in the valsartan group was lower both in the censored and intention-to-treat analyses (hazard ratios: 0.63, P=0.004 and 0.78, P=0.045, respectively). Longer duration of monotherapy amplified between-group differences in heart failure. New-onset diabetes was lower in the valsartan group with both analyses (odds ratios: 0.78, P=0.012 and 0.82, P=0.034). Thus, despite lower absolute event rates in monotherapy patients, the relative risks of heart failure and new-onset diabetes favored valsartan. Moreover, these findings support the feasibility of comparative prospective trials in lower-risk hypertensive patients. © 2006 American Heart Association, Inc. | Clinical trials; Diabetes mellitus; Heart failure | amlodipine; valsartan; adult; aged; antihypertensive therapy; article; blood pressure measurement; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; double blind procedure; drug exposure; feasibility study; female; heart failure; high risk patient; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; monotherapy; priority journal; risk assessment; treatment outcome; Aged; Amlodipine; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cardiac Output, Low; Diabetes Mellitus; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Risk; Tetrazoles; Valine | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899644624 | The validity of the Moxus Modular metabolic system during incremental exercise tests: Impacts on detection of small changes in oxygen consumption | Beltrami F.G., Froyd C., Mamen A., Noakes T.D. | 2014 | European Journal of Applied Physiology | 114 | 5 | 10.1007/s00421-014-2825-x | Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa; Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn Og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway; University College of Health Sciences, Campus Kristiania, Oslo, Norway | Beltrami, F.G., Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa; Froyd, C., Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa, Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn Og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway; Mamen, A., University College of Health Sciences, Campus Kristiania, Oslo, Norway; Noakes, T.D., Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa | Purpose: We investigated the accuracy of the Moxus Modular Metabolic System (MOXUS) against the Douglas Bag Method (DBM) during high-intensity exercise, and whether the two methods agreed when detecting small changes in V̇ O 2 between two consecutive workloads (ΔV̇O2). Methods: Twelve trained male runners performed two maximal incremental running tests while gas exchange was analyzed simultaneously by the two systems using a serial setup for four consecutive intervals of 30 s on each test. Comparisons between methods were performed for V ̇O2, V ̇E, fractions of expired O2 (FeO2) and CO2 (FeCO2) and ΔV̇O2. Results: The MOXUS produced significant higher (mean ± SD, n = 54) readings for V̇O2 (80 ± 200 mL min-1, p = 0.005) and V̇E (2.9 ± 4.2 L min-1, p < 0.0001), but not FeO2 (-0.01 ± 0.09). Log-transformed 95 % limits of agreement for readings between methods were 94-110 % for V ̇O2, 97-108 % for V ̇E and 99-101 % for FeO2. Δ V ̇O2 for two consecutive measurements was not different between systems (120 ± 110 vs. 90 ± 190 mL min-1 for MOXUS and DBM, respectively, p = 0.26), but agreement between methods was very low (r = 0.25, p = 0.12). Discussion: Although it was tested during high-intensity exercise and short sampling intervals, the MOXUS performed within the acceptable range of accuracy reported for automated analyzers. Most of the differences between equipments were due to differences in V ̇E. Detecting small changes in V ̇O 2 during an incremental test with small changes in workload, however, might be beyond the equipment's accuracy. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Criterion validity; Douglas Bag method; Gas exchange; Moxus Modular metabolic system; Oxygen uptake | adolescent; adult; comparative study; exercise; exercise test; human; lung gas exchange; male; oxygen consumption; physiology; procedures; Adolescent; Adult; Exercise; Exercise Test; Humans; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Pulmonary Gas Exchange | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948716239 | The utility of stakeholder involvement in the evaluation of community-based health promotion programmes | Owusu-Addo E., Edusah S.E., Sarfo-Mensah P. | 2015 | International Journal of Health Promotion and Education | 53 | 6 | 10.1080/14635240.2015.1030033 | Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana | Owusu-Addo, E., Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Edusah, S.E., Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Sarfo-Mensah, P., Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana | Community-based health promotion programmes (CBHPPs) deal with cross cutting issues (social, economic, environmental) and utilise issue-based, population-based and setting-based approaches in programme planning, implementation and evaluation with the aim of empowering individuals and communities to gain control over the determinants of health. This multifaceted nature of CBHPPs has resulted in a number of questions particularly regarding the level of stakeholder involvement in evaluating such programmes. Evaluation is seen as one of the ways to provide evidence to inform health promotion decision-making and practice. Community programme implementers and lay people have lamented that evaluations are often imposed on them without recognition for the uniqueness of their community, its programmes, resources and skills. The aim of this paper is to critically examine the utility of stakeholder involvement in the evaluation of CBHPPs. We first explore the nature of CBHPPs and the methods of gathering evidence via evaluation. This is followed by a critical examination of the value of stakeholder involvement in evaluating CBHPPs. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion is used to conceptualise the paper with specific examples of stakeholder involvement in evaluation of CBHPPs used to support our arguments. The paper concludes that stakeholder involvement in evaluation of CBHPPs is of importance considering the empowerment and participation values of health promotion. As evaluation is done with people and not on people, stakeholder involvement should be central to the evaluation of CBHPPs rather than adopting an approach whereby the researcher is completely detached from the programme stakeholders particularly the community. © 2015 Institute of Health Promotion and Education. | Community-based health promotion programmes; Epistemology; Evaluation; Stakeholder | Article; community program; decision making; evidence based practice; health care planning; health promotion; human; program evaluation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249126815 | The utility of pharmacy dispensing data for ART programme evaluation and early identification of patient loss to follow-up | Wood R., Kaplan R., Bekker L.-G., Brown S., Rivett U. | 2008 | Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine | None | 30 | None | Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kaplan, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Brown, S., Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rivett, U., Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | antiretrovirus agent; article; community care; electronic medical record; follow up; health care access; health care delivery; health program; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; information technology; patient care; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient identification; patient information; pharmacy; South Africa; virus resistance | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908069899 | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000271602100001 | The use of schools for malaria surveillance and programme evaluation in Africa | Brooker, Simon,Gitonga, Carol W.,Kolaczinski, Jan H.,Noor, Abdisalan M.,Snow, Robert W. | 2009 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 8 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-8-231 | University of London, University of Oxford, Malaria Consortium, Wellcome Trust Res Programme | None | Effective malaria control requires information on both the geographical distribution of malaria risk and the effectiveness of malaria interventions. The current standard for estimating malaria infection and impact indicators are household cluster surveys, but their complexity and expense preclude frequent and decentralized monitoring. This paper reviews the historical experience and current rationale for the use of schools and school children as a complementary, inexpensive framework for planning, monitoring and evaluating malaria control in Africa. Consideration is given to (i) the selection of schools; (ii) diagnosis of infection in schools; (iii) the representativeness of schools as a proxy of the communities they serve; and (iv) the increasing need to evaluate interventions delivered through schools. Finally, areas requiring further investigation are highlighted. | ,COMBINATION,"COMMUNITY COVERAGE",MORBIDITY,"PARASITE DENSITY","PEDIATRIC MALARIA",PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM,SOUTH-AFRICA,"SPOROZOITE SURFACE-ANTIGENS","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA","TRANSMISSION INTENSITY" | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000272135900011 | The use of routine monitoring and evaluation systems to assess a referral model of family planning and HIV service integration in Nigeria | Abubakar, Zubaida,Awi, Dorka D.,Chabikuli, Nzapfurundi O.,Chukwujekwu, Ogo,Gwarzo, Usman,Hamelmann, Christoph,Ibrahim, Mohammed,Merrigan, Mike | 2009 | AIDS | 23 | None | None | Family Hlth Int | None | Objective: To measure changes in service utilization of a model integrating family planning with HIV Counselling and testing (HCT), antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in the Nigerian public health facilities.
Design: It is a retrospective survey of attendance and family planning commodity uptake in 71 health facilities in Nigeria that analyzes the preintegration and postintegration periods between March 2007 and January 2009.
Methods: A prepost retrospective comparison of mean attendance at family planning clinics and couple-years of protection (CYP) compared 6 months preintegration with 9 months postintegration period. An analysis of service ratios was conducted, relating completed referrals at family planning clinics to service utilization at the referring HIV clinics.
Results: Mean attendance at family planning clinics increased significantly from 67.6 in preintegration to 87.0 in postintegration. The mean CYP increased significantly from 32.3 preintegration to 38.2 postintegration. Service ratio of referrals from each of the HIV clinics was low but increased in the postintegration period by 4, 34 and 42 per 1000 clients from HCT, ART and PMTCT clinics, respectively. Service ratios were higher in primary healthcare settings than in secondary or tertiary hospitals. Attendance by men at family planning clinics was significantly higher among clients referred from HIV clinics.
Conclusion: Family planning-HIV integration using the referral model improved family planning service utilization by clients accessing HIV services, but further improvement is possible. Male utilization of family planning services also improved. The government of Nigeria should review the family planning User fee policy and scale up the integration in primary healthcare facilities. (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | CONTRACEPTION,"health services evaluation",HIV,INTEGRATION,NIGERIA,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY","CONTRACEPTIVE USE","HEALTH-CARE NEEDS",INTENTIONS,PREGNANCY,"PROSPECTIVE COHORT","REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","RURAL UGANDA",SOUTH-AFRICA,WOMEN | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862701719 | The use of response surface methodology to evaluate the impact of level 2 SUPAC-IR changes on the in vitro release of metronidazole and ranitidine from a fixed-dose combination tablet | King'ori L.D., Walker R.B. | 2012 | Dissolution Technologies | 19 | 2 | None | Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | King'ori, L.D., Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Walker, R.B., Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of disintegrant (croscarmellose sodium, CCS), binder (polyvinylprrolidone K30, PVP-K30), and lubricant (magnesium stearate) on the in vitro release of metronidazole (MTZ) and rantidine (RTD) from a solid oral fixed-dose combination tablet. The excipient levels investigated were Level 2 changes in component and composition described in the Scale-Up and Post Approval Changes for Immediate Release (SUPAC-IR) guidance (1). Batches of tablets (1000 units) were manufactured by wet granulation using a Saral high-shear mixer granulator and a Manesty B3B rotary tablet press. Weight uniformity, friability, and disintegration of all tablets were assessed, and all batches complied with compendial specifications. The amount of drug released (Q) at ten minutes was dependent on the levels of CCS in the formulation, and the effect of PVP-K30 and magnesium stearate was dependent on the levels of CCS. Synergistic interactions between independent variables were observed for the Q 10 value for RTD, whereas PVP-K30 and magnesium stearate exhibited an antagonistic effect on the Q 10 values for MTZ and RTD. The use of response surface methodology facilitated an investigation into the effect of Level 2 component and composition changes, as described in SUPAC-IR, on the in vitro release of MTZ and RTD from a fixed-dose combination (FDC) solid oral dosage form (SODF). | None | croscarmellose sodium; magnesium stearate; metronidazole; metronidazole plus ranitidine; microcrystalline cellulose; povidone; ranitidine; silicon dioxide; unclassified drug; article; chemical composition; controlled study; drug dosage form; drug dosage form comparison; drug granulation; drug potentiation; drug release; equipment; in vitro study; physical chemistry; response surface method; scale up; solid; tablet compression; tablet disintegration; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet machine; tablet property; tablet weight | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855881430 | The use of response surface methodology in the evaluation of captopril microparticles manufactured using an oil in oil solvent evaporation technique | Khamanga S.M., Walker R.B. | 2012 | Journal of Microencapsulation | 29 | 1 | 10.3109/02652048.2011.629744 | Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Khamanga, S.M., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Walker, R.B., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Captopril (CPT) microparticles were manufactured by solvent evaporation using acetone (dispersion phase) and liquid paraffin (manufacturing phase) with Eudragit® and Methocel® as coat materials. Design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches were used to optimize the process. The microparticles were characterized based on the percent of drug released and yield, microcapsule size, entrapment efficiency and Hausner ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted. The microcapsules were spherical, free-flowing and IR and DSC thermograms revealed that CPT was stable. The percent drug released was investigated with respect to Eudragit® RS and Methocel® K100M, Methocel® K15M concentrations and homogenizing speed. The optimal conditions for microencapsulation were 1.12g Eudragit® RS, 0.67g Methocel® K100M and 0.39g Methocel® K15M at a homogenizing speed of 1643rpm and 89% CPT was released. The value of RSM-mediated microencapsulation of CPT was elucidated. © 2012 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved. | Captopril; Factorial design; Microencapsulation; Response surface methodology; Solvent evaporation technique | captopril; oil; solvent; article; differential scanning calorimetry; drug coating; drug manufacture; drug release; emulsion; evaporation; in vitro study; infrared spectroscopy; melting point; microencapsulation; nonhuman; particle size; response surface method; scanning electron microscopy; thermography; viscosity; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Captopril; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microspheres; Oils; Particle Size; Solvents; Spectrophotometry, Infrared | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650356805 | The use of real options valuation methodology in enhancing the understanding of the impact of climate change on companies | Tyler E., Chivaka R. | 2011 | Business Strategy and the Environment | 20 | 1 | 10.1002/bse.668 | Genesis Analytics, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Accounting University of Cape Town, South Africa | Tyler, E., Genesis Analytics, Cape Town, South Africa; Chivaka, R., Department of Accounting University of Cape Town, South Africa | Climate change has in recent years gathered traction on the business, political and social agenda. From the business perspective, research has shown that climate change impacts on company value are uncertain, significant and strategically important. The challenge therefore is for the business community to apply financial valuation models that support the incorporation of the climate change impacts in strategic planning. However, the commonly used discounted cash flow techniques in capital budgeting are seen as failing to address the high levels of uncertainties inherent in climate change impacts. Real options thinking has been touted as having the potential to enhance understanding of these impacts via its direct handling of uncertainty, although not much research has been done to demonstrate this. Using an illustrative case study, this research presents an argument for introducing the real options approach, a new method for valuing options of future strategic action by companies in a setting that exhibits climate change impacts. The objective of this research is to contribute to the literature on strategic tools for addressing climate change and ultimately offer some management insights that can narrow the gap between finance theory and business practice. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. | Biomass power generation projects; Case study; Clean development mechanism; Climate change; Discounted cash flow; Financial valuation techniques; Real options; Strategic investment | business cycle; clean development mechanism; climate change; climate effect; industrial investment; industrial policy; industrial production; research work; uncertainty analysis; valuation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863322311 | The use of Price-to-Earnings-to-Growth (PEG) ratios to predict share performance on the JSE | I'Ons T., Ward M. | 2012 | South African Journal of Business Management | 43 | 2 | None | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | I'Ons, T., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ward, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The effectiveness of the Price Earnings Growth ratio as a valuation tool has been a topical debate amongst analysts ever since being popularised by Lynch (1989). This study examines the appropriateness of the fair value criteria of a PEG of 1,0, as proposed by Lynch (PEGL), and compares this with the time-series based, share specific model, proposed by Trombley (2008) (PEGT). In addition, the study analyses several factors which influence the accuracy of analyst's forecasts (viz. the number of analysts' contributions, the dispersion of forecasts and the forecast horizon), with the objective of identifying an optimal trading rule based on the PEG ratio. We find consistent outperformance of the PEGT model. We also note (unexpectedly) that analyst's forecasting accuracy may have a less significant impact on the usefulness of the PEG ratio than their optimism. Finally, we report an optimised PEG trading rule which delivered annual abnormal returns of 13,7% over the study period. The trading rule appeared to single out small-capitalisation firms, with above market growth prospects, which performed well in a buoyant market. | None | None | 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-s2.0-77956287146 | The use of impact factor in the appraisal of academic librarians in Nigeria | Okoye M.O. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | APR | None | University library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Okoye, M.O., University library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870665521 | The use of hybrid algorithms to improve the performance of yarn parameters prediction models | Mwasiagi J.I., Huang X.B., Wang X.H. | 2012 | Fibers and Polymers | 13 | 9 | 10.1007/s12221-012-1201-x | College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya | Mwasiagi, J.I., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China, School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Huang, X.B., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Wang, X.H., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China | Although gradient based Backpropagation (BP) training algorithms have been widely used in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) models for the prediction of yarn quality properties, they still suffer from some drawbacks which include tendency to converge to local minima. One strategy of improving ANN models trained using gradient based BP algorithms is the use of hybrid training algorithms made of global based algorithms and local based BP algorithms. The aim of this paper was to improve the performance of Levenberg-Marquardt Backpropagation (LMBP) training algorithm, which is a local based BP algorithm by using a hybrid algorithm. The hybrid algorithms combined Differential Evolution (DE) and LMBP algorithms. The yarn quality prediction models trained using the hybrid algorithms performed better and exhibited better generalization when compared to the models trained using the LM algorithms. © 2012 The Korean Fiber Society and Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | artificial neural network (ANN); Cotton fiber; Differential Evolution (DE); Levenberg-Marquardt (LM); Ring spinning; Yarn quality properties | Backpropagation training algorithm; BP algorithm; Differential Evolution; Gradient based; Hybrid algorithms; Hybrid training; Levenberg-Marquardt; LM algorithm; LMBP algorithm; Local minimums; Prediction model; Ring spinning; Training algorithms; Yarn quality; Yarn quality prediction; Cotton fibers; Evolutionary algorithms; Mathematical models; Neural networks; Spinning (fibers); Wool; Yarn; Backpropagation algorithms | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880922563 | The use of feathers in monitoring bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in the South African endangered African grass-owl (Tyto capensis) | Ansara-Ross T.M., Ross M.J., Wepener V. | 2013 | Ecotoxicology | 22 | 6 | 10.1007/s10646-013-1095-4 | Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Water Research Group (Ecotoxicology), Research Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Ansara-Ross, T.M., Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Ross, M.J., Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Wepener, V., Water Research Group (Ecotoxicology), Research Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Few studies have quantified metals in South African species and no published data on residues specifically in South African owl feathers exist. Tyto capensis is listed as vulnerable within South Africa, making it preferable to use a non-invasive technique to determine metal bioaccumulation for this species. Comparisons are made with the cosmopolitan T. alba to determine whether this species could be used as a surrogate. Concentrations of various metals were thus determined in feathers of the two species and compared with liver and muscle samples. Samples were taken from 119 owls collected as road kill along a national road. A comparison of concentrations in feathers revealed similarly higher concentrations of aluminium, antimony, lead, nickel, and strontium, whereas concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, titanium and zinc were similarly higher in internal tissues for both species. Metal concentrations of owls were comparable to those reported in literature and below toxic levels, suggesting that these metals were not likely to impact the owls. Further regressions between feathers and corresponding livers were examined to determine if feathers were indicative of internal metal burdens. Significant positive relationships were found for aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and vanadium in T. alba and nickel, manganese and vanadium in T. capensis. Preliminary results support the feasibility of using feathers as non-destructive indicators of environmental contamination in T. capensis although caution needs to be taken when interpreting the results. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Feathers; Metals; Owls; South Africa; Tyto capensis | aluminum; antimony; arsenic; cadmium; chromium; copper; iron; lead; manganese; metal; metalloid; nickel; selenium; strontium; titanium; vanadium; zinc; bioaccumulation; bioindicator; biomonitoring; bird; endangered species; feather; physiological response; sampling; toxicity; trace metal; animal tissue; article; bioaccumulation; endangered species; environmental monitoring; feasibility study; feather; female; geographic distribution; liver; male; muscle; nonhuman; owl; pollution; priority journal; quantitative analysis; sex difference; South Africa; species comparison; toxicity testing; Tyto alba; Tyto capensis; Animals; Chromium; Copper; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Feathers; Female; Iron; Lead; Male; Manganese; Metalloids; Nickel; Selenium; Strigiformes; Titanium; Vanadium; Zinc; South Africa; Strigiformes; Tyto capensis | None |
None | None | The use of direct clinician observation and vignettes for health services quality evaluation in developing countries | Leonard K.L., Masatu M.C. | 2005 | Social Science and Medicine | 61 | 9 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.03.043 | University of Maryland, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, United States; Centre for Educational Development in Health Arusha, Tanzania | Leonard, K.L., University of Maryland, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, United States; Masatu, M.C., Centre for Educational Development in Health Arusha, Tanzania | This paper reports the results of a comparison between two different methods of examining quality in outpatient services in a developing country. Data from rural and urban Tanzania are used to compare the measures of quality collected by direct clinician observation (DCO) (where clinicians are observed in the course of their normal consultations) and vignettes (unblind case studies with an actor). The vignettes are shown to exhibit a strong connection between the inputs provided during consultation (rational history taking, physical examination and health education) and the ability of the clinician to properly diagnose the presented illness. However, the inputs provided in vignettes are not well correlated with the inputs provided in DCO, suggesting that the inputs provided in the vignette are not well correlated with the inputs that would be provided in an actual consultation. We conclude that since vignettes do not appear to be measuring what would be provided in an actual consultation they are not a good measure of quality. Instead, we suggest that vignettes and DCO be used simultaneously. We show how the scores obtained using vignettes in conjunction with DCO can be used to improve the reliability of DCO and therefore our estimates of actual clinician quality. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Direct clinician observation; Health services quality; Tanzania; Vignettes | developing world; health services; monitoring; quality control; service provision; anamnesis; article; clinical observation; comparative study; consultation; controlled study; correlation analysis; developing country; general practitioner; health care quality; health education; health service; human; intermethod comparison; measurement; normal human; outpatient care; physical examination; qualitative analysis; rural area; Tanzania; urban area; Clinical Competence; Developing Countries; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Medical Audit; Medical History Taking; Nursing Audit; Observation; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Patient Education; Patient Simulation; Physical Examination; Referral and Consultation; Tanzania; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901623587 | 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-s2.0-54449098133 | The use of an indirect impact quick-stop mechanism during the turning of α-titanium BT5 alloy | Dahunsi O.A., Awopetu O.O. | 2008 | International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials | 3 | 02-Jan | 10.1504/IJMMM.2008.017626 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Dahunsi, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Awopetu, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This paper studies the use of an indirect impact quick stop mechanism whose design, construction and mode of operation is relatively simpler in the chip root analysis of α-titanium alloy BT5 in a semi-finish turning operation. The quick-stop was used over a cutting speed range 2 120 m/min, but only micrographs for cutting at 60 m/min were presented, however, the mechanism attained a minimum withdrawal speed of about 3.2 mm/s and an average speed (estimated from the plotted graph) of about 11 m/s. Metallographic analysis of the chip roots presented pronounced Built-Up-Edge (BUE) and segmented chip formation features but the grains varied largely in appearance and shapes. The various chip segments also varied in sizes in contrast to the segments of stainless steel whose chips are usually segmented too. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers. | BUE; Built-Up-Edge; Chip root analysis; Metallographic analysis; Segmented chip; Semi-finish; Titanium; Withdrawal speed | Cutting; Metallography; Turning; Chip root analysis; Segmented chip; Withdrawal speed; Titanium alloys | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861391148 | The use of a Marshallian macroeconomic model for policy evaluation: Case of Aouth Africa | Ngoie J.K., Zellner A. | 2012 | Macroeconomic Dynamics | 16 | 3 | 10.1017/S1365100510000519 | University of Chicago, United States; Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Ngoie, J.K., University of Chicago, United States, Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Zellner, A., University of Chicago, United States | Using a disaggregated Marshallian macroeconomic model, this paper investigates how the adoption of a set of "free market reforms" may affect the economic growth rate of South Africa. Our findings suggest that the institution of the proposed policy reforms would yield substantial growth in aggregate annual real GDP. The resulting annual GDP growth rate could range from 5.3% to 9.8%, depending on which variant of the reform policies was implemented. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | Disaggregation; Macroeconomic Policy Analysis; Marshallian Macroeconomic Model; Transfer Functions | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049100760 | The use of a cluster analysis in across herd genetic evaluation for beef cattle | Neser F.W.C., Erasmus G.J., Scholtz M.M. | 2008 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 38 | 1 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Neser, F.W.C., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Erasmus, G.J., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Scholtz, M.M., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | To investigate the possibility of a genotype x environment interaction in Bonsmara cattle, a cluster analysis was performed on weaning weight records of 72 811 Bonsmara calves, the progeny of 1 434 sires and 24 186 dams in 35 herds. The following environmental factors were used to classify herds into clusters: solution for herd effects corrected for year-season, sex, age of dam and age at weaning (indicative of the management level in a herd), herd size and average temperature and rainfall. Two different genetic analyses were performed. Breeding values obtained in a univariate analysis were used as basis for comparison to breeding values obtained from a multivariate analysis where weaning weight in each cluster was considered as a separate trait. Direct additive, maternal additive, permanent maternal environment and Herd-Year-Season x Sire (HYSxS) interaction were included as random effects in both analyses. The direct genetic correlations between the clusters varied between 0.51 and 1.00. The low correlation estimates between some of the clusters indicate a possible genotype x environment interaction. Substantial reranking of sires between clusters did occur. However, further research is needed to identify and prioritize variables that can describe the genetics, management and climate of each herd more accurately. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Bonsmara cattle; Genotype by environment interaction; Weaning weight | Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906244919 | The usefulness of transplantation studies in monitoring of metals in the marine environment: South African experience | Greenfield R., Brink K., Degger N., Wepener V. | 2014 | Marine Pollution Bulletin | 85 | 2 | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.032 | Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong; Water Research Group (Ecotoxicology), School of Biological Sciences, Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Greenfield, R., Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Brink, K., Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Degger, N., Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong; Wepener, V., Water Research Group (Ecotoxicology), School of Biological Sciences, Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Due to their close proximity to the point sources of pollution, estuaries and harbours are exposed to metals. Mussels are used worldwide to monitor marine pollution due to their ability to take up contaminants and the ease of transplantation. Mussels were collected from two reference sites and transplanted in Richards Bay Harbour (2006 and 2010) and in three harbours. Transplanted and resident mussels were removed after 6. weeks exposure and metal concentrations were analysed using ICP-MS techniques. Transplanted mussels had higher metal concentrations than the resident mussels. This was attributed to regulation of metals by the resident mussels. Metal regulation was greater in mussels that are continuously submerged as opposed to those that undergo tidal influences. For monitoring it is essential that the reference population for transplantation is considered carefully as upwelling events in the pristine reference location results in significant increases in metal bioaccumulation. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Harbours; Metal bioaccumulation; Perna perna; Spatial and temporal | Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Marine pollution; Molluscs; Harbours; Marine environment; Metal bioaccumulation; Metal concentrations; Perna perna; Pristine reference; Spatial and temporal; Transplanted mussels; Metals; aluminum; arsenic; cadmium; chromium; copper; indium; iron; lead; manganese; metal; nickel; strontium; zinc; metal; sea water; water pollutant; bioaccumulation; estuarine pollution; harbor; marine pollution; mollusc; point source pollution; pollution exposure; pollution monitoring; spatiotemporal analysis; transplantation; animal tissue; article; bioaccumulation; chemical analysis; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dry weight; environmental exposure; geographic distribution; geographic origin; intertidal zone; marine environment; mass spectrometry; metal extraction; metal metabolism; metal recovery; mussel; nonhuman; pollution monitoring; pollution transport; sea pollution; South Africa; spatiotemporal analysis; tissue distribution; water pollution indicator; analysis; animal; chemistry; environmental monitoring; Perna; procedures; water pollutant; KwaZulu-Natal; Richards Bay Harbour; South Africa; Perna perna; Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Metals; Perna; Seawater; South Africa; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887457184 | The usefulness of student evaluations for enhancing the effectiveness of teaching of financial accounting students at a South African University | Van Der Merwe D.C. | 2012 | Research in Accounting in Emerging Economies | 12 | PARTA | 10.1108/S1479-3563(2012)000012A009 | Department of Accounting and Auditing, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Van Der Merwe, D.C., Department of Accounting and Auditing, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Purpose - Effectiveness of teaching at universities, in general, has been the focus of many researchers for decades. The public concern about the quality of first year accounting education, in particular, is worth the attention of researchers at tertiary institutions. Student evaluation is the primary tool used by accounting administrators to evaluate teaching effectiveness. This study aims to determine the effect on teaching of perceptions of first year financial accounting students on a specific module and the lecturer characteristics that they consider effective in their learning process. Further aims are to provide useful information to lecturers on teaching methods and lecturer characteristics that could enhance effectiveness of teaching. Methodology - In this study, various aspects on teaching methods and lecturer characteristics are investigated. Student feedback data is collected for a full time lecturer. Surveying methodology using questionnaires is utilised to conduct the study. A pool of questions is created accompanied by a five-point Likert scale. A statistical analysis (descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis) is applied to these questionnaires. Findings - From this analysis, the findings reveal that all independent variables (knowledge, personality and attitude in general) have a positive influence on enhancing effectiveness of teaching. The results of the study highlight that course content, knowledge, personality and attitude of a lecturer play an important role in determining effectiveness of teaching in financial accounting. Value - The results of the study would be useful to the accounting lecturers, students, education departments and academic researchers to better understand the needs of accounting students in their learning process. Results of student evaluations not only provide valuable information which could be used for managing the course and study content but it could also be used for individual improvement by the lecturer. For the students, the improvement of teaching effectiveness based on the evaluation process may ultimately enhance knowledge acquisition. Copyright © 2012 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Effectiveness of teaching; First year accounting students; South Africa; Teaching evaluations | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885158602 | The use and impact of electronic resources at the university of Lagos | Egberongbe H.S. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | JAN | None | Readers Services Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria | Egberongbe, H.S., Readers Services Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747729396 | The usability of personal digital assistants (PDAs) for assessment of practical performance | Treadwell I. | 2006 | Medical Education | 40 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02543.x | Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Treadwell, I., Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Context: The administration of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) using paper checklists presents problems such as illegible handwriting, missing student names and/or numbers and lost checklists. Calculating and entering results is not only time-consuming, but is subject to human errors, and feedback to students is rarely available. To rectify these problems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and HaPerT software were acquired to replace paper checklists and provide automated results and feedback. This study sought to determine the usability of the PDA assessment system. Methods: The usability of the PDA system was evaluated according to effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction. Effectiveness was judged by comparing the results of an OSCE conducted in 2003 (paper-based method) and repeated in 2004 and 2005 (PDA method). Efficiency was determined by calculating the amount of time required to organise the logistics for 2 consecutive PDA OSCEs and deliver results and grades, compared with the time required for the paper-based OSCE. User satisfaction was established by using questionnaires to obtain feedback on the assessors' experiences during their first assessments. Results: An independent groups t-test used to compare the means of scores achieved by students in the PDA and paper-based OSCEs, respectively, showed that the difference in effectiveness was not significant. In terms of efficiency, 77% less time was used for the PDA OSCE in 2004 and 93% less in 2005. Assessor feedback on PDA assessment was overwhelmingly positive. Assessment by PDA was found to be just as effective as and more efficient than paper-based assessment in practical examinations, and was highly rated by assessors. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2006. | *Consumer satisfaction; *Education, medical, undergraduate; Comparative study; Computers, handheld/*standards; Evaluation study [publication type] | article; clinical examination; computer program; consumer; evaluation; human; medical student; personal digital assistant; productivity; student satisfaction; Clinical Competence; Cohort Studies; Computers, Handheld; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Personal Satisfaction | None |
WoS | WOS:000271954100006 | "The Uprooted Emigrant": The Impact of Brain Drain, Brain Gain, and Brain Circulation on Africa's Development | Afolabi, N,Falola, T,Okeke, Godwin S. M. | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | University of Lagos | None | Worsening economic conditions in many African countries have uprooted many of its people from their home countries, voluntarily and involuntarily, in search of the "golden fleece" abroad. This has led to brain drain, brain gain and brain circulation. Brain drain is synonymous with knowledge loss or drain. Brain gain is the reverse side of brain drain, in which Africans in the diaspora return to their various countries with high skills to contribute to their countries' development. Brain circulation entails a continuous and counter-balancing in-flow of highly skilled personnel. The nature of most economies in Africa today has warranted this jigsaw puzzle. The outcome of bad management of the economy and the generalized violent conflict on the continent has not helped matters. Some survivors in war-torn countries, both skilled and unskilled, look outside of their countries for a better life. In some African countries people run away from economic hardship to improve their lives abroad where things are expectedly better. This phenomenon cuts across all manners of people, including professionals and other skilled labor.
This situation is true of many countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, to mention just a few. Some of those who are not well educated travel and get educated and develop and acquire better skills and make positive contributions to those societies. These movements do not take place only outside Africa, but also within Africa.
The consequences of these developments are many and varied. Aside from the image problem it creates for Africa, it portrays Africans as people who are not serious and their governments as irresponsible and corrupt, especially Africa south of the Sahara. There are also those who have made Africa proud in various fields of human endeavor. But the problem remains that the recipe which made them succeed abroad never works at home. Against this background, this chapter investigates the impact of this type of crisscrossing migration on Africa's development, and how far the benefits or otherwise can go to assist in the sustainable development of Africa. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000265567000026 | The univariate and bivariate impact of HIV/AIDS on the quality of life: A cross sectional study in the Hubei Province-Central China | Bapumiia, Mustaafa,Jackson, Felicia Williams,Kobelo, Theresia M.,Liu, LI,Mkangara, Ommari Baaliy,Mweri, Saumu Tobbi,Nie, Shaofa,Wang, Chongjian,Xiang, Hao,Xu, Yihua | 2009 | JOURNAL OF HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MEDICAL SCIENCES | 29 | 2 | 10.1007/s11596-009-0226-x | Agakhan Hosp, Hondros Coll, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Huazhong Univ Sci & Technol | None | This study is aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Hubei province-central China by using WHOQOL-BREF instrument (Chinese version). One hundred and thirty six respondents (HIV/AIDS individuals) attending out-patient department of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC) were administered a structured questionnaire developed by investigators. QOL was evaluated by using WHOQOL-BREF instrument (Chinese version). The results showed that the mean score of overall QOL on a scale of 0-100 was 25.8. The mean scores in 4 domains of QOL on a scale of 0-100 were 82.9 (social domain), 27.5 (psychological domain), 17.7 (physical domain) and 11.65 (environmental domain). The significant difference of QOL was noted in the score of physical domain between asymptomatic (14.6) and early symptomatic individuals (12) (P=0.014), and between patients with early symptoms (12) and those with AIDS (10.43) (P < 0.001). QOL in psychological domain was significantly lower in early symptomatic (12.1) (P < 0.05) and AIDS patients (12.4) (P < 0.006) than in asymptomatic individuals (14.2). The difference in QOL scores in the psychological domain was significant with respect to the income of patients (P < 0.048) and educational status (P < 0.037). Significantly better QOL scores in the physical domain (P < 0.040) and environmental domain (P < 0.017) were noted with respect to the occupation of the patients. Patients with family support had better QOL scores in environmental domain. In our research, QOL for HIV/AIDS individuals was associated with education, occupation, income, family support and clinical categories of the patients. It was concluded that WHOQOL-BREF Chinese version was successfully used in the evaluation of QOL of HIV/AIDS individuals in Chinese population and proved to be a reliable and useful tool. | AIDS,BIVARIATE,"CENTRAL CHINA",HIV,IMPACT,univariate,"WHOQOL-Bref Chinese version",DISEASE,"SOCIAL SUPPORT" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547674873 | The uneven impact of AIDS in a polarized society | Marais H. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | SUPPL. 3 | 10.1097/01.aids.0000279691.76900.8b | PO Box 1363, Gallo Manor 2052, Johannesburg, South Africa | Marais, H.PO Box 1363, Gallo Manor 2052, Johannesburg, South Africa | Literature on the impact of serious AIDS epidemics anticipates severe outcomes, and places special emphasis on the epidemic's likely effects on productive and governance capacities. Implicit in many impact scenarios is the assumption that the effects are distributed more or less uniformly across society, and are channeled 'naturally' through and across sectors. This article examines evidence of the AIDS epidemic's impact at household level, and in the health, education and economic sectors of South Africa. It shows that the epidemic's impact is strongly shaped by the highly unequal distribution of power, entitlement, risk and responsibility in South Africa. The article concludes that many of the costs associated with the AIDS epidemic are being displaced into the lives, homes and neighbourhoods of poorer South Africans, especially black African women - thus deepening poverty trends, as well as reproducing and hardening the polarized character of South African society. Priority steps to remedy these trends are outlined. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | AIDS; HIV; Home-based care; Household; Impact; Inequality; Poverty; Social protection; Women; Workplace | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; community care; economic aspect; epidemic; health care cost; health care facility; health care organization; health care personnel; health care system; health service; highly active antiretroviral therapy; home care; hospitalization; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical literature; morbidity; mortality; outcome assessment; poverty; priority journal; responsibility; risk assessment; social status; society; South Africa; workplace; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Community Health Services; Costs and Cost Analysis; Disease Outbreaks; Educational Status; Female; Home Care Services; Humans; Male; Poverty; Social Environment; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907292137 | The unemployment impact of immigration in South Africa | Chamunorwa W., Mlambo C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2631 | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Chamunorwa, W., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Mlambo, C., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This study sought to investigate the impact of immigrant labour on unemployment in South Africa. for the period 1980-2010.This relationship was examined using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Unemployment was regressed againstimmigration, the Gross Domestic Product, inflation and education. The research aimed to establish whether immigrant labourcontributes to unemployment in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result showed a positive relationshipbetween immigration and unemployment in South Africa. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Immigrant labour; Ordinary least squares; South africa; Unemployment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-23044449510 | The ultrastructure of the peri-articular osteophytes - An evaluation by scanning electron microscopy | Alonge T.O., Rooney P., Oni O.O.A. | 2005 | West African Journal of Medicine | 24 | 2 | None | Department of Orthopaedics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Trauma and Pathological Sciences, University Of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University Department of Orthopaedics, The Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, Unite | Alonge, T.O., Department of Orthopaedics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Rooney, P., Department of Trauma and Pathological Sciences, University Of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Oni, O.O.A., University Department of Orthopaedics, The Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom | Objective: Osteophytes are intra-articular osteochondral tissues, which are usually found at the margins of degenerating synovial joints. The aetiology or pathogenesis of this tissue has been a subject of protracted debate. The aim of this study was to offer a possible aetiology and or pathogenesis of this expendable yet important osteochondral tissue using the scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the structure of the cartilage mantle of osteophytes and the relationship of this mantle with that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. Methods: Sections of periarticular osteophytes and osteophyte-normal articular cartilage composite tissues were obtained during total knee replacement for osteoarthritis (OA). These sections were routinely processed and examined using the scanning electron microscope with emphasis on the osteophytic cartilage mantle and the merger of the osteophyte and the adjoining normal articular cartilage. Results: The cartilage mantle of osteophytes was found to be thinner but continuous with that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. However, a longitudinal bar of acellular tissue was found to separate the subchondral bones of both tissues. The cellular (chondrocyte) arrangement in the osteophytic cartilage was similar to that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. In addition, in the superficial layer, there was looping of collagen fibres between the normal articular cartilage mantle and that of the osteophytic tissues. Conclusion: The continuity between the cartilage mantle of osteophytes and the adjoining normal articular cartilage may suggest that in the formation of osteophytes, the chondrocytes from the adjoining normal articular cartilage greatly influence the mesenchymal tissue precursor of osteophyte to differentiate along a chondrocytic pathway initially. With subsequent vascular invasion probably from the periosteum, the neocartilage develops a bony core with a completely separate blood supply from that of the adjoining subchondral bone. | Cartilage mantle; Critical point drying scanning electron microscope; Osteoarthritis; Osteophyte | collagen; article; articular cartilage; cell differentiation; cell proliferation; cell structure; controlled study; histopathology; human; human cell; knee osteoarthritis; osteophyte; pathophysiology; scanning electron microscopy; synovium; total knee replacement; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Cartilage, Articular; Chondrocytes; Femur Head; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Osteoarthritis, Knee | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949806808 | The turn of the south? Social and economic impacts of mega-events in India, Brazil and South Africa | Maharaj B. | 2015 | Local Economy | 30 | 8 | 10.1177/0269094215604318 | University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | Maharaj, B., University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | In the neoliberal era, competing to host global sporting events has become a prominent urban promotion strategy, and with a few exceptions, the scholarly focus has been on the western experience. In contrast, this paper focuses on the south experience with specific reference to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. A common argument is that such sporting events provide global marketing opportunities that can attract foreign investment, which may serve as catalysts for development. A key goal is to promote the status and power of the post-colonial nation-state (although ironically ceding sovereignty to entities like FIFA for the duration of events). While there are some benefits, especially in terms of infrastructure development, the Indian, Brazilian and South African experience suggests that the privileged tend to benefit at the expense of the poor, and socio-economic inequalities were exacerbated. These points are illustrated in this paper with reference to evictions, loss of livelihoods and violations of human rights. Disturbingly, the cost of constructing new sports’ facilities and associated infrastructure escalated phenomenally from the original bid-document estimates, without any public oversight, and some are destined to be white elephants. The mega-events were largely organised and funded by the governments in consultation with the private sector, with little or no accountability to citizens, although such decisions had major implications in terms of the diversion of public spending priorities from more urgent social needs such as housing, healthcare and education. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. | evictions; legacy; livelihoods; mega-events; South cities | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884540547 | The total completion time: An important performance measure in scheduling | Oyetunji E.O., Oluleye A.E. | 2008 | International Journal of Soft Computing | 3 | 6 | None | Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, University for Development Studies, Ghana; Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Oyetunji, E.O., Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, University for Development Studies, Ghana; Oluleye, A.E., Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Given the problem of scheduling n jobs with release dates on a single machine, we prove that any solution method that minimizes the total completion time (Ctot) also minimizes total flow time (Ftot), total lateness (Ltot), average completion time (Cavg), average flow time (Favg) and average lateness (Lavg). Two approaches (Analytical and Experimental approaches) were adopted to prove this conjecture. © Medvvell Journals, 2008. | Heuristics; Release date; Scheduling; Single-machine; Total completion time | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942436002 | The thermal design, characterization, and performance of the Spider long-duration balloon cryostat | Gudmundsson J.E., Ade P.A.R., Amiri M., Benton S.J., Bock J.J., Bond J.R., Bryan S.A., Chiang H.C., Contaldi C.R., Crill B.P., Dore O., Filippini J.P., Fraisse A.A., Gambrel A., Gandilo N.N., Hasselfield M., Halpern M., Hilton G., Holmes W., Hristov V.V., | 2015 | Cryogenics | 72 | None | 10.1016/j.cryogenics.2015.09.002 | Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Theoretical Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignIL, United States; Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research CIFAR Program in Cosmology and Gravity, Toronto, ON, Canada | Gudmundsson, J.E., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Ade, P.A.R., School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Amiri, M., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Benton, S.J., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States, Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Bock, J.J., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Bond, J.R., Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Bryan, S.A., Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; Chiang, H.C., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Contaldi, C.R., Theoretical Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Crill, B.P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Dore, O., Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignIL, United States; Filippini, J.P., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Fraisse, A.A., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Gambrel, A., Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Gandilo, N.N., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Hasselfield, M., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Halpern, M., National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Hilton, G., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Holmes, W., Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hristov, V.V., Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Irwin, K.D., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Jones, W.C., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Kermish, Z., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; MacTavish, C.J., Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Mason, P.V., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Megerian, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Moncelsi, L., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Montroy, T.E., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Morford, T.A., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Nagy, J.M., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Netterfield, C.B., Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research CIFAR Program in Cosmology and Gravity, Toronto, ON, Canada; Rahlin, A.S., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Reintsema, C.D., National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Ruhl, J.E., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Runyan, M.C., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Shariff, J.A., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Soler, J.D., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France; Trangsrud, A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Tucker, C., School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Tucker, R.S., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Turner, A.D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Wiebe, D.V., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Young, E., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | We describe the Spider flight cryostat, which is designed to cool six millimeter-wavelength telescopes during an Antarctic long-duration balloon flight. The cryostat, one of the largest to have flown on a stratospheric payload, uses liquid 4He to deliver cooling power to stages at 4.2 and 1.6 K. Stainless steel capillaries facilitate a high flow impedance connection between the main liquid helium tank and a smaller superfluid tank, allowing the latter to operate at 1.6 K as long as there is liquid in the 4.2 K main tank. Each telescope houses a closed cycle 3He adsorption refrigerator that further cools the focal planes down to 300 mK. Liquid helium vapor from the main tank is routed through heat exchangers that cool radiation shields, providing negative thermal feedback. The system performed successfully during a 17 day flight in the 2014-2015 Antarctic summer. The cryostat had a total hold time of 16.8 days, with 15.9 days occurring during flight. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cosmic microwave background; Cryostat; Instrumentation; Stratospheric payload | Balloons; Cosmology; Cryostats; Heating; Helium; Liquefied gases; Liquids; Meteorological balloons; Sounding rockets; Stainless steel; Tanks (containers); Telescopes; Adsorption refrigerator; Cosmic microwave backgrounds; Instrumentation; Long duration balloons; Millimeter wavelength; Stratospheric payload; Thermal designs; Thermal feedback; Superfluid helium | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875303576 | The therapeutic benefits of sport in the rehabilitation of young sexual offenders: A qualitative evaluation of the Fight with Insight programme | Draper C.E., Errington S., Omar S., Makhita S. | 2013 | Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 14 | 4 | 10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.02.004 | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, 13 Joubert Street Ext, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Draper, C.E., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Errington, S., Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, 13 Joubert Street Ext, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Omar, S., Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, 13 Joubert Street Ext, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Makhita, S., Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, 13 Joubert Street Ext, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Objectives: Abuse of children is a concerning issue in South Africa, particularly the percentage of sexual offences committed by children and youth. Fight with Insight (FWI), which forms part of a 12-week diversion programme, combines boxing and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and is intended for child and youth sexual offenders. The aim of this evaluation was to qualitatively evaluate the FWI programme. The evaluation was intended to achieve the following outcomes: 1) a description of FWI (including outcomes and mechanisms); 2) understanding of perceptions of FWI's effectiveness; and 3) insight into factors influencing programme effectiveness. Design: A case-study approach was used to conduct this qualitative evaluation. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with FWI participants (n = 17), parents of FWI participants (n = 7), and a comparison group of youth offenders who had only participated in CBT sessions (n = 10). Key informants interviews were conducted with programme staff (n = 6). Results: The main outcome was identified as a reduction in recidivism, along with other intra- and inter-personal outcomes. Participants were generally positive about FWI and it's effectiveness, and these views were reinforced by key informant and parents' perceptions. FWI (compared to comparison) participants tended to be more specific about changes and learning they experienced as a result of the programme. A conceptual model highlights that it is the interplay between the boxing and the themes addressed within the CBT that contributes to FWI's effectiveness. Conclusions: This study has provided insight into FWI's outcomes and mechanisms, factors influencing its effectiveness, and the kind of change that it helps to bring about in its participants. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Programme evaluation; Qualitative research; Sexual offenders | None | 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 |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942526419 | The Synthesis and Evaluation of C7-Substituted α-Tetralone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase | Legoabe L.J., Petzer A., Petzer J.P. | 2015 | Chemical Biology and Drug Design | 86 | 4 | 10.1111/cbdd.12508 | Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Legoabe, L.J., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Petzer, A., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Petzer, J.P., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Based on a previous report that α-tetralone (3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one) is a promising scaffold for the design of highly potent inhibitors of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase, the present study investigates the monoamine oxidase inhibitory properties of a synthetic series of fifteen C7-substituted α-tetralone derivatives. Arylalkyloxy substitution on C7 of the α-tetralone moiety yielded compounds with high inhibition potencies toward the human monoamine oxidase-B isoform with all compounds possessing IC<inf>50</inf> values in the submicromolar range (0.00089-0.047 μm). The C7-substituted α-tetralones also were highly potent monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors with thirteen (of fifteen) compounds possessing IC<inf>50</inf> values in the submicromolar range (0.010-0.741 μm). The α-tetralones were, however, in each instance selective for monoamine oxidase-B over the monoamine oxidase-A isoform. Dialyses of enzyme-inhibitor mixtures show that, while a representative inhibitor acts as a reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor, inhibition of monoamine oxidase-B is not readily reversed by dialysis. Using a molecular modeling approach, possible binding orientations and interactions of selected α-tetralones with the active sites of the monoamine oxidases are also proposed. This study suggests that C7-substituted α-tetralones are promising monoamine oxidase inhibitors and may represent lead compounds for the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease and depression. C7-Substituted α-tetralones act as high potency reversible inhibitors of human MAO-A and MAO-B. This class of compounds represent promising leads for the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease and depression. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | competitive; dialysis; inhibition; monoamine oxidase; reversible; α-tetralone | 1 tetralone derivative; amine oxidase (flavin containing) isoenzyme A; amine oxidase (flavin containing) isoenzyme B; lazabemide; monoamine oxidase A inhibitor; monoamine oxidase B inhibitor; monoamine oxidase inhibitor; antidepressant activity; Article; competitive inhibition; crystallization; drug potency; drug safety; drug screening; drug synthesis; enzyme activity; enzyme substrate; hydrogen bond; IC50; molecular docking; molecular dynamics; molecular model; Parkinson disease; priority journal; structure activity relation; therapy effect | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865183710 | The Swazi Monarchy and the Poor Performance of the Swazi Anti-Corruption Agency, 2006-2009 | Simelane H.S. | 2012 | Journal of Asian and African Studies | 47 | 4 | 10.1177/0021909612444086 | University of Kwazulu-Natal, Economic History and Development Studies, Howard College, Memorial Tower Building, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Simelane, H.S., University of Kwazulu-Natal, Economic History and Development Studies, Howard College, Memorial Tower Building, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | One of the major problems that has faced African countries since political independence has been continued poverty that has affected the lives of the populations of the countries. While there are numerous issues behind African poverty, corruption has emerged as one of the critical drivers. To address the problem of corruption African governments have been forced to experiment with different strategies, one of which has been the establishment of anti-corruption agencies. Swaziland is one of the African countries that has a huge problem of corruption, and has responded with the formation of an anti-corruption agency. However, since its inception, the agency has failed to operate effectively and corruption has continued to rise. This paper highlights the problem of corruption in Swaziland and the steps taken to curb it. The paper shows that the legal framework and the agency created to combat corruption have failed to yield the desired results, and continues to provide a critical analysis of such failure. It argues that the main issue behind the failure of the agency is royal absolutism wherein the Swazi monarchy has not only become a location of corruption but also perpetuates the scourge through protecting some influential people engaged in corrupt activities. © The Author(s) 2012. | Anti-corruption; corruption; democracy; development; governance; monarchy | corruption; democracy; legislation; performance assessment; poverty; sovereignty; temporal analysis; Swaziland | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910086828 | The strength of organisational culture: Organisational performance in South African schools | Bipath K., Adeyemo K.S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p2405 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Bipath, K., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Adeyemo, K.S., University of Pretoria, South Africa | One of the more frequently cited cultural dimensions within the field of cultural research is that of cultural strength (Cameron & Ettington, 1998). Early published works on organisational culture argue that there is an absolute need for a “strong” culture for organisations to be effective. This study has examined the contradiction between the strong school culture and academic performance in Mpumalanga Province under the Bantu Education (DET) school system. The aim of the research was to examine the dynamics of school culture strength (measured as values and norms); leadership; and the organisational performance of schools. A quantitative research approach was used. A total of 1130 questionnaires were completed by principals, School Management Team (SMT) members and educators. The findings show that the schools in Mpumalanga had a strong organisational culture, yet their performance was the lowest of all the provinces in South Africa. The paper argues: Mpumalanga schools should deconstruct their original organisational culture paradigms which evolved out of the DET system of education and that they should reconstruct their organisational cultures with renewed energy and enthusiasm for a better educated generation in the future. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Mpumalanga; Organizational culture; Performance; Principal; School; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36248971166 | 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-s2.0-79958143994 | The state's failure to comply with its constitutional duties and its impact on democracy | Malherbe R., Van Eck M. | 2009 | Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg | None | 2 | None | Department of Public Law, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Malherbe, R., Department of Public Law, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Eck, M., Department of Public Law, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855231902 | The state of occupational radiation protection and monitoring in public and private X-ray facilities in Edo state, Nigeria | Eze K.C., Nzotta C.C., Marchie T.T., Okegbunam B., Eze T.E. | 2011 | Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | 14 | 3 | 10.4103/1119-3077.86774 | Department of Radiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria; St Philomena Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Eze, K.C., Department of Radiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Nzotta, C.C., University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Marchie, T.T., University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Okegbunam, B., Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria; Eze, T.E., St Philomena Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Aims and Objectives: To find out the state of radiation protection and monitoring practices of the public and private X-ray centres in Edo State. Materials and Methods: Survey visits were made to all the functional X-ray facilities in Edo state and the available facilities identified, staff interviewed and collected data analyzed. Result: There are 18 functional X-ray facilities comprising 10 (55.56%) publicly owned and eight (44.44%) privately owned. Only two (20%) of the public and five (62.5%) of the private X-ray units have personnel and environmental monitoring. All the X-ray centers in both public and private hospitals have effective lead aprons. All the public (100%) and only four (50%) of the private centers have gonadal shield although none is using them on a routine basis. Qualified radiographers are available only in five (50%) of the public and six (75%) of the private centers. Only three (30%) of the public X-ray centers have the services of radiologists. Among the private X-ray units, five (62.5%) have radiologist while three (37.5%) have no radiologist. Only one (10%) of the public centers and one (12.5%) private X-ray centre have a purpose-built adequately designed X-ray unit with barium plasters and lead lining of walls and doors. There is also only limited lead lining of doors and walls in three (37.5%) private units while no lead lining or barium plasters are used in five (62.5%) of the private units. No X-ray unit in Edo State uses digital radiography or computerized information system. This means that lost hard copy must be repeated, leading to more radiation to patients and staff. Conclusions: There are inadequate radiation protection and monitoring practices in most of the functional X-ray facilities in Edo state with only five (62.5%) of the private and two (20%) of the public X-ray units monitored. There is poor adherence to the advice of the medical physicists due to the cost implications of the implementation. | Edo state; Monitoring; Nigeria; Practices; Protection; Radiation; Survey | adolescent; adult; article; evaluation; female; human; male; methodology; Nigeria; occupational exposure; occupational health; private hospital; protective clothing; public hospital; questionnaire; radiation monitoring; radiation protection; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Hospitals, Private; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Protective Clothing; Questionnaires; Radiation Monitoring; Radiation Protection; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860726745 | The Spatial-temporal characteristic of video content and its impact on the quality of wireless conduits | Sheluhin O.I., Atayero A.A., Ivanov Y.A. | 2012 | IAENG International Journal of Computer Science | 39 | 1 | None | Department of Information Security, Moscow Technical University of Communication and Informatics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, Pmb1023 Ota, Nigeria | Sheluhin, O.I., Department of Information Security, Moscow Technical University of Communication and Informatics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Atayero, A.A., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, Pmb1023 Ota, Nigeria; Ivanov, Y.A., Department of Information Security, Moscow Technical University of Communication and Informatics, Moscow, Russian Federation | Applications are constantly being developed with a view to maximizing bandwidth usage. This is necessitated by the overwhelming popularity of an ever-increasing wave of bandwidth intensive multimedia services that are constantly deployed to meet end user demands. All contemporary information communication systems and networks are expected to maintain the quality of these applications with different Quality of Service (QoS) levels. QoS requirements are generally dependent on the parameters of network and application layers of the OSI model. At the application layer QoS depends on factors such as resolution, bit rate, frame rate, video type, audio codecs, etc. At the network layer, distortions such as delay, jitter, packet loss, etc. are introduced. This paper presents simulation results of modeling video streaming over wireless communications networks. Simulation showed that different video subject groups affect the perceived quality differently when transmitted over networks. We show conclusively that in a transmission network with a small error probabilities (BER = 10 -6, BER = 10 -5 ), the minimum bit rate (128 kbps) guarantees an acceptable video quality, corresponding to MOS > 3 for all types of frames. It is also shown through analysis that the efficiency of error correction methods is I strongly correlation with the spatial-temporal properties of the analyzed video sequences. | BER; Codec; MPEG; PSNR; Trace file; Video streaming | BER; Codec; MPEG; PSNR; Trace file; Bandwidth; Communication systems; Computer simulation; Error correction; Motion Picture Experts Group standards; Multimedia services; Quality of service; Video recording; Video streaming; Wireless telecommunication systems; Network layers | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914179409 | The South African higher education system: performance and policy | Cloete N. | 2014 | Studies in Higher Education | 39 | 8 | 10.1080/03075079.2014.949533 | Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), PO Box 18094, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Cloete, N., Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), PO Box 18094, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Transformation in higher education in South Africa over the last 20 years has been strongly shaped by post-apartheid pressures. Recent research shows that South Africa's current higher education system can be described as medium knowledge-producing and differentiated, with low participation and high attrition. In the decade following 1994, both policy frameworks and capacity building of the sector received considerable attention. Massification and differentiation are concepts that have been under discussion for some time in South Africa, but have yet to be translated into practical mechanisms for delivery of results. The Centre for Higher Education Transformation initially focused its efforts on stimulating debate on cutting-edge issues in South Africa. More recently, it has shifted its focus to strengthening regional and national development of African universities to enable their more meaningful participation in the global knowledge economy and society. © 2014, © 2014 Society for Research into Higher Education. | development; differentiation; higher education; knowledge production; policy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921927008 | The south African code of corporate governance. The relationship between compliance and financial performance: Evidence from south African publicly listed firms | Tshipa J. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2 | None | School of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Tshipa, J., School of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The paper examines corporate governance compliance by South African listed firms. The study seeks to explore if better governed firms exhibit greater financial performance than poorly governed firms. The paper employs a panel study methodology for a sample of 137 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed firms between 2002 and 2011. The paper provides empirical insights about the impact of corporate governance on firm performance. The results show that the compliance levels to corporate governance in South Africa (SA) has been improving since 2002 when King II came into force. However, the compliance level in large firms appears to be higher than in small firms. Further, the findings show that the market value of large firms is higher than that of small firms. These results largely support the notion that better governed firms outperforms poorly governed firms in terms of financial performance. Notably, the empirical results indicate that board size, CEO duality and the presence of Independent non-executive directors positively impact the performance of a firm, whereas board gender diversity, director share-ownership and frequency of board meetings have no impact on firm performance. Unexpectedly, the presence of internal key board committees, such as remuneration, Audit and Nomination negatively impact firm performance. Notably, the results also show that only 9 per cent of the positions in the board of SA listed firms are occupied by women. Even though the sample size for this study was the largest to date in SA studies, the sample size of 137 listed firms represents only 40 per cent of the total number of listed firms as at August 2012. As a result, generalizability of the findings might be questioned. Therefore, future research is encouraged to increase the sample size. Similar to UK, South Africa has a flexible approach to corporate governance, in which listed firms are required to comply or explain non-conformance to King recommendations. This study has policy implications as it determines whether the flexible corporate governance approach employed by SA improves corporate governance compliance than the mandatory corporate governance approach as employed by countries such as Sri Lanka and whether compliance translates into firm performance. The study also suggests that greater representation of independent non-executive director, a larger board size and the separation of CEO and Chairman should be encouraged to enhance firm performance. The significant finding of this study is that compliant firms enjoy a higher firm performance as proxied by ROA and Tobin’s Q. This implies that compliance to corporate governance code of practice matters, not just as box ticking exercise but as a real step change in the governance of South African listed firms. This paper fulfils an identified need of how compliance to corporate governance influences firm performance in South Africa. The findings have implications to JSE listing rules, policy, investor confidence and academia. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights received. | Compliance; Corporate governance; Firm performance; JSE; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897465303 | The socio-political impact of trauma as experienced by the African National Congress's political activists in the free state province, 1970-1994 | Pudumo K., Twala C., Kompi B. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p568 | Departments of History, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Pudumo, K., Departments of History, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Twala, C., Departments of History, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Kompi, B., Departments of History, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | During the apartheid era in South Africa, there were significant activities and events taking place within and outside the country in as far as the liberation struggle was concerned. The banning of the liberation movements in 1960 and the subsequent launch of an armed struggle led to dramatic change in the lives of millions of South Africans. Participants in the sabotage campaign and other underground activities, exile, military training and action, imprisonment, death in detention, banishment, torture, imprisonments without trial, house arrests, constant surveillance and harassment, and general involvement in the struggle against apartheid characterised the psychological and physical traumatic experiences of the political activists in the Free State Province.The traumatic experiences of the political activists in the Free State forms part of the tapestry of South Africa's liberation history. The article gives a reflection of the political activists' memory against the state of forgetting. | Exile; Human rights; Liberation history; Liberation movements; Liberation struggle | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896710001 | The socioeconomic impact of the phasing out of plantations in the Western and Southern Cape regions of South Africa | de Beer M.C., Ham C., Längin D.W., Theron F. | 2014 | Southern Forests | 76 | 1 | 10.2989/20702620.2013.870386 | Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mondi, Forestry Operations, PO Box 39, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa; School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | de Beer, M.C., Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Ham, C., Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Längin, D.W., Mondi, Forestry Operations, PO Box 39, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa; Theron, F., School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study investigates the possible socioeconomic impact of the phasing out of nearly 22 500 ha of plantations within the Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa as a result of a decision made by government in 2000. Data was collected in 2007 from three plantations (one near Grabouw in the Western Cape, and two near George in the Southern Cape) managed by Mountain to Ocean Forestry (Pty) Ltd (currently Cape Pine Investment Holdings Ltd), among three different plantation stakeholder groups. These groups are (1) forest-dependent communities, (2) stakeholders among the forestry value chain and (3) indirect stakeholders. This study indicates that there are significant differences between the potential impacts of the phasing-out process within the Southern and Western Cape regions. Communities and secondary processing companies in the Southern Cape are much more dependent on forestry than those in the Western Cape region. The study highlights three aspects related to the phasing-out process that need urgent attention. These are (1) to increase public awareness and community participation among local beneficiaries and companies to be impacted on by the phasing-out process, (2) provide appropriate training and capacity-building and thus increased skills level of workers who face unemployment and (3) the identification of alternative employment opportunities for the unemployed affected by the phasing-out process. © 2014 Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | communities; phasing out; plantations; socioeconomic impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049110335 | The socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park | Saayman M., Saayman A., Ferreira M. | 2009 | Koedoe | 51 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v51i1.158 | Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, School of Economics, North West University, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, School of Economics, North West University, South Africa; Saayman, A., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, School of Economics, North West University, South Africa; Ferreira, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, School of Economics, North West University, South Africa | National parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors. Little is known of the socio-economic contribution of these parks to their respective local economies. The purpose of this research was to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park (Karoo NP) in South Africa, especially the economic impact of the Karoo NP on the local economy, the impact of tourism business development in the Karoo district, and how the park affects the community. Three surveys were used to determine the socio-economic impact: a community survey, a business survey and a tourist survey. The results show that the park has an impact in terms of production, income generation and employment in the area, but this impact is not as significant as that of other national parks in South Africa. A small percentage (4%) of businesses in Beaufort West owe their existence to the Karoo NP, but most rely on tourist spending. For the park to have a greater impact, it is imperative to increase accommodation capacity, offer more activities and promote activities and attractions in the region. conservation implication: The importance of this article lies in the economic value that conservation management generates as well as identifying the benefi ts that communities derive from the existence of a national park. It also supports the notion that conservation entails more than just conserving fauna and flora and highlights the interdependence of conservation, tourism and community participation. © 2009. The Authors. | Community perceptions; Economic value; SANParks; South Africa; Tourism | biodiversity; conservation management; local economy; local participation; national park; perception; socioeconomic impact; tourism development; Africa; Karoo National Park; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846299251 | The socio-economic impact of important camel diseases as perceived by a pastoralist community in Kenya | Mochabo M.O.K., Kitala P.M., Gathura P.B., Ogara W.O., Eregae E.M., Kaitho T.D., Catley A. | 2006 | Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | 73 | 4 | None | KARI-Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, 00902, Kenya; Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Veterinary Department, Turkana District, Kenya; Care International Kenya, P.O. Box 43864, Nairobi, Kenya; African Union/Inter-African Bureau Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology (CAPE) Unit, P.O. Box 30786, Nairobi, Kenya | Mochabo, M.O.K., KARI-Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, 00902, Kenya; Kitala, P.M., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Gathura, P.B., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Ogara, W.O., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Eregae, E.M., Veterinary Department, Turkana District, Kenya; Kaitho, T.D., Care International Kenya, P.O. Box 43864, Nairobi, Kenya; Catley, A., African Union/Inter-African Bureau Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology (CAPE) Unit, P.O. Box 30786, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper presents the results of a study conducted in a pastoral community in Kenya using participatory appraisal approaches. The objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic impact of camel trypanosomosis (surra) according to the perceptions of the pastoralists. Four livestock grazing units were conveniently selected and in each of them, three groups of key informants comprising five to eight persons were selected for the participatory exercises. Five camel diseases were listed in order of importance according to their severity and frequency of occurrence including trypanosomosis, mange, non-specific diarrhoea, tick infestations and haemorrhagic septicaemia. The losses listed as incurred due to the five diseases were: losses in milk, meat, blood, fats and hides, dowry payments, and depreciation in sale of animals, losses due to infertility and abortions, and losses due to the cost of treatment. There was good agreement (P < 0.05) between the informant groups on the losses incurred as a result of the diseases for all the selected loss indicators. Surra and mange were given high median scores on all the indicators while non-specific diarrhoea, tick infestations, and haemorrhagic septicaemia received moderate median scores. Based on the study findings it is concluded that the camel plays a central role in the lives of Turkana pastoralists and that surra has a devastating social and economic impact. There is a need for veterinary and policy decision-makers to focus more attention on the control of surra in this arid and semi-arid area of Kenya. | Camel trypanosomosis; Participatory approach; Surra; Turkana pastoralists | animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; camel; cost; diarrhea; economics; female; fertility; hemorrhagic septicemia; infestation; Kenya; male; milk; parasitology; socioeconomics; trypanosomiasis; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Costs and Cost Analysis; Diarrhea; Female; Fertility; Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Kenya; Male; Milk; Mite Infestations; Socioeconomic Factors; Tick Infestations; Trypanosomiasis; Acari; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349416413 | The socioeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS on education outcomes in Uganda: School enrolment and the schooling gap in 2002/2003 | Kasirye I., Hisali E. | 2010 | International Journal of Educational Development | 30 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2009.07.003 | Economic Policy Research, Makerere University, 51 Pool Road, Centre, Uganda; Faculty of Economics and Management, Makerere University, 50 Pool Road, Uganda | Kasirye, I., Economic Policy Research, Makerere University, 51 Pool Road, Centre, Uganda; Hisali, E., Faculty of Economics and Management, Makerere University, 50 Pool Road, Uganda | Due to high prime-age mortality-a result of the HIV/AIDS scourge, the number of orphans in Uganda continues to rise. Using the 2002/2003 Uganda National Household Survey, this paper investigates how HIV/AIDS orphan status affects schooling enrolment and grade progression. Our results show that HIV/AIDS orphans are not significantly less likely to continue schooling but are by far more likely to fall below their appropriate grade. Furthermore, we find that the schooling gaps decreases at higher levels of household welfare status-poor HIV/AIDS orphans, especially aged 13-17 years, are significantly less likely to continue schooling. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Development; HIV/AIDS orphans; International education; Uganda | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; educational development; human immunodeficiency virus; orphan; socioeconomic impact; welfare impact; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50449095291 | The socioeconomic impact of antiretroviral treatment on individuals in Soweto, South Africa | Chhagan V., Luiz J., Mohapi L., McIntyre J., Martinson N. | 2008 | Health Sociology Review | 17 | 1 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa | Chhagan, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Luiz, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Mohapi, L., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; McIntyre, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Martinson, N., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa | This research explores the short-term socioeconomic effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in HIV positive patients attending the Perinatal HIV Research Unit clinics in Soweto, South Africa. An overall increase in mean personal and household income following commencement of ART was noted. Mean personal income rose 53% over baseline income. A decrease in the number of meals missed in households was noted in 10% of the sample. The leading themes regarding income were change in employment status and social grants. Antiretroviral treatment increased the capacity to seek employment and unemployed individuals were actively searching for work. Patients noted an improvement in well-being, with fewer to no episodes of illness, and improved quality of life from three months after starting ART. The empirical evidence suggests that individuals gain substantial benefits from being on ART despite the socioeconomic challenges in South Africa. Copyright © eContent Management Pty Ltd. | Antiretroviral treatment; Health sociology; HIV/AIDS; Socioeconomic impact; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052474319 | The socio-economic impactof Africa's oldestmarine park | Oberholzer S., Saayman M., Saayman A., Slabbert E. | 2010 | Koedoe | 52 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v52i1.879 | Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa; School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa | Oberholzer, S., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa; Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa; Saayman, A., School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa; Slabbert, E., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa | South African National Parks (SANParks) plays a major role in the tourism industry and has three primary functions, namely to conserve biodiversity, to create tourism and recreational opportunities and to build strong community relations. These parks, therefore, have a definite socio-economic impact on adjacent communities, although little is known about this impact. The main aim of this study was to determine the socio-economic impact of Africa's oldest marine park, namely Tsitsikamma National Park, which forms part of the newly created Garden Route National Park. This was done by conducting three surveys during April 2008: a visitor's survey (156 respondents), a community survey (132 respondents) and a business survey (11 respondents). We found that the park has a positive economic impact on the surrounding area and that the community exhibits a favourable attitude towards Tsitsikamma National Park. The results also differed when compared to similar studies conducted at other national parks in South Arica and one of the main reasons for this was that the park is located in a touristic area. For a greater impact however, the park should expand its marine activities, while communication with the local community could also be improved. Conservation implications: Good community relations and ecotourism activities are important components of good conservation practices. This research indicates that tourism activities not only generated funds for conservation, but also benefited the local communities of Tsitsikamma National Park. The positive attitude of local communities makes conservation of biodiversity more sustainable. © 2010. The Authors. Licensee. | Community; Marine tourism; National parks; Partial multiplier modelling; Regional economy; Socio-economic impact; Tourism | biodiversity; conservation management; conservation planning; ecotourism; marine park; regional economy; socioeconomic impact; tourism management; South Africa; Tsitsikamma National Park | None |
WoS | WOS:000235531800004 | The social interaction of an adolescent who uses AAC: The evaluation of a peer-training program | Alant, E,Lilienfeld, M | 2005 | AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION | 21 | 4 | 10.1080/07434610500103467 | University of Pretoria | None | Challenges relating to social interactions of children who use AAC in school settings have been well documented. In this study, a peer-training program was designed and implemented with the Grade 8 peers of an adolescent who had severe physical disabilities and who used AAC. Interactions between the adolescent who used AAC and his classroom peers were investigated before and after implementation of the peer-training program, using a descriptive single case study. An analytical model to describe the interactions and potential changes in the interactions of adolescents who use AAC was developed. The model also included various measures to evaluate pertinent psychosocial factors of the interactions of a person using AAC with peers. Results of the observational data reflected an increase in the frequency of interactions as indicated by the number of messages per hour and the extent of the interactions as signified by an increase in the number of messages per interchange. Changes were also noted in terms of the discourse structures and communication functions achieved by the interactions, the modes of communication used by the adolescent who used AAC and the responses of his peer partners. | ADOLESCENCE,"Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)","communication competence","communication partners","PEER TRAINING",SELF-CONCEPT,"SOCIAL INTERACTION","voice output",COMMUNICATION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870425835 | The social-emotional impact of instrumental music performance on economically disadvantaged South African students | Devroop K. | 2012 | Music Education Research | 14 | 4 | 10.1080/14613808.2012.685456 | School of Music, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Devroop, K., School of Music, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Within the literature there exists a large volume of research studies attesting to the positive relationships between studying music and various psychological and sociological variables. A close examination of these studies reveals that only a handful were conducted on disadvantaged populations. Accordingly, it remains unclear to what extent these findings hold true for disadvantaged students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the social-emotional impact of instrumental music instruction on disadvantaged South African students. The two specific questions addressed in this study were (1) what impact did instrumental music instruction have on student's self-esteem, optimism, sense of happiness and perseverance and (2) do any relationships exist between instrumental music instruction and the variables under investigation? The results indicated that there were generally increased levels of self-esteem, optimism, happiness and perseverance after participation in an instrumental music programme. There was also an increase in subject's optimism and sense of happiness. There were moderate to moderately strong positive relationships between participation in instrumental music and self-esteem, optimism, happiness and perseverance. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | disadvantaged students; instrumental music performance; social-emotional impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651007839 | The social dimension of multi-racial advertising: Its impact on consumers' atitude | Johnson G.D. | 2009 | South African Journal of Business Management | 40 | 2 | None | School of Economic and Business Sciences, Witwatersrand University, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Johnson, G.D., School of Economic and Business Sciences, Witwatersrand University, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Since the end of the apartheid regime, the number of advertisements casting actors from different racial backgrounds simultaneously has significantly increased. Comments about this development are multi-faceted. While some observers praise this technique as the ideal social mirror of the "new" South Africa, others criticize it as a pervasive commercial tactic. Consistent with this debate, it is important for brands to understand consumers' perceptions of multi-racial advertising. Indeed, these perceptions are also assumed to influence consumers' attitude towards the advertised brand. Based on the attribution theory, this study investigates whether South African companies, by integrating a multi-racial feature in an advertisement, create the perception amongst consumers that their advertisement is socially responsible and, in so doing, increase their brand equity. The empirical results of this study support that consumers' attitude towards a brand is significantly influenced by the extent to which they attribute a social responsibility to its advertisements. Nevertheless, it is also found that using multi-racial advertising is a necessary but not sufficient condition to generate this social attribution. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860663852 | The social and economic impacts of epilepsy on women in Nigeria | Komolafe M.A., Sunmonu T.A., Afolabi O.T., Komolafe E.O., Fabusiwa F.O., Groce N., Kett M., Disu J.O., Ajiboye J.K., Olaniyan S.O. | 2012 | Epilepsy and Behavior | 24 | 1 | 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.11.019 | Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria; Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, | Komolafe, M.A., Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Sunmonu, T.A., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria; Afolabi, O.T., Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Komolafe, E.O., Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Fabusiwa, F.O., Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria; Groce, N., Leonard Chesire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Kett, M., Leonard Chesire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Disu, J.O., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria; Ajiboye, J.K., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria; Olaniyan, S.O., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria | Background: Persons with epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa experience stigma and social marginalization. There is paucity of data on the social and economic impacts of epilepsy in these patients and in particular, groups like women. We sought to determine the social and economic impacts of epilepsy on Nigerian women and especially how it affects their treatment and outcomes. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey of 63 women with epilepsy (WWE) and 69 controls matched for age, social status and site of care. A structured questionnaire was used to document information on demographic characteristics, education, employment status, economic status, health care use, personal safety and perceived stigma. The data were collated and analyzed with SPSS version 15. Results: Unemployment, fewer years of formal education, lower marriage rates and higher stigma scores were more frequent among WWE than controls. Physical and sexual abuse with transactional sex was also reported among WWE. We also noted poorer environmental and housing conditions and lower mean personal and household incomes among WWE compared to the control group. Conclusion: WWE in this sample from Nigeria have worse social and economic status when compared with women with other non-stigmatized chronic medical conditions. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. | Education; Employment; Epilepsy; Marriage; Psychosocial aspects; Rural; Urban; Women | adult; article; comparative study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease duration; educational status; employment status; epilepsy; female; health care utilization; health survey; housing; human; income; major clinical study; marriage; Nigeria; onset age; outcome assessment; safety; sexual abuse; social status; stigma; structured questionnaire; unemployment; women's health; Adolescent; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Employment; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Nigeria; Social Class; Social Stigma; Unemployment; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-81155150391 | The single match approach to strike rate adjustments in batting performance measures in cricket | Lemmer H.H. | 2011 | Journal of Sports Science and Medicine | 10 | 4 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa | Lemmer, H.H., Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa | Batting performance measures containing strike rate adjustments take into account the important fact that if two batsmen had scored the same number of runs in a match, the one with the better strike rate had performed best. But match conditions can influence the batting and bowling performances of cricket players. On a good pitch a batsman can get a good score at a high strike rate, but if the pitch was bad, a similar good score is normally accompanied by a much lower strike rate. The main objective of this study is to propose a method that can be used to make batsmen's scores comparable despite the fact that playing conditions might have been very different. The number of runs scored by a batsman is adjusted by comparing his strike rate with the overall strike rate of all the players in the specific match. These adjusted runs are then used in the most appropriate formula to calculate the average of the batsman. The method is illustrated by using the results of the Indian Premier League 2009 Twenty20 Series played during May and June 2009. The main conclusion is that the traditional average is not the most appropriate measure to compare batsmen's performances after conclusion of a short series. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. | Batting average; Indian premier league; Ratings; Sports | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-15744373001 | The simultaneous determination of selected flavonol glycosides and aglycones in Ginkgo biloba oral dosage forms by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry | Dubber M.-J., Sewram V., Mshicileli N., Shephard G.S., Kanfer I. | 2005 | Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis | 37 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jpba.2004.11.052 | Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Division of Pharmaceutics, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; PROMEC Unit, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa | Dubber, M.-J., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Division of Pharmaceutics, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Sewram, V., PROMEC Unit, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Mshicileli, N., PROMEC Unit, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Shephard, G.S., PROMEC Unit, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Kanfer, I., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Division of Pharmaceutics, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | An accurate, precise and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS-MS) method was developed for the determination of two flavonol glycosides, rutin and quercitrin, together with the algycone markers, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin in several Ginkgo biloba solid oral dosage forms. In addition, a novel quercetin glycoside, not yet reported in Ginkgo extracts, was identified. Liquid chromatography was performed using a minibore high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column (150 mm × 2.0 mm i.d.) and a one step gradient of acetonitrile-formic acid (0.3%) at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Baseline separation of the five selected flavonol marker compounds was achieved within 20 min at 45°C. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed using electrospray ionisation (ESI) in the negative ion mode. The marker compounds exhibited linearity over the range of 3-26 μg/ml and intra- and inter-day standard deviations were better than 7% and 16%, respectively. All Ginkgo products investigated were found to contain varying amounts of target analytes. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Flavonols; Ginkgo biloba; LC-MS-MS; Validation | acetonitrile; anion; flavonoid glycoside; flavonol derivative; formic acid; Ginkgo biloba extract; isorhamnetin; kaempferol; quercetin; quercitrin; rutoside; accuracy; article; drug administration route; drug determination; drug dose regimen; electrospray mass spectrometry; flow rate; high performance liquid chromatography; priority journal; separation technique; tandem mass spectrometry; temperature; time; Calibration; Capsules; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Flavonols; Ginkgo biloba; Glycosides; Indicators and Reagents; Reference Standards; Reproducibility of Results; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Tablets | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930091797 | The short-term impact of price shocks on food security-Evidence from urban and rural Ethiopia | Matz J.A., Kalkuhl M., Abegaz G.A. | 2015 | Food Security | 7 | 3 | 10.1007/s12571-015-0467-4 | Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Ethiopian Economics Association/Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute and International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Matz, J.A., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Kalkuhl, M., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Abegaz, G.A., Ethiopian Economics Association/Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute and International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study investigates the impact of food price changes on food security in urban and rural Ethiopia. Using a quarterly household survey panel dataset and price data collected directly at markets, a negative effect of high cereal prices on some, but not all considered indicators of food security was found, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity across households. The results indicate that increases in cereal prices are generally, but not always, associated with households having a lower number of meals and switching to less preferred foods. Diet diversity and calorie consumption, however, show no clear response to grain price changes. Only partly in line with existing notions, our results suggest that the aggregate effect is negative for both the urban and rural populations (with the strongest among the urban poor) but that even poor households are able to maintain their basic food consumption through periods of moderate price changes. © 2015, The Author(s). | Ethiopia; Food and nutrition security; Food price inflation | food consumption; food policy; food security; household survey; price dynamics; socioeconomic conditions; Ethiopia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549150059 | The self-concept and academic performance of institutionalized and non-institutionalized HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Kisumu municipality | Kimani Chege G., Cheboswony M., Kodero H.M., Misigo B.L. | 2009 | Educational Research and Reviews | 4 | 3 | None | Moi University, School of Education, P.O. Box 3900, 30100 Eldoret, Kenya | Kimani Chege, G., Moi University, School of Education, P.O. Box 3900, 30100 Eldoret, Kenya; Cheboswony, M., Moi University, School of Education, P.O. Box 3900, 30100 Eldoret, Kenya; Kodero, H.M., Moi University, School of Education, P.O. Box 3900, 30100 Eldoret, Kenya; Misigo, B.L., Moi University, School of Education, P.O. Box 3900, 30100 Eldoret, Kenya | The HIV/AIDS pandemic has increasingly become a major factor in the emergence of orphans in the developing countries. These orphans are usually traumatized due to the multiple losses, isolation, stigma and grief. The study sought to investigate the effect of institutionalization of children on the self-concept of the AIDS-orphaned children and to investigate the relationship between self-concept and academic performance of the AIDS-orphaned children. The ex-post-facto research design was adopted. A total of 138 orphaned pupils that is 67 boys and 71 girls participated in the study. The study was based on Rogers' (1951) theory on self-concept. Data was analyzed using the t - test and the correlation coefficient. The study found out that there was a difference in self-concept and academic performance between pupils orphaned by HIV/AIDS living in institutions and those living with extended families, guardian homes and in parental homes. The difference in self-concept was not significant but the institutionalized orphans performed better academically than those who are non-institutionalized. The study recommended that since stigma and discrimination is still very rampant in schools, children should be taught against such behaviors to avoid orphans feeling different, and they should be treated as ordinary children. This would enhance their self-concept and academic performance. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Academic performance; Institutionalization non-institutionalization; Selfconcept | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863471615 | The secular and the sacred in the thinking of John Milbank: A critical evaluation | Vorster N. | 2012 | Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies | 11 | 32 | None | North-West University, Faculty of Theology, South Africa | Vorster, N., North-West University, Faculty of Theology, South Africa | This article examines John Milbank's deconstruction of secular social theory, and the counter master narrative that he proposes. Milbank depicts secular social theory as based on an ontology of 'violence'. Instead, he proposes a participatory Christian master narrative based on an ontology of peace. Two questions are posed in this article. First, is Milbank's description of secular thought as under girded by an ontology of violence valid? Second, does the Christian counter narrative that he proposes provide an adequate and viable social theory? After explicating Milbank's analysis of secular social theory and his alternative of an ontology of peace, the article comes to the conclusion that Milbank's analysis of secular theory is seriously flawed because of the very comprehensive and universal content that he gives to the term 'violence'. His alternative social theory is also not viable because of the ecclesiocentric nature of his model. It is argued that Milbank's alternative narrative displays contradictions and does not escape theocratic, relativist and 'violent' elements. © SACRI. | Church; Gift; John milbank; Narrative; Ontology; Participation; Peace; Secular; Social theory; Violence | None | None |
None | None | "These are not good things for other people to know": How rural Tanzanian women's experiences of pregnancy loss and early neonatal death may impact survey data quality | Haws R.A., Mashasi I., Mrisho M., Schellenberg J.A., Darmstadt G.L., Winch P.J. | 2010 | Social Science and Medicine | 71 | 10 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.03.051 | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom | Haws, R.A., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Mashasi, I., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mrisho, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Switzerland; Schellenberg, J.A., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom; Darmstadt, G.L., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Winch, P.J., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States | Little research in low-income countries has compared the social and cultural ramifications of loss in childbearing, yet the social experience of pregnancy loss and early neonatal death may affect demographers' ability to measure their incidence. Ninety-five qualitative reproductive narratives were collected from 50 women in rural southern Tanzania who had recently suffered infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth or early neonatal death. An additional 31 interviews with new mothers and female elders were used to assess childbearing norms and social consequences of loss in childbearing. We found that like pregnancy, stillbirth and early neonatal death are hidden because they heighten women's vulnerability to social and physical harm, and women's discourse and behaviors are under strong social control. To protect themselves from sorcery, spiritual interference, and gossip-as well as stigma should a spontaneous loss be viewed as an induced abortion-women conceal pregnancies and are advised not to mourn or grieve for " immature" (late-term) losses. Twelve of 30 respondents with pregnancy losses had been accused of inducing an abortion; 3 of these had been subsequently divorced. Incommensurability between Western biomedical and local categories of reproductive loss also complicates measurement of losses. Similar gender inequalities and understandings of pregnancy and reproductive loss in other low-resource settings likely result in underreporting of these losses elsewhere. Cultural, terminological, and methodological factors that contribute to inaccurate measurement of stillbirth and early neonatal death must be considered in designing surveys and other research methods to measure pregnancy, stillbirth, and other sensitive reproductive events. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Disclosure; Induced abortion; Miscarriage; Perinatal mortality; Stigma; Stillbirth; Sub-Saharan Africa; Underreporting | childbearing; cultural influence; demographic survey; gender issue; gender relations; infant mortality; infertility; low income population; pregnancy; rural population; rural society; womens status; adult; article; attitude to death; controlled study; cultural factor; female; female infertility; health survey; human; induced abortion; interview; maternal attitude; maternal behavior; maternal welfare; newborn death; pregnancy outcome; rural population; social control; spontaneous abortion; stillbirth; Tanzania; Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Surveys; Hierarchy, Social; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Infertility; Poverty Areas; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Research Design; Rural Health; Social Stigma; Stillbirth; Tanzania; Women; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860255936 | The Scotia Sea krill fishery and its possible impacts on dependent predators: Modeling localized depletion of prey | Plagányi E.E., Butterworth D.S. | 2012 | Ecological Applications | 22 | 3 | 10.1890/11-0441.1 | Marine Resource Assessment and Management, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Marine and Atmospheric Research, CSIRO, P.O. Box 2583, Brisbane 4001, Australia | Plagányi, E.E., Marine Resource Assessment and Management, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Marine and Atmospheric Research, CSIRO, P.O. Box 2583, Brisbane 4001, Australia; Butterworth, D.S., Marine Resource Assessment and Management, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The nature and impact of fishing on predators that share a fished resource is an important consideration in ecosystem-based fisheries management. Krill (Euphausia superba) is a keystone species in the Antarctic, serving as a fundamental forage source for predators and simultaneously being subject to fishing. We developed a spatial multispecies operating model (SMOM) of krill-predator fishery dynamics to help advise on allocation of the total krill catch among 15 small-scale management units (SSMUs) in the Scotia Sea, with a goal to reduce the potential impact of fishing on krill predators. The operating model describes the underlying population dynamics and is used in simulations to compare different management options for adjusting fishing activities (e.g., a different spatial distribution of catches). The numerous uncertainties regarding the choice of parameter values pose a major impediment to constructing reliable ecosystem models. The pragmatic solution proposed here involves the use of operating models that are composed of alternative combinations of parameters that essentially try to bound the uncertainty in, for example, the choice of survival rate estimates as well as the functional relationships between predators and prey. Despite the large uncertainties, it is possible to discriminate the ecosystem impacts of different spatial fishing allocations. The spatial structure of the model is fundamental to addressing concerns of localized depletion of prey in the vicinity of land-based predator breeding colonies. Results of the model have been considered in recent management deliberations for spatial allocations of krill catches in the Scotia Sea and their associated impacts on dependent predator species. © 2012 by the Ecological Society of America. | Antarctic; Ecosystem model; Krill; Localized depletion; Multispecies model; Operating model; Predator-prey; Uncertainty | catch statistics; crustacean; ecological impact; ecosystem modeling; fishery management; fishing; fishing effort; keystone species; marine resource; population dynamics; predator; predator-prey interaction; resource depletion; survival; sustainable development; uncertainty analysis; animal; Antarctica; article; biological model; ecosystem; environmental monitoring; environmental protection; fish; food industry; krill; methodology; penguin; physiology; population density; predation; seal; season; time; Animals; Antarctic Regions; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Euphausiacea; Fisheries; Fishes; Models, Biological; Pinnipedia; Population Density; Predatory Behavior; Seasons; Spheniscidae; Time Factors; Atlantic Ocean; Scotia Sea; Euphausia superba; Euphausiacea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-54249128967 | The scintigraphic evaluation of the pulmonary perfusion pattern of dogs hospitalised with babesiosis | Sweers L., Kirberger R.M., Leisewitz A.L., Dormehl I.C., Killian E., Naudé F. | 2008 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 79 | 2 | None | Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; AEC Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Sweers, L., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Kirberger, R.M., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Leisewitz, A.L., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Dormehl, I.C., AEC Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Killian, E., Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Naudé, F., Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The possibility of coagulopathy in Babesia canis rossi infections in the canine patient has been suggested in the literature, but minimal work has been done to evaluate the clinicopathological nature of it in further detail. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has not yet been implicated in canine babesiosis (CB), but may also be one of the causes of the sudden dyspnoea and tachypnoea that are frequently seen in complicated CB patients. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion pattern in hospitalised dogs with babesiosis in an attempt to ascertain whether a scintigraphic pattern consistent with clinically relevant PTE does indeed occur in these patients. The study consisted of a normal control group of 9 mature healthy Beagle dogs (group 1) and a Babesia group with 14 dogs of a variety of breeds that were naturally infected with Babesia (group 2). Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy was performed after making thoracic radiographs and performing a blood gas analysis in both groups. The scintigraphic images were visually inspected for changes suggestive of PTE, but not a single dog in group 2 had pleural-based, wedge-shaped perfusion defects which would have resulted in a high probability for clinically relevant PTE. The scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion pattern demonstrated was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 1.00). | Canine babesiosis; Pulmonary perfusion; Pulmonary thromboembolism; Scintigraphy | macrosalb tc 99m; animal experiment; animal model; article; Babesia; babesiosis; blood gas analysis; breeding line; controlled study; disease association; dog disease; female; image analysis; image display; lung embolism; lung perfusion; lung scintiscanning; male; nonhuman; probability; prospective study; thorax radiography; veterinary medicine; Animals; Babesia; Babesiosis; Blood Gas Analysis; Case-Control Studies; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Male; Pulmonary Embolism; Radiography, Thoracic; Radionuclide Imaging; Babesia; Babesia canis rossi; Canis familiaris | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650021890 | The school library development programme in Pallisa District, Uganda: An impact study | Magara E., Batambuze C. | 2009 | IFLA Journal | 35 | 2 | 10.1177/0340035209105670 | East African School of Librar y and Information Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; National Book Trust of Uganda, PO Box 25412, Kampala, Uganda | Magara, E., East African School of Librar y and Information Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Batambuze, C., National Book Trust of Uganda, PO Box 25412, Kampala, Uganda | This study establishes the impact of the School Library Development Programme (SLDP) of the East African Book Development Association (EABDA) on the beneficiary schools in Pallisa District. The study was financed with funds provided by the Guust van Wesemael Literacy Prize, awarded by IFLA to the National Book Trust of Uganda in 2007. Data were collected from implementers and participants in the Pallisa District project including teachers, children, head teachers, teacher librarians and the District Education Office. It was established that there was significant utilization of (a) the skills acquired from the training and (b) the donation of books, in the management of collections and use of the library. Although schools had put in place strategies for enabling children to borrow and read books, the absence of purpose-built libraries with adequate seating facilities and space has limited children's abilities to use the library and enjoy reading in schools. There is a need for a comprehensive school library development programme to guide interventions for stocking school libraries with relevant books and promoting reading practices. Copyright © 2009 Author. | Children's reading; East African Book Development Association; Impact studies; School libraries; School Library Development Programme; Uganda | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941281127 | The scholarly impact of doctoral research conducted in the field of education in south africa | Wolhuter C.C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Education | 35 | 3 | 10.15700/saje.v35n3a1090 | School for Education Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Wolhuter, C.C., School for Education Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The aim of this study is to investigate the scholarly impact of knowledge generated as part of doctoral studies in the field of education in South Africa. The transition rate of the 97 doctoral theses completed in the various fields of education in South Africa in 2008 into peer-reviewed articles and chapters in scholarly books, as well as the citation impact of these theses, were studied. It was found that the transition rates of these theses to journal articles and book chapters were low, as was their citation impact. Eighty three of the 97 theses did not transfer into any kind of publication, 70 out of the 97 made no citation impact, and 65 theses neither transferred to an article/a book chapter, nor did they receive any citation. The low scholarly impact of doctoral research in education in South Africa is related to a number of contextual and field-specific factors, identified in the survey of literature. The main recommendation made is the mapping of fields of education scholarship, making possible the identification of lacuna for research with high impact potential. © 2015, Foundation for Education Science and Technology. All rights reserved. | Citation impact; Doctoral education; Doctoral education in South Africa; Educational research; Educational research in South Africa; Mapping of fields of education scholarship; Quality of doctoral education | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870827872 | The savannah hypotheses: Origin, reception and impact on paleoanthropology | Bender R., Tobias P.V., Bender N. | 2012 | History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences | 34 | 42371 | None | School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland | Bender, R., School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Tobias, P.V., School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Bender, N., Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland | The reconstruction of the human past is a complex task characterized by a high level of interdisciplinarity. How do scientists from different fields reach consensus on crucial aspects of paleoanthropological research? The present paper explores this question through an historical analysis of the origin, development, and reception of the savannah hypotheses (SHs). We show that this model neglected to investigate crucial biological aspects which appeared to be irrelevant in scenarios depicting early hominins evolving in arid or semi-arid open plains. For instance, the exploitation of aquatic food resources and other aspects of hominin interaction with water were largely ignored in classical paleoanthropology. These topics became central to alternative ideas on human evolution known as aquatic hypotheses. Since the aquatic model is commonly regarded as highly controversial, its rejection led to a stigmatization of the whole spectrum of topics around water use in non-human hominoids and hominins. We argue that this bias represents a serious hindrance to a comprehensive reconstruction of the human past. Progress in this field depends on clear differentiation between hypotheses proposed to contextualize early hominin evolution in specific environmental settings and research topics which demand the investigation of all relevant facets of early hominins' interaction with complex landscapes. © 2012 Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. | Aquatic hypothesis; History of paleoanthropology; Human evolution; Interdisciplinarity; Savannah hypothesis | animal; article; biological model; climate; environment; evolution; history; hominid; human; paleontology; Animals; Biological Evolution; Climate; Environment; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; Hominidae; Humans; Models, Biological; Paleontology | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860842865 | The rural ICT comprehensive evaluation framework: Implementing the first domain, the baseline study process | Pade-Khene C., Sewry D. | 2012 | Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries | 51 | 1 | None | Department of Information Systems, Rhodes University, South Africa | Pade-Khene, C., Department of Information Systems, Rhodes University, South Africa; Sewry, D., Department of Information Systems, Rhodes University, South Africa | ICTs are continuously emerging as key tools to support development activities. However, with the growing implementation of such technology requires the need to account for such implementations and assess the need, process, outcome and impact of ICT projects in developing countries. Most evaluations in ICT4D tend to focus on impact assessment, yet assessing the impact of a project relies on interdependent assessments that should be conducted throughout the life of a project; especially to gauge the actual contribution of an ICT project to specified impact in a rural community. This paper presents a Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework (RICT-CEF), which encompasses the key domains of evaluation that should be applied throughout the progression of an ICT for development project. The scope of this paper, specifically elaborates on the first two stages of the framework: 1) The Overall Evaluation Plan, and 2) The Baseline Study. These stages are explored in the Siyakhula Living Lab, an ICT4D project in South Africa, to reveal the shortcomings and suitability of the framework through lessons learned, and contribute to the continuous revision of the RICT-CEF. | Baseline study; Evaluation; Impact assessment; Project management | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349130706 | The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn) stem cuttings as influenced by wood type, sucrose and rooting hormone | Yeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M. | 2009 | Scientific Research and Essays | 4 | 5 | None | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Yeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Vegetative propagation of stem cuttings of different physiological woodtypes of Vitellaria paradoxa was studied in a polythene propagator. The treatments included combinations of wood type (soft, semi-hard and rejuvenated (coppiced) shoots), sucrose application at 0, 15 and 25%, and Seradix '3' powder hormone (active ingredient- indolebutyricacid) at 0 and 8000 ppm. Cuttings of rejuvenated shoots dipped in 15% sucrose solution gave significantly higher rooting and longer roots than both softwood and semihardwood. High levels (P < 0.05) of soluble sugars and total free phenols were recorded for coppiced cuttings which resulted in better rooting performance than the other wood types. Cuttings dipped in Seradix '3' powder hormone significantly recorded higher rooting than the control (no hormone). © 2009 Academic Journals. | Cuttings; Rooting; Rooting hormone; Sucrose; Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn | Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049089781 | The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) cuttings leached in water and application of rooting hormone in different media | Yeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M. | 2009 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.3923/jps.2009.10.14 | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Yeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | In order to improve the rooting performance of shea stem cuttings to enhance the establislunent of shea plantation, an investigation was carried out in 2003/2004 at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Substation, Bole in a polythene propagator. The propagating structures for the experiment were kept under a shade net (50% shade) to create a microclimate for the cuttings. The treatments employed were leaching, different growth media and hormone application. Rejuvenated (coppiced cuttings) shoots that were not leached (not dipped in water) gave significantly higher rooting than the leached cuttings while Seradix 3 powder applied cuttings produced significantly higher (p<0.05) rooting than the control. Significantly high in number, more developed and longer roots per cutting were recorded for the rice husk medium than the sand and sand-top soil (1: 1) media. The biochemical analysis significantly recorded high levels of sugar and phenol for cuttings that were not leached in water. The results of this study demonstrated that rice husk medium was the best for rooting shea cuttings. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc. | Phenol; Rice husk medium; Sand; Sand+top soil; Sugar | Theobroma cacao; Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-59349089045 | The Roodekraal Complex as a constraint on the size of the Vredefort impact crater, South Africa | de Waal S. | 2008 | South African Journal of Geology | 111 | 42403 | 10.2113/gssajg.111.2-3.305 | Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | de Waal, S., Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | The volcanic Roodekraal Complex, situated about 40 km from the proposed center of the ∼2.02 Ga Vredefort cratering event, overlies the rocks of the Pretoria Group with an angular unconformity. The unsheared basal contact of the Roodekraal Complex, a succession of alkaline basic lava intruded by diorite sills, defines an ∼2.05 Ga palaeosurface and as such constrains the size of the transient Vredefort crater to a maximum of ca. 80 km in diameter. A group of concentric thrust and normal faults with listric characteristics, the Ensel Thrust System, probably represents the expected normal faults that caused collapse of the transient crater rim during the modification stage of the cratering event. A series of semi-concentric thrust faults of the order of 200 km diameter and centered on the point of impact may define the total size of the Vredefort astrobleme (taken to be the entire area of impact-induced deformation). The indicated diameters of the transient and final craters agree well with those suggested by recent numerical models. © 2008 September Geological Society of South Africa. | None | astrobleme; crater; cratering; normal fault; numerical model; paleosurface; thrust fault; unconformity; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888117442 | The roles of degree of competition and types of business strategies in adopting multiple performance measurement practices: Some reflections from bangladesh | Khan H.U.Z., Ahmed R., Halabi A.K. | 2010 | Research in Accounting in Emerging Economies | 10 | None | 10.1108/S1479-3563 | East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Khan, H.U.Z., East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Ahmed, R., James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Halabi, A.K., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Aim-This empirical study explores the association between competition, business strategy, and the uses of a multiple performance measurement system in Bangladesh manufacturing firms. Design/methodology-The study uses a questionnaire survey of 50 manufacturing companies. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and other descriptive statistics. Findings-The results suggest that greater emphasis on multiple measures for performance evaluation is associated with businesses that are facing high competition. The practices of multiple performance measures are also significantly related to the types of business strategy being followed. Specifically, firms pursuing a prospector strategy have relied more on multiple performance measures to rate business performance than the firms pursuing a defender strategy. Practical implications-The article notes that the designers of performance measurement systems need to consider contingent factors that affect an organizations' control system. Originality/value-Substantiating the connection between contingent variables and the use of multiple performance measures in manufacturing firms facilitate a better acceptance of firms' tendency toward new measurement tools. The study contributes to the performance measurement and contingency literature since it presents empirical evidence of the state of multiple performance measures with organizational contingent variables using a developing country's manufacturing sector data. Copyright © 2010 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Bangladesh; Firms' strategy; Manufacturing sector; Market competition; Multiple performance measures | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892538435 | The role played by institutional support in the commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance of teachers in gauteng province of South Africa: A social exchange perspective | Chinomona E., Moloi K.C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p303 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Chinomona, E., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Moloi, K.C. | This quantitative study investigates the role played by institutional support in the commitment, job satisfaction and job performance of teachers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Drawing from a social exchange perspective, the researchers argue that institutional support has a positive influence on institutional commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance. However, there are relatively few studies that seek to investigate the influence of institutional support on teachers' level of commitment, job satisfaction and workplace performance, particularly in the developing countries of Southern Africa. Three research hypotheses are posited and data collected from a sample of 150 teachers in colleges and universities in the Gauteng province of South Africa are used to test the hypotheses empirically. The results of this study show that institutional support positively influences teachers' job commitment, job satisfaction and job performance. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. | Commitment; Institutional support; Job performance; Teacher job satisfaction | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249127550 | The role of the teacher in helping learners overcome the negative impact of child sexual abuse: A south African perspective | Phasha T.N. | 2008 | School Psychology International | 29 | 3 | 10.1177/0143034308093671 | University of Johannesburg, Department of Educational Psychology, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, Department of Educational Psychology, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Phasha, T.N., University of Johannesburg, Department of Educational Psychology, South Africa, University of Johannesburg, Department of Educational Psychology, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Current literature suggesting the negative impact of childhood experiences of sexual abuse on school functioning makes it imperative to consider the role of the teacher in helping survivors overcome the negative impact of such experiences. Schools cannot ignore the reason why some learners cannot learn. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that investigated both the school functioning of sexually abused learners and teachers' roles in helping learners overcome the negative impact of such experiences. The study followed in-depth interviews with 22 sexually abused learners and focus interviewing with two groups of teachers. Six roles were identified by both learners with childhood experiences of sexual abuse and the teachers namely: identifying sexually abused learners; providing support; building trusting relationships; ensuring security; offering preventive and treatment programs and making referrals. The study also provides information about factors that could undermine the educator's role in this matter. Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications. | Learners; Negative impact; Sexual abuse; South Africa; Teachers | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41549130056 | The role of the firm and owner characteristics on the performance of agritourism farms | Barbieri C., Mshenga P.M. | 2008 | Sociologia Ruralis | 48 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1467-9523.2008.00450.x | Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Missouri 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Res. Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Njoro 20107, Kenya | Barbieri, C., Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Missouri 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Res. Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Mshenga, P.M., Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Njoro 20107, Kenya | This article investigates the role of firm and owner characteristics on the gross income of farms engaged in agritourism. The findings indicate that the length of time in business, the number of employees and the farm acreage have a positive impact on performance in terms of annual gross sales of agritourism farms. Owners of farms with greater annual gross sales than the rest are male or white or their main occupation is farming. The age of the farmer has an inverse relationship on gross sales. Other characteristics including location, if it is a working farm, whether the operator had business and marketing plans, sources of start-up capital and the entrepreneur's education level did not have a significant relationship on the performance of these farms. © Journal Compilation © 2008 European Society for Rural Sociology. | None | age; agricultural performance; agricultural worker; farm; firm ownership; occupation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902170332 | The role of supervisor support in predicting employee job satisfaction from their perception of the performance management system: A test of competing models in engineering environments | Baloyi S., van Waveren C.C., Chan K.-Y. | 2014 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 25 | 1 | None | Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Baloyi, S., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; van Waveren, C.C., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Chan, K.-Y., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Past studies of performance management systems (PMS) have focused more on designing the framework and less on the effect it has on employees. Moreover, employees in developing countries may not be knowledgeable or familiar with PMS. This paper proposes two competing statistical models to examine the roles that supervisor support (SS) has in engineering organisations. It was found that SS is a mediator, but not a moderator, in the relationship between PMS and employee job satisfaction. In other words, SS partially explains why employees have positive perceptions of their jobs based on their evaluation of the current PMS; SS thus enhances the PMS in engineering organisations. | None | Developing countries; Human resource management; Job satisfaction; Management; Supervisory personnel; Competing models; Engineering environment; Performance management systems; Supervisor supports; Models | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859709889 | The role of stress and level of burnout in job performance among nurses | Gandi J.C., Wai P.S., Karick H., Dagona Z.K. | 2011 | Mental Health in Family Medicine | 8 | 3 | None | Department of General and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Gandi, J.C., Department of General and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Wai, P.S., Department of General and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Karick, H., Department of General and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Dagona, Z.K., Department of General and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Nurses' empathy for and connection with patients demonstrates core professional values which are essential but, consequently, attract certain factors capable of inducing stress. Studies of the roles and responsibilities associated with nursing have implicated multiple and conflicting demands which might not be without some resultant effects. However, little research has been conducted on these work characteristics in developing economies to determine how these might impact the nurse employees' performance. There is need for evidence-based empirical findings to facilitate improvement in healthcare services. This study examined stress and level of burnout among Nigerian nurses (n = 2245) who were selected using stratified random sampling. The participants were measured using an 'abridged measures booklet' adopted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory- General Survey (MBI-GS), Job Autonomy Questionnaire (JAQ), Questionnaire on Organisational Stress-Doetinchem (VOS-D) and Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS). The roles of work-home interference (WHI) and home-work interference (HWI), with respect to work characteristics and burnout (paying special attention to gender), were examined. Analyses using t-tests and linear regression showed no gender differences in burnout levels among Nigerian nurses, who experience medium to high levels of emotional exhaustion, medium levels of depersonalisation and high levels of personal accomplishment. WHI and HWI were found to mediate the relationship between work characteristics and burnout. The meditational relationship differs between genders. This study calls for further research into gender and burnout among the caring professions, especially in underdeveloped and developing economies of the world. © 2011 Radcliffe Publishing. | Job performance; Nurses and professional values; Stress and burnout | article; burnout; depersonalization; empathy; employee; health service; health survey; job performance; job stress; nurse; professional standard; responsibility; sex difference; Student t test | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919631555 | The role of state-business relations in the performance of Zambia's food processing sub-sector | Hampwaye G., Jeppesen S. | 2014 | Bulletin of Geography | 26 | 26 | 10.2478/bog-2014-0046 | University of Zambia, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, South Africa; Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Department of Intercultural Communication and Management, Centre for Business and Development Studies, Copenhagen, Denmark | Hampwaye, G., University of Zambia, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia, University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, South Africa; Jeppesen, S., Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Department of Intercultural Communication and Management, Centre for Business and Development Studies, Copenhagen, Denmark | In ensuring growth and development collaborative State-Business relations (SBRs) matters, and with economic growth comes increasing levels of employment, options for poverty reduction and hence more equitable development. Whereas it is known that SBR matters at a macro-economic level, the concept of SBR has also been employed in a more or less all-encompassing way in the literature. Accordingly, while it is clear that SBRs work, there is lack knowledge about which dimensions of SBRs are the most important. Due to the continued importance of agriculture in many developing countries, processing of the food produced in the sector is a key manufacturing activity of high economic importance to many economies. Ensuring collaborative SBRs in the food processing industry is therefore of interest to growth and development, particularly as it is a sector about which little is known about the role of SBRs. The paper attempts to examine how and why SBRs matter to and influence the growth and performance of local owned firms in the food processing sub-sector in Zambia. In particular, the paper analyses the roles and influence of government regulations and policies compared to those of business associations for the performance of the food processing sector in Zambia. The paper draws on primary data from a survey of firms in the food processing sector which was conducted between 2013 and 2014. It is shown that while the majority of the Zambian food processing firms experienced growth over the last five years, with increased employment and in a number of cases growing earnings, this seems to have happened in spite of a business environment which is not particularly supportive. The firms' experience is that the SBRs mainly constitute institutional barriers to the performance of firms and highlight that formal government institutions and polices are incapable of assisting the firms and in most cases government institutions formulate and enact insufficient support schemes. © Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series 2014. | Business; Food-processing; State; Zambia | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-30744463049 | The role of social grants in mitigating the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS in two free state communities | Booysen F., Van Der Berg S. | 2005 | South African Journal of Economics | 73 | SPEC. ISS. | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2005.00038.x | Department of Economics, Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Booysen, F., Department of Economics, Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Van Der Berg, S., Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Social grants may play an important role in mitigating the impact of HIV/ AIDS. Eligibility for these grants is driven in part by the increasing burden of chronic illness, the mounting orphan crisis and the impoverishment of households associated with the epidemic. This article investigates the role of social grants in mitigating the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, using data from a panel study on the household impact of the epidemic. Social grants reduce inequality and decrease the prevalence, depth and severity of poverty in affected households. However, these transfers also have disincentive effects on employment, while non-uptake is in some cases higher amongst the poorest. © 2005 Economic Society of South Africa. | None | human immunodeficiency virus; social behavior; socioeconomic conditions; state role; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955488320 | The role of SANSA's geomagnetic observation network in space weather monitoring: A review | Kotzé P.B., Cilliers P.J., Sutcliffe P.R. | 2015 | Space Weather | 13 | 10 | 10.1002/2015SW001279 | South African National Space Agency, Space Science, Hermanus, South Africa | Kotzé, P.B., South African National Space Agency, Space Science, Hermanus, South Africa; Cilliers, P.J., South African National Space Agency, Space Science, Hermanus, South Africa; Sutcliffe, P.R., South African National Space Agency, Space Science, Hermanus, South Africa | Geomagnetic observations play a crucial role in the monitoring of space weather events. In a modern society relying on the efficient functioning of its technology network such observations are important in order to determine the potential hazard for activities and infrastructure. Until recently, it was the perception that geomagnetic storms had no or very little adverse effect on radio communication and electric power infrastructure at middle- and low-latitude regions like southern Africa. The 2003 Halloween storm changed this perception. In this paper we discuss the role of the geomagnetic observation network operated by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in space weather monitoring. The primary objective is to describe the geomagnetic data sets available to characterize and monitor the various types of solar-driven disturbances, with the aim to better understand the physics of these processes in the near-Earth space environment and to provide relevant space weather monitoring and prediction. ©2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. | geomagnetism; observatories; space weather | None | None |
None | None | The role of participatory problem analysis in performance improvement and sustainable management of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems: A case study of Makanya village, Tanzania | Rajabu K.R.M. | 2005 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 30 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2005.08.027 | Soil Water Management Research Group, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3003, Morogoro, Tanzania | Rajabu, K.R.M., Soil Water Management Research Group, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3003, Morogoro, Tanzania | Poor availability of water and pastures has been identified as the single most important factor constraining productivity of livestock in Tanzania. Many smallholder livestock keepers have responded to the problem of shortage of water by constructing charco dams (dug out ponds constructed in flat semi-arid areas to store surface runoff). However, most of these charco dams are performing poorly. A participatory problem analysis was carried out in Makanya village in Tanzania in 2001/2002 to identify causes of poor performance of privately owned charco dams and to design appropriate intervention measures for each charco dam. A total of twenty charco dams were investigated, with storage capacities ranging from 20 to 2000 m3. The retention period of water in the investigated charco dams ranged from 2 to 7 months depending on the capacity of the charco dam, household size and the number of livestock kept. The analysis revealed that major problems causing poor performance of the charco dams were: (i) rapid siltation of the charco dams, (ii) low water retention period, and (iii) lack of or inadequate working tools to carry out maintenance works. Although most of the charco dam owners were aware of the first two problems they were not sure of their causes or their proper remedies. Evaluations done in 2003 and early 2004 has revealed that after improvement of the charco dams, the water retention period has increased by 2 months for the same household size and number of livestock. It was also noted that even those charco dam owners who were at first reluctant to join the initiative; have improved their charco dams accordingly through knowledge sharing with their neighbours. The study has shown that although farmers and pastoralists are endowed with vast indigenous knowledge, their technical know-how has some limitations. They therefore need to be supported by local institutions with the required technical know-how in order to sharpen their skills. This will enable them to realise the anticipated fruits. When a participatory approach is used to build their capacity by imparting new knowledge and skills, the performance and sustainability of rainwater harvesting systems will greatly be enhanced. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Charco dams; Participatory problem analysis; Performance improvement; Rain water harvesting; Western pare lowlands | Agricultural runoff; Agriculture; Dams; Performance; Rain; Charco dams; Participatory problem analysis; Performance improvement; Rain water harvesting; Western pare lowlands; Water resources; participatory approach; rainwater; water management; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907167089 | The Role of Information Exposure in Female University Students’ Evaluation and Selection of Eco-Friendly Apparel in the South African Emerging Economy | Sonnenberg N., Jacobs B., Momberg D. | 2014 | Clothing and Textiles Research Journal | 32 | 4 | 10.1177/0887302X14541542 | Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Sonnenberg, N., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Jacobs, B., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Momberg, D., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Increasing consumption in the South African emerging economy necessitates stringent effort toward developing environmental information campaigns that stimulate preferences for eco-friendly alternatives. This qualitative study explores the role of exposure to information about the environmental impact of the apparel supply chain in female students' evaluation and selection of apparel. Based on the outcome of garment selection exercises and focus group discussions, participants were not swayed by exposure to hang tags, audio-visual or printed information sources to prioritize eco-friendly features in their choice of product, nor were they willing to compromise on attributes such as price for the sake of the environment. Participants' recommendations include standardized eco-labels to facilitate identification of eco-friendly alternatives and message content that is short, precise and factual. Interpersonal communication could represent an influential source of information and merits further investigation into the relevance of normative social influence on pro-environmental apparel behavior in the South African emerging economy. © The Author(s) 2014. | advertisement; apparel industry; consumer behavior; environment; green products; information; information processing; marketing; mass media; search; sustainability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449125672 | The role of human resource systems and competitive strategies in hospitality organizational performance in Kenya | Onyango F.E., Monica A., Edwin O., Roselyne O. | 2009 | International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/15256480902851131 | Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL, Canada | Onyango, F.E., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Monica, A., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Edwin, O., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Roselyne, O., Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL, Canada | The past decade has witnessed increased scholarly interest in the effects of human resource systems on organizational performance. However, the focus has now shifted towards the nature and causes of these outcomes. Consequently, a consensus is emerging that informed understanding of the interaction between organizational strategy and human resources will be significant in accounting for these empirical outcomes. A cursory glance at the human resource practices in Kenyan hotels suggested limited evidence of the use of functional flexibility and greater reliance on numerical flexibility. In Kenya, there is no readily available record of empirical research done on choices of employment systems along criteria similar to functional and numerical flexibilities. This study is aimed at investigating the relationships between human resource systems, competitive strategies, and business performance in the Kenyan hotel industry. The research was conducted in Nairobi and Mombasa whereby the population mainly comprised managerial and non-managerial employees drawn from the hotels selected in the aforementioned cities. Purposive sampling was used to select hotels while stratified sampling was applied to obtain 160 participants to whom questionnaires were administered. Data was analyzed using chi-square goodness of fit test, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, and descriptive statistics. The research revealed that functionally flexible human resource systems in conjunction with differentiation strategies are associated with high organizational performance, whereas numerically flexible human resource systems and cost reduction strategies are linked with low organizational performance. Additionally, the research equally found out that independent hotels pursued numerically flexible human resource systems in conjunction with cost reduction strategies whereas chain hotels applied functionally flexible human resource systems and differentiation/focus strategies. | Human resource systems; Kenya; Mombasa; Nairobi | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900563158 | The role of gender and education on small business performance in the South African small enterprise sector | Radipere S., Dhliwayo S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p104 | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Dhliwayo, S., Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The study aims to find out the extent to which demographic factors influence business performance. This study examined the effect demographic variables: gender and education of owner have on business performance. Business performance is measured by income, profit, market share, return on income or investment, number of employees and product line. A structured research instrument was used to collect data from 500 SMEs in retail industry through interviewer administrated and selfadministrated survey and 93% of questionnaires were returned. It was found that there is a significant difference between mean values of business performance and the demographic variables, gender and education. The results show that there is a significant difference in performance, among the different educational levels. Those with higher levels of education, such as diplomas and degrees should be encouraged to take up entrepreneurship as career options since the businesses they would run (according to the study's findings) will perform better and this would be good for the economy. The results also show that the variable "gender" does play a significant role in business performance. This implies that gender affects business performance. | Education; Gender and SMEs; Small business performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867374919 | The role of environmental knowledge in young female consumers' evaluation and selection of apparel in South Africa | Momberg D., Jacobs B., Sonnenberg N. | 2012 | International Journal of Consumer Studies | 36 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2011.01061.x | Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Momberg, D., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Jacobs, B., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Sonnenberg, N., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The harmful impact of the apparel supply chain on the environment is becoming a global reality. However, consumer awareness of the environmental problems caused by this industry is not always obvious in their apparel buying decisions. A qualitative approach was used to explore young female consumers' existing levels of environmental knowledge, and whether that environmental knowledge is reflected in the evaluation and selection of apparel. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to ensure the inclusion of young female students (19-22 years old, n=29). Participants first had to write an essay on the subject of pertinent environmental issues and then participated in a focus group discussion on the evaluation and selection of a t-shirt. Results suggest that the participants have general environmental knowledge. They have the ability to identify environmental problems as well as the causes and consequences of these environmental problems. However, participants' environmental awareness and their knowledge pertaining to the actual production and supply of environment-friendly apparel in the South African context were very limited. The results also highlight the product attributes important to the participants when evaluating and selecting apparel such as price, aesthetics and functionality of the garment, but environmental attributes such as organic cotton, locally produced, reduced waste techniques and not using harmful chemicals did not feature high under the attributes participants considered. They prioritized price, aesthetics and fit above other attributes (including environmental attributes). Environmental knowledge was not consciously considered in their general apparel decision making, even though participants indicated that they do care about the environment. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Consumer behaviour; Eco-friendly apparel; Environmental knowledge; Sustainability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954481963 | The role of emotions on pacing strategies and performance in middle and long duration sport events | Baron B., Moullan F., Deruelle F., Noakes T.D. | 2011 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 45 | 6 | 10.1136/bjsm.2009.059964 | Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France; Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine, Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'EP, Université de Lille 2, Ronchin, France; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Département STAPS, Université de La Réunion, 117 rue du Général Ailleret, 97430 Le Tampon, France | Baron, B., Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France, Département STAPS, Université de La Réunion, 117 rue du Général Ailleret, 97430 Le Tampon, France; Moullan, F., Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France; Deruelle, F., Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine, Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'EP, Université de Lille 2, Ronchin, France; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | The pacing strategy may be defined as the process in which the total energy expenditure during exercise is regulated on a moment-to-moment basis in order to ensure that the exercise bout can be completed in a minimum time and without a catastrophic biological failure. Experienced athletes develop a stable template of the power outputs they are able to sustain for different durations of exercise, but it is not known how they originally develop this template or how that template changes with training and experience. While it is understood that the athlete's physiological state makes an important contribution to this process, there has been much less interest in the contribution that the athlete's emotional status makes. The aim of this review is to evaluate the literature of physiological, neurophysiological and perceptual responses during exercise in order to propose a complex model interpretation of this process which may be a critical factor determining success in middle-and longduration sporting competitions. We describe unconscious/physiological and conscious/emotional mechanisms of control, the focus of which are to ensure that exercise terminates before catastrophic failure occurs in any bodily system. We suggest that training sessions teach the athlete to select optimal pacing strategies by associating a level of emotion with the ability to maintain that pace for exercise of different durations. That pacing strategy is then adopted in future events. Finally, we propose novel perspectives to maximise performance and to avoid overtraining by paying attention also to the emotional state in training process. | None | arousal; athletic performance; central nervous system; ego development; emotion; energy metabolism; exercise; homeostasis; human; memory; motivation; physiology; psychological aspect; review; sport; Arousal; Athletic Performance; Central Nervous System; Emotions; Energy Metabolism; Exercise; Homeostasis; Humans; Memory; Motivation; Sports; Unconscious (Psychology) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35348816672 | The role of educational strategies to reverse the inverse performance spiral in academically-isolated rural hospitals | Marais B.J., De Villiers M., Kruger J., Conradie H., Jenkins L., Reuter H. | 2007 | South African Family Practice | 49 | 7 | None | Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care; Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Worcester Hospital, Worcester, South Africa; George Hospital, George, South Africa | Marais, B.J., Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; De Villiers, M., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Kruger, J., Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Conradie, H., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Worcester Hospital, Worcester, South Africa; Jenkins, L., George Hospital, George, South Africa; Reuter, H., Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | The importance of continuous professional development for health care workers is widely acknowledged, but the identification of optimal implementation strategies remains a challenge, particularly in academically isolated rural areas. We report the results of a qualitative study that evaluated the effect of an educational intervention aimed at rural doctors in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. We also present a conceptual framework for developing best practice educational strategies to reverse the inverse performance spiral in academically isolated rural hospitals. Doctors felt that participation in relevant learning activities improved their competence, increased the levels of job satisfaction they experienced, increased their willingness to stay in a rural environment, and impacted positively on the quality of services provided. However, the success of educational strategies is heavily dependant on the local environment (context), as well as the practical applicability and clinical relevance of the activities (process). Successful educational strategies may help to reverse the inverse performance spiral previously described in academically isolated rural hospitals, however, this requires effective local leadership that creates a positive learning environment and supports clinically relevant learning activities. The study findings also indicate the need for health care providers and institutions of higher education to join forces to improve the quality of rural health care. | None | article; clinical competence; continuing education; health care personnel; health care quality; health service; hospital; human; job performance; job satisfaction; medical education; physician; rural area | None |
WoS | WOS:000332940900001 | The role of communication inequality in mediating the impacts of socioecological and socioeconomic disparities on HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception | Bekalu, Mesfin Awoke,Eggermont, Steven | 2014 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH | 13 | None | 10.1186/1475-9276-13-16 | KU Leuven, Bahir Dar Univ | "Eggermont, Steven: KU Leuven", | Introduction: Although the link between social factors and health-related outcomes has long been widely acknowledged, the mechanisms characterizing this link are relatively less known and remain a subject of continued investigation across disciplines. In this study, drawing on the structural influence model of health communication, the hypothesis that differences in concern about and information needs on HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS-related media use, and perceived salience of HIV/AIDS-related information, characterized as communication inequality, can at least partially mediate the impacts of socioecological (urban vs. rural) and socioeconomic (education) disparities on inequalities in HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception was tested.
Methods: Data were collected from a random sample of 986 urban and rural respondents in northwest Ethiopia. Structural equation modeling, using the maximum likelihood method, was used to test the mediation models.
Results: The models showed an adequate fit of the data and hence supported the hypothesis that communication inequality can at least partially explain the causal mechanism linking socioeconomic and socioecological factors with HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception. Both urbanity versus rurality and education were found to have significant mediated effects on HIV/AIDS knowledge (urbanity vs. rurality: beta = 0.28, p = .001; education: beta = 0.08, p = .001) and HIV/AIDS risk perception (urbanity vs. rurality: beta = 0.30, p = .001; education: beta = 0.09, p = .001).
Conclusions: It was concluded that communication inequality might form part of the socioecologically and socioeconomically embedded processes that affect HIV/AIDS-related outcomes. The findings suggest that the media and message effects that are related to HIV/AIDS behavior change communication can be viewed from a structural perspective that moves beyond the more reductionist behavioral approaches upon which most present-day HIV/AIDS communication campaigns seem to be based. | "communication inequality",HIV/AIDS,"SOCIOECOLOGICAL FACTORS","SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS",AIDS,BEHAVIOR-CHANGE,EPIDEMIOLOGY,GUIDE,"HEALTH COMMUNICATION",HIV,INFORMATION,INTERNET,MASS-COMMUNICATION,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84964893750 | The role of cardiac CT angiography in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of tetralogy of Fallot | Banderker E., Pretorius E., de Decker R. | 2015 | South African Journal of Radiology | 19 | 2 | 10.4102/sajr.v19i2.899 | Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Banderker, E., Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Pretorius, E., Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; de Decker, R., Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the first described and most common cyanotic congenital heart anomaly that generated the first successful surgical palliation procedure and definitive intracardiac repair. Classical TOF comprises the four typical features of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO), right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and aortic dextroposition. Complex forms of the condition include TOF associated with absent pulmonary valve and TOF with pulmonary atresia (TOF-PA) with or without major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). The pathophysiological understanding that the tetrad is basically the sequel of a singular abnormality of infundibular malformation, with anterior deviation of the infundibular septum, had major surgical consequences that improved survival. Diagnostic and functional imaging play a key role in the clinical and surgical management of patients with TOF. We revisit the role of traditionally employed imaging modalities (echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation) only briefly as these remain within the domain of cardiology practice. The emphasis of the present review is to outline the role of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in the evaluation of TOF, with special reference to the technical considerations and best practice recommendations. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is addressed only in passing, as this service is not currently available at our institution. © 2015. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943813495 | The role of age and business size on small business performance in the South African small enterprise sector | Radipere S., Dhliwayo S. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Radipere, S., South Africa; Dhliwayo, S., South Africa | This study examines the effect that age and business size have on business performance. A structured research instrument was used to collect data from 500 SMEs in retail industry through interviewer administrated and self-administrated survey and 93% of questionnaires were returned. The results show that there is no statistical significant difference between the means of business size and business performance. There is no significant difference between the age categories; under one year and 20 years and more and business performance. Age is no longer a significant factor in a company's performance after twenty years. Life cycle approach of the company or industry could be an appropriate basis for analysis. Effective use of employees will increase business performance. It is important that employees are well trained to use the necessary technology and understand the importance of technology in the business. © Simon Radipere, Shepherd Dhliwayo, 2014. | Business age; Business performance; Business size | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885012115 | The role of AFB microscopy training in improving the performance of laboratory professionals: Analysis of pre and post training evaluation scores | Reji P., Aga G., Abebe G. | 2013 | BMC Health Services Research | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6963-13-392 | TB CARE I/ Management Sciences for Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Oromia Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | Reji, P., TB CARE I/ Management Sciences for Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aga, G., Oromia Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains major cause of morbidity and mortality due to any one of infectious agent worldwide. In low income countries, Ziehl-Neelsen sputum smear microscopy is the only cost-effective tool for diagnosis and monitoring of patients on treatment. In order to have efficient AFB microscopy centers, it is imperative to have continuous refresher training for laboratory professionals and strong External Quality Assessment (EQA) system). However, very little data exists as to the effect of in-service training on performance of laboratory personnel in Ethiopia.The objective of this study was to investigate the role of AFB microscopy refresher training on the performance of laboratory professionals. Methods. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted to appraise theoretical and practical performance of laboratory professionals before and after AFB microscopy training. Theoretical assessment was based on standard questions while practical assessment was based on smear reading of 10 standard slides. Data on eight rounds of a five days training at Adama regional laboratory on AFB microscopy in 2009 was obtained and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Result: The pre-training mean score of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills were 61.8% and 75.7%, respectively. The post training mean scores were 84.2% and 89.2% for theoretical knowledge and practical skills, respectively. The increase in mean score of both theoretical and practical assessment was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Post training mean score of theoretical knowledge was higher among diploma holders trainees than the BSc degree counter parts (p = 0.001). The mean scores on practice before and after training was dependent on participation in previous AFB microscopy trainings (p < 0.0001). Proportions of trainees with both major and minor errors were found to decrease after they were trained. Trainees who have had previous training were found to commit less errors than those who were not participated in previous training (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Training has improved theoretical and practical performance of laboratory professionals. Pre-placement and continuous training irrespective of lab professionals qualification and service year and sustainable EQA are highly recommended to ensure quality of AFB microscopy service. © 2013 Reji et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | AFB; Refresher training; Scores; Tuberculosis | article; education; female; human; laboratory personnel; lung tuberculosis; male; medical error; microbiology; microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; statistics; total quality management; Educational Measurement; Female; Humans; Laboratory Personnel; Male; Medical Errors; Microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Quality Improvement; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956325523 | The role and impact of Non-Academics Staff Union (NASU) in two Nigerian universities | Adeniji M.A., Adekunjo O.A. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | MAR | None | College Librarian, College of Engineering and Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Dept of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Adeniji, M.A., College Librarian, College of Engineering and Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adekunjo, O.A., Dept of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052775609 | Thermo-mechanical fatigue damage and failure of modern high performance diesel pistons | Floweday G., Petrov S., Tait R.B., Press J. | 2011 | Engineering Failure Analysis | 18 | 7 | 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2011.02.002 | Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Origen Engineering Solutions, Cape Town, South Africa | Floweday, G., Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Petrov, S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Tait, R.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Press, J., Origen Engineering Solutions, Cape Town, South Africa | This study resulted from an engineering failure investigation related to diesel engine piston failures which occurred during a bench dynamometer engine durability test programme. The test programme aimed at evaluating the effects of various fuel types on the durability of fuel system components in passenger car diesel engines. A number of unexpected cylinder head, turbocharger and piston failures were experienced during the course of the test programme. This study focused on the cause of the piston failures experienced during these tests.Analyses of the fractured pistons revealed that thermo-mechanical fatigue initiation occurred as a result of primary silicon phase cracking and subsequent micro-crack formation due to excessive thermo-mechanical loading. Progressive formations of such micro-cracks lead to flaws that were of sufficient magnitude to initiate propagation by high cycle fatigue mechanisms.The investigation also revealed that the excessive thermo-mechanical piston loading was caused by over-fuelling and a combination of elevated and poorly controlled post intercooler air temperature. There was no evidence to suggest that the failures were related to the test fuel formulations. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Cracking; Failure; Fatigue; Fracture; Piston | Air temperature; Cylinder head; Damage and failure; Engine durability; Engineering failures; Fuel formulation; Fuel types; High cycle fatigue; Intercoolers; Microcrack formation; Modern high performance; Piston failure; Primary silicon; System components; Test programme; Thermo-mechanical; Thermo-mechanical loading; Thermomechanical fatigue; Automobiles; Cracks; Diesel engines; Durability; Engines; Fatigue damage; Fracture; Fuels; Pistons; Engine pistons | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-25444492944 | Thermodynamic evaluation of viscosity in In-Zn and Sn-Zn liquid alloys | Ilo-Okeke E.O., Anusionwu B.C., Popoola O. | 2005 | Physics and Chemistry of Liquids | 43 | 4 | 10.1080/00319100500087964 | Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ilo-Okeke, E.O., Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Anusionwu, B.C., Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Popoola, O., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A theoretical formalism that links thermodynamic properties to transport properties has been used to study the viscosity of Sn-Zn and In-Zn liquid alloys at various temperatures. The formalism was succesful at describing the thermodynamic properties of these alloys and showed a better estimation of the viscosity of the Sn-Zn alloy that of the In-Zn alloy. © 2005 Taylor & Francis. | Liquid alloys; Phase-segregation; Viscosity | Diffusion in liquids; Indium alloys; Phase separation; Segregation (metallography); Thermal effects; Thermodynamic properties; Tin alloys; Transport properties; Viscosity of liquids; Zinc alloys; Boltzman constant; Ideal gas constant; Interchange energy; Metallic liquid alloys; Binary alloys; thermodynamics | 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-s2.0-84928343486 | Thermodynamic analysis of the performance of a vapour compression refrigeration system, working with R290 and R600a mixtures | Bolaji B.O., Huan Z. | 2013 | Scientia Iranica | 20 | 6 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Environmentally benign natural refrigerants have recently attracted considerable attention due to refrigerant contributions to ozone depletion and global warming. In the group of natural refrigerants, hydrocarbons are most closely related to the HFCs. In addition to their zero ODP and very low GWP, they are compatible with common materials found in refrigerating systems. Therefore, in this study, a performance simulation of R290 and R600a mixtures (80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 proportion by mass, designated by RM1, RM2, RM3 and RM4, respectively) in a vapour compression refrigeration system is conducted by the thermodynamic calculation of performance parameters using REFPROP software. The results show that the mixtures exhibit higher refrigerating effects than R134a. The average pressure ratio obtained for RM1, RM2, RM3 and RM4 was 19.5, 16.5, 14.0 and 11.8% lower than that of R134a, respectively. All the mixtures, except RM1, exhibited a low discharge pressure, which is more desirable in refrigeration systems. The COPs of the mixtures were close to that of R134a with the advantage of higher values. Generally, the overall performance of the selected mixtures was better than that of R134a. The performance of RM4 was the best in terms of low compressor work and discharge pressure, and high COP, at varying evaporating temperatures. © 2013 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved. | Alternative refrigerants; Hydrocarbon mixtures; R134a; R290; R600a; Thermodynamic | Computer software; Global warming; Hydrocarbons; Mixtures; Ozone layer; Refrigerants; Thermoanalysis; Thermodynamics; Alternative refrigerant; Hydrocarbon mixture; R134a; R290; R600a; Refrigeration; compressibility; cooling; discharge; parameterization; performance assessment; simulation; software; thermodynamics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931843490 | Thermodynamic analysis and performance optimization of organic rankine cycles for the conversion of low-to-moderate grade geothermal heat | Yekoladio P.J., Bello-Ochende T., Meyer J.P. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Research | 39 | 9 | 10.1002/er.3326 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | Yekoladio, P.J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Bello-Ochende, T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Meyer, J.P., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | The present study considers a thermodynamic analysis and performance optimization of geothermal power cycles. The proposed binary-cycles operate with moderately low temperature and liquid-dominated geothermal resources in the range of 110°C to 160°C, and cooling air at ambient conditions of 25°C and 101.3kPa reference temperature and atmospheric pressure, respectively. A thermodynamic optimization process and an irreversibility analysis were performed to maximize the power output while minimizing the overall exergy destruction and improving the First-law and Second-law efficiencies of the cycle. Maximum net power output was observed to increase exponentially with the geothermal resource temperature to yield 16-49kW per unit mass flow rate of the geothermal fluid for the non-regenerative organic Rankine cycles (ORCs), as compared with 8-34kW for the regenerative cycles. The cycle First-law efficiency was determined in the range of 8-15% for the investigated geothermal binary power cycles. Maximum Second-law efficiency of approximately 56% was achieved by the ORC with an internal heat exchanger. In addition, a performance analysis of selected pure organic fluids such as R123, R152a, isobutane and n-pentane, with boiling points in the range of -24°C to 36°C, was conducted under saturation temperature and subcritical pressure operating conditions of the turbine. Organic fluids with higher boiling point temperature, such as n-pentane, were recommended for non-regenerative cycles. The regenerative ORCs, however, require organic fluids with lower vapour specific heat capacity (i.e. isobutane) for an optimal operation of the binary-cycle. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Exergy; Geothermal energy; Irreversibility analysis; Optimization; Organic rankine cycle | Atmospheric pressure; Atmospheric temperature; Bins; Boiling point; Exergy; Geothermal fields; Optimization; Paraffins; Rankine cycle; Specific heat; Thermoanalysis; Thermodynamic properties; Thermodynamics; Boiling-point temperature; Internal heat exchanger; Irreversibility analysis; Organic Rankine cycles; Organic rankine cycles (ORCs); Performance optimizations; Thermo dynamic analysis; Thermodynamic optimization; Geothermal energy | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869988258 | Thermochemical evaluation of hydroxyl and peroxyl radical precursors in the formation of tropospheric ozone reactions | Igbafe A.I., Umukoro S.E. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 3 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.3.74 | Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbafe, A.I., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Umukoro, S.E., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The thermochemical properties of varieties of species needed to assess the most prominent pathways of tropospheric ozone transformation have been established. In the troposphere, ozone which is a secondary pollution produced by photochemical induced transformation, acts as an oxidizing agent to numerous atmospheric reactions leading to the formation of particulate matter. Based on the climate related problems resulting from the precursor of particulate matter, it is adequate to establish the feasible routes of ozone formation. In this study, the electronic structure methods which approximate the Schrödinger equation to compute Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation of the various chemical species participating in the reactions were used. These thermodynamic properties were determined using four computational model chemistry methods integrated in the Gaussian 03 (G03) chemistry package. Five known reaction pathways for the formation of NO2 (the O3 precursor specie), as well as the dominant ozone formation route from NO 2 were examined and their energies determined. Of all the computational methods, the complete basis set (CBS-4M) method produced energies for all species of the five reaction routes. Out of the five routes, only the reactions involving radical species were favoured to completion over a temperature range of -100 and +100°C. The most relevant reaction route for the formation of NO2 and subsequently O3 is that involving the peroxyl acetyl nitrate (PAN) and hydroxyl radicals. Chemical equilibrium analyses of the reaction routes also indicated that reduction in temperature encourages NO2 formation while increase in temperature favours O 3 production. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Chemical equilibrium; Nitrogen dioxide; Peroxyl acetyl nitrate; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone | Atmospheric reactions; Chemical equilibriums; Chemical species; Complete basis sets; Computational model; Dinger equation; Enthalpies of formation; Gaussians; Hydroxyl radicals; Nitrogen dioxides; Oxidizing agents; Ozone formation; Particulate Matter; Peroxyl radical; Radical species; Reaction pathways; Reaction routes; Relevant reactions; Secondary pollution; Temperature range; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone; Computational methods; Electronic structure; Nitrogen oxides; Ozone; Photochemical reactions; Troposphere; Air pollution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920936422 | Thermal treatment, Jelly processing and sensory evaluation of cactus pear fruit juice | de Wit M., Bothma C., Swart P., Frey M., Hugo A. | 2014 | Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development | 16 | None | None | Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa | de Wit, M., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bothma, C., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Swart, P., Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Frey, M., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Fruit juice plays an important role in human health. In an attempt to increase the use, other than fresh consumption, cactus pear fruit juice was thermally processed (including jelly manufacture) and sensorially analyzed. Fruit from seven cactus pear cultivars used for human consumption, and an animal feed cultivar, was peeled and juice was extracted. Three thermal treatments applied included freezing (-18°C), refrigeration (4°C), and pasteurization (60°C). Ten semi-naïve panelists compared the taste, using their own descriptors and a ten point scale. Twenty four descriptors were generated. The panel was successful in distinguishing between the cultivars used for human consumption and the animal feed cultivar. Pasteurization had a detrimental effect on the flavor of the juice. Descriptive sensory analysis on cactus pear fruit jellies, from seven cactus pear cultivars, compared the following textural attributes: cloudiness, smoothness, pectin content, runniness and cutting edge. Physical analysis of texture was also determined to support the sensory data. There was only a significant difference between the seven cultivars for the sensory descriptor of cloudiness. Both physical tests differed significantly between jellies from the seven cultivars. © 2014, Professional Association for Cactus Development. All rights reserved. | Cactus pear fruit; Free choice profiling; Jelly; Juice; Sensory analysis | Animalia; Cactaceae; Pyrus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68149134852 | Thermal tolerance of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei: Predictions of climate change impact on a tropical insect pest | Jaramillo J., Chabi-Olaye A., Kamonjo C., Jaramillo A., Vega F.E., Poehling H.-M., Borgemeister C. | 2009 | PLoS ONE | 4 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0006487 | Institute of Plant Diseases and Plant Protection, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany; International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Café, Manizales, Colombia; Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States | Jaramillo, J., Institute of Plant Diseases and Plant Protection, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany, International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Chabi-Olaye, A., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Kamonjo, C., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Jaramillo, A., Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Café, Manizales, Colombia; Vega, F.E., Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States; Poehling, H.-M., Institute of Plant Diseases and Plant Protection, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Borgemeister, C., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya | Coffee is predicted to be severely affected by climate change. We determined the thermal tolerance of the coffee berry borer , Hypothenemus hampei, the most devastating pest of coffee worldwide, and make inferences on the possible effects of climate change using climatic data from Colombia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. For this, the effect of eight temperature regimes (15, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, 33 and 35°C) on the bionomics of H. hampei was studied. Successful egg to adult development occurred between 20-30°C. Using linear regression and a modified Logan model, the lower and upper thresholds for development were estimated at 14.9 and 32°C, respectively. In Kenya and Colombia, the number of pest generations per year was considerably and positively correlated with the warming tolerance. Analysing 32 years of climatic data from Jimma (Ethiopia) revealed that before 1984 it was too cold for H. hampei to complete even one generation per year, but thereafter, because of rising temperatures in the area, 1-2 generations per year/ coffee season could be completed. Calculated data on warming tolerance and thermal safety margins of H. hampei for the three East African locations showed considerably high variability compared to the Colombian site. The model indicates that for every 1°C rise in thermal optimum (Topt.), the maximum intrinsic rate of increase (rmax) will increase by an average of 8.5%. The effects of climate change on the further range of H. hampei distribution and possible adaption strategies are discussed. Abstracts in Spanish and French are provided as supplementary material Abstract S1 and Abstract S2. © 2009 Jaramillo et al. | None | article; beetle; climate change; Colombia; developmental stage; environmental temperature; Ethiopia; female; heat tolerance; Hypothenemus hampei; insect development; Kenya; nonhuman; plant pest; reproduction; Tanzania; tropics; adaptation; animal; beetle; fertility; growth, development and aging; life cycle; physiology; tropic climate; Hexapoda; Hypothenemus hampei; Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Beetles; Colombia; Ethiopia; Fertility; Kenya; Life Cycle Stages; Tanzania; Tropical Climate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38149139296 | Thermal tolerance in a south-east African population of the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes (Diptera, Glossinidae): Implications for forecasting climate change impacts | Terblanche J.S., Clusella-Trullas S., Deere J.A., Chown S.L. | 2008 | Journal of Insect Physiology | 54 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.08.007 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Terblanche, J.S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Clusella-Trullas, S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Deere, J.A., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Chown, S.L., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | For tsetse (Glossina spp.), the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiases, the physiological mechanisms linking variation in population dynamics with changing weather conditions have not been well established. Here, we investigate high- and low-temperature tolerance in terms of activity limits and survival in a natural population of adult Glossina pallidipes from eastern Zambia. Due to increased interest in chilling flies for handling and aerial dispersal in sterile insect technique control and eradication programmes, we also provide further detailed investigation of low-temperature responses. In wild-caught G. pallidipes, the probability of survival for 50% of the population at low-temperatures was at 3.7, 8.9 and 9.6 °C (95% CIs: ±1.5 °C) for 1, 2 and 3 h treatments, respectively. At high temperatures, it was estimated that treatments at 37.9, 36.2 and 35.6 °C (95% CIs: ±0.5 °C) would yield 50% population survival for 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively. Significant effects of time and temperature were detected at both temperature extremes (GLZ, p<0.05 in all cases) although a time-temperature interaction was only detected at high temperatures (p<0.0001). We synthesized data from four other Kenyan populations and found that upper critical thermal limits showed little variation among populations and laboratory treatments (range: 43.9-45.0 °C; 0.25 °C/min heating rate), although reduction to more ecologically relevant heating rates (0.06 °C/min) reduce these values significantly from ∼44.4 to 40.6 °C, thereby providing a causal explanation for why tsetse distribution may be high-temperature limited. By contrast, low-temperature limits showed substantial variation among populations and acclimation treatments (range: 4.5-13.8 °C; 0.25 °C/min), indicating high levels of inter-population variability. Ecologically relevant cooling rates (0.06 °C/min) suggest tsetses are likely to experience chill coma temperatures under natural conditions (∼20-21 °C). The results from acute hardening experiments in the Zambian population demonstrate limited ability to improve low-temperature tolerance over short (hourly) timescales after non-lethal pre-treatments. In flies which survived chilling, recovery times were non-linear with plateaus between 2-6 and 8-12 °C. Survival times ranged between 4 and 36 h and did not vary between flies which had undergone chill coma by comparison with flies which had not, even after factoring body condition into the analyses (p>0.5 in all cases). However, flies with low chill coma values had the highest body water and fat content, indicating that when energy reserves are depleted, low-temperature tolerance may be compromised. Overall, these results suggest that physiological mechanisms may provide insight into tsetse population dynamics, hence distribution and abundance, and support a general prediction for reduced geographic distribution under future climate warming scenarios. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Climate change; Cold tolerance; Fitness costs; Geographic distribution; Insect vector; Phenotypic plasticity; Seasonal variation; Trade-offs | climate change; fly; geographical distribution; phenotypic plasticity; population dynamics; population structure; seasonal variation; acclimatization; analysis of variance; animal; article; climate; comparative study; geography; greenhouse effect; Kenya; motor activity; physiology; population dynamics; survival; temperature; tsetse fly; Zambia; Acclimatization; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Climate; Geography; Greenhouse Effect; Kenya; Motor Activity; Population Dynamics; Survival Analysis; Temperature; Tsetse Flies; Zambia; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia; Animalia; Diptera; Glossina (genus); Glossina pallidipes; Glossinidae; Hexapoda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956123586 | Thermal state of permafrost and active-layer monitoring in the antarctic: Advances during the international polar year 2007-2009 | Vieira G., Bockheim J., Guglielmin M., Balks M., Abramov A.A., Boelhouwers J., Cannone N., Ganzert L., Gilichinsky D.A., Goryachkin S., López-Martínez J., Meiklejohn I., Raffi R., Ramos M., Schaefer C., Serrano E., Simas F., Sletten R., Wagner D. | 2010 | Permafrost and Periglacial Processes | 21 | 2 | 10.1002/ppp.685 | University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and Territorial Planning, Portugal; University of Wisconsin, Soil Science, United States; Insubria University, DBSF, Italy; University of Waikato, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, New Zealand; IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Uppsala University, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Sweden; Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Italy; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany; Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geography, Russian Federation; Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Russian Federation; Rhodes University, Department of Geography, South Africa; Department of Sapienza University, Department of Earth Sciences, Italy; University of Alcala, Department of Physics, Spain; Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; University of Valladolid, Department of Geography, Spain; University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, United States | Vieira, G., University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and Territorial Planning, Portugal; Bockheim, J., University of Wisconsin, Soil Science, United States; Guglielmin, M., Insubria University, DBSF, Italy; Balks, M., University of Waikato, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, New Zealand; Abramov, A.A., IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Boelhouwers, J., Uppsala University, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Sweden; Cannone, N., Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Italy; Ganzert, L., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany; Gilichinsky, D.A., IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Goryachkin, S., Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geography, Russian Federation; López-Martínez, J., Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Russian Federation; Meiklejohn, I., Rhodes University, Department of Geography, South Africa; Raffi, R., Department of Sapienza University, Department of Earth Sciences, Italy; Ramos, M., University of Alcala, Department of Physics, Spain; Schaefer, C., Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; Serrano, E., University of Valladolid, Department of Geography, Spain; Simas, F., Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; Sletten, R., University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, United States; Wagner, D., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany | Results obtained during the International Polar Year (IPY) on the thermal state of permafrost and the active layer in the Antarctic are presented, forming part of ANTPAS (Antarctic Permafrost and Soils'), which was one of the key projects developed by the International Permafrost Association and the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research for the IPY. The number of boreholes for permafrost and active-layer monitoring was increased from 21 to 73 during the IPY, while CALM-S sites to monitor the active layer were increased from 18 to 28. Permafrost temperatures during the IPY were slightly below 0°C in the South Shetlands near sea-level, showing that this area is near the climatic boundary of permafrost and has the highest sensitivity to climate change in the region. Permafrost temperatures were much lower in continental Antarctica: from the coast to the interior and with increasing elevation they ranged between - 13.3°C and - 18.6°C in Northern Victoria Land, from - 17.4°C to -22.5°C in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and down to -23.6°C at high elevation on Mount Fleming (Ross Island). Other monitored regions in continental Antarctica also showed cold permafrost: Queen Maud Land exhibited values down to - 17.8°C on nunataks, while in Novolazar-evskaya (Schirmacher Oasis) at 80 m a.s.l. the permafrost temperature was -8.3°C. The coastal stations of Molodeznaya at Enderby Land showed permafrost temperatures of -9.8°C, Larsemann Hills - Progress Station in the Vestfold Hills region - recorded -8.5°C, and Russkaya in Marie Byrd Land, - 10.4°C. This snapshot obtained during the IPY shows that the range of ground temperatures in the Antarctic is greater than in the Arctic. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Active layer; Antarctica; ANTPAS; IPY; Permafrost temperature | active layer; freeze-thaw cycle; frozen ground; monitoring system; nunatak; patterned ground; periglacial environment; permafrost; polar region; thermal regime; Antarctica; East Antarctica; McMurdo Dry Valleys; Mount Fleming; Queen Maud Land; South Shetland Islands; Victoria Land | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865541913 | Thermal performance of four types of water heating flat plate solar collectors for providing process heat for milk pasteurisation | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 8 | 5 | None | National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya | Thermal performance tests were carried out on four water heating flat plate solar collectors with the aim to select a suitable one to be used to provide process heat for milk pasteurisation. The collectors included three commercial solar collectors purchased from local shops in Nairobi, Kenya and one prototype collector designed and fabricated by the author. The three commercial solar collectors had effective areas of 1.67, 1.87 and 1.83 m 2 while the self-made collector had an effective area of 1.60 m 2. Thermal performance of the collectors was determined in terms of the Hottel-Whillier-Bliss equation, with FR(tα)e and F RU L indicating how energy is absorbed and lost from the collector, respectively. The FR(tα)e values were 0.76, 0.75, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively, for the commercial collectors and the self-made collector. The F RU L values were 8.33, 12.01, 9.80 and 13.77 W.m -2.C -1, respectively. The instantaneous efficiencies for the four solar collectors ranged from 12 to 87%. The solar collector with the lowest F RU L value had a special (black chrome) selective absorber surface and was also the most cost effective collector for delivering temperatures of about 80°C. This collector is the most suitable for medium temperature applications such as provision of hot water for milk pasteurisation. | Flat-plate solar collectors; Thermal performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547196839 | Thermal performance of a solar oven with augmented sunlight concentration | Brooks M.J. | 2007 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 18 | 2 | None | School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Brooks, M.J., School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper describes the thermal performance of a novel solar oven that incorporates a compact reflective lens, or ring array, to augment sunlight concentration. Performance is reported in terms of the positive effect of the ring array versus a non-concentrating lid, maximum operating temperature, thermal efficiency, performance under partly cloudy skies, and the effects of incidence angle and tracking. Use of the ring array lens improved thermal efficiency by 4% in the test range up to 100°C, while boosting the maximum operating temperature from 138°C to 196°C. Comparative tests conducted under clear sky conditions against two other commercial types showed that when tracked in the azimuth plane at near-normal incidence angles, the new design generated maximum cooking power of 300 W and boiled water at a rate 13% faster than the next best commercial oven tested. Augmented sunlight concentration sensitised the new design to higher angles of incidence and performance was negatively affected in the non-tracked state. Under non-ideal operating conditions, including partial shading by cloud, the oven outperformed both commercial units. | Ring array concentrator; Solar irradiance; Solar oven; Thermal efficiency | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349105019 | Thermal performance of a small oil-in-glass tube thermal energy storage system during charging | Mawire A., McPherson M., van den Heetkamp R.R.J. | 2009 | Energy | 34 | 7 | 10.1016/j.energy.2009.02.016 | Department of Physics and Electronics, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), Priv. Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; McPherso Academic Consulting, Postnet Suite 194, Private Bag X2230, Mafikeng South 2791, South Africa | Mawire, A., Department of Physics and Electronics, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), Priv. Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; McPherson, M., McPherso Academic Consulting, Postnet Suite 194, Private Bag X2230, Mafikeng South 2791, South Africa; van den Heetkamp, R.R.J., Department of Physics and Electronics, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), Priv. Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa | A very small oil-in-glass tube thermal energy storage (TES) system is designed to allow for rapid heat transfer experiments. An electrical hot plate in thermal contact with a steel spiral coil (SSC) is used to charge the TES system under different hot plate temperatures and under different average charging flow rates. Thermal performance during charging is presented in terms of the axial temperature distribution, the axial degree of thermal stratification, the total energy stored and the total exergy stored. The energy and exergy delivery rates of the energy delivery device (EDD) are also evaluated in relation to the thermal performance of the storage system. Results of charging the storage system under different hot plate temperatures indicate that there is an optimal charging temperature for optimal thermal performance. The results also indicate that exceeding this optimal temperature leads to a degradation of the thermal performance due to increased heat losses. Charging at the same temperature conditions under different flow rate regimes suggests that there is an optimal charging flow rate. This optimal flow rate is a compromise between achieving a greater heat transfer rate in the EDD and achieving a greater degree of thermal stratification in the TES system. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Charging; Energy; Exergy; Oil-in-glass tube; Thermal energy storage; Thermal performance | Charging; Energy; Energy and exergy; Energy delivery; Glass tubes; Heat transfer rate; Hot plate temperature; Hot plates; Oil-in-glass tube; Optimal flows; Optimal temperature; Spiral coils; Storage systems; Temperature conditions; Thermal contact; Thermal energy storage systems; Thermal performance; Total energy; Exergy; Flow rate; Flywheels; Glass; Heat exchangers; Heat storage; Nanosensors; Optimization; Thermal energy; Thermal stratification; Tubes (components); Mixed convection; design; exergy; heat transfer; performance assessment; steel; storage; thermal power; Helicodiscus bonamicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949140269 | Thermal performance in building without shading devices | Kadiri K.O., Okosun J. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 6 | 6 | None | Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Kadiri, K.O., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Okosun, J., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Most of the buildings in Ile-Ife were not designed with shading devices to shield the building interior from direct solar radiation. In order to see how effective is shading device an investigation was carried out on buildings with one side shaded and the other exposed to solar radiation between the times of 12.00-3.00 pm. Seventy percent of the occupants felt hot and uncomfortable due to solar heat gain from the window without shading devices. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Building; Heat gain; Shading devices; Solar radiation; Thermal comfort | Building interiors; Direct solar radiation; Exposed to; Heat gains; In-buildings; Shading devices; Solar heat gains; Thermal Performance; Solar radiation; Sun; Thermal comfort; Buildings | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900417099 | Thermal performance considerations for intelligent video | Alves R. | 2014 | EngineerIT | None | APRIL | None | Axis Communications, South Africa | Alves, R., Axis Communications, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880045913 | The rivers of Africa: Witness of climate change and human impact on the environment | Mahe G., Lienou G., Descroix L., Bamba F., Paturel J.E., Laraque A., Meddi M., Habaieb H., Adeaga O., Dieulin C., Chahnez Kotti F., Khomsi K. | 2013 | Hydrological Processes | 27 | 15 | 10.1002/hyp.9813 | HydroSciences Montpellier, IRD, Université Mohamed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco; Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroon; LTHE/IRD, Grenoble, France; Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs, Bamako, Mali; IRD, HSM et 2IE, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Géosciences Environnement To | Mahe, G., HydroSciences Montpellier, IRD, Université Mohamed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco; Lienou, G., Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroon; Descroix, L., LTHE/IRD, Grenoble, France; Bamba, F., Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs, Bamako, Mali; Paturel, J.E., IRD, HSM et 2IE, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Laraque, A., Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, Toulouse, France; Meddi, M., Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Hydraulique, Blida, Algeria; Habaieb, H., Institut National Agronomique de Tunis, Tunisia; Adeaga, O., Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Dieulin, C., HydroSciences Montpellier, IRD, Université Mohamed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco; Chahnez Kotti, F., Institut National Agronomique de Tunis, Tunisia; Khomsi, K., Direction de la Météorologie Nationale, Casablanca, Morocco | In this paper, we study the impact of climate change on river regimes in several parts of Africa, and we look at the most probable causes of these changes either climatically or anthropogenically driven. We study time series of updated monthly and annual runoff of rivers of North Africa, West Africa (Sahelian and humid tropical regions) and Central Africa, including the largest river basins: Niger and Volta rivers in West Africa, and Congo and Ogooue rivers in Central Africa. The recent years are studied in the perspective of multi-decadal variability. In West Africa and in a part of Central Africa, the climate has changed since 1970, and rainfall has not returned to previous annual amounts, except in Equatorial Africa. The consequences of the long-lasting drought are, depending on the area concerned, the modification of seasonal regimes (Equatorial area), the groundwater table decrease (Tropical humid area) and the land cover degradation (Sahelian area). The increasing number of dams and of agricultural areas also plays a major role on the modification of river regimes. The population increase will continue to impact on the environment: land cover change, deforestation, agriculture and increasing number of dams will be associated with a reduction of water and sediment discharges to the sea, and major impacts on downstream ecosystems and coastal areas. It seems necessary to share with stakeholders a comprehensive approach of the water cycle from the basin to the sea, to prevent long-lasting damages to ecosystems and infrastructures. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Africa; Climate change; Dams; Land cover; River regime; Rivers | Africa; Agricultural areas; Ground water table; Impact on the environment; Land cover; Land-cover change; River regimes; Sediment discharge; Agriculture; Dams; Deforestation; Ecosystems; Groundwater; Rivers; Sediments; Climate change; anthropogenic effect; climate change; climate effect; hydrological cycle; hydrological regime; land cover; river flow; runoff; stakeholder; water table; Central Africa; North Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-72649090190 | The risk-adjusted performance of responsible investment funds in South Africa | Viviers S., Bosch J.K., Smit E.M., Buijs A. | 2008 | Investment Analysts Journal | 68 | 1 | None | Respectively Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Stellenbosch Business School and University of Utrecht, Netherlands | Viviers, S., Respectively Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Bosch, J.K., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Stellenbosch Business School and University of Utrecht, Netherlands; Smit, E.M., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Stellenbosch Business School and University of Utrecht, Netherlands; Buijs, A., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Stellenbosch Business School and University of Utrecht, Netherlands | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849127577 | The risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors: A South African case | Msweli-Mbanga P., Mkhize H. | 2007 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 10 | 2 | None | School of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Msweli-Mbanga, P., School of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Mkhize, H., School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The objective of this research was to examine the effects of female directors on the risk-adjusted performance of firms listed on the JSE Securities Exchange of South Africa (the JSE). The theoretical underpinning for the relationship between representation of female directors and the risk-adjusted performance of companies was based on institutional theory. The hypothesis that there is no difference between the risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors and that of companies without female directors was rejected. Implications of the results are discussed and suggestions for future research presented. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898596877 | The rise of assertive community interventions in South Africa: A randomized control trial assessing the impact of a modified assertive intervention on readmission rates; a three year follow-up | Botha U.A., Koen L., Galal U., Jordaan E., Niehaus D.J.H. | 2014 | BMC Psychiatry | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-244X-14-56 | Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Botha, U.A., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Koen, L., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Galal, U., Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Jordaan, E., Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa; Niehaus, D.J.H., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Background: Many countries have over the last few years incorporated mental health assertive interventions in an attempt to address the repercussions of deinstitutionalization. Recent publications have failed to duplicate the positive outcomes reported initially which has cast doubt on the future of these interventions. We previously reported on 29 patients from a developing country who completed 12 months in an assertive intervention which was a modified version of the international assertive community treatment model. We demonstrated reduction in readmission rates as well as improvements in social functioning compared to patients from the control group. The obvious question was, however, if these outcomes could be sustained for longer periods of time. This study aims to determine if modified assertive interventions in an under-resourced setting can successfully maintain reductions in hospitalizations.Methods: Patients suffering from schizophrenia who met a modified version of Weidens' high frequency criteria were randomized into two groups. One group received a modified assertive intervention based on the international assertive community treatment model. The other group received standard care according to the model of service delivery in this region. Data was collected after 36 months, comparing readmissions and days spent in hospital.Results: The results demonstrated significant differences between the groups. Patients in the intervention group had significantly less readmissions (p = 0.007) and spent less days in hospital compared to the patients in the control group (p = 0.013).Conclusion: Modified assertive interventions may be successful in reducing readmissions and days spent in hospital in developing countries where standard care services are less comprehensive. These interventions can be tailored in such a way to meet service needs and still remain affordable and feasible within the context of an under-resourced setting. © 2014 Botha et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Assertive interventions; Days in hospital; Developing countries; Readmission rates | adult; article; assertiveness; clinical article; community; control group; controlled study; developing country; female; follow up; group therapy; health care delivery; hospital readmission; hospitalization; human; intervention study; male; mental health service; patient care; randomized controlled trial; schizophrenia; South Africa; adolescent; deinstitutionalization; hospital readmission; middle aged; schizophrenia; statistics and numerical data; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Community Mental Health Services; Deinstitutionalization; Developing Countries; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Readmission; Schizophrenia; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901197113 | THe review of sub-sahara africa gravel roads maintenance management system's monitoring and need assessment: Tanzania experience | Mwaipungu R.R., Allopi D. | 2014 | International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning | 9 | 1 | 10.2495/SDP-V9-N1-74-89 | Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Mwaipungu, R.R., Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Allopi, D., Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Although the urge to construct new gravel roads to reach areas, which are potential economically is still there, it is now becoming clear to the road agencies in sub-Saharan Africa that a large proportion of the gravel roads constructed or rehabilitated between 2005 and 2008 years are no longer economical. These roads have reached their terminal stage due to various reasons, ranging from improper monitoring and maintenance needs assessment to challenges of getting the required funds for gravel roads conservation. Based on the above challenges, the sub-Sahara African countries, including Tanzania, are unceasingly searching for ways to strengthen the management of existing gravel roads network as part of roads transport infrastructure. To accomplish the above demand, Tanzania has two organisations concerned with managing its gravel road networks, namely Tanzania Road Agency (TANROADS) and Local Government Authority (LGA)'s District Engineer's offi ce. Each one of these two organisations uses its own road management system. TANROADS uses Road Maintenance Management Systems, and LGA uses District Roads Management Systems. These two systems have been developed through foreign aid in terms of experts and fi nancial assistance with minimal participation of local experts. This paper focuses on factors affecting the effi ciency and effectiveness of these management systems in gravel roads monitoring and maintenance needs assessment in comparison with those in developed countries. The authors expect that by highlighting those elements affecting the provision of accurate gravel roads inventory and road condition data will improve further the diagnosis of distresses infl uencing the performance of gravel roads, and come up with proper remedy to suit the local condition.©2014 WIT Press. | Conservation; Effective; Gravel roads; Infrastructure; Inventory; Monitoring; Needs assessment; Performance; Road condition survey; Road mentor | Conservation; Gravel roads; Highway bridges; Maintenance; Monitoring; Planning; Surveys; Transportation; Conservation; Gravel; Gravel roads; Highway bridges; Highway engineering; Highway planning; Maintenance; Monitoring; Planning; Roads and streets; Surveys; Transportation; Effective; Infrastructure; Inventory; Needs Assessment; Performance; Road condition surveys; Road mentors; effective; infrastructure; inventory; performance; Highway planning; Highway administration; financial provision; gravel; inventory; maintenance; monitoring system; performance assessment; road construction; road transport; transportation infrastructure; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862255906 | The results of treatment of children with metastatic Wilms tumours (WT) in an African setting: Do liver metastases have a negative impact on survival? | Aronson D.C., Maharaj A., Sheik-Gafoor M.H., Hadley G. | 2012 | Pediatric Blood and Cancer | 59 | 2 | 10.1002/pbc.24080 | Department of Paediatric Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Aronson, D.C., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Maharaj, A., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Sheik-Gafoor, M.H., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Hadley, G., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Background: From Africa, where socio-economic circumstances differ from the developed world, there are no data regarding the influence of liver metastases on survival of children with Wilms tumour. Procedure: One hundred fifty new patients with WT were seen between 2002 and 2010, 45 (30%) had metastases at diagnosis. Seven patients had bilateral disease with additional visceral metastases. Nine patients who developed liver metastases during treatment were excluded. The site of metastases and the results of pretreatment biopsies were retrieved. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was combined with nutritional resuscitation, and aggressive supportive care. Post-operative treatment was determined by stage and histology. Results: Liver metastases were present in 19 (42%) patients but were the sole metastatic site in only 4 (9%). Overall survival at 5 years was 58.5%. Event Free Survival was 54%. Thirty-three (73%) had favourable histology, nine unfavourable and undetermined in three. No influence of histology on outcome was evident. Three patients had resection of persistent liver metastases. The pattern of metastatic disease had no influence on outcome. Despite aggressive supportive care two patients (4%) died within a week of presentation. Two patients died of chemotoxicity and two of complications following biopsy. Eight patients (17%) were lost to follow-up of whom five were on palliative treatment only. Conclusions: In Africa liver metastases do not appear to worsen the prognosis of children with Stage IV WT. Despite the poor socio-economic circumstances survival is comparable to other countries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.. | Africa; Liver metastases; Metastatic disease; Prognosis; Wilms tumour | adjuvant chemotherapy; Africa; anaplastic carcinoma; article; cancer palliative therapy; cancer prognosis; cancer staging; cancer survival; child; clinical article; event free survival; female; histology; human; infant; liver metastasis; lung metastasis; male; nephroblastoma; newborn; nutritional support; overall survival; preschool child; priority journal; school child; teratoma; Child; Child, Preschool; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Survival Rate; Wilms Tumor | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247375625 | The reproductive performance of breeder cocks fed cottonseed cake-based diets | Adeyemo G.O., Longe O.G., Adejumo D.O. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Longe, O.G., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adejumo, D.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Histology of the testes of breeder cocks fed replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of cottonseed meal (CSM) for soybean meal (SBM) in five different breeder diets for fifteen weeks were investigated in a completely randomized design. Chemical analyses were carried out to determine the crude protein (CP) and gossypol content of CSM. The 23 week-old breeder cocks were fed the experimental diets for 15 weeks, euthanized and their testes removed for histological studies. The determined CP and gossypol contents of CSM were 35.11% and 570 g/ton respectively. The daily sperm production (DSP) by the breeder cocks was depressed when CSM dietary inclusion was above 50% with DSP values ranging from 1.5×109 to 2.9×109/mL. The investigation showed that replacing 75% SBM with CSM was not injurious to the non-reproductive health of the breeder cocks. However, CSM may not replace more than 50% of SBM for breeder cocks because of the depressing effect of gossypol on sperm production when this level is exceeded. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Breeder cocks; Cottonseed meal; Daily sperm production; Histology; Reproduction | Glycine max; Micropus | None |
WoS | WOS:000250391300001 | The reliability and validity of self-report measures used to evaluate adolescent HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Sub-saharan Africa | Aastrom, Anne N.,Klepp, Knut-Inge,Komro, Kelli A.,Kugler, Karl C.,Masatu, Melkiory,Mnyika, Kagoma S.,Stigler, Melissa H. | 2007 | AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION | 19 | 5 | None | Florida State University System, University of Bergen, University of Florida, University of Minnesota System, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Oslo, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota | None | The use of reliable and valid tools to evaluate theory-based health interventions is widely accepted as critical to the behavioral sciences. However, quite often the psychometric properties of survey instruments used to evaluate behavioral interventions are not published, limiting our understanding of how the theory works. The purpose of this study was to present the results of psychometric analyses on measures used to evaluate an HIV/AIDS prevention program for youth in Tanzania. We first began by pilot-testing a self-administered questionnaire with sixth-and seventh-grade students in nine schools in 11 villages throughout the Kahe ward of Tanzania (n = 524). Theory-based scales tapped into intrapersonal, social and attitudinal factors. Reliability was evaluated by examining internal consistency, while validity was determined by examining content, construct and discriminant validities. The results indicate that the scales constructed are reasonably reliable and valid measures. Use of these measures should be considered when designing, implementing, and analyzing interventions targeting youth in sub-Saharan Africa. | ,"AIDS EDUCATION","CONDOM USE",HIV,INTENTIONS,PREDICTORS,"PRIMARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN",RISK,SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR,TANZANIA,YOUTH | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-62249133727 | The relationships among gender, strategic capabilities, and performance of small retail firms in Ghana | Boohene R. | 2009 | Journal of African Business | 10 | 1 | 10.1080/15228910802701601 | Department of Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Boohene, R., Department of Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | The study examines the direct and indirect effects of gender on business strategies, firm resources, business owners' skills, and performance of small firms in Ghana. Small businesses comprise about 90% of all enterprises and are recognized as a crucial and integral component of economic development aimed at sustained poverty reduction in Ghana. The ability of these firms to contribute to economic development is influenced by their business strategies, determined by the firm's resources and owner-manager's business skills. Structured questionnaires from 600 owner-managers of small retail shops in the Accra Metropolitan area were analyzed. Structural equation modeling using partial least-squares was used to examine the relationships between gender, business strategies, firm resources, business owners' skills, and performance. Results show that the gender of the owner-managers has a direct influence on business performance, resources, and skills; a partial influence on business strategies; and an indirect influence on performance through business strategies. The findings suggest that assistance programs aimed at addressing business performance should target gender differences to enhance women business owners' strategies, resources, and skills. | Gender; Ghana; Resources; Skills; Strategy | corporate strategy; economic development; firm ownership; gender issue; least squares method; metropolitan area; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869122024 | The relationship of overweight and obesity to the motor performance of children living in South Africa | Truter L., Pienaar A.E., Du Toit D. | 2012 | South African Family Practice | 54 | 5 | None | School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa; School of Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Truter, L., School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa; Pienaar, A.E., School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa; Du Toit, D., School of Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between overweight and obesity and the motor performance of nine- to 13-year-old South African children. Design: The study used a one-way cross-sectional design based on baseline measurements. Settings and subjects: The research group comprised 280 Grade 4, 5 and 6 learners (128 boys and 152 girls) from two schools that represented a distribution of socio-economic status, race and gender. Outcome measures: Anthropometric [(body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage] and motor performance measurements (fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination and strength and agility) were obtained by means of the Fitnessgram and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-II. International age-specific cut-off points were used to classify the children's body composition as normal weight, overweight or obese. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, correlation matrices and analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc analysis. Results: The results showed that running speed and agility decreased significantly with an increase in BMI. Muscular strength also decreased significantly with a smaller practical significance, while fine manual control, manual coordination, and body coordination showed the weakest relationship to BMI. Analysis of variance showed significant relationships between BMI and running speed and agility (p-value < 0.05). These relationships were influenced differently by gender and ethnicity. Conclusion: The motor performance of young South African children was negatively influenced by overweight and obesity. Intervention strategies are recommended to reduce the consequences of overweight and obesity in the overall development of such children. © SAAFP. | Children; Gender; Motor performance; Obesity; Overweight | agility; article; body equilibrium; body fat; body mass; child; cross-sectional study; ethnic difference; female; human; major clinical study; male; motor coordination; motor performance; muscle strength; obesity; prevalence; school child; sex difference; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865960841 | The relationship between the bunkie-test and physical performance in rugby union players | Van Pletzen D., Venter R.E. | 2012 | International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching | 7 | 3 | 10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.543 | Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Van Pletzen, D., Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Venter, R.E., Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | It is suggested that restrictions in the fascia along the kinetic chains could inhibit muscle function and therefore influence movement patterns, such as those required by skilled rugby players. The Bunkie-test has been proposed as a tool to identify fascia restrictions in five kinetic chains. The purpose of this study was to use the isometric Bunkie-test to determine its relationship with performance in selected physical tests (agility, speed, explosive power, and muscle endurance) in rugby union players. The participants (n = 121) were rugby union players from three academies. Results indicated significant relationships (p < 0.05) between performance in the Bunkie-test and the physical tests. Players who performed better on the Bunkie-test achieved better results in the physical tests. The Bunkietest might be a tool for coaches, trainers and therapists to identify weaknesses and imbalances in the kinetic chains of players. Addressing these problems could lead to improvements in sport performance, as well as assessing readiness of players to return to play after injuries. | Bunkie Test; Fascia; Isometric Exercise; Kinetic Chain; Muscle Function; Rugby Union | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-31944449074 | The relationship between some chemical parameters and sensory evaluations for plain black tea (Camellia sinensis) produced in Kenya and comparison with similar teas from Malawi and South Africa | Okinda Owuor P., Obanda M., Nyirenda H.E., Mphangwe N.I.K., Wright L.P., Apostolides Z. | 2006 | Food Chemistry | 97 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.04.027 | Tea Research Foundation of Kenya, P.O. Box 820, Kericho, Kenya; Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa), P.O. Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi; Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Botany and Horticulture, Maseno Univeristy, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya | Okinda Owuor, P., Tea Research Foundation of Kenya, P.O. Box 820, Kericho, Kenya, Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Obanda, M., Tea Research Foundation of Kenya, P.O. Box 820, Kericho, Kenya, Department of Botany and Horticulture, Maseno Univeristy, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Nyirenda, H.E., Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa), P.O. Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi; Mphangwe, N.I.K., Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa), P.O. Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi; Wright, L.P., Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Apostolides, Z., Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Reliable and accurately measurable chemical parameters that can be used to estimate black tea quality are desirable in trade, research and breeding programmes. Using plain Kenyan black tea from 11 cultivars, which gave some significant differences in their plain black tea quality parameters, the individual theaflavins composition, total theaflavins, thearubigins, theaflavin digallate equivalent, total colour and brightness were determined. The parameters were regressed against sensory evaluation scores of two tasters A and B. The theaflavin digallate equivalent (TDE) showed the strongest relationship (r = 0.71 (P ≤ 0.01) and r = 0.80 (P ≤ 0.001)) for A and B′, respectively. The simple (non gallated) theaflavin and thearubigins did not show significant relationships with sensory evaluation. Of the liquor characteristics, there were significant relationships between liquor brightness and sensory evaluation by A and B (r = 0.58 (P ≤ 0.06) and r = 0.59 (P ≤ 0.05)), respectively. In consequence, TDE and brightness can be used in tea breeding programmes as quality indicators or to estimate plain black tea quality potential in the tea trade. Optimising their levels can also help to produce good quality Kenyan black teas during processing. Comparison of these results with work published earlier indicates that, of the individual theaflavins, theaflavin-3,3′-digallate correlates best with tea taster scores for the 11 Kenyan cultivars, whereas the simple theaflavin correlates best with tea tasters' scores for 40 Malawian cultivars. However, the derived parameter, TDE correlates very well with tea tasters' scores for all of the above cultivars. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Black tea; Brightness; Camellia sinensis; Central and Southern Africa; Colour; Eastern Africa; Kenya; Malawi; Quality; South Africa; Theaflavin digallate equivalents; Theaflavins | black tea extract; theaflavin; article; chemical parameters; chemical structure; food composition; food quality; Kenya; Malawi; sensory evaluation; South Africa; tea; Camellia sinensis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922424155 | The relationship between mycobacterium tuberculosis mgit time to positivity and cfu in sputum samples demonstrates changing bacterial phenotypes potentially reflecting the impact of chemotherapy on critical sub-populations | Bowness R., Boeree M.J., Aarnoutse R., Dawson R., Diacon A., Mangu C., Heinrich N., Ntinginya N.E., Kohlenberg A., Mtafya B., Phillips P.P.J., Rachow A., Plemper van balen G., Gillespie S.H. | 2015 | Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy | 70 | 2 | 10.1093/jac/dku415 | School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, PO Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania; Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; DZIF German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC), Clinical Trials Unit, at UCL, London, United Kingdom | Bowness, R., School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Boeree, M.J., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Aarnoutse, R., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Dawson, R., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa; Diacon, A., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Mangu, C., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, PO Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania; Heinrich, N., Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany, DZIF German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany; Ntinginya, N.E., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, PO Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania; Kohlenberg, A., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, PO Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania, Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Mtafya, B., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, PO Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania; Phillips, P.P.J., Medical Research Council (MRC), Clinical Trials Unit, at UCL, London, United Kingdom; Rachow, A., Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany, DZIF German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany; Plemper van balen, G., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Gillespie, S.H., School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom | Objectives: The relationship between cfu and Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) time to positivity (TTP) is uncertain. We attempted to understand this relationship and create a mathematical model to relate these two methods of determining mycobacterial load. Methods: Sequential bacteriological load data from clinical trials determined by MGIT and cfu were collected and mathematical models derived. All model fittings were conducted in the R statistical software environment (version 3.0.2), using the lm and nls functions. Results: TTP showed a negative correlation with log10 cfu on all 14 days of the study. There was an increasing gradient of the regression line and y-intercept as treatment progressed. There was also a trend towards an increasing gradient with higher doses of rifampicin. Conclusions: These data suggest that there is a population of mycobacterial cells that are more numerous when detected in liquid than on solid medium. Increasing doses of rifampicin differentially kill this group of organisms. These findings support the idea that increased doses of rifampicin are more effective. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. | M. tuberculosis; TB; TTP | ethambutol; isoniazid; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; tuberculostatic agent; add on therapy; antibiotic therapy; Article; bacterial cell; bacterial load; bacterium culture; colony forming unit; culture medium; data analysis software; drug dose increase; drug efficacy; growth chamber; human; mathematical model; monotherapy; mycobacterial growth indicator tube; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; phenotype; phenotypic variation; randomized controlled trial (topic); sputum; time; time to positivity; trend study; tube; tuberculosis; adolescent; adult; aged; biological model; drug effects; female; information processing; isolation and purification; male; microbiology; middle aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; phenotype; physiology; statistical model; tuberculosis; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Load; Datasets as Topic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Phenotype; Sputum; Tuberculosis; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348947933 | The relationship between lecture attendance and academic performance in an undergraduate psychology class | Thatcher A., Fridjhon P., Cockcroft K. | 2007 | South African Journal of Psychology | 37 | 3 | None | Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand WITS, 2050, South Africa; School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Thatcher, A., Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand WITS, 2050, South Africa; Fridjhon, P., School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cockcroft, K., Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a preliminary investigation into the impact of non-attendance at lectures on the performance of students in a second-year psychology class. Results suggest that the frequency of lecture attendance is significantly, but moderately, related to better academic performance and that 'always' attending lectures is the best indicator of academic performance. These results are discussed in relation to understanding lecture non-attendance and improving academic performance. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Academic performance; Lecture attendance; Teaching psychology; Undergraduate psychology classes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940561286 | The relationship between leadership styles, innovation and organisational performance: A systematic review | Sethibe T., Steyn R. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 3 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n3a3 | School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | Sethibe, T., School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa; Steyn, R., School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | This paper is an attempt to consolidate the published scientific knowledge about the impact of leadership styles on the relationship between innovation and organisational performance. Concepts, statements and conceptual frameworks were used as structure to analyse the body of scientific knowledge. After consulting 31 major research databases using the systematic literature review methodology, only seven journals articles that examined the link between leadership, innovation and organisational performance were identified. The synthesis of the journal articles revealed (a) that consensus exists among researchers as far as the relevant concepts are concerned; (b) that most agree on the definition of leadership and innovation but that a uniform understanding of what constitutes organisational performance is lacking; and (c) that conceptual models are too simplistic and do not consider mediator variables or multiple financial criteria measures. The findings further reveal that innovation is significantly and positively related to superior organisational performance, and that, although transformational leadership style is significantly and positively related to innovation, transactional leadership style is more appropriate when the aim is to instil a culture of innovation. Transformational leadership style, by contrast, is mostly associated with organisational performance. In addition, the findings further reveal that none of the studies investigate the mediating effect of the nature of innovation (incremental and radical) on the relationship between leadership and organisational performance, and that none of the studies use the objective measures of financial performance such as ROA, ROE, price/earnings (P/E) and Tobin's Q calculated from annual financial reports. © 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Organisational innovation; Organisational performance; References; Systematic review; Transactional leadership; Transformational leadership | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875002629 | The relationship between followership style and job performance in botswana private universities | Oyetunji C.O. | 2013 | International Education Studies | 6 | 2 | 10.5539/ies.v6n2p179 | Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Botswana | Oyetunji, C.O., Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Botswana | This paper describes the followership style and job performance in Botswana private universities. Attempt was made to determine if there is a significant relationship between followership styles in relation to job performance. A total of 102 randomly selected lecturers from the two private universities completed followership and job performance questionnaires. The data indicates that in Botswana private universities: (a) followership styles include passive, alienated, pragmatist and exemplary followership styles. The most common followership style among the lecturers is pragmatist followership style. (b) there is no relationship between exemplary, pragmatist and alienated followership styles and job performance; indicating low performance of lecturers who indicated these followership styles. (c) there is a high relationship between passive followership style and job performance; indicating high performance of lecturers who indicated this style of followership. | Followership style; Job performance; Private universities in botswana | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889866565 | The relationship between employee satisfaction and organisational performance: Evidence from a South African government department | Mafini C., Pooe D.R.I. | 2013 | SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | 39 | 1 | 10.4102/sajip.v39i1.1090 | Logistics Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Mafini, C., Logistics Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Pooe, D.R.I., Logistics Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Orientation: There appears to be a dearth of literature that addresses the relationship between employee satisfaction and organisational performance in South African public organisations. Motivation for the study: This study attempted to contribute to the discourse on the influence of human resources to organisational performance. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between employee satisfaction and organisational performance in a public sector organisation. Research design: A three-section survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a conveniently recruited sample of 272 members of a South African government department. Pearson's correlation test as well as a regression analysis were employed to test the existence of a relationship between employee satisfaction and organisational performance. The mean score ranking technique was used to compare the impact of the individual employee satisfaction factors on organisational performance. Main findings: Positive correlations were observed between organisational performance and all five employee satisfaction factors, namely working conditions, ability utilisation, creativity, teamwork and autonomy. Amongst the five factors, teamwork had the greatest impact on organisational performance, followed by ability utilisation, creativity, autonomy, with working conditions exerting the least influence. Practical and/or managerial implications: Strategic interventions involving positive adjustments on the five employee satisfaction dimensions examined in this study may be initiated and applied to improve overall organisational performance in public organisations. Contributions and/or value add: The study endorses the notion that a satisfied workforce could be the key to enhanced organisational performance. © 2013. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941078348 | The relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the nairobi securities exchange | Otieno O.L., Ngwenya S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT2 | None | Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Otieno, O.L., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngwenya, S., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Until now, researchers are not in consensus, whether it is the capital structure that influences performance or performance that influences capital structure or both. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the NSE by employing a generalised linear model (GLM) as an improvement on ordinary least regression (OLS). The results of the study revealed that efficient and profitable firms employ more debt than comparable firms that are less profitable possibly because profitable firms’ exposure to financial risk is low. There results also indicate that firms that use more debt outperformed those that use less debt. © 2015, Virtus interpress.All rights reserved. | Capital structure; Financial performance; General linear model; NSE; Ordinary least regression | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874227877 | The relationship between board size, board composition, CEO duality and firm performance: Experience from Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 0.083333333333 | None | University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | The paper examined board characteristics and its impact on the performance of non-financial listed firms in Ghana. Data covering 11 year period (1990-2001) was used and analysis conducted within the panel data framework. The study shows that most Ghanaian firms adopt the two-tier board structure and are largely non-independent. The regression results, though relatively mixed, confirm other studies and show that there should be a clear separation of the two critical positions of CEO and board chairman in order to reduce agency cost for enhanced firm performance. | Corporate governance; Firm-performance; Ghana; Tobin's Q | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923171832 | The Relational Orientation of the African and Performance Management Practices in Selected Institutions in Ghana | Amoah S.K., Afranie S. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1S1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s1p87 | Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, South Africa | Amoah, S.K., Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, South Africa; Afranie, S., Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, South Africa | It is unsatisfactory to find that in the literature on employee performance appraisal management, enough attention has not been paid to the important factors in the socio-cultural context of the society in which organizations concerned are sited. Employing both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, the study explored the influence of certain socio-cultural values on performance appraisal practices in selected institutions in Ghana. Thus, the paper assesses some of the often neglected sociocultural factors and how they serve to moderate employee performance appraisal management in work organisations. It specifically discusses the relational orientation of the African and how it influences performance appraisal practices in organisations. Our hope is to enhance the understanding of researchers and human resource management practitioners of the realities of performance appraisal management within specific sociocultural contexts. The results reveal that in spite of the existence of established formal systems of performance appraisal in the universities studied, most of the officials in charge of appraisal face the challenge of objectivity and fairness due to their relational orientation. Virtually all the factors that pose this challenge to the officials are socio-cultural in nature. The express desire to maintain a good relation with subordinates and colleagues makes officials compromise on fairness and objectivity in appraising their subordinates. According to the study results, some managers believe that it is prudent to overrate one’s cordial relation with colleagues and subordinates over a strict adherence to institutional provisions provided one does not break any serious rule. © 2015, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Performance Management Practices; Relational Orientation; Sociocultural Values | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955465958 | The reasons for and the impact of principal-on-teacher bullying on the victims' private and professional lives | de Wet C. | 2010 | Teaching and Teacher Education | 26 | 7 | 10.1016/j.tate.2010.05.005 | Department of Comparative Education and Education Management, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | de Wet, C., Department of Comparative Education and Education Management, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | This article focuses on the reasons for principal-on-teacher bullying and the impact of the bullying on the victims. The data stem from a phenomenological study which was conducted to ascertain teachers' exposure to different types of bullying. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was employed in analysing participants' transcripts. The findings support the literature that the lack of an effective regime for monitoring of regulations governing principals' behaviour and the characteristics of the bullies and victims are reasons for bullying. This paper uses the voices of the victims of bullying to illustrate teachers' experiences of bullying. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Education management; Phenomenology; Principal-on-teacher bullying; South Africa; Workplace bullying | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904339730 | 'There are a lot of new people in town: But they are here for soccer, not for business' a qualitative inquiry into the impact of the 2010 soccer world cup on sex work in South Africa | Richter M.L., Scorgie F., Chersich M.F., Luchters S. | 2014 | Globalization and Health | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/1744-8603-10-45 | International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium; African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia | Richter, M.L., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Scorgie, F., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chersich, M.F., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Luchters, S., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia | Background: Sports mega-events have expanded in size, popularity and cost. Fuelled by media speculation and moral panics, myths proliferate about the increase in trafficking into forced prostitution as well as sex work in the run-up to such events. This qualitative enquiry explores the perceptions of male, female and transgender sex workers of the 2010 Soccer World Cup held in South Africa, and the impact it had on their work and private lives.Methods: A multi-method study design was employed. Data consisted of 14 Focus Group Discussions, 53 sex worker diaries, and responses to two questions in surveys with 1059 male, female and transgender sex workers in three cities.Results: Overall, a minority of participants noted changes to the sex sector due to the World Cup and nothing emerged on the feared increases in trafficking into forced prostitution. Participants who observed changes in their work mainly described differences, both positive and negative, in working conditions, income and client relations, as well as police harassment. The accounts of changes were heterogeneous - often conflicting in the same research site and across sites.Conclusions: No major shifts occurred in sex work during the World Cup, and only a few inconsequential changes were noted. Sports mega-events provide strategic opportunities to expand health and human rights programmes to sex workers. The 2010 World Cup missed that opportunity. © 2014 Richter et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | 2010 Soccer World Cup; Prostitution; Sex work; Sports mega-events; Trafficking | human rights; morality; parallel economy; perception; prostitution; sport; trafficking; working conditions; behavioral response; health impact; social impact; strategic approach; adult; article; female; female worker; human; male; multimethod study; police; priority journal; prostitution; qualitative research; sexual harassment; sexual minority; soccer; social participation; South Africa; sporting event; threat; transsexuality; work environment; young adult; Article; assault; health program; health survey; human relation; human rights; income; legal aspect; perception; sex trafficking; sexual behavior; social aspect; South Africa; transgender; human trafficking; information processing; prostitution; psychology; statistics and numerical data; South Africa; Adult; Female; Focus Groups; Human Trafficking; Humans; Male; Prostitution; Qualitative Research; Sex Workers; Soccer; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244431634 | The reach and impact of Child Support Grants: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal | Case A., Hosegood V., Lund F. | 2005 | Development Southern Africa | 22 | 4 | 10.1080/03768350500322925 | Department of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Case, A., Department of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Hosegood, V., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Lund, F., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | This paper examines the reach and impact of the South African Child Support Grant, using longitudinal data collected through the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies. The grant is being taken up for a third of all age-eligible resident children, and appears to be reaching those children living in the poorer households of the demographic surveillance area (DSA). Children who received the grant are significantly more likely to be enrolled in school in the years following grant receipt than are equally poor children of the same age. However, older brothers and sisters of grant recipients, when they were observed at younger ages, were less likely than other children to be enrolled in school - perhaps reflecting the greater poverty in grant-receiving households. Thus the grant appears to help overcome the impact of poverty on school enrolment. © 2005 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | None | child care; child development; social policy; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35448988108 | The R&D performance of the South African manufacturing sector, 1970-1993 | Fedderke J., Schirmer S. | 2006 | Economic Change and Restructuring | 39 | 42371 | 10.1007/s10644-007-9023-3 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Fedderke, J., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Schirmer, S., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | In this article we undertake a detailed exploration of the research and development activities in one particular middle-income country. We explore what the data from R&D surveys can tell us about the levels, the determinants and the effectiveness of R&D in the manufacturing sector. We point to some of the broader factors that may have influenced South Africa's drive to improve the technological capacity of its manufacturing sector, but we mostly focus on those issues associated directly with R&D. We show that the degree of interaction between the different domains of R&D activity, business, government and the tertiary sector has been weak, and that the possibility of positive spill-overs between these domains has not been fully exploited. In addition, little or no policy intervention designed to stimulate R&D activity by industry has been deployed in South Africa. We find that South African R&D activity has mainly been reactive in character and suggest that this lies at the heart of South Africa's mixed R&D performance in relation to other developing countries. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2007. | Manufacturing; R&D; South Africa | developing world; industrial performance; manufacturing; performance assessment; research and development; spillover effect; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051928744 | Therapeutic evaluation of Acacia nilotica (Linn) stem bark extract in experimental African trypanosomiasis | Ogbadoyi E.O., Garba M.H., Kabiru A.Y., Mann A., Okogun J.I. | 2011 | International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products | 4 | 2 | None | Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Animal production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria; Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal P | Ogbadoyi, E.O., Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Garba, M.H., Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, Department of Animal production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria; Kabiru, A.Y., Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Mann, A., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria; Okogun, J.I., Department of Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Plants Research, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria | Chemotherapy of African trypanosomiasis still remains far from being satisfactory, being severely limited by a number of factors including unacceptable toxicity, increasing parasite resistance, high cost and unavailability. There is an urgent need for therapeutic agents that are effective, affordable and accessible to the rural poor in Africa who bear most of the disease burden. The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Acacia nilotica in experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice. Methanol extract of stem bark of the plant was investigated for its therapeutic effects in experimental African trypanosomiasis. Acute toxicity studies were also conducted. Crude extract of 70% v/v (Methanol/Water) at a dose of 400mg kg-1 body weight per day completely cured the experimental T.b. brucei infection in mice, while doses of 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400mgkg-1 body weight per day of the partially purified extract completely cured the experimental infection in mice within two days. Sub inoculation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid drawn from the cured mice into healthy mice failed to produce any infection within 28 days of post inoculation. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponin, tannin and cardiac glycoside. LD50 of the partially purified extract was found to be 2000mg/kg body weight, the extract being acutely toxic at a dose of 1600mgkg-1 body weight. It is concluded that methanol extract of stem bark of A. nilotica cures experimental T. b. brucei infection in mice. The findings in this study provide very useful clue for biopharmaceutical industries and drug manufacturers for the development of phytotherapeutic agents from this plant, not only for therapeutic intervention in the control of African trypanosomiasis but also for the treatment of cancer. This is because of the strong link between Chemotherapy of human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and cancer chemotherapy as every drug currently used for the treatment of sleeping sickness has some form of anticancer activity. Moreover, the plant is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancer. The potential is also very high for the manufacture of highly efficacious drugs for the treatment of sleeping sickness and/or cancer through synthetic modification of isolated bioactive phytoconstituents from this plant. The possibility also exists for the development of anti-diabetic drugs from extracts of this plant. © 2011. IJARNP-HS Publications. | Acacia nilotica; Chemotherapy; Trypanosoma; Trypanosomiasis | Acacia nilotica; Mus; Trypanosoma; Trypanosoma brucei brucei | None |
None | None | Therapeutic drug monitoring of nevirapine in resource-limited settings | L'Homme R.F.A., Muro E.P., Droste J.A.H., Wolters L.R., Van Ewijk-Beneken Kolmer N.W.J., Schimana W., Burger D.M. | 2008 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 47 | 10 | 10.1086/592694 | Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Nijmegen University Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, 864 Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands | L'Homme, R.F.A., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Nijmegen University Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Muro, E.P., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Droste, J.A.H., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Nijmegen University Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Wolters, L.R., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Van Ewijk-Beneken Kolmer, N.W.J., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Nijmegen University Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Schimana, W., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Burger, D.M., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Nijmegen University Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, 864 Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands | Background. We developed a simple and inexpensive thin-layer chromatography (TLC) assay for semiquantitative detection of saliva concentrations of nevirapine in resource-limited settings. The method was validated in an African target population. Methods. Paired plasma and saliva nevirapine concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); saliva concentrations of nevirapine were also assayed by TLC. The rate of false-positive results was the proportion of subtherapeutic nevirapine saliva and plasma concentrations determined by HPLC that were judged to be therapeutic in saliva specimens by TLC. The rate of false-negative results was the proportion of therapeutic nevirapine saliva and plasma concentrations determined by HPLC that were judged to be subtherapeutic in saliva specimens by TLC. The extent of agreement in TLC readings between 5 technicians and 2 batches of TLC sheets was evaluated. Results. Twenty-five (9%) of 286 African adults had a subtherapeutic plasma nevirapine concentration. The median ratio of nevirapine concentrations in saliva to those in plasma was 0.51:1. The rate of false-positive results for TLC was 0% (0 of 23 specimens) when TLC results were compared with HPLC results for saliva specimens and 8% (2 of 25 specimens) when TLC results were compared with HPLC results for plasma specimens. The rate of false-negative results for TLC was 1% (3 of 263 specimens) when TLC results were compared with HPLC results for saliva specimens and 1% (3 of 261 specimens) when TLC results were compared with HPLC results for plasma specimens. The extent of agreement of TLC results was substantial for the 5 technicians (Fleiss's κ = 0.77) and for the 2 batches of sheets (Cohen's p0.80). Conclusions. The TLC assay was found to be sensitive, specific, and robust in the detection of subtherapeutic nevirapine concentrations in saliva specimens obtained from African HIV-infected adults. It is an attractive alternative to HPLC for therapeutic drug monitoring of nevirapine in resource-limited settings. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | lamivudine; nevirapine; stavudine; zidovudine; adolescent; adult; aged; article; controlled study; drug blood level; drug monitoring; drug saliva level; high performance liquid chromatography; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; priority journal; thin layer chromatography; Adolescent; Adult; Africa; Aged; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Drug Monitoring; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nevirapine; Plasma; Saliva; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-47249106387 | The quality of environmental impact reports for projects with the potential of affecting wetlands in South Africa | Sandham L.A., Moloto M.J., Retief F.P. | 2008 | Water SA | 34 | 2 | None | Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Sandham, L.A., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Moloto, M.J., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Retief, F.P., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | In South Africa certain development activities, which may have a substantial detrimental effect on the environment, require an environmental impact assessment (EIA), including projects with the potential of affecting wetlands. A key element of the EIA process is the submission of an environmental impact report (ETR) for review in order to determine whether the report is adequate and/or whether a greater quantity of information is required before the project can be authorised. The information available to decision-makers in the EIR is a major determinant in the outcome of wetland protection and/or destruction. The quality of 4 environmental impact reports of large projects with the potential of impacting on wetlands was assessed using an EIA report quality review checklist. It is concluded that the quality of the 4 reports was generally satisfactory but certain areas were found to be poorly performed, i.e. identification and evaluation of impacts to the potential detriment of the wetlands for which the EIAs were performed To improve the quality of the reports for projects with the potential of affecting wetlands it is recommended that a quality review checklist be used by EIA practitioners and authorities as an additional tool to the EIA regulations and the integrated environmental management series. This should assist in ensuring that key aspects are addressed before submission to the relevant authority, and will also contribute to establishing a baseline of EIR quality for evaluation of wetlands EIA practice under the new regulations promulgated in 2006. | Environmental impact assessment; Environmental impact report (E1R); Quality review; Wetlands | Budget control; Environmental engineering; Environmental impact assessments; Environmental management; Environmental protection; Environmental regulations; Management; Quality control; Water resources; Wetlands; Decision makers (DM); Detrimental effects; Development activities; Environmental impact assessment (ETA); Integrated environmental management (IEM); South Africa (SA); Environmental impact; decision making; environmental impact; environmental impact assessment; environmental management; environmental quality; wetland; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000341361700026 | The Public Health Impact of Training Physicians to Become Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ghana | Anderson, Frank W. J.,Boothman, Erika L.,Obed, Samuel A.,Opare-Ado, Henry | 2014 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 104 | None | 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301581 | University of Ghana, University of Michigan, University of Michigan System, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, Kwame Nkrumah Univ Sci & Technol | "Anderson, Frank W. J.: University of Michigan","Anderson, Frank W. J.: University of Michigan System","Boothman, Erika L.: University of Michigan","Boothman, Erika L.: University of Michigan System","Obed, Samuel A.: University of Ghana", | Objectives. We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad.
Methods. All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased.
Results. Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty.
Conclusions. Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health. | ,AFRICA,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,MODEL,POSTGRADUATE,PROGRAM,RETENTION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907285790 | The psychosocial and financial impact of non-severe hypoglycemic events on people with diabetes: Two international surveys | Fulcher G., Singer J., Castañeda R., Fraige Filho F., Maffei L., Snyman J., Brod M. | 2014 | Journal of Medical Economics | 17 | 10 | 10.3111/13696998.2014.946992 | Northern Clinical School, E25 - Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Endocrine Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva, Israel; Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit, Hospital General Regional No 1 Dr Carlos Mac Gregor Sánchez Navarro, Mexico City, Mexico; Faculdade de Medicina, Fundação Do ABC, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Consultorios Asociados de Endocrinología e Investigación Clínica Aplicada, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Agility Global Health Solutions, Centurion, South Africa; Brod Group, Mill Valley, CA, United States | Fulcher, G., Northern Clinical School, E25 - Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Singer, J., Endocrine Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva, Israel; Castañeda, R., Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit, Hospital General Regional No 1 Dr Carlos Mac Gregor Sánchez Navarro, Mexico City, Mexico; Fraige Filho, F., Faculdade de Medicina, Fundação Do ABC, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Maffei, L., Consultorios Asociados de Endocrinología e Investigación Clínica Aplicada, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Snyman, J., Agility Global Health Solutions, Centurion, South Africa; Brod, M., Brod Group, Mill Valley, CA, United States | Objectives: To understand the impact of nocturnal and daytime non-severe hypoglycemic events on healthcare systems, work productivity and quality of life in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.Methods: People with diabetes who experienced a non-severe hypoglycemic event in the 4 weeks prior to the survey were eligible to participate in a nocturnal and/or daytime hypoglycemia survey. Surveys were conducted in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico and South Africa.Results: In total, 300 respondents were included in nocturnal/daytime hypoglycemia surveys (50/participating country/survey). All respondents with type 1 diabetes and 68%/62% (nocturnal/daytime) with type 2 diabetes were on insulin treatment. After an event, 25%/30% (nocturnal/daytime) of respondents decreased their insulin dose and 39%/36% (nocturnal/daytime) contacted a healthcare professional. In the week after an event, respondents performed an average of 5.6/6.4 (nocturnal/daytime) additional blood glucose tests. Almost half of the respondents (44%) reported that the event had a high impact on the quality of their sleep. Among nocturnal survey respondents working for pay, 29% went to work late, 16% left work early and 12% reported missing one or more full work days due to the surveyed event. In addition, 50%/39% (nocturnal/daytime) indicated that the event had a high impact on their fear of future hypoglycemia.Conclusions: The findings suggest that nocturnal and daytime non-severe hypoglycemic events have a large financial and psychosocial impact. Diabetes management that minimizes hypoglycemia while maintaining good glycemic control may positively impact upon the psychological wellbeing of people with diabetes, as well as reducing healthcare costs and increasing work productivity. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd. | Daytime; Diabetes; Economics; Healthcare; Nocturnal; Non-severe hypoglycemia; Quality of life; Survey | antidiabetic agent; glucose; insulin; antidiabetic agent; glucose blood level; adult; Argentina; Article; Australia; Brazil; daytime hypoglycemia; daytime hypoglycemia; diabetic patient; drug dose reduction; fear; female; glucose blood level; health care personnel; health economics; health impact assessment; health survey; human; hypoglycemia; insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; insulin treatment; Israel; major clinical study; male; Mexico; nocturnal hypoglycemia; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; productivity; quality of life; salary; sleep quality; social psychology; South Africa; working time; chemically induced; diabetes mellitus; economics; hypoglycemia; middle aged; psychology; Adult; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869425858 | The Psychometric Properties of the Amharic Version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised: A Study on Child Sexual Abuse Survivors in Ethiopia | Wondie Y., Zemene W., Reschke K., Schröder H. | 2012 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma | 5 | 4 | 10.1080/19361521.2012.728099 | Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; University of Leipzig, Germany | Wondie, Y., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, University of Leipzig, Germany; Zemene, W., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; Reschke, K., University of Leipzig, Germany; Schröder, H., University of Leipzig, Germany | The study assessed the internal consistency and construct validity of the Amharic version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (CITES-R). Data was collected from 318 female children. With few exceptions, the result revealed that the internal consistency and the construct validity of the scale were found to be in the expected directions. The mean alpha value for all the scales was 0.71. Social support and empowerment were significantly correlated with the positive self-worth component of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moreover, intercorrelations between the PTSD symptoms and abuse attributions demonstrated significant positive associations. In conclusion, the Amharic version of the CITES-R was found to be comparable with the original scale and previous studies that employed this instrument. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | child sexual abuse; children's impacts of traumatic events scale; construct validity; Ethiopia; internal consistency | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871278594 | The Properties and Injector Nozzle Fouling Performance of Neat GTL and GTL/EN590 Diesel Blends in Various Diesel Engines | Velaers A.J., de Goede S. | 2012 | SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants | 5 | 3 | 10.4271/2012-01-1692 | Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa | Velaers, A.J., Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa; de Goede, S., Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa | The combination of high crude oil prices, energy security concerns and environmental drivers have resulted in an increased focus on alternative fuels. Gas to liquids (GTL) diesel is considered to be a promising alternative diesel fuel, given that it can be used directly as a diesel fuel or be blended with petroleum-derived diesel or biodiesel. GTL diesel fuels are predominantly paraffinic and possess several excellent inherent properties including virtually zero sulphur, very low aromatics (<1%) and very high cetane values (typically >75). Currently GTL diesel is mostly sold into the European market as a blend stock for the extending and upgrading of petroleum-derived diesel fuels. Given GTL diesel's inherent paraffinic nature, the density of this product is below the European minimum 820 kg/m3 EN590 specification (at 15 °C). Typically up to 20% (vol) GTL diesel can be blended into crude oil derived diesel in order to meet the minimum European density specification, although neat applications of GTL diesel have also received some attention in literature. This study presents some findings pertaining to injector fouling for neat and 20% (vol) GTL diesel blends on a variety of diesel engines. There is however, very little information in the open literature on the physical and injector fouling performance properties of higher binary blends of petroleum-derived and GTL diesel. Several markets do not have a minimum density specification (e.g. the USA, Canada, Uzbekistan), while several countries have winter density specifications lower than 820 kg/m3, including countries like China, potentially enabling GTL diesel to be used at higher blending ratios and in its neat form. In the current study, neat low temperature Fischer Tropsch (LTFT) GTL diesel and EN590 diesel fuels, together with blends containing 10, 20, 30, 50, and 80 volume percent GTL, were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. The injector fouling performances of these blends were assessed in the CEC F-23-01 XUD9 and Sasol common rail tests. Many of the physical properties of these blends were influenced positively by the addition of GTL diesel to the EN590 fuel. Overall, it was concluded that at low percentages, blends of GTL diesel with EN590 resulted in similar injector fouling performance in the CEC F-23-01 XUD9 and Sasol common rail tests. At higher GTL diesel contents, a significant injector fouling performance improvement was found. © 2012 SAE International. | None | Alternative diesel fuel; Binary blends; Blending ratio; Common rail; Crude oil prices; Energy security; European markets; Fischer Tropsch; Gas to liquids; Injector nozzle; Low temperatures; Minimum density; Performance improvements; Performance properties; Physical and chemical properties; Uzbekistan; Alternative fuels; Blending; Chemical properties; Commerce; Crude oil; Diesel engines; Diesel fuels; Fouling; Specifications; Sulfur; Jet pumps | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871529178 | The propagation and dispersal of misinformation in ecology: Is there a relationship between citation accuracy and journal impact factor? | Drake D.C., Maritz B., Jacobs S.M., Crous C.J., Engelbrecht A., Etale A., Fourie M.J., Furniss D.G., Scott S.L., Parusnath S., Tye D.R. | 2013 | Hydrobiologia | 702 | 1 | 10.1007/s10750-012-1392-6 | School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Drake, D.C., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Maritz, B., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Jacobs, S.M., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Crous, C.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Etale, A., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fourie, M.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Furniss, D.G., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, S.L., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Parusnath, S., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tye, D.R., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | accuracy assessment; dispersal; ecological impact; vegetative propagation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908238636 | The progressive effects of a high-fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) | Donaldson J., Dangarembizi R., Mtetwa B., Madziva M.T., Erlwanger K.H. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 98 | 5 | 10.1111/jpn.12149 | Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Donaldson, J., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dangarembizi, R., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mtetwa, B., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Madziva, M.T., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erlwanger, K.H., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | To investigate the progressive effects of a high-fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks, 36 Guinea fowl and 36 Muscovy ducks were divided into two groups, for each species, and fed either a standard (STD = commercial poultry feed) or high-fat diet (HFD = commercial poultry feed with 20% palm oil and 2% lard) for up to 12 weeks. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks on the diets, six birds from each group were euthanized and blood samples collected. Osmotic fragility was assessed by measuring the haemoglobin released by erythrocytes placed in serially diluted solutions of phosphate-buffered saline, spectrophotometrically. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were also determined. Fragiligrams from erythrocytes from both species of birds on the HFD were not different to those on the STD. However, Muscovy duck erythrocytes were more resistant to haemolysis compared with Guinea fowl erythrocytes. Final body mass and serum triglyceride levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05, ANOVA) between the birds in the HFD and STD groups, for both species of birds. In contrast, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in birds on the HFD compared with those on the STD, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of feeding, for both species of birds. Feeding Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks a high-fat diet for up to 12 weeks resulted in hypercholesterolaemia but had no effect on final body mass, erythrocyte osmotic fragility or serum triglyceride concentrations in either bird species. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Avian; High-fat diet; Osmotic fragility | Aves; Cairina moschata; Numida meleagris; cholesterol; fat intake; triacylglycerol; administration and dosage; analysis; animal; animal food; blood; controlled study; diet; drug effects; duck; erythrocyte; fat intake; Galliformes; growth, development and aging; metabolism; osmotic fragility; randomized controlled trial; species difference; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fats; Ducks; Erythrocytes; Galliformes; Osmotic Fragility; Species Specificity; Triglycerides | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747844636 | The profile and impact of probable dementia in a sub-Saharan African community: results from the Ibadan Study of Aging | Gureje O., Ogunniyi A., Kola L. | 2006 | Journal of Psychosomatic Research | 61 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.07.016 | Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Gureje, O., Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunniyi, A., Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Kola, L., Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Objective: This study aimed to determine the profile of dementia in a sub-Saharan Africa country and assess its effects on role functioning and quality of life. Methods: Using a multistage, stratified, clustered sampling of households in the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria, representing 22% of the national population, 2152 persons aged 65 years and above were studied. Probable dementia was evaluated using a validated cognitive test - the 10-Word Delay Recall Test. Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, and quality of life were also assessed. Results: The prevalence of probable dementia in this sample was 10.1% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-11.8). Female sex and increasing age were risk factors. Also, lifetime history of alcohol use doubles the risk. Affected persons had relatively preserved functioning and quality of life. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the diagnosis of dementia may be downwardly biased in this culture due to relatively preserved levels of social and functional roles. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Dementia; Prevalence; Quality of life; Role functioning | Africa; age distribution; aged; aging; anamnesis; article; controlled study; dementia; evaluation; female; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; quality of life; risk factor; sex ratio; validation process; Africa South of the Sahara; Aged; Aging; Cognition Disorders; Dementia; Female; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Sickness Impact Profile | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-43449104760 | The profile analysis of attempted-suicide patients referred to Pelonomi Hospital for psychological evaluation and treatment from 1 May 2005 to 30 April 2006 | du Toit E.H., Kruger J.M., Swiegers S.M., van der Merwe M., Calilz F.J.W., Philane L., Joubert G. | 2008 | South African Journal of Psychiatry | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | du Toit, E.H., Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Kruger, J.M., Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Swiegers, S.M., Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; van der Merwe, M., Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Calilz, F.J.W., Department of Psychiatry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Philane, L., Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Joubert, G., Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Background. Suicide is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. A suicide occurs every 40 seconds, and there is 1 attempt every 1 to 3 seconds. By 2020, these figures may have doubled. No accurate statistics regarding the occurrence of attempted suicide (or non-fatal suicidal behaviour) in South Africa exist, because there has been no systematic data collection. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of patients who had attempted suicide and were referred to Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, for psychological evaluation and treatment during the period 1 May 2005 to 30 April 2006. Method. A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted. The study population comprised 258 attempted-suicide patients referred to Pelonomi Hospital for psychological evaluation and treatment. A data form was compiled to transfer the relevant information from patients' clinical files. Results. The majority of patients were female (68.9%). The median age was 22 years. The most common method used in suicide attempts was drug overdose (66%) - mostly antidepressants (19.7%)) and analgesics (8.2%). More females than males overdosed on drugs (p=0.0103). The main precipitating factors included problematic relationships (55.4%), financial problems (22.9%), psychiatric problems (22.1%), arguments (19.8%), abuse (emotional, sexual, physical - 18.2%), low self-esteem/ worthlessness/hopelessness/humiliation (16.7%), and recent life changes (13.2%). Conclusion. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of patients who had attempted suicide. Possible factors associated with suicide attempts in our sample were identified and summarised in the form of a screening checklist. The value of the checklist is that it can be used as a screening method to identify possible suicide risk in patients. | None | analgesic agent; antidepressant agent; adult; alcohol abuse; article; controlled study; demography; drug abuse; drug overdose; emotional disorder; female; fighting; high risk population; hopelessness; human; institutional care; life event; major clinical study; male; medical information; medical record; mental disease; mental health care; poverty; psychologic assessment; retrospective study; risk factor; sex difference; sexual abuse; social problem; socioeconomics; South Africa; suicide attempt; treatment duration; unemployment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884677486 | The PRIME trial protocol: Evaluating the impact of an intervention implemented in public health centres on management of malaria and health outcomes of children using a cluster-randomised design in Tororo, Uganda | Staedke S.G., Chandler C.I.R., DiLiberto D., Maiteki-Sebuguzi C., Nankya F., Webb E., Dorsey G., Kamya M.R. | 2013 | Implementation Science | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/1748-5908-8-114 | Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 95H, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA, 94143, United States; Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Staedke, S.G., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Chandler, C.I.R., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 95H, United Kingdom; DiLiberto, D., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Maiteki-Sebuguzi, C., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Nankya, F., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Webb, E., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Dorsey, G., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA, 94143, United States; Kamya, M.R., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Background: In Africa, inadequate health services contribute to the lack of progress on malaria control. Evidence of the impact of interventions to improve health services on population-level malaria indicators is needed. We are conducting a cluster-randomised trial to assess whether a complex intervention delivered at public health centres in Uganda improves health outcomes of children and treatment of malaria, as compared to the current standard of care.Methods/Design: Twenty public health centres (level II and III) in Tororo district will be included; 10 will be randomly assigned to the intervention and 10 to control. Clusters will include households located within 2 km of health centres. The trial statistician will generate the random allocation sequence and assign clusters. Health centres will be stratified by level, and restricted randomisation will be employed to ensure balance on cluster location and size. Allocation will not be blinded. The intervention includes training in health centre management, fever case management with use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria, and patient-centered services, and provision of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and RDTs when stocks run low. The impact of the intervention on population-level health indicators will be assessed through community surveys conducted at baseline in randomly selected children from each cluster, and repeated annually for two years. The impact on individuals over time will be assessed in a cohort study of children recruited from households randomly selected per cluster. The impact on health centres will be assessed using patient exit interviews, monthly surveillance, and assessment of health worker knowledge and skills. The primary outcome is the prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin <11.0 g/dL) in individual children under five measured in the annual community surveys. The primary analysis will be based on the cluster-level results.Discussion: The PRIME trial findings will be supplemented by the PROCESS study, an evaluation of the process, context, and wider impact of the PRIME intervention which will be conducted alongside the main trial, together providing evidence of the health impact of a public sector intervention in Uganda. Trial registration and funding: This trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01024426) and is supported by the ACT Consortium. © 2013 Staedke et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Cluster-randomised trial; Complex intervention; Malaria; Public sector; Uganda | article; child; cluster analysis; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; human; information processing; malaria; methodology; outcome assessment; program evaluation; public health; qualitative research; questionnaire; randomized controlled trial; rural health care; total quality management; Uganda; Child; Cluster Analysis; Focus Groups; Humans; Malaria; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Program Evaluation; Public Health; Qualitative Research; Quality Improvement; Questionnaires; Rural Health Services; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884213116 | The primary subcellular localization of Zinc phthalocyanine and its cellular impact on viability, proliferation and structure of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) | Tynga I.M., Houreld N.N., Abrahamse H. | 2013 | Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology | 120 | None | 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2012.11.009 | Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | Tynga, I.M., Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Houreld, N.N., Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Abrahamse, H., Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | The development of curative techniques which are selective for neoplasms is one of the main focal areas in cancer research. The mechanism of cell damage due to Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was assessed by inverted light microscopy for morphology, the Trypan blue exclusion assay and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminescence assay for cell viability, alamarBlue for proliferation, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LHD) membrane integrity for cytotoxicity and fluorescent microscopy for ZnPcSmix localization. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that ZnPcSmix was localized in both mitochondria and lysosomes, and PDT treated cells showed damaging structural changes and decreased cell viability and proliferation. The light-dependent ZnPcS mix displayed appreciable photosensitivity and the intensity of damage was directly related to its concentration. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Breast cancer; Photodynamic therapy; Zinc phthalocyanine | adenosine triphosphate; lactate dehydrogenase; phthalocyanine zinc; article; breast cancer; cancer cell; cell damage; cell proliferation; cell structure; cell viability; cellular distribution; controlled study; cytotoxicity; fluorescence microscopy; human; human cell; lysosome; microscopy; mitochondrion; morphology; photodynamic therapy; photosensitivity; photosensitization; priority journal; Biological Transport; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Death; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Humans; Indoles; Intracellular Space; Laser Therapy; MCF-7 Cells; Organometallic Compounds; Photosensitizing Agents; Sulfonic Acids | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919965506 | The price-to-book effect on the JSE: Valuation disparities and subsequent performance | Du Toit S.G., Krige J.D. | 2014 | South African Journal of Business Management | 45 | 4 | None | Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Du Toit, S.G., Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Krige, J.D., Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to determine whether the relative out- or underperformance of a value portfolio versus a growth portfolio can be anticipated in advance by comparing a valuation difference multiple with the subsequent fiveyear relative performance of the value and growth portfolios. The valuation difference multiple was calculated as the median price-to-book value (P/B) ratio of the growth portfolio divided by the median P/B ratio of the value portfolio. Using monthly data for the period 1991 to 2011, this study found that in most instances the higher the valuation difference multiple, the higher the outperformance of the value portfolio over the subsequent five-year period, as compared to the growth portfolio. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60749105089 | The prevalence of hearing loss among schoolchildren with chronic suppurative otitis media in Nigeria, and its effect on academic performance | Olatoke F., Ologe F.E., Nwawolo C.C., Saka M.J. | 2008 | Ear, Nose and Throat Journal | 87 | 12 | None | Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, Universi | Olatoke, F., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ologe, F.E., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, P.O. Box 6641, Ilorin, Nigeria; Nwawolo, C.C., Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Saka, M.J., Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among 1,500 Nigerian schoolchildren aged 9 to 15 years who had chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). We also attempted to ascertain the effect that this hearing loss had on their academic performance. The study population was drawn from three schools in different socioeconomic tiers - low (n = 300), medium (n = 400), and high (n = 800). Overall, CSOM was present in 35 of these children (2.3%) - 12 from the low-status school (4.0%), 11 from the middle-status school (2.8%), and 12 from the high-status school (1.5%); the overall difference in prevalence among the three schools was statistically significant (χ2 = 6.40; degrees of freedom [df] = 2; p = 0.04). In all, 52 ears were affected by CSOM; of these, 18 (34.6%) had a pure-tone average (PTA) within normal limits, 20 (38.5%) had a mild conductive hearing loss, and 14 (26.9%) had a moderate loss. All but 2 of 160 control ears (1.2%) had hearing thresholds within normal limits. The difference in PTAs across groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 114.89; df = 2; p< 0.001). As for academic performance, cumulative average test scores were significantly lower in the CSOM patients than in the controls - χ2 = 14.57; df = 3; p = 0.002. At the higher end of the academic scale, scores of 66% and higher were obtained by 40.0% of patients and 51.3% of controls, and scores of 50 to 65% were achieved by 20.0% of patients and 37.5% of controls. At the lower end, scores of 40 to 49% were obtained by 31.4% of patients and 6.3% of controls, and scores of 39% and lower were obtained by 8.6% and 5.0%, respectively. We conclude that hearing loss was a significant sequela of CSOM in our study population and that it had an adverse effect on their academic performance. Children in the low socioeconomic group appeared to be more vulnerable. © 2009, Vendome Group, LLC. All rights reserved. | None | antibiotic agent; antihistaminic agent; academic achievement; adolescent; adverse outcome; article; auditory threshold; child; chronic suppurative otitis media; clinical feature; conduction deafness; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; hearing loss; high school; human; lowest income group; major clinical study; male; middle school; Nigeria; population research; population risk; prevalence; pure tone audiometry; school child; scoring system; socioeconomics; student; Achievement; Adolescent; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Otitis Media, Suppurative; Prevalence; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77749308485 | The prevalence and functional impact of musculoskeletal conditions amongst clients of a primary health care facility in an under-resourced area of Cape Town | Parker R., Jelsma J. | 2010 | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2474-11-2 | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Parker, R., School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Jelsma, J., School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background. The extent of disease burden of musculoskeletal conditions (MSC) not due to injury has not been well determined in sub-Saharan Africa. The 1999 Global Burden of Disease study estimated the prevalence of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to be 150/100,000 compared to 1,500/100,000 in Europe. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of MSC and the functional implications in a sample of people attending community health centres in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in clinics in two resource poor communities. Phase I consisted of screening and those who screened positive for peripheral or spinal joint pain went on to complete Phase II, which included the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results. 1005 people were screened in Phase I. Of these, 362 (36%) reported MSC not due to injury in the past three months. Those with MSC had higher rates of co-morbidities in every category than those without. The mean Disability Index for those with MSC was mild to moderate and moderate to severe in those over 55 years. Conclusions. Although the sample may not be representative of the general community, the prevalence is considerably greater than those reported elsewhere even when the population of the catchment area is used as a denominator, (367/100 000). The common presentation of MSC with co-morbid diabetes and hypertension requires holistic management by appropriately trained health care practitioners. Any new determination of burden of disease due to MSC should recognise that these disorders may be more prevalent in developing countries than previously estimated. © 2010 Parker and Jelsma; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; arthritis; article; backache; community; comorbidity; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease severity; female; health care facility; human; major clinical study; male; osteoarthritis; prevalence; primary health care; questionnaire; rheumatoid arthritis; rigidity; screening; South Africa; spinal pain; arthralgia; cost of illness; developing country; diabetes mellitus; health care delivery; health care quality; hypertension; mass screening; middle aged; musculoskeletal disease; outpatient department; poverty; statistics; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Arthralgia; Comorbidity; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Poverty Areas; Prevalence; Primary Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Questionnaires; South Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000338373500001 | The practice of 'doing' evaluation: lessons learned from nine complex intervention trials in action | Ansah, Evelyn K.,Bruxvoort, Katia,Chandler, Clare I. R.,Cundill, Bonnie,DiLiberto, Deborah,Goodman, Catherine,Hutchinson, Eleanor,Lalloo, David G.,Lal, Sham,Leslie, Toby,Mangham-Jefferies, Lindsay,Mbakilwa, Hilda,Reyburn, Hugh,Reynolds, Joanna,Schellenber | 2014 | IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE | 9 | None | 10.1186/1748-5908-9-75 | Ghana Health Service, University of Copenhagen, University of Liverpool, University of London, University of New South Wales, Joint Malaria Programme, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Ansah, Evelyn K.: Ghana Health Service","Bruxvoort, Katia: University of London","Chandler, Clare I. R.: University of London","Cundill, Bonnie: University of London","DiLiberto, Deborah: University of London","Goodman, Catherine: University of London","Hutchinson, Eleanor: University of London","Lalloo, David G.: University of Liverpool","Lal, Sham: University of London","Leslie, Toby: University of London","Mangham-Jefferies, Lindsay: University of London","Reyburn, Hugh: University of London","Reynolds, Joanna: University of London","Schellenberg, David: University of London","Staedke, Sarah G.: University of London","Webster, Jayne: University of London","Yeung, Shunmay: University of London", | Background: There is increasing recognition among trialists of the challenges in understanding how particular 'real-life' contexts influence the delivery and receipt of complex health interventions. Evaluations of interventions to change health worker and/or patient behaviours in health service settings exemplify these challenges. When interpreting evaluation data, deviation from intended intervention implementation is accounted for through process evaluations of fidelity, reach, and intensity. However, no such systematic approach has been proposed to account for the way evaluation activities may deviate in practice from assumptions made when data are interpreted.
Methods: A collective case study was conducted to explore experiences of undertaking evaluation activities in the real-life contexts of nine complex intervention trials seeking to improve appropriate diagnosis and treatment of malaria in varied health service settings. Multiple sources of data were used, including in-depth interviews with investigators, participant-observation of studies, and rounds of discussion and reflection.
Results and discussion: From our experiences of the realities of conducting these evaluations, we identified six key 'lessons learned' about ways to become aware of and manage aspects of the fabric of trials involving the interface of researchers, fieldworkers, participants and data collection tools that may affect the intended production of data and interpretation of findings. These lessons included: foster a shared understanding across the study team of how individual practices contribute to the study goals; promote and facilitate within-team communications for ongoing reflection on the progress of the evaluation; establish processes for ongoing collaboration and dialogue between sub-study teams; the importance of a field research coordinator bridging everyday project management with scientific oversight; collect and review reflective field notes on the progress of the evaluation to aid interpretation of outcomes; and these approaches should help the identification of and reflection on possible overlaps between the evaluation and intervention.
Conclusion: The lessons we have drawn point to the principle of reflexivity that, we argue, needs to become part of standard practice in the conduct of evaluations of complex interventions to promote more meaningful interpretations of the effects of an intervention and to better inform future implementation and decision-making. | "behavioural interventions","complex interventions",evaluation,"HEALTH SERVICE","Low-income setting",REFLECTION,TRIALS,ALTERNATIVES,CARE,CHALLENGES,CLINICAL-RESEARCH,DESIGN,MALARIA,MANAGEMENT,"PUBLIC-HEALTH INTERVENTIONS","QUALITATIVE RESEARCH","RANDOMIZE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897746966 | The practical guidelines on the impact of mahadi [bride price] on the young Basotho couples prior to marriage | Semenya D.K. | 2014 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 70 | 3 | 10.4102/hts.v70i3.1362 | Unit for Reformed Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Semenya, D.K., Unit for Reformed Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | This article investigates and provides guidelines to the negative impact of mahadi on the Basotho youth before they may marry. It is important to note that marriage is one of the main parts of the life cycle amongst the Basotho and not only joins a man and a woman together, but is also considered to unite the members of the respective families of the married couple into one family. This union of two families comes into effect when the process of negotiation of the mahadi is initiated. The negotiation for mahadi is, in other words, the first stage of bonding two families together. In the hope of gaining a better understanding and results, the writer searched for a qualitative method to conduct the research. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149402655 | The practical application of an entrepreneurial performance training model in South Africa | van Vuuren J., Botha M. | 2010 | Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development | 17 | 4 | 10.1108/14626001011088750 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | van Vuuren, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Botha, M., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose: This paper sets out to apply practically the constructs of the entrepreneurial performance training model to three different training interventions, known as the business start-up, basic entrepreneurship, and advanced entrepreneurship programmes. Furthermore, the paper aims to measure the business performance indicators and skills transfer that took place after the training interventions. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative research was conducted, using three validated research questionnaires. The research design consists of a pre-test, post-test and post-post test (ten weeks after the training interventions took place). Factor analysis was done, descriptive statistics arising from opinions and expressions are presented and statistical tests such as the Chi-square test and ANOVA provide inferential statistics. Findings: The business performance indicators improved for all three training groups after they attended the training interventions. Furthermore, it was proved that skills transfer took place after the respondents attended the training interventions. Research limitations/implications: The training groups can be measured again after 18 months of three years to really determine the impact of the training interventions. The results of the three training programmes can be compared to see whether the basic entrepreneurship groups gained more skills and their business performance indicators increased more than the business start-up or advanced entrepreneurship programmes. Practical implications: The outcomes and implications of this research paper emphasise that it is imperative to design training programmes based on training models that have been tested. This paper highlights some aspects of how constructs used within the training models can be tested. Originality/value: The entrepreneurial performance-training model was practically applied and provides a set of expectations for other entrepreneurship models as well as presenting a benchmark against which programme performance can be measured. A unique teaching methodology is portrayed that contributes to the overall effectiveness of the training model. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Entrepreneurs; Performance measures; Skills flexibility; South Africa; Teaching methods; Training management | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847751928 | The power of non-verbal communication: Predicting job performance by means of thin slices of non-verbal behaviour | Visser D., Matthews J.D.L. | 2005 | South African Journal of Psychology | 35 | 2 | None | Programme in Industrial Psychology, Department of Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Programme in Industrial Psychology, Department of Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Visser, D., Programme in Industrial Psychology, Department of Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Matthews, J.D.L., Programme in Industrial Psychology, Department of Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The purpose of the study was to investigate whether ratings of brief exposures to 'non-verbal' and 'non-verbal plus verbal' behaviour could successfully predict on-the-job performance in a call centre. A panel of ten judges who were exposed to 30-second silent video recordings of 29 call centre operators carrying out their jobs were asked to rate the non-verbal behaviour of the operators on several dimensions. Two weeks later they were asked to repeat their judgments with the audio channel included. The judgments were correlated with management ratings and customer ratings of the operators' performance. The correlations varied between 0.31 and 0.46, representing medium to large effect sizes. The inclusion of the verbal channel did not significantly improve the accuracy of the thin-slice judgments of non-verbal behaviour. The implications of using ratings of non-verbal behaviour as a selection method were discussed. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Call-centre operators; Customer service; Non-verbal behaviour; Non-verbal communication; Selection; Thin-slice judgments; Training; Video footage | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-63849169067 | The power of double vision: Tradition and social intervention in African puppet performance | Kruger M. | 2006 | New Theatre Quarterly | 22 | 4 | 10.1017/S0266464X06000510 | Department of Drama, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kruger, M., Department of Drama, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67149113522 | The potential impact on farmer health of enhanced export horticultural trade between the U.K. and Uganda | Cross P., Edwards R.T., Nyeko P., Edwards-Jones G. | 2009 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 6 | 5 | 10.3390/ijerph6051539 | School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Centre for Economics and Policy in Health, Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1UT, United Kingdom; Department of Forest Biology and Ecosystems Management, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Cross, P., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Edwards, R.T., Centre for Economics and Policy in Health, Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1UT, United Kingdom; Nyeko, P., Department of Forest Biology and Ecosystems Management, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Edwards-Jones, G., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom | The export of vegetables from African countries to European markets presents consumers with an ethical dilemma: should they support local, but relatively well-off farmers, or poorer farmers from distant countries? This paper considers the issue of farm worker health in the U.K. and Uganda, and considers the dilemma facing U.K. consumers if Uganda achieves their aim of exporting more vegetables to the U.K. Self-reported health scores of 1,200 farm workers in the U.K. and Uganda were measured with the internationally recognised SF-36 questionnaire and compared to an international population norm. The age-corrected health status of U.K. farm workers was significantly lower than the population norm, whereas Ugandans scored significantly higher (indicating good health) for physical health and lower for mental health. If Ugandan produce enters U.K. markets, then consumers may wish to consider both the potential benefits that enhanced trade could offer Ugandan farmers compared with its impacts on U.K. workers. © 2009 by the authors;. | Africa; Europe; Health; Malaria; Migrant; Vegetable production | agricultural worker; article; comparative study; consumer; controlled study; female; health; health status; horticulture; human; male; mental health; normal human; occupational health; self report; Short Form 36; Uganda; United Kingdom; vegetable; Agriculture; Commerce; Great Britain; Health Status; Humans; Questionnaires; Uganda; Vegetables | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349457519 | The potential impact of small-scale flywheel energy storage technology on Uganda's energy sector | Okou R., Sebitosi A.B., Khan A., Pillay P. | 2009 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 20 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Canada | Okou, R., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sebitosi, A.B., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Khan, A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Pillay, P., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Canada | The energy crisis in Uganda has caused a sharp decline in the growth of the industry sector from 10.8% to 4.5% between 2004/5 and 2005/6. This crisis has escalated the power disruptions, which have had adverse effects on various sectors. While business owners have resorted to importation of fossil fuel generators that have increased the cost of production, others have resorted to battery energy storage systems to cater for short outages, which are limited in life span, depth of discharge, among others. These interventions have, thus, further increased the cost of goods and services. In addition, the rural populations using solar home systems incur high battery maintenance and replacement costs. In this paper an electromechanical flywheel battery is proposed as a better alternative in mitigating energy storage problems. It is found that by replacing the battery storage systems with the electromechanical flywheel battery, a saving of up to 35% on cost of energy can be made in the solar home systems and for the industry sector, the power disruptions could be reduced. | Cost of energy; Energy storage; Flywheel; Life cost analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051471460 | The potential impact of RV144-like vaccines in rural South Africa: A study using the STDSIM microsimulation model | Hontelez J.A.C., Nagelkerke N., Bärnighausen T., Bakker R., Tanser F., Newell M.-L., Lurie M.N., Baltussen R., de Vlas S.J. | 2011 | Vaccine | 29 | 36 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.06.059 | Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States | Hontelez, J.A.C., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Nagelkerke, N., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Bärnighausen, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Bakker, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Lurie, M.N., Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Baltussen, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; de Vlas, S.J., Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands | Background: The only successful HIV vaccine trial to date is the RV144 trial of the ALVAC/AIDSVAX vaccine in Thailand, which showed an overall incidence reduction of 31%. Most cases were prevented in the first year, suggesting a rapidly waning efficacy. Here, we predict the population level impact and cost-effectiveness of practical implementation of such a vaccine in a setting of a generalised epidemic with high HIV prevalence and incidence. Methods: We used STDSIM, an established individual-based microsimulation model, tailored to a rural South African area with a well-functioning HIV treatment and care programme. We estimated the impact of a single round of mass vaccination for everybody aged 15-49, as well as 5-year and 2-year re-vaccination strategies for young adults (aged 15-29). We calculated proportion of new infections prevented, cost-effectiveness indicators, and budget impact estimates of combined ART and vaccination programmes. Results: A single round of mass vaccination with a RV144-like vaccine will have a limited impact, preventing only 9% or 5% of new infections after 10 years at 60% and 30% coverage levels, respectively. Revaccination strategies are highly cost-effective if vaccine prices can be kept below 150 US/vaccine for 2-year revaccination strategies, and below 200 US/vaccine for 5-year revaccination strategies. Net cost-savings through reduced need for HIV treatment and care occur when vaccine prices are kept below 75 US/vaccine. These results are sensitive to alternative assumptions on the underlying sexual network, background prevention interventions, and individual's propensity and consistency to participate in the vaccination campaign. Discussion: A modestly effective vaccine can be a cost-effective intervention in highly endemic settings. To predict the impact of vaccination strategies in other endemic situations, sufficient knowledge of the underlying sexual network, prevention and treatment interventions, and individual propensity and consistency to participate, is key. These issues are all best addressed in an individual-based microsimulation model. © 2011. | Cost-effectiveness; HIV vaccine; Mathematical model; Microsimulation model; South Africa | Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; RV144; RV144 like vaccine; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; article; clinical trial (topic); cost effectiveness analysis; drug cost; drug efficacy; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection prevention; major clinical study; male; priority journal; revaccination; rural area; sexual behavior; simulation; South Africa; vaccination; Adolescent; Adult; AIDS Vaccines; Clinical Trials as Topic; Computer Simulation; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunization Programs; Immunization, Secondary; Incidence; Male; Mass Vaccination; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Rural Population; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926681814 | The potential impact of moxidectin on onchocerciasis elimination in Africa: An economic evaluation based on the Phase II clinical trial data | Turner H.C., Walker M., Attah S.K., Opoku N.O., Awadzi K., Kuesel A.C., Basáñez M.-G. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-0779-4 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Turner, H.C., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Walker, M., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom; Attah, S.K., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Opoku, N.O., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Awadzi, K., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Kuesel, A.C., UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Basáñez, M.-G., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom | Background: Spurred by success in several foci, onchocerciasis control policy in Africa has shifted from morbidity control to elimination of infection. Clinical trials have demonstrated that moxidectin is substantially more efficacious than ivermectin in effecting sustained reductions in skin microfilarial load and, therefore, may accelerate progress towards elimination. We compare the potential cost-effectiveness of annual moxidectin with annual and biannual ivermectin treatment. Methods: Data from the first clinical study of moxidectin were used to parameterise the onchocerciasis transmission model EPIONCHO to investigate, for different epidemiological and programmatic scenarios in African savannah settings, the number of years and in-country costs necessary to reach the operational thresholds for cessation of treatment, comparing annual and biannual ivermectin with annual moxidectin treatment. Results: Annual moxidectin and biannual ivermectin treatment would achieve similar reductions in programme duration relative to annual ivermectin treatment. Unlike biannual ivermectin treatment, annual moxidectin treatment would not incur a considerable increase in programmatic costs and, therefore, would generate sizeable in-country cost savings (assuming the drug is donated). Furthermore, the impact of moxidectin, unlike ivermectin, was not substantively influenced by the timing of treatment relative to seasonal patterns of transmission. Conclusions: Moxidectin is a promising new drug for the control and elimination of onchocerciasis. It has high programmatic value particularly when resource limitation prevents a biannual treatment strategy, or optimal timing of treatment relative to peak transmission season is not feasible. © 2015 Turner et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Economic evaluation; Ivermectin; Moxidectin; Onchocerciasis; Seasonality | ivermectin; moxidectin; Africa; Article; cost control; drug cost; drug effect; economic evaluation; health care personnel; human; onchocerciasis; parasite clearance; prevalence; time to treatment | 085133/Z/08/Z, Wellcome Trust; 092677/Z/10/Z, Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746456905 | The potential impact of male circumcision on HIV in sub-Saharan Africa | Williams B.G., Lloyd-Smith J.O., Gouws E., Hankins C., Getz W.M., Hargrove J., De Zoysa I., Dye C., Auvert B. | 2006 | PLoS Medicine | 3 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030262 | World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; INSERM, Saint Maurice, France; University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Williams, B.G., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Lloyd-Smith, J.O., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Gouws, E., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Hankins, C., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Getz, W.M., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Hargrove, J., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; De Zoysa, I., World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; Dye, C., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Auvert, B., INSERM, Saint Maurice, France, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Background: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shown that male circumcision (MC) reduces sexual transmission of HIV from women to men by 60% (32%-76%; 95% CI) offering an intervention of proven efficacy for reducing the sexual spread of HIV. We explore the implications of this finding for the promotion of MC as a public health intervention to control HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and Findings: Using dynamical simulation models we consider the impact of MC on the relative prevalence of HIV in men and women and in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Using country level data on HIV prevalence and MC, we estimate the impact of increasing MC coverage on HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, and HIV-related deaths over the next ten, twenty, and thirty years in sub-Saharan Africa. Assuming that full coverage of MC is achieved over the next ten years, we consider three scenarios in which the reduction in transmission is given by the best estimate and the upper and lower 95% confidence limits of the reduction in transmission observed in the RCT. MC could avert 2.0 (1.1-3.8) million new HIV infections and 0.3 (0.1-0.5) million deaths over the next ten years in sub-Saharan Africa. In the ten years after that, it could avert a further 3.7 (1.9-7.5) million new HIV infections and 2.7 (1.5-5.3) million deaths, with about one quarter of all the incident cases prevented and the deaths averted occurring in South Africa. We show that a) MC will increase the proportion of infected people who are women from about 52% to 58%; b) where there is homogenous mixing but not all men are circumcised, the prevalence of infection in circumcised men is likely to be about 80% of that in uncircumcised men; c) MC is equivalent to an intervention, such as a vaccine or increased condom use, that reduces transmission in both directions by 37%. Conclusions: This analysis is based on the result of just one RCT, but if the results of that trial are confirmed we suggest that MC could substantially reduce the burden of HIV in Africa, especially in southern Africa where the prevalence of MC is low and the prevalence of HIV is high. While the protective benefit to HIV-negative men will be immediate, the full impact of MC on HIV-related illness and death will only be apparent in ten to twenty years. © 2006 Williams et al. | None | Africa; article; circumcision; condom; health care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection control; mathematical analysis; mortality; prevalence; public health service; sexual behavior; sexual transmission; vaccination; Africa south of the Sahara; circumcision; cultural anthropology; disease transmission; female; forecasting; male; randomized controlled trial (topic); South Africa; statistics; theoretical model; utilization review; Africa South of the Sahara; Circumcision, Male; Culture; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Female; Forecasting; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Models, Theoretical; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexual Behavior; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879115517 | The potential impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the treatment and epidemiology of ranula in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients | Syebele K., Munzhelele T.I. | 2013 | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology | 116 | 1 | 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.02.016 | Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 1266, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery, University of Pretoria (1 Military Hospital Division), South Africa | Syebele, K., Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 1266, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Munzhelele, T.I., Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery, University of Pretoria (1 Military Hospital Division), South Africa | Objectives: The study's aim was to assess the potential therapeutic effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on ranulas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Study Design: The study includes a retrospective observation of 3 patients who were initially part of a prospective study on the comparative effect of HAART on ranulas in 14 HIV-positive patients. These patients were clinically monitored while pursuing the medical treatment with HAART. Neither a fine needle aspiration nor a surgical procedure was performed. Clinical photographs were used for monitoring of any reduction in the ranula size. The effect of HAART on ranula was assessed at 3, 6 and 12 month. Results: A complete resolution of the ranula lesion was noticed in the 3 HIV-positive selected patients. These results were observed between 6 and 12 months period. Conclusion: This study suggests that HAART might present a potential therapeutic effect on ranula in HIV-positive patients. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | None | adult; article; case report; child; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mucocele; preschool child; retrospective study; salivary gland disease; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Ranula; Retrospective Studies; Salivary Gland Diseases | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051470804 | The potential impact of an HIV vaccine with limited protection on HIV incidence in Thailand: A modeling study | Nagelkerke N.J.D., Hontelez J.A.C., de Vlas S.J. | 2011 | Vaccine | 29 | 36 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.06.048 | Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Nijmegen International Center for Health System Analysis and Education (NICHE), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa | Nagelkerke, N.J.D., Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Hontelez, J.A.C., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Nijmegen International Center for Health System Analysis and Education (NICHE), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa; de Vlas, S.J., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands | Background: The RV144 trial on the ALVAC/AIDSVAX candidate HIV vaccine, carried out in Thailand, showed short-lived protection against infection. Methods: Using a deterministic compartmental model we explored the potential impact of this vaccine on heterosexual HIV transmission in Thailand. Both one-off vaccination strategies, as well as strategies with regular boosting, either annually or every two years, were explored. Both targeting the general adult population and prioritizing sex workers were modeled. The impact of risk compensation among high risk groups, as well as whether higher levels of safe sex in high risk groups could be an alternative to vaccination, was studied. Results: One-off vaccination campaigns had only transient effects, and boosting appears to be a key component of successful vaccination campaigns. Intensive vaccination campaigns may reduce HIV incidence by up to 75% after 10 years of vaccination. Targeting only sex workers has a smaller impact but has a more favorable cost-benefit ratio. Risk compensation has the potential of undoing much of the benefits of a vaccination program and may even increase incidence. In contrast, higher levels of safe sex among sex workers would provide a viable alternative to vaccinating this group. Discussion: The new vaccine holds promise for controlling HIV in Thailand and similar countries. In view of the short lived protection of the vaccine, regular boosting of immunity as well as avoidance of risk compensation are essential. Targeting sex workers would achieve the greatest reduction in incidence per vaccination and may be considered for expensive vaccines but its cost-effectiveness has to be compared to alternatives. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | HIV; Modeling; Population impact; Targeting | alvac; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; unclassified drug; article; compartment model; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness analysis; heterosexuality; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; population research; priority journal; prostitution; safe sex; sensitivity analysis; Thailand; vaccination; virus transmission; Adult; AIDS Vaccines; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunization Programs; Immunization, Secondary; Incidence; Male; Models, Theoretical; Risk Factors; Safe Sex; Sex Workers; Sexual Behavior; Thailand; Vaccination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929941408 | The potential impact of a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on obesity in South African adults: A mathematical model | Manyema M., Veerman L.J., Chola L., Tugendhaft A., Sartorius B., Labadarios D., Hofman K.J. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0105287 | School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States | Manyema, M., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veerman, L.J., School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Chola, L., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tugendhaft, A., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sartorius, B., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Labadarios, D., Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa; Hofman, K.J., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States | Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity in South Africa has risen sharply, as has the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Research shows that consumption of SSBs leads to weight gain in both adults and children, and reducing SSBs will significantly impact the prevalence of obesity and its related diseases. We estimated the effect of a 20% tax on SSBs on the prevalence of and obesity among adults in South Africa. Methods: A mathematical simulation model was constructed to estimate the effect of a 20% SSB tax on the prevalence of obesity. We used consumption data from the 2012 SA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and a previous meta-analysis of studies on own- and cross-price elasticities of SSBs to estimate the shift in daily energy consumption expected of increased prices of SSBs, and energy balance equations to estimate shifts in body mass index. The population distribution of BMI by age and sex was modelled by fitting measured data from the SA National Income Dynamics Survey 2012 to the lognormal distribution and shifting the mean values. Uncertainty was assessed with Monte Carlo simulations. Results: A 20% tax is predicted to reduce energy intake by about 36kJ per day (95% CI: 9-68kJ). Obesity is projected to reduce by 3.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-7.1%) in men and 2.4% (95% CI: 0.4%-4.4%) in women. The number of obese adults would decrease by over 220 000 (95% CI: 24 197-411 759). Conclusions: Taxing SSBs could impact the burden of obesity in South Africa particularly in young adults, as one component of a multi-faceted effort to prevent obesity. © 2014 Manyema et al. | None | adolescent; adult; age distribution; aged; article; beverage; body mass; caloric intake; controlled study; cost; energy balance; energy consumption; ethnic group; female; food intake; health survey; human; major clinical study; male; mathematical model; middle aged; Monte Carlo method; obesity; onset age; prevalence; risk reduction; sex ratio; South African; sugar sweetened beverage; tax; very elderly; young adult; beverage; economics; obesity; South Africa; statistical model; sugar intake; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) transhydrogenase; sugar intake; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Beverages; Body Mass Index; Dietary Sucrose; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Economic; NADP Transhydrogenases; Obesity; South Africa; Taxes; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-64149131946 | The potential for predicted climate shifts to impact genetic landscapes of lizards in the South African Cape Floristic Region | Tolley K.A., Makokha J.S., Houniet D.T., Swart B.L., Matthee C.A. | 2009 | Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | 51 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.11.017 | Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Tolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Makokha, J.S., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Houniet, D.T., Applied Biodiversity Research, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, 7735 Cape Town, South Africa; Swart, B.L., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Matthee, C.A., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is well-known for its floral diversity, yet also contains a rich herpetofauna with >180 species, 28% of which are endemic. Recent studies conducted on CFR lizards indicated that phylogeographic patterns show some congruency, and that the western CFR shows higher overall diversity in the form of population and/or clade turnover. Here, we combine mitochondrial sequence data from two published (Bradypodion spp. and Agama atra) and one new dataset (Pedioplanis burchelli) to investigate whether geographic patterns of genetic diversity could be influenced by predicted climatic changes. We utilised Bayesian methodology and spatial genetic landscapes to establish broad-scale patterns and show that the western CFR is a contact zone for several clades in all three taxa, supporting the hypothesis of phylogeographic congruence. Current levels of gene flow are virtually zero between the western and eastern CFR. In the east, gene flow between populations is negligible at present but was probably stronger in the past given the present lack of strong genetic structure. Bioclimatic modelling predicted that climatically suitable areas within the CFR will decline for Bradypodion spp. and P. burchelli, with areas high in clade turnover loosing more climatically suitable areas than areas with low clade turnover. The models also predict that loss of climatic suitability may result in highly fragmented and patchy distributions, resulting in a greater loss of connectivity. In contrast, A. atra does not show significant climatic suitability losses overall, although it may experience localised losses (and gains). This species is not predicted to loose suitability in areas of high clade turnover. Thus, the incorporation of genetic data into climatic models has extended our knowledge on the vulnerability of these species given the predicted threat of landscape change. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Burchell's sand lizard; Climate change; Dwarf chameleon; Phylogeography; Southern rock agama | mitochondrial DNA; Africa; animal; article; biological model; classification; climate; DNA sequence; gene flow; genetic variability; genetics; geography; lizard; molecular evolution; phylogeny; population genetics; Africa, Southern; Animals; Climate; DNA, Mitochondrial; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Flow; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Geography; Lizards; Models, Genetic; Phylogeny; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Agama; Agama atra; Bradypodion; Pedioplanis burchelli; Squamata | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955818938 | The possible impact of inflation on nutritionally vulnerable households in a developing country using South Africa as a case study | Schönfeldt H.C., Gibson N., Vermeulen H. | 2010 | Nutrition Bulletin | 35 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2010.01837.x | School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria and BFAP, Pretoria, South Africa | Schönfeldt, H.C., School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gibson, N., School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Vermeulen, H., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria and BFAP, Pretoria, South Africa | Food is a basic human physiological need that is important for survival, growth, health and general well-being. Without an adequate supply of food, a human being can neither grow or develop optimally, nor utilize energy for sustained livelihood, thereby implying food insecurity. South Africa (SA) is classified as a developing country, with developing countries representing a third of the world's population. Unfortunately, as is often the case in developing countries, limited up-to-date surveys and consumption data are available. In fact, SA has only ever had one National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) in 1999, in preparation for the introduction of a food fortification programme. However, the available information still sketches the severity of the situation within emergent economies. It is recognised that modern rates of food inflation are a worldwide phenomenon and it is argued that SA as a case study presents a much wider insight than just an individual country. About 35% of the South African population is food insecure and categorized as being poor. With the current continual increase in food prices, especially staple food prices, most households need to employ food coping strategies to survive. Some of these strategies have a significant negative impact on their often already deprived nutritional status. The possible added impact of current inflation on the nutritional status of vulnerable South African households is discussed in this paper. A consequent potential reduction in portion sizes of staple foods consumed because of increased food prices, as well as a snapshot of the cost of a balanced varied diet compared with average household income, are presented in the context of SA's prevailing inadequate nutritional situation. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 British Nutrition Foundation. | Developing country; Household; Inflation; Nutrition; Vulnerable | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892546519 | The politics of youth violence in Rumuekpe and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, 2004-2010 | Wilson G. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p73 | Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wilson, G., Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study centered on politics of youth violence and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, within the period of 2004 - 2010. Rumuekpe is one of the oil producing communities in Niger Delta region of Nigeria and is noted for their peaceful coexisted and friendly relationship with their guests and neighbours. Suddenly, the communities were thrown into violence due to the inability of the community youth leadership to ensure the accountability of their government and operate all inclusive government, and insincerity in activities of the oil companies operating in Rumuekpe to effectively enforce community development programme in Rumuekpe. The unsatisfactory activities of the youth leadership resulted to agitation by some factions of the youths for a change of the youth leadership, coupled with the ill activities of the oil multinationals, the aggrieved youths were left with no option than to embark on intensive agitation for a change of youth leadership, and community development by oil multinationals. Unfortunately, the agitation graduated to youth violence in Rumuekpe. To that effect, the study is aimed at identifying the causes and effects of the violence on Rumuekpe people and community development. Secondary and primary data were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Our findings proved that the violence was caused by agitation for change in youth leadership and poor activities of Shell in Rumuekpe community. The study showed that the violence had negative impact on Rumuekpe people, community development, oil multinationals and Nigerian state. Based on that, the study made some recommendations on the modalities to avoid future youth violence and achieve community development in Rumuekpe in particular, and Niger Delta Region at large. | And oil multinationals; Community development; Politics; Youth leadership; Youth violence | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878019731 | The policy-planning divide: An evaluation of housing production in the aftermath of operation Murambatsvina in Zimbabwe | Chipungu L., Adebayo A.A. | 2013 | Journal of Housing and the Built Environment | 28 | 2 | 10.1007/s10901-012-9311-8 | School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Chipungu, L., School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa; Adebayo, A.A., School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | There is a very thin line of divide between policy and planning, let alone between policy and politics. In most post-colonial states, the situation has been aggravated by the ruling elites' determination to divorce themselves completely from colonial practices. This in turn has significantly transformed the policy environment to an extent where its interface with implementation is obscure. This paper examines the policy-planning divide from a housing perspective. It singles out policy issues as well as the political environment as key factors that influence the physical planning environment for housing. Using the case study of housing reconstruction in the aftermath of slum clearance (Operation Murambatsvina/Operation Clean-up) in Zimbabwe, the paper argues that if national policies that impinge on physical planning are not well defined; they can have negative implications on the implementation and outcome of projects. The situation is further complicated by unlimited influence party politics has on physical planning. What emanates from the case study is a mere manifestation of elite decision making driven by the economy of affection. The emerging issues from this discourse clearly show how difficult it is to operate in a public domain riddled by selfish motives. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Housing; Planning; Policy; Politics; Reconstruction | governance approach; housing policy; housing provision; informal settlement; planning process; policy approach; policy implementation; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927561652 | The plight of absent fathers caused by migrant work: Its traumatic impact on adolescent male children in Zimbabwe | Nyanjaya A.K., Masango M.J. | 2012 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 68 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v68i1.1004 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Nyanjaya, A.K., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article revealed the degree of trauma experienced by male adolescents when their fathers are absent. The cost of this absence could not be balanced with the material benefits the children have enjoyed, for the benefits have been outweighed by the trauma that children experience in the absence of their fathers. The emotions and tears expressed during the research journey have revealed that material support cannot compensate for the love and presence children expect from their fathers. The deep hurt instilled in their hearts by the periods of absence angered them and led to traumatic experiences. The protracted period of living with only one primary caregiver has imprisoned them into the feminised environment, thereby robbing them of a male identity. Therefore, this article was devoted to creating a shepherding model of caring for boys whose fathers are absent. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951979951 | The physicochemical evaluation and applicability of landolphia owariensis latex as a release modulating agent in its admixture with Carbosil® in Ibuprofenloaded self-emulsifying oil formulations | Obitte N.C., Chukwu A., Onyishi V.I., Obitte B.C.N. | 2009 | International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products | 2 | 4 | None | Dept of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Dept of Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria | Obitte, N.C., Dept of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chukwu, A., Dept of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onyishi, V.I., Dept of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Obitte, B.C.N., Dept of Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria | The need to address the problematic gastric irritation side effects and inconsistent bioavailability of most poorly soluble drugs has drawn the attention of researchers to self emulsifying drug delivery system as one of the possible solutions to these problems. Secondly self emulsifying oil formulations good as they may be could be associated with leakage from their hard gelatin capsules. This further motivated the introduction of gelling agents to address this problem. The objective of this work was to investigate some preliminary properties of Landolphia owariensis latex, including its applicability as a release modulating agent when admixed with Carbosil®, a gelling agent in Ibuprofen-loaded Palm Kernel oil (PKO)-based self-emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFs). Purification and precipitation were carried out on the oil and the latex respectively. Some physicochemical properties of the latex were also determined. SEOFs were formulated using varying concentrations of PKO, Tween 80 and Span 85 and thereafter tested for isotropicity. Drug-loaded SEOFs with or without Landolphia owariensis latex (LOL) and Carbosil-LOL admixture respectively were evaluated for stability, emulsification time, drug release, aqueous dilution, freeze thaw and drug precipitation tests. Results showed that LOL contained some phytocostituents, had a reasonable adhesive strength, and could retard aqueous permeation. Three out of nine batches of the SEOFs passed the isotropicity test, witnessed no phase separation when emulsified and diluted, and could resist drug precipitation after dilution. LOL did not at all delay drug release from SEOFs unlike LOL-Carbosil admixture. LOL-Carbosil admixture significantly (p<0.05) reduced emulsification time. There was no consistent trend in the dynamic viscosity result. Stability of the SEOFs was maintained at refrigeration temperature of 2°C. The above results indicated that LOL, an oil-soluble latex possesses excipient usefulness when incorporated into SEOFs and can therefore be used to modulate the drug retarding effect of Carbosil in their SEOF formulations while retaining Carbosil's gelling property. Industrial relevance: The major challenge confronting the biopharmaceutical properties of some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and poorly water soluble drugs include gastric irritation and poor GIT solubility/unpredictable bioavailability respectively. Self-emulsifying oil formulation is a lipid-based drug delivery system that addresses the above two challenges by fine globule-drug entrapment/solubilisation. In the GIT the o/w emulsion formed fortifies the drug enough for avoidance of direct drug-mucosal surface irritation and/or erosion and better absorption profile cum consistent bioavailability. The industrial translation of SEOF is very easy; this is because it involves very minimal and affordable machinability, devoid of complicated methodologies and tedious granulation/tableting procedures. Besides the oil component is very available, safe and inexpensive. The inclusion of carbosil® will gel the SEOF against capsular leakage while LOL latex will reduce the sustained drug release effect of Carbosil® especially for immediate release products. Landolphia owariensis latex can also be formulated as an adhesive. © 2009-2010 Healthy Synergies Publications. | Carbosil®; Emulsification time; Landolphia owariensis latex; Palm kernel oil (PKO); Self-emulsifying oil formulation (SEOF); Surfactants | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953030482 | The photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell based on chlorin local dye | Ozuomba J.O., Ekpunobi A.J., Ekwo P.I. | 2011 | Chalcogenide Letters | 8 | 3 | None | Department of Physics, Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria; Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | Ozuomba, J.O., Department of Physics, Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria; Ekpunobi, A.J., Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ekwo, P.I., Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | The paper reports on the fabrication and characterisation of a dye sensitized solar cells using chlorin (Ch)-stained titanium (iv) oxide (TiO 2). A second bare or plain cell which serves as a control was fabricated using unstained TiO 2. The chlorine dye was extracted from bahama grass. Thin films of Ch-strained TiO 2 and unstained TiO 2 were deposited on transparent conducting oxide glass using the blade method. The Ch-stained electrode was found to absorb solar radiation both in the UV and VIS region. The photoelectric energy conversion efficiency was found to be 1.00% and 0.03% for Ch-stained and bare electrodes respectively. The diurnal variation of output power for both cells was carried out for three days. The efficiency of the stained cell can be compared with 1.43% obtained by Suri et al and 1.5% recorded by Law et al. Results of the hourly output power obtained for the three days revealed that the local dye can make a good photo sensitizer but would require further treatment to improve on its optical absorbance and stability under exposure to solar irradiation. | Bahama grass; Dye sensitized solar cell; Local dye; Photovoltaic performance; Ruthenium complexes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928014992 | The Phathisi dance of Botswana: Decoding the meanings in the traditional performances of a dance | Mojaki P.G. | 2014 | Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa | 11 | 1 | 10.2989/18121004.2014.995443 | Department of Music and Musicology, Rhodes University, South Africa | Mojaki, P.G., Department of Music and Musicology, Rhodes University, South Africa | This article presents a study of the Bakwena Phathisi dance by a non-Bakwena group, the Diwetse Cultural Troupe. It is based on interviews with members of the troupe and audience members at performances given by the troupe. The study examines how the Diwetse Cultural Troupe engages with and interprets the Phathisi dance before, during and after performance, seeking to understand the performance structure and essential features of the dance such as gender roles, attire, basic sequences as well as the relationship between what is deemed traditional or modern. The article focuses on decoding the embedded meanings in Phathisi performances with the aim of contextualising a Mokwena herdboy's lifestyle (represented by the dancer), his environment and in the Kweneng region. This study also explores how the historical and cultural traits of the dance are recreated, choreographed and presented to the audience. © 2014 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954463694 | The pharmacological impact of restricted or non variant diet | Bello S.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Drug Development and Research | 2 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Bello, S.O., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Food is often consumed for its nutritive value but food items also contain chemicals that have pharmacological activities. The pattern of food intake may make the phytochemical constituent of food pharmacologically relevant, especially when food is restricted to one particular type or is varied within a narrow range with similar phytochemical. This review examines this concept and draws attention to the importance of food variation. © 2010 IJDDR. | None | clomifene; daidzein; genistin; glycyrrhizic acid; phytate; phytoestrogen; soybean protein; zinc; anorexia; article; diet restriction; dietary intake; food intake; health; human; infection; nutritional value; phenotype; phytochemistry; soybean; zinc deficiency | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867741981 | The PGM flotation predictor: Predicting PGM ore flotation performance using results from automated mineralogy systems | Bushell C. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.02.016 | Mineralogy Division, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg 2125, South Africa | Bushell, C., Mineralogy Division, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg 2125, South Africa | Performance of froth flotation recovery plants for platinum group minerals (PGMs) is usually monitored by means of routine chemical assays of samples taken at various locations in the plant. Whilst these assays can alert the plant metallurgist to variations in recovery, the reasons for changes in recovery are not adequately revealed by the assay results. Assay-by-size analyses can help to diagnose whether PGM and/or base metal sulphide (BMS) liberation issues exist, but do not provide any information on mineralogical changes in the plant feed material. The flotation performance of an ore is determined by its mineralogy. Mintek's Mineralogy Division is currently developing PGM flotation prediction software that uses data from automated mineralogy systems to provide valuable information to the plant metallurgist. Each PGM-bearing particle detected by the automated mineralogy system is individually evaluated. Particle floatability, based on the mode of occurrence of the PGM, the proportion of floatable component/s and the composition of constituent minerals in each PGM-bearing particle is calculated. These data provide a direct output that highlights the metallurgical properties and recoverability of the PGM-bearing particles in samples gathered from strategic locations in the recovery plant. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation kinetics; Flotation modelling; Froth flotation; Precious metal ores; Process optimisation | Base metal sulphides; Feed materials; Floatability; Flotation kinetics; Flotation performance; Flotation recovery; Metallurgical properties; Mineralogical changes; Platinum group minerals; Precious metal ores; Process optimisation; Recoverability; Strategic locations; Assays; Automation; Crystallography; Economic geology; Froth flotation; Mineralogy; Minerals; Precious metals; Recovery; Ore treatment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67549105494 | The performances of commercial banks in post-consolidation period in Nigeria: An empirical review | Somoye R.O.C. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 14 | None | Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; P.O.Box 1104, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria | Somoye, R.O.C., Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, P.O.Box 1104, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria | The current credit crisis and the transatlantic mortgage financial turmoil have questioned the effectiveness of bank consolidation programme as a remedy for financial stability and monetary policy in correcting the defects in the financial sector for sustainable development. Many banks consolidation had taken place in Europe, America and Asia in the last two decades without any solutions in sight to bank failures and crisis. The paper attempts to examine the performances of government induced banks consolidation and macro-economic performance in Nigeria in a post-consolidation period. The paper analyses published audited accounts of twenty(20) out of twenty-five(25) banks that emerged from the consolidation exercise and data from the Central Banks of Nigeria(CBN). We denote year 2004 as the pre-consolidation and 2005 and 2006 as post-consolidation periods for our analysis. We notice that the consolidation programme has not improved the overall performances of banks significantly and also has contributed marginally to the growth of the real sector for sustainable development. The paper concludes that banking sector is becoming competitive and market forces are creating an atmosphere where many banks simply cannot afford to have weak balance sheets and inadequate corporate governance. The paper posits further that consolidation of banks may not necessaily be a sufficient tool for financial stability for sustainable development and this confirms Megginson(2005) and Somoye(2006) postulations. We recommend that bank consolidation in the financial market must be market driven to allow for efficient process. The paper posits further that researchers should begin to develop a new framework for financial market stability as opposed to banking consolidation policy. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2008. | Consolidation; Financial sector; Profitability; Real sector | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450173335 | The performance response of scavenging chickens to nutrient intake from scavengeable resources and from supplementation with energy and protein | Okitoi L.O., Kabuage L.W., Muinga R.W., Badamana M.S. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 10 | None | KARI-Kakamega, P.O. Box 169, Kakamega, Kenya; Department of Animal production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; KARI-Mtwapa, P.O. Box 16, Mtwapa, via Mombasa, Kenya | Okitoi, L.O., KARI-Kakamega, P.O. Box 169, Kakamega, Kenya, Department of Animal production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Kabuage, L.W., Department of Animal production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Muinga, R.W., KARI-Mtwapa, P.O. Box 16, Mtwapa, via Mombasa, Kenya; Badamana, M.S., Department of Animal production, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya | An experiment conducted under farm conditions and management determined the daily supplemental intake, performance and nutrient specifications of scavenging chickens supplemented with energy and protein either alone separately or in cafeteria. Supplementing scavenging chickens with protein and energy (soyabean meal together with maize meal) in cafeteria (ScSM) resulted in 64.86 g/bird /day intake of supplemental feed which was 105.6 and 64.24% higher than protein alone (ScS) and energy alone (ScM) supplemented separately respectively. Gain, feed conversion ratio, and mean egg weights, egg mass and percent production was significantly higher for ScSM compared with other treatments. The calculated dry matter, crude protein, lysine, tryptophan, methionine + cystine, crude fibre, crude fat starch, sugar and energy of supplements consumed daily in ScSM were 56.7, 21.2, 0.91, 0.34, 0.57, 2.91, 2.71, 35.78, 1.73% and 196.4 Kcal respectively and for all nutrients were significantly higher compared to corresponding maize meal alone and soyabean meal alone treatments. The proportion of soyabean meal intake to that of maize meal intake from ScSM was 1.33:1. It is concluded that supplementing scavenging chickens with protein (soyabean meal) and energy (maize meal) in a cafeteria had the highest level of intake, egg production, body weight, rather than offering these supplements separately despite the two supplements offered separately increasing productivity compared to the corresponding scavenging only groups of birds. Scavenging indigenous chickens need to be supplied with 64.6 grams of scavenging balancer with nutrient specification of 21.2% CP, 0.91% Try, 0.34% M+C, and 3044 Kcal/kg or maize meal and soyabean meal to reach a level of 21.2% protein in the overall diet. | Egg production; Indigenous chicken; Scavenging; Supplementation; Weight gain | Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69749116335 | The performance profile of Dioscorea rotundata cultivar Dorban genotypes in Ghana using GGE biplot analysis | Otoo E., Asiedu R. | 2009 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 7 | 1 | None | Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Otoo, E., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asiedu, R., IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty-two genotypes of D. rotundata cultivar Dorban consisting of 19 botanically developed seeds and 3 vegetative checks were evaluated in 15 environments from 2000 to 2004 using CRD to assess the effect of genotype and genotype x environment interaction on the tuber yield of 22 white yam (D. rotundata L. cv. Dorban) genotypes via GGE (genotype plus genotype x environment) biplot methodology. The GGE biplot procedure was used to determine the yield potential and stability of the genotypes. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed in all cultivars with respect to genotype, environment and genotype by environment interactions. Biplot analysis identified three mega-environments corresponding to the three agroecologies - Fumesua (Forest) was the most representative and discriminating environment followed by Bodwease (Coastal Savannah) and Wenchi (Forest-Savannah Transition). Genotypes Gdo02, Gdo03, Gdo20 and Gdo01 including the three checks were identified as superior. Genotype Gdo016 was the worst genotype. | D. Rotundata; Genotype x environment interaction; Genotypes | agroecosystem; article; cultivar; genotype; Ghana; yam; Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundata | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149387883 | The performance of value stocks and growth stocks: The Hong Kong stock market 1981-2005 | Bo L., Krige J.D. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Bo, L., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Krige, J.D., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study finds that value stocks outperformed growth stocks in the case of the Hong Kong market over the period 1981 to 2005. It also finds that this is the case for the two sub-periods before and after the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Value stocks continued to outperform growth stocks after allowing for the firm size effect. The difference in return between value stocks and growth stocks increased when equally weighted portfolio returns were compared with value-weighted returns. The results were mixed when comparing risk adjusted returns using standard deviation as risk measure. The results of this study are in line with a number of international as well as South African studies. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38149033691 | The performance of unpaved road material using soil stabilisers | Veelen M., Visser A.T. | 2007 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 49 | 4 | None | Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria; Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 1109, Sunninghill, 2157 Johannesburg, South Africa | Veelen, M., Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 1109, Sunninghill, 2157 Johannesburg, South Africa; Visser, A.T., Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | There are over 500 000 km of unsealed roads in South Africa. Unacceptable levels of dust, poor riding quality and impassability in wet weather are experienced on much of this road network. A potential solution to this ever-increasing problem is the use of soil stabilisers (additives), yet the level of research done on these additives consists mostly of small ad hoc studies. The aim of this paper is to report on the performance of selected soil stabilisers used on South African unpaved roads with respect to their effect on material strength. The behaviour of the soil stabilisers were tested by determining the effectiveness of the stabilisers in improving the strength of unpaved roads as a function of gravel with different properties for a range of soil stabilisers under wet and dry conditions. The effectiveness was tested over a period of nine months. Four different stabilisers were used on four different wearing-course materials. The conclusion reached was that there are certain stabilisers that do improve the strength behaviour of pavement material under certain conditions. It was found that the enzyme and sulphonated oil-treated materials had an increase in strength over the test period, and it was concluded that these stabilisers need a curing time of a few dry months to reach their maximum strength. The materials treated with the two polymers gained their maximum strength within two months after construction. It was found that the enzyme-treated material showed an increase in strength when applied to a sandy material with a low Pl and the sulphonated oil-treated material performed well when applied to a clayey material containing a reactive clay mineral. The polymers showed no material-specific properties. Most of the stabilised panels showed an increase in dry strength eight months after construction and this was attributed to the fact that the panels had enough time to dry out and reach their maximum strength over the dry winter months. The final conclusion was that there are some soil stabilisers available that do improve the strength behaviour of pavement materials. It is, however, important to choose the correct stabiliser for the intended purpose. | Engineering properties; Gravel roads; Non-traditional stabilisers | Engineering properties; Non-traditional stabilisers; Clay; Enzymes; Gravel roads; Pavements; Soil mechanics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902249863 | The performance of students in computer studies at secondary school level: A case of Uganda | Ameri F.K. | 2013 | International Journal of Technologies in Learning | 19 | 4 | None | Kyambogo University, Uganda | Ameri, F.K., Kyambogo University, Uganda | The paper presents the results of the study conducted in three first-class urban Ugandan secondary schools. A multiple case-study investigation was considered appropriate because it was felt necessary to compare the performance of students in Computer Studies. This would add literature of the newly introduced subject in a developing country, like Uganda. The findings of the study revealed that few students had attained proficiency level (25.6 %) in the national Computer Studies examination in the previous five years (2006-2011). There was a gender disparity in the attainment of very high proficiency levels, with females at 4.6 per cent and males at 18.6 per cent. These findings have important policy implications, including the need for increased budgets for teacher training and curriculum development for both secondary and university education, and advocacy for the feminization of Computer Studies. © Common Ground, Florence Kabahamba Ameri 2013. | Component; Computer studies; Learning achievement; Performance; Secondary schools; Teacher education | None | None |
None | None | The performance of spray-irrigated ulva lactuca (Ulvophyceae, chlorophyta) as a crop and as a biofilter of fishpond effluents | Msuya F.E., Neori A. | 2010 | Journal of Phycology | 46 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2010.00843.x | Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, P.O. Box 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel | Msuya, F.E., Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Neori, A., Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, P.O. Box 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel | The seaweed Ulva lactuca L. was spray cultured by mariculture effluents in a mattress-like layer, held in air on slanted boards by plastic netting. Air-agitated seaweed suspension tanks were the reference. Growth rate, yield, and ammonia-N removal rate were 11.8% · d-1, 171 g fresh weight (fwt) · m-2 · d-1, and 5 g N · m-2 · d-1, respectively, by the spray-cultured U. lactuca, and 16.9% · d-1, 283 g fwt · m-2 · d-1, and 7 g N · m-2 · d-1, respectively, by the tank U. lactuca. Biomass protein content was similar in both treatments. Dissolved oxygen in the fishpond effluent water was raised by >3 mg · L-1 and pH by up to half a unit, upon passage through both culture systems. The data suggest that spray-irrigation culture of U. lactuca in this simple green-mattress-like system supplies the seaweed all it needs to grow and biofilter at rates close to those in standard air-agitated tank culture. © 2010 Phycological Society of America. | Biofilter; Macroalgae; Seaweed culture technology; Seaweed production cost; Spray culture | Chlorophyta; Ulva; Ulva lactuca; Ulvophyceae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955837057 | The performance of South African shared services | Ramphal R.R. | 2011 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 22 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Ramphal, R.R., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Many South African companies are adopting the shared services methodology because this structure has led to lower operating costs, greater business efficiency, and improved internal service quality in international companies. Part of a doctoral study on shared services in South African companies shows that their business unit managers have not yet experienced positive rewards from their shared services. This article reports on this study, and suggests a larger-scale research project to validate these findings and to investigate the reasons for the poor performance. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45949104696 | The Performance of South African and Kenyan Universities on the World Wide Web: A web link analysis | Onyancha O.B., Ocholla D.N. | 2007 | Cybermetrics | 11 | 1 | None | Library, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, P.O. Box 2500, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Library and Information Science, University of Zululand, X1001 KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa | Onyancha, O.B., Library, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, P.O. Box 2500, Eldoret, Kenya; Ocholla, D.N., Department of Library and Information Science, University of Zululand, X1001 KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa | The study used Link Analysis to compare Kenyan and South African universities according to several Web-based indicators, some of which include the number of pages, and the number of in and out-links. The authors examined the external out-links in order to determine the institutions targeted by South African and Kenyan universities. Also investigated were the networks or links between universities. Web Impact Factors (WIFs) were calculated and reported in order to compare the universities' web influence. Results indicate that Kenyan universities, like most African universities, have embraced the Internet and its constructs fairly recently, hence most of their websites are at initial stages of construction. Comparatively, South African universities have made remarkable progress in their web presence, which is at an advanced stage of development, equaling counterparts in more developed countries. The study recommends that regional webometric studies be conducted periodically in order to investigate and map the web-related developments of African universities, it concludes that African universities, though not comparable to counterparts in developed countries, can have their websites evaluated webometrically. | Kenya; Link analysis; South Africa; Universities; Webometrics | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904970991 | The performance of socially responsible investment funds and exchange-traded funds: Evidence from Johannesburg stock exchange | Marozva G. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 0.16666666667 | None | Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South Africa | Marozva, G., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South Africa | The research reported in this article explored how the JSE SRI Index performed relative to exchange-traded funds during the period of economic growth as well as during the period of economic decline between 2004 and 2014. The JSE SRI Index and exchange traded funds are analysed by a single factor model as well as other risk-adjusted performance measures including the Sharpe ratio, the Treynor ratio and the M-squared ratio. The single-factor model regression results suggest that during the period of economic growth the JSE SRI index neither significantly outperformed nor underperformed the exchange-traded funds. However, the JSE SRI Index significantly underperformed the exchange-traded funds during the period of economic decline. Further tests that engaged other risk-adjusted measures indicated that the exchange-traded funds performed better than the JSE SRI index in both periods. Based on this research it is recommended that further research be conducted using models that can control for the liquidity difference in funds. | Capital asset pricing model; Exchange-traded funds; M-squared ratio; Performance; Sharpe ratio; Socially responsible investment index; Treynor ratio | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927160851 | The performance of serial correlation preliminary test estimators under asymmetry loss functions | Nakale S.N., Kleyn J., Arashi M., Bekker A. | 2015 | South African Statistical Journal | 49 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran | Nakale, S.N., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kleyn, J., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Arashi, M., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran; Bekker, A., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The risk performances, under the symmetric squared error loss function, of the estimators of the regression coefficients after a preliminary test for serial correlation have been widely investigated in the literature. However, it is well known that the use of the symmetric loss functions is inappropriate in estimation problems where underestimation and overestimation have different consequences. We consider the Linear Exponential and Bounded Linear Exponential loss functions which allows for asymmetry. The risks of the estimators are derived and numerically evaluated by using simulations. | BLINEX loss; LINEX loss; Preliminary test estimation; Risk function.; Serial correlation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870232065 | The performance of plant species in removing nutrients from stormwater in biofiltration systems in Cape Town | Milandri S.G., Winter K.J., Chimphango S.B.M., Armitage N.P., Mbui D.N., Jackson G.E., Liebau V. | 2012 | Water SA | 38 | 5 | 10.4314/wsa.v38i5.2 | Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Milandri, S.G., Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Winter, K.J., Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chimphango, S.B.M., Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Armitage, N.P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mbui, D.N., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Jackson, G.E., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Liebau, V., Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | In 2009, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) adopted a stormwater policy which mandates that new and existing developments should reduce the concentration of phosphorus and suspended solids in stormwater runoff by 45% and 80%, respectively, but offered no explicit guidance about how these water quality targets might be achieved. This study aims to contribute to the limited knowledge that exists about the performance of local plant species to treat stormwater. A large nursery-based study was conducted to investigate the performance of 9 locally-occurring plant species to remove orthophosphate (PO4 -3), ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3 -) found in urban stormwater. Synthetic stormwater was applied to each species as well as a control consisting only of soil (Malmesbury shale). The discharge was collected from a drainage pipe at the base of each of the 150 containers. The results show that all species (excluding Ficinia) reduced the average concentrations of PO4 -3 by 81% and NH3 by 90%. By contrast, NO3 - was reduced by an average of 69% (excluding by Elegia and Phragmites) with 8 of the 9 species removing significantly more than the control. The species that performed well for all three nutrients include Agapanthus and turf grasses, Stenotaphrum and Pennisetum. The results of the study highlight three important factors in the design of biofilters: that a substantial proportion of nutrients can be captured or absorbed by plants; that the soil medium is an important factor in the removal of PO4 -3 and NH3; and that plant choice is essential in the removal of NO3 -. Future research should test plant species in both the laboratory and field settings, and should include additional contaminants such as household detergents, heavy metals and bacteria. | Biofilter; Nutrient removal; Stormwater treatment; Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) | Average concentration; Biofiltration systems; Cape Town; Drainage pipes; Nutrient removal; Phragmites; Plant species; Quality targets; Removal of no; Soil medium; Storm water runoff; Stormwater treatment; Stormwaters; Suspended solids; Sustainable drainage systems; Test plants; Turf-grasses; Urban stormwater; Biofilters; Biofiltration; Heavy metals; Phosphorus; Soaps (detergents); Storm sewers; Storms; Water quality; Nutrients; bacterium; biofiltration; grass; nutrient; orthophosphate; performance assessment; pollution policy; stormwater; waste treatment; water quality; Cape Town; South Africa; Western Cape; Agapanthus; Bacteria (microorganisms); Elegia; Ficinia; Pennisetum; Phragmites; Poaceae; Stenotaphrum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951948808 | The performance of PCD tools in high-speed milling of Ti6Al4V | Oosthuizen G.A., Akdogan G., Treurnicht N. | 2011 | International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology | 52 | 42625 | 10.1007/s00170-010-2804-2 | Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Oosthuizen, G.A., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Akdogan, G., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Treurnicht, N., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Tool performance of conventional tools is poor and a major constraint when used in milling titanium alloys at elevated cutting speeds. At these high cutting speeds, the chemical and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V cause complex wear mechanisms. In this paper, a fine-grain polycrystalline diamond (PCD) end mill tool was tested, and its wear behavior was studied. The performance of the PCD tool has been investigated in terms of tool life, cutting forces, and surface roughness. The PCD tool yielded longer tool life than a coated carbide tool at cutting speeds above 100 m/min. A slower wear progression was found with an increase in cutting speeds, whereas the norm is an exponential increase in tool wear at elevated speeds. Observations based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis suggest that adhesion of the workpiece is the wear main type, after which degradation of the tools accelerates probable due to the combined effect of high temperature degradation coupled with abrasion. © 2010 The Author(s). | High speed; Milling; PCD tool; Thermal softening; Ti6Al4V; Tool wear | High speed; Milling; PCD tool; Thermal softening; Ti-6al-4v; Tool wear; Carbide tools; Carbides; Cutting tools; Degradation; Diamond cutting tools; Energy dispersive spectroscopy; Mechanical properties; Milling (machining); Scanning electron microscopy; Speed; Surface roughness; Titanium; Titanium alloys; Tribology; Wear of materials; Equipment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-22144449944 | The performance of Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu crossbreeds in a trypanosomosis endemic area of Nguruman, south western Kenya | Maichomo M.W., Ndung'u J.M., Ngare P.M., Ole-Mapenay I.M. | 2005 | Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | 72 | 1 | None | Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya | Maichomo, M.W., Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Ndung'u, J.M., Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Ngare, P.M., Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Ole-Mapenay, I.M., University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya | Studies on the trypanotolerance of Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle (F1 progeny) and pure-bred Maasai Zebu contemporaries were carried out in Nguruman, south western Kenya. The two groups were monitored from birth for a period of 2 years. The incidence of trypanosomosis, parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), body mass and average daily mass gain were monitored. During the study period, overall trypanosomosis incidence was low (3%). The crossbred cattle had a higher incidence of infection (61% vs 39%). The mean PCV and mean mass gain for the crossbred cattle was higher than that of the Maasai Zebu. The mean calf body mass at weaning (8 months) for the Orma Zebu and Maasai Zebu was 72 kg and 64 kg, respectively, while at 18 months of age their mean body mass was 164 kg and 123 kg, respectively. During the rainy season significant differences in average daily mass gains were noted (P<0.05). The superior mass gain of the Orma Zebu observed during the rainy season, despite higher infection rates, indicate an enhanced trypanotolerance. Moreover, the better performance of the Orma Zebu is an attribute that could be exploited in the adoption of the trypanotolerance genotype, as a sustainable trypanosomosis control strategy. | Cattle; Maasai Zebu; Orma Boran; Orma Zebu; Productivity; Trypanotolerance | animal; animal disease; article; breeding; cattle; cattle disease; cross breeding; female; genetic predisposition; genetics; growth, development and aging; hematocrit; Kenya; male; prevalence; season; weight gain; Animals; Breeding; Cattle; Crosses, Genetic; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Hematocrit; Kenya; Male; Prevalence; Seasons; Trypanosomiasis, Bovine; Weight Gain; Bos indicus; Bos taurus | 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-s2.0-84881296638 | The performance of mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a in a novel gas engine-driven heat pump system | Wu X., Yang Z., Liu H., Huan Z., Wang W. | 2014 | International Journal of Green Energy | 11 | 1 | 10.1080/15435075.2013.769877 | School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pretoria Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Wu, X., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Yang, Z., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Liu, H., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pretoria Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Wang, W., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China | In the present article, a novel gas engine-driven heat pump (GEHP) which could independently provide heating, cooling, and hot water for the buildings with its autonomous power supply system was presented, and the cooling performance characteristics of GEHP using mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a were investigated experimentally. The thermophysical properties and flammability of this proposed mixture refrigerant were analyzed and experimented to approve that it could be used safely in GEHP. The experimental results indicated that the cooling capacity, waste heat recovered from cylinder jacket and exhaust gas, gas engine energy consumption, and compressor power increased with the increase of the gas engine speeds and evaporator water inlet flow rate, but changed in a small range with the increase of the evaporator water inlet temperature except cooling capacity. The generator power remained about 4.90 kW in different operating conditions. Furthermore, the coefficient of performance (COP) and the primary energy ratio (PER) of GEHP also increased with the increase of the evaporator water inlet flow rate and temperature, but decreased with the increase of gas engine speeds. Finally, maximum COP and PER with mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a has been estimated with 8.88 and 1.69 in the aforementioned conditions. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Flammability limits; Gas engine-driven heat pump; Operating characteristics; Primary energy ratio; R134a/R152a | Flammability limits; Gas engine driven heat pumps; Operating characteristics; Primary energy ratios; R134a/R152a; Cooling; Cooling systems; Electric power systems; Energy utilization; Evaporators; Flow rate; Gas engines; Inlet flow; Mixtures; Refrigerants; Speed; Thermodynamic properties; Waste heat; Heat pump systems; cooling; electronic equipment; energy use; performance assessment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960096813 | The performance of library staffs in reference works in selected institutions in Ibadan | Fabunmi S.O. | 2010 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 41 | 2 | None | Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fabunmi, S.O., Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study investigated the performance of the work skill of reference services staffs of the selected institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was conducted ex post facto using the descriptive survey research design. The purposive sampling technique was adopted for the selection of three libraries in the state. These are Kenneth Dike Library, The Polytechnic Library and the NISER library. Thirty-six (36) reference staffs were selected using the stratified random sampling technique. While two hundred and forty-five of the reference section users were selected using the availability sampling technique; the researcher administered copies of the questionnaire personally. It involved seeking for permission and explaining the purpose of the study to respondents. The whole exercise lasted about two weeks. Frequency and percentages were the main statistics used for the analysis of data. The study established that references services constitute an important aspect of librarianship and the library staffs performed their reference services effectively. There are no standards in terms of reference services offered in all the libraries and it is recommended that there should be standards. © 2010 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | Librarian work skills; Performance of reference services; Reference services; Reference work | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930762222 | The performance of higher education research in South Africa: a post-2004 synthesis | Odhiambo N.M., Ntenga L. | 2015 | Journal of Development Effectiveness | 7 | 2 | 10.1080/19439342.2014.1002522 | Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), Private Bag X69, Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | Odhiambo, N.M., Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; Ntenga, L., Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), Private Bag X69, Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | This paper aims to examine the performance of higher education research in South Africa, since the introduction of the New Funding Formula in 2004. The analysis includes both accredited publication research outputs from peer-reviewed articles and books and master’s and doctoral research outputs (based on the number of graduates). The study also compares the research publication outputs produced by South African researchers with those produced by researchers from other countries. The study shows that there has been an overall increase in both masters’ and doctoral graduates, since the introduction of the New Funding Framework (NFF) in 2004. Similarly, there has been an increase in the number of publications from South African public universities, since the onset of the NFF. The study also finds that, although South Africa’s research publication outputs have increased significantly since 2004, the country’s research publication output growth is still much lower than those reported in countries, such as China, India and Brazil during the same period. This paper, therefore, recommends that further studies should be done in order to ascertain whether the recent increase in higher education research outputs from South Africa is as a result of the country’s NFF; or it is just a common research trend in the current world of knowledge. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | Africa; higher education; research output; South Africa | higher education; performance assessment; research work; university sector; Brazil; China; India; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449347189 | The performance of haematuria reagent strips for the rapid mapping of urinary schistosomiasis: Field experience from Southern Sudan | Robinson E., Picon D., Sturrock H.J., Sabasio A., Lado M., Kolaczinski J., Brooker S. | 2009 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 14 | 12 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02407.x | Malaria Consortium - Africa Regional Office, Plot 2a, Sturrock Road, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda; Malaria Consortium - Southern Sudan Office, Juba, Sudan; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ministry of Health, Government of Southern Sudan, Juba, Sudan; Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Robinson, E., Malaria Consortium - Africa Regional Office, Plot 2a, Sturrock Road, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda; Picon, D., Malaria Consortium - Southern Sudan Office, Juba, Sudan; Sturrock, H.J., Malaria Consortium - Southern Sudan Office, Juba, Sudan, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sabasio, A., Malaria Consortium - Southern Sudan Office, Juba, Sudan; Lado, M., Ministry of Health, Government of Southern Sudan, Juba, Sudan; Kolaczinski, J., Malaria Consortium - Africa Regional Office, Plot 2a, Sturrock Road, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Brooker, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | The implementation of programmes to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) requires up-to-date information on the prevalence and distribution of each NTD. This study evaluated the performance of reagent strip testing for haematuria to diagnose Schistosoma haematobium infection among school-aged children in the context of a rapid mapping survey in Southern Sudan. The reagent strips were highly sensitive (97.8%) but only moderately specific (58.8%). The proportion of false positive diagnoses was significantly higher among girls than boys, especially among girls aged 5-10 years. These findings suggest that reagent strips alone are not sufficient for rapid mapping surveys. A two-step approach is thus recommended whereby haematuria-positive urine samples are subsequently examined using urine filtration. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Diagnosis; Mapping; Neglected tropical diseases; Schistosoma haematobium; Southern Sudan; Urinary schistosomiasis | child health; disease control; disease prevalence; health services; health survey; schistosomiasis; urine; article; child; controlled study; diagnostic procedure; female; health survey; hematuria; human; laboratory diagnosis; major clinical study; male; performance; preschool child; Schistosoma hematobium; schistosomiasis; school child; sensitivity and specificity; Sudan; test strip; urinalysis; Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Services; False Positive Reactions; Female; Hematuria; Humans; Male; Parasite Egg Count; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Reagent Strips; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sudan; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sudan; Schistosoma haematobium | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884147717 | The performance of environmental impact assessment in the explosives manufacturing industry in South Africa | Sandham L.A., Van Der Vyver F., Retief F.P. | 2013 | Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management | 15 | 3 | 10.1142/S1464333213500130 | Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | Sandham, L.A., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Van Der Vyver, F., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Retief, F.P., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | Explosives manufacture in South Africa is a major component of the chemical and mining industry, and as an important producer of hazardous chemicals it is also a potential contributor to significant environmental impacts. Environmental authorisation of explosives manufacturing activities is based primarily upon the quality of information made available in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), but the quality of EIR for explosives manufacturing projects has never been investigated. A modified version of the Lee and Colley review package was used to determine the EIR quality of a sample of four explosives projects. The findings reveal that the EIRs were of a generally satisfactory quality, but with some areas of weakness that are readily linked to potentially significant environmental impacts, pointing to limitations in the EIA process regarding the production of explosives. Recommendations include improved training of EIA practitioners, the use of quality review checklists and external specialist review, development of guidelines and the use of risk assessment as additional tools to the EIA regulations. © Imperial College Press. | EIR quality review; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Environmental Impact Report (EIR); explosives manufacturing | environmental impact assessment; explosive; guideline; manufacturing; risk assessment; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48749098025 | The performance of electric fences as elephant barriers in Amboseli, Kenya | Kioko J., Muruthi P., Omondi P., Chiyo P.I. | 2008 | South African Journal of Wildlife Research | 38 | 1 | 10.3957/0379-4369-38.1.52 | School for Field Studies, Centre for Wildlife Management Studies, Box 27743, Nairobi, Kenya; African Wildlife Foundation, Box 48177, Nairobi, Kenya; Species Program, Kenya Wildlife Service, Box 40241, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biology, Duke University, Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708, United States | Kioko, J., School for Field Studies, Centre for Wildlife Management Studies, Box 27743, Nairobi, Kenya; Muruthi, P., African Wildlife Foundation, Box 48177, Nairobi, Kenya; Omondi, P., Species Program, Kenya Wildlife Service, Box 40241, Nairobi, Kenya; Chiyo, P.I., Department of Biology, Duke University, Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708, United States | Electric fencing is increasingly used as a tool for elephant (Loxodonta africana) conservation in human-dominated landscapes and there are few empirical studies to demonstrate that electrified barriers are effective in deterring elephants from raiding crops. The factors determining the effectiveness of electric fences are not fully understood. We assessed the performance of Namelok and Kimana fences in reducing human-elephant conflict by comparing the frequency of crop-raiding by elephants and the perceptions of farmers on the effect of the fences in reducing elephant crop-raiding within fenced and adjacent unfenced farmlands. We also examined the effect of intact fence wires, presence of currentand amount of voltage on fence breakage by elephants. Electric fencing reduced elephant crop-raiding and other forms of human-elephant conflicts. Namelok fence was not broken by elephants whereas Kimana fence was broken several times probably because it borders Kimana Sanctuary which provided cover where elephants could retreat after crop-raiding. The mere presence of current did not minimize fence breakage by elephants. Elephants entered fenced areas more frequently when the fence wires were broken than when wires were intact. Our results suggest that, location of fences in relation to landscape factors, maintenance of effective non-electrified fences and proximity of fences to areas of high elephant concentration are significant determinants of fence performance in mitigating elephant crop-raiding. | Crop-raiding; Elephants; Fencing; Human elephant conflicts | agricultural land; barrier (equipment); crop damage; elephant; empirical analysis; nature conservation; performance assessment; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Elephantidae; Loxodonta africana | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952122615 | The performance of different synthesis signals in acoustic models of cochlear implants | Strydom T., Hanekom J.J. | 2011 | Journal of the Acoustical Society of America | 129 | 2 | 10.1121/1.3518760 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Strydom, T., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hanekom, J.J., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Synthesis (carrier) signals in acoustic models embody assumptions about perception of auditory electric stimulation. This study compared speech intelligibility of consonants and vowels processed through a set of nine acoustic models that used Spectral Peak (SPEAK) and Advanced Combination Encoder (ACE)-like speech processing, using synthesis signals which were representative of signals used previously in acoustic models as well as two new ones. Performance of the synthesis signals was determined in terms of correspondence with cochlear implant (CI) listener results for 12 attributes of phoneme perception (consonant and vowel recognition; F1, F2, and duration information transmission for vowels; voicing, manner, place of articulation, affrication, burst, nasality, and amplitude envelope information transmission for consonants) using four measures of performance. Modulated synthesis signals produced the best correspondence with CI consonant intelligibility, while sinusoids, narrow noise bands, and varying noise bands produced the best correspondence with CI vowel intelligibility. The signals that performed best overall (in terms of correspondence with both vowel and consonant attributes) were modulated and unmodulated noise bands of varying bandwidth that corresponded to a linearly varying excitation width of 0.4 mm at the apical to 8 mm at the basal channels. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America. | None | Acoustic model; Amplitude envelope; Cochlear implant listeners; Electric stimulation; Information transmission; Measures of performance; Noise bands; Spectral peak; Vowel recognition; Acoustic noise; Cochlear implants; Digital filters; Electrophysiology; Electrotherapeutics; Speech intelligibility; Speech processing; Linguistics; adolescent; adult; analysis of variance; article; auditory stimulation; auditory threshold; cochlea prosthesis; comparative study; human; prosthesis; signal processing; sound detection; speech; speech audiometry; speech intelligibility; speech perception; time; Acoustic Stimulation; Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Audiometry, Speech; Auditory Threshold; Cochlear Implants; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Sound Spectrography; Speech Acoustics; Speech Intelligibility; Speech Perception; Time Factors; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866512350 | The performance of DGT versus conventional soil phosphorus tests in tropical soils - An isotope dilution study | Six L., Pypers P., Degryse F., Smolders E., Merckx R. | 2012 | Plant and Soil | 359 | 02-Jan | 10.1007/s11104-012-1192-9 | Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Ins. of the Intl. Centre for Tropical Agriculture (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia | Six, L., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Pypers, P., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Ins. of the Intl. Centre for Tropical Agriculture (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Degryse, F., School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; Smolders, E., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Merckx, R., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium | Background and aims: A soil test that samples nutrients only from fractions that are accessible to plants will predict availability and uptake more robustly than empirical tests. This can be tested by comparison of the isotope ratios (specific activity, SA) of the nutrient between plant and the soil extract. This study was set up to assess this requirement for the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT), recently proposed as a soil P test, in comparison with conventional soil P tests viz. Olsen, Colwell, Bray-1, Mehlich-3, ammonium oxalate, anion exchange membranes (AEM) and 0. 01 M CaCl 2 solution. Methods: Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown in two P-deficient soils from western Kenya with contrasting P sorption characteristics, amended with a low and a high P rate and labelled with 33P. Results: The SA in the plant shoot corresponded with that of the extracts of the different soil tests, except for CaCl 2 and ammonium oxalate extracts, at the low P rate in the soil with low P sorption capacity, Teso soil. For the high P rate on this soil, differences in SA between maize shoot and soil test were small for all established soil tests, but significant for the Colwell, Bray-1, Mehlich-3 and AEM tests. The SA in the soil extracts was significantly smaller than that in the maize shoot for Sega the strongly P-sorbing soil at both P rates for all conventional tests, including AEM. This indicates that these tests extracted P from a pool that is not accessible to the plant. For the DGT test, however, there was no difference in SA between the maize shoot and the soil test, for any of the treatments. Conclusions: Most conventional soil tests can extract a fraction of P which is not available to maize. The DGT technique, however, only samples P from the plant-accessible pool. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Isotopically exchangeable phosphate; Phosphorus deficiency; Soil fertility | chloride; dilution; fractionation; growth rate; ion exchange; isotopic analysis; maize; oxalate; performance assessment; phosphorus; soil fertility; sorption; tropical soil; Kenya; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883733820 | The performance of children prenatally exposed to HIV on the A-not-B task in Kilifi, Kenya: A preliminary study | Abubakar A., Holding P., Van Baar A., Newton C.R.J.C., Van de Vijver F.J.R., Espy K.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 10 | 9 | 10.3390/ijerph10094132 | Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; International Centre for Behavioral Studies, P.O. Box 34307, Mombasa 80118, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States | Abubakar, A., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands, Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; Holding, P., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, International Centre for Behavioral Studies, P.O. Box 34307, Mombasa 80118, Kenya; Van Baar, A., Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; Newton, C.R.J.C., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Van de Vijver, F.J.R., Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Espy, K.A., Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States | The aim of the study was to investigate early executive functioning in young children from 6-35 months of age. The study involved 319 randomly selected children from the community, 17 HIV exposed but uninfected children and 31 HIV infected ARV-naive children. A variation of the A-not-B task was used. While there were no group differences in total correct, perseverative errors, nor maximum error run, a significant percentage of children were unable to complete the task as a consequence of the children becoming overtly distressed or refusing to continue. In a multivariate analysis we observed that the significant predictors of non-completion were HIV exposure (both infected and exposed) and being under 24 months of age. These patterns of results indicate that future work with a broader array of tasks need to look at the association of HIV and EF tasks and potential contribution of factors such as emotion regulation, persistence and motivation on performance on EF tasks. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | A-not-B task; Children; Executive functions; HIV; Kenya | child development; cognition; human immunodeficiency virus; infectious disease; multivariate analysis; vertical transmission; A not B task; article; body weight; child; clinical article; community; controlled study; cross-sectional study; education; executive function; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; Kenya; male; measurement error; prenatal exposure; preschool child; task performance; Coast Province; Kenya; Kilifi; Child, Preschool; Executive Function; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Kenya; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Neuropsychological Tests; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875885130 | The performance of centrifugal pumps when pumping ultra-viscous paste slurries | Crawford J., Van Sittert F., Van Der Walt M. | 2012 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 112 | 11 | None | FLSmidth Krebs, United States; Paterson and Cooke Consulting Engineering, South Africa | Crawford, J., FLSmidth Krebs, United States; Van Sittert, F., Paterson and Cooke Consulting Engineering, South Africa; Van Der Walt, M., Paterson and Cooke Consulting Engineering, South Africa | Significant advances have been made in the design of centrifugal slurry pumps that are used for pumping high-density viscous and paste slurries. This paper presents the results of a series of centrifugal pump performance tests that were conducted using an FLSmidth 6 x 4 Krebs millMAX centrifugal pump. The pump was fitted with a dry mechanical seal to prevent dilution of the slurry from gland service water, as the rheology of the slurry is sensitive to small changes in slurry density. Tests were done using paste kaolin slurry with Bingham yield stress values between 578-1 120 Pa and plastic viscosities between 728 and 1 491 mPa.s. The viscous properties of the paste during each pump test were measured using a rotational viscometer. Pump head and efficiency de-rating were measured and compared to the correlations of Walker and Goulas (1984). The test data shows the pump's best-efficiency point (BEP) changes and shifts to the left of the performance curve. The pump efficiency decreases as the slurry yield stress increases. The head de-rating data shows more head de-rating at the low flow rates compared to the high flow rates for the high viscosity slurry, which is in line with the findings of Walker and Goulas (1984). This paper demonstrates that it is possible to pump very viscous, high yield stress slurries with limited head and efficiency de-rating using centrifugal pumps, provided that positive suction conditions are maintained at all times. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2012. | Centrifugal pumps; Pumping efficiency; Viscous slurry | Bingham yield stress; Centrifugal slurry pumps; High viscosities; Performance curve; Plastic viscosity; Pumping efficiency; Rotational viscometer; Viscous properties; Centrifugal pumps; Efficiency; Flow rate; Pumps; Rating; Seals; Yield stress; Slurries | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860695112 | The performance of broilers on a feed depends on the feed protein content given previously | Gous R.M., Emmans G.C., Fisher C. | 2012 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 42 | 1 | 10.4314/sajas.v42i1.8 | Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0QE, Scotland, United Kingdom | Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Emmans, G.C., Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0QE, Scotland, United Kingdom; Fisher, C., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | It has been proposed that all animals have an inherent relationship between body protein and lipid that can be described allometrically, and the hypothesis tested in the research reported here is that the animal will at all times attempt to retain this relationship. The test was accomplished by feeding broilers, of three genotypes and in two experiments, in such a way as to produce lean and fat birds that were then subjected to a range of dietary protein levels in a second feeding period, during which their performance was measured. Birds were initially offered one of two feeds with widely different protein to energy ratios until they reached a pre-defined liveweight, after which they were given one of two feed protein contents in Experiment 1 and four in Experiment 2. Their performance was monitored until a second pre-defined liveweight was reached, at which time they were killed for carcass analysis. The genotype selected to be lean, in Experiment 1, showed no response to protein level in the second period, whether they were fat or lean at the start. Conversely, the genetically fat birds showed some additional growth in males and additional efficiency in the females. Averaged across genotypes and sexes, birds initially in the fat state gained only 6.9 g lipid/d versus 13.5 g lipid/d for the nutritionally lean broilers. In Experiment 2, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were related directly to dietary protein content and were higher for those birds made nutritionally fat. Carcass lipid gain was lower for the initially fat birds on the three highest dietary protein treatments. All birds made fat at 880 g and 1000 g, by giving them a low protein feed, had a much reduced fat content in their subsequent gain, provided that the protein content of the feed used was sufficiently high, indicating that they were making use of the excessive lipid reserves as an energy source. The hypothesis tested cannot be rejected by the evidence presented. | Body lipid: Protein ratio; Broiler nutrition; Dietary protein content; Fatness | Animalia; Aves | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855181273 | The performance of broiler birds fed varying levels of roasted Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Seed Meal | Ani A.O., Okeke G.C. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ani, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okeke, G.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of roasted Pigeonpea Seed Meal (PSM) on growth performance of broiler birds. Two hundred and forty day-old commercial unsexed broiler chicks (Anak strain) were used in experiment 1, while 168 four-week old broiler birds from experiment 1 were used in experiment 2. Birds in experiments 1 and 2 were divided into 6 groups. Experiment 1 birds were randomly assigned to six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous broiler starter diets containing 0, 6.5, 13.0, 19.5, 26.0 and 32.5% roasted PSM. Experiment 2 birds were also randomly assigned to 6 isoenergetic and isonitrogenous broiler finisher diets containing 0, 5.5, 10.5, 16.0, 21.5 and 27.0% roasted PSM. Parameters considered were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, dressed carcass weight and carcass dressing percent. Results (Experiment 1) showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake, weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization declined at the 32.5% level of roasted PSM inclusion. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among treatments in all the parameters considered in experiment 2. The results showed conclusively that roasted PSM can be included in broiler starter and finisher diets at 26% and 27% levels, respectively without any adverse effect on broiler birds. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Broiler birds; Effect; Growth performance; Roasted pigeon pea seed meal | animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; broiler; carcass; controlled study; dietary intake; food composition; nonhuman; nutritional assessment; nutritional requirement; nutritional value; roasted pigeonpea seed meal; test meal; weight gain | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891596740 | The performance of a high paraffin reservoir under non-isothermal waterflooding | Orodu O.D., Tang Z. | 2014 | Petroleum Science and Technology | 32 | 3 | 10.1080/10916466.2011.565295 | Reservoir Characterization and Engineering Research Group, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China | Orodu, O.D., Reservoir Characterization and Engineering Research Group, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Tang, Z., Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China | This study analyzes the performance of a high paraffin reservoir under cold waterflooding for 17 years using a 3-D finite difference simulator and analytical solution of injection wellbore temperature profile to upgrade reservoir management strategies. The reservoir has been marked by injectivity issues, early injection rate decline by half initial values and low incremental recovery, hence subject to alternate developmental schemes. The influence of cold waterflooding is assessed from simulated temperature maps due to nonisothermal injection and solution of injection well temperature profile. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | non-isothermal waterflooding; paraffin precipitation; pour point; reservoir simulation; Shen-95 | Management strategies; Nonisothermal; Nonisothermal injection; Pour points; Reservoir simulation; Shen-95; Temperature maps; Wellbore temperature; Early injections; Management strategies; Nonisothermal; Nonisothermal injection; Pour points; Reservoir simulation; Shen-95; Wellbore temperature; Injection (oil wells); Isotherms; Paraffins; Petroleum reservoirs; Temperature control; Water injection; Well flooding; Injection (oil wells); Isotherms; Paraffins; Petroleum reservoirs; Reservoir management; Temperature control; Well flooding; Oil well flooding; Water injection | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857626167 | The performance of 5 rapid HIV tests using whole blood in infants and children: Selecting a test to achieve the clinical objective | Sherman G.G., Lilian R.R., Coovadia A.H. | 2012 | Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal | 31 | 3 | 10.1097/INF.0b013e31823752a0 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Paediatric HIV Diagnostic Syndicate, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Sherman, G.G., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa, Paediatric HIV Diagnostic Syndicate, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lilian, R.R., Paediatric HIV Diagnostic Syndicate, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coovadia, A.H., Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | BACKGROUND: Rapid tests have the potential to improve the identification of HIV-infected children in resource-limited settings. However, they remain underutilized because of a lack of data on their performance in the field using whole blood specimens. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of rapid tests for detecting HIV exposure, excluding HIV infection in HIV-exposed infants, and diagnosing HIV infection in children older than 18 months of age. METHODS: Five rapid tests (First Response, Pareekshak, Determine, Smart Check, and Insti) were performed using whole blood from children enrolled in a multisite, cross-sectional study in South Africa. HIV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DNA polymerase chain reaction results defined HIV exposure and infection, respectively, and were the standards used for comparison. RESULTS: Of the 851 children enrolled, 186 (21.9%) were infected with HIV. For detecting HIV exposure, Determine demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 99.3% (95% confidence interval, 98.0-99.8) in early infancy, but sensitivity declined with age as seroreversion occurred. After 8 months of age, all tests except First Response excluded HIV infection in 82% to 100% of HIV-uninfected infants and, in conjunction with a clinical assessment, did not miss any HIV-infected children. Insti was the only test that detected all HIV-infected infants, albeit on the smallest number of samples. The performance of all rapid tests in children older than 18 months of age was similar to that in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Determine was the only rapid test that had a high enough sensitivity for detecting HIV exposure in early infancy, but it identified seroreversion later in life than the other tests. Insti warrants further investigation for both indications. Copyright © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | child; diagnostic accuracy; human immunodeficiency virus; rapid test; seroreversion | DNA polymerase; article; child; cross-sectional study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; preschool child; priority journal; sensitivity analysis; South Africa; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872867008 | The performance evaluation of a spectrum sensing implementation using an automatic modulation classification detection method with a Universal Software Radio Peripheral | Popoola J.J., Van Olst R. | 2013 | Expert Systems with Applications | 40 | 6 | 10.1016/j.eswa.2012.10.047 | Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Popoola, J.J., Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Olst, R., Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Based on the inherent capability of automatic modulation classification (AMC), a new spectrum sensing method is proposed in this paper that can detect all forms of primary users' signals in a cognitive radio environment. The study presented in this paper focuses on the sensing of some combined analog and digitally primary modulated signals. In achieving this objective, a combined analog and digital automatic modulation classifier was developed using an artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN classifier was combined with a GNU Radio and Universal Software Radio Peripheral version 2 (USRP2) to develop the Cognitive Radio Engine (CRE) for detecting primary users' signals in a cognitive radio environment. The detailed information on the development and performance of the CRE are presented in this paper. The performance evaluation of the developed CRE shows that the engine can reliably detect all the primary modulated signals considered. Comparative performance evaluation carried out on the detection method presented in this paper shows that the proposed detection method performs favorably against the energy detection method currently acclaimed the best detection method. The study results reveal that a single detection method that can reliably detect all forms of primary radio signals in a cognitive radio environment, can only be developed if a feature common to all radio signals is used in its development rather than using features that are peculiar to certain signal types only. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cognitive radio; Hierarchical access model; Performance evaluation metrics; Spectrum holes; Spectrum sensing techniques | Access models; Automatic modulation; Automatic modulation classification; Cognitive radio engine; Detection methods; Energy detection; GNU radio; Modulated signal; Performance evaluation; Radio environment; Radio signals; Spectrum holes; Spectrum sensing; Amplitude modulation; Cognitive radio; Neural networks; Sensors; Signal detection | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-56849087330 | The performance and meat quality of Bonsmara steers raised in a feedlot, on conventional pastures or on organic pastures | Esterhuizen J., Groenewald I.B., Strydom P.E., Hugo A. | 2008 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 38 | 4 | None | Nutri-Feeds, P.O. Box, 22733, Bloemfontein 9313, South Africa; Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council, Nutrition and Food Science Unit, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Food Science Division, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Esterhuizen, J., Nutri-Feeds, P.O. Box, 22733, Bloemfontein 9313, South Africa; Groenewald, I.B., Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Strydom, P.E., Agricultural Research Council, Nutrition and Food Science Unit, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Hugo, A., Food Science Division, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The effects of production system (feeding regime and time on feed) on growth performance, yield and economics and the effects of feeding regime, pre-slaughter treatment and electrical stimulation on meat quality were evaluated. Sixty Bonsmara steers were divided into three treatment groups, viz. feedlot, organic pasture and conventional pasture feeding. The feedlot and conventional pasture groups received a diet consisting of the same components, while the organic group received a diet with approved organic components. Initial weight, final live weight, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight, warm and cold dressing percentage, average daily gain (ADG), pH at one and 24 hours post mortem, intramuscular fat content of the loin and subcutaneous back fat thickness were measured. The effects of electrical stimulation, feeding regime and pre-slaughter rest (recovery days at the abattoir) on meat tenderness were also investigated. Feedlot cattle had significantly higher final weights, warm and cold carcass weights, warm and cold dressing percentage, ADG, intramuscular fat content and back fat thickness measurements than organic and conventional pasture cattle. Pre-slaughter resting of animals for a week at the abattoir had no effect on meat tenderness, but electrical stimulation showed a significant positive response. Growth and carcass results were used to calculate price and feed margin for the different production systems. Feedlot cattle showed a higher profit than conventional and organic pasture groups, mainly due to faster and more efficient growth. The organic pasture cattle showed higher profit than the conventional pasture cattle as a result of the premium paid for the organically produced meat. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Beef cattle; Feedlot; Meat quality; Organic; Production system; Profit margins | Animalia; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864994968 | The performance and egg quality traits of Nigerian local hens fed varying dietary levels of palm kernel cake with added palm oil | Afolabi K.D., Akinsoyinu A.O., Omojola A.B., Abu O.A. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Poultry Research | 21 | 3 | http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr.2011-00493 | Livestock Unit, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Iyanomo, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Afolabi, K.D., Livestock Unit, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Iyanomo, Benin City, Nigeria; Akinsoyinu, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omojola, A.B., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Abu, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A total of 120 local hens at the point of lay were randomly assigned, 2 per cage, with 10 replicates per diet in a completely randomized design, to 6 palm kernel cake (PKC)-based layer diets that contained 20% CP and 2,700 kcal of ME/kg of feed. The PKC was included at levels of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Diet 1 without PKC served as the control. To make the diets isocaloric, 0.5, 1.48, 3.35, 5.22, 7.11, and 8.98% palm oil was added to diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum for 12 wk. The hen-day production (53.8 to 63.3%) peaked at dietary PKC levels of 20 to 40%. Feed conversion ratio was also the lowest in hens fed the 20 to 40% PKC-based diets, but it was poorer than the control diet for those fed 50% PKC. The least hen-day production was obtained for birds on the 50% PKC-based diet. The albumen height (3.16 to 3.73 mm) was highest for eggs laid by hens fed the control and 10% PKC diets. The egg yolk indexes obtained for hens fed 0 to 10% dietary PKC (0.2) were significantly higher than those obtained for hens fed 20 to 50% PKC (0.13 to 0.15). The yolk color score increased significantly (P < 0.05) across the diets (from 1.0 to 5.9) as the level of palm oil increased. The egg weight, egg circumference, eggshell thickness, egg shape index, and weights of the albumen and yolk were similar across diets. Feeding up to 40% PKC with added palm oil had no adverse effect on the performance of Nigerian local hens and the quality of their eggs. ©2012 Poultry Science Association, Inc. | Egg quality; Local hen; Palm kernel cake; Palm oil; Performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61749090431 | The performance analysis of a solid adsorption solar refrigerator during collector cool-down and refrigerant evaporation/re-adsorption phases | Ogueke N.V., Anyanwu E.E. | 2009 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering | 223 | 1 | 10.1243/09544089JPME217 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | Ogueke, N.V., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Anyanwu, E.E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | Performance analysis of a solid adsorption solar refrigerator during the collector cool-down and refrigerant evaporation/re-adsorption phases is presented. The effects of the condenser pressure, evaporator pressure, and initial adsorbate concentration on the collector cool-down and refrigerant evaporation/re-adsorption were tested. The adsorbate concentration re-adsorbed increased from 55 to 98 per cent when the initial adsorbate concentration was dropped from 0.29 to 0.21 kg/kg, while the mass of ice produced increased from 0 kg of ice/kg of adsorbent to 0.4 kg of ice/kg of adsorbent for the same range of variation of initial adsorbate concentration. © IMechE 2009. | Adsorbate; Adsorption; Cool-down; Refrigeration; Solar | Adsorbates; Capillary tubes; Concentration (process); Refrigerants; Refrigerators; Solar refrigeration; Surface structure; Adsorbate concentrations; Adsorption phasis; Condenser pressures; Cool-down; Evaporator pressures; Performance analysis; Solar; Solid adsorptions; Adsorption | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444456737 | The perceptions of students and lecturers of some factors influencing academic performance at two South African universities | Fraser W., Killen R. | 2005 | Perspectives in Education | 23 | 1 | None | Department of Teaching and Training Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Australia | Fraser, W., Department of Teaching and Training Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Killen, R., Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Australia | This article presents the results of two recent empirical investigations at universities in South Africa (University of Pretoria and University of South Africa) where an attempt was made to identify the pre- and post-enrolment factors that lecturers and students perceived as having the most important influence on students' success in their university studies. The opinions of lecturers were compared with those of various groups of undergraduate students within and across the two universities. Different genders, different years of study, different home languages, different languages of instruction, and different modes of study (contact and distance education) were considered. The investigations revealed a strong level of agreement between lecturers and students concerning most factors that were identified as being likely to contribute to students' academic success. However, there was considerable diversity in the opinions of lecturers and students concerning the factors that were identified as being likely to contribute to students' failure at university. These differences were more pronounced at the distance education institution than at the contact university. At both universities the results of the studies pointed to a number of instructional practices that seem to be limiting the opportunities for students to develop the levels of understanding and insight that lecturers expect of undergraduates. The studies also showed that some students were taking counter-productive approaches to their study. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902466030 | The perceived impact of the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training as an academic development intervention in an Institution of Higher Learning | Nkonki V., Scheckle L., Jonas N., Ntlabathi S., Riley A., Muhuro P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 11 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n11p157 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Nkonki, V.; Scheckle, L.; Jonas, N.; Ntlabathi, S.; Riley, A.; Muhuro, P., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Following mixed views in literature on the relevance and return on investment of formal higher education professional development initiatives, the current study sought the views of the impact of the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training (PGDHET) on the professional practice of higher education staff in one institution. Framed in the interpretive paradigm, the study adopted a case study design in which multiple sources of data were utilised. Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire from eleven (11) purposefully selected lecturers possessing a PGDHET qualification. The data was corroborated with a data analysis of PGDHET reports. Qualitative data thus collected was analysed through the extraction and aggregation of meaning units into themes. Quantitative data was used to discern and describe impact trends of the PGDHET. It emerged from the study that the PGDHET challenged lecturers' conceptions of teaching and learning, and expanded their repertoire of innovative teaching strategies. Furthermore, participants reported contributions to advancement of departmental best teaching practices and the status of teaching institutionally. The conclusion drawn is that the PGDHET impacts beyond the lecture room as it influences also the academic development practices, faculty and departmental practices, as well as the overall culture of the institution. This research recommends ways of further consolidating and further advancing the impact of the PGDHET. | Academic Development; Perceived impact; Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training; Professional development | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883370799 | The perceived impact of restructuring on service quality in a health care environment | Ntsatsi L., Brijball Parumasur S. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 1 E,CONT4 | None | School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Ntsatsi, L., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Brijball Parumasur, S., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | This study evaluates health care employees perceptions of service quality in a hospital environment after the process of restructuring and assesses whether their perceptions are influenced by biographical profiles. A sample of 143 clinical and non-clinical employees from three of the largest regional hospitals within the Ministry of Health in Lesotho was drawn using cluster sampling. Data was collected using an adapted version of SERVQUAL whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that employees were fairly convinced that the process of transformation undertaken in the health care organization led to enhanced service quality in terms of improved empathy, assurance, responsiveness, tangibles and reliability, although in varying degrees and, reflect areas for improvement. | Assurance; Business strategies; Empathy; Integrated delivery network; Reliability; Responsiveness; Service quality; Tangibles | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000282682300005 | The Perceived Impact of Disclosure of Pediatric HIV Status on Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, Child Well-Being, and Social Relationships in a Resource-Limited Setting | Ayaya, Samwel O.,Inui, Thomas S.,Marrero, David G.,Nyandiko, Winstone M.,Vreeman, Rachel C.,Walumbe, Eunice G. | 2010 | AIDS PATIENT CARE AND STDS | 24 | 10 | 10.1089/apc.2010.0079 | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University System, Moi University, Regenstrief Institute Inc, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID Acad Model Providing Access Healthcare AMPA | "Walumbe, Eunice G.: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)", | In resource-limited settings, beliefs about disclosing a child's HIV status and the subsequent impacts of disclosure have not been well studied. We sought to describe how parents and guardians of HIV-infected children view the impact of disclosing a child's HIV status, particularly for children's antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. A qualitative study was conducted using involving focus groups and interviews with parents and guardians of HIV-infected children receiving ART in western Kenya. Interviews covered multiple aspects of the experience of having children take medicines. Transcribed interview dialogues were coded for analysis. Data were collected from 120 parents and guardians caring for children 0-14 years (mean 6.8 years, standard deviation [SD] 6.4); 118 of 120 had not told the children they had HIV. Children's caregivers (parents and guardians) described their views on disclosure to children and to others, including how this information-sharing impacted pediatric ART adherence, children's well-being, and their social relationships. Caregivers believed that disclosure might have benefits such as improved ART adherence, especially for older children, and better engagement of a helping social network. They also feared, however, that disclosure might have both negative psychological effects for children and negative social effects for their families, including discrimination. In western Kenya, caregivers' views on the risks and benefits to disclosing children's HIV status emerged a key theme related to a family's experience with HIV medications, even for families who had not disclosed the child's status. Assessing caregivers' views of disclosure is important to understanding and monitoring pediatric ART. | ,ADOLESCENTS,DIAGNOSIS,HEALTH-CARE,HIV/AIDS,"MEDICAL LITERATURE","QUALITATIVE RESEARCH",SURVIVAL,"USERS GUIDES","VIRUS-INFECTED CHILDREN","WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930798881 | The patient impact of point-of-care vs. Laboratory placement of XpertW MTB/RIF | Hanrahan C.F., Clouse K., Bassett J., Mutunga L., Selibas K., Stevens W., Scott L., Sanne I., Van Rie A. | 2015 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 19 | 7 | 10.5588/ijtld.15.0013 | Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa; Clinical HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, United States | Hanrahan, C.F., Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Clouse, K., Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Bassett, J., Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mutunga, L., Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa; Selibas, K., Clinical HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, L., National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sanne, I., Clinical HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Rie, A., Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | BACKGROUND: The Xpertw MTB/RIF assay can diagnose tuberculosis (TB) rapidly and with great accuracy. The effect of Xpert placement at point of care (POC) vs. at an off-site laboratory on patient management remains unknown. DESIGN : At a primary care clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, we compared TB diagnosis and treatment initiation among 1861 individuals evaluated for pulmonary TB using Xpert performed either at POC or offsite. RESULT S : When Xpert was performed at POC, a higher proportion of Xpert-positive individuals started treatment (95% vs. 87%< P = 0.047) and time to treatment initiation was shorter (median 0 vs. 5 days, P < 0.001). In contrast, among Xpert-negative TB cases, a higher proportion (87% vs. 72%< P=0.001) started treatment when the sample was sent to the laboratory, with a shorter time to treatment (median 9 vs. 13 days, P = 0.056). While the overall proportion of presumed TB patients starting treatment was independent of Xpert placement, the proportion started based on a bacteriologically confirmed diagnosis was higher when Xpert was performed at POC (73% vs. 58% < P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of Xpert at POC resulted in more Xpert-positive patients receiving treatment, but did not increase the total number of presumed TB patients starting treatment. When samples were sent to a laboratory for Xpert testing, empiric decision making increased. © 2015 The Union. | Diagnostics; South Africa; Tuberculosis | tuberculostatic agent; adult; Article; cohort analysis; comparative study; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic error; female; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; laboratory diagnosis; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; medical decision making; offsite laboratory placement; point of care testing; priority journal; prospective study; South Africa; time to treatment; tuberculosis rapid test; turnaround time | AID-674-A-12-00033, USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940388598 | Theory-informed interventions to improve the quality of tuberculosis evaluation at Ugandan health centers: A quasi-experimental study | Chaisson L.H., Katamba A., Haguma P., Ochom E., Ayakaka I., Mugabe F., Miller C., Vittinghoff E., Davis J.L., Handley M.A., Cattamanchi A. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0132573 | Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of California San Francisco Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, CA, United States | Chaisson, L.H., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Katamba, A., School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Haguma, P., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ochom, E., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ayakaka, I., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Mugabe, F., National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Miller, C., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Vittinghoff, E., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Davis, J.L., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Handley, M.A., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California San Francisco Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Cattamanchi, A., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains under-diagnosed in many countries, in part due to poor evaluation practices at health facilities. Theory-informed strategies are needed to improve implementation of TB evaluation guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the impact of performance feedback and same-day smear microscopy on the quality of TB evaluation at 6 health centers in rural Uganda. Methods: We tested components of a multi-faceted intervention to improve adherence to the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care(ISTC): performance feedback and same-day smear microscopy. The strategies were selected based on a qualitative assessment guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the PRECEDE model. We collected patient data 6 months before and after the introduction of each intervention component, and compared ISTC adherence in the pre- and post-intervention periods for adults with cough ≥ 2 weeks' duration. Results: The performance feedback evaluation included 1,446 adults; 838 (58%) were evaluated during the pre-intervention period and 608 (42%) during the post-intervention period. Performance feedback resulted in a 15% (95%CI +10% to +20%, p<0.001) increase in the proportion of patients receiving ISTC-adherent care. The same-day microscopy evaluation included 1,950 adults; 907 (47%) were evaluated during the pre-intervention period and 1,043 (53%) during the post-intervention period. Same-day microscopy was associated with a 14% (95%CI +10% to +18%, p<0.001) increase in the proportion of patients receiving ISTC-adherent care. Conclusions: Performance feedback and same-day microscopy should be considered along with ISTC training as part of a multi-faceted intervention to improve the quality of TB evaluation in other high TB burden countries. © 2015 Chaisson et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | adult; Article; female; fluorescence microscopy; health care quality; human; major clinical study; male; medical audit; middle aged; patient care; performance feedback; practice guideline; protocol compliance; quasi experimental study; rural area; total quality management; tuberculosis; Ugandan | MRC, National Institutes of Health; P60MD006902, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R21 AI096158, NIH, National Institutes of Health; UL1 TR000004, NIH, National Institutes of Health; National Institutes of Health |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84950312438 | Theory-driven process evaluation of the SHINE trial using a program impact pathway approach | Mbuya M.N.N., Jones A.D., Ntozini R., Humphrey J.H., Moulton L.H., Stoltzfus R.J., Maluccio J.A. | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 61 | None | 10.1093/cid/civ716 | Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Department of Economics, Middlebury College, Vermont, United States | Mbuya, M.N.N., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jones, A.D., School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Ntozini, R., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe; Humphrey, J.H., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Moulton, L.H., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Stoltzfus, R.J., Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Maluccio, J.A., Department of Economics, Middlebury College, Vermont, United States | Two reasons for the lack of success of programs or interventions are poor alignment of interventions with the causes of the problem targeted by the intervention, leading to poor efficacy (theory failure), and failure to implement interventions as designed (program failure). These failures are important for both public health programs and randomized trials. In the Sanitation Hygiene and Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) Trial, we utilize the program impact pathway (PIP) approach to track intervention implementation and behavior uptake. In this article, we present the SHINE PIP including definitions and measurements of key mediating domains, and discuss the implications of this approach for randomized trials. Operationally, the PIP can be used for monitoring and strengthening intervention delivery, facilitating course-correction at various stages of implementation. Analytically, the PIP can facilitate a richer understanding of the mediating and modifying determinants of intervention impact than would be possible from an intention-to-treat analysis alone. © 2015 The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. | intention to treat; per protocol; process evaluation; program impact pathway | Article; behavior change; health care delivery; hemoglobin determination; human; infant feeding; intention to treat analysis; maternal behavior; medical record review; priority journal; program impact; theory | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902146430 | The organisational performance impact of erp systems on selected companies | Hart C.A., Snaddon D.R. | 2014 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 25 | 1 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, South Africa; Polytechnic of Namibia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Africa | Hart, C.A., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, South Africa; Snaddon, D.R., Polytechnic of Namibia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Africa | There is a need to determine the performance benefits that firms gain from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and the factors that contribute to success. Consequently, the central research problem is: To determine the impact of ERP systems on organisational performance by analysing achieved ERP benefits within the framework of a suitable performance measurement system (PMS), and to investigate the association between critical success factors (CSFs) and ERP benefits. A list of expected ERP benefits and CSFs is compiled. Performance measurement models are evaluated, and one model is designed to evaluate ERP impact. ERP experts refine identified ERP benefits and CSFs using structured interviews. These are built into a questionnaire, and used to survey South African (SA) companies in manufacturing, mining, and power generation. Results indicate that business benefits are realised by companies that implement ERP systems. By building benefits into the performance measurement model, a positive impact on organisational performance is observed. Although a core list of CSFs is identified, and three associations are found between CSFs and ERP benefits, further research is needed. | None | Industry; Surveys; Business benefits; Critical success factor; Enterprise resource planning systems; Organisational performance; Performance benefits; Performance measurement system; Performance measurements; Research problems; Enterprise resource planning | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871309978 | Theoretical performance simulation of a high pressure agro-forestry swirl nozzle | Taiwo A., Oje K. | 2012 | International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering | 5 | 4 | 10.3965/j.ijabe.20120504.00 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Kwara State, Nigeria | Taiwo, A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Oje, K., Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Kwara State, Nigeria | Equations of dynamic systems in droplet distribution at high pressure and boundary value flows in the swirl chamber of a swirl nozzle were used in conjunction with momentum equations of forces on moving curved vanes to develop mathematical models. A computer program in C++ language was developed and used to simulate the effect of some flow and geometric parameters, including flow rate, pressure and swirl chamber diameter, on the spray performance of a high pressure agro-forestry swirl nozzle. Each of the three performance parameters of axial flow rate, spray cone angle and output discharge (or performance) coefficient were studied as a function of any two combinations of the nozzle supply pressure, exit orifice diameter and swirl chamber diameter. The study established that the spray cone angle of the discharge flow pattern varied from the minimum value of 40° for a swirl chamber diameter of 90 mm to 220° for 40 mm as the exit orifice diameter varied from the minimum value of 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm. The simulated nozzle output discharge coefficient could be varied from 0.98, when the nozzle supply pressure was 400 kPa to the minimum value of 0.001 at any of the other six simulated nozzle supply pressure values of 200, 250, 300, 350, 450 and 500 kPa by varying the exit orifice diameter from 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm. The pattern of variation of the simulated nozzle discharge coefficient values were similar to those obtained by measurement during the validation exercise in the laboratory although their sensitivities to the independent variables were different. The results indicated that the range of nozzle discharge coefficient of 0.80 to 0.98 required for a well designed high pressure agro-forestry swirl nozzle has been simulated. With the successful development of the C++ computer program, a useful tool that will cut down on the rigor encountered and time spent by nozzle designers and evaluators during nozzle development process has been developed in the study. | Agro-forestry; Performance coefficient; Simulation; Spray cone angle; Swirl chamber diameter; Swirl-nozzle | Agroforestry; Performance coefficients; Simulation; Spray cone angle; Swirl chambers; Swirl-nozzle; Computer software; Flow rate; Forestry; High pressure effects; Mathematical models; Orifices; Sensitivity analysis; Timber; Spray nozzles; Agriculture; Fluid Dynamics; Forestry; Geometry; Mathematical Models; Nozzles; Programing Languages; Sensitivity; Simulation | None |
None | None | Theoretical and Experimental Optical Evaluation and Comparison of Symmetric 2D CPC and V-Trough Collector for Photovoltaic Applications | Paul D.I. | 2015 | International Journal of Photoenergy | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/693463 | Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Paul, D.I., Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper presents theoretical and experimental optical evaluation and comparison of symmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) and V-trough collector. For direct optical properties comparison, both concentrators were deliberately designed to have the same geometrical concentration ratio (1.96), aperture area, absorber area, and maximum concentrator length. The theoretical optical evaluation of the CPC and V-trough collector was carried out using a ray-trace technique while the experimental optical efficiency and solar energy flux distributions were analysed using an isolated cell PV module method. Results by simulation analysis showed that for the CPC, the highest optical efficiency was 95% achieved in the interval range of 0° to ±20° whereas the highest outdoor experimental optical efficiency was 94% in the interval range of 0° to ±20°. For the V-tough collector, the highest optical efficiency for simulation and outdoor experiments was about 96% and 93%, respectively, both in the interval range of 0° to ±5°. Simulation results also showed that the CPC and V-trough exhibit higher variation in non-illumination intensity distributions over the PV module surface for larger incidence angles than lower incidence angles. On the other hand, the maximum power output for the cells with concentrators varied depending on the location of the cell in the PV module. © 2015 Damasen Ikwaba Paul. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899443331 | Theoretical analysis of the energy performance of three low global warming potential hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants as R134a alternatives in refrigeration systems | Bolaji B.O. | 2014 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy | 228 | 1 | 10.1177/0957650913507252 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nigeria College OfEngineering, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nigeria College OfEngineering, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria | In this study, the energy performances of low global warming potential R152a, R161 and R1234yf refrigerants were investigated theoretically as alternatives to R134a in vapour compression refrigeration system. The results obtained showed that the saturation vapour pressures for R152a and R1234yf are very close to the pressure of R134a, which indicates similar properties, while that of R161, between the temperatures range of ?30? and 40?, deviated significantly by being 49.2% higher than that of R134a. R152a emerged as the most energy efficient of the investigated refrigerants with average power per ton of refrigeration being 30.5% less than that of R134a. R152a and R161 exhibited higher volumetric refrigerating capacity and coefficient of performance than did R134a. The highest coefficient of performance was obtained using R152a in the system, with average value being 43.5% higher than that of R134a, while the average coefficient of performances for R161 and R1234yf are 4.8% higher and 7.1% lower, respectively. Generally, R152a performed better than other two alternatives, except that it is mildly flammable refrigerant. Major system redesign will be required before R161 can be employed as substitute for R134a. Also, R1234yf showed slightly low energy performance in terms of power per ton of refrigeration, volumetric refrigerating capacity and coefficient of performance. © IMechE 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/ journalsPermissions.nav. | Alternative refrigerant; energy; global warming; hydro-fluorocarbons; performance; R152a | Energy efficiency; Fluorocarbons; Global warming; Phase change materials; Refrigerants; Vapors; Alternative refrigerant; energy; hydro-fluorocarbons; performance; R152a; Refrigeration | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937032833 | The optical design and performance of a concentrator photovoltaic module | Schultz R.D., van Dyk E.E., Vorster F.J. | 2015 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 26 | 2 | None | Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Schultz, R.D., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; van Dyk, E.E., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Vorster, F.J., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Concentration photovoltaic (CPV) modules promise a more efficient, higher power output than traditional photovoltaic modules. This is achieved by concentrating sunlight onto a small 1 cm2 concentrator triple-junction (CTJ) InGaP/InGaAs/Ge cell by using high quality precision optics. In order to achieve high energy performance and reliability, well thought-out design decisions must be made in the development of a CPV module. This paper investigates the design of two CPV modules (Module I and II), which are based on the Sandia III Baseline Fresnel module. The investigation concentrated on the effect of the optimization of the optical design on the electrical performance characteristics of CTJ cells with good thermal dissipation. The best performance achieved by Module I was at 336 times operational concentration (Xo), which produced a Pmax of 10.29 W per cell, with cell and module efficiencies of 39% and 24%, respectively. In the development of the second module (Module II) pre-deployment criteria such as the CTJ cell and system components characteristics was used to eliminate faulty components from the system what was observed in Module I. Cell units that were optimized in Module II showed no form of degradation in their Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristics. The cell unit operating under optical misalignment showed a progressive degradation with long term operation in the field. | Concentrated triple junction cells; Concentrator photovoltaics; Degradation; Efficiency | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896742202 | The Occupational Performance Measure of Food Activities: Item pool development and measurement properties | Plastow N.A., Spiliotopoulou G., Atwal A., Gilhooly M. | 2014 | British Journal of Occupational Therapy | 77 | 2 | 10.4276/030802214X13916969447353 | Stellenbosch University, South Africa; School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Mary Seacole Building, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Centre for Professional Practice Research, Brunel University, United Kingdom; Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies, Brunel University, United Kingdom | Plastow, N.A., Stellenbosch University, South Africa, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Mary Seacole Building, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Spiliotopoulou, G., School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Mary Seacole Building, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Atwal, A., School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Mary Seacole Building, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom, Centre for Professional Practice Research, Brunel University, United Kingdom; Gilhooly, M., Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies, Brunel University, United Kingdom | Introduction: Occupational therapists have the knowledge and skills to improve nutritional risk in community-living older adults by improving performance of food-related occupations. However, few tools are available to evaluate these interventions. We developed the first item pool that measures community-living older adults' occupational performance of food activities. Method: In Phase 1 of the research we developed an item pool within a qualitative exploratory study with five older adults. In Phase 2 we designed the Occupational Performance Measure of Food Activities. In Phase 3 we formally assessed the measurement properties of the 15-item measure, using survey responses from 77 community-living older adults. Construct validity, reliability, and utility were evaluated. Findings: A 13-item measure of the occupational performance of food activities showed acceptable validity and reliability in three subscales (Cronbach's α ranged from.70 to.75). The item pool demonstrated good utility. We had comparable results for administration via self-completion survey (n = 38) and interview (n = 39). Conclusion: This unique item pool showed promising validity and reliability for the measurement of the occupational performance of food activities. Occupational therapists are cautioned against modifying existing measurement tools without thorough testing of the resulting new measure of occupational performance. © The College of Occupational Therapists Ltd. | Aged; Food; Occupational performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547559189 | The nutritive value of azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal in diets for growing pullets and subsequent effect on laying performance | Alalade O.A., Iyayi E.A., Alalade T.O. | 2007 | Journal of Poultry Science | 44 | 3 | 10.2141/jpsa.44.273 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Alalade, O.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Iyayi, E.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Alalade, T.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The effect of incorporating graded levels of azolla meal (AZM) in diets of growing pullets was investigated. Particular reference was given to growth, haematology and subsequent laying performance. In a completely randomized design, feeding trials lasted 10 weeks and involved 120 8-weeks old Nera brown pullets. Birds were reared to 18 weeks of age on diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% AZM. From 19 to 30 weeks of age, all groups were switched to a common corn-soybean based layers mash of 17.5% CP and 2522 kcal/kg ME. From the results obtained, apparent differences in weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cell (WBC) were not significant. At the onset of lay, age at first lay was similar across the treatments. Hen-day production to 30 weeks and egg quality characteristics observed were similar across the treatments except for yolk weight, which was significantly lower for all birds on AZM diets. These results indicate a benefit from AZM at low level of supplementation and up to 15% AZM can be incorporated in diets of growing pullets without jeopardizing health and subsequent laying performance. | Azolla meal; Egg quality; Growth; Haematology; Laying performance | Aves; Azolla; Azolla pinnata; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
WoS | WOS:000259850000007 | The negative impacts of adolescent sexuality problems among secondary school students in Oworonshoki Lagos | Ajayi, G.,Ashiru, O. A.,Izegbu, M. C.,Oguntola, J. A.,Shittu, L. A. J.,Zachariah, M. P. | 2007 | SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESSAYS | 2 | 1 | None | Lagos State Univ, Med Assisted Reprod Ctr MART | None | This study was conducted to focus on the negative health outcomes related to sexual behaviour in adolescents and young adults attending public school in the Oworonshoki region of Lagos, Nigeria, Africa. Since, there is a relative dearth of knowledge on adolescents who face unique and challenging economics, health and education problems in our society. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence and knowledge towards STD including HIV/AIDS, prevalence of sexual abuse practice/sexual behaviour, family planning awareness and acceptance including abortion practice were sorted out using self structured questionnaires and administered to 60% of student's population using a stratified random sampling technique. 55.8% lived with both parents. While, 50.3% of the mothers had basic secondary school qualifications, 72.4% of them are traders. 61.5% had sex education were from misinformed friends/peers while 51% had no basic knowledge about sexual behavioral practice and attitude towards STDs/AIDS (HIV). STD has a prevalence of 34 and 41% of boys used condoms for preventing STI/HIV transmission and unwanted pregnancies. One out of every five sexually active teenagers has experienced forced sex, especially among the circumcised girls who were more sexually active than the uncircumcised girls. 60% of girls between ages of 12 and 18 years had more than one unsafe abortion with severe vaginal bleeding (haemorrhage) as the chief complication. However, 65% of the girls did abortion for fear of leaving school and financial hardship as the reasons. | ADOLESCENT,ATTITUDE,KNOWLEDGE,LAGOS,LEGISLATION,SEXUALITY,ABUSE | None | None |
None | None | The negative impact of land acquisition on indigenous communities' livelihood and environment in Tanzania | Kusiluka M.M., Kongela S., Kusiluka M.A., Karimuribo E.D., Kusiluka L.J.M. | 2011 | Habitat International | 35 | 1 | 10.1016/j.habitatint.2010.03.001 | School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania; Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania | Kusiluka, M.M., School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kongela, S., School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kusiluka, M.A., Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania; Karimuribo, E.D., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; Kusiluka, L.J.M., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania | This paper examines the negative impact of land acquisition programmes on the indigenous communities' livelihood and environment. The paper presents the key findings of a study which was carried out in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. The study was carried out in four wards covering the peripheries of Morogoro Municipality and some sections of Uluguru Mountains forest reserve. A combination of Participatory Urban Appraisal (PUA) techniques and direct researchers' observations were used to collect primary data for the study. Published and grey literature was the main source of secondary data. Findings show that land acquisition programmes in the study area have a negative impact on the livelihood of indigenous people and the environment. Some of the problems noted include loss of land, loss of means of livelihood, disruption of economic activities, persistent land-related conflicts, and relocations to poorly developed areas, inadequate and late compensation, and environmental degradation. Disagreement over the implementation of the provisions of the land acquisition legislation was noted to be one of the main sources of land acquisition related disputes. Low level of education and ignorance of the law by the majority of the indigenous people was another cause of land-related disputes. To address the problems, the paper advances some recommendations. These include the carrying out of adequate consultation and sensitization prior to land acquisition exercises, payment of full, fair and prompt compensation to the affected people, promoting conservation agriculture on the mountain slopes, strengthening awareness programmes on the land laws and policies, and improving ordinary people's access to .formal institutions responsible for the provision of justice. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Environment; Indigenous communities; Land acquisition; Tanzania | indigenous population; land use planning; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-13644262402 | The negative and positive impacts of HIV/AIDS on democracy in South Africa | Butler A. | 2005 | Journal of Contemporary African Studies | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/0258900042000329439 | Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Butler, A., Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article first sets out the reasoning of those who fear that the implications of HIV/AIDS for democratic consolidation in South Africa are profoundly negative. However, the remainder of the text argues that the politics of HIV/AIDS has in fact strengthened democratic institutions and practices over the past decade. Given the immediate threats to democratic consolidation that exist in South Africa today - challenges that I will argue derive from internal dominant party politics, the nature of knowledge creation in the African National Congress (ANC), and a shrinking space for policy contestation - the epidemic may contribute further to the endurance of democracy over coming years. I conclude that scholars should address the pandemic's positive, as well as its inevitably negative, consequences for democracy and governance. © 2005 Journal of Contemporary African Studies. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; democracy; governance approach; human immunodeficiency virus; political development; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929091282 | The need for post-occupancy evaluation of public apartment buildings in Ghana | Agyefi-Mensah S., Post J., van Egmond E., Badu E., Mohammadi M. | 2015 | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology | 13 | 2 | 10.1108/JEDT-05-2013-0033 | Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands; Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Agyefi-Mensah, S., Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands; Post, J., Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands; van Egmond, E., Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands; Badu, E., Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Mohammadi, M., Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine and show why post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of public apartment buildings in Ghana as a product of design is important. Design/methodology/approach: By design the paper is descriptive. It uses a literature review as a method to summarize, synthesize and show the gaps in the existing knowledge on public apartment buildings in general and Ghana in particular. These arguments are brought together in a conceptual framework for approaching POE studies. Findings: This paper finds that gaps exist in the existing POE research knowledge regarding public apartment buildings in Ghana not only as residential settings but also as designed artifacts intended for use. Research limitations/implications: There is a need for scientific research which focus on the design and use of public apartment buildings in Ghana to provide empirical basis for design, policy and research decision-making. Social implications: This paper shows that occupants’ feedback information is important, as it can benefits government, designers and builders, building regulators and managers, as well as end users. Originality/value: The paper contributes a conceptual framework based on which POE studies can be designed. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Architectural design; Built environment research | Apartment houses; Buildings; Decision making; Design; Product design; Apartment buildings; Built environment; Conceptual frameworks; Design/methodology/approach; Feed back information; Post occupancy evaluation; Postoccupancy evaluation (POE); Scientific researches; Architectural design | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955987155 | The nature, extent and impact of the brain drain in Zimbabwe and South Africa [La nature, l'étendue et l'impact de la fuite des cerveaux au zimbabwe et en afrique du sud] | Gwaradzimba E., Shumba A. | 2010 | Acta Academica | 42 | 1 | None | Faculty of Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe; Dept of Teacher Education, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein,9330, South Africa | Gwaradzimba, E., Faculty of Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe; Shumba, A., Dept of Teacher Education, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein,9330, South Africa | Brain drain is regarded as one of the greatest threats to socio-economic development in Africa. The need to reverse brain drain and reposition Africa in the twenty-first century cannot be overemphasised. The current situation in African countries demands that Africa should embark on a radical project to redeem itself from poverty, underdevelopment, disease, and hunger. This article examines the nature, extent and impact of the brain drain in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The problem of brain drain is urgent and merits high-level attention by African governments. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876487831 | The nature and prevalence of disability in a ghanaian community as measured by the language independent functional evaluation | Kelemen B.W., Haig A.J., Goodnight S., Nyante G. | 2013 | Pan African Medical Journal | 14 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2013.14.103.2142 | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States; The University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States; The University of Ghana, Ghana | Kelemen, B.W., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States; Haig, A.J., The University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States; Goodnight, S., The University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States; Nyante, G., The University of Ghana, Ghana | Introduction: The current study uses the Language Independent Functional Evaluation (L.I.F.E.) to evaluate disability in a smaller Ghanaian coastal town to characterize the extent and nature of disability. The L.I.F.E. is a video animated, language free equivalent of the standard 10-item verbal/written Barthel Index functional assessment. Methods: Over a four-month period, the L.I.F.E. survey was given to members of the village of Anomabo in a preliminary survey which consisted of recruitment in an un-controlled manner, followed by a systematic, comprehensive survey of three neighborhood clusters. Basic demographics were also collected, along with the observer's assessment of disability. Results: 541 inhabitants (264 in the preliminary survey and 277 in systematic survey) completed the L.I.F.E. Participants ranged from 7-100 years old (mean age 32.88, s.d. 20.64) and were 55.9% female. In the systematic study, 16.6% of participants had a less than perfect score on the L.I.F.E., indicating some degree of impairment. Significant differences were found between age groups, but not between sexes, the preliminary and systematic survey, and study location (α=.05). Conclusion: The L.I.F.E. and this study methodology can be used to measure the prevalence of disability in African communities. Disability in this community was higher than the frequently cited estimate of 10%. African policymakers can use the L.I.F.E. to measure disability and thus more rationally allocate resources for medical rehabilitation. © Benjamin William Kelemen et al. | Africa; Disability; Epidemiology; Health care policy; Literacy; Rehabilitation | adult; age distribution; aged; article; child; clinical evaluation; community assessment; demography; disability; disability severity; ethnic group; female; follow up; functional assessment; functional status; Ghana; health survey; human; Language Independent Functional Evaluation; major clinical study; male; named inventories, questionnaires and rating scales; resource allocation; school child | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880947015 | The national portfolio for postgraduate family medicine training in South Africa: A descriptive study of acceptability, educational impact, and usefulness for assessment | Jenkins L., Mash B., Derese A. | 2013 | BMC Medical Education | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6920-13-101 | Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Western Cape Department of Health, University of Stellenbosch, George, South Africa; Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Education Development, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Jenkins, L., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Western Cape Department of Health, University of Stellenbosch, George, South Africa; Mash, B., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Derese, A., Centre for Education Development, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Background: Since 2007 a portfolio of learning has become a requirement for assessment of postgraduate family medicine training by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. A uniform portfolio of learning has been developed and content validity established among the eight postgraduate programmes. The aim of this study was to investigate the portfolio's acceptability, educational impact, and perceived usefulness for assessment of competence. Methods. Two structured questionnaires of 35 closed and open-ended questions were delivered to 53 family physician supervisors and 48 registrars who had used the portfolio. Categorical and nominal/ordinal data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The open-ended questions were analysed with ATLAS.ti software. Results: Half of registrars did not find the portfolio clear, practical or feasible. Workshops on portfolio use, learning, and supervision were supported, and brief dedicated time daily for reflection and writing. Most supervisors felt the portfolio reflected an accurate picture of learning, but just over half of registrars agreed. While the portfolio helped with reflection on learning, participants were less convinced about how it helped them plan further learning. Supervisors graded most rotations, suggesting understanding the summative aspect, while only 61% of registrars reflected on rotations, suggesting the formative aspects are not yet optimally utilised. Poor feedback, the need for protected academic time, and pressure of service delivery impacting negatively on learning. Conclusion: This first introduction of a national portfolio for postgraduate training in family medicine in South Africa faces challenges similar to those in other countries. Acceptability of the portfolio relates to a clear purpose and guide, flexible format with tools available in the workplace, and appreciating the changing educational environment from university-based to national assessments. The role of the supervisor in direct observations of the registrar and dedicated educational meetings, giving feedback and support, cannot be overemphasized. © 2013 Jenkins et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; clinical competence; education; female; general practice; health personnel attitude; human; male; medical education; methodology; middle aged; questionnaire; South Africa; standard; general practice; medical education; procedures; standards; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Continuing; Educational Measurement; Family Practice; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; South Africa; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Continuing; Educational Measurement; Family Practice; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248170244 | The national agricultural land development programme in Nigeria: Impact on farm incomes in Oyo and Osun states | Idowu E.O. | 2006 | Land Reform, Land Settlement and Cooperatives | None | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Idowu, E.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study assesses the impact of the National Agricultural Land Development Programme on farm incomes in the Oyo and Osun states of Nigeria. In each state, 60 farmers, equally distributed between the participating and non-participating, were randomly selected. The study showed that the programme in these two states achieved less than 2 percent of the targets set for land development and placement of participants during the project life of seven years (i.e. 1992-99), and showed a participant turnover of 76 and 79 percent for Oyo and Osun states, respectively. Similarly, net farm incomes by the farmers (ranging from US$164 to US$267) were grossly inadequate to satisfy the needs of the farmers and their families. The article makes some recommendations to improve the performance of similar projects in the future. These include adequate funding, as well as the provision of rural infrastructure and credit to participants. | None | agricultural development; agricultural land; assessment method; income distribution; Africa; Nigeria; Osun; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938424022 | The more the merrier? Network portfolio size and innovation performance in Nigerian firms | Egbetokun A.A. | 2015 | Technovation | None | None | 10.1016/j.technovation.2015.05.004 | DFG Research Training Program 'The Economics of Innovative Change', Friedrich Schiller Universität, Carl-Zeiss Str. 3, Jena, Germany; National Centre for Technology Management, PMB 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; South African Research Chair on Innovation (SARChI), Tshwane University of TechnologyPretoria, South Africa | Egbetokun, A.A., DFG Research Training Program 'The Economics of Innovative Change', Friedrich Schiller Universität, Carl-Zeiss Str. 3, Jena, Germany, National Centre for Technology Management, PMB 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, South African Research Chair on Innovation (SARChI), Tshwane University of TechnologyPretoria, South Africa | Abstract A positive relationship between firms' networking activities and innovativeness has been consistently established in the literature on innovation. However, studies considering different innovation types, and on developing countries are scarce. This paper addresses questions concerning the relationship between networking strategies and innovativeness of firms, using innovation survey data on Nigerian firms. Quantile regression is applied to trace the link between portfolio size and innovation at different levels of innovative success. The results show a positive relationship between a firm's innovation performance and the size of its networking portfolio. This relationship varies across different innovation types and with increasing innovation performance. The findings suggest that the widely accepted portfolio approach to external search for knowledge is not necessarily always the best - its utility depends on the firm's current level of innovative success. This poses a challenge for open innovation. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Collaboration; External knowledge; Innovative success; Networking; Nigeria; Open innovation | Developing countries; Collaboration; External knowledge; Innovative success; Networking; Nigeria; Open innovation; Innovation | DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft |
WoS | WOS:000304472900001 | The Moral Case for Restorative Justice as a Corollary of the Responsibility to Protect: A Rwandan Case Study of the Insufficiency of Impact of Retributive Justice on the Rights and Well-Being of Genocide Survivors | Schimmel, Noam | 2012 | JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS | 11 | 2 | 10.1080/14754835.2012.674454 | UN Int Criminal Tribunal Rwanda | None | This article analyzes how the current framework of retributive justice pursued by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda fails to respect the human rights and to enable the well-being of Rwandan genocide survivors. Rwandan genocide survivors currently suffer from widespread poverty, lack of access to health care and housing, inadequate educational opportunity, and food insecurity and malnutrition. It calls for the application of restorative justice as an extension of the principle of the Responsibility to Protect for genocide survivors to be included in the remit of the Tribunal and UN humanitarian and development programs in Rwanda. It examines current and past restorative justice programs in various countries around the world to provide tangible examples of ways in which restorative justice can be implemented. It critically questions the moral logic of exclusive reliance on retributive justice that ignores the consequences of genocide by punishing the guilty without simultaneously assisting the victims. Finally, it urges that the Declaration of Basic Principles on Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Human Rights Violations and Article 75 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court be applied to the work of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. | ,REPARATIONS,TRAUMA,VICTIMS,VIOLENCE,WOMEN | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908312636 | The moderating effect of self-motivation on the relationship between parent’s socio-economic background and children’s academic performance at Nigerian universities | Ekpe I., Adelaiye M.O., Adubasim E.I., Adim V.C. | 2014 | Asian Social Science | 10 | 21 | 10.5539/ass.v10n21p73 | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia; Department of Business Administration and Management, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria; Department of Management, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria | Ekpe, I., Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia; Adelaiye, M.O., Department of Business Administration and Management, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Adubasim, E.I., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria; Adim, V.C., Department of Management, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria | The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of self-motivation on the relationship between parent’s socio-economic backgrounds on their children’s academic performance at Nigerian Universities, which has received little attention. Issues concerning University undergraduate youths have become a cause for concern among stakeholders in the project called ‘education in Nigeria’. Such issues like expulsion from school due to examination malpractice or cultism, withdrawal due to poor academic performance and production of half-baked graduates have forced many concerned people to question the role of teachers as well as parent’s socio-economic background. The paper adopted a survey methodology to solicit responses from 150 final year University students (2012/2013) of Business Faculties in the north, east and west regions of Nigeria; using stratified proportionate random sampling. After data cleaning, 130 data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression. One of the results indicated that student’s self-motivation (hard work) and rich parental socio-economic background are needed to achieve academic success; though self-motivation appears to be a more critical success factor. The paper recommended that the government and the authorities of Nigerian universities should intensify effort at counselling the students on the need to study hard in order to achieve academic success rather than relying on their parents’ socio-economic background. This will improve teaching and learning in Nigerian Universities. The study is limited to University Business Faculties in Nigeria. Future studies can investigate other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. © Canadian Center of Science and Education. | Academic performance; Self-motivation; Socio-economic background | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052841471 | The moderating effect of culture on small firm performance: Empirical evidence | Minai M.S., Olusegun A.I., Lucky E.O.-I. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 23 | 3 | None | College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia; Lagos State Polytechnics, Lagos, Nigeria | Minai, M.S., College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia; Olusegun, A.I., Lagos State Polytechnics, Lagos, Nigeria; Lucky, E.O.-I., College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia | Abundant studies on the influential entrepreneurial factors that affect small firm performance exist. However, the inconsistent results on the relationship between entrepreneurial factors and small firm performance has led the authors to propose a contingency model in which the effects of individual determinants, external factors and firm characteristics on firm performance are moderated by culture. A cross-sectional study of questionnaire survey research design was conducted and data was generated from 182 entrepreneurs or owner-managers of small firms in both manufacturing and service industries. The questionnaires were distributed through drop-off and pick procedure of data collection. The findings indicate that neither culture nor its cultural dimension or components are significant in moderating the relationship between relationship between individual determinates, external factors and firm characteristics, and firm performance. | Culture; Entrepreneurship determinants; Entrepreneurship development | None | None |
None | None | The mode of action of spatial repellents and their impact on vectorial capacity of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto | Ogoma S.B., Ngonyani H., Simfukwe E.T., Mseka A., Moore J., Maia M.F., Moore S.J., Lorenz L.M. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0110433 | Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz, Basel, Switzerland | Ogoma, S.B., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ngonyani, H., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Simfukwe, E.T., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Mseka, A., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Moore, J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Maia, M.F., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz, Basel, Switzerland; Moore, S.J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz, Basel, Switzerland; Lorenz, L.M., Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Malaria vector control relies on toxicity of insecticides used in long lasting insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying. This is despite evidence that sub-lethal insecticides reduce human-vector contact and malaria transmission. The impact of sub-lethal insecticides on host seeking and blood feeding of mosquitoes was measured. Taxis boxes distinguished between repellency and attraction inhibition of mosquitoes by measuring response of mosquitoes towards or away from Transfluthrin coils and humans. Protective effective distance of coils and long-term effects on blood feeding were measured in the semi-field tunnel and in a Peet Grady chamber. Laboratory reared pyrethroid susceptible Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes were used. In the taxis boxes, a higher proportion of mosquitoes (67%-82%) were activated and flew towards the human in the presence of Transfluthrin coils. Coils did not hinder attraction of mosquitoes to the human. In the semi-field Tunnel, coils placed 0.3 m from the human reduced feeding by 86% (95% CI [0.66; 0.95]) when used as a "bubble" compared to 65% (95% CI [0.51; 0.76]) when used as a "point source". Mosquitoes exposed to coils inside a Peet Grady chamber were delayed from feeding normally for 12 hours but there was no effect on free flying and caged mosquitoes exposed in the semi-field tunnel. These findings indicate that airborne pyrethroids minimize human-vector contact through reduced and delayed blood feeding. This information is useful for the development of target product profiles of spatial repellent products that can be used to complement mainstream malaria vector control tools. © 2014 Ogoma et al. | None | insect repellent; insecticide; pyrethroid; insecticide; Anopheles gambiae; Article; controlled study; feeding; indoor residual spraying; malaria; mosquito; nonhuman; parasite vector; vector control; animal; Anopheles gambiae; disease carrier; drug effects; female; human; malaria; mosquito; procedures; transmission; Anopheles gambiae; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Female; Humans; Insect Vectors; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914164332 | The mining sector in Ghana-perspectives of socio-economic and environmental impacts | Boatri W.E., Kabat L., Verner V., Kabutey A., Agbettoh-Mawuli D. | 2015 | International Business Management | 9 | 3 | 10.3923/ibm.2015.334.343 | Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; National Population Council Secretariat, Ghana | Boatri, W.E., Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Kabat, L., Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Verner, V., Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Kabutey, A., Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Agbettoh-Mawuli, D., National Population Council Secretariat, Ghana | Developing countries depend mainly on the economic contribution of mining industry. In Ghana, the industry in 2011 contributed 5.5% of gross domestic product and 14% of taxes revenue. Export receipt appreciated by 60% in that same year which was mostly driven by an increase in export gains from gold production and crude oil petroleum export. Environmental problems associated with mining are of great concern in the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the perception of socio-economic benefits and environmental implications using a field survey in mining and non-mining communities (Tarkwa, Prestea Bogoso and Accra, Cape Coast, Ho, respectively). A Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit test was employed to analyze data on demographic information of respondents. The analyzed data indicated that positive responses were expressed on significant contribution of mining to the economy and communities, respectively. Negative responses were shown on environmental issues and its management by regulatory institutions and other stakeholders. © Medwell Journals, 2015. | Compensation; Contributions; Dependency; Environment impacts; Mining; Pollution | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952546769 | The mineralogy of pyrrhotite from Sudbury CCN and Phoenix nickel ores and its effect on flotation performance | Becker M., Bradshaw D., De Villiers J. | 2011 | Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly | 50 | 1 | 10.1179/000844311X552269 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Julius Krutschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia; Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Becker, M., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bradshaw, D., Julius Krutschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia; De Villiers, J., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The non-stoichiometric sulphide pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS), common to many nickel ores, occurs in a variety of crystallographic forms and compositions. In order to manipulate its performance in nickel processing operations either to target the recovery or rejection or pyrrhotite, one needs an understanding of pyrrhotite mineralogy, reactivity and the effect this may have on its flotation performance. In this study, a non-magnetic Fe 9S10 pyrrhotite from Sudbury CCN in Canada and a magnetic Fe7S8 pyrrhotite from Phoenix in Botswana were selected to explore the relationship between mineralogy, reactivity and microflotation. Non-magnetic Sudbury pyrrhotite was less reactive in terms of its oxygen uptake and showed the best collectorless flotation recovery. Magnetic Phoenix pyrrhotite was more reactive and showed poor collectorless flotation, which was significantly improved with the addition of xanthate and copper activation. These differences in reactivity and flotation performance are interpreted to be a result of the pyrrhotite mineralogy, the implications of which may aid in the manipulation of flotation performance. © 2011 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. | Mineralogy; Oxidation; Pyrrhotite; Reactivity; Sulphide flotation | Botswana; Copper activation; Flotation performance; Flotation recovery; Microflotation; Nickel ores; Nonmagnetics; Oxygen uptake; Processing operations; Pyrrhotite; Reactivity; Sulphide flotation; Crystallography; Flotation; Mineralogy; Minerals; Nickel; Ore treatment; Oxidation; Oxygen; Iron ores | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884131310 | The methodological challenges for the estimation of quality of life in children for use in economic evaluation in low-income countries | Mabugu T., Revill P., van den Berg B. | 2013 | Value in Health Regional Issues | 2 | 2 | 10.1016/j.vhri.2013.07.005 | Clinical Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Mabugu, T., Clinical Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Revill, P., Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, United Kingdom; van den Berg, B., Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Objectives: The assessment of quality of life (QOL) in children has been underresearched in high- and low-income countries alike. This is partly due to practical and methodological challenges in characterizing and assessing children's QOL. This article explores these challenges and highlights considerations in developing age-specific instruments for children affected by HIV and other health conditions in Africa and other low-income settings. Methods: A literature search identified works that have 1) developed, 2) derived utilities for, or 3) applied QOL tools for use in economic evaluations of HIV interventions for children. We analyzed the existing tools specifically in terms of domains considered, variations in age bands, the recommended respondents, and the relevance of the tools to African and also other low-income country contexts. Results: Only limited QOL research has been conducted in low-income settings on either adults or children with HIV. A few studies have developed and applied tools for children (e.g., in Thailand, Brazil, and India), but none have been in Africa. The existing methodological literature is inconclusive on the appropriate width or depth by which to define pediatric QOL. The existing instruments include QOL domains such as "physical functioning," "emotional and cognitive functioning," "general behavior (social, school, home)," "health perception," "coping and adaptation," "pain and discomfort," "extended effects," "life perspective," and "autonomy.". Conclusions: QOL assessment in children presents a series of practical and methodological challenges. Its application in low-income settings requires careful consideration of a number of context-specific factors. © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). | Children; HIV/AIDS; Low-income; Quality of life | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; academic achievement; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adaptive behavior; Africa; age distribution; article; child; cognition; coping behavior; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness analysis; cultural factor; economic evaluation; emotion; functional assessment; geographic names; health behavior; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; life event; lowest income country; lowest income group; methodology; pain; priority journal; quality of life; social behavior | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947577202 | The Merensky Cyclic Unit and its impact on footwall cumulates below Normal and Regional Pothole reef types in the Western Bushveld Complex | Roberts M.D., Reid D.L., Miller J.A., Basson I.J., Roberts M., Smith D. | 2007 | Mineralium Deposita | 42 | 3 | 10.1007/s00126-006-0111-5 | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondeb 7701, South Africa; Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; 140 North Wilson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, United States; Northam Platinum Mine, P.O. Box 441, Thabazimbi 1380, South Africa; Tect Geological Consulting, 15 Rue le Havre, Monte Sereno, Somerset West 7130, South Africa | Roberts, M.D., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondeb 7701, South Africa, 140 North Wilson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, United States; Reid, D.L., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondeb 7701, South Africa; Miller, J.A., Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Basson, I.J., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondeb 7701, South Africa, Tect Geological Consulting, 15 Rue le Havre, Monte Sereno, Somerset West 7130, South Africa; Roberts, M., 140 North Wilson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, United States; Smith, D., Northam Platinum Mine, P.O. Box 441, Thabazimbi 1380, South Africa | The Merensky Reef of the Bushveld Complex occurs in its highest stratigraphic position as a heterogeneous, pegmatitic, feldspathic melanorite bounded by two narrow chromitite stringers at the base of the Merensky Cyclic Unit (MCU). In the Swartklip Facies of the Rustenburg Layered Suite, the occurrence of widespread thermal and mechanical erosion termed "potholing" has led to the subdivision of the Merensky Reef into Normal Reef and Regional Pothole Reef sub-facies. The transition between the two sub-facies occurs where the MCU transgresses the lower chromitite stringer of the Normal Merensky Reef and cuts down into the underlying cumulate lithologies. In the Regional Pothole Reef at the Northam Platinum Mine, several economic reef types are identified, where the Merensky Reef becomes conformable to cumulate layering, in particular, to the footwall marker (NP2 reef type) and the upper pseudoReef (P2 reef type). The Normal Merensky Reef, as well as the P2 and NP2 Reefs, contains economic platinum group element (PGE) grades and includes the lower portion of the MCU melanorite and the Merensky Chromitite. Whole rock geochemistry indicates that this package is compositionally identical in Normal, P2, and NP2 Reefs, suggesting that the base of the MCU is a relatively homogeneous drape over both Normal and Regional Pothole Reef regions. However, the lower sections of the three Reefs are variables depending on the depth of transgression of the MCU. In the Normal and P2 reef types, transgression by the MCU was arrested within harzburgites, melanorites, and norites, resulting in coarse, pegmatitic textures in the immediate footwall units. For the NP2 Reef, transgression by the MCU was arrested within leucocratic rocks and resulted in the formation of troctolites below the Merensky Chromitite. These troctolites are characterised by a coupled relationship between olivine and sulphides and by changes in major element chemistry and PGE contents relative to equivalent units in the footwall of the Normal Reef. Along with micro-textural relationships, these features suggest that troctolization of leucocratic cumulates in the NP2 Reef beneath the Merensky chromitite was a result of a reactive infiltration of a chromite-saturated melt and an immiscible sulphide liquid from the overlying MCU, rather than a significant fluid flux from below. In all reef types, the concentration of S defines symmetrical peaks centred on the Merensky Chromitite (and chromitites from pre-existing cyclic units in Normal and P2 Reefs), whereas PGE concentrations define asymmetrical peaks with higher PGE contents in reconstituted footwall rocks relative to the MCU melanorite. This signature is attributable to a magmatic model of PGE collection followed by deposition towards the base of the MCU and within reconstituted footwall rocks. The continuity of the asymmetrical magmatic PGE signature between the Normal Reef and Regional Pothole Reef sub-facies indicates that PGE mineralization inherent to the Merensky magma occurred as a drape over a variably eroded and subsequent texturally and geochemically reworked or reconstituted footwall. © Springer-Verlag 2006. | Merensky Reef; Mineralization; Platinum group element; Regional Pothole; Troctolite | footwall; geochemistry; magmatism; mineralization; platinum group element; sulfide; Africa; Bushveld Complex; Merensky Reef; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-66149102488 | The mental health impact of AIDS-related mortality in South Africa: A national study | Myer L., Seedat S., Stein D.J., Moomal H., Williams D.R. | 2009 | Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health | 63 | 4 | 10.1136/jech.2008.080861 | School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; MRC Stress and Anxiety Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Myer, L., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, S., MRC Stress and Anxiety Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Stein, D.J., MRC Stress and Anxiety Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Moomal, H., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Williams, D.R., Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States | Background: Few data exist on how the HIV/AIDS epidemic may influence population mental health. The associations were examined between knowing someone who died of HIV/AIDS and common mental disorders among South African adults. Methods: Between 2002 and 2004, a nationally representative sample of 4351 adults were interviewed about personally knowing someone who died of HIV/AIDS, and the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to generate psychiatric diagnoses for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders during the preceding 12 months based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Results: Overall, 42.2% of the sample knew someone who died of HIV/AIDS, and 16.5% met the criteria for at least one DSM-IV diagnosis. Individuals who knew someone who died of HIV/AIDS were significantly more likely to have any DSM-IV defined disorder, including any depressive, anxiety or substance-related disorder (p<0.001 for all associations). In multivariate models adjusted for participant demographic characteristics, life events and socioeconomic status, individual disorders significantly associated with knowing someone who died of HIV/AIDS included generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia and alcohol/drug dependence or abuse. Based on these results, it is estimated that up to 15% of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the South African adult population may be related to knowing someone who died of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: These novel data suggest that AIDS-related mortality may contribute substantially to the burden of mental disorders in settings of high HIV prevalence. While this finding requires further investigation, these data suggest the need to strengthen mental health services in communities where HIV/AIDS is prevalent. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; disease prevalence; drug user; epidemiology; health services; human immunodeficiency virus; mental health; mortality; public health; risk factor; socioeconomic status; World Health Organization; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; alcoholism; anxiety; anxiety disorder; article; depression; drug abuse; female; human; life event; major clinical study; male; mental health; mental health service; mortality; social phobia; social status; South Africa; substance abuse; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Attitude to Death; Depressive Disorder; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders; Young Adult; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35448968769 | The medical management of central nervous system infections in Uganda and the potential impact of an algorithm-based approach to improve outcomes | Trachtenberg J.D., Kambugu A.D., McKellar M., Semitala F., Mayanja-Kizza H., Samore M.H., Ronald A., Sande M.A. | 2007 | International Journal of Infectious Diseases | 11 | 6 | 10.1016/j.ijid.2007.01.014 | Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, United States; Department of Medicine, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda; Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Salt Lake City VA Medical, Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man., Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States | Trachtenberg, J.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, United States; Kambugu, A.D., Department of Medicine, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda; McKellar, M., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, United States; Semitala, F., Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Mayanja-Kizza, H., Department of Medicine, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda; Samore, M.H., Salt Lake City VA Medical, Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Ronald, A., Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man., Canada; Sande, M.A., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States | Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV has increased the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) infections. The etiological diagnosis is often difficult. Mortality from CNS infections is higher in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Western countries. This study examines the medical management of CNS infections in Uganda. We also propose a clinical algorithm to manage CNS infections in an effective, systematic, and resource-efficient manner. Methods: We prospectively followed 100 consecutive adult patients who were admitted to Mulago Hospital with a suspected diagnosis of a CNS infection without any active participation in their management. From the clinical and outcome data, we created an algorithm to manage CNS infections, which was appropriate for this resource-limited, high HIV prevalence setting. Results: Only 32 patients had a laboratory confirmed diagnosis and 23 of these were diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis. Overall mortality was 39%, and mortality trended upward when the diagnosis was delayed past 3 days. The initial diagnoses were made clinically without significant laboratory data in 92 of the 100 patients. Because HIV positive patients have a unique spectrum of CNS infections, we created an algorithm that identified HIV-positive patients and diagnosed those with cryptococcal meningitis. After cryptococcal infection was ruled out, previously published algorithms were used to assist in the early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and other common central nervous system infections. In retrospective comparison with current management, the CNS algorithm reduced overall time to diagnosis and initiate treatment of cryptococcal meningitis from 3.5 days to less than 1 day. Conclusions: CNS infections are complex and difficult to diagnose and treat in Uganda, and are associated with high in-hospital mortality. A clinical algorithm may significantly decrease the time to diagnose and treat CNS infections in a resource-limited setting. © 2007 International Society for Infectious Diseases. | Africa; Algorithm; Central nervous system infection; Cryptococcus; HIV; Meningitis; Neurologic infections | amphotericin B; antimalarial agent; chloramphenicol; fluconazole; penicillin G; adult; algorithm; article; bacterial meningitis; central nervous system infection; controlled study; demography; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lumbar puncture; major clinical study; male; meningitis; prevalence; treatment outcome; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Algorithms; Anti-Infective Agents; Central Nervous System Infections; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945187846 | The mediating role of perceived employability in the relationship between core self-evaluations and job search behaviour | Onyishi I.E., Enwereuzor I.K., Ituma A.N., Omenma J.T. | 2015 | Career Development International | 20 | 6 | 10.1108/CDI-09-2014-0130 | Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria; Business School, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom; Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onyishi, I.E., Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Enwereuzor, I.K., Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ituma, A.N., Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria, Business School, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom; Omenma, J.T., Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of perceived employability in the relationship between core self-evaluations (CSEs) and job search behaviour (preparatory and active job search). Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey data were obtained among a sample of 254 employed and unemployed graduate students from a university in Southeast Nigeria. Findings – Results of the hierarchical multiple regression show that CSEs was significantly and positively associated with only preparatory job search behaviour but not active job search behaviour. CSEs was positively associated with perceived employability. Perceived employability was positively associated with the preparatory job search but not active job search. Perceived employability also mediated the relationship between CSEs and preparatory job search but failed to mediate the relationship between CSEs and active job search. Research limitations/implications – The study makes important contribution to the literature on job search by augmenting our understanding on the mechanism that govern core self-evaluation and job search behaviour relationship. Practical implications – Human resources practitioners can use the insights of the present study in understanding aspects of jobseekers’ personality and perception that may be relevant in job search behaviour. The study has also implications for career development practice especially in the areas of counselling of job seekers in environments where there is high level of unemployment. Originality/value – There has been rarely any previous attempt at investigating the possibility that the relationship between CSEs and job search behaviour is mediated by perceived employability. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Career development; Decision making; Labour market | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891676147 | The media impact of South Africa's historical hosting of Africa's first mega-event: Sport and leisure consumption patterns | Swart K., Linley M., Bob U. | 2013 | International Journal of the History of Sport | 30 | 16 | 10.1080/09523367.2013.861130 | Department of Tourism and Event Management, Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; College of Sports and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Geography, School of Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Swart, K., Department of Tourism and Event Management, Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Linley, M., College of Sports and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Bob, U., Department of Geography, School of Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | The 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa was the biggest mega-event ever to be hosted on the African continent. This historical event had several social, economic and developmental imperatives, including destination profiling and changing negative perceptions of South Africa, specifically, and the African continent more generally. This research undertakes a media analysis of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in selected key markets, namely the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. The study investigates the media impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on South Africa as the host nation and Africa's major tourism destination by undertaking a media analysis of the key source markets. Africa's first mega-event provides an ideal opportunity to examine how a host country (in this case South Africa) is profiled in relation to sport and leisure consumption patterns, including shifts in sentiment over time. Four time periods were identified, namely pre-, leading up to, during and post-2010. A qualitative analysis is undertaken, which includes content sourcing, content identification, semantic cluster analysis and the use of Leximancer, an analytical tool used to evaluate the content of textual documents, in this case primarily online newspaper articles. For each of the source markets identified, 400-600 articles were extracted. The findings show generally positive or favourable media coverage in relation to sport and leisure consumption patterns. However, a higher level of unfavourable media coverage was discernible during the pre-and lead-up periods, which may have influenced World Cup attendance figures and therefore leisure consumption. Specific tourist products (in particular Table Mountain and Robben Island) and the main host cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban) had more mentions and stronger associations than South Africa generally. The positive imagery which prevailed during the event needs to be further emphasised in future sport events and the tourism and leisure marketing of South Africa. © 2013 Taylor and Francis. | 2010 FIFA World Cup; leisure consumption; media content analysis; South Africa; sport | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649904322 | The mechanism of impact of summative assessment on medical students' learning | Cilliers F.J., Schuwirth L.W., Adendorff H.J., Herman N., van der Vleuten C.P. | 2010 | Advances in Health Sciences Education | 15 | 5 | 10.1007/s10459-010-9232-9 | Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands | Cilliers, F.J., Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; Schuwirth, L.W., University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands; Adendorff, H.J., Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; Herman, N., Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; van der Vleuten, C.P., University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands | It has become axiomatic that assessment impacts powerfully on student learning, but there is a surprising dearth of research on how. This study explored the mechanism of impact of summative assessment on the process of learning of theory in higher education. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with medical students and analyzed qualitatively. The impact of assessment on learning was mediated through various determinants of action. Respondents' learning behaviour was influenced by: appraising the impact of assessment; appraising their learning response; their perceptions of agency; and contextual factors. This study adds to scant extant evidence and proposes a mechanism to explain this impact. It should help enhance the use of assessment as a tool to augment learning. © 2010 The Author(s). | Assessment; Determinants of action; Learning; Mechanism of impact | article; cognition; education; educational model; educational status; female; human; learning; male; medical education; medical student; methodology; motivation; self concept; teaching; Cognition; Education, Medical; Educational Measurement; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Learning; Male; Models, Educational; Motivation; Self Concept; Self Efficacy; Students, Medical; Teaching | None |
None | None | The measurement of wool fibre properties and their effect on worsted processing performance and product quality. Part 1: The objective measurement of wool fibre properties | Botha A.F., Hunter L. | 2010 | Textile Progress | 42 | 4 | 10.1080/00405167.2010.486932 | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Botha, A.F., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Hunter, L., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | The world has moved away from subjective appraisal of raw wool characteristics and has entered an era of objective measurement and specification, and the raw wool trade is rapidly moving towards sale by total description which necessitates the accurate, rapid and cost effective measurement of all the raw wool characteristics important in determining price, textile performance and end-use. The development and availability of new technologies and equipment have enabled the objective measurement of many more raw wool characteristics than was possible in the past. Over the past few decades, a considerable amount of research has been carried out worldwide on the effect of the raw wool characteristics on topmaking and spinning performance, as well as on yarn properties. This was done in order to gain a better understanding of, and to quantify, the effects of fibre and processing parameters on processing behaviour and performance and on the properties of the top and yarn and even the fabric. An important aim of the research was to improve the processing of wool and the productivity and cost effectiveness of the various processing stages. This research led to a better understanding of which raw wool characteristics influence textile processing behaviour and performance, as well as the product quality and end-use performance, and ultimately the raw wool price. On the basis of this, technologies and instruments were developed and commercialised for measuring the key raw wool characteristics rapidly, accurately and cost effectively. In parallel to this, the associated test methods were developed and standardised largely under the umbrella of the IWTO, many of these being adopted and used in raw wool marketing and trading worldwide. This review covers the research and development carried out over more than half a century on the development and standardisation of technologies, instruments and test methods for the measurement of those characteristics determining the price and textile quality of raw wool and which are therefore important in terms of the global marketing and trading of raw wool. Research and development in this field is still continuing, but at a much lower intensity and pace than during the second half of the previous century. © 2010 The Textile Institute. | coarse edge; coloured fibres; dark fibres; fibre crimp; fibre curvature; fibre diameter; fibre length; Hauteur; medullated fibres; pigmented fibres; raw wool properties; resistance to compression; staple crimp; staple length; staple strength; vegetable ma | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651034515 | The measurement and verification of the combined impact of energy efficiency and load shifting on mine pumping projects | Den Heijer W., Grobler L. | 2007 | Energy Engineering: Journal of the Association of Energy Engineering | 104 | 5 | None | North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Den Heijer, W., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Grobler, L., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Service level adjustments are essential to keep measurement and verification project baselines "updated" with the actual service level that a system provides. In the case of a DSM load shift project on a mine pumping system, it is standard procedure to use a service level adjustment based on daily kWh neutrality. The case study discussed in this article showed that the project achieved impacts in the order of 12.9 MW when the baseline was adjusted in this manner.This approach, however, rested on the assumption that system efficiencies remained unchanged since the DSM intervention was only supposed to shift the system load to other time-of-use periods outside the evening peak period.However, it was found that system efficiency did change by almost 13 percent in this project's case. A service level adjustment approach was consequently required that linked the baseline energy use to the actual service level of the system, which was the daily volume of water pumped out of the mine.The utilization of this SLA adjustment not only allowed the M&V team to determine the project impacts due to the load shift activities, but also to capture the impacts due to the increased system efficiency. The impact determined for the same month, but with a different SLA, consequently increased to 15.1 MW. | None | Energy use; Load shift; Load shifting; Measurement and verification; Project impact; Pumping projects; Pumping systems; Service levels; Standard procedures; System efficiency; System loads; Electric load management; Mining; Ocean currents; Pumps; Energy efficiency | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924157324 | The market impact on shares entering or leaving JSE indices | Miller C., Ward M. | 2015 | Investment Analysts Journal | 44 | 1 | 10.1080/10293523.2015.994450 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Miller, C., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ward, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | A company’s entry into (or exit from) a major share index provides a special opportunity to examine price discovery. In an efficient market, we expect the demand curve to remain horizontal and to be unaffected by external events that do not communicate new information to the public, even if demand is affected. However, there is evidence that changes to index composition do impact the value of affected shares. This may be due to the price pressure generated by passively managed investment funds that simultaneously reconstitute their portfolios in order to remain aligned to the index they are tracking. This study investigates downward sloping demand curves, price pressure and other hypotheses which are related to changes in index composition on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). We calculate abnormal returns using a control portfolio model for shares entering/exiting four major FTSE/JSE indices between 2002 and 2011. In the pre-event window, a long-term increasing trend was observed in the share prices of companies that are added to market cap weighted indices, beginning 70 trading days before the effective date. The opposite behaviour was true for index deletions, with some variation in the timing. In the post-event window the results show, to some extent, an asymmetric response to share returns; shares entering the index underperform thereafter, whereas those leaving the index outperform. Although these findings were not significant for all of the indices examined, they do support the Price Pressure Hypothesis of Harris and Gurel. © 2015 Investment Analysts Society of South Africa. | Demand curve; Index reconstitution; Market efficiency; Price discovery; Price pressure | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900818559 | The margins of export competition: A new approach to evaluating the impact of China on South African exports to Sub-Saharan Africa | Edwards L., Jenkins R. | 2014 | Journal of Policy Modeling | 36 | S1 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2013.10.003 | Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom | Edwards, L., Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Jenkins, R., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom | Chinese manufacturing exports to Sub-Saharan Africa challenge South Africa's economic influence in the region. To evaluate this, the paper develops and applies a conceptual framework that distinguishes between the intensive and extensive margins of Chinese export competition. South African exports of new and existing manufactured products to Sub-Saharan Africa are found to have been negatively affected by Chinese competition relative to exports from other countries. Consequently, South Africa's exports to the region in 2010 were 20% lower than they would have been if they had been affected to the same degree as other countries. The crowding-out effects are found to be strongest in medium- and low-technology products. Overall, the data suggest that Chinese exports of manufactures have diminished South Africa's participation and economic influence in the region. © 2013 Society for Policy Modeling. | China; Export competition; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892998601 | The MAREDAT global database of high performance liquid chromatography marine pigment measurements | Peloquin J., Swan C., Gruber N., Vogt M., Claustre H., Ras J., Uitz J., Barlow R., Behrenfeld M., Bidigare R., Dierssen H., Ditullio G., Fernandez E., Gallienne C., Gibb S., Goericke R., Harding L., Head E., Holligan P., Hooker S., Karl D., Landry M., Let | 2013 | Earth System Science Data | 5 | 1 | 10.5194/essd-5-109-2013 | Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR7093, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR7093, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Bayworld Centre for Research and Education, Rogge Bay 8012, Cape Town, South Africa; Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States; Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States; Grice Marine Lab, College of Charleston, SC, United States; Departamento Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, United Kingdom; Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, United Kingdom; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; University of Maryland Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD, United States; Ecosystem Research Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Ocean and Earth Science University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, United States; College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States; Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St. George's GE 01, Bermuda; Institute for Marine Remote Sensing/IMaRS, College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Pt., VA, United States; NOAA National Ocean Service, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, Palisades, NY, United States; Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan; NATO Undersea Research Centre, La Spezia, Italy; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, 18119 Warnemünde, Germany; Australian Antarctic Division, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, 203 Channel Hwy, Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia | Peloquin, J., Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Swan, C., Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Gruber, N., Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Vogt, M., Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Claustre, H., Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR7093, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR7093, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Ras, J., Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR7093, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR7093, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Uitz, J., Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR7093, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR7093, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Barlow, R., Bayworld Centre for Research and Education, Rogge Bay 8012, Cape Town, South Africa, Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Behrenfeld, M., Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States; Bidigare, R., Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Dierssen, H., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States; Ditullio, G., Grice Marine Lab, College of Charleston, SC, United States; Fernandez, E., Departamento Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Gallienne, C., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, United Kingdom; Gibb, S., Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, United Kingdom; Goericke, R., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Harding, L., University of Maryland Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD, United States; Head, E., Ecosystem Research Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Holligan, P., Ocean and Earth Science University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom; Hooker, S., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, United States; Karl, D., Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Landry, M., Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Letelier, R., College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States; Llewellyn, C.A., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, United Kingdom; Lomas, M., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St. George's GE 01, Bermuda; Lucas, M., Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Mannino, A., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, United States; Marty, J.-C., Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR7093, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR7093, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Mitchell, B.G., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Muller-Karger, F., Institute for Marine Remote Sensing/IMaRS, College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Nelson, N., Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; O'Brien, C., Environmental Physics Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Prezelin, B., Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Repeta, D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Smith Jr., W.O., Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Pt., VA, United States; Smythe-Wright, D., Ocean and Earth Science University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom; Stumpf, R., NOAA National Ocean Service, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Subramaniam, A., Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, Palisades, NY, United States; Suzuki, K., Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan; Trees, C., NATO Undersea Research Centre, La Spezia, Italy; Vernet, M., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Wasmund, N., Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, 18119 Warnemünde, Germany; Wright, S., Australian Antarctic Division, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, 203 Channel Hwy, Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia | A global pigment database consisting of 35 634 pigment suites measured by high performance liquid chromatography was assembled in support of the MARine Ecosytem DATa (MAREDAT) initiative. These data originate from 136 field surveys within the global ocean, were solicited from investigators and databases, compiled, and then quality controlled. Nearly one quarter of the data originates from the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), with an additional 17% and 19% stemming from the US JGOFS and LTER programs, respectively. The MAREDAT pigment database provides high quality measurements of the major taxonomic pigments including chlorophylls a and b, 19'-butanoyloxyfucoxanthin, 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin, alloxanthin, divinyl chlorophyll a, fucoxanthin, lutein, peridinin, prasinoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin, which may be used in varying combinations to estimate phytoplankton community composition. Quality control measures consisted of flagging samples that had a total chlorophyll a concentration of zero, had fewer than four reported accessory pigments, or exceeded two standard deviations of the log-linear regression of total chlorophyll a with total accessory pigment concentrations. We anticipate the MAREDAT pigment database to be of use in the marine ecology, remote sensing and ecological modeling communities, where it will support model validation and advance our global perspective on marine biodiversity. The original dataset together with quality control flags as well as the gridded MAREDAT pigment data may be downloaded from PANGAEA: http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.793246. © 2013 Author(s). | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957912393 | The Manto Tshabalala-Msimang affair: On the responsibility and impact of the press | Blatchford M. | 2010 | English Academy Review | 27 | 1 | 10.1080/10131751003755971 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Blatchford, M., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | It is suggested that in order to interpret a necessarily biased press, it is necessary to know what that bias is. However, sometimes the press not only refuses to acknowledge bias, but conceals the bias, and is able to avoid any negative consequences even when the bias becomes evident. An example from elsewhere is the case of Judith Miller's articles promoting war with Iraq in the New York Times. A local example, possibly less significant but even more problematic in some ways, is the case of the accusations of corruption and alcoholism made against Health Minister, Tshabalala-Msimang, in the Sunday Times. It is noted that in both cases there was a broad structural failure to encourage accurate journalism. In the local case, the truth was not available (even though many behave as if it were) and few seem to have considered this a problem. It is pointed out that when it is impossible to assess the source of bias of a newspaper, it becomes difficult to interpret the texts involved. Such developments may be making the press less socially usefulunless intricate methods of analysis prove effective in overcoming the bias(es) involved. © The English Academy of Southern Africa. | health care; Judith Miller; media freedom; Sunday Times; truth; Tshabalala-Msimang | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903559734 | The lover and another: A consideration of the efficacy of utilizing a performance poetry competition as vehicle for HIV/AIDS education among young adults | Wilson D., Suter K. | 2013 | Matatu | 43 | 1 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Wilson, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Suter, K., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000295321800071 | The Long-Term Impact of the MEMA kwa Vijana Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention: Effect of Dose and Time since Intervention Exposure | Changalucha, John,Doyle, Aoife M.,Hayes, Richard J.,Kapiga, Saidi,Maganja, Kaballa,McCormack, Sheena,Ross, David A.,Watson-Jones, Deborah,Weiss, Helen A. | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0024866 | University of London, MRC, Mwanza Ctr | "Doyle, Aoife M.: University of London","Hayes, Richard J.: University of London","Ross, David A.: University of London","Weiss, Helen A.: University of London", | Background: Despite recent decreases in HIV incidence in many sub-Saharan African countries, there is little evidence that specific behavioural interventions have led to a reduction in HIV among young people. Further and wider-scale decreases in HIV require better understanding of when behaviour change occurs and why. The MEMA kwa Vijana adolescent sexual and reproductive health intervention has been implemented in rural Mwanza, Tanzania since 1999. A long-term evaluation in 2007/8 found that the intervention improved knowledge, attitudes to sex and some reported risk behaviours, but not HIV or HSV2 prevalence. The aim of this paper was to assess the differential impact of the intervention according to gender, age, marital status, number of years of exposure and time since last exposure to the intervention.
Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the 20 trial communities among 13,814 young people (15-30 yrs) who had attended intervention or comparison schools between 1999 and 2002. Outcomes for which the intervention had an impact in 2001 or 2007 were included in this subgroup analysis. Data were analysed using cluster-level methods for stratified cluster-randomised trials, using interaction tests to determine if intervention impact differed by subgroup.
Results: Taking into account multiplicity of testing, concurrence with a priori hypotheses and consistency within the results no strong effect-modifiers emerged. Impact on pregnancy knowledge and reported attitudes to sex increased with years of exposure to high-quality intervention.
Conclusions: The desirable long-term impact of the MEMA kwa Vijana intervention did not vary greatly according to the subgroups examined. This suggests that the intervention can have an impact on a broad cross-section of young people in rural Mwanza. registration: | ,CLINICAL-TRIALS,COMMUNITY-RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"CONDOM USE",SOUTH-AFRICA,"SUBGROUP ANALYSES",TANZANIA,YOUNG | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866166515 | The Long-Term Fertility Impact of the Navrongo Project in Northern Ghana | Phillips J.F., Jackson E.F., Bawah A.A., Macleod B., Adongo P., Baynes C., Williams J. | 2012 | Studies in Family Planning | 43 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2012.00316.x | Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Computer Science, University of Southern Maine, United States; Department Head, Department of Social and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Ghana; Navrongo Health Research Center, Ghana | Phillips, J.F., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Jackson, E.F., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Bawah, A.A., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Macleod, B., Computer Science, University of Southern Maine, United States; Adongo, P., Department Head, Department of Social and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Ghana; Baynes, C., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Williams, J., Navrongo Health Research Center, Ghana | This study assesses the long-term fertility impact of the Community Health and Family Planning Project of the Navrongo Health Research Centre in Ghana and addresses policy debates concerning the role of family planning programs in rural Africa. Conducted in a remote traditional area on Ghana's northern border, the study tests the hypothesis that convenient family planning service delivery can induce and sustain reproductive change in a societal context that would not be expected to foster demographic transition. By 1999, results indicated that significant fertility decline arose in the early years of the project, associated with the combination of services provided by community nurses and social mobilization activities focused on men. When project strategies were scaled up, social mobilization components were neglected. As a consequence, the long-term impact of scaled-up operations was negligible. Results suggest that initial effects met the need for child spacing without introducing a sustained demographic transition. © 2012 The Population Council, Inc. | None | demographic transition; family planning; fertility; adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; birth rate; community care; cultural factor; demography; family planning; female; Ghana; health; health care policy; health services research; human; male; middle aged; organization and management; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Rate; Community Health Services; Cultural Characteristics; Demography; Family Planning Services; Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Rural Health; Ghana; Navrongo; Upper East Region | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881553846 | The long-run impact of inflation in South Africa | Amusa K., Gupta R., Karolia S., Simo-Kengne B.D. | 2013 | Journal of Policy Modeling | 35 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2011.05.001 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Amusa, K., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Karolia, S., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Simo-Kengne, B.D., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This paper evaluates the hypothesis of long-run super-neutrality of money (LRSN) within the context of the South African economy. The long-run impact of inflation on the interest rate and subsequently, output is estimated by employing a trivariate structural vector autoregression model, using quarterly data for the period of 1960:1 to 2010:1. The estimation results suggest that the hypothesis of LRSN cannot be rejected, thereby suggesting that monetary policy in South Africa cannot be used to solve the large and persistent unemployment problem in South Africa, which is understandable, since unemployment is inherently structural and is due to skills-shortage. This is further supported by our one of our other results which shows that significant long-run impact on output is obtained from technological improvements. © 2013 Society for Policy Modeling. | Money superneutrality; Structural vector autoregression | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930477303 | The local social and environmental impacts of smallholder-based biofuel investments in Zambia | German L., Schoneveld G.C., Gumbo D. | 2011 | Ecology and Society | 16 | 4 | 10.5751/ES-04280-160412 | Center for International Forestry Research, Zimbabwe | German, L., Center for International Forestry Research, Zimbabwe; Schoneveld, G.C., Center for International Forestry Research, Zimbabwe; Gumbo, D., Center for International Forestry Research, Zimbabwe | High oil prices, recent commitments by industrialized countries to enhance the use of renewable energy, and efforts by developing countries to stimulate foreign investment as a pathway to development have fueled high levels of interest in the biofuel sector throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Zambia is no exception. A large, land-locked country with high pump prices and vast tracts of land considered by many to be "degraded" or "underutilized," investor interest in the sector has remained high despite uncertainties associated with unproven feedstocks and market fluctuations. While investment in multiple feedstock and production models may be observed, one of the primary investments has been in jatropha outgrower schemes in which small-scale farmers grow feedstock on contract with domestic and foreign investors. We assess the history and evolution of the largest such scheme in Zambia, as well as the social and environmental impacts in two districts with large numbers of outgrowers. Findings suggest that, although such a production model may hold promise for enhancing rural livelihood benefits from the emerging biofuel sector, to date, small-scale farmers have borne the brunt of the risk and uncertainty that are the trademarks of this emerging industry. We conclude with a discussion of options to minimize forest conversion and protect farmers against high-risk investments, while harnessing the potential of this business model for enhancing rural livelihoods in Zambia and elsewhere. © 2011 by the author(s). | Biofuels; Jatropha; Outgrower scheme; Zambia | alternative energy; biofuel; developing world; environmental impact; investment location; renewable resource; rural development; rural economy; rural energy; smallholder; uncertainty analysis; Zambia; Jatropha | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649094676 | The link between small business governance and performance: The case of the Ghanaian SME Sector | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Amidu M. | 2008 | Journal of African Business | 9 | 1 | 10.1080/15228910802052880 | Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Amidu, M., Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana | The present study set out to examine corporate governance practices of SMEs in Ghana and whether there is any linkage between these governance practices and financial performance. We employed two levels of interaction to achieve our objectives: The first is an interview for a general understanding of governance issues in the SME sector and the subsequent design of a questionnaire for an exploration of the linkages between governance issues and firm financial performance by employing a linear model. The study reveals that governance structures in SMEs are jointly influenced by credit providers and business ethical considerations. The regression results show that board size, size of audit committees, corporate ethics and the proportion of outsiders on the audit committees have negative impact on financial performance while independence of the board and the presence of audit committees enhance firms' financial performance. The findings have some policy implications in that it shows that exporting SMEs are relatively profitable. It is recommended that in an attempt to promote exports, the legal and regulatory environment should be conducive for these firms. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved. | Export sector; Financial performance | export; financial system; governance approach; industrial linkage; industrial performance; questionnaire survey; regression analysis; small and medium-sized enterprise; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-53549093601 | The linkages between FDI and domestic investment: Unravelling the developmental impact of foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa | Ndikumana L., Verick S. | 2008 | Development Policy Review | 26 | 6 | 10.1111/j.1467-7679.2008.00430.x | African Development Bank, Tunis, Tunisia; UN Economic Commission for Africa and IZA, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ndikumana, L., African Development Bank, Tunis, Tunisia; Verick, S., UN Economic Commission for Africa and IZA, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | While the recent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) to African countries is a welcome development, the impact of these resource inflows on economic development remains in doubt. This article argues that a key channel is its effects on domestic factor markets, especially domestic investment, and analyses the two-way linkages between FDI and domestic investment in sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggest, first, that FDI crowds in domestic investment and, secondly, that private investment is a driver of FDI, implying that African countries will gain much from improving the domestic climate. Moreover, there are alternatives to resource endowments as a means of attracting foreign investment to non-resource-rich countries. © 2008 Overseas Development Institute. | FDI; Privatein vestment; Public investment; Sub-Saharan Africa | capital flow; economic development; economic impact; foreign direct investment; private sector; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-18944396088 | The Lewis factor and its influence on the performance prediction of wet-cooling towers | Kloppers J.C., Kröger D.G. | 2005 | International Journal of Thermal Sciences | 44 | 9 | 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2005.03.006 | Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag X1034, Secunda 2302, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Kloppers, J.C., Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag X1034, Secunda 2302, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The effect of the Lewis factor, or Lewis relation, on the performance prediction of natural draft and mechanical draft wet-cooling towers is investigated. The Lewis factor relates the relative rates of heat and mass transfer in wet-cooling towers. The history and development of the Lewis factor and its application in wet-cooling tower heat and mass transfer analyses are discussed. The relation of the Lewis factor to the Lewis number is also investigated. The influence of the Lewis factor on the prediction of wet-cooling tower performance is subsequently investigated. The Poppe heat and mass transfer analysis of evaporative cooling are considered as the Lewis factor can be explicitly specified. It is found that if the same definition or value of the Lewis factor is employed in the fill test analysis and in the subsequent cooling tower performance analysis, the water outlet temperature will be accurately predicted. The amount of water that evaporates, however, is a function of the actual value of the Lewis factor. If the inlet ambient air temperature is relatively high, the influence of the Lewis factor, on tower performance diminishes. It is very important, in the view of the Lewis factor that any cooling tower fill test be conducted under conditions that are as close as possible to the conditions specified for cooling tower operating conditions. © 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved. | Evaporation; Lewis factor; Lewis number; Poppe; Wet-cooling tower | Atmospheric humidity; Diffusion; Evaporation; Heat transfer; Mass transfer; Nusselt number; Pressure effects; Specific heat; Velocity measurement; Viscosity; Lewis factor; Lewis number; Poppe; Wet-cooling tower; Cooling towers | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949749028 | The level and stability of institutional ownership and its influence on company performance in South Africa | Scholtz H.E., Engelbrecht W. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT10 | None | School of Accounting, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Scholtz, H.E., School of Accounting, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Engelbrecht, W., School of Accounting, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Institutional ownership in companies is an important tool in monitoring and controlling the business interests of the shareholders. This study investigated whether the performance of the Top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange is influenced by the level, and stability of institutional ownership. A regression analysis was used to test the relationship between Tobin’s Q and return on assets and the international, domestic and total institutional ownership and the stability of institutional shareholding. It was found that institutional shareholding is an important corporate governance factor to improve firm value. International institutional shareholding has an effect on future firm value, whilst domestic institutional, total institutional shareholding and the stability of total institutional shareholding has an effect on historical firm value. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All right rserved. | Company performance; Domestic institutional shareholding; Foreign institutional shareholding; Institutional ownership; Ownership stability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908105890 | The last one heard: The importance of an early-stage participatory evaluation for programme implementation | Gilmore B., Vallières F., McAuliffe E., Tumwesigye N.M., Muyambi G. | 2014 | Implementation Science | 9 | 1 | 10.1186/s13012-014-0137-5 | Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; World Vision Uganda, Kisozi Complex, Kampala, Uganda | Gilmore, B., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; Vallières, F., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; McAuliffe, E., Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, 7-9 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tumwesigye, N.M., School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Muyambi, G., World Vision Uganda, Kisozi Complex, Kampala, Uganda | Background: The systematic involvement of project beneficiaries in community maternal and child health programmes remains low and limited, especially during the formative stages of the project cycle. Understanding how positive and negative feedbacks obtained from communities can subsequently be used to inform and iterate existing programmes is an important step towards ensuring the success of community health workers for maternal and child health programming and, ultimately, for improving health outcomes.Methods: The study took place over a period of 4 weeks in North Rukiga, Kabale District of southwestern Uganda. Using a cross-sectional qualitative study that employed an epistemological approach of phenomenology, nine focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 76 female participants across six different sites. Women were identified as either users or non-users of the maternal and child health programme. Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit women from six different locations within the programme catchment area. Translated and transcribed transcripts were subjected to a bottom-up thematic analysis using NVivo 10 Software, whereby themes were arrived at inductively. Results: Predominant themes emerging from the focus groups and key informant interviews identified early trends in programme strengths. Beneficiaries reported confidence in both the programme and the relationships they had forged with community health workers, exhibited pride in the knowledge they had received, and described improved spousal involvement. Beneficiaries also identified a number of programme challenges including barriers to adopting the behaviours promoted by the programme, and highlighted issues with programme dependency and perceived ownership. It also emerged that community health workers were not reaching the entire population of intended programme beneficiaries. Conclusions: This research provides support for the importance of an early-stage participatory evaluation of beneficiaries' perceptions of newly initiated health programmes. Our results support how evaluations conducted in the early phases of programme implementation can provide valuable, timely feedback as well as yield recommendations for programme adjustment or re-alignment, and in turn, better meet end-user expectations. Potential reasons for the observed lack of community participation in early stages of programme implementation are considered. © 2014 Gilmore et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Community health workers; Evaluation; Maternal and child health; Participation; Programme implementation; Project cycle | adolescent; adult; attitude to health; child; child health care; cross-sectional study; female; health auxiliary; health care planning; health service; human; human relation; organization and management; patient compliance; patient satisfaction; pregnancy; pregnancy outcome; pregnant woman; professional standard; program evaluation; psychology; social support; spouse; standards; statistics and numerical data; supply and distribution; Uganda; utilization; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Child; Child Health Services; Community Health Workers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Plan Implementation; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Patient Compliance; Patient Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnant Women; Professional Role; Professional-Patient Relations; Program Evaluation; Social Support; Spouses; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955664781 | The language issue and academic performance at a South African University | van Rooy B., Coetzee-Van Rooy S. | 2015 | Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies | 33 | 1 | 10.2989/16073614.2015.1012691 | Research Focus Area: Understanding and Processing Language in Complex Settings (UPSET), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | van Rooy, B., Research Focus Area: Understanding and Processing Language in Complex Settings (UPSET), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa; Coetzee-Van Rooy, S., Research Focus Area: Understanding and Processing Language in Complex Settings (UPSET), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | Academic performance at universities in South Africa is a cause of concern. It is widely acknowledged that there are a variety of factors that contribute to poor academic performance, but language is regarded as one of the most important issues in this discussion. In this article, the relationship between language and academic performance at a South African university for the first-year group in 2010 (n = 900) is investigated, taking their performance in their second (2011) and third (2012) year into account. The authors review: (a) the relationships between measures of language ability (matric scores, and scores on university placement tests like the NBT and TALL/TAG); and (b) the relationship between these language measures, performance in courses offered by universities to support students and general academic success indicators to investigate the language issue and academic performance at university. The main findings of the study are: (a) matric average results above 65% are useful to predict academic success at university; matric average results below 65% cannot be used with confidence to predict success at university; (b) language measures (e.g. matric language marks, and scores on academic literacy tests used by some universities) are not good predictors of academic success at university; (c) there are strong positive relationships between the academic literacy components in the NBT and TALL/TAG; and (d) scores achieved in academic literacy modules are good predictors of academic success. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of strategic decisions that academic managers should consider when they reflect on the language issue and its impact on academic performance at South African universities. © 2015, NISC (Pty) Ltd. | None | None | NRF, National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250650095 | The Lake Bosumtwi meteorite impact structure, Ghana - Where is the magnetic source? | Ugalde H., Morris W.A., Pesonen L.J., Danuor S.K. | 2007 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 42 | 42465 | None | McMaster Applied Geophysics and Geological Imaging Consortium, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Division of Geophysics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Ugalde, H., McMaster Applied Geophysics and Geological Imaging Consortium, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Morris, W.A., McMaster Applied Geophysics and Geological Imaging Consortium, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Pesonen, L.J., Division of Geophysics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Danuor, S.K., Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | The Bosumtwi impact structure (Ghana) is a young and well-preserved structure where a vast amount of information is available to constrain any geophysical model. Previous analysis of the airborne magnetic data and results of numerical simulation of impact predicted a strongly magnetic impact-melt body underneath the lake. Recent drilling through the structure did not penetrate such an expected impact-melt rock magnetic source. A new 3-D magnetic model for the structure was constructed based on a newly acquired higher-resolution marine magnetic data set, with consideration of the observed gravity data on the lake, previous seismic models, and the magnetic properties and lithology identified in the two International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) deep boreholes. The new model contains highly magnetic bodies located in the northeast sector of the structure, not centered onto the drilling sites. As in previous models, higher magnetization than that measured in outcropping impactites had to be assigned to the unexposed source bodies. Integration of the new model with the borehole petrophysics and published geology indicates that these bodies likely correspond to an extension to the south of the Kumasi batholith, which outcrops to the northeast of the structure. The possibility that these source bodies are related to the seismically identified central uplift or to an unmapped impact-melt sheet predicted by previous models of the structure is not supported. Detailed magnetic scanning of the Kumasi batholith to the north, and the Bansu intrusion to the south, would provide a test for this interpretation. © The Meteoritical Society, 2007. Printed in USA. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250625648 | The Lake Bosumtwi impact structure in Ghana: A brief environmental assessment and discussion of ecotourism potential | Boamah D., Koeberl C. | 2007 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 42 | 42465 | None | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Geological Survey Department, P.O. Box M80, Accra, Ghana | Boamah, D., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, Geological Survey Department, P.O. Box M80, Accra, Ghana; Koeberl, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria | Lake Bosumtwi is a natural inland freshwater lake that originated from a meteorite impact. The lake is becoming a popular tourist attraction in Ghana and has the potential to be developed as an ecotourism site in the future. However, there have been some unregulated human activities and unplanned infrastructure development, and there are increased levels of pollutants in the lake water. In order to make ecotourism at Lake Bosumtwi successful in the long term, the Lake Bosumtwi Development Committee has been formed to ensure that local people are empowered to mobilize their own capacities. It has been realized that an important criterion required to develop ecotourism in a socially responsible, economically efficient, and environmentally viable way is to foster a constructive dialogue between the local people and tourists about the needs of the indigenous people. © The Meteoritical Society, 2007. Printed in USA. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946077792 | The joint impact of stock market and corruption on economic growth and development in Nigeria: Evidence from cointegration and vecm analysis | Nageri I.K., Nageri I.S., Amin A. | 2015 | Serbian Journal of Management | 10 | 2 | 10.5937/sjm10-7507 | Department of Banking and Finance, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, P.M.B 1601, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Finance, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Business Administration, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria | Nageri, I.K., Department of Banking and Finance, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, P.M.B 1601, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria; Nageri, I.S., Department of Finance, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Amin, A., Department of Business Administration, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria | This paper studies the effect of capital market on economic growth in the presence of corruption in the Nigerian context. We employed the use of cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). We find out that both corruption and capital market has long run associationship with economic development in Nigeria but has no short run relationship. This simply means that there is short run gain and long run pain for the Nigerian economy if corruption and capital market are not checked and well regulated respectively in Nigeria. We therefore recommend that government should strengthen the anti-graft agencies and equip them technologically and make them independent, educate the public on the problems associated with corrupt practices and the economic implication especially through the capital market and encourage local investors to invest in the capital market to improve liquidity and profitability of the Nigerian capital market. | Capital market; Co-integration; Corruption; Vector Error Correction | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894555016 | The Job Insecurity Scale: A psychometric evaluation across five European countries | Vander Elst T., De Witte H., De Cuyper N. | 2014 | European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology | 23 | 3 | 10.1080/1359432X.2012.745989 | Research Group on Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Vanderbijlpark Campus, North-West University, South Africa | Vander Elst, T., Research Group on Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; De Witte, H., Research Group on Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, Vanderbijlpark Campus, North-West University, South Africa; De Cuyper, N., Research Group on Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | Multiple instruments have been developed and used to measure quantitative job insecurity (i.e., insecurity to lose the job as such), often without systematic evaluation of their psychometric characteristics across countries and language barriers. This may hamper consistent and reliable cross-study and cross-country comparisons. This study's aim was to introduce and validate the four-item Job Insecurity Scale (JIS) developed by De Witte across five European countries (i.e., Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK). Overall, the results demonstrated the construct validity (i.e., configural invariance and invariance of the measurement model parameters), the reliability (internal consistency of the items), and the criterion validity (with respect to affective organizational commitment, perceived general health, and self-reported performance) of the JIS. The different translations of the JIS can thus be considered as valid and reliable instruments to measure job insecurity and can be used to make meaningful comparisons across countries. Furthermore, the JIS translations may be utilized to assess how job insecurity is related to outcomes. © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Affective organizational commitment; Cross-country validation; Job Insecurity Scale; Perceived general health; Self-reported performance | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000304090900002 | The Jamaican Historical Experience of the Impact of Educational Interventions on Sickle Cell Disease Child Mortality | Amendah, Djesika,Atrash, Hani K.,Grosse, Scott D.,Odame, Isaac,Piel, Frederic B.,Williams, Thomas N. | 2012 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE | 42 | 6 | 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.03.005 | Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University College London, University of London, University of Oxford, University of Toronto, African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr, CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, INDEPTH Network Demog Surveillance Sites, KEMRI Ctr Geog Med Res Coast | "Odame, Isaac: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust","Odame, Isaac: Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)","Odame, Isaac: University College London","Odame, Isaac: University of London","Odame, Isaac: University of Toronto","Piel, Frederic B.: University of Oxford", | None | ,COHORT,LESSONS,SURVIVAL | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908365825 | The issue of personal safety on dolomite: Update of a probability-based evaluation with respect to single-storey residential houses | Kirsten H.A.D., Heath G.J., Venter I.S., Oosthuizen A.C. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 56 | 2 | None | PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | Kirsten, H.A.D., PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Heath, G.J., Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; Venter, I.S., PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Oosthuizen, A.C., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | Sinkholes may be treated as a chance phenomenon of which the likelihood of occurrence is a key parameter in determining their effect on public safety in the development of dolomite land. However, determining the likelihood of the occurrence of sinkholes remains a complex if not evasive problem in view of the sparsely populated datasets available at present. Three approaches to determining the likelihood of sinkhole occurrence that were developed over a period of time are reviewed and comparatively evaluated. The geological time-based return periods postulated for a residential infiltration regime in the third approach is applied to determine the maximum allowable population densities for a single-storey residential house development as an update of a previous paper on the problem. The maximum population densities based on this updated approach were found to be one and a half to three times larger than those previously considered to be allowable for Inherent Hazard Classes 1, 2 and 3. This relaxation on the historically established empirical rules on population density is considered by the authors to better represent observations in recent years. © 2014, South African Institute of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved. | Coincidence; Dolomite; Hazard; Probability; Risk; Single houses; Sinkhole | Probability; Risks; Coincidence; Dolomite; Personal safety; Residential house; Sinkhole; Hazards | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908374644 | The issue of personal safety on dolomite: A probability-based evaluation with respect to two- and three-storey residential units | Kirsten H.A.D., Heath G.J., Venter I.S., Oosthuizen A.C. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 56 | 2 | None | PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | Kirsten, H.A.D., PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Heath, G.J., Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; Venter, I.S., PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Oosthuizen, A.C., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | While single-storey (single-house) residential developments were considered in a previous paper, two- and three-storey (multiple house) residential developments, which result in significantly higher densities of land occupation, are considered in this paper. The overall probability of injury for the occupants of two- and three-storey dwelling units is defined as co-dependent probabilities of sinkhole occurrence, coincidence of the sinkhole with a dwelling unit, structural collapse of the dwelling unit, occupancy of the dwelling unit, occupants in residence when the sinkhole occurs and fatal injury as a result of the event. The probability of sinkhole occurrence is determined by the associated infiltration regime for residential development, and the geological ground profile. The probability of coincidence between a sinkhole and a dwelling unit is treated in terms of overlapping geometric shapes. The probabilities for the remaining events are subjectively assigned by engineering judgement. The resulting overall probability of injury enables the number of dwelling units and the associated population densities for each of the Inherent Hazard Classes to be determined. It is found that the allowable population densities for two- and three-storey residential units amount to 890, 425, 170, 125, 40, 0, 0 and 0 people per hectare respectively for the eight Inherent Hazard Classes of dolomite land. This corresponds in principle with the allowable population densities for single-storey dwelling houses of 800, 400, 150, 100, 30, 0, 0 and 0 people per hectare respectively for the eight Inherent Hazard Classes. © 2014, South African Institute of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved. | Coincidence; Dolomite; Hazard; Multiple housing; Probability; Risk; Sinkhole | Probability; Risks; Coincidence; Dolomite; Personal safety; Sinkhole; Hazards | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908365644 | The issue of personal safety on dolomite: A probability-based evaluation with respect to transient passage in a city centre | Kirsten H.A.D., Heath G.J., Venter I.S., Oosthuizen A.C. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 56 | 2 | None | PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | Kirsten, H.A.D., PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Heath, G.J., Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; Venter, I.S., PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Oosthuizen, A.C., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | For the past fifty years empirical knowledge guided the development of rules regarding population density on dolomite land. The insatiable demand for land, the improvement in transportation infrastructure and the associated need for improving the functionality of towns require that these rules on the risk of personal injury and damage to assets are revisited from a more scientific perspective. Probability theory provides a basis for decision-making in this regard. SANS 1936:2012 defines development densities for different types of land usage, including non-residential improvement, high- and low-rise buildings and single-storey dwelling houses. The paper is devoted to public safety along the roads, thoroughfares and open spaces outside buildings in a heavily populated city centre as a study in "transient density" on dolomite land. People are transported through the city in a range of vehicles. Some people walk through the city and some appear in particular locations as dispersed groups. The densities at which people appear differ during peak hours, other times of the day, and at night. The overall probability of fatal injury is determined by the mutually dependent probabilities of sinkhole occurrence, appearance of the sinkhole in a particular location, appearance of the sinkhole at a particular time, coincidence with the vehicle, people being unaware of the sinkhole, people falling into the sinkhole, people not being protected by the vehicle and the relative number of fatal injuries Sinkholes are invariably caused by water-bearing services that tend to leak at isolated locations, as a result of which only one sinkhole occurs at a time in a particular stretch of land. In developed land the leaky service and the sinkhole are generally repaired soon after the sinkhole has occurred, which precludes the recurrence of sinkholes in that area for a very long period of time. The probability of sinkhole occurrence can therefore be evaluated on the basis of the binomial distribution. The infiltration regime that determines the sinkhole return period for this purpose is based on the water and wastewater reticulation infrastructure, stormwater control measures, landscaping and irrigation provisions, occurrence of impermeable pavements and dewatering protocols characteristic of a business district in a city centre. It is shown that the probability of potential fatal injury during peak time is larger than an internationally prescribed threshold value for Inherent Hazard Classes 6, 7 and 8 for minibus taxis, buses and pedestrians at road intersections for sinkholes 10-20 m in diameter. These unacceptable cases may be resolved by marginally changing the values for some of the input probabilities that may be somewhat conservative. Alternatively, the adopted threshold level for tolerable risk could be relaxed from "As Low As Reasonably Practical" to "Slight", which may more accurately represent the fait accompli sense of risk in the brownfields situation in Centurion City. A further way to view the unacceptable cases is that they are largely compatible with the prescribed land usages in SANS 1936:2012, in that precautionary measures corresponding to area designations D3 + FP1, D3 + DL1 or D4 are required for all but Inherent Hazard Class 1. These requirements are fully justified for Inherent Hazard Classes 6, 7 and 8, may be somewhat conservative for Inherent Hazard Classes 4 and 5, and are quite likely too conservative for Inherent Hazard Classes 2 and 3 in the open spaces in a city centre environment. A fourth way of dealing with the unacceptable cases in a greenfields situation is to implement engineering designs to pavement structures that would mitigate the hazard. © 2014, South African Institute of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved. | City centre; Coincidence; Hazard; Personal safety; Probability; Risk; Sinkhole; Transient passage | Probability; Risks; City centre; Coincidence; Personal safety; Sinkhole; Hazards | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950625251 | The issue of personal safety on dolomite: A probability-based evaluation with respect to single-storey residential houses | Kirsten H.A.D., Heath G.J., Venter I.S., Trollip N.Y.G., Oosthuizen A.C. | 2009 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 51 | 1 | None | PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, 2032, France; Private Bag X112, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, 0102, United States; PO Box 604, Fourways, 2055, South Africa | Kirsten, H.A.D., PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, 2032, France; Heath, G.J., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Venter, I.S., PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, 0102, United States; Trollip, N.Y.G., PO Box 604, Fourways, 2055, South Africa; Oosthuizen, A.C., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | In refining the principles supporting the safe and judicious use of land, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) is researching the use of a risk-based evaluation of the influence of development density on personal safety. This paper considers single-storey dwelling houses and is the first in a series that will also consider multi-storey and mixed-use developments. In much the same way that rainfall statistics are used to calculate flood events in order to control development by restricting it to above a fixed return period flood line, is it proposed to expand and apply the frequencies of sinkhole occurrence in order to arrive at a more rigorous expression of acceptable development densities for the eight "Inherent Risk Classes". A number of probability concepts are used in determining the development density. Depending on the incidence of each probability, it has been possible to determine the risk associated with development on dolomite for a single-storey dwelling. Recommended population densities are proposed for each Inherent Risk Class, with the exceptions of Risk Classes 6, 7 and 8, where no residential development is catered for, in line with industry standards. | Coincidence; Dolomite; Probability; Residential; Sinkhole | Coincidence; Development density; Flood event; Geosciences; In-line; Industry standards; Inherent risk; Personal safety; Population densities; Probability concepts; Rainfall statistics; Residential development; Residential house; Return periods; Risk class; Risk-based evaluation; Apartment houses; Buildings; Land use; Rain; Regional planning; Standardization; Risks | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751317994 | The IS-business relationship and its implications for performance: An empirical study of South African and Australian organisations | Cohen J.F., Toleman M. | 2006 | International Journal of Information Management | 26 | 6 | 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2006.06.002 | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS, 2050, South Africa; Department of Information Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, 4350, Australia | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS, 2050, South Africa; Toleman, M., Department of Information Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, 4350, Australia | Lack of a close 'Information systems (IS)-business relationship' has been described as a potential inhibitor to improving the contribution that information systems (IS) make to business performance. Yet the value of specific attributes of an enduring relationship between IS and business remains to be demonstrated by empirically confirming their link to IS performance. Using data collected from 167 South African and Australian companies, this study examined the effect of three relational attributes, namely commitment, mutual understanding and shared vision, on the contribution of IS to business performance. The study also examines the interrelationship amongst the relational attributes. Results revealed that a strong IS-business relationship is a significant determinant of IS performance. Organisations more successful in their use of IS are characterised by strong commitment on the part of the business to IS efforts, higher levels of IS understanding of the business, and a long-term agreement, between business and IS executives, on IS priorities. Results have important implications for organisations looking to improve the contribution of IS to organisational performance. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Commitment; IS performance; IS-business relationship; Shared vision; Understanding | Computer vision; Data reduction; Information dissemination; Societies and institutions; IS-business relationships; Shared vision; Information retrieval systems | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957359126 | The IOC international harmful algal bloom program: History and science impacts | Anderson D.M., Reguera B., Pitcher G.C., Enevoldsen H.O. | 2010 | Oceanography | 23 | 3 | None | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Marine and Coastal Management, Rogge Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Anderson, D.M., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Reguera, B., Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Pitcher, G.C., Marine and Coastal Management, Rogge Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; Enevoldsen, H.O., IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become an important subdiscipline within oceanography. Heightened attention to this topic as well as significant research advances reflect the lobal nature of the problem and the development of strong national and international programs for HAB research and management. The planning, communication, coordination, and capacity-building activities of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have been a key actor in this growth. Here, we highlight selected advances in science and management capacity or HABs and document the impressive growth of the field in the context of activities supported directly or indirectly by IOC. As we look to the future, the field has significant momentum and stability. Nevertheless, it will require scientific guidance and coordination going forward. With an appropriate commitment of resources from member states, the IOC HAB program can continue to be a major factor in the sustained growth of this important cientific discipline and its delivery of improved observation and management systems. © 2010 by The Oceanography Society. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947460103 | The invasive American weed parthenium hysterophorus can negatively impact malaria control in Africa | Nyasembe V.O., Cheseto X., Kaplan F., Foster W.A., Teal P.E.A., Tumlinson J.H., Borgemeister C., Torto B. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0137836 | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States; Kaplan Schiller Research LLC., PO Box 13853, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany | Nyasembe, V.O., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Cheseto, X., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Kaplan, F., Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States, Kaplan Schiller Research LLC., PO Box 13853, Gainesville, FL, United States; Foster, W.A., Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, United States; Teal, P.E.A., Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States; Tumlinson, J.H., Center for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Borgemeister, C., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Torto, B., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya | The direct negative effects of invasive plant species on agriculture and biodiversity are well known, but their indirect effects on human health, and particularly their interactions with disease-transmitting vectors, remains poorly explored. This study sought to investigate the impact of the invasive Neotropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus and its toxins on the survival and energy reserves of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. In this study, we compared the fitness of An. gambiae fed on three differentially attractive mosquito host plants and their major toxins; the highly aggressive invasive Neotropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) in East Africa and two other adapted weeds, Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) and Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae). Our results showed that female An. gambiae fitness varied with host plants as females survived better and accumulated substantial energy reserves when fed on P. hysterophorus and R. communis compared to B. pilosa. Females tolerated parthenin and 1-phenylhepta-1, 3, 5-triyne, the toxins produced by P. hysterophorus and B. pilosa, respectively, but not ricinine produced by R. communis. Given that invasive plants like P. hysterophorus can suppress or even replace less competitive species that might be less suitable host-plants for arthropod disease vectors, the spread of invasive plants could lead to higher disease transmission. Parthenium hysterophorus represents a possible indirect effect of invasive plants on human health, which underpins the need to include an additional health dimension in risk-analysis modelling for invasive plants. | None | alkaloid; parthenin; phenylheptatriyne; plant toxin; ricinine; unclassified drug; adult; Africa; Anopheles gambiae; Article; Asteraceae; Bidens pilosa; controlled study; Euphorbiaceae; female; intraspecific competition; invasive species; malaria control; Neotropics; nonhuman; Parthenium hysterophorus; Ricinus communis; toxin analysis; weed | ARS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; RO1A1077722, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; USDA, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937440535 | The introduced species fishery of Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Ecological impact vs socio-economic benefits | Hickley P., Britton J.R., Macharia S., Muchiri S.M., Boar R.R. | 2015 | Fisheries Management and Ecology | 22 | 4 | 10.1111/fme.12130 | Karatina University, Karatina, Kenya; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom; State Department of Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | Hickley, P., Karatina University, Karatina, Kenya; Britton, J.R., Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom; Macharia, S., State Department of Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya; Muchiri, S.M., Karatina University, Karatina, Kenya; Boar, R.R., Karatina University, Karatina, Kenya, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | Lake Naivasha is a shallow, freshwater lake in the eastern Rift Valley of Kenya. Its fish community now comprises only introduced species. Oreochromis spirulus niger was stocked in 1925 as a forage fish for the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, introduced in 1929 for sport fishing. Further introductions of tilapiines followed for commercial exploitation. A gillnet fishery opened in 1959, and the annual species catch composition to 2000 was dominated by Oreochromis leucostictus. Following their accidental introduction, carp Cyprinus carpio appeared in catches in 2002; by 2010, it comprised >99% of landings by weight. Carp now provides a sustainable fishery in a lake heavily impacted by anthropogenic stressors, including water abstraction and nutrient enrichment. Oreochromis niloticus was reintroduced in 2011 to reinvigorate tilapia stocks following the collapse of its stocks in the 1990s and early 2000s, and the African catfish Clarias gariepinus is now captured in small but increasing numbers. The current status of the fishery, especially the predominance of carp, presents major management challenges; these are addressed by stakeholder engagement and co-management. The introductions have artificially created a commercial fishery that provides substantial societal benefits in a semi-arid region of a developing country with high poverty levels. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | Introduced species; Invasive carp; Non-native fish; Social and economic benefits; Species extirpation | catch composition; cichlid; comanagement; cyprinid; developing world; ecological impact; fishery management; introduced species; socioeconomic impact; stakeholder; sustainability; Kenya; Lake Naivasha; Nakuru; Rift Valley; Clarias gariepinus; Cyprinidae; Cyprinus carpio; Micropterus; Micropterus salmoides; Oreochromis; Oreochromis leucostictus; Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897825166 | The interpretation of a knowledge claim in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the impact of this on RPL practice | de Graaff F. | 2014 | Studies in Continuing Education | 36 | 1 | 10.1080/0158037X.2013.779239 | Fundani Center for Higher Education Development (CHED), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa | de Graaff, F., Fundani Center for Higher Education Development (CHED), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa | The question addressed in this paper is: what does a knowledge claim consist of in the context of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? The research comprises a case study of RPL applicants' entry into a postgraduate diploma (a fourth-year programme) in project management. The focus is on the knowledge claims made as part of the RPL application by experienced project managers and leaders. Three different aspects of the knowledge claims are analysed: what the knowledge claim consists of; what the academic interpretation of the claims is; and how the interpretation of the claims impacts on the RPL approach. The findings deal with the knowledge of the project management cycle prior to entry into higher education. It is found that knowledge claims not only consist of theoretical knowledge but also mainly situational knowledge, ability and attitude. In addition, the knowledge claims made in the RPL application based on the relevant and substantial knowledge are acknowledged by the academic institution in question. The RPL approach that results from the interpretation of the knowledge claims does conform to one RPL approach, within the paradigm of project management. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | assessment; knowledge claim; project management; Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); situational knowledge; workplace learning | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548386628 | The international performance of the South African academic institutions: A citation assessment | Pouris A. | 2007 | Higher Education | 54 | 4 | 10.1007/s10734-006-9034-4 | Institute for Technological Innovation, Main Campus, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, Main Campus, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article reports the results of an investigation to identify the disciplinary strengths and the international standing of the higher education institutions in South Africa. Even though comparative assessments provide valuable information for research administrations, researchers and students such information is not available in South Africa currently. The Essential Science Indicators database of the Institute for Scientific Information is utilized for the investigation and six South African universities are identified to be included in the top 1% of the world's institutions cited in the international scientific literature. The identified institutions are University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, Orange Free State University, University of Witwatersrand, University of Natal and University of Stellenbosch. Analysis of the scientific disciplines in which the South African institutions meet the threshold requirements for inclusion in the database shows that the country has citation footprints in only nine of the 22 broad scientific disciplines. The article identifies the international standing of the South African universities in the various scientific disciplines, and elaborates on the consequences relevant to higher education and science and technology policy. | Assessment; Citations; Evaluation; Higher education; Rankings; South Africa; Universities | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350042192 | The International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statement on periodic health evaluation of elite athletes | Ljungqvist A., Jenoure P., Engebretsen L., Alonso J.M., Bahr R., Clough A., de Bondt G., Dvorak J., Maloley R., Matheson G., Meeuwisse W., Meijboom E., Mountjoy M., Pelliccia A., Schwellnus M., Sprumont D., Schamasch P., Gauthier J.-B., Dubi C., Stupp H., | 2009 | International SportMed Journal | 10 | 3 | None | IOC, Medical Commission, Lausanne, Switzerland; Sports Medicine, Basel and Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo Sports Trauma Centre, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Medical Department of Royal Spanish Athletic Federation, Madrid, Spain; Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Sports Dentistry, University College London, and Oral Health, University of Essex, United Kingdom; Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Spine Unit Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland; PrivIT Inc. and PrivIT Healthcare Inc., London, ON, Canada; Stanford University Department of Athletics, United States; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; University Hospital Center of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland; University of Guelph, McMaster University Medical School, Canada; Institute of Sports Medicine and Science of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Rome, Italy; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Faculty of Law, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland | Ljungqvist, A., IOC, Medical Commission, Lausanne, Switzerland; Jenoure, P., Sports Medicine, Basel and Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Engebretsen, L., Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo Sports Trauma Centre, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Alonso, J.M., Medical Department of Royal Spanish Athletic Federation, Madrid, Spain; Bahr, R., Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Clough, A., Sports Dentistry, University College London, and Oral Health, University of Essex, United Kingdom; de Bondt, G., Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), Brussels, Belgium; Dvorak, J., Department of Neurology, Spine Unit Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland; Maloley, R., PrivIT Inc. and PrivIT Healthcare Inc., London, ON, Canada; Matheson, G., Stanford University Department of Athletics, United States; Meeuwisse, W., Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Meijboom, E., University Hospital Center of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland; Mountjoy, M., University of Guelph, McMaster University Medical School, Canada; Pelliccia, A., Institute of Sports Medicine and Science of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Rome, Italy; Schwellnus, M., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sprumont, D., Faculty of Law, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Schamasch, P., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Gauthier, J.-B., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Dubi, C., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Stupp, H., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Thill, C., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925492982 | The International Multidisciplinary Consensus Conference on Multimodality Monitoring in Neurocritical Care: Evidentiary Tables: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals from the Neurocritical Care Society and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicin | Le Roux P., Menon D.K., Citerio G., Vespa P., Bader M.K., Brophy G., Diringer M.N., Stocchetti N., Videtta W., Armonda R., Badjatia N., Bösel J., Chesnut R., Chou S., Claassen J., Czosnyka M., De Georgia M., Figaji A., Fugate J., Helbok R., Horowitz D., H | 2014 | Neurocritical Care | 21 | 2 | 10.1007/s12028-014-0081-x | Brain and Spine Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, Lankenau Medical Center, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; NeuroIntensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; Neuro/Critical Care CNS, Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 410 N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Neurocritical Care Section, Washington University, Department of Neurology, Campus Box 8111, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Neuro ICU, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza, 35, Milan, Italy; ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, Ruprect-Karls University, Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center Room 300, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; University of Cape Town, 617 Institute for Child Health, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Unit, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Box 167 Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Nursing Research, The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg, SOM 710, N Lake Shore Drive, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Critical Care Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Department of Intensive Care, Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, 808, Brussels, Belgium | Le Roux, P., Brain and Spine Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, Lankenau Medical Center, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Menon, D.K., Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Citerio, G., NeuroIntensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; Vespa, P., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Bader, M.K., Neuro/Critical Care CNS, Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Brophy, G., Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 410 N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Diringer, M.N., Neurocritical Care Section, Washington University, Department of Neurology, Campus Box 8111, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Stocchetti, N., Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Neuro ICU, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza, 35, Milan, Italy; Videtta, W., ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Armonda, R., Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, United States; Badjatia, N., Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Bösel, J., Department of Neurology, Ruprect-Karls University, Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Chesnut, R., Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Chou, S., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Claassen, J., Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center Room 300, New York, NY, United States; Czosnyka, M., Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; De Georgia, M., University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; Figaji, A., University of Cape Town, 617 Institute for Child Health, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Fugate, J., Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States; Helbok, R., Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Unit, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; Horowitz, D., University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Hutchinson, P., Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Box 167 Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Kumar, M., Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; McNett, M., Nursing Research, The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Miller, C., Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Naidech, A., Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg, SOM 710, N Lake Shore Drive, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Oddo, M., Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Olson, D.W., University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, United States; O’Phelan, K., Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Javier Provencio, J., Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Puppo, C., Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Riker, R., Critical Care Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, United States; Roberson, C., Department of Neurosurgery, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Schmidt, M., Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Taccone, F., Department of Intensive Care, Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, 808, Brussels, Belgium | A variety of technologies have been developed to assist decision-making during the management of patients with acute brain injury who require intensive care. A large body of research has been generated describing these various technologies. The Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) in collaboration with the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and the Latin America Brain Injury Consortium (LABIC) organized an international, multidisciplinary consensus conference to perform a systematic review of the published literature to help develop evidence-based practice recommendations on bedside physiologic monitoring. This supplement contains a Consensus Summary Statement with recommendations and individual topic reviews on physiologic processes important in the care of acute brain injury. In this article we provide the evidentiary tables for select topics including systemic hemodynamics, intracranial pressure, brain and systemic oxygenation, EEG, brain metabolism, biomarkers, processes of care and monitoring in emerging economies to provide the clinician ready access to evidence that supports recommendations about neuromonitoring. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Bio-informatics; Biomarkers; Brain metabolism; Brain oxygen; Brain physiology; Clinical guidelines; Clinical trials; Consensus development conference; Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE); Intracranial pressure; Microdi | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925536464 | The International Multidisciplinary Consensus Conference on Multimodality Monitoring in Neurocritical Care: A List of Recommendations and Additional Conclusions: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Neurocritical Care Society and the European | Le Roux P., Menon D.K., Citerio G., Vespa P., Bader M.K., Brophy G., Diringer M.N., Stocchetti N., Videtta W., Armonda R., Badjatia N., Bösel J., Chesnut R., Chou S., Claassen J., Czosnyka M., De Georgia M., Figaji A., Fugate J., Helbok R., Horowitz D., H | 2014 | Neurocritical Care | 21 | 2 | 10.1007/s12028-014-0077-6 | Brain and Spine Center, Lankenau Medical Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Division of Anaesthesia, Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; Neuro/Critical Care CNS Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Departments of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus 410 N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Section, Washington University, Campus Box 8111 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale, Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza 35, Milan, Italy; ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar - Pcia, De Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology Ruprect-Karls, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center Room 300, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, 617 Institute for Child Health Red Cross Children’s Hospital Rondebosch, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Unit Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neurology Northwestern, University Feinberg SOM, 710 N Lake Shore Drive, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, BH 08-623, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, Neurotherapeutics and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Critical Care Medicine Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, Brussels, Belgium | Le Roux, P., Brain and Spine Center, Lankenau Medical Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Menon, D.K., Division of Anaesthesia, Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Citerio, G., Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; Vespa, P., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Bader, M.K., Neuro/Critical Care CNS Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Brophy, G., Departments of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus 410 N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Diringer, M.N., Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Section, Washington University, Campus Box 8111 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Stocchetti, N., Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale, Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza 35, Milan, Italy; Videtta, W., ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar - Pcia, De Buenos Aires, Argentina; Armonda, R., Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC, United States; Badjatia, N., Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Bösel, J., Department of Neurology Ruprect-Karls, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Chesnut, R., Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Chou, S., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Claassen, J., Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center Room 300, New York, NY, United States; Czosnyka, M., Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; De Georgia, M., Department of Neurology, University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; Figaji, A., Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, 617 Institute for Child Health Red Cross Children’s Hospital Rondebosch, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Fugate, J., Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States; Helbok, R., Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Unit Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; Horowitz, D., University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Hutchinson, P., Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Kumar, M., Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; McNett, M., The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Miller, C., Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Naidech, A., Department of Neurology Northwestern, University Feinberg SOM, 710 N Lake Shore Drive, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Oddo, M., Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, BH 08-623, Lausanne, Switzerland; Olson, D.W., Department of Neurology, Neurotherapeutics and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, United States; O’Phelan, K., Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Provencio, J.J., Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Puppo, C., Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Riker, R., Critical Care Medicine Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, United States; Roberson, C., Department of Neurosurgery, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Schmidt, M., Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Taccone, F., Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, Brussels, Belgium | Careful patient monitoring using a variety of techniques including clinical and laboratory evaluation, bedside physiological monitoring with continuous or non-continuous techniques and imaging is fundamental to the care of patients who require neurocritical care. How best to perform and use bedside monitoring is still being elucidated. To create a basic platform for care and a foundation for further research the Neurocritical Care Society in collaboration with the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, the Society for Critical Care Medicine and the Latin America Brain Injury Consortium organized an international, multidisciplinary consensus conference to develop recommendations about physiologic bedside monitoring. This supplement contains a Consensus Summary Statement with recommendations and individual topic reviews as a background to the recommendations. In this article, we highlight the recommendations and provide additional conclusions as an aid to the reader and to facilitate bedside care. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Bio-informatics; Biomarkers; Brain metabolism; Brain oxygen; Brain physiology; Clinical guidelines; Clinical trials; Consensus development conference; Grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation (GRADE); Intracranial pressure; Microdi | blood gas analysis; brain circulation; Brain Injuries; clinical protocol; consensus; electroencephalography; hospital information system; human; intensive care; international cooperation; intracranial pressure; medical society; neurophysiological monitoring; pathophysiology; patient selection; physiology; Blood Gas Analysis; Brain Injuries; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Clinical Protocols; Consensus; Electroencephalography; Humans; Intensive Care; Internationality; Intracranial Pressure; Neurophysiological Monitoring; Patient Selection; Point-of-Care Systems; Societies, Medical | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857807799 | The international impact of education research done and published in South Africa | Wolhuter C. | 2011 | South African Journal of Education | 31 | 4 | None | Department of Comparative Education, North-West University, South Africa | Wolhuter, C., Department of Comparative Education, North-West University, South Africa | The aim of this article was to determine the international impact of Education research in South Africa, through a citation analysis of articles published in the South African Journal of Education from 2000 to 2010 The citation impact (nationally as well as internationally) was found to be low. The international impact has been particularly poor, both quantitatively (in terms of the number of citations) and qualitatively (in terms of the standing of the publications in which this research does get cited, seen in the context of the hierarchy of scholarly publications). The article shows that certain topics of research in South Africa fail to break through to the international arena at all, such as research on the current restructuring of education in South Africa. Research that was cited most often in international journals dealt with research methodology, creativity and entrepreneurship education, beliefs and perception studies, and language-in-education in South Africa. In conclusion, a number of recommendations are made for raising the international profile of Education research that is done in South Africa and for further research in pursuance of that objective. © 2011 EASA. | Education research; Impact; Internationalisation; South African journal of education | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549122916 | The internal contradictions of global civil society - What impact on global democracy? | Fioramonti L. | 2007 | Development Dialogue | None | 49 | None | CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Johannesburg, South Africa | Fioramonti, L., CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | civil society; democracy; globalization; social movement | None |
WoS | WOS:000264890300033 | The intergenerational impact of the African orphans crisis: a cohort study from an HIV/AIDS affected area | Beegle, Kathleen,Dercon, Stefan,De Weerdt, Joachim | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY | 38 | 2 | 10.1093/ije/dyn197 | University of Oxford, EDI | "Dercon, Stefan: University of Oxford", | Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of orphanhood among children has been greatly exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. If orphanhood harms a childs development and these effects perpetuate into adult life, then the African orphan crisis could seriously jeopardize the continents future generations. Whether or not there exists an adverse, causal and intergenerational effect of HIV/AIDS on development is of crucial importance for setting medical priorities. This study is the first to empirically investigate the impact of orphanhood on health and schooling using long-term longitudinal data following children into adulthood.
Methods We examined a cohort of 718 children interviewed in the early 1990s and again in 2004. Detailed survey questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were administered at baseline and during a follow-up survey. Final attained height and education (at adulthood) between children who lost a parent before the age of 15 and those who did not were compared.
Results On average, children who lose their mother before the age of 15 suffer a deficit of around 2 cm in final attained height (mean 1.96; 95 CI 0.063.77) and 1 year of final attained schooling (mean 1.01; 95 CI 0.391.81). This effect is permanent and the hypothesis that it is causal cannot be rejected by our study. Although fathers death is a predictor of lower height and schooling as well, we reject the hypothesis of a causal link.
Conclusions The African orphan crisis, exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic will have important negative intergenerational effects. | Africa,"COHORT STUDIES","HUMAN CAPITAL",MORTALITY,ORPHANS,AIDS,GROWTH,"HIV-1 INFECTION","KAGERA REGION",POVERTY,PREVALENCE,TANZANIA | None | None |
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-s2.0-22844444824 | The interaction of aging and 10 years of racing on ultraendurance running performance | Rae D.E., Bosch A.N., Collins M., Lambert M.I. | 2005 | Journal of Aging and Physical Activity | 13 | 2 | None | Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725, South Africa | Rae, D.E., Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725, South Africa; Bosch, A.N., Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725, South Africa; Collins, M., Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725, South Africa | The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between aging and 10 years of racing in endurance runners. Race-time data from 194 runners who had completed 10 consecutive 56-km ultramarathons were obtained. The runners were either 20.5 ± 0.7, 30.0 ± 1.0, 39.9 ± 0.9, or 49.4 ± 1.0 years old at their first race. Each runner's race speed was determined for each race over the 10 years. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and independent t tests and showed that performance improved and declined at greater rates for younger runners; younger runners had a greater capacity for improvement than older runners; ≈4 years were required to reach peak racing speed, regardless of age; it was not possible to compete at peak speed for more than a few years; and the combined effects of 10 years of aging and racing neither improve nor worsen net performance. In conclusion, these data suggest that although these runners showed similar patterns of change in race speed over a 10-year period, the extent of change in performance was greater in younger than in older runners. © 2005, Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. | Age groups; Longitudinal; Speed; Ultramarathon | age distribution; aged; aging; analysis of variance; article; controlled study; data analysis; endurance; female; human; male; physical performance; running; statistical analysis; adult; age; middle aged; physiology; running; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Endurance; Running | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901617750 | The interaction between stress and exercise, and its impact on brain function | Russell V.A., Zigmond M.J., Dimatelis J.J., Daniels W.M.U., Mabandla M.V. | 2014 | Metabolic Brain Disease | 29 | 2 | 10.1007/s11011-013-9479-y | Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States; Division of Human Physiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | Russell, V.A., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Zigmond, M.J., Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States; Dimatelis, J.J., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Daniels, W.M.U., Division of Human Physiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Mabandla, M.V., Division of Human Physiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | In response to acute adversity, emotional signals shift the body into a state that permits rapid detection, identification, and appropriate response to a potential threat. The stress response involves the release of a variety of substances, including neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, hormones, and cytokines, that enable the body to deal with the challenges of daily life. The subsequent activation of various physiological systems can be both protective and damaging to the individual, depending on timing, intensity, and duration of the stressor. Successful recovery from stressful challenges during early life leads to strengthening of synaptic connections in health-promoting neural networks and reduced vulnerability to subsequent stressors that can be protective in later life. In contrast, chronic intense uncontrollable stress can be pathogenic and lead to disorders such as depression, anxiety, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and an increased toxic response to additional stressors such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. This review briefly explores the interaction between stress experienced at different stages of development and exercise later in life. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media. | Maternal separation; Stress exercise; Voluntary running | brain derived neurotrophic factor; brain derived neurotrophic factor receptor; calcium binding protein; glucocorticoid receptor; glutamate receptor; glycogen synthase kinase; mammalian target of rapamycin; mitogen activated protein kinase; mitogen activated protein kinase 1; mitogen activated protein kinase 3; neuroligin 1; phosphoprotein phosphatase 1; polydeoxyribonucleotide synthase; postsynaptic density protein 95; somatomedin C; synapsin I; synaptophysin; vasculotropin; article; basolateral amygdala; brain blood flow; brain function; caloric intake; cardiovascular parameters; cell proliferation; cognition; corticosterone release; dentate gyrus; dopaminergic nerve cell; early life stress; exercise; food deprivation; forced swim test; hemisphere; hippocampus; human; maternal deprivation; memory; motor performance; negative feedback; nerve cell plasticity; nervous system development; nonhuman; nucleus accumbens; prefrontal cortex; pregnancy; protein expression; running; signal transduction; spatial learning; spatial memory; stress; upregulation; animal; brain; exercise; mental stress; metabolism; nerve cell network; physiology; psychology; Animals; Brain; Exercise; Humans; Nerve Net; Stress, Psychological | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962549351 | The inluence of evaluation protocol on time spent exercising at a high level of oxygen uptake during continuous cycling | Merry K.L., Glaister M., Howatson G., Van Someren K. | 2015 | Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness | 55 | 10 | None | School of Science, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, United Kingdom; School of Sport, Health and Applied Science St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon -Tyne, United Kingdom; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; GlaxoSmithKline Human Performance Laboratory, Brentford, United Kingdom | Merry, K.L., School of Science, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, United Kingdom; Glaister, M., School of Sport, Health and Applied Science St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom; Howatson, G., Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon -Tyne, United Kingdom, Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Someren, K., GlaxoSmithKline Human Performance Laboratory, Brentford, United Kingdom | Aim. This study evaluated the effects of protocol variation on the time spent exercising at ≥95% . VO2max during cycle ergometer trials performed at the exercise intensity associated with . VO2max (i . VO2max). Methods. Nine male triathletes (age: 32±10 years; body mass: 73.3±6.1 kg; stature: 1.79±0.07 m; . VO2max: 3.58±0.45 L.min-1) performed four exercise tests. During tests 1 and 2, participants performed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test using different stage durations (1 min and 3 min) for the determination of i . VO2max (1 min) and i . VO2max (3 min). During tests 3 and 4, participants performed a continuous bout of exhaustive cycling at i . VO2max (1 min) (CONT1) and i . VO2max (3 min) (CONT3). Results. i . VO2max (1 min) was signiicantly greater (P<0.001) than i . VO2max (3 min) (340±31 W vs. 299±44 W). Time to exhaustion (TTE) measured during CONT3 was signiicantly longer (P<0.001) than CONT1 (529±140 s vs. 214±65 s). Time spent at . VO2max was signiicantly longer (P=0.036) during CONT3 than CONT1 . (146±158 s vs. 11±20 s), and time spent at ≥95% VO2max was signiicantly longer (P=0.005) during CONT3 than CONT1 (326±211 s vs. 57±51 s). Conclusion. These results show that when exercising continuously at i VO2max, time spent at ≥95% . VO2max is inluenced by the initial measurement of i . VO2max. | Exercise; Exercise Test; Oxygen | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951120950 | The influence of workload levels on performance in a rural hospital | Asamani J.A., Amertil N.P., Chebere M. | 2015 | British Journal of Health Care Management | 21 | 12 | 10.12968/bjhc.2015.21.12.577 | Human Resource Planning and Monitoring, Human Resources Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Valley View University, Oyibi, Accra, Ghana | Asamani, J.A., Human Resource Planning and Monitoring, Human Resources Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; Amertil, N.P., Department of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Valley View University, Oyibi, Accra, Ghana; Chebere, M., Human Resource Planning and Monitoring, Human Resources Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana | The importance of workload on staff performance has been widely acknowledged, but opinions are divided as to what level of workload is desirable for optimum staff performance. Previously, researchers have attempted to demonstrate the impact of workload on the individual staff, organisation and the consumer. However, gaps and uncertainties in the literature also confirm the need for further investigation of the perceived workload levels of staff, the factors influencing workload levels and the contextual relationship between workload and staff performance. A quantitative descriptive survey was undertaken to elicit the perceived workload levels of health workers in the Donkorkrom Presbyterian Hospital, Ghana, and how it is perceived to impact on staff performance. One hundred clinical and non-clinical staff were selected for the study. The study found that workload level of health workers was perceived as moderate (2.91 ± 0.541 on a five-point Likert scale). However, nurses/midwives were perceived to have the highest workload, followed by paramedics, support staff and doctors. Work interruptions, procedures and processes involved in treating patients, as well as facing work-related uncertainties, were identified as determinants of perceived workload among health workers. Results show that 75% of health workers perceived moderate workload assignment would increase their performance. It is recommended that health institutions review and improve organisational procedures and processes to ensure smooth workflow and eliminate or minimise work interruptions that unnecessarily compound workload and undermines performance. © MA Healthcare Limited 2014. | Employee performance; Health workers; Rural hospital; Workload | Ghana; hospital; human; human experiment; Likert scale; midwife; nurse; Presbyterian; quantitative study; staff; uncertainty; workflow; workload | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749110190 | The influence of temperament style on a student's choice of and performance in a computer programming course | Blignaut P., Naude A. | 2008 | Computers in Human Behavior | 24 | 3 | 10.1016/j.chb.2007.03.005 | Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa | Blignaut, P., Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa; Naude, A., Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa | This study is an attempt to determine whether it is necessary to include temperament style when compiling an instrument to predict a student's chances of success in a computer programming course. Temperament style is seen as the combination of qualities which constitute the natural disposition of an individual and which affect actions, thinking and emotions. The DISC model, as adapted by Boyd [Boyd, C. F. (1994). Different children, different needs: the art of adjustable parenting. Oregon: Questar Publishers Inc.], views people as behaving along two orthogonal dimensions: the speed at which a person moves through life, and his/her general focus when doing things, i.e. on people or on tasks. This study proved that both of these dimensions have an influence on the performance of students in a computer programming course while one of them also has an influence on a student's choice to pursue a programming course. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Human factors; Psychology; Training | Curricula; Mathematical models; Personnel training; Psychology computing; Students; Human factors; Natural disposition; Temperament style; Computer programming | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899145208 | The influence of technology strategies and their link to company performance | Pelser T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p238 | North-West University, South Africa | Pelser, T., North-West University, South Africa | The cutting edge of technology management goes beyond basic research and development (R&D) expenditures. Increasingly, corporate strategists are making a more precise distinction between technology and technology management. The main purpose of this study was to investigate technology strategies in widespread use in technology intensive industries and to explore their relationship to company performance. A non-probability, judgment sample of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) were taken. The study makes a contribution to the field of strategic management research by integrating the dimensions of several previous studies, to derive a more comprehensive taxonomy of technology strategy archetypes. Two distinct technology factors obtained with the analysis were proved to positively influence the company performance dimensions and were classified as Product Development Intensity and Technology Focus factors. The results show that strategy choices can significantly affect company performance. It thereby indicates which of the underlying dimensions have the strongest relationship with company performance. From an industry perspective, the greatest significance of these findings may be that they accentuate the importance of technology policy in strategic management. The substantial differences in performance associated with the dimensions do not necessarily indicate that a given company should choose a particular technology strategy, but rather indicates that technology policy decisions may have a substantial leverage on a company's performance and should be analysed and exercised with care and deliberation. | Company performance; Product development intensity; Strategy dimensions; Technology focus; Technology strategy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866547411 | The influence of teacher participation in decision-making on student performance | Wadesango N. | 2012 | Anthropologist | 14 | 5 | None | Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa | Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the influence of teacher participation in crucial school- based decisions on student performance in Zimbabwean secondary schools. The study adopted an interpretive qualitative research approach utilising a case study research design. A purposive convenient sample of 5 school heads and 20 secondary school teachers formed the study. Together with observations of meetings during school visits, interviews were also conducted with the participants. The study established that the involvement of secondary school teachers in critical school- based decisions has a significant influence on student performance. This finding implies that if teachers are involved in strategic school decisions, this would be vita l to improve not only student performance but also organisational performance. The study therefore concludes that a positive correlation does exist between teacher involvement in decision making and student performance. © Kamla-Raj 2012. | Collegiality; Decentralisation; High schools; School; School heads | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897381711 | The influence of students' perceptions on mathematics performance. A case of a selected high school in South Africa | Mutodi P., Ngirande H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p431 | Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa | Mutodi, P., Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa; Ngirande, H., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa | This study investigates the influence of students' perceptions on mathematics performance at a selected South African secondary school. The influence of factors such as strength and weaknesses in mathematics, teacher support/learning material, family background and support, interest in mathematics, difficulties or challenges in doing mathematics, selfconfidence and myths and beliefs about mathematics were identified as constructs of perceptions that influence students' performance. Five of the seven constructs were found to be influential on students' performance in mathematics. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the data collected from a questionnaire which was administered to randomly selected secondary school students (n=124) in Polokwane, South Africa. From the regression analysis of the data, the following hierarchy of themes emerged as components of students' perceptions of mathematics. These were (i) weaknesses in mathematics (ii) family background and support, (iii) interests in mathematics, (iv) self-confidence in mathematics, (v) myths and beliefs about mathematics (vi) teacher /learning material support, (vii) difficulties in learning mathematics. Results from ttests, Anova and suggest that there were significant differences in the perceptions and beliefs about mathematics between males and females, between mature and juvenile students and among students from different language backgrounds respectively. Correlation analysis results showed strong positive relationships between performance and perception constructs such as self-confidence, interests in mathematics, teacher and learning support material as well as myths and beliefs.The respondents tend to view lack of proficiency in mathematics as a challenge, and attribute success in mathematics to effort and perseverance. Students also perceive difficulty in mathematics as an obstacle, and attribute failure to their own lack of inherited mathematical ability. These findings suggest that differences in (i) myths and beliefs about mathematics success, ((ii) motivation given by mathematics teachers and parents, (iii) mathematics teachers' teaching styles and learning materials and (iv) self confidence in mathematics may lead to differences in perceptions about mathematics. These in turn may lead to differences in attitudes towards mathematics and learning mathematics which have a bearing on performance. | Attitudes; Beliefs; Mathematics achievement; Perceptions; Secondary school students | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881543915 | The influence of solvent properties on the performance of polysulfone/β-cyclodextrin polyurethane mixed-matrix membranes | Adams F.V., Nxumalo E.N., Krause R.W.M., Hoek E.M.V., Mamba B.B. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Polymer Science | 130 | 3 | 10.1002/app.39378 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, United States | Adams, F.V., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Nxumalo, E.N., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Krause, R.W.M., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Hoek, E.M.V., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, United States; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | This study investigates the effect of solvent properties on the structural morphology and permeation properties of polysulfone/β-cyclodextrin polyurethane (PSf/β-CDPU) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). The membranes were prepared by a modified phase-inversion route using four different casting solvents [dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethyl acetamide (DMA), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)]. While DMSO-based membranes demonstrated particularly high permeability (ca 147 L/m2h.bar), their crystallinity was low compared to MMMs prepared using DMA, DMF and NMP due to the formation of thin active layers on their surfaces. Cross-sectional morphology revealed that the MMMs have a dense top skin with finger-like inner pore structures. Membranes prepared using NMP displayed the highest hydrophilicity, porosity, and crystallinity due to the low volatility of NMP; DMF membranes exhibited superior mechanical and thermal stability due to its (DMF) high hydrogen bonding (δH) values. Thus, the morphological parameters, bulk porosity, and flux performance of MMMs have a significant inter-relationship with the solubility properties of each solvent (i.e., δH, density, volatility, solubility parameter). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | blends; membranes; morphology; polyurethanes; properties and characterization | Cross-sectional morphology; Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); Mixed-matrix membranes; Morphological parameters; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; Permeation properties; Solubility parameters; Structural morphology; Blending; Cyclodextrins; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Hydrogen bonds; Morphology; Organic solvents; Polyurethanes; Porosity; Solubility; Solvents; Membranes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054900405 | The influence of separation distance on the performance of perforated plates as a blast wave shielding technique | Langdon G.S., Nurick G.N., du Plessis N.J. | 2011 | Engineering Structures | 33 | 12 | 10.1016/j.engstruct.2011.07.017 | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; du Plessis, N.J., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article presents the results of an experimental investigation into the performance of perforated plates as a blast wave mitigation method in tunnel-like structures. Combinations of three different blockage ratios and three different separation distances (defined as the distance between the perforated plates and target plates) were used during the blast experiments to ascertain the influence of the two variables, while the charge to target plate stand-off distance was kept constant. The results were compared to those obtained during similar test work at a lower separation distance of 25 mm, and also to baseline experiments with no perforated plate at a similar stand-off distance. Results of the blast tests showed that the perforated plates with higher blockage ratios reduced the damage imparted to the target plate. This effect was more significant at the lower separation distances. Increasing the separation distance also reduced the damage for a given blockage ratio and impulse. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Blast loading; Mitigation; Perforated plates; Plastic deformation | Blast loading; Blast waves; Blockage ratio; Experimental investigations; Mitigation; Mitigation methods; Separation distances; Stand-off; Target plates; Experiments; Perforated plates; blasting; experimental study; loading; plastic deformation; structural component | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349648781 | The influence of second language teaching on undergraduate mathematics performance | Gerber A., Harding A.F., Engelbrecht J., Rogan J. | 2005 | Mathematics Education Research Journal | 17 | 3 | 10.1007/BF03217419 | Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Gerber, A., Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Harding, A.F., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, J., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Rogan, J., Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Understanding abstract concepts and ideas in mathematics, if instruction takes place in the first language of the student, is difficult. Yet worldwide students often have to master mathematics via a second or third language. The majority of students in South Africa - a country with eleven official languages - has to face this difficulty. In a quantitative study of first year calculus students, we investigated two groups of students. For one group tuition took place in their home language; for the second group, tuition was in English, a second or even a third language. Performance data on their secondary mathematics and first year tertiary calculus were analysed. The study showed that there was no significant difference between the adjusted means of the entire group of first language learners and the entire group of second language learners. Neither was there any statistically significant difference between the performances of the two groups of second language learners (based on the adjusted means). Yet, there did seem to be a significant difference between the achievement of Afrikaans students attending Afrikaans lectures and Afrikaans students attending English lectures. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870443594 | The influence of recovery duration after heavy resistance exercise on sprint cycling performance | Thatcher R., Gifford R., Howatson G. | 2012 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | 26 | 11 | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318245beea | Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, United Kingdom; Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, Center for Aquatic Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Thatcher, R., Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, United Kingdom; Gifford, R., Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, United Kingdom; Howatson, G., Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Department of Zoology, Center for Aquatic Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | The influence of recovery duration after heavy resistance exercise on sprint cycling performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3089- 3094, 2012-The aim of this study was to determine the optimal recovery duration after prior heavy resistance exercise (PHRE) when performing sprint cycling. On 5 occasions, separated by a minimum of 48 hours, 10 healthy male subjects (mean 6 SD), age 25.5 6 7.7 years, body mass 82.1 6 9.0 kg, stature 182.6 6 87 cm, deadlift 1-repetition maximum (1RM) 142 6 19 kg performed a 30-second sprint cycling test. Each trial had either a 5-, 10-, 20-, or 30-minute recovery after a heavy resistance activity (5 deadlift repetitions at 85% 1RM) or a control trial with no PHRE in random order. Sprint cycling performance was assessed by peak power (PP), fatigue index, and mean power output over the first 5 seconds (MPO5), 10 seconds (MPO10), and 30 seconds (MPO30). One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures followed by paired t-Tests with a Bonferroni adjustment was used to analyze data. Peak power, MPO5, and MPO10 were all significantly different during the 10-minute recovery trial to that of the control condition with values of 109, 112, and 109% of control, respectively; no difference was found for the MPO30 between trials. This study supports the use of PHRE as a strategy to improve short duration, up to, or around 10-second, sprint activity but not longer duration sprints, and a 10-minute recovery appears to be optimal to maximize performance. © 2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association. | Deadlift; Individual response; Postactivation potentiation; Warm-up | adolescent; adult; analysis of variance; article; athletic performance; bicycle; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; ergometry; exercise test; human; male; physiology; randomized controlled trial; resistance training; rest; time; Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Ergometry; Exercise Test; Humans; Male; Resistance Training; Rest; Time Factors; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863750707 | The influence of Process Approach on English as second language Students' performances in essay writing | Akinwamide T.K. | 2012 | English Language Teaching | 5 | 3 | 10.5539/elt.v5n3p16 | Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Akinwamide, T.K., Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | This study examined the influence of Process Approach on English as second language Students' performances in essay writing. The purpose was to determine how far this current global approach could be of assistance to the writing skill development of these bilingual speakers of English language. The study employed the pre-test post-test control quasi-experimental research design. The sample consisted of 80 senior secondary school final year students. The research material included the senior secondary school English Language recommended textbook, National Examination Council (NECO) and West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) English Language Syllabi, Federal Ministry of Education English Language Curriculum, English-Language Teachers' Lesson Notes and Students Essay Writing Exercise books. The West African Examinations Council's (WAEC) English Language Essay Question as an adapted instrument was used to gather data. The data generated were subjected to statistical analysis and the results of the analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the pre-test scores of both the Control and the Experimental group which indicated the homogenous state of both Control and Experimental groups. There was significant difference in the post-test scores of the Experimental and the Control groups. There was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the students in Control group. As evident from the out-come of the research, the Process Approach (which presents writing in multiple drafts before the final writing) had significant effect on students' overall performance in essay writing. | English as a Second Language; Essay writing; Process approach; Product approach; Students' performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955993153 | The influence of mode of test administration on test performance | Bhoola-Patel A., Laher S. | 2011 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 21 | 1 | None | Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Bhoola-Patel, A., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa; Laher, S., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | This study examined the influence of mode of test administration (paper based or computer-based) on anxiety leveis and test performance. Participants were 44 learners (males = 22, females = 22) from three schools in Johannesburg, South Africa who completed both a computer and paper version of the Differential Aptitude Test - Form K Non-Verbal Reasoning test, the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale and Sarason's Test Anxiety Scale. Test anxiety was significantly related to both computer and paper based testing. Copyright © 2011 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Computer anxiety; Computer attitudes; Computerised testing; Paper-and-pencil testing; Test anxiety | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919463088 | The influence of livelihood dependency, local ecological knowledge and market proximity on the ecological impacts of harvesting non-timber forest products | Steele M.Z., Shackleton C.M., Uma Shaanker R., Ganeshaiah K.N., Radloff S. | 2015 | Forest Policy and Economics | 50 | None | 10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011 | Dept. of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, India; Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India; Dept. of Statistics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Steele, M.Z., Dept. of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Shackleton, C.M., Dept. of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Uma Shaanker, R., Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, India, Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India; Ganeshaiah, K.N., Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, India, Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India; Radloff, S., Dept. of Statistics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Communal; Direct-use value; Governance; Management; Open access; South Africa | Commerce; Developing countries; Forestry; Harvesting; Management; Surveys; Sustainable development; Timber; Communal; Direct-use value; Governance; Open Access; South Africa; Ecology; Forest Management; Forests; Incomes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049468494 | The influence of leadership style on the performance of subordinates in Nigerian libraries | Fatokun J.O., Salaam M.O., Ajegbomogun F.O. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | SEPTEMBER | None | Osunkeye Food and Nutrition Collection, Nimbe Adedipe Library, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Deputy University Librarian, Nimbe Adedipe Library, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Readers' Services Librarian, Nimbe Adedipe Libra | Fatokun, J.O., Osunkeye Food and Nutrition Collection, Nimbe Adedipe Library, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Salaam, M.O., Deputy University Librarian, Nimbe Adedipe Library, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ajegbomogun, F.O., Readers' Services Librarian, Nimbe Adedipe Library, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938231963 | The influence of innovation on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Zimbabwe | Makanyeza C., Dzvuke G. | 2015 | Journal of African Business | 16 | 42371 | 10.1080/15228916.2015.1061406 | Department of Marketing, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative DevelopmentHarare, Zimbabwe | Makanyeza, C., Department of Marketing, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Dzvuke, G., Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative DevelopmentHarare, Zimbabwe | Abstract: Based on a survey of 200 SMEs, this research investigated innovation’s influence on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study found that SMEs were somewhat innovative. The performance of SMEs was found to somewhat increase over the period SMEs were innovating. Innovation was found to positively predict the performance of SMEs. Organizational innovation and product innovation positively predicted the performance of SMEs while marketing innovation and process innovation did not. The influence of innovation on enterprise performance varied from industry to industry. The research has implications for managers and future researchers. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | Firm innovation; firm performance; innovation; small and medium enterprises; Zimbabwe | firm size; industrial performance; industrial production; innovation; small and medium-sized enterprise; technological development; Harare [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936774132 | The influence of entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities on internationalisation and firm performance | Urban B., Sefalafala M.R. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 2 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n2a9 | Wits Business School, South Africa | Urban, B., Wits Business School, South Africa; Sefalafala, M.R., Wits Business School, South Africa | International entrepreneurship represents the process of discovering and creatively exploiting opportunities that exist outside a firm’s national borders in order to obtain a competitive advantage. Firms in emerging economies are increasingly looking towards internationalisation since they are faced with rising competition in their domestic markets and attracted to opportunities in foreign markets. This article investigates international entrepreneurship by examining how the influence of entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities at the firm level influence performance, while at the same time considering environmental influences on this relationship. Based on past theoretical and empirical findings, hypotheses are formulated and then tested using correlational and regression analysis. Generally, the results support the hypotheses where both entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities are positively related to internationalisation and firm performance, while weak evidence is found for environmental hostility as a moderating influence. Several recommendations are made in light of the findings, where it is suggested that firms foster higher levels of innovativeness, risk-taking and proactiveness while developing human, social and technology related capabilities in order to enhance their performance and increase their levels of internationalisation. © 2015, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved.. | Capabilities; Entrepreneurial intensity; Exporting; Firm performance; International entrepreneurship; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866560208 | The influence of differences in social and cultural capital on students' expectations of achievement, on their performance, and on their learning practices in the first year at university | Dukhan S., Cameron A., Brenner E.A. | 2012 | International Journal of Learning | 18 | 7 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa | Dukhan, S., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Cameron, A., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Brenner, E.A., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa | Even in post-Apartheid South Africa a legacy of inequality persists, since members of the wealthier sector, who generally have parents with a University education, are able to attend well resourced schools, while the majority of the population is forced (through economic circumstances) to attend under-resourced schools. Since access to tertiary education has increased, many individuals, who have attended under-resourced schools, are now able to attend University as "first generation" students whose parents have had no University experience. First and second generation students thus enter University having different expectations, learning practices and experiences which have been influenced, to a large extent, by their high school experiences. In addition, first generation students lack social and cultural capital which also influences their learning practices. This study compares the learning practices and academic performance of first and second generation students in a first year Biology course at Wits University. The influence of social and cultural capital on student academic performance is investigated. Students' expectations and experiences of their academic performance become more realistic as they go through first year but they experience great difficulty in trying to adjust their study methods to meet the expectations of the academic environment. As much as first generation students who have sibling experience of University have access to social capital, and therefore more realistic views on the academic requirements at University, they still do not perform any better than first generation students who have no sibling experience of University. In order for educational redress within South African democracy to be effective, it is important to understand the supportive measures that students may require in order to succeed at University. Furthermore, first generation students who have siblings that attended University have access to social capital, unlike those without this experience. This study examines the importance of social capital and cultural capital in the context of a Biology course at Wits University. © Common Ground, Shalini Dukhan, Ann Cameron, Elisabeth A. Brenner. . | Academic performance; First and second generation student; First-year university; Student expectation at university; Student university experience | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748526514 | The influence of catalyst layer morphology on the electrochemical performance of DMFC anode | Wang Z., Liu Y., Linkov V.M. | 2006 | Journal of Power Sources | 160 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.01.056 | South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, Z., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Liu, Y., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, V.M., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | The anodes with different morphology for DMFC were prepared, and the influences of the microstructure of anode catalyst layer on their electrochemical performance were investigated by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and electrochemical methods, respectively. The surface morphology of catalyst layer was observed by SEM, and the elements dispersion status and its distribution of activity intensity on electrode catalyst layer were mapped by PIXE and SECM, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anode polarization experiment were employed to analyze the electrochemical properties of anode. The results reveal that the anode with a relative smooth surface of catalyst layer and less cracks shows good interfacial properties and the lower resistance on the electrode reaction of methanol, and its maximum power of MEA as a single cell was about 178 mW cm-2 at 70 °C. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalyst; DMFC; EIS; SECM | Anodes; Electrochemistry; Fuel cells; Scanning electron microscopy; Spectroscopy; X ray analysis; DMFC; Electrode reaction; Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM); Catalysts | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745936605 | The influence of biological maturation on physical and motor performance talent identification determinants of U-14 provincial girl tennis players | Van Den Berg L., Coetzee B., Pienaar A.E. | 2006 | Journal of Human Movement Studies | 50 | 4 | None | School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Van Den Berg, L., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Coetzee, B., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Pienaar, A.E., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The aim of this study was to determine the effect of biological maturation on the motor performance and physical talent identification determinants of u-14 provincial, girl tennis players. Twenty five (25) of the top sixteen (16) provincial female players (X̄ = 13.21± 0.72 years) from the Northern Gauteng and the North-West Provinces (South Africa) respectively, participated in the study. A comprehensive battery of 21 physical and motor performance tests was conducted on each subject. Subjects were asked to complete a biological maturation identification questionnaire (BMIQ) on their stage of secondary sexual characteristics development as well as on their age of menarche (Van den Berg et al, 2002). The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The girls could be grouped into early (n = 4), average (n = 11) and late maturing girls (n = 10) according to the feedback from the BMIQ. No statistically significant differences were found in the physical and motor performance talent identification determinants of the different biological maturation groups. However, later maturing girls seemed to have an advantage at a young age in tennis, due to the result that this group attained the highest speed, speed endurance, muscle endurance, agility and cardiovascular endurance values. ©2006 Teviot Scientific Publications. | Growth development; Maturity; Motor performance; Physical components; Talent identification; Tennis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864028338 | The indirect impact of encroaching trees on gully extension: A 64year study in a sub-humid grassland of South Africa | Grellier S., Kemp J., Janeau J.-L., Florsch N., Ward D., Barot S., Podwojewski P., Lorentz S., Valentin C. | 2012 | Catena | 98 | None | 10.1016/j.catena.2012.07.002 | IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private. Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; UMMISCO, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, John Bews Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; IRD-BIOEMCO, Site Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France; School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; IRD-BIOEMCO, 32 av. H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy cedex, France | Grellier, S., IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Kemp, J., Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private. Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Janeau, J.-L., IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Florsch, N., UMMISCO, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; Ward, D., School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, John Bews Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Barot, S., IRD-BIOEMCO, Site Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France; Podwojewski, P., IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Lorentz, S., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology (BEEH), Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Valentin, C., IRD-BIOEMCO, 32 av. H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy cedex, France | Gully erosion and woody plant encroachment are frequently observed in grasslands worldwide. Gully erosion driven by water processes is usually affected by topography, land-use change and vegetation cover. We hypothesised that trees, through their potential link with overland and subsurface flow, may have an impact on gully extension. However, very few studies have simultaneously considered tree encroachment and gullies. We used aerial photographs to study Acacia sieberiana encroachment and gully erosion in a South African grassland (KwaZulu-Natal Province) for a period lasting 64years. At the catchment scale, results showed that acacias started invading after 1976 and transformed the grassland into a savanna with 9.45% of tree cover in 2009. Gully area increased by 3.9% in the last 64years and represented 12.76% of catchment area in 2009. Mean estimated sediment loss was 200Mgha -1 of gully y -1, indicating a high erosion rate mainly due to the collapse of gully banks after swelling and shrinking. Volumetric retreat rate (V) of 15 gully heads was correlated with drainage area (Drain.A) by a power function explaining 64% of the variance: V=0.02*Drain.A 0.83. A positive correlation between gully retreat rate and Acacia canopy area was measured between 2001 and 2009 when established tree encroachment was observed. These results, associated with the susceptibility of this soil to subsurface flow and the observation of pipe erosion systems in the field, showed that both surface and subsurface processes occur in this sub-humid grassland and that trees can be indirectly associated with increased gully erosion. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.. | Acacia sieberiana; Aerial photographs; Erosion; Gully threshold; Soil piping; Subsurface | aerial photograph; erosion rate; grassland; gully erosion; humid environment; land use change; legume; subsurface flow; threshold; topographic effect; vegetation cover; vegetation dynamics; woody plant; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Acacia; Acacia sieberiana | None |
None | None | The indigenous cattle of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania: Distinct phenotypic features, performance and uses | Msanga Y.N., Mwakilembe P.L., Sendalo D. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 7 | None | Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Uyole Livestock research Centre, P.O. Box 400 Mbeya, Tanzania; National Livestock research Institute, P.O. Box 202 Mpwapwa, Tanzania | Msanga, Y.N., Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwakilembe, P.L., Uyole Livestock research Centre, P.O. Box 400 Mbeya, Tanzania; Sendalo, D., National Livestock research Institute, P.O. Box 202 Mpwapwa, Tanzania | This study was carried out in the Southern Highlands zone of Tanzania which is in the southwestern part of the country. The study considered two cattle strains which have been raised by the indigenous people for many years. The study areas have a similar farming system in which cattle play a very important role. The strains of cattle studied were Ufipa and Iringa Red. The main objective of this study was to characterize the phenotypic features, the production system, the traits of cattle that are of special interest to the community that keep them and the risky status of the cattle strains. For the Ufipa cattle the study was conducted in February 2007 and covered Sumbawanga rural, Sumbawanga urban and Nkasi districts of Rukwa region. Results showed that the Ufipa cattle are in reasonable number and have got uniform features of body size and conformation, horn size, orientation and spacing. The cattle have both Zebu and Sanga features though the Zebu features dominate. Their coat colour varies and may range from black, brown, and red, to grey. The horns are long with majority of animals showing forward orientation. The results also showed that Ufipa cattle are mainly kept for draft power such that about 35 % of the cattle herd composition is made of castrates. The number of the Ufipa cattle is fairly large and its risky status fall under need to monitor and what puts it at risk is nonselective castration leading to poor breeding bulls. The Iringa Red cattle are found in Iringa region in the South Western part of Tanzania. The study for Iringa Red cattle strain was conducted in two phases, in 2005 it covered Iringa rural and Kilolo districts and in 2007 it covered Mufindi district. The distinguishing features of the Iringa Red cattle are the red coat colour, darkish red and few are brown with white pied or spotted. The colour of the muzzle is brown and none pigmented. The hump is thoracic medium to large and mostly hanging in males. The cattle are of medium body size when compared to other strains of the Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu. In Mufindi district, about 70% of the cattle in the herds belong to the Iringa Red strain. The farmer' main preferences on the Iringa Red cattle are tolerance to disease and better draft power. Unlike the Ufipa cattle there is some selection on bulls to be used for breeding. The major risk factor facing this strain of cattle is introduction of other cattle stains from pastoralists who are moving into the traditional lands of the Iringa red cattle. | Animal genetic resources; Breeding management; Draft power; Iringa red; Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu; Ufipa cattle | Animalia; Bos; Bos indicus; Sanga | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953988287 | The incriminating role of reactive oxygen species in idiopathic male infertility: An evidence based evaluation | Saalu L.C. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 13 | 9 | None | Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | Saalu, L.C., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | The male factor is considered a major contributory factor to infertility. Apart from the conventional causes for male infertility such as varicocoele, cryptorchidism, infections, obstructive lesions, cystic fibrosis, trauma and tumours, a new and important cause has been identified as being responsible for the so-called idiopathic male infertility: oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress (OS) is a condition that occurs when the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) overwhelms the antioxidant defense produced against them. In male reproductive pathological conditions, the OS significantly impairs spermatogenesis and sperm function, which may lead to male infertility. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) known as free radicals are oxidizing agents generated as a result of metabolism of oxygen and have at least one unpaired electron that make them very reactive species. Spermatozoa generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in physiological amounts, which play a role in sperm functions during sperm capacitation, Acrosome Reaction (AR) and oocyte fusion, but they need to be controlled and their concentrations maintained at a level that is not deleterious to the cells. Administration of antioxidants in patients with 'male factor' infertility has begun to attract considerable interest. The main difficulty of such an approach is our incomplete understanding of the role of free radicals in normal and abnormal sperm function leading to male infertility. The purpose of the present review is to address the relationship between ROS and idiopathic male factor infertility. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Infertility; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species | reactive oxygen metabolite; reactive oxygen metabolite; article; human; male; male infertility; metabolism; male infertility; metabolism; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Reactive Oxygen Species; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Reactive Oxygen Species | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867700972 | The inconsistencies on the implementation of performance management system: An employee readiness survey | Ngcamu B.S. | 2012 | Technics Technologies Education Management | 7 | 3 | None | Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa | Ngcamu, B.S., Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa | The history of the performance management system (PMS) at South African universities is not a success story as it is associated with perceived inconsistencies during the implementation stage. The purpose of this article is to gauge the perceptions of employees on the consistent use of PMS practices at the university concerned, as well as the impediments to implementing the system, with the aim of providing pertinent recommendations to be applied by the universities of technology when implementing the PMS. A quantitative research design was adopted and a survey method was used, whereby questionnaires were administered by the researcher to a population size of 150 from which a sample size of 108 completed questionnaires generating a response rate of 72%. The study findings show a disproportionately high percentage of 14.8% of the respondents who disagreed and 33.3% who were undecided as to whether PMS will be used consistently at the university concerned. The failure of PMS implementation leads to staff non-accountability, non-compliance to agreed standards and resistence to change. This study will hopefully add value to the body of knowledge in South Africa on performance management's perceived inconsistencies during implementation of the system by identifying inclusive strategies to mitigate any challenge. | Consistency; Implementation; Performance management system; Rewards | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890016895 | The Importance of Trust in Procurement Practices and Its Impact on Business Performance: An Empirical Investigation From the Perspective of the Buyer-Supplier Dyad | Dahwa M.P., Al-Hakim L., Ng E. | 2013 | Journal of Relationship Marketing | 12 | 4 | 10.1080/15332667.2013.846768 | Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply-Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia | Dahwa, M.P., Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply-Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Al-Hakim, L., School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia; Ng, E., School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia | This article investigates the importance of trust in procurement practices and its impact on business performance from the perspective of the buyer-supplier dyad within Zimbabwe's banking industry. This study was exploratory in nature and adopted the use of a case study methodology. The study involved 22 cases in the banking industry, with a total of 44 interviews being conducted. Findings revealed that 29 dimensions across 7 trust attributes in buyer-supplier procurement practices had an impact on business performance for firms in Zimbabwe's banking industry. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | banking; business to business; buyer-supplier procurement; relationships; trust theory; Zimbabwe | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40949147067 | The importance of theory in shaping social impact monitoring: Lessons from the Berg River Dam, South Africa | Rossouw N., Malan S. | 2007 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 25 | 4 | 10.3152/146155107X246305 | TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority), 3 Reservoir Street-East, Franschhoek 7690, South Africa | Rossouw, N., TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority), 3 Reservoir Street-East, Franschhoek 7690, South Africa; Malan, S., TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority), 3 Reservoir Street-East, Franschhoek 7690, South Africa | The outputs and outcome of a social-monitoring programme is a direct result of the theoretical framework used by the practitioner. One approach is to adopt social impact monitoring frameworks that identify impacts through a deductive process of objective rationality. This often results in checklist reporting and a myopic focus on predetermined themes (such as employment, housing, education, health). This approach blinds the practitioner to issues that fall outside their frame of analysis. This paper is a narrative reflection by the authors on the changing theoretical frameworks evident at the different stages of social monitoring on the Berg River Dam. Lessons learnt are that: the purpose of social monitoring is to promote social sustainability; explicit theoretical models at each stage of the environmental assessment and management process (that is, at the social impact assessment, environmental management plan (EMP) design and EMP implementation stage) are imperative to guide the monitoring programme; and for social monitoring to become dynamic it needs to develop in a reflexive and inductive manner. © IAIA 2007. | Berg River Dam; Enviromental management plans; Social impact monitoring; Social science theory; Social sustainability model; South Africa | environmental assessment; environmental management; environmental monitoring; environmental planning; social impact; sustainability; Africa; Berg River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946189753 | The importance of the impact of political risk factors in South Africa | Essel R., Mostert F.J. | 2013 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 | 1CONTINUED1 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Essel, R., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Mostert, F.J., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Political risk factors often impact negatively on the financial results of an enterprise, industry, geographical region or an entire country. In severe cases they may even lead to financial disasters. Previous research (by Essel) identified 10 specific political risk factors which are common to emerging market economies. As South Africa is a developing country with an emerging market economy, these 10 political risk factors should also be present in this country. This paper focuses on the importance of the impact of political risk factors on an agent’s total annual claims amount when underwriting political risk insurance in South Africa. The objective of this research paper embodies the improvement of financial decision-making by a particular enterprise, industry, geographical region or country operating in an emerging market economy, pertaining to the importance of the impact of political risk factors. A literature study as well as an empirical survey was done to achieve the study’s objective. The conclusions of this research should also be valuable to other enterprises, industries, geographical regions or countries which operate in an emerging market economy. © 2013, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Breach of contract; Confiscation; Creeping expropriation; Currency inconvertibility; Nationalisation; Non-honouring of government payments; Non-violent civil unrest; Political risk factors; Terrorism; Violent civil unrest; War | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856399269 | The importance of preferential flow in controlling groundwater recharge in tropical Africa and implications for modelling the impact of climate change on groundwater resources | Cuthbert M.O., Tindimugaya C. | 2010 | Journal of Water and Climate Change | 1 | 4 | 10.2166/wcc.2010.040 | School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda | Cuthbert, M.O., School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Tindimugaya, C., Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda | An improved water table fluctuation technique for estimating recharge is applied to a sustained (10-year) groundwater level monitoring record in Uganda, a rare dataset for tropical Africa, and compared against results from soil moisture balance models (SMBMs) and unsaturated flow models. The results show that recharge is directly proportional to rainfall (long-term average rainfall is around 1200 mm/a), even during times when high soil moisture deficits are anticipated. This indicates that preferential and/or localized flow mechanisms dominate the recharge behaviour. SMBMs and unsaturated flow models, based on uniform flow governed by the Richards equation, are shown to be inappropriate for estimating recharge in this location underlain by lateritic soils. Given the large spatial coverage of lateritic soils both globally and in tropical Africa, and despite the convenience of physically based uniform flow models and, in particular, SMBMs, concern is raised over the use of such models for recharge estimation, and thus for exploring future trends due to climate or land use change, unless backed up by sufficient hydraulic data to enable the recharge processes to be confirmed. More research is needed to assess how widespread preferential flow may be within other major soil groups and climate zones. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Climate change; Groundwater recharge; Soil moisture balance model; Uganda; Water table fluctuation method | Ground water recharge; Moisture balance; Preferential flows; Recharge estimation; Soil moisture deficits; Uganda; Unsaturated flows; Water table fluctuations; Climate change; Climate models; Estimation; Geologic models; Groundwater flow; Groundwater resources; Rain; Soil moisture; Tropics; Recharging (underground waters) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911404974 | The importance of attributes in entrepreneurial Opportunity evaluations: An emerging market study | Urban B. | 2014 | Managerial and Decision Economics | 35 | 8 | 10.1002/mde.2639 | Graduate School of Business Administration, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Urban, B., Graduate School of Business Administration, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Although prior research has established that entrepreneurs have idiosyncratic perceptions about opportunity attributes, we do not yet understand the level of importances attached to attributes when evaluating opportunities. This article uses conjoint analysis to assess how trade-offs are decided when evaluating opportunities considering both individual and business criteria. We hypothesize differences in the perceived importances of opportunities and the unique constellations therein. The results indicate that there is a significant difference in the degree of importance attached to the business sector, capital intensity, technology maturity, market potential and return on investment potential, when individuals evaluate an entrepreneurial opportunity. The business sector was identified as the principal determinant of opportunity attractiveness, followed closely by the market growth rate, which reflects emerging market conditions. By contextualizing the findings, it is suggested that emerging economies impose higher bureaucratic burdens on entrepreneurs, increasing uncertainty as well as operational and transactions costs of firms; therefore, reducing the incentive to invest in capital or technology. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000301948600010 | The implementation and evaluation of a resiliency programme for children | de Villiers, Marisa,van den Berg, Henriette | 2012 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY | 42 | 1 | None | University of the Free State | "de Villiers, Marisa: University of the Free State","van den Berg, Henriette: University of the Free State" | Children moving from middle childhood to adolescence experience challenges that require effective skills to cope with the increasing complexity of life. This is particularly true in South Africa where the exposure to violence, poverty and ongoing socio-economic transformation leads to high levels of stress. Accordingly, children need to be resilient to cope with stress and trauma. The goal of this investigation was to develop, implement and evaluate a resiliency programme for 12-year-old children. A total of 161 participants was selected from four schools in the Bloemfontein area and divided into experimental and control groups. The Solomon Four Group Design was used. The following measuring instruments were used to assess the participants' resilience: the Behavioural and Emotional Rating Scale, Resiliency Scales for children and adolescents, and the Fortitude Scale. The intervention programme consisted of 15 sessions presented over a period of three weeks and focused on activities promoting emotional regulation, stress management, interpersonal skills, and problem solving. Two post-test evaluations were conducted: three weeks after the intervention programme and a follow-up three months later. Findings indicated that intrapersonal characteristics such as emotional regulation and self-appraisal increased significantly after the children had been exposed to the resiliency programme; while interpersonal skills and external resources such as family and general social support did not increase significantly. The content of the resiliency programme and the recommendations for interventions are discussed in the article. | CHILDREN,"FAMILY INVOLVEMENT","PERSONAL RESOURCES","programme evaluation","resiliency programme",self-appraisal,PREVENTION | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000242174400002 | The implementation and evaluation of a behaviour-based safety intervention at an iron ore mine | Moller, G. P.,Rothmann, S. | 2006 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES | 9 | 3 | None | North West University - South Africa | None | It is estimated that workers worldwide suffer 250 million accidents each year, with 330000 fatalities. This is despite the implementation of traditional safety interventions like safety engineering. Little emphasis has thus far been placed on behavioural interventions to improve safety culture and performance in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the safety culture and safety performance in an iron ore mine were affected by the implementation of a behaviour-based safety intervention. A longitudinal design was used. The sample consisted of 562 employees of an iron ore mine. The results showed that the implementation of the safety intervention brought about an improvement in the safety culture at the mine, and positively impacted on the number of lost-time injuries. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-59749085513 | The impacts of watershed management on land use and land cover dynamics in Eastern Tigray (Ethiopia) | Alemayehu F., Taha N., Nyssen J., Girma A., Zenebe A., Behailu M., Deckers S., Poesen J. | 2009 | Resources, Conservation and Recycling | 53 | 4 | 10.1016/j.resconrec.2008.11.007 | Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Melca Mehaber, PO Box 110533, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Geography, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium | Alemayehu, F., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia, Melca Mehaber, PO Box 110533, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Taha, N., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Nyssen, J., Department of Geography, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Girma, A., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Zenebe, A., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Behailu, M., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Deckers, S., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; Poesen, J., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium | Integrated watershed management (IWSM) was implemented to address issues of poverty and land resource degradation in the 14,500 ha upper Agula watershed, in semi-arid Eastern Tigray (Ethiopia), an area known for poverty and resource degradation caused by natural and man-made calamities. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of IWSM and determine the land use and cover dynamics that it has induced. The change in land use and cover was assessed by integrating remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Two sets of aerial photographs (taken in 1965 and 1994 at scale of 1:50,000) and Landsat ETM+ image (taken in 2000 with 30 m resolution) were used to produce the land use/land cover map and assess land use change. The results reveal significant modification and conversion of land use and cover of the watershed over the last four decades (1965-2005). A significant portion of the watershed was continuously under intensively cultivated (rainfed) land. The area under irrigation increased from 7 ha to 222.4 ha post-intervention. The area under dense forest increased from 32.4 ha to 98 ha. The study further shows that IWSM decreased soil erosion, increased soil moisture, reduced sedimentation and run off, set the scene for a number of positive knock-on effects such as stabilization of gullies and river banks, rehabilitation of degraded lands. IWSM also resulted in increased recharge in the subsurface water. This study reconfirms the importance of IWSM as a key to improve the land cover of watersheds, as a contribution to poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihood. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catchment management; Geographic information system (GIS); Integrated watershed management; Land use and cover change; Remote sensing; Soil and water conservation | Catchment management; Geographic information system (GIS); Integrated watershed management; Land use and cover change; Soil and water conservation; Catchments; Conservation; Degradation; Dynamics; Erosion; Geographic information systems; Groundwater; Information systems; Land use; Landforms; Management; Photography; Remote sensing; Runoff; Soil mechanics; Soil moisture; Soils; Urban planning; Water conservation; Water management; Water resources; Watersheds; Soil conservation; catchment; forest cover; GIS; land degradation; land use change; Landsat; poverty alleviation; recharge; remote sensing; satellite imagery; sedimentation; soil conservation; soil erosion; soil moisture; sustainability; watershed; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tigray | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149367940 | The impacts of tourism on two communities adjacent to the Kruger National Park, South Africa | Strickland-Munro J.K., Moore S.A., Freitag-Ronaldson S. | 2010 | Development Southern Africa | 27 | 5 | 10.1080/0376835X.2010.522829 | School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Science Operations Manager, Savanna and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | Strickland-Munro, J.K., School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Moore, S.A., School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Freitag-Ronaldson, S., Science Operations Manager, Savanna and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | This paper explores the socioeconomic impacts of tourism associated with the Kruger National Park, South Africa's flagship national park, on the neighbouring villages of Cork and Belfast. Case study research, where the study area was characterised as a social-ecological system, was used to investigate the impacts of Park tourism on these communities. The findings offer a micro-scale, local community perspective of these impacts and indicate that the enclave nature of Park tourism keeps local communities separate from the Park and makes it hard for them to benefit from it. The paper concludes with reflections on this perceived separation, and suggests the need to make the Park boundaries more 'permeable' so as to improve relationships with adjacent communities, while also pragmatically managing community expectations. © 2010 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Community; Kruger national park; Social-ecological system; Socioeconomic impacts; Tourism | local participation; national park; socioeconomic impact; tourism development; tourism management; Kruger National Park; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960110966 | The impacts of timber harvesting on residual trees and seedlings in a tropical rain forest ecosystem, southwestern Nigeria | Adekunle V.A.J., Olagoke A.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services and Management | 6 | 04-Mar | 10.1080/21513732.2010.534976 | Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adekunle, V.A.J., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Olagoke, A.O., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study examined logging damage to non-targeted neighbouring plant species and the forest ecosystem in a tropical forest in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. Tree growth variables were recorded before and after felling, as was the number of crosscut logs. All plant species damaged during harvesting were enumerated and identified and the nature and level of the damage was also determined. Data providing demographic information, causes of damage to residual plants and measures to reduce the damage were obtained from the loggers using questionnaires. Data were collected on selective logging of 41 tree species. Despite selective logging practices, during felling, plants were damaged, soil compacted and the ecosystem disturbed. The observed damage to residual trees and seedlings ranged from 5% to 70% and it is therefore concluded that reduced impact logging and training of loggers is necessary to minimise the impacts. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Logging; Ondo State; Reduced impact logging | data set; demography; forest ecosystem; growth rate; harvesting; questionnaire survey; rainforest; seedling; selective logging; species diversity; timber harvesting; tropical region; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917726933 | The Impacts of Telecommunications Infrastructure and Institutional Quality on Trade Efficiency in Africa | Bankole F.O., Osei-Bryson K.-M., Brown I. | 2015 | Information Technology for Development | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/02681102.2013.874324 | Information Systems, University of the WesternCape, Cape Town, South Africa; Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Information Systems, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States | Bankole, F.O., Information Systems, University of the WesternCape, Cape Town, South Africa, Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Osei-Bryson, K.-M., Department of Information Systems, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Brown, I., Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | One of the dominant issues for Information Systems (IS) researchers in developing countries is to determine the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure expansion on socio-economic development. Generating sustained socio-economic development in Africa depends largely on the ability of nations to make profitable investments and accumulate capital, which could be achieved through efficient ICT-enabled trade flows. Trade supports employment creation and improves national income levels, revenue generation, consumer price reductions and government spending. It is a key driver of African poverty alleviation, growth, economic maturity and human development. Previous research, in particular Bankole et al. [(2013a). The impact of information and communications technology infrastructure and complementary factors on intra-African trade. Information Technology for Development] identified the significant and positive effect of telecommunication infrastructure and institutional quality (IQ) on intra-African trade flows. As part of the ongoing research discourse on ICT for Development, the current article explores the impacts of telecommunications infrastructure and IQ on trade efficiency in Africa, using archival data from 28 African countries. We employed partial least squares analysis, data envelopment analysis and regression splines to analyze data. Our results suggest that IQ coupled with telecommunication infrastructure enhance efficiencies in intra-African trade flows. © 2014, Commonwealth Secretariat. | DEA; institutional quality; MARS; SEM; telecommunications; trade efficiency | None | None |
None | None | The Impacts of Tanzania's Natural Resource Management Programmes for Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation | Patenaude G., Lewis K. | 2014 | International Forestry Review | 16 | 4 | 10.1505/146554814813484077 | School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Library, Surgeon's Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative (MCDI), PO Box 49, Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa District, Lindi Region, Tanzania | Patenaude, G., School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Library, Surgeon's Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Lewis, K., Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative (MCDI), PO Box 49, Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa District, Lindi Region, Tanzania | For Tanzania's emerging REDD+ policy to successfully build on existing community based natural resource management structures, a critical analysis of the outcomes of existing policy approaches for ecosystem services and poverty alleviation is needed. Our research addresses this aim, and provides an analysis of Tanzania's four prominent natural resource management programmes. Our analysis focuses on impacts on poverty alleviation (PA) and ecosystem services (ES). The research, conducted between June 2011 and April 2012, involved a 10-months period in Tanzania engaging with key policy and academic experts and reviewing relevant literature. Programmes relating to forests, environment and development as well as to community-based natural resource management in Tanzania were reviewed. These were further analysed based on governance themes, namely their level of: (1) decentralisation; (2) intersectoral integration; (3) community access to resources; (4) operational simplicity; and (5) equitable benefit sharing (both within the local community/user groups, and between governance levels). We derive a relative assessment of the degree of influence (High, Intermediate, Low) and nature of influence (Positive, Neutral, Negative) of the programmes on ES and PA outcomes. Building on this analysis, we provide contextual insights and recommendations specific to Tanzania for nascent policy initiatives (e.g. REDD+). The need for such contextual recommendations has been profoundly stressed. | Community Based Forest Management (CBFM); Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM); ecosystem services; Joint Forest Management (JFM); poverty alleviation | ecosystem service; forest management; natural resource; policy approach; poverty alleviation; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249336446 | The impacts of sustained heavy grazing on plant diversity and composition in lowland and upland habitats across the Kamiesberg mountain range in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa | Anderson P.M.L., Hoffman M.T. | 2007 | Journal of Arid Environments | 70 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.05.017 | Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Anderson, P.M.L., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This study explored the impacts of sustained heavy grazing in six vegetation types across an altitudinal and rainfall gradient in the Kamiesberg mountain range in Namaqualand. The study was carried out across the fence separating the Leliefontein communal area and surrounding privately owned farms. The communal area has been stocked over decades at approximately twice the government recommended stocking rate, while adjacent privately owned farms have generally adhered to recommended rates. Plant community data were collected from 66, 0.1 ha modified Whittaker plots and analysed for diversity and compositional changes. Consideration of community-wide responses through NMDS ordination showed that heavy grazing did not result in the dominance of a few wide-spread, weedy species in communal areas. Species richness at the 0.1 ha scale was also not affected by different land use practices. However, there was a significant compositional shift away from large woody and succulent shrubs, and an associated increase in dwarf shrubs and herbaceous perennial plants on the communal areas. This shift was only evident on the sandy lowland habitats, while a reduction in perennial grass was recorded in the rocky upland habitats on the communal areas. Compositional shifts towards smaller and more ephemeral species in the communal area are indicative of a system more closely dependent on rainfall. This has implications for people's livelihoods in the region, particularly in light of predicted climate change. © 2006. | Communal areas; Grazing impacts; Plant composition; Succulent Karoo; Upland habitats | community structure; grazing; habitat type; lowland environment; plant community; species diversity; species richness; sustainability; upland region; vegetation type; Africa; Kamiesberge; Karoo; Namaqualand; Northern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903997913 | The impacts of small business on poverty reduction in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa | Akinwale O., Ogundiran O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p156 | Department of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare, 1 King Williams Town Road, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Akinwale, O., Department of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare, 1 King Williams Town Road, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Ogundiran, O., Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa | This study identifies the impacts of small business in poverty reduction. Small business plays a major role in rural livelihood. Even in the developed countries, small business contributes more to the economic growth. The study was carried out in Alice, in Eastern Cape provide of South Africa, where people seems to live under the pressure of poverty. Structured questionnaires were administered on twenty-five community members who operate small business. The result shows that small business makes important impacts on livelihoods and thereby serves as an eyes opener for those who view small business as merely a survival strategy. Small business operators have plotted their way out of the bondage of poverty even though it has been though due to many challenges. Conclusively, small businesses have helped to improve the standard of living. If better platform is given, their performance will be better than the present. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857031430 | 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-s2.0-76349107785 | The impacts of past cultivation on the reptiles in a South African grassland | Masterson G.P.R., Maritz B., Mackay D., Alexander G.J. | 2009 | African Journal of Herpetology | 58 | 2 | None | School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Masterson, G.P.R., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Maritz, B., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mackay, D., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Alexander, G.J., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Habitat transformation is the primary anthropogenic threat to global biodiversity. Fragmentation of reptile populations following habitat transformation within a landscape can lead to the extirpation of species. We investigated the effects of land-use on the species richness and abundance of reptile assemblages in three habitat types (two natural and one modified) in the grasslands of Gauteng, South Africa. Using trap arrays, we surveyed reptiles in primary grassland with little or no rock cover, primary grassland with large quartzite outcrops and scattered rocks, and secondary grasslands that were historically ploughed and cropped. We measured vegetation height and vegetation cover at these same localities. We caught significantly fewer reptile species in the historically cultivated sites than in either of the two natural habitat types. Differences in the reptile assemblage of each habitat type were not explained by either the spatial location or the vegetation structure of our trap sites but were well explained by the sites' habitat type. Estimates of total species richness indicated that we were able to adequately sample the reptile assemblages in the three habitat types, further supporting our observation of reduced species richness in the secondary grasslands. We infer that habitat transformation associated with cultivation e.g., rock removal, has had a detectable, negative impact on the species richness and composition of the local reptile assemblages. We recommend that land-use planning in Gauteng emphasise the need for areas of inter-connected, untransformed habitat in order to mitigate the negative impacts of habitat transformation on the local reptile diversity ©Herpetological Association of Africa. | Cultivation; Grassland; Reptile; Sample-based rarefaction; Species richness | Reptilia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892590427 | The impacts of neutralized acid mine drainage contaminated water on the expression of selected endocrine-linked genes in juvenile Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus exposed in vivo | Truter J.C., Wyk J.H.V., Oberholster P.J., Botha A.-M. | 2014 | Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety | 100 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.11.005 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Truter, J.C., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Wyk, J.H.V., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Oberholster, P.J., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Botha, A.-M., Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental concern due to detrimental impacts on river ecosystems. Little is however known regarding the biological impacts of neutralized AMD on aquatic vertebrates despite excessive discharge into watercourses. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the endocrine modulatory potential of neutralized AMD, using molecular biomarkers in the teleost fish Oreochromis mossambicus in exposure studies. Surface water was collected from six locations downstream of a high density sludge (HDS) AMD treatment plant and a reference site unimpacted by AMD. The concentrations of 28 elements, including 22 metals, were quantified in the exposure water in order to identify potential links to altered gene expression. Relatively high concentrations of manganese (~ 10. mg/l), nickel (~ 0.1. mg/l) and cobalt (~ 0.03. mg/l) were detected downstream of the HDS plant. The expression of thyroid receptor-α (trα), trβ, androgen receptor-1 (ar1), ar2, glucocorticoid receptor-1 (gr1), gr2, mineralocorticoid receptor (mr) and aromatase (cyp19a1b) was quantified in juvenile fish after 48. h exposure. Slight but significant changes were observed in the expression of gr1 and mr in fish exposed to water collected directly downstream of the HDS plant, consisting of approximately 95 percent neutralized AMD. The most pronounced alterations in gene expression (i.e. trα, trβ, gr1, gr2, ar1 and mr) was associated with water collected further downstream at a location with no other apparent contamination vectors apart from the neutralized AMD. The altered gene expression associated with the "downstream" locality coincided with higher concentrations of certain metals relative to the locality adjacent to the HDS plant which may indicate a causative link. The current study provides evidence of endocrine disruptive activity associated with neutralized AMD contamination in regard to alterations in the expression of key genes linked to the thyroid, interrenal and gonadal endocrine axes of a teleost fish species. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Endocrine disruption; Fish; Gene expression; Metal ions; Treated acid mine drainage | aromatase; biological marker; cobalt; endocrine disruptor; manganese; mineralocorticoid receptor; nickel; surface water; thyroid hormone receptor alpha; acid mine drainage; biomarker; cobalt; concentration (composition); endocrine disruptor; gene expression; juvenile; molecular analysis; perciform; river pollution; sludge; acid mine drainage; androgen receptor 1 gene; androgen receptor 2 gene; aromatase gene; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; endocrine disease; environmental exposure; environmental impact; gene; gene expression; genetic association; glucocorticoid receptor 1 gene; glucocorticoid receptor 2 gene; in vivo study; juvenile animal; mineralocorticoid receptor gene; molecular biology; Mozambique; nonhuman; Oreochromis mossambicus; sludge; thyroid receptor alpha gene; waste water treatment plant; water contamination; Oreochromis mossambicus; Teleostei; Vertebrata; Endocrine disruption; Fish; Gene expression; Metal ions; Treated acid mine drainage; Acids; Animals; Endocrine System; Fish Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation; Mining; Rivers; Tilapia; Water Pollutants, Chemical | CSIR, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940869532 | The impacts of integrated youth training farm as a capacity building center for youth agricultural empowerment in Kwara State, Nigeria | Latopa A.-L.A., Rashid S.N.A.S. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 5 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5p524 | Department of Social and Development Science, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Department of Local Government Studies, College of Administrative Studies and Social Science Kaduna PolytechnicKaduna State, Nigeria | Latopa, A.-L.A., Department of Social and Development Science, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Department of Local Government Studies, College of Administrative Studies and Social Science Kaduna PolytechnicKaduna State, Nigeria; Rashid, S.N.A.S., Department of Social and Development Science, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia | Capacity building in agriculture has become imperative in Nigeria due to the high rate of youth unemployment, overdependence on white collar job and the need to prepare a replacement for the aging local subsistence farmers. To achieve this trend, some states in Nigeria established youth training farms to empower the youth in agriculture sector. Integrated Youth Training Farm Program was established by the Kwara State government as a youth empowerment strategy to reduce unemployment and associated social problems. About 418 youths were trained through the capacity building program between 2006 and 2013 as new generation of modern commercial farmers. In this regard, this study assesses the impact of the Integrated Youth Farm Training Program on youth in Kwara State. Using qualitative case study technique, 30 informants who included the youth participants, implementers and government officials were interviewed. Also, documents, Focus Group Discussion and observation were used as the researchers remain the main instrument. The findings revealed that, the capacity building program has made tremendous impact directly and indirectly on the lives of the youth in Kwara State. Eventually, the success of the program has led to multiplier effects that will subsequently go a long way in empowering the teeming youth population socially, economically and psychologically if the challenges of sustainability are adequately addressed. © 2015, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Agriculture training; Capacity building; Malete youth farm; Youth empowerment; Youth unemployment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893739555 | The impacts of hybrid maize seed on the welfare of farming households in Kenya | Mathenge M.K., Smale M., Olwande J. | 2014 | Food Policy | 44 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2013.09.013 | Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, 202 Agriculture Hall, 446 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, United States | Mathenge, M.K., Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Smale, M., Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, 202 Agriculture Hall, 446 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, United States; Olwande, J., Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya | This paper explores the impacts of hybrid maize adoption on the welfare of farming households in Kenya. We use a four-year panel dataset to estimate the effects of hybrid seed use on four indicators of household welfare, namely, income, assets, inequality and poverty. Results show that use of hybrid seed not only contributes to higher annual income, but also to raising the value of assets, possibly reflecting longer-term welfare effects. Further, we find that use of hybrid seed reduces the depth of poverty, and that the amount planted reduces inequality. As expected, impacts differ between major and minor maize-growing areas of the country. Maize farmers who do not use hybrid seed are clearly disadvantaged. This calls for continued public and private investments in the infrastructure and policy process that supports a competitive, liberalized seed industry and improved access of smallholder farmers to well-adapted, affordable hybrids. © 2014 . | Household welfare; Input use; Kenya; Maize | crop production; household income; hybrid; maize; poverty; seed; smallholder; welfare impact; Kenya; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856973712 | The impacts of herbivory on vegetation in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana: 1967-2001 | Hamandawana H. | 2012 | Regional Environmental Change | 12 | 1 | 10.1007/s10113-011-0230-0 | Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Water and Climate, PB X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Hamandawana, H., Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Water and Climate, PB X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Browsing and grazing pressure on vegetation in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana was analyzed using remotely sensed imagery comprising CORONA photographs of 1967 and Landsat TM and Landsat ETM imagery of 1989 and 1994 and 2001, respectively. Comparison of temporal variations in the spatial distributions of different vegetation types and changes in the abundance of selected wildlife species demonstrate a persistent decrease in capacity of the environment to support wild animals, due to increasing abundance of poorly preferred browse species and increasing scarcity of favored varieties. Given the long-term direction of change showing continued deterioration of habitat conditions and the limited prospects for reversal of this trend, it is apparent that there is immediate need to realign wildlife management strategies in ways that can enhance the sustainability of wildlife and the supporting environment. © 2011 Springer-Verlag. | Preferred browse; Vegetation response; Wildlife management | Animalia | 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 |
None | None | The impacts of financial linkage on sustainability of less-formal financial institutions: Experience of savings and credit co-operative societies in Tanzania | Ndiege B.O., Qin X., Kazungu I., Moshi J. | 2014 | Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management | 2 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jcom.2014.10.003 | School of Business Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China; Moshi Co-operative University, P.O Box 474, Moshi, Tanzania | Ndiege, B.O., School of Business Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China, Moshi Co-operative University, P.O Box 474, Moshi, Tanzania; Qin, X., School of Business Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China; Kazungu, I., Moshi Co-operative University, P.O Box 474, Moshi, Tanzania; Moshi, J., Moshi Co-operative University, P.O Box 474, Moshi, Tanzania | The developing economies are experiencing a growing trend of financial Linkage between formal and less-formal financial institutions. Normally, less-formal financial institutions receive loanable funds from formal financial institutions as an approach to meet their financing deficit, while formal financial institutions engage in linkage as a mean to expand business. The main concern of stakeholders regarding this practice is how such linkage can affect the performance of the less-formal financial institutions. In Tanzania, the Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) are the most used less-formal financial institutions which are also highly involved in financial linkage. In this study therefore, we used Tanzania SACCOS' financial statement data, for the period of 2004-2011, and panel data regression model to examine the relationship between financial linkage (measured as financial dependency ratio) and sustainability (measured as Operational Self Sufficiency) of less-formal financial institutions. The findings suggest that the higher the level of financial linkage the more the SACCOS become unsustainable. Implying that, to be sustainable institutions, the SACCOS should try keep away from the use of external funds in their loan portfolio. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Financial linkage; SACCOS; Sustainability; Tanzania | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749053144 | The impacts of decentralization on health care seeking behaviors in Uganda | Hutchinson P., Akin J., Ssengooba F. | 2006 | International Journal of Health Planning and Management | 21 | 3 | 10.1002/hpm.848 | Department of International Health and Development, School Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Department of Economics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Hutchinson, P., Department of International Health and Development, School Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Akin, J., Department of Economics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Ssengooba, F., Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | This paper examines the impacts of a public sector decentralization program on health care seeking behaviors in Uganda in the 1990s. Shifting priorities by local governments in Uganda's decentralized health system away from provision of primary health care, in particular the provision of public goods or goods with substantial consumption externalities, and toward provision of private health goods such as curative care are linked to shifts in individual-level care utilization behaviors. This analysis finds that, while the country has been undergoing a multitude of changes in recent years, decentralization appears to have led to increases in the use of curative services with largely private benefits, perhaps at the expense of the use of primary health care services and services with consumption externalities. A longer period of analysis is required to determine the persistence of these effects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Decentralization; Impact evaluation; Uganda | decentralization; health policy; health services; public sector; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; budget; decentralization; evidence based practice; government; health care delivery; health care policy; health care system; health care utilization; health program; health service; help seeking behavior; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunization; outcomes research; primary health care; Uganda; vaccination; Health Care Reform; Health Care Surveys; Health Priorities; Humans; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Politics; Primary Health Care; Privatization; Regional Health Planning; Uganda; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892536195 | The impacts of culture and religion, Ethnicity, politics and poverty on ethnic violence in Plateau State of Nigeria | Akwara A.F., Udaw J.E., Akwara N.F., Onimawo J. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p657 | Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria; Department of Office Technology Management, The Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria; Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Ambrose Alli University Ekp | Akwara, A.F., Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria; Udaw, J.E., Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria; Akwara, N.F., Department of Office Technology Management, The Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria; Onimawo, J., Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Every ethnic nationality has got its own culture and cultural attributes by which the ethnic nationality is known and identified. The inter-play of these cultural attributes as religion or belief system, norms or rules of behaviour, language, history and artefacts, etc. gives rise to politics and determine the nature of the political process in the society, and also the level of pauperization of the people. This paper examines the concepts poverty, culture, politics, religion and ethnicity and how they have fuelled ethnic violence in Plateau State of Nigeria. The paper finds out that violence in the region is caused by the multiplicity of ethnic nationalities and cultures in the region; and the struggle for power and dominance between the cultures and ethnic nationalities within the region. These struggles create poverty through the destruction of human and material resources; and human and capital flight from the region. The poverty in turn causes anger, frustration and deprivations which further fuels the crises in the region and turns the crises into perpetual cycles that cannot end. The conflicts and violence therefore appear as liberation struggles by the native or indigenous population against the dominance of an alien population in the region. The paper therefore suggests the convocation of a sovereign national conference for the various ethnic nationalities in the country to discuss the basis on which the various ethnic nationalities can continue to remain under the authority of a single national government as the crises in the region affect the entire nation. | And violence; Culture; Ethnicity; Politics; Poverty; Religion | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877102385 | The impacts of complementary information technology resources on the service-profit chain and competitive performance of South African hospitality firms | Cohen J.F., Olsen K. | 2013 | International Journal of Hospitality Management | 34 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.04.005 | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Olsen, K., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The potential of information technology (IT) resources to empower employees, to shape customer service and contribute to the competitive performance of hospitality firms has received much attention. Yet empirical evidence has been lacking. This study draws on the resource-based view of the firm and the service-profit chain framework to develop and test a model of the effects of a complementary system of tangible and intangible IT resources on employee and customer service outcomes and on competitive performance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 112 hospitality establishments operating in South Africa. Results revealed that the complementary system of IT resources has significant direct effects on competitive performance whilst its effect on customer service outcomes is fully mediated by employee outcomes. Results support the contention that hospitality service is information intensive. In addition to employees, tangible and intangible IT resources demand the attention of hospitality managers and their role in competitive strategy must be considered. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Competitiveness; Customer service; Hospitality; Information technology; Resource complementarity; Service-profit chain | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944626693 | The Impacts of Changes in Land Use on Woodlands in an Equatorial African Savanna | Kalema V.N., Witkowski E.T.F., Erasmus B.F.N., Mwavu E.N. | 2015 | Land Degradation and Development | 26 | 7 | 10.1002/ldr.2279 | Restoration and Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, PO Box7062, Kampala, Uganda | Kalema, V.N., Restoration and Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Witkowski, E.T.F., Restoration and Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erasmus, B.F.N., Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mwavu, E.N., Restoration and Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, PO Box7062, Kampala, Uganda | Savanna landscapes are vitally important in providing both ecological and economic services that sustain local livelihoods and national economies, particularly for sub-Saharan African countries whose economies are mainly agrarian. Development prospects in savanna landscapes are however dependent on actions to avoid and to slow or reverse degradation and that are aided with a clear understanding of trends in land use/cover changes, their causes and implications for conservation. We analysed land use/cover changes based on three Landsat satellite images (1984, 1995 and 2000/2001) and the influence of human utilization on the changes in an equatorial African savanna, central Uganda, for the period 1984-2000/2001. The land cover classification and change analysis clearly identified the dominant land cover types, revealing a severe reduction in woodland cover with dense woodlands decreasing by 64%, over a 17-year period. Consequently, medium woodland, open woodland and cultivation/settlements areas cover increased by 31%, 3% and 80%, respectively. The cover change analysis results were corroborated with interview results that also attributed the woodland cover loss to increasing commercial charcoal production, expanding livestock grazing, subsistence crop cultivation and an insecure land use tenure system. Indeed, the major land use types in the savanna are charcoal production, shifting crop cultivation and livestock rearing. The decreasing woody vegetation cover threatens the savanna's ability to continue providing ecosystems services to support the livelihoods of people who mainly depend on natural resources and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Biomass energy; Charcoal production; Landsat imagery; Livelihoods; Livestock grazing; Subsistence agriculture; Woodlands | Agriculture; Charcoal; Climate change; Crops; Cultivation; Ecology; Economics; Satellite imagery; Bio-mass energy; Charcoal production; Landsat imagery; Livelihoods; Livestock grazing; Subsistence agriculture; Woodlands; Land use | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051821083 | The impacts of biodiesel feedstock production systems in South Africa: An application of a Partial Equilibrium Model to the Eastern Cape Social Accounting Matrix | Adeyemo O., Wise R., Brent A. | 2011 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 22 | 1 | None | Sustainable Energy Futures, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, South Africa; Environmental Resource Economics, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, South Africa; Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Adeyemo, O., Sustainable Energy Futures, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, South Africa; Wise, R., Environmental Resource Economics, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, South Africa; Brent, A., Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | In this paper the impacts of biodiesel feedstock production in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is assessed through the application of a Partial Equilibrium Model to the Eastern Cape Social Accounting Matrix, using canola production in the Province as an 'external shock'. Six economic indicators were estimated. The results show that investment in biodiesel production in the Eastern Cape will generate, in 2007 terms, an additional GDP of R18.1 million and 410 employment opportunities per annum, R24.3 million per annum over an assumed lifetime of 20 years in capital formation, R2.1 million additional income generated in low income households, increase in government revenue, and a positive balance of payment. These indicators imply that, given the parameters that are accounted for in a Partial Equilibrium Model, every Rand invested in canola projects in the Eastern Cape will, overall, be of socio-economic advantage to the Province. It is envisaged that further applications of such models may lead to a better understanding of the implications of biofuels in the South African economy, and thereby inform decision- and policy-making in terms of the sustainability of biofuels production systems in general. | Biodiesel; Biofuels; Economic modelling; External shock; Indicators; Partial equilibrium; Social accounting matrix | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149100167 | The impacts of anthropogenic factors on the environment in Nigeria | Madu I.A. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental Management | 90 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2008.08.009 | Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Madu, I.A., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Generally speaking, there has been a consensus on the primary drivers of anthropogenic induced environmental degradation. However, little progress has been made in determining the magnitude of the impacts, particularly in developing countries. This creates a lacuna that needs to be filled up. The purpose of this study therefore is to ascertain the degree of anthropogenic induced environmental impacts in Nigeria. To achieve the aim, fossil fuel consumption was used as a surrogate for carbon dioxide emissions while the magnitude of the impacts was determined by regression statistics and the STIRPAT model. The results show that only three variables, namely population, affluence and urbanization, were statistically significant and that the regression model accounts for 60% of the variation in the environmental impacts. However, population and affluence, which have ecological elasticities of 1.699 and 2.709, respectively, are the most important anthropogenic drivers of environmental impacts in Nigeria while urbanization, with an elasticity of -0.570, reduces the effect of the impacts. This implies that modernization brings about a reduction in environmental impacts. The paper therefore makes a significant contribution to knowledge by successfully testing the STIRPAT model in this part of the world and by being the first application of the model at political units below the regional or nation states. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anthropogenic drivers; Ecological elasticity; Environment and development; Environmental impacts; Urbanization | anthropogenic effect; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; developing world; elasticity; environmental degradation; environmental impact; fossil fuel; modernization; nature-society relations; urbanization; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environment; Environmental Monitoring; Human Activities; Humans; Nigeria; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Lacuna | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870887566 | The impacts of AIDS movements on the policy responses to HIV/AIDS in Brazil and South Africa: A comparative analysis | Nunn A., Dickman S., Nattrass N., Cornwall A., Gruskin S. | 2012 | Global Public Health | 7 | 10 | 10.1080/17441692.2012.736681 | Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Center for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Keck School of Medicine, Gould School of Law, Institute for Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Nunn, A., Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Dickman, S., Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Nattrass, N., Center for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Cornwall, A., Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Gruskin, S., Keck School of Medicine, Gould School of Law, Institute for Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Brazil and South Africa were among the first countries profoundly impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and had similar rates of HIV infection in the early 1990s. Today, Brazil has less than 1% adult HIV prevalence, implemented treatment and prevention programmes early in the epidemic, and now has exemplary HIV/AIDS programmes. South Africa, by contrast, has HIV prevalence of 18% and was, until recently, infamous for its delayed and inappropriate response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This article explores how differing relationships between AIDS movements and governments have impacted the evolving policy responses to the AIDS epidemic in both countries, including through AIDS programme finance, leadership and industrial policy related to production of generic medicines. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | AIDS; AIDS movements; Brazil; civil society; health policy; HIV; South Africa | generic drug; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; Brazil; comparative study; epidemic; health care policy; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; priority journal; South Africa; Brazil; Drug Industry; Female; Health Policy; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Leadership; Male; Patient Advocacy; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947273612 | The impact on the psychological contract of differentiating employees into talent pools | Seopa N., Wöcke A., Leeds C. | 2015 | Career Development International | 20 | 7 | 10.1108/CDI-03-2015-0033 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | Seopa, N., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa; Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa; Leeds, C., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | Purpose – This research stems from the need by organisations to retain their key talent in the context of the change in the psychological contract manifested from the emergence of boundaryless careers. Many organisations have segmented their workforce to develop talent pools of high potential employees to meet the organisation’s current and future critical skills needs. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of inclusion or exclusion in the talent pool on the psychological contract. Design/methodology/approach – The study presents findings from 195 employees from three different organisations, about 50 per cent of whom were in talent pools. Various instruments in the literature were used to measure the psychological contract and the other constructs of organisational citizenship behaviour, trust and turnover intention of employees in the talent pools in comparison to those not in talent pools. Findings – The study shows that being part of the talent pool has a positive impact on the relational psychological contract and organisational commitment but does not necessarily translate into trust and the intention to stay with organisations. Research limitations/implications – The study was conducted in three large firms with well-developed and entrenched talent management strategies. The results may be different in firms with less formal talent management strategies or those firms that do not use talent pools. Despite these limitations, the study is valuable in showing the differences in relationships between employees recognised as more important and those not recognised in the same way. Practical implications – Talent strategy should not ignore employees not in talent pools as they have shown that they display an aspiration to build long-term relationships with their employers and could represent a future source of potential. It is recommended that organisations should continue to segment their workforce to determine who should form part of the talent pool. Social implications – The results indicate the high complexity in understanding contemporary employment relationships and could be closely related to the previous findings on trust. Despite being identified as potential employees for development into linchpin and pivotal positions in their organisation, these employees were no different to employees not in talent pools when it came to trust and the intention to leave their organisation. Originality/value – Employees in talent pools and those not in talent pools were similar in their intention to leave their organisations in circumstances where their expectations were not met. This finding is contrary to the expectation and indicates that relational psychological contracts do not have a moderating impact on the intention to leave where expectations are not met. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Boundaryless career; Careers; Employee development; Labour mobility; Notice to quit; Psychological contracts; Talent pool | None | None |
None | None | The impact on orchid species abundance of gathering their edible tubers by HIV/AIDS orphans: A case of three villages in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania | Challe J.F.X., Struik P.C. | 2008 | NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences | 56 | 3 | 10.1016/S1573-5214(08)80011-5 | Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operative, Department of Research and Training, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | Challe, J.F.X., Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operative, Department of Research and Training, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Struik, P.C., Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper examines the gathering of wild orchids and its effect on orchid species diversity and abundance in rural communities with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and high numbers of orphans. The study was conducted in three villages in the Makete District of Tanzania. The study used a triangulation of ethnobotanical, anthropological and sociological methodologies. On the three gathering sites, we found a total of 12 different orchid species (7 edible and 5 non-edible ones) confirmed by an expert botanist, although local gatherers identified many more species. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index significantly differed among the three gathering sites. Analyses of focus group discussions and household surveys revealed that HIV/AIDS orphans and non-orphan children were the main gatherers of wild orchids. HIV/AIDS orphans (n = 55) gathered significantly more frequently (4.1 ± 1.8 times per week) than non-orphan children (n = 49; 1.9 ± 1.3 times per week) (P < 1.01). There was a statistically significant interaction between village and type of gatherers' (P < 0.05). Scattered observations of changes in orchid species abundance over time were done using gatherers' indigenous knowledge and opinions. Orchid abundance peaked during May 2006. The study showed increasing abundance of non-edible orchid species and decreasing abundance of edible ones. There were highly significant, linear negative relationships between gathering pressure on the one hand and total number of orchid plants, total number of orchid species, number of edible orchid plants and number of edible orchid species on the other. These relationships were not statistically significant for non-edible orchids. We surmise that gathering edible orchid tubers is likely to become unsustainable, because once its tuber is harvested the plant does not recover or survive. | Chikanda; Edible orchids; Gathering pressure; Orchidaceae; Species diversity; Survival strategies | abundance; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; angiosperm; anthropogenic effect; edible species; human activity; human immunodeficiency virus; orphan; rural area; species diversity; survival; triangulation; wild population; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Orchidaceae; Tuber (truffle) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952518011 | The impact on nurses and nurse managers of introducing PEPFAR clinical services in urban government clinics in Uganda | Nankumbi J., Groves S., Leontsini E., Kyegombe N., Coutinho A., Manabe Y. | 2011 | BMC International Health and Human Rights | 11 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1186/1472-698X-11-S1-S8 | Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Infectious Disease, Kampala, Uganda; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States | Nankumbi, J., Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Groves, S., Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Leontsini, E., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Kyegombe, N., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Coutinho, A., Institute of Infectious Disease, Kampala, Uganda; Manabe, Y., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States | Background: Improving provider performance is central to strengthening health services in developing countries. Because of critical shortages of physicians, many clinics in sub-Saharan Africa are led by nurses. In addition to clinical skills, nurse managers need practical managerial skills and adequate resources to ensure procurement of essential supplies, quality assurance implementation, and productive work environment. Giving nurses more autonomy in their work empowers them in the workplace and has shown to create positive influence on work attitudes and behaviors. The Infectious Disease Institute, an affiliate of Makerere University College of Health Science, in an effort to expand the needed HIV services in the Ugandan capital, established a community-university partnership with the Ministry of Health to implement an innovative model to build capacity in HIV service delivery. This paper evaluates the impact on the nurses from this innovative program to provide more health care in six nurse managed Kampala City Council (KCC) Clinics. Methods. A mixed method approach was used. The descriptive study collected key informant interviews from the six nurse managers, and administered a questionnaire to 20 staff nurses between September and December 2009. Key themes were manually identified from the interviews, and the questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Introducing new HIV services into six KCC clinics was positive for the nurses. They identified the project as successful because of perceived improved environment, increase in useful in-service training, new competence to manage patients and staff, improved physical infrastructure, provision of more direct patient care, motivation to improve the clinic because the project acted on their suggestions, and involvement in role expansion. All of these helped empower the nurses, improving quality of care and increasing job satisfaction. Conclusions: This community-university HIV innovative model was successful from the point of view of the nurses and nurse managers. This model shows promise in increasing effective, quality health service; HIV and other programs can build capacity and empower nurses and nurse managers to directly implement such services. It also demonstrates how MakCHS can be instrumental through partnerships in designing and testing effective strategies, building human health resources and improving Ugandan health outcomes. © 2011 Nankumbi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; clinical article; government; health care; health care quality; health program; hospital; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; job satisfaction; medical service; multicenter study; nurse manager; patient care; prpfar clinical service; questionnaire; staff nurse; Uganda; urban area | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955642843 | The impact on dam design of a new materials model for the early behaviour of RCC | Shaw Q.H.W. | 2010 | International Journal on Hydropower and Dams | 17 | 4 | None | ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa | Shaw, Q.H.W., ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa | The impact of new materials model for high strength RCC on the design of large dams is discussed through the example of Changuinola 1 dam in Panama, focusing on aspects of particular importance for arch dams. An approach combining field measurement with structural modeling to predict and demonstrate actual materials behavior is discussed. The finite element (FE) analysis confirmed that the anticipated residual tensile stresses between induced joints spaced at 20 m are minimal, peaking at only 50 microstrain for a temperature drop of the order of 20°C. The study finds that applying a uniform temperature drop of 6°C, arch action concentrated more towards the upstream side and the top of the structure, is observed. The design approach of Changuinola 1 dam requires installation of cooling pipes in the RCC above the upper gallery if shrinkage and creep are evident in the RCC. | None | Arch action; Cooling pipes; Dam design; Design approaches; Field measurement; Finite elements; High strength; Induced joints; Large dams; Materials behavior; Micro-strain; New material; Residual tensile stress; Shrinkage and creep; Structural modeling; Temperature drops; Uniform temperature; Arches; Dams; Drops; Finite element method; Design | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84933051370 | The impact of zinc recycling on the slurry rheology of WC-6 wt.% Co cemented carbides? | Freemantle C.S., Sacks N. | 2015 | International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials | 49 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2014.08.015 | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa; Pilot Tools (Pty) (Ltd), P.O. Box 27559, Benrose, South Africa | Freemantle, C.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa, Pilot Tools (Pty) (Ltd), P.O. Box 27559, Benrose, South Africa; Sacks, N., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa | The slurry rheology of zinc recycled and newWC-6 wt.% Co materials has been studied. The impact of polymer molecular weight, particle size distribution, zeta potential and solids loading on slurry rheology has been investigated and correlated with spray dried powder properties. Powders were characterized in terms of granule size distribution, apparent density, flow rate and granule microstructure. Zinc recycled and new powders, produced in both laboratory and production sized mills, were rheologically tested at various particle sizes ranging from 1.3 μm to 4.1 μm and at 3 different alcohol fractions. Polymer breakdown did not occur during milling, and did not influence slurry rheology. Recycled powders exhibited more consistent zeta potentials compared to new powders however all of the slurries, recycled and new alike, displayed agglomerating tendencies. Grain size distribution was shown to be the dominant factor in the shear response and development of a slurry yield stress, which resulted in solid spray dried granules from slurries possessing finer grain size and a higher yield stress, compared to hollow granules resulting from slurries possessing a coarser grain size and a low yield stress. Finer slurries, regardless of recycling or not, displayed higher settling rates. Zinc recycled slurries settled less quickly than newslurries of similar particle size; however they required longermilling times to achieve the target grain size distribution. Both zinc recycled and new powder slurries can be tailored to produce ideal, solid granules. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Cemented carbides; Slurry rheology; Spray drying; Zinc recycling | Carbide tools; Carbides; Copolymers; Elasticity; Granulation; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Powders; Recycling; Size distribution; Slurries; Spray drying; Tungsten carbide; Yield stress; Zeta potential; Zinc; Milling (machining); Cemented carbides; Grain size distribution; Granule microstructure; Granule size distribution; Polymer molecular weight; Slurry rheology; Spray-dried granules; Spray-dried powders; Grain size and shape | National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910092886 | The impact of years of buying experience on information sources used by craft retailers in South Africa | Makhitha K.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1553 | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Makhitha, K.M., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | The SA government has identified the craft industry as a key focus area contributing to sustainable development, economic growth and employment opportunities. However the industry faces many challenges such as global competition and lack of resources. More importantly, craft producers in SA cannot access the craft retailer market successfully which limit their financial success. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sources of information used by craft retailers in South Africa. Another purpose was to ascertain if sources of information used by craft retailers differ for retailers with different years of buying experience. A self-administered survey was conducted among craft retailers and a sample of 233 were realised. The descriptive statistics are reported as well as factor analysis, ANOVA and MANOVA results. The results indicated that craft retailers consult certain information sources more often than others. Information sources were grouped into three factors after the factor analysis: internal and personal information, promotional information and print advertising. There were no statistical significant differences found between the different types of craft retailers and years of buying experience. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Craft industry; Craft producers; Craft retailers; Information sources; Years of buying experience | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925671973 | The impact of Xpert® MTB/RIF in sparsely populated rural settings | Van Den Handel T., Hampton K.H., Sanne I., Stevens W., Crous R., Van Rie A. | 2015 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 19 | 4 | 10.5588/ijtld.14.0653 | Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings, School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rural Districts, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Right to Care, Western Cape, P O Box 54 Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa | Van Den Handel, T., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa, Right to Care, Western Cape, P O Box 54 Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa; Hampton, K.H., Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings, School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Sanne, I., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa, Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Crous, R., Rural Districts, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Rie, A., Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings, School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Background: The impact of implementing Xpert® MTB/RIF and the choice of instrument placement on patient care in sparsely populated areas with poor access to laboratory and radiology services have not yet been elucidated. Methods: Prospective evaluation of three diagnostic approaches in the Central Karoo, South Africa: smear microscopy as the initial diagnostic, with sputum processing at centralised laboratories, and Xpert as the initial diagnostic with instrument placement at facility level or centralised laboratory. Results: Of 1449 individuals, 196 were diagnosed with TB. The proportion positive on initial testing was respectively 8%, 20% and 8% during the smear microscopy, decentralised Xpert and centralised Xpert periods. The proportion of bacteriologically confirmed cases was respectively 88%, 99% and 91% during the smear microscopy, decentralised Xpert and centralised Xpert periods. The median time to treatment was respectively 11.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 6-24), 1 (IQR 0-2) and 6 days (IQR 2-9) during the smear microscopy, decentralised Xpert and centralised Xpert periods. Conclusion: Introducing Xpert as the initial diagnostic in areas with poor access to TB diagnostics increased the proportion of cases with bacteriological confirmation and reduced time to treatment initiation; however, point-of-care placement may have resulted in fewer people being evaluated for TB. © 2015 The Union. | Impact; Rural; Xpert MTB/RIF | isoniazid; adolescent; adult; antibiotic resistance; Article; child; controlled study; female; human; major clinical study; male; microscopy; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; priority journal; prospective study; rapid test; rural area; rural population; South Africa; sputum smear; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846474913 | The impact of working with trauma - Risk and resilience factors among health care providers | Frank S. | 2006 | South African Journal of Psychiatry | 12 | 4 | None | Department of Social Work, Wentworth Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Frank, S., Department of Social Work, Wentworth Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Introduction. Health workers experience high levels of stress which may be due to aspects of the organisation, work roles, work demands, etc. Professionals who listen to patients' fear, pain, suffering and narratives of trauma may feel similiar pain, fear and suffering through a process of counter-transference or vicarious traumatisation. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may subsequently arise, including reexperiencing, avoiding and hyperarousal symptoms. This study aimed to explore whether health workers experienced any symptoms of PTSD, and their risk and resilience factors. Methods. A qualitative, explorative study was undertaken. A total sample of 6 health workers completed self-reported questionnaires and 2 additional staff were interviewed in face-to-face sessions, at Wentworth Hospital Hospital, Durban, South Africa. Results. All but 1 of the health workers did not report symptoms of PTSD or significant distress in social, occupational or other areas of functioning. Post-traumatic stress responses were reported by a few health workers. Health workers further described positive coping strategies in their work with trauma. Conclusion. The varied responses of health workers may be affected by their internal factors (allostatic load), resilience and personal trauma experiences. Reports of PTSD symptoms were minimal and may be indicative of good coping abilities among health workers in this study, or denial of the effects of trauma. These factors require further exploration in future studies with larger sample sizes. However, health institutions need to adopt proactive approaches to improve staff wellness, thereby increasing productivity and decreasing absenteeism. | None | absenteeism; adult; age; article; avoidance behavior; burnout; coping behavior; defense mechanism; denial; educational status; emotional stress; employment status; female; gender; health care facility; health care personnel; health hazard; human; human experiment; irritability; job stress; morality; normal human; occupational disease; patient care; personal experience; pilot study; posttraumatic stress disorder; qualitative research; risk factor; social stress | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857226394 | The impact of working capital management on the profitability of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria | Samson A.A., Mary J., Yemisi B.-F., Erekpitan I.O. | 2012 | Research Journal of Business Management | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/rjbm.2012.61.69 | Department of Accounting Igbinedion, University Okada, College of Management Science, Edo State, Nigeria | Samson, A.A., Department of Accounting Igbinedion, University Okada, College of Management Science, Edo State, Nigeria; Mary, J., Department of Accounting Igbinedion, University Okada, College of Management Science, Edo State, Nigeria; Yemisi, B.-F., Department of Accounting Igbinedion, University Okada, College of Management Science, Edo State, Nigeria; Erekpitan, I.O., Department of Accounting Igbinedion, University Okada, College of Management Science, Edo State, Nigeria | The objective of the research study was to empirically investigate the impact of working capital management on the profitability of a sample of small and medium-sized Nigerian firms. The data for the study were collected from 30 SME's covering the single period of 2009. Data was collected from secondary sources (financial statement) and was analyzed using the multiple regression analysis. The results which are robust to the presence of endogeneity, demonstrate that managers can create value by reducing their firm's number of day's accounts receivable and inventories. Equally, shortening the cash conversion cycle also improves the firm's profitability. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc. | Conversion cycle; Nigerian firms; Profitability; Small and medium scale enterprises; Working capital | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929653743 | The impact of 'women's empowerment in agriculture' on household vulnerability to food insecurity in the KwaZulu-Natal province | Sharaunga S., Mudhara M., Bogale A. | 2015 | Forum for Development Studies | 42 | 2 | 10.1080/08039410.2014.997792 | School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; African Centre for Food Security, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Sharaunga, S., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mudhara, M., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Bogale, A., African Centre for Food Security, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | It is argued that empowering women in smallholder agriculture is very crucial in reducing vulnerability to food insecurity among rural households. This study contributes to this literature by adapting the vulnerability as expected poverty approach to determine which dimensions of 'women's empowerment in agriculture' reduces household's vulnerability to food insecurity based on cross-section data collected from 300 randomly selected primary female heads-of-households in Msinga rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. It was found that empowering women in socio-cultural aspects that creates hindrances in agriculture reduces the probability of their households being vulnerable to food insecurity. Surprisingly, access to irrigation and improved water-use security did not significantly influence household vulnerability to food insecurity. However, other forms of women's empowerment including economic agency and physical capital empowerment were found to reduce the likelihood of a household being vulnerable to food insecurity. Women with high levels of financial capital empowerment invested less in other capital assets and were more vulnerable to food insecurity in the future. In addition to women's empowerment, demographic characteristics of a household influence its vulnerability status. A household's vulnerability to food insecurity reduces as the husband's income increases but increases with increased dependency ratio. It was concluded that empowerment in agriculture alone is not a panacea to reduce household vulnerability to food insecurity. Efforts should be made to improve physical assets that determine the off-farm income earning and agricultural production capacity of households. © 2015 Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). | agriculture; South Africa; vulnerability to food insecurity; women's empowerment | agricultural production; capital; empowerment; food security; smallholder; vulnerability; womens status; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875425751 | The impact of wind power on power system transient stability based on probabilistic weighting method | Ayodele T.R., Jimoh A.A., Munda J.L., Agee J.T. | 2012 | Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy | 4 | 6 | 10.1063/1.4771998 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Ayodele, T.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Munda, J.L., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Agee, J.T., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa | This paper reports on the influence of wind power on transient stability of a power system taking into consideration the stochastic nature of a disturbance to the network. Traditionally, transient stability is evaluated using the deterministic method. This technique is usually considered for a single operating condition so called the worst case scenario. However, factors that affect the transient stability of a power system such as types of disturbance and its location, the clearing time, and even the pre-disturbance system state are all random processes. A probabilistic method using conditional probability is used in analysing the effects of wind generator technologies, wind power location, and wind power penetration level on the transient stability of a power system. The indices for probability of stability are established; comparison is made between the probabilistic and deterministic techniques in the evaluation of risk of instability of a power system consisting wind generators. DigSilent power factory 14.0 and matlab™ are employed in the analysis. Some of the key results show that wind power has both positive and negative influences on the transient stability of a power system depending on the location of the wind farm and the penetration level of the wind power. The deterministic approach gives a high pessimistic result compared to the probabilistic method. The probabilistic technique has the ability to quantify the level of instability in a power system. © 2012 American Institute of Physics. | None | Conditional probabilities; Deterministic approach; Deterministic technique; DigSILENT power factories; Power system transient stability; Probabilistic technique; Wind generator systems; Wind power penetration; Electric utilities; Random processes; Risks; Wind power; Wind turbines; Stability | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930817131 | The impact of willingness to engage in negative electronic word-ofmouth on brand attitude: A study of airline passengers in South Africa | Beneke J., Mill J., Naidoo K., Wickham B. | 2015 | Journal of Business and Retail Management Research | 9 | 2 | None | School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Beneke, J., School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Mill, J., School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Naidoo, K., School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Wickham, B., School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has provided consumers with the opportunity to offer their experiences and opinions to other consumers on a global scale. Both traditional word of mouth (WOM) and eWOM have been found to play a major role in determining consumers' behaviour and attitudes towards a brand. Negative eWOM has been found to have a greater impact on consumers than positive eWOM. This study investigated whether the willingness of a frequent flyer to engage in negative eWOM has a significant negative impact on brand attitude. Brand attitude was measured by three components, namely brand trust, brand affect and consumer purchase intent. The study further examined whether willingness to engage in negative eWOM differed between customers of full-service and low-cost carriers. The primary finding of this study revealed that willingness to engage in negative eWOM after a service failure did indeed have a negative impact on frequent flyers' attitude towards the brand. However, no difference was found between the two types of customers. It is believed that this study can assist airline companies in understanding the effect of eWOM after a service failure and, in a scholarly context, goes some way to addressing the dearth of research in this area of enquiry. | Airline; Brand attitude; Negative eWOM; Purchase intent; South africa; Travel | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41149109021 | The impact of water shortage on forest resources - The case of Uganda | Kafeero F. | 2007 | Unasylva | 58 | 229 | None | Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda | Kafeero, F., Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda | The scarcity of water resources in Uganda due to climate change has weakened the country's hydropower generation. To meet the demand for power, the country resorted to using expensive thermal power, which increased electricity tariffs per unit of domestic consumption. The people turned to woodfuels for energy, increasing their dependence on tree and forest products, which then resulted to an increased deforestation in unsustainably managed forests, as suppliers seek to meet the increased demand and take advantage of the skyrocketing fuel price. As the country experienced high rains, electricity generation levels have not recovered. The heavy rains wash away bare soils, increasing the problem of siltation. If extreme dry condition set in, this cycle will be further exacerbated, posing a threat to human life today and the years to come. | None | climate change; deforestation; forest management; forest product; forest resource; fuelwood; power generation; resource scarcity; water resource; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957017187 | The impact of water scarcity on environmental health in selected residential areas in Bulawayo City, Zimbabwe | Nyemba A., Manzungu E., Masango S., Musasiwa S. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.028 | Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Nyemba, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Manzungu, E., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Masango, S., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Musasiwa, S., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | This paper assesses the extent of water scarcity at household level and the resultant environmental health impacts in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. The paper is based on two separate surveys that were undertaken in low and high income suburbs between June 2007 and January 2008. The first survey investigated the extent and impacts of water scarcity at household level. Data was collected by means of a household questionnaire, key informant interviews, review of clinic records and physical observation. The second survey assessed microbial levels in the main water sources and was complemented by examining water-related disease profiles. Water scarcity was found to be more severe in low income than in high income suburbs. This was a consequence of the city's skewed water distribution policy which favoured the former and failure by residents of the latter to invest in safer water alternatives. Per capita water consumption in both suburbs was below internationally recommended levels. Microbial assessment indicated presence of coliforms in water obtained from the tap and alternative sources at levels above WHO and Zimbabwean standards. Water scarcity resulted in an increase in the incidence of water-related diseases and environmental contamination. The evidence suggests that water scarcity in Bulawayo represents a huge cost to residents and the environment. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Bulawayo; Disease profile; Environmental health; Water scarcity; Zimbabwe | Alternative source; Bulawayo; Coliforms; Environmental contamination; Environmental health; Environmental-health impact; Household level; Microbial levels; Per capita; Residential areas; Water consumption; Water distributions; Water scarcity; Water source; Water-related disease; Zimbabwe; Environmental engineering; Surveys; Water supply; Water supply systems; Health; coliform bacterium; disease incidence; health impact; household survey; resource scarcity; safety; standard (regulation); suburban area; water resource; water use; World Health Organization; Bulawayo [Bulawayo (PRV)]; Bulawayo [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649105728 | The impact of water scarcity on economic development initiatives | Blignaut J., Van Heerden J. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Blignaut, J., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Van Heerden, J., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | South Africa's unallocated water resources have dwindled to precariously low levels. Furthermore, it is generally recognised by the authorities and specialists alike that it is likely that water demand will outstrip water supply within the next decade. Macro-economically and strategically speaking, the question therefore is how to make best use of the country's available water resources? We ask this question since South Africa is a country classified as having chronic water shortages, a condition exacerbated by climate change and the presence of invasive alien plant species. In this paper we address the question of sectoral water allocation by applying a macro-economic comparative static Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model using an integrated database comprising South Africa's Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and sectoral water use balances. We refer to AsgiSA, the South African Government's Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, and conclude that introducing the proposed programmes in a business-as-usual and water-intensive manner will strengthen the current growth in the demand for water. This will bring forward, or accelerate, the need for introducing water rationing among sectors. The importance of this conclusion cannot be emphasised enough. Water is essential, and recognised in as much in the preamble to the National Water Act of 1998, with regards to livelihoods, health and from a socio-economic development perspective since there are no substitutes for it. While water rationing is imminent, the reality thereof has not yet led to a rethink of macro-economic policies. This delayed effect can create a degree of comfort and ill-founded complacency leading to non-action, whereas there is an urgent need for proactive measures towards water conservation. | AsgiSA; Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model; Economic development; Water demand; Water rationing; Water supply | Alien plants; AsgiSA; Available water; Business-as-usual; Comparative statics; Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model; Computable general equilibrium model; Delayed effects; Economic development; Economic policies; Growth initiatives; Integrated database; Low level; matrix; Non-action; Proactive measures; Socio-economic development; South Africa; South African government; Water Act; Water allocations; Water demand; Water scarcity; Water shortages; Water use; Climate change; Competition; Economics; Forestry; Planning; Water conservation; Water supply; Water supply systems; Water resources; comparative study; economic development; economic growth; equilibrium; general equilibrium analysis; water availability; water demand; water resource; water supply; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954222893 | The impact of water quality on informally-declared heritage sites: A preliminary study | Vos A.T., Cawood S. | 2010 | Water SA | 36 | 2 | None | Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Centre for Africa Studies, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Vos, A.T., Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Cawood, S., Centre for Africa Studies, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | The current study is an attempt to gauge the impact of water quality on 2 sacred sites in the eastern Free State, Mautse and Motouleng, which are informally-declared heritage sites, as well as the consequent implications for matters of living heritage as pertaining to the specific sites. The informally-constituted communities at the sacred sites are dependent on freshwater sources where water use, sanitation and waste disposal are unmanaged activities. The sustainability of informally-declared heritage sites may be uncertain due to factors relating to water quality. Water samples were collected for physical, chemical and biological analyses. The latter comprised algal and bacterial analyses which included testing for concentrations of faecal coliforms, where concentrations above 20 cfu/100 mℓ indicates a significant risk of infectious disease transmission (domestic use) and concentrations above 200 cfu/100 mℓ points to a significant infection risk for young livestock. Water quality is discussed in terms of human, animal and ecological risk, which may threaten the heritage and the economic subsistence based on the heritage at both sites. | Faecal coliforms; Heritage; Informally-declared heritage sites; Water quality | Bacterial analysis; Biological analysis; Domestic use; Ecological risks; Faecal coliforms; Free state; Freshwater sources; Heritage; Heritage sites; Infectious disease; Specific sites; Water samples; Water use; Agriculture; Waste disposal; Water quality; Water supply; Water pollution; biological analysis; disease transmission; environmental risk; fecal coliform; heritage conservation; infectious disease; physicochemical property; risk factor; sanitation; subsistence; sustainability; waste disposal; water quality; water use; Free State; South Africa; algae; Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863601150 | The impact of water mattresses on incidence of PUs in patients with spinal cord injuries in Nigeria | Nwadinigwe C.U., Anyaehie U.E., Onyegbule E.C. | 2012 | Journal of Wound Care | 21 | 4 | None | National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | Nwadinigwe, C.U., National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Anyaehie, U.E., National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Onyegbule, E.C., National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | Objective: To evaluate the impact of water mattresses on the incidence of pressure ulcers and length of hospitalisation in patients with spinal cord injuries in Nigeria. Method: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who presented and were managed for complete traumatic spinal cord injury between January 2005 and December 2008. This period included 2 years prior to, and 2 years following, the introduction of water mattresses to the ward; patients from these periods were grouped as A and B, respectively. Information collated from the medical records included demographic data, wound aetiology, time to presentation, level of injury, complications, treatment, and duration of hospitalisation and follow-up. Outcome measures were presence or absence of pressure ulcers and length of hospital stay. Results: In total, 201 patients were treated within the study period. Of these, 99 patients met the inclusion criteria; 35 patients (19 paraplegics and 16 tetraplegics) were managed between 2005 and 2006 (group A), while 64 patients (28 paraplegics and 36 tetraplegics) were managed in 2007 and 2008 (group B). The age range of the included patients was 9-76 years (39.0 ± 4.6 years and 41.5 ± 3.2 years for groups A and B, respectively) and all were male. Patient characteristics were similar for the two groups; however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of presence of pressure ulcers, deteriorating of existing ulcers and condition of the patient on discharge (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of pressure ulcers are preventable and a simple support surface, such as water mattresses, can reduce the incidence and magnitude of pressure ulceration, thus reducing hospital stay. Declaration of interest: The authors do not have any financial relationship with any organisation that manufactures water mattresses, either locally or overseas. There were no external sources of funding for this study. © 2012. | Nigeria; Pressure ulcer prevention; Spinal cord injury; Water mattress | adolescent; adult; aged; article; bed; child; decubitus; human; length of stay; male; middle aged; Nigeria; paralysis; retrospective study; spinal cord injury; treatment outcome; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Beds; Child; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Paralysis; Pressure Ulcer; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348987743 | The impact of war experiences and physical abuse on formerly abducted boys in Northern Uganda | Amone-P'Olak K., Garnefski N., Kraaij V. | 2007 | African Journal of Psychiatry (South Africa) | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands | Amone-P'Olak, K., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Garnefski, N., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kraaij, V., Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands | Objective: In this article, war experiences and the impact of physical abuse on formerly abducted boys in Northern Uganda are assessed. Method: In a cross-sectional self-report design, Impact of Events Scale - Revised (IES-R), War Experiences Checklist questionnaires were administered to 216 formerly abducted boys between August and November 2004 and data from records at three rehabilitation centres were retrospectively assessed and analysed. Results: The boys were exposed to war events, participated in atrocities, were physically abused, and manifested many signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress. Consequently, many were psychologically distressed at the time of the study. Conclusions: The psychosocial intervention activities proposed include teaching better coping skills, entrepreneurial skills training, and provision of micro credit facilities. | Physical abuse; Psychosocial intervention; PTS; Uganda; War | adolescent; adult; article; child abuse; coping behavior; cross-sectional study; distress syndrome; experience; human; Impact of Events Scale; major clinical study; male; posttraumatic stress disorder; psychosocial care; questionnaire; school child; self report; Uganda; war | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000333602200001 | The impact of voluntary counselling and testing services on sexual behaviour change and HIV incidence: observations from a cohort study in rural Tanzania | Cawley, Caoimhe,Kumugola, Yusufu,Michael, Denna,Slaymaker, Emma,Todd, Jim,Urassa, Mark,Wringe, Alison,Zaba, Basia | 2014 | BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 14 | None | 10.1186/1471-2334-14-159 | University of London | "Cawley, Caoimhe: University of London","Slaymaker, Emma: University of London","Wringe, Alison: University of London","Zaba, Basia: University of London", | Background: It is widely assumed that voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services contribute to HIV prevention by motivating clients to reduce sexual risk-taking. However, findings from sub-Saharan Africa have been mixed, particularly among HIV-negative persons. We explored associations between VCT use and changes in sexual risk behaviours and HIV incidence using data from a community HIV cohort study in northwest Tanzania.
Methods: Data on VCT use, sexual behaviour and HIV status were available from three HIV serological surveillance rounds undertaken in 2003-4 (Sero4), 2006-7 (Sero5) and 2010 (Sero6). We used multinomial logistic regression to assess changes in sexual risk behaviours between rounds, and Poisson regression to estimate HIV incidence.
Results: The analyses included 3,613 participants attending Sero4 and Sero5 (3,474 HIV-negative and 139 HIV-positive at earlier round) and 2,998 attending Sero5 and Sero6 (2,858 HIV-negative and 140 HIV-positive at earlier round). Among HIV-negative individuals VCT use was associated with reductions in the number of sexual partners in the last year (aRR Seros 4-5: 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.88; aRR Seros 5-6: 1.68, 95% CI 1.25-2.26) and in the likelihood of having a non-cohabiting partner in the last year (aRR Seros 4-5: 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.25; aRR Seros 5-6: 1.48, 95% CI 1.07-2.04) or a high-risk partner in the last year (aRR Seros 5-6 1.57, 95% CI 1.06-2.31). However, VCT was also associated with stopping using condoms with non-cohabiting partners between Seros 4-5 (aRR 4.88, 95% CI 1.39-17.16). There were no statistically significant associations between VCT use and changes in HIV incidence, nor changes in sexual behaviour among HIV-positive individuals, possibly due to small sample sizes.
Conclusions: We found moderate associations between VCT use and reductions in some sexual risk behaviours among HIV-negative participants, but no impacts among HIV-positive individuals in the context of low overall VCT uptake. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in HIV incidence associated with VCT use, although declining background incidence and small sample sizes may have prevented us from detecting this. The impact of VCT services will ultimately depend upon rates of uptake, with further research required to better understand processes of behaviour change following VCT use. | "COHORT STUDY",HIV,"sexual behaviour",Tanzania,"voluntary counselling and testing",AFRICA,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",POPULATIONS,RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"RISK BEHAVIOR",SPREAD,TRENDS,UGANDA,ZIMBABWE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930526201 | The impact of vitamin D on the innate immune response to uropathogenic Escherichia coli during pregnancy | Ramos N.L., Sekikubo M., Kironde F., Mirembe F., Sääf M., Brauner A. | 2015 | Clinical Microbiology and Infection | 21 | 5 | 10.1016/j.cmi.2014.12.010 | Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | Ramos, N.L., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Sekikubo, M., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kironde, F., Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mirembe, F., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Sääf, M., Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Brauner, A., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden | Urinary tract infections are highly common during pregnancy, and can cause serious complications for the mother and baby. Vitamin D, predominantly obtained from the sunlight, is known to have an effect on the urothelium, with immunomodulatory capacity against Escherichia coli infection. However, its influence at this site remains to be further explored. This study therefore investigated its impact during pregnancy in a population of women who have the possibility of adequate year-round sun exposure. Serum from pregnant Ugandan women (n=32) in each trimester of pregnancy, from women after delivery (n=29) and from never-pregnant controls (n=25) was collected. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), cathelicidin LL-37, human β-defensin 2, interleukin (IL)-8 and soluble CD14 serum concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay or ELISA. The ability of serum to inhibit E.coli growth was tested. The immunomodulatory capacities of these serum samples and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<inf>3</inf> were investigated in urothelial cells. Increases in 25-OHD and LL-37 levels were observed as pregnancy progressed, peaking in the third trimester. Serum 25-OHD levels were higher in multigravidae than in primigravidae, and correlated positively with maternal age. IL-8 levels were lower in the third trimester than in the first trimester, increased after delivery, but remained below those of never-pregnant women. Similarly, soluble CD14 concentrations increased after delivery. As gestation advanced, serum had an increased capacity to inhibit E.coli growth. Invitro, it modulated the IL-8 response to infection in a vitamin D concentration-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that increasing vitamin D levels as pregnancy advances modulate the innate immune system towards a protective response to infection. © 2014 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. | 25-hydroxyvitamin D; Escherichia coli; Interleukin-8; LL-37; Pregnancy; Urinary tract infection | 25 hydroxyvitamin D; beta defensin 2; calcitriol; cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL 37; CD14 antigen; interleukin 8; vitamin D; adult; Article; bacterial growth; bladder epithelium; blood level; chemoluminescence; clinical article; controlled study; delivery; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; first trimester pregnancy; growth inhibition; human; human cell; immunomodulation; in vitro study; innate immunity; maternal age; multigravida; nonhuman; pregnancy; primigravida; priority journal; sun exposure; third trimester pregnancy; Ugandan; uropathogenic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907055208 | The impact of visual impairment on health-related quality of life in rural Africa | Briesen S., Roberts H., Finger R.P. | 2014 | Ophthalmic Epidemiology | 21 | 5 | 10.3109/09286586.2014.950281 | MVZ Jung-Stilling Hospital, Ziegeleistr. 27, Siegen, Germany; Kwale District Eye Centre, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia | Briesen, S., MVZ Jung-Stilling Hospital, Ziegeleistr. 27, Siegen, Germany, Kwale District Eye Centre, Mombasa, Kenya; Roberts, H., Kwale District Eye Centre, Mombasa, Kenya; Finger, R.P., Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany, Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia | Purpose: To assess the impact of visual impairment (VI) on utility values in Sub-Saharan Africa and compare findings with other studies from low- and high-income countries. Methods: Patients with normal vision and various levels of VI were recruited from a secondary eye clinic in rural Kenya and interviewed using time trade-off (TTO). VI was classified using the World Health Organization definition of (normal vision, visual acuity ≥20/60, VI 20/80-20/200, severe VI 20/240-20/400, and blindness <20/400). Results: Mean age of the total sample (N=303) was 50.3 years (standard deviation, SD, ±18.17 years), and 51.5% of patients were male. Most were small-scale farmers and illiteracy was high at 40%. Mean TTO scores per group were: normal vision 0.93 (SD±0.10), VI 0.88 (SD±0.14), severe VI 0.86 (SD±0.13), blindness 0.73 (SD±0.17; p≤0.001). Lower TTO scores were independently associated with worse visual acuity (p≤0.001), longer duration of disease (p≤0.001) and illiteracy (p=0.011), but not with cause of VI, age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, or systemic comorbidities in multivariate analyses. Overall, TTO scores were considerably higher than those reported from high-income countries at similar levels of VI. Conclusion: In this rural African population, duration and extent of vision loss, rather than cause, socioeconomic factors and comorbidities affected vision-related quality of life. Our findings underline the importance of providing sight-restoring treatment as timely as possible and the necessity of enhancing rehabilitation efforts for those with non-curable eye diseases. © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. | Africa; Kenya; Time trade-off; Utilities; Visual impairment | adult; age; aged; agricultural worker; amblyopia; Article; blindness; cataract; comorbidity; controlled study; cornea disease; developed country; disease duration; female; gender; glaucoma; human; interview; Kenya; life expectancy; lowest income group; major clinical study; male; marriage; mathematical and statistical procedures; optic nerve injury; quality of life; reading; refraction error; retina disease; rural population; social status; time trade off; vision; visual acuity; visual impairment; adolescent; devices; epidemiology; health status; middle aged; patient; physiology; psychology; psychometry; rural population; Sickness Impact Profile; South Africa; statistics and numerical data; very elderly; visual disorder; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Rural Population; Sickness Impact Profile; South Africa; Vision Disorders; Visual Acuity; Visually Impaired Persons | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-51949109315 | The impact of vehicular fallout on the Pra estuary of Ghana (a case study of the impact of platinum group metals (PGMs) on the marine ecosystem) | Essumang D.K., Dodoo D.K., Adokoh C.K. | 2008 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 145 | 42372 | 10.1007/s10661-007-0037-0 | Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Essumang, D.K., Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Dodoo, D.K., Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adokoh, C.K., Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | It is increasingly being recognised and environmental measurements have demonstrated that Platinum (Pt) (and potentially Rhodium (Rh) and Palladium (Pd)) is released with the ageing of catalytic converters. Platinum is a particular concern as it has a known mutagenic and toxic effect, even at exceedingly low concentrations, in urban air (affecting human health) and urban water (affecting ecosystem health). In the context given above and given the still keen lack of reliable experimental data on the levels of Pd, Pt and Rh in water and sediment, this study determined the concentration of such elements in water and sediment of the Pra estuary in the Western Region of Ghana where it is estimated that more than two thousand cars pass over the bridge under which the river flows to join the sea each day. Elevated concentrations of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and Rhodium (Rh) were found to be associated with water and soils from areas of high traffic densities (Beposo) suggesting that vehicles also contribute heavy metals (PGMs) to the environment. The result showed elevated levels of these metals in river bank, waterbed and in the water. There is therefore the tendency of possible accumulation of these metals in plant and animals along these areas. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007. | Akotokyir; Beposo; Bosomdo Krobo; Canberra Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA); Catalytic converters; Kakum; Platinum group metals (PGMs); Pra estuary; Shama Beach | Catalytic converters; Concentration (process); Ecosystems; Heavy metals; Heavy water; Iridium alloys; Metals; Palladium; Platinum; Platinum metals; Rhodium; Rivers; Sedimentation; Sedimentology; Transition metals; Akotokyir; Beposo; Bosomdo Krobo; Canberra Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA); Case studies; Ecosystem health; Elevated concentrations; Elevated levels; Environmental measurements; Experimental data; Human health; In plants; Kakum; Low concentrations; Marine ecosystems; Platinum group metals; Platinum group metals (PGMs); Pra estuary; River banks; River flows; Shama Beach; Toxic effects; Traffic densities; Urban air; Urban waters; River pollution; heavy metal; palladium; platinum derivative; rhodium; river water; bioaccumulation; concentration (composition); ecological impact; estuarine ecosystem; fallout; palladium; platinum; pollution effect; rhodium; toxicity; traffic emission; urban atmosphere; article; environmental impact; environmental monitoring; estuary; flotation bed; Ghana; marine environment; motor vehicle; riparian ecosystem; soil analysis; soil chemistry; soil quality; water analysis; water content; water flow; water quality; water sampling; Ecosystem; Ghana; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Palladium; Platinum; Rhodium; Seawater; Vehicle Emissions; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Africa; Ghana; Pra Estuary; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949514438 | The impact of urbanization on pattern of physical development in emerging urban fringes of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Olugbenga T.D., Ifesanya K. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 77 | 14 | 10.11113/jt.v77.64520 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Architectural Technology, School of Enviromental Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiEkiti State, Nigeria | Olugbenga, T.D., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Ifesanya, K., Department of Architectural Technology, School of Enviromental Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiEkiti State, Nigeria | Urban fringe development has become a global concern in the last decade, especially as cities continue to expand phenomenally, particularly in the Global South. Urban fringe development is a complex process that involves activities such as change in land, ownership patterns, land transfer processes, regulatory measures and enforcement. This paper examines the pattern of urban fringe development in Ado-Ekiti in South-Western part of Nigeria, focusing on the character of the population, housing types and conditions, availability and quality of infrastructure and the effects on quality of life. Primary and secondary data were obtained for the study. The study revealed that most of the fringe areas in Ado Ekiti lack adequate basic socio-economic amenities such as schools, health centres, recreational facilities, etc., as well as infrastructural facilities like adequate road network, electricity and water supply, drainage and sewage disposal, etc. Statistical data analysis also revealed that the income level of the population has significant effect on urban fringe development. Some of the recommendations for improving the situation include enlightenment of the citizenry the introduction of physical planning education to schools, proper planning, monitoring and enforcement of physical development activities in the fringe areas by government. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Ado-Ekiti; Environment; Urban fringe; Urbanisation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-52949107601 | The impact of urban environment and seasonality on the quality of Ikpoba River in Benin City, Nigeria | Odjugo P.A.O., Konyeme J.O. | 2008 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Benin, P. M. B. 1154, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Integrated Science, College of Education, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria | Odjugo, P.A.O., Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Benin, P. M. B. 1154, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Konyeme, J.O., Department of Integrated Science, College of Education, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria | In Nigeria, most wastes (solid and liquid) are indiscriminately disposed off with partial treatment or untreated. While some wastes are dumped directly into the rivers, others are left on the earth surface and may later be moved through runoffs into the rivers and pollute them. This unwholesome and non-environment friendly practice necessitated this study which investigated the impact of urbanization and seasonal variation on the water quality in Ikpoba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Eight water samples were collected at different stations, namely pre-urban, Urban I, Urban II and post-urban. Four water samples were collected at each station during the dry season months of December 2005 and February 2006 and rainy season months of June and September 2006. Samples were analysed in laboratory for physico-chemical and microbial parameters such as PO4-3, Fe, Ca and BOD among others. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered and 492 (98.4%) well-filled questionnaires were analysed to determine the perception of the water quality by the respondents and also to what use they put the water. The data were analysed using percentages, correlation and ANOVA. The results show significant spatial and seasonal variation in the water quality, with pre-urban and dry season waters better in quality than the urban and rainy season. Urbanization was also observed to have negatively affected the water quality. The respondents used the water most for washing (30%), followed by swimming and bathing (24%) and drinking (19%). The constant and prolonged use of the polluted river water resulted in health problems like intestinal diseases, typhoid fever and skin diseases among others. It is recommended among others that the Ministry of Environment should stop both the industrialists and waste management agencies from using the river and its valley as dumping sites. | Health; Ikpoba River; Nigeria; Pollution; Seasonality; Urbanization; Water quality | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910088801 | The impact of urban agriculture on students’ life satisfaction in Eastern Cape, South Africa | Adu E.O., Ntombomzi B., Oshati T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1293 | University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa; Federal Productivity Centre, Federal Secretariat IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | Adu, E.O., University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa; Ntombomzi, B., University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa; Oshati, T., Federal Productivity Centre, Federal Secretariat IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | The importance of agricultural sciences in the school curriculum all over the world cannot be over -emphasized.It include an alternative source of fresh produce, improved life satisfaction and a way to preserve cultural identity and traditions. This study tends to investigate more role of unban agriculture in relation to life satisfaction. The study reveals among others some components of life satisfaction as a result of urban agriculture. These components are; nutrition, self-employment, food security and poverty eradication. The study does not leave behind the economic benefits of urban agriculture such as; income distribution, small scale business to mention a few. The study however recommended among others that the South Africa Government should make agriculture education as a compulsory subject for grade 10 and grade 11 students. This will enable them to develop entrepreneurial skills and self-sufficient mentality before they finish their secondary school careers. The subject will also help them in building job skills, improving self-esteem and contributing to community revitalization. Similarly, the practical components of this subject should constitute 50% if not more from the overall marks. Hence, leaving secondary schools will no longer be a mirage and nightmare all because of no employment. However, some challenges were highlighted this include; limited spaces available, damage to sacks and crops by stray animals, pest and diseases, sustainable access to inputs such as soil, manure, seedlings and water. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Food security; Nutrition; Poverty eradication; Small business scale; Students; Urban agriculture | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951691514 | The impact of upgrading roads on the conservation of the threatened flightless dung beetle, Circellum bacchus (F.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) | Hayward M.W., Hayward G.J., Kerley G.I.H. | 2010 | Coleopterists Bulletin | 64 | 1 | 10.1649/0010-065X-64.1.75 | Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa | Hayward, M.W., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Hayward, G.J., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Eastern Cape, South Africa | The flightless dung beetle Circellum bacchus (Fabricius, 1781) is a unique, ectothermic dung beetle that is of conservation concern due to a massive decline in its distribution. Very little is known about its conservation ecology and the upgrade of roads in one of its last strongholds, South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park, led to concerns that road kill was threatening the population because drivers could not see the beetles due to their similar colour as the upgraded roads. We tested whether the upgraded, black, tar roads led to more road kills than the original sandy-red, gravel roads using counts of live and dead beetles along transects through similar habitats of the park. There was no significant difference between the number of live and dead dung beetles on the tar or gravel roads illustrating that the infrastructure improvements themselves are not threatening the persistence of the species. The high levels of vehicle-derived mortality along roads, however, suggest that road kills may be a threatening process with potentially 100,000 C. bacchus killed on roads annually (although 45,000 is a more conservative estimate). Further research is needed to ascertain whether this off-take is sustainable and to formulate mitigation measures. | Addo Elephant National Park; Invertebrate conservation; Road ecology; Road kill; Threatening processes | anthropogenic effect; beetle; ectothermy; flightlessness; habitat conservation; national park; population decline; species conservation; Addo Elephant National Park; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Coleoptera; Invertebrata; Scarabaeidae | None |
WoS | WOS:000259630400027 | The impact of universal access to antiretroviral therapy on HIV stigma in Botswana | Heisler, Michele,Iacopino, Vincent,Korte, Fiona Percy-de,Leiter, Karen,Phaladze, Nthabiseng,Steward, Wayne T.,Weiser, Sheri D.,Wolfe, William R. | 2008 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 98 | 10 | 10.2105/AJPH.2007.122044 | University of Botswana, University of California San Francisco, University of California System, University of Michigan, University of Michigan System, University of Minnesota System, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Vet Affairs Ann Arbor Hlth Syst | "Iacopino, Vincent: University of Minnesota System","Iacopino, Vincent: University of Minnesota Twin Cities","Phaladze, Nthabiseng: University of Botswana","Steward, Wayne T.: University of California San Francisco","Steward, Wayne T.: University of California System","Weiser, Sheri D.: University of California San Francisco","Weiser, Sheri D.: University of California System","Wolfe, William R.: University of California San Francisco","Wolfe, William R.: University of California System", | Objectives. We sought to examine the impact of treatment access on HIV stigma in Botswana 3 years after the introduction of a national program of universal access to antiretroviral therapy.
Methods. We studied the prevalence and correlates of HIV stigma in a population-based study of 1268 adults in Botswana in 2004. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess correlates of stigmatizing attitudes and a new measure, anticipated HIV stigma.
Results. Overall, 38% of participants had at least 1 stigmatizing attitude: 23% would not buy food from a shopkeeper with HIV; 5% would not care for a relative with HIV. Seventy percent reported at least 1 measure of anticipated stigma: 54% anticipated ostracism after testing positive for HIV, and 31% anticipated mistreatment at work. Perceived access to antiretroviral therapy was strongly and independently associated with decreased odds of holding stigmatizing attitudes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.24, 0.74) and of anticipated stigma (AOR=0.09; 95% CI=0.03, 0.30).
Conclusions. Our findings suggest that antiretroviral therapy access may be a factor in reducing HIV stigma. Nevertheless, the persistence of stigmatizing attitudes and significant anticipated stigma suggest that HIV stigma must be a target for ongoing intervention. | ,"AIDS-RELATED STIGMA",ATTITUDES,BARRIERS,BELIEFS,CHILDREN,"HIV/AIDS-RELATED STIGMA",KNOWLEDGE,PREVALENCE,SERVICES,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
None | None | The impact of uniform and mixed species blood meals on the fitness of the mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae s.s: Does a specialist pay for diversifying its host species diet? | Lyimo I.N., Keegan S.P., Ranford-Cartwright L.C., Ferguson H.M. | 2012 | Journal of Evolutionary Biology | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02442.x | Environmental and Biomedical Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Lyimo, I.N., Environmental and Biomedical Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Keegan, S.P., Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ranford-Cartwright, L.C., Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ferguson, H.M., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | We investigated the fitness consequences of specialization in an organism whose host choice has an immense impact on human health: the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. We tested whether this mosquito's specialism on humans can be attributed to the relative fitness benefits of specialist vs. generalist feeding strategies by contrasting their fecundity and survival on human-only and mixed host diets consisting of blood meals from humans and animals. When given only one blood meal, An. gambiae s.s. survived significantly longer on human and bovine blood, than on canine or avian blood. However, when blood fed repeatedly, there was no evidence that the fitness of An. gambiae s.s. fed a human-only diet was greater than those fed generalist diets. This suggests that the adoption of generalist host feeding strategies in An. gambiae s.s. is not constrained by intraspecific variation in the resource quality of blood from other available host species. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2011 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. | Constraints; Host-parasite interaction; Insects; Life history evolution; Malaria; Natural selection; Trade-offs | disease vector; fecundity; fitness; generalist; hemophagy; host-parasite interaction; life history theory; malaria; mosquito; natural selection; public health; specialist; specialization; survival; trade-off; adaptation; animal; animal food; Anopheles gambiae; article; cattle; dog; feeding behavior; fertility; host parasite interaction; human; physiology; proportional hazards model; species difference; survival; Adaptation, Biological; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Cattle; Dogs; Feeding Behavior; Fertility; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Proportional Hazards Models; Species Specificity; Survival Analysis; Animalia; Anopheles gambiae; Aves; Bovinae; Hexapoda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952757461 | The impact of ultrasound during emergency after-hour admissions of horses | Viljoen A., Saulez M.N., Carstens A., Gummow B. | 2010 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 81 | 4 | None | Section of Equine Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia | Viljoen, A., Section of Equine Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Saulez, M.N., Section of Equine Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Carstens, A., Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Gummow, B., School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia | Clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound at point-of-care or emergency situations, although common, has not been well documented in veterinary medicine. Medical records of after-hour emergency equine admissions during a 10-year period were reviewed and horses that received ultrasound scans were identified. Data sheets for each ultrasound scan performed during emergency clinical evaluation were collected and reviewed. Data extracted included anatomical region imaged, body system affected, documented ultrasonographic diagnosis and final diagnosis. Six hundred and nine records were available of which 108 horses had an ultrasound diagnostic procedure performed. The most common reason for emergency ultrasonography was to investigate gastrointestinal abnormalities, the largest proportion of these being large intestinal disorders. A complete ultrasound report was documented in 57%of evaluations, of which 79%correlated with a final diagnosis. Incomplete reporting made accurate interpretation of records difficult. Results indicate that the use of ultrasound in the emergency setting may be of diagnostic benefit and impact on patient management. Ultrasound training should be provided to residents in order to gain proficiency, especially with regard to the gastrointestinal system. | Diagnostic imaging; Equine; Gastrointestinal; Training | article; diagnostic imaging; emergency care; gastrointestinal symptom; horse; large intestine disease; nonhuman; ultrasound; veterinary medicine; After-Hours Care; Animals; Emergency Medical Services; Horse Diseases; Horses; Hospitals, Animal; Retrospective Studies; Equidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950075034 | The impact of tropospheric ozone pollution on trial plot winter wheat yields in Great Britain - An econometric approach | Kaliakatsou E., Bell J.N.B., Thirtle C., Rose D., Power S.A. | 2010 | Environmental Pollution | 158 | 5 | 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.10.033 | Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Department of Agricultural Economics Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom | Kaliakatsou, E., Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Bell, J.N.B., Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Thirtle, C., Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom, Department of Agricultural Economics Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Rose, D., Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Power, S.A., Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom | Numerous experiments have demonstrated reductions in the yields of cereal crops due to tropospheric O3, with losses of up to 25%. However, the only British econometric study on O3 impacts on winter wheat yields, found that a 10% increase in AOT40 would decrease yields by only 0.23%. An attempt is made here to reconcile these observations by developing AOT40 maps for Great Britain and matching levels with a large number of standardised trial plot wheat yields from many sites over a 13-year period. Panel estimates (repeated measures on the same plots with time) show a 0.54% decrease in yields and it is hypothesised that plant breeders may have inadvertently selected for O3 tolerance in wheat. Some support for this is provided by fumigations of cultivars of differing introduction dates. A case is made for the use of econometric as well as experimental studies in prediction of air pollution induced crop loss. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Econometrics; Trial plot data; Tropospheric ozone; Winter wheat; Yield loss | Cereal crop; Crop loss; Experimental studies; Great Britain; Plant breeders; Repeated measures; Tropospheric O; Tropospheric ozone; Wheat yield; Winter wheat; Air quality; Crops; Ozone; Troposphere; atmospheric pollution; crop yield; cultivar; econometrics; fumigation; ozone; troposphere; wheat; air pollution; article; controlled study; cultivar; environmental monitoring; filtration; geographic distribution; grain yield; nonhuman; ozone layer; plant leaf; reduction; rural area; senescence; soil fumigation; statistical model; troposphere; United Kingdom; winter wheat; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Biomass; Great Britain; Ozone; Triticum; United Kingdom; Triticum aestivum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929402738 | The impact of triggers on forensic acquisition and analysis of databases | Hauger W.K., Olivier M.S. | 2015 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 106 | 2 | None | Department of Computer Science, Corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, South Africa | Hauger, W.K., Department of Computer Science, Corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Olivier, M.S., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, South Africa | An aspect of database forensics that has not received much attention in the academic research community yet is the presence of database triggers. Database triggers and their implementations have not yet been thoroughly analysed to establish what possible impact they could have on digital forensic analysis methods and processes. This paper firstly attempts to establish if triggers could be used as an anti-forensic mechanism in databases to potentially disrupt or even thwart forensic investigations. Secondly, it explores if triggers could be used to manipulate ordinary database actions for nefarious purposes and at the same time implicate innocent parties. The database triggers as defined in the SQL standard were studied together with a number of database trigger implementations. This was done in order to establish what aspects of a trigger might have an impact on digital forensic analysis. It is demonstrated in this paper that certain database forensic acquisition and analysis methods are impacted by the possible presence of non-data triggers. This is specific to databases that provide non-data trigger implementations. Furthermore, it finds that the forensic interpretation and attribution processes should be extended to include the handling and analysis of all database triggers. This is necessary to enable a more accurate attribution of actions in all databases that provide any form of trigger implementations. © 2014 IEEE. | Database forensics; Database triggers; Digital forensic analysis; Methods; Processes | Computer crime; Electronic crime countermeasures; Processing; Academic research; Analysis method; Anti-Forensics; Database triggers; Digital forensic analysis; Forensic acquisition; Forensic investigation; Methods; Database systems | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951773345 | The impact of transport costs on new venture internationalisation | Naudé W., Matthee M. | 2011 | Journal of International Entrepreneurship | 9 | 1 | 10.1007/s10843-010-0066-6 | World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Katajanokanlaituri 6b, Helsinki 00160, Finland; School of Economics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa | Naudé, W., World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Katajanokanlaituri 6b, Helsinki 00160, Finland; Matthee, M., School of Economics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper investigates the importance of transport costs in new venture internationalisation, i. e. of firms that start exporting before they are 3 years of age. It does so by merging two large international datasets, on the firm level (covering 49,584 firms) as well as on the country level (covering 154 countries). It is found that transport costs matter significantly for new venture internationalisation, for older firms' decision to export, as well as the extent of the latter's subsequent exports. Export costs, the quality of transport infrastructure and domestic logistics costs affect new venture internationalisation even when controlling for a range of standard determinants. New international ventures behave differently from older firms in two important ways: (1) Transport costs affect the probability that they will export but not the extent of their subsequent exports and (2) their probability of exporting is affected negatively by their networking, domestic success and ISO status, whilst in the case of older firms, these factors have a positive impact. Various recommendations for policy and further research are made. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Exports; International entrepreneurship; Internationalisation; Trade logistics; Transport costs | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60949700706 | 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 |
None | None | The impact of training on performance of micro and small enterprises served by microfinance institutions in Tanzania | Kessy S., Temu S.S. | 2010 | Research Journal of Business Management | 4 | 2 | 10.3923/rjbm.2010.103.111 | Department of General Management, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Accounting, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, P.O. Box 35046, Dares Salaam, Tanzania | Kessy, S., Department of General Management, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Temu, S.S., Department of Accounting, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, P.O. Box 35046, Dares Salaam, Tanzania | This study examines differences in business performance between two specific groups of micro finance clients; the enterprises whose owners have received business and entrepreneurship training against those who had never. The analysis is centred on the premise that microfinance institutions enable their clients (mainly micro and small enterprises) to enhance their income earning capacity, attain firms' growth and improve owners' living standards. A total of 225 micro and small enterprises who are micro credit recipients was involved in the study. The performance analysis employed three growth indicators, namely sales revenue, employees number and firms assets value. An independent t-test was used in the comparative analysis. Prior to the test, the survey data was subjected to an application of natural logarithm to enable pulling of the highly skewed observations to a normal distribution. The comparison between the two groups was important in examining the impact of training in changing behavior and characteristics of businesses and the owners. The results of t-test revealed that micro credit client-enterprises owned by recipients of business training have higher level of assets and sales revenue compared to enterprise owned by non-recipients of training while insignificant differential impact on employment creation was demonstrated. Implications from the study is that training in business skills for Tanzanian micro and small entrepreneurs is vital for firms performance, growth and improved owners living standards in addition to credit access. Microcredit providers should therefore consider products modifications or work closely with training providers to achieve greater impact from micro finance services and poverty alleviation. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc. | Impact; Micro/small enterprises; Microfinance; Performance; Training | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867574878 | The impact of traditional coffee processing on river water quality in Ethiopia and the urgency of adopting sound environmental practices | Beyene A., Kassahun Y., Addis T., Assefa F., Amsalu A., Legesse W., Kloos H., Triest L. | 2012 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 184 | 11 | 10.1007/s10661-011-2479-7 | School of Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Jimma Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box, 150223 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; University of California, 185 Berry Street, Box 0560, San Francisco, CA 94143-0560, United States | Beyene, A., School of Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Kassahun, Y., Jimma Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Addis, T., School of Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Assefa, F., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amsalu, A., Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box, 150223 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Legesse, W., School of Environmental Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Kloos, H., University of California, 185 Berry Street, Box 0560, San Francisco, CA 94143-0560, United States; Triest, L., Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium | Although waste from coffee processing is a valuable resource to make biogas, compost, and nutrient-rich animal food, it is usually dumped into nearby water courses. We carried out water quality assessment at 44 sampling sites along 18 rivers that receive untreated waste from 23 coffee pulping and processing plants in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Twenty upstream sampling sites free from coffee waste impact served as control, and 24 downstream sampling sites affected by coffee waste were selected for comparison. Physicochemical and biological results revealed a significant river water quality deterioration as a result of disposing untreated coffee waste into running water courses. During coffee-processing (wet) season, the highest organic load (1,900 mg/l), measured as biochemical oxygen demand, depleted dissolved oxygen (DO) to a level less than 0.01 mg/l, and thus curtailed nitrification. During off season, oxygen started to recuperate and augmented nitrification. The shift from significantly elevated organic load and reduced DO in the wet season to increased nitrate in the off season was found to be the determining factor for the difference in macroinvertebrate community structure as verified by ordination analysis. Macroinvertebrate diversity was significantly reduced in impacted sites during the wet season contrary to the off season. However, there was a significant difference in the ratio of sensitive to pollution-tolerant taxa in the off season, which remained depreciated in the longer term. This study highlights the urgency of research exploring on the feasibility of adopting appropriate pollution abatement technologies to implement ecologically sound coffee-processing systems in coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Coffee processing; Ethiopia; Macroinvertebrates; River pollution; Waste | Animal foods; Environmental practices; Ethiopia; Macroinvertebrate community; Macroinvertebrates; Organic load; Pollution abatement; Processing plants; River water quality; Running waters; Sampling site; Water course; Water quality assessments; Wet season; Biochemical oxygen demand; Biogas; Composting; Denitrification; Factor analysis; Nitrification; Oxidation; Pollution; Rivers; Wastes; Water quality; River pollution; dissolved oxygen; oxygen; rain; river water; biochemical oxygen demand; community structure; dissolved oxygen; macroinvertebrate; nitrification; physicochemical property; river pollution; river water; water quality; wet season; article; biochemical oxygen demand; coffee; community structure; controlled study; dumping; environmental impact assessment; environmental management; Ethiopia; food processing; macroinvertebrate; nitrification; physical chemistry; pulping; seasonal variation; species diversity; waste disposal; water analysis; water quality; water sampling; Agriculture; Coffee; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ethiopia; Refuse Disposal; Rivers; Seasons; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical; Water Quality; Ethiopia; Jimma; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945246083 | The Impact of Trade Liberalization on Micro Enterprises: Do Banks Matter? Evidence from Indian Manufacturing | Sundaram A. | 2015 | Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics | 77 | 6 | 10.1111/obes.12082 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Sundaram, A., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper looks at the impact of trade liberalization on micro enterprises with differential access to banks. I use Indian data on rural micro enterprises employing less than ten workers in the manufacturing sector to find that trade liberalization, measured by a fall in the tariff, is associated with a larger increase or a smaller decrease in output, capital-labour ratio and labour productivity in districts with a larger number of bank branches per capita. Evidence is consistent with strong complementarities between trade liberalization effects, and the economic dynamism and access to financial intermediation associated with greater bank presence in the enterprise's location. The study underscores that trade liberalization can be beneficial to micro entrepreneurs under certain conditions and emphasizes reallocation resulting from trade liberalization. The study hence highlights the role for development policy in exploiting gains from trade. © 2015 The Department of Economics, University of Oxford and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954921215 | The impact of trade liberalisation on South African agricultural productivity | Teweldemedhin M.Y., van Schalkwyk H.D. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 12 | None | Department of Agriculture, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia; North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Teweldemedhin, M.Y., Department of Agriculture, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia; van Schalkwyk, H.D., North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | This study attempts to examine the empirical relationship between trade and Total Factor Producitvity (TFP) in the agricultural sector using both cross-sectional (across nine agricultural commodities) and time-series analysis. The Error Correction Model of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) results from the cross-sectional analysis confirm that export shares and capital formation were significant and postivly related; whereas, import shares and real exchange rate were found to be negatively related. However, the net effect of export and import shares was positive implies that trade liberalisation causes productivity gains, The findings from the time-series analysis followed in the same direction as the cross-sectional results, indicating a robust relationship between a TFP, degree of openness, and capital formation. Debt was found to be inversely related, this implies that agricultural industries/farmers lack debt management skills. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Ordinary least square (OLS); Total factor producitvity (TFP); Trade liberalisation or degree of openness and capital formation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901460102 | The impact of trade facilitation factors on South Africa's exports to a selection of African countries | Jordaan A.C. | 2014 | Development Southern Africa | 31 | 4 | 10.1080/0376835X.2014.907535 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Jordaan, A.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Economic growth can be enhanced through increased trade among countries, provided the correct institutional structures are in place. A country's trade is dependent not only on its own trade facilitation reforms but also on those of the trading partners. This paper, using an augmented gravity model, examines trade facilitation factors that impact on South Africa's exports to other selected African countries. The results of the estimation reveal the following. An improvement in the customs environment within the importing country provides the largest gain in terms of increasing trade flows, followed by the regulatory environment and domestic infrastructure. Furthermore, adjacency and common language impact positively on South African exports, while distance between countries impacts negatively on it. Being part of the Southern African Development Community is also enhancing exports from South Africa, compared with being part of the East African Community. © 2014 © 2014 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | exports; gravity model; regional integration; trade facilitation | None | None |
None | None | The Impact of Trade Credit on Customer Switching Behaviour: Evidence from the Tanzanian Rice Market | Hermes N., Kihanga E., Lensink R., Lutz C. | 2012 | Journal of Development Studies | 48 | 3 | 10.1080/00220388.2011.615921 | Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Faculty of Commerce, Mzumbe University, Tanzania; Development Economics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands | Hermes, N., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Kihanga, E., Faculty of Commerce, Mzumbe University, Tanzania; Lensink, R., Development Economics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Lutz, C., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands | We use primary survey data to analyse the relationship between trade credit and customer switching in the context of trade transactions between wholesalers and retailers in the Tanzanian rice market. Results reveal a negative relation of trade credit and customer switching, that is, trade credit acts as a switching barrier; retailers are reluctant to move to another supplier if they depend on trade credit as a source of external finance. This interpretation fits with the underdeveloped financial markets in Tanzania, in which access to external finance is poor among rice retailers. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | credit provision; financial market; market system; retailing; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949460160 | The Impact of Trachomatous Trichiasis on Quality of Life: A Case Control Study | Habtamu E., Wondie T., Aweke S., Tadesse Z., Zerihun M., Zewudie Z., Gebeyehu W., Callahan K., Emerson P.M., Kuper H., Bailey R.L., Mabey D.C.W., Rajak S.N., Polack S., Weiss H.A., Burton M.J. | 2015 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 9 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004254 | International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahirdar, Ethiopia; The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, GA, United States; International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Habtamu, E., International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wondie, T., The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aweke, S., The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tadesse, Z., The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zerihun, M., The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zewudie, Z., Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahirdar, Ethiopia; Gebeyehu, W., Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahirdar, Ethiopia; Callahan, K., The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Emerson, P.M., International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kuper, H., International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Bailey, R.L., Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mabey, D.C.W., Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Rajak, S.N., International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Polack, S., International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Weiss, H.A., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Burton, M.J., International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Trachomatous trichiasis is thought to have a profound effect on quality of life (QoL), however, there is little research in this area. We measured vision and health-related QoL in a case-control study in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal Findings: We recruited 1000 adult trichiasis cases and 200 trichiasis-free controls, matched to every fifth trichiasis case on age (+/- two years), sex and location. Vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured using the WHO/PBD-VF20 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. Comparisons were made using linear regression adjusted for age, sex and socioeconomic status. Trichiasis cases had substantially lower VRQoL than controls on all subscales (overall eyesight, visual symptom, general functioning and psychosocial, p<0.0001), even in the sub-group with normal vision (p<0.0001). Lower VRQoL scores in cases were associated with longer trichiasis duration, central corneal opacity, visual impairment and poor contrast sensitivity. Trichiasis cases had lower HRQoL in all domains (Physical-health, Psychological, Social, Environment, p<0.0001), lower overall QoL (mean, 34.5 v 64.6; p<0.0001) and overall health satisfaction (mean, 38.2 v 71.7; p<0.0001). This association persisted in a sub-group analysis of cases and controls with normal vision. Not having a marriage partner (p<0.0001), visual impairment (p = 0.0068), daily labouring (p<0.0001), presence of other health problems (p = 0.0018) and low self-rated wealth (p<0.0001) were independently associated with lower overall QoL scores in cases. Among cases, trichiasis caused 596 (59%) to feel embarrassed, 913 (91.3%) to worry they may lose their remaining eyesight and 681 (68.1%) to have sleep disturbance. Conclusions/Significance: Trachomatous trichiasis substantially reduces vision and health related QoL and is disabling, even without visual impairment. Prompt trichiasis intervention is needed both to prevent vision loss and to alleviate physical and psychological suffering, social exclusion and improve overall well-being. Implementation of the full SAFE strategy is needed to prevent the development of trachomatous trichiasis. © 2015 Habtamu et al. | None | adult; Article; case control study; clinical feature; clinical trial (topic); contrast sensitivity; controlled study; cornea opacity; disease association; female; human; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nonhuman; psychometry; quality of life; quality of life assessment; questionnaire; socioeconomics; trichiasis; vision; vision related quality of life; visual acuity; visual impairment | 098481/Z/12/Z, Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864990999 | The impact of tourism on poverty in South Africa | Saayman M., Rossouw R., Krugell W. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.706041 | Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Rossouw, R., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Krugell, W., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper evaluates the potential impact of tourism on poverty in South Africa on the basis of recent survey data on international tourism spending patterns. It looks at three scenarios, using an applied general equilibrium model. The main finding is that the poor benefit very little in the short term from additional tourism income. A further finding is that domestic and international tourist expenditure affect the economy differently; both markets are therefore important. In essence, the research confirms that tourism receipts can be used as a tool to alleviate poverty, but in South Africa this must be supported by policies that focus on the labour market and human resource development. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | applied general equilibrium (AGE) modelling; poverty; South African tourism industry; tourism | economic impact; general equilibrium analysis; labor market; poverty alleviation; tourism economics; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054035951 | The impact of tone language and non-native language listening on measuring speech quality | Ebem D.U., Beerends J.G., Van Vugt J., Schmidmer C., Kooij R.E., Uguru J.O. | 2011 | AES: Journal of the Audio Engineering Society | 59 | 9 | None | Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu-State, Nigeria; TNO, NL-2600 GB Delft, Netherlands; OPTICOM GmbH, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany; Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Sc | Ebem, D.U., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu-State, Nigeria; Beerends, J.G., TNO, NL-2600 GB Delft, Netherlands; Van Vugt, J., TNO, NL-2600 GB Delft, Netherlands; Schmidmer, C., OPTICOM GmbH, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany; Kooij, R.E., Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands; Uguru, J.O., Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The extent to which the modeling used in objective speech quality algorithms depends on the cultural background of listeners as well as on the language characteristics using American English and Igbo, an African tone language is investigated. Two different approaches were used in order to separate behavioral aspects from speech signal aspects. In the first approach degraded American English sentences were presented to Igbo listeners and American listeners, showing that Igbo subjects are more disturbed by additive noise in comparison to other degradations than American subjects. In the second approach objective modeling, using ITU-T P.863 (POLQA), showed that Igbo subjects listening to degraded Igbo speech are more disturbed by background noise and low-level listening than predicted by the P.863 standard, which was trained on Western languages using native listeners. The most likely conclusion is that low-level signal parts of the Igbo tone language are relatively more important than lowlevel signal parts of American English. In judging the quality of their own language Igbo listeners thus need more signal level and more signal-to-noise ratio for perceiving high quality than American subjects require in judging their own language. When Igbo subjects judge the quality of American speech samples the impact of noise is overestimated but low-level listening does not have a significant impact on the perceived speech quality. The results show that one cannot build a universal objective speech quality measurement system but that adaptation toward the behavior of a set of subjects is necessary. Further investigation into the impact of tone language signal characteristics and the behavior of subjects who are raised in a specific cultural environment is necessary before a new speech quality measure for assessing voice quality in that environment can be developed. The results also suggest that speech communication systems have to be optimized dependent on the cultural context where the system is used and/or the languages for which the system is intended. | None | American English; Background noise; Cultural backgrounds; Cultural context; Cultural environment; High quality; Impact of noise; Non-native language; Objective speech quality; Signal characteristic; Signal level; Signal to noise; Significant impacts; Speech quality; Speech signals; Tone languages; Voice quality; Behavioral research; Communication systems; Signal to noise ratio; Speech communication | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-44649124221 | The impact of tobacco advertising bans on consumption in developing countries | Blecher E. | 2008 | Journal of Health Economics | 27 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2008.02.010 | Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Blecher, E., Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Tobacco advertising bans have become commonplace in developed nations but are less prevalent in developing countries. The importance of advertising bans as part of comprehensive tobacco control strategies has been emphasised by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which calls for comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising. The empirical literature suggests that comprehensive advertising bans have played a role in reducing consumption in developed countries but that limited policies have not. This paper extends this analysis to include 30 developing countries and finds that bans do play an important role in reducing tobacco consumption in these countries. It finds that both comprehensive as well as limited policies are effective in reducing consumption although comprehensive bans have a far greater impact than limited ones. Furthermore, it finds that advertising bans may be even more effective in the developing world than they are in the developed world. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Advertising bans; Developing countries; Tobacco advertising; Tobacco consumption | advertising; developing world; health policy; tobacco; advertizing; article; cigarette smoking; comparative study; developed country; developing country; health care policy; smoking cessation; tobacco; Advertising as Topic; Developing Countries; Humans; Models, Econometric; Smoking; Tobacco Industry; Nicotiana tabacum | None |
None | None | The impact of time use differentials on poverty levels in the Eastern and Northern Zones of Tanzania | Akarro R. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 13 | None | Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam - Tanzania, P.O. Box 35047, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Akarro, R., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam - Tanzania, P.O. Box 35047, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Development is positively correlated with poverty. People who are poor are generally less developed compared with the rich. Analysis of poverty levels in Northern and Eastern Zones of Tanzania is hereby presented. These zones were selected because they are a representative of coastal and upcountry cultures respectively. Principal component analysis was used in constructing poverty index. The households possessions that were used are type of the house roof, floor type, distance to water point, type of wall and type of toilet if any. Using principal component analysis, these factors explained about 51% of the total variation. Analysis showed that there were significant differences in poverty levels by regions. One of the determinants proposed to explain differences in poverty levels is time use. Time use variable was obtained from survey data that was collected by the NUFU project. Time use variable was collected for household head, spouse and the two eldest children. The contribution for spouse appeared to be highly significant for Mtwara and Tanga implying that the contribution of spouse to households welfare was eminent. The contribution by head of the household in Arusha and other regions in the Northern zones did not differ much from those by spouse. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2008. | Development; Gender; Poverty index; Principal component analysis; Time use | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892855550 | The impact of tillage system and herbicides on weed density, diversity and yield of cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) under the smallholder sector | Mavunganidze Z., Madakadze I.C., Nyamangara J., Mafongoya P. | 2014 | Crop Protection | 58 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2013.12.024 | Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Matopos Research Station P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mavunganidze, Z., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; Madakadze, I.C., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; Nyamangara, J., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Matopos Research Station P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Mafongoya, P., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of tillage system in combination with different herbicides on weed density, diversity, crop growth and yields on 18 farms in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. Experiments were set up as a split plot design with three replications on each farm. Tillage was the main plot (Conservation Tillage (CT), Conventional Tillage (CONV)) and weeding option (hand weeding, cyanazine, atrazine, glyphosate only and mixture of cyanazine+alachlor and atrazine+alachlor) as the sub-plots. Due to the heterogeneous nature of farmers' resource base, the farms were grouped into three farm types: high (Type 1), medium (Type 2) and poorly resourced farmers (Type 3). The hand hoe weeded treatments had 49 percent higher total weed densities in CT relative to CONV, and was statistically similar to the glyphosate treatment. The mixed pre-emergence herbicides reduced the diversity indices by 69 and 70 percent when compared to the hand hoe weeded treatment under CT in cotton and maize, respectively. The effectiveness of all pre-emergence herbicides were not influenced by tillage but were affected by farmers resource endowments with pronounced effect in Farm Type 1. Maximum plant heights of 85and 238cm were recorded for mixed pre-emergence herbicides under CT for cotton and maize, respectively. Minimum plant heights of 75and 217cm were recorded for the respective hand hoe weeded treatments. The hand hoe weeded treatments resulted in average cotton lint yield of 1497and 2018kgha-1 for maize. The mixed pre-emergence herbicides treatments gave yields of 2138 and 2356kgha-1 of cotton and maize, respectively. The higher weed densities in CT under hand weeded treatments underscored the need for other weeding options. Similarly, a mixture of cyanazine+alachlor in cotton and atrazine+alachlor in maize is recommended for suppressing broad and grass weed populations and enhancing yields in CT systems. © 2014. | Atrazine; Conservation Tillage; Cotton; Cyanazine; Maize; Weeding system | conservation tillage; cotton; emergence; glyphosate; maize; smallholder; species diversity; statistical analysis; weed control; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955778908 | The impact of the water rights system on smallholder irrigators' willingness to pay for water in Limpopo province, South Africa | Speelman S., Farolfi S., Frija A., D'Haese M., D'Haese L. | 2010 | Environment and Development Economics | 15 | 4 | 10.1017/S1355770X10000161 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Speelman, S., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Farolfi, S., CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Frija, A., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium, Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Water rights are currently receiving increased attention from scholars and policymakers due to the growing understanding that ill-defined water rights impair efficient use. In South Africa, smallholder irrigation faces problems of low water use efficiency and cost recovery of government investments. This study uses contingent ranking to analyse the willingness to pay (WTP) of smallholder irrigators for changes in the water rights system. The results indicate that smallholders are prepared to pay considerably higher water prices if these are connected to improvements in the water rights system. By segmenting the population it was also shown that the importance attached to water rights dimensions varies in each segment. While lower institutional trust and lower income levels lead to a lower WTP for transferability, experiencing water shortage increases this WTP. Such information is valuable in guiding policy makers in the future design of water rights. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755196248 | The impact of the variability of ionospheric phase refractive index on radio signals instability | Awe O.E., Adegoke J.A., Eniafe B.S. | 2011 | International Journal of Physical Sciences | 6 | 30 | 10.5897/IJPS11.422 | Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Awe, O.E., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adegoke, J.A., Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Eniafe, B.S., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The ionospheric phase refractive index is a complex function that determines the attenuation and the trajectory of radio signals through the ionosphere. This complex refractive index model has been obtained using the Maxwell's equations, the tensorial conductivity equation, electron collision models, and the geomagnetic field model. The model has been used to study and investigate the phase refractive index on radio wave propagation for high latitude, low latitude and equatorial regions of the global ionosphere, at 1400 h LT, during the periods of high solar activity (Rz = 104.5, year 1970), moderate solar activity (Rz = 68.9, year 1972) and low solar activity (Rz = 12.6, year 1976). Our results showed that ionospheric phase refractive index is not constant, less than unity, increases with increasing propagating radio frequencies and for a particular propagating radio frequency, it increases with decreasing solar activity. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Attenuation; Ionosphere; Phase refractive index; Radio signal; Solar activity | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-23944479221 | The impact of the use of energy sources on the quality of life of poor communities | Martins J. | 2005 | Social Indicators Research | 72 | 3 | 10.1007/s11205-004-5583-z | Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Martins, J., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Over the last few decades, the energy literature has been dominated by a theory of transition. The theory of transition is based on the notion that households gradually ascend an 'energy ladder', which begins with traditional biomass fuels (firewood and charcoal), moves through modern commercial fuels (kerosene and liquid petroleum gas (LPG)) and culminates with the advent of electricity. The ascent of the 'energy body', though not fully understood, is thought to be associated with rising income and increasing levels of urbanisation. Empirical evidence on energy and poverty issues has been to suggest that reality is rather more complex than the simple transitional theory would appear to suggest. To choose an appropriate set of indicators to measure the impact of electrification, this paper takes three basic different perspectives on human welfare, namely, basic needs, monetary, and non-monetary into consideration. According to the basic needs approach, welfare relates to people's ability to satisfy their basic material needs. In the monetary approach it is a generally accepted view that the purchasing power of the household provides the best overall indicator of welfare. According to the non-monetary approach there has been a trend towards complementing economic measures of deprivation with non-monetary measures to obtain a multidimensional view of human well being, particularly by tracking health and education indicators. In the rest of the paper the two primary research projects conducted in two provinces in South Africa, namely KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, will be discussed. The one research project is still in process. However, the methodology will be discussed. In this project a comparison will be made of households' experiences in villages with and without electricity to see if and to what extent electrification contributed to the welfare of the communities. In the second project households were interviewed about their experiences in the use of paraffin as source of energy. © Springer 2005. | Accidents; Electricity; Energy sources; Firewood; Needs; Paraffin; Poor; Welfare | electrification; energy resource; energy use; low income population; quality of life; welfare impact; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; KwaZulu-Natal; Limpopo; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748936111 | The impact of the use of COL-1492, a nonoxynol-9 vaginal gel, on the presence of cervical human papillomavirus in female sex workers | Marais D., Carrara H., Kay P., Ramjee G., Allan B., Williamson A.-L. | 2006 | Virus Research | 121 | 2 | 10.1016/j.virusres.2006.04.009 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical, Research Council, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Marais, D., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Carrara, H., Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kay, P., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical, Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Allan, B., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Williamson, A.-L., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | This study investigated the effectiveness of a nonoxynol-9 (52.5 mg, 3.5%), vaginal gel (Advantage S), in the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in female sex workers. We showed by HPV DNA determination in cervico-vaginal rinses a significant increase in multiple (>1) HPV infection in HIV-1 seropositive women compared with HIV-1 seronegative women (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3-11.9). We also demonstrated a significant increase in multiple HPV infections in HIV-1 seronegative women using nonoxynol-9 compared with HIV-1 seronegative women using placebo (OR 3.5 95% CI 1.0-11.8). We conclude that the use of nonoxynol-9 did not prevent genital HPV infection and could increase the virus' ability to infect or persist. © 2006. | HIV; Human papillomavirus; Nonoxynol-9; Vaginal microbicides | nonoxinol 9; adolescent; adult; article; comparative study; controlled study; DNA determination; drug efficacy; female; gel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; infection risk; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; prostitution; virus infection; Wart virus; Administration, Intravaginal; Cervix Uteri; Cohort Studies; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology); DNA, Viral; Female; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Nonoxynol; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prostitution; South Africa; Spermatocidal Agents; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human papillomavirus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-44949123435 | The impact of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on psychological distress and forgiveness in South Africa | Stein D.J., Seedat S., Kaminer D., Moomal H., Herman A., Sonnega J., Williams D.R. | 2008 | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | 43 | 6 | 10.1007/s00127-008-0350-0 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; University of Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; MEDUNSA, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Michigan, Flint, MI, United States; Harward University, Cambridge, MA, United States | Stein, D.J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, S., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Kaminer, D., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Moomal, H., University of Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Herman, A., MEDUNSA, Pretoria, South Africa; Sonnega, J., University of Michigan, Flint, MI, United States; Williams, D.R., Harward University, Cambridge, MA, United States | Background: Legislation to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was passed soon after election of South Africa's first democratic government. Discourse around the TRC focused on the importance of bearing witness to the past, and on the healing powers of forgiveness. However, there was also a concern that individuals with TRC relevant experience would simply be re-traumatized by participation in the process. To date, there has been little empirical data for either hypothesis. Methods: A nationally representative survey of the South African population (n = 4,351) was undertaken 6-8 years after the TRC process began. Information about subjects' exposure to and participation in the TRC was collected, and views about the testimony of survivors and perpetrators were assessed. To determine the predictors of distress, anger, and forgiveness, linear regressions were undertaken with inclusion of demographic variables, exposure to TRC variables, and attitudes to the TRC. Results: Distress was significantly associated with specific demographic factors (female gender, less education), with having a TRC-related experience to share, and with negative perceptions of the TRC (a negative view of survivors' testimony). Anger had similar associations but was also predicted by lower age. Forgiveness was associated with age and education, with being Coloured, and with having a positive view of perpetrator's testimony, while it was inversely associated with having a TRC experience to share. Distress and anger correlated inversely with forgiveness. Perceptions of the TRC were moderately positive irrespective of many demographic variables (race, education, age). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, causal relationships are difficult to ascertain. Nevertheless, relationships between increased distress/anger, having a TRC relevant experience to share, and negative perceptions of the TRC, support a view that bearing testimony is not necessarily helpful to survivors. However, in the population as a whole, moderately positive attitudes towards the TRC across sociodemographic variables support a view that the TRC helped provide knowledge and acknowledgment of the past. © Springer-Verlag 2008. | Distress; Forgiveness; South Africa; Truth and reconciliation commission | adult; age; aged; anger; article; attitude; correlation analysis; disease association; distress syndrome; educational status; ethnicity; female; forgiveness; health survey; human; interview; linear regression analysis; major clinical study; male; mental stress; Negro; offender; personal experience; population research; prediction; race; risk factor; sex difference; South Africa; survivor; victim; witness; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anger; Attitude; Crime Victims; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Ethnic Groups; Female; Human Rights; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Social Problems; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Stress, Psychological; Survivors; Violence | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349645361 | The impact of the transition to outcomes-based teaching on university preparedness in mathematics in South Africa | Engelbrecht J., Harding A. | 2008 | Mathematics Education Research Journal | 20 | 2 | 10.1007/BF03217477 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Engelbrecht, J., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Harding, A., University of Pretoria, South Africa | Following the political changes of 1994 in South Africa, the decision was taken to replace the traditional skills-based education system at primary and secondary school level (Grades 1-12) with an outcomes-based education system (OBE). The implementation of the OBE system did not come without problems, giving rise to revised initiatives. The OBE approach, referred to as Curriculum 2005, was introduced into schools in 1998, for all learners in Grades 1- 6 and progressively phased in after that. In 2002, the OBE system was put on hold for the two upper grades of these learners. Learners in these two grades reverted back to skills-based learning for their last three years of schooling, i.e. in Grades 10 - 12. The most senior of these learners that had been subjected to four years of OBE and another three years of the old system finished their schooling in 2005 and 2006 and entered university in 2006 and 2007. These groups are of interest. Students ahead of them had their full schooling in the old system and students two years younger were only subjected to OBE. These students are the "group in the middle". This paper reports on what the impact is of the growing pains of such a new, inadequately planned education system on the mathematics preparedness of students entering university. This report will be extended in 2009 when the learners that have been fully subjected to the OBE system enter university. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35649009945 | The impact of the staub model on policy making in Amsterdam regarding polarization and radicalization | De Lange J. | 2007 | Peace and Conflict | 13 | 3 | None | Royal Netherlands Embassy, Kampala, Uganda | De Lange, J.Royal Netherlands Embassy, Kampala, Uganda | [No abstract available] | None | policy making; political theory; Amsterdam; Benelux; Eurasia; Europe; Netherlands; North Holland; Western Europe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053928706 | The impact of the school-based Psychosocial Structured Activities (PSSA) program on conflict-affected children in northern Uganda | Ager A., Akesson B., Stark L., Flouri E., Okot B., McCollister F., Boothby N. | 2011 | Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines | 52 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02407.x | Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Care and Protection of Children in Crisis-Affected Countries Initiative, United States; Program on Forced Migration and Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom; Child Resilience Program, Save the Children in Uganda, Uganda | Ager, A., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Akesson, B., Care and Protection of Children in Crisis-Affected Countries Initiative, United States; Stark, L., Program on Forced Migration and Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Flouri, E., Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom; Okot, B., Child Resilience Program, Save the Children in Uganda, Uganda; McCollister, F., Program on Forced Migration and Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Boothby, N., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States | Background: Children in northern Uganda have undergone significant psychosocial stress during the region's lengthy conflict. A Psychosocial Structured Activities (PSSA) program was implemented in 21 schools identified as amongst those most severely affected by conflict-induced displacement across Gulu and Amuru Districts. The PSSA intervention comprised a series of 15 class sessions designed to progressively increase children's resilience through structured activities involving drama, movement, music and art (with additional components addressing parental support and community involvement). Method: Eight schools were selected by random quota sampling from those schools receiving the PSSA intervention. Two hundred and three children were identified in these schools as being scheduled to receive intervention, and were followed up 12 months later following engagement with PSSA activities. A comparison group comprised 200 children selected from schools that had met inclusion criteria for receipt of intervention, but were not scheduled for intervention coverage until later. Preliminary research used participatory focus group methodology to determine local indicators of child well-being as viewed by parents, teachers, and children respectively. Pre- and post- assessments focused on ratings for each child - by parents, teachers and children - with respect to these indicators. Results: Significant increases in ratings of child well-being were observed in both intervention and comparison groups over a 12-month period. However, the well-being of children who had received the PSSA intervention increased significantly more than for children in the comparison group, as judged by child and parent (but not teacher) report. This effect was evident despite considerable loss-to-follow-up at post-testing as a result of return of many households to communities of origin. Conclusion: General improvement in child well-being over a 12-month period suggests that recovery and reconstruction efforts in Northern Uganda following the onset of peace had a substantive impact on the lives of children. However, exposure to the PSSA program had an additional positive impact on child well-being, suggesting its value in post-conflict recovery contexts. © 2011 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. | children; evaluation; Northern Uganda; Psychosocial; schools; structured activities | adaptive behavior; article; child; child behavior; conflict; coping behavior; female; follow up; health care quality; human; in vitro study; male; mental stress; methodology; parent; psychological aspect; school; social support; Uganda; Adaptation, Psychological; Child; Child Behavior; Conflict (Psychology); Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Parents; Program Evaluation; Resilience, Psychological; Schools; Social Support; Stress, Psychological; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957782182 | The impact of the privatisation of water supply on households in the city of Douala in Cameroon | Oumar S.B., Tewari D.D. | 2010 | Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics | 22 | 3 | None | School of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Oumar, S.B., School of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa; Tewari, D.D., School of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Many Cameroonian households are confronted with short supply of drinking water as the state-owned water corporation failed to meet the efficient water delivery objectives. As a result, the privatisation drive took place with of course some consequent impacts. The current study is an attempt to quantify these impacts. The major impacts are in terms of decreased access to water to households by 8 percent and exposure of more than 70 percent of households to irregular water supply for more than half a month. However, some 92 percent of the households rate the quality of water obtained from the private water company good. Also, 56 percent of the households prefer the service delivery by the private company over that of the state-operated water supply. Besides, both the minimum and maximum amount households wish to pay per cubic meter of water for continued private water provision exceeds the current rate by 5.59 and 225.99 percent, respectively. © 2010 A B Academic Publishers. | Cameroon; Demand; Households; Impact; Privatisation; Water supply | drinking water; privatization; state owned enterprise; water economics; water industry; water quality; water supply; Cameroon; Douala; Littoral | None |
WoS | WOS:000262876600006 | The impact of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on expansion of HIV care services for adult patients in western Kenya | Einterz, Robert,Kimaiyo, Silvester,Musick, Beverly,Nyandiko, Winstone,Sidle, John,Siika, Abraham,Tierney, William M.,Wools-Kaloustian, Kara,Yiannoutsos, Constantin T. | 2009 | AIDS | 23 | 2 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32831cc3e6 | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University System, Moi University, Regenstrief Institute Inc | "Einterz, Robert: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Einterz, Robert: Indiana University System","Kimaiyo, Silvester: Moi University","Musick, Beverly: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Musick, Beverly: Indiana University System","Nyandiko, Winstone: Moi University","Siika, Abraham: Moi University","Yiannoutsos, Constantin T.: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Yiannoutsos, Constantin T.: Indiana University System", | Background: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief committed $15 billion to addressing HIV in resource-poor settings.
Objective: To assess the impact of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on the treatment services of an HIV care program.
Design, setting, and patients: Cohort study utilizing computerized medical records of nonpregnant adults enrolled into the Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HlV/AIDS system, in western Kenya between 27 November 2001 and 24 July 2006.
Main outcomes measures: Number of clinics and patients enrolled in Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well as patient demographics, immunologic, and clinical characteristics during three periods defined by the availability of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).
Results: Enrollment as of May 2006 was 23 539. Mean monthly enrollment increased from 64 to 815 between periods 1 and 3. The median CD4 cell count at enrollment during period 3 (172 cells/mu l) was significantly higher than for period 2 (119 cells/mu l; P<0.001). World Health Organization stage at enrollment differed significantly between periods with 6.7% having stage 4 disease in period 3 compared with 13.8% during period 1 (P<0.001). Significantly more patients had complete documentation of cART eligibility, during period 3 as compared with the previous periods. Time from enrollment to cART initiation decreased from a median of 64 weeks in period 1 to 12 weeks during period 3 (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funding has allowed Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS to significantly increase the number of individuals receiving HIV care and provided the ability to expand services allowing for identification of patients earlier in their disease process. (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Africa,AIDS,antiretrovirals,HIV,SCALE-UP,AFRICA,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",EXPERIENCE,OUTCOMES,PROGRAM,SCALING-UP | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61749084412 | The impact of the positive Indian Ocean dipole on Zimbabwe droughts | Manatsa D., Chingombe W., Matarira C.H. | 2008 | International Journal of Climatology | 28 | 15 | 10.1002/joc.1695 | Bindura University of Science Education, Faculty of Science, Zimbabwe; Geography Department, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho, Lesotho; University of the Western Cape, Department of Earth Sciences, Western Cape, South Africa | Manatsa, D., Bindura University of Science Education, Faculty of Science, Zimbabwe; Chingombe, W., Bindura University of Science Education, Faculty of Science, Zimbabwe, University of the Western Cape, Department of Earth Sciences, Western Cape, South Africa; Matarira, C.H., Geography Department, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho, Lesotho | A comparative study of the impact of the anomalous positive Indian Ocean SST gradient, referred to as the Indian Ocean Dipole/Zonal Mode (IODZM), and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Zimbabwe seasonal rainfall variability for the period 1940-1999, is documented. Composite techniques together with simple and partial correlation analyses are employed to segregate the unique association related to IODZM/ENSO with respect to the Zimbabwe seasonal rainfall. The analysis reveals that the IODZM impact on the country's summer rainfall is overwhelming as compared to that of ENSO when the two are in competition. The IODZM influence remains high (significant above 99% confidence level), even after the influence of ENSO has been removed, while that of ENSO collapses to insignificance (even at 90% confidence level) when the IODZM contribution is eliminated. The relationship between ENSO and Zimbabwe seasonal rainfall seems to be sustained through El Niño occurring in the presence of positive IODZM events. However, when the co-occurring positive IODZM and El Niño events are removed from the analysis, it is apparently clear that ENSO has little to do with the country's rainfall variability. On the other hand, positive IODZM is mostly associated with the rainfall deficits, whether or not it co-occurs with El Niño. However, the co-occurrence of the two events does not necessarily suggest that El Niño influences droughts through the positive IODZM events. The El Niño event components during co-occurrence seem to be unrelated (at least linearly) to the droughts, while the positive IODZM events display a relatively strong relationship that is significant above the 95% confidence level. It thus becomes important to extend the study of this nature to cover the whole of southern Africa, so that the extent of the impact of the phenomena can be realized over the whole region. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society. | Drought prediction; Droughts; El Niño-Southern oscillation; Indian ocean dipole/Zonal Mode; Seasonal rainfall; Southern Africa | Atmospheric pressure; Drought; Nickel compounds; Ocean engineering; Oceanography; Co occurrences; Comparative studies; Confidence levels; Indian ocean dipole/Zonal Mode; Indian ocean dipoles; Influence of enso; Partial correlations; Rainfall variabilities; Seasonal rainfall; Southern Africa; Summer rainfalls; Zimbabwe; Rain; air-sea interaction; correlation; drought; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; rainfall; sea surface temperature; seasonal variation; Africa; Indian Ocean; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912108788 | The impact of the permafrost carbon feedback on global climate | Schaefer K., Lantuit H., Romanovsky V.E., Schuur E.A.G., Witt R. | 2014 | Environmental Research Letters | 9 | 8 | 10.1088/1748-9326/9/8/085003 | National Snow and Ice Data Center, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Telegrafenberg A43 Potsdam, Germany; Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, United States; Earth Cryosphere Institute, Tyumen, Russian Federation; Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Division of Early Warning and Assessment, United Nations Environmental Programme, PO Box 30552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany | Schaefer, K., National Snow and Ice Data Center, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Lantuit, H., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Telegrafenberg A43 Potsdam, Germany, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany; Romanovsky, V.E., Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, United States, Earth Cryosphere Institute, Tyumen, Russian Federation; Schuur, E.A.G., Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Witt, R., Division of Early Warning and Assessment, United Nations Environmental Programme, PO Box 30552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Degrading permafrost can alter ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and release enough carbon dioxide (CO<inf>2</inf>) and methane (CH<inf>4</inf>) to influence global climate. The permafrost carbon feedback (PCF) is the amplification of surface warming due to CO<inf>2</inf> and CH<inf>4</inf> emissions from thawing permafrost. An analysis of available estimates PCF strength and timing indicate 120α85 Gt of carbon emissions from thawing permafrost by 2100. This is equivalent to 5.7α4.0% of total anthropogenic emissions for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario and would increase global temperatures by 0.29α0.21 °C or 7.8α5.7%. For RCP4.5, the scenario closest to the 2 °C warming target for the climate change treaty, the range of cumulative emissions in 2100 from thawing permafrost decreases to between 27 and 100 Gt C with temperature increases between 0.05 and 0.15 °C, but the relative fraction of permafrost to total emissions increases to between 3% and 11%. Any substantial warming results in a committed, long-term carbon release from thawing permafrost with 60% of emissions occurring after 2100, indicating that not accounting for permafrost emissions risks overshooting the 2 °C warming target. Climate projections in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), and any emissions targets based on those projections, do not adequately account for emissions from thawing permafrost and the effects of the PCF on global climate. We recommend the IPCC commission a special assessment focusing on the PCF and its impact on global climate to supplement the AR5 in support of treaty negotiation. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd. | global climate; permafrost; permafrost carbon feedback | Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Global warming; Methane; Permafrost; Taxation; Thawing; Anthropogenic emissions; Climate projection; Cumulative emissions; Global climates; Global temperatures; Intergovernmental panel on climate changes; Temperature increase; Treaty negotiations; Climate change; anthropogenic effect; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; global climate; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; methane; permafrost; thawing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955643799 | The impact of the pandemic influenza a(H1N1) 2009 virus on seasonal influenza a viruses in the southern hemisphere, 2009 | Blyth C.C., Kelso A., McPhie K.A., Ratnamohan V.M., Catton M., Druce J.D., Smith D.W., Williams S.H., Huang Q.S., Lopez L., Schoub B.D., Venter M., Dwyer D.E. | 2010 | Eurosurveillance | 15 | 31 | None | Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia; World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa | Blyth, C.C., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia; Kelso, A., World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; McPhie, K.A., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Ratnamohan, V.M., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Catton, M., Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Druce, J.D., Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Smith, D.W., Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Williams, S.H., Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Huang, Q.S., World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Lopez, L., World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Schoub, B.D., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Venter, M., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dwyer, D.E., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia | Data collected over winter 2009 by five World Health Organisation National Influenza Centres in the southern hemisphere were used to examine the circulation of pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains during the first pandemic wave in the southern hemisphere. There is compelling evidence that the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus significantly displaced seasonal influenza A(H1N1) and, to a lesser extent, A(H3N2) viruses circulating in the southern hemisphere. Complete replacement of seasonal influenza A strains, however, was not observed during the first pandemic wave. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; article; disease course; disease surveillance; human; infection prevention; Influenza virus A H3N2; nonhuman; pandemic influenza; prevalence; seasonal influenza; Southern Hemisphere; virus detection; virus strain; Geography; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Pandemics; Seasons; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349006751 | The impact of the open access movement on medical based scholarly publishing in Nigeria | Dennis A.D. | 2007 | First Monday | 12 | 10 | None | University of Port Harcourt, Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria | Dennis, A.D., University of Port Harcourt, Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria | The open access movement and its initiatives -which advocate a shift from predominant print-based publication to electronic and Internet sources -is expected to improve the global distribution of scholarly research and impact positively on the current state of scholarly publications in the developing world. This review examines the current state of medical journals in Nigeria and assesses the impact of the open access movement and its initiatives on medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria. The resulting appraisal shows that open access initiatives have impacted positively on medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria, with the African Journals Online and the African Index Medicus projects being the most significant influences. There are enormous prospects for further developing medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria using open access initiatives; these opportunities should be exploited and developed. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892702715 | The impact of the old age grant on rural households in nkonkobe municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa | Tangwe P.T., Gutura P. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p627 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Tangwe, P.T., University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Gutura, P., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | The aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic impact of old age grant on rural households in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The findings of this paper are based on in-depth interviews conducted with twenty-five beneficiaries of the Old Age Grant (OAG) in Alice. They were purposively selected to gauge the impact of this grant on their households. The results show that the OAG plays a vital role in households by contributing significantly to household expenditure. This grant assists in the provision of food, payment of school fees, transport, rent and water as well as the purchase of uniforms, books, electricity and other necessities. The OAG which was intended as a poverty relief programme for the aged has turned into a poverty alleviation programme for rural households. When they live together with other generations these pensioners become the primary caregivers in the household and they act as breadwinners by looking after their unemployed children, orphans, grandchildren and other relatives. | Household expenditure; Old Age Grant; Poverty; Rural households; Socio-economic impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960604515 | The impact of the new who Antiretroviral treatment guidelines on HIV epidemic dynamics and cost in south africa | Hontelez J.A.C., de Vlas S.J., Tanser F., Bakker R., Bärnighausen T., Newell M.-L., Baltussen R., Lurie M.N. | 2011 | PLoS ONE | 6 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0021919 | Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States | Hontelez, J.A.C., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; de Vlas, S.J., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Bakker, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bärnighausen, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Baltussen, R., Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Lurie, M.N., Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States | Background: Since November 2009, WHO recommends that adults infected with HIV should initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at CD4+ cell counts of ≤350 cells/μl rather than ≤200 cells/μl. South Africa decided to adopt this strategy for pregnant and TB co-infected patients only. We estimated the impact of fully adopting the new WHO guidelines on HIV epidemic dynamics and associated costs. Methods and Finding: We used an established model of the transmission and control of HIV in specified sexual networks and healthcare settings. We quantified the model to represent Hlabisa subdistrict, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We predicted the HIV epidemic dynamics, number on ART and program costs under the new guidelines relative to treating patients at ≤200 cells/μl for the next 30 years. During the first five years, the new WHO treatment guidelines require about 7% extra annual investments, whereas 28% more patients receive treatment. Furthermore, there will be a more profound impact on HIV incidence, leading to relatively less annual costs after seven years. The resulting cumulative net costs reach a break-even point after on average 16 years. Conclusions: Our study strengthens the WHO recommendation of starting ART at ≤350 cells/μl for all HIV-infected patients. Apart from the benefits associated with many life-years saved, a modest frontloading appears to lead to net savings within a limited time-horizon. This finding is robust to alternative assumptions and foreseeable changes in ART prices and effectiveness. Therefore, South Africa should aim at rapidly expanding its healthcare infrastructure to fully embrace the new WHO guidelines. © 2011 Hontelez et al. | None | antivirus agent; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; epidemic; health care cost; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; infection control; life table; mortality; practice guideline; sensitivity analysis; sexual behavior; sexuality; South Africa; virus transmission; world health organization; adolescent; adult; disease transmission; economics; female; health care cost; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; male; pregnancy; South Africa; statistics; theoretical model; time; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Epidemics; Female; Health Care Costs; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; South Africa; Time Factors; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909584895 | The impact of the nationalisation threat on Zimbabwe’s economy | Makoni P.L. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 1 Continued 1 | None | Department of Finance, Banking and Risk Management at the University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, South Africa | Makoni, P.L., Department of Finance, Banking and Risk Management at the University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to examine the likely impact that the proposed agenda of nationalisation of foreign-owned business in Zimbabwe, by implementing the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, would have on the economy in the country. Nationalisation of foreign-owned businesses comes on the back of the disastrous Fast-Track Land Reform Programme which had sought to give land to the black majority in the country. The results of the study show that foreign investors were shaken by the announcement of nationalisation of all foreign-owned firms, including banks and mines. Most foreign investors adopted a “wait and see” attitude since the nature of their investment was mainly resource-seeking FDI, and they could therefore not remove their fixed, immovable assets from the country. With the economy still trying to recover from earlier declines in economic activity, it is recommended that the Government revises the Indigenisation Act in order to ensure FDI inflows continue to be attracted into the country, in a bid to stabilise and further grow the economy. © Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Expropriation; FDI; Indigenisation; Nationalisation; Zimbabwe | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78951474477 | The impact of the National HIV Health Care Worker Hotline on patient care in South Africa | Chisholm B.S., Cohen K., Blockman M., Kinkel H.-F., Kredo T.J., Swart A.M. | 2011 | AIDS Research and Therapy | 8 | None | 10.1186/1742-6405-8-4 | Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa | Chisholm, B.S., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cohen, K., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Blockman, M., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kinkel, H.-F., HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; Kredo, T.J., South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa; Swart, A.M., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: South Africa has a huge burden of illness due to HIV infection. Many health care workers managing HIV infected patients, particularly those in rural areas and primary care health facilities, have minimal access to information resources and to advice and support from experienced clinicians. The Medicines Information Centre, based in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Cape Town, has been running the National HIV Health Care Worker (HCW) Hotline since 2008, providing free information for HIV treatment-related queries via telephone, fax and e-mail.Results: A questionnaire-based study showed that 224 (44%) of the 511 calls that were received by the hotline during the 2-month study period were patient-specific. Ninety-four completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of these, 72 (77%) were from doctors, 13 (14%) from pharmacists and 9 (10%) from nurses. 96% of the callers surveyed took an action based on the advice received from the National HIV HCW Hotline. The majority of actions concerned the start, dose adaption, change, or discontinuation of medicines. Less frequent actions taken were adherence and lifestyle counselling, further investigations, referring or admission of patients.Conclusions: The information provided by the National HIV HCW Hotline on patient-specific requests has a direct impact on the management of patients. © 2011 Chisholm et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; e-mail; fax; hospital admission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lifestyle modification; medical information; nurse; patient care; patient referral; pharmacist; physician; priority journal; questionnaire; South Africa; teleconsultation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650130086 | The impact of the National HIV Health Care Worker Hotline | Swart A., Chisholm B., Cohen K., Blockman M., Kinkel H.-F., Kredo T. | 2010 | South African Medical Journal | 100 | 12 | None | Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa | Swart, A., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Chisholm, B., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Cohen, K., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Blockman, M., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Kinkel, H.-F., HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; Kredo, T., South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | article; HIV education; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information dissemination; information service; South Africa; Health Services Accessibility; HIV; HIV Infections; Hotlines; Humans; Preventive Health Services; Public Health; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954710537 | The impact of the method of consent on response rates in the ISAAC time trends study | Ellwood P., Asher M.I., Stewart A.W., Aït-Khaled N., Anderson H.R., Beasley R., Björkstén B., Brunekreef B., Crane J., Flohr C., Foliaki S., Forastiere F., García-Marcos L., Keil U., Lai C.K.W., Mallol J., Mitchell E.A., Montefort S., Odhiambo J., Pearce | 2010 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 14 | 8 | None | Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Division of Community Health Sciences, St Georges, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand; St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; Department of Epidemiology, Rome E Health Authority, Rome, Italy; Instituto de Salud Respiratoria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institut für Epidemiologie und Sozialmedizin, Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Malta, Malta; Centre Respiratory Diseases Research Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Dr von Haunerschen Kinderklinik, Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Centre for Evidence Based Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong; Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, New Zealand | Ellwood, P., Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Asher, M.I., Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Stewart, A.W., School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Aït-Khaled, N., International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Anderson, H.R., Division of Community Health Sciences, St Georges, University of London, London, United Kingdom, ; Beasley, R., Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; Björkstén, B., Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Brunekreef, B., Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; Crane, J., Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand; Flohr, C., St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Foliaki, S., Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; Forastiere, F., Department of Epidemiology, Rome E Health Authority, Rome, Italy; García-Marcos, L., Instituto de Salud Respiratoria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, ; Keil, U., Institut für Epidemiologie und Sozialmedizin, Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Lai, C.K.W., Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Mallol, J., Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Mitchell, E.A., Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Montefort, S., Department of Medicine, University of Malta, Malta; Odhiambo, J., Centre Respiratory Diseases Research Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Pearce, N., Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; Robertson, C.F., Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Strachan, D., Division of Community Health Sciences, St Georges, University of London, London, United Kingdom, ; von Mutius, E., Dr von Haunerschen Kinderklinik, Universität München, Munich, Germany; Weiland, S.K., Institute of Epidemiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Weinmayr, G., Institute of Epidemiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Williams, H., Centre for Evidence Based Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Wong, G., Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong; Clayton, T.O., Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Benhabylès, B.; Esamai, F.O.; Ng'ang'a, L.; Bouayad, Z.; Onadeko, B.O.; Zar, H.J.; Jerray, M.; Chen, Y.Z.; Zhong, N.-S.; Lau, Y.L.; Kartasasmita, C.B.; Odajima, H.; Teh, K.H.; de Bruyne, J.; Quah, B.S.; Cua-Lim, F.; Goh, D.Y.T.; Lee, H.-B.; Huang, J.-L.; Vichyanond, P.; Trakultivakom, M.; Masjedi, M.-R.; al-Momen, J.A.; Mahmood, N.; Al-Rawas, O.; Khatav, V.A.; Kumar, L.; Setty, G.; Jain, K.C.; Sukumaran, T.U.; Joshi, M.K.; Pherwani, A.V.; Sharma, S.K.; Hanumante, N.M.; Guimaraes, I.M.E.; Baena-Cagnani, C.E.; Rosário, N.; Fischer, G.B.; de Britto, M.; de Freitas Souza, L.; Solé, D.; Amarales, L.; Aguilar, P.; Calvo, M.A.; Soto-Quirós, M.E.; Romieu, I.; Cukier, G.; Guggiari-Chase, J.A.; Chiarella, P.; Holgado, D.; Howitt, M.E.; Sears, M.; Rennie, D.; Yeatts, K.; Redding, G.J.; Priftanji, A.; Riikjärv, M.-A.; Pekkanen, J.; Gotua, M.; Svabe, V.; Kudzyte, J.; Lis, G.; Breborowicz, A.; Deleanu, D.; Kondiourina, E.G.; Vogt, H.; Ognev, V.; Marks, G.; Moyes, C.; Pattemore, P.; Mackay, R.; Haidinger, G.; Weyler, J.; Standring, P.; Goulding, R.; Steriu, A.; Bonci, E.; Galassi, C.; Petronio, M.G.; Chellini, E.; Bisanti, L.; Sestini, P.; Ciccone, G.; Piffer, S.; Camâra, R.; Rosado Pinto, J.E.; Nunes, C.; dos Santos, J.M.L.; Clancy, L.; Busquets, R.M.; González Díaz, C.; Arnedo-Pena, A.; Garcia Hernández, G.; Guillén-Grima, F.; Morales-Suarez-Varela, M.M.; Blanco Quirós, A.; Thames, N.; Austin, J.B.; Shamssain, M.H.; Strachan, D.; Burr, M.; Shah, J.; Baratawidjaja, K.; Nishima, S.; Baeza-Bacab, M.; Manning, P.; Khaitov, R.M.; Lee, B.; Nilsson, L. | BACKGROUND: Centres in Phases I and III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) programme used the method of consent (passive or active) required by local ethics committees. METHODS: Retrospectively, relationships between achieved response rates and method of consent for 13-14 and 6-7-year-olds (adolescents and children, respectively), were examined between phases and between English and non-English language centres. RESULTS: Information was obtained for 113 of 115 centres for adolescents and 72/72 centres for children. Both age groups: most centres using passive consent achieved high response rates (>80% adolescents and >70% children). English language centres using active consent showed a larger decrease in response rate. Adolescents: seven centres changed from passive consent in Phase I to active consent in Phase III (median decrease of 13%), with five centres showing lower response rates (as low as 34%). Children: no centre changed consent method between phases. Centres using active consent had lower median response rates (lowest response rate 45%). CONCLUSION: The requirement for active consent for population school-based questionnaire studies can impact negatively on response rates, particularly English language centres, thus adversely affecting the validity of the data. Ethics committees need to consider this issue carefully. © 2010 The Union. | Asthma; Children; Consent; Epidemiology; ISAAC | adolescent; article; child; human; informed consent; parental consent; priority journal; professional standard; questionnaire; retrospective study; asthma; clinical trial; comparative study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; health; health survey; hypersensitivity; informed consent; male; multicenter study; phase 1 clinical trial; phase 3 clinical trial; prevalence; randomized controlled trial; time; trends; Adolescent; Asthma; Child; Consent Forms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Global Health; Health Surveys; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Male; Prevalence; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940584551 | The impact of the Malaysian minimum cigarette price law: Findings from the ITC Malaysia survey | Liber A.C., Ross H., Omar M., Chaloupka F.J. | 2015 | Tobacco Control | 24 | None | 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-052028 | Economic and Health Policy Research, Intramural Research, American Cancer Society Inc., Atlanta, GA, United States; SALDRU Research Affiliate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control, National Poison Centre, Universiti SainsPulau Penang, Malaysia; Department of Economics, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Health Policy Center, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; WHO Collaborating Centre, The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control, United States | Liber, A.C., Economic and Health Policy Research, Intramural Research, American Cancer Society Inc., Atlanta, GA, United States; Ross, H., SALDRU Research Affiliate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Omar, M., Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control, National Poison Centre, Universiti SainsPulau Penang, Malaysia; Chaloupka, F.J., Department of Economics, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States, Health Policy Center, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States, WHO Collaborating Centre, The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control, United States | Objectives Study the effects of the 2011 Malaysian minimum price law (MPL) on prices of licit and illicit cigarette brands. Identify barriers to the MPL achieving positive public health effects. Methods The International Tobacco Control Project’s Southeast Asia survey collected information on Malaysian smokers’ cigarette purchases (n=7520) in five survey waves between 2005 and 2012. Consumption-weighted comparisons of proportions tests and adjusted Wald tests were used to evaluate changes over time in violation rates of the inflation-adjusted MPL, the proportion of illicit cigarette purchases and mean prices. Results After the passage of the MPL, the proportion of licit brand cigarette purchases that were below the inflation-adjusted 2011 minimum price level fell substantially (before 3.9%, after 1.8%, p=0.002), while violation of the MPL for illicit brand cigarette purchases was unchanged (before 89.8%, after 91.9%, p=0.496). At the same time, the mean real price of licit cigarettes rose ( p=0.006), while the mean real price of illicit cigarettes remained unchanged ( p=0.134). The proportion of illicit cigarette purchases rose as well (before 13.4%, after 16.5%, p=0.041). Discussion The MPL appears not to have meaningfully changed cigarette prices in Malaysia, as licit brand prices remained well above and illicit brand prices remained well below the minimum price level before and after MPL’s implementation. The increasing proportion of illicit cigarettes on the market may have undermined any positive health effects of the Malaysian MPL. The illicit cigarette trade must be addressed before a full evaluation of the Malaysian MPL’s impact on public health can take place. The authors encourage the continued use of specific excise tax increases to reliably increase the price and decrease the consumption of cigarettes in Malaysia and elsewhere. © 2015 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949456608 | The impact of the maintenance management system: A case study of the petrosa GTL refinery | Mahlangu B.P., Kruger L.P. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 3 | 10.7166/26-3-1197 | College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Mahlangu, B.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Kruger, L.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | This research study investigated the impact of the maintenance management system (MMS) on production output and profitability (PO&P) at the PetroSA GTL refinery, a state-owned company. The two groups that participated were the maintenance group, consisting of 56 respondents, and the production group, with 38 respondents. The main findings of the research study suggested that the MMS impacts positively on PO&P at the PetroSA GTL refinery. The maintenance scorecard assessment tool – consisting of six perspectives – was used to assess the gap between the MMS and PO&P. The positivism paradigm, the deductive process, a cross-sectional quantitative survey, and descriptive statistics were used to conduct the research study. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering, All rights reserved. | None | Refining; Assessment tool; Descriptive statistics; Maintenance management systems; Production outputs; Research studies; State-owned companies; Maintenance | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646371266 | The impact of the internet on research: The experience of Delta State University, Nigeria | Adogbeji O.B., Toyo O.D. | 2006 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 8 | 2 | None | University Library, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Adogbeji, O.B., University Library, Abraka, Nigeria; Toyo, O.D., Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916232358 | The impact of the integration of literacy tasks on the literacy test results of computer applications technology learners | Lubbe E., Mentz E., Kroon J. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p478 | North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Lubbe, E., North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Mentz, E., North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Kroon, J., North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Improving literacy is a world-wide challenge, especially in emerging economies. The inability to read and write has an economic and social impact on a country because it is linked to poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and crime. This study investigated the influence of the integration of theme-related literacy learning tasks in the grade 10 Computer Applications Technology (CAT) learning programme, on the literacy test results of grade 10 CAT learners as a possible solution to promote literacy. A total of 183 learners in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in the North West Province of South Africa participated in the study. Computer Applications Technology learners wrote a standardised literacy pre-test at the beginning of the year, and a post-test ten months later to determine whether the integration of theme-related literacy tasks had any influence on their literacy test results. From the results of the empirical study, the conclusion could be made that the conscientious fulfilment of the integrated theme-related literacy tasks in the grade 10 Computer Applications Technology learning programme had a positive influence on the literacy test results of learners. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Computer applications technology (CAT); Functional literacy; Job skills; Literacy domain; Literacy level; Literacy test; Numeracy; Reading comprehension strategies; Work access; Writing | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049465242 | The impact of the information society on the library and information science profession | Nwosu O., Ogbomo E.F. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | OCTOBER | None | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Nwosu, O., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ogbomo, E.F., Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
None | None | The impact of the HIV epidemic on tuberculosis transmission in Tanzania | Egwaga S.M., Cobelens F.G., Muwinge H., Verhage C., Kalisvaart N., Borgdorff M.W. | 2006 | AIDS | 20 | 6 | 10.1097/01.aids.0000218557.44284.83 | National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC The Hague, Netherlands | Egwaga, S.M., National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Cobelens, F.G., KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC The Hague, Netherlands; Muwinge, H., National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Verhage, C., KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands; Kalisvaart, N., KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands; Borgdorff, M.W., KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Objective: To assess the impact of the HIV epidemic on tuberculosis transmission in Tanzania by estimating the trend in annual risk of tuberculosis infection (ARTI) over the period 1983-2003. Design: Tuberculin survey among school children aged 6-14 years, randomly selected by cluster sampling. Methods: Primary outcome was the ARTI among children without a BCG vaccination scar. To obtain time trends, data were reanalysed from three previous surveys carried out at intervals of 5 years since 1983, using identical methods and definitions. Results: Of 96 226 children included in the analysis (74% of those enrolled), 10 239 (11%) had no BCG scar. The ARTI was 0.68% (95% confidence interval 0.55-0.81). Despite a doubling of notification rates of smear-positive tuberculosis since 1983, this represents an average annual decline since the first survey of 2.7% (P < 0.001). The declining trend in ARTI was observed in 17 of 20 regions, with no association between this trend and region-specific prevalence of HIV infection among patients with tuberculosis (P= 0.575). A similar decline in ARTI was observed among children with a BCG scar and for various ways of estimating the prevalence of tuberculosis infection from the distribution of skin test reactions. Conclusion: Despite substantial increases in tuberculosis incidence, the overall population-level effect of the HIV epidemic on tuberculosis transmission in Tanzania has been limited. This suggests that in the presence of a strong control programme, the HIV epidemic has limited impact on tuberculosis transmission. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Health surveys; HIV infections; Tanzania; Tuberculin test; Tuberculosis | BCG vaccine; article; blood smear; disease transmission; epidemic; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; infection risk; priority journal; Tanzania; tuberculin test; tuberculosis; Adolescent; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Child; Developing Countries; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Tanzania; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34648814058 | The impact of the HIV epidemic on the composite wellbeing of educators in South Africa: A qualitative study | Theron L.C. | 2007 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 6 | 2 | None | School of Educational Sciences, Vaal Triangle Faculty, North-West University, PO Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900 Gauteng, South Africa | Theron, L.C., School of Educational Sciences, Vaal Triangle Faculty, North-West University, PO Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900 Gauteng, South Africa | In South Africa, support is available for educators who are HIV-positive, and there are numerous initiatives to curb further HIV infections. What is lacking though is an understanding of how the HIV epidemic impacts on educators who are affected personally or professionally. For this reason a qualitative study was undertaken with 25 affected educators from the Gauteng and Free State provinces. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine how the epidemic is impacting the health of educators who are affected but not HIV infected. The results suggest that affected educators are in need of interventions that target health promotion, since those who participated reported poor physical, emotional, social, spiritual and professional health. The results also suggest that some educators do cope with the overall impact of the epidemic, implying that resilient functioning among affected educators should be promoted. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Coping behaviour; Health impact; Health interventions; Health promotion; Resilient functioning; Teachers | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; clinical article; controlled study; coping behavior; emotionality; epidemic; female; health promotion; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; occupational health; qualitative research; religion; semi structured interview; social aspect; South Africa; teacher; wellbeing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873456353 | The impact of the global food crisis on self-assessed food security | Headey D.D. | 2013 | World Bank Economic Review | 27 | 1 | 10.1093/wber/lhs033 | International Food Policy Research Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Headey, D.D., International Food Policy Research Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | We provide the first large-scale survey-based evidence on the impact of the global food crisis of 2007-08 using an indicator of self-assessed food security from the Gallup World Poll. For the sampled countries as a whole, this subjective indicator of food security remained the same or even improved, seemingly owing to a combination of strong economic growth and limited food inflation in some of the most populous countries, particularly India. However, these favorable global trends mask divergent trends at the national and regional levels, with a number of countries reporting substantial deterioration in food security. The impacts of the global crisis therefore appear to be highly context specific. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. All rights reserved. | None | crisis management; economic growth; food security; trend analysis; India | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938691863 | The impact of the global economic crisis on HIV and AIDS programmes directed at women and children in Zambia | Serieux J., Njelesani M., Chompolola A., Sepehri A., Guliani H. | 2015 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 14 | 2 | 10.2989/16085906.2015.1040806 | Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), UNESCO, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada | Serieux, J., Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Njelesani, M., Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), UNESCO, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chompolola, A., Department of Economics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Sepehri, A., Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Guliani, H., University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada | This investigation sought to ascertain the extent to which the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 affected the delivery of HIV/AIDS-related services directed at pregnant and lactating mothers, children living with HIV and children orphaned through HIV in Zambia. Using a combined macroeconomic analysis and a multiple case study approach, the authors found that from mid-2008 to mid-2009 the Zambian economy was indeed buffeted by the global economic crisis. During that period the case study subjects experienced challenges with respect to the funding, delivery and effectiveness of services that were clearly attributable, directly or indirectly, to the global economic crisis. The source of funding most often compromised was external private flows. The services most often compromised were non-medical services (such as the delivery of assistance to orphans and counselling to HIV-positive mothers) while the more strictly medical services (such as antiretroviral therapy) were protected from funding cuts and service interruptions. Impairments to service effectiveness were experienced relatively equally by (HIV-positive) pregnant women and lactating mothers and children orphaned through HIV. Children living with AIDS were least affected because of the primacy of ARV therapy in their care. © 2015 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | case studies; crisis transmission; external funding; financial crisis; health care funding; HIV-related services | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; Article; case study; child; childhood disease; clinical effectiveness; economic aspect; female; funding; health care delivery; health program; health service; human; lactation; major clinical study; male; maternal disease; medical service; orphaned child; patient counseling; pregnant woman; Zambia; Zambian | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876317667 | The impact of the EU generalized system of preferences on exports and GSP utilization by Asian and Latin American countries | Cuyvers L., Soeng R. | 2013 | Journal of International Trade Law and Policy | 12 | 1 | 10.1108/14770021311312511 | Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Regional Integration Studies, United Nations University, Bruges, Belgium; North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; National University of Management, Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Cuyvers, L., Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Centre for Regional Integration Studies, United Nations University, Bruges, Belgium, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Soeng, R., Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, National University of Management, Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Purpose - The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of changes in the Generalized System of Preferences of the European Union, on the EU GSP imports from beneficiary countries in ASEAN and China, and Latin America, respectively, and the utilization of GSP benefits by these countries for the period 1994-2007. Design/methodology/approach - The econometric model specifications used is with unlagged and one year lagged reactions. GSP dummy variables are added in order to test whether the changes in the EU GSP has had impact on bilateral trade flows and the degree of utilization. Findings - The paper finds that EU GSP agricultural imports are negatively affected by the changes in the EU GSP system, but these of industrial products seem to have positively reacted to changes in the EU GSP. For imports of textile products, the results are not significant. It is also found that ASEAN plus China are significantly benefiting more from the EU GSP for industrial and textile products than the Latin American countries, but the changes in the GSP had no significant different effect on both groups of countries. The authors estimations also show that the graduation mechanism in the EU GSP, against beneficiary countries with higher EU market shares, seems to be effective for industrial products, but in contrast, is working in favour of such countries for textile products. By and large, the other graduation mechanism in the EU GSP linking GSP benefits and level of development of the beneficiary country has not been effective. Originality/value - The paper is the first to address the issue how the many changes in the EU GSP since 1994 have affected the exports and GSP utilization of beneficiary countries. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Developing countries; Exports; Generalized System of Preferences; Utilization | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896505924 | The impact of the declining extended family support system on the education of orphans in Lesotho | Tanga P.T. | 2013 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 12 | 3 | 10.2989/16085906.2013.863217 | Department of Social Work/Social Development, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Tanga, P.T., Department of Social Work/Social Development, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of the weakening of the extended family on the education of double orphans in Lesotho through in-depth interviews with participants from 3 of the 10 districts in Lesotho. The findings reveal that in Lesotho the extended family has not yet disintegrated as the literature suggests. However, it shows signs of rupturing, as many orphans reported that they are being taken into extended family households, the incentive for these households being, presumably, the financial and other material assistance that they receive from the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which supplements household income and material wellbeing. The findings show that financial and other assistance given by the government and NGOs have resulted in conflict between the orphans and caregivers. This has also prompted many extended families to shift responsibilities to the government and NGOs. Most of the extended households provided the orphans with poor living conditions, such as unhygienic houses, poor nutrition, and little or no provision of school materials, which has had a negative impact on the education of the orphans. The combined effects of economic crisis and HIV and AIDS have resulted in extended families not being able to care for the needs of the orphans adequately, whilst continuing to accept them into their households. It is recommended that although extended families are still accepting orphans, the government should strengthen and recognise the important role played by families and the communities in caring for these vulnerable children. The government should also introduce social grants for orphans and other vulnerable children and review the current meagre public assistance (R100) it provides for orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho. Other stakeholders should concentrate on strengthening the capacity of families and communities through programmes and projects which could be more sustainable than the current handouts given by many NGOs. © 2013 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | Care and support; Caregivers; Education; Extended family; HIV and AIDS; Orphans | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; caregiver; conceptual framework; education; extended family; family counseling; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; interview; Lesotho; methodology; nutrition; organization; social care; wellbeing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929941093 | The impact of the consumer protection act on pharmacists | Du Toit K., Van Eeden E. | 2014 | South African Medical Journal | 104 | 11 | 10.7196/SAMJ.8488 | Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Du Toit, K., Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Van Eeden, E., Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | The Consumer Protection Act of 2008 has had far-reaching consequences for suppliers of goods and services in South Africa. The implementation of the Act has important implications for all suppliers who enter into ‘consumer transactions’. This article aims to stimulate awareness of the legal consequences of the Act arising from day-to-day situations occurring in the pharmacy, and to highlight the compliance obligations that the Act creates for pharmacists. © 2014 Health & Medical Publishing Group. | None | Article; awareness; consumer; consumer protection act; economic aspect; human; jurisprudence; legal liability; monitoring; pharmacist; pharmacy; policy; practice guideline; product safety; safety; South Africa; legal liability; legislation and jurisprudence; pharmacist; Consumer Product Safety; Humans; Liability, Legal; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900534957 | The impact of the companies act 71 of 2008 on the traditional director's duty to avoid conflict of interest | Chrysostome Kanamugire J. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p75 | North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Chrysostome Kanamugire, J., North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | The director's duty to avoid conflict of interest has been recognised and developed by common law. This duty includes various rules. The self-dealing rule precludes a director from acting on behalf of the company in a transaction where he/she has an interest. The fair dealing rule requires the director to disclose his or her interest if he/she wants to perform a transaction with the company, or has an interest in a contract that the company plans to conclude with a third party. The director is not allowed to make secret profits at the expense of the company, nor to act in conflict with his/her duty. The director is prohibited from taking corporate opportunities that rightfully belong to the company. Occasionally, this duty may continue to exist beyond the period a person has ceased to be a director. Directors should refrain from competing with their companies. Directors must also keep information confidential in the performance of their duties. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 has codified the traditional director's common law duty to avoid conflict of interest, specifically the self-dealing and fair dealing rules. The Companies Act provides for director's personal financial interests, standards of directors' conduct, liability of directors and prescribed officers, and indemnification and directors' insurance. The codification of the duty to avoid conflict of interest will promote good corporate governance in South Africa. | Avoid conflict of interest; Confidential information; Corporate opportunity; Fair dealing rule; Secret profit; Self-dealing rule | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958113181 | The impact of the choice on termination of pregnancy act of 1996 (act 92 of 1996) on criminal abortions in the mthatha area of South Africa | Meel B.L., Kaswa R.P. | 2009 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 1 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v1i1.36 | Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa | Meel, B.L., Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa; Kaswa, R.P., Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa | Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) allows abortions to be legally carried out in South Africa. It is not clear how many people are utilising this service. Mthatha is a poverty-stricken area with a high rate of illiteracy. The available infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities and communication, is poor. Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive study carried out at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. The registered criminal abortion cases recorded between 1993 and 2006 were analysed. Results: There were 51 cases of criminal abortions recorded from 1993 to 2006. Of these, 32 were aborted in the fi rst trimester of pregnancy and the rest were in the second trimester. No signifi cant gender differences were observed among aborted babies. 10 of the foetuses were male and nine were female. The highest number (nine) of abortions was recorded in 1993 and in 2005. The highest number of criminal abortions (11) took place in May. Most cases (35) were concealed births and were discovered accidentally either by the public or the police. Conclusion: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) had no impact on criminal abortions in the Mthatha area of South Africa. © 2009. The Authors. | Choice on termination of pregnancy act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996); Criminal abortion; Foetuses; South africa; Termination | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925949590 | The impact of the business environment on the South African emerging market economy | Fisher J.J., Mostert F.J., Mostert J.H. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2 CONT6 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Fisher, J.J., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Mostert, F.J., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Mostert, J.H., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | The business environment impacts on the strategic as well as the operational policies, decisions and actions of enterprises, as businesses do not operate in a vacuum. This research paper addresses the impact of the business environment on the South African emerging market economy, where emerging market economies usually have a rapid growing economy as well as government policies which embody economic liberalization and a free-market system. Secondary as well as primary data were applied to achieve the objective of this research paper, which involves the improvement of financial decision-making concerning the impact of the business environment on an emerging market economy. The empirical study of this research paper focuses on the following three aspects, viz.: The importance of the impact of various business environment factors on an emerging market economy, The problem areas within the business environment which impact on an emerging market economy and possible solutions to solve them, as well as The perceptions concerning the rating of various business environment factors over the past five years and the next five years in South Africa. As this research paper focuses on an emerging market economy, the conclusions of this study should be valuable to other countries which have the same type of economy. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business environment; Economic impact; Financial impact; Impact of foreign direct investments; Impact of the infrastructure; Political impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449580745 | The impact of the banking industry recapitalization on employment in Nigerian banks | Gunu U. | 2009 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 11 | 3 | None | Department of Business Adminisration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Gunu, U., Department of Business Adminisration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Banking Industry recapitalization was intended to improve so many indices in the Banking Industry. Some of the indices are affected were; Shareholders Fund, Total Assets, Number of Branches and Employment. The magnitude of improvement of the current indices and the former indices before recapitalization are not the same. The research sought to discern the nature of change in the indices after recapitalization. The objective of the research is to identify the extent of impact on employment of recapitalized banks shareholders fund, total assets, and number of branches. The research is an explanatory study that establishes causal relationship between employment and indices of recapitalization. The data used were secondary data. Simple percentages and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that there was reduction in employment in the Banking Industry between 1999 and 2001. There was appreciable increase in employment in the Nigerian banking industry after the consolidation exercise from year 2006 up to 2008. Two Banks have 23.04% of the total shareholders fund in the banking industry. 25% of banks in Nigeria had less 2% of total shareholders fund. 8.33% of banks in Nigeria had less than 1% of total shareholders fund. Other banks shareholders fund are between 2% and 7%. 20.83% of Nigerian banks had less 2% of Total Assets in the banking industry. 8.33% of Nigerian banks had 20.35% of Total Assets. Other banks have between 2% to 8% of Total Assets. Results of multiple regression analysis revealed that shareholders fund, Total Assets and number of domestic branches caused 62.0% of employment in the banking industry. Shareholders fund and Total Assets were not significant variables that have linear relationship with employment in the Banking industry. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-12744278222 | 'The impact of the aids epidemic' articles by Paul Bennell: Some comments | Kinghorn A., Kelly M.J. | 2005 | Journal of Development Studies | 41 | 3 | 10.1080/0022038042000313345 | Health and Development Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; Luwisha House, Lusaka, Zambia | Kinghorn, A., Health and Development Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kelly, M.J., Luwisha House, Lusaka, Zambia | [No abstract available] | None | academic research; acquired immune deficiency syndrome | None |
WoS | WOS:000272533500003 | The Impact of the African Youth Alliance Program on the Sexual Behavior of Young People in Uganda | Ali, Disha,Colvin, Charlotte E.,Karim, Ali Mehryar,Patykewich, Leslie,Posner, Jessica,Rutaremwa, Gideon,Williams, Timothy | 2009 | STUDIES IN FAMILY PLANNING | 40 | 4 | None | Makerere University, PATH | "Rutaremwa, Gideon: Makerere University", | This study evaluates the impact of the African Youth Alliance (AYA) program on the sexual behavior of young people aged 17-22 in Uganda. Between 2000 and 2005, the comprehensive multicomponent AYA program implemented behavior-change communication and youth-friendly clinical services, and it coordinated policy and advocacy. The program provided institutional capacity building and established coordination mechanisms between agencies that implemented programs for young people. The analysis of findings from both a self-reported exposure design and a static group comparison design indicated that AYA had a positive impact on sexual behavior among young females but not among young males. AYA-exposed girls were at least 13 percentage points more likely to report having used a condom at last sex, at least 10 percentage points more likely to report that they had consistently used condoms with their current partner, at least 10 percentage points more likely to have used contraceptives at last sex, and 13 percentage points more likely to have had fewer sex partners during the past 12 months, compared with girls who were not exposed to the AYA program. Scaling up the AYA program in Uganda could, therefore, be expected to improve significantly the sexual and reproductive health of young women. Effective strategies for promoting safer sexual behaviors among boys and young men must be identified, however. | ,"ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT",CAUSAL,COMMUNICATION,"CONTRACEPTIVE USE","HIV-1 PREVALENCE",PROMOTION,"PROPENSITY SCORE","PROTECTIVE FACTORS","REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH-RISK",TANZANIA | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941905493 | 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-s2.0-84922257720 | The impact of the 2013 WHO antiretroviral therapy guidelines on the feasibility of HIV population prevention trials | Ross E., Tanser F., Pei P., Newell M.-L., Losina E., Thiebaut R., Weinstein M., Freedberg K., Anglaret X., Scott C., Dabis F., Walensky R. | 2014 | HIV Clinical Trials | 15 | 5 | 10.1310/hct1505-185 | Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Facultyof Medicine, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopedics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research, Cambridge, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; CentreINSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France; Institut de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie, et de Développement (ISPED), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, United States; Programme PAC-CI/ANRS, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France | Ross, E., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pei, P., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Newell, M.-L., Facultyof Medicine, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Losina, E., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Orthopedics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research, Cambridge, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Thiebaut, R., CentreINSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie, et de Développement (ISPED), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Weinstein, M., Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Freedberg, K., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research, Cambridge, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, United States; Anglaret, X., CentreINSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie, et de Développement (ISPED), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, Programme PAC-CI/ANRS, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Scott, C., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Dabis, F., CentreINSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie, et de Développement (ISPED), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, Programme PAC-CI/ANRS, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Walensky, R., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research, Cambridge, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, United States | Background: Several cluster-randomized HIV prevention trials aim to demonstrate the population-level preventive impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines raising the ART initiation threshold to CD4 <500/μL could attenuate these trials' effect size by increasing ART usage in control clusters. Methods: We used a computational model to simulate strategies from a hypothetical cluster-randomized HIV prevention trial. The primary model outcome was the relative reduction in 24-month HIV incidence between control (ART offered with CD4 below threshold) and intervention (ART offered to all) strategies. We assessed this incidence reduction using the revised (CD4 <500/μL) and prior (CD4 <350/μL) control ART initiation thresholds. Additionally, we evaluated changes to trial characteristics that could bolster the incidence reduction. Results: With a control ART initiation threshold of CD4 <350/μL, 24-month HIV incidence under control and intervention strategies was 2.46/100 person-years (PY) and 1.96/100 PY, a 21% reduction. Raising the threshold to CD4 <500/μL decreased the incidence reduction by more than one-third, to 12%. Using this higher threshold, moving to a 36-month horizon (vs 24-month), yearly control-strategy HIV screening (vs biannual), and intervention-strategy screening every 2 months (vs biannual), resulted in a 31% incidence reduction that was similar to effect size projections for ongoing trials. Alternate assumptions regarding cross-cluster contamination had the greatest influence on the incidence reduction. Conclusions: Implementing the 2013 WHO HIV treatment threshold could substantially diminish the incidence reduction in HIV population prevention trials. Alternative HIV testing frequencies and trial horizons can bolster this incidence reduction, but they could be logistically and ethically challenging. The feasibility of HIV population prevention trials should be reassessed as the implementation of treatment guidelines evolves. © 2014 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc. | Highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV; Prevention; Randomized controlled trials | CD4 antigen; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Article; computer model; effect size; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; practice guideline; prevention study; priority journal; randomized controlled trial (topic); sample size; simulation; world health organization; biological model; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical trial (topic); computer simulation; HIV Infections; sensitivity and specificity; time; world health organization; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Clinical Trials as Topic; Computer Simulation; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Models, Biological; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors; World Health Organization | R01 AI058736, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R01 AI093269, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R01 HD058482, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; UM1 AI068636, NIAID, Nation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926282757 | The impact of telecommunication revenue on economic growth: Evidence from Ghana | Atsu F., Agyei C., Darbi W.P., Adjei-Mensah S. | 2014 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 5 | 2 | 10.1108/AJEMS-10-2011-0076 | Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota - Accra, Ghana | Atsu, F., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota - Accra, Ghana; Agyei, C., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota - Accra, Ghana; Darbi, W.P., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota - Accra, Ghana; Adjei-Mensah, S., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota - Accra, Ghana | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-run impact of telecommunications revenue and telecommunications investment on economic growth of Ghana for the time horizon 1976-2007. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the Augmented Dickey Fuller and Phillips Perron unit root test to explore the stationarity property of the variables and the Engle-Granger residual-based test of cointegration to model an appropriate restricted error correction model. Findings – The outcome of the analysis produced mixed results. Telecommunications revenue does not contribute significantly whilst telecommunications investment does. Practical implications – Policy makers will have to deal with a conundrum; while designing targeted policies that will attract more telecommunication investment in order to maximize the corresponding revenues and the economic growth it brings in its wake, they must at the same time find ways and resources to grow the economy to a point or threshold where revenue from telecommunications can have the much needed impact on their economies. Originality/value – The study is one of the first that has investigated the line of causality between telecommunication revenue and economic growth unlike previous research that mainly focused on the impact of telecommunication infrastructure on economic development. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Cointegration; Economic growth; Engle-Granger residual-based test; Restricted error correction model; Telecommunications investment; Telecommunications revenue | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899856102 | The impact of technology innovation and R&D on firms' performance: An empirical analysis of Nigeria's service sector | Adeyeye A.D., Jegede O.O., Akinwale Y.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 6 | 4 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2013.060873 | National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adeyeye, A.D., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Jegede, O.O., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Akinwale, Y.O., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This paper uses econometric model to analyse the impact of technological innovation and R&D on firm performance in the Nigerian service sector. The sector is attracting interest in policy circle because it has become the fastest growing sector globally. The analysis is based on data obtained from the Nigeria's innovation survey, 2008 undertaken among 500 enterprises in the service sector with about 41% response rate. The instrument was guided by the third edition of the Oslo Manual standardised through validation workshops under the NEPAD ASTII initiative. The result shows that technological acquisition, training and in-house R&D positively influence technological innovation while government support and embodied knowledge are insignificant. Also, technology innovation and R&D have positive impact on firms' performance. This paper offers an opportunity to understanding the impact of technology innovation and R&D on performance of service firms in developing country context. © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Econometric analysis; Firm performance; Nigeria; R&D; Service sector; Technology innovation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548299531 | The impact of tarrif removal on poverty in zimbabwe: A computable general equilibrium microsimulation | Chitiga M., Mabugu R., Kandiero T. | 2007 | Journal of Development Studies | 43 | 6 | 10.1080/00220380701466666 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; National Treasury, South Africa | Chitiga, M., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mabugu, R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kandiero, T., National Treasury, South Africa | The paper uses a microsimulation computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to study the impact on poverty of a complete removal of tariffs in Zimbabwe. The model incorporates 14,006 households derived from the 1995 Poverty Assessment Study Survey. This paper's novelty is that it is one among a small group of papers that incorporates individual households in the CGE model as opposed to having representative households. Using individual households allows for a comprehensive analysis of poverty. The complete removal of tariffs favours exporting sectors. Poverty falls in the economy while inequality hardly changes. The results differ between rural and urban areas. | None | computable general equilibrium analysis; export; household income; poverty determinant; tariff structure; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891744915 | The impact of taro (Colocasia esculenta) cultivation on the total evaporation of a Cyperus latifolius marsh | Mengistu M.G., Everson C.S., Clulow A.D. | 2014 | Hydrological Processes | 28 | 3 | 10.1002/hyp.9599 | School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Mengistu, M.G., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Everson, C.S., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Clulow, A.D., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Total evaporation (ET) is one of the major components of the water budget of a wetland. Very little research has been conducted on the loss of water to the atmosphere from different wetland vegetation types occurring in southern Africa. This study on the ET of taro (locally known as madumbe) and sedge within the Mbongolwane wetland was conducted to assess the potential impact of madumbe cultivation on the hydrology of the wetland. Sugarcane planted on the contributing catchment outside the wetland was the other crop examined. Two field campaigns were conducted in November 2009 and January 2010 during the growing season of the madumbe crop to quantify ET rates in the Mbongolwane wetland and from sugar cane in the surrounding catchment. ET was measured over two vegetation types in the wetland, namely: madumbe (Colocasia esculenta); sedge (Cyperus latifolius) with some reeds (Phragmites australis); and sugarcane in adjacent terrestrial areas. ET from the madumbes ranged from 1.0 to 6.0mmday-1. The daily average ET rates in November 2009 were 3.5 and 4.9mm for the madumbe and sedge sites, respectively, and 4.0mm for sugarcane grown in the catchment. The daily average ET rates in January 2010 were 3.3 and 3.7mm for the madumbes and sedge sites, respectively, and 2.4mm for the sugarcane site. The daily ET was therefore lower at the madumbe site in November 2009 and in January 2010 compared to the sedge site. An average crop factor of 0.6 was obtained from this study during the growth stage of the madumbes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Crop factor; Cyperus marsh; Eddy covariance; Evapotranspiration; Madumbe; Wetland | Cyperus marsh; Eddy covariance; Field campaign; Madumbe; Phragmites australis; Potential impacts; Vegetation type; Wetland vegetation; Catchments; Crops; Cultivation; Evaporation; Evapotranspiration; Runoff; Sugar cane; Vegetation; Wetlands; angiosperm; catchment; cultivation; eddy covariance; evapotranspiration; hydrological response; marsh; vegetation type; water budget; wetland; Colocasia esculenta; Cyperus; Phragmites australis; Saccharum | None |
None | None | The impact of taking or not taking ARVs on HIV stigma as reported by persons living with HIV infection in five African countries | Makoae L.N., Portillo C.J., Uys L.R., Dlamini P.S., Greeff M., Chirwa M., Kohi T.W., Naidoo J., Mullan J., Wantland D., Durrheim K., Holzemer W.L. | 2009 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 21 | 11 | 10.1080/09540120902862576 | National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Lesotho, South Africa; University of California, San Francisco, Box 0608, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, United States; School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Swaziland, P.O. Box 369, Mbabane, Swaziland; North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65004, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; University of California, San Francisco, Box 0612, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94143-0612, United States; School of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Makoae, L.N., National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Lesotho, South Africa; Portillo, C.J., University of California, San Francisco, Box 0608, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, United States; Uys, L.R., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Dlamini, P.S., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Swaziland, P.O. Box 369, Mbabane, Swaziland; Greeff, M., North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Chirwa, M., Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi; Kohi, T.W., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65004, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Naidoo, J., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Mullan, J., University of California, San Francisco, Box 0612, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94143-0612, United States; Wantland, D., University of California, San Francisco, Box 0608, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, United States; Durrheim, K., School of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Holzemer, W.L., University of California, San Francisco, Box 0608, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, United States | Aim. This study examined the impact of taking or not taking antiretroviral (ARV) medications on stigma, as reported by people living with HIV infection in five African countries. Design. A two group (taking or not taking ARVs) by three (time) repeated measures analysis of variance examined change in reported stigma in a cohort sample of 1454 persons living with HIV infection in Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, and Tanzania. Participants self-reported taking ARV medications and completed a standardized stigma scale validated in the African context. Data were collected at three points in time, from January 2006 to March 2007. Participants taking ARV medications self-reported a mean CD4 count of 273 and those not taking ARVs self-reported a mean CD4 count of 418. Results. Both groups reported significant decreases in total HIV stigma over time; however, people taking ARVs reported significantly higher stigma at Time 3 compared to those not taking ARVs. Discussion. This study documents that this sample of 1454 HIV infected persons in five countries in Africa reported significantly less HIV stigma over time. In addition, those participants taking ARV medications experienced significantly higher HIV stigma over time compared to those not taking ARVs. This finding contradicts some authors' opinions that when clients enroll in ARV medication treatment it signifies that they are experiencing less stigma. This work provides caution to health care providers to alert clients new to ARV treatment that they may experience more stigma from their families and communities when they learn they are taking ARV medications. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Africa; Antiretrovirals; HIV/AIDS; Stigma | antiretrovirus agent; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; controlled study; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Lesotho; major clinical study; Malawi; male; patient compliance; priority journal; self report; South Africa; stigma; Swaziland; Tanzania; Africa; analysis of variance; clinical trial; multicenter study; patient compliance; psychological aspect; social psychology; Adult; Africa; Analysis of Variance; Anti-HIV Agents; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Stereotyping | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892579921 | The impact of students financial aid on demand for higher education in South Africa: An econometric approach | Mosikari T.J., Marivate H.E. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p555 | Economics Department, North West University (NWU), Mafikeng campus, South Africa; Economics Department, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | Mosikari, T.J., Economics Department, North West University (NWU), Mafikeng campus, South Africa; Marivate, H.E., Economics Department, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | University is paramount in producing graduates who can think critically and who can solve problems. The study investigates the impact of student's financial aid to higher education enrolment. The focus is on the national financial aid scheme, which is directed towards the disadvantaged students enrolling in higher education. The main aim of the student financial aid is to increase the enrolment in higher education and to bring about equity in higher education. The study uses data from National student financial aid scheme (NSFAS) to determine its impact on higher education enrolment. The study employs the bounds testing cointegration approach. The motivation to adopt this methodology was based on the fact that the data used in this study is finite. These results reveal a long run relationship between student enrolment at higher education and student financial aid. | Cointegration; Financial aid; Higher education; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875089857 | The impact of student opinions of built heritage on their perceptions of institutional loyalty: Implications for marketing strategies [Die impak van studentmenings omtrent gebou-erfenis op hul persepsies van institusionele lojaliteit: Implikasies vir bema | Poor J., Snowball J. | 2012 | Acta Academica | 44 | 3 | None | Rhodes University, Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, Truman State University, McClain Hall 203, 100 East Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221, United States; Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Poor, J., Rhodes University, Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, Truman State University, McClain Hall 203, 100 East Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221, United States; Snowball, J., Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Research has shown that the racial diversity of university student populations improves social tolerance and academic performance. However, students of colour are more likely to drop out than their white counterparts and to feel isolated and excluded from campus life. One possible reason for such feelings is the built heritage on campuses, in particular those with colonial-era style. This research uses student survey data from St Mary's College of Maryland in the US and Rhodes University in South Africa to investigate student attitudes towards, and knowledge about, campus built heritage and their perceptions of its impact on student loyalty. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053485518 | The impact of structured support groups for pregnant South African women recently diagnosed HIV positive | Mundell J.P., Visser M.J., Makin J.D., Kershaw T.S., Forsyth B.W.C., Jeffery B., Sikkema K.J. | 2011 | Women and Health | 51 | 6 | 10.1080/03630242.2011.606356 | MRC Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 376, Irene, Pretoria, 0062, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States | Mundell, J.P., MRC Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 376, Irene, Pretoria, 0062, South Africa; Visser, M.J., Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Makin, J.D., MRC Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 376, Irene, Pretoria, 0062, South Africa; Kershaw, T.S., School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Forsyth, B.W.C., Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Jeffery, B., MRC Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 376, Irene, Pretoria, 0062, South Africa; Sikkema, K.J., Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States | The authors of this study evaluated a structured 10-session psy-chosocial support group intervention for newly HIV-diagnosed pregnant South African women. Participants were expected to display increases in HIV disclosure, self-esteem, active coping and positive social support, and decreases in depression, avoidant coping, and negative social support. Three hundred sixty-one pregnant HIV-infected women were recruited from four antenatal clinics in Tshwane townships from April 2005 to September 2006. Using a quasi-experimental design, assessments were conducted at baseline and two and eight months post-intervention. A series of random effects regression analyses were conducted, with the three assessment points treated as a random effect of time. At both follow-ups, the rate of disclosure in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the comparison group (p < 0.001). Compared to the comparison group at the first follow-up, the intervention group displayed higher levels of active coping (t = 2.68, p < 0.05) and lower levels of avoidant coping (t = -2.02, p < 0.05), and those who attended at least half of the intervention sessions exhibited improved self-esteem (t = 2.11, p < 0.05). Group interventions tailored for newly HIV positive pregnant women, implemented in resource-limited settings, may accelerate the process of adjusting to one's HIV status, but may not have sustainable benefits over time. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | HIV/AIDS; Mental health; Pregnancy; Psychosocial; Social support | adaptive behavior; adult; article; avoidance behavior; case control study; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; female; follow up; health care planning; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; poverty; pregnancy; pregnancy complication; psychological aspect; regression analysis; self concept; self disclosure; self help; social support; South Africa; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Avoidance Learning; Case-Control Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Resources; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Poverty; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Regression Analysis; Self Concept; Self Disclosure; Self-Help Groups; Social Support; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-51549114741 | The impact of stress on student tardiness and subsequent throughput rate of engineering students: A case study | Swart A.J. | 2008 | International Journal of Engineering Education | 24 | 4 | None | Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Swart, A.J., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Stress is any change that requires a person to adjust to a new situation and is registered in the brain as a threat that causes a stress response in the body. 'Student tardiness' is the term ascribed to students who suffer from tardiness, which is defined as the quality or condition of not being on time. Student tardiness is currently experienced in many higher educational institutions, contributing to poor academic achievements and subsequent low throughput rates. Tardiness is viewed as a construct, which is an abstract concept deliberately created to represent a collection of concrete forms of behaviour including stress or anxiety. The case study on which this article is based explored the relationship between stress or anxiety and tardiness of engineering students, establishing a direct correlation between stress or anxiety and the throughput rate of an engineering module called Design Project III. The empirical study incorporated an ex-post facto study involving a preexperimentallexploratory design using descriptive statistics. The results of this research were applied to three separate tests which indicated a statistically significant relationship between stress or anxiety and the final throughput rate (75%) of the module Design Project III. Moreover, the presence of a negative correlation indicates that a decrease in the negative aspects of stress or anxiety will result in an increase in the final throughput rate of the module, subsequently influencing the academic success of engineering students. © 2008 TEMPUS Publications. | Anxiety; Engineering student; Stress; Student tardiness; Throughput rate | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885418119 | The impact of stressful life events, symptom status, and adherence concerns on quality of life in people living with HIV | Corless I.B., Voss J., Guarino A.J., Wantland D., Holzemer W., Jane Hamilton M., Sefcik E., Willard S., Kirksey K., Portillo C., Mendez M.R., Rosa M.E., Nicholas P.K., Human S., Maryland M., Moezzi S., Robinson L., Cuca Y. | 2013 | Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care | 24 | 6 | 10.1016/j.jana.2012.11.005 | MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Rutgers University School of Nursing, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Texas A and M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Harris Health System, Houston, TX, United States; School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences, Campus School of Nursing, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Universidad del Turabo School of Health Sciences, Gurabo, Puerto Rico; School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Illinois Division, American Cancer Society, Chicago, IL, United States; Middle East Center University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States | Corless, I.B., MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; Voss, J., University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Guarino, A.J., MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; Wantland, D., Rutgers University School of Nursing, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Holzemer, W., Rutgers University School of Nursing, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Jane Hamilton, M., Texas A and M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Sefcik, E., Texas A and M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Willard, S., Rutgers University School of Nursing, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Kirksey, K., Harris Health System, Houston, TX, United States; Portillo, C., School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Mendez, M.R., University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences, Campus School of Nursing, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Rosa, M.E., Universidad del Turabo School of Health Sciences, Gurabo, Puerto Rico; Nicholas, P.K., School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; Human, S., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Maryland, M., Illinois Division, American Cancer Society, Chicago, IL, United States; Moezzi, S., Middle East Center University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Robinson, L., University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Cuca, Y., School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Studies concerning persons living with HIV (PLWH) report that stressful life events (SLEs) contribute to an exacerbation of symptoms and reduced antiretroviral (ARV) adherence and quality of life (QOL). Little is known about whether these findings are site-specific. Our study's aims were to characterize the type and frequency of SLEs for PLWH in Puerto Rico, South Africa, and the United States, and to assess the impact of SLEs by national site, symptoms, and ARV adherence concerns on QOL. The sample consisted of 704 participants. The total number of SLEs correlated significantly with the total number of symptoms, adherence concerns, and QOL (p ≤ .001). Overall, 27.2% of the variance in QOL was explained by the aforementioned variables. Although SLEs were of concern to PLWH, worries about ARV adherence were of even greater concern. Routine assessment of ARV concerns and SLEs can promote ongoing ARV adherence and improved QOL. © 2013 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. | Adherence; HIV; Quality of life; Stressful life events; Symptoms | antiretrovirus agent; adaptive behavior; ADHERENCE; adult; aged; article; cultural factor; ethnology; female; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; life event; male; medication compliance; mental stress; middle aged; psychological aspect; Puerto Rico; quality of life; questionnaire; Sickness Impact Profile; socioeconomics; South Africa; stressful life events; symptoms; United States; young adult; adherence; HIV; quality of life; stressful life events; symptoms; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Female; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Puerto Rico; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Sickness Impact Profile; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Stress, Psychological; United States; Young Adult | P20 NR08359, NIH, National Institutes of Health; P20 NR08342, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897133072 | The impact of strategy and organizational factors on corporate entrepreneurship | Hough J., Scheepers R. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 2 E | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; University of Sunshine Coast, Australia | Hough, J., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Scheepers, R., University of Sunshine Coast, Australia | Large companies create new businesses as an innovative way of solving challenging problems but also see new internal ventures as a way of increased entrepreneurial behaviour and sustained differentiation. However, strategic leadership is crucial to develop an organizational environment needed to increase the entrepreneurial orientation and motivation in established businesses. This paper focus on strategic leadership and selected salient organizational factors that aid in the development of corporate entrepreneurship (CE). A cross sectional telephone survey of 315 South African companies indicated that strategic leadership of an enterprise is crucial to create the right environment and develop and support organizational structures and CE. Strategic leadership which encourages autonomy and provides rewards for entrepreneurial behaviour creates a supportive organizational structure to strengthen corporate entrepreneurship. | Corporate entrepreneurship; Organizational structure; Strategic leadership | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855206505 | The impact of strategic planning on the performance of nigerian banks | Ilesanmi O.A. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 65 | 1 | None | Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Ilesanmi, O.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | In today's competitive environment, every company has an action plan. Yet, for most managers, the processes used to create those plans don't usually work. Many have been refining their planning processes for ten to twenty years, frequently benchmarking with corporations known to be outstanding planners. Certainly, something must be wrong with the way managers think about planning as many corporate planning processes still generate such discontent. Taking ideas from other companies can be valuable, but it can also mislead and distract. It can prevent managers from focusing on what is unique to their situation. Although planning is not an end to success, but a means to an end, therefore individuals including corporate bodies that fail to plan, have planned to fail. Therefore, an organization is forced to look ahead, setting targets, anticipating problems and focusing on set goals and direction. Organizations, through their management set long-term strategies which are converted into short-term action plans to help achieve its long-term objectives. To this end, the importance of strategic planning and its impact on the overall performance/profitability cannot be over emphasized. © 2011 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928996870 | The impact of stock market development and inflation on economic growth in India: Evidence using the ARDL bounds testing and VECM approaches | Pradhan R.P., De São Pedro Filho F., Hall J.H. | 2014 | International Journal of Economics and Business Research | 8 | 2 | 10.1504/IJEBR.2014.064118 | Vinod Gupta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, WB, India; Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Campus José Ribeiro Filho, Via de Acesso para o Acre, Porto Velho City, Estado de Rondônia, Brazil; Department of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | Pradhan, R.P., Vinod Gupta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, WB, India; De São Pedro Filho, F., Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Campus José Ribeiro Filho, Via de Acesso para o Acre, Porto Velho City, Estado de Rondônia, Brazil; Hall, J.H., Department of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of stock market development, money supply and inflation on economic growth in India during the post-globalisation era of the 1990s, especially during the period from 1994 to 2012. Using autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, the study finds stock market development, money supply, inflation and economic growth are cointegrated, suggesting the presence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between them. The vector autoregressive error correction model (VECM) further confirms the existence of both bidirectional and unidirectional causality between economic growth, money supply, inflation and stock market development in India. The policy implication of this study is that inflation and money supply can be considered a policy variable to predict both economic growth and stock market development in the Indian economy during the post globalisation era. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | ARDL; Autoregressive distributive lag; India; Inflation; Money supply economic growth; Stock market; VECM; Vector autoregressive error correction model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931576293 | The impact of statistical learning on violations of the sure-thing principle | Nicholls N., Romm A.T., Zimper A. | 2015 | Journal of Risk and Uncertainty | 50 | 2 | 10.1007/s11166-015-9210-y | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nicholls, N., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa; Romm, A.T., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zimper, A., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper experimentally tests whether violations of Savage’s (1954) sure-thing principle (STP) decrease through statistical learning. Our subjects repeatedly had to bet on the drawings from an urn with an unknown proportion of differently colored balls. The control group was thereby subjected to learning through mere thought only. In addition, the test group received more and more statistical information over the course of the experiment by observing the color of the ball actually drawn after each bet. We expected that statistical learning would decrease the decision makers’ ambiguity, thereby implying a stronger decrease of STP violations in the test than in the control group. However, our data surprisingly shows that learning by mere thought rather than statistical learning leads to a decrease in STP violations. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Independence axiom; Learning; Prospect theory; Statistical learning; Sure thing principle | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910095520 | The impact of staff turnover on performance: A case of the North west provincial department of South Africa | Molefi M.A., Moroke N.D., Tlholoe K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p117 | North West University, RSA, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; North West University, RSA, South Africa | Molefi, M.A., North West University, RSA, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Moroke, N.D., North West University, RSA, South Africa; Tlholoe, K. | There is a general consensus regarding the effects of high staff turnover on the smooth running of various institutions. The purpose of this study is to establish the effect of staff turnover on performance of employees in the North West Provincial Department of South Africa. Questionnaires and document analysis were blended to capture authenticity and exhaustiveness of the data. Participants included the 70 employees in the said department who all filled and returned the questionnaire. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to present the results. A chi-square analysis was used as a method for data analysis in this study. Descriptive statistics were also used to describe the profiles of employees. The findings showed that the majority of employees are dissatisfied due many reasons and this causes lots of voluntary resignations among employees. Low productivity in the department is as a result of employee dissatisfaction borne as a result of management’s ignorance. The study recommends that the department should improve on mechanisms of getting feedback from its staff members regarding problems that have been identified as causes of high staff turnover rates. In addition, staff taking over duties performed by those who exited must be given proper orientation and recognition for going an extra mile. It was further recommended to the management of this organisation to give an exceptional attention to controllable factors such as, performance appraisals, salaries, interrelations between staff, orientation of newly appointed employees, etc. A relevant continual training was also recommended to prepare employees for promotions and development. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Employee performance; Labour costs; Resignation; Staff turnover | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927553887 | The impact of spousal violence on the children: A pastoral care approach | Sifo L.G., Masango M.J. | 2014 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 70 | 2 | 10.4102/hts.v70i2.2044 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Sifo, L.G., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article investigates the impact of spousal violence on children. Spousal violence in the home affects children negatively and its impact goes beyond their childhood years into adulthood. Some children become dysfunctional in life as a result of their exposure to violence between their parents. These children may exhibit symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later on in life. A case study of a family exposed to violence was undertaken. Findings from this case scenario were measured against existing literature. A pastoral care method of responding to the victims is proposed in order for them to be healed. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900388095 | The impact of some modes of women liberation to African Christian families: A case of Kagio Town in Kirinyaga County | Kirima P.W. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 5 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n5p | School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | Kirima, P.W., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | The contemporary African Christian family is ideally a harmonious monogamous relation or union between two people of the opposite gender- a male and a female- and is largely nuclear. This family setting has continued to increasingly face a lot of challenges, threatening its well-being and existence. Some of these challenges include: increased cases of divorce, suicidemurder of spouses and children, separations, suicide of children, increased rate of single parenthood, among other concerns. These problems are largely relational in nature and attributed to impossible or problematic relationships between the spouses.Owing to the centrality of the family to the well-being of the society, the cry of an ailing and hurting family cannot be ignored. The African Christian family has encountered many waves of changes and challenges, some which have aimed at making it a better institution and others which have left it maimed and in turmoil. The study is on gender relations in the family and how some modes of women liberation have impacted on the nature of gender relations in the African Christian family and therefore the family as a whole. This study is based in Kagio town in Kirinyaga County. An understanding of the ideal African Christian family, which is an inculturative product of the African and the Christian traditions, is provided. | African; Christian; Gender; Religion; Women | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863851117 | The impact of socio-economic family background and body weight on students' academic achievements in mathematics: Evidence from a Nigerian University | Ozughalu U.M. | 2012 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 31 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ozughalu, U.M., Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nigeria frequently experiences poor students' academic achievements in mathematics at various levels of education. This study examined the impact of parental education, number of siblings in the family and body weight on students' academic achievements in mathematics. The study used data obtained from the Department of Economics, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Nigeria. Specifically, the study utilised information on Year One Class of 2009/2010 Academic Session, numbering one hundred and seventythree (173) students. Three related multiple regression equations were estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimator; and White's heteroscedasticity-corrected standard errors of the OLS estimates were obtained and utilised to cater for the presence of heteroscedasticity. Estimates of the regression equations reveal that parents' educational levels have significant positive impact on students' academic achievements in mathematics whereas number of siblings in the family has significant negative impact on students' academic achievements in mathematics. Normal weight has significant positive impact on students' academic achievements in mathematics while overweight and obesity have significant negative impact on students' academic achievements in mathematics. Thus steps should be taken to sufficiently improve parents' educational levels, reduce family size and make students have normal weights in order to adequately improve students' academic achievements in mathematics. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012. | Academic achievements; Body weight; Mathematics; Nigerian University; Socio-economic family background | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051975260 | The impact of socio-demographic and religious factors upon sexual behavior among Ugandan university students | Agardh A., Tumwine G., Östergren P.-O. | 2011 | PLoS ONE | 6 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0023670 | Department of Clinical Sciences, Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda | Agardh, A., Department of Clinical Sciences, Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Tumwine, G., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Östergren, P.-O., Department of Clinical Sciences, Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden | Introduction: More knowledge is needed about structural factors in society that affect risky sexual behaviors. Educational institutions such as universities provide an opportune arena for interventions among young people. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and religious factors and their impact on sexual behavior among university students in Uganda. Methods: In 2005, 980 university students (response rate 80%) were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Validated instruments were used to assess socio-demographic and religious factors and sexual behavior. Logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: Our findings indicated that 37% of the male and 49% of the female students had not previously had sex. Of those with sexual experience, 46% of the males and 23% of the females had had three or more sexual partners, and 32% of the males and 38% of the females did not consistently use condoms. For those who rated religion as less important in their family, the probability of early sexual activity and having had a high number of lifetime partners increased by a statistically significant amount (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.4 and OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.3, respectively). However, the role of religion seemed to have no impact on condom use. Being of Protestant faith interacted with gender: among those who had debuted sexually, Protestant female students were more likely to have had three or more lifetime partners; the opposite was true for Protestant male students. Conclusion: Religion emerged as an important determinant of sexual behavior among Ugandan university students. Our findings correlate with the increasing number of conservative religious injunctions against premarital sex directed at young people in many countries with a high burden. of HIV/AIDS. Such influence of religion must be taken into account in order to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape sexual behavior in Uganda. © 2011 Agardh et al. | None | adult; article; condom; controlled study; correlation analysis; demography; family; female; human; male; questionnaire; religion; sex difference; sexual behavior; sexuality; social aspect; Uganda; university student; validation study; demography; ethics; psychological aspect; socioeconomics; student; university; Demography; Female; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Religion; Sexual Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Students; Uganda; Universities; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-37249035151 | The impact of social welfare policies on social development in South Africa: An NGO perspective | Lombard A. | 2007 | Social Work | 43 | 4 | None | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Lombard, A., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The adoption of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997) earmarked the commitment of the social welfare sector to impact on social development goals in South Africa. As policy frameworks the Integrated Social Service Delivery Model and the Policy on Financial Awards to Service Providers reveal great strengths to this effect. However, critical challenges remain to take the social welfare sector forward in delivering on its social development agenda. To fast-track service delivery requires the social welfare sector to redefine its developmental context and focus, guided by clear terminology and policy directions for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. | None | nongovernmental organization; social development; social policy; welfare reform; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40349095162 | The impact of social transformation on the non-government welfare sector and the social work profession | Lombard A. | 2008 | International Journal of Social Welfare | 17 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1468-2397.2007.00550.x | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Lombard, A., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This article examines changes to non-government social welfare, their impact on service delivery and on the social work profession. To redress the legacy of the past and the consequent inequalities in social welfare, in the first decade of democracy the government allocated the bulk of its welfare resources to transforming the social security system at the expense of social service delivery. As a result, South Africa has a costly social security budget with social services on the brink of collapse, leaving social workers and other social service professionals with low morale in the face of the huge challenge of providing welfare services with scarce resources, especially in the non-government sector. Nevertheless, social work remains an important role player in social development. From its marginalised position in the first decade of democracy, in the second decade it is repositioning itself as a recognised contributor to reconstruction and development in South Africa. © Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare. | Non-government social welfare; Social service delivery; Social work; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-76649102421 | The impact of Social Networking 2.0 on organisations | Van Zyl A.S. | 2009 | Electronic Library | 27 | 6 | 10.1108/02640470911004020 | Department of Accountancy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Van Zyl, A.S., Department of Accountancy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of what electronic social networking encompasses. It also aims to educate IT, business decision makers, knowledge workers and librarians about the various applications, benefits and risks associated with social networking. Design/methodology/approach - After a literature review of the available resources (academic literature, journal articles, white papers, popular media and books) the benefits and perceived risks associated with electronic social networking on organisations are investigated. Findings - An individual's success in society depends on the shape and size of his/her social network and ability to network and form connections with other social groups. Organisations which can harness this innate human ability to manage knowledge will be able to lower transactions costs and become more profitable. Originality/value - The paper increases the understanding of what electronic social networking encompasses and how it can be utilised for business purposes. The ideas and discussion put forth are equally applicable to libraries and may give them new insights into the provision of social networking applications as part of their services to users. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Communication technologies; Computer applications; Electronic media; Knowledge management; Risk management; Social networks | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955260278 | The impact of social media within the sporting industry | Hussain S.B. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 4 | None | Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Hussain, S.B., Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Public Relations within the sporting industry should play a vital role towards an organization's key publics, the relationships developed and the overall organizational image that the sport organization portrays. Ultimately public relations are responsible for creating and maintaining a mutually favorable relationship amongst an organization and its key publics. Based on this premise, it can therefore be said that public relations within the sporting industry serve as a management function which involves the managing of communication, reputation and relationships that determine the success or failure of that sport organization. The role of public relations within sporting organizations have acquired considerable significance in the new media era. Hence, making the job of a public relations professional equally easy and difficult in terms of understanding social media, how publics use it and how to connect with their key publics. Therefore this study set out to assess the impact of social media communication tools within the sporting industry. A quantitative descriptive methodology was employed for this study. The results of the study indicated that although social media are used as a communication tool, other social media platforms should be included in the sport organizations communication strategy. © Sameera Banu Hussain, 2015. | Communication; Public relations; Social media | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930348632 | The impact of social media usage on the cognitive social capital of university students | Petersen C., Johnston K.A. | 2015 | Informing Science | 18 | 1 | None | Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Effcomm, Cape Town, South Africa | Petersen, C., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Effcomm, Cape Town, South Africa; Johnston, K.A., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | The impact of Social Media such as Facebook and Twitter usage has on the creation and maintenance of university students' cognitive social capital was investigated on students in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Facebook and Twitter were selected as part of the research context because both are popular online social network systems (SNSs), and few studies were found that investigated the impact that social media has on the cognitive social capital of South African university students. Data was collected from a survey questionnaire, which was successfully completed by over 100 students from all five universities within the Western Cape. The questionnaire was obtained from a previous study, allowing comparisons to be made. The research involves disciplines such as Information Systems, Psychology and Sociology, and the information gathered is meant to inform inquiry in various disciplines. Analysis of the results, however, did not show a strong relationship between the intensity of Facebook and Twitter usage and the various forms of social capital. Facebook usage was found to correlate with student satisfaction with university life, which suggests that increasing the intensity of Facebook usage for students experiencing low satisfaction with university life might be beneficial. | Bonding social capital; Bridging social capital; Cognitive social capital; Facebook; Maintained social capital; Social network systems (SNS); Twitter; University students; Usage | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900537892 | The impact of social media-based marketing on the turnover of retailers based in Polokwane, South Africa | Oni O.A., Shumba P.M., Matiza T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p307 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | Oni, O.A., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa; Shumba, P.M., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa; Matiza, T., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of social network-based marketing on the turnover of retailers in the Polokwane area of Limpopo Province South Africa. Primarily the study tests three hypothesis related to digital marketing. The study adopted the quantitative research design, utilising self-complete, likert scale questionnaires to generate the relevant quantitative data. The data from the questionnaires was analysed using frequency diagrams and hypothesis tested by determining averages and standard deviations. Critically, the study found that social media networks as a form of digital marketing had a positive impact on the turnover of retailers in Polokwane. Further-more, it was found that the majority of the retailers who participated in the study utilised social networks in one form or another as a digital marketing tool and viewed it as a viable marketing approach. Ultimately, this paper recommends that retailers who have not integrated social media as part of their integrated marketing communications strategy do so in order to strengthen their online brand presence given the positive impact of digital marketing tools on turnover. More-so as a result of this study, the paper recommends that retailers in Polokwane continue to utilise social networks in their marketing efforts. | Digital marketing; Retailers; Social media; South Africa; Turnover | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870504997 | The impact of socially responsible investment index constituent announcements on firm price: Evidence from the JSE | Gladysek O., Chipeta C. | 2012 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 15 | 4 | None | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Gladysek, O., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Chipeta, C., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This paper examines whether Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Index constituent announcements have any impact on the returns of firms listing on the JSE SRI Index. The event study methodology is utilised to estimate abnormal returns for the firms included in the Index. The results indicate insignificant average abnormal returns (AARs) for the years 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, suggesting no significant shareholder gains over the entire event window. However, the year 2005 is associated with positive and significant abnormal returns. Post announcement cumulative average abnormal returns (CAARs) are positive for the years 2005 and 2007. However, the year 2008 exhibited extreme swings in CAARs with a general declining trend in the latter part of the event window. These swings are attributed to the global financial crisis of 2008. Furthermore, the cumulative returns for the total sample show no clear outperformance of the SRI over the JSE All Share Index. | Abnormal returns; Event study; JSE; Socially responsible index | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883487809 | The impact of social housing developments on nearby property prices: A Nelson Mandela bay case study | Du Preez M., Sale M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Economics | 81 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2012.01337.x | Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Du Preez, M., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Sale, M., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Social housing projects often face substantial "Not-in-my- backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment and, as a result, are frequently plagued by local opposition from communities who argue that nearby property prices will be affected adversely by these developments. International hedonic pricing studies conducted have, however, produced mixed results with some concluding that social housing developments may in fact lead to an improvement in surrounding property values. There is, however, a paucity of South African evidence. This study considers the validity of the most pervasive NIMBY argument, the claim that social housing developments negatively affect nearby property values, by considering the property prices of 170 single-family homes in the Walmer neighbourhood, Nelson Mandela Bay, as a function of their proximity to an existing low-cost housing development. The results of this study indicate that in the case of one Nelson Mandela Bay low-cost housing development, a negative impact is exerted on the property values of nearby houses. © 2013 The Authors. South African Journal of Economics © 2013 Economic Society of South Africa. | Hedonic pricing; property values; social housing | hedonic analysis; housing market; housing project; neighborhood; price dynamics; social housing; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892733609 | The impact of social grants on rural women: Perspectives from ABET practitioners | Johnson L., Dichaba M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p541 | Dept. of ABET and Youth Development, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | Johnson, L., Dept. of ABET and Youth Development, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa; Dichaba, M., Dept. of ABET and Youth Development, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | The most recent census information available, as well as other reports and studies reveal that out of a population of about 52 million South Africans, approximately 30 percent live on social grants. This translates to at least 15.6 million social grant recipients countrywide. This study examines how social grants have contributed to the well-being and especially livelihoods of rural people. It also examines how the grants have enabled and empowered recipients, encouraged self-reliance and created opportunities for socioeconomic growth and development towards poverty alleviation for rural recipients. Proponents of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) tend to link issues of education and development to literacy. This study examines how social grants contribute to improvements in families' livelihoods and the well-being of individuals who receive them. In addition, it seeks to establish whether there is a link between the provision of social grants, as a social policy model, and literacy, development and education. While the social grant is meant to bridge economic disparities by assisting the poor, this study is located at an intersection of two schools of thought about this policy - those in support of and those against it. Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium Villages Project underpins the theoretical framework of this study as it gives hope for those critics who believe that Africa will forever be dependent on foreign aid and hand-outs. Qualitative and document analysis methods were used to collate and analyse journals and diaries kept by grant recipients in fifteen (15) rural households in the Free State over a period of two years. The main findings of the study reveal that social grants, as an economic intervention, are contributing substantively towards poverty reduction. However, the recipients feel that the social grant is a gift from government and believe that it will be forfeited, if they become self-reliant. The study concludes that more income-generating activities should be encouraged through the provision of loans or seed-funds as CARE-South Africa had done in their community development interventions to grant recipients. Social grants are only a means of survival, but community education can bring about for development - along with other adult education programmes - and is a key element in addressing sustainable development. | Economic intervention; Hand-outs; Poverty reduction; Self-reliance; Social grants | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-18644383332 | The impact of social environments on the effectiveness of youth HIV prevention: A South African case study | Campbell C., Foulis C.A., Maimane S., Sibiya Z. | 2005 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 17 | 4 | 10.1080/09540120412331319705 | London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom; HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Social Psychology, London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom | Campbell, C., London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom, HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Social Psychology, London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom; Foulis, C.A., HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Maimane, S., HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Sibiya, Z., HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Few would disagree that 'social context' shapes the effectiveness of HIV-prevention programmes. However much work remains to be done in developing systematic conceptualisations of HIV/AIDS-relevant aspects of social environments in vulnerable communities. This paper contributes to this challenge through a case study (44 interviews, 11 focus groups with 55 people and fieldworker diaries) of the impact of social context on a participatory peer education programme involving young people in a peri-urban community in South Africa. Three interacting dimensions of context undermine the likelihood of effective HIV-prevention. Symbolic context includes stigma, the pathologisation of youth sexuality (especially that of girls) and negative images of young people. Organisationall network context includes patchy networking amongst NGOs, health, welfare and education representatives and local community leaders and groups. This is exacerbated by different understandings of the causes of HIV/AIDS and how to manage it. These challenges are exacerbated in a material-political context of poverty, unemployment and crime, coupled with the exclusion of young people from local and national decision-making and politics. HIV-prevention initiatives seeking to promote health-supporting social environments should work closely with social development programmes-to promote young peoples' social and political participation, increase opportunities for their economic empowerment, challenge negative social representations of youth, and fight for greater recognition of their sexuality and their right to protect their sexual health. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; community; crime; education program; group psychology; health care organization; health education; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; infection prevention; politics; poverty; priority journal; sexuality; social environment; social isolation; South Africa; unemployment; urban area; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Body Image; Female; Health Education; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Object Attachment; Peer Group; Sex Education; Social Environment; Social Identification; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928806204 | The impact of SNP fingerprinting and parentage analysis on the effectiveness of variety recommendations in cacao | Padi F.K., Ofori A., Takrama J., Djan E., Opoku S.Y., Dadzie A.M., Bhattacharjee R., Motamayor J.C., Zhang D. | 2015 | Tree Genetics and Genomes | 11 | 3 | 10.1007/s11295-015-0875-9 | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Central Biotechnology Laboratory, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Mars Inc., Hackettstown, NJ, United States; USDA ARS PSI SPCL, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg 050, Rm 100, BARC-W, Beltsville, MD, United States | Padi, F.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Ofori, A., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Takrama, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Djan, E., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Opoku, S.Y., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Dadzie, A.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Box 8, New-Tafo Akim, Ghana; Bhattacharjee, R., Central Biotechnology Laboratory, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Motamayor, J.C., Mars Inc., Hackettstown, NJ, United States; Zhang, D., USDA ARS PSI SPCL, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg 050, Rm 100, BARC-W, Beltsville, MD, United States | Evidence for the impact of mislabeling and/or pollen contamination on consistency of field performance has been lacking to reinforce the need for strict adherence to quality control protocols in cacao seed garden and germplasm plot management. The present study used SNP fingerprinting at 64 loci to examine the diversity, labeling errors and parentage in 2551 trees obtained from six seed gardens, breeders clone collection and single-cross progenies and a sample of farmers’ trees in Ghana. Clone mislabeling was pervasive, both within the seed garden clones and among clones of the breeders’ active collection. Among the seed garden clones, mislabeled trees were assigned to other parental clones used in the seed garden, pointing to labeling errors prior to planting as the principal cause of mislabeling. Among the breeders’ clone collection, both homonymous and synonymous mislabeling were identified in addition to trees with unique genotypes. This implicates pre-planting labeling errors and rootstocks overtaking budded scions. Parentage analysis supported the Amelonado ancestry of farmers’ varieties but with significant contribution of Upper Amazon introductions. Parentage of recently developed clones and of progenies of controlled crosses showed evidence of both pollen contamination and effects of mislabeled parents. The observed patterns of unexpected parentage had direct effects on the consistency of the variety performance between trials and increased within-plot variability for families with mixed ancestry. The results provide a strong basis for mainstreaming SNP fingerprinting in cacao breeding programs to improve the efficiency of the variety development process. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Diversity; Fingerprinting; Genetic structure; Mislabelling; Theobroma | Theobroma; Theobroma cacao | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48449092229 | The impact of small-scale irrigation on household food security: The case of Filtino and Godino irrigation schemes in Ethiopia | Tesfaye A., Bogale A., Namara R.E., Bacha D. | 2008 | Irrigation and Drainage Systems | 22 | 2 | 10.1007/s10795-008-9047-5 | Ministry of Water Resources Development, P.O. Box 5744 or 5673, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Graduate Studies, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute, Africa Regional Program, CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Agricultural Economist, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 265, Oromia, Ethiopia | Tesfaye, A., Ministry of Water Resources Development, P.O. Box 5744 or 5673, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bogale, A., School of Graduate Studies, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Namara, R.E., International Water Management Institute, Africa Regional Program, CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Bacha, D., Agricultural Economist, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 265, Oromia, Ethiopia | Ethiopia's irrigation potential is estimated at 3.7 million hectare, of which only about 190,000 ha (4.3% of the potential) is actually irrigated. There is little information on the extent to which the so far developed irrigation schemes have been effective in meeting their stated objectives of attaining food self-sufficiency and eradicating poverty. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the impact of small-scale irrigation on household food security based on data obtained from 200 farmers in Ada Liben district of Ethiopia in 2006. The resulting data was analyzed using Heckman's Two-step Estimation procedure. Studies elsewhere revealed that access to reliable irrigation water can enable farmers to adopt new technologies and intensify cultivation, leading to increased productivity, overall higher production, and greater returns from farming. Our study findings confirm some of these claims. In the study area about 70% of the irrigation users are food secure while only 20% of the non-users are found to be food secure. Access to small scale irrigation enabled the sample households to grow crops more than once a year; to insure increased and stable production, income and consumption; and improve their food security status. The study concludes that small-scale irrigation significantly contributed to household food security. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008. | Food security; Heckit model; Small-scale irrigation | Canning; Estimation; Food preservation; Food processing; Irrigation; Maximum likelihood estimation; Technology transfer; Waste management; Water; Business media; Ethiopia; Food security; Household food; Increased productivity; Irrigation schemes; Irrigation watering; New technologies; Small scale; Stable production; Security of data; crop production; cultivation; estimation method; food security; irrigation system; poverty alleviation; self sufficiency; technology adoption; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893971611 | The impact of smallholder irrigation on household welfare: The case of Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Sinyolo S., Mudhara M., Wale E. | 2014 | Water SA | 40 | 1 | 10.4314/wsa.v40i1.18 | Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Sinyolo, S., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Mudhara, M., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Wale, E., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | The potential of smallholder irrigated agriculture to enhance food security and alleviate rural poverty has led the South African Government to prioritise and invest significantly in irrigation establishment, rehabilitation and revitalisation. The question addressed in this study pertains to the extent to which smallholder irrigation has been able to reduce poverty in the rural communities to justify this investment. Using a sample of 251 farmers, this study found that factors such as land size, perceived soil fertility, household size, and access to support services were significant predictors of irrigation participation. The results from the treatment effect model indicated that access to irrigation plays a positive role in the welfare of rural households, with irrigators spending about ZAR2 000 per adult equivalent on consumption more than the non-irrigators. The study, therefore, concluded that government investments in smallholder irrigation for poverty reduction are justified. The other factors that influenced household consumption were off-farm income, land size, livestock size, education level, family size and access to support services and infrastructure. The study recommends that investments in smallholder irrigation continue for poverty reduction, and that priority should also be on finding other feasible rural micro-projects and development initiatives to complement smallholder irrigation and significantly reduce rural poverty. | Food security; Foster Greer Thorbecke (FGT) poverty measures; Poverty; Smallholder irrigation; Treatment effect model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907280714 | The impact of skills-development training on lower-level employee’s motivation and job satisfaction - A case-study of five South African companies | Naong M.N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p369 | Department of Business Management, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Naong, M.N., Department of Business Management, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Empirical findings of the impact of training on employee motivation and job satisfaction are reported. One of the major debilitating effects of the legacy of apartheid is a high level of illiteracy in the South African population. Encouraging the corporate sector through levies to promote skills development, seems to have been received with mixed feelings. In this regard, the impact of training on the motivation level and job satisfaction of randomly sampled employees of five companies in two South African provinces is reported on. A longitudinal study, with a pre-and post-quasi experimental research design, was adopted to achieve the goal of the study-using a Job Description Index (JDI) measuring instrument to collect data from the respondents. There was a significant correlation between job satisfaction and effectiveness of training transfer-i.e. those employees who received more training were more motivated than those who received less training or no training at all. It is concluded that managers need to appreciate and ensure that the effectiveness of skills transfer is a critical determinant, that must illuminate the underlying challenges of achieving bottom-line targets. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Employee motivation; Job satisfaction; Lower-level employees; Moderating effect; Skills transfer | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953173437 | The impact of skills development on competitiveness: Empirical evidence from a cross-country analysis [El impacto del desarrollo de habilidades para la competitividad: Evidencia empírica de una comparación entre países] | Onsomu E.N., Ngware M.W., Manda D.K. | 2010 | Education Policy Analysis Archives | 18 | None | None | Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, Kenya; African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Kenya | Onsomu, E.N., Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, Kenya; Ngware, M.W., African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya; Manda, D.K., University of Nairobi, Kenya | In the past half-century, most countries have emphasized the development of human capital as an instrument for economic growth, sustainable development, and improved global competitiveness. However, limited evidence exists on the link between skills development and a country's competitiveness. This paper examines the contribution and association of skills to a country's competitiveness. The study uses panel data from 84 countries in estimating an empirical model. Skills availability, foreign direct investments, secondary education, and technical (engineering) education and training are significant contributors to a country's competitiveness in a technologically changing and demanding world. This dynamic requires institutionalizing high-level technical skills development and on-the-job training programs in various firms that provided company specific and general skills to employees. The study recommends increased participation in secondary education and technically-oriented courses in tertiary education and programs that encourage skills transfer from foreign companies. Foreign direct investment, however, requires a conducive investment environment. Increased collaboration between tertiary institutions and industry is crucial for improved skilled development. | Human capital; International development; International economic competition | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885481358 | The impact of single versus mixed Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections on morbidity profiles amongst school-children in Taveta, Kenya | Gouvras A.N., Kariuki C., Koukounari A., Norton A.J., Lange C.N., Ireri E., Fenwick A., Mkoji G.M., Webster J.P. | 2013 | Acta Tropica | 128 | 2 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.01.001 | DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya; The Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom | Gouvras, A.N., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Kariuki, C., Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya; Koukounari, A., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Norton, A.J., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, The Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; Lange, C.N., Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Ireri, E., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Fenwick, A., SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Mkoji, G.M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Webster, J.P., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom | Two schistosome species-. Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni-with two very different pathological profiles (urogenital versus intestinal), are responsible for the majority of human schistosomiasis infections across sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine whether coinfections have an impact on species-specific morbidity measures when compared to single species infections. Children from two neighbouring schools in Taveta, Kenya were grouped by infection status, i.e. uninfected, single species infections or coinfected. Clinical examination of the liver and spleen by palpation was performed and urinary albumin levels were recorded at baseline and at 12 months after praziquantel administration. Additional ultrasonographic profiles of the children's liver, spleen and bladder were incorporated at follow-up. It was found that S. haematobium-associated urogenital morbidity was lower in the coinfected group relative to single S. haematobium infections, even when infection intensities were taken into account. We also observed an association between S. haematobium infection and liver (intestinal-associated) morbidity regardless of coinfections. The findings reported here suggest that further research should be performed on the impact of S. haematobium infections on liver morbidity as well as to determine the impact of mixed schistosome species infections on human morbidity outcomes across different endemic settings. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Coinfections; Human morbidity; Kenya; Polyparasitism; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis | albumin; praziquantel; child care; child health; disease; morbidity; pathology; adolescent; adult; article; bladder; child; clinical examination; controlled study; echography; elementary student; female; follow up; human; Kenya; liver; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; morbidity; palpation; preschool child; Schistosoma hematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis haematobia; schistosomiasis mansoni; school child; spleen; urinalysis; urogenital tract infection; Kenya; Schistosoma; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Coinfections; Human morbidity; Kenya; Polyparasitism; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis; Adolescent; Albumins; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Kenya; Liver; Male; Praziquantel; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Spleen; Urinary Bladder; Urine; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875383800 | The impact of silo mentality on team identity: An organisational case study | Cilliers F., Greyvenstein H. | 2012 | SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | 38 | 2 | 10.4102/sajip.v38i2.993 | Department of Industrial and Organisatonal Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa | Cilliers, F., Department of Industrial and Organisatonal Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa; Greyvenstein, H., Department of Industrial and Organisatonal Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa | Orientation: Organisational silos do not only refer to conscious structures, but also to an unconscious state of mind and mentality that takes on a life of its own. Silos result in the splitting of organisational artefacts and relationships, and impact negatively on relationship forming between individuals and within teams. Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to describe how the silo mentality impacts on team identity. Motivation for the study: During a recent organisational consultation the researchers realised that a so-called silo phenomenon had much more unexplained unconscious behaviour than was traditionally realised in terms of organisational development. It is hoped that findings from this qualitative study could give consultants entry into what happens below the surface in the silos' unconscious. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative and descriptive research design using a case study strategy was used. Data gathering consisted of 25 narrative interviews. Using discourse analysis four themes manifested, integrated into four working hypotheses and a research hypothesis. Trustworthiness and ethical standards were ensured. Main findings: Themes that emerged were the physical environment and structure, intra-group relations, experiences of management, and intergroup relations. Practical/managerial implications: Consulting on silo behaviour as physical structures only may not be successful in changing organisational behaviour. The silo resembles an iceberg - the largest part is below the surface. Contribution/value-add: The findings evidenced silo behaviour to be an unconscious phenomenon influencing team identity negatively. Consultants are urged to study these manifestations towards understanding silos and their effect on team identity better. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349925243 | The impact of shrub encroachment on savanna bird diversity from local to regional scale | Sirami C., Seymour C., Midgley G., Barnard P. | 2009 | Diversity and Distributions | 15 | 6 | 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00612.x | Climate Change and BioAdaptation Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick, Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Sirami, C., Climate Change and BioAdaptation Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Seymour, C., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; Midgley, G., Climate Change and BioAdaptation Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Barnard, P., Climate Change and BioAdaptation Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/;Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick, Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Aim Evidence is accumulating of a general increase in woody cover of many savanna regions of the world. Little is known about the consequences of this widespread and fundamental ecosystem structural shift on biodiversity. Location South Africa. Methods We assessed the potential response of bird species to shrub encroachment in a South African savanna by censusing bird species in five habitats along a gradient of increasing shrub cover, from grassland/;open woodland to shrubland dominated by various shrub species. We also explored historical bird species population trends across southern Africa during the second half of the 20th century to determine if any quantifiable shifts had occurred that support an ongoing impact of shrub encroachment at the regional scale. Results At the local scale, species richness peaked at intermediate levels of shrub cover. Bird species composition showed high turnover along the gradient, suggesting that widespread shrub encroachment is likely to lead to the loss of certain species with a concomitant decline in bird species richness at the landscape scale. Finally, savanna bird species responded to changes in vegetation structure rather than vegetation species composition: bird assemblages were very similar in shrublands dominated by Acacia mellifera and those dominated by Tarchonanthus camphoratus. Main conclusions Shrub encroachment might have a bigger impact on bird diversity in grassland than in open woodland, regardless of the shrub species. Species recorded in our study area were associated with historical population changes at the scale of southern Africa suggesting that shrub encroachment could be one of the main drivers of bird population dynamics in southern African savannas. If current trends continue, the persistence of several southern African bird species associated with open savanna might be jeopardized regionally. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Biome shift; Bush encroachment; Global change; Land cover change; Landscape heterogeneity | biodiversity; bird; demographic trend; ecosystem structure; environmental disturbance; global change; habitat loss; population dynamics; savanna; shrub; shrubland; species richness; vegetation cover; vegetation dynamics; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Acacia; Acacia mellifera; Aves; Tarchonanthus camphoratus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849092886 | The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers | Ligthelm A.A. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 11 | 1 | None | Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | Ligthelm, A.A., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | The retail sector forms a critical element of a community's economic and social welfare. It provides people with choices and services. These choices were until recently very limited in township areas. The pre-1994 retail landscape was dominated by small, often informal businesses offering basic household necessities to relatively low income earners. This has resulted in township residents' preference to shop outside townships, known as 'outshopping'. Rapid income growth of township residents since 1994 resulted in a substantial increase in consumer expenditure in these areas, known as 'in-bound shopping'. This lucrative emerging market forms the last retail frontier in South Africa and is being explored by national retailers, especially supermarket chains. This article is aimed at establishing the impact of shopping mall development in townships on the traditional small township retailers including spaza/tuck shops. The net balance sheet on the impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers clearly suggests a decline in the township retailers' market share. A change in small business model towards, inter alia, effective customer service with a small dedicated assortment of merchandise, satisfaction of emergency needs, selling in small units and extension of credit facilities may result in the survival of some small township retailers (albeit often at a smaller turnover). | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952798600 | The impact of sexual imagery in advertising: Comparing hispanics' and non-hispanics' attitudes and responses toward print ads | Kelsmark K.A., Dion P., Abratt R., Mischel L. | 2011 | Journal of Promotion Management | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/10496491003666758 | DeVry University, Stratum Executive Center, 11044 Research Blvd., Suite B-100, Austin, TX 78759, United States; Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States; Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Kelsmark, K.A., DeVry University, Stratum Executive Center, 11044 Research Blvd., Suite B-100, Austin, TX 78759, United States; Dion, P., Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States; Abratt, R., Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mischel, L., DeVry University, Stratum Executive Center, 11044 Research Blvd., Suite B-100, Austin, TX 78759, United States | The purpose of this study was to examine differences in attitudinal responses to sexual imagery in advertising by young adult Hispanics and non-Hispanics and establish whether any gender differences exist. A quantitative methodology was used. Results show that the lack of influence of the ethnicity variable suggests that respondents appear to overwhelm Hispanic cultural predispositions. Although males were more accepting of the sexual imagery, this did not translate as influence by the advertisements. Although undefined by this research, the reptilian ad appears to exceed some tolerance levels. As a result advertisers and marketing managers should be wary of utilizing strong sexual appeals. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Acculturation; Cross-cultural advertising; Ethnicity; Hispanics | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-81455131878 | The impact of service-learning on two groups of South African dental students | Bhayat A., Vergotine G., Yengopal V., Rudolph M.J. | 2011 | Journal of Dental Education | 75 | 11 | None | Division of Public Oral Health, Schools of Public Health and Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa | Bhayat, A., Division of Public Oral Health, Schools of Public Health and Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; Vergotine, G., Division of Public Oral Health, Schools of Public Health and Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; Yengopal, V., Division of Public Oral Health, Schools of Public Health and Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; Rudolph, M.J., Division of Public Oral Health, Schools of Public Health and Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa | Service-learning has become an important component in the education of medical and dental students around the world. Dental students at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, provide dental services to rural communities via the Phelophepa train or a Public Oral Health Facility (POHF). The Phelophepa train is a mobile primary health care facility offering dental, pharmacy, nursing, and medical services provided by health professions students. The objective of this study was to determine the impact this experience with service-learning has had on dental students. Final-year dental students in 2008 and 2009 participated in the study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. There was a 100 percent response rate (N=55) on the demographic questions and a 98 percent response rate (N=54) on the opinion questions. Students on the Phelophepa train performed more extractions and examinations than those at the POHFs. Most students (95 percent), both on the train and at the clinics, reported that their clinical skills and efficiency had improved, and 96 percent felt more aware of the communities' needs. Almost all the students (96 percent) reported that the experience had helped them define their personal strengths and weaknesses. Complaints they mentioned included large numbers of patients (87 percent), long working hours (60 percent), and equipment being inadequate (48 percent) or not working (40 percent). This program positively impacted these students and enhanced their personal growth and social responsibility by exposing them to the needs of rural and urban communities in South Africa. | Community dentistry; Community health services; Community-based dental education; Dental students; Public health; Service-learning; South Africa | adult; article; clinical competence; cross-sectional study; dental education; dental equipment; dental procedure; dental student; education; ethnic group; female; health personnel attitude; health service; human; male; patient; preventive health service; primary health care; productivity; psychological aspect; public health service; questionnaire; retrospective study; rural health care; self concept; social behavior; South Africa; statistics; time; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Clinical Competence; Community Dentistry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Equipment; Dental Health Services; Education, Dental; Efficiency; Ethnic Groups; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Male; Mobile Health Units; Patients; Preceptorship; Primary Health Care; Public Health Dentistry; Questionnaires; Retrospective Studies; Rural Health Services; Self Concept; Social Responsibility; South Africa; Students, Dental; Time Factors; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943399504 | The impact of self-protective measures in the optimal interventions for controlling infectious diseases of human population | Kassa S.M., Ouhinou A. | 2015 | Journal of Mathematical Biology | 70 | 42371 | 10.1007/s00285-014-0761-3 | Department of Mathematics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and technology, University of Sultane Moulay Slimane, B.P. 523, Beni-Mellal, Morocco | Kassa, S.M., Department of Mathematics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ouhinou, A., Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and technology, University of Sultane Moulay Slimane, B.P. 523, Beni-Mellal, Morocco | A mathematical model for infectious disease epidemics with behaviour change and treatment is formulated and analysed. It is indicated that behaviour modification by the population has a significant impact on the dynamics of the disease. Moreover, an optimal control theory is applied to propose the best possible combination of efforts in controlling a disease. It is shown that it may not be necessary to continuously apply treatment at a full rate to eradicate the disease, if the effort is supported by effective behaviour modification strategies. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Behaviour change; Dynamical systems; Epidemiological models; Infectious diseases; Optimal control | behavior therapy; biological model; Botswana; Communicable Diseases; computer simulation; Epidemics; health behavior; HIV Infections; human; infection control; mathematical phenomena; procedures; psychology; public health service; statistical model; statistics and numerical data; transmission; Behavior Therapy; Botswana; Communicable Diseases; Computer Simulation; Epidemics; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Infection Control; Mathematical Concepts; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Public Health Practice | AIMS, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646367919 | The impact of self-efficacy and prior computer experience on the creativity of new librarians in selected universities libraries in Southwest Nigeria | Tella A., Ayeni C.O. | 2006 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 8 | 2 | None | Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Federal College of Forestry Library, Ibadan, Nigeria | Tella, A., Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Ayeni, C.O., Federal College of Forestry Library, Ibadan, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-42449110670 | The impact of scientific information on ecosystem management: Making sense of the contextual gap between information providers and decision makers | Van Wyk E., Roux D.J., Drackner M., McCool S.F. | 2008 | Environmental Management | 41 | 5 | 10.1007/s00267-008-9084-8 | Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Society and Conservation, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812-0576, United States | Van Wyk, E., Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Roux, D.J., Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Drackner, M., Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; McCool, S.F., Department of Society and Conservation, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812-0576, United States | Scientific information is not always effectively incorporated into decision-making processes. This phenomenon seems to hold even when the information is aligned with an articulated need, is generated according to sound scientific procedures, and is packaged with end-user preferences in mind. We propose that contextual or cultural differences contribute significantly to the misalignment in communication between those who generate information and those who seek information for improved management of natural resources. The solution is to cultivate shared understanding, which in turn relies on acknowledgment and sharing of diverse values and attitudes. This constitutes a difficult challenge in a culturally diverse environment. Whereas cultural diversity represents wealth in experiences, knowledge and perspectives it can constrain the potential to develop the shared understandings necessary for effective integration of new information. This article illustrates how a lack of shared understanding among participants engaged in a resource-management process can produce and perpetuate divergent views of the world, to the extent that information and knowledge flows are ineffective and scientific information, even when requested, cannot be used effectively. Four themes were distilled from interviews with management and scientific staff of a natural resource-management agency in South Africa. The themes are used to illustrate how divergent views embedded in different cultures can discourage alignment of effort toward a common purpose. The article then presents a sense-making framework to illustrate the potential for developing shared understandings in a culturally diverse world. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Culture; Ecosystem management; Learning; Scientific information; Shared understanding | Cultural diversity; Ecosystem management; Decision making; Environmental management; Information use; Natural resources; Ecosystems; decision making; ecosystem management; learning; natural resource; participatory approach; perception; public attitude; resource management; traditional knowledge; article; cultural anthropology; decision making; environmental management; South Africa; Comprehension; Conservation of Natural Resources; Cultural Diversity; Decision Making; Ecosystem; Humans; Information Management; Knowledge; Science; South Africa; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919398475 | The impact of school subsidies on HIV-related outcomes among adolescent female orphans | Hallfors D.D., Cho H., Rusakaniko S., Mapfumo J., Iritani B., Zhang L., Luseno W., Miller T. | 2015 | Journal of Adolescent Health | 56 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.09.004 | Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Faculty of Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe; Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Beltsville, MD, United States | Hallfors, D.D., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Cho, H., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Rusakaniko, S., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mapfumo, J., Faculty of Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe; Iritani, B., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Zhang, L., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Luseno, W., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Miller, T., Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Beltsville, MD, United States | Purpose We examine effects of school support as a structural HIV prevention intervention for adolescent female orphans in Zimbabwe after 5 years.Methods Three hundred twenty-eight orphan adolescent girls were followed in a clustered randomized controlled trial from 2007 to 2010. The experimental group received school fees, uniforms, and school supplies and were assigned a school-based "helper." In 2011-2012, the control group received delayed partial treatment of school fees only. At the final data point in 2012, survey, HIV, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) biomarker data were collected from approximately 88% of the sample. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on end point outcomes, controlling for age, religious affiliation, and baseline socioeconomic status.Results The two groups did not differ on HIV or HSV-2 biomarkers. The comprehensive 5-year intervention continued to reduce the likelihood of marriage, improve school retention, improve socioeconomic status (food security), and marginally maintain gains in quality of life, even after providing school fees to the control group.Conclusions Paying school fees and expenses resulted in significant improvements in life outcomes for orphan adolescent girls. Biological evidence of HIV infection prevention, however, was not observed. Our study adds to the growing body of research on school support as HIV prevention for girls in sub-Saharan Africa, but as yet, no clear picture of effectiveness has emerged. © 2015 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved. | HIV prevention; Orphan; Randomized Control Trial; Sub-Saharan Africa | biological marker; adolescent; adolescent disease; Article; child; controlled study; female; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; major clinical study; orphanage; outcome assessment; primary school; quality of life; randomized controlled trial (topic); rural area; school; school subsidy; social status; Zimbabwe | R01HD55838, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
None | None | The impact of scaling-up prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV infection on the human resource requirement: The need to go beyond numbers | Simba D., Kamwela J., Mpembeni R., Msamanga G. | 2010 | International Journal of Health Planning and Management | 25 | 1 | 10.1002/hpm.950 | Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders in Africa for HIV/AIDS, Tanzania Program (AMICAALL Tanzania), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Simba, D., Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kamwela, J., Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders in Africa for HIV/AIDS, Tanzania Program (AMICAALL Tanzania), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mpembeni, R., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Msamanga, G., Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Although the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) contributes only 5% of transmission of HIV infection, its impact has reversed the decline in infant and child mortality rates. With antenatal service coverage of over 90%, the integration of prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) of HIV infection into the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services in Tanzania, this is likely to overstretch the staff capacity and undermine the already compromised quality of health care services. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the impact of integrating and scaling-up PMTCTof HIV infection into routine RCH services, on the magnitude of staff workload in RCH clinics. The study was conducted in 60 health facilities identified from five regions that had participated in the pilot phase of PMTCT implementation in the Mainland Tanzania. The average staff workload was calculated from staff-load obtained from attendance records and activity-time obtained by direct observation; and staff-time from records that were kept at the clinic. The average staff workload was found to be 50.5% (8-147%) for facilities providing PMTCT of HIV infection and 37.8% (11-82%) for facilities without PMTCT services. The average staff workload was computed on the assumption that all clients attending various antenatal clinics received PMTCT services from trained staff only and the result revealed staff workload of 87.2%. This study concludes that services for PMTCT of HIV infection can easily be scaled-up and integrated into RCH services using the already existing staff. In the wake of the human resource crisis in the health sector in developing countries, strategies to address the problem will need to go beyond numbers to address issues of staff productivity and their distribution. | Human resource; PMTCT; Tanzania; Workload | child health; developing world; disease transmission; human immunodeficiency virus; human resource; infant mortality; infectivity; mothers education; reproductive health; article; cross-sectional study; disease transmission; female; health care manpower; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; organization and management; pregnancy; retrospective study; Tanzania; vertical transmission; workload; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Manpower; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Tanzania; Workload; Tanzania | 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-s2.0-34547910509 | The impact of safer breastfeeding practices on postnatal HIV-1 transmission in Zimbabwe | Piwoz E.G., Humphrey J.H., Tavengwa N.V., Iliff P.J., Marinda E.T., Zunguza C.D., Nathoo K.J., Mutasa K., Moulton L.H., Ward B.J. | 2007 | American Journal of Public Health | 97 | 7 | 10.2105/AJPH.2006.085704 | Center for Nutrition, Academy for Educational Development, Washington, DC, United States; ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; ZVITAMBO Project, #1 Borrowdale Rd, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe | Piwoz, E.G., Center for Nutrition, Academy for Educational Development, Washington, DC, United States, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Humphrey, J.H., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, ZVITAMBO Project, #1 Borrowdale Rd, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tavengwa, N.V., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Iliff, P.J., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Marinda, E.T., School of Public Health, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zunguza, C.D., Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nathoo, K.J., College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutasa, K., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Moulton, L.H., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ward, B.J., Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada | Objectives. We assessed the association between exposure to an educational intervention that emphasized safer breastfeeding practices and postnatal HIV transmission among 437 HIV-positive mothers in Zimbabwe, 365 of whom did not know their infection status. Methods. Mothers were tested for HIV and were encouraged - but not required - to learn their HIV status. Intervention exposure was assessed by a questionnaire, Turnbull methods were used to estimate postnatal HIV transmission, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess the association between intervention exposure and postnatal HIV transmission. Results. Cumulative postnatal HIV transmission was 8.2%; each additional intervention contact was associated with a 38% reduction in postnatal HIV transmission. HIV-positive mothers who were exposed to both print and video materials were 79% less likely to infect their infants compared with mothers who had no exposure. These findings were similar for mothers who did not know their HIV status. Conclusions. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to reduce postnatal HIV transmission among women who do not know their HIV status, and child survival and HIV prevention programs should support this practice. | None | article; breast feeding education; controlled study; disease transmission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Zimbabwe; adult; breast feeding; breast milk; counseling; disease transmission; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; health education; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; methodology; newborn; outcome assessment; polymerase chain reaction; proportional hazards model; serodiagnosis; virology; Zimbabwe; Adult; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Breast Feeding; Counseling; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Health Education; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Polymerase Chain Reaction; Proportional Hazards Models; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957760770 | The impact of SADC trade on energy use | Kohler M. | 2010 | Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics | 22 | 3 | None | Division of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Office J367, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, J BlockUniversity Road, Westville, 3630, South Africa | Kohler, M., Division of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Office J367, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, J BlockUniversity Road, Westville, 3630, South Africa | SADC's competitiveness in many industrial products is dependent on its abundant natural resources, resulting in significant trade in natural resource (and in some cases energy) based products. These mining and manufacturing goods have benefited from the region's policy of subsidising industrial energy prices. There is thus sufficient reason to believe that SADC's trade in industrial goods has a significant impact on the energy requirements of the countries within the region. This study adopts a structural inputoutput approach to test the extent to which this hypothesis is valid. The effects that SADC industry trade components have on the region's energy use patterns are then decomposed using the refined Laspeyres technique in order to establish the underlying causes of change in the country's energy requirements. © 2010 A B Academic Publishers. | Decomposition; Energy use; Trade | competitiveness; decomposition analysis; energy market; energy use; input-output analysis; natural resource; trade flow; trade performance | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884813613 | The impact of rural electrification on rural micro-enterprises in niger delta, nigeria | Akpan U., Essien M., Isihak S. | 2013 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 17 | 5 | 10.1016/j.esd.2013.06.004 | Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Akpan, U., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Essien, M., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Isihak, S., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | This study examines the impact of rural electrification through extension of existing grid on rural micro-enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study used purposive sampling and obtained data using structured questionnaires and personal interviews with the owners of the micro-enterprises. From the data, summary information was obtained and the impact of connection to grid-electricity on the micro-enterprises was examined using a log-linear regression model. The result shows that although not statistically significant, on average, enterprises in communities connected to the electricity grid are 16.2% more profitable than enterprises in communities not connected to the grid, and the use of generating sets in providing back-up electricity makes micro-enterprises more profitable. The study also observed that micro-enterprise owners are fully aware of the importance of electricity access to the profitability of their businesses and those who can afford to buy generating sets willingly do so. Incidentally, the total expenditure on generating sets by some enterprises is up to three times (3. ×) the tariff for grid-electricity in rural areas. The high cost of self-generated electricity increases the total cost of doing business in rural areas thus reducing the profit margin of the micro-enterprises. In conclusion, for rural electrification to be more effective in improving the living standard of rural dwellers, the larger problem of increasing the national generating capacity and the availability of grid-electricity should be tackled, and rural electrification programs should be carried out alongside other programs that reduce the barriers to establishing micro-enterprises like the creation of rural agricultural co-operatives to promote the productive use of electricity. © 2013 International Energy Initiative. | Impact; Micro-enterprises; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Rural areas; Rural electrification | cooperative sector; expenditure; microenterprise; profitability; regression analysis; rural area; rural electrification; rural energy; tariff structure; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747588525 | The impact of routine infant immunization with Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in Malawi, a country with high human immunodeficiency virus prevalence | Daza P., Banda R., Misoya K., Katsulukuta A., Gessner B.D., Katsande R., Mhlanga B.R., Mueller J.E., Nelson C.B., Phiri A., Molyneux E.M., Molyneux M.E. | 2006 | Vaccine | 24 | None | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.05.076 | Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi; World Health Organization, Lilongwe, Malawi; Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; National EPI Programme, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi; Agence de Médecine Préventive a l'Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France; African Regional Office, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Paediatrics Department, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi | Daza, P., Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi; Banda, R., World Health Organization, Lilongwe, Malawi; Misoya, K., Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Katsulukuta, A., National EPI Programme, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi; Gessner, B.D., Agence de Médecine Préventive a l'Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Katsande, R., African Regional Office, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mhlanga, B.R., African Regional Office, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mueller, J.E., Agence de Médecine Préventive a l'Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Nelson, C.B., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Phiri, A., Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Molyneux, E.M., Paediatrics Department, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Molyneux, M.E., Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi | Malawi has extreme poverty and a high-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence. Following Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine introduction during 2002, we evaluated vaccine impact by reviewing hospital surveillance data for acute bacterial meningitis in Blantyre district among children age 1-59 months admitted during 1997-2005. Documented annual Hib meningitis incidence rates decreased from 20-40/100,000 to near zero among both rural and urban residents despite no change in pneumococcal meningitis incidence rates. Before vaccine introduction, an average of 10 children/year had Hib meningitis and HIV infection compared to 2/year during 2003-2004 and none during 2005. Vaccine effectiveness was high following two or more doses of vaccine. The most urgent future need is for a sustainable routine infant immunization program, including a less expensive vaccine that preferably is delivered in a multivalent form. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Haemophilus influenzae; Malawi; Vaccine effectiveness | amoxicillin; chloramphenicol; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine; penicillin G; acute disease; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic therapy; article; bacterial meningitis; clinical assessment; controlled study; diphtheria; dose response; drug cost; drug efficacy; groups by age; Haemophilus influenzae type b; hospital; hospital admission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunization; incidence; infant; infection prevention; major clinical study; Malawi; medical documentation; medical record; pertussis; preschool child; prevalence; priority journal; rural area; tetanus; treatment outcome; urban area; Age Factors; Child, Preschool; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; Female; Haemophilus influenzae type b; Haemophilus Vaccines; Hepatitis B Vaccines; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malawi; Male; Meningitis, Haemophilus; Prevalence; Vaccination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872001751 | The impact of routine HIV testing on HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Africa | Durojaye E. | 2011 | International Journal of Discrimination and the Law | 11 | 4 | 10.1177/1358229111435735 | Community Law Centre, University of Western Cape, South Africa | Durojaye, E., Community Law Centre, University of Western Cape, South Africa | This paper discusses different methods of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, particularly routine and voluntary HIV testing methods, which have been adopted in response to the HIV epidemic in Africa. It then examines the importance of HIV testing as a tool for the prevention and treatment of infected and affected persons. The paper argues that although routine HIV testing is important in scaling up HIV testing in Africa, it may not necessarily address HIV-related stigma as contended by some commentators. Rather, it is argued that routine HIV testing, as practised in many African countries, may fuel HIV-related stigma and violate individuals' fundamental rights guaranteed in numerous human rights instruments. In conclusion, the paper cautions that any attempt at adopting routine HIV testing in Africa should be tempered with respect for people's human rights. © 2011 The Author(s). | Africa; human rights; Routine HIV testing; stigma and discrimination | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875242783 | The impact of routine cryptococcal antigen screening on survival among HIV-infected individuals with advanced immunosuppression in Kenya | Meyer A.-C.L., Kendi C.K., Penner J.A., Odhiambo N., Otieno B., Omondi E., Opiyo E., Bukusi E.A., Cohen C.R. | 2013 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 18 | 4 | 10.1111/tmi.12067 | Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Meyer, A.-C.L., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kendi, C.K., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Penner, J.A., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Odhiambo, N., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Otieno, B., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Omondi, E., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Opiyo, E., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Bukusi, E.A., Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Cohen, C.R., Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Objectives: To test the hypothesis that a screening and treatment intervention for early cryptococcal infection would improve survival among HIV-infected individuals with low CD4 cell counts. Methods: Newly enrolled patients at Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) in Kenya with CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μl were tested for serum cryptococcal antigen (sCrAg). Individuals with sCrAg titre ≥ 1:2 were treated with high-dose fluconazole. Cox proportional hazard models of Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare survival among individuals with CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μl in the intervention and historical control groups. Results: The median age was 34 years [IQR: 29,41], 54% were female, and median CD4 was 43 cells/μl [IQR: 18,71]. Follow-up time was 1224 person-years. In the intervention group, 66% (514/782) were tested for sCrAg; of whom, 11% (59/514) were sCrAg positive. Mortality was 25% (196/782) in the intervention group and 25% (191/771) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control group in overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 1.1 (95%CI:0.9,1.3)] or three-month survival [HR: 1.0 (95%CI:0.8,1.3)]. Within the intervention group, sCrAg-positive individuals had significantly lower survival rates than sCrAg-negative individuals [HR:1.8 (95%CI: 1.0, 3.0)]. Conclusions: A screening and treatment intervention to identify sCrAg-positive individuals and treat them with high-dose fluconazole did not significantly improve overall survival among HIV-infected individuals with CD4 counts ≤ 100 cells/μl compared to a historical control, perhaps due to intervention uptake rates or poor efficacy of high-dose oral fluconazole. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Africa; Cryptococcal meningitis; Cryptococcus; Outcomes; Prevention; Screening | cryptococcal antigen; fluconazole; fungus antigen; unclassified drug; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; antigen; bacterium; disease treatment; drug; epidemiology; fungal disease; human immunodeficiency virus; hypothesis testing; meningitis; mortality; serum; survival; womens health; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cryptococcosis; drug megadose; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; immune deficiency; Kenya; major clinical study; male; mortality; overall survival; survival rate; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antigens, Fungal; Case-Control Studies; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cryptococcus neoformans; Female; Fluconazole; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Kenya; Male; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome; Kenya | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949813999 | The impact of risk on the financial performance of small medium enterprises in the construction industry in eastern cape, South Africa | Chiliya W., Rungani E.C., Chiliya N., Chikandiwa C.T. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 3CONT2 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare Alice, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, South Africa; University of the Witwatesrand School of Economics and Business Sciences, Private Bag 3, Wits, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Graduate School of Leadership, Westville Campus, Private Bag, Durban, South Africa | Chiliya, W., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare Alice, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Rungani, E.C., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare Alice, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Chiliya, N., University of the Witwatesrand School of Economics and Business Sciences, Private Bag 3, Wits, South Africa; Chikandiwa, C.T., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Graduate School of Leadership, Westville Campus, Private Bag, Durban, South Africa | Risk management has become the driving force for business success due to the everchanging business environment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques on the financial performance. The data was collected from 82 of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners/managers in the construction industry in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The results show that the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques have a significant impact on the financial performance of SMEs in the construction industry. The study recommends that the government, tertiary institutions, construction industry development board, and SME owners or managers in the construction industry should work together in improving the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques. © 2015 Virtus Interpress.All rights reserved. | Financial performance; Risk awareness; Risk management techniques; Small Medium enterprises | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899981274 | The impact of risk assessment on the implementation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery | Saragas N.P., Ferrao P.N.F., Saragas E., Jacobson B.F. | 2014 | Foot and Ankle Surgery | 20 | 2 | 10.1016/j.fas.2013.11.002 | Netcare Linksfield Orthopaedic Sports and Rehabilitation Centre (Clinic), Johannesburg, South Africa; Orthopaedic Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa | Saragas, N.P., Netcare Linksfield Orthopaedic Sports and Rehabilitation Centre (Clinic), Johannesburg, South Africa, Orthopaedic Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ferrao, P.N.F., Netcare Linksfield Orthopaedic Sports and Rehabilitation Centre (Clinic), Johannesburg, South Africa, Orthopaedic Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Saragas, E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Jacobson, B.F., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether the more frequently quoted procedure and patient specific risk factors have any impact in the implementation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following foot and ankle surgery. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen patients were included in the study. A variety of operative procedures was carried out with the common denominator being a below knee cast for at least 4 weeks and nonweightbearing for an average of 6 weeks in 130 patients. The remainder of the patients (88) had hallux surgery not requiring a cast and were allowed to weightbear. No patient received any form of thromboprophylaxis postoperatively. All patients were subjected to compression ultrasonography for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results: There was a 5.09% incidence of VTE (0.9% pulmonary embolism) overall. As no VTE (neither DVT nor pulmonary embolus) developed in the hallux subgroup, i.e. patients not requiring immobilization and were allowed to weightbear, the incidence of VTE in the cast/nonweightbearing group was 8.46%. The results are descriptive and only statistically analyzed where possible, as the sample size of the VTE group was small. There was no significant difference in number of risk factors and no association between gender in the VTE and non VTE groups. 90.9% of patients in the VTE group had a total risk factor score of 5 or more and 73.7% of patients in the non VTE group had a total risk factor score of 5 or more. The average timing to the diagnosis of VTE in this current study was 33.1 days. Conclusions: In view of the unacceptable incidence of VTE and the average total risk factor score of 5 or more (for which thromboprophylaxis is recommended) in the majority of the patients, the authors feel that the routine use of thromboprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery requiring nonweightbearing in combination with short leg cast immobilization, is warranted. This prophylaxis should continue until the patient regains adequate mobility either by weightbearing (in or out of the cast) or removal of cast immobilization (weightbearing or nonweightbearing), usually between 28 and 42 days. © 2013 European Foot and Ankle Society. | Foot ankle surgery; Prophylaxis; Venous thromboembolism | anticoagulant agent; adult; aged; article; calcaneus osteotomy; cohort analysis; compression ultrasonography; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; deep vein thrombosis; dyspnea; echography; female; flatfoot; flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer; foot and ankle surgery; gender; hallux surgery; human; immobilization; incidence; knee cast; lung embolism; lung examination; lung ventilation perfusion ratio; major clinical study; male; operation duration; orthopedic surgery; plaster cast; postoperative period; priority journal; prophylaxis; prospective study; risk assessment; risk factor; scoring system; spring ligament repair; surgical technique; thorax pain; venous thromboembolism; weight bearing; adolescent; ankle; foot; middle aged; orthopedic surgery; risk assessment; surgery; venous thromboembolism; very elderly; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ankle; Casts, Surgical; Female; Foot; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedic Procedures; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Venous Thromboembolism; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892598390 | The impact of rising food prices on the households in a low income township in South Africa | Sekhampu T.J., Dubihlela D. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p165 | North-West University, South Africa | Sekhampu, T.J., North-West University, South Africa; Dubihlela, D., North-West University, South Africa | Food prices in South Africa have increased significantly in recent years. The impact of these price increases on many residents remains largely unknown. The study reported here analyzed the perceptions of households in a low income township of Bophelong (South Africa) in order to assess the impact of increases in food prices. The results are based on a household survey using questionnaires. The majority of households reported that they do not have enough income to meet their daily needs. The increase in prices in general was much higher for electricity and commuting. A logistic regression model was used to determine the socio-economic factors affecting the reported impact of increase in food prices. Married and employed household heads reported lower severity levels. Female-headed households reported higher severity levels of price increases. Household income, household size, age, educational attainment of the household head and the labour- force had no effect on the reported impact of prices. The article provides useful information to policy makers by providing information on the reported impact of rising food prices among low income households in a South African context. | Food prices; Inflation; Low income households; South Africa; Township | None | 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-s2.0-84892489874 | The impact of rewards on job satisfaction and employee retention | Terera S.R., Ngirande H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p481 | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | Terera, S.R., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Ngirande, H., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | This study explored the impact of rewards on job satisfaction and employee retention among nurses. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of rewards on employee retention, to establish whether there is a relationship between rewards and job satisfaction, to establish the relationship between job satisfaction and employee retention and to make recommendations to the policy makers in the organization on possible ways/strategies to improve employee retention based on the research findings. The study utilized a quantitative research design and 180 nurses were randomly selected as research participants. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to participants/respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variable. The study revealed that employee rewards lead to employee retention but however, they do not result in job satisfaction. | Employee retention; Human resource management; Impact; Job satisfaction; Rewards | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879767059 | The impact of revised PMTCT guidelines: A view from a public sector ARV clinic in Cape Town, South Africa | Van Schalkwyk M., Andersson M.I., Zeier M.D., La Grange M., Taljaard J.J., Theron G.B. | 2013 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 63 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31828bb721 | Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Van Schalkwyk, M., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Andersson, M.I., Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Zeier, M.D., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; La Grange, M., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Taljaard, J.J., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Theron, G.B., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Background: In April 2010, revised Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission guidelines were implemented in South Africa, advising fast-tracked lifelong highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation at a higher CD4 count (#350 cells per microliter). This study describes the impact of these changes on the management of pregnant women who initiated HAART at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all women who initiated HAART in pregnancy at the Tygerberg Hospital between January 2008 and December 2010. Year cohorts were compared. Results: Two hundred and fifty HIV-infected women were included in the study and stratified by HAART initiation year: 2008:N = 82, 2009: N = 71, 2010:N = 97. There were no differences between the groups in age or parity. Median booking CD4 count was 155 cells per microliter [interquartile range (IQR) 107-187], 157 cells per microliter (IQR 104- 206) and 208 cells per microliter (IQR 138-270), respectively (P , 0.001). Median gestation at HAART initiation was 31 weeks (IQR 27-35), 30 weeks (IQR 26-34), and 25 weeks (IQR 21-31; P , 0.001). HIV transmission rates were 3/65 (4.6%), 4/57 (7.0%), and 0/ 90 (0.0%; P = 0.021). Women ,8 weeks on HAART before delivery were more likely to transmit than women $8 weeks [odds ratio 9.69; 95% confidence interval 1.66 to 56.58; P = 0.017]. Ninety-four (37.6%) women were lost to follow-up, 18.4% within 28 days of delivery. Conclusions: The positive impact of the new Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program is evident. A longer duration of HAART before delivery was associated with less transmission. However, the lost to follow-up rates remain concerning. Further research is needed to better understand the reasons for nonadherence and mechanisms to improve support for these women. Copyright © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antenatal; Antiretroviral therapy; HIV; Mother-to-child transmission; South Africa | adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; female; follow up; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; major clinical study; organization and management; practice guideline; pregnancy; pregnant woman; priority journal; retrospective study; South Africa; disease transmission; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; outpatient department; patient compliance; practice guideline; pregnancy complication; vertical transmission; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Guidelines as Topic; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Lost to Follow-Up; Patient Compliance; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Retrospective Studies; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957990601 | The impact of retail-sector delivery of artemether-lumefantrine on malaria treatment of children under five in Kenya: A cluster randomized controlled trial | Kangwana B.P., Kedenge S.V., Noor A.M., Alegana V.A., Nyandigisi A.J., Pandit J., Fegan G.W., Todd J.E., Brooker S., Snow R.W., Goodman C.A. | 2011 | PLoS Medicine | 8 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000437 | Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nairobi, Kenya; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kangwana, B.P., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Kedenge, S.V., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Noor, A.M., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Alegana, V.A., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Nyandigisi, A.J., Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Pandit, J., Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nairobi, Kenya; Fegan, G.W., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Todd, J.E., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Brooker, S., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Goodman, C.A., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: It has been proposed that artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) be subsidised in the private sector in order to improve affordability and access. This study in western Kenya aimed to evaluate the impact of providing subsidized artemether-lumefantrine (AL) through retail providers on the coverage of prompt, effective antimalarial treatment for febrile children aged 3-59 months. Methods and Findings: We used a cluster-randomized, controlled design with nine control and nine intervention sublocations, equally distributed across three districts in western Kenya. Cross-sectional household surveys were conducted before and after the delivery of the intervention. The intervention comprised provision of subsidized packs of paediatric ACT to retail outlets, training of retail outlet staff, and community awareness activities. The primary outcome was defined as the proportion of children aged 3-59 months reporting fever in the past 2 weeks who started treatment with AL on the same day or following day of fever onset. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed based on cluster-level summaries, comparing control to intervention arms, while adjusting for other covariates. Data were collected on 2,749 children in the target age group at baseline and 2,662 at follow-up. 29% of children experienced fever within 2 weeks before the interview. At follow-up, the percentage of children receiving AL on the day of fever or the following day had risen by 14.6% points in the control arm (from 5.3% [standard deviation (SD): 3.2%] to 19.9% [SD: 10.0%]) and 40.2% points in the intervention arm (from 4.7% [SD: 3.4%] to 44.9% [SD: 11.7%]). The percentage of children receiving AL was significantly greater in the intervention arm at follow-up, with a difference between the arms of 25.0% points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.1%, 35.9%; unadjusted p = 0.0002, adjusted p = 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between arms in the proportion of caregivers who sought treatment for their child's fever by source, or in the child's adherence to AL. Conclusions: Subsidizing ACT in the retail sector can significantly increase ACT coverage for reported fevers in rural areas. Further research is needed on the impact and cost-effectiveness of such subsidy programmes at a national scale. Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN59275137 and Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board Ethical Committee for Clinical Trials PPB/ECCT/08/07. © 2011 Kangwana et al. | None | artemether plus benflumetol; antimalarial agent; artemether plus benflumetol; artemisinin derivative; ethanolamine derivative; fluorene derivative; article; awareness; caregiver; child; cluster analysis; community; controlled study; female; fever; follow up; health survey; household; human; infant; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; male; patient compliance; preschool child; randomized controlled trial; staff; structured questionnaire; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; cost benefit analysis; cross-sectional study; drug combination; drug effect; economics; health care delivery; Kenya; malaria falciparum; organization and management; parasitology; Plasmodium falciparum; rural health care; rural population; treatment outcome; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Combinations; Ethanolamines; Female; Fluorenes; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Private Sector; Rural Health Services; Rural Population; Treatment Outcome | None |
None | None | The impact of response to the results of diagnostic tests for malaria: Cost-benefit analysis | Lubell Y., Reyburn H., Mbakilwa H., Mwangi R., Chonya S., Whitty C.J.M., Mills A. | 2008 | BMJ | 336 | 7637 | 10.1136/bmj.39395.696065.47 | Health Economics and Financing Programme, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Joint Malaria Programme, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania | Lubell, Y., Health Economics and Financing Programme, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Reyburn, H., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Mbakilwa, H., Joint Malaria Programme, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Mwangi, R., Joint Malaria Programme, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Chonya, S., Joint Malaria Programme, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Whitty, C.J.M., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Mills, A., Health Economics and Financing Programme, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Objective: Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria seem cost effective in standard analyses, but these do not take account of clinicians' response to test results. This study tested the impact of clinicians' response to rapid diagnostic test or microscopy results on the costs and benefits of testing at different levels of malaria transmission and in different age groups. Design: Cost-benefit analysis using a decision tree model and clinical data on the effectiveness of diagnostic tests for malaria, their costs, and clinicians' response to test results. Setting: Tanzania. Methods: Data were obtained from a clinical trial of 2425 patients carried out in three settings of varying transmission. Results: At moderate and low levels of malaria transmission, rapid diagnostic tests were more cost beneficial than microscopy, and both more so than presumptive treatment, but only where response was consistent with test results. At the levels of prescription of antimalarial drugs to patients with negative tests that have been found in observational studies and trials, neither test method is likely to be cost beneficial, incurring costs 10-250% higher, depending on transmission rate, than would have been the case with fully consistent responses to all test results. Microscopy becomes more cost beneficial than rapid diagnostic tests when its sensitivity under operational conditions approaches that of rapid diagnostic tests. Conclusions: Improving diagnostic methods, including rapid diagnostic tests, can reduce costs and enhance the benefits of effective antimalarial drugs, but only if the consistency of response to test results is also improved. Investing in methods to improve rational response to tests is essential. Economic evaluations of diagnostic tests should take into account whether clinicians' response is consistent with test results. | None | antimalarial agent; adolescent; adult; article; child; clinical study; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; data analysis; decision tree; diagnostic test; groups by age; human; malaria; microscopy; observational study; prescription; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Trees; Humans; Malaria; Microscopy; Models, Economic; Parasitology; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960282882 | The impact of residual infections on Anopheles-transmitted Wuchereria bancrofti after multiple rounds of mass drug administration | De Souza D.K., Ansumana R., Sessay S., Conteh A., Koudou B., Rebollo M.P., Koroma J., Boakye D.A., Bockarie M.J. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-1091-z | Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone; Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, United States | De Souza, D.K., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Ansumana, R., Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone; Sessay, S., Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Conteh, A., Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Koudou, B., Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Rebollo, M.P., Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, United States; Koroma, J., Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Boakye, D.A., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Bockarie, M.J., Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background: Many countries have made significant progress in the implementation of World Health Organization recommended preventive chemotherapy strategy, to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, pertinent challenges such as the existence of areas of residual infections in disease endemic districts pose potential threats to the achievements made. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the importance of these areas in implementation units (districts) where microfilaria (MF) positive individuals could not be found during the mid-term assessment after three rounds of mass drug administration. Methods: This study was undertaken in Bo and Pujehun, two LF endemic districts of Sierra Leone, with baseline MF prevalence of 2 % and 0 % respectively in sentinel sites for monitoring impact of the national programme. Study communities in the districts were purposefully selected and an assessment of LF infection prevalence was conducted together with entomological investigations undertaken to determine the existence of areas with residual MF that could enable transmission by local vectors. The transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) protocol described by WHO was applied in the two districts to determine infection of LF in 6-7 year old children who were born before MDA against LF started. Results: The results indicated the presence of MF infected children in Pujehun district. An. gambiae collected in the district were also positive for W. bancrofti, even though the prevalence of infection was below the threshold associated with active transmission. Conclusions: Residual infection was detected after three rounds of MDA in Pujehun - a district of 0 % Mf prevalence at the sentinel site. Nevertheless, our results showed that the transmission was contained in a small area. With the scale up of vector control in Anopheles transmission zones, some areas of residual infection may not pose a serious threat for the resurgence of LF if the prevalence of infections observed during TAS are below the threshold required for active transmission of the parasite. However, robust surveillance strategies capable of detecting residual infections must be implemented, together with entomological assessments to determine if ongoing vector control activities, biting rates and infection rates of the vectors can support the transmission of the disease. Furthermore, in areas where mid-term assessments reveal MF prevalence below 1 % or 2 % antigen level, in Anopheles transmission areas with active and effective malaria vector control efforts, the minimum 5 rounds of MDA may not be required before implementing TAS. Thus, we propose a modification of the WHO recommendation for the timing of sentinel and spot-check site assessments in national programs. © 2015 de Souza et al. | Hotspots; Lymphatic filariasis; Residual transmission; Sierra Leone; Wuchereria bancrofti | None | DFID, Department for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940752185 | The impact of residential photovoltaic power on electricity sales revenues in Cape Town, South Africa | Mayr D., Schmid E., Trollip H., Zeyringer M., Schmidt J. | 2015 | Utilities Policy | 36 | None | 10.1016/j.jup.2015.08.001 | Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Energy Institute, University College London, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, United Kingdom; Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Energy Planning Program, Universidade Federal de Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Mayr, D., Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Schmid, E., Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Trollip, H., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Zeyringer, M., Energy Institute, University College London, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, United Kingdom; Schmidt, J., Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Energy Planning Program, Universidade Federal de Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | In South Africa, electricity is provided as a public service by municipalities. The combination of (a) rising electricity rates, (b) decreasing photovoltaic technology costs, and (c) a progressive tariff system (under which wealthier households support low tariff rates for indigent residents) leads to incentives for high-income households to cover part of their electricity demand by self-produced photovoltaic (solar) electricity. This development is simulated with hourly load profiles and radiation data, and an optimization model for a case study in Cape Town through the year 2030. Results indicate that the majority of higher-income residents are incentivized to invest in photovoltaic power production by 2020 and additionally use home battery systems by 2028. This leads to a steadily increasing gap between revenues and expenditure needs in the budget of the municipality. The budget gap can be reduced by replacing the energy-based tariff with a revenue-neutral fixed network-connection fee implementation of which is particularly effective in reducing incentives to invest in storage. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Public revenues; Residential photovoltaic; South Africa | electricity; energy market; household income; optimization; photovoltaic system; policy implementation; residential energy; Cape Town; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910111961 | The impact of repeat-testing of common chemistry analytes at critical concentrations | Onyenekwu C.P., Hudson C.L., Zemlin A.E., Erasmus R.T. | 2014 | Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine | 52 | 12 | 10.1515/cclm-2014-0331 | Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Parow, South Africa; Department of Clinical Pathology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Onyenekwu, C.P., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Parow, South Africa, Department of Clinical Pathology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Hudson, C.L., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Parow, South Africa; Zemlin, A.E., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Parow, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Parow, South Africa | Background: Early notification of critical values by the clinical laboratory to the treating physician is a requirement for accreditation and is essential for effective patient management. Many laboratories automatically repeat a critical value before reporting it to prevent possible misdiagnosis. Given today's advanced instrumentation and quality assurance practices, we questioned the validity of this approach. We performed an audit of repeat-testing in our laboratory to assess for significant differences between initial and repeated test results, estimate the delay caused by repeat-testing and to quantify the cost of repeating these assays. Methods: A retrospective audit of repeat-tests for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the first quarter of 2013 at Tygerberg Academic Laboratory was conducted. Data on the initial and repeat-test values and the time that they were performed was extracted from our laboratory information system. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment criteria for allowable error were employed to assess for significant difference between results. Results: A total of 2308 repeated tests were studied. There was no significant difference in 2291 (99.3%) of the samples. The average delay ranged from 35 min for magnesium to 42 min for sodium and calcium. At least 2.9% of laboratory running costs for the analytes was spent on repeating them. Conclusions: The practice of repeating a critical test result appears unnecessary as it yields similar results, delays notification to the treating clinician and increases laboratory running costs. © by De Gruyter 2014. | audit; critical values; repeat-testing; turnaround time | calcium; magnesium; potassium; reagent; sodium; calcium; magnesium; potassium; sodium; analytical error; Article; chemical analyzer; cost benefit analysis; health care cost; human; laboratory test; law; medical audit; medical information system; repeat procedure; retrospective study; validity; blood analysis; clinical chemistry; economics; hospital information system; hospital laboratory; reproducibility; statistics and numerical data; unnecessary procedure; Blood Chemical Analysis; Calcium; Clinical Chemistry Tests; Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; Humans; Laboratories, Hospital; Magnesium; Potassium; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Sodium; Unnecessary Procedures | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69149109921 | The impact of remittances on economic growth in small-open developing economies | Ahortor C.R.K., Adenutsi D.E. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 9 | 18 | 10.3923/jas.2009.3275.3286 | Glisten Strategic Solutions, P.O. Box MB 658, Accra, Ghana; Department of Economics, Central University College, Accra, Ghana | Ahortor, C.R.K., Glisten Strategic Solutions, P.O. Box MB 658, Accra, Ghana; Adenutsi, D.E., Department of Economics, Central University College, Accra, Ghana | The essence of this study is to verify the macroeconomic implications of cross-border remittances for economic growth prospects of small-open developing economies for the period, 1996-2006. A set of dynamic panel models specified within the framework of Blundell-Bond Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was empirically analyzed. Using annual panel data from 31 small-open developing countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, this study argues that, contemporaneously, remittances contribute significantly to growth in small-open developing economies. Remittances, however, contribute more to long-run economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean than to Sub-Saharan Africa. In dynamic terms, remittances retard growth, but with overall positive long-run growth impact across these developing economies. The methodology is very important to apply in another field. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Economic growth; Latin America and Caribbean; Panel data; Remittances; Sub-Saharan Africa | Economic growths; Latin America; Panel data; Remittances; Sub-saharan africa; Developing countries; Economics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951970911 | The impact of regulatory fines on shareholder returns | Strydom J., Ward M., Muller C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Business Management | 46 | 4 | None | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Strydom, J., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ward, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Muller, C., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Corruption has been shown to undermine the efficiency of market-based economies by allowing participants to profit from illegal rent-seeking activities, which decrease public support for business and increase the cost of capital (Zingales, 2015). Over the past decade, the Competition Commission in South Africa has investigated and issued punitive fines amounting to around R8bn to companies engaged in non-competitive behaviour. Using event study methodology, we examine the impact on the share prices of listed companies upon the announcement of an investigation, a fine, and the payment of the fine. We find that shareholder returns were unaffected at the initiation and payment stages of the process, but that the returns were positively affected at the conviction stage. A buy-and-hold longitudinal study was also undertaken to determine if an ex-post portfolio consisting of stocks of convicted companies out-performed an equal-weighted all share benchmark, as well as a portfolio of matched companies which had not been fined. The results reveal that both the portfolio of fined companies and the matched portfolio of non-fined companies out-performed the market benchmark over a 24-year period. However, the portfolio consisting of convicted companies underperformed the portfolio of companies which had not been fined. We conclude that the market anticipated the fines and that the quantum of fines levied was less than expected. We also find that the non-competitive behaviour of convicted companies did not benefit their shareholders in the long-term. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884739741 | The impact of regulation on risk perception: Evidence from the zimbabwean banking industry | Ojiako U., Manungo T., Chipulu M., Johnson J. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12029.x | Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2000, South Africa; School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom | Ojiako, U., Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2000, South Africa; Manungo, T., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Chipulu, M., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Johnson, J., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom | This paper explores the impact of regulations on the perceptions and management of risk. The study focuses on Zimbabwean banks. We evaluated the influence of banking regulatory policy using data gathered from a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) questionnaire and data measuring annual overall output from Zimbabwean banks. We employed a number of statistical models (Binomial, HLogLinear models and time series forecasting) to test various hypotheses concerning the perception of bank employees of the impact of regulation on the management of risk in Zimbabwean banks. We found that: (1) respondents' perceptions of the impact of regulation on risk management correlated among different risk types in Zimbabwean banks; (2) respondents generally appeared to perceive dollarization and Basel II positively; and (3) respondents were not optimistic about the impact of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) policy on overall banking efficiency. © 2013 The Authors. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | banking; numerical model; policy approach; questionnaire survey; regulatory framework; risk perception; time series; Zimbabwe | None |
WoS | WOS:000301868800006 | The impact of reducing financial barriers on utilisation of a primary health care facility in Rwanda | Bonds, Matthew H.,Dhillon, Ranu S.,Fraden, Max,Ndahiro, Donald,Ruxin, Josh | 2012 | GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH | 7 | 1 | 10.1080/17441692.2011.593536 | Columbia University, University of Rwanda, Millennium Villages Project | "Bonds, Matthew H.: University of Rwanda","Dhillon, Ranu S.: Columbia University","Fraden, Max: Columbia University","Ruxin, Josh: Columbia University", | This study investigates the impact of subsidising community-based health insurance (mutuelle) enrolment, removing point-of-service co-payments, and improving service delivery on health facility utilisation rates in Mayange, a sector of rural Rwanda of approximately 25,000 people divided among five 'imidugudu' or small villages. While comprehensive service upgrades were introduced in the Mayange Health Centre between April 2006 and February 2007, utilisation rates remained similar to comparison sites. Between February 2007 and April 2007, subsidies for mutuelle enrolment established virtually 100% coverage. Immediately after co-payments were eliminated in February 2007, patient visits levelled at a rate triple the previous value. Regression analyses using data from Mayange and two comparison sites indicate that removing financial barriers resulted in about 0.6 additional annual visits for curative care per capita.
Although based on a single local pilot, these findings suggest that in order to achieve improved health outcomes, key short-term objectives include improved service delivery and reduced financial barriers. Based on this pilot, higher utilisation rates may be affected if broader swaths of the population are enrolled in mutuelle and co-payments are eliminated. Health leaders in Rwanda should consider further studies to determine if the impact of eliminating co-payments and increasing subsidies for mutuelle enrolment as seen in Mayange holds at greater levels of scale. Broader studies to better elucidate the impact of enrolment subsidies and co-payment subsidies on utilisation, health outcomes, and costs would also provide policy insights. | "community-based health insurance",Mayange,mutuelle,RWANDA,"USER FEES",ACCESS,AFRICA,COST,INSURANCE,POVERTY,SERVICES,UGANDA,"USER FEES" | None | None |
None | None | The impact of reduced dust exposure on respiratory health among cement workers: An ecological study | Tungu A.M., Bråtveit M., Mamuya S.H., Moen B.E. | 2014 | Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine | 56 | 1 | 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000057 | Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of OccupationalMedicine, Haukel and University Hospital, Bergen, Norway | Tungu, A.M., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Bråtveit, M., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Mamuya, S.H., Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Moen, B.E., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway, Department of OccupationalMedicine, Haukel and University Hospital, Bergen, Norway | OBJECTIVES:: To compare total dust exposure, prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Tanzanian cement workers before (2002) and after (2010-2011) establishment of dust-control measures. METHODS:: Personal total dust-exposure measurements, questionnaire assessment for chronic respiratory symptoms, and spirometry were conducted in both examination periods. RESULTS:: Total dust exposure was lower in 2010-2011 than in 2002. The prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD was lower in 2010 than in 2002. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), percentage predicted FEV1, and percentage predicted forced vital capacity were higher among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. CONCLUSIONS:: There was reduced total dust exposure level, lower prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, and higher lung function among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. © 2013 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. | None | Adult; Bronchitis, Chronic; Chronic Disease; Construction Materials; Cough; Dust; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Questionnaires; Spirometry; Sputum; Tanzania; Vital Capacity; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-27844443523 | The impact of reduced drug prices on the cost-effectiveness of HAART in South Africa | Nattrass N., Geffen N. | 2005 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 4 | 1 | None | AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Treatment Action Campaign, 34 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Nattrass, N., AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Geffen, N., Treatment Action Campaign, 34 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa | South Africa has started 'rolling out' highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) through the public health sector, but implementation has been slow. Studies have shown that in Africa AIDS prevention may be more cost-effective than providing HAART; such published results provide some support for the South African government's apparent reluctance to implement a large-scale rapid HAART roll-out. However, previous studies have not linked treatment and prevention plans, and do not, for the most part, consider the potential savings to the public health sector (e.g., fewer hospital admissions) that may arise from the introduction of HAART. The South African costing exercise summarised here avoids both these limitations. It provides an update of earlier work and takes into account the recent decline in antiretroviral drug prices. It shows that once HIV-related hospital costs are included in the calculation, the cost per HIV infection averted is lower in a treatment-plus-prevention intervention scenario than it is in a prevention-only scenario. This suggests that it is economically advantageous to fund a large-scale comprehensive intervention plan and that the constraints for doing so are political. Once human-rights considerations are included, the case for providing HAART is even more compelling. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Antiretroviral therapy; HIV/AIDS; Prevention; Public health; Treatment | antiretrovirus agent; article; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; cost of illness; drug cost; drug utilization; government; health care planning; health program; health promotion; highly active antiretroviral therapy; hospital cost; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; nonhuman; patient counseling; preventive health service; public health service; South Africa; vertical transmission; virus transmission | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751331914 | The impact of recent queenloss and colony pheno-type on the removal of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) eggs and larvae by African honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera capensis Esch.) | Spiewok S., Neumann P. | 2006 | Journal of Insect Behavior | 19 | 5 | 10.1007/s10905-006-9046-z | Institut für Zoologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Swiss Federal Research Station ALP, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Eastern Bee Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China | Spiewok, S., Institut für Zoologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; Neumann, P., Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Swiss Federal Research Station ALP, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa, Eastern Bee Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China | The removal of small hive beetle [=SHB] eggs and larvae was studied in queenright and recently queenless Cape honeybee, Apis mellifera capensis, colonies over a range of phenotypes. The overall removal efficiency was not influenced by phenotypes or queenstate, because all introduced eggs and larvae were removed within 24 hours. Queenless colonies removed them merely slower than queenright ones. The latter ones rejected up to 300 larvae within one hour. However, colonies undergoing preparation for absconding did not completely remove SHB offspring, suggesting that removal efficiency was reduced. Since even small and recently queenless colonies effectively removed immature SHB, and no differences in the overall efficiency was found compared to A. m. scutellata we conclude that this defense behavior is well developed in African honeybees. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Aethina tumida; Apis mellifera; Honeybee; Hygienic behavior; Parasite; Small hive beetle | Aethina tumida; Apis mellifera; Apis mellifera scutellata; Coleoptera | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955012756 | The impact of recapitalization and consolidation on banks costs of equity in Nigeria | Aregbeyen O., Olufemi J. | 2011 | International Business Management | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ibm.2011.159.165 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aregbeyen, O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olufemi, J., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigates the impact of the impact of the bank recapitalization and consolidation program on the cost of equity capital of banks in Nigeria. On the strength of the analysis done and the result obtained, the study concludes that the consolidation and recapitalization programme has brought about considerable reduction in the cost of equity capital of the sampled banks. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Bank; Consolidation; Cost of equity; Cupital; Nigeria; Recapitalization | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947277205 | The impact of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) in targeted supplementation of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in South Africa | Steenkamp L., Lategan R., Raubenheimer J. | 2015 | South African Family Practice | 57 | 5 | 10.1080/20786190.2015.1078153 | HIV and AIDS Research Unit, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Steenkamp, L., HIV and AIDS Research Unit, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Lategan, R., Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Raubenheimer, J., Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Objective: To describe catch-up growth in children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on targeted supplementation using Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). Methods: An impact study was done to determine anthropometric changes in children aged 12–60 months who received RUSF (175 kcal/kg/day) for six weeks, managed as outpatients and followed up for 12 weeks until a final assessment. Results: Default rates were high, with 30% of children returning to the primary healthcare facility for follow-up only once or twice. Despite significant improvement in height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), 70.5% of the sample remained in the same malnutrition classification and only 26% recovered. The growth velocity of children with a lower initial WHZ was significantly higher (r = –0.15, p < 0.05) than those with less wasting, but only 20% grew at a rate to achieve catch-up growth. The mean growth velocity decreased as the intervention period continued. Conclusion: All median anthropometric indicators improved with RUSF supplementation. However, catch-up growth or recovery occurred in only 20–25% of children included in the study. These findings create questions about the value of supplementation in the absence of blanket food distribution or other interventions to address food security. © 2015 The Author(s). | Children; Growth velocity; Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM); Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF); Supplementation | adult; anthropometry; arm circumference; Article; canned food; catch up growth; comparative study; diet supplementation; dietary intake; female; follow up; food security; growth rate; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; malnutrition; moderate acute malnutrition; muscle atrophy; physical development; scoring system; South Africa; tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886526533 | The impact of rapid malaria diagnostic tests upon anti-malarial sales in community pharmacies in Gwagwalada, Nigeria | Ikwuobe J.O., Faragher B.E., Alawode G., Lalloo D.G. | 2013 | Malaria Journal | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-12-380 | Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATH), Abuja, Nigeria | Ikwuobe, J.O., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Faragher, B.E., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Alawode, G., Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATH), Abuja, Nigeria; Lalloo, D.G., Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background: Rapid diagnostics tests for malaria (RDT) have become established as a practical solution to the challenges of parasitological confirmation of malaria before treatment in the public sector. However, little is known of their impact in private health sector facilities, such as pharmacies and drug shops. This study aimed to assess the incidence of malaria among unwell patients seeking anti-malarial treatment in two community pharmacies in Nigeria and measure the impact RDTs have on anti-malarial sales. Methods. This was a comparison study of two pharmacies located in the suburbs of Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, between May and July 2012. In the intervention arm, patients seeking to purchase anti-malarials had an RDT performed before treatment while the control pharmacy continued normal routine practice. Results: A total of 1,226 participants were enrolled into the study. The incidence of malaria in the intervention arm (n = 619) was 13.6% and adolescent participants had a statistically significant higher incidence (26.0%) compared to adults (11.9%) (P = 0.001). A history of fever in the last 48 hours was associated with a statistically significant higher incidence of malaria (28.3%) (P < 0.001). Having a RDT test reduced the chance of purchasing an anti-malarial by 42% (95% CI: 38%-46%) compared to not having a test. 51.6% (276) of the study participants with a RDT negative result still purchased anti-malarials, especially if anti-malarials had been recommended by a health professional (58.9%) compared to self-referral (44.2%) (P = 0.001). Patients with RDT negative results were also more likely to purchase an anti-malarial if there was a reported malaria positive laboratory test prior to presentation (66.2%; P = 0.007), a history of fever in the last 48 hours (60.5%; P = 0.027), and primary school education or less (69.4%; P = 0.009). After adjusting for age group and gender differences, having at least a secondary school education reduced the chance of buying an anti-malarial (OR 0.504 (95% CI: 0.256-0.993)) compared to having primary education or lower. Conclusion: The study highlights the enormous potential for improving appropriate prescription of anti-malarials in pharmacies and preventing unnecessary use of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). © 2013 Ikwuobe et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anti-malarial; Malaria; Pharmacy; Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) | amodiaquine plus artesunate; antimalarial agent; artemether plus benflumetol; artemisinin; artesunate; artesunate plus sulfadoxine plus pyrimethamine; chloroquine; dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; quinine; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; aged; article; child; clinical practice; comparative study; disease duration; drug marketing; educational status; female; fever; health practitioner; high school; human; laboratory test; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; malaria rapid test; male; Nigeria; pharmacy; physician self-referral; Plasmodium falciparum; prescription; primary school; purchasing; school child; sensitivity and specificity; sex difference; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antimalarials; Child; Commerce; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Drug Utilization; Female; Humans; Incidence; Malaria; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Pharmacies; Suburban Population; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954291956 | The impact of public sector financial management on the economies of sub-Saharan Africa | Nwezeaku N.C. | 2010 | International Research Journal of Finance and Economics | 40 | None | None | Financial Management Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerr, Imo Sate, Nigeria | Nwezeaku, N.C., Financial Management Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerr, Imo Sate, Nigeria | The economies of sub-Saharan Africa have been bedeviled by sustained underdevelopment evidenced by poor human development indices including, poor income distribution, low life expectancy rate, poverty, unemployment, debt burden and poor standard of living in spite of governments' effort to mitigate it. Against this background, this study sets out to investigate the relationship between Public Sector Financial Management (PSFM) and economic development with special reference to Nigeria and Ghana. The OLS procedure against annual data from 1980 through 2006 for the countries was employed to evaluate the general impact on the economies while the log-log model was employed to examine the incremental growth of the economies. Use is also made of the Gini index theory as a measure of the degree of inequality of income distribution. The global statistics indicate overall high explanatory powers of the model. The relative statistical results indicate a highly significant causality between (PSFM) and persistent economic underdevelopment. Management of inflation, government revenue, government expenditure and investment appear to have the greatest negative effects on the efforts of these governments especially that of Nigeria. It was suggested that sub-Saharan African economies should pay particular attention to the management of these variables to reverse the trend. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947057579 | The impact of public access venue information and communication technologies in Botswana public libraries | Totolo A., Renken J., Sey A. | 2015 | Evidence Based Library and Information Practice | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Management and Information Systems, Centre for Development Informatics, University of Manchester Manchester, England, United Kingdom; Technology and Social Change Group, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Totolo, A., Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Renken, J., Management and Information Systems, Centre for Development Informatics, University of Manchester Manchester, England, United Kingdom; Sey, A., Technology and Social Change Group, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Objective - A study on the impact of Public Access Venue (PAV) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) was conducted in Botswana libraries with Internet connections. The main objective was to determine the impact of ICTs in public libraries. Methods -Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups. Methods -Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups. Results - The results of the study show that PAV ICTs had a positive impact on users in the areas of education and economic benefits. Within educational and economic impacts, social benefits were also found, pertaining to the use of social media and the Internet for formal and informal communication. The study also revealed a slight difference between school going users and non-school going elderly users where the use and acquisition of computer skills was concerned. Elderly non-school going users tended to rely on venue staff for skills more than the younger school going users. Conclusion - The study recommends that PAV facilities should be improved in terms of skills offered and resources availed so as to appeal to both the younger school going generation and the older non-school going users. It is also recommended that education on ICT be improved to help curb rising unemployment in Botswana; such skills would enhance the income generation skills of the unemployed users as well as school leavers. © 2015 Totolo, Renken, and Sey. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873680282 | The impact of psychological illness on outcome of corrosive esophageal injury | Ogunrombi A.B., Mosaku K.S., Onakpoya U.U. | 2013 | Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | 16 | 1 | 10.4103/1119-3077.106747 | Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Ogunrombi, A.B., Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Mosaku, K.S., Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Onakpoya, U.U., Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Purpose of Study: Esophageal stricture is a debilitating condition with significant morbidity and mortality, occurring often as a complication of the ingestion of corrosives. In the adult, majority of cases are intentional whilst being accidental in the pediatric population. We therefore sought to describe the circumstances of intentional corrosive ingestion and determine the presence and impact of psychiatric illness on the outcome of management. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of case folders of patients managed with this condition over a ten.year period (2000-2009) was done by comparing sociodemographics and outcome of management in patients with and without psychiatric disorders. Results: Twenty seven cases were reviewed. Mean age was 30.7 (SD =16.01), with a M:F ratio of 1.25:1.86.2% had a diagnosable psychiatric condition, the most common being depression in 55.6% of the patients. Caustic soda (55.6%) was the most common corrosive ingested. There was a significant difference in mean duration before presentation in patients with (1.7 days) and without (6.6 days) previous psychiatric illness (P = 0.01). A significant positive association was also found between surgical outcome and previous history of psychiatric disorder (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Early recognition of psychosocial distress is important to prevent deliberate self.harm. Counter.intuitively, a previous history of psychopathology limits esophageal injury by early presentation and therefore improve chances of a good surgical outcome. | Corrosive; Deliberate self harm; Outcome | caustic agent; adult; aged; article; automutilation; chemical burn; comparative study; depression; esophagus; esophagus stenosis; female; human; injury; male; middle aged; morbidity; Nigeria; psychological aspect; retrospective study; survival rate; Adult; Aged; Burns, Chemical; Caustics; Depressive Disorder; Esophageal Stenosis; Esophagus; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Nigeria; Retrospective Studies; Self-Injurious Behavior; Survival Rate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890794785 | The impact of Pseudotheraptus wayi Brown (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on premature fruit drop and yield of Litchi chinensis in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa | Schoeman P.S., Mohlala R. | 2013 | International Journal of Pest Management | 59 | 4 | 10.1080/09670874.2013.859332 | Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa | Schoeman, P.S., Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa; Mohlala, R., Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa | This is the first record of the coconut bug Pseudotheraptus wayi on litchis in South Africa. Although damage on immature fruit was often in excess of 50%, chemical control of P. wayi did not necessarily increase yields. Litchi trees flower profusely and are probably able to compensate for damage which occurs early in the production season. Because litchis have a strong tendency towards biennial bearing, it was speculated that P. wayi could have a detrimental effect in orchards producing below-average yields. Since P. wayi damaged approximately 50% of the immature fruit in the Nelspruit region, it is safe to assume that litchi is a good alternative host for this insect. Producers of other subtropical fruit should take cognizance of this observation and adapt control programmes for hemipterans in adjoining orchards if necessary. © 2013 Agricultural Research Council, South Africa. | host plants; Litchi chinensis; Pseudotheraptus wayi; stink bugs; subtropical fruit | chemical control; crop damage; fruit production; host plant; insect; new record; orchard; yield response; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Coreidae; Hemiptera; Hexapoda; Litchi chinensis; Pentatomidae; Pseudotheraptus wayi | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925815778 | The impact of providing rapid diagnostic malaria tests on fever management in the private retail sector in Ghana: A cluster randomized trial | Ansah E.K., Narh-Bana S., Affran-Bonful H., Bart-Plange C., Cundill B., Gyapong M., Whitty C.J.M. | 2015 | BMJ (Online) | 350 | None | 10.1136/bmj.h1019 | Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, PO Box MB-190, Accra, Ghana; Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; Dangme West District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; National Malaria Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Ansah, E.K., Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, PO Box MB-190, Accra, Ghana; Narh-Bana, S., Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; Affran-Bonful, H., Dangme West District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; Bart-Plange, C., National Malaria Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; Cundill, B., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Gyapong, M., Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Ghana; Whitty, C.J.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective To examine the impact of providing rapid diagnostic tests for malaria on fever management in private drug retail shops where most poor rural people with fever present, with the aim of reducing current massive overdiagnosis and overtreatment of malaria. Design Cluster randomized trial of 24 clusters of shops. Setting Dangme West, a poor rural district of Ghana. Participants Shops and their clients, both adults and children. Interventions Providing rapid diagnostic tests with realistic training. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the proportion of clients testing negative for malaria by a double-read research blood slide who received an artemisinin combination therapy or other antimalarial. Secondary outcomes were use of antibiotics and antipyretics, and safety. Results Of 4603 clients, 3424 (74.4%) tested negative by double-read research slides. The proportion of slide-negative clients who received any antimalarial was 590/1854 (32%) in the intervention arm and 1378/1570 (88%) in the control arm (adjusted risk ratio 0.41 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.58), P<0.0001). Treatment was in high agreement with rapid diagnostic test result. Of those who were slide-positive, 690/787 (87.8%) in the intervention arm and 347/392 (88.5%) in the control arm received an artemisinin combination therapy (adjusted risk ratio 0.96 (0.84 to 1.09)). There was no evidence of antibiotics being substituted for antimalarials. Overall, 1954/2641 (74%) clients in the intervention arm and 539/1962 (27%) in the control arm received appropriate treatment (adjusted risk ratio 2.39 (1.69 to 3.39), P<0.0001). No safety concerns were identified. Conclusions Most patients with fever in Africa present to the private sector. In this trial, providing rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in the private drug retail sector significantly reduced dispensing of antimalarials to patients without malaria, did not reduce prescribing of antimalarials to true malaria cases, and appeared safe. Rapid diagnostic tests should be considered for the informal private drug retail sector. | None | antibiotic agent; antimalarial agent; antipyretic agent; artemisinin; antibiotic therapy; Article; blood smear; combination chemotherapy; controlled study; diagnostic error; diagnostic test accuracy study; drug use; fever; Ghana; health care quality; human; malaria; malaria control; malaria rapid test; outcome assessment; patient safety; pharmacy; poverty; prescription; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; rural area | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77249152799 | The impact of provider-initiated (opt-out) HIV testing and counseling of patients with sexually transmitted infection in Cape Town, South Africa: A controlled trial | Leon N., Naidoo P., Mathews C., Lewin S., Lombard C. | 2010 | Implementation Science | 5 | 1 | 10.1186/1748-5908-5-8 | Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa; Independent Public Health Consultant, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa; Preventive and International Health Care Unit, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway; Biostatistics Unit, Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa | Leon, N., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa; Naidoo, P., Independent Public Health Consultant, Cape Town, South Africa; Mathews, C., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa; Lewin, S., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa, Preventive and International Health Care Unit, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway; Lombard, C., Biostatistics Unit, Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa | Background: The effectiveness of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) for patients with sexually transmitted infection (STI) in resource-constrained settings are of particular concern for high HIV prevalence countries like South Africa. This study evaluated whether the PITC approach increased HIV testing amongst patients with a new episode of sexually transmitted infection, as compared to standard voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) at the primary care level in South Africa, a high prevalence and low resource setting.Methods: The design was a pragmatic cluster-controlled trial with seven intervention and 14 control clinics in Cape Town. Nurses in intervention clinics integrated PITC into standard HIV care with few additional resources, whilst lay counselors continued with the VCT approach in control clinics. Routine data were collected for a six-month period following the intervention in 2007, on new STI patients who were offered and who accepted HIV testing. The main outcome measure was the proportion of new STI patients tested for HIV, with secondary outcomes being the proportions who were offered and who declined the HIV test.Results: A significantly higher proportion of new STI patients in the intervention group tested for HIV as compared to the control group with (56.4% intervention versus 42.6% control, p = 0.037). This increase was achieved despite a significantly higher proportion intervention group declining testing when offered (26.7% intervention versus 13.5% control, p = 0.0086). Patients were more likely to be offered HIV testing in intervention clinics, where providers offered the HIV test to 76.8% of new STI patients versus 50.9% in the control group (p = 0.0029). There was significantly less variation in the main outcomes across the intervention clinics, suggesting that the intervention also facilitated more consistent performance.Conclusions: PITC was successful in three ways: it increased the proportion of new STI patients tested for HIV; it increased the proportion of new STI patients offered HIV testing; and it delivered more consistent performance across clinics. Recommendations are made for increasing the impact and feasibility of PITC in high HIV prevalence and resource-constrained settings. These include more flexible use of clinical and lay staff, and combining PITC with VCT and other community-based approaches to HIV testing. © 2010 Leon et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944201025 | The impact of project risk factors on national competitive tendering procurement method in Ghana | Baiden B., Abdul-Razak S., Danku J. | 2015 | International Journal of Procurement Management | 8 | 6 | 10.1504/IJPM.2015.072389 | Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; A and QS Consortium Ltd., P.O. Box 531, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana | Baiden, B., Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Abdul-Razak, S., A and QS Consortium Ltd., P.O. Box 531, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana; Danku, J., Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | The study determined the extent of occurrence and assessed the impact of project risk factors on the choice of national competitive tendering (NCT), the dominant of the six (6) procurement methods used by public entities, in the procurement of works in Ghana. Data for study were collected by means of a questionnaire survey and analysed statistically through the comparisons of means using one-way analysis of variance. Twenty six (26) project risk factors were evaluated and ranked. Financial and design risk factors were found to have the highest impact on works procured through NCT. A public works risk impact matrix revealed that, financial and design risks factors have the high extent - high impact on projects procured through NCT. Economic related risk factors have low extent - high impact of occurrence. Environmental and construction related risks have low extent - low impact on the risk matrix. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Contracts; Ghana; National competitive tendering; NCT; Procurement; Public; Risks; Works | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892542887 | The impact of product quality on perceived value, trust and students' intention to purchase electronic gadgets | Chinomona R., Okoumba L., Pooe D. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p463 | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Chinomona, R., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa; Okoumba, L., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Pooe, D., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Increasing attention on the role played by product quality on desirable customer behavioural outcomes has been empirically examined over the past decades. Nevertheless, there are significant issues yet to be addressed and resolved, one of which relates to the influences of the quality of electronic gadgets on students' perceived value, trust and their intention to purchase. In view of this research gap, five posited hypotheses are empirically tested using a sample of 151 in South Africa. The results supports all the posited hypotheses except hypothesis four which although positive as postulated, is insignificant. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. | Business performance; Information technology; Logistics integration; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Strategic purchasing | None | None |
None | None | The impact of probiotic yogurt on HIV positive women in Tanzania | Dols J.A.M., Boon M.E., Monachese M., Changalucha J., Butamanya N., Varriano S., Vihant O., Hullegie Y., van Tienen A., Hummelen R., Reid G. | 2011 | International Dairy Journal | 21 | 8 | 10.1016/j.idairyj.2011.03.001 | Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, Netherlands; Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada; Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; National Institute of Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania | Dols, J.A.M., Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, Netherlands; Boon, M.E., Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, Netherlands; Monachese, M., Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Changalucha, J., National Institute of Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Butamanya, N., Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania; Varriano, S., Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada; Vihant, O., Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada; Hullegie, Y., Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; van Tienen, A., Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Hummelen, R., Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada; Reid, G., Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research Development Centre for Probiotics, London, Canada, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada | In a randomized, double blind study, 145 HIV+ women receiving anti-retroviral therapy at Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 125 mL daily regular yogurt or 125 mL probiotic supplemented yogurt for 29 days. Subject interviews at day 0 and 29 revealed fewer vaginal symptoms and signs, better appetite, less stomach gas and more energy for work, irrespective of the treatment group. The Nugent scoring showed almost 40% women had improved vaginal microbiota over the month, albeit the addition of the probiotic did not differ from the standard yogurt group. Therefore, yogurt provides a safe nutritious food that can be made locally and taken daily by HIV-subjects receiving anti-retroviral therapy. It has the potential to transfer health benefits to the gut and vagina, but the extent to which a probiotic can add to this through rectal to perineal transfer remains to be determined. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | None | Health benefits; Microbiotas; Probiotic yogurt; Probiotics; Tanzania; Treatment group; Dairy products; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952343117 | The impact of private label brands on customer loyalty and product category profitability | Pepe M.S., Abratt R., Dion P. | 2011 | Journal of Product and Brand Management | 20 | 1 | 10.1108/10610421111107996 | Siena College, Ballston Lake, NY, United States; Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States | Pepe, M.S., Siena College, Ballston Lake, NY, United States; Abratt, R., Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dion, P., Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States | Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of private label resources possessed by a supermarket retailer on the shopping behavior of loyal customers. The study examines whether or not private label products can help in the overall enhancement of product category performance. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines the performance of a supermarket retailer in the Northeast United States that operates over 100 stores and generates a total yearly sales volume in excess of $3 billion. Data obtained from the Supermarket's point of sale information were used. The paper then developed a research model from the literature review and used structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Findings: The findings show that overall dollars spent by loyal customers significantly impacted overall profitability. Research limitations/implications: The data collected pertained to the supermarket's grocery department that is comprised of center store dry grocery products, frozen food products, and refrigerated dairy products. Perishable departments such as deli, seafood, meat, bakery, floral, general merchandise, health and beauty care, etc. were not researched in this study. Also, data obtained were from one individual supermarket chain. Practical implications: Although private label products may represent increased profitability for retailers, consumers prefer a full assortment of merchandise; an over emphasis on private label brands may result in diminishing category performance. Originality/value: The paper examines the performance of a supermarket retailer in the Northeast United States that operates over 100 stores and generates a total yearly sales volume in excess of $3 billion. The use of scanner data has value as it measures actual shopping behavior. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Brands; Customer loyalty; Labelling; Profits; Retailing; United States of America | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956619412 | The impact of prior information on estimates of disease transmissibility using bayesian tools | Moser C.B., Gupta M., Archer B.N., White L.F. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0118762 | Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Moser, C.B., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Gupta, M., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Archer, B.N., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; White, L.F., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | The basic reproductive number (R0) and the distribution of the serial interval (SI) are often used to quantify transmission during an infectious disease outbreak. In this paper, we present estimates of R0 and SI from the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong and Singapore, and the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in South Africa using methods that expand upon an existing Bayesian framework. This expanded framework allows for the incorporation of additional information, such as contact tracing or household data, through prior distributions. The results for the R0 and the SI from the influenza outbreak in South Africa were similar regardless of the prior information (R 0 = 1.36 -1.46,μ = 2.0-2.7,μ = mean of the SI). The estimates of R0 and μ for the SARS outbreak ranged from 2.0-4.4 and 7.4-11.3, respectively, and were shown to vary depending on the use of contact tracing data. The impact of the contact tracing data was likely due to the small number of SARS cases relative to the size of the contact tracing sample. © 2015 Moser et al. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; Article; basic reproduction number; Bayes theorem; contact examination; disease transmission; epidemic; Hong Kong; household; human; sample size; serial interval; severe acute respiratory syndrome; Singapore; South Africa; statistical model; statistical parameters; Bayes theorem; computer simulation; confidence interval; epidemic; Influenza A virus (H1N1); Influenza, Human; severe acute respiratory syndrome; statistics and numerical data; transmission; virology; Bayes Theorem; Computer Simulation; Confidence Intervals; Contact Tracing; Disease Outbreaks; Hong Kong; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Singapore; South Africa | NIGMS, National Institute of General Medical Sciences |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-58449089773 | The impact of primary health care on malaria morbidity - Defining access by disease burden | O'Meara W.P., Noor A., Gatakaa H., Tsofa B., McKenzie F.E., Marsh K. | 2009 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 14 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02194.x | Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Program, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute, CGMRC/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Ministry of Health, Kilifi, Kenya | O'Meara, W.P., Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Noor, A., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Program, Nairobi, Kenya; Gatakaa, H., Kenya Medical Research Institute, CGMRC/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Tsofa, B., Ministry of Health, Kilifi, Kenya; McKenzie, F.E., Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Marsh, K., Ministry of Health, Kilifi, Kenya | Objectives Primary care facilities are increasingly becoming the focal point for distribution of malaria intervention strategies, but physical access to these facilities may limit the extent to which communities can be reached. To investigate the impact of travel time to primary care on the incidence of hospitalized malaria episodes in a rural district in Kenya. Methods The incidence of hospitalized malaria in a population under continuous demographic surveillance was recorded over 3 years. The time to travel to the nearest primary health care facility was calculated for every child between birth and 5 years of age and trends in incidence of hospitalized malaria as a function of travel time were evaluated. Results The incidence of hospitalized malaria more than doubled as travel time to the nearest primary care facility increased from 10 min to 2 h. Good access to primary health facilities may reduce the burden of disease by as much as 66%. Conclusions Our results highlight both the potential of the primary health care system in reaching those most at risk and reducing the disease burden. Insufficient access is an important risk factor, one that may be inequitably distributed to the poorest households. © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Access; Kenya; Malaria morbidity; Primary health care; Travel time | child health; disease control; health care; malaria; morbidity; travel time; article; child; disease surveillance; health care access; health care facility; hospital admission; hospital patient; human; infant; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; morbidity; newborn; outpatient care; preschool child; primary health care; rural health care; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Child, Preschool; Endemic Diseases; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Research; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kenya; Malaria; Primary Health Care; Residence Characteristics; Rural Health; Time Factors; Travel; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868650564 | The impact of primary healthcare in reducing inequalities in child health outcomes, Bogotá - Colombia: An ecological analysis | Mosquera P.A., Hernández J., Vega R., Martínez J., Labonte R., Sanders D., San Sebastián M. | 2012 | International Journal for Equity in Health | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-9276-11-66 | Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden; Postgraduate Programs in Health Administration and Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cr. 40 6-23 P.8, Bogota, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, P Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Mosquera, P.A., Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden, Postgraduate Programs in Health Administration and Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cr. 40 6-23 P.8, Bogota, Colombia; Hernández, J., Postgraduate Programs in Health Administration and Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cr. 40 6-23 P.8, Bogota, Colombia; Vega, R., Postgraduate Programs in Health Administration and Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cr. 40 6-23 P.8, Bogota, Colombia; Martínez, J., Postgraduate Programs in Health Administration and Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cr. 40 6-23 P.8, Bogota, Colombia; Labonte, R., Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; Sanders, D., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, P Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; San Sebastián, M., Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden | Background: Colombia is one of the countries with the widest levels of socioeconomic and health inequalities. Bogotá, its capital, faces serious problems of poverty, social disparities and access to health services. A Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy was implemented in 2004 to improve health care and to address the social determinants of such inequalities. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of the PHC strategy to reducing inequalities in child health outcomes in Bogotá. Methods. An ecological analysis with localities as the unit of analysis was carried out. The variable used to capture the socioeconomic status and living standards was the Quality of Life Index (QLI). Concentration curves and concentration indices for four child health outcomes (infant mortality rate (IMR), under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of acute malnutrition in children under-5, and vaccination coverage for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) were calculated to measure socioeconomic inequality. Two periods were used to describe possible changes in the magnitude of the inequalities related with the PHC implementation (2003 year before - 2007 year after implementation). The contribution of the PHC intervention was computed by a decomposition analysis carried out on data from 2007. Results: In both 2003 and 2007, concentration curves and indexes of IMR, under-5 mortality rate and acute malnutrition showed inequalities to the disadvantage of localities with lower QLI. Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) vaccinations were more prevalent among localities with higher QLI in 2003 but were higher in localities with lower QLI in 2007. The variation of the concentration index between 2003 and 2007 indicated reductions in inequality for all of the indicators in the period after the PHC implementation. In 2007, PHC was associated with a reduction in the effect of the inequality that affected disadvantaged localities in under-5 mortality (24%), IMR (19%) and acute malnutrition (7%). PHC also contributed approximately 20% to inequality in DPT coverage, favoring the poorer localities. Conclusion: The PHC strategy developed in Bogotá appears to be contributing to reductions of the inequality associated with socioeconomic and living conditions in child health outcomes. © 2012 Mosquera et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Bogotá; Concentration index; Decomposition; Health status disparities; Inequality; Primary health care | diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; child health; health services; health status; implementation process; malnutrition; mortality; quality of life; socioeconomic status; vaccination; article; child; child health; Colombia; diphtheria; human; malnutrition; mortality; outcome assessment; pertussis; preschool child; prevalence; primary health care; priority journal; quality of life; school child; social status; tetanus; vaccination; Adolescent; Child; Child Mortality; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Colombia; Family Characteristics; Health Status Disparities; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Primary Health Care; Quality of Life; Social Environment; Socioeconomic Factors; Colombia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884476514 | The impact of preschool feeding programmes on the growth of disadvantaged young children in developing countries: A systematic review of randomised trials | Els A., Walsh C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition | 26 | 2 | None | Department Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Free State, South Africa | Els, A., Department Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Free State, South Africa; Walsh, C., Department Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Free State, South Africa | Background: Childhood malnutrition in developing countries contributes to developmental delays, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. The effectiveness of feeding programmes as a strategy to improve childhood malnutrition has been questioned. Objective: A systematic review was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of preschool feeding programmes in fostering the growth of children in developing countries. Design: A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify published studies that related to the objective. Studies had to be randomised intervention studies that reported on the growth outcomes of children from birth to six years of age in order to be included. Setting: An initial literature search yielded 59 studies, of which 44 were excluded based on initial screening. Five more were omitted based on detailed data extraction. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of these studies were compared and narratively described in the context of the objective. Results: The studies showed a great level of heterogeneity with regard to sample characteristics, intervention and reporting of results. In the context of recovery from malnutrition, most studies reported there to be a positive effect from feeding programmes. In studies that reported on weight gain, those that employed a supervised intake of food supplements resulted in higher rates of weight gain. Micronutrient fortification was described as having a positive influence on the rate of linear growth in studies that reported on linear growth. Intensive nutrition education aimed at mothers and caregivers is a sustainable way in which to change child feeding behaviour and may contribute to the effectiveness of nutrition intervention. Conclusion: The limitations of the study included the following: there was a low number (59) of identified studies in the initial search because of the use of limited search terms, assessment of risk of bias was carried out by only one reviewer using a self-designed grading system, there were high levels of heterogeneity, and less than half of the individual studies were rated to be of a high quality. In view of these limitations, no firm conclusion can be drawn. Additional research, aimed at determining the impact of supplementary feeding programmes in supporting the growth of disadvantaged children, is encouraged. © SAJCN. | Developing countries; Disadvantaged children; Growth; Preschool feeding programmes | trace element; Africa south of the Sahara; article; child; child death; child growth; child nutrition; data extraction; developing country; diet supplementation; dietary compliance; early intervention; food security; health food; human; information retrieval; maize; malnutrition; milk; nutrition education; nutritional deficiency; nutritional status; nutritional value; questionnaire; randomized controlled trial (topic); soybean; stunting; systematic review; underweight; weight gain; weight height ratio | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903461899 | The impact of pre-existing antibody on subsequent immune responses to meningococcal A-containing vaccines | Idoko O.T., Okolo S.N., Plikaytis B., Akinsola A., Viviani S., Borrow R., Carlone G., Findlow H., Elie C., Kulkarni P.S., Preziosi M.-P., Ota M., Kampmann B. | 2014 | Vaccine | 32 | 33 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.052 | Medical Research Council Unit, P.O. Box 273, Gambia; Jos University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Nigeria; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP), P | Idoko, O.T., Medical Research Council Unit, P.O. Box 273, Gambia; Okolo, S.N., Jos University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Nigeria; Plikaytis, B., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Akinsola, A., Medical Research Council Unit, P.O. Box 273, Gambia; Viviani, S., Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP), PATH Europe, 13 Chemin du Levant, Bâtiment Avant-Centre, 01210 Ferney-Voltaire, France; Borrow, R., Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom; Carlone, G., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Findlow, H., Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom; Elie, C., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Kulkarni, P.S., Serum Institute of India Ltd., 212/2 Hadapsar, 411028 Pune, India; Preziosi, M.-P., MVP World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Ota, M., Medical Research Council Unit, P.O. Box 273, Gambia, WHO regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo; Kampmann, B., Medical Research Council Unit, P.O. Box 273, Gambia, Academic Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom | Major epidemics of serogroup A meningococcal meningitis continue to affect the African meningitis belt. The development of an affordable conjugate vaccine against the disease became a priority for World Health Organization (WHO) in the late 1990s. Licensing of meningococcal vaccines has been based on serological correlates of protection alone, but such correlates might differ in different geographical regions. If high pre-vaccination antibody concentrations/titers impacts on the response to vaccination and possibly vaccine efficacy, is not clearly understood. We set out to define the pre-vaccination Meningococcal group A (Men A) antibody concentrations/titers in The Gambia and study their impact on the immunogenicity of Men A containing vaccines.Data from subjects originally enrolled in studies to test the safety and immunogenicity of the MenA vaccine recently developed for Africa meningococcal A polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid, MenAfriVac® (PsA-TT) were analyzed. Participants had been randomized to receive either the study vaccine PsA-TT or the reference quadrivalent plain polysaccharide vaccine containing meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y, Mencevax® ACWY, GlaxoSmithKline (PsACWY) in a 2:1 ratio. Venous blood samples were collected before and 28 days after vaccination. Antibodies were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for geometric mean concentrations and serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) for functional antibody. The inter age group differences were compared using ANOVA and the pre and post-vaccination differences by t test.Over 80% of the ≥19 year olds had pre-vaccination antibody concentrations above putatively protective concentrations as compared to only 10% of 1-2 year olds. Ninety-five percent of those who received the study vaccine had ≥4-fold antibody responses if they had low pre-vaccination concentrations compared to 76% of those with high pre-vaccination concentrations. All subjects with low pre-vaccination titers attained ≥4-fold responses as compared to 76% with high titers where study vaccine was received.Our data confirm the presence of high pre-vaccination Men A antibody concentrations/titers within the African meningitis belt, with significantly higher concentrations in older individuals. Although all participants had significant increase in antibody levels following vaccination, the four-fold or greater response in antibody titers were significantly higher in individuals with lower pre-existing antibody titers, especially after receiving PsA-TT. This finding may have some implications for vaccination strategies adopted in the future. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Antibody; Conjugate vaccine; Immune response; Meningococcal A; Pre-existing | immunoglobulin G; Meningococcus vaccine; polysaccharide vaccine; bacterium antibody; immunoglobulin G; Meningococcus vaccine; adolescent; adult; antibody blood level; antibody response; antibody titer; article; blood sampling; child; controlled study; drug safety; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; Gambia; human; immune response; immunogenicity; major clinical study; male; multicenter study; phase 2 clinical trial; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; serum bactericidal antibody assay; vaccination; young adult; age; blood; clinical trial; humoral immunity; Meningitis, Meningococcal; preschool child; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Antibodies, Bacterial; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Gambia; Humans; Immunity, Humoral; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Meningitis, Meningococcal; Meningococcal Vaccines; Serum Bactericidal Antibody Assay; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956311444 | The Impact of poverty on women's psychosocial well-being: Narratives from Zimbabwean migrant women in South Africa | Chireshe R. | 2010 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | Research Champion, Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa | Chireshe, R., Research Champion, Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa | The study Investigated the psychosocial Impact poverty has had on Zimbabwean migrant women. The sample comprised 7 female participants (3 professional teachers and 4 Informal traders) who had migrated to South Africa because of poverty. Their age ranged from 16 to 55 years. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The migrant women's health and well-being were compromised from poverty related experiences while sojourners. | Impact; Migrant; Poverty; Psychosocial well-being; Women; Zimbabwe | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-46949087683 | The impact of post-matriculation examination screening on reported cases of examination malpractice in a Nigerian University: A preliminary analysis | Owie I. | 2008 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1 | None | University of Benin, Faculty of Education, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Owie, I., University of Benin, Faculty of Education, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886595547 | The impact of post gold mining on mercury pollution in the West Rand region, Gauteng, South Africa | Lusilao-Makiese J.G., Cukrowska E.M., Tessier E., Amouroux D., Weiersbye I. | 2013 | Journal of Geochemical Exploration | 134 | None | 10.1016/j.gexplo.2013.08.010 | Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P.Bag X3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Bio-Inorganique et Environnement (LCABIE-IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, France; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (APES), University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Lusilao-Makiese, J.G., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P.Bag X3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cukrowska, E.M., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P.Bag X3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tessier, E., Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Bio-Inorganique et Environnement (LCABIE-IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, France; Amouroux, D., Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Bio-Inorganique et Environnement (LCABIE-IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, France; Weiersbye, I., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (APES), University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The impact of historical use of mercury (Hg) for the extraction of gold was assessed in watersheds from an abandoned mine in Randfonetin, a town located at 45km west of Johannesburg (South Africa), which has a long history of gold mining, and its surroundings. The majority of analyzed waters at the site were acidic with pH ranging between 2.9 and 5.0. Elevated total Hg concentrations (HgTOT) were measured in waters (up to 223ngHgL-1; mean: 52ngHgL-1) as well as in surface sediments (up to 2580μgHgkg-1; mean: 970μgHgkg-1) from the old mine site. The Krugersdorp Game Reserve watersheds which are directly downstream from the mine drainage appear to become impacted by the pollution from historic gold mines. The high HgTOT measured in a borehole (223ngHgL-1) suggests a groundwater contamination in the area.Hg transported downstream from the mine site is also susceptible to methylation. Relatively high CH3Hg+ (MHg) values were measured in waters (up to 2ngMHgL-1) and surface sediments (up to 10μgMHgkg-1) with significant enrichment in bulk sediments. The methylation of Hg seems to be controlled by factors such as the inorganic Hg content, redox potential and the organic matter content.Sequential extraction procedures together with geochemical modeling have demonstrated the predominance of nonsoluble Hg species (91-95%) in studied soils and the existence of a number of Hg species in watersheds. Diverse mechanisms were proposed to explain both vertical and horizontal transport of Hg at the site. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Gold mining; Mercury; Modeling; Speciation | Extraction of golds; Extraction procedure; Geochemical modeling; Gold mining; Groundwater contamination; Horizontal transport; Speciation; Surface sediments; Alkylation; Extraction; Gold; Groundwater; Mercury (metal); Methylation; Models; Redox reactions; Surficial sediments; Water pollution; Watersheds; Gold mines; abandoned mine; acid mine drainage; environmental impact; gold mine; groundwater pollution; mercury (element); mining; modeling; pollutant transport; speciation (chemistry); Gauteng; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349985255 | The impact of political transformation on employment in the Transkei bureaucracy and civil service in Umtata, South Africa since 1994 | Siyongwana P.Q. | 2009 | GeoJournal | 74 | 4 | 10.1007/s10708-008-9237-6 | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Siyongwana, P.Q., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The demise of South African Apartheid Planning in 1994 and subsequent lost of Umtata's capital status when the Transkei was subsumed into the new Eastern Cape Province resulted in the major political transformation of the Transkei state. Central to the post-apartheid transformation was restructuring of Transkei bureaucracy which at the time of South Africa's independence in 1994 displayed abnormalities. This paper documents the restructuring of the Transkei bureaucracy focusing on Umtata since 1994. The study has brought to the forefront the following facts: Firstly, that at the time of the Transkei merger into South Africa, employment in the government was 'booming' and to greater extent it was affected by Umtata's role-being the capital city of the pseudo-Transkei state. Secondly, the post 1994-political transformation of the Transkei Bantustan impacted negatively on Umtata's employment notably the civil service sector by 'squeezing' it during the early years of democracy (1994-2000). Thirdly, since 2001, with Umtata serving as the major urban centre of both King Sabata Local Municipality and OR Tambo District Municipality, employment in the civil service and municipality has been revitalized. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008. | Apartheid planning; Impact political transformation; Transkei bureaucracy; Umtata | Apartheid planning; Civil service; Impact political transformation; Paper documents; South Africa; Transkei bureaucracy; Umtata; Law enforcement; Employment; apartheid; bureaucracy; civil service; democracy; employment; political change; Africa; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Umtata | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924576414 | The impact of political leadership and corruption on Nigeria's development since independence | Awofeso O., Odeyemi T.I. | 2014 | Journal of Sustainable Development | 7 | 5 | 10.5539/jsd.v7n5p240 | Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Awofeso, O., Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Odeyemi, T.I., Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The paper draws an interlocking relationship between political leadership and development and concludes that, while leadership had played tremendous role in the socio-political and economic development of most nations of the world, the reverse is the case in Nigeria. Apart from identifying other social vices that accounted for the protracted state of Nigeria's underdevelopment, the paper also singles out corruption as the major impediment to Nigeria's quest for development since independence. Drawing from the World Bank, Transparency International and highly knowledgeable scholars in this field, the paper demonstrates the process through which Nigerian political leadership became 'neck-deep' in corruption with several cases of monumeotal diversion of public funds meant for the economic development of the country into individual pockets. The multi-dimensional consequences of corrupt practices on a nation's socio-political and economic development cannot be overemphasised, as virtually all sectors of the country, including education, health, agriculture, politics, technology, e.t.c, are negatively affected, with the resultant outcome like extreme poverty, high level of illiteracy, economic dependency, technological backwardness, political instability, e.t.c, as the order of the day. Nigeria's situation typifies the above as shown in the paper. © 2014 by the author(s). | Corruption; Development; Political leadership; Politics; Poverty | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054965256 | The impact of political crisis on smallholder pig farmers in western Kenya, 2006-2008 | Dewey C.E., Wohlgemut J.M., Levy M., Mutua F.K. | 2011 | Journal of Modern African Studies | 49 | 3 | 10.1017/S0022278X11000280 | Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Canada; Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya | Dewey, C.E., Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Canada; Wohlgemut, J.M., Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Canada; Levy, M., Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Canada; Mutua, F.K., Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya | Farmers and families in western Kenya have grown increasingly dependent on the pig industry as a primary resource for savings and income. The post-election crisis in 2008 had a serious impact on people living in western Kenya because the region was the stronghold of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The pig industry was affected in a number of ways, including an increase in the price of food and farm inputs, sale of pigs to provide food and other essentials for the family, or because of forced migration, leading to a drastic decrease in numbers of pigs. This will have a negative effect on the long-term viability of the pig industry due to decreased availability of growing, breeding and market weight animals. © 2011 Cambridge University Press. | None | agricultural market; agroindustry; forced migration; livestock farming; political change; political conflict; political economy; political relations; smallholder; state-local relations; Kenya; Animalia; Suidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910682831 | The impact of polio eradication on routine immunization and primary health care: A mixed-methods study | Closser S., Cox K., Parris T.M., Landis R.M., Justice J., Gopinath R., Maes K., Amaha H.B., Mohammed I.Z., Mohammed Dukku A., Omidian P.A., Varley E., Tedoff P., Koon A.D., Nyirazinyoye L., Luck M.A., Pont W.F., Neergheen V., Rosenthal A., Nsubuga P., Tha | 2014 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 210 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jit232 | Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States; ISciences, Burlington, VM, United States; Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California at San Francisco, United St | Closser, S., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States; Cox, K., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States; Parris, T.M., ISciences, Burlington, VM, United States; Landis, R.M., ISciences, Burlington, VM, United States; Justice, J., Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California at San Francisco, United States; Gopinath, R., Freelance Consultant, Secunderabad, India; Maes, K., Department of Anthropology, Oregon State University, United States; Amaha, H.B., Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Mohammed, I.Z., Department of Sociology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Mohammed Dukku, A., Department of Sociology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Omidian, P.A., Independent Consultant, Corvallis, OR, United States; Varley, E., MNCH-RH Department, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan; Tedoff, P., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States; Koon, A.D., Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Nyirazinyoye, L., National University of Rwanda School of Public Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Luck, M.A., ISciences, Burlington, VM, United States; Pont, W.F., ISciences, Burlington, VM, United States; Neergheen, V., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States; Rosenthal, A., Department of Biomedical Ethics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Nsubuga, P., Global Public Health Solutions, Decatur, GA, United States; Thacker, N., Deep Children Hospital and Research Centre, Gandhidham, India; Jooma, R., Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Nuttall, E., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middlebury College, 201 Munroe Hall, Middlebury, VT, United States | Background. After 2 decades of focused efforts to eradicate polio, the impact of eradication activities on health systems continues to be controversial. This study evaluated the impact of polio eradication activities on routine immunization (RI) and primary healthcare (PHC).Methods: Quantitative analysis assessed the effects of polio eradication campaigns on RI and maternal healthcare coverage. A systematic qualitative analysis in 7 countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa assessed impacts of polio eradication activities on key health system functions, using data from interviews, participant observation, and document review.Results: Our quantitative analysis did not find compelling evidence of widespread and significant effects of polio eradication campaigns, either positive or negative, on measures of RI and maternal healthcare. Our qualitative analysis revealed context-specific positive impacts of polio eradication activities in many of our case studies, particularly disease surveillance and cold chain strengthening. These impacts were dependent on the initiative of policy makers. Negative impacts, including service interruption and public dissatisfaction, were observed primarily in districts with many campaigns per year.Conclusions: Polio eradication activities can provide support for RI and PHC, but many opportunities to do so remain missed. Increased commitment to scaling up best practices could lead to significant positive impacts. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. © 2014 Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US. | eradication; health systems; poliomyelitis; routine immunization | Africa south of the Sahara; Article; disease surveillance; eradication therapy; health care policy; health program; human; immunization; insurance; poliomyelitis; primary health care; qualitative analysis; South Asia; disease eradication; immunization; poliomyelitis; primary health care; procedures; Southeast Asia; utilization; poliomyelitis vaccine; Africa South of the Sahara; Asia, Southeastern; Disease Eradication; Humans; Immunization; Poliomyelitis; Poliovirus Vaccines; Primary Health Care | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880183631 | The impact of podoconiosis on quality of life in Northern Ethiopia | Mousley E., Deribe K., Tamiru A., Davey G. | 2013 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/1477-7525-11-122 | Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Orthodox Christian Charities, Debre Markos, Ethiopia | Mousley, E., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom; Deribe, K., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamiru, A., International Orthodox Christian Charities, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Davey, G., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom | Background: Podoconiosis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, which untreated, causes considerable physical disability and stigma for affected individuals. Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of patients with podoconiosis. This study aimed to assess the QoL of patients with podoconiosis in comparison with healthy controls in Ethiopia.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2012, among 346 clinically confirmed adult patients with podoconiosis, and 349 healthy adult neighbourhood controls in Dembecha woreda (district) in northern Ethiopia. QoL was assessed using the validated Amharic version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) scale; in addition, mental health and stigma were assessed by the Kessler-10 scale and podoconiosis stigma scale respectively. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with QoL.Results: Patients with podoconiosis had significantly lower mean overall QoL than the controls (52.05 versus 64.39), and this was also true in all four sub domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental). Controls were 7 times more likely to have high (above median) QoL (Odds Ratio = 6.74, 95% Confidence Interval 4.62 to 9.84) than cases. Factors associated with lower QoL were: experiencing high levels of stigma, living in an urban area, being illiterate, having additional co-morbidities, and being unmarried. Mental illness was associated with lower scores in psychological and physical domains.Conclusions: Programs targeting podoconiosis interventions should include QoL as an indicator for monitoring progress. Interventions targeting improvement of QoL among patients with podoconiosis should address depression, stigma and other co-morbidities. © 2013 Mousley et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Elephantiasis; Ethiopia; Neglected tropical diseases; Podoconiosis; Quality of life | adult; article; comorbidity; comparative study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; Ethiopia; female; human; major clinical study; male; mental disease; mental health; outcome assessment; podoconiosis; quality of life; questionnaire; scoring system; stigma; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Elephantiasis; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Young Adult | 099876, Wellcome Trust; 091956, Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916215147 | The impact of plant volatiles on bacterial quorum sensing | Ahmad A., Viljoen A.M., Chenia H.Y. | 2015 | Letters in Applied Microbiology | 60 | 1 | 10.1111/lam.12343 | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Ahmad, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Viljoen, A.M., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Chenia, H.Y., Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Studies describing the use of essential oil constituents as antimicrobial agents have steadily increased; however, some phyto-constituents are often overlooked due to unfavourable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Virulence depends on transcriptional factors which are regulated by cell-to-cell communication called quorum sensing (QS). This study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-QS properties of 29 compounds commonly found in essential oils using two bioreporter strains. QS-inhibitory activity was assessed qualitatively by agar diffusion and quantitatively by spectrophotometric assays. MICs of all the tested compounds ranged from 0·032 to >5 mg ml-1. Twenty-two compounds displayed varying levels of QS inhibitory activity with zones of violacein inhibition ranging from 9 to 16 mm. Majority of tested molecules inhibited violacein and pyocyanin production in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while seven compounds increased violacein and pyocyanin production. Interestingly, it was observed that the (+)-enantiomers of carvone, limonene and borneol increased violacein and pyocyanin production, while their levorotary analogues inhibited this production. α-Terpineol and cis-3-nonen-1-ol exhibited >90% violacein inhibition, suggesting their potential as QS inhibitors. This preliminary study indicates that plant volatiles have the potential to impede or promote bacterial communication and further studies need to be undertaken to explore the contribution of structural analogues and stereochemistry of molecules in this process. Significance and Impact of the Study: Antimicrobial and antiquorum sensing (QS) properties of 29 common essential oil compounds were evaluated. Interruption of QS may lead to the development of therapeutic, antivirulence agents to control disease-causing pathogens which are preferable over antimicrobial agents as the latter drives selection pressure on microbial communities to acquire resistance. Twenty-two compounds inhibited QS, while seven promoted the QS to a variable extent in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Preliminary results suggest that QS-inhibitory compounds of natural origin may inspire the formulation of new generation of antimicrobial agents to control infectious pathogens. Significance and Impact of the Study: Antimicrobial and antiquorum sensing (QS) properties of 29 common essential oil compounds were evaluated. Interruption of QS may lead to the development of therapeutic, antivirulence agents to control disease-causing pathogens which are preferable over antimicrobial agents as the latter drives selection pressure on microbial communities to acquire resistance. Twenty-two compounds inhibited QS, while seven promoted the QS to a variable extent in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Preliminary results suggest that QS-inhibitory compounds of natural origin may inspire the formulation of new generation of antimicrobial agents to control infectious pathogens. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology. | Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Chromobacterium violaceum; Monoterpenes; Natural compounds; Pyocyanin; Quorum sensing; Violacein | absinthol; alpha phellandrene; anisaldehyde; beta pinene; bornyl acetate; camphene; carvacrol; carvone; cis 3 nonen 1 ol; citral; essential oil; estragole; farnesol; geraniol; isoeugenol; limonene; linalool; menthone; nerol; nerolidol; pinene; pyocyanine; terpineol; thymol; unclassified drug; volatile agent; antiinfective agent; essential oil; indole derivative; violacein; virulence factor; agar diffusion; antibiotic sensitivity; antimicrobial activity; Article; bacterial growth; bacterium culture; cell growth; Chromobacterium violaceum; controlled study; enantiomer; microbial community; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; quorum sensing; stereochemistry; biosynthesis; chemistry; Chromobacterium; disk diffusion; drug effects; metabolism; microbial sensitivity test; pathogenicity; physiology; plant; quorum sensing; virulence; Bacteria (microorganisms); Chromobacterium violaceum; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chromobacterium; Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests; Indoles; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Oils, Volatile; Plants; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pyocyanine; Quorum Sensing; Virulence; Virulence Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879543249 | The impact of physico-chemical water quality parameters on bacterial diversity in the Vaal River, South Africa | Jordaan K., Bezuidenhout C.C. | 2013 | Water SA | 39 | 3 | 10.4314/wsa.v39i3.7 | School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Jordaan, K., School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Bezuidenhout, C.C., School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | This study aimed to identify bacterial community structures in the Vaal River using PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) and high-throughput sequencing. The impact of physico-chemical characteristics on bacterial structures was investigated through multivariate analysis. Samples were collected from 4 sampling stations along the Upper Vaal River during winter (June 2009) and summer (December 2010). Physico-chemical analysis was conducted on-site. Additional physico-chemical data were obtained from statutory bodies. DNA was directly isolated from water samples and PCR amplified using universal bacterial primer pairs. PCR products were subjected to DGGE fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing, followed by Shannon-Weaver diversity calculations, cluster analysis and multivariate analysis. Physico-chemical parameters did not exceed the prescribed South African water quality standards for domestic use, aquatic ecosystems, livestock watering and irrigation. DGGE banding patterns revealed similar bacterial community structures for 3 of the 4 sampling stations. PCA and RDA indicated that pH, water temperature and inorganic nutrient concentrations could be used to explain changes in bacterial community structures. High-throughput sequencing data showed that bacterial assemblages were dominated by common freshwater groups: Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Other freshwater phyla such as Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonbacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Flavobacteria and Fibrobacteres were found in low proportions. This study provides an overview of the dominant bacterial groups in the Upper Vaal River and the impact of environmental changes on bacterial diversity. | 16S rDNA PCR-DGGE; Bacterial community structures; High-throughput sequencing; Multivariate analysis; Vaal River | Bacterial community structure; High-throughput sequencing; Multi variate analysis; PCR-DGGE; Vaal rivers; Agriculture; Cluster analysis; Electrophoresis; Multivariant analysis; pH effects; Polymerase chain reaction; Rivers; Social sciences; Water quality; Hydrochemistry; dominance; environmental change; microbial community; multivariate analysis; parameterization; physicochemical property; sampling; water quality; water temperature; South Africa; Vaal River | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889656263 | The impact of physical exercise on convergent and divergent thinking | Colzato L.S., Szapora A., Pannekoek J.N., Hommel B. | 2013 | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience | 7 | DEC | 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00824 | Cognitive Psychology Unit, Institute for Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Leiden University Medical Centre and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands | Colzato, L.S., Cognitive Psychology Unit, Institute for Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands; Szapora, A., Cognitive Psychology Unit, Institute for Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands; Pannekoek, J.N., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Leiden University Medical Centre and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands; Hommel, B., Cognitive Psychology Unit, Institute for Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands | Anecdotal literature suggests that creative people sometimes use bodily movement to help overcome mental blocks and lack of inspiration. Several studies have shown that physical exercise may sometimes enhance creative thinking, but the evidence is still inconclusive. In this study we investigated whether creativity in convergent-and divergent-thinking tasks is affected by acute moderate and intense physical exercise in athletes (n = 48) and non-athletes (n = 48). Exercise interfered with divergent thinking in both groups. The impact on convergent thinking, the task that presumably required more cognitive control, depended on the training level: while in non-athletes performance was significantly impaired by exercise, athletes showed a benefit that approached significance. The findings suggest that acute exercise may affect both, divergent and convergent thinking. In particular, it seems to affect control-hungry tasks through exercise-induced ego-depletion, which however is less pronounced in individuals with higher levels of physical fitness, presumably because of the automatization of movement control, fitness-related neuroenergetic benefits, or both. © 2013 Colzato, Szapora, Pannekoek and Hommel. | Convergent thinking; Creativity; Divergent thinking; Fitness; Physical exercise | adult; article; athlete; controlled study; convergent thinking; creativity; divergent thinking; executive function; exercise; female; human; human experiment; male; normal human; task performance; thinking; training; young adult | None |
WoS | WOS:000333512700004 | The impact of physical and psychosocial risks on employee well-being and quality of life: The case of the mining industry in Ghana | Amponsah-Tawiah, Kwesi,Cox, Tom,Hollis, David,Jain, Aditya,Leka, Stavroula | 2014 | SAFETY SCIENCE | 65 | None | 10.1016/j.ssci.2013.12.002 | University of Nottingham, Univ Ghana Business Sch | "Cox, Tom: University of Nottingham","Hollis, David: University of Nottingham","Jain, Aditya: University of Nottingham","Leka, Stavroula: University of Nottingham", | While in recent years there has been a growing awareness among mining companies of the need to address physical injuries and environmental issues, there remains a lack of knowledge about how psychosocial risks independently and in conjunction with physical risks affect the health, general well-being and quality of life of mine workers. A cross sectional survey was administered to 330 employees of five large scale mining companies producing three different mineral products (gold, manganese and bauxite) to examine physical and psychosocial hazards in the Ghanaian mining industry and their potential impact on the quality of life and general well-being of employees. Responses from 307 participants showed mining equipment, ambient conditions, and work demands and control as being significant predictors of quality of life and general well-being after controlling for demographics. Age as a demographic variable also had important implications, with older workers experiencing better well-being and quality of life. Implications of findings for the mining sector in Ghana and other developing countries are discussed as a starting point towards developing further initiatives in this area. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "DEVELOPING COUNTRY",MINING,"Physical and psychosocial risks","QUALITY OF LIFE",WELL-BEING,HEALTH,"INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS",INJURIES,INTERVENTION,JOB-STRESS,MINERS,NOISE,"OCCUPATIONAL STRESS",WORKERS | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884124849 | The impact of pharmaceutical care intervention on the quality of life of nigerian patients receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes | Adibe M.O., Ukwe C.V., Aguwa C.N. | 2013 | Value in Health Regional Issues | 2 | 2 | 10.1016/j.vhri.2013.06.007 | Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Pharmacotherapeutic Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Adibe, M.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria, Pharmacotherapeutic Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Ukwe, C.V., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria, Pharmacotherapeutic Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Aguwa, C.N., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria, Pharmacotherapeutic Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Objectives: To evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care (PC) intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled study with a 12-month patient follow-up. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethical Committees of the institutions in which this study was conducted. A total of 110 patients were randomly assigned to each of the "intervention" (PC) and "control" (usual care [UC]) groups. Patients in the UC group received the usual/conventional care offered by the hospitals. Patients in the PC group received UC and additional PC for 12 months. The HUI23S4EN.40Q (developed by HUInc - Mark index 2&3) questionnaire was used to assess the HRQOL of the patients at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Two-sample comparisons were made by using Student's t tests for normally distributed variables or Mann-Whitney U tests for nonnormally distributed data at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Comparisons of proportions were done by using the chi-square test. Results: The overall HRQOL (0.86 ± 0.12 vs. 0.64 ± 0.10; P < 0.0001) and single attributes except "hearing" functioning of the patients were significantly improved at 12 months in the PC intervention arm when compared with the UC arm. The HRQOL utility score was highly negatively (deficit ≥10%) associated with increasing age (≥52 years), diabetes duration (>4 years), emergency room visits, comorbidity of hypertension, and stroke in both PC and UC groups. Conclusion: Addition of PC to UC improved the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). | HRQOL; Patients with diabetes; Pharmaceutical care intervention; Quality of life; Usual care | adult; article; cerebrovascular accident; chi square test; comorbidity; controlled study; disease duration; emergency care; eye disease; female; follow up; human; hypertension; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; patient care; pharmaceutical care; priority journal; prospective study; quality of life; questionnaire; randomized controlled trial; rank sum test; Student t test | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923104636 | The impact of personalized engagement with customers and efficient stock management software systems on customer service at a clothing retailer in Cape Town, South Africa | Mugobo V.V., Baschiera M.G. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p40 | Department of Retail Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Mugobo, V.V., Department of Retail Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Baschiera, M.G., Department of Retail Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | In today’s day and age, technology is a major game changer in the retail industry. Parallel variables were explored concurrently to establish their simultaneous impact on customer service. The study sought to determine the impact personalized engagement on customers, as well as the impact that efficient stock management software systems on customers using a clothing retailer in Cape Town as a case study. The study also sought to explore the challenges and opportunities that retailers face when they use technology in the customer service delivery process. The methodology used in this study involved a combination of quantitative and qualitative research. The study consisted of 55 respondents specific to the chosen location. Based on the study, retailer’s still face challenges of incorporating technology to improve customer service, on an “Omnichannel” level. Technological advancements would include handheld devices operated by sales assistants and/or customers, acquiring quick and accurate product information; interactive stand-alone digital touch-screen displays allowing customers to access in store and online product and service information; mobile apps and online store fully synchronised with the retailers stock software systems, virtual personalized models and customized online ‘wardrobe’, all connected by intelligent technological in store infrastructure. Retailers have many opportunities in the form of implementing rapidly developing technology throughout physical and online stores to create a hybrid leading retail platform where virtual meets physical shopping, under one roof. The study concludes by recommending that retailers should move off out-dated systems currently employed (i.e. the legacy systems), onto innovative stock software systems. Thus, bringing current inventory software systems up to a level where they are able to interface with technologies mentioned in this study, to improve customer satisfaction. © 2015 Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. All rights received. | Customer satisfaction; Interface; Inventory software systems; Omni-channel; Personalized engagement | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855669396 | The impact of personality and culture on the job demands-controlmodel of job stress | Györkös C., Becker J., Massoudi K., de Bruin G.P., Rossier J. | 2012 | Swiss Journal of Psychology | 71 | 1 | 10.1024/1421-0185/a000065 | Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Györkös, C., Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Becker, J., Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Massoudi, K., Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; de Bruin, G.P., Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rossier, J., Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland | Among the various work stress models, one of the most popular has been the job demands-control (JDC) model developed by Karasek (1979), which postulates that work-related strain is highest under work conditions characterized by high demands and low autonomy. The absence of social support at work further increases negative outcomes. This model, however, does not apply equally to all individuals and to all cultures. This review demonstrates how various individual characteristics, especially some personality dimensions, influence the JDC model and could thus be considered buffering or moderator factors. Moreover, we review how the cultural context impacts this model as suggested by results obtained in European, American, and Asian contexts. Yet there are almost no data from Africa or South America. More crosscultural studies including populations from these continents would be valuable for a better understanding of the impact of the cultural context on the JDC model. © 2012 Verlag Hans Huber, Hogrefe AG, Bern. | Crosscultural comparison; JDC model; Job stress; Personality | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548612204 | The impact of perceived stigma and mediating social factors on infertility-related stress among women seeking infertility treatment in Southern Ghana | Donkor E.S., Sandall J. | 2007 | Social Science and Medicine | 65 | 8 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.06.003 | School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, United Kingdom | Donkor, E.S., School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Sandall, J., School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, United Kingdom | This research aimed to investigate the extent to which women in Southern Ghana seeking infertility treatment perceived themselves as stigmatised in order to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma and infertility-related stress. A survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews in three languages with 615 women receiving infertility treatment on three health sites in Southern Ghana. The majority (64%) of women in this sample felt stigmatised. Sequential multiple regression analyses indicated that higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with increased infertility-related stress. Also women with higher levels of education felt less infertility-related stress. The presence of an existing child/children, the number of years spent in infertility treatment and the type of marriage (monogamous/polygamous union) were less important in predicting stress. The findings suggest that the social status of infertile women derived from other factors can be of importance in minimising the impact of stigmatisation and stress related to infertility. These findings highlight the wider beneficial effects of improved educational opportunities for girls and women. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Education; Ghana; Infertility; Stigma; Stress; Women | demographic survey; demographic transition; health care; infertility; language; literacy; social status; socioeconomic impact; womens health; womens status; adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; female; female infertility; Ghana; health survey; human; interview; major clinical study; social aspect; social status; stigma; stress; women's health; Adult; Female; Fertility Agents, Female; Ghana; Humans; Infertility, Female; Interviews as Topic; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Social Class; Social Environment; Stereotyping; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946163885 | The impact of perceived risk on on-line purchase behaviour | Gerber C., Ward S., Goedhals-Gerber L. | 2014 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 4 | 4CONTINUED1 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Gerber, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ward, S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Goedhals-Gerber, L., Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | To avoid risks, consumers tend to be failry thoughtful decision makers. Research has shown that consumers perceive risks associated with purchasing online and as a result online purchasing has not yet reached the numbers that were projected. In order for e-commerce to live up to its full potential, online retailers should gain an understanding of which perceived risks online purchasing consumers are most concerned with. This study aimed to assess the impact of perceived risk on online buying behaviour. Personal interview surveys were conducted in an emerging market whereby 200 respondents that have access to the internet were interviewed in selected malls with regards to their perceived risks when buying online. The results showed that perceived risk does have an impact on online buying behaviour, and that consumers that have not bought online in the past are likely not to do so in the future. The results show that characteristics of emerging markets are sufficiently distinct from developed markets in that consumers in developed markets seem to be more conservative when buying online. Marketers should therefore developed alternative marketing programs when communicating to these markets in an attempt to persuade consumers to buy online. © 2014, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Financial risk; Functional risk; Online buying behaviour; Perceived risk; Physical risk; Psychological risk; Social risk; Time risk | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866172781 | The impact of pensions on health and wellbeing in rural South Africa: Does gender matter? | Schatz E., Gómez-Olivé X., Ralston M., Menken J., Tollman S. | 2012 | Social Science and Medicine | 75 | 10 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.07.004 | School of Health Professions and Department of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States; MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Department of Sociology, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States | Schatz, E., School of Health Professions and Department of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States, MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Gómez-Olivé, X., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ralston, M., Department of Sociology, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States; Menken, J., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Tollman, S., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States | Unique to Africa, a means-tested non-contributory pension is available to South Africans. In 2006, women over 60 and men over 65 were pension-eligible. To explore the effect of the pension for health and wellbeing indicators of rural South African men and women, we analyze data from the WHO-INDEPTH Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health Survey, carried out in the Agincourt sub-district by the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) in 2006. Because pension receipt was not measured directly, our findings represent intent-to-treat (ITT) rather than treatment-on-the-treated (TOT) effects using age as an indicator for intent-to-treat. Overall, women report poorer wellbeing compared to men. However, women have a "honeymoon" period at ages 60-64, the first years of pension-eligibility, in which they report lower levels of worry and sadness, and higher overall happiness, life satisfaction, and quality of life as compared to younger and older women. For men, in contrast, reports of wellbeing worsen in the pre-pension years, followed by a similar but not as prominent pattern of favorable reports in the five years following pension-eligibility, and a decline in the next five-year period. Thus, while pensions continue to enhance financial wellbeing, our results suggest that their effect on social wellbeing may be gendered and transitory. Further research is needed to improve understanding of these dynamics. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Aging; Gender; Health and demographic surveillance system; Pension; Quality of life; Social wellbeing; South Africa | gender relations; health impact; health insurance; pension system; quality of life; rural society; adult; age distribution; aged; article; emotion; female; health; human; intention to treat analysis; male; pension; quality of life; satisfaction; sex difference; social behavior; South Africa; wellbeing; Age Factors; Aged; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pensions; Quality of Life; Rural Health; South Africa; South Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000306406400015 | The impact of peer outreach on HIV knowledge and prevention behaviours of male sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya | Geibel, Scott,King'ola, Nzioki,Luchters, Stanley,Temmerman, Marleen | 2012 | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS | 88 | 5 | 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050224 | Austin Research Institute, Ghent University, Burnet Inst, ICRH | None | Introduction Targeting most at-risk populations is an essential component of HIV prevention strategies. Peer education programmes have been found to increase HIV knowledge, condom use and safer sex behaviours among female sex workers in Africa and men who have sex with men elsewhere. The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of a peer-driven intervention on male sex workers who sell sex to men in Mombasa, Kenya.
Methods Using time-venue sampling, a baseline survey of 425 male sex workers was conducted in late 2006, after which, 40 peer educators were trained in HIV prevention, basic counselling skills and distribution of condoms and lubricants. A follow-up time-venue survey of 442 male sex workers was conducted in early 2008, and pre- and post-intervention changes were examined. The impact of peer educator exposure on HIV knowledge and condom use was analysed.
Results Positive changes in HIV prevention behaviours were observed, including increases in consistent use of condoms with both male clients (35.9%-50.2%, p<0.001) and non-paying male partners (27.4%-39.5%, p=0.008). Exposure to peer educators (AOR=1.97, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.02) and ever having been counselled or tested for HIV (AOR=1.71, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.66) were associated with consistent condom use in multivariate analysis. Peer educator contact was also associated with improved HIV knowledge and use of water-based lubricants.
Conclusions Peer outreach programming reached highly stigmatised male sex workers in Mombasa, resulting in significant, but limited, improvements in HIV knowledge and prevention behaviours. Improved peer coverage and additional prevention initiatives are needed to sufficiently mitigate HIV transmission. | ,MEN | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892491530 | The impact of patent protection and lack of generic competition on the right of access to medicines in South Africa: Explicating corporate responsibilities for human rights | Muswaka L. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p229 | North West University, South Africa | Muswaka, L., North West University, South Africa | In the case of Cipla Medpro v Aventis Pharma (139/12) Aventis Pharma SA v Cipla Life Sciences (138/12) [2012] ZASCA 108, the court stated, 'Where the public is denied access to a generic during the lifetime of a patent that is the ordinary consequence of patent protection and it applies as much in all cases.' This remark brings into the arena the issue of the impact of patent protection and the lack of generic competition on the fundamental right to have access to medicines provided for in the Constitution of South Africa and recognized in various regional and international human rights instruments and declarations. The right to have access to medicines can be assured if a sustainable supply of affordable medicines can be guaranteed. However, when sustainability of supply can be guaranteed, new medicines are often too expensive for poor people and governments in the developing countries. This paper seeks to investigate the challenge posed by intellectual property, specifically pharmaceutical patents, which human rights activists blame for creating monopolies that keep medicines inaccessible or unaffordable, and which pharmaceutical companies extol as necessary incentive for expensive research and development. The aim is to provide recommendations, on how this challenge that arises when intellectual property (pharmaceutical patents) and human rights converge can be overcome by pharmaceutical companies. The paper concludes that the enjoyment of the fruits of one's intellectual property while at the same time preventing adverse human rights impacts is possible through a stakeholder and human rights oriented corporate governance approach. | Corporate governance; Human rights; Intellectual property; Monopoly; Patents | None | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000324368300002 | The Impact of Participatory Forest Management on Local Community Livelihoods in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya | Caleb, Mireri,Callistus, Ogol,Matiku, Paul | 2013 | CONSERVATION & SOCIETY | 11 | 2 | 10.4103/0972-4923.115724 | Kenyatta University, Nat Kenya | "Caleb, Mireri: Kenyatta University","Callistus, Ogol: Kenyatta University", | This study examines the impact of participatory forest management (PFM) on forest-adjacent household livelihoods in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest in Kenya. It compares the impacts on households near PFM forests (PFM zones) with those near forests with no participatory management (non-PFM zones). The study questions were: does conservation of the Arabuko-Sokoke forest result in net household incomes?; does PFM increase net household benefits?; and are household benefits uniformly distributed within the 5 km PFM intervention zone? The hypotheses tested were: forest conservation benefits exceed forest conservation costs; PFM zones have higher household benefits than non-PFM zones; and benefits and costs reduce with distance from forest edge. In the year 2009, we collected data on household benefits and costs in PFM and non-PFM zones. Data were collected along 10 km transects at 1 km intervals, sampling 600 households up to 5 km away from the forest. The results show varied household dependence on the Arabuko-Sokoke forest. The forest benefits exceed costs in PFM zones but the forest is a cost in non-PFM zones, and costs and benefits reduce with distance from forest edge. The study concludes that, though not cheap, PFM is a tool that can help the Arabuko-Sokoke forest win the support of the adjacent local communities. | Arabuko-Sokoke,"Forest resources","household livelihoods","participatory forest management",BIODIVERSITY,CONSERVATION,"EXTRACTIVE RESERVES","INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL-MANAGEMENT",STRATEGIES | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-32344440641 | The impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluations on meeting project objectives | Niba M., Green J.M. | 2005 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Niba, M., Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Green, J.M., Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | This study investigates the value of participation on meeting a project's objectives by comparing the impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluation frameworks. We assessed HIV/AIDS projects that shared similarities in terms of objectives and implementation strategies, but differed in their evaluation strategies, in order to identify differences in the outcome of the projects on the beneficiaries. The study concentrated on documentary and interview evidence of communication-based HIV/AIDS projects. The results highlight that in spite of socio-demographic differences, consistent use of a participatory methodology created an enabling environment, in terms of implementation, for meeting a project's objectives (particularly improved group awareness, knowledge, attitude, empowerment, functioning and sustainability); and, in terms of evaluation, a participatory methodology better enabled the internalisation of those objectives, through activities such as focus group discussions. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Africa; Behaviour; Community empowerment; HIV/AIDS interventions; Monitoring and evaluation | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; attitude to illness; demography; documentation; empowerment; evidence based practice; health care delivery; health care planning; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; interpersonal communication; interview; medical information; methodology; outcome assessment; participatory management; social aspect; sustainable development | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910027922 | The impact of participative and directive leadership on organisational culture: An organisational development perspective | Bell C., Chan M., Nel P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1970 | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Bell, C., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Chan, M., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Nel, P., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Leadership is critical for the success of any organisation developing a sustainable and competitive culture. Organizational culture mediates the association between leadership styles and organizational performance. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of participative and directive leadership on organisational culture from an organisational development perspective. The data was collected from a sample of 246 administrative departmental employees at Fort Hare University using a self-designed biographical and occupational questionnaire. To measure participative leadership, a six-item 5-point rating scale adopted from Arnold et al. (2000) was also employed. To measure directive leadership, a seven-item bi-polar rating scale adopted from Litwin and Stringer (1968) was also employed. And to measure organisational culture, a four-item 5-point rating scale adopted from the Denison Organizational Culture Survey (Denison & Neale, 1996) was also used. Data analysis was done using various statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results showed that participative and directive leadership have positive and significant impact on organisational culture. However, directive leadership has negative and insignificant impact on adaptability. The results also indicated that participative and directive leadership combined have no additive impact on organisational culture. However, participative leadership had a stronger effect on organisational culture than when was combined with directive leadership. The present study therefore, recommends managers to use participative leadership in their efforts to adapt their organisational cultures to achieve a sustained competitive culture. However, directive leadership may be used in certain organisational contingencies that demand it. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Directive; Leadership; Organisational culture; Organisational development; Participative | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955417672 | The impact of parenthood and birth order on the academic achievement of pupils in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria | Edun T., Oguntola S. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 20 | 4 | None | Department of Educational, Foundations and Management Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Department of Sociological Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | Edun, T., Department of Educational, Foundations and Management Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Oguntola, S., Department of Sociological Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | The study sought to determine the impact of parenthood and birth order on the academic achievement of primary school pupils in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The sample consisted of 250 primary six pupils selected through a stratified random sampling technique from five primary schools in the Local Government Area. Data were collected through a Demographic Questionnaire and an Achievement Test. Descriptive Statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse collected data. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference in the academic achievement of pupils with both parents, single parents and no parents (Fc2,228= 1.135, P>0.05), just as there was no significant difference in the academic achievement of 'first borns' 'middle borns' and 'last borns' (Fc2,229= 1.715, P>0.05). The findings were consistent with similar findings in Africa and developing nations generally that school factors were far more important than family factors in determining school achievement. The implications of these findings for the school and the family, and the interventions required were discussed. | Academic achievement; Birth order; Parenthood; Primary school pupils | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900464282 | The impact of parental involvement on student performance: A case study of a South African secondary school | Mutodi P., Ngirande H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p279 | Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | Mutodi, P., Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Ngirande, H., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to ascertain how parental involvement in South African schools affects the academic performance of students in mathematics. Literature often claim that involvement of parents results in better academic performance than if parents are not involved. The aim of the research was to see if this relationship exists in South African high schools. The study used a quantitative research approach. Data was gathered using a questionnaire administered to 114 students' parents. The main findings are that all the parents who responded are highly involved with their children's education. They have high expectations towards their children's education and performance. Three parental involvement constructs, that is, parenting, parent -teacher communication and home and family support were found to be positively related to performance. Results further indicate that home and family support is the most significant factor that determines a learner's performance. Most of the parents consider themselves to have a good communication with their child's teachers and the school. Children's homework is considered to be important by each parent and they all assist their children with homework. Thus, it may be concluded that by staying involved with their children's education, parents do impact positively on the academic achievement of the students. | Communication; Home and family support; Parent involvement; Parenting | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749044246 | The impact of parental death on school outcomes: Longitudinal evidence from South Africa | Case A., Ardington C. | 2006 | Demography | 43 | 3 | 10.1353/dem.2006.0022 | Research Program in Development Studies, Princeton University, 367 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, Saldru Research Associate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Case, A., Research Program in Development Studies, Princeton University, 367 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa; Ardington, C., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa, Department of Statistical Sciences, Saldru Research Associate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | We analyze longitudinal data from a demographic surveillance area (DSA) in KwaZulu-Natal to examine the impact of parental death on children's outcomes. The results show significant differences in the impact of mothers' and fathers' deaths. The loss of a child's mother is a strong predictor of poor schooling outcomes. Maternal orphans are significantly less likely to be enrolled in school and have completed significantly fewer years of schooling, conditional on age, than children whose mothers are alive. Less money is spent on maternal orphans' educations, on average, conditional on enrollment. Moreover, children whose mothers have died appear to be at an educational disadvantage when compared with non-orphaned children with whom they live. We use the timing of mothers' deaths relative to children's educational shortfalls to argue that mothers' deaths have a causal effect on children's educations. The loss of a child's father is a significant correlate of poor household socioeconomic status. However, the death of a father between waves of the survey has no significant effect on subsequent asset ownership. Evidence from the South African 2001 Census suggests that the estimated effects of maternal deaths on children's outcomes in the Africa Centre DSA reflect the reality for orphans throughout South Africa. | None | adolescent; article; child; death; educational status; female; human; infant; longitudinal study; male; management; newborn; parent; preschool child; South Africa; student; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Death; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parents; Policy Making; South Africa; Students | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907591446 | The impact of paraprofessional home visitors on infants’ growth and health at 18 months | Le Roux I.M., Rotheram-Borus M.J., Stein J., Tomlinson M. | 2014 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 9 | 4 | 10.1080/17450128.2014.940413 | Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Project, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Le Roux, I.M., Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Project, Cape Town, South Africa; Rotheram-Borus, M.J., Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Stein, J., Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Tomlinson, M., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Paraprofessional home visitors trained to improve multiple outcomes (HIV, alcohol, infant health and malnutrition) have been shown to benefit mothers and children over 18 months in a cluster randomised controlled trial. These longitudinal analyses examine the mechanisms which influence child outcomes at 18 months post-birth in Cape Town, South Africa. The results were evaluated using structural equation modelling, specifically examining the mediating effects of prior maternal behaviours and a home visiting intervention post-birth. Twelve matched pairs of neighbourhoods were randomised within pairs to: (1) the control condition, receiving comprehensive health care at community primary health care clinics (n = 12 neighbourhoods; n = 594 pregnant women), or (2) the Philani Intervention Program, which provided home visits by trained, paraprofessional community health workers, here called Mentor Mothers, in addition to clinic care (n = 12 neighbourhoods; n = 644 pregnant women). Recruitment of all pregnant neighbourhood women was high (98%) with 88% reassessed at 6 months and 84% at 18 months. Infants’ growth and diarrhoea episodes were examined at 18 months in response to the intervention condition, breastfeeding, alcohol use, social support and low birth weight, controlling for HIV status and previous history of risk. We found that randomisation to the intervention was associated with a significantly lower number of recent diarrhoea episodes and increased rates and duration of breastfeeding. Across both the intervention and control conditions, mothers who used alcohol during pregnancy and had low birth weight infants were significantly less likely to have infants with normal growth patterns, whereas social support was associated with better growth. HIV infection was significantly associated with poor growth and less breastfeeding. Women with more risk factors had significantly smaller social support networks. The relationships among initial and sustained maternal risk behaviours and the buffering impact of home visits and social support are demonstrated in these analyses. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | HIV; home visitors; infant diarrhoea; perinatal health | None | 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-s2.0-84898544176 | The impact of palatal repair before and after 6 months of age on speech characteristics | Luyten A., Bettens K., D'haeseleer E., De Ley S., Hodges A., Galiwango G., Bonte K., Vermeersch H., Van Lierde K. | 2014 | International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology | 78 | 5 | 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.02.012 | Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU), PO Box 46, Kisubi, Uganda; Ghent University, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, De Pintelaan 185, 2P2, 9000 Gent, Belgium | Luyten, A., Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Bettens, K., Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'haeseleer, E., Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; De Ley, S., Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Hodges, A., Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU), PO Box 46, Kisubi, Uganda; Galiwango, G., Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU), PO Box 46, Kisubi, Uganda; Bonte, K., Ghent University, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, De Pintelaan 185, 2P2, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Vermeersch, H., Ghent University, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, De Pintelaan 185, 2P2, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Van Lierde, K., Ghent University, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, 2P1, 9000 Gent, Belgium | Objective: Optimal timing of palatal repair is still subject of discussion. Although literature provides some evidence that palatal closure prior to 6 months positively influence speech outcome in children with clefts, only few studies verified this hypothesis. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare articulation and resonance characteristics following early (≤6 months) and later (>6 months) palatal repair, performed using the Sommerlad technique. Methods: Comparison was made between 12 Ugandan children with isolated cleft (lip and) palate following early palatal repair (mean age: 3.3 m) and 12 Belgian patients with later palatal repair (mean age: 11.1 m), matched for cleft type, age and gender. A Ugandan and Belgian age- and gender-matched control group without clefts was included to control for language, culture and other environmental factors. Articulation assessments consisted of consonant inventories and phonetic and phonological analyses that were based on consensus transcriptions. In addition, resonance was evaluated by perceptual consensus ratings and objective mean nasalance values. Results: The Belgian and Ugandan control groups were comparable for the majority of the variables. Comparison of cleft palate groups revealed no clinically relevant significant group differences for consonant inventory or phonological processes. Phonetic analysis showed significantly more distortions in the Belgian cleft palate group due to higher occurrence frequencies for (inter)dental productions of apico-alveolar consonants. Neither perceptual consensus ratings of hypernasality, hyponasality, cul-de-sac resonance and nasal emission/turbulence, nor objective mean nasalance values for oral speech samples revealed significant group differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Articulation and resonance characteristics of young children following palatal repair before and after 6 months of age seem to be at least comparable. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Articulation; Cleft; Resonance; Sommerlad technique; Speech; Timing of palatoplasty | age; Articulation Disorders; Belgium; case control study; child; cleft palate; cohort analysis; comparative study; developing country; evaluation study; female; follow up; human; infant; male; pathophysiology; phonetics; plastic surgery; preschool child; procedures; risk assessment; speech analysis; speech intelligibility; speech therapy; treatment outcome; Uganda; Age Factors; Articulation Disorders; Belgium; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Cleft Palate; Cohort Studies; Developing Countries; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Male; Phonetics; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Risk Assessment; Speech Intelligibility; Speech Production Measurement; Speech Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Uganda | None |
WoS | WOS:000292450500015 | The Impact of Out-Migration on the Nursing Workforce in Kenya | Arudo, John,Gross, Jessica M.,Higgins, Melinda,Kamenju, Andrew,Kiriinya, Rose,Oywer, Elizabeth,Rakuom, Chris,Riley, Patricia L.,Rogers, Martha F.,Teplinskiy, Ilya,Wambua, David,Waudo, Agnes | 2011 | HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 46 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01251.x | Emory University, Aga Khan Univ, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Hlth Workforce Project, Kenyan Minist Med Serv, Nurses Council Kenya | "Gross, Jessica M.: Emory University","Higgins, Melinda: Emory University","Rogers, Martha F.: Emory University","Teplinskiy, Ilya: Emory University", | Objective. To examine the impact of out-migration on Kenya's nursing workforce.
Study Setting. This study analyzed deidentified nursing data from the Kenya Health Workforce Informatics System, collected by the Nursing Council of Kenya and the Department of Nursing in the Ministry of Medical Services.
Study Design. We analyzed trends in Kenya's nursing workforce from 1999 to 2007, including supply, deployment, and intent to out-migrate, measured by requests for verification of credentials from destination countries.
Principle Findings. From 1999 to 2007, 6 percent of Kenya's nursing workforce of 41,367 nurses applied to out-migrate. Eighty-five percent of applicants were registered or B.Sc.N. prepared nurses, 49 percent applied within 10 years of their initial registration as a nurse, and 82 percent of first-time applications were for the United States or United Kingdom. For every 4.5 nurses that Kenya adds to its nursing workforce through training, 1 nurse from the workforce applies to out-migrate, potentially reducing by 22 percent Kenya's ability to increase its nursing workforce through training.
Conclusions. Nurse out-migration depletes Kenya's nursing workforce of its most highly educated nurses, reduces the percentage of younger nurses in an aging nursing stock, decreases Kenya's ability to increase its nursing workforce through training, and represents a substantial economic loss to the country. | DATABASE,EMIGRATION,"human resource information systems",KENYA,"nursing workforce","professional regulatory bodies",BRAIN-DRAIN,CHALLENGES,"HEALTH-CARE WORKERS",NURSES,PROFESSIONALS,RECRUITMENT,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | 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-s2.0-84922879699 | The impact of orphanhood on education attendance: Evidence from Zimbabwe | Ha W., Salama P., Gwavuya S. | 2015 | International Journal of Educational Development | 40 | None | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2014.11.020 | Graduate School of Education and Institute of Economics of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China; UNICEF Ethiopia, UNICEF House, P.O. Box 1169, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; UNICEF Zimbabwe, 6 Fairbridge, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe | Ha, W., Graduate School of Education and Institute of Economics of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China; Salama, P., UNICEF Ethiopia, UNICEF House, P.O. Box 1169, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gwavuya, S., UNICEF Zimbabwe, 6 Fairbridge, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe | The development community has started to question the exclusive focus of social protection programmes on orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS in the context of widespread poverty and vulnerability in Africa. This paper, using 2009 Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Monitoring Survey data and multivariate regression analysis and simulations, shows that the impact of orphan-hood on childrens access to education should be not underestimated. Specifically, the probability differential of dropping out of school, when comparing double-orphans and children with both their parents, is almost as large as the gap between a child from the fourth quintile and the poorest quintile. | Education and targeting; Orphans and vulnerable children; Social protection | education; orphan; targeting; welfare provision; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751394202 | The impact of organophosphate pesticides in orchards on earthworms in the Western Cape, South Africa | Reinecke S.A., Reinecke A.J. | 2007 | Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety | 66 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2005.10.006 | Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Reinecke, S.A., Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Reinecke, A.J., Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Earthworm population density was measured in and adjacent to an orchard in an agricultural area in the Western Cape, South Africa. Worm densities were very low in orchards (22/m2) compared to adjacent uncultivated fields (152/m2) at a distance from the orchards. The possible effect of organophosphate pesticides on the earthworms was investigated. Background soil concentrations of chlorpyrifos prior to the start of the spraying season were low (0.2-2.7 μg/kg) but persistent for up to 6 months after the last spraying event, and the pesticide was, as a result of rainfall, transported to nontarget areas by runoff. Background concentrations of azinphos methyl were higher than those of chlorpyrifos (1.6-9.8 μg/kg) but not detectable 2 weeks after a spraying event. Azinphos methyl was mostly transported by wind (spray drift) to adjacent areas. A microcosm study indicated effects of chlorpyrifos on earthworms as determined by measuring biomass change and Cholinesterase inhibition. It is concluded that earthworms were affected detrimentally by the pesticides due to chronic (chlorpyrifos) and intermittent (azinphos methyl) exposure. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Azinphos methyl; Biomarker; Biomass; ChE; Chlorpyrifos; Earthworms; Microcosms; Organophosphates; Runoff; Spray drift | azinphos methyl; chlorpyrifos; cholinesterase; organophosphate pesticide; chlorpyrifos; earthworm; orchard; organophosphate; pesticide; population decline; article; biomass; concentration (parameters); controlled study; earthworm; environmental exposure; enzyme inhibition; microcosm; nonhuman; population density; season; soil; South Africa; Agriculture; Animals; Azinphosmethyl; Biomass; Chlorpyrifos; Cholinesterases; Environmental Monitoring; Insecticides; Oligochaeta; Population Density; Soil Pollutants; South Africa; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871019951 | The impact of organised crime on state social control: Organised criminal groups and local governance on the cape flats, Cape Town, South Africa | Lambrechts D. | 2012 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 38 | 4 | 10.1080/03057070.2012.749060 | Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Lambrechts, D., Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study primarily investigates the power dynamics between organised crime, the state and society in order to assess the impact of organised crime on social control by the state. Using the Cape Flats community of Manenberg as a case study, this article examines the interaction of organised criminal gangs with the South African state at the level of local government to provide a descriptive analysis of the power dynamics between the local state, the community and criminal groups. It is argued that organised criminal groups act as a rival social organisation and have acquired forms of social control lost by the state. As a result, the state is not regarded as the most prominent organisation in Manenberg but, rather, as only one actor functioning in a system of local power dynamics. The position of actors within that system can shift and change as configurations of power change dynamically. Nor are the elements of this system necessarily in conflict with each other: state, society and organised crime can sometimes function in a mutually supportive relationship that works in favour of all three. Accordingly, new configurations of power are continually being established and reshaped. © 2012 Copyright The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | crime; local government; social organization; Cape Flats; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896259051 | The impact of organisational structure on enterprise architecture deployment | Iyamu T., Mphahlele L. | 2014 | Journal of Systems and Information Technology | 16 | 1 | 10.1108/JSIT-04-2013-0010 | School of Computer Science and Informatics, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia; Tshwane University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Iyamu, T., School of Computer Science and Informatics, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia; Mphahlele, L., Tshwane University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: In many organisations, the alignment between information technology (IT) and business is viewed as an important catalyst for the organisation's effectiveness and efficiency towards achieving a competitive advantage. Yet, a shared understanding between business and IT (the EA included) remains an issue in many organisations. The organisational structure affects the alignment between business and IT units. Conversely, a lack of alignment of both components (IT and business units) impedes organisations' capacity to increase and improve their productivity. Many studies have been conducted in the area of IT, EA and the organisational structure. There is, however, little evidence of work conducted in exploring the interface between organisational structure and EA prior to this study. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: A case-study research approach was employed to investigate the impact of organisational structure in the deployment of EA in organisations. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structure technique. The analysis was carried out, using structuration theory. Findings: The magnified data revealed some of unforeseen factors impeding the success of the EA deployment in the organisation. Originality/value: The work is original, and it has not been submitted or published anywhere else. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Deployment; Enterprise architecture; Human interaction; Organisational structure; Structuration theory | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864545283 | The impact of organisational politics on the implementation of it strategy: South African case in context | Iyamu T. | 2011 | International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development | 3 | 3 | 10.4018/jskd.2011070102 | Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Iyamu, T., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Through IT strategy, many organisations intend to set out key directions and objectives for the use and management of information, communication and technologies. A shared view among these organisations is that IT strategy allows all parts of the organisation to gain a shared understanding of priorities, goals and objectives for both current and future states as defined in the strategy. It would therefore seem that IT strategy, for the foreseeable future will remain a key aspect of development within organisations. As a result, there has been more focus on how IT strategy is articulated and formulated. What is missing is that there has been less attention on the implementation of the strategy. Also, in most organisations, technical issues are minor compared to the relationship issues. There are many factors which influence the implementation of the IT strategy. This paper focuses on how organisational politics as examined by two underpinning theories, Structuration Theory and Actor-Network Theory, impact the implementation of IT strategy. Copyright © 2011, IGI Global. | Actor-Network Theory; Implementation; IT Strategy; Organisational Politics; Structuration Theory | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892493473 | The impact of organisational commitment and demographic variables on organisational citizenship behaviour | Toga R., Khayundi D.A., Mjoli T.Q. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p643 | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Toga, R., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Khayundi, D.A., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Mjoli, T.Q., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Organisational citizenship is regarded as one of the most important factor that enhances organisational effectiveness. The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of organisational commitment on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Demographic factors, such as, age and gender effects on organisational citizenship behaviour of University employees were also examined. The study employed a quantitative research design. A stratified random sample of 68 academic and non academic staff participated in this study. A self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of three subsections: a self-designed biographical data questionnaire. To measure organisational commitment, Meyer and Allen's (1997) 12-item five-point Likert-type rating scale was used. To measure organisational citizenship behaviour, Podsakoff, Mackenzie, Moorman and Fetter (1990) 27-item five-point Likert-type rating scale was used. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test. The results indicated the view that organisational commitment impacts positively in enhancing the organisational citizenship behaviour of the employees. The findings also revealed that age and gender play no role in the practice of employees' organisational citizenship behaviour. The practical implications of this study; in order to succeed on its mission managed should increase the levels of organisational citizenship behaviour in their employees by consistently recognizing employees who engage themselves in such behaviour. | Age; Gender; Organisational citizenship behaviour; Organisational commitment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910065678 | The impact of operational customer relationship management on customer loyalty | Makasi A., Saruchera F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p291 | University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Chinhoyi University of Technology, Africa Makasi. Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Technopreneurship, P.O. Box B.E, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe | Makasi, A., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe; Saruchera, F., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Africa Makasi. Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Technopreneurship, P.O. Box B.E, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe | The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of operational customer relationship management (OCRM) on customer loyalty with special reference to the mobile telephone industry in Zimbabwe. Motivation for the research was generated by the need to find out how customer loyalty can be created through OCRM. The research was conducted by reviewing various streams of literature and interviews with 7 representatives from the 3 dominant companies in the industry and 15 sampled customers from these three competing companies in the mobile telephone industry (MTI). A semi-structured questionnaire was used. All qualitative responses were grouped into themes for coding purposes. The data gathered was coded and captured to form panel data for further analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS0. Results of the research showed that because of the highly dynamic market environment, consumers have become highly demanding calling for the strategic significance of the intelligent network in OCRM for the creation of customer satisfaction. The research also revealed that increasing organizational performance through operational CRM implementation can increase customer perceived value which results in customer loyalty and competitiveness. Our current research focused on operational CRM’s influence on customer loyalty. Future research should assess the impact of analytical CRM on customer loyalty. The measurement and critical analysis of customer life time value against company investments in building loyalty should redirect future research towards this area. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Customer loyalty; Customer relationship management; Stakeholder theory | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36349008165 | The impact of onset controllability on stigmatization and supportive communication goals toward persons with HIV versus lung cancer: A comparison between Kenyan and U.S. participants | Miller A.N., Fellows K.L., Kizito M.N. | 2007 | Health Communication | 22 | 3 | None | Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States; c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States | Miller, A.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Fellows, K.L., Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States, c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States; Kizito, M.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya | This study examined the impact of controllability of onset (i.e., means of transmission), disease type (HIV and lung cancer), and culture (Kenya and U.S.) on stigmatizing attitudes and goals for supportive communication. Four hundred sixty-four Kenyan students and 526 American students, and 441 Kenyan nonstudents and 591 American nonstudents were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 hypothetical scenario conditions and asked to respond to questions regarding 3 different types of stigmatizing attitudes and 6 types of supportive communication goals with respect to the character in the scenario. Means of transmission had a strong effect on the blame component of stigma, but none on cognitive attitudes and social interaction components. Similarly, although an effect for means of transmission emerged on intention to provide "recognize own responsibility" and "see others' blame" types of support, no effect was evident for most other supportive interaction goals. Although effects for culture were small, Kenyan participants, student and nonstudent alike, were not as quick as American participants to adopt goals of communicating blame in any direction. Implications for measurement of stigma in future research are discussed. Copyright © 2007, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; article; attitude to health; comparative study; control; cultural factor; educational status; epidemiology; female; health behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; lung tumor; male; middle aged; psychological aspect; questionnaire; social psychology; social support; student; United States; university; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Educational Status; Female; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Internal-External Control; Kenya; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Precipitating Factors; Prejudice; Questionnaires; Social Support; Stereotyping; Students; United States; Universities | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847246804 | The impact of online retail grocery shopping on retail space: A Cape Town case study | McClatchey J., Cattell K., Michell K. | 2007 | Facilities | 25 | 42433 | 10.1108/02632770710729700 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | McClatchey, J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cattell, K., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Michell, K., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of completed case studies of two major multi-channel grocery retailers in South Africa. The aim of the research was to establish the potential that online grocery retail has to undermine traditional retail by decreasing foot traffic and undermining rental income. Design/methodology/approach - The growth of online shopping in the retail sector is a matter of concern for those involved in the development and management of shopping centres. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed to interview shoppers in the five largest regional shopping centres in Cape Town tenanted by the two major grocery "e-tailers" in South Africa. Findings - The findings show that the online grocery market is an expanding market segment. Furthermore, diminished foot traffic is likely to affect the ability of smaller retailers to pay turnover rentals. Miller's revised rent model is adapted and used to illustrate the potential savings that may be generated by changing the rent models currently in use. Research limitations/implications - Future research into exactly what consumers buy online from food retailers needs to be undertaken in order to establish the maximum potential reduction in foot traffic attracted by food anchors. Practical implications - It is concluded that the South African retail industry is heavily reliant on traditional retail centres and although the loss in rentals resulting from online grocery sales is not currently considerable, it does represent a potential future threat. Originality/value - The paper speculates about the effects of growth in online buying on rental agreements in shopping centres. The paper would appeal to property investors, property developers and facilities managers. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Electronic commerce; Internet shopping; Retailing; South Africa | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000266192600134 | The impact of oil exploration on the inhabitants of the oil producing areas of Nigeria | Omotor, Douglason G. | 2009 | JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT | 7 | 2 | None | None | None | This study modestly assails to measure the impact of the oil industry on the inhabitants of the oil producing areas of Nigeria by adopting an analysis of variance (ANOVA) methodology to test various hypotheses using six socio-economic indicators (education, health, housing, power, roads and water supply). The results revealed that the overall impact of oil on the selected socio-economic fundamentals was only significant during the oil boom era. The oil industry significantly impacted more on the development of these indicators in non-oil producing areas than in oil producing areas. This might had awoken the consciousness of inhabitants of oil producing area; therefore triggering the crisis now ravaging the Niger Delta. The study suggests community participation in equity holding; what is more, a sum equal to 50 percent of proceeds of royalty or rent from extraction of natural resources be paid to the host region. | "natural resource curse","NIGER DELTA",NIGERIA,"OIL EXPLORATION",socio-economic | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917674136 | The impact of oil exploration and exploitation on water quality and vegetal resources in a rain forest ecosystem of nigeria | Mogborukor J.O.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1678 | Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | Mogborukor, J.O.A., Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | The oil industry in Nigeria is known to be as a source of revenue and foreign exchange earning to the economy. However, while the industry is perceived as an engine of growth, it is regarded as a mixed blessing to the country. This is as a result of distortions in the environment due to oil spillages and contamination of agricultural lands. Based on these problems, the paper examine the qualities of surface and well waters, bottom sediments, river banks soils and some species of plants in areas of oil exploitation and exploration. Samples of well and surface water, bottom sediments and riverbank soils were collected during the month of June and September 2013. These samples were sent to the laboratory for physio-chemical analysis. The result shows that the values of some samples in some locations were slightly higher than the WHO permissible level for portable water, the same was found in chemical parameters, indicating some level of pollution due to oil spillage. Riverbanks soil values were slightly higher than those of the bottom sediments. Of the twenty-four species of plants evaluated, twenty were impacted slightly due to absorption of toxic nutrients from spilled oil and four non-impacted by oil pollution. To ensure the restoration of the ecosystem, such preventive measures of regulating the activities of oil companies, checking pipe line vandalization, accidental discharge, pre and post-impact assessment by such oil companies should be carried out annually. Lastly, government should enforce pollution control measures and environmental friendly standards. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Ecosystem; Niger delta; Oil pollution; Swamp forest; Vegetal resources | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929079969 | The impact of non-Planckian effects on cosmological radio background | Colafrancesco S., Emritte M.S., Marchegiani P. | 2015 | Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics | 2015 | 5 | 10.1088/1475-7516/2015/05/006 | School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa | Colafrancesco, S., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Emritte, M.S., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Marchegiani, P., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, South Africa | Non-Planckian (NP) spectral modifications of the CMB radiation spectrum can be produced due to the existence of a non-zero value of the plasma frequency at the recombination epoch. We present here an analysis of NP effects on the cosmological radio background and we derive, for the first time, predictions of their amplitude on three different observables: the CMB spectrum, the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect in cosmic structures, and the 21-cm background temperature brightness change. We find that NP effect can manifest in the CMB spectrum at ν ≲ 400 MHz as a drastic cut-off in the CMB intensity. Using the available CMB data in the relevant ν range (i.e., mainly at ≲ 1 GHz and in the COBE-FIRAS data frequency range), we derive upper limits on the plasma frequency ν<inf>p</inf> = 206, 346 and 418 MHz at 1, 2 and 3 σ confidence level, respectively. We find that the difference between the pure Planck spectrum and the one modified by NP effects is of the order of mJy/arcmin2 at ν ≲ 0.5 GHz and it becomes smaller at higher frequencies where it is ∼ 0.1 mJy/arcmin2 at ν ≳ 150 GHz, thus indicating that the experimental route to probe NP effects in the early universe is to observe the cosmological radio background at very low frequencies. We have calculated for the first time the NP SZ effect (SZ<inf>NP</inf>) using the upper limits on ν<inf>p</inf> allowed by the CMB data. We found that the SZ<inf>NP</inf> effect shows a unique spectral feature, i.e. a peak located exactly at the plasma frequency ν<inf>p</inf> and this is independent of the cluster parameters (such as its temperature or optical depth). This offers a way, therefore, to measure directly and unambiguously the plasma frequency in the early universe at the epoch of recombination by using galaxy clusters in the local universe, thus opening a unique window for the experimental exploration of plasma effects in the early universe. We have shown that the SKA-LOW has the potential to observe such a signal integrating over the central regions of high-temperature clusters. The studies of NP effects through the SZ<inf>NP</inf> can be done by intensive observations of only one galaxy cluster, or with a stacked spectrum of a few well known clusters, thus avoiding the need of large statistical studies of source populations or wide area surveys. Finally, we also show that future low-ν observations of the cosmological 21-cm background brightness temperature spectral changes have the possibility to set global constraints on NP effects by constraining the spectral variations of the temperature brightness change δ T<inf>b</inf> induced by the plasma frequency value at the epoch of recombination. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl. | CMBR theory; Galaxy clusters; Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886729692 | The impact of non-native rainbow trout within Afro-montane streams in eastern Zimbabwe | Kadye W.T., Chakona A., Marufu L.T., Samukange T. | 2013 | Hydrobiologia | 720 | 1 | 10.1007/s10750-013-1624-4 | Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Kadye, W.T., Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Chakona, A., South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Marufu, L.T., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Samukange, T., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Non-native trout species have been associated with many negative effects in receiving ecosystems. The first aim of this study was to determine the impact of non-native rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss on distribution and abundance of native mountain catfish Amphilius uranoscopus within Afro-montane streams in Nyanga Mountains, eastern Zimbabwe. The second aim was to compare macro-invertebrate community responses to the presence of the trout and the catfish. We examined trout impact on catfish's habitat associations, whereas macro-invertebrate composition was compared using open fish and fish exclosure experiments in habitats with and without trout. Trout influenced both the distribution and abundance of the catfish that occupied shallow reaches possibly to avoid predation from trout that occurred in the deeper habitats. Within trout invaded reaches, most macro-invertebrate taxa were more abundant in exclosure than open treatments. By contrast, within trout-free reaches, most macro-invertebrates either did not differ between treatments or were generally more abundant in open than exclosure treatments. This suggests that the macro-invertebrate communities responded differently within invaded and non-invaded reaches. By influencing distribution and abundance of native biota, non-native rainbow trout may have wider ecological effects, such as influencing trophic interrelationships within invaded habitats. © 2013 The Author(s). | Amphilius uranoscopus; Invasions; Macro-invertebrates; Physical habitat; Rainbow trout | abundance; biota; fish; habitat; macroinvertebrate; mountain; predation; stream; Zimbabwe; Amphilius uranoscopus; Invertebrata; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Salmonidae | BES, British Ecological Society |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869431263 | The impact of non-formal education on skills and knowledge of community development workers: A case study | Kotzé D.A. | 2012 | Africa Development | 37 | 2 | None | Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa | Kotzé, D.A., Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa | The ultimate route to address the needs of the poor is through a community development process with projects as the main vehicle. The main role player to facilitate this process is the community development worker. This article focuses firstly on the role and importance of non-formal education in community development and, secondly, on the impact of non-formal education and training on the knowledge and skills of community development workers responsible for the facilitation of projects. The article is based on an evaluation of a nonformal education programme that was developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of community development workers involved in the planning and execution of community-based development projects. © Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, 2012. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901638420 | The impact of nitrogenous and phosphorous nutrients from selected point sources in Kisumu City on River Kisat and Nyalenda Wigwa Stream before their discharge into Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria | Musungu P.C., Lalah J.O., Jondiko I.O., Ongeri D.M.K. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 71 | 12 | 10.1007/s12665-013-2915-9 | Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, City Square, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi, Kenya | Musungu, P.C., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Lalah, J.O., Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, City Square, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Jondiko, I.O., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Ongeri, D.M.K., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya | Various industrial facilities including a fish-processing factory, a matchbox factory, a flour mill and a landfill, all in Kisumu City in Kenya, were studied and found to discharge significant amounts of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, org N, total N and total P into River Kisat and Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, with % increases in the mean levels at the outlets of these facilities ranging from 9.6 to 200, 5.9 to 43.5, 9.3 to 96.1, 8.1 to 35.5 and 9.7 to 50.5 %, respectively. The concentrations of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, NH3-N, org N and total N attributable to these facilities increased by 1,509, 51.1, 112.6, 97.5 and 90.6 %, respectively, at the point of entry into Rive Kisat. The Nyalenda Wastewater Stabilization Ponds reduced the mean levels of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, org N, total N and T-P by 50, 10.4, 16.6, 7.8 and 30.8 %, respectively, indicating low efficacy of their removal and potential impact on water quality in Lake Victoria. The efficacy of the Kisat wastewater treatment plant was also found to be very low with % reductions of the analysed nutrients ranging from 2.82 to 41.30 %. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Environmental assessment; Kisumu City; Lake Victoria; N, P nutrients | Nitrogen oxides; Nutrients; Sewage lagoons; Stabilization ponds; Water quality; Environmental assessment; Industrial facilities; Kisumu City; Lake Victoria; Point of entries; Potential impacts; Wastewater stabilization ponds; Wastewater treatment plants; Lakes; ammonia; environmental assessment; food processing; industrialization; landfill; nitrogen; nitrogen dioxide; nutrient; phosphorus; point source; river pollution; stream; wastewater; water quality; East African Lakes; Kenya; Kisumu; Lake Victoria; Nyanza; Winam Gulf | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349333672 | The impact of nile crocodiles on rural livelihoods in northeastern Namibia | Aust P., Boyle B., Fergusson R., Coulson T. | 2009 | South African Journal of Wildlife Research | 39 | 1 | 10.3957/056.039.0107 | Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Crocodile Conservation and Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag X0001, Ballito, 4420, South Africa | Aust, P., Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Boyle, B., Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Fergusson, R., Crocodile Conservation and Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag X0001, Ballito, 4420, South Africa; Coulson, T., Crocodile Conservation and Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag X0001, Ballito, 4420, South Africa | Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are one of the few dangerous predators regularly found outside protected wildlife areas. This is particularly so In northeastern Namibia where an extensive network of rivers and wetlands coupled with successful conservation measures has allowed crocodile populations to flourish since uncontrolled exploitation ended over three decades ago. This area is predominantly communal land characterized by numerous subsistence communities dependent on river and wetland resources. In recent years, the combination of a growing human population and resurgent crocodile populations has resulted in considerable conflict between humans and crocodiles. The principle objective of this study was to quantify the impact of crocodiles on rural livelihoods. Data were obtained from existing records and through community surveys on the lower Kavango, Chobe and Kwando rivers and upper Zambezi River. Existing estimates suggest an annual loss of ∼255 domestic cattle per year for northeastern Namibia whilst community survey estimates suggest a substantially greater annual loss of ∼6864 cattle per year. Community surveys also revealed conflict between crocodiles and artisinal fishermen, with an estimated 71 500 fishing nets damaged by crocodiles per year. Human-crocodile conflict in Namibia may have greater impacts than previously assumed, and may undermine conservation and development objectives. | Cattle; Conflict; Net damage; Nile crocodile; Northeastern Namibia; Rural livelihoods | conservation; crocodilian; human settlement; nature-society relations; predator; rural population; survey; wetland; Africa; Namibia; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Alligator; Bos; Bos taurus; Crocodylidae (all crocodiles); Crocodylus niloticus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349097741 | The impact of Nigerian business environment on the survival of small-scale ceramic industries: Case study, South-Western Nigeria | Akinbogun T.L. | 2008 | Journal of Asian and African Studies | 43 | 6 | 10.1177/0021909608096659 | Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Design, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Akinbogun, T.L., Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Department of Industrial Design, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | The manufacturing sector at all levels is performing below-expectation in Nigeria. Many sectors, such as ceramic industry, glass industry and textile industry among others, are facing difficult times. The non-performance has been traced mainly to the unfavourable economic environment. A survey of small-scale ceramic enterprises established in south-western Nigeria from post-independence Nigeria of 1960 to 2004 was carried out in this study; their characteristics in terms of the facilities available for production, types of wares produced and current situation were examined. The study examined this against the business environment in Nigeria. It gave suggestions on how the necessary infrastructures and polices that enhance business environment could be harnessed to make small-scale ceramic production viable in Nigeria. © 2008 SAGE Publications. | Business-environment; Business-survival; Ceramics industry; Small-scale industries | business development; ceramics; glass; industrial production; small and medium-sized enterprise; survey; textile industry; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900396430 | The impact of Nigeria microfinance banks on poverty reduction: Imo state experience | Ihugba O.A., Bankong B., Ebomuche N.C. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 16 SPEC.ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n16p97 | Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | Ihugba, O.A., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Bankong, B., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ebomuche, N.C., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | This paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as an effective tool for eradicating poverty and also the history of microfinance banks in Nigeria. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. Micro finance impact on poverty reduction in Imo state was studied by a stratified sampling method in the selection of the customers. The study area was divided into 16 sample units based on the various local government areas in Imo state. Four (4) MFBs were purposefully selected from each of the 3 Senatorial Zones, making a total of 12 MFBs. In order to have unbiased selection of samples, Three Hundred and eighty two questionnaires (382) were randomly distributed to customers of these selected microfinance Banks in the three senatorial Zones as follows, namely: Owerri (82), Okigwe (100) and Orlu (200). The result revealed that majority of respondents were male constituting about 78% while women 22% and majority of the respondents were married (65%), single (33%) divorced (2%). 137 of the respondents do not have any formal education, 67 possess primary school leaving certificate. 81 indicated having secondary school certificate. 71 with diploma/NCE and its equivalent. 28 of them have first degree certificate and above representing 36%, 17%, 21%, 19% and 7% respectively. The monthly income brackets of the respondents show that One hundred and eleven (111) respondents (29%) indicated earning N10,000 N15,000, 95 respondents or 25% indicated N15,001 - N20,000 as their income bracket, 94 or 24% were earning above N20,000, while 84 (22%) indicated earning below N10,000. From the result, high income class has more capacity to save than poor dwelling in rural areas. The finding appears to support the predication of Economics theory of savings which argues that saving is a function of the level of income. The implication of this study is that the federal government of Nigeria and financial institutions in the country should take up the challenge of establishing bank branches in the rural areas or make formidable arrangement for supplying more credit to the rural dwellers. | Micro credit; Micro finance; Poverty reduction | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000305234200008 | The impact of NERICA adoption on productivity and poverty of the small-scale rice farmers in the Gambia | Diagne, Aliou,Dibba, Lamin,Fialor, Simon C.,Nimoh, Fred | 2012 | FOOD SECURITY | 4 | 2 | 10.1007/s12571-012-0180-5 | Africa Rice Ctr AfricaRice, KNUST, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, NARI | None | The study assessed the causal effects of NERICA adoption on rice yields and income, using country-wide data of 600 rice farmers in The Gambia. To control for differences in socio-demographic and environmental characteristics of adopters and non-adopters and enable a causal interpretation of NERICA adoption on the variables of interest, the study used the counterfactual outcome framework to control for such differences. The results, based on observed sample estimates, showed significant differences in rice yields and income between the NERICA adopters and non-adopters. Further, the results of the framework, based on the Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) estimates, which allowed a causal interpretation, showed that NERICA adoption significantly increased average rice yields and annual income of small-scale rice farmers by 157 kg per hectare and $148, respectively. | "causal effects",HETEROGENEITY,IMPACT,NERICA,"potential outcomes","THE GAMBIA","AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY",MODELS,PROPENSITY-SCORE,WEST-AFRICA | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955467685 | The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on patients with locally advanced breast cancer in a Nigerian semiurban teaching hospital: A single-center descriptive study | Arowolo O.A., Akinkuolie A.A., Lawal O.O., Alatise O.I., Salako A.A., Adisa A.O. | 2010 | World Journal of Surgery | 34 | 8 | 10.1007/s00268-010-0617-y | Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria | Arowolo, O.A., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria; Akinkuolie, A.A., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria; Lawal, O.O., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria; Alatise, O.I., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria; Salako, A.A., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria; Adisa, A.O., Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria | Background: There is a paucity of data on the response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant c in low-resources developing African countries such as Nigeria. We therefore decided to study the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on breast cancer patients in Nigeria in the light of constrained resources. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective descriptive study. Sixty-two patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the last 24 years in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, constituted the study population. The outcome measures were clinical tumor response, disease-free survival, overall survival, and chemotherapy toxicity profile. Results: Patients ranged in age from 30 to 85 years (mean = 49.1 ± SD 12.7 years) and included one male. After three cycles of chemotherapy, complete clinical response was observed in 4 patients (6.5%), partial clinical response in 28 patients (45.2%), no clinically measurable response in 24 patients (38.7%), and progressive disease in 6 patients (9.7%). Forty-one patients completed six cycles, of which 9 patients (22.0%) had complete clinical response and 12 patients (29.3%) had partial clinical response. Four of 30 patients (13.3%) with tumor size of 6-10 cm had complete clinical response, while no patient with a tumor bigger than 10 cm had complete clinical response. Of the 62 patients, 42 were followed up for more than 1 year. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 66.7, 42.9, and 11.9%, respectively The median follow-up period was 9 months and the disease-free survival and overall survival rates at median follow-up period were 45 and 37%, respectively. Conclusion: There was a poor overall clinical response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Black population studied. Late presentation with large tumor mass may be accountable for this. © 2010 Société Internationale de Chirurgie. | None | antineoplastic agent; cyclophosphamide; doxorubicin; fluorouracil; adjuvant chemotherapy; adjuvant therapy; adult; aged; article; breast tumor; female; human; male; middle aged; mortality; Nigeria; pathology; retrospective study; survival rate; teaching hospital; treatment outcome; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms, Male; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Female; Fluorouracil; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Nigeria; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947168167 | The impact of neighbourhood-level factors on children's everyday lives, well-being and identity: A qualitative study of children living in Ocean View, Cape Town | Moses S. | 2006 | Social Dynamics | 32 | 1 | 10.1080/02533950608628721 | Social Surveys Unit (SSU), Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Moses, S., Social Surveys Unit (SSU), Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Drawing on qualitative data generated overfifteen months by children aged six to eighteen, this article explores the ways in which neighbourhood and community spaces of Ocean View impact on the lives of children living there. The article draws particular attention to the way in which the legacy of Ocean View's particular socio-political history continues to impact on children, through the interaction of physical, social and economic features which limit their everyday lives to the spaces and people within Ocean View. This affects children's access to resources, hampers integration, and impacts on their self and collective-efficacy. Children's individual preferences, skills and personalities are shown to affect how they cope with difficulties and respond to available opportunities and supports. The article draws attention to how children generate their social environment and attach meaning to physical spaces around them, emphasising the variety and creativity of the tactics they employ to negotiate their everyday environments. Finally the article argues that by failing to recognise the specific and dynamic processes in which children's social networks are embedded, traditional approaches to understanding neighbourhood effects(such as social capital and social disorganisation theories) over-simplify and over-generalise the operation of social dynamics. I argue for moving away from focussing on the impact of discrete neighbourhood features to a focus on the environmental processes that benefit children. This requires a broader approach to researching 'neighbourhood effects' which encompasses children's perceptions and agency, internal and external power dynamics, and the interaction of socio-political, physical, and economic aspects of children's environments. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863723442 | The impact of nanoclay on the crystal growth kinetics and morphology of biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) composite | Bandyopadhyay J., Ray S.S., Scriba M., Malwela T. | 2012 | Polymer (United Kingdom) | 53 | 16 | 10.1016/j.polymer.2012.06.014 | DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 1-Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Chemical Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa | Bandyopadhyay, J., DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 1-Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Ray, S.S., DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 1-Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Department of Chemical Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scriba, M., DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 1-Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Malwela, T., DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 1-Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The impact of nanoclay on the isothermal crystal growth kinetics and morphology of biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) is reported. A PES composite (PESNC) containing 5 wt% organically modified montmorillonite, was prepared via solvent casting method. The structural study of PESNC, using X-ray diffraction and optical microscope, showed the formation of micro-intercalated composite. The isothermal crystallization behavior of neat PES and PESNC was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical and atomic force microscopes. Results show that the supercooling effect of neat PES reduces after composite formation. The Lauritzen-Hoffman secondary nucleation theory (the LH-model) was employed to understand the crystal growth mechanism of these systems. According to the LH-model, only one transition between regime II and regime III was found, but no transition from regime I to II was detected. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Crystal growth kinetic and morphology; Nanocomposite; Poly(ethylene sucinate) | Atomic force microscope (AFM); Composite formation; Crystal growth mechanism; Isothermal crystallization; Nano clays; Optical microscopes; Organically modified montmorillonite; Poly(ethylene succinate); Poly(ethylene sucinate); Secondary nucleation; Solvent casting method; Structural studies; Atomic force microscopy; Differential scanning calorimetry; Ethylene; Isotherms; Kinetics; Morphology; Nanocomposites; X ray diffraction; Crystal growth | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952156767 | The Impact of Multinational Corporations on The Nigerian Economy | Ozoigbo B.I., Chukuezi C.O. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 19 | 3 | None | Directorate of General Studies, Federal University of Technology, P. M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Directorate of General Studies, Federal University of Technology, P. M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Ozoigbo, B.I., Directorate of General Studies, Federal University of Technology, P. M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Chukuezi, C.O., Directorate of General Studies, Federal University of Technology, P. M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | The paper examines the activities of multinational corporations (MNCs) in Nigeria. It looks at the stand of some Nigerian political economists who view MNCs as one of the determinants of backwardness in Nigerian economy. These economists believe that MNCs are exploitative. According to them, the natural resources of Nigeria should in the first instance be for the benefit and development of Nigeria but this objective is not realized as a result of the exploitative tendencies and practices of the MNCs. The paper also x-rays the nature, objective and operations of the MNCs. It argues that although MNCs have some negative tendencies, however they contribute positively in the areas of technological development and employment opportunities. | Corporations; Economy; Impact; Multinational; Nigeria | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938574028 | The impact of multimorbidity on adult physical and mental health in low- and middle-income countries: What does the study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE) reveal? | Arokiasamy P., Uttamacharya U., Jain K., Biritwum R.B., Yawson A.E., Wu F., Guo Y., Maximova T., Espinoza B.M., Salinas Rodríguez A., Afshar S., Pati S., Ice G., Banerjee S., Liebert M.A., Snodgrass J.J., Naidoo N., Chatterji S., Kowal P. | 2015 | BMC Medicine | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12916-015-0402-8 | International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India; Department of Community Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shanghai, China; Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (RAMS), Moscow, Russian Federation; National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Centre for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, United Kingdom; Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Public Health Foundation of India, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Ohio University, Department of Social Medicine and Director of Global Health, Athens, OH, United States; Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom; University of Oregon, Department of Anthropology, Eugene, OR, United States; World Health Organization, Statistics Measurement and Analysis Unit, Geneva, Switzerland; World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), Geneva, Switzerland; University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Newcastle, NSW, Australia | Arokiasamy, P., International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India; Uttamacharya, U., International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India; Jain, K., International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India; Biritwum, R.B., Department of Community Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Yawson, A.E., Department of Community Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Wu, F., Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shanghai, China; Guo, Y., Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shanghai, China; Maximova, T., Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (RAMS), Moscow, Russian Federation; Espinoza, B.M., National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Centre for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Salinas Rodríguez, A., National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Centre for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Afshar, S., Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, United Kingdom; Pati, S., Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Public Health Foundation of India, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Ice, G., Ohio University, Department of Social Medicine and Director of Global Health, Athens, OH, United States; Banerjee, S., Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom; Liebert, M.A., University of Oregon, Department of Anthropology, Eugene, OR, United States; Snodgrass, J.J., University of Oregon, Department of Anthropology, Eugene, OR, United States; Naidoo, N., World Health Organization, Statistics Measurement and Analysis Unit, Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), Geneva, Switzerland; Chatterji, S., World Health Organization, Statistics Measurement and Analysis Unit, Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), Geneva, Switzerland; Kowal, P., World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), Geneva, Switzerland, University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Newcastle, NSW, Australia | Background: Chronic diseases contribute a large share of disease burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Chronic diseases have a tendency to occur simultaneously and where there are two or more such conditions, this is termed as 'multimorbidity'. Multimorbidity is associated with adverse health outcomes, but limited research has been undertaken in LMICs. Therefore, this study examines the prevalence and correlates of multimorbidity as well as the associations between multimorbidity and self-rated health, activities of daily living (ADLs), quality of life, and depression across six LMICs. Methods: Data was obtained from the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave-1 (2007/10). This was a cross-sectional population based survey performed in LMICs, namely China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa, including 42,236 adults aged 18 years and older. Multimorbidity was measured as the simultaneous presence of two or more of eight chronic conditions including angina pectoris, arthritis, asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, and vision impairment. Associations with four health outcomes were examined, namely ADL limitation, self-rated health, depression, and a quality of life index. Random-intercept multilevel regression models were used on pooled data from the six countries. Results: The prevalence of morbidity and multimorbidity was 54.2 % and 21.9 %, respectively, in the pooled sample of six countries. Russia had the highest prevalence of multimorbidity (34.7 %) whereas China had the lowest (20.3 %). The likelihood of multimorbidity was higher in older age groups and was lower in those with higher socioeconomic status. In the pooled sample, the prevalence of 1+ ADL limitation was 14 %, depression 5.7 %, self-rated poor health 11.6 %, and mean quality of life score was 54.4. Substantial cross-country variations were seen in the four health outcome measures. The prevalence of 1+ ADL limitation, poor self-rated health, and depression increased whereas quality of life declined markedly with an increase in number of diseases. Conclusions: Findings highlight the challenge of multimorbidity in LMICs, particularly among the lower socioeconomic groups, and the pressing need for reorientation of health care resources considering the distribution of multimorbidity and its adverse effect on health outcomes. © 2015 Arokiasamy et al. | Activities of daily living; Low- and middle-income countries; Mental health; Multimorbidity; Non-communicable diseases; Quality of life | ADL disability; adult; age; aged; aging; angina pectoris; arthritis; Article; asthma; cerebrovascular accident; China; chronic lung disease; correlation analysis; cross-sectional study; daily life activity; depression; diabetes mellitus; disease association; female; Ghana; health care need; health care system; health status; human; hypertension; India; lowest income group; major clinical study; male; mental health; Mexico; middle aged; morbidity; multimorbidity; physical capacity; prevalence; quality of life; regression analysis; Russian Federation; self evaluation; social status; South Africa; visual impairment; young adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879355282 | The impact of multi-criteria performance measurement on business performance improvement | Moges Kasie F., Moges Belay A. | 2013 | Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management | 6 | 2 | 10.3926/jiem.489 | Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Norwegian University of Science and Technology Design Engineering and Material, Norway | Moges Kasie, F., Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Moges Belay, A., Norwegian University of Science and Technology Design Engineering and Material, Norway | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between multi-criteria performance measurement (MCPM) practice and business performance improvement using the raw data collected from 33 selected manufacturing companies. In addition, it proposes modified MCPM model as an effective approach to improve business performance of manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach: Research paper. Primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaire survey, interview and observation of records. The methodology is to evaluate business performances of sampled manufacturing companies and the extent of utilization of crucial financial (lagging) and non-financial (leading) performance measures. The positive correlation between financial business performance and practice of MCPM is clearly shown using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. Findings: This research paper indicates that companies which measure their performance using important financial and non-financial measures achieve better business performance. Even though certain companies are currently using non-financial measures, the researchers have learned that these non-financial measures were not integrated with each other, financial measures and strategic objectives. Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this paper is that the number of surveyed companies is small to make generalization and they are found in a single country. Future research which incorporates a large number of companies from various developing nations is suggested to overcome the limitation of this research. Practical implications: The paper shows that multi-dimensional performance measures with inclusion of key leading indicator are essential to predict the future business environment. But cost-accounting based financial measures are inadequate to do so. These are shown practically using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. Originality/value: The significance of multi-dimensional performance measures for business improvement in developing countries has been an issue among researchers. The originality of the paper is evident in the proposal of MCPM model, considering problems being faced by some manufacturing firms leading to low performance. | Benchmark; Business performance; Manufacturing; Performance improvement; Performance measure | Benchmark; Business performance; Business performance improvements; Design/methodology/approach; Pearson's correlation coefficients; Performance improvements; Performance measure; Performance measurements; Commerce; Correlation methods; Cost accounting; Developing countries; Finance; Industry; Manufacture; Research; Surveys; Benchmarking | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644474697 | The impact of Mpererwe landfill in Kampala - Uganda, on the surrounding environment | Mwiganga M., Kansiime F. | 2005 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 30 | 11-16 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.pce.2005.08.016 | Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Mwiganga, M., Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kansiime, F., Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Mpererwe landfill site receives solid wastes from the city of Kampala, Uganda. This study was carried out to assess and evaluate the appropriateness of the location and operation of this landfill, to determine the composition of the solid waste dumped at the landfill and the extent of contamination of landfill leachate to the neighbouring environment (water, soil and plants). Field observations and laboratory measurements were carried out to determine the concentration of nutrients, metals and numbers of bacteriological indicators in the landfill leachate. The landfill is not well located as it is close to a residential area (<200 m) and cattle farms. It is also located upstream of a wetland. The landfill generates nuisances like bad odour; there is scattering of waste by scavenger birds, flies and vermin. Industrial and hospital wastes are disposed of at the landfill without pre-treatment. The concentration of variables (nutrients, bacteriological indicators, BOD and heavy metals) in the leachate were higher than those recommended in the National Environment Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water and on Land. A composite sample that was taken 1500 m down stream indicated that the wetland considerably reduced the concentration of the parameters that were measured except for sulfides. Despite the fact that there was accumulation of metals in the sediments, the concentration has not reached toxic levels to humans. Soil and plant analyses indicated deficiencies of zinc and copper. The concentration of these elements was lowest in the leachate canal. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Contamination; Environmental impact; Kampala; Mpererwe landfill; Solid wastes; Uganda | Composition; Contamination; Land fill; Leachate treatment; Sediments; Solid wastes; Waste disposal; Wetlands; Kampala, Uganda; Mpererwe landfill; Environmental impact; environmental impact; landfill; leachate; pollution control; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda; World; Aves; Bos taurus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940947761 | The impact of motivations, personal values and management skills on the performance of SMEs in South Africa | Asah F., Fatoki O.O., Rungani E. | 2015 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 6 | 3 | 10.1108/AJEMS-01-2013-0009 | Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | Asah, F., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Fatoki, O.O., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa; Rungani, E., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of motivation, personal values and managerial skills of managers on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through the use of self-administered questionnaire in a survey. Data analysis included factor analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Findings – The findings revealed significant positive relationships between motivations, personal values and managerial skills of SME owners on performance. Research limitations/implications – Access to external finance (debt or equity) is one of the factors that can impact on the performance of growing SMEs. The non-accessibility of debt finance from commercial banks and trade creditors is seen as one of the major contributing factors to the failure of SMEs in South Africa. This study did not link access to finance to performance. Practical implications – The failure rate of SMEs is very high in South Africa. The study suggests that SME owners should incorporate values and improve management skills. In addition, SMEs that are motivated by opportunity have a better chance of survival. Social implications – To reduce unemployment and poverty in South Africa. Originality/value – This study adds to the understanding of the relationship between of personal values, motivations and management skills of managers and the performance of SMEs from a developing country perspective. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Managerial skills; Motivations; Personal values; SMEs performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249793226 | The impact of motivation on student's academic achievement and learning outcomes in mathematics among secondary school students in Nigeria | Tella A. | 2007 | Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education | 3 | 2 | None | Osun State College of Education, School of Science, Department of Mathematics, P.O. Box 207, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria | Tella, A., Osun State College of Education, School of Science, Department of Mathematics, P.O. Box 207, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria | In our match towards scientific and technological advancement, we need nothing short of good performance in mathematics at all levels of schooling. In an effort to achieve this, this study investigated the impact of motivation on students' school academic achievement in mathematics in secondary schools using motivation for academic preference scale (α = 0.82) as a measuring instrument and achievement test in mathematics (ATM) Two hypotheses were tested for significant at 0.05 margin of error using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) Results showed that gender difference were significant when impact of motivation on academic achievement was compared in male and female students. Also other result indicates significant difference when extent of motivation was taken as variable of interest on academic achievement in mathematics based on the degree of their motivation. Implications, suggestions and recommendations on students, parents, government, counsellors, educational stakeholders, etc were discussed. Copyright © 2007 by Moment. | Academic achievement; Learning outcome; Mathematics; Motivation; Nigeria; Secondary school students | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865742272 | The impact of mothers' knowledge on the immunisation of children younger than five in ga-rankuwa, South Africa | Wright S.C.D., Maja T.M.M., Furaha S.A. | 2011 | Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | 13 | 2 | None | Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa | Wright, S.C.D., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa; Maja, T.M.M., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa; Furaha, S.A., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa | Routine immunisation at an appropriate age is the best means of averting vaccine-preventable diseases. Though the immunisation coverage rates for all nine provinces in South Africa are available, these are not available for smaller locations, such as Ga-Rankuwa, in the Gauteng province of South Africa (hereafter Gauteng). The main problem addressed by this study was the unavailability of immunisation coverage rate for Ga-Rankuwa, based on the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). Information was also lacking about mothers' knowledge regarding immunisation and barriers they encountered to immunise their children younger than five. Data were gathered by direct observation of the Road-to-Health charts (n = 926) of children in Ga-Rankuwa. The mothers' knowledge levels were estimated by using structured interview schedules. Of the children, 46.1% (n = 426) missed one or more immunisations according to the schedule. The 60 month coverage rate was only 19.0%. Some mothers (59.8%) only used the Road-to-Health chart for the child's weight and 31.4% were unable to interpret the chart. Community-specific interventions, based on the evidence generated by the study, are urgently required to enhance the immunisation coverage in Ga-Rankuwa. © ISSN 1682-5055. | Children younger than five; Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI); Ga-Rankuwa; Immunisation coverage; Mothers' immunisation knowledge; Primary Health Care (PHC) | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955079958 | The impact of Moringa oleifera as a coagulant aid on the removal of trihalomethane (THM) precursors and iron from drinking water | Kalibbala H.M., Wahlberg O., Hawumba T.J. | 2009 | Water Science and Technology: Water Supply | 9 | 6 | 10.2166/ws.2009.671 | Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Teknikringen 30, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Kalibbala, H.M., Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Wahlberg, O., Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Teknikringen 30, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; Hawumba, T.J., Department of Biochemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Chlorine is used as a disinfectant and an oxidant in drinking water treatment to protect the public health from pathogenic microorganisms. However, if applied to raw water with humic materials, it leads to the formation of halogenated organic compounds that are a potentially serious environmental and health problem. This renders pre-chlorination of raw waters to oxidise iron inappropriate. Coagulation, the principal treatment process for removal of THM precursors, is therefore essential for chlorination by-product control. In this study, the impact of pre-chlorination and the performance of Moringa oleifera as a coagulant aid at Masaka waterworks were assessed. An average increase of trihalomethanes of over 4,000% at aeration and pre-chlorination stage was observed at the plant. From the jar tests, alum with Moringa oleifera reduced dissolved organic concentration by 47.1%. The treated water after sedimentation tasted salty but after filtration and chlorination, the salty taste disappeared. Residual iron values of 1.38 mg/L and 3.05 mg/L were achieved with MOC-SC as coagulant aid and alum alone respectively. The jar test results indicated that use of alum with Moringa oleifera as coagulant aid is promising as a first stage in the treatment train for waters with humic materials and high content of iron. © IWA Publishing 2009. | Coagulant aid; Iron; Moringa oleifera; Pre-chlorination; Taste; THM precursors | Chlorination byproducts; Drinking water; Drinking water treatment; Halogenated organic compounds; High-content; Humic materials; Jar test; Moringa oleifera; Pathogenic microorganisms; Prechlorination; Public health; Raw water; Treatment process; Trihalomethanes; Chemical water treatment; Chlorination; Chlorine; Coagulation; Dissolution; Microorganisms; Potable water; Water filtration; Water recycling; Water supply; Chemicals removal (water treatment); drinking water; iron; Moringa oleifera extract; trihalomethane; chlorination; coagulation; dicotyledon; drinking water; health impact; iron; organic pollutant; organohalogen; performance assessment; pollutant removal; sedimentation; water treatment; aeration; article; chlorination; concentration (parameters); electric conductivity; filtration; Moringa oleifera; nonhuman; pH; precursor; preservation; quality control; sedimentation; taste; turbidity; water quality; water treatment; Moringa oleifera | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868336187 | The impact of morbidity on food intake in rural Kenyan children | Neumann C.G., Marquardt M., Bwibo N.O. | 2012 | South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition | 25 | 3 | None | Departments of Community Health Sciences and Pediatrics, UCLA Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of California, United States; Emergency Medicine, Martin General Hospital, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Neumann, C.G., Departments of Community Health Sciences and Pediatrics, UCLA Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of California, United States; Marquardt, M., Emergency Medicine, Martin General Hospital, United States; Bwibo, N.O., Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Objective: To quantify the effect of common illnesses on energy intake in rural Kenyan children. Design, setting and subjects: Toddlers in rural Kenya (n = 110) were studied longitudinally from 18-30 months of age in the mid-1980s. Outcome measures: Morbidity data were collected weekly using an illness questionnaire and physical inspection. Food intake was quantitatively assessed on two successive days each month. Food intake on days of illness was compared to food intake on days of wellness and during convalescence. Results: Significant decreases in mean daily energy intake were seen between days of wellness vs. days of severe illness. Above usual intake was observed during convalescence. Girls showed a greater reduction in intake during illness compared to boys. Food intake reductions were greatest in children with gastrointestinal (diarrhoea) and lower respiratory tract infections, measles and other febrile illnesses. In the case of severe illness, a compensatory increase in intake during week one of the convalescence period was observed, being greater in girls (376 kcal vs. 71 kcal extra per day for boys). Conclusion: Food intake is decreased during common acute illnesses in children and increased above their usual intake during convalescence. Food should not be withheld from sick children and feeding should be actively encouraged during illness, particularly during convalescence with the return of appetite. These data, although somewhat dated, are still applicable to toddlers in rural Africa where malnutrition and feeding practices have changed very little. © SAJCN. | Food intake; Kenya; Morbidity | appetite; article; caloric intake; child nutrition; convalescence; diarrhea; female; food intake; human; infant; Kenya; lower respiratory tract infection; major clinical study; male; morbidity; questionnaire; rural population | None |
WoS | WOS:000254928900015 | The impact of monitoring HIV patients prior to treatment in resource-poor settings: Insights from mathematical modelling | Dube, Sabada,Garnett, Geoff P.,Gregson, Simon,Hallett, Timothy B. | 2008 | PLOS MEDICINE | 5 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050053 | Imperial College London, Biomed Res & Training Inst | "Dube, Sabada: Imperial College London","Garnett, Geoff P.: Imperial College London","Hallett, Timothy B.: Imperial College London", | Background
The roll-out of antiretroviral treatment ( ART) in developing countries concentrates on finding patients currently in need, but over time many HIV-infected individuals will be identified who will require treatment in the future. We investigated the potential influence of alternative patient management and ART initiation strategies on the impact of ART programmes in subSaharan Africa.
Methods and Findings
We developed a stochastic mathematical model representing disease progression, diagnosis, clinical monitoring, and survival in a cohort of 1,000 hypothetical HIV-infected individuals in Africa. If individuals primarily enter ART programmes when symptomatic, the model predicts that only 25% will start treatment and, on average, 6 life-years will be saved per person treated. If individuals are recruited to programmes while still healthy and are frequently monitored, and CD4(+) cell counts are used to help decide when to initiate ART, three times as many are expected to be treated, and average life-years saved among those treated increases to 15. The impact of programmes can be improved further by performing a second CD4(+) cell count when the initial value is close to the threshold for starting treatment, maintaining high patient follow-up rates, and prioritising monitoring the oldest ( >= 35 y) and most immune- suppressed patients ( CD4(+) cell count <= 350). Initiating ART at higher CD4(+) cell counts than WHO recommends leads to more life-years saved, but disproportionately more years spent on ART.
Conclusions
The overall impact of ART programmes will be limited if rates of diagnosis are low and individuals enter care too late. Frequently monitoring individuals at all stages of HIV infection and using CD4(+) cell count information to determine when to start treatment can maximise the impact of ART. | ,AIDS,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DISEASE,"HIV-1-INFECTED PATIENTS","INCOME COUNTRIES","INFECTED ADULTS","LYMPHOCYTE COUNTS",PROGRESSION,UGANDA,ZIMBABWE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960699194 | The impact of mode of acquisition on biological markers of paediatric hepatitis C virus infection | England K., Thorne C., Harris H., Ramsay M., Newell M.-L. | 2011 | Journal of Viral Hepatitis | 18 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01128.x | MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Immunisation Department, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, United Kingdom; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa | England, K., MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Thorne, C., MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Harris, H., Immunisation Department, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, United Kingdom; Ramsay, M., Immunisation Department, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, United Kingdom; Newell, M.-L., MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Despite the introduction of blood donor screening, worldwide, children continue to become infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) via un-sterile medical injections, receipt of unscreened blood and isolated hospital contamination outbreaks. It is plausible that the natural history and disease progression in these children might differ from that of their vertically infected counterparts. Vertically and parenterally HCV-infected children were prospectively followed within the European Paediatric HCV Network and the UK National HCV Register, respectively. Biological profiles were compared. Vertically and parenterally HCV-infected children differed in terms of some key characteristics including the male to female ratio and the proportion of children receiving therapy. Parenterally infected children were more likely to have at least one hepatomegaly event during follow-up, 20%vs 10%. Parenteral infection did not significantly affect the odds of being consistently viraemic (AOR 1.14, P = 0.703) and there was no significant difference in the odds of having consistently elevated ALT levels and mode of acquisition (AOR 0.83, P = 0.748). The proportion of children with 2 or more markers of HCV infection did not differ significantly by mode of acquisition (χ 2 1.13, P = 0.288). This analysis does not support substantial differences between vertically and parenterally infected groups, but there are specific mechanisms identified requiring further investigation. Given the continued parenteral infection of children worldwide, it is vital that knowledge of disease progression in this group is accurate and that the differences in comparison with vertically infected children are clarified to inform more accurate and individualized clinical management. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | biological markers; children; hepatitis C virus; mode of acquisition | alanine aminotransferase; biological marker; accuracy; alanine aminotransferase blood level; article; blood donor; child; disease course; epidemic; female; follow up; hepatitis C; hepatomegaly; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; prospective study; vertical transmission; viral contamination; viremia; Adolescent; Alanine Transaminase; Biological Markers; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Genotype; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Interferon-alpha; Logistic Models; Male; RNA, Viral; Sex Ratio; Viremia | None |
None | None | The impact of mobility on HIV control: A modelling study | Vissers D.C.J., De Vlas S.J., Bakker R., Urassa M., Voeten H.A.C.M., Habbema J.D.F. | 2011 | Epidemiology and Infection | 139 | 12 | 10.1017/S0950268811000069 | Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania | Vissers, D.C.J., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; De Vlas, S.J., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bakker, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Voeten, H.A.C.M., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Habbema, J.D.F., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands | Mobility is associated with HIV due to more risky sexual behaviour of mobile groups such as travellers and migrants. Limited participation of such groups may reduce the effectiveness of HIV interventions disproportionally. The established STDSIM model, which simulates transmission and control of HIV and STD, was extended to simulate mobility patterns based on data from Tanzania. We explored the impact of non-participation of mobile groups (travellers and recent migrants) on the effectiveness of two interventions: condom promotion and health education aiming at partner reduction. If mobile groups do not participate, the effectiveness of both interventions could be reduced by 40%. The impact of targeting travellers with a combined HIV campaign is close to that of a general population intervention. In conclusion, it is important to account for possible non-participation of migrants and travellers. If non-participation is substantial, impact of interventions can be greatly improved by actively approaching these people. © 2011 Cambridge University Press. | Control; HIV; migration; modelling; travel | adolescent; adult; article; condom; controlled study; female; health promotion; high risk behavior; HIV education; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; intervention study; male; migration; prevalence; safe sex; sexual behavior; simulation; social participation; Adolescent; Adult; Computer Simulation; Emigration and Immigration; Female; Health Promotion; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Program Evaluation; Risk-Taking; Tanzania; Travel; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900528072 | The impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion in Zimbabwe: A case for Masvingo province | Mago S., Chitokwindo S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p221 | University of Fort Hare, P.O Bo X1314, Alice, South Africa; Agricultural Banking Corporation (Agribank), Hurudza House, 5680 Hughes St P.O. Box 211, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Mago, S., University of Fort Hare, P.O Bo X1314, Alice, South Africa; Chitokwindo, S., Agricultural Banking Corporation (Agribank), Hurudza House, 5680 Hughes St P.O. Box 211, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion in Zimbabwe. Financial inclusion is an urgent issue because of great numbers of 'unbanked' people in developing countries. The unemployed and low income people find themselves excluded from financial services offered by financial institutions due to access barriers. The paper adopts a qualitative research methodology and a survey design. The survey covered Masvingo district in Zimbabwe. Literature sources were also used to strengthen the field survey findings. The results revealed that the low income people are willing to adopt mobile banking and the reasons are that it is easily accessible, convenient, cheaper, easy to use and secure. Recommendations made are that there is need for the Central bank to supervise non-bank led mobile banking models and manage their cash holding limits and cost structures. The poor people have been traditionally located in the informal sector where they hardly enjoy banking services. With mobile banking, they can now enjoy the same basket of financial services through mobile banking. The mobile banking system is definitely ideal for the remote areas given that it is an easily accessible, cheaper, more convenient and faster means of sending and receiving money. Financial activity is increased in the rural areas and therefore economic growth is boosted. | 'Unbanked' Zimbabwe; Financial exclusion; Financial Inclusion; Microfinance; Mobile banking | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-52649089673 | The impact of mixed fleet hauling on mining operations at Venetia mine | Krzyzanowska J. | 2007 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 107 | 4 | None | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Krzyzanowska, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Venetia Mine, an open-pit diamond mining operation in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, currently has a mixed haul truck fleet consisting of Caterpillar 785B and C; 789C; modified 793D and 793D. Even in an ideal situation these trucks have different cycle times, which causes queuing at the loading area and their different speeds cause bunching on the ramps, leading to higher overall cycle times and lower productivity. This problem was identified but the root causes of the problem were not investigated and quantified. A time and motion study on the haul trucks was thus undertaken to measure actual cycle times and compare them to ideal cycle times as well as to observe any reasons for deviations. Ideal cycle times are partly evaluated on the basis of simulation and partly from production optimization expert input. Several areas that affect production were identified and these include: haul road conditions, the control room, dispatching programme and dispatching data management, as well as truck-shovel matching. The investigation was important in establishing control parameters for haul fleet operation since time spent queuing is production time lost, which defers waste tonnes to later in the life of mine, thus decreasing the tempo at which kimberlite is exposed. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2007. | None | Control parameters; Control rooms; Cycle times; Data management; Diamond mining; Different speeds; Haul trucks; Haul-road conditions; Loading area; Mining operations; Motion study; Open pits; Production Optimization; Production time; Root causes; South Africa; Automobiles; Control system analysis; Control theory; Diamonds; Fleet operations; Management information systems; Mine trucks; Mines; Mining; Mining engineering; Open pit mining; Parameter estimation; Solid wastes; Trucks; Time and motion study | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899626945 | The impact of missing data on clinical trials: A re-analysis of a placebo controlled trial of Hypericum perforatum (St Johns wort) and sertraline in major depressive disorder | Grobler A.C., Matthews G., Molenberghs G. | 2014 | Psychopharmacology | 231 | 9 | 10.1007/s00213-013-3344-x | Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Durban 4013, South Africa; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; I-BioStat, Universiteit Hasselt, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | Grobler, A.C., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Durban 4013, South Africa; Matthews, G., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Molenberghs, G., I-BioStat, Universiteit Hasselt, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | Rationale and objective: Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) is used to treat depression, but the effectiveness has not been established. Recent guidelines described the analysis of clinical trials with missing data, inspiring the reanalysis of this trial using proper missing data methods. The objective was to determine whether hypericum was superior to placebo in treating major depression. Methods: A placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted for 8 weeks to determine the effectiveness of hypericum or sertraline in reducing depression, measured using the Hamilton depression scale. We performed sensitivity analyses under different assumptions about the missing data process. Results: Three hundred forty participants were randomized, with 28 % lost to follow-up. The missing data mechanism was not missing completely at random. Under missing at random assumptions, some sensitivity analyses found no difference between either treatment arm and placebo, while some sensitivity analyses found a significant difference from baseline to week 8 between sertraline and placebo (-1.28, 95 % credible interval [-2.48; -0.08]), but not between hypericum and placebo (0.56, [-0.64;1.76]). The results were similar when the missing data process was assumed to be missing not at random. Conclusions: There is no difference between hypericum and placebo, regardless of the assumption about the missing data process. There is a significant difference between sertraline and placebo with some statistical methods used. It is important to conduct an analysis that takes account of missing data using valid statistically principled methods. The assumptions about the missing data process could influence the results. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Antidepressant; Bayesian; Hamilton depression scale; Herbal medicine; Hypericum perforatum; Missing at random; Missing not at random; Multiple imputation; Sertraline; St John's wort | Hypericum perforatum extract; placebo; sertraline; article; comparative effectiveness; data analysis; drug efficacy; Hamilton scale; human; information processing; major clinical study; major depression; maximum likelihood method; missing data; multiple imputation method; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; randomized controlled trial (topic); sensitivity analysis; statistical analysis; validation process | N01MH70007, NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886792427 | The Impact of Mine Downscaling on the Free State Goldfields | Marais L. | 2013 | Urban Forum | 24 | 4 | 10.1007/s12132-013-9191-3 | Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Marais, L., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Mine downscaling is a common international phenomenon; and the deindustrialisation related to mining that occurred in the global north between 1960 and 1990 has been the focus of numerous studies. Mine downscaling in Africa, and more specifically in South Africa, has only risen to prominence in the last two decades. This paper examines the consequences of mine downscaling in the Free State Goldfields of South Africa, against the background of similar impacts in the international arena. Although many of the experiences recorded in the case study mirror the international experience, it is argued that it is probably unrealistic to expect local attempts alone to address mine downscaling, since the magnitude of such downscaling, as described in the paper, is too vast. Subsequently, the paper argues in favour of local partnerships, but with a national strategy for locations that have been affected by the impact of mine downscaling. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Free State Goldfields; Impacts; Matjhabeng; Mine closure; Mine downscaling | closure; deindustrialization; downscaling; gold mine; mining; national strategy; Free State; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952629430 | The impact of migrant remittances on household welfare in rural Nigeria | Olowa O.W. | 2009 | Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Agriculture Education (Tech.), Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Olowa, O.W., Department of Agriculture Education (Tech.), Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Records on remittances by Central Bank of Nigeria shows an increasing trends since 2002. These huge flows of remittances are made up of millions private receiver households. The study examine the impacts of these remittances on household welfare in rural Nigeria using the Nigeria living standard statistics 2003/2004 wave by the bureau of stastistics. The result of the regression analysis revealed among other things that remittances help to reduce the effects of poverty and that remittances are counter-cyclical. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Household; Nigeria; Poverty; Remittances; Welfare | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898855179 | The impact of microinsurance on household asset accumulation in Ghana: An asset index approach | Akotey J.O., Adjasi C. | 2014 | Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance: Issues and Practice | 39 | 2 | 10.1057/gpp.2014.6 | University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Akotey, J.O., University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Adjasi, C., University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the link between microinsurance services and households' asset accumulation in Ghana. Using FINSCOPE data from the nation-wide household surveys conducted by FinMark Trust, we created a household asset index using the multiple correspondence analysis approach. We employed three methods: Heckman sample selection, instrumental variable and treatment effects models to estimate the impact of microinsurance on household asset accumulation. These models control for the problem of endogeneity treatment effects and self-selection bias associated with the usage of microinsurance services. The findings show that microinsurance has a positive welfare impact in terms of household asset accumulation. This suggests that microinsurance prevents asset pawning and liquidation of essential household assets at "give away" prices. By absorbing the risk of low-income households, insurance equips them to cope effectively with risk, empowers them to escape poverty and sustains the welfare gains achieved. © 2014 The International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics 1018-5895/14. | Asset accumulation; Ghana; Households; Microinsurance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879304642 | The impact of micro financing on poverty levels of rural women farm households in Abia State, Nigeria; implication for policy intervention | Ezeh C.I., Anyiro C.O. | 2013 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 14 | 2 | 10.5513/JCEA01/14.2.1245 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Ezeh, C.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Anyiro, C.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | This study determined the impact of micro-finance on poverty level of rural women farm households in Abia State, Nigeria: Implication for policy intervention. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the local government areas, communities and respondents in the three (Aba, Ohafia and Umuahia) agricultural zones of the State. The sample size was 240 (120 a piece for rural women farmer borrowers and non borrowers). Instrument of data collection was a set of structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered on both groups of rural women farmers. The result indicated that incidence of poverty or head count ratio was 0.558 for the rural women farmers borrowers and 0.933 for the rural women farmer non borrowers; poverty gap otherwise known as income short fall was 0.4547 for the rural women farmer borrowers and 0.6995 for the rural women farmer non borrowers. The result of the paired t-test showed that micro-finance impacted significantly on annual farm income, farm size and fertilizer use level of rural women farmer borrowers at given levels of significance. It was however, recommended that increased subsidy policy on agro-inputs and increased funding by the micro-finance will significantly aim at reducing the poverty levels of these women. | Impact; Micro-financing; Poverty levels; Rural women farm households | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867141830 | The Impact of Microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of the Evidence | van Rooyen C., Stewart R., de Wet T. | 2012 | World Development | 40 | 11 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.03.012 | University of Johannesburg, Aucklandpark, South Africa; Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom | van Rooyen, C., University of Johannesburg, Aucklandpark, South Africa; Stewart, R., University of Johannesburg, Aucklandpark, South Africa; de Wet, T., University of Johannesburg, Aucklandpark, South Africa, Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom | Microfinance is seen as a key development tool, and despite the current deepening crisis within the industry, it continues to grow in sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically reviewed the evidence of the impacts of micro-credit and micro-savings on poor people in sub-Saharan Africa. We considered impacts on income, savings, expenditure, and the accumulation of assets, as well as non-financial outcomes including health, nutrition, food security, education, child labor, women's empowerment, housing, job creation, and social cohesion. The available evidence shows that microfinance does harm, as well as good, to the livelihoods of the poor. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Impact; Micro-credit; Micro-savings; Microfinance; Poverty; Sub-Saharan Africa | crisis management; economic development; economic growth; low income population; microfinance; poverty; savings; socioeconomic impact; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000301791400094 | The impact of microcredit programmes on survivalist women entrepreneurs in The Gambia and Senegal | Casier, Bart,Chant, S | 2010 | INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF GENDER AND POVERTY: CONCEPTS, RESEARCH, POLICY | None | None | None | TRIAS Reg Off | None | None | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857718934 | The impact of micro-credit on poverty alleviation and human capital development: Evidence from Nigeria | Onwumere J.U.J., Ibe I.G., Ugbam O.C. | 2012 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 28 | 3 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Banking and Finance, Renaissance University, Ugwanka, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria | Onwumere, J.U.J., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Ibe, I.G., Department of Banking and Finance, Renaissance University, Ugwanka, Enugu, Nigeria; Ugbam, O.C., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria | One of the main policy objectives for the establishment of microfinance banks in Nigeria was to assist small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria in raising their productive capacity and level of employment generation, thus alleviating poverty and enhancing human capital development. It is against this background that this study empirically examines the impact of microcredit granted by microfinance banks on poverty alleviation and enhancement of human capital development in Nigeria from 1999-2008. The study adopted the OLS regression technique to test the hypotheses formulated. Microfinance Banks financial intermediation activities are proxied by loans to deposits ratio as the independent variable while poverty index (PI) and Human Development Index (HDI) are the dependent variables. The results generally indicate that financial intermediation activities of Microfinance banks in Nigeria had negative non-significant impact on poverty index and a positive impact on human capital development within the period under study. It accordingly recommended that government should create an enabling environment for microfinance banks to increase the rate of financial intermediation activity as to reverse the trend observed on the impact of microcredit on poverty alleviation as well as continual improvement in human capital development of Nigerian citizens. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012. | Human capital development; Microcredit; Poverty alleviation | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000339068500002 | The Impact of Microcredit on Child Education: Quasi-experimental Evidence from Rural China | Annim, Samuel,You, Jing | 2014 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | 50 | 7 | 10.1080/00220388.2014.903243 | Renmin University of China, University of Cape Coast | "Annim, Samuel: University of Cape Coast","You, Jing: Renmin University of China" | This article assesses causal effects of formal microcredit on children's educational outcomes by using household panel data (2000 and 2004) in north-west rural China. The unobservables between borrowers and non-borrowers are controlled in static and dynamic regression-discontinuity designs. The static analysis reveals significant positive impact of microcredit on schooling years in 2000 only, and no influence on academic performance for either wave. The dynamic analysis shows progressive treatment effects on both longer schooling years and higher average scores. Formal microcredit improves education in the longer term compared to the short term, and hence may help relaxing the grip of educational poverty traps. | ,BANGLADESH,HOUSEHOLDS,MICROFINANCE,POOR,POVERTY,"REGRESSION-DISCONTINUITY DESIGN" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897865091 | The impact of microbial ecology and chemical profile on the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process: A case study of northern wastewater treatment works, Johannesburg | Kamika I., Coetzee M., Mamba B.B., Msagati T., Momba M.N.B. | 2014 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 11 | 3 | 10.3390/ijerph110302876 | Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | Kamika, I., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Msagati, T., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Momba, M.N.B., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The impact of polyphosphate-accumulating organism (PAO) and glycogen-accumulating organism (GAO) populations as well as of the chemical profile on the performance of Unit-3 (open elutriation tanks) and Unit-5 (covered elutriation tank) of the City of Johannesburg Northern Wastewater Treatment Works was determined. Physicochemical parameters of wastewater samples were measured using standard methods. Bacterial diversity was determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing of the variable region V1-3. Results showed soluble COD concentrations from settled sewage for Unit-3 at 192.8 mg COD/L and for Unit-5 at 214.6 mg COD/L, which increased to 301.8 mg COD/L and 411.6 mg COD/L in the overflow from elutriation tanks and decreased to 170.9 mg COD/L and 256.3 mg COD/L at the division boxes, respectively. Both long-chain volatile fatty acids (heptanoic acid, isobutyric acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, pentanoic acid, 4-methylpentanoic acid, methylheptanoic acid) and short-chain volatile fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid) were present within concentration ranges of 17.19 mg/L to 54.98 mg/L and 13.64 mg/L to 87.6 mg/L for Unit 3 and 38.61 mg/L to58.85 mg/L and 21.63 mg/L to 92.39 mg/L for Unit 5, respectively. In the secondary settling tanks, the phosphate-removal efficiency in Unit-5 appeared to be slightly higher (0.08 mg P/L) compared to that of Unit-3 (0.11 mg P/L). The average DO concentrations (2.1 mg/L and 2.2 mg/L) as well as the pH values (pH 7 to pH 7.5) were found to be slightly higher in Unit-5 in the aerobic zones. The high presence of PAOs in the bioreactors (Unit-5: Dechloromonas (14.96%), Acinetobacter (6.3%), Zoogloea (4.72%) in the anaerobic zone and Dechloromonas (22.37 %) in the aerobic zone; Unit-3: Dechloromonas (37.25%) in the anaerobic zone and Dechloromonas (23.97%) in the aerobic zone) confirmed the phosphate-removal efficiencies of both units. Negligible GAOs were found in the aerobic zones (Defluviicoccus spp.: 0.33% for Unit-5 and 0.68% for Unit-3) and in the anaerobic zones (Defluviicoccus: 9.8% for Unit-3). The high microbial diversity and a negligible percentage of GAOs in Unit-5 could contribute to its high phosphate-removal efficiency, although results did not indicate statistically significant differences between the unit with a covered elutriation tank (Unit-5) and that with open elutriation tanks (Unit-3). © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | EBPR; Glycogen-accumulating organisms; Polyphosphate-accumulating organisms; Volatile fatty acids; Wastewater | 4 methylpentanoic acid; acetic acid; fatty acid; glycogen; heptanoic acid derivative; isobutyric acid; isovaleric acid; methylheptanoic acid; polyphosphate; propionic acid; RNA 16S; unclassified drug; valeric acid; phosphorus; sewage; chemical oxygen demand; concentration (composition); fatty acid; microbial ecology; phosphate; phosphorus; physicochemical property; waste treatment; wastewater; water treatment; 16S RNA gene; Acinetobacter; Africa; article; case study; concentration (parameters); Dechloromonas; Defluviicoccus; enhanced biological phosphorus removal process; gene; glycogen accumulating organism; microbial diversity; microbiological parameters; nonhuman; pH; physical chemistry; polyphosphate accumulating organism; Proteobacteria; pyrosequencing; tank; waste water management; Zoogloea; chemistry; isolation and purification; metabolism; microbial consortium; microbiology; sewage; South Africa; waste management; Gauteng; Johannesburg; South Africa; Microbial Consortia; Phosphorus; Polyphosphates; Sewage; South Africa; Waste Management | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896089642 | The impact of methamphetamine ("tik") on a peri-urban community in Cape Town, South Africa | Watt M.H., Meade C.S., Kimani S., MacFarlane J.C., Choi K.W., Skinner D., Pieterse D., Kalichman S.C., Sikkema K.J. | 2014 | International Journal of Drug Policy | 25 | 2 | 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.10.007 | Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; University of Connecticut, Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, United States | Watt, M.H., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Meade, C.S., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Kimani, S., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; MacFarlane, J.C., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Choi, K.W., Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Skinner, D., Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Pieterse, D., Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Kalichman, S.C., University of Connecticut, Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, United States; Sikkema, K.J., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States | Background: Over the last decade, South Africa's Western Cape has experienced a dramatic increase in methamphetamine (". tik") use. Our study explored local impressions of the impact of tik use in a peri-urban township community in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 55 women and 37 men who were regular attendees of alcohol-serving venues. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A content analysis approach was used to identify themes related to the impact of tik use based on levels of the socio-ecological framework (individual, inter-personal and community). Results: Tik use was reported to be a greater issue among Coloureds, compared to Blacks. At an individual level, respondents reported that tik use had adverse effects on mental, physical, and economic well-being, and limited future opportunities through school drop-out and incarceration. At an inter-personal level, respondents reported that tik use contributed to physical and sexual violence as well as increased rates of sexual risk behaviour, particularly through transactional sex relationships. Respondents described how tik use led to household conflict, and had negative impacts on children, including neglect and poor birth outcomes. At a community level, respondents linked tik use to increased rates of crime, violence and corruption, which undercut community cohesion. Conclusions: Our results highlight the negative impact that tik is having on individuals, households and the overall community in a peri-urban setting in South Africa. There is a clear need for interventions to prevent tik use in South Africa and to mitigate and address the impact of tik on multiple levels. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Methamphetamine; Qualitative; South Africa | methamphetamine; methamphetamine; adult; article; child neglect; content analysis; crime; family conflict; female; high risk behavior; human; male; methamphetamine dependence; physical violence; priority journal; race difference; sexual violence; South Africa; transactional sex; urban population; adolescent; attitude; Black person; demography; family size; human relation; middle aged; psychology; qualitative research; urban population; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Attitude; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Methamphetamine; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Residence Characteristics; South Africa; Urban Population; Young Adult | None |
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-s2.0-79960312308 | The impact of mega-sport events on tourist arrivals | Fourie J., Santana-Gallego M. | 2011 | Tourism Management | 32 | 6 | 10.1016/j.tourman.2011.01.011 | Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Applied Economics Department, Instituto Universitario de Desarrollo Regional, University of La Laguna, Spain | Fourie, J., Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Santana-Gallego, M., Applied Economics Department, Instituto Universitario de Desarrollo Regional, University of La Laguna, Spain | While a mega-sport event is scheduled at least once every year somewhere in the world, these events are rare occurrences for the host cities and countries. The benefits of such events seem lucrative; the very fact that many countries bid to host these events suggests that the benefits - be they tangible or intangible - more often than not outweigh the costs. Using a standard gravity model of bilateral tourism flows between 200 countries from 1995 to 2006, this paper measures a very direct benefit of such mega-events: the increase in tourist arrivals to the host country. In general, the results suggest that mega-sport events promote tourism but the gain varies depending on the type of mega-event, the participating countries and whether the event is held during the peak season or off-season. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Displacement; Gravity equation; Mega-sport events; Olympics; Tourism; World Cup | numerical model; Olympic Games; tourism development | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959195968 | The impact of medium-sized canids on a seal bone assemblage from dunefield Midden, West Coast, South Africa | Stynder D.D. | 2008 | South African Archaeological Bulletin | 63 | 188 | 10.2307/20475011 | Iziko South African Museum, Cenozoic Palaeontology, Natural History Department, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | Stynder, D.D., Iziko South African Museum, Cenozoic Palaeontology, Natural History Department, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000290279700005 | The impact of media coverage on the transmission dynamics of human influenza | Bauch, Chris T.,Bhunu, Claver P.,Dube, Nothabo,Smith, Robert J.,Tchuenche, Jean M. | 2011 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-S1-S5 | University of Guelph, University of Ottawa, National University of Science & Technology - Zimbabwe, Natl Univ Sci & Technol | "Bauch, Chris T.: University of Guelph","Tchuenche, Jean M.: University of Guelph", | Background: There is an urgent need to understand how the provision of information influences individual risk perception and how this in turn shapes the evolution of epidemics. Individuals are influenced by information in complex and unpredictable ways. Emerging infectious diseases, such as the recent swine flu epidemic, may be particular hotspots for a media-fueled rush to vaccination; conversely, seasonal diseases may receive little media attention, despite their high mortality rate, due to their perceived lack of newness.
Methods: We formulate a deterministic transmission and vaccination model to investigate the effects of media coverage on the transmission dynamics of influenza. The population is subdivided into different classes according to their disease status. The compartmental model includes the effect of media coverage on reporting the number of infections as well as the number of individuals successfully vaccinated.
Results: A threshold parameter (the basic reproductive ratio) is analytically derived and used to discuss the local stability of the disease-free steady state. The impact of costs that can be incurred, which include vaccination, education, implementation and campaigns on media coverage, are also investigated using optimal control theory. A simplified version of the model with pulse vaccination shows that the media can trigger a vaccinating panic if the vaccine is imperfect and simplified messages result in the vaccinated mixing with the infectives without regard to disease risk.
Conclusions: The effects of media on an outbreak are complex. Simplified understandings of disease epidemiology, propogated through media soundbites, may make the disease significantly worse. | ,DISEASE,ERADICATION,MODELS,RATIO,VACCINE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749480619 | The impact of meaning in life and life goals on adherence to a tuberculosis medication regimen in South Africa | Corless I.B., Nicholas P.K., Wantland D., McInerney P., Ncama B., Bhengu B., McGibbon C., Davis S. | 2006 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 10 | 10 | None | Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; MGH Institute of Health Professions, CNY 36 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129, United States | Corless, I.B., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States, MGH Institute of Health Professions, CNY 36 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129, United States; Nicholas, P.K., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; Wantland, D., University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; McInerney, P., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ncama, B., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bhengu, B., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; McGibbon, C., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Davis, S., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | SETTING: Out-patient tuberculosis (TB) clinics in Durban, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: Health care provider concerns about persons with active TB defaulting on medications led to a study of adherence among persons receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy and, specifically, the relationships between meaning in life, life goals, sense of coherence, social support, symptom presence and intensity, and adherence in individuals diagnosed with TB. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to gather self-reported data from TB-infected individuals who were enrolled in out-patient clinics. Data were collected from 159 Zulu and/or English-speaking persons who agreed to participate in the study. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between higher life goals and adherence to TB treatment (P = 0.027). Analysis of variance revealed that higher meaning in life ratings were significantly associated with older age (P = 0.007). Having children and children living in the same household were significantly associated with low meaning in life ratings (P = 0.006 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), indicating that these individuals were more concerned about basic matters of home and sustenance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that meaning in life and life goals may be useful for identifying individuals who will require additional support in adhering to anti-tuberculosis treatment. © 2006 The Union. | Adherence; Life goals; Meaning in life; South Africa; Tuberculosis | tuberculostatic agent; adult; aged; article; controlled study; demography; female; health care personnel; human; life; lung tuberculosis; male; outpatient department; patient compliance; priority journal; social support; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Goals; Humans; Life; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Social Support; Social Values; South Africa; Tuberculosis; Value of Life | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929253592 | The impact of maternal infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the infant response to bacille Calmette–Guérin immunization | Mawa P.A., Nkurunungi G., Egesa M., Webb E.L., Smith S.G., Kizindo R., Akello M., Lule S.A., Muwanga M., Dockrell H.M., Cose S., Elliott A.M. | 2015 | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences | 370 | 1671 | 10.1098/rstb.2014.0137 | MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Entebbe Hospital, PO Box 29, Entebbe, Uganda; Uganda Virus Research Institute, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda | Mawa, P.A., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda, Uganda Virus Research Institute, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Nkurunungi, G., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Egesa, M., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Webb, E.L., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Smith, S.G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Kizindo, R., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Akello, M., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Lule, S.A., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Muwanga, M., Entebbe Hospital, PO Box 29, Entebbe, Uganda; Dockrell, H.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Cose, S., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Elliott, A.M., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunization provides variable protection against tuberculosis. Prenatal antigen exposure may have lifelong effects on responses to related antigens and pathogens. We therefore hypothesized that maternal latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) influences infant responses to BCG immunization at birth. We measured antibody (n = 53) and cellular (n = 31) responses to M. tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) in infants of mothers with and without LTBI, in cord blood and at one and six weeks after BCG. The concentrations of PPD-specific antibodies declined between birth (median [interquartile range (IQR)]) 5600 ng ml-1 [3300–11 050] in cord blood) and sixweeks (0.00 ng ml-1 [0–288]). Frequencies of PPD-specific IFN-γ-expressing CD4+T cells increased at one week and declined between one and six weeks (p = 0.031). Frequencies of IL-2- and TNF-α-expressing PPD-specific CD4+T cells increased between one and six weeks (p = 0.019, p = 0.009, respectively). At one week, the frequency of PPD-specific CD4+T cells expressing any of the three cytokines, combined, was lower among infants of mothers with LTBI, in crude analyses (p = 0.002) and after adjusting for confounders (mean difference, 95% CI 20.041% (20.082, 20.001)). In conclusion, maternal LTBI was associated with lower infant anti-mycobacterial T-cell responses immediately following BCGimmunization. These findings are being explored further in a larger study. © 2015 The Author(s). | Bacilli Calmette–Guérin; Immunization; Maternal infection; Mycobacteria; Purified protein derivative; Tuberculosis | antibody; blood; gene expression; immunization; maternal effect; protein; tuberculosis; vaccination; Bacilli (class); Corynebacterineae; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549118888 | The impact of maternal HIV status on infant feeding patterns in Nakuru, Kenya | Kamau-Mbuthia E., Elmadfa I., Mwonya R. | 2008 | Journal of Human Lactation | 24 | 1 | 10.1177/0890334407310585 | Department of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya; PO Box 15442, Nakura, Kenya | Kamau-Mbuthia, E., Department of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya, PO Box 15442, Nakura, Kenya; Elmadfa, I., Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Mwonya, R., Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya | The aim of the study was to assess the impact of maternal HIV status on infant feeding patterns. Two hundred eighty mothers (205 HIV uninfected, 75 infected) and their infants were recruited from the Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya, from delivery and were followed for 14 weeks. From the feeding patterns, HIV-infected mothers were more likely to exclusively breastfeed in week 1 than HIV-uninfected mothers (71.7% vs 56.3%, P = .001), but there were no differences by week 14 (9.8% vs 4.8% P = .212). Mixed feeding increased for both groups from weeks 1 to 14. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal age (younger mothers, P < .05) was associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the 6th week and infant birth weight (< mean birth weight, P > .05) in the 10th week. The results indicate a need to reassess adherence to infant feeding recommendations irrespective of maternal HIV status and also the infant feeding counseling process in the hospital. © 2008 International Lactation Consultant Association. | Exclusive breastfeeding; HIV status; Mixed feeding; Sociodemographic characteristics | adult; article; birth weight; breast feeding; controlled study; delivery; feeding behavior; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infant feeding; Kenya; major clinical study; maternal age; maternal disease; mother child relation; multivariate logistic regression analysis; patient attitude; patient counseling; risk benefit analysis; virus transmission; Adolescent; Adult; Bottle Feeding; Breast Feeding; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kenya; Logistic Models; Male; Maternal Age; Multivariate Analysis; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650712354 | The impact of maternal highly active antiretroviral therapy and short-course combination antiretrovirals for prevention of mother-to-child transmission on early infant infection rates at the mulago national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda, january 20 | Namukwaya Z., Mudiope P., Kekitiinwa A., Musoke P., Matovu J., Kayma S., Salmond W., Bitarakwate E., Mubiru M., Maganda A., Galla M., Byamugisha J., Fowler M.G. | 2011 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 56 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181fdb4a8 | Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Jamaica; Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Foundation-Uganda, Mulago Hospital, United States; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Jamaica; Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore MD, United States; Division of Prevention of Mother, Child HIV Transmission, United States; Division of Data Management and Analysis, United States; Data Management Section, United States; Mulago Hospital, Post Natal Clinic, United States; Department of Pathology, United States | Namukwaya, Z., Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda; Mudiope, P., Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda, Division of Data Management and Analysis, United States; Kekitiinwa, A., Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Jamaica, Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Foundation-Uganda, Mulago Hospital, United States; Musoke, P., Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Jamaica; Matovu, J.; Kayma, S.; Salmond, W., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kampala, Uganda; Bitarakwate, E., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kampala, Uganda; Mubiru, M., Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda, Division of Data Management and Analysis, United States; Maganda, A., Division of Prevention of Mother, Child HIV Transmission, United States, Data Management Section, United States; Galla, M., Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Foundation-Uganda, Mulago Hospital, United States, Mulago Hospital, Post Natal Clinic, United States; Byamugisha, J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Jamaica; Fowler, M.G., Makerere University Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital, Box Office 23491, Kampala, Uganda, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore MD, United States, Department of Pathology, United States | Background: Early HIV infant diagnosis and treatment have been shown to dramatically improve survival in infants. Despite these findings, infants accessing HIV diagnosis and treatment remain low in Uganda. We describe the antiretroviral (ARV) drugs given in the Mulago Hospital prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program from January 2007 to May 2009 and its impact on early infant HIV infection rates. Methods: Pregnant women identified as HIV infected in the Mulago antenatal clinics received one of the following regimens: short-course ARV prophylaxis plus single-dose nevirapine (sdNVP) in labor, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), or sdNVP if they presented in labor. Infants received sdNVP and zidovudine (ZDV) for 1 week. Infants HIV diagnosis was done from 6 weeks after delivery. Results: 62.3% of HIV-infected women received combination ARVs, including HAART. Early infection rates were highest among infants with no maternal ARV [36.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.2 to 59.3] or only sdNVP (11.2; 95% CI: 8.1 to 14.8). Similar rates were observed for the group that took short-course ARVs, ZDV/sdNVP (4.6; 95% CI: 3.2 to 6.4), and ZDV/lamivudine/sdNVP (4.9; 95% CI: 3.1 to 7.2) and lowest rates for those that took HAART (1.7: 95% CI: 0.8 to 2.8). Overall infection rate was 5.0% (95% CI: 4.1 to 5.9). Conclusions: Findings indicate low rates of infant infection for mothers receiving combination ARVs. These findings demonstrate that provision of combination ARV for PMTCT is feasible and effective in busy referral hospital's PMTCT programs in resource-limited settings. © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | None | antiretrovirus agent; lamivudine; nevirapine; zidovudine; article; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infection prevention; infection rate; male; maternal treatment; priority journal; short course therapy; single drug dose; Uganda; vertical transmission; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Confidence Intervals; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nevirapine; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Retrospective Studies; Uganda; Young Adult; Zidovudine | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892884854 | The impact of mass media interventions on tuberculosis awareness, health-seeking behaviour and health service utilisation: A systematic review protocol | Nglazi M.D., Bekker L.-G., Wood R., Shey M.S., Uthman O.A., Wiysonge C.S. | 2014 | BMJ Open | 4 | 1 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004302 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; South African Endpoint Laboratory, Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; International Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom; Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | Nglazi, M.D., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Bekker, L.-G., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Shey, M.S., South African Endpoint Laboratory, Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa; Uthman, O.A., Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom, International Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom, Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Wiysonge, C.S., Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Strategies to curb the spread of TB must match the multifaceted nature of the epidemic. The use of mass media is one of the important strategies in communicating behavioural change in relation to TB prevention and the treatment. However, the benefits of this intervention are unclear. We, therefore, plan to conduct a systematic review on the effects of mass media interventions on TB awareness, health-seeking behaviour and health service utilisation. Methods and analysis: We will preferably include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in this systematic review. However, non-randomised studies will be included if there is an inadequate number of RCTs. We will perform electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus and other databases, along with manual searches. Articles written (or translated) in English and French and published between 1 January 1980 and 31 October 2013 will be eligible for inclusion in this review. The primary outcomes will be TB knowledge, attitudes and awareness, healthcare-seeking behaviour and service utilisation. The secondary outcomes will include stigma and discrimination against people with TB and the costs of the interventions. We will investigate clinical and statistical heterogeneity and pool studies judged to be clinically and statistically homogeneous. Relative risks will be calculated for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, both with their corresponding 95% CIs. Ethics and dissemination: The systematic review will use data that is not linked to individuals. The review findings may have implications for clinical practice and future research, and will be disseminated electronically and in print through peer-reviewed publications. | None | article; attitude to health; clinical practice; health behavior; health care utilization; human; mass medium; outcome assessment; randomized controlled trial (topic); risk factor; social discrimination; social stigma; systematic review; tuberculosis; health education; information dissemination; patient attitude; preventive health service; procedures; psychology; tuberculosis; utilization; Health Education; Humans; Information Dissemination; Mass Media; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Preventive Health Services; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960556736 | The impact of mass drug administration and long-lasting insecticidal net distribution on Wuchereria bancrofti infection in humans and mosquitoes: An observational study in northern Uganda | Ashton R.A., Kyabayinze D.J., Opio T., Auma A., Edwards T., Matwale G., Onapa A., Brooker S., Kolaczinski J.H. | 2011 | Parasites and Vectors | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-4-134 | Malaria Consortium Africa, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Malaria Consortium Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; District Health Office, Dokolo, Uganda; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; RTI International, Kampala, Uganda; Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Ashton, R.A., Malaria Consortium Africa, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kyabayinze, D.J., Malaria Consortium Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Opio, T., District Health Office, Dokolo, Uganda; Auma, A., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Edwards, T., MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Matwale, G., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Onapa, A., RTI International, Kampala, Uganda; Brooker, S., Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Kolaczinski, J.H., Malaria Consortium Africa, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Uganda is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. The mainstay of elimination has been annual mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin and albendazole, targeted to endemic districts, but has been sporadic and incomplete in coverage. Vector control could potentially contribute to reducing W. bancrofti transmission, speeding up progress towards elimination. To establish whether the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) can contribute towards reducing transmission of W. bancrofti in a setting with ongoing MDA, a study was conducted in an area of Uganda highly endemic for both LF and malaria. Baseline parasitological and entomological assessments were conducted in 2007, followed by high-coverage LLIN distribution. Net use and entomological surveys were carried out after one year, and final parasitological and entomological evaluations were conducted in 2010. Three rounds of MDA had taken place before the study commenced, with a further three rounds completed during the course of the study. Results: In 2007, rapid mapping indicated 22.3% of schoolchildren were W. bancrofti antigen positive, and a baseline survey during the same year found age-adjusted microfilaraemia prevalence was 3.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-5.3%). In 2010, age-adjusted microfilaraemia prevalence had fallen to 0.4%, while antigenaemia rates were 0.2% in children < 5 years and 6.0% in 5 years. In 2010, universal coverage of mosquito nets in a household was found to be protective against W. bancrofti antigen (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.89). Prevalence of W. bancrofti larvae in anopheline mosquitoes had decreased significantly between the 2007 and 2010 surveys, but there was an apparent increase in vector densities. Conclusion: A marked reduction in W. bancrofti infection and infectivity in humans was observed in the study area, where both MDA and LLINs were used to reduce transmission. The extent to which LLINs contributed to this decline is equivocal, however. Further work investigating the impact of vector control on anopheline-transmitted LF in an endemic area not benefitting from MDA would be valuable to determine the effect of such interventions on their own. © 2011 Ashton et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | albendazole; ivermectin; parasite antigen; unclassified drug; Wuchereria bancrofti antigen; albendazole; anthelmintic agent; insecticide; ivermectin; acute adenolymphangitis; acute disease; adolescent; adult; Anopheles; anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; article; Bancroftian filariasis; bed net; blood sampling; child; elephantiasis; female; follow up; health survey; household; human; hydrocele; infection prevention; intervention study; long lasting insecticidal net; lymphangitis; major clinical study; male; mass drug administration; microfilaria (nematode larva); microfilariasis; night sleep; nonhuman; observational study; parasite transmission; prevalence; public health service; school child; Uganda; animal; Anopheles; disease transmission; isolation and purification; larva; lymphatic filariasis; methodology; mosquito; parasitology; preschool child; Uganda; Wuchereria bancrofti; Wuchereria bancrofti; Adolescent; Albendazole; Animals; Anopheles; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Female; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Ivermectin; Larva; Male; Mosquito Control; Uganda; Wuchereria bancrofti | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886410320 | The impact of market power and funding strategy on bank-interest margins | Amidu M., Wolfe S. | 2013 | European Journal of Finance | 19 | 9 | 10.1080/1351847X.2011.636833 | School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom; Department of Accounting, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Amidu, M., School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom, Department of Accounting, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Wolfe, S., School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom | This paper investigates the implications of market power and funding strategies for bank-interest margins, using a sample of 978 banks in 55 emerging and developing countries over an eight-year period, 2000-2007. We provide additional insight by examining the complex interlocking of three key variables that are important for regulators: the degree of market power, funding sources and bank performance. The results show that market power increases when banks use internal funding to diversify into non-interest income-generating activities. We also find that the high net-interest margins of banks in emerging and developing countries can be explained by the degree of market power, credit risk, and implicit interest payments. In addition, our results suggest that interest margins among banks with market power are significantly more sensitive to internally generated funds than they are to deposit and wholesale funding. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | bank funding; bank market power; developing countries; net-interest margin | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922227984 | The impact of manufacturing variables on in vitro release of clobetasol 17-propionate from pilot scale cream formulations | Fauzee A.F.B., Khamanga S.M., Walker R.B. | 2014 | Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy | 40 | 12 | 10.3109/03639045.2013.842579 | Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Fauzee, A.F.B., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Khamanga, S.M., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Walker, R.B., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of different homogenization speeds and times, anchor speeds and cooling times on the viscosity and cumulative % clobetasol 17-propionate released per unit area at 72h from pilot scale cream formulations. A 24 full factorial central composite design for four independent variables were investigated. Materials and methods: Thirty pilot scale batches of cream formulations were manufactured using a Wintech® cream/ointment plant. The viscosity and in vitro release of CP were monitored and compared to an innovator product that is commercially available on the South African market, namely, Dermovate® cream. Results and discussion: Contour and three-dimensional response surface plots were produced and the viscosity and cumulative % CP released per unit area at 72h were found to be primarily dependent on the homogenization and anchor speeds. An increase in the homogenization and anchor speeds appeared to exhibit a synergistic effect on the resultant viscosity of the cream whereas an antagonistic effect was observed for the in vitro release of CP from the experimental cream formulations. The in vitro release profiles were best fitted to a Higuchi model and diffusion proved to be the dominant mechanism of drug release that was confirmed by use of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Conclusion: The research was further validated and confirmed by the high prognostic ability of response surface methodology (RSM) with a resultant mean percentage error of (±SD) 0.17±0.093 suggesting that RSM may be an efficient tool for the development and optimization of topical formulations. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. | Anchor speed; Corticosteroids; Homogenization speed; Release kinetics; Response surface methodology; Topical formulations; Viscosity | clobetasol propionate; clobetasol; skin cream; Article; cooling; cream; drug diffusion; drug formulation; drug manufacture; drug release; in vitro study; viscosity; medicinal chemistry; pilot study; procedures; synthesis; topical drug administration; Administration, Topical; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Clobetasol; Pilot Projects; Skin Cream | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898752140 | The impact of managerial competencies on the performance of immigrant- owned enterprises in South Africa | Fatoki O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 6 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p141 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo Province, South Africa | Fatoki, O., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo Province, South Africa | The study investigates the impact managerial competencies (specifically owners' education, prior and related experience) on the performance of immigrant owned enterprises in South Africa. The empirical approach consists of data collection through the use of self-administered questionnaire in a survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test of independence. The results indicate that there is a relationship between owners' education and performance. Higher level of education (Matric and above) is associated albeit insignificantly with business performance. Business owners with work experience prior to starting business significantly perform better than those without prior experience. Business owners with related experience prior to staring business significantly perform better than those without related experience. Recommendations to improve the level of education and experience of the owners of immigrant entrepreneurs of are suggested. | Immigrant entrepreneurs; Managerial competencies; Performance; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943820595 | The impact of management practices on job satisfaction: Insights from a state-owned institution | Maleka M.J., Rankhumise E.M. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Maleka, M.J., South Africa; Rankhumise, E.M., South Africa | The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of management practices on job satisfaction. The literature shows that employers in the private sector are struggling to retain black employees, and implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) is moving at a slow pace in this sector. At the time of the study, there is a dearth of literature on the impact of management practices on job satisfaction in the South African context, especially research soliciting employees' views about EEA implementation and their sexual harassment experiences. In this study, the researchers adopted a qualitative research approach, using a state-owned institution as a case study. The interview protocol is developed from the literature, and data are collected from sixteen participants. The findings indicate that there are challenges with regard to management practices, including the implementation of affirmative action, with which participants are not happy. In addition, there are clear cases of sexual harassment in the institution, and most of all, top management is adopting a bureaucratic management style. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in relation to the factors that lead to the dissatisfaction of employees, since it reveals that if the management practices identified above are not properly addressed by the management of the state-owned institution in question, it would find it difficult to retain employees and keep them satisfied. © Molefe J. Maleka, Edward M. Rankhumise, 2014. | Affirmative action; Bureaucracy; Dissatisfaction; Management practice | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900533306 | The impact of management information systems on a South African University's organisational processes | Oni O.A., Gonese G.M., Matiza T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p199 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa | Oni, O.A., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa; Gonese, G.M., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa; Matiza, T., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa | This study aimed to determine the impact of management information systems on the organisational performance of a ruralbased university in South Africa, while also exploring the perceived benefits and challenges with regards to the management system currently being utilised by the institution. The study adopted the mixed methods approach to research and employed a combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques to establish the final sample frame. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data generated by the survey, which utilised questionnaires as its data generation instrument. As a result of this study it was established that there were benefits inherent to the application of management information systems within the institution and that the users of the system were overall satisfied with management information systems as they improved productivity, performance of duties and decision making. However, it also emerged that administrators of the management system were not content with the current system and its utility. The study ultimately recommends that there needs to be increased awareness and training on the utility of the current management information systems, to create a more conducive environment for the implementation of a more modern system that satisfies both academic staff and the system administrators. | Management information systems; University organisation performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915820624 | The impact of male contraception on dominance hierarchy and herd association patterns of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in a fenced game reserve | Doughty L.S., Slater K., Zitzer H., Avent T., Thompson S. | 2014 | Global Ecology and Conservation | 2 | None | 10.1016/j.gecco.2014.08.004 | Spatial Ecology and Landuse Unit, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom; Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom; Space For Elephants Foundation, PO Box 972, Pongola, South Africa; Wildlife and Ecological Investments, Unit 20/21, Fountain Square, 136 Main Road, Somerset West, South Africa | Doughty, L.S., Spatial Ecology and Landuse Unit, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom; Slater, K., Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom; Zitzer, H., Space For Elephants Foundation, PO Box 972, Pongola, South Africa; Avent, T., Spatial Ecology and Landuse Unit, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom, Wildlife and Ecological Investments, Unit 20/21, Fountain Square, 136 Main Road, Somerset West, South Africa; Thompson, S., Spatial Ecology and Landuse Unit, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom | Overpopulation of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in fenced reserves in South Africa is becoming increasingly problematic to wildlife managers. With growing opposition to culling and the high cost of translocation, alternative management strategies focusing on male elephants are being investigated. In this study, hormonal treatment via Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) suppression, and surgical treatment via vasectomy were trialled. Focusing on behavioural responses, we tested the male dominance hierarchy for transitivity, and examined the rank order of individuals in relation to age and contraceptive treatment received. Additionally, we studied association patterns between males within the male population and with the female herds. Findings suggest that the treatment of one individual with GnRH suppressant is affecting the rank order of the dominance hierarchy, though it is still transitive, yet fluid (Landau's linearity index h= 0.7), as expected in a normal elephant population. Between males, association patterns were found to be weak. However, some males had relatively strong associations with the female herds, with association indices between 0.25 and 0.41. This suggests that the reduction on births is resulting in the males spending atypically large amounts of time with the female herds. The future conservation implications of this population control mechanism are discussed. © 2014 The Authors. | African elephant; Association patterns; Contraception; Dominance; Population control; Social dynamics | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34147124299 | The impact of male circumcision on HIV incidence and cost per infection prevented: A stochastic simulation model from Rakai, Uganda | Gray R.H., Li X., Kigozi G., Serwadda D., Nalugoda F., Watya S., Reynolds S.J., Wawer M. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 7 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3280187544 | School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States; University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States; National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MA, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Urology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States | Gray, R.H., School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Li, X., School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States; Kigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Nalugoda, F., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Watya, S., Department of Urology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Reynolds, S.J., University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MA, United States; Wawer, M., School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States | OBJECTIVES: To estimate the impact of male circumcision on HIV incidence, the number of procedures per HIV infection averted, and costs per infection averted. METHODS: A stochastic simulation model with empirically derived parameters from a cohort in Rakai, Uganda was used to estimate HIV incidence, assuming that male circumcision reduced the risks of HIV acquisition with rate ratios (RR) ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 in men, their female partners, and in both sexes combined, with circumcision coverage 0-100%. The reproductive number (R0) was also estimated. The number of HIV infections averted per circumcision was estimated from the incident cases in the absence of surgery minus the projected number of incident cases over 10 years following circumcision. The cost per procedure ($69.00) was used to estimate the cost per HIV infection averted. RESULTS: Baseline HIV incidence was 1.2/100 person-years. Male circumcision could markedly reduce HIV incidence in this population, particularly if there was preventative efficacy in both sexes. Under many scenarios, with RR ≤ 0.5, circumcision could reduce R0 to < 1.0 and potentially abort the epidemic. The number of surgeries per infection averted over 10 years was 19-58, and the costs per infection averted was $1269-3911, depending on the efficacy of circumcision for either or both sexes, assuming 75% service coverage. However, behavioral disinhibition could offset any benefits of circumcision. CONCLUSION: Male circumcision could have substantial impact on the HIV epidemic and provide a cost-effective prevention strategy if benefits are not countered by behavioral disinhibition. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Cost per infection; HIV incidence; Male circumcision; Uganda | adolescent; adult; article; circumcision; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness analysis; female; health behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection control; major clinical study; male; priority journal; prophylaxis; reproduction; risk reduction; simulation; stochastic model; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Circumcision, Male; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Health Care Costs; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Stochastic Processes; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891623832 | The impact of malaria in pregnancy on changes in blood pressure in children during their first year of life | Ayoola O.O., Omotade O.O., Gemmell I., Clayton P.E., Cruickshank J.K. | 2014 | Hypertension | 63 | 1 | 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.02238 | Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Child Health, College of Medi | Ayoola, O.O., Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Omotade, O.O., Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Gemmell, I., Department of Primary Care and Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Clayton, P.E., Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cruickshank, J.K., King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom, Cardiovascular Medicine Group, Division of Diabetes and Nutrition, King's College and King's Health Partners, 150 Stamford St, London SE1 9RN, United Kingdom | We established a maternal birth cohort in Ibadan, Nigeria, where malaria is hyperendemic, to assess how intrauterine exposure to malaria affected infant blood pressure (BP) development. In a local maternity hospital, healthy pregnant women had regular blood films for malaria parasites from booking to delivery. Growth and BP were measured on 318 babies, all followed from birth to 3 and 12 months. Main outcomes were standardized measures of anthropometry and change in BP to 1 year. Babies exposed to maternal malaria were globally smaller at birth, and boys remained smaller at 3 months and 1 year. Change in systolic BP (SBP) during the year was greater in boys than in girls (20.9 versus 15.7 mm Hg; P=0.002) but greater in girls exposed to maternal malaria (18.7 versus 12.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 1-11 mm Hg; P=0.02). Eleven percent of boys (greater than twice than expected) had a SBP ≥95th percentile (hypertensive, US criteria), of whom 68% had maternal malaria exposure. On regression analysis (β coefficients, mm Hg), sex (boys>girls; β=4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.7; P=0.01), maternal malaria exposure (3.64; 0.3-6.9; P=0.03), and weight change (2.4; 0.98-3.8/1 standard deviation score; P=0.001) all independently increased SBP change to 1 year, whereas increase in length decreased SBP (-1.98; -3.6 to -0.40). In conclusion, malaria-exposed boys had excess hypertension, whereas malaria-exposed girls a greater increase in SBP. Intrauterine exposure to malaria had sex-dependent effects on BP, independent of infant growth. Because infant-child-adult BP tracking is powerful, a malarial effect may contribute to the African burden of hypertension. © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc. | Child development; Malaria; Pregnancy | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; anthropometry; article; birth; blood; blood pressure; blood pressure measurement; child development; clinical assessment; cohort analysis; controlled study; delivery; environmental exposure; female; hospital; human; hypertension; infant; major clinical study; malaria; male; middle aged; Nigeria; outcome assessment; Plasmodium; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnant woman; prevalence; priority journal; sex difference; systolic blood pressure; weight change; young adult; child development; malaria; pregnancy; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Child Development; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Infant; Malaria; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sex Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947282157 | The impact of malaria control on perceptions of tourists and tourism operators concerning malaria prevalence in KwaZulu-Natal, 1999/2000 versus 2002/2003 | Maartens F., Sharp B., Curtis B., Mthembu J., Hatting I. | 2007 | Journal of Travel Medicine | 14 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00086.x | Malaria Lead Programme, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Malaria Control, South African National Department of Health, Jozini, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Malaria Control Programme, South African National Department of Health, Richards Bay, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, 491 Ridge Road, Overport, Durban 4001, South Africa | Maartens, F., Malaria Lead Programme, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, 491 Ridge Road, Overport, Durban 4001, South Africa; Sharp, B., Malaria Lead Programme, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Curtis, B., Malaria Lead Programme, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Mthembu, J., KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Malaria Control, South African National Department of Health, Jozini, South Africa; Hatting, I., KwaZulu-Natal Malaria Control Programme, South African National Department of Health, Richards Bay, South Africa | Background. Although the regional approach to malaria control between South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique has significantly decreased malaria risk in the Lubombo corridor, many facility owners' and tourists' malaria risk perception has remained unchanged. A large percentage are still unaware of the extensive malaria control efforts in the region and subsequent malaria reductions in the Lubombo corridor. Methods. A questionnaire-based follow-up survey was carried out in northern KwaZulu-Natal in the 1999/2000 and 2002/2003 malaria seasons. Tourists and tourist facility owners/managers were interviewed on their perceptions pertaining to malaria risk. Results. In the 1999/2000 malaria season, 18% of tourist facilities in northern KwaZulu-Natal were in areas where 5 to 25 malaria cases per 1,000 population were recorded, and 68% were in areas where <5 malaria cases per 1,000 population were recorded. A major reduction in malaria cases was achieved by the end of the 2002/2003 malaria season. None (0%) of the tourist facilities were in areas where 5 to 25 malaria cases per 1,000 population were recorded, and 98% were in areas where malaria cases were lower than five cases per 1,000 population. Conclusion. The survey of local and international tourists and tourist facility operators in northern KwaZulu-Natal revealed that there was a discrepancy between perceived and actual malaria risk. The perceived malaria risk among both local and international tourists and facility operators needs to be addressed by distributing updated malaria risk information on an annual basis. © 2007 International Society of Travel Medicine. | None | artemisinin; chloroquine; fansidar; article; follow up; health survey; human; infection risk; malaria; malaria control; questionnaire; tourism; Attitude; Climate; Data Collection; Humans; Information Dissemination; Malaria; Prevalence; Public Opinion; South Africa; Travel | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872201091 | The impact of macular pigment augmentation on visual performance using different carotenoid formulations | Loughman J., Nolan J.M., Howard A.N., Connolly E., Meagher K., Beatty S. | 2012 | Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science | 53 | 12 | 10.1167/iovs.12-10690 | Optometry Department, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland; African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland; Howard Foundation, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom | Loughman, J., Optometry Department, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland, African Vision Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nolan, J.M., Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland; Howard, A.N., Howard Foundation, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Connolly, E., Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland; Meagher, K., Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; Beatty, S., Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland, Institute of Vision Research, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland | Purpose. To investigate changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual performance following supplementation with different macular carotenoid formulations. Methods. Thirty-six subjects (19 male, 17 female; mean ± SD, age 51 ± 13 years) were recruited into this single-masked placebo-controlled study, and were randomly assigned to one of the following three intervention (supplementation) groups: (1) group 1 (20 mg lutein [L] and 2 mg zeaxanthin [Z]); (2) group 2 (10 mg L, 2 mg Z, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]); and group 3 (placebo). Outcomes measures included visual performance and MPOD response. Data were collected at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months. Results. At 3 and 6 months, a statistically significant increase in MPOD was found at all eccentricities (other than the most peripheral 3° location) in group 2 (P <0.05 for all), whereas no significant increase in MPOD was demonstrable at any eccentricity for subjects in groups 1 and 3. Statistically significant improvements in visual performance measures including visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with and without glare were observed for group 2 only. Only mesopic contrast sensitivity at one spatial frequency improved significantly by 6 months (P < 0.05) for group 1. No improvements in any parameters of visual performance were observed for subjects supplemented with placebo (P > 0.05 for all). Conclusions. These results suggest that supplementation with all three macular carotenoids potentially offered advantages over preparations lacking MZ, both in terms of MPOD response and visual performance enhancement. © 2012 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc. | None | placebo; xanthophyll; zeaxanthin; antioxidant; carotenoid; adult; aged; article; contrast sensitivity; controlled study; female; glare; human; light stress; male; optical density; photometry; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; retina macula lutea; vision; visual acuity; adolescent; comparative study; controlled clinical trial; diet supplementation; drug effect; follow up; middle aged; pathology; pathophysiology; pigment epithelium; prospective study; retina macula degeneration; single blind procedure; treatment outcome; visual acuity; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Macula Lutea; Macular Degeneration; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-20844442793 | The impact of macroeconomic risk on asset prices in Ghana, 1997-2002 | Twerefou D.K., Nimo M.K. | 2005 | African Development Review | 17 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1017-6772.2005.00111.x | Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Institute of Statistics Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Twerefou, D.K., Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Nimo, M.K., Institute of Statistics Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | The dwindling nature of overseas development assistance in the early part of the 1990s called for the establishment of capital markets in some African countries, including Ghana, with the view to increasing foreign direct investments and achieving sustainable inflows, growth and development. One important factor which affects the determination of prices and the growth of capital markets is macroeconomic risk which is quite high in developing countries. Following works done on advanced stock markets, this study seeks to investigate the impact of six macroeconomic risk factors on asset pricing in the various industrial classification - financial, manufacturing, food and beverages, distribution and mining under the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) for the period January 1997 to December 2002. Using the arbitrage pricing methodology developed by Ross (1976) and Chen et al. (1986), the study revealed that investors in Ghana considered three main macroeconomic risk factors - short-term interest rate risk, inflation risk and the term structure of the country's interest rate in the determination of the various industrial asset prices during the period under consideration. Analysis of the risks and returns profile of the industries also shows that financial assets made the best gains on the market. Both general and specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the performance of the GSE are explored. © African Development Bank 2005. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | None | capital market; foreign direct investment; interest rate; macroeconomics; price determination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78349251274 | The impact of macroeconomic and demographic factors on savings mobilisation in Nigeria | Uremadu S.O. | 2009 | Savings and Development | None | SUPPL. | None | Department of Banking and Finance, College of Agribusiness and Financial Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Uremadu, S.O., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Agribusiness and Financial Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | The role of savings in the economic growth of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. However, rapid population growth has posed a serious problem to savings mobilisation. A high dependency ratio of the population will require substantial increase in future spending on health, education and care for dependants. This envisaged decline in the working-age population could lead to lower savings and investment rates and slower GDP growth. Against this background, this paper examines the impact of dependency ratio on savings mobilisation in Nigeria using a number of macroeconomic indicators that influence savings. Nigerian data on relevant variables covering the period under investigation were utilised for the study. A multiple regression approach that incorporated an error-correction model was used for our data analysis and tests. The results suggested that savings ratio is determined by spread between lending and savings deposit rates (SLS), domestic inflation rate, real interest rate and foreign private investment (FPI). The major findings of this study are summarized as follows: (1) demographic factors seem to have played a positive and insignificant role in explaining the savings ratio in over two decades studied, (2) interest rates spread leads savings ratio, (3) domestic inflation rate has a negative and significant impact on savings ratio, and (4) foreign capital inflows, as measured by FPI positively and significantly affect savings ratio in Nigeria. The findings of this research will guide policy makers on economic growth and poverty reduction in countries of sub-Saharan Africa. | Dependency ratio; Domestic inflation rate; Foreign private investment; Macroeconomic indicators; Multiple regression; Real interest rate; Savings mobilisation; Spread | capital flow; demographic trend; economic growth; Gross Domestic Product; inflation; interest rate; investment; macroeconomics; multiple regression; population growth; poverty alleviation; savings; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845781518 | The impact of living standards on childhood mortality in South Africa: Evidence from cross-sectional data | Doctor H.V., Simelane S.E. | 2005 | Journal of Social Development in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | University of Western Cape, Department of Statistics, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Centre, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States | Doctor, H.V., University of Western Cape, Department of Statistics, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Simelane, S.E., University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Centre, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States | We employ questions on household characteristics collected in the 1997 and 1998 October Household Surveys (OHSs) in South Africa and those collected in the 1998 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) to examine the relationship between living standards and childhood mortality. Specifically, we examine whether childhood mortality is higher in poor households than in rich households, and whether between 1997 and 1998 the risk of childhood mortality changed. Principal components analysis is employed to combine household assets as a measure of socioeconomic status (SES). An index for SES is used in a negative binomial model to examine its association with childhood mortality. Results are inconsistent between 1997 and 1998. In 1997 the risk of childhood mortality decreases as we move from the lowest quintile to the highest quintile of the SES index. In 1998 higher levels of SES are associated with higher childhood mortality. A comparison of the findings from the 1998 OHS with those from the 1998 SADHS suggests that the 1998 OHS data may be less reliable because they yield results that deviate from the pattern shown in the 1997 OHS and the 1998 SADHS. Policy issues and recommendations for further research are discussed. | None | child mortality; household survey; living standard; mortality risk; policy development; principal component analysis; socioeconomic status; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903847292 | The impact of livestock grazing on plant diversity: An analysis across dryland ecosystems and scales in southern Africa | Hanke W., Böhner J., Dreber N., Jürgens N., Schmiedel U., Wesuls D., Dengler J. | 2014 | Ecological Applications | 24 | 5 | 10.1890/13-0377.1 | Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Geography, University of Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; Unit for Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; Synthesis Centre for Biodiversity Sciences, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany | Hanke, W., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Böhner, J., Institute of Geography, University of Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; Dreber, N., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Jürgens, N., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Schmiedel, U., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Wesuls, D., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Dengler, J., Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Plants, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany, Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany, Synthesis Centre for Biodiversity Sciences, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany | A general understanding of grazing effects on plant diversity in drylands is still missing, despite an extensive theoretical background. Cross-biome syntheses are hindered by the fact that the outcomes of disturbance studies are strongly affected by the choice of diversity measures, and the spatial and temporal scales of measurements. The aim of this study is to overcome these weaknesses by applying a wide range of diversity measures to a data set derived from identical sampling in three distinct ecosystems. We analyzed three fence-line contrasts (heavier vs. lighter grazing intensity), representing different degrees of aridity (from arid to semiarid) and precipitation regimes (summer rain vs. winter rain) in southern Africa. We tested the impact of grazing intensity on multiple aspects of plant diversity (species and functional group level, richness and evenness components, alpha and beta diversity, and composition) at two spatial scales, and for both 5-yr means and interannual variability. Heavier grazing reduced total plant cover and substantially altered the species and functional composition at all sites. However, a significant decrease in species alpha diversity was detected at only one of the three sites. By contrast, alpha diversity of plant functional groups responded consistently across ecosystems and scales, with a significant decrease at heavier grazing intensity. The cover-based measures of functional group diversity responded more sensitively and more consistently than functional group richness. Beta diversity of species and functional types increased under heavier grazing, showing that at larger scales, the heterogeneity of the community composition and the functional structure were increased. Heavier grazing mostly increased interannual variability of alpha diversity, while effects on beta diversity and cover were inconsistent. Our results suggest that species diversity alone may not adequately reflect the shifts in vegetation structure that occur in response to increased grazing intensity in the dryland biomes of southern Africa. Compositional and structural changes of the vegetation are better reflected by trait-based diversity measures. In particular, measures of plant functional diversity that include evenness represent a promising tool to detect and quantify disturbance effects on ecosystems. © 2014 by the Ecological Society of America. | Alpha diversity; Beta diversity; Biodiversity; Disturbance; Evenness; Fence-line contrast; Functional diversity; Nama Karoo; Rangeland degradation; Richness; Stability; Succulent Karoo | biome; community composition; data set; disturbance; dryland farming; functional group; grazing management; livestock; plant community; spatiotemporal analysis; species diversity; Karoo; Nama Karoo; South Africa; Southern Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35448992066 | The impact of life-long illness on women: A qualitative study of low socio-economic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients | Naldoo P. | 2007 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 17 | 42371 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Naldoo, P., Department of Psychology, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | The purpose of this qualitative, ethnographic study was to explore the impact of a chronic disease on low socio-economic women with RA In South Africa. Ten women participants with a mean age of 48 years and a mean duration of RA of 10 years were obtained through purposive sampling from a public hospital RA clinic. In-depth individual interviews were conducted as a method of data collection. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed for the data analysis. Grounded theory analysis was used which produced 3 primary categories around the impact of RA: (1) Physical impact, (2) Social and economic impact, and (3) Psychological Impact; and 5 sub-categories, namely, Pain and poor Functional Status, Change in life-style following a weakened economic position, Change in the constitution of the "Self", Change in the constitution of the "Self" of the spouse/partner, and Depression. Depression, pain and poor functional status are well known health outcomes for RA patients. Perceived change in the psychological concept of the "Self" is less frequently reported. The value of this study is that the concept of the self is further explored in chronically III Individuals as a 'fluid' one, with the potential for undergoing a complete transformation as a consequence of RA. Copyright © 2007 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Depression; Life-long illness; Pain; Rheumatoid arthritis; Self identity; Women | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649121425 | The impact of life design counselling on adolescents | Maree J.G., Pollard Z. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 2 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | Maree, J.G., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa; Pollard, Z. | This study records a process of heightening self-awareness within a semi-structured 'life design counselling' process. The research was conducted on the basis of a case study designed to facilitate co-constructive conversation with a purposefully selected youth. The participant was enabled to reconstruct a preferred and meaningful future that could change as different experiences, challenges and needs arose. The study suggested that the postmodern techniques that were implemented enhanced the involvement of the participant in the study. The participant revealed heightened self-insight into his personal experiences, a 'changed' attitude to certain aspects of his life context and pro-active behaviour with regard to the challenges he was facing. We (the researchers) concluded that life design counselling could be a promising strategy that could have a lasting effect on adolescents. Copyright © 2009. | Adolescent; Impact; Life design counselling | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000251053500027 | The impact of lexicographical work on language use: The case of shona monolingual dictionaries in Zimbabwe | Mapara, J.,Nyota, S. | 2007 | LEXIKOS | 17 | None | None | Masvingo State Univ | None | This article examines the impact of current lexicographical work in Zimbabwe on some sectors of Shona language use, namely education, media, medicine and local government. It looks specifically at Shona monolingual lexicographical projects completed by the African Languages Research Institute (ALRI),. successor to the African Languages Lexical Project (ALLEX). It analyses how users of Shona in these particular sectors are responding to the different lexicographical products published by ALRI. The article maintains that Shona monolingual lexicography has resulted in language raising and awareness. It has also led to term creation and has contributed towards standardisation of the language. Shona has furthermore gained the abstractive power it needs to explain its own and other concepts. All these have caused diglossia leakage from Low (L) Shona to High (H) Shona in some areas of Shona language usage. The overall effect is that Shona is now used in some formal sectors such as the above-mentioned ones which previously were the preserve of English in Zimbabwe. | ALLEX,ALRI,DICTIONARIES,"GENERAL DICTIONARIES","language awareness","language raising","LANGUAGE USE","monolingual lexicography",SLCA,Specialised,standardisation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892591804 | The impact of level of education of pregnant women on nutritional adherence | Bada F.O., Falana B.A. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p335 | Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Bada, F.O., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Falana, B.A., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study examined the impact of educational level of pregnant women on their adherence to nutrition recommendation in Ado-Ekiti local government area of Ekiti state. The study investigated the Impact of education, the knowledge, the social status, socioeconomic and socio-cultural factors on adherence to nutrition among pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research design for the study was descriptive in nature and survey approach was adopted for the entire population. The population consisted of the literate and illiterate pregnant women of child bearing ages selected through purposive random sampling technique in five hospitals in Ado-Ekiti local Government. A sample of 100 respondents was randomly selected using purposive and stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire tilled "Education and nutrition of pregnant women in Ekiti State "was used for collecting data. To ensure the validity of the instrument copies of the instrument were given to health care practitioners and nutrition specialists in the hospitals that are not part of the sample and the Department of Health and Human kinetics Ekiti State University. They ensured face and content validities of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.74 was obtained using test retest reliability. This was found significant at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument was personally administered in the maternity homes in Ado-Ekiti local Government Area of Ekiti State. The data generated were analysed using descriptive and inferential Statistics. The general question raised was answered using frequency counts and percentages. The hypothesis postulated was tested using Chi-square (x2). The analysis of the data revealed that Education determined to a large extent the nutritional adherence by pregnant women. There are significant relationship between the education level of respondent pregnant women and their nutritional adherence. Based on the findings, the curriculum planners should integrate nutritional counselling to all levels of education in Nigeria schools. The Ekiti State Government and Nigeria Government should have a nutritional guide for would be pregnant women in Ekiti State. | Level of education; Nutritional adherence; Pregnancy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893671228 | The impact of legislative framework governing waste management and collection in South Africa | Sentime K. | 2014 | African Geographical Review | 33 | 1 | 10.1080/19376812.2013.847253 | Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Sentime, K., Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | The legislative framework governing waste management defines the state as the key player and does not recognize informal waste collection in South Africa. There is inconsistency between this framework and the practice on the ground regarding waste collection. While the framework puts the state at the centre, the reality on the ground is that of the lack of specific policy directed at waste recycling. Thus, this gap which was supposed to be overcome by the state has been filled by an informal waste collection enterprise. This paper carries out a critical review of the legislative framework and reveals how it fails to take into account the reality of informal waste collectors who need to be empowered and formalized as they cover for the limits and failures of the state in Greater Johannesburg. The data for this research were collected through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion as well as interview in order to understand informal waste collectors social profile, types of waste collected, recycling approaches, challenges facing them as well as their spending patterns. The results show informal waste collectors in Braamfontein, Killarney and Newtown suburb of Johannesburg, who originated locally from South Africa and from other neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The types of waste collected include: metal, plastic and glass as well as paper, but this varied from one area to another. The findings here are consitent with research elsewhere which shows that if well organized and supported by government and other stakeholders, waste collection and management can contribute positively in many aspects including jobs creation, poverty reduction, conserve natural resources and protect the environment as well as in empowering grassroots investment. © 2013 The African Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers. | Informal waste collection; Legislative framework; Urban poverty; Waste management | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891552822 | The impact of left main coronary artery morphology on the distribution of atherosclerotic lesions in its branches | Ajayi N.O., Lazarus L., Vanker E.A., Satyapal K.S. | 2013 | Folia Morphologica (Poland) | 72 | 3 | 10.5603/FM.2013.0033 | Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; St. Augustine's Hospital, Chelmsford Medical Centre, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa | Ajayi, N.O., Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Lazarus, L., Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Vanker, E.A., St. Augustine's Hospital, Chelmsford Medical Centre, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Satyapal, K.S., Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Background: Atherosclerotic occlusion of a coronary vessel is the commonest cause of ischaemic heart disease. The distribution of atherosclerotic lesions is not random, with stenoses preferentially situated at branch ostia, bifurcation points, and the proximal segments of daughter vessels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the intrinsic anatomical properties of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) on the distribution of atherosclerotic lesions in its branches. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of 170 consecutive coronary angiograms obtained from the cardiac catheterisation laboratories of private hospitals in the eThekwini Municipality area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was performed. The LMCA was absent in 19/170 (11.2%). The remaining angiograms (n = 151) were divided into two groups: normal 63/151 (41.7%) and those with coronary artery disease (CAD) 88/151 (58.3%). The CAD group was sub-divided into proximal 42/88 (47.7%), mixed (proximal and distal) 26/88 (29.6%) and distal 20/88 (22.7%) sub-groups based on the location of atherosclerotic lesions in the branches of the LMCA. Results and Conclusions: The mean length, diameter and angle of division of the LMCA were as follows: Total angiograms: 10.4 mm, 3.8 mm and 86.2o; normal group: 10.5 mm, 3.9 mm and 85.7o, CAD group: 10.2 mm, 3.7 mm and 86.3o; proximal sub-group: 10.9 mm, 3.7 mm and 91.6o, mixed sub-group - 9.8 mm, 3.7 mm and 85o and distal sub-group - 9.1 mm, 3.8 mm and 79.4o, respectively. The vessels with proximally located lesions were recorded to have longer lengths and wider angles of division than vessels with distal lesions. Coronary angiographic delineation of the LMCA anatomy may be predictive of a coronary arterial arrangement that may favour the progression of proximally located lesions. Copyright © 2013 Via Medica. | Atherosclerosis; Distribution; Left main coronary artery; Left main coronary artery branches | anatomy and histology; angiocardiography; coronary artery disease; coronary blood vessel; human; pathology; radiography; retrospective study; article; coronary artery disease; coronary blood vessel; histology; pathology; radiography; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Humans; Retrospective Studies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941279506 | The impact of learning by thought on violations of independence and coalescing | Birnbaum M.H., Schmidt U. | 2015 | Decision Analysis | 12 | 3 | 10.1287/deca.2015.0316 | Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States; Department of Economics, University of Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, Germany; Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany; Department of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Birnbaum, M.H., Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States; Schmidt, U., Department of Economics, University of Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, Germany, Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany, Department of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper reports results from a repeated experiment on decision making under risk where subjects must address the same choice problems in several rounds. We investigate how behavior changes in the course of the experiment. The design focuses on choice problems allowing for direct tests of independence and coalescing. We show that inconsistencies in responses as well as violations of independence and coalescing decrease from earlier to later rounds. Our results provide evidence in favor of expected utility in conjunction with the discovered preference hypothesis. © 2015 INFORMS. | Coalescing; Errors; Experiment; Independence axiom; Splitting effects | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897401138 | The impact of leadership styles on employee organisational commitment in higher learning institutions | Wiza M., Hlanganipai N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p135 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | Wiza, M., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Hlanganipai, N., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | The current study seeks to determine the impact of leadership styles on employees' organisational commitment constructs among University academic staff at a selected South African institution. A quantitative methodology, using self-administered surveys comprised of the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and the Multi Factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was used to collect data from 160 respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Spearman correlation analysis was used to test for relationships between the independent variable (leadership style) and the dependant variable (organizational commitment. The findings of the study revealed that transformational leadership style has a significant and positive relationship with affective and continuance employee commitment while transactional leadership style has significant and positive relationship with only normative commitment. Based on the findings of this study, it is worth noting that leadership styles plays an important role to an employees' organizational commitment and it is very important for organizational policy makers to take this into consideration in order to meet organizational goals. This study contributes to the bank of findings relating to the development of leadership and organisational commitment, not only in South Africa, but within the institutions of higher learning in particular. | Academics; Impact; Organisational commitment; Transactional leadership; Transformational leadership | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349332484 | The impact of launching surgery at the district level in niger | Sani R., Nameoua B., Yahaya A., Hassane I., Adamou R., Hsia R.Y., Hoekman P., Sako A., Habibou A. | 2009 | World Journal of Surgery | 33 | 10 | 10.1007/s00268-009-0160-x | Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger, South Africa; Regional Hospital of Dosso, Dosso, Niger; District Hospital, Dosso Region, Dosso, Niger; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States | Sani, R., Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger, South Africa; Nameoua, B., Regional Hospital of Dosso, Dosso, Niger; Yahaya, A., District Hospital, Dosso Region, Dosso, Niger; Hassane, I., District Hospital, Dosso Region, Dosso, Niger; Adamou, R., District Hospital, Dosso Region, Dosso, Niger; Hsia, R.Y., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Hoekman, P., Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger, South Africa; Sako, A., Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger, South Africa; Habibou, A., Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger, South Africa | In 2005, the Ministry of Health in association with the Faculty of Medicine of Niamey decided to launch surgery at the district hospital (DH) level as part of the health strategy for the country. Surgical procedures were provided by general practitioners who received 12 months of training in basic surgery. Whereas the initiative was launched nationwide, we chose randomly to study the region of Dosso during a 1-year time period of January 2007 to December 2007 in the three district hospitals as well as the regional hospital of Dosso. During the course of 1 year, 544 patients received operations in the three DHs, of which 37.9% (n = 206) were emergent and 62.1% (n = 338) were elective. The most common emergent interventions were cesarean sections (70%) and uterine ruptures (7.8%). For elective surgeries, hernia repairs comprised 80.8% of the cases. The mortality rate of emergent surgeries was 7.3 and 0% in the cases of elective surgeries. Of note, there was a large reduction in transfers to the regional hospital: 52% compared to 2006 and 82% compared to 2005. In 66.1% of the transfers, the cases consisted of fractures, and in 10.4% of abdominal trauma and critical thoracic emergencies. Further study of this initiative has highlighted other challenges, including that of human resources, equipment maintenance, provision of consumables, and the need for continued training. Results from this governmental initiative to provide surgery in rural district hospitals by general practitioners are promising and encouraging. In the rural district of Dosso, there have been no deaths from elective surgery, and the number of surgical transfers to the regional hospital has drastically diminished. © 2009 The Author(s). | None | abdominal injury; adult; article; cesarean section; elective surgery; emergency surgery; fracture; general practitioner; government; health program; hernioplasty; hospital; human; major clinical study; mortality; Niger; patient transport; resource allocation; surgery; surgical patient; surgical training; thorax surgery; uterus rupture; Emergencies; Family Practice; Hospitals, District; Humans; Niger; Patient Transfer; Rural Population; Surgical Procedures, Elective; Surgical Procedures, Operative | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892540235 | The impact of language of learning and teaching in primary schools: A case study of the Gauteng province | Mogashoa T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p295 | College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | Mogashoa, T., College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | The aim of the research was to establish the impact of language of learning and teaching in selected South African primary schools. This study was underpinned by critical discourse analysis. The framework of analysis included analysis of texts, interactions and social practices at the local, institutional and societal levels. Language policies can be better understood by looking at the social issues of the community as well as the language and type of texts used. When exercising a choice with regard to method, researchers often have to decide between qualitative and quantitative methods or a combination of both. Qualitative research was chosen as a relevant research instrument for this study to gather information. During data analysis the data were organised categorically and coded and the responses were correlated with the prominent and emerging views identified in the literature survey. The findings of this study revealed that African learners are taught in second or third languages while white learners are taught in their home languages. The Department of Basic Education and policy makers should be persuaded to promote programmes in which home language instruction is given meaningful financial and material support to make the production and rewriting of textbooks and dictionaries across school curricula possible. | Critical discourse analysis; Curriculum; Evaluation and assessment; Involvement; Perspectives; Purpose and emphasis; Qualitative; Significance; Teacher | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950666829 | The impact of land use conversion on a residential district in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ayotamuno A., Gobo A.E., Owei O.B. | 2010 | Environment and Urbanization | 22 | 1 | 10.1177/0956247810363529 | Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, PMB 20, Bori, Nigeria; Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ayotamuno, A., Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, PMB 20, Bori, Nigeria; Gobo, A.E., Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Owei, O.B., Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This paper examines the changes in land use and economic activities between 1986 and 2005 in a residential development in Port Harcourt that was originally developed for senior civil servants and military personnel. It shows how land ownership has changed and also the rapid expansion of commercial activities within what was exclusively a residential development. With no enforcement of land use regulations, this has led to a decline in the quality of life for the residents. © 2010 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). | Land use conversion; Land use management; Land use regulations; Nigeria; Port Harcourt | land use change; land use planning; landownership; quality of life; regulatory approach; residential development; residential location; Nigeria; Port Harcourt; Rivers | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36148946794 | The impact of land transformation on breeding Blue Swallows Hirundo atrocaerulea Sundevall, in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | Wakelin J., Hill T.R. | 2007 | Journal for Nature Conservation | 15 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jnc.2007.05.003 | Scientific Services, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, Cascades 3202, South Africa; Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Wakelin, J., Scientific Services, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, Cascades 3202, South Africa; Hill, T.R., Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | The Blue Swallow is confined to the grassland component of the mistbelt region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a habitat well suited to intensive agriculture and especially afforestation, due to the high rainfall and deep well-drained soils. The species is listed as amongst the top five Critically Endangered bird species in South Africa and the numbers are dramatically declining. Any further fragmentation of its habitat may well lead to the local extinction of the Blue Swallow. It is in response to these sentiments that this paper investigates the potential influence of land use change, identifies what those changes have been over a 20-year epoch and what the impact on the persistence of Blue Swallow nesting sites has been. To achieve this, the extent and nature of land transformation, adjacent to past and current Blue Swallow nesting sites on five separate study sites in KwaZulu-Natal was investigated, using a Geographical Information System (GIS) as a means of recording the levels of transformation and the change in land use over time. While sample sizes were limited, as a result of dealing with a Critically Endangered species, the data suggest that nest density was positively related to changes in grassland and arable land uses and negatively related to an increase in plantation forestry. A decrease of 55% in active Blue Swallow nest sites coincided with a measured decline in grassland of 46% for the period 1981-2000. It is clear that the current rate of loss of Blue Swallow breeding pairs is critical and without the conservation of primary grassland habitat, the Blue Swallow is heading towards extinction in KwaZulu-Natal. It is recommended that artificial nest site provision and the conservation and sustainable management of the mistbelt grassland biome, both as a vegetation unit worthy of conserving in its own right and in collaboration with surrounding dependant communities, is necessary for the recovery of this charismatic, indicator species. © 2007. | Conservation; Critically Endangered; Geographical Information Systems; Land transformation; Mistbelt grasslands | afforestation; breeding; endangered species; GIS; habitat fragmentation; intensive agriculture; land use change; local extinction; nesting; passerine; plantation forestry; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Aves; Hirundinidae; Hirundo atrocaerulea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053082704 | The impact of land transfers in the different agricultural sectors of the North West Province | Cloete P.C., van Schalkwyk H.D., Idsardi E.F. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 19 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; North West University, Private Bag X6001, Internal Box 375, Potchefstroom, 2530, South Africa | Cloete, P.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; van Schalkwyk, H.D., North West University, Private Bag X6001, Internal Box 375, Potchefstroom, 2530, South Africa; Idsardi, E.F., North West University, Private Bag X6001, Internal Box 375, Potchefstroom, 2530, South Africa | Imbalances and inefficiency fostered by the policies of the previous South African government necessitate changes to reduce the imbalance of the past and enhance the inclusiveness and competitiveness of the agricultural industry. Against this background, the policy of land reform was initiated. In theory, the agricultural land reform policy might appear effective; given that agriculture is a major contributor to rural economic growth and development. Broadening the economic activities of previous disadvantaged individuals through the acquisition and cultivation of land will help to rebuild and strengthen the rural communities. However, the outcomes of this policy has to date not seen the desired results regarding rural economic development and poverty reduction. Many of the foreseen positive aspects of the land reform policy are also contributors to the potentially negative outcomes of the policy. This makes this specific policy controversial and subject of heated debate. Transfers of land in the various agricultural sectors will impact differently on social-and economic factors. Unless a proper understanding of the impact of transferring land in the different agricultural sectors is established, the controversy around the potential impact of land reform will continue. To obtain a better understanding of this impact, the study employed a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) based partial equilibrium model. Results from the model revealed that the negative impact of the land reform policy largely overshadows the positive effects. Moreover, transfers within the larger agricultural sub-sectors will result in more significant social and economic impacts. Thus, the implementation of the agricultural land reform policy needs to be radical and calculative; otherwise it will result in false expectations, hardship and poverty. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Economic and social impacts; Land reform; Partial equilibrium model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901467794 | The impact of land abandonment on species richness and abundance in the Mediterranean Basin: A meta-analysis | Plieninger T., Hui C., Gaertner M., Huntsinger L. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0098355 | Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Mathematical and Physical Biosciences, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | Plieninger, T., Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Hui, C., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa, Mathematical and Physical Biosciences, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Gaertner, M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Huntsinger, L., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | Land abandonment is common in the Mediterranean Basin, a global biodiversity hotspot, but little is known about its impacts on biodiversity. To upscale existing case-study insights to the Pan-Mediterranean level, we conducted a metaanalysis of the effects of land abandonment on plant and animal species richness and abundance in agroforestry, arable land, pastures, and permanent crops of the Mediterranean Basin. In particular, we investigated (1) which taxonomic groups (arthropods, birds, lichen, vascular plants) are more affected by land abandonment; (2) at which spatial and temporal scales the effect of land abandonment on species richness and abundance is pronounced; (3) whether previous land use and current protected area status affect the magnitude of changes in the number and abundance of species; and (4) how prevailing landforms and climate modify the impacts of land abandonment. After identifying 1240 potential studies, 154 cases from 51 studies that offered comparisons of species richness and abundance and had results relevant to our four areas of investigation were selected for meta-analysis. Results are that land abandonment showed slightly increased (effect size = 0.2109, P,0.0001) plant and animal species richness and abundance overall, though results were heterogeneous, with differences in effect size between taxa, spatial-temporal scales, land uses, landforms, and climate. In conclusion, there is no "one-size-fits-all" conservation approach that applies to the diverse contexts of land abandonment in the Mediterranean Basin. Instead, conservation policies should strive to increase awareness of this heterogeneity and the potential trade-offs after abandonment. The strong role of factors at the farm and landscape scales that was revealed by the analysis indicates that purposeful management at these scales can have a powerful impact on biodiversity. © 2014 Plieninger et al. | None | agroforestry; arable land; arthropod; article; biodiversity; bird; climate; cropland; effect size; environmental impact; environmental management; environmental planning; environmental protection; land abandonment; land use; lichen (organism); nonhuman; pastureland; population abundance; species richness; taxonomy; vascular plant; animal; biota; classification; endangered species; growth, development and aging; legislation and jurisprudence; meta analysis; plant; plant development; population density; sea; Animals; Arthropods; Biota; Birds; Climate; Endangered Species; Lichens; Oceans and Seas; Plant Development; Plants; Population Density | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885414180 | The Impact of Isoniazid Resistance on the Treatment Outcomes of Smear Positive Re-Treatment Tuberculosis Patients in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India | Deepa D., Achanta S., Jaju J., Rao K., Samyukta R., Claassens M., Kumar A.M.V., PH V. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0076189 | State Tuberculosis Training and Demonstration Center, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India; World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in India, New Delhi, India; State TB Cell, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India; Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India | Deepa, D., State Tuberculosis Training and Demonstration Center, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India; Achanta, S., World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in India, New Delhi, India; Jaju, J., World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in India, New Delhi, India; Rao, K., State Tuberculosis Training and Demonstration Center, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India; Samyukta, R., State TB Cell, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India; Claassens, M., Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Kumar, A.M.V., International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India; PH, V., State Tuberculosis Training and Demonstration Center, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India | Background:Multi drug resistant and rifampicin resistant TB patients in India are treated with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standardized treatment regimens but no guidelines are available for the management of isoniazid (INH) resistant TB patients. There have been concerns that the standard eight-month retreatment regimen being used in India (2H3R3Z3E3S3/1H3R3Z3E3/5H3R3E3; H-Isoniazid; R-Rifampicin; Z-Pyrazinamide; E-Ethambutol; S-Streptomycin) may be inadequate to treat INH resistant TB cases and leads to poor treatment outcomes. We aimed to assess if INH resistance is associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes (death, default, failure and transferred out) among a cohort of smear positive retreatment TB patients registered in three districts of Andhra Pradesh, India.Methods:We conducted a retrospective record review of all smear positive retreatment TB patients without rifampicin resistance registered during April-December 2011.Results:Of 1,947 TB patients, 1,127 (58%) were tested with LPA-50 (4%) were rifampicin resistant, 933 (84%) were sensitive to INH and rifampicin and 144 (12%) were INH resistant. Of 144 INH resistant cases, 64 (44%) had poor treatment outcomes (25 (17%) default, 22 (15%) death, 12 (8%) failure and 5 (3%) transfer out) as compared to 287 (31%) among INH sensitive cases [aRR 1.46; 95%CI (1.19-1.78)].Conclusion:Our study confirms that INH resistance is independently associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes among smear positive retreatment TB patients, indicating that the current treatment regimen may be inadequate. These findings call for an urgent need for randomized controlled trials to discover the most effective treatment regimen for managing INH resistant TB. © 2013 deepa et al. | None | cycloserine; ethambutol; ethionamide; isoniazid; kanamycin; levofloxacin; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; adult; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; article; cohort analysis; controlled study; death; disease registry; drug treatment failure; female; human; India; major clinical study; male; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; outcome assessment; patient transport; relapse; retreatment; retrospective study; sensitivity analysis; sputum smear; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; Adult; Demography; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Humans; India; Isoniazid; Male; Middle Aged; Retreatment; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956343795 | The impact of isoniazid preventive therapy and antiretroviral therapy on tuberculosis in children infected with HIV in a high tuberculosis incidence setting | Frigati L.J., Kranzer K., Cotton M.F., Schaaf H.S., Lombard C.J., Zar H.J. | 2011 | Thorax | 66 | 6 | 10.1136/thx.2010.156752 | Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Frigati, L.J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Kranzer, K., Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Cotton, M.F., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Schaaf, H.S., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Lombard, C.J., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Zar, H.J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children infected with HIV. Strategies to prevent TB in children include isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). IPT and ART have been reported to reduce TB incidence in adults but there are few studies in children. Objective: To investigate the combined effect of IPT and ART on TB risk in children infected with HIV. Methods: A cohort analysis was done within a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of isoniazid (INH) compared with placebo in children infected with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa, a high TB incidence setting. In May 2004 the placebo arm was terminated and all children were switched to INH. ART was not widely available at the start of the study, but children were started on ART following the establishment of the national ART program in 2004. Data were analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: After adjusting for age, nutritional status and immunodeficiency at enrolment, INH alone, ART alone and INH combined with ART reduced the risk of TB disease by 0.22 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.53), 0.32 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.55) and 0.11 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.32) respectively. INH reduced the risk of TB disease in children on ART by 0.23 (95% CI 0.05 to 1.00). Conclusions: The finding that IPT may offer additional protection in children on ART has significant public health implications because this offers a possible strategy for reducing TB in children infected with HIV. Widespread use of this strategy will however require screening of children for active TB disease. Trial registration: Trial registration - Clinical Trials NCT00330304. | None | cotrimoxazole; efavirenz; isoniazid; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; nevirapine; placebo; ritonavir; stavudine; zidovudine; antiviral therapy; article; child; combination chemotherapy; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; double blind procedure; drug efficacy; drug potentiation; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; incidence; infection prevention; infection risk; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; monotherapy; nutritional status; outcome assessment; preschool child; priority journal; risk reduction; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Isoniazid; Male; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947062168 | The impact of ISO 9001 implementation on organizational performance in Kenya | Ochieng J., Muturi D., Njihia S.N. | 2015 | TQM Journal | 27 | 6 | 10.1108/TQM-06-2015-0071 | Department of Business Intelligence and Research, Kenya Institute of Management, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Institute of Management, Nairobi, Kenya | Ochieng, J., Department of Business Intelligence and Research, Kenya Institute of Management, Nairobi, Kenya; Muturi, D., Kenya Institute of Management, Nairobi, Kenya; Njihia, S.N., Kenya Institute of Management, Nairobi, Kenya | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of ISO 9001 implementation on the performance of organizations in Kenya. It specifically targeted organizations listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) which is the leading securities exchange in East Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The survey made use of web content analysis to collect data from these organizations' web sites. Data were collected on net profit, turnover and net assets over a four-year period (2010-2013). The research used statistical data analysis to investigate the association between ISO 9001 implementation and performance. Findings: Results of the survey reveal that ISO 9001 certification influenced return on net assets of the organizations thereby influencing their performance. There was significant differences in net asset value among organizations with ISO 9001 certification and those that did not possess the certification. On profit and revenue, there were no significant differences between the ISO 9001 certified and non-certified organizations. Research limitations/implications: The research findings are limited to those organizations listed in the NSE and may not be generalized to other organizations. The study is further limited by the number of organizations participating in the study which was 20. Practical implications: The findings of the study provide justification for adoption of ISO 9001 standard in organizations in all key sectors of the Kenyan economy for sustained quality management practices. The ISO 9001 certified companies will enhance their quality management practices to achieve the successes documented in this paper while those yet to embrace the standards will draw lessons from such successes which may offer them compelling arguments to adopt them. Originality/value: Since the adoption and uptake of ISO certification in Kenya over a decade ago, no study has been carried out that directly relates ISO certification to organizational performance. This study will thus be useful as a starting point in documenting the ISO standard's impact. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | ISO 9001; Organizational performance; Quality management | Economics; Profitability; Quality management; Surveys; Design/methodology/approach; ISO 9001; ISO 9001 certification; ISO certifications; Organizational performance; Quality management practices; Statistical data analysis; Web content analysis; Societies and institutions | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903985919 | The impact of islamic banking on entrepreneurial motivation, firm competitiveness and performance in South African small and medium enterprises | Hove P., Sibanda K., Pooe D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p165 | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; University of Fort Hare, Alice, East London, South Africa; Department of Logistics, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Hove, P., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Sibanda, K., University of Fort Hare, Alice, East London, South Africa; Pooe, D., Department of Logistics, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Through its commonly recognised characteristics of zero interest loans and the sharing of profits, losses and risks Islamic banking is rapidly gaining importance in the contemporary business world. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that point to the impact of Islamic banking on the key economic drivers such as entrepreneurship, competition and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly in South Africa. Hence, this paper examined the impact of Islamic banking on entrepreneurial motivation, firm competitiveness and business performance of SMEs in South Africa. To this end, a survey was carried out and data was gathered by means of questionnaires on a sample of 150 SME owners/managers in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse data using the Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The findings reveal that Islamic banking has a positive impact on both entrepreneurial motivation and firm competitiveness while the relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and the business performance of SMEs was found not to be significant. Furthermore, the study found that firm competitiveness has a highly significant and strongly positive impact on business performance of SMEs. In view of these findings, the paper concludes with some implications and policy recommendations for both the banks and the government. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907994204 | The impact of irrigation technology on the financial and economic performance of smallholder irrigation in Zimbabwe | Mupaso N., Manzungu E., Mutambara J., Hanyani-Mlambo B. | 2014 | Irrigation and Drainage | 63 | 4 | 10.1002/ird.1820 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mupaso, N., Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Manzungu, E., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutambara, J., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hanyani-Mlambo, B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The study assessed the impact of irrigation technology on the financial and economic performance of smallholder irrigation in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted in 2011 in the Hamamavhaire and Mhende irrigation schemes in Chirumanzu District (south-central Zimbabwe). A questionnaire survey was administered to 79 respondents drawn from farmers using sprinkler (n=32), flood (n=39) and drip (n=8) systems. Gross margin analysis, in conjunction with cost-benefit analysis, was used to evaluate the financial and economic performance of farmers. Farmers using the sprinkler system obtained the highest total gross margin per hectare (US$2762), followed by the flood system with returns that were 21% lower (US$2191), while the drip system recorded 50% lower returns (US$1387). Economic analysis indicated the superiority of the flood system (NPV=US$36 699; IRR=42% and BCR=4) compared to sprinkler irrigation (NPV=US$27 813; IRR=38%; BCR=2) and the drip system (NPV=US$25 393; IRR=23%; BCR=2). While the flood system was the most desirable from the financial and economic points of view, because of low operational costs, this could be offset by negative environmental impacts. The study concluded that the choice of one particular irrigation technology over another is a fine balance between efficiencies that can be achieved and the development and operational costs. Irrigation technology alone does not determine financial and economic viability. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Cost-benefit analysis; Economic performance; Irrigation technology; Sensitivity analysis; Smallholder; Zimbabwe | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049326022 | The impact of irrigated agriculture on water quality of rivers Kongoni and Sirimon, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, Kenya | Mutisya D.K., Tole M. | 2010 | Water, Air, and Soil Pollution | 213 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s11270-010-0373-5 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, Kenya | Mutisya, D.K., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Tole, M., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, Kenya | This study aimed at determining the water quality of River Sirimon and River Kongoni, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, Kenya. Water quality analysis of these two rivers was done for a period of 5 months between November 2005 and February 2006. Portable Palintest equipment was used for the chemical analysis. The study established that there were sulphates concentrations of 22 mgL-1 in the Kongoni River water associated with the use of commercial fertilisers as compared to mean values of 7 mgL-1 along Sirimon River; phosphate concentrations were 1.3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.15 mgL-1 in Sirimon and salinity 3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.47 mgL-1 in Sirimon. On average, mean nitrates concentrations of 1.7 mgL-1 were recorded for Kongoni River, which were higher than those recorded for Sirimon River (0.033 mgL-1). These concentration levels were however within the standard levels set by WHO for example 50 mgL-1 for nitrates (WHO 2008). River Kongoni has two major irrigated horticultural farms across it which were likely polluting the river during the time of this study. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Fertilizer; Irrigation; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; Pollution | Concentration levels; Fertilisers; Irrigated agriculture; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; Mean values; Palintest; Phosphate concentration; River water; Sulphates; Water quality analysis; Chemical equipment; Concentration (process); Fertilizers; Irrigation; Nitrogen compounds; Pollution; Quality control; Rivers; Water quality; River pollution; ammonia; fertilizer; manganese; nitrate; nitrite; river water; sulfate; agriculture; chemical analysis; concentration (composition); fertilizer; horticulture; irrigation; nitrate; phosphate; river water; sulfate; water quality; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental impact assessment; fertilizer application; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; river basin; river ecosystem; salinity; trend study; waste disposal; water analysis; water contamination; water pollutant; water quality; water standard; world health organization; Kenya; Ngiro River | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921057084 | 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 |
WoS | WOS:000345469000029 | The impact of introducing new vaccines on the health system: Case studies from six low- and middle-income countries | Burchett, Helen E. D.,Chavez, Enrique,Edengue, Jean-Marie,Gelmon, Lawrence,Griffiths, Ulla K.,Kitaw, Yayehirad,Konate, Mamadou,Lagarde, Mylene,Mills, Anne,Molla, Mitike,Mounier-Jack, Sandra,Ongolo-Zogo, Pierre,Onyango-Ouma, Washington,Rulisa, Stephen,Torr | 2014 | VACCINE | 33 | 49 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.09.032 | Addis Ababa University, University of London, University of Manitoba, University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Minist Hlth, Yaounde Cent Hosp | "Burchett, Helen E. D.: University of London","Griffiths, Ulla K.: University of London","Lagarde, Mylene: University of London","Mills, Anne: University of London","Molla, Mitike: Addis Ababa University","Mounier-Jack, Sandra: University of London","Onyango-Ouma, Washington: University of Nairobi","Rulisa, Stephen: University of Rwanda","Torres-Rueda, Sergio: University of London", | Objective: We aimed to explore the impacts of new vaccine introductions on immunization programmes and health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods: We conducted case studies of seven vaccine introductions in six countries (Cameroon, PCV; Ethiopia, PCV; Guatemala, rotavirus; Kenya, PCV; Mali, Meningitis A; Mali, PCV; Rwanda, HPV). Interviews were conducted with 261 national, regional and district key informants and questionnaires were completed with staff from 196 health facilities. Routine data from districts and health facilities were gathered on vaccination and antenatal service use. Data collection and analysis were structured around the World Health Organisation health system building blocks.
Findings: The new vaccines were viewed positively and seemed to integrate well into existing health systems. The introductions were found to have had no impact on many elements within the building blocks framework. Despite many key informants and facility respondents perceiving that the new vaccine introductions had increased coverage of other vaccines, the routine data showed no change. Positive effects perceived included enhanced credibility of the immunisation programme and strengthened health workers' skills through training. Negative effects reported included an increase in workload and stock outs of the new vaccine, which created a perception in the community that all vaccines were out of stock in a facility. Most effects were found within the vaccination programmes; very few were reported on the broader health systems. Effects were primarily reported to be temporary, around the time of introduction only.
Conclusion: Although the new vaccine introductions were viewed as intrinsically positive, on the whole there was no evidence that they had any major impact, positive or negative, on the broader health systems. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). | "HEALTH SYSTEMS","immunisation programmes",INTRODUCTIONS,"new vaccines",AFRICA,"ELIMINATION ACTIVITIES",IMMUNIZATION,MEASLES,"POLIO ERADICATION",PROGRAM | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955042921 | The impact of intra-group processes on family business success | Farrington S., Venter E., Boshoff C. | 2011 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Farrington, S., Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Venter, E., Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Boshoff, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Interpersonal ties and intra-group processes influence the ability of people to work together effectively as teams. In the context of the family business team, intra-group processes describe the interaction that takes place between the family members and the resultant psychological climate that exists in the family business. Given the increasing number of sibling teams among family businesses, as well as the challenges they face as team members, this study focuses on sibling teams in family businesses and the intra-group processes that influence their success. The primary objective of this study is to identify and empirically test the intragroup processes influencing the effectiveness of sibling partnerships. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 1323 sibling partner respondents. The respondents were identified by means of a convenience snowball sampling technique, and the data were collected from 371 usable questionnaires. The empirical findings of this study show that the sibling relationship and fairness are important determinants of sibling team effectiveness. | Family business; Family team; Intra-group processes; Sibling partnership; Team | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645003520 | The impact of intragenic recombination on phylogenetic reconstruction at the sectional level in Eucalyptus when using a single copy nuclear gene (cinnamoyl CoA reductase) | Poke F.S., Martin D.P., Steane D.A., Vaillancourt R.E., Reid J.B. | 2006 | Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | 39 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ympev.2005.11.016 | School of Plant Science, Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Poke, F.S., School of Plant Science, Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Martin, D.P., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Steane, D.A., School of Plant Science, Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Vaillancourt, R.E., School of Plant Science, Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Reid, J.B., School of Plant Science, Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia | Low copy number nuclear genes have been found to be useful for phylogenetic reconstruction at different taxonomic levels. This study investigated the utility of a single copy gene, cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR), for resolving phylogenetic relationships at the sectional level within Eucalyptus. The monophyly of sections Exsertaria and Latoangulatae was explored, using section Maidenaria as an outgroup, and the impact of intragenic recombination on phylogenetic reconstruction examined. Phylogenetic analysis did not resolve monophyletic groups. Latoangulatae and Maidenaria were polyphyletic or paraphyletic. Exsertaria species formed a clade but included a single Latoangulatae species (E. major). Recombination analysis identified two intragenic recombination events that involved species from different sections, which have probably been facilitated by inter-sectional hybridisation. One of the events most likely occurred prior to speciation, with several Latoangulatae species having the recombinant allele. The other event may have occurred after speciation, since only one of two E. globulus samples possessed the recombinant allele. This is the first detailed report of intragenic recombination in both CCR and Eucalyptus, and between species of different sections of a plant genus. The occurrence of intragenic recombination may explain the anomalous positions of some species within the phylogenetic tree, and indicates that phylogenetic analysis of Eucalyptus using nuclear genes will be problematic unless recombination is taken into account. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | CCR; Hybridisation; Lignin; Nuclear DNA; Phylogeny; RDP2 | aldehyde dehydrogenase; cinnamoyl CoA reductase; article; cell nucleus; classification; enzymology; Eucalyptus; gene dosage; genetic recombination; genetics; hybridization; molecular evolution; molecular genetics; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; Aldehyde Oxidoreductases; Base Sequence; Cell Nucleus; Eucalyptus; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Dosage; Hybridization, Genetic; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Recombination, Genetic; Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus globulus; Maidenaria | None |
WoS | WOS:000285526700005 | The impact of internet use on teaching, learning and research activities in Nigerian universities A case study of Obafemi Awolowo University | Nwezeh, Chinwe M. T. | 2010 | ELECTRONIC LIBRARY | 28 | 5 | 10.1108/02640471011081960 | Obafemi Awolowo University | None | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of internet resources and the evaluation of their usefulness on teaching, learning and research in Nigerian universities with particular emphasis on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on a descriptive survey using questionnaires for data collection. The respondents constitute students (750) and academic staff (115) from OAU. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) were used to analyze the data.
Findings - The results from the paper reveal that a majority of the surveyed academic staff and the students found the internet to be very useful. Internet resources mostly used by both groups were e-mail and the world wide web (WWW). Search interfaces were used for looking for research information. It was discovered that the users were not given adequate user education to enable them make use of the internet resources available.
Originality/value - That the internet is widely used is not a surprise, but the paper points to the fact that more conscious efforts must be made in the introduction of user education and information literacy programmes, as well as in staff training on information and communication technology resources in the library. | "INFORMATION LITERACY",INTERNET,NIGERIA,"university libraries","USER STUDIES",INFORMATION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248209039 | The impact of internet usage: A case study of Delta State tertiary institutions | Ureigho R.J., Oroke G.U., Ekruyota G.O. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 16 | 4 | None | Department of Computer Science, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Nigeria; Department of Computer Science/Information Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria | Ureigho, R.J., Department of Computer Science, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Nigeria; Oroke, G.U., Department of Computer Science, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Nigeria; Ekruyota, G.O., Department of Computer Science/Information Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria | The Internet is one of the greatest recent advancement in the world of information technology and has become a useful instrument that has fostered the process of making the world a global village. However, despite the added benefits of the Internet to learning, teaching and research, there is no provision of effective Internet services in most of the tertiary institutions in Delta state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Internet for learning, teaching and research in institutions of higher learning in Delta State. Questionnaires were administered to students and staff in four tertiary institutions within the state. The results from the analysis of the responses showed that students and staff use Internet mainly for on-line chatting (24.89%) and e-mail (24.16%). The use of Internet as a source of research materials ranked third (23.21%). This study concludes that research would significantly improve through proper enlightenment, formal training on the use of Internet and provision of effective Internet services in tertiary institutions in Delta State. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2007. | E-mail; Institutions; Internet; Research | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000204015300006 | The impact of Internet usage: A case study of Delta State (Nigeria) tertiary institutions | Ekruyota, G. O.,Oroke, G. U.,Ureigho, R. J. | 2006 | SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESSAYS | 1 | 2 | None | Delta State Polytechn | None | The Internet is one of the greatest recent advancement in the world of information technology and has become a useful instrument that has fostered the process of making the world a global village. However, despite the added benefits of the Internet to learning, teaching and research, there is no provision of effective Internet services in most of the tertiary institutions in Delta State. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Internet for learning, teaching and research in institutions of higher learning in Delta State. Questionnaires were administered to students and staff in four tertiary institutions within the State. The results from the analysis of the responses showed that students and staff use Internet mainly for on-line chatting (24.89%) and e-mail (24.16%). The use of Internet as a source of research materials ranked third (23.21%). This study concludes that research would significantly improve through proper enlightenment, formal training on the use of Internet and provision of effective Internet services in tertiary institutions in Delta State. | E-MAIL,INSTITUTIONS,INTERNET,RESEARCH | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903940670 | The impact of international trade on economic growth in South Africa: An econometrics analysis | Mogoe S., Mongale I.P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p60 | Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa | Mogoe, S., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa; Mongale, I.P., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa | International trade is one of the leading discussions taken not only in South Africa but worldwide on daily basis. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of foreign trade on economic growth in South Africa. The findings of this study will determine the effects of international trade on economic growth to the policymakers. The study follows the cointegrated vector autoregression approach which contains the following steps: Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron to test for stationarity. The model is also taken through the Johansen cointegration test and Vector error correction model. The findings of the stationarity tests indicate that all the variables have a unit root problem. The cointegration model emphasizes the long run equilibrium relationship between dependent and independent variables. The empirical results of the Johansen cointegration test reject the hypothesis of no cointegration and suggest the presence of a long term economic relationship among all the variables. Empirical investigation reveals that inflation rate, export and exchange rates are positively related to GDP whilst import is negatively related to GDP. The conclusion drawn from this work is that there is a correlation amongst GDP and its regressors. This study recommends that the policymakers should improve and strengthen the competiveness of export sector with the aim of striving for a balance with the import sector. | Cointegrated vector autoregression; Economic growth; Foreign trade; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897696228 | The impact of international service on the development of volunteers' intercultural relations | Lough B.J., Sherraden M.S., McBride A.M., Xiang X. | 2014 | Social Science Research | 46 | None | 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2014.02.002 | School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Centre for Social Development in Africa, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Social Work, University of Missouri-St. Louis, United States; George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, United States | Lough, B.J., School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801, United States, Centre for Social Development in Africa, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Sherraden, M.S., School of Social Work, University of Missouri-St. Louis, United States; McBride, A.M., George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, United States; Xiang, X., School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801, United States | Approximately one million people from the United States perform international volunteer service each year, representing a significant flow of ideas, people, resources, and aid across international borders. This quasi-experimental study assesses the longitudinal impact of international volunteer service on volunteers' intercultural relations, international social capital, and concern about international affairs. Using linear mixed regression models that control for a counterfactual comparison group of individuals that did not travel abroad, international volunteers are more likely to report significant increases in international social capital and international concern two to three years after returning from service. Results indicate that intercultural relations may also continue to increase years after returning from service. International service may be a useful approach to helping people gain skills and networks that are needed in an increasingly global society. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Cultural development; International; Longitudinal; Social capital; Volunteering | adolescent; adult; cultural anthropology; female; human; international cooperation; longitudinal study; male; travel; United States; volunteer; work; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Culture; Female; Humans; Internationality; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Travel; United States; Volunteers; Work; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68549097921 | The impact of internal marketing on the perception of service quality in retail banking: A Ghanaian case | Opoku R.A., Atuobi-Yiadom N., Chong C.S., Abratt R. | 2009 | Journal of Financial Services Marketing | 13 | 4 | 10.1057/fsm.2008.26 | Department of Marketing, College of Industrial Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States | Opoku, R.A., Department of Marketing, College of Industrial Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Atuobi-Yiadom, N., University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana; Chong, C.S., GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana; Abratt, R., Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States | Although there is a large volume of literature on internal marketing, there is limited empirical evidence on its impact on the perception of service quality in developing nations. A literature review of internal marketing and service quality has been completed. A survey of 32 top managers, 100 employees and 200 external customers of a major bank in Ghana was undertaken to assess the impact of internal marketing on the perception of service quality. The results suggest that internal marketing can have an influence on service quality. Implications of the study are highlighted, limitations noted and directions for future research are outlined. © 2009 Palgrave Macmillan 1363-0539. | Banks; Developing economies; Ghana; Internal marketing; Service quality | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864071051 | The impact of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine on the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy | Umeh U.A., Obi S.N., Onah H.E., Ugwu E.O.V., Ajah L.O., Umeh C.R., Okafor I.I. | 2012 | Tropical Doctor | 42 | 3 | 10.1258/td.2011.110402 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | Umeh, U.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Obi, S.N., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Onah, H.E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Ugwu, E.O.V., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Ajah, L.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Umeh, C.R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Okafor, I.I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | The Roll BackMalaria initiatives were introduced to ensure that 60% of pregnant women receive intermittent preventive anti-malarial treatment by the end of 2005 in an attempt to halve themortality from malaria by 2010. Our aimwas to determine the prevalence of asymptomaticmalaria parasitaemia in pregnant women on intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine (SP) compared with a control group. This comparative study involved testing the peripheral blood of pregnant women on IPT with SP and a control group that did not receive SP for themalaria parasite upon registration and at 34weeks gestational age. The levels of parasitaemia in the intervention group upon registration (4.9%) and at 34weeks (63.9%)were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from that of the control group (10%) and at 34 weeks gestation (68.3%). IPT with SP during pregnancy did not significantly reduce the prevalence of the malaria parasitaemia among the pregnant women in our environment. | None | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; article; blood sampling; controlled study; female; gestational age; human; major clinical study; malaria; malaria falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnancy disorder; prenatal care; Article; blood parasite; blood stain; comparative study; drug intermittent therapy; educational status; malaria parasitemia; malaria parasitemia; microscopy; nonhuman; parasitemia; pregnancy; prevalence; Adult; Antimalarials; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Malaria; Parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Prevalence; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904095035 | The impact of interest rate on bank deposit: Evidence from the Nigerian banking sector | Ojeaga P., Odejimi O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p232 | Department of Economics, Bergamo University, Bergamo, Italy; Department of Economics, Benin, Nigeria | Ojeaga, P., Department of Economics, Bergamo University, Bergamo, Italy; Odejimi, O., Department of Economics, Benin, Nigeria | The study investigates the effect of interest rates on customer savings behavior in the Nigerian banking sector, after identifying a host of factors that are likely to influence customer confidence in commercial banks such as average income, commercial lending, legal rights strength, central bank monetary policy and total annual commercial bank losses, using quantile regression estimation method, a non parametric estimation process that is based on the premise that the sample median will tend to that of the distribution and addresses issues of heteroscedastic errors and data stringency associated with the data used in the study under question. We find that interest rates were probably increasing bank deposits while income was also found to affect bank deposits in general. | Bank deposits; Bank losses and monetary policy; Income; Interest rates | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919846414 | The impact of interactive engagement methods on students' academic achievement | Tlhoaele M., Hofman A., Winnips K., Beetsma Y. | 2014 | Higher Education Research and Development | 33 | 5 | 10.1080/07294360.2014.890571 | Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Learning and Teaching, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | Tlhoaele, M., Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hofman, A., Centre for Learning and Teaching, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Winnips, K., Centre for Learning and Teaching, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Beetsma, Y., Centre for Learning and Teaching, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | Interactive engagement (IE) is a process that promotes students' conceptual understanding through activities, combined with immediate feedback from peers and/or instructors. The present study investigates the impact of IE on students' academic performance, using the comprehensive model of educational effectiveness. Engineering students (n = 158), randomly divided into three groups (self-assessment, collaborative learning, and control) provided the study data on questionnaires as well as with their test scores. Analyses of covariance reveal significant differences across groups, along with significant interaction effects. These findings have notable implications for improving students' academic achievement. © 2014, © 2014 HERDSA. | academic performance; collaborative learning; interactive engagement; self-assessment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901626301 | The impact of instruction in enhancing teachers' knowledge of teaching mathematics in some Lesotho primary schools | Moru E.K., Qhobela M., Maqutu T.Z. | 2014 | Teacher Development | 18 | 2 | 10.1080/13664530.2014.900107 | Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru 100, Lesotho, South Africa; Department of Science Education, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho, South Africa; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Moru, E.K., Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru 100, Lesotho, South Africa; Qhobela, M., Department of Science Education, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho, South Africa; Maqutu, T.Z., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | The quality of mathematics teaching in Lesotho primary education remains one of the vexing problems in the education system. The study investigated how teachers viewed the impact of instruction on enhancing their knowledge of teaching. Data for the study were elicited from the second-year students enrolled for a Bachelor of Education in the 2009/10 academic year at the National University of Lesotho. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. The findings show that before instruction, the teachers operated with limited knowledge of teaching. At the end of the course the teachers' knowledge of teaching was enhanced. Significant change was apportioned to engaging in reflection and teaching for relational understanding. Implications of the findings for the course, teacher education and professional development are also discussed. © 2014 © 2014 Teacher Development. | mathematics teaching; teacher beliefs; teacher education; teacher knowledge; teacher professional development | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900434995 | The impact of in-service training on computer application educators: Challenges experienced and skills acquired | Bihi J.K., Selesho J.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 7 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n7p411 | Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Bihi, J.K., Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Selesho, J.M., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | It is generally believed that Information Communication Technologies through the use of Computer Applications Technology can extend knowledge and education to poor and marginalised people in South Africa. However, African countries still face many challenges in trying to provide appropriate and sustainable solutions for improving education and skills that will support the development of educators in all communities; this can be viewed in light of the millennium developmental goal. Thus the Department of Education put measures in place to bridge the gap in knowledge, skills and understanding of Computer Application Technology (CAT) educators through the provision of in-service training (INSET) programs. The research study was aimed at investigating challenges that CAT educators were experiencing in their classrooms in Secondary Schools in the Free State province. The study made use of a survey and an evaluation research design. The target population for this study was all Further Education and Training (FET) Phase educators in all secondary schools in the Free State Province. A selfconstructed questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. The study revealed that the INSET program still needs to improve on its content relevance to syllabus and it should provide educators with skills in dealing with the challenge of teaching learners with disabilities. The majority of educators were satisfied with the INSET program as they indicated that it assisted in enhancing their skills and content knowledge; they further indicated that it gave them motivation to go into classrooms and teach. That the study did achieve its goal which was to assess the impact of INSET programs for CAT educators in the Motheo District, Free State province. | Challenges; Computer application; Educators; Experiences; Impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908233859 | The impact of infrastructural change and regulation on entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector | Oberholzer S.M., Cullen M., Adendorff C. | 2014 | South African Journal of Business Management | 45 | 3 | None | 5 Seaforth Road, Vincent, East London, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Oberholzer, S.M., 5 Seaforth Road, Vincent, East London, South Africa; Cullen, M., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Adendorff, C., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The fast pace of technological advancements is regarded as one of the global drivers of change. In the telecommunications sector in South Africa, these technological advancements as well as sector transformation pose competitiveness challenges to entrepreneurs. This paper reports an empirical study performed to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness within the telecommunications sector of the South African economy. From the empirical study, significant relationships proved to exist between the intervening- and independent variables and the dependent variable of this study, namely Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. The independent variable Infrastructural Change positively influenced both the intervening variable Entrepreneurial Orientation and dependent variable Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. In the same manner, the independent variables of Regulatory Alignment and Entrepreneurial Mindset did positively influenced Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness within this study. The study found that entrepreneurs can position their businesses more competitively if the factors that impact directly or indirectly on Entrepreneurial Competitiveness in the South African Telecommunications sector are taken in consideration. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924308899 | The impact of information communication technology (ICT) on economic growth: A case for South Africa | Khumalo Z.Z., Mongale I.P. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2Continued1 | None | Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | Khumalo, Z.Z., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Mongale, I.P., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of Information Communication Technology on economic growth in South Africa. The study intends to establish correlation in a developing country such as South Africa where the existence of such a relationship has not been distinctly determined. The model is estimated by using the cointegration and causality analysis and the interrelationships among the variables will be captured by employing the Johansen Cointegration method. The Generalized Impulse Response Function is also introduced to further explore the dynamic relationship among the variables. The results exhibit the incidence of a positive association between Information Communication Technology and economic growth. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Cointegration; Economic growth; Generalized impulse response function; Information communication technology; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943821329 | The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on commercial bank performance: Evidence from South Africa | Binuyo A.O., Aregbeshola R.A. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 3 | None | South Africa | Binuyo, A.O., South Africa; Aregbeshola, R.A., South Africa | This paper contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to firm's performance. As the ICT impact on bank performance is beyond the scope pf most similar studies, this study further investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology Cost Efficiency (ICTCE) on the performance of banks as well. The study assessed the impact of ICT on the performance of South African banking industry using annual data over the period 1990-2012 published by Bankscope - World banking information source. Data analysis is carried out in a dynamic panel environment using the orthogonal transformation approach. The robustness of the results was affirmed by residual cointegration regression analysis using both Pedroni and Kao methods. The findings of the study indicated that the use of ICT increases return on capital employed as well as return on assets of the South African banking industry. The study discovers that more of the contribution to performance comes from information and communication technology cost efficiency compared to investment in information and communication technology. The study recommends that banks emphasize policies that will enhance proper utilization of existing ICT equipment rather than additional investments. © Adekunle Oluwole Binuyo, Rafiu Adewale Aregbeshola, 2014. | Bank; Information and communication technology cost efficiency; Performance; Return on assets; Return on capital employed; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960851192 | The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigerian University Libraries | Krubu D.E., Osawaru K.E. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | MAY | None | Department of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Krubu, D.E., Department of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Osawaru, K.E., Department of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924415779 | The Impact of Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Diffusion on Technology Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: The Case of Kenya | Wamuyu P.K. | 2015 | Information Technology for Development | 21 | 2 | 10.1080/02681102.2014.948372 | School of Science and Technology, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya | Wamuyu, P.K., School of Science and Technology, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya | ICT-based enterprises (ICT-BEs) are businesses that produce ICT products, provide ICT processing technologies, or offer ICT support services. Most ICT-BEs grow in particular niche fields of ICT use by offering services that are well tailored to meet the needs of a specific target market. This however is usually short lived, as alternative technologies are developed each day and availed globally within a few months, while the rate of adoption and diffusion of technology is dependent on other factors other than the ICT itself. In most cases technology diffusion is rather slow and uneven at first, but accelerates rapidly once a critical mass of individuals has adopted the technology. This raises the question of how ICT-BEs can cushion themselves against sudden and unpredictable ICT trends, which may lead to existing customers abandoning a technology for any new alternative technology. The study examines the impact of rapid ICT trends on ICT entrepreneurship in the liberalized and globalized Kenyan ICT market. The study is based on qualitative data, collected through four descriptive case studies selected from micro and small enterprises offering ICT solutions. Findings reveal that rapid changes in ICT trends and early adopters' switching behavior negatively affect the survival of an ICT-BE, while customer satisfaction and entrepreneurial creativity positively influence the survival and success of an ICT-BE. The study provides practitioners, budding ICT entrepreneurs, and policy-makers with essential lessons on how ICT trends affect the growth and survival of ICT-BEs and how to mitigate these negative effects and therefore remain in business. © 2014, © 2014 Commonwealth Secretariat. | case studies; exploratory; ICT adoption; ICT diffusion; ICT dynamism; ICT entrepreneurship; ICT trends; ICT-based enterprises; interpretive; micro and small enterprises; qualitative; service quality | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917739018 | The Impact of Information and Communications Technology Infrastructure and Complementary Factors on Intra-African Trade | Bankole F.O., Osei-Bryson K.-M., Brown I. | 2015 | Information Technology for Development | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/02681102.2013.832128 | Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa; Information Systems, Virginia, Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Bankole, F.O., Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa; Osei-Bryson, K.-M., Information Systems, Virginia, Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Brown, I., Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Trade is one of the cornerstones of socio-economic development for Africa. Intra-continental trade stimulates productive capacity and competitiveness in nations through exposing domestic industries to competition. The purpose of this study was to investigate how information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure impacts on intra-African trade, taking into account other relevant factors that also influence trade such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment. Archival data about Telecommunications Infrastructure (a key indicator of ICT infrastructure), Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment and Trade Flows (Export and Import) from 28 African countries were used as empirical evidence. The research employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares to analyze data. The empirical analysis shows that the Telecommunications Infrastructure has a major impact on intra-African trade. Interacting factors such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment also play a role in influencing intra-African trade. © 2013, Commonwealth Secretariat. | Africa; ICT infrastructure; structural equation model; trade | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900398574 | The impact of inflation on the automobile sales in South Africa | Chifurira R., Mudhombo I., Chikobvu M., Dubihlela D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 7 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n7p200 | School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Chifurira, R., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Mudhombo, I., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Chikobvu, M., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Dubihlela, D., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | This paper analyses the relationship between inflation (INF) and Automobile sales in South Africa by using the co-integration and causality tests. The analysis has been conducted using monthly data over the period 1960:1 through 2013:9. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit Root test indicates that the two series are stationary in the first-difference not in level. The Johansen-Juselius co-integration test show that INF and new vehicle sales (NVS) are co-integrated in the long run, hence, long-run equilibrium exist between the two variables. This study, using the Granger-Causality test has found that there is oneway causal effect (unidirectional causality) running from INF to NVS at 5% level of significance. Given that the automotive industry contributes 6% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating more than 300 000 jobs, South Africa must double its efforts in managing inflation at very low levels. | Causality test; Co-integration; Inflation; New vehicle sales; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938775635 | The impact of inflation on financial sector performance: A case study of sub-saharan africa | Tolulope A.O., Oyeyinka O.L. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Finance | 8 | 1 | None | Economics Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Economics Department, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria | Tolulope, A.O., Economics Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oyeyinka, O.L., Economics Department, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria | The study investigates the impact of inflation on financial sector performance in the sub-Saharan African region. To this end, dynamic panel data was employed, and the cross section covers 45 countries in the region between the period from 1980 - 2011. Three measures of financial sector performance (domestic credit to private sector, liquidity ratio, and market capitalization) were used for the study. Inflation was disaggregated to anticipated and unanticipated inflation, and the results show that both anticipated and unanticipated inflation have a negative effect on the financial sector performance, especially on the activities of the banking sector. The study, therefore, concludes that high inflation rate is inimical to financial sector performance, irrespective of the economy involved, and the government should employ necessary measures to control inflation as a way of improving the performance of the financial sector. | Anticipated inflation; Economic performance; Financial sector; Inflation; Unanticipated inflation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869119375 | The impact of inflation on financial sector development: Experience from Zambia | Odhiambo N.M. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 28 | 6 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Odhiambo, N.M., University of South Africa, South Africa | This study examines the impact of inflation on financial development in Zambia during the period between 1980 and 2011. The study attempts to answer two critical questions: 1) Is there a long-run relationship between inflation and financial sector development in Zambia? 2) Does inflation in Zambia have any negative effect on financial sector development? The study uses the recently developed ARDL-bounds testing approach to examine this linkage. In order to address the problem of omission of variable bias, the study incorporates other variables, such as government expenditure, trade volume and GDP per capita in the financial development model, alongside inflation - thereby, creating a simple multivariate model. Using the domestic credit to the private sector as a proxy for financial development, the study finds that there is a long-run relationship between inflation and financial development in Zambia. The study also finds that there is a distinctively negative relationship between inflation and financial development. The results apply, irrespective of whether the model is estimated in the short run or in the long run. © 2012 The Clute Institute. | Africa; Financial sector development; Inflation; Zambia | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887192581 | The impact of index migrations on share prices: Evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange | Kruger R., Toerien F. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 29 | 6 | None | The University of Cape Town, South Africa | Kruger, R., The University of Cape Town, South Africa; Toerien, F., The University of Cape Town, South Africa | This article examines the quantum and persistence of abnormal returns (positive and negative) for shares that entered or left the JSE Top 40 Index during quarterly index rebalancing between 2002 and 2013. Using an event study methodology based on the market model, we find evidence of anticipatory trading for both deletions and additions, which is, however, significant only for the former. These abnormal returns are reversed over our window period, which supports international studies indicating downward sloping share demand curves. Our findings imply informational inefficiencies that investors could use to trade profitably in anticipation of index additions or deletions. © author(s) Creative Commons License CC-BY. | Index migration; Johannesburg stock exchange; Quarterly reviews | None | None |
None | None | The Impact of Income and Non-Income Shocks on Child Labor: Evidence from a Panel Survey of Tanzania | Bandara A., Dehejia R., Lavie-Rouse S. | 2015 | World Development | 67 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.10.019 | United Nations Development Programme, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; New York University, United States; Analysis Group Inc, Boston, United States | Bandara, A., United Nations Development Programme, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Dehejia, R., New York University, United States; Lavie-Rouse, S., Analysis Group Inc, Boston, United States | This paper investigates the impact of income and non-income shocks on child labor using a model in which the household maximizes utility from consumption as well as human capital development of the child. We also investigate if access to credit and household assets act as buffers against transitory shocks. Our results indicate significant effects of agricultural shocks on the child's overall work hours and agricultural work hours, with higher effects for boys. Crop shocks also have significant adverse effects on school attendance, with girls experiencing a more-than 70% increase in the probability of quitting schooling. The results also indicate that access to a bank account has a buffering effect on the impact of shocks on child hunger. Having a bank account reduces both male child labor and household work hours of a girl child. While assets reduce working hours of girls, we do not find it having a significant effect on boys. We also do not see assets to act as a buffer against shocks. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Agricultural shocks; Buffer stocks; Child labor; Consumption smoothing | agricultural worker; banking; child labor; human capital; income; panel data; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-21544456925 | The impact of incident and prevalent herpes simplex virus-2 infection on the incidence of HIV-1 infection among commercial sex workers in South Africa | Ramjee G., Williams B., Gouws E., Van Dyck E., De Deken B., Karim S.A. | 2005 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 39 | 3 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000144445.44518.ea | HIV-1 Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Natal, Durban, South Africa; Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; 16 rue de la Canonnière, 1202 Genève 27, Switzerland | Ramjee, G., HIV-1 Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Williams, B., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland, 16 rue de la Canonnière, 1202 Genève 27, Switzerland; Gouws, E., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland; Van Dyck, E., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; De Deken, B., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Karim, S.A., University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States | This study investigated the impact of prevalent and incident HSV-2 infection on the incidence of HIV-1 infection in a cohort of female commercial sex workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prior to a vaginal microbicide trial, 416 women were screened for antibodies to HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections and a questionnaire was used to establish behavioral, social, and demographic characteristics. A total of 187 HIV-1-seronegative women were followed up at monthly intervals when blood was drawn and used to detect HIV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. The median duration of follow-up was 2.2 years. At screening 50% of the women were HIV-1 seropositive and 84% were HSV-2 seropositive. The hazards of HIV-1 among women who were HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative throughout, or among those who seroconverted during the study, were not significantly different. When HSV-2 seroconversion was analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, the hazard ratio for HIV-1 seroconversion was 6.0 (95% CI: 2.6-14.0) times greater among women with incident than among women with prevalent HSV-2 infections. Drawing on other recent studies these data suggest that incident HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV-1 infection; the effect wanes with time since infection; and the effect is significantly greater for men than it is for women. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | AIDS; Herpes simplex virus; HIV; Incidence; Sex worker; South Africa | herpes simplex virus antibody; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; unclassified drug; virus antibody; adult; antibody detection; article; clinical article; cohort analysis; female; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection risk; male; prevalence; priority journal; prostitution; seroprevalence; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Middle Aged; Nonoxynol; Proportional Hazards Models; Prostitution; Risk Factors; South Africa; Time Factors; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845475437 | The impact of inadequate wastewater treatment on the receiving water bodies - Case study: Buffalo City and Nkokonbe Municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province | Momba M.N.B., Osode A.N., Sibewu M. | 2006 | Water SA | 32 | 5 SPEC. ISS. | None | Tshwane University of Technology, Water Care Department, Arcadia Campus, P/Bag x 680, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Momba, M.N.B., Tshwane University of Technology, Water Care Department, Arcadia Campus, P/Bag x 680, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Osode, A.N., Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Sibewu, M., Tshwane University of Technology, Water Care Department, Arcadia Campus, P/Bag x 680, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The performance of four wastewater treatment plants that serve the Buffalo City (Dimbaza, East London) and Nkokonbe (Alice, Fort Beaufort) Municipal areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was investigated for the removal of microbial and chemical contaminants. Statistical evidence showed a relationship between the quality of the final effluent and that of the receiving water body and the relationship was such that the better the quality of the final effluent, the better the quality of the receiving water body. The quality of both the effluents and the receiving water bodies was acceptable with respect to the temperature (mean range: 16.52 to 23.33°C), pH (mean range: 7.79 to 8.97), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (mean range: 7 to 20 mg/ℓ) and total suspended solids (TSS) (mean range: 161.43 to 215.67 mg/ℓ). However, in terms of the nutrients (orthophosphate - mean range: 3.70 to 11.58 mg/ℓ and total nitrogen - mean range: 2.90 to 6.90 mg/ℓ) the effluents and the receiving water bodies were eutrophic. The dissolved oxygen (DO) (mean range: 3.26 to 4.57 mg/ℓ) and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) (mean range: 14 to 24 mg/ℓ) did not comply with the EU guidelines for the protection of the aquatic ecosystems. The general microbiological quality of the effluents discharged from all the plants did not comply with the limits set by the South African authorities in respect of pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholera and coliphages. The effluents discharged from the Dimbaza, East London, Alice and Fort Beaufort wastewater treatment plants were identified as pollution point sources into their respective receiving water bodies (Tembisa Dam, the Nahoon and Eastern Beach which are part of the Indian Ocean; the Tyume River and the Kat River). | Effluent; Pollution; Receiving water bodies; Treatment; Wastewater | Biochemical oxygen demand; Dissolution; Microorganisms; pH effects; Statistical methods; Suspensions (fluids); Chemical contaminants; Receiving water bodies; Wastewater treatment; Biochemical oxygen demand; Dissolution; Microorganisms; pH effects; Statistical methods; Suspensions (fluids); Wastewater treatment; effluent; microbial community; pathogen; wastewater; water treatment; Africa; Buffalo City; Eastern Cape; Nkonkobe; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Catha edulis; Salmonella; Shigella; Vibrio cholerae | None |
WoS | WOS:000258257000008 | The impact of improved neonatal intensive care facilities on referral pattern and outcome at a teaching hospital in Ghana | Enweronu-Laryea, C. C.,Nkyekyer, K.,Rodrigues, O. P. | 2008 | JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY | 28 | 8 | 10.1038/jp.2008.61 | University of Ghana | "Enweronu-Laryea, C. C.: University of Ghana","Nkyekyer, K.: University of Ghana","Rodrigues, O. P.: University of Ghana" | Objective: Evaluate the impact of improved neonatal intensive care facilities on survival and referral patterns at a teaching hospital in Ghana.
Study Design: Retrospective cohort comparing birth weight-specific survival and referral pattern of newborns requiring intensive care before and after improvement of facilities.
Result: Improved survival of newborns <2500 g especially those 1000-1499 g (OR = 1.74 (CI 1.38-2.20; P < 0.00001) for inborn, OR = 2.16 (CI 1.36-3.44; P = 0.0006) for out-born). Birth asphyxia, the major indication for >= 2500 g newborn referrals, was associated with reduced survival (OR = 0.56 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.78; P = 0.0004)). There was fourfold increased referral of out-born >= 2500 g.
Conclusion: Improved facilities significantly improved survival of newborns <2500 g, but was of no benefit for newborns >= 2500 g. A scaling-up approach with investments that improve emergency obstetric services, referral systems, human resources and neonatal resuscitation practices will save more newborn lives. | "BIRTH ASPHYXIA","birth weight",inborn,out-born,SURVIVAL,"BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS",SURVIVAL | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000274115900013 | The impact of immunization on the association between poverty and child survival: Evidence from Kassena-Nankana District of northern Ghana | Adjuik, Martin,Bawah, Ayaga A.,Binka, Fred N.,MacLeod, Bruce,Phillips, James F.,Vaughan-Smith, Maya | 2010 | SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 38 | 1 | 10.1177/1403494809352532 | Columbia University, Navrongo Health Research Center, University of Ghana, University of Maine System, University of Southern Maine, INDEPTH Network | "Adjuik, Martin: Navrongo Health Research Center","Binka, Fred N.: University of Ghana","MacLeod, Bruce: University of Maine System","MacLeod, Bruce: University of Southern Maine","Phillips, James F.: Columbia University", | Background: Research conducted in Africa has consistently demonstrated that parental poverty and low educational attainment adversely affect child survival. Research conducted elsewhere has demonstrated that low-cost vaccines against preventable diseases reduce childhood mortality. Therefore, the extension of vaccination to impoverished populations is widely assumed to diminish equity effects. Recent evidence that childhood mortality is increasing in many countries where vaccination programmes are active challenges this assumption. Data and methods: This paper marshals data from accurate and complete immunization records and survival histories for 18,368 children younger than five years in a rural northern Ghanaian population that is generally impoverished, but where family wealth and parental educational differentials exist nonetheless. Time-conditional Weibull hazard models are estimated to test the hypothesis that childhood immunization offsets the detrimental effects of poverty and low educational attainment. Conclusions: Findings show that the adverse effects of poverty disappear and that the effects of educational attainment are reduced in survival models that control for immunization status. This finding lends empirical support to policies that promote immunization as a strategic component of poverty-reduction programmes. | "CHILD SURVIVAL",HEALTH,IMMUNIZATION,POVERTY,AFRICA,GUINEA-BISSAU,MORTALITY,"NAVRONGO EXPERIMENT" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955827737 | The impact of immunization control activities on measles outbreaks in akwa ibom state, South-South, Nigeria | Bassey Enya B., Moses A.E., Udo S.M., Umo A.N. | 2010 | Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria | Bassey Enya, B., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Moses, A.E., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Udo, S.M., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Umo, A.N., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria | Background: The increase of vaccination rates means that fewer children will be vulnerable to vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, which will invariably result in a drop in the infant mortality and morbidity rates. Objective: To assess the impact of the implementation of measles reduction strategies from 2006 to 2008 using the quarterly national program for immunization (NPI) in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Method: Following informed consent, individuals presenting with febrile rash illnesses were routinely bled and tested for measles specific IgM using commercially available ELISA kit-MV-ELISA (Enzygnost; Behring Diagnostics, Marburg, Germany) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results: A total of four hundred and four individuals comprising of 216 vaccinated and 188 unvaccinated, presenting with febrile rash illness were screened for measles specific IgM antibodies as indication of active infection between January 2006 and December 2008 out of which 122 (30.2%) had detectable levels of measles antibodies. Among the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, 32 (14.8%) and 90 (47.9%) respectively were detected with measles IgM antibodies. The highest and lowest antibody levels were detected in 2006 (vaccinated: 54.7%; unvaccinated: 78.4%) and 2008 (vaccinated: 1.2%; unvaccinated: 12%) respectively. The distribution of measles burden by year show an overall decline in prevalence from 70% in 2006, 8.9% in 2007 to 3.7% in 2008. While, children under the age of 5 similarly had a decline in measles incidence of 73.3%, 10.7% and 3.3% respectively. Sex distribution of infection within the 3-year period shows that more females (37.4%) than males (21.2%) expressed measles IgM antibodies, and active infection was detected more in the rural (31.4%) than urban area (27.7%). However, findings indicate a tremendous decline in active infection in the rural areas from 67% in 2006 to 0% in 2008, and in the urban areas from 78% in 2006 to 9.3% in 2008 among both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. A highly significant reduction in measles infection was observed more among males than females (P=0.009). Infection distribution by location did not show any significant difference (P=0.65) even though more individuals in the rural areas were noted with active infection. Conclusion: The study shows a highly significant reduction in measles burden among vaccinated individuals (P=0.0001) and invariably increases protective coverage of measles vaccination most especially among children under 5 years of age (P=0.0066) in the state. Findings justify effort by government and WHO in carrying immunization campaigns in children, 5-years and below irrespective of vaccination status and experience. | Akwa Ibom state; Measles vaccination; Measles-specific IgM | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-22644443519 | The impact of immigration on health systems: A legal analysis from a three-country perspective | Blum J., Carstens P., Talib N. | 2005 | Medicine and Law | 24 | 2 | None | Loyola University, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Blum, J., Loyola University, Chicago, IL, United States; Carstens, P., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Talib, N., University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | The focus of this paper will be on how health care systems in three countries, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States, are responding to the health needs of immigrants with a strong focus on the legal aspects of the respective national responses. The Malaysia portion emphasizes legal immigration and analyses as to how the country's Ministry of Health and the delivery system itself is responding to the demands of immigrant's health. In the context of South Africa, the paper explores implications of the South African Constitution, which establishes a right to access health care, and explores whether such a right can be extended to non-citizens, or can be tempered by economic constraints. In the American discussion the focus is on whether publicly supported health care programs can be accessed to provide coverage for undocumented residents, and highlights recent constraints in using government monies in this area. © Yozmot 2005. | Health care resources; Immigration; Malaysia; South Africa; United States of America | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; budget; economic aspect; emergency health service; government; health care access; health care delivery; health care facility; health care need; health care policy; health care system; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; immigrant; immigration; legal aspect; malaria; Malaysia; medicaid; refugee; resource allocation; South Africa; tuberculosis; United States; Health Care and Public Health; Delivery of Health Care; Emigration and Immigration; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Malaysia; South Africa; United States | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905051329 | The impact of ICT investments on human development: A regression splines analysis | Bankole F.O., Osei-Bryson K.-M., Brown I. | 2013 | Journal of Global Information Technology Management | 16 | 2 | 10.1080/1097198X.2013.10845636 | University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Virginia Commonwealth University, United States; University of Cape Town, South Africa | Bankole, F.O., University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Osei-Bryson, K.-M., Virginia Commonwealth University, United States; Brown, I., University of Cape Town, South Africa | Despite the worldwide growth in investments in information and communication technology (ICT), few studies have investigated the complex interactions between components of ICT investments and different dimensions of human development. The purpose of this study is to explore the conditional impacts of ICT investments (Hardware, Software, Internal Services Spending and Telecommunication) on two dimensions of Human Development (Standard of Living and Health) within three contexts (classified as High, Medium and Low income countries). To carry out the study, archival data concerning ICT investments and human development for 51 countries with the largest ICT markets were collected for the period 1994 to 2003. The study utilized a novel approach called regression splines to analyse the data. Results suggest, among other things, that: (1) the impact of investments in the different ICT components varies with context; (2) impacts are in many cases conditional and complex; and (3) the direction of impacts of ICT investment on Standard of Living may be different from the corresponding directions of impacts on Health. It is therefore necessary for policy makers or IS executives to do in-depth tradeoff analysis between the different components of ICT investment to determine appropriate allocations. | Gross domestic product; Human development; ICT investments; Information and communication technology; Multivariate adaptive regression splines | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-30844473299 | The impact of ICT (internet) on research and studies: The experience of Delta State University Students in Abraka, Nigeria | Adogbeji O.B., Akporhonor B.A. | 2005 | Library Hi Tech News | 22 | 10 | 10.1108/07419050510644347 | Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Delta State University Library, Abraka, Nigeria | Adogbeji, O.B., Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Akporhonor, B.A., Delta State University Library, Abraka, Nigeria | Purpose - This study seeks to explore how students are increasingly using the Internet to support instruction and research needs in addition to heavy e-mail usage. The extension of this research suggests more positive impact from the Internet in almost every aspect of academic life and suggests the need for more access at reduced costs on and near this campus. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire was used to survey a sample of students about their internet practices. Findings - Students are now coming to university with more background in technology and the role of the internet and other ICTs. The demand for internet service will continue to grow and how the university should respond to meet this greater demand is the focus of this research. Orig inality/value - Study suggests that the impact of the ICTs and internet service for e-mail and other research activities related to the role of studying suggests that access is a key problem that must be scaled better so that students and faculty have improved access. This situation should continue to be monitored and the study suggests that more and more university affiliates will need improved access to internet resources. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Academic | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875240382 | The impact of ICT in learning through distance education programmes at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU): Roles of ict in learning through distance education programmes | Mpofu J., Chimhenga S., Mafa O. | 2013 | Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Languages and Media Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Centre for Student Management, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Department of Education, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe | Mpofu, J., Department of Languages and Media Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Chimhenga, S., Centre for Student Management, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Mafa, O., Department of Education, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Distance Open University is enrols students from both urban and rural settings. The majority of students living and working in rural areas have limited or no access to computers and electricity as a result the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the learning process is very limited. Though government has realized the importance of developing ICT for learning purposes, in practice very little has materialized in the provision of the ICT technology especially in rural areas. The majority of Zimbabwe Open University students have expressed difficulties in coping with their studies partly due to lack of supplementary reading materials from internet. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890826738 | The impact of hygiene and localised treatment on the quality of drinking water in Masaka, Rwanda | Uwimpuhwe M., Reddy P., Barratt G., Bux F. | 2014 | Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering | 49 | 4 | 10.1080/10934529.2014.854674 | Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Uwimpuhwe, M., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Reddy, P., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Barratt, G., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Bux, F., Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa | The worldwide prevalence of waterborne diseases has been attributed to the lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and hygiene. This study evaluated socio-demographic factors, microbiological quality of water at source and point of use (POU) at households, water handling and sanitation practices in a rural Rwandan community. Thirty five water samples from the source, Nyabarongo River, and water at point of use (POU) treated with the Slow Sand Filter (SSF) and SûrEau methods, were analysed for total coliform and faecal coliform counts. Turbidity was measured in household samples. A structured questionnaire regarding water collection, storage, usage and waterborne disease awareness was administered to 324 women. Despite the significant reduction in coliforms and faecal coliforms from the Nyabarongo River following treatment using either SSF or SûrEau, the water at point of use was found to be unsafe for human consumption. The frequency of diarrheal diseases were significantly higher among people who did not wash hands before food preparation (P = 0.002) and after using a toilet (P = 0.007) than among those who did. There was a statistically significant association between education levels and water treatment practices at the households (P < 0.05). Participants had limited knowledge regarding water storage practices for prevention of household water contamination. A combination of treatment methods with appropriate water handling should be considered. In addition, education is a fundamental precursor to advocating water treatment at POU. © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Microbiological water quality; SSF; SûrEau; Waterborne diseases | Human consumption; Microbiological quality; Microbiological water quality; Slow sand filters; Socio-demographic factors; SSF; Treatment methods; Water-borne disease; Sanitation; Water pollution; Water quality; Water treatment; drinking water; adult; article; educational status; fecal coliform; female; household; human; hygiene; middle aged; river; Rwanda; structured questionnaire; turbidity; water contamination; water quality; water treatment; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Cooking; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Enterobacteriaceae; Family Characteristics; Feces; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Middle Aged; Rural Population; Rwanda; Socioeconomic Factors; Water Microbiology; Water Purification; Water Quality; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919391587 | The impact of humidity on evaporative cooling in small desert birds exposed to high air temperatures | Gerson A.R., Smith E.K., Smit B., McKechnie A.E., Wolf B.O. | 2014 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 87 | 6 | 10.1086/678956 | Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | Gerson, A.R., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Smith, E.K., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Smit, B., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; McKechnie, A.E., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Wolf, B.O., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States | Environmental temperatures that exceed body temperature (Tb) force endothermic animals to rely solely on evaporative cooling to dissipate heat. However, evaporative heat dissipation can be drastically reduced by environmental humidity, imposing a thermoregulatory challenge. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of humidity on the thermoregulation of desert birds and to compare the sensitivity of cutaneous and respiratory evaporation to reduced vapor density gradients. Rates of evaporative water loss, metabolic rate, and Tb were measured in birds exposed to humidities ranging from ∼2 to 30 g H2O m−3 (0%-100% relative humidity at 30°C) at air temperatures between 44° and 56°C. In sociable weavers, a species that dissipates heat primarily through panting, rates of evaporative water loss were inhibited by as much as 36% by high humidity at 48°C, and these birds showed a high degree of hyperthermia. At lower temperatures (40°-44°C), evaporative water loss was largely unaffected by humidity in this species. In Namaqua doves, which primarily use cutaneous evaporation, increasing humidity reduced rates of evaporative water loss, but overall rates of water loss were lower than those observed in sociable weavers. Our data suggest that cutaneous evaporation is more efficient than panting, requiring less water to maintain Tb at a given temperature, but panting appears less sensitive to humidity over the air temperature range investigated here. © 2014 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | air temperature; bird; body temperature; cooling; desert; environmental factor; evaporation; metabolism; relative humidity; thermoregulation; Animalia; Aves; Oena capensis; Philetarius socius; Water; animals; body temperature regulation; Columbidae; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Passeriformes; physiology; South Africa; Water Loss, Insensible; Animals; Body Temperature Regulation; Columbidae; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Passeriformes; South Africa; Water; Water Loss, Insensible | IOS-1122228, NSF, National Science Foundation |
None | None | The impact of human mobility on HIV transmission in Kenya | Isdory A., Mureithi E.W., Sumpter D.J.T. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0142805 | Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Isdory, A., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mureithi, E.W., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sumpter, D.J.T., Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Disease spreads as a result of people moving and coming in contact with each other. Thus the mobility patterns of individuals are crucial in understanding disease dynamics. Here we study the impact of human mobility on HIV transmission in different parts of Kenya. We build an SIR metapopulation model that incorporates the different regions within the country. We parameterise the model using census data, HIV data and mobile phone data adopted to track human mobility. We found that movement between different regions appears to have a relatively small overall effect on the total increase in HIV cases in Kenya. However, the most important consequence of movement patterns was transmission of the disease from high infection to low prevalence areas. Mobility slightly increases HIV incidence rates in regions with initially low HIV prevalences and slightly decreases incidences in regions with initially high HIV prevalence. We discuss how regional HIV models could be used in public-health planning. This paper is a first attempt to model spread of HIV using mobile phone data, and we also discuss limitations to the approach. © 2015 Isdory et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878356234 | The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on human papillomavirus transmission in heterosexually active couples | Mbulawa Z.Z.A., Johnson L.F., Marais D.J., Coetzee D., Williamson A.-L. | 2013 | Journal of Infection | 67 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.03.009 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Center for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Disease, National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Mbulawa, Z.Z.A., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Center for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Disease, National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; Johnson, L.F., Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Marais, D.J., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Coetzee, D., Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Williamson, A.-L., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa | Objectives: This study investigated HPV transmission and the factors influencing it in heterosexually active couples in South Africa. Methods: A total of 486 heterosexual couples were recruited at a health facility and returned at 6-monthly intervals. Cervical and penile HPV types were determined by Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay. HPV transmission was defined as the detection of a new HPV type in an individual whose partner was infected with the same type at the date of acquisition. Results: The female-to-male HPV transmission rate was 2.80/100 person-months (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-3.86) while the male-to-female HPV transmission rate was 1.17/100 person-months (95% CI: 0.82-1.67). HIV-positive women were found to be at higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their male partners compared to HIV-negative women (RR (relative risk): 2.31, 95% CI: 1.08-4.92, P=0.03). HIV-positive men with CD4 counts <350/mL had a higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their female partners compared to HIV-positive men with CD4 counts ≥350/mL (RR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.05-9.55, P=0.04). Conclusions: HIV infection and low CD4 counts increase the rate of HPV acquisition from sexual partner. © 2013 The British Infection Association. | Human immunodeficiency virus; Human papillomavirus; Transmission | adult; age distribution; aged; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; disease severity; female; genotype; health care facility; heterosexuality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; papillomavirus infection; risk assessment; risk factor; sexual behavior; virus transmission; Wart virus; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cervix Uteri; Family Characteristics; Female; Genotype; Heterosexuality; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Penis; Risk Factors; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937024050 | The impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection on obstetric hemorrhage and blood transfusion in South Africa | Bloch E.M., Crookes R.L., Hull J., Fawcus S., Gangaram R., Anthony J., Ingram C., Ngcobo S., Croxford J., Creel D.V., Murphy E.L. | 2015 | Transfusion | 55 | 7 | 10.1111/trf.13040 | Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa; University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States | Bloch, E.M., Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Crookes, R.L., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Hull, J., Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fawcus, S., Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Gangaram, R., King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Anthony, J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Ingram, C., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Ngcobo, S., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Croxford, J., RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Creel, D.V., RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Murphy, E.L., Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | BACKGROUND Globally, as in South Africa, obstetric hemorrhage (OH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Although blood transfusion is critical to OH management, the incidence and predictors of transfusion as well as their relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are poorly described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted of all peripartum patients at four major hospitals in South Africa (April to July 2012). Comprehensive clinical data were collected on patients who sustained OH and/or were transfused. Logistic regression was used to model risk factors for OH and transfusion. RESULTS A total of 15,725 peripartum women were evaluated, of whom 3969 (25.2%) were HIV positive. Overall, 387 (2.5%) women sustained OH and 438 (2.8%) received transfusions, including 213 (1.4%) women with both OH and transfusion. There was no significant difference in OH incidence between HIV-positive (2.8%) and HIV-negative (2.3%) patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.25). In contrast, the incidence of blood transfusion was significantly higher in HIV-positive (3.7%) than in HIV-negative (2.4%) patients (adjusted OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.14-2.03). Other risk factors for transfusion included OH, low prenatal hemoglobin, the treating hospital, lack of prenatal care, and gestational age of not more than 34 weeks. CONCLUSION In the South African obstetric setting, the incidence of peripartum blood transfusion is significantly higher than in the United States and other high-income countries while OH incidence is similar. While OH and prenatal anemia are major predictors of transfusion, HIV infection is a common and independent contributing factor. © 2015 AABB. | None | hemoglobin; adult; Article; blood transfusion; cesarean section; cross-sectional study; female; gestational age; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; obstetric hemorrhage; perinatal period; practice guideline; prenatal care; risk factor; South Africa; vaginal delivery; adolescent; blood; clinical trial; HIV Infections; incidence; multicenter study; postpartum hemorrhage; pregnancy; virology; Adolescent; Adult; Blood Transfusion; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883363370 | The impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection on cervical preinvasive and invasive neoplasia in South Africa | Van Bogaert L.-J. | 2013 | ecancermedicalscience | 7 | 1 | 10.3332/ecancer.2013.334 | National Health Laboratory Service, Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa | Van Bogaert, L.-J., National Health Laboratory Service, Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa | Objectives: Sub-Saharan Africa is at the epicentre of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and has the highest incidence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in the world. Access to highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in South Africa is still limited and provided only to nonpregnant women with a CD4+ T-cell count <200 μg/L. We evaluated the relative distribution of cervical preinvasive and invasive neoplasia among HIV-infected (treated or not) and uninfected women in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Methods: We compared the consecutive biopsy-diagnosed cervical pathology of 1,023 HIV-infected and 1,023 uninfected women. We investigated the influence of the CD4+ T-cell count and of HAART on the relative distribution of cervical pathology. Results: There was a significantly higher proportion of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1 (P = 0.012) and 2 (P = 0.01) but a lower proportion of ICC (P = 0.015) among HIV-infected women. Patients on HAART had less CIN1 (P = 0.018), 2 (P = 0.18) and ICC (P = 0.019) that their untreated counterparts. The mean CD4 count was similar regardless of cervical lesions and HAART or no treatment. Conclusion: Our data support the concept that HIV-infected women exhibit a higher rate of high-grade preinvasive lesions than uninfected controls. However, they have a significantly lower rate of ICC as compared with uninfected counterparts. The inclusion of ICC among acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illnesses is questionable. Copyright: © the authors. | AIDS-defining illness; Cervical neoplasia; HIV; South Africa | article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; major clinical study; punch biopsy; risk assessment; South Africa; uterine cervix carcinoma; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928103565 | The impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) service scale-up on mechanisms of accountability in zambian primary health centres: A case-based health systems analysis | Topp S.M., Black J., Morrow M., Chipukuma J.M., Van Damme W. | 2015 | BMC Health Services Research | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12913-015-0703-9 | Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, United States; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 30338, Lusaka, Zambia; Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia; University of Lusaka, Plot No 37413, Mass Media, Lusaka, Zambia; Public Health and Health Policy Unit, ITM-Antwerp, Sint-Rochusstraat 2, Antwerpen, Belgium; School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, South Africa | Topp, S.M., Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, United States, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 30338, Lusaka, Zambia, Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia; Black, J., Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia; Morrow, M., Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia; Chipukuma, J.M., University of Lusaka, Plot No 37413, Mass Media, Lusaka, Zambia; Van Damme, W., Public Health and Health Policy Unit, ITM-Antwerp, Sint-Rochusstraat 2, Antwerpen, Belgium, School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, South Africa | Background: Questions about the impact of large donor-funded HIV interventions on low- And middle-income countries' health systems have been the subject of a number of expert commentaries, but comparatively few empirical research studies. Aimed at addressing a particular evidence gap vis-à-vis the influence of HIV service scale-up on micro-level health systems, this article examines the impact of HIV scale-up on mechanisms of accountability in Zambian primary health facilities. Methods: Guided by the Mechanisms of Effect framework and Brinkerhoff's work on accountability, we conducted an in-depth multi-case study to examine how HIV services influenced mechanisms of administrative and social accountability in four Zambian primary health centres. Sites were selected for established (over 3 yrs) antiretroviral therapy (ART) services and urban, peri-urban and rural characteristics. Case data included provider interviews (60); patient interviews (180); direct observation of facility operations (2 wks/centre) and key informant interviews (14). Results: Resource-intensive investment in HIV services contributed to some early gains in administrative answerability within the four ART departments, helping to establish the material capabilities necessary to deliver and monitor service delivery. Simultaneous investment in external supervision and professional development helped to promote transparency around individual and team performance and also strengthened positive work norms in the ART departments. In the wider health centres, however, mechanisms of administrative accountability remained weak, hindered by poor data collection and under capacitated leadership. Substantive gains in social accountability were also elusive as HIV scale-up did little to address deeply rooted information and power asymmetries in the wider facilities. Conclusions: Short terms gains in primary-level service accountability may arise from investment in health system hardware. However, sustained improvements in service quality and responsiveness arising from genuine improvements in social and administrative accountability require greater understanding of, and investment in changing, the power relations, work norms, leadership and disciplinary mechanisms that shape these micro-level health systems. ©2015 Vo et al. | Accountability; Health systems; HIV service scale-up; Primary health centres | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888115601 | The impact of HRIS on organizational efficiency: Random or integrated and holistic? | Aswanth Kumar N., Brijball Parumasur S. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 1 G | None | School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Aswanth Kumar, N., School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Brijball Parumasur, S., School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | This study assesses the extent to which the HRIS enhances organizational efficiency in an interrelated and holistic manner (as determined by its impact on areas of HR, time management, cost management and managerial satisfaction with the system). A sample of 101 managers was drawn from a Municipality in South Africa using cluster sampling. Data was collected using a self-developed, closed-ended questionnaire comprising of 28 items, the psychometric properties (validity, reliability) of which was statistically assessed using Factor Analysis and Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha respectively. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics. The results indicate that HRIS significantly enhances overall organizational efficiency and its sub-dimensions (HR functions, time management, cost management and managerial satisfaction with the system) in an inter-related and holistic manner, though in varying degrees. Hence, the implementation of a proper HRIS has the potential to bring about operational effectiveness and enhance the realisation of the HR and corporate strategy, thereby ensuring organizational effectiveness. | Cost management; Human resource functions; Integrated and holistic human resource information system (HRIS); Managerial satisfaction; Organizational efficiency; Time management | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906899448 | The impact of housing and basic service delivery on low-income communities in South Africa: The case of the northern free state region | Meyer D.F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 13 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p11 | North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus), South Africa | Meyer, D.F., North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus), South Africa | This article investigates the impact of the provision of housing and basic services on poor communities in the northern Free State (NFS) region of South Africa. Service delivery and housing backlogs in poor communities have led to an increase in violent protest marches throughout the country. Poor communities seem frustrated with the rate of service delivery since the election of the first democratic government in 1994. A community household survey, which included 2 900 households, was conducted in 2013 in the NFS region and included twelve poor communities. The regional result was compared with four selected poor communities in the region, namely Moakeng (Moqhaka Local Municipality), Qalabotjha (Mafube Local Municipality), Tumahole (Ngwathe Local Municipality) and Zamdela (Metsimaholo Local Municipality). The impact of delivery of basic services and housing were analysed regarding poverty levels, as well as the relationship between the concepts of poverty and service delivery. Results of the survey indicate that 75.9 percent of the households reside in formal subsidised houses with high levels of ownership but a relatively low average monthly household income of only R1 458 ($140/month) relating to high levels of poverty. Only 35.6 percent of all households surveyed are of the subjective opinion that local government delivers quality services. More detailed results per specific area are analysed and discussed in the article. The results could play an important role in development policy formulation and policy adjustment. The results should also be taken into account in the formulation of local economic development (LED) plans for the areas under investigation with a focus on the benefits of housing delivery and associated basic services. Improved service delivery must be promoted by means of improved coordination between all spheres of government. | Housing provision; Local government; Northern Free State region; Poverty; Service delivery | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887997814 | The Impact of House Prices on Consumption in South Africa: Evidence from Provincial-Level Panel VARs | Simo-Kengne B.D., Gupta R., Bittencourt M. | 2013 | Housing Studies | 28 | 8 | 10.1080/02673037.2013.804492 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Simo-Kengne, B.D., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bittencourt, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper provides an empirical analysis of the role of house prices in determining the dynamic behaviour of consumption in South Africa using a panel vector autoregression approach to provincial level panel data covering the period of 1996-2010. With the shocks being identified using the standard recursive identification scheme, we find that the response of consumption to house prices shock is positive, but short-lived. In addition, we find that a positive shock to house price growth has a positive and significant effect on consumption, while the negative impact of a house price decrease causes an insignificant reduction in consumption. This suggests that house prices exhibit an asymmetric effect on consumption, with the positive effect following an increase in house prices being dominant in magnitude in comparison to a decline in consumption resulting from a negative shock to house prices. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | consumption; House prices; panel vector autoregressions | consumption behavior; housing market; price dynamics; pricing policy; vector autoregression; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945472694 | The impact of households characteristics on the state of housing in the Offinso South Municipality (OSM), Ghana | Boamah N.A. | 2015 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 17 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9603-0 | Department of Real Estate and Land Management (DRELM), University for Development Studies, Wa Campus, P.O. Box 115, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana | Boamah, N.A., Department of Real Estate and Land Management (DRELM), University for Development Studies, Wa Campus, P.O. Box 115, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana | Housing deprivation is a major problem confronting Ghanaian households both in the urban and rural environments. This paper investigates the housing condition in the Offinso South Municipality (OSM). It finds out the adequacy of housing to households in the municipality. It sampled eight neighbourhoods in the OSM for data collection. Questionnaires were employed to garner empirical data from the households and property owners in the OSM. The paper finds out that there is high room occupancy rate and high household and population concentration in the housing units in the OSM. It notes that characteristics such as the level of education, authorization status of the house, annual household income, household size and autochthony correlate with measures of housing adequacy. The paper suggests that the municipal authority put in place appropriate standards to guide developers on the minimum acceptable housing facilities. Also, the municipal authority should adopt innovative approaches to encourage voluntary compliance to its building regulations. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Ghana; Housing facilities; Offinso South Municipality; Overcrowding; Room occupancy rate | education; household income; housing conditions; innovation; overcrowding; questionnaire survey; rural area; sustainability; urban area; Ghana | None |
WoS | WOS:000315119400002 | The impact of hotspot-targeted interventions on malaria transmission: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial | Baidjoe, Amrish,Bayoh, Nabie,Bousema, Teun,Cox, Jonathan,Desai, Meghna,Drakeley, Chris,Griffin, Jamie T.,Kleinschmidt, Immo,Laserson, Kayla,Remarque, Edmond J.,Sauerwein, Robert,Stevenson, Jennifer,Stresman, Gillian,Vulule, John | 2013 | TRIALS | 14 | None | 10.1186/1745-6215-14-36 | Imperial College London, Radboud University Nijmegen, University of London, Biomed Primate Res Ctr, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Baidjoe, Amrish: Radboud University Nijmegen","Cox, Jonathan: University of London","Drakeley, Chris: University of London","Griffin, Jamie T.: Imperial College London","Kleinschmidt, Immo: University of London","Sauerwein, Robert: Radboud University Nijmegen","Stevenson, Jennifer: University of London","Stresman, Gillian: University of London", | Background: Malaria transmission is highly heterogeneous in most settings, resulting in the formation of recognizable malaria hotspots. Targeting these hotspots might represent a highly efficacious way of controlling or eliminating malaria if the hotspots fuel malaria transmission to the wider community.
Methods/design: Hotspots of malaria will be determined based on spatial patterns in age-adjusted prevalence and density of antibodies against malaria antigens apical membrane antigen-1 and merozoite surface protein-1. The community effect of interventions targeted at these hotspots will be determined. The intervention will comprise larviciding, focal screening and treatment of the human population, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. The impact of the intervention will be determined inside and up to 500 m outside the targeted hotspots by PCR-based parasite prevalence in cross-sectional surveys, malaria morbidity by passive case detection in selected facilities and entomological monitoring of larval and adult Anopheles populations.
Discussion: This study aims to provide direct evidence for a community effect of hotspot-targeted interventions. The trial is powered to detect large effects on malaria transmission in the context of ongoing malaria interventions. Follow-up studies will be needed to determine the effect of individual components of the interventions and the cost-effectiveness of a hotspot-targeted approach, where savings made by reducing the number of compounds that need to receive interventions should outweigh the costs of hotspot-detection. | ANOPHELES,ELIMINATION,EPIDEMIOLOGY,ERADICATION,falciparum,HETEROGENEITY,IMMUNOLOGY,MALARIA,MOLECULAR,TRANSMISSION,ANOPHELES-GAMBIAE,"BED NETS",CHILD-MORTALITY,DAR-ES-SALAAM,"DRIED BLOOD SPOTS",LIGHT-TRAP,PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA,PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM,TANZANIA,"WE | None | None |
None | None | The impact of host species and vector control measures on the fitness of African malaria vectors | Lyimo I.N., Haydon D.T., Russell T.L., Mbina K.F., Daraja A.A., Mbehela E.M., Reeve R., Ferguson H.M. | 2013 | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences | 280 | 1754 | 10.1098/rspb.2012.2823 | Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Lyimo, I.N., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Haydon, D.T., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Russell, T.L., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Mbina, K.F., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Daraja, A.A., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mbehela, E.M., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Reeve, R., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Ferguson, H.M., Environmental Science Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom | Many malaria vector mosquitoes in Africa have an extreme preference for feeding on humans. This specialization allows them to sustain much higher levels of transmission than elsewhere, but there is little understanding of the evolutionary forces that drive this behaviour. In Tanzania, we used a semi-field system to test whether the well-documented preferences of the vectors, Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) for cattle and humans, respectively, are predicted by the fitness they obtain from host-seeking on these species relative to other available hosts. Mosquito fitness was contrasted, when humans were fully exposed and when they were protected by a typical bednet. The fitness of both vectors varied between host species. The predicted relationship between host preference and fitness was confirmed in An. arabiensis, but not in An. gambiae s.s., whose fitness was similar on humans and other mammals. Use of typical, imperfect bednets generated only minor reductions in An. gambiae s.s. feeding success and fitness on humans, but was predicted to generate a significant reduction in the lifetime reproductive success of An. arabiensis on humans relative to cows. This supports the hypothesis that such human-protective measures could additionally benefit malaria control by increasing selection for zoophily in vectors. | Bednets; Host specialization; Malaria; Mosquito vectors; Selection | cattle; disease transmission; disease vector; feeding behavior; fitness; malaria; mosquito; reproductive success; selection; specialization; Africa; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; Bos; Mammalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903988975 | The impact of homeownership on marriage and divorce: Evidence from propensity score matching | Grinstein-Weiss M., Manturuk K.R., Guo S., Charles P., Key C. | 2014 | Social Work Research | 38 | 2 | 10.1093/swr/svu016 | Center for Social Development, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, Zimbabwe; Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, United States | Grinstein-Weiss, M., Center for Social Development, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, Zimbabwe; Manturuk, K.R., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; Guo, S., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; Charles, P., School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, United States; Key, C., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States | This research examined the relationship between homeownership and the likelihood of marriage or divorce. Drawing on exchange theory and an economic understanding of marriage, the authors hypothesized that single homeowners are less likely to marry than single renters, whereas married homeowners are less likely to divorce than married renters. These hypotheses were tested using longitudinal data collected from a group of lower income homeowners and a comparison group of renters. Propensity score models were used to account for selection bias. Results indicate that single homeowners are, in fact, less likely to marry than their renting counterparts, whereas married homeowners are less likely to divorce than married renters. These findings suggest that assets, such as a home, can play a significant role in the likelihood of both marriage and divorce. © 2014 National Association of Social Workers. | Divorce; Homeownership; Marriage; Propensity score analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901262230 | The impact of home language on the understanding of the vocabulary used in the South African version of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth Edition | McDonald E., Van Eeden R. | 2014 | South African Journal of Psychology | 44 | 2 | 10.1177/0081246314522366 | Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa | McDonald, E., Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa; Van Eeden, R., Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa | The aim of this study was to investigate the understanding of the vocabulary used in the South African version of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth Edition by native English speakers and non-native English speakers. Two prominent studies investigated the impact of home language when using the earlier version, namely, the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire South African 1992 version. Methodological suggestions following from these studies were implemented in this study and the results for the current version were compared to the findings of the earlier studies. The sample comprised 213 first-year university students from different faculties. Understanding of the vocabulary used was operationalised as the ability to provide synonyms for words used in the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth Edition. The number of correct responses to each word was reported in frequency tables for each language group and Chi-square analyses provided support for these findings. The average percentage of correct responses was calculated to allow for comparisons. The native English-speaking group performed moderately better. The non-native English-speaking respondents nevertheless performed notably higher in this study when compared to earlier studies. This was attributed partly to the changes in the design of this study. Further comparison between the language groups in this study was done using an independent samples t-test. The mean score obtained by each language group was relatively high, but a significant difference between the groups suggested greater difficulty in understanding in the case of non-native English speakers. These findings were further informed by a preliminary investigation into the level of understanding of different population groups. © The Author(s) 2014. | Assessment; cross-cultural; cross-linguistic; language; personality; Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth Edition | None | None |
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:000327073900019 | The impact of HIV status, HIV disease progression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms on the health-related quality of life of Rwandan women genocide survivors | Adedimeji, Adebola A.,Anastos, Kathryn,Cohen, Mardge H.,Gard, Tracy L.,Hoover, Donald R.,Mutimura, Eugene,Shi, Qiuhu | 2013 | QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH | 22 | 8 | 10.1007/s11136-012-0328-y | Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York Medical College, Rush University, Rutgers State University, Yeshiva University, Kigali Hlth Inst | "Cohen, Mardge H.: Rush University","Hoover, Donald R.: Rutgers State University","Shi, Qiuhu: New York Medical College", | We examined whether established associations between HIV disease and HIV disease progression on worse health-related quality of life (HQOL) were applicable to women with severe trauma histories, in this case Rwandan women genocide survivors, the majority of whom were HIV-infected. Additionally, this study attempted to clarify whether post-traumatic stress symptoms were uniquely associated with HQOL or confounded with depression.
The Rwandan Women's Interassociation Study and Assessment was a longitudinal prospective study of HIV-infected and uninfected women. At study entry, 922 women (705 HIV+ and 217 HIV-) completed measures of symptoms of post-traumatic stress and HQOL as well as other demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.
Even after controlling for potential confounders and mediators, HIV+ women, in particular those with the lowest CD4 counts, scored significantly worse on HQOL and overall quality of life (QOL) than did HIV- women. Even after controlling for depression and HIV disease progression, women with more post-traumatic stress symptoms scored worse on HQOL and overall QOL than women with fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms.
This study demonstrated that post-traumatic stress symptoms were independently associated with HQOL and overall QOL, independent of depression and other confounders or potential mediators. Future research should examine whether the long-term impact of treatment on physical and psychological symptoms of HIV and post-traumatic stress symptoms would generate improvement in HQOL. | HIV,"post-traumatic stress disorder","QUALITY OF LIFE",RWANDA,WOMEN,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DEPRESSION,DISORDER,INFECTION,PEOPLE,PREDICTORS,RAPE,SOUTH,TRAUMA,WORLD | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905924571 | The impact of HIV/SRH service integration on workload: Analysis from the Integra Initiative in two African settings | Sweeney S., Obure C.D., Terris-Prestholt F., Darsamo V., Michaels-Igbokwe C., Muketo E., Nhlabatsi Z., Warren C., Mayhew S., Watts C., Vassall A. | 2014 | Human Resources for Health | 12 | 1 | None | London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Population Council, Washington, DC, United States; Family Health Options Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Family Life Association of Swaziland, Manzini, Swaziland | Sweeney, S., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Obure, C.D., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Terris-Prestholt, F., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Darsamo, V., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Michaels-Igbokwe, C., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Muketo, E., Family Health Options Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Nhlabatsi, Z., Family Life Association of Swaziland, Manzini, Swaziland; Warren, C., Population Council, Washington, DC, United States; Mayhew, S., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Watts, C., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Vassall, A., London School of Hygiene and oTropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom | Background: There is growing interest in integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services as a way to improve the efficiency of human resources (HR) for health in low- and middle-income countries. Although this is supported by a wealth of evidence on the acceptability and clinical effectiveness of service integration, there is little evidence on whether staff in general health services can easily absorb HIV services.Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of HR integration through task shifting/sharing and staff workload in the context of the Integra Initiative - a large-scale five-year evaluation of HIV/SRH integration. We describe the level, characteristics and changes in HR integration in the context of wider efforts to integrate HIV/SRH, and explore the impact of HR integration on staff workload.Results: Improvements in the range of services provided by staff (HR integration) were more likely to be achieved in facilities which also improved other elements of integration. While there was no overall relationship between integration and workload at the facility level, HIV/SRH integration may be most influential on staff workload for provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) and postnatal care (PNC) services, particularly where HIV care and treatment services are being supported with extra SRH/HIV staffing. Our findings therefore suggest that there may be potential for further efficiency gains through integration, but overall the pace of improvement is slow.Conclusions: This descriptive analysis explores the effect of HIV/SRH integration on staff workload through economies of scale and scope in high- and medium-HIV prevalence settings. We find some evidence to suggest that there is potential to improve productivity through integration, but, at the same time, significant challenges are being faced, with the pace of productivity gain slow. We recommend that efforts to implement integration are assessed in the broader context of HR planning to ensure that neither staff nor patients are negatively impacted by integration policy. © 2014 Sweeney et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Economics; HIV; Human resources; Integration; SRH; Staff time | Africa; community care; counseling; developing country; female; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; integrated health care system; male; manpower; postnatal care; qualitative research; reproductive health; work; workload; Africa; Community Health Services; Counseling; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Developing Countries; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Income; Male; Postnatal Care; Qualitative Research; Reproductive Health; Reproductive Health Services; Work; Workload | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745921485 | The impact of HIV on maternal quality of life in Uganda | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H., Mayon-White R., Okong P., Carpenter L., Jenkinson C. | 2006 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 18 | 6 | 10.1080/09540120500359298 | Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), London, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Health Services Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom; St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), 222 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DA, United Kingdom | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, H., Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), 222 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DA, United Kingdom; Mayon-White, R., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Okong, P., St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Carpenter, L., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Jenkinson, C., University of Oxford, Health Services Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom | To study the effect of HIV infection on quality of life (QOL) during pregnancy and puerperium, QOL was measured in a cohort study at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda. Dartmouth COOP charts were administered to 132 HIV-positive and 399 HIV-negative women at 36 weeks of pregnancy and six weeks post-partum. Responses were coded from 0 = best health-status to 4 = worst health-status and scores of 3-4 defined as poor. Odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals(CI)) for poor scores were calculated and independent predictors of poor QOL examined using logistic regression. In pregnancy, HIV-positive women were more likely to have poor scores in feelings: OR = 3.2(1.9-5.3), daily activities: OR = 2.8(1.4-5.5), pain: OR = 2.1(1.3-3.5), overall health: OR = 1.7(1.1-2.7) and QOL: OR = 7.2(3.6-14.7), all p = ≤ 0.01. Differences in physical fitness, change in health, social activities and social support were not statistically significant (all p >0.2). HIV infection was independently associated with poor QOL: OR = 8.5(3.8-19). Findings in puerperium were similar to those in pregnancy except more HIV-positive women had poor scores in social activities: OR = 2.5(1.4-4.7) and change in health: OR = 5.4(2-14.5) and infant death also predicted poor QOL: OR = 6.7(2.4-18.5). The findings reflect HIV's adverse impact on maternal QOL and the need for interventions to alleviate this infection's social and emotional effects. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | None | adult; article; cohort analysis; comparative study; confidence interval; controlled study; daily life activity; female; fitness; health status; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; logistic regression analysis; major clinical study; maternal welfare; pain assessment; pregnancy; priority journal; puerperium; quality of life; risk; scoring system; social behavior; social support; Uganda; Adult; Female; Health Status; HIV Infections; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Puerperal Disorders; Quality of Life; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866236497 | The impact of HIV on maternal morbidity in the pre-Haart era in Uganda | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H., Mayon-White R.T., Okong P., Brocklehurst P., Carpenter L.M. | 2012 | Journal of Pregnancy | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/508657 | ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P.O. Box 3567, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2-ET, United Kingdom; St. Raphael of St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E AU, United Kingdom; Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, United Kingdom | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, H., ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P.O. Box 3567, Kampala, Uganda; Mayon-White, R.T., Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2-ET, United Kingdom; Okong, P., St. Raphael of St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Brocklehurst, P., Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E AU, United Kingdom; Carpenter, L.M., Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, United Kingdom | Objective. To compare maternal morbidity in HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women. Methods. Major maternal morbidity (severe febrile illness, illnesses requiring hospital admissions, surgical revisions, or illnesses resulting in death) was measured prospectively in a cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected women followed from 36 weeks of pregnancy to 6 weeks after delivery. Odds ratios of major morbidity and associated factors were examined using logistic regression. Results. Major morbidity was observed in 46/129 (36%) and 104/390 (27%) of the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women, respectively, who remained in followup. In the multivariable analysis, major morbidity was independently associated with HIV infection, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.7 (1.1 to 2.7), iparity (AOR 2.0 (1.3 to 3.0)), and lack of, or minimal, formal education (AOR 2.1 (1.1 to 3.8)). Conclusions. HIV was associated with a 70 increase in the odds of major maternal morbidity in these Ugandan mothers. © 2012 Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha et al. | None | adult; article; case control study; female; fever; follow up; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; maternal mortality; morbidity; multivariate analysis; pregnancy; pregnancy complication; prospective study; risk; risk factor; statistical model; statistics; surgery; Uganda; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fever; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Hospitalization; Humans; Logistic Models; Maternal Mortality; Morbidity; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Uganda | None |
WoS | WOS:000337962500011 | The impact of HIV on children's education in eastern Zimbabwe | Campbell, Catherine,Eaton, Jeffrey W.,Gregson, Simon,Munyati, Shungu,Nyamukapa, Constance,Pufall, Erica L.,Robertson, Laura,Skovdal, Morten | 2014 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 26 | 9 | 10.1080/09540121.2014.892564 | Imperial College London, University of Copenhagen, University of London, Biomed Res & Training Inst | "Campbell, Catherine: University of London","Eaton, Jeffrey W.: Imperial College London","Gregson, Simon: Imperial College London","Pufall, Erica L.: Imperial College London","Robertson, Laura: Imperial College London","Skovdal, Morten: University of Copenhagen", | Little is known about how HIV impacts directly and indirectly on receiving, or particularly succeeding in, education in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this gap, we used multivariable logistic regression to determine the correlation between education outcomes in youth (aged 15-24) (being in the correct grade-for-age, primary school completion and having at least five "O" level passes) and being HIV-positive; having an HIV-positive parent; being a young carer; or being a maternal, paternal or double orphan, in five rounds (1998-2011) of a general population survey from eastern Zimbabwe. The fifth survey round (2009-2011) included data on children aged 6-17, which were analysed for the impacts of the above risk factors on regular attendance in primary and secondary schools and being in the correct grade-for-age. For data pooled over all rounds, being HIV-positive had no association with primary school completion, "O" level passes, or being in the correct grade-for-age in adolescents aged 16-17 years. Additionally, HIV status had no significant association with any education outcomes in children aged 6-17 surveyed in 2009-2011. In 2009-2011, being a young carer was associated with lower attendance in secondary school (69% vs. 85%, AOR: 0.44; p=0.02), whilst being a maternal (75% vs. 83%, AOR: 0.67; p<0.01), paternal (76% vs. 83%, AOR: 0.67; p=0.02) or double (75% vs. 83%, AOR: 0.68; p=0.02) orphan was associated with decreased odds of being in the correct grade-for-age. All forms of orphanhood also significantly decreased the odds of primary school completion in youths surveyed from 1998 to 2011 (all p<0.01). We found no evidence that HIV status affects education but further evidence that orphans do experience worse education outcomes than other children. Combination approaches that provide incentives for children to attend school and equip schools with tools to support vulnerable children may be most effective in improving education outcomes and should be developed and evaluated. | CHILDREN,EDUCATION,HIV,orphanhood,ZIMBABWE,AIDS,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",CONSEQUENCES,NON-ORPHANS,OUTCOMES,"PARENTAL DEATH",POVERTY,SCHOOL,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TANZANIA | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868144314 | The impact of HIV infection on maternal deaths in South Africa | Chweneyagae D., Delis-Jarrosay N., Farina Z., Fawcus S., Godi N.P., Khaole N., Kunene B., Mhlanga R.E., Mbambisa G.Z., Mbombo N., Molefe N.E., Moodley J., Moran N.F., Pattinson R.C., Rout C., Schoon M., Seabe S.J. | 2012 | South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 18 | 3 | 10.7196/SAJOG.581 | Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa | Chweneyagae, D., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Delis-Jarrosay, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Farina, Z., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Fawcus, S., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Godi, N.P., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Khaole, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Kunene, B., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mhlanga, R.E., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mbambisa, G.Z., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mbombo, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Molefe, N.E., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Moodley, J., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Moran, N.F., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Pattinson, R.C., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Rout, C., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Schoon, M., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Seabe, S.J., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa | Aim. To assess the impact of HIV infection on maternal deaths in South Africa from 2008 to 2010. Method. Data extracted from the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths database of maternal deaths, numbers of births from the District Health Information System (DHIS), and the estimated prevalence of HIV infection in the general population from the antenatal HIV and syphilis surveys were analysed. Estimations of the institutional maternal mortality ratios (iMMRs) for HIV-positive women compared with HIV-negative women and women of unknown status were made for each province and category of underlying cause of disease. Results. The estimated iMMR for HIV-positive women was 430/100 000 live births and that for HIV-negative women 75/100 000 live births. In all categories of causes of death, the iMMR was increased in HIV-positive women. The major categories of causes of maternal death in HIV-negative women were complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (18.8/100 000 live births), obstetric haemorrhage (17.2/100 000 live births) and medical and surgical disorders (11.5/100 000 live births), while in HIV-positive women they were non-pregnancy-related infections (NPRIs) (267.3/100 000 live births), obstetric haemorrhage (38.4/100 000 live births) and pregnancy-related sepsis (miscarriages and sepsis following viable pregnancies - 34.1/100 000 live births). The major complications resulting in deaths were shock (38.0%), cardiac failure (31.9%) and respiratory failure. Tuberculosis (26.9%), community-acquired pneumonia (26.7%) and pneumocystis pneumonia (13.3%), and cryptococcal meningitis (4.2%) and other meningitis (8.7%) were the main underlying causes of death in the NPRI group, of which 87.4% were HIV positive. Complications of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were recorded as the underlying cause of death in 73 women (8.1% of those on HAART). Conclusion. HIV infection is the most important condition contributing to maternal death in South Africa. HIV-positive women are more likely to die of any underlying cause than HIV-negative women, with NPRI being the most common contributory condition. | None | efavirenz; nevirapine; adult; article; cause of death; central nervous system disease; community acquired pneumonia; cryptococcal meningitis; drug eruption; drug hypersensitivity; female; heart failure; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection; institutional maternal mortality ratios; liver failure; major clinical study; maternal hypertension; maternal mortality; meningitis; obstetric hemorrhage; Pneumocystis pneumonia; prevalence; respiratory failure; sepsis; shock; South Africa; spontaneous abortion; Stevens Johnson syndrome; syphilis; teratogenicity; tuberculosis | None |
None | None | The impact of HIV infection and CD4 cell count on the performance of an interferon gamma release assay in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis | Aabye M.G., Ravn P., PrayGod G., Jeremiah K., Mugomela A., Jepsen M., Faurholt D., Range N., Friis H., Changalucha J., Andersen A.B. | 2009 | PLoS ONE | 4 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0004220 | Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Unit for Infectious Diseases Q, Universityof Copenhagen, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Medical Research Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Zonal Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania; Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Center, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Aabye, M.G., Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Ravn, P., Unit for Infectious Diseases Q, Universityof Copenhagen, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; PrayGod, G., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Medical Research Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Jeremiah, K., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Medical Research Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Mugomela, A., Zonal Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania; Jepsen, M., Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Faurholt, D., Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Range, N., National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Center, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Friis, H., Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Changalucha, J., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Medical Research Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Andersen, A.B., Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark | Background: The performance of the tuberculosis specific Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) has not been sufficiently documented in tuberculosis- and HIV-endemic settings. This study evaluated the sensitivity of the QuantiFERON TB-Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) in patients with culture confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a TB- and HIV-endemic population and the effect of HIV-infection and CD4 cell count on test performance. Methodology/Principal Findings: 161 patients with sputum culture confirmed PTB were subjected to HIV- and QFT-IT testing and measurement of CD4 cell count. The QFT-IT was positive in 74% (119/161; 95% CI: 67-81%). Sensitivity was higher in HIV-negative (75/93) than in HIV-positive (44/68) patients (81% vs. 65%, p = 0.02) and increased with CD4 cell count in HIV-positive patients (test for trend p = 0.03). 23 patients (14%) had an indeterminate result and this proportion decreased with increasing CD4 cell count in HIV-positive patients (test for trend p = 0.03). Low CD4 cell count (<300 cells/μl) did not account for all QFT-IT indeterminate nor all negative results. Sensitivity when excluding indeterminate results was 86% (95% CI: 81-92%) and did not differ between HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients (88 vs. 83%, p = 0.39). Conclusions/Significance: Sensitivity of the QFT-IT for diagnosing active PTB infection was reasonable when excluding indeterminate results and in HIV-negative patients. However, since the test missed more than 10% of patients, its potential as a rule-out test for active TB disease is limited. Furthermore, test performance is impaired by low CD4 cell count in HIV-positive patients and possibly by other factors as well in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. This might limit the potential of the test in populations where HIV-infection is prevalent. © 2009 Aabye et al. | None | gamma interferon; gamma interferon; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cell culture; controlled study; cytokine release; disease association; endemic disease; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; performance measurement system; sensitivity analysis; analytical equipment; biochemistry; blood; CD4+ T lymphocyte; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lung tuberculosis; metabolism; methodology; prevalence; sensitivity and specificity; sputum; Tanzania; Adult; Biochemistry; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Male; Prevalence; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tanzania; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920155060 | The impact of HIV exposure and maternal Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on infant immune responses to bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination | Jones C.E., Hesseling A.C., Tena-Coki N.G., Scriba T.J., Chegou N.N., Kidd M., Wilkinson R.J., Kampmann B. | 2015 | AIDS | 29 | 2 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000536 | Academic Department of Pediatrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St george'S, University of London, Mail point J2C, Level 2, Jenner Wing, London, United Kingdom; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; DST/NRF Ctr. of Excellence for Biomed. TB Research and MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Division of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Vaccinology Theme, Medical Research Council Unit, Banjul, Gambia | Jones, C.E., Academic Department of Pediatrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St george'S, University of London, Mail point J2C, Level 2, Jenner Wing, London, United Kingdom; Hesseling, A.C., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tena-Coki, N.G., Academic Department of Pediatrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Scriba, T.J., South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Chegou, N.N., DST/NRF Ctr. of Excellence for Biomed. TB Research and MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Kidd, M., Division of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wilkinson, R.J., MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom, Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Kampmann, B., Academic Department of Pediatrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Vaccinology Theme, Medical Research Council Unit, Banjul, Gambia | Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the effect of maternal HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection on cellular responses to bacille Calmette- Guérin (BCG) immunization. Design: A mother-infant cohort study. Methods: Samples were collected from mother-infant pairs at delivery. Infants were BCG-vaccinated at 6 weeks of age and a repeat blood sample was collected from infants at 16 weeks of age. BCG-specific T-cell proliferation and intracellular cytokine expression were measured by flow cytometry. Secreted cytokines and chemokines in cell culture supernatants were analysed using a Multiplex assay. Results: One hundred and nine (47 HIV-exposed and 62 HIV-unexposed) mother-infants pairs were recruited after delivery and followed longitudinally. At birth, proportions of mycobacteria-specific proliferating T cells were not associated with either in-utero HIV exposure or maternal Mtb sensitization. However, in-utero HIV exposure affected infant-specific T-cell subsets [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) single positive proliferating CD4+ T cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), TNF-α dualpositive CD4+ T cells]. Levels of TNF-α protein in cell culture supernatants were also significantly higher in HIV-exposed infants born to Mtb-sensitized mothers. In the presence of maternal Mtb sensitization, frequencies of maternal and newborn BCG-specific proliferating CD4+ T cells were positively correlated. Following BCG vaccination, there was no demonstrable effect of HIV exposure or maternal Mtb infection on infant BCG-specific T-cell proliferative responses or concentrations of secreted cytokines and chemokines. Conclusion: Effects of maternal HIV and Mtb infection on infant immune profiles at birth are transient only, and HIV-exposed, noninfected infants have the same potential to respond to and be protected by BCG vaccination as HIV-unexposed infants. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. | Bacille Calmette-Gué rin; HIV infection; HIV-exposed; Immunogenicity; Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; Uninfected infants; Vaccination | BCG vaccine; chemokine; cytokine; gamma interferon; nevirapine; tumor necrosis factor alpha; zidovudine; Article; birth; blood sampling; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cell culture; controlled study; delivery; female; flow cytometry; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune response; immunization; infancy; infant; lung tuberculosis; lymphocyte proliferation; major clinical study; mother; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; sensitization; supernatant | 084323, Medical Research Council; 088316, Medical Research Council; GR 077273, Medical Research Council; MC-UP-A900/115, MRC, Medical Research Council; MR/K007602/1, MRC, Medical Research Council; MR/K011944/1, MRC, Medical Research Council; U1175.02.0002 |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958784557 | The impact of HIV and AIDS research: A case study from Swaziland | Whiteside A., Henry F.E. | 2011 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 9 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S9 | Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa | Whiteside, A., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Henry, F.E., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background: Swaziland is experiencing the world's worst HIV and AIDS epidemic. Prevalence rose from four percent of antenatal clinic attendees in 1992 to 42.6 percent in 2004. The Report 'Reviewing 'Emergencies' for Swaziland: Shifting the Paradigm in a New Era' published in 2007 bought together social and economic indicators. It built a picture of the epidemic as a humanitarian emergency, requiring urgent action from international organisations, donors, and governments. Following a targeted communications effort, the report was believed to have raised the profile of the issue and Swaziland - a success story for HIV and AIDS research.Methods: Keen to understand how, where and why the report had an impact, Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division commissioned an assessment to track and evaluate the influence of the research. This tapped into literature on the significance of understanding the research-to-policy interface. This paper outlines the report and its impact. It explores key findings from the assessment and suggests lessons for future research projects.Results: The paper demonstrates that, although complex, and not without methodological issues, impact assessment of research can be of real value to researchers in understanding the research-to-policy interface.Conclusion: Only by gaining insight into this process can researchers move forward in delivering effective research. © 2011 Whiteside and Henry; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; epidemic; health care policy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical research; Swaziland | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862653554 | The impact of HIV, an antiretroviral programme and tuberculosis on mortality in South African platinum miners, 1992-2010 | Lim M.S.C., Dowdeswell R.J., Murray J., Field N., Glynn J.R., Sonnenberg P. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0038598 | Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited, Rustenburg, South Africa; National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Lim, M.S.C., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Dowdeswell, R.J., Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited, Rustenburg, South Africa; Murray, J., National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Field, N., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Glynn, J.R., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sonnenberg, P., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Background: HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are the most common causes of death in South Africa. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes should have had an impact on mortality rates. This study describes the impact of HIV, a Wellness (HIV/ART) programme and TB on population-wide trends in mortality and causes of death among South African platinum miners, from before the HIV epidemic into the ART era. Methodology/Principal Findings: Retrospective analysis was conducted using routinely-collected data from an open cohort. Mortality and causes of death were determined from multiple sources, including cardiorespiratory autopsy records. All-cause and cause-specific mortality rates were calculated by calendar year. 41,665 male miners were observed for 311,938 person years (py) with 3863 deaths. The all-cause age-standardised mortality rate increased from 5.9/1000py in 1992 to 20.2/1000py in 2002. Following ART rollout in 2003, annual mortality rates fluctuated between 12.4/1000py and 19.3/1000py in the subsequent 7 years. Half of all deaths were HIV-related and 21% were caused by TB. Half (50%) of miners who died of HIV after ART rollout had never been registered on the Wellness programme. TB was the most common cause of death in HIV positive miners, increasing from 28% of deaths in the pre-ART period to 41% in the post-ART period. Conclusions/Significance: This population-based cohort experienced a rapid increase in mortality from 1996 to 2003 due to increases in HIV and TB mortality. Following ART rollout there was a decrease in mortality, but a steady decrease has not been sustained. Possible explanations for these trends include the changing composition of the workforce, maturation of the HIV epidemic, insufficient uptake of ART and an increase in the proportion of deaths due to TB. In order to make a significant and sustained reduction in mortality in this population, expanding and integrating HIV and TB care and treatment is essential. © 2012 Lim et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adult; antiviral therapy; article; autopsy; cause of death; cohort analysis; disease registry; epidemic; ethnic group; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; medical record; miner; mortality; platinum miner; population research; retrospective study; South African; trend study; tuberculosis; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cause of Death; HIV; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mining; Mortality; Mycobacterium; Platinum; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; South Africa; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883700715 | The impact of HIV/AIDS stigma on HIV counseling and testing in a high HIV prevalence population in Uganda | Ayiga N., Nambooze H., Nalugo S., Kaye D., Katamba A. | 2013 | African Health Sciences | 13 | 2 | 10.4314/ahs.v13i2.12 | Population Training and Research Unit, Mafikeng Campus, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda | Ayiga, N., Population Training and Research Unit, Mafikeng Campus, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Nambooze, H., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Nalugo, S., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Kaye, D., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Katamba, A., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda | Background: Despite its importance in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (HCT) is low in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease continues to be a serious public health problem. This has in part been attributed to HIV/AIDS related stigma. Objective: To assess the level of HIV/AIDS related stigma and its impact on uptake of HCT in a high HIV prevalence population in Uganda. Methods: The paper used cross-sectional data on 135 men and 185 women in reproductive ages. Data were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-square statistic and the random intercept binary logistic regression model to identify significant predictors of uptake of HCT. Results: The result shows that only 18.4% of the respondents, most of them men expressed highly stigmatizing attitudes against PLHA and 59%, men and women alike, received HCT. Uptake of HCT was higher among men (OR=1.89, p<0.01) and women (OR=4.48, p <0.001) who expressed least stigmatizing attitudes. Secondary/higher education, work in the informal sector and being ever married were significant predictors of uptake of HCT. Compared to men, women aged 25-34, 35+ and with one sexual partner were more likely to have received HCT. Conclusions: The low level of stigma, older age, higher level of education, being ever married and monogamous sexual relationships are significant predictors of increased uptake of HCT. | HIV counseling and Testing; Stigma; Uganda | adolescent; adult; article; attitude to illness; controlled study; counseling; educational status; employment status; female; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection rate; major clinical study; male; marriage; prediction; prevalence; sex difference; sexual behavior; social status; stigma; Uganda; HIV counseling and Testing; Stigma; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Counseling; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Sex Distribution; Social Stigma; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917672855 | The impact of hiv/aids on school enrolment as a variable for future projection and in the rationale for physical resource provisioning and prioritization | Joseph M.R., Petrus R.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1264 | Central University of Technology, South Africa | Joseph, M.R., Central University of Technology, South Africa; Petrus, R.M., Central University of Technology, South Africa | The impact of HIV/AIDS cuts across all sectors of economic activities and social life for example, it not only reduces the stock of human capital but also the capacity to maintain. It leaves children without parents, learners without teachers, Children end up been child headed in the families, affect families emotional and makes government poor. The required turnover of many hunted after skills and training like engineers, doctors, teachers, artisans and others. In the educational sphere, it leads to among other things a decrease in potential clientele for education resources. The workforce, its impact increases expenditure on the one hand and decreases productivity on the other. In fact, economists imagine that even when unemployment rates are high, retirement and death of a large number of skilled and unskilled workers will cause an increase in wages. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751639457 | 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-s2.0-33644932942 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on land rights: Perspectives from Kenya | Aliber M., Walker C. | 2006 | World Development | 34 | 4 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.09.010 | Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Aliber, M., Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Walker, C., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The study examined the impact of HIV/AIDS on land tenure in rural Kenya. The study found fewer examples of dispossession of widows' and orphans' land rights than had been anticipated in light of the existing literature and anecdotal accounts, and some evidence that Kenya's statutory tenure system, notwithstanding its problems, can protect vulnerable individuals from tenure loss. This is not to diminish the social and economic costs of HIV/AIDS, but to caution against focusing on HIV/AIDS as the major threat to tenure security. Where HIV/AIDS does aggravate tenure insecurity, it is due to the conjunction of population pressure, stigmatization, and gendered power relations. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa; AIDS; Kenya; Land tenure | health and disease; human immunodeficiency virus; land use; medical geography; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
WoS | WOS:000292269500001 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on labor markets, productivity and welfare in Southern Africa: A critical review and analysis | Kinkingninhoun-Medagbe, F. M.,Simtowe, Franklin | 2011 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH | 6 | 10 | None | World Agroforestry Centre, WARDA Africa Rice Ctr | "Simtowe, Franklin: World Agroforestry Centre", | Global estimates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic as of 2007 shows that about 33 million people are living with HIV, the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The international labor organization (ILO) estimates that at least 23 million workers in the prime labor force (aged15 to 49 years) are infected with HIV. More than 70% of the world's HIV/AIDS infected population lives in Africa. Within the Africa region, the Southern Africa region has the largest HIV prevalence rate. It is estimated that more than 30% of total world HIV population lives in Southern Africa. In this paper, we analyze the extent to which the HIV/AIDS pandemic impacts the labor markets, productivity and welfare in Southern Africa. We hypothesize that the pandemic can reduce the labor force and productivity, consequently leading to the deterioration in welfare and stagnation of the economy. The analysis finds out that a significant proportion of the labor force has been lost to HIV. In addition to the loss of workers due to AIDS, the cost of caring for AIDS patients is enormous and has resulted into the erosion of productivity and profitability in both the formal and informal sectors. Due to the disproportionate HIV/AIDS prevalence rate between age groups and sex, the pandemic is changing the age and sex distribution of the labor force. The average age of the labor is declining due to the early entry by young and inexperienced people into the labor force. HIV is exerting negative impact on household welfare through the loss of income initially earned by a household member that is a victim of HIV/AIDS, and that through increased medical expenses by the household on the AIDS victim, most of the household income is spent on medication other than other household needs. Some economies in the region are already facing a reduction in economic growth due to the HIV pandemic and it is observed that if efforts to prevent its spread are not intensified, such economies would face stagnation at some point. | "ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)","HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)","LABOR MARKETS",productivity,WELFARE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927650074 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on compliance with antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder: A prospective study in a South African private healthcare cohort | Slabbert F.N., Harvey B.H., Brink C.B., Lubbe M.S. | 2015 | AIDS Research and Therapy | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/s12981-015-0050-2 | North-West University, Medicines Usage Group (MUSA), Potchefstroom, South Africa; North-West University, Division of Pharmacology, Potchefstroom, South Africa; North-West University, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Slabbert, F.N., North-West University, Medicines Usage Group (MUSA), Potchefstroom, South Africa; Harvey, B.H., North-West University, Division of Pharmacology, Potchefstroom, South Africa, North-West University, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Brink, C.B., North-West University, Division of Pharmacology, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Lubbe, M.S., North-West University, Medicines Usage Group (MUSA), Potchefstroom, South Africa | Background: MDD and HIV/AIDS have a high prevalence worldwide with severe consequences for patients. In both conditions, compliance with treatment is key to successfully treat these disorders. In the current study, we examine the effect of MDD on the compliance with ADs in patients diagnosed with co-morbid HIV/AIDS and how different classes of ADs influence compliance in this group of patients. Methods: A prospective, cohort study design was used to analyse nationally representative medicine claims data submitted to a privately-owned South African Pharmaceutical Benefit Management (PBM) company. Two groups were distinguished in the database, namely patients with only MDD and patients with both MDD and HIV/AIDS, over a six-year study period. The study population was determined by the following inclusion criteria: patients older than 18 years, MDD should be diagnosed by a psychiatrist supported by an appropriate ICD-10 code, and all patients have to be on combination antiretroviral treatment (cARV) treatment. The medicine possession ratio (MPR) was used as proxy to determine patient compliance with AD medication. Results: 127 patients (i.e. 0.24%) met the criteria of co-morbid MDD and HIV/AIDS. Females have a significantly higher prevalence of MDD and HIV/AIDS when compared to males. Patients diagnosed with both HIV/AIDS and MDD (74.43. ± 32.03, 95% Cl: 71.51-77.34) have a statistical significantly (p < 0.0001) lower compliance with AD treatment vs. MDD patients (80.94% ± 29.44, 95% Cl: 80.56-81.33), but the practical significance thereof, is low (Cohen's d = 0.2255). In this group only 26.83% of TCA had acceptable compliance compared to the 58.57% of SNRIs. Noteworthy observations were that 75% (p < 0.0217; Cramer's V = 0.0388) of venlafaxine and 28.6% (p < 0.0197; Cramer's V = -0.0705) of the paroxetine items were compliant in patients diagnosed with both HIV/AIDS and MDD. Conclusions: AD compliance is statistical significantly lower in depressed HIV/AIDS vs. depressed non-HIV/AIDS patients. However, these differences is of low practical or clinical significance, meaning that depressed HIV/AIDS patients would have missed approximately two AD doses (6.5% of a 30-day treatment period) more than the non-HIV/AIDS depressed patient over the same treatment period. © Slabbert et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Antidepressants; Compliance; HIV/AIDS; Major depressive disorder; Venlafaxine | amfebutamone; amitriptyline; antidepressant agent; antiretrovirus agent; citalopram; escitalopram; fluoxetine; mirtazapine; paroxetine; serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor; trazodone; venlafaxine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; antiviral therapy; Article; comorbidity; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; ICD-10; major clinical study; major depression; male; medication compliance; middle aged; organization and management; population research; prevalence; priority journal; prospective study; sex difference; South African; young adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-37349057834 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on blood transfusion practice in South Africa: Some ethical issues | Jenkins T. | 2007 | South African Medical Journal | 97 | 11 III | None | Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Services, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Jenkins, T., Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Services, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Blood transfusion has become an essential component of modern medical practice. However, worldwide epidemics of viral diseases - in particular, HIV/AIDS - have made the practice of blood transfusion therapy hazardous, motivating scientists to devise techniques and strategies to ensure the supply of safe blood and blood components for clinical use. The challenges are particularly great in sub-Saharan Africa, where clinicians have become so accustomed to using blood transfusion that it may be difficult for them to reduce their dependence on it. A number of ethical issues raised by the practice of blood transfusion in medicine are raised and discussed. | None | blood substitute; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; blood analysis; blood donor; blood transfusion; health care policy; history of medicine; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; informed consent; medical ethics; medical practice; needs assessment; patient safety; population research; professional secrecy; public health; resource allocation; risk assessment; South Africa; virus infection; virus transmission; Blood Substitutes; Blood Transfusion; HIV Infections; Humans; Informed Consent; Privacy; Resource Allocation; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049271468 | The impact of HIV/AIDS and ARV treatment on worker absenteeism: Implications for African firms | Habyarimana J., Mbakile B., Pop-Eleches C. | 2010 | Journal of Human Resources | 45 | 4 | None | Georgetown University, United States; Debswana Diamond Company, Botswana; Columbia University, United States | Habyarimana, J., Georgetown University, United States; Mbakile, B., Debswana Diamond Company, Botswana; Pop-Eleches, C., Columbia University, United States | We characterize medium and long-run labor market impacts of HIV/AIDS and ARV treatment using unique panel data of worker absenteeism and information from an AIDS treatment program at a large mining firm in Botswana. We present robust evidence of an inverse-V shaped pattern in worker absenteeism around the time of ARV treatment inception. Absenteeism one to four years after treatment start is low and similar to nonenrolled workers at the firm. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that for the typical manufacturing firm in Africa, the benefits of treatment to the firm cover 8-22 percent of the cost of treatment. © 2010 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; disease treatment; drug; human immunodeficiency virus; labor market; manufacturing; panel data; public health; Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874246015 | The impact of HIV-1 infection and exposure on natural killer (NK) cell phenotype in kenyan infants during the first year of life | Slyker J.A., Lohman-Payne B., John-Stewart G.C., Dong T., Mbori-Ngacha D., Tapia K., Atzberger A., Taylor S., Rowland-Jones S.L., Blish C.A. | 2012 | Frontiers in Immunology | 3 | DEC | 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00399 | Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Computational Biology Research Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine and Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; United Nations Children's Fund, Merafe House, 11 Naivasha Rd, Sunninghill Private Bag X44, Sunninghill 2157, South Africa; Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom | Slyker, J.A., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Lohman-Payne, B., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; John-Stewart, G.C., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Dong, T., MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Mbori-Ngacha, D., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, United Nations Children's Fund, Merafe House, 11 Naivasha Rd, Sunninghill Private Bag X44, Sunninghill 2157, South Africa; Tapia, K., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Atzberger, A., MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Taylor, S., Computational Biology Research Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Rowland-Jones, S.L., MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Blish, C.A., Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine and Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States | Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the containment of HIV replication during primary infection, though their functions are impaired during chronic HIV infection. Infants experience more rapid HIV disease progression than adults, but contributions of infant NK cells to containing HIV infection are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of HIV infection on infant NK cell phenotype by evaluating samples and data from a cohort study of women and their infants, conducted in Nairobi, Kenya between 1999 and 2003. The percentage and phenotype of NK cells was evaluated longitudinally by multi-parameter flow cytometry over the first year of life in HIV-infected (HIV+, = 16), HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU, n = 6), and healthy unexposed controls (HIV-, n = 4). At birth, NK subset distributions based on expression of CD56 and CD16 did not differ between HIV+, HIV-EU, or HIV- infants. However, HIV infection was associated with a subsequent decline in NK cells as a percentage of total lymphocytes (p < 0.001), and an expanding proportion of CD56-CD16+ NK cells (p < 0.001). Activated CD38brightCD69+ NK cells were more frequent in the HIV+ infants, followed by HIV-EU and HIV- infants, in both CD56dim (p = 0.005) and CD56bright compartments (p = 0.03). HIV infection and exposure was also associated with a significant decline in the percentage of perforin-expressing NK cells in the CD56dim compartment over the first year of life, with HIV+ infants losing approximately 2.5% (p < 0.001) and HIV-EU infants losing 3.0% (p=0.01) of perforin+ cells per month. Thus, infant HIV infection is associated with alterations in NK cell subsets, activation, and cytolytic potential that could contribute to their poor control over HIV infection. Furthermore, exposure to HIV infection in infants who escaped infection is also associated with alterations in NK cells that may contribute to the reduced ability to fight infections that is observed in HIV-EU infants. © 2012 Slyker, Lohman-Payne, John-Stewart, Dong, Mbori-Ngacha, Tapia, Atzberger, Taylor, Rowland-Jones and Blish. | Age; Cord blood; Exposure; HIV-1; Immune activation; Infancy; Mother-to-child transmission; NK cell | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929299666 | The impact of high temperatures on foraging behaviour and body condition in the Western Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen dorsalis | Edwards E.K., Mitchell N.J., Ridley A.R. | 2015 | Ostrich | 86 | 42371 | 10.2989/00306525.2015.1034219 | School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Edwards, E.K., School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Mitchell, N.J., School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Ridley, A.R., Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | High temperatures can pose significant thermoregulation challenges for endotherms, and determining how individual species respond to high temperatures will be important for predicting the impact of global warming on wild populations. Animals can adjust their behaviour or physiology to cope with higher temperatures, but the physical costs of these changes are not well known. We assessed the effect of temperature on foraging behaviour, thermoregulatory behaviour and body condition in a wild, habituated population of Western Australian Magpies Cracticus tibicen dorsalis. Focal observation techniques were used to record individual behaviours, and body mass change was measured across a wide range of air temperatures. We found that temperature had a significant effect on behaviour, with temperatures exceeding 27 °C resulting in a significant decline in foraging effort. Individuals increased heat dissipation behaviours as temperatures rose, leading to a trade-off between foraging and heat dissipation. Individuals lost body condition over the five-month summer period, but there was no significant difference in the daily change in body mass on cool days versus hot days. Our research reveals significant changes in daily behaviour in accordance with temperature, but did not detect a measurable cost of this change. We therefore conclude that rising temperatures are likely to impact the behaviour of individuals in wild populations, but the potential flow-on effects of these behavioural changes are unclear. © 2015, Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | Australian Magpie; body condition; body mass; Cracticus tibicen dorsalis; foraging effort; heat dissipation; high temperature; temperature dependent behaviour; trade-offs | Animalia; Cracticus; Gymnorhina tibicen; Tibicen | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-47949100079 | The impact of highly active antiretroviral treatment (Haart) on employment in Khayelitsha | Coetzee C. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economics | 76 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2008.00166.x | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Centre for Social Science Research, Cape Town, South Africa | Coetzee, C., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Centre for Social Science Research, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on labour force participation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Cox Proportional Hazard Models with stratum effects for three medical clinics, and Accelerated Failure Time Models with individual specific unobserved shared effects (frailty), are estimated for transitions from inactivity to unemployment, and transitions from unemployment into employment, using a longitudinal data set. The findings of this study indicate that HAART leads to greater activity in the labour market, but there was not a strong effect on re-entry into employment. © 2008 The Author. Journal compilation © 2008 The Economic Society of South Africa. | Employment; Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); HIV/AIDS | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; data set; disease treatment; employment; human immunodeficiency virus; labor market; Africa; Khayelitsha; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942235051 | The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the burden of bacterial lower respiratory tract infections in children | de Campos K.R., Granga D.D., Olorunju S., Masekela R. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 7 | 10.7196/SAMJnew.7820 | Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | de Campos, K.R., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Granga, D.D., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Olorunju, S., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Masekela, R., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background. Respiratory diseases are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children. Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and outcome of bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in HIV-infected and uninfected children at a primary level hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study of children aged 6 months - 18 years was conducted. Recruitment included HIV-positive children who had been on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for at least 6 months. A comparator group of HIV-negative children admitted with bacterial pneumonia was included. Laboratory data collected included CD4+ T-cell counts, HIV viral load and C-reactive protein (CRP). Data collected in both groups included demographic data, immunisation status, zinc supplementation, previous LRTIs, environmental exposures and treatment. Results. Fifty-nine HIV-infected and 20 uninfected children were enrolled. The HIV-positive children were older, with a mean age of 107.2 (standard deviation 50.0) months v. 12.0 (5.8) months (p<0.005). The HIV-infected group had a mean CD4 percentage of 31.5%, and had had an average of 3.9 visits for bacterial LRTIs. All were treated with amoxicillin with no complications. In the HIV-uninfected group, cough and rapid breathing were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean CRP level was 463.0 mg/L. The mean hospital stay was 4 days. Conclusion. HAART is effective in reducing the burden of LRTIs in HIV-positive children, even when the diagnosis is delayed. Cough and fast breathing are still the most reliable presenting symptoms of pneumonia. The majority of children still respond to amoxicillin as first-line therapy, with low complication rates. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | None | Article; cross-sectional study; demography; diet supplementation; highly active antiretroviral therapy; hospitalization; human; immunization; respiratory tract infection; virus load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959987568 | The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on activities of daily living in HIV-infected adults in South Africa | Kakinami L., De Bruyn G., Pronyk P., Mohapi L., Tshabangu N., Moshabela M., McIntyre J., Martinson N.A. | 2011 | AIDS and Behavior | 15 | 4 | 10.1007/s10461-010-9776-y | Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Box 644, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | Kakinami, L., Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Box 644, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; De Bruyn, G., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pronyk, P., Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mohapi, L., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tshabangu, N., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Moshabela, M., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; McIntyre, J., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Martinson, N.A., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | This study investigated the relationship between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among two clinical cohorts in South Africa. Between 2003 and 2008 structured questionnaires were administered to HIV-positive patients attending outpatient clinics at an urban hospital (Soweto, n = 3,081) and a rural hospital (Acornhoek, n = 1,247). Among those receiving help, an average of 4.8 and 5.1 h of assistance with IADLs daily was reported (rural and urban participants, respectively), with the patient's mother and children assisting the most. Participants on HAART were 17 and 41% less likely to receive assistance with IADLs in the rural and urban cohorts, respectively, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, and CD4 counts. HAART significantly decreased the IADL assistance among patients in South Africa. Alongside clinical benefits, HAART has the potential to reduce the burden of HIV-related care, potentially extending wider social and economic gains to other family members. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Antiretroviral therapy; Family; HIV; Household economy; Indirect benefits; Instrumental activities of daily living; South Africa | adult; aged; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; daily life activity; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; outpatient department; quality of life; questionnaire; rural population; socioeconomics; South Africa; treatment outcome; urban population; virology; virus load; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Urban Population; Viral Load; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954569604 | The impact of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on the clinical features of HIV - related oral lesions in Nigeria | Taiwo O.O., Hassan Z. | 2010 | AIDS Research and Therapy | 7 | None | 10.1186/1742-6405-7-19 | Regional Centre for Oral Health Research and Training Initiatives (RCORTI) for Africa, Jos, Nigeria; AIDS Prevention Initiatives for Nigeria (APIN) Project, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria | Taiwo, O.O., Regional Centre for Oral Health Research and Training Initiatives (RCORTI) for Africa, Jos, Nigeria; Hassan, Z., AIDS Prevention Initiatives for Nigeria (APIN) Project, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria | Background: This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) on the clinical presentations of HIV related oral lesions (HIV-ROLs) in an adult Nigerian population.Methods: A 5 month prospective study on HAART naïve HIV positive adults recruited into the HAART program of an AIDS referral centre. HIV-ROLs were diagnosed clinically by the EEC Clearinghouse on oral problems related to HIV infection. Baseline clinical features of HIV-ROLs was documented by clinical photographs using SONY®5.2 M Cybershot digital camera. Post HAART monthly review was conducted using clinical photographs.Results: A total of 142 patients were seen. Age range was 19 - 75 years. Mean age was 35.6 ± 10.5 (SD). Eighty (56.3%) were females. Prevalence of HIV-ROLs was 43.7%. Oral candidiasis (22.4%) was the most prevalent HIV-ROL. 114 (83.2%) patients had clinical AIDS at presentation (CDC 1993). 89.4% were placed on Tenofovir/Emtricitabine +`Nevirapine, 9.9% on Tenofovir/Emtricitabine + Efavirenz. There was strong decline in the clinical features of oral candidiasis from a month of commencing HAART. Oral hairy leukoplakia was slow in responding to HAART. Parotid gland enlargement, melanotic hyperpigmentation and Kaposi's sarcoma were more persistent and had slower response to HAART. There was no clinical change noticed in linear gingival erythema.Conclusion: HAART has different clinical effects on HIV related oral lesions depending on the size, duration of treatment and etiology of the lesions. HIV-ROLs of fungal origin have the fastest response to HAART. These lesions alongside immunologic parameters can be used as indicators of success or failure of antiretroviral therapy. © 2010 Taiwo and Hassan; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | efavirenz; emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil; nevirapine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; age distribution; aged; article; camera; cheilitis; clinical feature; controlled study; digital imaging; disease association; erythema; female; gingiva disease; hairy leukoplakia; herpes simplex; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; hyperpigmentation; Kaposi sarcoma; major clinical study; male; mouth lesion; mouth ulcer; Nigeria; parotid enlargement; photography; population research; prevalence; priority journal; prospective study; sex difference; thrush; xerostomia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744977242 | The impact of higher oil prices on Southern African countries | Nkomo J.C. | 2006 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 17 | 1 | None | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Nkomo, J.C., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | In determining the magnitude of oil shocks to the economies of Southern Africa, it is essential that we examine the various components of vulnerability, as well as the crude oil price movements and the relationship between energy and development. Because energy consumers and producers are constrained by their energy consuming appliances which are fixed n the short-run, thus making it difficult to shift to less oil intensive means of production in response to higher oil prices, oil price shocks increase the total import bill for a country largely because of the huge increase in the cost of oil and petroleum products. Low-income countries and poorer households tend to suffer the largest impact from oil price rise. | Oil dependence; Oil intensities; Price shocks; Vulnerability | Oil dependence; Oil intensities; Oil price movements; Oil price shocks; Oil shocks; Price shocks; Vulnerability; Costs; Crude petroleum; Energy utilization; Petroleum products; Industrial economics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79751484409 | The impact of herbal remedies on adverse effects and quality of life in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy | Bepe N., Madanhi N., Mudzviti T., Gavi S., Maponga C.C., Morse G.D. | 2011 | Journal of Infection in Developing Countries | 5 | 1 | None | School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, United States; Center of Excellence, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States | Bepe, N., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Madanhi, N., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mudzviti, T., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Gavi, S., Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, United States; Maponga, C.C., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, Center of Excellence, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States; Morse, G.D., Center of Excellence, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States | Introduction: Use of herbal remedies among HIV-infected individuals in Africa increased in the past decade, mainly due to traditional beliefs and at times inconsistent access to antiretroviral drugs. In Zimbabwe, accessibility and availability of antiretroviral drugs has increased in recent years; however, the use of herbal remedies remains high. This study was conducted to determine the impact of concomitant use of herbal remedies with antiretroviral drugs on adverse events and on quality of life. Methodology: A convenient sample of HIV positive patients at Parirenyatwa group of hospitals' Family Care Clinic (Harare, Zimbabwe) was enrolled. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the adverse event experiences of the patients using herbal remedies for their HIV, as well as the types of herbal remedy used. Quality of life index was measured using an HIV/AIDS targeted quality of life (HAT-QOL) tool developed by the World Health Organization. Results: Abdominal pain (odds ratio = 2.7, p-value = 0.01) and rash (odds ratio = 2.5, p-value = 0.02) had significant associations with using herbal remedies during antiretroviral therapy. Improved quality of life index was not significantly associated with herbal remedy use during antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest that some traditional herbal remedies used in Zimbabwe may increase incidence of certain types of adverse events when used in combination with antiretroviral drugs. Use of herbal drugs in combination with antiretroviral therapy does not significantly improve quality of life index in comparison to antiretroviral drug use only. © 2011 Noorali et al. | Adverse drug reactions; Antiretrovirals; Herbal therapies; Quality of life | herbaceous agent; lamivudine plus nevirapine plus stavudine; stalanev; unclassified drug; abdominal pain; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; anorexia; antiviral therapy; article; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; family counseling; fatigue; female; fever; headache; herbal medicine; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; insomnia; major clinical study; male; nausea and vomiting; nonhuman; peripheral neuropathy; quality of life; questionnaire; rash; world health organization; Zimbabwe; Adult; Africa; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Female; Herbal Medicine; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873828442 | The impact of herbal drug use on adverse drug reaction profiles of patients on antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe | Mudzviti T., Maponga C.C., Khoza S., Ma Q., Morse G.D. | 2012 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/434171 | School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mudzviti, T., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Maponga, C.C., School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States; Khoza, S., Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ma, Q., School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States; Morse, G.D., School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States | Background. The main objective was to determine the impact of herbal drug use on adverse drug reactions in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methodology. Patients receiving first-line ART from the national roll-out program participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed and a data collection sheet was used to collect information from the corresponding medical record. Results. The majority (98.2%) of participants were using at least one herbal drug together with ART. The most common herbal remedies used were Allium Sativum (72.7%), Bidens pilosa (66.0%), Eucalyptus globulus (52.3%), Moringa oleifera (44.1%), Lippia javanica (36.3%), and Peltoforum africanum (34.3%). Two indigenous herbs, Musakavakadzi (OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.076-0.828) and Peltoforum africanum (OR = 0.495; 95% CI 0.292-0.839) reduced the occurrence of adverse drug events. Conclusions. The use of herbal drugs is high in the HIV-infected population and there is need for pharmacovigilance programs to recognize the role they play in altering ADR profiles. © 2012 Tinashe Mudzviti et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250327238 | The impact of helminths on the response to immunization and on the incidence of infection and disease in childhood in Uganda: Design of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, factorial trial of deworming interventions delivered in pregnancy and e | Elliott A.M., Kizza M., Quigley M.A., Ndibazza J., Nampijja M., Muhangi L., Morison L., Namujju P.B., Muwanga M., Kabatereine N., Whitwortha J.A.G. | 2007 | Clinical Trials | 4 | 1 | 10.1177/1740774506075248 | Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford University, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Entebbe Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda | Elliott, A.M., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kizza, M., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Quigley, M.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford University, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Ndibazza, J., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Nampijja, M., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Muhangi, L., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Morison, L., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Namujju, P.B., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Muwanga, M., Entebbe Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda; Kabatereine, N., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Whitwortha, J.A.G., Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Helminths have profound effects on the immune response, allowing long-term survival of parasites with minimal damage to the host. Some of these effects "spill-over", altering responses to non-helminth antigens or allergens. It is suggested that this may lead to impaired responses to immunizations and infections, while conferring benefits against inflammatory responses in allergic and autoimmune disease. These effects might develop in utero, through exposure to maternal helminth infections, or through direct exposure in later life. Purpose: To determine the effects of helminths and their treatment in pregnancy and in young children on immunological and disease outcomes in childhood. Methods: The trial has three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled interventions at two times, in two people: a pregnant woman and her child. Pregnant women are randomized to albendazole or placebo and praziquantel or placebo. At age 15 months their children are randomized to three-monthly albendazole or placebo, to continue to age five years. The proposed designation for this sequence of interventions is a 2 × 2(×2) factorial design. Children are immunized with BCG and against polio, Diphtheria, tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus, hepatitis B and measles. Primary immunological outcomes are responses to BCG antigens and tetanus toxoid in whole blood cytokine assays and antibody assays at one, three and five years of age. Primary disease outcomes are incidence of malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, measles, vertical HIV transmission, and atopic disease episodes, measured at clinic visits and twice-monthly home visits. Effects on anaemia, growth and intellectual development are also assessed. Conclusion: This trial, with a novel design comprising related interventions in pregnant women and their offspring, is the first to examine effects of helminths and their treatment in pregnancy and early childhood on immunological, infectious disease and allergic disease outcomes. The results will enhance understanding of both detrimental and beneficial effects of helminth infection and inform policy. © Society for Clinical Trials 2007. | None | albendazole; BCG vaccine; cytokine; diphtheria pertussis poliomyelitis tetanus Haemophilus influenzae type b hepatitis B vaccine; measles vaccine; placebo; praziquantel; antiparasitic agent; anemia; article; atopy; child growth; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; double blind procedure; drug efficacy; factorial analysis; female; helminthiasis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune response; immunization; immunoassay; infant; infection rate; informed consent; major clinical study; malaria; mental development; outcome assessment; pregnant woman; preschool child; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; research ethics; sample size; single drug dose; tuberculosis; animal; child; helminth; immunology; incidence; male; methodology; parasitology; pregnancy; pregnancy complication; Uganda; Albendazole; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Child; Double-Blind Method; Female; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Immunization; Incidence; Male; Praziquantel; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Randomized Controlled Trials; Research Design; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897033364 | The impact of heavy metals on haematological parameters and enzymatic activies in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Pythonichthys macrurus | Ayoola S.O., Dansu F.M. | 2014 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 31 | 5 | 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.31.05.1615 | Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria | Ayoola, S.O., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria; Dansu, F.M., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria | Human activities have led to the accumulation of toxic metals in the aquatic environment. Heavy metals are serious pollutant in the aquatic environment because of their environmental persistence and ability to be accumulated and cause deleterious impact on aquatic organism. This study was carried out to investigated the levels of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) in two fish species: Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus and Pythonichthys macrurus obtained from Makoko area of the Lagos lagoon between the months of July-September, 2012 and also to determined the effects of these metals on haematological parameters and enzymes activity of the fish species. The mean concentration of heavy metals in mg/l obtained for C. nigrodigitatus were Cd (ND), Cr (0.010±0.001), Cu (0.036±0.022), Fe (0.580±0.137), Pb (0.001±0.001), Zn (0.218±0.346) and P. macrurus; Cd (0.001±0.002), Cr (0.005±0.005), Cu (0.046±0.066), Fe (0.359±0.270), Pb (ND), Zn (0.228±0.376) were below the standards of WHO/FAO/FEPA permissible limit. The mean level of the enzymes recorded in (IU/L) for C. nigrodigitatus were Aspartate aminotransferase AST (71.95 ± 26.76), Alanine Aminotransaminase ALT (22.367±12.83), Alkaline phosphatase ALP (164.61 ± 26.65) and for P. macrurus were AST (115.82±41.04), ALT (37.79± 25.16) and ALP (59.80±21.99) respectively. Statistical significance difference (P <0.05) occurred in serum ALP between the two fish species. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) recorded in all haematological parameters, the values revealed a high Haemoglobin and PCV concentration for both fishes. Results for C. nigrodigitatus were Hb (12.34 ± 2.15g/dl), PCV (37.00±6.45%), RBC (3.57± 0.92106 mm-3), WBC (136.20±59.06104mm-3), MCV (108.06±28.46FL), MCH (35.99 ±9.45Pg), MCHC (33.32 ± 0.03g/l), Neutrophils (35.33±8.76%), Lymphocytes (64.67±8.76 %) and P.macrurus values were Hb (13.84 ±2.65g/dl), PCV (41.50± 7.94%) RBC (4.18±1.04 106mm-3), WBC (115.87 ± 28.04 104mm-3), MCV (101.37± 16.92FL), MCH (33.86±5.62Pg), MCHC (38.87±13.59 g/l), Neutrophils (39.00± 13.87%) and Lymphocytes 60.67±13.60 (%). Deductions from this study revealed an alteration in the haematological parameters and enzymes activity of C. nigrodigitatus and P.macrurus. The result indicated that the concentrations of these heavy metals fall within their respective acceptable permissible limits recommended by the WHO/FAO/FEPA. Hence the consumption of these fish species may not pose any threat to human health. However periodic monitoring of these metals in the fish and water is highly essential to public health due to bioaccumulation. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Enzymatic activies; Fish; Haematological parameters; Heavy metals | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34347353294 | The impact of heavy grazing on an ephemeral river system in the succulent karoo, South Africa | Allsopp N., Gaika L., Knight R., Monakisi C., Hoffman M.T. | 2007 | Journal of Arid Environments | 71 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.03.001 | ARC-LBD: Range and Forage Unit, Private Bag X17 Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Allsopp, N., ARC-LBD: Range and Forage Unit, Private Bag X17 Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Gaika, L., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Knight, R., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Monakisi, C., Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Lesley Hill Institute of Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | The impact of long-term high grazing pressure on geomorphological features, plant community composition and cover and soil characteristics of an ephemeral river system in Namaqualand, South Africa, was compared to that of lighter grazing pressure across fencelines which crossed the river system. Under heavy grazing the river system was less braided and a higher proportion of the river width was unvegetated runoff channels. The river system was generally dominated by very sandy soil. However, more silt and organic matter, and less sand were found in soil under plants growing in the river bed. Since vegetation cover was much higher under light grazing, river soil was more fertile when grazing was light. A plant species compositional shift when grazing pressure was high resulted in riparian vegetation which more closely resembled the surrounding rangelands. Graminoid growth forms were encountered more frequently in the lightly grazed river. A rest from grazing of 33 months resulted in increased plant cover in another section of the river system. Heavy grazing alters the physical and soil features of this river system by reducing plant cover. Riparian vegetation, by slowing flow rates and catching light soil particles increases landscape heterogeneity and creates productive sites in the landscape. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Animal-plant interactions; Landscape patches; Livestock impacts; Namaqualand; Resource control; Riparian vegetation | community composition; ephemeral pool; grazing pressure; Karoo Supergroup; landscape; livestock; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; riparian vegetation; river system; sedge; vegetation cover; Africa; Namaqualand; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948180161 | The impact of health service variables on healthcare access in a low resourced urban setting in the Western Cape, South Africa | Scheffler E., Visagie S., Schneider M. | 2015 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 7 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.820 | Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Scheffler, E., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Visagie, S., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Schneider, M., Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Health care access is complex and multi-faceted and, as a basic right, equitable access and services should be available to all user groups. Objectives: The aim of this article is to explore how service delivery impacts on access to healthcare for vulnerable groups in an urban primary health care setting in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with purposively sampled participants and analysed through thematic content analysis. Results: Service delivery factors are presented against five dimensions of access according to the ACCESS Framework. From a supplier perspective, the organisation of care in the study setting resulted in available, accessible, affordable and adequate services as measured against the District Health System policies and guidelines. However, service providers experienced significant barriers in provision of services, which impacted on the quality of care, resulting in poor client and provider satisfaction and ultimately compromising acceptability of service delivery. Although users found services to be accessible, the organisation of services presented them with challenges in the domains of availability, affordability and adequacy, resulting in unmet needs, low levels of satisfaction and loss of trust. These challenges fuelled perceptions of unacceptable services. Conclusion: Well developed systems and organisation of services can create accessible, affordable and available primary healthcare services, but do not automatically translate into adequate and acceptable services. Focussing attention on how services are delivered might restore the balance between supply (services) and demand (user needs) and promote universal and equitable access. © 2015. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-23844464835 | The impact of health on poverty: Evidence from the south African integrated family survey | Godlonton S., Keswell M. | 2005 | South African Journal of Economics | 73 | 1 | None | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Godlonton, S., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Keswell, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of health status on poverty status, accounting for the endogeneity of health status. Using exogenous measures of health status from the South African Integrated Health Survey, we instrument for health status while allowing for covariation among the unobservables influencing both health and household poverty status. Health status, as captured by the body mass index, is shown to strongly influence poverty status. Households that contain more unhealthy individuals are 60 per cent more likely to be income poor than households that contain fewer unhealthy individuals, and this finding appears invariant to the choice of poverty line. © 2005 Economic Society of South Africa. | Economic development; Health production; Poverty | health status; health survey; income; poverty determinant; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867214020 | The impact of health insurance on health-care utilisation and out-of-pocket payments in South Africa | Ataguba J.E.-O., Goudge J. | 2012 | Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance: Issues and Practice | 37 | 4 | 10.1057/gpp.2012.35 | Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Ataguba, J.E.-O., Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Goudge, J., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Health insurance is an alternative to direct out-of-pocket (OOP) financing. It aims to improve access to care and reduce direct OOP payments. However, this may not be the case if there is high cost sharing and limited cover. This paper uses the methodology of propensity score matching to investigate the impact of private insurance via membership of a medical scheme in South Africa on health-care utilisation and OOP payments. The paper finds that insurance coverage increases the use of private health services as would be expected but there is no significant effect on the use of public services. Further, such coverage does not result in lower OOP payments for scheme members compared to non-members. This calls for a need to design health insurance, in South Africa, in the form that not only ensures adequate utilisation of health services but also provides financial protection to the insured as reflected in the current commitment for a National Health Insurance. © 2012 The International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics. | Health insurance; Health-care utilisation; Impact evaluation; Out-of-pocket payments; South Africa | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000250115500017 | The impact of health education on reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in a rural Nigerian community | Mba, C. I.,Obi, S. N.,Ozumba, B. C. | 2007 | JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY | 27 | 5 | 10.1080/01443610701478991 | University of Nigeria | None | This intervention study was to evaluate the impact of reproductive health education on the knowledge and attitude of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community to reproductive health issues. It compared adolescents in a secondary school (study group), which received health education on reproductive health with another secondary school (control group), which did not receive any. The impact of the programme was evaluated with a pre-test baseline knowledge and post-test gain in the knowledge 6 weeks later, using the same questionnaire. A total of 180 students selected by systematic sampling from each of the two randomly selected schools in Item, a rural community in south-east Nigeria participated in the programme. While all the respondents have heard of reproductive health and could identify at least one of its components, their knowledge of it prior to the health education were defective and were obtained mainly from peers and the mass media. Such information was incomplete and often coloured with cultural and religious bias. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) gain in correct knowledge following the health education. The students in the study group showed a positive and permissive attitude towards reproductive health education and there was a drop in risky sexual behaviour following the intervention. Pre-marital sex (94.3%), pregnancy prevention and abortion (88.5%) and sexually transmitted infections (82.8%) were common reproductive health problems raised by the students. Reproductive health education as part of the school curriculum will provide an effective means of improving knowledge and reducing reproductive health problems among adolescents in developing countries. | ADOLESCENTS,EDUCATION,NIGERIA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH" | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000259647600011 | The impact of health education on attitudes towards female genital mutilation (FGM) in a rural Nigerian community | Amusan, Oluwatoyin A.,Asekun-Olarinmoye, Esther O. | 2008 | EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE | 13 | 3 | 10.1080/13625180802075174 | Ladoke Akintola Univ Technol | None | Objectives To determine the level of practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the impact of a health education intervention in Shao community.
Materials and methods Intervention study using a multistage sampling technique. The instrument was a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. The survey was supplemented by an in-depth interview of the traditional excisors.
Results Most respondents (88.0%) cited traditional excisors as operators of the procedure, while 7.8% mentioned health workers. Factors found to be statistically significantly associated with the practice of FGM are age, gender and educational status of respondents (p < 0.05). The age at which FGM is usually performed was put at under one year old by 60.3% of respondents. All respondents cited type II FGM as the type practised in the community. Most (88.0%) of the female respondents were excised. A greater proportion of men than women did not want the practice of FGM stopped in the pre-intervention stage; however, there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of males who did not want the practice of FGM stopped in the post-intervention stage. Also, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of respondents who had no intention to excise future female children in the post-intervention stage (p < 0.05). Legislation, female literacy and empowerment, educating men and provision of alternative vocation for excisors were means suggested by respondents for stopping the practice.
Conclusion and recommendations The health education intervention had a positive impact on the attitude of respondents towards FGM. However, for sustainable behavioural changes that will lead to elimination of FGM practice, we recommend placing FGM elimination efforts within a comprehensive development strategy and the larger context of reproductive health and gender education in Nigeria. | "female genital mutilation","HEALTH EDUCATION",NIGERIA,"RURAL COMMUNITY",CIRCUMCISION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864804213 | The impact of health behaviour change intervention on indoor air pollution indicators in the rural North West Province, South Africa | Barnes B., Mathee A., Thomas E. | 2011 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 22 | 3 | None | School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences - Urban, Environmental, and Leisure Studies, London South Bank University, United Kingdom; Environment and Health Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa; Medical Research Council of South Africa based at the Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Barnes, B., School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences - Urban, Environmental, and Leisure Studies, London South Bank University, United Kingdom; Mathee, A., Environment and Health Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa; Thomas, E., Medical Research Council of South Africa based at the Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Indoor air pollution has been associated with a number of health outcomes including child lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Behavioural change has been promoted as a potential intervention strategy but very little evidence exists of the impact of such strategies on actual indoor air pollution indicators particularly in poor rural contexts. The aim of this study was to evaluate a community counselling intervention on stationary levels of PM10 and carbon monoxide (CO) as well as CO measured on children younger than five. Using a quasi-experimental design, baseline data was collected in an intervention (n=36) and a control (n=38) community; the intervention was implemented in the intervention community only; and follow-up data was collected one year later amongst the same households. Despite the fact that indoor air pollution was reduced in both communities, the intervention group performed significantly better than the control group when stratified by burning location. The net median reductions associated with the intervention were: PM10=57%, CO=31% and CO (child)=33% amongst households that burned indoor fires. The study provides tentative evidence that a health behaviour change is associated with reductions in child indoor air pollution exposure. The intervention is relatively inexpensive and easy to replicate. However, more powerful epidemiological studies are needed to determine the impact on health outcomes. | Child respiratory health; Health behaviour; Indoor air pollution; North West Province; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84958049125 | The impact of harvest frequency on herbage yield and quality of cynodon nlemfuensis | Timpong-Jones E.C., Adjorlolo L.K., Ayizanga R.A. | 2015 | West African Journal of Applied Ecology | 23 | 2 | None | Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Timpong-Jones, E.C., Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Adjorlolo, L.K., Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Ayizanga, R.A., Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Ruminants in Ghana experience feed deficit in the dry season leading to loss of weight and condition. To curb this problem of weight loss, there is the need to raise their plain of nutrition in the critical months of the year when feed is low in quantity and quality. This can be achieved by maximising forage production through appropriate harvest management practices. This study sought to find the effect of repeated harvest on dry matter (DM) yield of Cynodon nlemfuensis (Cynodon) in the coastal savanna of Ghana. It was hypothesised that infrequent repeated harvest will improve DM yield and nutritive value of Cynodon. An area of 7.0 m by 5.5 m was used for a two year study (2013 and 2014). The treatments were harvest of Cynodon at 24 (T1), 12 (T2) and 6 (T3) weeks intervals. The Randomised Complete Block Design was used with four replicates per treatment. Dry matter yield and plant cell wall constituents viz. NDF, ADF and Cellulose contents decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the order T3<T2<T1, indicating that DM yield and plant cell wall constituents decreased with increasing harvest frequency. Crude protein content (CP) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the order T1<T2<T3, indicating that CP content increased with increasing harvest frequency. The study has shown that repeated harvest of Cynodon provided lower DM yield of better quality, with harvest at six weeks interval exceeding the minimum CP level required for adequate intake and digestibility by ruminant livestock. © 2015, Ecological Laboratory. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651119884 | The impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance on the plateau of eastern Zambia | Ducheyne E., Mweempwa C., De Pus C., Vernieuwe H., De Deken R., Hendrickx G., Van den Bossche P. | 2009 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 91 | 1 | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.05.009 | Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South Africa | Ducheyne, E., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Mweempwa, C., Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; De Pus, C., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Vernieuwe, H., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; De Deken, R., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Hendrickx, G., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Van den Bossche, P., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South Africa | Tsetse-transmitted human or livestock trypanosomiasis is one of the major constraints to rural development in sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of the disease is determined largely by tsetse fly density. A major factor, contributing to tsetse population density is the availability of suitable habitat. In large parts of Africa, encroachment of people and their livestock resulted in a destruction and fragmentation of such suitable habitat. To determine the effect of habitat change on tsetse density a study was initiated in a tsetse-infested zone of eastern Zambia. The study area represents a gradient of habitat change, starting from a zone with high levels of habitat destruction and ending in an area where livestock and people are almost absent. To determine the distribution and density of the fly, tsetse surveys were conducted throughout the study area in the dry and in the rainy season. Landsat ETM+ imagery covering the study area were classified into four land cover classes (munga, miombo, agriculture and settlements) and two auxiliary spectral classes (clouds and shadow) using a Gaussian Maximum Likelihood Classifier. The classes were regrouped into natural vegetation and agricultural zone. The binary images were overlaid with hexagons to obtain the spatial spectrum of spatial pattern. Hexagonal coverage was selected because of its compact and regular form. To identify scale-specific spatial patterns and associated entomological phenomena, the size of the hexagonal coverage was varied (250 and 500 m). Per coverage, total class area, mean patch size, number of patches and patch size standard deviation were used as fragmentation indices. Based on the fragmentation index values, the study zone was classified using a Partitioning Around Mediods (PAM) method. The number of classes was determined using the Wilks' lambda coefficient. To determine the impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance, the correlation between the fragmentation indices and the index of apparent density of the flies was determined and habitat changes most affecting tsetse abundance was identified. From this it followed that there is a clear relationship between habitat fragmentation and the abundance of tsetse flies. Heavily fragmented areas have lower numbers of tsetse flies, but when the fragmentation of natural vegetation decreases, the number of tsetse flies increases following a sigmoidal-like curve. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fragmentation analysis; GIS; Tsetse | animal; article; disease carrier; ecosystem; female; geographic information system; growth, development and aging; human; male; parasitology; season; Trypanosoma; tsetse fly; Zambia; Animals; Ecosystem; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Insect Vectors; Male; Seasons; Trypanosoma; Tsetse Flies; Zambia; Glossina (genus) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888644629 | The impact of group counseling on depression, post-traumatic stress and function outcomes: A prospective comparison study in the Peter C. Alderman trauma clinics in northern Uganda | Nakimuli-Mpungu E., Okello J., Kinyanda E., Alderman S., Nakku J., Alderman J.S., Pavia A., Adaku A., Allden K., Musisi S. | 2013 | Journal of Affective Disorders | 151 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.055 | Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; Arua Regional Referral Hospitals, Arua, Uganda; University, Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NH, United States | Nakimuli-Mpungu, E., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Okello, J., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Kinyanda, E., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; Alderman, S., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Nakku, J., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Alderman, J.S., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Pavia, A., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Adaku, A., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Arua Regional Referral Hospitals, Arua, Uganda; Allden, K., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, University, Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NH, United States; Musisi, S., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States | Background: The effectiveness of group interventions for adults with mental distress in post-conflict settings is less clear in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim: To assess the impact of group counseling intervention on depression, post-traumatic stress and function outcomes among adults attending the Peter C. Alderman Foundation (PCAF) trauma clinics in northern Uganda. Methods: 631 War affected adults were enrolled into PCAF trauma clinics. Using a quasi-experimental design, assessments were conducted at baseline, at 3 and 6 months following initiation of care. Multivariate longitudinal regression models were used to determine change in depression, post- traumatic stress and function scores over time among group counseling participants and non- participants. Results: In comparison to non-participants, participants had faster reduction in depression scores during the 6-month follow-up period l/3=-184, 95%CI (-338 to -030), p=°°I91 and faster reduction in post- traumatic stress scores during the 3-month follow-up period 1/3= -214. 95%CI (-421 to -010). p=°°421. At 3-month follow up, participants who attended two or more sessions had faster increase in function scores 1/3=351, 95%CI (061-640), p=°°181 than participants who attended only one session. Limitations: Selection bias due to the use of non-random samples. Substantial attrition rates and small sample sizes may have resulted in insufficient statistical power to determine meaningful differences. Conclusion: The group counseling intervention offered in the PCAF clinics may have considerable mental health benefits over time. There is need for more research to structure, standardize and test the efficacy of this intervention using a randomized controlled trial. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Depression; Function; Group counseling; Northern Uganda; Post-traumatic stress; War trauma | anticonvulsive agent; antidepressant agent; benzodiazepine derivative; neuroleptic agent; psychotropic agent; adult; article; coping behavior; counseling; depression; employment status; family counseling; female; follow up; human; major clinical study; male; medication compliance; mental health; posttraumatic stress disorder; priority journal; professional practice; prospective study; psychoeducation; psychopharmacotherapy; relaxation training; sexual violence; spiritual healing; Depression; Function; Group counseling; Northern Uganda; Post-traumatic stress; War trauma; Adult; Counseling; Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotherapy, Group; Questionnaires; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644907191 | The impact of green cane production systems on manual and mechanical farming operations | Meyer E., Norris C.P., Jacquin E., Richard C., Scandaliaris J. | 2006 | Zuckerindustrie | 131 | 2 | None | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Booker Tate, PO Box 479, Atherton, QLD, Australia; Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius; C Richard and Associates, 129S Cortez Street, New Orleans, 70119, United States; Estación Experimental Obispo Colombres, Casilla de Correo No 9, Las Talitas 4101, Tucumán, Argentina | Meyer, E., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Norris, C.P., Booker Tate, PO Box 479, Atherton, QLD, Australia; Jacquin, E., Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius; Richard, C., C Richard and Associates, 129S Cortez Street, New Orleans, 70119, United States; Scandaliaris, J., Estación Experimental Obispo Colombres, Casilla de Correo No 9, Las Talitas 4101, Tucumán, Argentina | Many sugar industries around the globe have moved, or are in the process of moving, to green cane production systems. Some of these industries have done so because of pressure from local communities or because of government legislation regarding environmental pollution, while others have done so for a variety of agronomic and economic reasons. Nevertheless, it is estimated that at present more than 50% of all sugarcane around the world is still burnt prior to harvesting. Burning the cane is seen as an effective way of maintaining high manual cutter and mechanical harvester outputs and to deliver cleaner cane to the mills. However, there are many disadvantages associated with burning, which include atmospheric pollution, and soil and water losses. Cut to crush delays in burnt cane have been recognized as one of the main causes of increased dextran contents in sugar. Many factors need to be considered when moving to a green cane production system, with the main issues involving the changes required to adapt to different agronomic, mechanical and labor regimes. Factory performance and social and economic implications also need to be taken into account. This paper highlights many of the issues that affect the operational, economic and social considerations that need to be evaluated when changing from a burnt to green cane harvesting system. These issues include manual and mechanical harvesting efficiencies and performances, handling of sugarcane residues and machinery availability and suitability. Other areas such as cane quality, and loading and transport of sugarcane are also discussed. | Burnt cane; Economic implications; Green cane; Loading; Manual harvesting; Mechanical harvesting; Social implications; Transport | Saccharum hybrid cultivar | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903993738 | The impact of government support initiatives on the growth of female businesses in Tshwane South Africa | Phillips M., Moos M., Nieman G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p85 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Phillips, M., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Moos, M., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Nieman, G., University of Pretoria, South Africa | Previous research has shown that small business growth may be the consequence of various factors. Entrepreneurs face various challenges in the growth of their businesses. A lack of support and general resources are some of the challenges they face. This causal research study explored the impact that the use of government support initiatives has on the growth of the businesses of female entrepreneurs in Tshwane South Africa. A quantitative study was done and a sample of 111 female entrepreneurs participated in this study. Data were obtained by means of structured questionnaires administered via a webbased survey. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The findings clearly indicate that despite these entrepreneurs getting any assistance from government institutions their businesses showed growth. The findings of this study may be extended to government support institutions so that they can improve the quality design and cost effectiveness of support services. | Entrepreneurship; Female entrepreneurs; Government support; Sme growth | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892515673 | The impact of government spending on economic growth: Case South Africa | Chipaumire G., Ngirande H., Method M., Ruswa Y. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p109 | University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Department of Business Management, School of Economics and law, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; University of Western Cape, Department of Economics and Management Science, Robert Sebukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Chipaumire, G., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; Ngirande, H., University of Limpopo, Department of Business Management, School of Economics and law, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Method, M., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; Ruswa, Y., University of Western Cape, Department of Economics and Management Science, Robert Sebukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study investigates the validity of the Keynesian macroeconomic framework and the Classical perspective of a long run relationship and causality between government expenditure and economic growth in South Africa using the quarterly data from 1990-2010. A specific country study was used to investigate the long-run relationship between the former and the later on nation's output. Testing for unit roots and co-integration was performed first before we engage in ganger causality for testing the causality relationship between government spending and growth. Unit root tests were conducted so as to avoid the generation of the spurious regression results and co-integration determines the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. ADF(Augmented-Dickey Fuller) and the Philips-Perron tests techniques were engaged to test for stationarity. This study applies the Johansen Maximum Likelihood test techniques using both the trace technique and the more powerful eigen maximum value test. Both procedures found that certainly a long run relationship exists between government spending and growth in South Africa. Using the results obtained from the study, increased government spending in South Africa has not led to a meaningful development of the economy of the country which is inconsistent of the Keynesian stance. | Classical perspective; Economic growth; Government expenditure; Inefficiency; Keynesian framework; Long-run relationship | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892587693 | The impact of government expenditure on the greek government debt: An econometric analysis | Mah G., Mukkudem-Petersen J., Miruka C., Petersen M.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p323 | North-West University, South Africa | Mah, G., North-West University, South Africa; Mukkudem-Petersen, J., North-West University, South Africa; Miruka, C., North-West University, South Africa; Petersen, M.A., North-West University, South Africa | Sovereign debt crisis in advanced economies keep increasing and its government are implementing fiscal policies to reduce it. Greece is an example of a country whose government debt is a matter of grave concern since it has received the second bailout but still threatens to default. The main aim of this study is determine the impact of government expenditures and government incomes on government debt. This paper estimates the effect of government expenditure on debt in Greece via the vector error correction model framework and granger causality model with annual data from 1976 to 2011 which was collected from the World Development Indicators, European Commission data base and the International Monetary Fund. Vector Error correction Model framework is used to estimate our model and Vector Autoregression Granger causality to determine the direction of causation.The results show a significant negative relationship between gross government debt and gross national income as well as gross government debt and net foreign direct investment. A significant positive relationship is found between gross government debt and gross national expenditure and gross government debt and inflation. The past values of gross national expenditure and gross national income have a predictive ability in determining the present value of gross government debt and not vice versa. Knowing this effects will help policy makers of these countries and the world at larger to revisit its fiscal policy in order to reduce its debt and sustain it. | Government Debt; Granger causality; Greece; Gross National Expenditure; Vector Error Correction Model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923109943 | The impact of governance on state owned enterprises (SOEs) in Africa | Edoun E.I. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p352 | The University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Edoun, E.I., The University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The creation and strengthening of credible institutions is instrumental for any development initiative. Once these institutions are put in place, transparency and accountability become the tools for good governance to achieve socio-economic development. This article therefore set out to explore the impact that governance has on the developmental role of Public Enterprises in Africa. Public enterprises are created in Africa to contribute to socio-economic development. This study is therefore important in that, it thrives to explore why public enterprises have not over the years played the role for which they were created. However initial findings revealed that, the above failure is related to lack of leadership, maladministration and corruption which are the enemies of good governance, the State and of National Development Plan (NDP) as these impede any development initiative. This paper is divided into five major parts. The first part introduces the problematic of the research; the second part argues about the concept of governance, the third part discusses public enterprises reforms and the justification for decentralisation as a tool for the sustainability of public enterprises. The fourth part explains the methodological approach, data analysis and findings in using the Case of Cameroon. The Fifth part concludes and presents a set of recommendations for future research © 2015 Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. All rights received. | Accountability; Decentralisation; Governance; Maladministration; State owned enterprises; Transparency | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78349270877 | The impact of globalization on housing in Nigeria | Mosaku T.O., Kuroshi P.A. | 2009 | International Journal for Housing Science and Its Applications | 33 | 3 | None | Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | Mosaku, T.O., Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Kuroshi, P.A., Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | The world has become a global village. Culture, attitude, and the entire social structure of a nation have all been influenced one way or the other by this phenomenon. These changes are manifest in many ways especially as regards what we do and how we do what we do. This paper examines and discusses the impact of globalization on housing in Nigeria by focusing on aspects of planning, design, and construction. It intends to propose how a developing country as Nigeria, in striving to be an active participant in the general global trend in the housing sector, should evolve policies that would harmonize culture/ attitudes with the advantages of globalization. Copyright©2009 IAHS. | Design; Globalization; Image; Technological adaptability; Traditional housing | Global trends; Globalization; Housing sectors; Image; Nigeria; Social structure; Technological adaptability; Traditional housing; Design; Developing countries; Housing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900526928 | The impact of globalisation on South African businesses: Some leadership thoughts | Mcmahon G., Barkhuizen N., Schutte N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p215 | Department of Human Resource Management, University of Pretoria, 2000, South Africa; Department of Industrial Psychology, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa; Department of Public Administration, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa | Mcmahon, G., Department of Human Resource Management, University of Pretoria, 2000, South Africa; Barkhuizen, N., Department of Industrial Psychology, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa; Schutte, N., Department of Public Administration, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa | The main objective of this research was to explore the impact of globalisation on South African businesses from the perspective of business leaders. A qualitative research approach was followed with semi-structured interviews conducted with five business leaders. The findings showed that the global economic crises, legislation, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, poverty and increased competitiveness are the key factors relating to globalisation and the impact thereof on South African businesses. The outcomes of this study can assist current business leaders in taking cognisance of global factors affecting their business and take proactive measures to eliminate the adverse impact of a rapid changing business environment. | Business Challenges; Globalisation; Leadership; Stakeholder engagement; Technology | None | 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-s2.0-84943513859 | The impact of Ghana's R3M programme on the provision of safe abortions and postabortion care | Sundaram A., Juarez F., Ahiadeke C., Bankole A., Blades N. | 2015 | Health Policy and Planning | 30 | 8 | 10.1093/heapol/czu105 | Research Division, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, United States; Centro de Estudios Demográfico, Urbanos y Ambientales, El Colegio de Méico, Mexico; Institute for Statistical, Social, and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Sundaram, A., Research Division, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, United States; Juarez, F., Research Division, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, United States, Centro de Estudios Demográfico, Urbanos y Ambientales, El Colegio de Méico, Mexico; Ahiadeke, C., Institute for Statistical, Social, and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Bankole, A., Research Division, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, United States; Blades, N., Research Division, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, United States | In 2006, in response to the high maternal mortality, driven largely by unsafe abortions, the government of Ghana, in partnership with other organizations, launched the reducing maternal mortality and morbidity (R3M) programme in seven districts in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern, to improve comprehensive abortion care services. This article examines whether this intervention made a difference to the provision of safe abortion services and postabortion care (PAC). We also examine the role played by provider attitudes and knowledge of the abortion law, on providers with clinical training in service provision. Primary data on health care providers in Ghana, collected using a quasi-experimental design, were analysed using propensity score weighting. Apart from the treatment group, the sample included two controls: (1) Districts in Accra, Ashanti and Eastern, not exposed to the treatment; and (2) Districts from distant Brong Ahafo, also not exposed to the treatment. The findings show that providers in the treatment group are nearly 16 times as likely to provide safe abortions compared with their peers in Brong Ahafo, and ∼2.5 times as likely compared with providers in the other control group. R3M providers were also different from their peers in providing PAC. Associations between provider attitudes and knowledge of the law on both outcomes were either non-significant or inconsistent including for providers with clinical knowledge of abortion provision. Provider confidence however is strongly associated with service provision. We conclude that the R3M programme is helping safe abortion provision, with the differences being greater with control groups that are geographically distant, perhaps owing to lower contamination from movement of providers between facilities. Increasing provider confidence is key to improving both safe abortion provision and PAC. © 2014 Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. | Abortion; Ghana; programme evaluation; propensity score analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955820304 | The impact of geographic expansion on intended identity of an organisation | Spittal R.D., Abratt R. | 2009 | Journal of General Management | 35 | 3 | None | Dean, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois, United States; Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Spittal, R.D., Dean, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois, United States; Abratt, R., Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | As organisations grow and expand past their operational headquarters, individual branches may reflect a different identity than that of the headquarters. The question then is, 'Is senior management able to transcend geographical boundaries and communicate the identity that has shaped their strategy for the organisation?.' The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of geographical expansion on the reflected perceptions of internal stakeholders related to the organisation's intended identity as defined by the senior management. The authors review the literature on identity in relation to image and reputation in order to seek answers to this question. The paper concludes with four propositions that need to be tested empirically in the future. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860420828 | The impact of gender on the use of the digital library at the University of Ibadan | Anie S.O. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | JULY | None | Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | Anie, S.O., Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893452308 | The Impact of Gender on Start-up Capital: A Case of Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa | Derera E., Chitakunye P., O'Neill C. | 2014 | Journal of Entrepreneurship | 23 | 1 | 10.1177/0971355713513355 | School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Derera, E., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Chitakunye, P., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; O'Neill, C., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | In South Africa, women entrepreneurs do not enjoy the same opportunities as men in accessing start-up capital due to a number of discriminatory practices embedded in lending models. This study seeks to understand the gender-specific barriers to raising start-up capital, and adopts a mixed methods approach that includes semi-structured interviews with experts and a survey of women entrepreneurs. All participants were from the small business sector in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The findings revealed the gendered nature of start-up capital for women entrepreneurs in South Africa, and the difficulty women face in venturing into non-traditional industries. The findings build on previous research by focusing on the intersection between women's contribution to the economy and their production activities in the informal and domestic context. This study calls for the activities of women entrepreneurs in these sectors of the economy to be recognised within lending models, and as constituting a valuable area of economic growth. © 2014 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India. | gender; South Africa; start-up capital; women entrepreneurs | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864987055 | The impact of gender on SME characteristics and access to debt finance in South Africa | Garwe D.K., Fatoki O. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.706040 | Department of Business Management, University of Fort Har, South Africa; Department of Business Management, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Garwe, D.K., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Har, South Africa; Fatoki, O., Department of Business Management, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This study aimed to determine whether South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are affected by gender differences in demand for debt and its availability. It also looked at whether there are gender differences in the firm and entrepreneurial characteristics of SMEs. The study was conducted by means of a survey using a self-administered questionnaire and statistical analyses that included descriptive statistics, a t-test and a logistic regression. Significant gender differences were found in SMEs' demand for debt finance but only insignificant differences in availability. The findings also revealed significant gender differences in some of the firm and entrepreneurial characteristics of SMEs. It appears that for SME owners in South Africa gender differences exist in the demand for debt finance but not in its availability. The policy recommendation is that commercial banks, government agencies and non-governmental organisations should aim to help and encourage female SME owners to apply for debt finance. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | debt; entrepreneurial characteristics; firm; gender; small and medium enterprises (SMEs) | debt; demand analysis; entrepreneur; financial system; firm size; gender issue; gender relations; regression analysis; small and medium-sized enterprise; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928910645 | The impact of gender norms on condom use among HIV-Positive adults in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | Fladseth K., Gafos M., Newell M.L., McGrath N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0122671 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom | Fladseth, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Gafos, M., Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Newell, M.L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; McGrath, N., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom | Critical to preventing the spread of HIV is promoting condom use among HIV-positive individuals. Previous studies suggest that gender norms (social and cultural constructions of the ways that women and men are expected to behave) may be an important determinant of condom use. However, the relationship has not been evaluated among HIV-positive women and men in South Africa. We examined gender norms and condom use at last sex among 550 partnerships reported by 530 sexually-active HIV-positive women (372) and men (158) who had sought care, but not yet initiated antiretroviral therapy in a high HIV-prevalence rural setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa between January 2009 and March 2011. Participants enrolled in the cohort study completed a baseline questionnaire that detailed their socio-demographic characteristics, socio-economic circumstances, religion, HIV testing history and disclosure of HIV status, stigma, social capital, gender norms and self-efficacy. Gender norms did not statistically differ between women and men (p = 0.18). Overall, condoms were used at last sex in 58% of partnerships. Although participants disclosed their HIV status in 66% of the partnerships, 60% did not have knowledge of their partner's HIV status. In multivariable logistic regression, run separately for each sex, women younger than 26 years with more equitable gender norms were significantly more likely to have used a condom at last sex than those of the same age group with inequitable gender norms (OR = 8.88, 95% CI 2.95-26.75); the association between condom use and gender norms among women aged 26+ years and men of all ages was not statistically significant. Strategies to address gender inequity should be integrated into positive prevention interventions, particularly for younger women, and supported by efforts at a societal level to decrease gender inequality. © 2015 Fladseth et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; age distribution; Article; cohort analysis; condom use; controlled study; female; gender bias; help seeking behavior; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; middle aged; prevalence; questionnaire; religion; rural area; self concept; sex difference; sex role; sexual behavior; social capital; social status; South Africa; stigma; young adult | #065377/Z01/H, Wellcome Trust; #WT083495MA, Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904413764 | The impact of gender difference on entrepreneurship inclinations in Nigeria | Unruh J., Adewusi A., Boolaky M. | 2014 | International Journal of Business and Globalisation | 13 | 1 | 10.1504/IJBG.2014.063391 | University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 16203, Two Rivers, AK 99716, United States; University of Liverpool/Laureate, 34, Eric Moore Rd, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria; University of Liverpool/Laureate, 36 A Swami Sivanandah Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius | Unruh, J., University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 16203, Two Rivers, AK 99716, United States; Adewusi, A., University of Liverpool/Laureate, 34, Eric Moore Rd, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria; Boolaky, M., University of Liverpool/Laureate, 36 A Swami Sivanandah Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius | This paper explores gender differences attributed to the motivators a group of entrepreneurs in a Nigerian city have in opting to run their own business. It uses the existing theoretical framework of push and pull factors to determine the motivation for male and female entrepreneurs to be in business and explore the potential gender differences that may exist within the entrepreneurial motivations. Empirical data collected from semi-structured interviews used a convenience sample of 60 entrepreneurs, 30 males and 30 females. Most of the administered survey questions were presented using a Likert format to determine the characteristics of each group. The resultant data were inferentially analysed to develop conclusions about significant differences from mean scores. The study found that males were significantly different from females in their reasons for starting a business; as one example, more female entrepreneurs expected to enjoy their jobs compared with the men even though many of them expressed that they do not have other satisfying jobs. The results of this research work identified some differences which are peculiar to only Nigerian entrepreneurs; they should not be used to infer equivalent gender differences in other countries except where these studies are replicated. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Customer orientation; Entrepreneur education; Entrepreneurs; Female; Gender; Job preferences; Male; Own boss | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000302005600008 | The impact of gender and physical environment on the handwashing behaviour of university students in Ghana | Hampshire, Kate,Kasim, Adetayo,Mariwah, Simon | 2012 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 17 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02950.x | Durham University, University of Cape Coast | "Hampshire, Kate: Durham University","Kasim, Adetayo: Durham University","Mariwah, Simon: University of Cape Coast" | Objectives To establish levels of handwashing after defecation among students at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and to test hypotheses that gender and washroom environment affect handwashing behaviour.
Methods Data on students' handwashing behaviour after defecation were collected by structured observations in washrooms. Eight hundred and six observations were made (360 female students and 446 males) in 56 washrooms over 496 observation periods. Observers recorded gender, duration of handwashing, use of soap, and physical characteristics of the washroom (cleanliness, availability of soap, tap flow and presence of handwashing posters).
Results Fewer than half the students observed washed their hands or bathed after defecation. Of these, only two- thirds washed both hands and a minority (20%) used soap; only 16 students (all men) washed their hands for the recommended 15 s or longer. Female students were more likely to wash their hands at all, and were more likely to wash both hands, than males. Cleanliness of the washroom was strongly associated with improved handwashing behaviour for both women and men, as was tap flow quality for female students.
Conclusions Handwashing behaviour is generally poor among UCC students, mirroring results from North American Universities. The findings underline the plasticity of handwashing behaviour among this population, and highlight the need for ensuring that the physical environment in washrooms on university campuses is conducive to handwashing. | behaviour,comportamiento,comportement,"ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS","estudio observacional","etude d'observation","facteurs environnementaux","factores ambientales",GENDER,genero,GHANA,HANDWASHING,"lavado de manos","lavage des mains","observational study",sexe, | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68149168978 | The impact of gender and income on survival and retention in a south african antiretroviral therapy programme | Cornell M., Myer L., Kaplan R., Bekker L.-G., Wood R. | 2009 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 14 | 7 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02290.x | Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Cornell, M., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Myer, L., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Kaplan, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Objectives Despite the rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in Africa, there are few data on whether outcomes differ for women and men and what factors may drive such variation. We investigated the association of gender and income with survival and retention in a South African ART programme. Methods A total of 2196 treatment-naïve adults were followed for 1 year on ART. Proportional hazards regression was used to explore associations between baseline characteristics and survival and loss-to-follow-up (LTFU). Results Patients were predominantly female (67%). Men presented at an older age and with more advanced HIV disease, and during early ART the crude death rate was higher among men than women (22.8 vs 12.5/100 person-years; P = 0.002). However in multivariate analysis, gender was not significantly associated with survival after adjusting for baseline clinical and immunovirological status (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.96-2.22; P = 0.076). In late ART (4-12 months), there was no gender difference in mortality rates (3.5 vs 3.8/100 person-years; P = 0.817). In multivariate analysis, survival was strongly associated with age (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.09; P < 0.001), CD4 count >150 vs <50 cells/μl (HR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14-0.87; P = 0.023) and any monthly income vs none (HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25-0.88; P = 0.018). Having some monthly income was protective against LTFU at 1 year on ART (adjusted HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.39-0.82; P = 0.002). Conclusion Men's high early mortality on ART appears due largely to their presentation with more advanced HIV disease. Efforts are needed to enrol men into care earlier in HIV disease and to reduce socio-economic inequalities in ART programme outcomes. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Africa; Antiretroviral therapy; Gender; Mortality; Socio-economic status | antiretrovirus agent; disease treatment; gender; hazard management; income; mortality; multivariate analysis; socioeconomic status; survival; adult; article; controlled study; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mortality; sex ratio; socioeconomics; survival rate; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Continuity of Patient Care; Female; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Rural Health; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906546160 | The impact of gasoline and synthesized ethanol blends on the emissions of a spark ignition engine | Kuburi L.S., Obada D.O., Samotu I.A., Jeremiah M., Kashim Z.A. | 2014 | World Journal of Engineering | 11 | 4 | 10.1260/1708-5284.11.4.391 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Kuburi, L.S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Obada, D.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Samotu, I.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Jeremiah, M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Kashim, Z.A., Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Considering pollution problems and the energy crisis today, investigations have been concentrated on lowering the concentration of toxic components in combustion products and decreasing fossil fuel consumption by using renewable alternative fuels. In this work, the effect of ethanol addition to gasoline on the exhaust emissions of a spark ignition engine at various speeds was established. Ethanol was extracted from groundnut seeds using fermentation method. Gasoline was blended with 20 - 80% of the extracted ethanol in an interval of 20%. Results of the engine test indicated that using ethanol-gasoline blended fuels decreased carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions as a result of the lean- burn effects caused by the ethanol, and the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission increased because of a near complete combustion. Finally, the results showed that blending ethanol in a proportion of 40% with gasoline can be used as a supplementary fuel in modern spark ignition engines as it is expected that the engine performs at its optimum in terms of air toxic pollutants reduction, by virtue of that mix. | Ethanol; Gasoline; Green house gases; Spark ignition engine | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000295231700003 | The impact of Gacaca tribunals in Rwanda: Psychosocial effects of participation in a truth and reconciliation process after a genocide | Kanyangara, Patrick,Paez, Dario,Rime, Bernard,Yzerbyt, Vincent | 2011 | EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 41 | 6 | 10.1002/ejsp.822 | University of Basque Country, University of Rwanda, Univ Louvain | "Paez, Dario: University of Basque Country", | Victims (N = 200) of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and prisoners (N = 184) accused of genocidal acts reported their genocide-related emotions and outgroup perceptions before and after their participation to Truth and Reconciliation Gacaca trials. So did control groups of victims (N = 195) and prisoners (N = 176) not yet exposed to Gacaca. The data supported Durkheim's model of social rituals as cultural tools for transforming emotions, reasserting norms, and enhancing cohesion. Specifically, participation entailed the general reactivation of resignation negative emotions, the enhancement of shame among prisoners, and the decrease of shame among victims, whereas the opposite pattern occurred for antagonist emotions. Participation also enhanced social integration by reducing perceived outgroup homogeneity, decreasing ingroup self-categorization, and increasing positive stereotypes among both victim and prisoner participants. Moreover, the increase in genocide-related emotions resulting from participation was associated to positive changes outcomes, suggesting that the increase of negative emotions is an important mechanism at work in collective events of this type. Enhancement of the perception of a positive emotional climate (solidarity and trust) was limited to perpetrator participants. Together, these findings show that Durkheim's model can be extended to restorative justice trials involving both victims and perpetrators. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | ,"COLLECTIVE ACTION","EMOTIONAL CLIMATE",FORGIVENESS,"INTERGROUP CONTACT","POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH",RECIPIENTS,RITUALS | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053073181 | 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-s2.0-84918773573 | The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth and employment in south africa: A time series analysis | Tshepo M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 25 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n25p18 | Department of Economics and Management Science, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Tshepo, M., Department of Economics and Management Science, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | The aim of this paper was an attempt to estimate the impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth and employment in South Africa for a period of 24 years, thus from 1990 to 2013. The study employed in its analysis, the unit root test to test for stationarity of the time series, the Johansen Cointegration test to test for the existence of long-run relationship among the variables and finally, Granger causality test to establish the causal relationship between the variables. Employment and GDP were found to be stationary at first order difference, while FDI was found to be stationary at level form. The cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the variables. The Granger Causality test results confirmed the direction of causality which runs from FDI to GDP and from FDI to employment. From the results, there is strong evidence that from 1990 to 2013 there was a positive long-run relationship between FDI, GDP and employment in South Africa. Adding to these tests, various diagnostic tests also confirmed that the research results are reliable. In addition, the paper also identified factors that might affect the flow of foreign investors into South Africa. These factors include; return on investment, human capital, cost of labour, labour disputes and corruption. The government should emphasise more on these factors to make South Africa conducive for foreign investment. My empirical results thus suggest that FDI should be considered as a mechanism to boost long-term economic growth and employment in South Africa. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Economic growth and employment; Foreign direct investment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879727663 | The impact of foreign debt on economic growth in Malawi | Tchereni B.H.M., Sekhampu T.J., Ndovi R.F. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12015.x | School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa; Malawi Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi; North-West University, South Africa; Accountant General, Blantyre, Malawi | Tchereni, B.H.M., School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa, Malawi Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi; Sekhampu, T.J., North-West University, South Africa; Ndovi, R.F., Accountant General, Blantyre, Malawi | This study analysed the impact of foreign debt on economic growth in Malawi using time series. Data for the period 1975-2003 from the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the IMF and the National Statistical Office was regressed in basic time series analysis. The dependent variable was economic growth and independent variables included level of foreign debt as the main variable. Other variables considered are the inflation rate, exchange rate and the prime lending rate, private and public investment. The results show a statistically insignificant and negative relationship between foreign debt and economic growth for the case of Malawi. The country should strive to provide incentives to local manufacturers who would want to export rather than relying on borrowing for growth inducement. Of interest was the relationship between inflation and economic growth which was positive. © 2013 The Authors. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | None | debt; economic growth; economic impact; exchange rate; inflation; investment; lending behavior; time series analysis; Malawi | None |
WoS | WOS:000329277700001 | The impact of Fogarty International Center research training programs on public health policy and program development in Kenya and Uganda | Bennett, Sara,M'Imunya, James M.,Paina, Ligia,Ssengooba, Freddie,Waswa, Douglas | 2013 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 13 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-13-770 | Johns Hopkins University, Makerere University, University of Nairobi | "Bennett, Sara: Johns Hopkins University","M'Imunya, James M.: University of Nairobi","Paina, Ligia: Johns Hopkins University","Ssengooba, Freddie: Makerere University" | Background: The Fogarty International Center (FIC) has supported research capacity development for over twenty years. While the mission of FIC is supporting and facilitating global health research conducted by U.S. and international investigators, building partnerships between health research institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and training the next generation of scientists to address global health needs, research capacity may impact health policies and programs and therefore have positive impacts on public health. We conducted an exploratory analysis of how FIC research training investments affected public health policy and program development in Kenya and Uganda.
Methods: We explored the long term impacts of all FIC supported research training programs using case studies, in Kenya and Uganda. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 53 respondents and 29 focus group discussion participants across the two countries. Qualitative methods were supplemented by structured surveys of trainees and document review, including a review of evidence cited in policy documents.
Results: In the primary focal areas of FIC grants, notably HIV/AIDS, there were numerous examples of work conducted by former FIC trainees that influenced national and global policies. Facilitators for this influence included the strong technical skills and scientific reputations of the trainees, and professional networks spanning research and policy communities. Barriers included the fact that trainees typically had not received training in research communication, relatively few policy makers had received scientific training, and institutional constraints that undermined alignment of research with policy needs.
Conclusions: While FIC has not focused its programs on the goal of policy and program influence, its investments have affected global and national public health policies and practice. These influences have occurred primarily through strengthening research skills of scientists and developing strong in-country networks. Further success of FIC and similar initiatives could be stimulated by investing more in the training of policy-makers, seeking to better align research with policy needs through more grants that are awarded directly to developing country institutions, and grants that better incorporate policy maker perspectives in their design and governance. Addressing structural constraints, for example supporting the development of national research agendas that inform university research, would further support such efforts. | HIV/AIDS,"policy influence","research capacity",CAPACITY,DIAGNOSIS,"HIV-1 DISCORDANT COUPLES","HIV-1-INFECTED WOMEN",MORTALITY,NEVIRAPINE,PREVENTION,"RANDOMIZED CLINICAL-TRIAL","SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS","TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884538372 | The impact of flooding on water quality, zooplankton composition, density and biomass in Lake Iyieke, Cross River-Floodplain, Southeastern Nigeria | Nwonumara N.G., Okogwu O.I. | 2013 | Zoology and Ecology | 23 | 2 | 10.1080/21658005.2013.805015 | Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria | Nwonumara, N.G., Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Okogwu, O.I., Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria | The physico-chemical parameters, zooplankton composition, density and biomass of Lake Iyieke (Cross River- Floodplain, Nigeria) were studied monthly from February to December 2011 during pre-flood (February-May), flood (June-August) and post-flood (September-December) periods. The study was aimed at evaluating the response of zooplankton to seasonal flooding. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that temperature (28-35 C), PO4-P (0.10- 0.16 g/L), pH (6.50-6.80), transparency (0.17-0.98 m), conductivity (18.0-56.00 S/cm) and total dissolved solids (8.50-28.00 mg/L) were the main environmental variables that influenced zooplankton dynamics. Rotifers of the families Collothecidae, Collurellidae and the cladoceran Scapholeberi kingi were recorded in the lake for the first time. Rotifers were dominant in the pre-flood period, while microcrustaceans were dominant in the flood and post-flood periods. Contrary to our expectations, species richness (56 species) and density (527 ind/L) peaked during the pre-flood and flood periods, respectively. Based on our results and previous studies on the lake, we recommend undertaking a comprehensive study on this and other lakes within the Cross River basin in order to gain a clear understanding of the impact anthropogenic activities (dams and dredging) and climatic factors (that could alter the intensity and duration of flood) could have on zooplankton. © 2013 Nature Research Centre. | Biomass; Density; Flood; Lake Iyieke; Water quality; Zooplankton | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947933263 | The impact of flood disasters on child education in Muzarabani District, Zimbabwe | Mudavanhu C. | 2015 | Jamba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | 6 | 1 | 10.4102/jamba.v6i1.138 | Department of Geography, Bindura University of Science Education, Private Bag 1020, Zimbabwe | Mudavanhu, C., Department of Geography, Bindura University of Science Education, Private Bag 1020, Zimbabwe | The increase in flood intensity and frequency poses a threat to community infrastructure and affects the total well-being of children in regard to: access to food, health, school attendance, access to clean water and sanitation, physical and social security. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, this article provided an overview of flood disasters and their potential effects on children's access to quality education in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to analyse school children's specific vulnerabilities to flood disasters that need to be taken into account in policy development. Research indicated that floods cause loss of learning hours, loss of qualified personnel, outbreak of waterborne diseases, high absenteeism and low syllabus coverage leading to children's poor academic performance. Children noted a range of experiences, from food insecurity to being withdrawn from school and sometimes forced into early marriages. These challenges compromise children's rights and access to quality education. This article therefore recommended that a culture of safety be promoted through disaster education, development of good road networks and enforcement of building codes during construction of school infrastructure. Findings also supported the need for adaptation strategies to ensure that the risks specific to school children are addressed. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745050897 | The impact of fisheries on the environment of Lake Volta | Ofori-Danson P.K. | 2006 | International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences | 32 | 1 | None | Graduate Environmental Science Programme, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Ofori-Danson, P.K., Graduate Environmental Science Programme, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | The major environmental impacts of fisheries on the Volta Lake ecosystem arise from (a) fishing operations, (b) fish processing activities and (c) the fishers' settlements. Fishing methods involving poison, dynamite and an array of non-selective gear pose a serious threat to the environment and biodiversity. The West African manatee Trichechus senegalensis is threatened by the drag net fishing operations. Similarly, intensive fishing for the Nile perch, Lates niloticus has depleted the population of this top predator, leading to decreased forage-carnivore ratio in the Lake. There is evidence that the size at first maturity has decreased in respect of at least 5 fish species. These environmental problems can be addressed by a number of measures such as (a) diversion of surplus labor from capture fisheries, (b) educating people on the conservation and fishery management laws, (c) regulation of fishing gear, (d) afforestation drives, (e) involvement of village community in the decision making process and (f) a ban on hunting West African Manatee in the lake. © International Scientific Publications, New Delhi. | Biodiversity; Dynamite fishing; Fish processing; Fishing gear; West African Manatee | environmental impact; fishery; fishing community; fishing gear; human activity; lake ecosystem; Africa; Ghana; Lake Volta; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Lates niloticus; Trichechus; Trichechus senegalensis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-76749137281 | The impact of Fischer-Tropsch diesel on the oxidation stability of biodiesel (FAME) blends | Blignaut A., Collier L., Pretorius M. | 2009 | Journal of ASTM International | 6 | 10 | 10.1520/JAI102579 | Sasol Limited, Johannesburg 1947, South Africa | Blignaut, A., Sasol Limited, Johannesburg 1947, South Africa; Collier, L., Sasol Limited, Johannesburg 1947, South Africa; Pretorius, M., Sasol Limited, Johannesburg 1947, South Africa | Fischer-Tropsch (FT) distillates and first generation biodiesel are alternative fuels that can both be used directly as neat fuels in an internal combustion diesel engine or as blend stocks with conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is generally produced by the catalytic trans-esterification of triglycerides (vegetable oil) with methanol to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol as a by-product. The FT process (or FT synthesis) Is a catalyzed chemical reaction In which synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, Is converted into liquid hydrocarbons of various compositions. The oxidation and thermal stability of diesel fuel are very important properties since unstable diesel fuels can form soluble gums and or insoluble organic particulates that can clog the fuel filters and fuels system components. In the quest for increased efficiency of internal combustion compression ignition engines, the engines are increasingly downsized and turbo charged. These developments, together with the latest demands from modern injector systems, place a greater demand on the oxidative and thermal stability performance of a fuel due to the exposure of fuels to higher temperatures in comparison to historic engine and injector designs. Recirculation of heated fuel can also cause injector deposits originating from either gum or particulate formation. Biodiesel (FAME) and FT diesel have shown to be fully compatible as blend components with conventional crude derived diesel. FT diesel, produced from the low temperature FT (LTFT) process, generally has a lower density and viscosity and good cold flow properties. It Is also a very stable fuel, which compensates for the high viscosity and density, poor cold flow properties, and unstable nature associated with biodiesel (FAME). This paper discusses the results obtained from a comparative study of the oxidation stability (using the Rancimat methodology) of FT (high temperature FT and LTFT) and petroleum diesel fuels, blended with up to 20 vol % of soya and rapeseed derived biodiesel (FAME). Copyright © 2009 by ASTM International. | Alternative fuel; Crude derived diesel; Fischer-Tropsch (FT); Oxidation stability; Synthetic fuels | Blend components; Cold flow properties; Comparative studies; Compression ignition engine; Fatty acid methyl ester; Fischer Tropsch; Fischer-Tropsch (FT); Fischer-Tropsch diesel; FT synthesis; Fully compatible; High temperature; Higher temperatures; Internal combustion; Internal combustion diesel engine; Liquid hydrocarbons; Low temperatures; Lower density; Organic particulates; Oxidation stability; Particulate formation; Petroleum diesel fuels; Rancimat; Recirculations; Syn-gas; System components; Thermal stability; Alternative fuels; Biodiesel; Carbon monoxide; Diesel engines; Diesel fuels; Esterification; Esters; Fatty acids; Glycerol; Hydrocarbons; Ignition; Jet pumps; Methanol; Oxidation; Petroleum distillates; Synthesis (chemical); Synthesis gas; System stability; Thermodynamic stability; Vegetable oils; Viscosity; Synthetic fuels | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936747271 | The impact of fiscal policy on inflation in Nigeria | Otto G., Ukpere W.I. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 1CONT1 | None | Department of Economics, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Otto, G., Department of Economics, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Inflation is a major problem in Nigeria. To stabilize the economy, policy makers have often used fiscal and monetary policies to address inflation. For efficacy of policy, it is important to know the likely influence of each of these on inflation in order to properly prescribe a solution. This work attempts to see the impact of fiscal policy on inflation. This is necessary because of the current demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which is likely to increase government spending and possible inflation. Using data from the Central Bank of Nigeria spanning 32 years, the study used an ordinary least squares regression analysis, and observed that fiscal policy impacts on inflation but such impact is not significant. Therefore, government may on the basis of this study, implement the agreement it had with the Academic Staff Union of Universities without the fear of inflation. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Fiscal policy; Government revenue; Government spending; Inflation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939240594 | The impact of fiscal and monetary policies on unemployment problem in Nigeria (Managerial economic perspective) | Attamah N., Anthony I., Ukpere W.I. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 2CONT1 | None | Economics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria; University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Attamah, N., Economics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria; Anthony, I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of fiscal and Monetary Policies on Unemployment Problem in Nigeria and covers the periods 1980 to 2013. To achieve this, fiscal policy was captured here by government expenditures and revenues respectively while monetary policy was proxied by broad Money Supply (M2), Interest and Exchange rates respectively. The methodology adopted was econometric analysis employing OLS techniques and unit roots of the series were examined using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller after which the co-integration tests was conducted using the Engle Granger approach. Error correction models were estimated to take care of the short run dynamics. It was found that while government expenditure had a positive relationship with unemployment problem in Nigeria, the result of government revenue was negative and insignificant on unemployment problem. For monetary policy, it was found that money supply and exchange rate had positive and significant impact while interest rate has only a positive relationship on unemployment problem in Nigeria. This meets the a priori expectation. The study also revealed that increases in interest and exchange rates escalate unemployment by increasing cost of production which discourages the private sector from employing large workforce. On the other hand, national productivity measured by real GDP had a negative and significant impact on unemployment rate in Nigeria. This paper recommends that for an effective combat to unemployment problem in Nigeria, there should be a systematic diversion of strategies, thus more emphasis should be laid on aggressively pursuing entrepreneurial development and increased productivity. Again government should aggressively focus on investment, employment generation and economic growth that has mechanism to trickle does to the masses. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Fiscal; Monetary; Productivity global recession; Unemployment rate; Unit root | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859985827 | The impact of first year adherence to antiretroviral therapy on long-term clinical and immunological outcomes in the DART trial in Uganda and Zimbabwe | Kiwuwa-Muyingo S., Walker A.S., Oja H., Levin J., Miiro G., Katabira E., Kityo C., Hakim J., Todd J. | 2012 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 17 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.02974.x | School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland; MRC Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda; College of Health Sciences, University of Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kiwuwa-Muyingo, S., School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland, MRC Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Walker, A.S., Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Oja, H., School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland; Levin, J., MRC Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Miiro, G., MRC Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Katabira, E., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kityo, C., Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda; Hakim, J., College of Health Sciences, University of Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Todd, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objectives To describe associations between different summaries of adherence in the first year on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the subsequent risk of mortality, to identify patients at high risk because of early adherence behaviour. Methods We previously described an approach where adherence behaviour at successive clinic visits during the first year on ART was seen as a Markov chain (MC), and the individually estimated transition probabilities between 'good', 'poor' and 'non-response' adherence states were used to classify HIV-infected adults in the DART trial into subgroups with similar behaviour. The impact of this classification and classifications based on traditional 'averaged' measures [mean drug possession ratio (DPR) and self-reported adherence] were compared in terms of their impact on longer-term mortality over the 2-5years on ART using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 2960 participants in follow-up after 1year on ART, 29% had never missed pills in the last month and 11% had 100% DPR throughout the first year. The poorest adherers by self-reported measures were more likely to have only none/primary education (P<0.01). Being in the poorest adherence subgroup by MC and DPR was independently associated with increased mortality [HR=1.57 (95% CI 1.02, 2.42); 1.82 (1.32, 2.51) respectively]. Conclusions Classification based on dynamic adherence behaviour is associated with mortality independently of DPR. The classifications could be useful in understanding adherence, targeting focused interventions and improving longer-term adherence to therapy. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Adherence; Africa; Antiretroviral therapy; Markov chain; Mortality | abacavir; lamivudine plus zidovudine; nevirapine; tenofovir; antimicrobial activity; health risk; human immunodeficiency virus; immune system; infectivity; Markov chain; mortality; numerical model; risk factor; adult; antiretroviral therapy; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; classification; controlled study; drug monitoring; educational status; female; follow up; high risk patient; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; outcome assessment; patient compliance; questionnaire; self report; treatment refusal; Uganda; Zimbabwe; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Markov Chains; Patient Compliance; Proportional Hazards Models; Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Uganda; Zimbabwe; Uganda; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925453374 | The impact of firm size and liquidity on the cost of external finance in africa | Hearn B., Piesse J. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economics | 83 | 1 | 10.1111/saje.12062 | Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom; Bournemouth University, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hearn, B., Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom; Piesse, J., Department of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Brighton, United Kingdom, Bournemouth University, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Established illiquidity measures are constructed for emerging markets in Africa and used to determine which best explains trading costs. Costs of equity are derived from an augmented Capital Asset Pricing Model for a sample of emerging financial markets generally ignored in the literature. These include: South Africa and Namibia, three countries in North Africa and four in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), plus London and Paris as examples of integrated markets. Minimum variance portfolios are constructed and asset weights derived, with the sample divided into countries dependent on their legal regime. Portfolio weights are shown to be directly related to well-regulated markets with high standards of corporate governance and disclosure, and firms seeking cost-effective finance from SSA stock markets are at a distinct disadvantage compared with those in Northern Africa, South Africa and, in particular, London and Paris. © 2014 Economic Society of South Africa. | Africa; emerging financial markets; G11; G12; G15; Liquidity; O55; portfolio diversification | equity; financial market; financial system; firm size; governance approach; industrial investment; stock market; England; France; Ile de France; London [England]; Namibia; North Africa; Paris; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; United Kingdom; Ville de Paris | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897143998 | The impact of financial structure on profitability of firms: A cross-sectional industry analysis of Nigerian quoted firms | Ekumankama O.O. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 1 E | None | Banking and Finance Department, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, African Institute of Applied Economics, Nigeria | Ekumankama, O.O., Banking and Finance Department, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, African Institute of Applied Economics, Nigeria | This study empirically examines the impact of financial structure decision on the profitability of Nigerian quoted firms. Cross-sectional time series data of 72 Nigerian quoted firms were collated and analysed. Two hypotheses were proposed for the study, while the ordinary least square (OLS), fixed effects (FE) and the gerneralised least square (GLS) regression were used on pooled and panel data to estimate the relationship between financial leverage and the different measures of profitability in Nigeria quoted firms. In determining the extent of the influence of leverage on the dependent variables, most of the industrial groups showed evidence of sizable positive influence of leverage on profitability and earnings yield. This was significant and robust with all the measures of leverage. | Cross-sectional analysis; Finance; Listed firms; Nigeria | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942198979 | The impact of financial integration in Botswana | Mmolainyane K.K., Ahmed A.D. | 2015 | Journal of Policy Modeling | 37 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2015.03.015 | Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; College of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | Mmolainyane, K.K., Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Ahmed, A.D., College of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | This study examines the impact of financial integration in Botswana. Direct and indirect transmission channels to growth are investigated. Financial integration commonly influences growth through encouraging cross border capital flows, transferring technologies and managerial expertise and promoting risk sharing. These market developments that are realized translate into enhanced access to finance as intermediation channels improve. Our empirical results are in line with previous literature in that financial depth does occur in the wake of the financial integration era and positively influences growth in Botswana. Not withholding, our results reveal that market depth has not promoted access to private sector's credit in Botswana so far. To a larger extent, a negative impact of financial integration on growth is observed as there could be short-term risks associated with increased financial openness. Nonetheless, an indirect, significant and positive influence from financial integration through financial access to growth is also observed. This indirect transmission demonstrates that financial integration increases financial innovation which in turn fosters growth in the country. Financial innovation enhances service delivery and improves access to financial services. We observe a positive influence from macroeconomic and institutional variables implying prevalence of sound and prudent supervisory structure and the rule of law in Botswana. Policy wise, there is still need and scope for greater financial integration, financial development and financial access which can contribute to national development goals of sustainable economic growth, diversification, employment creation and poverty reduction in Botswana. © 2015 Society for Policy Modeling. | Botswana; Economic growth; Financial access; Financial integration | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949110577 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togó) | Beguy D. | 2009 | Demographic Research | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | Beguy, D., African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lomé, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000263321100001 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lome (Togo) | Beguy, Donatien | 2009 | DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | None | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar ( Senegal) and Lome ( Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lome, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | ,MODELS,"WOMENS EMPLOYMENT",WORK | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955019567 | The impact of female business leaders on the performance of listed companies in South Africa | Mkhize M., Msweli P. | 2011 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 14 | 1 | None | Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | Mkhize, M., Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Msweli, P., Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of female business leaders in JSE-listed companies on the financial performance of those companies. This is as result of the proposition that women, over and above men, bring unique skills to the workplace. However, it is hypothesized in this study that JSE-listed companies led by a high percentage of women do not outperform similar companies led by a low percentage of women. The Lean Modigliani and France Modigliani measure (M 2) was used to test this hypothesis. Results of this study indicate that companies led by women do not outperform similar companies led by men. As a result, the hypothesis is not rejected. Implications of these results are discussed. | Business women; Employment equity; Female business leaders; Financial performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897415195 | The impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of fashion businesses in the Gauteng province In South Afric | Moloi K.C., Nkhahle-Rapita M.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p78 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Moloi, K.C., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Nkhahle-Rapita, M.A. | The aim of this article is to examine the impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of fashion businesses in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Entrepreneurs are said to be individuals who accept risks and who are innovative in terms of their business management skills, while displaying the personal traits of risk taking, creativity, ambition and other qualities involved in the provision of products and services to society. We argue that entrepreneurs are important because they contribute to the economy of the country. The research design employed for the study was quantitative, using a selfadministered questionnaire to elicit information on the impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of the fashion businesses from respondents in the industry. The study found that 92.3 percent of fashion entrepreneurs take risks while 100 percent indicated that they were motivated by the success achieved in their businesses. Some of the fashion entrepreneurs (75.9 percent) indicated that they considered themselves to be creative. | Entrepreneurship; Fashion entrepreneurs; Success; Traits; Vaal region | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960736352 | The impact of farmer field schools on human and social capital: A case study from Ghana | David S., Asamoah C. | 2011 | Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension | 17 | 3 | 10.1080/1389224X.2011.559076 | Sustainable Tree Crops Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB L 56, Accra, Ghana; Sustainable Tree Crops Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kumasi, Ghana | David, S., Sustainable Tree Crops Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB L 56, Accra, Ghana; Asamoah, C., Sustainable Tree Crops Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kumasi, Ghana | Based on a case study of Ghanaian cocoa farmers who attended farmer field schools (FFS), this paper explores the impact of the FFS methodology on farmers' technical knowledge, experimentation, knowledge diffusion, group formation and social skills as a way of assessing whether the relatively high costs associated with the method is justified. We carried out focus group discussions for exploratory purposes and a formal survey of 70 FFS graduates and 70 non-FFS farmers. The superior knowledge test scores of FFS graduates relative to non-FFS farmers demonstrates the effectiveness of the method for communicating complex knowledge and information to farmers in a way that allows them to understand it and retain it. An assessment of changes in farmers' experimental capacity showed variable results. On the one hand, a significant proportion of FFS graduates applied some of the principles and practices learned to solve productivity problems with other crops, while others did not perceive any change in their experimentation behaviour. Significantly, an important skill farmers learned in the FFS was making observations on cocoa trees and the wider ecosystem as the basis for decision-making. The case study confirmed that FFS strengthened social cohesion among cocoa farmers and enhanced individual social skills by creating new networks for knowledge exchange and support, promoting group formation and improving farmers' confidence and ability to work more effectively in groups. The paper concludes by recommending areas for improving FFS and highlights how strengthening human and social capital in cocoa growing communities can serve as a springboard for broader development activities. © 2011 Wageningen University. | Cocoa; Extension; Farmer field schools; Ghana; Human and social capital | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907287535 | The impact of face-to-face tutorials on College of Education students: A case of Unisa’s Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre | Molepo L., Mothudi H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1928 | University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa | Molepo, L., University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa; Mothudi, H., University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa | The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of face-to-face tutorials on 1st semester 2011 College of Education (CEDU) students at Unisa’s Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre. A case study involving quantitative document analysis was conducted. Attendance registers were used to determine attendance patterns, and examination results to establish students’ performance. It was revealed that most students started attending tutorials, but stopped attending subsequently. However, it was also revealed that students who attended tutorials passed their examinations, leading to the conclusion that tutorials make a positive contribution. The researchers recommend that the marketing of tutorial programmes should be intensified. They further recommend constant communication between lecturers, tutors and coordinators. The final recommendation is that ongoing joint or parallel research projects, especially between regional staff, tutors and lecturers be carried out to investigate the impact of all learner support services. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Face-to-face-tutorials; Learner support; Open and distance learning; Tutor | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745088390 | The impact of extrinsic sources on selected indicator organisms in a typical deboning room | Shale K., Jacoby A., Plaatjies Z. | 2006 | International Journal of Environmental Health Research | 16 | 4 | 10.1080/09603120600734162 | School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, CUT, P/Bag X20539, Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Shale, K., School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, CUT, P/Bag X20539, Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Jacoby, A., School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Plaatjies, Z., School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Meat is a highly perishable product and the microbiological safety thereof is an extremely important issue for both the consumer and the meat industry. In this study, samples were randomly collected from various working surfaces, from raw meat and from the air in the deboning room of a high throughput red meat abattoir. The samples were analysed for the presence of total staphylococci counts as well as for total viable counts. The mean staphylococci counts from working surfaces were 19 CFU · cm -2 , and the staphylococci levels for the meat samples were well below the proposed maximum limit of 100 CFU · g -1 . Maximum staphylococcal bioaerosol counts of 10 CFU · m -3 were also enumerated. Total viable counts from the workers' hands and working surfaces were high compared to the staphylococcal levels. Twelve staphylococci species were identified from the samples used in this study. Recontamination during the deboning process was identified as the major source of contamination, suggesting proper implementation of quality processing practices within the abattoir environment. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | Abattoirs; Bioaerosols; Deboning room; Red meat; Staphylococcus; Surfaces; Total viable counts | bacterium; food safety; meat; article; bacterial count; bacterial strain; bacterium contamination; human; indicator organism; meat; meat industry; nonhuman; quality control; sample; Staphylococcus; work environment; Abattoirs; Animals; Bacteria; Colony Count, Microbial; Consumer Product Safety; Food Microbiology; Food-Processing Industry; Hygiene; Meat Products; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867030994 | The impact of extraneous matter on the quality of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) juice and milling performance | Hoi L.W.S., Martincigh B.S. | 2012 | International Sugar Journal | 114 | 1365 | None | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius | Hoi, L.W.S., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius; Martincigh, B.S., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | The quality of sugar cane received at Mauritian sugar factories has deteriorated significantly because of increased amounts of extraneous matter delivered in the cane supply. This leads to poorer juice quality and sucrose losses. In this work controlled addition of extraneous matter to clean cane was effected under laboratory conditions to determine the relative impact of dry and green cane leaves and cane tops on the quality of cane and the resulting juice, and to predict their impact on cane processing. Dry leaves produced the most adverse effect on sugar recovery, boiling house recovery and overall recovery. One unit of dry leaves increased fibre % cane, mass of bagasse % cane and sucrose loss in bagasse % cane and in molasses % cane by 0.57, 1.17, 0.030 and 0.011 units respectively, and decreased sugar recovery by 0.23 units. Cane tops increased the amount of fructose and glucose in mixed juice which reduced the Clerget purity of molasses. However, this increased the mass of molasses % cane, which resulted in a much higher sucrose loss in molasses than would have been produced by the same amount of dry leaves. The ill-effect of green leaves was found to be intermediate between that of dry leaves and cane tops. | Cane quality; Dry and green cane leaves; Extraneous matter; Factory performance; Saccharum officinarum; Trash | Saccharum; Saccharum officinarum | None |
WoS | WOS:000277528100007 | THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGNS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON LEVELS AND TRENDS OF HIV-RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION IN NIGERIA: TOOLS FOR ENHANCING EFFECTIVE HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMMES | Adebayo, S. B.,Ankomah, A.,Anyanti, J.,Fakolade, R. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF BIOSOCIAL SCIENCE | 42 | 3 | 10.1017/S0021932009990538 | Soc Family Hlth | None | People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) often face stigma and discrimination, especially in developing countries. HIV-related stigma is expressed through social ostracism, personal rejection, direct and indirect discrimination, and denial from families and friends. Consequently, it is associated with reduced adoption of preventive and care behaviours, including condom use, seeking for HIV test and care-seeking behaviour subsequent to diagnosis. Ignorance about the epidemiology of the disease on modes of transmission and prevention aggravates HI V-related stigma in Nigeria. Behaviour change communication activities through mass media have been shown to be an effective approach in improving people's knowledge about the disease. This paper monitors trends in the level of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs in Nigeria between 2003 and 2007. It also evaluates the impact of exposure to mass media and social support on the levels of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs. A significant and positive trend was evident between 2003 and 2007 (p<0.0001). Furthermore, exposure to mass media communications on HIV and AIDS issues and social support were significantly related to the reduced stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs (p<0.0001). | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870587504 | The Impact of Expanded Testing for Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Using Geontype MTBDRplus in South Africa: An Observational Cohort Study | Hanrahan C.F., Dorman S.E., Erasmus L., Koornhof H., Coetzee G., Golub J.E. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0049898 | Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gilling School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; National TB Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa | Hanrahan, C.F., Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gilling School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Dorman, S.E., Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Erasmus, L., National TB Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Koornhof, H., National TB Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coetzee, G., National TB Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Golub, J.E., Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gilling School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | Introduction: Globally, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains underdiagnosed. The Genotype MTBDRplus®, a rapid drug susceptibility testing (DST) assay used to detect resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin in the diagnosis of MDR-TB, has good diagnostic accuracy, but its impact on patient outcomes in routine practice is unproven. We assessed the clinical impact of routine DST using MTBDRplus in a single health district in South Africa. Methods: Data were collected on all adult pulmonary TB patients registered at 25 public health clinics in the periods before and after introduction of an expanded DST algorithm using MTBDRplus version 1.0. Results: We collected data on 1176 TB patients before implementation and 1177 patients afterwards. In the before period, measured MDR-TB prevalence among new cases was 0.7% (95% CI1.4-3.1%), and among retreatment cases 6.2% (95% CI:3.5-8.8%), versus 3.7% (95% CI:2.4-5.0, p<0.01) and 6.6% (95% CI:3.8-9.4%, p = 0.83) respectively after MTBDRplus introduction. The median times from sputum collection to MDR treatment in the before and after periods were 78 days (IQR:52-93) and 62 days (IQR:32-86, p = 0.05), respectively. Among MDR-TB cases, 27% (95%CI:10-44) in the before period converted sputum cultures to negative by 8 months following treatment initiation, while 52% (95%CI:38-66) converted in the intervention period (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The expanded use of MTBDRplus DST resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of new cases identified as MDR-TB; though time to MDR treatment was reduced, it was still over two months. Culture conversion for MDR-TB patients improved after introduction of MTBDRplus. This work illustrates the mixture of successes and challenges resulting from increased access to rapid DST in a setting with a high TB burden. © 2012 Hanrahan et al. | None | amikacin; ciprofloxacin; ethambutol; ethionamide; isoniazid; kanamycin; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; terizidone; adult; analytical equipment; antibiotic sensitivity; antibiotic therapy; article; bacterium identification; clinical examination; cohort analysis; disease duration; female; genotyping technique; human; intervention study; major clinical study; male; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; observational study; prevalence; retreatment; South Africa; sputum culture; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Cohort Studies; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Isoniazid; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rifampin; South Africa; Survival Analysis; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903513630 | The impact of exogenous ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the induced production of pro- and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes in Atlantic salmon head kidney cells using a full factorial design and LC-MS/MS | Araujo P., Lucena E., Yang Y., Ceemala B., Mengesha Z., Holen E. | 2014 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 964 | None | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.01.018 | National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway; Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela; Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Department of Industrial Chemistry, Bahir Dar University, PO Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Araujo, P., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway; Lucena, E., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela; Yang, Y., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway, Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Ceemala, B., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway; Mengesha, Z., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway, Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Bahir Dar University, PO Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Holen, E., National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway | The production of prostaglandins (PGE2, PGE3) and leukotrienes (LTB4, LTB5) in salmon head kidney cell cultures, exposed to different combinations of 20:4ω-6, 20:5ω-3 and 22:6ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), was evaluated by means of a two level factorial design and LC-MS/MS. The method was selective for the pro- and anti-inflammatory analytes and their corresponding stable-isotope labelled internal standards. The regression models were linear over the concentration range 0.5-150ng/ml with limits of detection of 0.25ng/ml and quantification of 0.40ng/ml for the analysed metabolites. The recovery ranged from 78 to 107% for prostaglandins and 73 to 115% for leukotrienes. The analysis of the samples exposed to different combinations of PUFAs revealed that the presence of single ω-3 PUFAs brought an enhancement of the metabolites from the lipooxygenase pathway, specially LTB4, and a reduction of the metabolites from the cyclooxygenase pathway (PGE2 and PGE3), while the two-term interactions generated the opposite effect (high concentration of prostaglandins and low concentrations of leukotrienes). To our knowledge, this is the first implementation of a fully crossed design for investigating the impact of ω-6 and ω-3 PUFAs on the production of eicosanoids not only through their individual but also through their combined effects on Atlantic salmon head kidney cells. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Eicosanoids; Experimental design; Leukotrienes; Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Prostaglandins; Salmon head kidney cell cultures | Biomolecules; Design of experiments; Isotopes; Liquid chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Metabolites; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Regression analysis; Eicosanoids; Leukotrienes; Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; Prostaglandins; Salmon heads; Cell culture; icosanoid; leukotriene B4; leukotriene B5; lipoxygenase; omega 3 fatty acid; omega 6 fatty acid; prostaglandin E2; prostaglandin E3; prostaglandin synthase; leukotriene; omega 3 fatty acid; omega 6 fatty acid; prostaglandin; animal cell; article; Atlantic salmon; cell culture; controlled study; factorial design; head kidney; incubation time; intervention study; isotope labeling; kidney cell; limit of detection; liquid chromatography; metabolite; nonhuman; priority journal; tandem mass spectrometry; animal; Atlantic salmon; chemistry; evaluation study; head kidney; liquid chromatography; metabolism; procedures; tandem mass spectrometry; Salmo salar; Animals; Chromatography, Liquid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Head Kidney; Leukotrienes; Limit of Detection; Prostaglandins; Salmo salar; Tandem Mass Spectrometry | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957520713 | The impact of executive directors' service contracts on strategic plan | Dandira M. | 2011 | Business Strategy Series | 12 | 1 | 10.1108/17515631111106830 | Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe | Dandira, M., Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe | Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help boards of directors to find ways of establishing continuity in the strategic plan when strategists are employed on contract leave before the end of the strategic plan period. Design/methodology/approach The author has conducted research in organisations that have executives on contracts of three to five years, and identifies how strategic plans are negatively affected when executives on contract especially top management leave organisations when their contracts ends. Research in organisations has shown that strategic plans usually have longer periods than the contract of the strategist, and contract renewal is sometimes not obvious. Findings The length of the strategist's contract and the length of the strategic plan have not been taken into account when crafting strategic plans in organisations and appointing executive directors. This scenario has caused a lot of strategy failures. Practical implications Ways are provided for boards of directors and organisations to foster a culture of continuity of the strategic plan even when executives leave the organisation unceremoniously or when their contracts end and are not renewed. Originality/value This paper gives practical advice from situations in organisations and helps boards of directors to take into account the duration of strategic plans when employing executives. © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. | Contract workers; Corporate strategy; Mission achievement; Strategic planning | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892610295 | The impact of exchange rate volatility on South African exports | Nyahokwe O., Ncwadi R. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p507 | University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Deputy Dean (Research and Internationalisation), University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Nyahokwe, O., University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ncwadi, R., Deputy Dean (Research and Internationalisation), University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Exchange rates have been highly volatile in South Africa especially after the end of the Bretton Woods system and this has raised a lot of debate amongst interested parties in South Africa such as the South African government and the Congress of South African Trade Union. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of exchange rate volatility on aggregate South African exports flows to the rest of the world for the period 2000 to 2009. The results obtained suggest that, there exist no statistically significant relationship that is there is an ambiguous relationship between South African exports flows and exchange rate volatility. Although the results were not robust, at the same the study found some sensitivity of South African exports to movements of the exchange rate. We find that, depending on the measure of volatility used, exchange rate volatility either does not have a significant impact on South Africa's exports flows, or it has a positive impact on aggregate goods and services. | Bretton Woods; Exchange rate volatility | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942104082 | The Impact of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on Exports in South Africa | Aye G.C., Gupta R., Moyo P.S., Pillay N. | 2015 | Journal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy | 6 | 1 | 10.1142/S1793993315500040 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Moyo, P.S., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Pillay, N., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of real effective exchange rate uncertainty (REER) on aggregate exports of South Africa for the period 1986Q4-2013Q2. Using a bivariate framework where the structural vector autoregression (VAR) is modified to accommodate bivariate GARCH-in-Mean (GARCH-M) errors, we find that exchange rate uncertainty has a significant and negative effect on exports. Comparing the response of exports to a shock in exchange rate from a model that includes the REER uncertainty with results from a model that restricts the coefficient of the exchange rate uncertainty to zero, we find that the response is more pronounced in the former model. Furthermore, real exports respond asymmetrically to negative and positive shocks of REER of the same size. © 2015 World Scientific Publishing Company. | bivariate GARCH-in-Mean VAR; Exchange rate uncertainty; exports; real effective exchange rate | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-59749097626 | The impact of exchange rate movements on employment: The economy-wide effect of a rand appreciation | Ngandu S.N.C. | 2009 | Development Southern Africa | 26 | 1 | 10.1080/03768350802640180 | Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Ngandu, S.N.C., Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | There has been some debate on the impact of exchange rate volatility and levels in South Africa. This is a particular concern as South Africa needs to dramatically expand sustainable employment and at the same time raise value-added in its production of goods and services. These are not necessarily complementary objectives for a mineral-exporting economy. Using a computable general equilibrium model, with the appreciation induced by a commodity price boom, this paper analyses the possible impact of an appreciation of the rand on employment. The intention is to identify the impact on both aggregate employment and sectoral output. Although the economy does well as a result of the commodity boom, the results indicate the potential for 'Dutch Disease' - type effects. Almost all traded sectors are negatively affected, while the non-traded sectors experience a boost as a result of the appreciation. | None | commodity price; computable general equilibrium analysis; currency market; economic impact; employment; exchange rate; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892547829 | The impact of exchange rate expectations and interest rate differentials on trade in South Africa: An econometric analysis | Sitima I., Hlatywayo C.K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p671 | University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Sitima, I., University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Hlatywayo, C.K., University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | This study analyses the impact of exchange rate expectations and interest rate differentials between South Africa and its major trading partners and its effects on trade balances and employment in the exporting sector employment, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1977 to 2008. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate and interest rate differential is instigated to its theoretical determinants is then specified. The study utilizes the VECM methodology to provide both the long run and short run dynamic effects on the trade balance movements. Variables under investigation, (TOT, REER, IR, and IRS) were found to be statistically significant with the trade balance. The VECM model found 3 cointegrating equations and the most interesting result that came from this analysis is the co-movements of real effective exchange rate and interest rates differentials among the 3 cointegrating equations. | Interest rate differentials; Real effective exchange rate; Trade balance; VECM | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946711294 | The impact of ethno-linguistic fractionalization on cultural measures: Dynamics, endogeneity and modernization | Luiz J.M. | 2015 | Journal of International Business Studies | 46 | 9 | 10.1057/jibs.2015.6 | Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Breakwater Campus, Green Point, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa | Luiz, J.M., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Breakwater Campus, Green Point, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa | We introduce a measure called ethno-linguistic fractionalization (ELF), which captures the ethnic and/or linguistic diversity in a country and examine its implications on existing cultural measures. Not only do high levels of fractionalization affect the use of statistical means to account for cultural distance (CD), we show that it is not constant and therefore the dynamics of change need to be addressed. We pursue the study of the dynamics and potential endogeneity through an in-depth case study of South Africa over the course of the twentieth century. There is evidence of processes of modernization whereby economic progress impacts upon ELF. There are also complex interactions between the various measures of fractionalization and other sociopolitical and institutional variables. This provides us with an opportunity to bridge the CD and institutional distance literature as institutions impact upon culture and multinational enterprises, and institutional development is, in turn, affected by these. We call for a more realistic assessment of what is being captured in cultural measures and for recognition of the complexity of the notion of identity formation and its dynamics. Countries may have different underlying cultural schisms, including ELF, and its introduction will allow for a richer exploration of distance and diversity in International Business. | cross-cultural research/measurement issues; cultural distance; developing markets/countries/economies; national culture | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80055014244 | The impact of ethnicity and religious affiliation on the alienation of staff from their work environment in Nigerian universities: A comparative survey | Nnekwu D.A. | 2010 | Research in Education | None | 84 | None | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | Nnekwu, D.A., Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000272022600007 | The Impact of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme and its Linkages | Gilligan, Daniel O.,Hoddinott, John,Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum | 2009 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | 45 | 10 | 10.1080/00220380902935907 | International Food Policy Research Institute, African Ctr Study African Econ, IFPRI | "Gilligan, Daniel O.: International Food Policy Research Institute","Hoddinott, John: International Food Policy Research Institute", | This paper assesses the impact of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Nets Programme (PSNP), the largest social protection programme in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa. Using propensity score matching techniques, we find that the programme has little impact on participants on average, due in part to transfer levels that fell far below programme targets. Participants with access to both the PSNP and packages of agricultural support are more likely to be food secure, to borrow for productive purposes, use improved agricultural technologies, and operate non-farm own business activities. However, beneficiaries did not experience faster asset growth. | ,"ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION ESTIMATOR" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649641494 | The impact of e-resources on the provision of health and medical information services in Kenya | Kamau N., Ouma S. | 2008 | Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries | 5 | 2 | 10.1080/15424060802064329 | Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Aga Khan University, P. O. Box 39340-00623, Nairobi, Kenya | Kamau, N., Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Ouma, S., Aga Khan University, P. O. Box 39340-00623, Nairobi, Kenya | Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have brought opportunities and challenges to the provision of library and information services in the health sector worldwide. Libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa that experienced massive budget cuts in the 1990s due to declining economies have now embraced ICTs to manage their information resources and services. ICTs have improved access to health information resources by those libraries that have Internet connectivity. A survey was carried out to examine the impact of electronic resources on the provision of health and medical information services in Kenya, Africa. This paper reports the results of the survey. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved. | Africa; Developing countries; Electronic resources; Health information providers; Health information services; HINARI; INASP; Kenya; PERI | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649421857 | The impact of environment on the dynamical structure of satellite systems | Faltenbacher A. | 2010 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 408 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17185.x | Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1, D-85741 Garching, Germany; MPA/SHAO Joint Center for Astrophysical Cosmology at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Nandan Road 80, Shanghai 200030, China | Faltenbacher, A., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa, Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1, D-85741 Garching, Germany, MPA/SHAO Joint Center for Astrophysical Cosmology at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Nandan Road 80, Shanghai 200030, China | We examine the effects of environment on the dynamical structure of satellite systems based on the Millennium II Simulation. Satellite haloes are defined as subhaloes within the virial radius of a host halo. The satellite sample is restricted to those subhaloes which showed a maximum circular velocity above 30 km s-1 at the time of accretion. Host halo masses range from 1011 to 1014 h-1 M.. We compute the satellites' average accretion redshift, zacc, velocity dispersion, σ, and velocity anisotropy parameter, β, utilizing stacked satellite samples of equal-mass hosts at similar background densities. The main results are as follows. (1) On an average, satellites within hosts in high-density environments are accreted earlier (Δz≈ 0.1) compared to their counterparts at low densities. For host masses above 5 × 1013 h-1 M. this trend weakens, and may reverse for higher host masses. (2) The velocity dispersion of satellites in low-density environments follows that of the host, i.e. no velocity bias is observed for host haloes at low densities independent of host mass. However, for low-mass hosts in high-density environments the velocity dispersion of the satellites can be up to ~30 per cent larger than that of the host halo, i.e. the satellites are dynamically hotter than their host haloes. (3) The anisotropy parameter depends on host mass and environment. Satellites of massive hosts show more radially biased velocity distributions. Moreover in low-density environments, satellites have more radially biased velocities (Δβ≳ 0.1) as compared to their counterparts in high-density environments. We believe that our approach allows us to predict a similar behaviour for observed satellite galaxy systems. © 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 RAS. | Dark matter; Galaxies: clusters: general; Galaxies: haloes; Methods: N-body simulations; Methods: numerical | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946474311 | The impact of ENSO on Southern African rainfall in CMIP5 ocean atmosphere coupled climate models | Dieppois B., Rouault M., New M. | 2015 | Climate Dynamics | 45 | 42623 | 10.1007/s00382-015-2480-x | African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Dieppois, B., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rouault, M., Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Nansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; New, M., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | We study the ability of 24 ocean atmosphere global coupled models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) to reproduce the teleconnections between El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Southern African rainfall in austral summer using historical forced simulations, with a focus on the atmospheric dynamic associated with El Niño. Overestimations of summer rainfall occur over Southern Africa in all CMIP5 models. Abnormal westward extensions of ENSO patterns are a common feature of all CMIP5 models, while the warming of the Indian Ocean that happens during El Niño is not correctly reproduced. This could impact the teleconnection between ENSO and Southern African rainfall which is represented with mixed success in CMIP5 models. Large-scale anomalies of suppressed deep-convection over the tropical maritime continent and enhanced convection from the central to eastern Pacific are correctly simulated. However, regional biases occur above Africa and the Indian Ocean, particularly in the position of the deep convection anomalies associated with El Niño, which can lead to the wrong sign in rainfall anomalies in the northwest part of South Africa. From the near-surface to mid-troposphere, CMIP5 models underestimate the observed anomalous pattern of pressure occurring over Southern Africa that leads to dry conditions during El Niño years. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | CMIP5; Coupled model; El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO); Rainfall; Southern Africa; Teleconnection | atmosphere-ocean coupling; atmospheric convection; atmospheric dynamics; climate modeling; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; rainfall; teleconnection; Southern Africa | NRF, Water Research Commission; WRC, Water Research Commission |
None | None | The impact of endemic and epidemic malaria on the risk of stillbirth in two areas of Tanzania with different malaria transmission patterns | Wort U.U., Hastings I., Mutabingwa T.K., Brabin B.J. | 2006 | Malaria Journal | 5 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-5-89 | Division of International Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Gates Malaria Partnership, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Alder Hey, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Wort, U.U., Division of International Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Hastings, I., Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Mutabingwa, T.K., Gates Malaria Partnership, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Brabin, B.J., Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom, Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Alder Hey, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background: The impact of malaria on the risk of stillbirth is still under debate. The aim of the present analysis was to determine comparative changes in stillbirth prevalence between two areas of Tanzania with different malaria transmission patterns in order to estimate the malaria attributable component. Methods: A retrospective analysis was completed of stillbirth differences between primigravidae and multigravidae in relation to malaria cases and transmission patterns for two different areas of Tanzania with a focus on the effects of the El Niño southern climatic oscillation (ENSO). One area, Kagera, experiences outbreaks of malaria, and the other area, Morogoro, is holoendemic. Delivery and malaria data were collected over a six year period from records of the two district hospitals in these locations. Results: There was a significantly higher prevalence of low birthweight in primigravidae compared to multigravidae for both data sets. Low birthweight and stillbirth prevalence (17.5% and 4.8%) were significantly higher in Kilosa compared to Ndolage (11.9% and 2.4%). There was a significant difference in stillbirth prevalence between Ndolage and Kilosa between malaria seasons (2.4% and 5.6% respectively, p < 0.001) and during malaria seasons (1.9% and 5.9% respectively, p < 0.001). During ENSO there was no difference (4.1% and 4.9%, respectively). There was a significant difference in low birthweight prevalence between Ndolage and Kilosa between malaria seasons (14.4% and 23.0% respectively, p < 0.001) and in relation to malaria seasons (13.9% and 25.2% respectively, p < 0.001). During ENSO there was no difference (22.2% and 19.8%, respectively). Increased low birthweight risk occurred approximately five months following peak malaria prevalence, but stillbirth risk increased at the time of malaria peaks. Conclusion: Malaria exposure during pregnancy has a delayed effect on birthweight outcomes, but a more acute effect on stillbirth risk. © 2006 Wort et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; birth weight; controlled study; endemic disease; epidemic; human; major clinical study; malaria; medical record; prevalence; primigravida; risk factor; stillbirth; Tanzania; virus transmission; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Malaria; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Rain; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Stillbirth; Tanzania; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-43149126334 | The impact of employment equity regulations on psychological contracts in South Africa | Wöcke A., Sutherland M. | 2008 | International Journal of Human Resource Management | 19 | 4 | 10.1080/09585190801953525 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Sutherland, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article will show the impact of employment equity legislation on the psychological employment contracts of the three main employee groupings in South African society. This study is important in that it fills the gap in the literature that identifies labour market regulations as an important shaping influence on the psychological contract. More than 500 managers from across South African industry and from all ethnic groups were surveyed to identify differences in psychological contracts and attitudes towards the social transformation regulations. We found that the legislation has impacted differentially on the three groupings mainly in terms of their loyalty to stay with their organizations, the focus on their career development in terms of the external labour market and the degree to which they felt they had been affected by the legislation. Additionally we find that the perceived linkage between job satisfaction and labour turnover is significantly weakened by labour market legislation in the case of the beneficiaries of the legislation, but that this may not be the case for those negatively affected by the legislation. The findings have significant implications for the HRM practices of multinationals operating in societies with significant labour market regulatory interventions. | Diversity management; Employment equity; Psychological contract; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547246322 | The impact of emotional intelligence on human modeling therapy given to a youth with bipolar disorder | Maree J.G., Finestone M. | 2007 | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth | 13 | 3 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | Maree, J.G., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa; Finestone, M., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | This article deals with the impact of emotional intelligence on human modeling therapy that is used as a point of departure. Human modeling therapy is a creative therapeutic technique during which something new is created from material that already exists. The possible relationship between emotional intelligence and creativity made human modeling and creativity a suitable form of therapy for the purposes of this study. The BarOn EQ-i: YV™ was used as a measuring instrument to determine the emotional intelligence of the youth in this study. © 2007 A B Academic Publishers. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900523512 | The impact of e-learning on student performance: A case study of an entry-level module at a South African University | Sibanda M., Donnelly S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p478 | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Sibanda, M., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Donnelly, S., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This study seeks to establish the impact of introducing an online learning platform, using an entry-level module, on student performance. Measures of central location and dispersion are used to analyze the secondary data for three consecutive periods of which the most recent is the year in which an online learning platform was introduced. The results show that there were no noticeable changes in the overall pass rate during the year in which the online learning platform was introduced. However, there were improvements in the distribution and dispersion of the marks in that year. When the class is segmented into racial groups, results show that the African students were the most adversely impacted by the introduction of online learning, while the Indian students benefited the most from the implementation of the online learning tool. Furthermore, the fulltime mainstream students realized an improvement in the pass rate compared to full-time evening students. These findings imply that in spite of marginal changes in the student performance it is essential for institutional mechanisms to provide online support to entry-level students in order to realize the full benefits of online learning platforms in universities in developing countries. This may be done through the promotion of student engagement and by introducing some 'stick and carrot' initiatives into e-learning activities. | Entry level; Higher education; Online learning; Success rate | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901927249 | The impact of effective inventory control management on organisational performance: A study of 7up bottling company Nile Mile Enugu, Nigeria | Ogbo A.I., Victoria O.I., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p109 | University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Ogbo, A.I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Victoria, O.I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | This study took into consideration the relationship between effective system of inventory management and organization performance in the seven-up bottling company, Nile Mile Enugu. The researchers were motivated to embark on this study, in order to bring to fore the importance of effective inventory control system on organizational performance as it relates to the bottling company. A total of eighty-three respondent constitute the sample for the study. Four research questions and Four hypotheses were generated and tested at 10% (that is 0.10) significant level using descriptive statistics and non-parametric test (chi-square that is,χ2). The result of the analysis showed that flexibility in inventory control management is an important approach to achieving organizational performance. It was found that organizations benefits from inventory control management by way of easy storage and retrieval of material, improved sales effectiveness and reduced operational cost. The study also found that there is a relationship between operational feasibility, utility of inventory control management in the customer related issues of the organization and cost effectiveness technique are implemented to enhance the return on investment in the organization. Effective inventory control management is recognized as one of the areas management of any organization should acquire capability. It is recommended that organizations should adopt the inventory keeping method that best suit their operations. | Inventory control; Management; Organization performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939651687 | The impact of education in shaping lives: Reflections of young people with disabilities in Ghana | Singal N., Mahama Salifu E., Iddrisu K., Casely-Hayford L., Lundebye H. | 2015 | International Journal of Inclusive Education | 19 | 9 | 10.1080/13603116.2015.1018343 | Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana | Singal, N., Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Mahama Salifu, E., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Iddrisu, K., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Casely-Hayford, L., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Lundebye, H., Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom | There is increasing recognition of the importance of focusing on people with disabilities (PWDs) in international efforts aimed at poverty alleviation. While universal education has been central to these efforts, the specific and additional needs of children with disabilities are often overlooked in policies and programmes. In order to gain a nuanced appreciation of the lives of young PWDs in a Ghanaian context, this paper draws on research conducted with young PWDs and their significant others in order to understand their educational journeys, employment prospects and perceptions towards disability of those around them. In addition to collecting primary data, the latest policy documents related to disability, education and employment are reviewed and statistical analysis is undertaken based on the Housing and Population Census 2010. Our research highlights the barriers facing those with disability in accessing quality education. While education was recognised as paramount to leading a better life and participants noted benefits beyond employment such as gaining self-sufficiency and social benefits, unequal educational opportunities underpin some of the reasons for the widening of gaps between those with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. Furthermore, while education was perceived as important for gaining employment, this was not the case in reality, as young people faced difficulties due to both physical and attitudinal barriers limiting their opportunities for economic and social participation. The paper concludes by noting that systematic changes in the policy arena are needed to enable youth with disabilities to take their rightful place in mainstream society. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | disability; education; employment; Ghana; poverty; youth | None | DFID, Department for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881242670 | The impact of educational expenditure on economic growth in nigeria: An error correction specification | Irughe I.R. | 2013 | Social Sciences (Pakistan) | 8 | 2 | 10.3923/sscience.2013.106.212 | Department of Economics, Adeyemi college of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria | Irughe, I.R., Department of Economics, Adeyemi college of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria | Education has been viewed by many as a tool for national transformation. Notwithstanding, the realization of this fact is not so clear going by the number factors militating against this all important sector. It is against this backdrop that this study empirically examines the impact of education expenditure on economic growth in Nigeria. Data for the study were extracted from the CBN statistically Bulletin from 1977-2009. The study employed the error correction modeling technique and a geometric method of analyses. The study revealed that education expenditure had significantly negative effect on growth. It was also discovered that the education expenditure in Nigeria followed a dwindling pattern. Based on the findings, it was recommended that public expenditure on education maintains an upward budgetary allocation that is consistent. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Budgetary allocation; CBN; Economic growth; Education expenditure; Error correction technique | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955914258 | The impact of educational attainment on household poverty in South Africa [Die impak van opvoeding op huishoudelike armoede in Suid-Afrika] | Botha F. | 2010 | Acta Academica | 42 | 4 | None | Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Botha, F., Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | This article investigates the relationship between the educational attainment of the household head and household poverty in South Africa. The results indicate a clear negative relationship between education and poverty. Households in which the head has a low level of education are more likely to be poor compared to a household where the head has a higher level of education. Literacy of the household head is also inversely related to household poverty. Rural and black households are the most vulnerable, with distinct differences between the province of residence. Despite large resource allocation towards education, educational outcomes have not improved. This raises questions concerning the lack of association between resource allocation and educational outcomes. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939789698 | The impact of economic growth on unemploymentin South Africa: 1994 – 2012 | Banda H., Choga I. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4Cont7 | None | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; School of Economic Decision Sciences, North West University, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa | Banda, H., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Choga, I., School of Economic Decision Sciences, North West University, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa | One of the most pressing problems facing the South African economy is unemployment, which has been erratic over the past few years. This study examined the impact of economic growth on unemployment, using quarterly time series data for South Africa for the period 1994 to 2012.Johansen Co-integration reflected that there is stable and one significant long run relationship between unemployment and the explanatory variables that is economic growth (GDP), budget deficit (BUG), real effective exchange rate (REER) and labour productivity (LP). The study utilized Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the effects of macroeconomic variables thus REER, LP, GDP and BUG on unemployment in South Africa. The results of VECM indicated that LP has a negative long run impact on unemployment whilst GDP, BUG and REER have positive impact. The study resulted in the following policy recommendation: South African government should re-direct its spending towards activities that directly and indirectly promote creation of employment and decent jobs; a conducive environment and flexible labour market policies or legislations without impediments to employment creation should be created; and lastly government should prioritise industries that promote labour intensive. All this will help in absorbing large pools of the unemployed population thereby reducing unemployment in South Africa. © 2015 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Economic growth; South Africa; Unemployment; Vector error correction | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941551714 | The impact of economic freedom on economic growth in the sadc: An individual component analysis | Gorlach V.I., le Roux P. | 2015 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 39 | 2 | None | CFA, South Africa; Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Gorlach, V.I., CFA, South Africa; le Roux, P., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | The SADC is attempting to achieve development and economic growth. This paper investigates the relationship between economic freedom - in aggregate and on an individual component basis - on economic growth in the SADC. The annual data for 13 SADC countries from 2000 to 2009 are used to construct a generalised method of moments, dynamic panel-data model. When cross-sectional dependence of the error term, individual- and time-specific effects are controlled, economic freedom and GDP per capita are positively related and freedom Granger-causes growth. Gross fixed capital formation and economic openness are positively related to growth but government consumption expenditure is an insignificant driver of growth in the SADC. All five individual components are highly significant and are positively related to growth; however, the magnitude of the elasticity parameters varies. The causality among the individual freedom components indicates that linkages exist between certain of these components. © 2015, Universiteit Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847633972 | The impact of ecological variability on the reproductive endocrinology of wild female African elephants | Wittemyer G., Ganswindt A., Hodges K. | 2007 | Hormones and Behavior | 51 | 3 | 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.12.013 | Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; Section of Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa | Wittemyer, G., Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Ganswindt, A., Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany, Section of Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa; Hodges, K., Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany | Non-invasive endocrine methods enable investigation of the relationship between ecological variation and ovarian activity and how this impacts on demographic processes. The underlying physiological factors driving high variation in inter-calving intervals among multi-parous African elephants offer an interesting system for such an investigation. This study investigates the relationship between Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), an ecosystem surrogate measure of primary productivity, and fecal progestin concentrations among wild female elephants. Matched fecal samples and behavioral data on reproductive activity were collected from 37 focal individuals during the two-year study. Linear mixed models were used to explore the relationship between fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations and the independent variables of NDVI, calf sex, female age, gestation day, and time since last parturition. Among both non-pregnant and pregnant females, fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations were significantly correlated with time-specific NDVI indicating a strong relationship between ecological conditions and endocrine activity regulating reproduction. In addition, the age of a female and time since her last parturition impacted hormone concentrations. These results indicate that the identification of an individual's reproductive status from a single hormone sample is possible, but difficult to achieve in practice since numerous independent factors, particularly season, impact fecal hormone concentrations. Regardless of season, however, fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations below 1 μg/g were exclusively collected from non-pregnant females, which could be used as a threshold value to identify non-pregnant individuals. Collectively the information generated contributes to a better understanding of environmental regulation of reproductive endocrinology in wild elephant populations, information salient to the management and manipulation of population dynamics in this species. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | African elephant; Demography; Ecology; Feces; Hormone; NDVI; Non-invasive; Population management; Progestogens; Reproduction | 3beta hydroxy 5alpha pregnan 20 one; animal experiment; article; behavior; birth; controlled study; demography; ecosystem restoration; elephant; endocrine function; evolutionary adaptation; feces analysis; female; genital system; gestation period; groups by age; hormone blood level; independent variable; multipara; nonhuman; ovary function; priority journal; productivity; reproduction; seasonal variation; sex ratio; statistical model; vegetation dynamics; 5-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone; Animals; Animals, Wild; Ecosystem; Elephants; Feces; Female; Gestational Age; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Reproduction; Seasons | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-24744458582 | The impact of ebinyo, a form of dental mutilation, on the malocclusion status in Uganda | Bataringaya A., Ferguson M., Lalloo R. | 2005 | Community Dental Health | 22 | 3 | None | Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry and WHO Oral Health Collaborating Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Community Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry and WHO Oral Health Collaborating Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; P.O. Box 5482, Kampala, Uganda | Bataringaya, A., Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry and WHO Oral Health Collaborating Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, P.O. Box 5482, Kampala, Uganda; Ferguson, M., Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry and WHO Oral Health Collaborating Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Lalloo, R., Department of Community Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry and WHO Oral Health Collaborating Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction: The practice of extraction of ebinyo or false teeth is based on the belief that the rubbing of herbs on the gum (in the region of the canine) or the removal of the primary and/or permanent canine tooth buds will lead to the relief of childhood fevers and diarrhoea. The reported prevalence of this practice in Uganda and neighbouring countries is varied. Objective: A survey carried out in Kampala to determine the occlusal traits of fourteen-year-old children offered an opportunity to assess the effects of ebinyo (a dental mutilation based on local customs and superstitions) on the occlusal status of the sample population. Methods: 402 children aged fourteen years were examined according to the criteria of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale Commission on Classification and Statistics for Oral Conditions method for measuring occlusal traits (COCSTOC-MOT) proposed by Baume et al. (1973). Results: The most common dental anomaly was teeth missing due to extraction or trauma. Canines (28%) and mandibular first molars (28%) exhibited the highest frequency. Missing canines were four times more common in girls than boys, and three times greater in the maxilla than the mandible. Canines also accounted for 12.8% of the malformed teeth observed in the study. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the practice of ebinyo, although carried out early in the life of the child, can impact on the occlusal status in the permanent dentition years later. © BASCD 2005. | Dental mutilation; Ebinyo; False teeth; Malocclusion; Occlusal traits; Uganda | adolescent; African medicine; article; female; human; male; tooth extraction; tooth occlusion; Uganda; Adolescent; Dental Occlusion, Traumatic; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Tooth Extraction; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950485827 | The impact of early standard therapy on dyspnoea in patients with acute heart failure: The URGENT-dyspnoea study | Mebazaa A., Pang P.S., Tavares M., Collins S.P., Storrow A.B., Laribi S., Andre S., Mark Courtney D., Hasa J., Spinar J., Masip J., Frank Peacock W., Sliwa K., Gayat E., Filippatos G., Cleland J.G.F., Gheorghiade M. | 2010 | European Heart Journal | 31 | 7 | 10.1093/eurheartj/ehp458 | Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Paris Diderot, Hopital Lariboisiere, Paris, France; Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital Geral de Santo Antó Nio, Porto, Portugal; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, INSERM U942, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France; Chef de Clinique des Universités-Assistant des Hô Pitaux, Université Paris Decartes, Hô Pital Cochin, Paris, France; Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; University Hospital Brno, Internal Cardiology Department, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Dos de Maig, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Soweto Cardiovascular Research Unit, CH Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Cardiology, Heart Failure Unit, Athens University Hospital, Attikon, Greece; Department of Cardiology, University of Hull, Kingstonupon-Hull, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States | Mebazaa, A., Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Paris Diderot, Hopital Lariboisiere, Paris, France; Pang, P.S., Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States, Department of Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Tavares, M., Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Paris Diderot, Hopital Lariboisiere, Paris, France, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital Geral de Santo Antó Nio, Porto, Portugal; Collins, S.P., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Storrow, A.B., Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Laribi, S., Department of Emergency Medicine, INSERM U942, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France; Andre, S., Chef de Clinique des Universités-Assistant des Hô Pitaux, Université Paris Decartes, Hô Pital Cochin, Paris, France; Mark Courtney, D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States; Hasa, J., Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Spinar, J., University Hospital Brno, Internal Cardiology Department, Brno, Czech Republic; Masip, J., Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Dos de Maig, University of Barcelona, Spain; Frank Peacock, W., Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Sliwa, K., Soweto Cardiovascular Research Unit, CH Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gayat, E., Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Paris Diderot, Hopital Lariboisiere, Paris, France; Filippatos, G., Department of Cardiology, Heart Failure Unit, Athens University Hospital, Attikon, Greece; Cleland, J.G.F., Department of Cardiology, University of Hull, Kingstonupon-Hull, United Kingdom; Gheorghiade, M., Department of Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States | AimsThe vast majority of acute heart failure (AHF) trials to date have targeted dyspnoea. However, they enrolled patients relatively late and did not standardize their methods of dyspnoea measurement. URGENT Dyspnoea was designed to determine changes in dyspnoea in response to initial, standard therapy in patients presenting with AHF using a standardized approach.Methods and resultsURGENT Dyspnoea was an international, multi-centre, observational cohort study of AHF patients managed conventionally and enrolled within 1 h of first hospital medical evaluation. Patient-assessed dyspnoea was recorded in the sitting position at baseline and at 6 hours by Likert and visual analog scales. Less symptomatic patients were placed supine to determine whether this provoked worsening dyspnoea (orthopnoea). Of the 524 patients with AHF, the mean age was 68 years, 43 were women, and 83 received intravenous diuretics. On a 5-point Likert scale, dyspnoea improvement was reported by 76 of patients after 6 h of standard therapy. Supine positioning (orthopnoea test) led to worse dyspnoea in 47 of patients compared to sitting upright.ConclusionWhen sitting upright, dyspnoea in the sitting position improves rapidly and substantially in patients with AHF after administration of conventional therapy, mainly intra-venous diuretics. However, many patients remain orthopnoeic. Improving the methodology of clinical trials in AHF by standardizing the conditions under which dyspnoea is assessed could enhance their ability to identify effective treatments. Relief of orthopnoea is clinically valuable and may represent a useful goal for clinical trials. | Acute heart failure; Dyspnoea; Orthopnoea | acetylsalicylic acid; adrenalin; aldosterone antagonist; angiotensin receptor antagonist; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; calcium channel blocking agent; clopidogrel; digoxin; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; diuretic agent; dobutamine; dopamine; enoximone; glyceryl trinitrate; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; inotropic agent; levosimendan; loop diuretic agent; milrinone; nesiritide; nitrate; nitroprusside sodium; noradrenalin; vasodilator agent; warfarin; diuretic agent; acute disease; adult; aged; article; body position; cardiovascular disease; cohort analysis; disease exacerbation; diuretic therapy; dyspnea; female; heart failure; human; hypercholesterolemia; hypertension; major clinical study; male; observational study; oxygen therapy; patient compliance; priority journal; prospective study; provocation test; supine position; treatment response; visual analog scale; body posture; clinical trial; dyspnea; emergency health service; heart failure; hospitalization; middle aged; multicenter study; patient positioning; very elderly; Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Positioning; Posture; Prospective Studies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862752637 | The impact of early monitored management on survival in hospitalized adult Ugandan patients with severe sepsis: A prospective intervention study | Jacob S.T., Banura P., Baeten J.M., Moore C.C., Meya D., Nakiyingi L., Burke R., Horton C.L., Iga B., Wald A., Reynolds S.J., Mayanja-Kizza H., Scheld W.M. | 2012 | Critical Care Medicine | 40 | 7 | 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31824e65d7 | Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Medicine, International Respiratory and Severe Illness Center (INTERSECT), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka, Uganda; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | Jacob, S.T., Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, International Respiratory and Severe Illness Center (INTERSECT), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Banura, P., Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka, Uganda; Baeten, J.M., Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Moore, C.C., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Meya, D., College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Nakiyingi, L., College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Burke, R., Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Horton, C.L., Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Iga, B., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Wald, A., Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Reynolds, S.J., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Mayanja-Kizza, H., College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Scheld, W.M., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States | In sub-Saharan Africa, sepsis is an important cause of mortality. Optimal sepsis management including fluid resuscitation, early antibiotic administration, and patient monitoring is limited by lack of supplies and skilled health workers. Objective: To evaluate whether early, monitored sepsis management provided by a study medical officer can improve survival among patients with severe sepsis admitted to two public hospitals in Uganda. Design, Setting, and Patients: A prospective before and after study of an intervention cohort (n = 426) with severe sepsis receiving early, monitored sepsis management compared to an observation cohort (n = 245) of similarly ill patients with severe sepsis receiving standard management after admission to the medical wards of two Ugandan hospitals. INTERVENTION:: Early sepsis management provided by a dedicated study medical officer comprising fluid resuscitation, early antibiotics, and regular monitoring in the first 6 hrs of hospitalization. Measurements: Kaplan-Meier survival and unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to compare the effect of early, monitored sepsis management on 30-day mortality between the intervention cohort (enrolled May 2008 to May 2009) and observation cohort (enrolled July 2006 to November 2006). Results: The majority (86%) of patients in both cohorts were human immuno-deficiency virus-infected. Median fluid volume provided in the first 6 hrs of hospitalization was higher in intervention than observation cohort patients (3000 mL vs. 500 mL, p < .001) and a greater proportion of intervention cohort patients received antibacterial therapy in <1 hr (67% vs. 30.4%, p < .001). Mortality at 30 days was significantly lower in the intervention cohort compared to the observation cohort (33.0% vs. 45.7%, log-rank p = .005). After adjustment for potential confounders, the hazard of 30-day mortality was 26% less in the intervention cohort compared to the observation cohort (adjusted hazards ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.98). Mortality among the 13% of intervention patients who developed signs of respiratory distress was associated with baseline illness severity rather than fluid volume administered. CONCLUSION:: Early, monitored management of severely septic patients in Uganda improves survival and is feasible and safe even in a busy public referral hospital. © 2012 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Africa; fluid therapy; management bundle; mortality; pulmonary edema; sepsis; Uganda | antibiotic agent; adult; antibiotic therapy; article; cohort analysis; disease severity; female; fluid resuscitation; fluid therapy; hospital admission; hospital patient; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; observational study; patient monitoring; priority journal; prospective study; sepsis; survival; treatment planning; Uganda; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Blood Pressure; Female; Fluid Therapy; HIV Infections; Hospitalization; Humans; Intervention Studies; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult; Sepsis; Severity of Illness Index; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871519552 | The impact of dwindling opportunities for mine migration on rural household income in lesotho | Mensah S.N.A. | 2012 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 36 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Mensah, S.N.A., Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | The numbers of Basotho men in the South African mines dropped from almost 126,000 in 1990 to just over 41,000 in 2010. Using primary data, this paper analyses the sources and levels of income in former migrant, current migrant and non-migrant households in rural Lesotho, and then identifies the variables that significantly correlate with both household income and household per capita income. In the absence of panel data, the paper uses the differences in mean incomes between current and former migrant households to highlight the impact of dwindling opportunities for mine migration on household income. The paper finds that with the loss of migration status, monthly household income dropped by M2040 in 2006/2007 when per capita income for the country was M5624. The paper recommends investment in the country's comparative advantage areas and skills development for productive engagement in the domestic economy of rural men who by tradition look for work in the South African mines. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898758964 | The impact of downsizing on survivor job satisfaction and organizational commitment at a selected timber production estate, South Africa | Ngirande H., Terera S.R., Mutodi P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 6 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p145 | School of Economics and Management, University of Limpopo, South Africa; Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | Ngirande, H., School of Economics and Management, University of Limpopo, South Africa; Terera, S.R., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Mutodi, P., Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of downsizing on employee survivor's job satisfaction and to determine whether a relationship exists between employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A questionnaire was administered to 123 randomly selected respondents. The data collected from the survey was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 and presented in the form of descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment correlations. Results indicated that survivors were much more satisfied and committed to the organization after the downsizing process. Results further indicated that there is relationship between employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment among the survivors of the downsizing process. | Downsizing; Employee job satisfaction; Employee organizational commitment; Survivors | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905226837 | The impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe | Tanga P.T., Mundau M. | 2014 | Perspectives on Global Development and Technology | 13 | 4 | 10.1163/15691497-12341312 | Department of Social Work / Social Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Tanga, P.T., Department of Social Work / Social Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Mundau, M., Department of Social Work / Social Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe. The primary data were collected from a questionnaire survey from 52 project members who were from two local NGOs that were selected randomly. A semi-structured interview guide designed for two officials of the selected NGOs implementing the projects was also used. The findings show that there is heavy dependence on outside funding, no adherence to the principles of the empowerment approach and a failure to positively impact the lives of the project members. This therefore calls for NGOs to adopt better empowerment practices: community involvement in decision making, project ownership, and clear lines of communication with the NGOs. However the findings also show the strength of linking project members with relevant institutions and training in order to ensure sustainability of community projects that may foster community empowerment towards poverty eradication. © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2014. | Community development; Community empowerment; Donor-funded; Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); Poverty alleviation | None | 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 |
None | None | The impact of diversity and equality management on firm performance: Beyond high performance work systems | Armstrong C., Flood P.C., Guthrie J.P., Liu W., MacCurtain S., Mkamwa T. | 2010 | Human Resource Management | 49 | 6 | 10.1002/hrm.20391 | Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Dublin City University, Ireland; University of Kansas, United States; Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, China; University of Limerick, Ireland; Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | Armstrong, C., Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Flood, P.C., Dublin City University, Ireland; Guthrie, J.P., University of Kansas, United States; Liu, W., Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, China; MacCurtain, S., University of Limerick, Ireland; Mkamwa, T., Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | This article demonstrates that a diversity and equality management system (DEMS) contributes to firm performance beyond the effects of a traditional high-performance work system (HPWS), which consists of bundles of work practices and policies used extensively in high-performing firms. A DEMS typically includes diversity training and monitoring recruitment, pay, and promotion across minority or other disadvantaged groups. Our analysis of quantitative data from service and manufacturing organizations in Ireland confirms that HPWS practices are associated with positive business performance and finds specifically that DEMS practices are positively associated with higher labor productivity and workforce innovation and lower voluntary employee turnover. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Diversity and equality management; Firm-level performance; High performance work system; Labor productivity; Voluntary turnover; Workforce innovation | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000262517900008 | The impact of distance of residence from a peripheral health facility on pediatric health utilisation in rural western Kenya | Adazu, Kubaje,Audi, Allan,Feikin, Daniel R.,Lindblade, Kim A.,Nguyen, Ly Minh,Ombok, Maurice,Slutsker, Laurence | 2009 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 14 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02193.x | CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | To explore the impact of distance on utilisation of peripheral health facilities for sick child visits in Asembo, rural western Kenya.
As part of a demographic surveillance system (DSS), censuses of all households in the Asembo population of 55 000 are conducted three times a year, data are collected at all outpatient pediatric visits in seven DSS clinics in Asembo, and all households are GIS-mapped and linkable to a child's unique DSS identification number. Between May 1, 2003 and April 30, 2004, 3501 clinic visits were linked to 2432 children among 10 973 DSS-resident children < 5 years of age.
Younger children and children with more severe illnesses travelled further for clinic visits. The median distance travelled varied by clinic. The rate of clinic visits decreased linearly at 0.5 km intervals up to 4 km, after which the rate stabilised. Using Poisson regression, controlling for the nearest DSS clinic for each child, socio-economic status and maternal education, and accounting for household clustering of children, for every 1 km increase in distance of residence from a DSS clinic, the rate of clinic visits decreased by 34% (95% CI, 31-37%) from the previous kilometer.
Achieving equity in access to health care for children in rural Kenya will require creative strategies to address a significant distance-decay effect in health care utilisation. | "access to care",DISTANCE,"health care utilisation",KENYA,ATTENDANCE,CHILDREN,DISTRICT,FEVERS,MALARIA,MORTALITY,SERVICES | None | None |
None | None | The impact of different sprayable surfaces on the effectiveness of indoor residual spraying using a micro encapsulated formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin against Anopheles gambiae s.s. | Mutagahywa J., Ijumba J.N., Pratap H.B., Molteni F., Mugarula F.E., Magesa S.M., Ramsan M.M., Kafuko J.M., Nyanza E.C., Mwaipape O., Rutta J.G., Mwalimu C.D., Ndong I., Reithinger R., Thawer N.G., Ngondi J.M. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-0795-4 | RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Sengerema Health Institute, Sengerema, Tanzania; United States Agency for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria; School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania; RTI InternationalNC, United States; RTI International, Washington, DC, United States | Mutagahywa, J., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Ijumba, J.N., Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania; Pratap, H.B., Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Molteni, F., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Dar es salaam, Tanzania, National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Mugarula, F.E., Sengerema Health Institute, Sengerema, Tanzania; Magesa, S.M., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Ramsan, M.M., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Kafuko, J.M., United States Agency for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Nyanza, E.C., School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania; Mwaipape, O., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Rutta, J.G., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Mwalimu, C.D., National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Ndong, I., RTI InternationalNC, United States; Reithinger, R., RTI International, Washington, DC, United States; Thawer, N.G., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Ngondi, J.M., RTI International, Dar es salaam, Tanzania | Background: The type of sprayable surface impacts on residual efficacy of insecticide used in indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, there is limited data on common types of wall surfaces sprayed in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania where IRS began in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The study investigated residual efficacy of micro-encapsulated lambda-cyhalothrin sprayed on common surfaces of human dwellings and domestic animal shelters in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Methods: An experimental hut was constructed with different types of materials simulating common sprayable surfaces in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Surfaces included cement plastered wall, mud-daub, white-wash, wood, palm-thatch, galvanized iron-sheets, burnt-bricks, limestone and oil-paint. The World Health Organization (WHO) procedure for IRS was used to spray lambda-cyhalothrin on surfaces at the dose of 20-25 mg/m2. Residual efficacy of insecticide was monitored through cone bioassay using laboratory-reared mosquitoes; Kisumu strain (R-70) of Anopheles gambiae ss. Cone bioassay was done every fortnight for a period of 152 days. The WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) threshold (80% mortality) was used as cut-off point for acceptable residual efficacy. Results: A total of 5,800 mosquitoes were subjected to contact cone bioassay to test residual efficacy of lambda-cyhalothrin. There was a statistically significant variation in residual efficacy between the different types of wall surfaces (r =-0.24; p < 0.001). Residual efficacy decreased with increasing pH of the substrate (r =-0.5; p < 0.001). Based on WHOPES standards, shorter residual efficacy (42-56 days) was found in wall substrates made of cement, limestone, mud-daub, oil paint and white wash. Burnt bricks retained the residual efficacy up to 134 days while galvanized iron sheets, palm thatch and wood retained the recommended residual efficacy beyond 152 days. Conclusion: The study revealed a wide variation in residual efficacy of micro encapsulated formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin across the different types of wall surfaces studied. In areas where malaria transmission is bimodal and wall surfaces with short residual efficacy comprise > 20% of sprayable structures, two rounds of IRS using lambda-cyhalothrin should be considered. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of sprayable surfaces on residual efficacy of other insecticides commonly used for IRS in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. © 2015 Mutagahywa et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Anopheles gambiae ss; Indoor residual spraying; Lambda-cyhalothrin; Mainland Tanzania; Wall surfaces; Zanzibar | cyhalothrin; Anopheles gambiae; Article; bioassay; building material; concentration (parameters); cone bioassay; controlled study; female; indoor residual spraying; microencapsulation; nonhuman; pH; surface property; Tanzania; Animalia; Anopheles gambiae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957801165 | The impact of dietary protein on the pathophysiology of porcine trypanosome infection | Nnadi P.A., Ezeh I.O., Kalu K.C., Ngene A.A. | 2010 | Veterinary Parasitology | 173 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.07.004 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University | Nnadi, P.A., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ezeh, I.O., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kalu, K.C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ngene, A.A., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The influence of protein nutrition on porcine trypanosomosis was investigated in this study. Thirty six landrace/large white cross weanling pigs were used. Upon purchase, these were divided into two groups of 18 pigs each and these were housed separately to enable them adapt to our animal house management regimen. Post-adaptation, the pigs were divided into 6 groups A1 and A2, B1, and B2, and C1 and C2 (n=6). A1 and A2 were fed diet A1, B1 and B2 diet B while C1 and C2 were fed diet C with 28%, 20% and 16% crude protein, respectively. Two-week post-adaptation groups A1, B1, and C1 were infected with 3×106 Trypanosoma brucei brucei organisms intraperitoneally. Body weight, temperature and Packed Cell Volume of all group members were determined a week prior to infection, on the day of infection and weekly thereafter till end of the study. Serum biochemistry was also concurrently determined. Three days post-infection, blood was collected from all the members of A1, B1 and C1 and thoroughly screened microscopically for the presence of trypanosome organisms. This was repeated on subsequent days till all the infected animals developed patency by showing parasitaemia under wet mount. The result of this study showed that infection did not have any significant effect on the rate of weight gain except in group C (p≤0.05). Moreover, infections caused significant hyperthermia in all the infection groups (p≤0.05) with diet A showing the least response and C the most severe. Furthermore, diet did not have any effect on parasite establishment or parasitaemia as the prepatent period was similar in all the infection groups. There was also significant reduction in PCV whose severity also correlated with reduction in the protein dietary quality. Similar observation was also made on the total serum protein where significant hyperproteinaemia correlated with increasing dietary protein and the uninfected controls having higher serum protein relative to the infected. There was in addition parasite induced hypoalbuminaemia whose severity was also graduated in favour of increasing protein level. The study demonstrated the protective influence of dietary protein on some of the pathophysiological features of porcine trypanosomosis. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Anaemia; Body weight; Dietary protein; Pyrexia and serum proteins | albumin; plasma protein; animal experiment; article; blood chemistry; controlled study; disease severity; female; food quality; hematocrit; hyperthermia; hypoalbuminemia; male; nagana; nonhuman; parasitemia; pathophysiology; protein blood level; protein intake; swine; Trypanosoma brucei; weight gain; Animals; Blood Proteins; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Hematocrit; Parasitemia; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosomiasis, African; Animalia; Suidae; Sus; Trypanosoma brucei brucei | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936890182 | The impact of dialogic book-sharing training on infant language and attention: a randomized controlled trial in a deprived South African community | Vally Z., Murray L., Tomlinson M., Cooper P.J. | 2015 | Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines | 56 | 8 | 10.1111/jcpp.12352 | School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, Winnicott Research Unit, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Vally, Z., School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, Winnicott Research Unit, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom; Murray, L., School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, Winnicott Research Unit, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tomlinson, M., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Cooper, P.J., School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, Winnicott Research Unit, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Background Dialogic book-sharing is an interactive form of shared reading. It has been shown in high income countries (HICs) to be of significant benefit to child cognitive development. Evidence for such benefit in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce, although a feasibility study of our own produced encouraging findings. Accordingly, we aimed to establish the impact on child language and attention of providing training in dialogic booksharing to carers of infants in an impoverished South African community. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Khayelitsha, an informal settlement in South Africa. Mothers of infants aged between 14 and 16 months were recruited and randomized to either 8 weeks of manualized training in dialogic book-sharing or a no-intervention control group. Independent assessments were made of infant language and attention at baseline and following training. The trial was registered (ISRCTN39953901). Results Ninety one carer-infant dyads were recruited and randomized to the intervention group (n = 49) or the control group (n = 42), 82 (90%) of whom were available for follow-up assessments. On a standardized carer report of infant vocabulary, compared to those in the control group, carers who received the intervention reported a significantly greater increase in the number of words understood by their infants as well as a larger increase in the number of words that their infant understood and could vocalize. Intervention group children also showed substantially greater gains on a measure of sustained attention. Conclusions In line with evidence from HICs, a dialogic book-sharing programme delivered to an impoverished South African sample was shown to be of considerable benefit to the development of child language and focussed attention. The training programme, which is simple and inexpensive to deliver, has the potential to benefit child cognitive development in LMIC contexts where such development is commonly compromised. © 2014 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. | attention; book-sharing; Dialogic; language | None | 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 |
None | None | The impact of demand factors, quality of care and access to facilities on contraceptive use in Tanzania | Arends-Kuenning M., Kessy F.L. | 2007 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 39 | 1 | 10.1017/S0021932005001045 | Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Arends-Kuenning, M., Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Kessy, F.L., Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The low contraceptive prevalence rate and the existence of unmet demand for family planning services present a challenge for parties involved in family planning research in Tanzania. The observed situation has been explained by the demand-side variables such as socioeconomic characteristics and cultural values that maintain the demand for large families. A small, but growing body of research is examining the effect of supply-side factors such as quality of care of family planning services on the demand for contraceptives. This paper analyses the demand and supply factors determining contraceptive use in Tanzania using the Tanzania Service Availability Survey (1996) and the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (1996) data sets. The results show that access to family planning services and quality of care of services are important determinants of contraceptive use in Tanzania even after controlling for demand-side factors. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | None | article; contraception; cultural value; drug utilization; family; family planning; health care access; health care availability; health care facility; health care need; health care quality; health services research; health survey; human; multivariate analysis; prevalence; socioeconomics; Tanzania; adolescent; adult; family planning; female; health care delivery; male; qualitative research; statistical model; utilization review; contraceptive agent; Adolescent; Adult; Contraceptive Agents; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Models, Statistical; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887421754 | The impact of declining measles vaccination coverage is control: A case study of Abia state Nigeria | Umeh C.A., Ahaneku H.P. | 2013 | Pan African Medical Journal | 15 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2013.15.105.2515 | Hospital Management Board, Bayelsa state, Nigeria; Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States | Umeh, C.A., Hospital Management Board, Bayelsa state, Nigeria; Ahaneku, H.P., Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States | Introduction: Efforts at immunizing children against measles was intensified in Nigeria with nation-wide measles vaccination campaigns in 2005 - 2006, 2008 and 2011 targeting children between 9 and 59 months. However, there were measles outbreaks in 2010 and 2011in Abia state Nigeria. This study seeks to find out if there is any association between measles immunization coverage and measles outbreak. Methods: This is a descriptive analysis of the 2007 to 2011 Abia state measles case-based surveillance data supplied to Abia state World Health Organization office and Abia State Ministry of Health by the disease surveillance and notification officers. Results: As the proportion of cases with febrile rash who were immunized decreased from 81% in 2007 to 42% in 2011, the laboratory confirmed cases of measles increased from two in 2007 to 53 in 2011.Of the laboratory confirmed cases of measles, five (7%) occurred in children < 9 months, 48 (64%) occurred in children 9 - 59 months and 22 (29%) occurred in children < 59 months old. Seventy five percent of all laboratory confirmed cases of measles occurred in rural areas. Conclusion: Conclusion: Efforts should be made to increase measles immunization in children between 9 and 59 months as most cases of measles occurred in this age group as immunization coverage dropped. In addition, further studies should be carried out to determine the cause of the disproportional incidence of measles in rural areas in Abia state bearing in mind that measles immunization coverage in urban and rural areas was not markedly different. © Chukwuemeka Anthony Umeh et al. | Immunization; Measles; Nigeria | measles vaccine; measles vaccine; article; case study; child; disease surveillance; epidemic; fever; human; incidence; infant; maculopapular rash; major clinical study; measles; measles vaccination; Nigeria; preschool child; rural population; female; geography; immunization; infection control; male; measles; Nigeria; standard; statistics; vaccination; Immunization; Measles; Nigeria; Child; Child, Preschool; Communicable Disease Control; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Geography; Humans; Infant; Male; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Nigeria; Vaccination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951094010 | The impact of damaging exercise on electromechanical delay in biceps brachii | Howatson G. | 2010 | Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology | 20 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.08.002 | School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom; Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Howatson, G., School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Centre for Aquatic Research, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Electromechanical delay (EMD) can be a useful tool in providing information on muscle function changes following a number of exercise interventions. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of damaging exercise on EMD. Twelve volunteers completed 45 maximal lengthening contractions of the elbow flexors. Indices of muscle damage (maximum voluntary isometric torque and isokinetic torque (60s-1 and 210s-1), creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness (DOMS)) were recorded pre-exercise, 48h and 96h post-exercise; electromyography was recorded from the belly of biceps brachii and EMD was determined during each contraction condition. Significant time effects were observed for all damage indices (P<0.05). Whilst muscle function was close to full recovery at 96h, both CK and DOMS were significantly (P<0.001) elevated above baseline. EMD was significantly greater at 96h for all contraction conditions (P≤0.017), but not at 48h. Damaging exercise induces alterations in EMD beyond the apparent recovery of maximal voluntary contractions, which is likely to be a reflection of the changes in post-synaptic events. These data have applications for the use of EMD as a tool for exercise prescription and monitoring recovery following strenuous damaging exercise. © 2009. | Electromyography; Exercise-induce muscle damage; Lengthening contractions; Post-synaptic events | creatine kinase; adult; arm muscle; article; biceps brachii muscle; controlled study; dynamometry; electromyography; excitation contraction coupling; exercise; flexor muscle; human; human experiment; male; muscle contraction; muscle function; muscle injury; muscle isometric contraction; myalgia; normal human; postsynaptic potential; priority journal; time; torque; visual analog scale; volunteer; Adult; Creatine Kinase; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Exertion | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891701165 | The impact of cybercafes on information services in Uganda | Gitta S., Ikoja-Odongo J.R. | 2007 | First Monday | 8 | SPECIAL ISSUE | None | University in Kampala, Uganda; The East African School of Library, Information Science at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda | Gitta, S., University in Kampala, Uganda; Ikoja-Odongo, J.R., The East African School of Library, Information Science at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda | In the present paper, I explore how the Internet has affected the flow of information between in and outside Myanmar (Burma). I show that there is a strong difference between the way information was presented before and after the introduction of the World Wide Web.Within the last century, the country has been marked by political instability (Eliot, 1997; Freedom House, 2000). Particularly since its separation from British colonial rule in 1948, Burma has witnessed significant political change, violence and unrest. Since the early 1960s, Burma has essentially been an isolated state, with closed borders and a military government. However, the fall of the Berlin wall and the end of the Cold War seem to suggest that isolationism is growing less common worldwide. Importantly, meteoric advances in communications have also paralleled the fall of isolationism. In my study, I examine two political events in Myanmar connected to student uprisings, in the hope of documenting how the Internet - as an easily researched symbol of modern communications - may be affecting the political strategies of one of the last isolated states © First Monday, 1995-2013. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942134689 | The impact of customer demographic variables on the adoption and use of internet banking in developing economies | Ameme B.K. | 2015 | Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce | 20 | 2 | 10.4172/1204-5357.1000114 | Information Communication and Technology Management, Ghana Technology University College, Accra, Ghana | Ameme, B.K., Information Communication and Technology Management, Ghana Technology University College, Accra, Ghana | Whilst most banks introduced internet banking services for the benefit of their customers, the adoption and use of the service had been very low. Strategies to increase the adoption and use of internet banking services eventually lead to the banks’ goal of maximizing profit. It is therefore essential for banks to understand the factors that affect the adoption of internet banking services. The purpose of this paper is to determine demographic factors that influence the adoption of internet banking services in a bid to improving the situation. Due to the limitations in accessing the population of developing economies, a sample of one bank was selected from a developing nation, Ghana. Ghana was strategically chosen due to the high internet penetration rate. Out of 506,203 customers of the chosen bank, only 32,337 customers who subscribed to the internet banking services were used for data analysis. 31, 886 representing 98.61% of internet banking customers were resident in Ghana whilst the remaining 451 representing 1.39% were non-residents, suggesting that the data for analysis represented the behavior of Ghanaians as citizens of developing economies, though the restriction to just one bank may limit the generalization of the findings. Chi-square techniques were employed in the study, using historical data of over eight years. The findings of the study revealed that demographic factors such as gender do not have significant effect on customers in adopting and using internet banking services. The study further concluded that there is a strong correlation between employment status, educational level and customer adoption and usage of internet banking services in Ghana. These findings will help banks to develop appropriate strategies in attracting and retaining their customers, through the design of specific marketing campaigns geared towards certain category of internet banking customers who are likely to adopt and use internet banking services. © 2015 Ameme BK. | Adoption; Demographic; Internet banking; Security | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959399134 | The impact of culture-related factors on good governance in Greek family businesses in South Africa | Adendorff C., Boshoff C. | 2011 | South African Journal of Business Management | 42 | 2 | None | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Adendorff, C., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Boshoff, C., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The size of the family business component of the South African economy suggests that it is the predominant way of doing business in South Africa. A large proportion of these family businesses are Greek-owned. More importantly it is estimated that approximately 95% of all Greek businesses in South Africa can be classified as family businesses. The sustainability of Greek family businesses requires that they maintain good governance practices that are both economically and environmentally acceptable to all stakeholders. It also requires that the next generation of Greek entrepreneurs effectively balance good governance of their businesses with their family commitments. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the internal, culturally-related factors that influence good governance to ensure the survival, growth and sustainability of Greek family businesses in South Africa. A theoretical model of good governance factors was proposed and tested using Structural Equation Modelling. The study found that perceived good governance in a South African Greek family business context needs to be managed in terms of three factors, namely risk control, the internal regulatory environment and the protection of the stakeholders? interest. The study found that needs alignment, cultural needs alignment, vision and ethnic entrepreneurial growth all impact directly or indirectly on perceived good governance in South African Greek family businesses. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859123358 | The impact of culture on performance appraisal reforms in Africa: The case of Uganda's civil service | Karyeija G.K. | 2012 | Asian Social Science | 8 | 4 | 10.5539/ass.v8n4p159 | Public Administration Higher Degrees Department, Uganda Management Institute, P. O. Box 20131, Kampala, Uganda | Karyeija, G.K., Public Administration Higher Degrees Department, Uganda Management Institute, P. O. Box 20131, Kampala, Uganda | This article explores the impact of administrative culture on performance appraisal reforms in Uganda's civil service. Data gathered from 147 questionnaires, 29 interviews and various documents indicates that administrative culture sabotages the actual conduct of performance appraisals and undermines its institutionalization. The study supports the use of power distance and uncertainty avoidance. The additional dimensions of political (neutrality) biasness and ethnicity are a highly relevant addition to the literature on administrative culture and its linkage to instruments of management. Thus, for the successful introduction of performance appraisals, culture matters because the performance appraisal is imposed from abroad and requires a compatible host administrative culture in order to take root. In this case, the host administrative culture was not compatible in many respects with the values underlying the appraisal reforms. Although the Ugandan government introduced appraisal reforms, incompatibility between the values embedded in the appraisal and the host administrative culture watered down the reform. | Administrative culture; Performance appraisal; Reforms; Uganda; Values | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745454177 | The impact of cultural practices on the spread of HIV/AIDS: An anthropological study of selected countries in sub-Sarahan Africa | Nkwi P.N. | 2005 | Discovery and Innovation | 17 | SPEC. ISS. | None | African Population Advisory Council, Nairobi, Kenya | Nkwi, P.N., African Population Advisory Council, Nairobi, Kenya | Africa is a continent plagued by population problems. These problems have no common solution because they occur in such culturally diverse populations. What works under some cultural conditions simply may not work under others. Deeply entrenched cultural practices have serious implications for the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as other communicable diseases. In Africa, HIV is spread largely through high-risk, heterosexual behaviours. People know the consequences of these behaviours, but changing them requires knowing their causes, both cultural and material. Community-based research by African Population Advisory Council (APAC) finds that cultural practices such as widow inheritance (the levirate), early marriage, polygamy, bodily scarifications, funeral sexual rites, concubinage, sexual initiation of girls, forced remarriage of widows, and various forms of genital cutting have enhanced, and continue to enhance, the spread of HIV/AIDS. Dealing with these practices must be part of an integrated policy on confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. | None | Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896510514 | The impact of crude oil on reproduction in Wistar rats | Naiho A.O., Aloamaka C.P., Ekhoye E.I. | 2014 | Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences | 5 | 2 | None | Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Naiho, A.O., Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Aloamaka, C.P., Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Ekhoye, E.I., Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Most rural communities of the Niger Delta rely on river water for drinking, but due to numerous oil spillages, these rivers have become polluted with crude oil. This research was designed to determine the possible effect of crude oil on reproduction in Wistar rats. A total of fifty virgin Wistar rats weighing on the average 185g were involved in this experiment and were divided into five groups(A,B,C,D and E), each having ten rats made up of five males and five females. In each group male and female rats were housed separately. In group A, the male rats were treated with 60mg/kg/day of crude oil dissolved in drinking water after and normal rat chow ad libitum, the female rats received tap water and rat chow ad libitum. In group B, the female rats were treated with 60mg/kg/day of crude oil dissolved in drinking water and normal rat chow ad libitum, the male rats received tap water and rat chow ad libitum. In group C, the male rats received crude oil contaminated as drinking water and were normal rat chow ad libitum, the female rats received tap water and rat chow ad libitum. In group D, the female rats received crude oil contaminated as drinking water and normal rat chow ad libitum, the male rats received tap water and rat chow ad libitum. Group E served as control and were fed normal rat chow and water ad libitum. Treatment lasted for seven weeks after which the rasts were allowed to mate, the female rats were examined in the morning for sperm plugs and this was used to determine the first day of pregnancy. After mating the male rats were sacrificed semen analysis was done and testes was harvested for histology, while female rats were maintained with tap water and rat chow throughout the period of pregnancy after which the liter size and liter weight, the gestation period and number of surviving pups after one week were noted the female rats were then sacrifice and ovaries harvested for histology. Data obtained was analyzed using the student's t test and ANOVA. Result showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in sperm count and motility of treated groups. There was also significant (p<0.05) reduction in liter size, liter weight and percentage pup loss in treated groups. Histological findings revealed distortions in the architecture of the testes and ovaries of treated rats. We conclude therefore that crude oil adversely affected reproduction in wistar rats. | Crude oil; Fecundity; Reproduction | drinking water; petroleum; tap water; animal experiment; animal food; animal model; animal tissue; article; controlled study; female; female fertility; gestational age; male; male fertility; mating; nonhuman; rat; reproductive toxicity; semen analysis; spermatozoon count; spermatozoon motility; survival time; water contamination | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954193647 | The impact of crossgroup friendships in South Africa: Affective mediators and multigroup comparisons | Swart H., Hewstone M., Christ O., Voci A. | 2010 | Journal of Social Issues | 66 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1540-4560.2010.01647.x | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany; University of Padova, Italy | Swart, H., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Hewstone, M., University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Christ, O., Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany; Voci, A., University of Padova, Italy | Two cross-sectional survey studies among majority-status White and minority-status Coloured high school students in South Africa explored the effects of crossgroup friendships on prejudice, and the affective processes (intergroup anxiety in Study 1, and intergroup anxiety and affective empathy in Study 2) underlying these effects with respect to two target groups for each sample. Crossgroup friendships were negatively associated with negative action tendencies, and positively associated with positive outgroup attitudes and greater perceived outgroup variability for both samples, irrespective of the target group. The importance of intergroup anxiety and affective empathy as mediators of these effects was also confirmed. Multigroup comparisons showed significant differences in the structural models across the two samples in both studies, and confirmed prior findings in the contact literature that contact effects are stronger for majority than minority groups. These findings are the first of their kind within the South African context. © 2010 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. | None | cultural relations; group behavior; minority group; social characteristics; social status; student; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874405623 | The impact of crime on inbound tourism to South Africa: An application of the bounds test | Moyo B., Ziramba E. | 2013 | African Security Review | 22 | 1 | 10.1080/10246029.2012.737815 | The Department of Economics, The University of South Africa, South Africa; The Department of Economics, The University of Namibia, Namibia | Moyo, B., The Department of Economics, The University of South Africa, South Africa; Ziramba, E., The Department of Economics, The University of Namibia, Namibia | The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of various types of crimes on tourist inflows to South Africa using an ARDL bounds test approach. We used monthly data for the period March 2003 to April 2011 and found that crime in the form of car hijackings, sexual crimes, murder and kidnapping have a long run and short run negative impact on tourist visits to South Africa. World income and lagged tourist visits were found to have a positive effect on tourist inflows suggesting that tourism is a luxury good and the experience that visitors have about the country is important. These results call for the government and players in the tourism sector, as well as other crime prevention units in the country, to come up with strategies for dealing with crime. Beefing up security systems and personnel and ensuring police visibility in all places, particularly at these tourist attractions, should be considered. Information should be provided to tourists, warning them about dangerous or crime-prone areas that should be avoided at all costs, as ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors is not only important for encouraging more visitations but also for ensuring sustainable tourism growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation. © 2013 Institute for Security Studies. | Bounds test; Inbound tourism; Violent crimes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650810642 | The impact of country and culture on end-of-life care for injured patients: Results from an international survey | Ball C.G., Navsaria P., Kirkpatrick A.W., Vercler C., Dixon E., Zink J., Laupland K.B., Lowe M., Salomone J.P., Dente C.J., Wyrzykowski A.D., Hameed S.M., Widder S., Inaba K., Ball J.E., Rozycki G.S., Montgomery S.P., Hayward T., Feliciano D.V. | 2010 | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care | 69 | 6 | 10.1097/TA.0b013e3181f66878 | Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Surgery, Wishard Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Ball, C.G., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Navsaria, P., Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Kirkpatrick, A.W., Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Vercler, C., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Dixon, E., Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Zink, J., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Laupland, K.B., Department of Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Lowe, M., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Salomone, J.P., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Dente, C.J., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Wyrzykowski, A.D., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Hameed, S.M., Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Widder, S., Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Inaba, K., Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Ball, J.E., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Rozycki, G.S., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States; Montgomery, S.P., Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Hayward, T., Department of Surgery, Wishard Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Feliciano, D.V., Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background: Up to 20% of all trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit die from their injuries. End-of-life decision making is a variable process that involves prognosis, predicted functional outcomes, personal beliefs, institutional resources, societal norms, and clinician experience. The goal of this study was to better understand end-of-life processes after major injury by comparing clinician viewpoints from various countries and cultures. Methods: A clinician-based, 38-question international survey was used to characterize the impacts of medical, religious, social, and system factors on end-of-life care after trauma. Results: A total of 419 clinicians from the United States (49%), Canada (19%), South Africa (11%), Europe (9%), Asia (8%), and Australasia (4%) completed the survey. In America, the admitting surgeon guided most end-of-life decisions (51%), when compared with all other countries (0-27%). The practice structure of American respondents also varied from other regions. Formal medical futility laws are rarely available (14-38%). Ethical consultation services are often accessible (29-98%), but rarely used (0-29%), and typically unhelpful (<30%). End-of-life decision making for patients with traumatic brain injuries varied extensively across regions with regard to the impact of patient age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and clinician philosophy. Similar differences were observed for spinal cord injuries (age and functional level). The availability and use of "donation after cardiac death" also varied substantially between countries. Conclusions: In this unique study, geographic differences in religion, practice composition, decision-maker viewpoint, and institutional resources resulted in significant variation in end-of-life care after injury. These disparities reflect competing concepts (patient autonomy, distributive justice, and religion). Copyright © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | End-of-life; Trauma; Withdrawal of treatment | article; Asia; Australia and New Zealand; Canada; clinical decision making; consultation; Europe; general practitioner; geography; Glasgow coma scale; health survey; heart death; human; medical ethics; patient autonomy; patient care; priority journal; questionnaire; religion; South Africa; spinal cord injury; surgeon; traumatic brain injury; treatment outcome; United States; Asia; Attitude of Health Personnel; Australasia; Canada; Culture; Decision Making; Europe; Health Resources; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Medical Futility; Physician-Patient Relations; Questionnaires; Religion; South Africa; Terminal Care; Tissue and Organ Procurement; United States | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69149102687 | The impact of cost sharing on internal efficiency of public secondary schools in Ndivisi division, Bungoma district Kenya | Kiveu N.M., Mayio J. | 2009 | Educational Research and Reviews | 4 | 5 | None | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya | Kiveu, N.M., Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya; Mayio, J., Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya | Adoption of cost sharing policy in education has witnessed the return to communities and parents a substantial proportion of financial responsibility for schooling. With increased poverty levels, many parents and communities have not been able to meet the cost requirements under cost sharing policy. Thus their investment in education and support to their children's education have dwindled, this study therefore intended to evaluate the impact of cost sharing on internal efficiency of public secondary schools in Ndivisi division of Bungoma district. In particular the study sought to find out the direct costs of secondary school education, the proportion of dropout, absenteeism and repetition attributed to costs of secondary education, the extent to which parents and communities contribute to physical facilities and equipment in schools. It is hoped that this study has contributed useful information applicable to the effective implementation of cost sharing policies in education in Kenya. It has encouraged further interest and inquiry into the application of cost-sharing policies in education. This is also a significant contribution to the development of an appropriate policy for financing education in Kenya, the scope of the study was all public secondary schools in Ndivisi division of Bungoma district. Seven secondary schools in the division were purposively sampled. The study was carried out using descriptive survey study design. The researcher used questionnaires, observation and interview schedules as research tools. Analysis of documented data was also done to gather relevant information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative data were analyzed in narration form while quantitative data were analyzed by use of %, means and frequencies. Tables were used to present data for easy interpretation. The study found out that school fees, uniform, transport and stationary were among the direct costs incurred by parents. On average, the transition rate was 0.30, dropout rate was 0.095 and repetition rate was 0.03, parent's contribution to physical facilities and equipment was minimal. Parents and teachers view cost sharing as a burden and it has both negative and positive impact. Negative in the sense that it has increased dropout, repetition and absenteeism and it has led to inadequate facilities and equipment in schools, positively, it has led to democratization in the management of schools. The study recommended that the government should establish the unit cost of secondary education and provide fee guidelines that are acceptable by all and additional costs in the middle of the term or year should be avoided. School administrators should encourage and use locally available teaching-learning materials, start income generating activities and sensitize parents on their role in the provision of physical facilities and equipment in schools. © 2008 Academic Journals. | Cost sharing; Internal efficiency | None | None |
None | None | The impact of cost recovery and sharing system on water policy implementation and human right to: A case of Ileje, Tanzania | Kibassa D. | 2011 | Water Science and Technology | 63 | 11 | 10.2166/wst.2011.482 | Institute of Human Settlement Studies (IHSS), Ardhi University (ARU), P.O. Box 35124, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Kibassa, D., Institute of Human Settlement Studies (IHSS), Ardhi University (ARU), P.O. Box 35124, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | In Tanzania, the National Water Policy (NAWAPO) of 2002 clearly stipulates that access to water supply and sanitation is a right for every Tanzanian and that cost recovery is the foundation of sustainable service delivery. To meet these demands, water authorities have introduced cost recovery and a water sharing system. The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of cost recovery and the sharing system on water policy implementation and human rights to water in four villages in the Ileje district. The specific objectives were: (1) to assess the impact of cost recovery and the sharing system on the availability of water to the poor, (2) to assess user willingness to pay for the services provided, (3) to assess community understanding on the issue of water as a human right, (4) to analyse the implications of the results in relation to policies on human rights to water and the effectiveness of the implementation of the national water policy at the grassroots, and (5) to establish the guidelines for water pricing in rural areas. Questionnaires at water demand, water supply, ability and willingness to pay and revenue collection were the basis for data collection. While 36.7% of the population in the district had water supply coverage, more than 73,077 people of the total population of 115,996 still lacked access to clean and safe water and sanitation services in the Ileje district. The country's rural water supply coverage is 49%. Seventy-nine percent of the interviewees in all four villages said that water availability in litres per household per day had decreased mainly due to high water pricing which did not consider the income of villagers. On the other hand, more than 85%of the villagers were not satisfied with the amount they were paying because the services were still poor. On the issue of human rights to water, more than 92% of the villagers know about their right to water and want it exercised by the government. In all four villages, more than 78% of the interviewees are willing to pay for water provided that the tariffs are affordable. Water policy implementation continues slowly: regardless of the fact that more than five years have passed since policy inception, 60% of the villagers in Itumba still have no water services at all. The study shows that government fulfilment of human rights to water has a long way to go, especially in rural areas where people cannot afford to pay for water and some of the villages still depend on water from wells and seasonal rivers. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Affordability; Cost recovery; Human right to water; Water policy; Willingness to pay | Affordability; Cost recovery; Human rights; Water policy; Willingness to pay; Depreciation; Economics; Rating; Recovery; Rural areas; Sanitation; Surveys; Water management; Water supply; Costs; cost-benefit analysis; data acquisition; environmental policy; governance approach; grassroots level; guideline; human rights; policy implementation; pricing policy; public access; questionnaire survey; sanitation; service provision; sustainability; village; water availability; water demand; water economics; water management; water planning; water supply; willingness to pay; article; awareness; consumer; cost; cost recovery; government; human; human rights; national water policy; normal human; policy; practice guideline; prospective pricing; public health service; questionnaire; right to water; rural area; rural population; Tanzania; tax; water availability; water supply; Consumer Participation; Human Rights; Humans; Poverty; Public Policy; Rural Population; Tanzania; Water Supply; Ileje; Mbeya [Tanzania]; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937411313 | The impact of corporate social responsibility on firms’ financial performance in South Africa | Chetty S., Naidoo R., Seetharam Y. | 2015 | Contemporary Economics | 9 | 2 | 10.5709/ce.1897-9254.167 | University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa | Chetty, S., University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa; Naidoo, R., University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa; Seetharam, Y., University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa | If Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are beyond a firm’s legal obligations and potentially require a sacrifice in short-term profits, why do firms promote CSR? This question motivates this investigation of the impact of CSR on a firm’s Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). This relationship is examined for the period from 2004 to 2013 in South Africa. We assess the short-term impact of CSR announcements on financial returns of firms included in or excluded from the Johannesburg Securities Exchange Socially Responsible Investment Index and determine whether there is a difference in the long-term CFP between these two groups for the entire period. The event study methodology shows that investors were rewarded in 2004 and 2012, when firms entered the index, and were penalized in 2013, when firms exited the index. When using regression analysis, the various industries provide mixed results between CSR and CFP for firms over the long term. Based on these results, we find that CSR activities lead to no significant differences in financial performance. © 2015, Wyzsza Szkola Finansow i Zarzadzania w Warszawie. All rights reserved. | Corporate social responsibility; Financial markets; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896468928 | The impact of corporate social responsibility factors on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises | Turyakira P., Venter E., Smith E. | 2014 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 17 | 2 | None | Department of Marketing and Management, Makerere University, Uganda; Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Turyakira, P., Department of Marketing and Management, Makerere University, Uganda; Venter, E., Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Smith, E., Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly important to the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A positive relationship between the CSR activities of SMEs and their enhanced competitiveness exists, at least if a long-term perspective is adopted (European Competitiveness Report, 2008:106; Mandl & Dorr, 2007:2). Despite the widespread practical and academic interest in CSR and its impact on the competitiveness of SMEs, few theoretical and empirical contributions could be found. The primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the CSR factors influencing the competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. The outcomes of this study will assist SMEs to effectively and responsibly manage their activities to increase their competitiveness. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 750 potential SME respondents. The respondents were identified by means of a purposive sampling technique, and the data were collected from 383 usable questionnaires. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients calculated to determine the discriminant validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. Correlations were assessed using structural equation modeling. The empirical results of this study indicate that workforce-oriented CSR activities, society-oriented CSR activities, market-oriented CSR activities and regulated CSR activities significantly influence the competitiveness of SMEs. | Competitiveness; CSR activities; SMEs | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939791011 | The impact of corporate governance on firm performance in the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector | Siwadi P., Miruka C., Ogutu F.A. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4Cont7 | None | Qraduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Siwadi, P., Qraduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Miruka, C., Qraduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Ogutu, F.A., Qraduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Corporate governance studies in Zimbabwe have concentrated on existence of frameworks that control firms. This study focused on the corporate governance factors that are associated with firm performance in the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector. We investigated a sample of 88 companies which were operating at least 80% capacity from 2009 to 2012.Using Return on Assetst (ROA) as a measure of performance and the dependent variable, and 14 corporate governance proxies encompassing board structure, board composition and board procedures as the independent variables, a bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed. The results indicated that shareholder concentration, proportion of independent directors, board tenure and access to financial statements are positive and significant to firm performance in the bivariate analysis. On the multivariate regression analysis however, independent directors was positive but not significant. Researchers have not been able to agree on these factors and since corporate governance is largely endogenously determined it can be concluded that factors are influenced by country effects. Thus further studies focusing on similar countries need to be undertaken. © 2015 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Corporate governance; Firm performance; Significant factors | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868703048 | The impact of cooperatives on agricultural technology adoption: Empirical evidence from Ethiopia | Abebaw D., Haile M.G. | 2013 | Food Policy | 38 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2012.10.003 | Ethiopian Economics Association, Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, P.O. Box 34282, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. D-53113, Germany | Abebaw, D., Ethiopian Economics Association, Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, P.O. Box 34282, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Haile, M.G., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. D-53113, Germany | Using cross-sectional data and a propensity score matching technique, this paper investigates the impact of cooperatives on adoption of agricultural technologies. Our analysis indicates that cooperative members are more likely to be male-headed households, have better access to agricultural extension services, possess oxen, participate in off-farm work, and have leadership experience. We also found that geographic location and age of household head are strongly associated with cooperative membership. Our estimation results show that cooperative membership has a strong positive impact on fertilizer adoption. The impact on adoption of pesticides turns out to be statistically significant when only agricultural cooperatives are considered. Further analysis also suggests that cooperative membership has a heterogeneous impact on fertilizer adoption among its members. The results suggest that cooperatives can play an important role in accelerating the adoption of agricultural technologies by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Agricultural technology adoption; Cooperatives; Ethiopia; Impact evaluation | agricultural extension; agricultural technology; cooperative sector; farmers attitude; fertilizer application; smallholder; technology adoption; Ethiopia; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907402126 | 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-s2.0-84864113126 | The impact of contributory pension scheme on workers' savings in Nigeria | Babatunde M.A. | 2012 | Social Sciences (Pakistan) | 7 | 3 | 10.3923/sscience.2012.464.470 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Babatunde, M.A., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the contributory pension on employee savings in Nigeria 2010 using Oyo state public workers as a case study. It seeks to determine the level of awareness of the public sector workers towards Contributory Pension Scheme and the impact of Contributory Pension Scheme on workers' savings. Empirical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the level of awareness of respondents and their savings. However, there is no significant relationship between Contributory Pension Scheme and savings. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Awareness; Level; Nigeria; Pension scheme; Retirement; Savings | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857718401 | The impact of contractors' prequalification on construction project delivery in Nigeria | Aje I. | 2012 | Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management | 19 | 2 | 10.1108/09699981211206098 | Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Aje, I., Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Purpose - Prequalification of contractors is a very important step in construction project procurement under the contract "Due Process" policy in Nigeria. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate the impact of contractors' prequalification on cost, time and quality performance of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire addressed to construction practitioners selected from clients, consultants and contractors' organizations. Also archival data on 77 completed building projects relating to prequalification assessment of contractors and project delivery variables were sourced from consultant quantity surveyors. The data were analysed with the aid of mean score and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings - The results show that contractors' prequalification has significant impact on time and quality performance of construction projects as evidenced by p/-values of 0.039 and 0.030, respectively. Practical implications - The findings should provide a valuable reference for clients and consultants during contractors' prequalification and contract award. Originality/value - The outcome of this paper will assist clients and consultants in the construction industry to carry out objective assessment of contractors' potential performance in relation to project goals prior to contract award. © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. | Construction operations; Contract workers; Due process; Impact; Nigeria; Prequalification; Project delivery; Project management | Construction operations; Contract workers; Due process; Impact; Nigeria; Pre-qualification; Project delivery; Construction industry; Management science; Project management; Contractors | 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-s2.0-68649084455 | The impact of constitutional principles on the administration of justice in United Kingdom | Fabunmi M., Araromi M. | 2009 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 33 | 1 | None | Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fabunmi, M., Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Araromi, M., Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study entails an analysis of the impact of the constitutional principles of parliamentary sovereignty, rule of law and separation of powers on administration of justice in the United Kingdom, a country which is noted for judicial impartiality in the administration of justice. The Dicey's rules of parliamentary sovereignty, rule of law and the separation of powers served as the basis for analysis. He was a professor of law at Oxford University. References were made to other relevant theories, statutes and cases. Parliamentary sovereignty deals with the relationship between the Parliament and the law. The rule of law is concerned with the relationship between the government and the law. It was argued that there should be separation of the legislative and executive (which then included the judiciary) functions of government. Later theorists argued for an independent judiciary. The application of the doctrines often creates tension, which is often resolved. It was concluded that the operation of the constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament, the rule of law and separation of powers has positive impact on the administration of justice in United Kingdom. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2009. | Administration of justice; Constitutional principles; Parliamentary sovereignty; Rule of law; Separation of powers | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650169956 | The impact of conservation on the status of the world's vertebrates | Hoffmann M., Hilton-Taylor C., Angulo A., Böhm M., Brooks T.M., Butchart S.H.M., Carpenter K.E., Chanson J., Collen B., Cox N.A., Darwall W.R.T., Dulvy N.K., Harrison L.R., Katariya V., Pollock C.M., Quader S., Richman N.I., Rodrigues A.S.L., Tognelli M.F | 2010 | Science | 330 | 6010 | 10.1126/science.1194442 | IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, 360 A Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X1, Canada; Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States; World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines; School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 065, India; Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS UMR5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; IADIZA-CONICET, CCT-Mendoza, CC 507, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Perth, WA 6986, Australia; CNR-Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, I-10123 Torino, Italy; Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Zoo, P.O. Box 20, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Martin Barrios 2230 c/ Pizarro, Barrio Republicano, Asunción, Paraguay; Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Unidad de Investigación Ecología Terrestre, Centro Nacional Patagónico-CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Patagonian and Andean Steppe Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; Systematics Lab., School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India; Center for Biodiversity and Biosecurity Studies, Pacific Institute for Sustainable Development, Jalan Bumi Nyiur 101, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; P.O. Box 47074, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13, No. 100-00, Cali, Colombia; Earthwatch Institute, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE, United Kingdom; Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, United Kingdom; 47B Lewisham Hill, London SE13 7PL, United Kingdom; Laboratorio de Herpetologia, Universidad del Valle, Carrera51, No. 8H-15, Cali, Colombia; WWF Italy-Species Office, Via Po 25/c, 00198 Rome, Italy; British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Bio-Amazonia Conservation International, 1295 William Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States; Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Depto. Ciências Pesqueiras, Manaus, AM 60700, Brazil; National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan; United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Goerlitz, PF 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany; National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, MRC-0153, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Edificio Girasoles 2, Depto 7, Av. Busch, La Paz, Bolivia; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico; Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines; South African National Biodiversity Institute, KRC, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; P.O. Box 5573, Vientiane, Laos; c/o Birds Australia, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757003, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Orissa, India; IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group, Box 1212, Hilton 3245, South Africa; Herbarium, Library, Art and Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom; NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom; Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, United States; Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, 133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BX, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; NatureServe, 746 Middlepoint Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368, United States; Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States; Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Environmental Futures Centre, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, QLD 4222, Australia; Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BT, United Kingdom; Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box #18, Dehra Dun, 248001 Uttarakhand, India; Dpto. U-2, Calle Arica 371, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru; School of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Zempukuji 2-6-1, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8585, Japan; School of Life Sciences and Technologi, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 10, Jalan Ganesa, Bandung 40132, Indonesia; Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, United Kingdom; School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar; Iwate Prefectural University, Sugo 152-52, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0193, Japan; Route de la Baroche 12, 2952 Cornol, Switzerland; Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, 6 Science Drive 2, #03-01, 117546, Singapore, Singapore; Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; Laboratorio de Biogeografía, Escuela de Geografía, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela; IUCN Species Programme, c/o 406 Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH 03593, United States; Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong; Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Conservation Breeding Specialist Group-European Regional Office, p/a Annuntiatenstraat 6, 2170 Merksem, Belgium; Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States; Instituto Nacional de Antropologia Y Pensamiento Latinoamericano, 3 de Febrero 1378, 1426 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Department of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT, United Kingdom; 115 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QD, United Kingdom; Wildlife Trust Alliance, Box 2031, Arusha, Tanzania; Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India; El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, C. Panamericana Periferico s/n Col. Maria Auxiliadora, 29290, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, United States; CAT, P.O. Box 332, Cape Neddick, ME 03902, United States; Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico; Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 3333 North Torrey Pines Court, San Diego, CA 92037, United States; International Sturgeon Research Institute, P.O. Box 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), c/o P.O. Box 202, Cambria, CA 93428, United States; USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, MRC 111, National Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462, United States; Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Rapid Assessment Program, Conservation International, P.O. Box 1024, Atherton, QLD 4883, Australia; German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH, Pasaje Bernardo Alcedo No 150, El Olivar, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru; Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Veintimilla, Quito, Ecuador; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong; Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations, 9888 Caroll Centre Road, San Diego, CA 92126, United States; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Darling Building, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito Exterior S/N, 04510, Mexico; Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i, 23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States; Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042, Statesboro, GA 30460, United States; IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 330 Shareditch Road, Columbia, SC 29210, United States; Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Durham, NH 03824, United States; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I-Q.S., Taguatinga-DF, 71966-700, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Royal Museum for Central Africa, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Laboratory of Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Bogor Barat 16115, Indonesia; Aaranyak and International Rhino Foundation, 50 Samanwoy Path (Survey), Post Office Beltola, Guwahati-781 028, Assam, India; Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd., 4 Woodend, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LJ, United Kingdom; 2313 Willard Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, United States; Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Vertebrate Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Gyoungseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon 404-708, South Korea; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, P/Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Departamento de Zoologia, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina; Emilio Goeldi Museum, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Belém, Pará 66017-970, Brazil; Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Belém, Pará 66075-110, Brazil; Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 6553, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile; Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States; IUCN SSC, African Elephant Specialist Group, c/o IUCN ESARO, P.O. Box 68200, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, United States; Global Environment Facility, 1818 H Street NW, G 6-602, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Department of Zoology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH, United Kingdom; Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela; Provita, Apartado 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; National Wildlife Federation, 901 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom; Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Hoffmann, M., IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Hilton-Taylor, C., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Angulo, A., IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, 360 A Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X1, Canada, Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Böhm, M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Brooks, T.M., NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States, World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines, School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Butchart, S.H.M., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Carpenter, K.E., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Chanson, J., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; Collen, B., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Cox, N.A., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Darwall, W.R.T., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Dulvy, N.K., IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Harrison, L.R., IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Katariya, V., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Pollock, C.M., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Quader, S., National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 065, India; Richman, N.I., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Rodrigues, A.S.L., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS UMR5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; Tognelli, M.F., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, IADIZA-CONICET, CCT-Mendoza, CC 507, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Vié, J.-C., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Aguiar, J.M., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Allen, D.J., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Allen, G.R., Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Perth, WA 6986, Australia; Amori, G., CNR-Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; Ananjeva, N.B., Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Andreone, F., Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, I-10123 Torino, Italy; Andrew, P., Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Zoo, P.O. Box 20, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Ortiz, A.L.A., Martin Barrios 2230 c/ Pizarro, Barrio Republicano, Asunción, Paraguay; Baillie, J.E.M., Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Baldi, R., Unidad de Investigación Ecología Terrestre, Centro Nacional Patagónico-CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina, Patagonian and Andean Steppe Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Bell, B.D., Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; Biju, S.D., Systematics Lab., School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India; Bird, J.P., Center for Biodiversity and Biosecurity Studies, Pacific Institute for Sustainable Development, Jalan Bumi Nyiur 101, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; Black-Decima, P., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Blanc, J.J., P.O. Box 47074, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Bolaños, F., Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica; Bolivar-G., W., Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13, No. 100-00, Cali, Colombia; Burfield, I.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Burton, J.A., Earthwatch Institute, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE, United Kingdom, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, United Kingdom; Capper, D.R., 47B Lewisham Hill, London SE13 7PL, United Kingdom; Castro, F., Laboratorio de Herpetologia, Universidad del Valle, Carrera51, No. 8H-15, Cali, Colombia; Catullo, G., WWF Italy-Species Office, Via Po 25/c, 00198 Rome, Italy; Cavanagh, R.D., British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Channing, A., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chao, N.L., Bio-Amazonia Conservation International, 1295 William Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Depto. Ciências Pesqueiras, Manaus, AM 60700, Brazil, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan; Chenery, A.M., United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Chiozza, F., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Clausnitzer, V., Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Goerlitz, PF 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany; Collar, N.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Collett, L.C., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Collette, B.B., National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, MRC-0153, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Cortez Fernandez, C.F., Edificio Girasoles 2, Depto 7, Av. Busch, La Paz, Bolivia; Craig, M.T., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico; Crosby, M.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Cumberlidge, N., Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, United States; Cuttelod, A., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Derocher, A.E., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Diesmos, A.C., Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines; Donaldson, J.S., South African National Biodiversity Institute, KRC, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Duckworth, J.W., P.O. 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U-2, Calle Arica 371, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru; Inger, R.F., Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Ishii, N., School of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Zempukuji 2-6-1, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8585, Japan; Iskandar, D.T., School of Life Sciences and Technologi, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 10, Jalan Ganesa, Bandung 40132, Indonesia; Jenkins, R.K.B., Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, United Kingdom, School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom, Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar; Kaneko, Y., Iwate Prefectural University, Sugo 152-52, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0193, Japan; Kottelat, M., Route de la Baroche 12, 2952 Cornol, Switzerland, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, 6 Science Drive 2, #03-01, 117546, Singapore, Singapore; Kovacs, K.M., Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Kuzmin, S.L., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; La Marca, E., Laboratorio de Biogeografía, Escuela de Geografía, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela; Lamoreux, J.F., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN Species Programme, c/o 406 Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH 03593, United States; Lau, M.W.N., Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong; Lavilla, E.O., Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Leus, K., Conservation Breeding Specialist Group-European Regional Office, p/a Annuntiatenstraat 6, 2170 Merksem, Belgium; Lewison, R.L., Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States; Lichtenstein, G., Instituto Nacional de Antropologia Y Pensamiento Latinoamericano, 3 de Febrero 1378, 1426 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Livingstone, S.R., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Lukoschek, V., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Mallon, D.P., Department of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; McGowan, P.J.K., World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT, United Kingdom; McIvor, A., 115 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QD, United Kingdom; Moehlman, P.D., Wildlife Trust Alliance, Box 2031, Arusha, Tanzania; Molur, S., Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India; Alonso, A.M., El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, C. Panamericana Periferico s/n Col. Maria Auxiliadora, 29290, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico; Musick, J.A., Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, United States; Nowell, K., CAT, P.O. Box 332, Cape Neddick, ME 03902, United States; Nussbaum, R.A., Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Olech, W., Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; Orlov, N.L., Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Papenfuss, T.J., Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Parra-Olea, G., Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico; Perrin, W.F., Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 3333 North Torrey Pines Court, San Diego, CA 92037, United States; Polidoro, B.A., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Pourkazemi, M., International Sturgeon Research Institute, P.O. Box 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran; Racey, P.A., Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Ragle, J.S., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Ram, M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Rathbun, G., Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), c/o P.O. Box 202, Cambria, CA 93428, United States; Reynolds, R.P., USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, MRC 111, National Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Rhodin, A.G.J., Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462, United States; Richards, S.J., Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia, Rapid Assessment Program, Conservation International, P.O. Box 1024, Atherton, QLD 4883, Australia; Rodríguez, L.O., German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH, Pasaje Bernardo Alcedo No 150, El Olivar, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru; Ron, S.R., Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Veintimilla, Quito, Ecuador; Rondinini, C., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Rylands, A.B., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; De Mitcheson, Y.S., School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations, 9888 Caroll Centre Road, San Diego, CA 92126, United States; Sanciangco, J.C., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Sanders, K.L., School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Darling Building, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Santos-Barrera, G., Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito Exterior S/N, 04510, Mexico; Schipper, J., Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i, 23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Self-Sullivan, C., Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States, Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042, Statesboro, GA 30460, United States; Shi, Y., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Shoemaker, A., IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 330 Shareditch Road, Columbia, SC 29210, United States; Short, F.T., Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Durham, NH 03824, United States; Sillero-Zubiri, C., Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; Silvano, D.L., Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I-Q.S., Taguatinga-DF, 71966-700, Brazil; Smith, K.G., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Smith, A.T., School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Snoeks, J., Royal Museum for Central Africa, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Laboratory of Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Stattersfield, A.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Symes, A.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Taber, A.B., Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Bogor Barat 16115, Indonesia; Talukdar, B.K., Aaranyak and International Rhino Foundation, 50 Samanwoy Path (Survey), Post Office Beltola, Guwahati-781 028, Assam, India; Temple, H.J., Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd., 4 Woodend, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LJ, United Kingdom; Timmins, R., 2313 Willard Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, United States; Tobias, J.A., Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Tsytsulina, K., Vertebrate Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Gyoungseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon 404-708, South Korea; Tweddle, D., South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, P/Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Ubeda, C., Departamento de Zoologia, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina; Valenti, S.V., NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom; Van Dijk, P.P., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Veiga, L.M., Emilio Goeldi Museum, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Belém, Pará 66017-970, Brazil, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Belém, Pará 66075-110, Brazil; Veloso, A., Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 6553, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile; Wege, D.C., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Wilkinson, M., Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Williamson, E.A., Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom; Xie, F., Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; Young, B.E., NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States; Akçakaya, H.R., Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States; Bennun, L., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Blackburn, T.M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Boitani, L., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Dublin, H.T., IUCN SSC, African Elephant Specialist Group, c/o IUCN ESARO, P.O. Box 68200, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, United States; Da Fonseca, G.A.B., Global Environment Facility, 1818 H Street NW, G 6-602, Washington, DC 20433, United States, Department of Zoology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Gascon, C., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Lacher Jr., T.E., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Mace, G.M., Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Mainka, S.A., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; McNeely, J.A., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Mittermeier, R.A., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Reid, G.M., North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH, United Kingdom; Rodriguez, J.P., Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela, Provita, Apartado 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela; Rosenberg, A.A., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Samways, M.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Smart, J., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Stein, B.A., National Wildlife Federation, 901 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States; Stuart, S.N., IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species. | None | assessment method; biodiversity; conservation status; endangered species; extinction; invasive species; Red List; vertebrate; Amphibia; article; biodiversity; bird; conservation biology; deterioration; endangered species; mammal; nonhuman; priority journal; Amphibians; Animals; Biodiversity; Birds; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Endangered Species; Extinction, Biological; Introduced Species; Mammals; Population Dynamics; Vertebrates; Amphibia; Aves; Mammalia; Vertebrata | None |
WoS | WOS:000339940700005 | The impact of conditional cash transfers on child health in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review | Cross, Ruth,Owusu-Addo, Ebenezer | 2014 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 59 | 4 | 10.1007/s00038-014-0570-x | Leeds Metropolitan University, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, Kwame Nkrumah Univ Sci & Technol | "Cross, Ruth: Leeds Metropolitan University", | The review aimed to assess the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in improving child health in low- and middle-income countries.
Seven electronic databases were searched for papers: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, BIOSIS Previews, Academic Search Complete, and CSA Sociological Abstracts. The included studies comprised of randomised controlled trials and controlled before-and-after studies evaluating the impact of CCTs on child health. Due to the substantial heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted on the extracted data.
Sixteen studies predominantly from Latin American countries met the inclusion criteria. The outcomes reported by the studies in relation to CCTs' effectiveness in improving child health were reduction in morbidity risk, improvement in nutritional outcomes, health services utilisation, and immunisation coverage.
The review suggests that to a large extent, CCTs are effective in improving child health by addressing child health determinants such as access to health care, child and maternal nutrition, morbidity risk, immunisation coverage, and household poverty in developing countries particularly middle-income countries. Of importance to both policy and practice, it appears that CCTs require effective functioning of health care systems to effectively promote child health. | "CHILD HEALTH","conditional cash transfers","Low- and middle-income countries","programme theory","systematic review",CLUSTER-RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,EDUCATION,GROWTH,INTERVENTIONS,MEXICO,NUTRITION,OPORTUNIDADES,PROGRAM,PROMOTION,WEIGHT | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943139179 | The Impact of Company-Level ART Provision to a Mining Workforce in South Africa: A Cost–Benefit Analysis | Meyer-Rath G., Pienaar J., Brink B., van Zyl A., Muirhead D., Grant A., Churchyard G., Watts C., Vickerman P. | 2015 | PLoS Medicine | 12 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001869 | Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Highveld Hospital, Anglo American Coal, Emalahleni, South Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa; The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom | Meyer-Rath, G., Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pienaar, J., Highveld Hospital, Anglo American Coal, Emalahleni, South Africa; Brink, B., Johannesburg, South Africa; van Zyl, A., The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Muirhead, D., The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Grant, A., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Churchyard, G., The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Watts, C., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Vickerman, P., School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom | Background: HIV impacts heavily on the operating costs of companies in sub-Saharan Africa, with many companies now providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in the workplace. A full cost–benefit analysis of workplace ART provision has not been conducted using primary data. We developed a dynamic health-state transition model to estimate the economic impact of HIV and the cost–benefit of ART provision in a mining company in South Africa between 2003 and 2022. Methods and Findings: A dynamic health-state transition model, called the Workplace Impact Model (WIM), was parameterised with workplace data on workforce size, composition, turnover, HIV incidence, and CD4 cell count development. Bottom-up cost analyses from the employer perspective supplied data on inpatient and outpatient resource utilisation and the costs of absenteeism and replacement of sick workers. The model was fitted to workforce HIV prevalence and separation data while incorporating parameter uncertainty; univariate sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of the model findings. As ART coverage increases from 10% to 97% of eligible employees, increases in survival and retention of HIV-positive employees and associated reductions in absenteeism and benefit payments lead to cost savings compared to a scenario of no treatment provision, with the annual cost of HIV to the company decreasing by 5% (90% credibility interval [CrI] 2%–8%) and the mean cost per HIV-positive employee decreasing by 14% (90% CrI 7%–19%) by 2022. This translates into an average saving of US$950,215 (90% CrI US$220,879–US$1.6 million) per year; 80% of these cost savings are due to reductions in benefit payments and inpatient care costs. Although findings are sensitive to assumptions regarding incidence and absenteeism, ART is cost-saving under considerable parameter uncertainty and in all tested scenarios, including when prevalence is reduced to 1%—except when no benefits were paid out to employees leaving the workforce and when absenteeism rates were half of what data suggested. Scaling up ART further through a universal test and treat strategy doubles savings; incorporating ART for family members reduces savings but is still marginally cost-saving compared to no treatment. Our analysis was limited to the direct cost of HIV to companies and did not examine the impact of HIV prevention policies on the miners or their families, and a few model inputs were based on limited data, though in sensitivity analysis our results were found to be robust to changes to these inputs along plausible ranges. Conclusions: Workplace ART provision can be cost-saving for companies in high HIV prevalence settings due to reductions in healthcare costs, absenteeism, and staff turnover. Company-sponsored HIV counselling and voluntary testing with ensuing treatment of all HIV-positive employees and family members should be implemented universally at workplaces in countries with high HIV prevalence. © 2015 Meyer-Rath et al. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; child; cost benefit analysis; health care cost; health care policy; health economics; health program; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; morbidity; prevalence; South Africa; treatment outcome; virus load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907560484 | The impact of comorbid clinical depression on the health-related quality of life of adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria | Wakawa I.A., Said J.M., Abba W.M., Shehu S., Rabbebe I.B., Beida O. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine | 36 | 4 | 10.4103/0253-7176.140731 | Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Departments of Research and Training, Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Ps | Wakawa, I.A., Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Said, J.M., Departments of Research and Training, Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Abba, W.M., Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Shehu, S., Department of Psychiatry, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria; Rabbebe, I.B., Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Beida, O., Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria | Background: Globally, depression compromises the quality of life (QOL) of people suffering from it. We assessed the impact of comorbid depression on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in northeastern Nigeria in this study. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and three adults on HAART were recruited for this study from the ART clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in northeastern Nigeria. The depressive disorder module of the Composite international diagnostic interview (CIDI version 3.0) and the WHO quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) were used for the evaluation of depression and quality of life respectively. Results: The prevalence of depression in this study was 19.8%. The depressed respondents rated their HRQOL poorer than their nondepressed counterparts on the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains as well as the global outcome, as shown by these statistically significant findings (T = 9.739, P = <0.001), (T = 8.972, P = <0.001), (T = 6.533, P = <0.001), (T = 8.913, P = <0.001), and (T = 10.018, P = <0.001), respectively. Female gender, CD4 counts <200/mm 3 and diagnosis of depression were significant predictors poor QOL. Conclusion: Depression has a negative impact on the QOL of the respondents. We therefore recommend incorporation of the routine screening of this important psychiatric comorbidity into the care of this vulnerable group in order to optimize patient care. | Comorbid depression; highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); northeastern Nigeria | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939876734 | The Impact of Community Support Initiatives on the Stigma Experienced by People Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa | Masquillier C., Wouters E., Mortelmans D., le Roux Booysen F. | 2015 | AIDS and Behavior | 19 | 2 | 10.1007/s10461-014-0865-1 | Department of Sociology, Research Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO), University of Antwerp, Sint Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Masquillier, C., Department of Sociology, Research Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO), University of Antwerp, Sint Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, Belgium; Wouters, E., Department of Sociology, Research Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO), University of Antwerp, Sint Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, Belgium, Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Mortelmans, D., Department of Sociology, Research Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO), University of Antwerp, Sint Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, Belgium; le Roux Booysen, F., Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | In the current context of human resource shortages in South Africa, various community support interventions are being implemented to provide long-term psychosocial care to persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, it is important to analyze the unintended social side effects of such interventions in regards to the stigma felt by PLWHA, which might threaten the successful management of life-long treatment. Latent cross-lagged modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data on 294 PLWHA from a randomized controlled trial (1) to determine whether peer adherence support (PAS) and treatment buddying influence the stigma experienced by PLWHA; and (2) to analyze the interrelationships between each support form and stigma. Results indicate that having a treatment buddy decreases felt stigma scores, while receiving PAS increases levels of felt stigma at the second follow up. However, the PAS intervention was also found to have a positive influence on having a treatment buddy at this time. Furthermore, a treatment buddy mitigates the stigmatizing effect of PAS, resulting in a small negative indirect effect on stigma. The study indicates the importance of looking beyond the intended effects of an intervention, with the goal of minimizing any adverse consequences that might threaten the successful long-term management of HIV/AIDS and maximizing the opportunities created by such support. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Peer adherence support; South Africa; Stigma; Treatment buddy; Unintended social side effects | anti-retroviral agents; adolescent; adult; community health services; controlled study; Helping Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; organization and administration; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Peer Group; psychology; randomized controlled trial; Social Stigma; Social Support; South Africa; Stereotyping; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Community Health Services; Helping Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Peer Group; Social Stigma; Social Support; South Africa; Stereotyping | NRF, National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-44949190281 | The impact of community level treatment and preventative interventions on trachoma prevalence in rural Ethiopia | Cumberland P., Edwards T., Hailu G., Harding-Esch E., Andreasen A., Mabey D., Todd J. | 2008 | International Journal of Epidemiology | 37 | 3 | 10.1093/ije/dyn045 | Centre of Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCL, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Future International Consulting Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda | Cumberland, P., Centre of Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCL, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Edwards, T., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Hailu, G., Future International Consulting Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Harding-Esch, E., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Andreasen, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Mabey, D., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Todd, J., Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda | Background: The International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) trachoma control programme based on the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement) was implemented in 2002 in two rural Ethiopian zones, with mass delivery of azithromycin starting in 2003. We evaluate the impact of combined antibiotic and health educational interventions on active trachoma and Chlamydia trachomatis detected from ocular swabs, in children aged 3-9 years. Method: Three-year follow-up cross-sectional survey was carried out in 40 rural Ethiopian communities to evaluate the programme. Households were randomly selected and all children were invited for eye examination for active trachoma. In 2005, eye swabs were taken for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of ocular C. trachomatis DNA. Adult knowledge and behaviour related to trachoma were assessed. Results: Community summarized mean prevalence, overall, was 35.6% (SD = 17.6) for active trachoma, 34.0% (18.7) for trachomatous inflammation, follicular (TF) alone and 4.3% (5.3) for PCR positivity for C. trachomatis. After adjustment, odds of active trachoma were reduced in communities receiving antibiotics and one or two educational intervention components (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.89 or OR = 0.31, 0.11-0.89, respectively). The odds of being PCR positive were lower in these intervention arms, compared with control (OR = 0.20, 0.06-0.62 and OR = 0.07, 0.02-0.30, respectively). Knowledge of treatment and preventative methods were reported with much higher frequency, compared with baseline. Conclusions: Trachoma remains a public health problem in Ethiopia. Antibiotic administration remains the most effective intervention but community-based health education programmes can impact, to additionally reduce prevalence of C. trachomatis. © The Author 2008; all rights reserved. | Azithromycin; Chlamydia trachomatis; Control; Ethiopia; Health education; Trachoma | antibiotic agent; azithromycin; disease control; disease prevalence; health education; health risk; medical geography; public health; rural area; article; Chlamydia trachomatis; community care; community program; controlled study; Ethiopia; eye examination; female; follow up; health education; health survey; human; infection control; intervention study; major clinical study; male; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; prevalence; priority journal; rural area; school child; trachoma; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Azithromycin; Child; Child, Preschool; Chlamydia trachomatis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Ethiopia; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Education; Humans; Hygiene; Male; Prevalence; Rural Health; Trachoma; Treatment Outcome; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Chlamydia trachomatis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-59849092365 | The impact of community based rehabilitation as implemented by community rehabilitation facilitators on people with disabilities, their families and communities within South Africa | Chappell P., Johannsmeier C. | 2009 | Disability and Rehabilitation | 31 | 1 | 10.1080/09638280802280429 | CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Chappell, P., CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Johannsmeier, C., CBR Education and Training for Empowerment (CREATE), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Purpose. To find out the impact of community based rehabilitation (CBR) as implemented by mid-level rehabilitation workers known as community rehabilitation facilitators (CRFs) on people with disabilities (PWD), their families and the communities in South Africa. Method. A qualitative research design was used with an emphasis on participatory methods with PWD and their family members. Data collection took the form of individual interviews, focus groups and transects walks in both urban and rural settings within six provinces of South Africa. Results. Although CRFs work with individuals, groups, families and the community, they appear to have had a stronger impact on individuals with disabilities rather than the community at large. Various gaps were also identified and were related to the poor recognition of the scope of practice of CRFs as well as to individual CRFs abilities to carry out certain tasks. Conclusions. Although the results suggest that CRFs have had a positive impact, there are still a number of issues that need to be addressed. These include proper support of CRFs and intersectoral collaboration between government departments to ensure the future of CBR in South Africa. | Community based rehabilitation; Mid-level rehabilitation workers; South Africa | Community Health Services; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Focus Groups; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Patient Participation; Professional-Patient Relations; Self Efficacy; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887039805 | The impact of community-based capital cash transfers on orphan schooling in Kenya [L'importance des transferts de capitaux communautaires sur la scolarisation des orphelins au Kenya] | Skovdal M., Webale A., Mwasiaji W., Tomkins A. | 2013 | Development in Practice | 23 | 7 | 10.1080/09614524.2013.809697 | Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom; SECOBA Consultancy, Nairobi, Kenya; Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for International Health and Development, Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom | Skovdal, M., Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom; Webale, A., SECOBA Consultancy, Nairobi, Kenya; Mwasiaji, W., Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, Nairobi, Kenya; Tomkins, A., Centre for International Health and Development, Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom | In this article we report on a community-based capital cash transfer initiative (CCCT) in Kenya that sought to mobilise and enable HIV-affected communities to respond to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children. With bilateral funding, the Social Services Department in Kenya provided 80 communities across ten districts with advice and resources to set up social enterprises for the support of vulnerable children. A wide range of food and income generating activities were initiated by the communities, whose produce or profits contributed to the improved school attendance and performance of orphaned children, particularly amongst girls. We conclude that CCCT is a viable strategy for improving orphan schooling in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | Aid - Capacity development, - Monitoring and evaluation; Civil society - Participation, - Partnership; Gender and diversity - Youth; Sub-Saharan Africa | capital flow; child welfare; civil society; humanitarian aid; local participation; orphan; Kenya | DFID, Department for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904544191 | The Impact of Common Property Right Forestry: Evidence from Ethiopian Villages | Gelo D., Koch S.F. | 2014 | World Development | 64 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.06.020 | University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | Gelo, D., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa; Koch, S.F., University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | We use inverse probability weighting to examine the effects of a unique two-pronged common-property forestry program in the Gimbo district of Ethiopia, which includes Joint Forestry Management and improved non-timber forest product marketing efforts. The program was found to have affected household access to agricultural land, and, thus, reduced livestock holdings, due to program strictures. Furthermore, despite those reductions, there is evidence that the program had economically significant effects on other activities. Households were able to increase their earnings from non-timber forest products, partly due to an increased labor allocation toward non-timber forest product collection. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Community forestry; Matching and Ethiopia; Treatment effects | agricultural land; common property resource; community resource management; forest management; labor supply; nontimber forest product; probability; Ethiopia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649727315 | The impact of colonial agreements on the regulation of the waters of the river nile | Kasimbazi E.B. | 2010 | Water International | 35 | 6 | 10.1080/02508060.2010.533642 | Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Kasimbazi, E.B., Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | This paper assesses how the Nile Basin agreements that were signed during the colonial period continue to affect the regulation of the waters of the Nile. The agreements signed by Britain and other European colonial powers regarding the regulation of the waters of the Nile are interpreted by the lowest riparian state, Egypt, as binding and while the other upper riparian states such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda argue that since the countries got their independence the agreements are not binding. The two parallel positions have made it difficult to develop a Nile Basin Agreement to regulate the use of the waters of the Nile Basin up to the present day. © 2010 International Water Resources Association. | Colonial agreements; Cooperative framework agreement; Nile river; Regulation water; Riparian | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957479196 | The impact of college entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial attitudes and intention to start a business in Uganda | Byabashaija W., Katono I. | 2011 | Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship | 16 | 1 | 10.1142/S1084946711001768 | Makerere University Business School, P. O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Christian University, P. O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda | Byabashaija, W., Makerere University Business School, P. O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda; Katono, I., Uganda Christian University, P. O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda | This paper reports results of a longitudinal quasi-experimental study that focused on the impact of entrepreneurial education and societal subjective norms on entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions of university students in Uganda to start a business. Data were collected in two waves: wave one before the entrepreneurship course and wave two after the entrepreneurship course four months later. The sample composed of college students. Analyses included tests of significance of changes in the attitudes and intentions of students after the entrepreneurship course, the mediating role of attitudes and moderating role of employment expectations. The results show small but significant changes in attitudes and a significant mediating role of attitudes perceived feasibility, perceived desirability and self-efficacy, but non-significant moderating influence of employment expectations. The findings offer lessons for policy makers and more questions for researchers. © World Scientific Publishing Company. | entrepreneurial attitudes; Entrepreneurial intentions; social subjective norms | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149396526 | The impact of collections strategy on the profitability of unsecured bank micro-loans | Kahn A., Ward M. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 3 | None | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kahn, A.; Ward, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This research examines bank collections strategy by comparing two micro-loan books; one using a behaviour based strategy, in which a client is encouraged to re-establish regular payments and the other using an arrears based strategy, where the client must repay missed instalments immediately. The results show that the collections outcome does not vary according to collections strategy. However, in contrast to industry best practice, behaviour based collections results in 3,37% more revenue when the loan is rehabilitated, and a 4,54% reduction in losses when the loan is written off. The study also finds that the cost of using a behaviour based collections strategy is lower. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250872220 | The impact of cold temperatures during grain maturation on selected quality parameters of wheat | Craven M., Barnard A., Labuschagne M.T. | 2007 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 87 | 9 | 10.1002/jsfa.2927 | Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa; Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council - Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Craven, M., Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa, Agricultural Research Council - Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Barnard, A., Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa; Labuschagne, M.T., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The influence of sudden cold spells during grain filling of wheat on the quality traits of three South African hard red wheat cultivars (Gariep, Elands and Tugela-DN) was studied, with the emphasis on Hagberg falling number (HFN). Four treatments were used (-1°C at soft dough stage, -1°C at late milk stage, -4°C at soft dough stage and -4°C at late milk stage) and were administered for one night only. From the results it was concluded that, although limited in duration, such frost conditions did have an effect on the quality of the wheat cultivars. Cultivars differed in their response to the various treatments but also as to what quality traits were affected the most. The -4°C at late milk stage resulted in significantly reduced HFN being measured for both Elands and Tugela-DN. A similar effect was observed for Gariep, but was not statistically significant. Although the response was limited to the main tillers only, the conclusion was made that it is probable that the reduced HFN would be visible in the pooled sample of head and side tillers. A screening protocol was suggested that would allow classification of cultivars for frost tolerance. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry. | Frost; Hagberg falling number; Quality parameters; Wheat | Tragelaphus oryx; Triticum aestivum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054914907 | The impact of co-inoculation with Oenococcus oeni on the trancriptome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and on the flavour-active metabolite profiles during fermentation in synthetic must | Rossouw D., Du Toit M., Bauer F.F. | 2012 | Food Microbiology | 29 | 1 | 10.1016/j.fm.2011.09.006 | Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Rossouw, D., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Du Toit, M., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Bauer, F.F., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Co-inoculation of commercial yeast strains with a bacterial starter culture at the beginning of fermentation of certain varietal grape juices is rapidly becoming a preferred option in the global wine industry, and frequently replaces the previously dominant sequential inoculation strategy where bacterial strains, responsible for malolactic fermentation, are inoculated after alcoholic fermentation has been completed. However, while several studies have highlighted potential advantages of co-inoculation, such studies have mainly focused on broad fermentation properties of the mixed cultures, and no data exist regarding the impact of this strategy on many oenologically relevant attributes of specific wine yeast strains such as aroma production. Here we investigate the impact of co-inoculation on a commercial yeast strain during alcoholic fermentation by comparing the transcriptome of this strain in yeast-only and in co-inoculated fermentations of synthetic must. The data show that a significant number of genes are differentially expressed in this strain in these two conditions. Some of the differentially expressed genes appear to respond to chemical changes in the fermenting must that are linked to bacterial metabolic activities, whereas others might represent a direct response of the yeast to the presence of a competing organism. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Alcoholic fermentation; Malolactic fermentation; Oenococcus oeni; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Transcriptome | alcohol; flavoring agent; transcriptome; article; fermentation; genetics; metabolism; microbiology; Oenococcus; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Vitis; wine; Ethanol; Fermentation; Flavoring Agents; Industrial Microbiology; Oenococcus; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Transcriptome; Vitis; Wine; Bacteria (microorganisms); Oenococcus oeni; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Vitaceae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871890324 | The impact of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus and pulmonary tuberculosis on the success of bronchial artery embolisation | Govind M., Maharajh J. | 2013 | British Journal of Radiology | 86 | 1021 | 10.1259/bjr.20120256 | University of KwaZulu Natal, NRMSM, 20 Lynn Avenue, Glenashley, Durban, KwaZulu Natal 4051, South Africa | Govind, M., University of KwaZulu Natal, NRMSM, 20 Lynn Avenue, Glenashley, Durban, KwaZulu Natal 4051, South Africa; Maharajh, J., University of KwaZulu Natal, NRMSM, 20 Lynn Avenue, Glenashley, Durban, KwaZulu Natal 4051, South Africa | Objective: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is often associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is a specialised, expensive and risky procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coinfection with HIV and PTB on the success of BAE. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of sequential BAE procedures during 2006 and 2007 was performed. Rates of procedural and clinical outcome, reasons for failures and the impact of cluster of differentiation cell type 4 (CD4) level on failure were investigated. Patients were included if they presented with massive or life-threatening haemoptysis with a diagnosis of previous or active PTB and their HIV status was known, for the first two attempts at BAE only. Results: The study population consisted of 74 patients who were HIV positive and 33 who were HIV negative. Statistically, procedural success did not imply a clinically successful outcome, and HIV status and CD4 level did not correlate significantly with procedural success. Statistically, no technical reason had an impact on the success of the procedure when correlated with HIV status. The detection of lymphadenopathy was noted in 19.1% of patients who were HIV positive and in 42.4% of patients who were HIV negative, and was the only feature of significance. Conclusion: Coinfection with HIV does not have an impact on the success of BAE in patients with active PTB or with the sequelae of PTB who present with massive or life-threatening haemoptysis. Technical success does not imply clinical success, regardless of HIV status. Improvement in technique locally may improve outcome. Advances in knowledge: PTB coinfection with HIV should not affect the decision to consider BAE. © 2013 The British Institute of Radiology. | None | adult; article; artificial embolism; bronchial artery embolisation; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cross-sectional study; female; hemoptysis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lung tuberculosis; lymphadenopathy; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; observational study; retrospective study; treatment outcome; bronchial artery; comorbidity; hemoptysis; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lung tuberculosis; prevalence; risk assessment; South Africa; statistics; Adult; Bronchial Arteries; Comorbidity; Embolization, Therapeutic; Female; Hemoptysis; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Risk Assessment; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894521773 | The impact of co-infections on the haematological profile of East African Short-horn Zebu calves | Van Wyk I.C., Goddard A., De C. Bronsvoort B.M., Coetzer J.A.A.W., Handel I.G., Hanotte O., Jennings A., Lesosky M., Kiara H., Thumbi S.M., Toye P., Woolhouse M.W., Penzhorn B.L. | 2014 | Parasitology | 141 | 3 | 10.1017/S0031182013001625 | Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department Companion Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Roslin Institute at the R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter-Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, 1000, South Africa; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, United Kingdom | Van Wyk, I.C., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Goddard, A., Department Companion Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; De C. Bronsvoort, B.M., Roslin Institute at the R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter-Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; Coetzer, J.A.A.W., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Handel, I.G., Roslin Institute at the R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter-Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; Hanotte, O., School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Jennings, A., Roslin Institute at the R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter-Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; Lesosky, M., Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, 1000, South Africa; Kiara, H., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Thumbi, S.M., Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, United Kingdom; Toye, P., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Woolhouse, M.W., Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, United Kingdom; Penzhorn, B.L., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | The cumulative effect of co-infections between pathogen pairs on the haematological response of East African Short-horn Zebu calves is described. Using a longitudinal study design a stratified clustered random sample of newborn calves were recruited into the Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) study and monitored at 5-weekly intervals until 51 weeks of age. At each visit samples were collected and analysed to determine the infection status of each calf as well as their haematological response. The haematological parameters investigated included packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count (Plt). The pathogens of interest included tick-borne protozoa and rickettsias, trypanosomes and intestinal parasites. Generalized additive mixed-effect models were used to model the infectious status of pathogens against each haematological parameter, including significant interactions between pathogens. These models were further used to predict the cumulative effect of co-infecting pathogen pairs on each haematological parameter. The most significant decrease in PCV was found with co-infections of trypanosomes and strongyles. Strongyle infections also resulted in a significant decrease in WBC at a high infectious load. Trypanosomes were the major cause of thrombocytopenia. Platelet counts were also affected by interactions between tick-borne pathogens. Interactions between concomitant pathogens were found to complicate the prognosis and clinical presentation of infected calves and should be taken into consideration in any study that investigates disease under field conditions. © Cambridge University Press 2013. | Calves; Co-infections; Packed cell volume; Platelets; White blood cell count; Zebu | Anaplasma; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Babesia; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Female; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Hematocrit; Kenya; Leukocyte Count; Longitudinal Studies; Nematoda; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Platelet Count; Theileria; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Trypanosoma; Anaplasma marginale; anaplasmosis; Article; Babesia bigemina; bloodborne bacterium; cattle disease; Coccidia; coccidial infection; controlled study; East African; East Coast fever; Fasciola gigantica; Fasciola gigantica infection; hematocrit; leukocyte count; longitudinal study; mixed infection; nagana; newborn; nonhuman; pathogen load; pathogenesis; piroplasmosis; Rickettsia; Rickettsiaceae infection; seroconversion; strongyle infection; Strongyloidea; Theileria mutans; Theileria mutans infection; Theileria parva; theileriosis; thrombocyte count; Trypanosoma vivax; trypanosomiasis; Bos indicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884275207 | The impact of co-existence of diabetes and hypertension on oxidative stress in non obese subjects | Blessing I.O., Abraham O.O. | 2013 | Journal of Medical Sciences (Faisalabad) | 13 | 8 | 10.3923/jms.2013.767.772 | Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Blessing, I.O., Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Abraham, O.O., Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Co-occurrence of diabetes and hypertension is not unfamiliar in the world today and where this co-exists, it is said to aggravate cardiovascular complications. On the other hand, the significance of oxidative stress in cardiovascular condition has been recognized. Hence, this study investigated the impact hypertension and diabetes mellitus has on oxidative stress and the status of some antioxidants in non obese subjects. The study involves 204 non obese subjects who are hypertensive (NOH; n = 53), diabetes (NOD; n = 51), diabetes and hypertensive (NODH; n = 40) and non hypertensive non diabetes (NONDH; control; n = 60). There ages, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and body mass index were determined using standard techniques while their oxidative stress and antioxidants status were analyzed via standard laboratory procedures. The results showed no significant difference in the ages and BMI in the entire groups. However, blood pressure was significant higher in the hypertensive groups while fasting blood glucose was higher in the diabetes group compared with the control. Oxidative stress was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the NOD, NOH and NODH groups compared to the control group (NONDH; 5.32±1.85). Compared to the NONDH group, vitamin A was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the groups, vitamin E was significantly higher in group NODH (13.58±5.28) and nitric oxide was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the NOH (30.87±3.48) and NODH (30.30±3.13) groups. Judging by the findings of this study, hypertension and diabetes, either existing alone or in combination have a negative impact on oxidative stress and antioxidant status. | Co-existence; Diabetes; Hypertension; Non obese | alpha tocopherol; antioxidant; glucose; nitric oxide; retinol; adult; age; article; blood pressure; body mass; comorbidity; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; disease association; female; glucose blood level; human; hypertension; male; obesity; oxidative stress; vitamin blood level | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962418446 | The impact of coal quality on the efficiency of a spreader stoker boiler | Taole R.L., Falcon R.M.S., Bada S.O. | 2015 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 115 | 12 | 10.17159/2411-9717/2015/v115n12a3 | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Taole, R.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Falcon, R.M.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bada, S.O., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This research establishes the combustion characteristics and efficiencies of South African coals of different qualities and their impact on the performance of a grate spreader stoker boiler. Four different coal samples were tested in the particle size range 6.25 × 25 mm. A detailed investigation involving the boiler operating conditions associated with the physicochemical characteristics of the coals, petrographic properties, and temperature profiles from a thermal camera was conducted. The thermal analysis indicates that there is a strong correlation between thermographic data (combustion behaviour and maximum flame temperatures) and petrographic composition of the coals. This association is not reflected in calorific values and proximate analyses of the coals. In terms of combustion efficiencies, all coals yielded relatively high amounts of unburnt carbon in the fly ash (about 36.90%). The highest steam output obtained was 41.76 t/h at the highest combustion efficiency of 79.13%. The thermographic results obtained from this study led to the conclusion that South African low-grade Gondwana coals undergo delayed ignition and burn at unusually high temperatures (1500-1800°C), which is in contrast to the original belief that the combustion temperature is around 1400°C. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2015. | Coal; Combustion; Macerals; Thermographic camera; Travelling grate | Boilers; Cameras; Carbon; Coal; Combustion; Efficiency; Fly ash; Ignition; Infrared devices; Particle size; Spreaders; Thermoanalysis; Combustion characteristics; Combustion efficiencies; Macerals; Maximum flame temperature; Petrographic composition; Physicochemical characteristics; Thermographic cameras; Travelling grate; Coal combustion | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50649087055 | The impact of closed-loop power flow control strategies on power system stability characteristics in a single generator system | Ally A., Rigby B.S. | 2006 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 97 | 1 | None | School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Ally, A., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Rigby, B.S., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | This paper presents a theoretical study into the influence of closed-loop control of ac power flow on the small signal and transient stability characteristics of a single-generator study system. Both the constant power and constant angle modes of power flow control are examined for a range of controller response times. The results indicate that the effect of a power flow controller on system stability is dependent on both the mode of the controller and its response time. Copyright © 2004 IEEE. | Power flow control; Small-signal stability; Thyristor controlled series capacitor; Transient stability | AC power flow; Closed-loop; Closed-loop control; Constant power; Generator systems; Power flow controllers; Power flow controls; Power system stability; Response time; Small signal; Small signal stability; Theoretical study; Thyristor controlled series capacitor; Transient stability; Capacitance; Capacitors; Closed loop control systems; Control system stability; Controllers; Electric switchgear; Flow control; Heterojunction bipolar transistors; Response time (computer systems); Thyristors; System stability | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899117323 | The impact of clinical research activities on communities in rural Africa: The development of the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN) in Burkina Faso | Tinto H., Valea I., Sorgho H., Tahita M.C., Traore M., Bihoun B., Guiraud I., Kpoda H., Rouamba J., Ouédraogo S., Lompo P., Yara S., Kabore W., Ouédraogo J.-B., Guiguemdé R.T., Binka F.N., Ogutu B. | 2014 | Malaria Journal | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-13-113 | Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; INDEPTH-Network, Accra, Ghana | Tinto, H., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Valea, I., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Sorgho, H., Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Tahita, M.C., Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Traore, M., Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Bihoun, B., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Guiraud, I., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Kpoda, H., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Rouamba, J., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Ouédraogo, S., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Lompo, P., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Yara, S., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Kabore, W., Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso; Ouédraogo, J.-B., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Guiguemdé, R.T., Unité de Recherche Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Binka, F.N., INDEPTH-Network, Accra, Ghana; Ogutu, B., INDEPTH-Network, Accra, Ghana | Background: The opportunities for developing new drugs and vaccines for malaria control look brighter now than ten years ago. However, there are few places in sub-Saharan Africa with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to support such research in compliance to international standards of clinical research (ICH-GCP). The Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN) was founded in 2008 to provide a much-needed GCP-compliant clinical trial platform for an imminent large-scale Phase 3 malaria vaccine trial. A dynamic approach was used that entailed developing the required infrastructure and human resources, while engaging local communities in the process as key stakeholders. This provided a better understanding and ownership of the research activities by the local population. Case description. Within five years (2008-2013), the CRUN set up a fully and well-equipped GCP-compliant clinical trial research facility, which enabled to attract 25 grants. The research team grew from ten health workers prior to 2008 to 254 in 2013. A Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), which covers a total population of about 60,000 people in 24 villages was set up in the district. The local community contributed to the development of the facility through the leadership of the king and the mayor of Nanoro. As a result of their active advocacy, the government extended the national electrical grid to the new research center, and later to the entire village. This produced a positive impact on the community's quality of life. The quality of health care improved substantially, due to the creation of more elaborate clinical laboratory services and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment. Conclusion: Involving the community in the key steps of establishing the centre provided the foundation for what was to become the CRUN success story. This experience demonstrates that when clinical trials research sites are carefully developed and implemented, they can have a positive and powerful impact on local communities in resource-poor settings, well beyond the task of generating expected study data. © 2014 Tinto et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | achievement; article; Burkina Faso; clinical research; clinical trial (topic); community trial; health care facility; health care personnel; health care quality; human; multicenter study (topic); phase 3 clinical trial (topic); quality of life; rural area; Biomedical Research; Burkina Faso; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Male; Rural Population | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881534643 | The impact of climatic change on nigerian landcover during the el-nino southern oscillations (ENSO), event of 1997 to 1998 | Yelwa S.A., Dangulla M. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/rjasci.2013.33.41 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, P.M.B. 7156, Dutse Jigawa State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria | Yelwa, S.A., Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, P.M.B. 7156, Dutse Jigawa State, Nigeria; Dangulla, M., Department of Geography, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria | Seventytwo dekadal NDVI dataset derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer-Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (AVHRR-NDVI) on board the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration-National Aeronautics Space Administration (NOAA-NASA) meteorological satellites were recomposed into a 24 time-series monthly Maximum Value Composite (MVC) images covering the El-Nino Southern Oscillations (ENSO) event of 1997 to 1998 and analysed within a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with the standardised principal components and supplemented with coefficient of variation derived images. The purpose is to assess the impact of such event on landcover across Nigeria and in particular, vegetation patterns across the country. Results from this analysis produced 24 standardised principal component imageries with another corresponding 24 individual loading scores presented in graphs. Others include inter-seasonal coefficient of variation change images for 1997 and 1998 as well as an annual mean NDVI image of the total 24 time-series dataset; temporal profiles of sites observed with distinct changes and a coefficient of variation graph through the monthly time-series were presented. The resultant component one image shows an overall 96.5% of the variation in the total time-series dataset while the succeeding imageries illustrated change elements in the order of the component loadings (which are weighted). In comparison with the mean imagery of the total 24 time-series dataset, the first component image showed a considerable similarity indicating a typical characteristic of landcover (particularly vegetation NDVI) pattern over the whole country during the 1997 to 1998 ENSO event with positive and negative anomalies in certain locations across some states but more distinct in locations around the Kainji and Lake Chad basins, Niger delta area, Bayelsa, Lagos, Taraba, Plateau, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara Adamawa, Yobe and Bomo states. Thus, results from this study highlighted specific locations across the country with anomalies of climatic impact as a result of the 1997 to 1998 ENSO event. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | AVHRR-NDVI; Climatic impact; ENSO; Environment; NOAA; PCA; Sea surface temperature | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874000462 | The impact of climate variability on water and energy demand: The case of South African local governments | Ncube M., Zikhali P., Musango J.K. | 2013 | Water and Environment Journal | 27 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2012.00323.x | Financial and Fiscal Commission, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Water Management Institute, Southern African Regional Office, Pretoria, South Africa; Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ncube, M., Financial and Fiscal Commission, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zikhali, P., International Water Management Institute, Southern African Regional Office, Pretoria, South Africa; Musango, J.K., Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | There is a growing need to understand how climate change impacts not only on people's livelihoods but also on the level and cost of local government infrastructure required to provide basic commodities such as water and energy. In South Africa, few studies have examined the impact of climate change on operations of local governments. This paper examines the impact of rainfall variability on municipalities' water and energy demand. A non-linear relationship between water and energy demand and rainfall variability was found. The results suggest that, by influencing the operations and budgets of local governments, climate change is a real threat to local governments. The local governments need to be proactively involved in the efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This is particularly important in developing countries where the impact of climate change is more severe than in developed countries, yet adaptation and mitigation capabilities in these countries are weak. © 2012 The Authors. Water and Environment Journal © 2012 CIWEM. | Adaptation; Climate variability; Electricity-related expenditures; Mitigation; Rainfall variability; Water-related expenditures | Adaptation; Climate variability; Electricity-related expenditures; Mitigation; Rainfall variability; Water-related expenditures; Developing countries; Energy management; Rain; Climate change; ground water; ozone; rain; surface water; water; climate variation; energy use; local government; mitigation; nonlinearity; rainfall; water demand; air quality; article; biodiversity; climate change; electricity; energy; energy expenditure; energy resource; government; greenhouse gas; gross national product; priority journal; social status; South Africa; water supply; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883166761 | The Impact of Climate Change on the Potential Distribution of Agricultural Pests: The Case of the Coffee White Stem Borer (Monochamus leuconotus P.) in Zimbabwe | Kutywayo D., Chemura A., Kusena W., Chidoko P., Mahoya C. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0073432 | DRandSS, Coffee Research Institute, Chipinge, Zimbabwe; Dept of Environmental Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; GES Department, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe | Kutywayo, D., DRandSS, Coffee Research Institute, Chipinge, Zimbabwe; Chemura, A., Dept of Environmental Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Kusena, W., GES Department, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Chidoko, P., DRandSS, Coffee Research Institute, Chipinge, Zimbabwe; Mahoya, C., DRandSS, Coffee Research Institute, Chipinge, Zimbabwe | The production of agricultural commodities faces increased risk of pests, diseases and other stresses due to climate change and variability. This study assesses the potential distribution of agricultural pests under projected climatic scenarios using evidence from the African coffee white stem borer (CWB), Monochamus leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an important pest of coffee in Zimbabwe. A species distribution modeling approach utilising Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) was applied on current and projected climate data obtained from the WorldClim database and occurrence data (presence and absence) collected through on-farm biological surveys in Chipinge, Chimanimani, Mutare and Mutasa districts in Zimbabwe. Results from both the BRT and GLM indicate that precipitation-related variables are more important in determining species range for the CWB than temperature related variables. The CWB has extensive potential habitats in all coffee areas with Mutasa district having the largest model average area suitable for CWB under current and projected climatic conditions. Habitat ranges for CWB will increase under future climate scenarios for Chipinge, Chimanimani and Mutare districts while it will decrease in Mutasa district. The highest percentage change in area suitable for the CWB was for Chimanimani district with a model average of 49.1% (3 906 ha) increase in CWB range by 2080. The BRT and GLM predictions gave similar predicted ranges for Chipinge, Chimanimani and Mutasa districts compared to the high variation in current and projected habitat area for CWB in Mutare district. The study concludes that suitable area for CWB will increase significantly in Zimbabwe due to climate change and there is need to develop adaptation mechanisms. © 2013 Kutywayo et al. | None | agricultural pest; article; beetle; climate change; coffee; habitat; Monochamus leuconotus; nonhuman; precipitation; sensitivity and specificity; species distribution; temperature dependence; Zimbabwe; Animals; Beetles; Climate Change; Coffea; Ecosystem; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871926559 | The impact of climate change on the Niger River Basin hydroclimatology, West Africa | Oguntunde P.G., Abiodun B.J. | 2013 | Climate Dynamics | 40 | 42371 | 10.1007/s00382-012-1498-6 | Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Soil, Water and Environment Section, Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Oguntunde, P.G., Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany, Soil, Water and Environment Section, Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Abiodun, B.J., Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Climate change has the potential to reduce water availability in West Africa. This study aims to quantify the expected impact of increased greenhouse gases (GHGs) on hydroclimatology of Niger River Basin (NRB). Boundary data from a general circulation model are used to force a regional climate model, to produce dynamically downscaled hydroclimatic variables of NRB under present-day (PRS) and future climate scenarios. The data were further analyzed to detect changes in atmospheric and surface water balance components and moisture recycling ratio (β). The results show that elevated GHGs (under A1B scenario) would produce a drier climate during the rainy season and a wetter climate during the dry season. A warmer climate over NRB in all months was projected. Highest temperature increase of 3 °C occurs about 14°N in May and June, and the smallest increase of 0. 5 °C occurs below 8°N in wet-dry transition period. Evaporation reduces during wet season and increases during the dry periods. Humidity increases by 2 % in the dry season, but decreases by 2-4 % in the wet season. Maximum change in moisture influx of 20. 7 % and outflux of 20. 6 % occur in June and July, respectively. β is projected to decrease in 75 % of the months with biggest relative change of -18. 4 % in June. The projected decrease in precipitation efficiency (ρ) during the wet season reaches -20. 3 % in June. For PRS run, about 66 % of the available atmospheric moisture in NRB precipitates between June and September, of which around 21 % originates from local evaporation. The result suggests that under enhanced GHGs, local evaporation will contribute less to atmospheric moisture and precipitation over the basin. Projected changes in rainfall and streamflow for Upper Niger and Benue sub-basin are significantly different during the wet season. © 2012 Springer-Verlag. | Climate change; Hydroclimatology; Moisture recycling ratios; Niger River Basin; Water balance | atmospheric moisture; climate change; climate effect; evaporation; general circulation model; greenhouse gas; high temperature; precipitation (climatology); rainfall; regional climate; relative humidity; river basin; streamflow; water availability; water budget; Benue; Niger Basin; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875863444 | The impact of climate change on the incidence of cattle diseases in a pastoral area of Kenya | Moenga B.O., Muchemi G.M., Kang'ethe E.K., Kimenju J.W., Mutiga E.R., Matete G.O. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 4 | None | Department of Veterinary Services, P. O. Private bag, 00625, Kabete VetLabs, Kenya; College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Food And Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Ngecha Rd Offices Off Lower Kabete Road, Kenya | Moenga, B.O., Department of Veterinary Services, P. O. Private bag, 00625, Kabete VetLabs, Kenya; Muchemi, G.M., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Kang'ethe, E.K., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Kimenju, J.W., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Mutiga, E.R., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Matete, G.O., Food And Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Ngecha Rd Offices Off Lower Kabete Road, Kenya | Participatory epidemiological methods were used to establish local perceptions and livestock owner's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of risk factors of climate variability, the seasonal variations in incidences of livestock diseases, disease vectors, intermediate hosts and rainfall that affect incidences of cattle diseases in pastoral Rift valley of Kenya. Factors influenced by climate change and that could affect livestock diseases include the molecular biology of the pathogen itself; vectors (if any); farming practice and land use; zoological and environmental factors; and the establishment of new microenvironments and microclimates. East coast fever had the highest (68%) morbidity rate of all the five diseases and appeared to affect the adults - (26%) than the weaners - (21%) and calves - (21%) classes respectively. However, mortality was slightly more in the younger age classes. Foot and mouth disease had the second highest reported morbidity at 52% and affected slightly more of the weaners' and adults (20%) than it did the calves (15%). The interaction of these factors were an important consideration in forecasting how livestock diseases particularly ECF and FMD occur. The findings conclude that the future for traditional pastoralists is dismal because they continue to depend on an environment that may no longer support them. Risk assessments focus on looking for combinations of factors that may be directly affected by climate change or that may be indirectly affected through changes in human activity, such as land use (e.g. deforestation), transport and movement of animals, intensity of livestock farming and habitat change is proposed. These may be used to screen for the emergence of unexpected disease events, recommend disease management practices and policy measures to mitigate the impact of climate variability on the spread of livestock diseases. | Adaption; Participatory epidemiological methods; Pastoralists | Animalia; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928765425 | The impact of climate change on net revenue and food adequacy of subsistence farming households in South Africa | Tibesigwa B., Visser M., Turpie J. | 2014 | Environment and Development Economics | 20 | 3 | 10.1017/S1355770X14000540 | Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Tibesigwa, B., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Visser, M., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Turpie, J., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of climate change on poor households across South Africa who practise subsistence farming to supplement their household income and dietary requirements. We consider three production systems: specialized crops, livestock and mixed crop-livestock farming. In general, we find specialized crop farmers to be the most vulnerable, while mixed crop-livestock farmers appear to be least vulnerable, suggesting that crop-livestock diversification is a potential coping strategy among poor subsistence farming households. We observe qualitatively similar results when we use self-reported food adequacy as the outcome. Furthermore, predicted impact shows that the climatic changes will be mildly harmful at first but will grow over time and lead to a 151 per cent loss in net revenue by the year 2080. Interestingly, we observe that crop farmers receive higher revenue when land is owned by the household, while on the other hand, livestock farmers earn more revenue when the land is communal. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902951991 | The impact of climate change on indigenous peoples' land tenure and use: The case for a regional policy in Africa | Hansungule M., Jegede A.O. | 2014 | International Journal on Minority and Group Rights | 21 | 2 | 10.1163/15718115-02102004 | Law and Human Rights, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Hansungule, M., Law and Human Rights, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Jegede, A.O., Law and Human Rights, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | In Africa, owing to a lifestyle that is culturally and collectively dependent on land and its natural resources, indigenous peoples are adversely affected by climate change. This is despite the fact that they contribute least to its cause. While this situation requires the protection of indigenous peoples' land tenure and use, this is generally not yet the reality in the domestic laws of states in Africa. Premised on four propositions, this article makes a case for a regional policy to safeguard indigenous peoples' land tenure and use in the light of climate change challenge in Africa. In the main, the propositions are: the indigenous peoples have a distinctive perception of land tenure and use relevant for adaptation and mitigation purposes; the land tenure and use is adversely affected by climate change; there is weak protection of indigenous peoples' land tenure and use under the national and international climate change response frameworks, particularly the National Adaptation Programmes Plan of Action (NAPA) documentation as well as land-related Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and REDD+ mitigation initiatives; and there are emerging regional activities with the potential to crystallise into a statement of policy. The proposed policy which should embody detailed normative and institutional safeguards on land tenure and use, the article recommends, can be initiated by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Commission) for the protection of indigenous peoples facing the adverse impact of climate change in Africa. © 2014 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. | adaptation; African Commission; AMCEN; CDM; climate change; indigenous peoples | adaptive management; clean development mechanism; climate change; indigenous population; land tenure; land use; regional policy; Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868689279 | The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica): Predicting Future Trends and Identifying Priorities | Davis A.P., Gole T.W., Baena S., Moat J. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0047981 | The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom; Environment and Coffee Forest Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Davis, A.P., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom; Gole, T.W., Environment and Coffee Forest Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Baena, S., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom; Moat, J., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom | Precise modelling of the influence of climate change on Arabica coffee is limited; there are no data available for indigenous populations of this species. In this study we model the present and future predicted distribution of indigenous Arabica, and identify priorities in order to facilitate appropriate decision making for conservation, monitoring and future research. Using distribution data we perform bioclimatic modelling and examine future distribution with the HadCM3 climate model for three emission scenarios (A1B, A2A, B2A) over three time intervals (2020, 2050, 2080). The models show a profoundly negative influence on indigenous Arabica. In a locality analysis the most favourable outcome is a c. 65% reduction in the number of pre-existing bioclimatically suitable localities, and at worst an almost 100% reduction, by 2080. In an area analysis the most favourable outcome is a 38% reduction in suitable bioclimatic space, and the least favourable a c. 90% reduction, by 2080. Based on known occurrences and ecological tolerances of Arabica, bioclimatic unsuitability would place populations in peril, leading to severe stress and a high risk of extinction. This study establishes a fundamental baseline for assessing the consequences of climate change on wild populations of Arabica coffee. Specifically, it: (1) identifies and categorizes localities and areas that are predicted to be under threat from climate change now and in the short- to medium-term (2020-2050), representing assessment priorities for ex situ conservation; (2) identifies 'core localities' that could have the potential to withstand climate change until at least 2080, and therefore serve as long-term in situ storehouses for coffee genetic resources; (3) provides the location and characterization of target locations (populations) for on-the-ground monitoring of climate change influence. Arabica coffee is confimed as a climate sensitivite species, supporting data and inference that existing plantations will be neagtively impacted by climate change. © 2012 Davis et al. | None | article; climate change; coffee; environmental stress; futurology; genetic resource; nonhuman; prediction; species conservation; species distribution; species extinction; wild plant; Area Under Curve; Climate Change; Coffea; Coffee; Ecosystem; Ethiopia; Kenya; Models, Biological; Sudan; Coffea arabica | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349538816 | The impact of climate change on groundwater recharge and runoff in a humid, equatorial catchment: Sensitivity of projections to rainfall intensity | Mileham L., Taylor R.G., Todd M., Tindimugaya C., Thompson J. | 2009 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 54 | 4 | 10.1623/hysj.54.4.727 | Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Directorate of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda | Mileham, L., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Taylor, R.G., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Todd, M., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Tindimugaya, C., Directorate of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda; Thompson, J., Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom | Projected warming in equatorial Africa, accompanied by greater evaporation and more frequent heavy precipitation events, may have substantial but uncertain impacts on terrestrial hydrology. Quantitative analyses of climate change impacts on catchment hydrology require high-resolution (<50 km) climate data provided by regional climate models (RCMs). We apply validated precipitation and temperature data from the RCM PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) to a semi-distributed soil moisture balance model (SMBM) in order to quantify the impacts of climate change on groundwater recharge and runoff in a medium-sized catchment (2098 km2) in the humid tropics of southwestern Uganda. The SMBM explicitly accounts for changes in soil moisture, and partitions effective precipitation into groundwater recharge and runoff. Under the A2 emissions scenario (2070-2100), climate projections from PRECIS feature not only rises in catchment precipitation and modelled potential evapotranspiration by 14% and 53%, respectively, but also increases in rainfall intensity. We show that the common application of the historical rainfall distribution using delta factors to the SMBM grossly underestimates groundwater recharge (i.e. 55% decrease relative to the baseline period of 1961-1990). By transforming the rainfall distribution to account for changes in rainfall intensity, we project increases in recharge and runoff of 53% and 137%, respectively, relative to the baseline period. Copyright © 2009 IAHS Press. | Africa; Climate change; Groundwater; Precipitation; Recharge; Runoff; Uganda | Africa; Catchment hydrology; Climate change impact; Climate data; Climate projection; Emissions scenarios; Equatorial Africa; Ground water recharge; Heavy precipitation; High resolution; Humid tropics; Impact study; Potential evapotranspiration; Precipitation; Quantitative analysis; Rainfall distribution; Rainfall intensity; Recharge; Regional climate; Regional climate models; Temperature data; Uganda; Catchments; Geologic models; Hydrogeology; Moisture determination; Permittivity; Rain; Recharging (underground waters); Runoff; Soil moisture; Uncertainty analysis; Water supply; Climate change; catchment; climate change; climate modeling; groundwater flow; precipitation intensity; rainfall; recharge; runoff; sensitivity analysis; Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926370062 | The impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa | Ofori-Boateng K., Insah B. | 2014 | International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management | 6 | 3 | 10.1108/IJCCSM-01-2013-0007 | GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota-Accra, Ghana; Business School, Wa Polytechnic, Wa, Ghana | Ofori-Boateng, K., GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota-Accra, Ghana; Insah, B., Business School, Wa Polytechnic, Wa, Ghana | Purpose – The study aimed at examining the current and future impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa. Design/methodology/approach – A translog production function based on crop yield response framework was used. A panel model was estimated using data drawn from cocoa-producing countries in West Africa. An in-sample simulation was used to determine the predictive power of the model. In addition, an out-sample simulation revealed the effect of future trends of temperature and precipitation on cocoa output. Findings – Temperature and precipitation play a considerable role in cocoa production in West Africa. It was established that extreme temperature adversely affected cocoa output in the sub-region. Furthermore, increasing temperature and declining precipitation trends will reduce cocoa output in the future. Practical implications – An important implication of this study is the recognition that lagging effects are the determinants of cocoa output and not coincident effects. This finds support from the agronomic point of view considering the gestation period of the cocoa crop. Originality/value – Although several studies have been carried out in this area, this study modeled and estimated the interacting effects of factors that influence cocoa production. This is closer to reality, as climatic factors and agricultural inputs combine to yield output. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Climate change; Cocoa output; Panel; Precipitation; Translog; West Africa | climate change; cocoa; crop production; crop yield; precipitation intensity; temperature effect; West Africa; Theobroma cacao | None |
WoS | WOS:000328688700002 | The impact of church contextual factors on church-going youth's HIV prevention behaviour in Nairobi, Kenya: A cross-denominational study | Miller, Ann Neville,Ngula, Kyalo Wa | 2013 | AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH | 12 | 3 | 10.2989/16085906.2013.863213 | Florida State University System, University of Central Florida, Africa Nazarene Univ | "Miller, Ann Neville: Florida State University System","Miller, Ann Neville: University of Central Florida", | Church doctrine about sexual behaviour has long been assumed to have an impact on aspects of the sub-Saharan AIDS epidemic, and evidence suggests that Pentecostal churches have a stronger influence THAN? on the sexual behaviour of their adherents. However, few studies have investigated the denominational differences in sexual attitudes and behaviour of youths, and virtually no empirical evidence is available regarding what specific aspects of the church environment are associated with differences in the response of youths to church messaging about sexual behaviour. This study examined those factors among church-going youth in Nairobi, Kenya. Separate focus groups with male and female youths were conducted in four mainline and three Pentecostal/evangelical (P/E) churches, and in-depth interviews were conducted with youth pastors or pastors of five of those churches. Content of church teaching as reported by youths and pastors did not differ between denominations. However, amount and context of teaching did vary, with P/E churches reportedly offering more teaching about sex to their youth. In addition, P/E churches appeared to provide a more intense experience of community than mainline churches, a situation that may create a context within which abstinence appears to be a reasonable life choice. | churches,Pentecostals,"youth HIV prevention",AIDS-PREVENTION,CAMPAIGN,COMMUNICATION,EXPOSURE,HIV/AIDS,MOZAMBIQUE,RELIGION,STUDENTS,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TALK | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84895056660 | The impact of chronic untreated hyperglycaemia on the long-term stability of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and antioxidant status in human sera | Macharia M., Kengne A.P., Blackhurst D.M., Erasmus R.T., Matsha T.E. | 2014 | Journal of Clinical Pathology | 67 | 1 | 10.1136/jclinpath-2013-201646 | Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; NCRP for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, South African Medical Research Council, Niversity of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Lipid Laboratory, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa | Macharia, M., Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Kengne, A.P., NCRP for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, South African Medical Research Council, Niversity of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Blackhurst, D.M., Lipid Laboratory, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Matsha, T.E., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa | Aims: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is increasingly measured on samples that have been stored for extended durations. The impact of storage and baseline conditions on the stability of the enzyme is however not well documented. We investigated the in fluence of hyperglycaemia on the stability of PON1 activity and antioxidant status in human sera stored for 12 months. Methods: Blood was collected from 60 individuals aged 35-80 years with chronic hyperglycaemia (HbA1c≥6.5%) or normoglycaemia (HbA1c<6.5%) in Cape Town. At baseline and after 12 months at -80°C, levels of PON1 activity ( paraoxoase and arylesterase), antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde and oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)) were measured and compared. Results: In normoglycaemic samples, 12-month storage led to minor alterations of <10% for the six target variables. In hyperglycaemic samples, alterations ranged from 13% for AREase activity to about 23% for ox-LDLs indicating a twofold to fourfold difference between the two groups in the variables assessed. Changes in levels of FRAP, TEAC and ox-LDL were both statistically and clinically significant. Furthermore, there was evidence of significant statistical interaction by baseline glycaemic status on the alteration of FRAP, TEAC, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and ox-LDL, but not for PON1 activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that baseline glycaemic status may contribute to a decline in the stability of antioxidant activity and extent of lipid peroxidation but not PON activity. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894824260 | The impact of chronic pseudomonal infection on pulmonary function testing in individuals with cystic fibrosis in Pretoria, South Africa | Pentz A., Becker P., Masekela R., Coetzee O., Green R.J. | 2014 | South African Medical Journal | 104 | 3 | 10.7196/SAMJ.7222 | Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Pentz, A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Becker, P., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masekela, R., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Coetzee, O., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Green, R.J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Background. Colonisation of the airway by Pseudomonas spp. in cystic fibrosis has been reported to be an important determinant of decline in pulmonary function. Objective. To assess pulmonary function decline and the presence of bacterial colonisation in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) attending a CF clinic in a developing country. Methods. A retrospective audit of patients attending the CF clinic at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, was performed. The data included spirometric indices and organisms routinely cultured from airway secretions (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA)). Results. There were 29 study subjects. Analysis of variance for ranks (after determining that baseline pulmonary function, age, gender and period of follow-up were not contributing to pulmonary function decline) revealed a median decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow over 25 - 75% expiration of 12%, 6% and 3%, respectively, for individuals colonised by PA. There was no pulmonary function decline in individuals not colonised by PA, or in individuals colonised by SA. Conclusion. Pulmonary function decline in this South African centre is significantly influenced by chronic pseudomonal infection. Other influences on this phenomenon should be explored. | Cystic fibrosis; Pseudomonal infection; Pulmonary function decline | adolescent; adult; article; bacterial colonization; child; cystic fibrosis; forced expiratory flow; forced expiratory volume; forced vital capacity; genetic screening; human; infant; lung function; major clinical study; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; retrospective study; spirometry; sputum analysis; Staphylococcus aureus; sweat test; Child; Chronic Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Female; Humans; Lung; Male; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas Infections; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Spirometry; Staphylococcal Infections | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901345573 | The impact of chronic pain on the quality of life of patients attending primary healthcare clinics | Rauf W.N., Meyer H.P., Marcus T.S., Becker P.J. | 2014 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 20 | 2 | None | Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Rauf, W.N., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Meyer, H.P., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Marcus, T.S., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Becker, P.J., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Objectives: The objective was to study the nature and magnitude of the impact of pain on the quality of life of patients with chronic pain. Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study. Setting and subjects: One thousand and sixty-six adult patients were screened between October and December 2010 in four primary healthcare clinics in south-west Tshwane. Outcome measures: Patients reporting persistent pain for six months or longer were considered to be chronic pain patients (437, 41%), and were interviewed with regard to the impact of chronic pain on their quality of life using the Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and nineteen patients (95.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 93.6-97.6) of chronic pain patients reported that chronic pain impacted on their quality of life and functioning. Sixty-eight per cent of patients (95% CI: 63.3- 72.4) reported being severely adversely affected by chronic pain. Pain had a severe impact on sleep quality in 39.2% patients, walking ability (37.4%), routine housework (33.8%), mood (20.1%), interpersonal relationships (15.3%) and enjoyment of life (16.3%). The more intense the experience of severe pain was, the greater the impact of chronic pain on everyday life (p-value < 0.001). Equally, patients with better pain relief enjoyed a better quality of life (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients attending primary healthcare clinics experience chronic pain which impacts on their lives in multiple and significant ways. © SASA. | Chronic pain; Impact; Pain intensity; Pain relief; Persistent pain; Primary health care; Quality of life | adult; aged; article; chronic pain; cross-sectional study; daily life activity; depression; descriptive research; female; human; human relation; major clinical study; male; middle aged; multicenter study; primary health care; quality of life; quantitative study; questionnaire; sleep quality; South Africa; walking; Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire; young adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881344101 | The Impact of Choice of NNRTI on Short-Term Treatment Outcomes among HIV-Infected Patients Prescribed Tenofovir and Lamivudine in Johannesburg, South Africa | Shearer K., Fox M.P., Maskew M., Berhanu R., Long L., Sanne I. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0071719 | Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Shearer, K., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fox, M.P., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Maskew, M., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Berhanu, R., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Long, L., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sanne, I., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa, Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Introduction:Recent WHO guidelines for resource-limited settings recommend tenofovir in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) yet there are suggestions that patients receiving nevirapine with tenofovir have worse outcomes than those receiving efavirenz. We sought to compare outcomes among those taking nevirapine vs. efavirenz with tenofovir and lamivudine.Methods:We analyzed data on ART naïve, non-pregnant patients, ≥18 years old without tuberculosis co-infection, initiating tenofovir with lamivudine and either nevirapine or efavirenz between April 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011 (when South Africa's public-sector use of tenofovir began) at Themba Lethu Clinic in South Africa. We measured virologic suppression (viral load <400 copies/ml), virologic failure (2 consecutive viral loads >1000 copies/ml), and attrition (death/loss to follow-up) all at 12 months after ART initiation. Modified Poisson regression with robust error estimation was used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predictors of each outcome.Results:2,254 patients were prescribed efavirenz, 131 nevirapine. Patients were followed a median (range) of 12.0 (0.1-12.0) person-months. 62.2% were female and median (IQR) age was 37.7 years (31.5-44.1). Patients prescribed efavirenz had similar initiating CD4 counts (median 132 for both regimens) but were somewhat more likely to be WHO Stage III or IV (39.6% vs. 33.6%) than those prescribed nevirapine. No difference in attrition was found (aRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.49-1.41). Among patients with ≥1 viral load within 1 year on ART, those prescribed nevirapine were as likely to reach virologic suppression (aRR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.88-1.07) but more likely to experience virologic failure (aRR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02-3.31) than those prescribed efavirenz.Conclusions:Our results support the notion that, among patients prescribed tenofovir and lamivudine, virologic failure is more common among those taking nevirapine than among those taking efavirenz. Longer-term follow up and larger studies will be needed to confirm this finding. © 2013 Shearer et al. | None | lamivudine; nevirapine; tenofovir; adult; article; controlled study; drug choice; drug efficacy; drug response; drug treatment failure; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; major clinical study; male; medical society; nonhuman; outcome assessment; patient assessment; prescription; risk assessment; risk factor; short course therapy; South Africa; virus load | NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH, National Institutes of Health |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930576800 | The Impact of Chinese Import Penetration on the South African Manufacturing Sector | Edwards L., Jenkins R. | 2015 | Journal of Development Studies | 51 | 4 | 10.1080/00220388.2014.983912 | Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | Edwards, L., Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Jenkins, R., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | Abstract: This article uses a Chenery-type decomposition and econometric estimation to evaluate the impact of Chinese trade on production and employment in South African manufacturing from 1992 to 2010. The results suggest that increased import penetration from China caused South African manufacturing output to be 5 per cent lower in 2010 than it otherwise would have been. The estimated reduction of total employment in manufacturing as a result of trade with China is larger – in 2010 about 8 per cent – because the declines in output were concentrated on labour-intensive industries and because the increase in imports raised labour productivity within industries. © 2015 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis. | None | employment; import; international trade; labor productivity; manufacturing; trade relations; China; South Africa | ES/1035125/1, ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889092904 | The impact of childhood adversity on suicidality and clinical course in treatment-resistant depression | Tunnard C., Rane L.J., Wooderson S.C., Markopoulou K., Poon L., Fekadu A., Juruena M., Cleare A.J. | 2014 | Journal of Affective Disorders | None | 1 | 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.037 | Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom; National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Department of Neurosciences and Behaviour, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil | Tunnard, C., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Rane, L.J., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Wooderson, S.C., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Markopoulou, K., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Poon, L., National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Fekadu, A., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Juruena, M., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, Department of Neurosciences and Behaviour, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Cleare, A.J., Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, 103 Denmark Hill, Box P074, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom, National Affective Disorder Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom | Background Childhood adversity is a risk factor for the development of depression and can also affect clinical course. We investigated this specifically in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods One hundred and thirty-seven patients with TRD previously admitted to an inpatient affective disorders unit were included. Clinical, demographic and childhood adversity (physical, sexual, emotional abuse; bullying victimization, traumatic events) data were obtained during admission. Associations between childhood adversity, depressive symptoms and clinical course were investigated. Results Most patients had experienced childhood adversity (62%), with traumatic events (35%) and bullying victimization (29%) most commonly reported. Childhood adversity was associated with poorer clinical course, including earlier age of onset, episode persistence and recurrence. Logistic regression analyses revealed childhood adversity predicted lifetime suicide attempts (OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.14, 6.84) and childhood physical abuse predicted lifetime psychosis (OR 3.42; 95% CI 1.00, 11.70). Limitations The cross-sectional design and retrospective measurement of childhood adversity are limitations of the study. Conclusions Childhood adversity was common amongst these TRD patients and was associated with poor clinical course, psychosis and suicide attempts. Routine assessment of early adversity may help identify at risk individuals and inform clinical intervention. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Abuse; Childhood adversity; Childhood trauma; Early life stress; Refractory depression; Suicide; Treatment-resistant depression | anxiolytic agent; hypnotic agent; mood stabilizer; neuroleptic agent; adult; article; bipolar disorder; bullying; child abuse; child sexual abuse; childhood injury; depression; disease course; early life stress; emotional abuse; female; human; logistic regression analysis; major clinical study; major depression; male; onset age; priority journal; psychosis; recurrent disease; suicidal behavior; suicide attempt; symptom; victim; cross-sectional study; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; life event; middle aged; psychologic test; psychological rating scale; psychology; risk factor; severity of illness index; treatment outcome; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse; Age of Onset; Bullying; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; Female; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Life Change Events; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Suicide, Attempted; Treatment Outcome | NIHR, National Institute for Health Research |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-35448972889 | The impact of changes in the work environment on the place-identity of academics: An exploratory study | Segalo P. | 2007 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 17 | 42371 | None | University of South Africa, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Segalo, P., University of South Africa, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | The study examined the Impact of changes in the work environment on the construction of place-identity among university academics. Data were collected from five academics at a large distance learning university in South Africa. The Institution was undergoing major structural changes at the time of the study. Unstructured questions were used for the data collection. These data were analysed using content analysis and the results suggested academics construct identities towards their place of work and changes to this place may be perceived as a threat. Copyright © 2007 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Change; Identity; Physical environment; Place-identity; Workplace | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869862213 | The impact of central corneal thickness on intraocular pressure among Ethiopian glaucoma patients: A cross-sectional study | Gelaw Y. | 2012 | BMC Ophthalmology | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2415-12-58 | Department of Ophthalmology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | Gelaw, Y., Department of Ophthalmology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | Background: Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only causal risk factor for glaucoma that can be therapeutically manipulated to change the course of the disease process. Though Goldman applanation tonometry (GAT) is the "gold standard" for IOP measurement, readings of IOP with GAT are affected by central corneal thickness (CCT). The aim of this study is to determine the impact of CCT on IOP among Ethiopian glaucoma patients. Methods. It was a multicenter cross-sectional study and all glaucoma patients visiting their respective eye clinic during the study period were included. A total of 199 randomly selected glaucomatous eyes from 199 patients aged 18 years and above were employed. The CCT was measured by OcuScan™ RxP Ophthalmic Ultrasound and IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer. Linear regression and bivariate correlation analysis were carried out and level of significance was taken at 5%. Results: The mean IOP was 19.46(±7.05) mmHg and mean CCT was 508.07(±33.26) μm. The mean IOP for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension (OHT), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) and primary chronic angle closure glaucoma (PCAG) patients was 19.22 mmHg, 21.39 mmHg, 14.33 mmHg, 33.25 mmHg and 14.75 mmHg respectively. The mean CCT values were 502.24 μm (POAG), 524.32 μm (OHT), 500.75 μm (NTG), 579.00 μm (PXG) and 530.25 μm (PCAG). Age of the patient and glaucoma surgery had an influence on corneal thickness. A positive relationship was found between CCT and IOP (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The mean CCT of Ethiopian glaucoma patients is thin in comparison to other ethnic groups and patients with OHT have thicker corneas than POAG patients. Hence determination of CCT for each patient is necessary in the up-to-date glaucoma management. © 2012 Gelaw; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Central corneal thickness; Glaucoma; Intraocular pressure; Pachymeter | adolescent; adult; aged; article; comparative study; cornea; cross-sectional study; echography; Ethiopia; female; glaucoma; human; incidence; intraocular pressure; male; middle aged; multicenter study; oculoplethysmography; pathophysiology; physiology; retrospective study; risk factor; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cornea; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Female; Glaucoma; Humans; Incidence; Intraocular Pressure; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tonometry, Ocular; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649371126 | The impact of cataract surgery on health related quality of life in kenya, the Philippines, and Bangladesh | Polack S., Eusebio C., Mathenge W., Wadud Z., Mamunur A.K.M., Fletcher A., Foster A., Kuper H. | 2010 | Ophthalmic Epidemiology | 17 | 6 | 10.3109/09286586.2010.528136 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; CSS Rawm Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh | Polack, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Eusebio, C., Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Mathenge, W., Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Wadud, Z., Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Mamunur, A.K.M., CSS Rawm Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh; Fletcher, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Foster, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Kuper, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Purpose: To assess the impact of cataract surgery on vision related quality of life (VRQoL) and generic health related quality of life (HRQoL) in Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Methods: A multi-center intervention study was conducted. At baseline 651 cases aged ≥50 years with visually impairing cataract (corrected visual acuity (VA) <6/24) and 561 age-gender-matched controls with normal vision (VA>6/18) were interviewed about VRQoL (using the World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness and Deafness 20-item Visual Functioning Questionnaire [WHO/PBD VF20]) and generic HRQoL (EuroQol). Cases were offered free/subsidized cataract surgery. Approximately 1 year later participants were re-interviewed. Results: Response rate at follow up was 84% for operated cases and 80% for controls. At baseline, cases had significantly poorer VRQoL scores, were more likely to report problems with the EuroQol 5D five descriptive (EQ-SD) domains (mobility, daily activities, self-care, pain, depression/anxiety) and had significantly poorer self-rated health compared to controls. At follow up VRQoL scores of operated cases improved significantly to approximately equal those of controls. Effect sizes were large (> 0.8) regardless of pre-operative VA. Poor outcome from surgery (VA < 6/60) was associated with smaller VRQoL gains. Among operated cases frequency of reported problems with all the EQ-5D reduced significantly compared to baseline in Kenya and the Philippines, and in mobility, daily activities and self-care in Bangladesh. Self-rated health scores increased significantly in each country. HRQoL of controls remained stable from baseline to follow up. Conclusion: This study among adults undergoing cataract surgery in 3 different low-income settings found evidence of improved VRQoL and generic HRQoL to approximately equal that of controls with normal vision. © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. | Bangladesh; Cataract surgery; Health related quality of life; Kenya; Low-income countries; Philippines; Vision related quality of life | aged; anxiety; article; Bangladesh; cataract; cataract extraction; controlled study; daily life activity; depression; female; follow up; human; Kenya; major clinical study; male; pain; Philippines; prediction; priority journal; quality of life; questionnaire; self care; visual acuity; world health organization; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bangladesh; Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Female; Health Status; Humans; Kenya; Male; Philippines; Poverty; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Sickness Impact Profile; Vision, Low; Vision, Ocular; Visual Acuity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956211948 | The impact of cataract surgery on activities and time-use: Results from a longitudinal study in Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines | Polack S., Eusebio C., Mathenge W., Wadud Z., Rashid M., Foster A., Kuper H. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0010913 | Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Eye Unit, Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; CSS, Rawm Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh | Polack, S., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Eusebio, C., Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Mathenge, W., Eye Unit, Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Wadud, Z., Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Rashid, M., CSS, Rawm Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh; Foster, A., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Kuper, H., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and blindness from cataract is particularly common in low-income countries. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of cataract surgery on daily activities and time-use in Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Methods/Principal Findings: Amulti-centre intervention study was conducted in three countries. Time-use data were collected through interview fromcases aged≥50 years with visually impairing cataract (VA<6/24) and age- and gender-matched controls with normal vision (VA≥6/18). Cases were offered free/subsidized cataract surgery. Approximately one year later participants were re-interviewed about time-use. At baseline across the three countries there were 651 cases and 571 controls. Fifty-five percent of cases accepted surgery. Response rate at follow up was 84% (303 out of 361) for operated cases, and 80% (459 out of 571) for controls. At baseline, cases were less likely to carry out and spent less time on productive activities (paid and non-paid work) and spent more time in "inactivity" compared to controls. Approximately one year after cataract surgery, operated cases were more likely to undertake productive activities compared to baseline (Kenya from 55% to 88%; Bangladesh 60% to 95% and Philippines 81% to 94%, p<0.001) and mean time spent on productive activities increased by one-two hours in each setting (p<0.001). Time spent in "inactivity" in Kenya and Bangladesh decreased by approximately two hours (p<0.001). Frequency of reported assistance with activities was more than halved in each setting (p<0.001). Conclusions/Significance: The empirical evidence provided by this study of increased time spent on productive activities, reduced time in inactivity and reduced assistance following cataract surgery among older adults in low-income settings has positive implications for well-being and inclusion, and supports arguments of economic benefit at the household level from cataract surgery. © 2010 Polack et al. | None | adult; aged; article; Bangladesh; cataract; cataract extraction; clinical assessment; controlled study; daily life activity; female; human; interview; Kenya; leisure; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; Philippines; time; treatment response; daily life activity; middle aged; quality of life; Activities of Daily Living; Bangladesh; Cataract Extraction; Humans; Kenya; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Philippines; Quality of Life | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57449122062 | The impact of cataract on time-use: Results from a population based case-control study in Kenya, the Philippines and Bangladesh | Polack S., Kuper H., Eusebio C., Mathenge W., Wadud Z., Foster A. | 2008 | Ophthalmic Epidemiology | 15 | 6 | 10.1080/09286580802478716 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Polack, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Kuper, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Eusebio, C., Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Bacolod, Philippines; Mathenge, W., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya; Wadud, Z., Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Foster, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Purpose: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and is particularly common in low-income countries. Cataract is asserted to increase poverty through reduced productivity; however there is a lack of empirical data supporting this claim. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between visual impairment from cataract with time-use in adults (aged ≥ 50 years) in Kenya, Bangladesh, and The Philippines. Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted in three countries. Detailed time-use data were collected through interview from 139, 216 and 238 cases with visually impairing cataract and 124, 280 and 163 controls with normal vision in Kenya, Bangladesh and Philippines, respectively during 2005-2006. Results: Cases were substantially less likely than controls to participate in productive activities, including paid work and non-market activities (odds ratio [OR] across three countries is 0.2 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.3) and in leisure outside of the household (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9). Among cases, those with more severe visual impairment spent significantly less time on productive activities and leisure outside of the home, and more time on "no particular activity" (Kenya and Bangladesh) or leisure in the home (The Philippines). Cases were substantially more likely to require assistance in any activity than controls in Kenya (OR 9.8, 95% CI: 3.3, 29.8), Bangladesh (OR 8.6, 95% CI: 5.1-14.4) and the Philippines (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.1). Conclusions: Cataract visual impairment restricts engagement in productive and leisure activities in this population of older adults in three different low income settings. | Cataract; Daily activities; Low-income countries; Time-use; Visual impairment | adult; aged; article; Bangladesh; cataract; daily life activity; disease association; female; household; human; interview; Kenya; leisure; lowest income group; major clinical study; male; Philippines; population based case control study; priority journal; visual impairment; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bangladesh; Blindness; Cataract; Female; Humans; Kenya; Male; Middle Aged; Philippines; Population Surveillance; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930590466 | The impact of cassava effluent on the microbial and physicochemical characteristics on soil dynamics and structure | Igbinosa E.O., Igiehon O.N. | 2015 | Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences | 8 | 2 | None | Applied Microbial Processes and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Private Mail Bag 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbinosa, E.O., Applied Microbial Processes and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Private Mail Bag 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Igiehon, O.N., Applied Microbial Processes and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Private Mail Bag 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | The effects of cassava effluent on soil microbial and physicochemical properties were studied using culture-dependent and standard analytical methods. Soil samples were collected from sites polluted with cassava effluent and from adjacent sites that were not impacted with the effluent pollution. The isolation and enumeration of microbial population was carried out using standard culture-based methods. Standard analytical methods were used to assay for physicochemical properties. The highest bacterial count of 3.61×108 ± 0.12 CFU/g was recorded for polluted soil sampled from Ehor, while the lowest count of 1.3×108 ± 0.03 CFU/g was recorded in Isihor. Isihor had the highest fungal count of 2.2 ×108 ± 0.01 CFU/g from soil contaminated with cassava effluent. The fungal counts of the polluted soil were significantly lower than the bacterial counts generally (p < 0.05). The heavy metal contents of the contaminated soils were relatively higher than the uncontaminated soil (control). Unlike in the control soils, pH of the polluted soils ranged from 4.0 - 4.78. The bacteria isolated were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus macerans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aoxytoca and Escherichia coli. Eleven species of fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus were also isolated. The present study shows that the cassava effluent can have an increasing or limiting effect on the microbial diversity of the polluted soil which could also be attributed to the simultaneous impact on the physicochemical parameters of the soil. © 2015 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. | Biodiversity; Heavy metal; Microbial density; Pollution; Toxicants | Aspergillus; Bacillus subtilis; Bacteria (microorganisms); Escherichia coli; Fungi; Klebsiella; Manihot esculenta; Paenibacillus macerans; Penicillium; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rhizopus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951796580 | The impact of cash transfers on household welfare in Namibia | Levine S., van der Berg S., Yu D. | 2011 | Development Southern Africa | 28 | 1 | 10.1080/0376835X.2011.545169 | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa | Levine, S., United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa; van der Berg, S., United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa; Yu, D., United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa | Namibia has a long history of providing a universal and non-contributory old age pension, child grants using means testing and quasi-conditionalities, and other cash transfers. Multivariate analysis presented in this paper confirms that these transfers play an important role in alleviating poverty, especially for the very poor. The poverty-reducing effects of the child grants are likely to increase further as access is being rapidly expanded. However, the impact in terms of reducing Namibia's extremely high inequality is limited. The targeting of the cash transfers towards the poorest groups takes place through two main channels. For the child grant, targeting occurs as a result of the orphan status eligibility criteria, as orphans are over-represented in lowerincome households. For the universal social pension, it appears that some of the relatively less poor do not receive it even if they are eligible. Means testing of child grants appears ineffective, even without considering administrative costs. ©2011 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Child grant; Disability grant; Namibia; Old age pension; Sub-saharan Africa | child welfare; disability; elderly population; orphan; pension system; poverty alleviation; welfare impact; welfare provision; Namibia | None |
WoS | WOS:000272079000003 | The Impact of Caregiving on the Health and Well-being of Kenyan Luo Grandparents | Heh, Victor,Ice, Gillian H.,Juma, Elizabeth,Yogo, Jaja | 2010 | RESEARCH ON AGING | 32 | 1 | 10.1177/0164027509348128 | Ohio University, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | "Ice, Gillian H.: Ohio University", | As the HIV/AIDS pandemic progresses in Africa, elders are increasingly responsible for the care of orphans. Several reports suggest that elderly Africans do not have the resources to provide care and are at risk of poor health, but few studies have systematically measured health of caregivers. The Kenyan Grandparents Study is a longitudinal study designed to compare elder Luo caregivers to noncaregiving peers. Several measures of health were collected, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, glucose, and hemoglobin. In addition, self-perceived health and mental health were measured using the MOS Short-Form 36 (SF-36). It was hypothesized that caregivers would have poorer health than noncaregivers and that the difference in health would widen over the three waves of the study. Caregiving did not affect physical health but did act to decrease mental health and perceived health over time. | Africa,AGING,HIV/AIDS,ORPHANS,GLUCOCORTICOIDS,GRANDCHILDREN,ILLNESS,"KISWAHILI VERSION",PATTERNS,POPULATION,SF-36,STRESS,TANZANIA,"WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949781104 | The impact of business type and sector, location and annual turnover on competitive intelligence practice of small and medium-sized enterprises | Nenzhelele T.E. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 4CONT1 | None | Unisa, Department of Business Management, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | Nenzhelele, T.E., Unisa, Department of Business Management, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contribute much to job creation, poverty eradication, economic development and growth. Countries rely on SMEs for wealth creation and social wellbeing of their citizens. Moreover, SMEs contribute to the global competitiveness of a country. For SMEs to continue offering all these benefits to the country, they must be competitive in the midst of global competitive pressure. To gain competitive advantage, enterprises of different sizes practice Competitive Intelligence (CI). While CI practise has been widely researched in large enterprise, there is lack of CI practice research in SMEs. This research establishes the impact of business type and sector, location and annual turnover on the competitive intelligence practise of SMEs. The research was quantitative in nature and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from owners/managers of SMEs. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Competative advantage; Competitive intelligence (CI); SME's | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955108129 | The impact of burnout on the intention to quit among professional nurses in the Free State region - A national crisis? | Pienaar J.W., Bester C.L. | 2011 | South African Journal of Psychology | 41 | 1 | None | Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Pienaar, J.W., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bester, C.L., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Thousands of qualified nurses leave the South African health sector on an annual basis owing to various reasons, including burnout. Research showed that demanding work circumstances could influence employees to consider whether to leave an organisation or not. The aim of this study was to determine the level of burnout among professional nurses and to explore the potential impact of burnout on the intention to quit/change. The sample consisted of 563 professional nurses representing 140 clinics located in five health districts in the Free State region. A total of 542 (97%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Participants in the study were predominantly black (83.8%), female (89.3%), day-shift working (89.8%) and full-time employed (99.8%). The measuring tools included a biographical questionnaire, Maslach's Burnout Inventory to determine the level of burnout of professional nurses, and an Intention to Quit/Change questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences regarding burnout between different groups with varying degrees of intention to quit/change. Respondents exhibited high levels of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and average levels of Personal Accomplishment. Respondents with the highest levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization and the lowest levels of Personal Accomplishment displayed a higher degree of intention to quit/change. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Burnout; Free state; HIV; Intention to quit; Professional nurses; Stress | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908505438 | The impact of bugs reported from operational phase on successive software releases | Garmabaki A.H.S., Kapur P.K., Aggarwal A.G., Yadavali V.S.S. | 2014 | International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management | 14 | 4 | 10.1504/IJPQM.2014.065556 | Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Islamic Azad University, Nour Branch, Nour, Iran; Amity International Business School, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Operational Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; Department of Industrial and System Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Garmabaki, A.H.S., Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Islamic Azad University, Nour Branch, Nour, Iran; Kapur, P.K., Amity International Business School, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; Aggarwal, A.G., Department of Operational Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; Yadavali, V.S.S., Department of Industrial and System Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Software testing is a necessary part of software development life cycle (SDLC) to achieve a high reliable software system. In today's software environment of global competition where each company is trying to prove itself better than its competitors, software companies have to continually do up-gradation or add-ons in their software to survive in the market. Each succeeding up-gradation offers some innovative performance or new functionality, distinguishing itself from the past release. We consider the combined effect of bugs encountered during testing of present release and user reported bug from operational phase. The model developed in the paper takes into consideration the testing and the operational phase where fault removal phenomenon follows Kapur-Garg model and Weibull-model respectively. The model developed is validated on real datasets for software which has been released in the market with new features. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Multi release up-gradation; NHPP; Non-homogeneous poison process; Operational phase; Quality management; Testing phase | None | None |
None | None | The impact of buffer zone size and management on illegal extraction, park protection, and enforcement | Robinson E.J.Z., Albers H.J., Busby G.M. | 2013 | Ecological Economics | 92 | None | 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2012.06.019 | Reader in Environmental Economics, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, United Kingdom; FES/Applied Economics, Oregon State University, Richardson Hall 321, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States; Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Environment for Development Tanzania, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Robinson, E.J.Z., Reader in Environmental Economics, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, United Kingdom, Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Environment for Development Tanzania, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Albers, H.J., FES/Applied Economics, Oregon State University, Richardson Hall 321, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States, Environment for Development Tanzania, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Busby, G.M., Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States | Many protected areas or parks in developing countries have buffer zones at their boundaries to achieve the dual goals of protecting park resources and providing resource benefits to neighbouring people. Despite the prevalence of these zoning policies, few behavioural models of people's buffer zone use inform the sizing and management of those zones. This paper uses a spatially explicit resource extraction model to examine the impact of buffer zone size and management on extraction by local people, both legal and illegal, and the impact of that extraction on forest quality in the park's core and buffer zone. The results demonstrate trade-offs between the level of enforcement, the size of a buffer zone, and the amount of illegal extraction in the park; and describe implications for "enrichment" of buffer zones and evaluating patterns of forest degradation. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Buffer zone management; Costly enforcement; Forest reserves; Protected area management; Spatial economics | buffer zone; developing world; environmental degradation; nature reserve; neighborhood; numerical model; park management; protected area; trade-off | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-63449089142 | The impact of browsing-induced degradation on the reproduction of subtropical thicket canopy shrubs and trees | Sigwela A.M., Kerley G.I.H., Mills A.J., Cowling R.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Botany | 75 | 2 | 10.1016/j.sajb.2008.12.001 | Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Restoration Research Group, Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Restoration Research Group, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | Sigwela, A.M., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Mills, A.J., Restoration Research Group, Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Cowling, R.M., Restoration Research Group, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | The regeneration dynamics of South African subtropical thicket are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge hampers the development of appropriate restoration protocols in degraded landscapes. To address this we compared the magnitude of seed production and the frequency seedlings of canopy species in intact and browsing-degraded forms of Portulacaria afra-dominated thicket. Severe browsing had a negative impact on sexual reproduction of canopy species. Seed production for all species was lower in the degraded than the intact states of both vegetation types. In the case of seedlings, almost all individuals were associated with beneath-canopy microsites, irrespective of degradation status. Exceptions were P. afra, Putterlickia pyracantha and Grewia robusta. Of the 511 seedlings that we observed, 480 (94%) were found in the beneath-canopy microsite and 31 (6%) in the open. In both intact and degraded sites, there were significantly fewer seedlings (all species combined) in open microsites than would be expected on the basis of the aerial extent of this microsite. The results show firstly that preservation of remnant clumps of closed-canopy thicket in degraded landscapes is of paramount importance for restoration, and that for recruitment of a wide range of canopy species to occur outside of these remnant clumps, it is essential to restore closed-canopy conditions as speedily as possible. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Carbon credits; Portulacaria afra; Restoration; Seed production; Seedling establishment; Soil organic matter | browsing; canopy architecture; carbon dioxide; ecological impact; land degradation; landscape structure; recruitment (population dynamics); regeneration; restoration ecology; seed production; seedling establishment; sexual reproduction; shrub; soil organic matter; Grewia; Portulacaria afra; Putterlickia pyracantha; Pyracantha | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866183320 | The impact of brief quality improvement (QI) projects by medical students in primary care in Gauteng or the North West Province, South Africa | van Deventer C., Sondzaba N. | 2012 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 4 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v4i1.383 | Family Physician, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, North West Province, South Africa; Department of Family Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | van Deventer, C., Family Physician, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, North West Province, South Africa, Department of Family Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Sondzaba, N., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Background: The Integrated Primary Care (IPC) rotation is undertaken over six weeks by final year medical students at the University of Witwatersrand. Students are placed in either rural or urban primary health care centres based in Gauteng or the North West Province. As part of the IPC rotation, students undertake short quality improvement (QI) projects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the QI projects undertaken over the period stretching from 2006 to 2010. Methods: An observational study of QI reports done by students. Project reports assessed and compared to site marks, indicators of learning assessed and individual and group marks compared. Results: Of 274 projects undertaken, 223 (81.4%) were available for evaluation. Geographical placements and QI themes were categorised. Management issues were most frequently identified as being problematic followed by chronic illnesses. Understanding and applying the principles of QI was partially achieved and gaps were identified for future projects. The most common intervention was training of personnel and design and distribution of posters or pamphlets. Conclusions: Most QI projects were well thought out and relevant to the chosen setting. In the majority of cases, a great deal of effort and creativity went into the process and skills other than clinical skills were employed such as writing, presentation of data in graphs and tables. Integration of theory and practice was achieved only partially. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901376632 | The impact of board structure on the financial performance of listed South African companies | Meyer E., de Wet J.H.V.H. | 2013 | Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition | 9 | 3 | None | University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa | Meyer, E., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa; de Wet, J.H.V.H., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa | This study focuses on the role of the corporate board of directors and the relationship between the dynamics of board structure and the financial performance of listed South African companies. The research results found that the proportion of independent non-executive directors had a significant positive effect on firm performance as measured by earnings per share and enterprise value, but had no significant effect on Tobin's Q ratio. Board ownership had a significant negative correlation with firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The number of directors serving on the corporate board had a significant positive effect on firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The study suggests that greater independent non-executive director representation, lower board share-ownership and larger board sizes should be encouraged to enhance firm performance. | Board composition; Board ownership; Board size; Corporate governance; Earnings per Share; Enterprise value; Independent non-executive directors; Tobin's Q ratio | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67049158407 | The impact of blood glucose and cholesterol levels on the manifestation of psychiatric disorders | Owiredu W.K.B.A., Appiah-Poku J., Adusei-Poku F., Amidu N., Osei Y. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 12 | 3 | 10.3923/pjbs.2009.252.257 | Department of Molecular Medicine; Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana | Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana; Appiah-Poku, J., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana; Adusei-Poku, F., Department of Molecular Medicine; Amidu, N., Department of Molecular Medicine; Osei, Y., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana | This study examined possible association of fasting glucose and lipid abnormalities in psychiatric patients on conventional antipsychotic medications. A total of 305 subjects were used for the study, comprising 203 clinically diagnosed psychiatric patients and 102 non-psychiatric subjects used as control at the psychiatric clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Questionnaires were administered, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements undertaken. Fasting blood samples were taken for glucose and total cholesterol. The patients included those treated with conventional antipsychotic agents. It was noted, that there were higher rates of diabetes (22.17%) and lipid abnormalities (42.43%) with lower rate of hypertension (5.91%) and obesity (5.91%) across the sample as compared to control. This finding suggests that the high prevalence of diabetes and lipid abnormalities, in a young, psychiatrically ill population makes the case for aggressive screening. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Diabetes; Hypercholesterolemia; Obesity; Psychiatric disorder; Risk factors | cholesterol; adolescent; adult; anthropometry; article; blood; child; comorbidity; female; Ghana; glucose blood level; human; male; mental disease; metabolism; middle aged; pathophysiology; risk factor; Adolescent; Adult; Anthropometry; Blood Glucose; Child; Cholesterol; Comorbidity; Female; Ghana; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052100135 | The impact of blood and seminal plasma zinc and copper concentrations on spermogram and hormonal changes in infertile Nigerian men | Akinloye O., Abbiyesuku F.M., Oguntibeju O.O., Arowojolu A.O., Truter E.J. | 2011 | Reproductive Biology | 11 | 2 | None | Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Akinloye, O., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Abbiyesuku, F.M., Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Oguntibeju, O.O., Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Arowojolu, A.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Truter, E.J., Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa | Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligozoospermic and 20 azoospermic) and 40 males with evidence of fertility (normozoospermic; controls) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were correlated with the subject's spermogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentration of zinc was significantly (p<0.01) higher in oligozoospermic males when compared to azoospermic subjects and controls. The ratios of serum Zn to seminal plasma Zn were 1:1, 1:3 or 1:4 in oligozoospermic, normozoospermic or azoospermic subjects, respectively. While the mean Cu concentration was significantly higher in serum than seminal plasma in all groups, the Zn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in seminal plasma than serum. The Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma was significantly (p<0.01) higher in controls compared with other groups. A significant (p<0.01) inverse correlation was observed between serum Zn and sperm counts. Similarly, seminal plasma Zn negatively correlated with spermatozoa viability. In conclusion, the measurement of serum Zn level, apart from being a good index of the assessment of prostatic secretion and function, may be considered a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male infertility. Also, a lower Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma may serve as a supportive tools in assessing male infertility. | Copper; Hormones; Male infertility; Seminal plasma; Serum; Spermogram; Zinc | copper; zinc; adult; article; blood; chemistry; drug effect; human; male; male infertility; metabolism; middle aged; Nigeria; sperm; spermatogenesis; spermatozoon; spermatozoon count; Adult; Copper; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Semen; Sperm Count; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Young Adult; Zinc | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907284081 | The impact of black economic empowerment policy on turnover and profitability of businesses in Polokwane area of Limpopo Province, South Africa | Oni O.A., Fatoki O.O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p888 | University of Limpopo, School of Economics and Management, Department of Business Management, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Oni, O.A., University of Limpopo, School of Economics and Management, Department of Business Management, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Fatoki, O.O., University of Limpopo, School of Economics and Management, Department of Business Management, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy on turnover and profitability of businesses in Polokwane area of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data was collected through the use of self-administered questionnaires in a survey. The study focused on businesses that have benefitted from BEE deals over the past 5 years. Because of the difficulty in obtaining the population of businesses that have benefitted from BEE deals over the past 5 years in the study area, purposive and snowball sampling methods were used. The questionnaires were distributed to a sample of business owners (N=38) to respond on the impact of BEE policy on turnover and profitability of businesses in the Polokwane area of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that BEE positively impacted on the turnover and profitability of businesses.95% of the respondents indicated that their annual turnover increased over the past 5 years because of the BEE tender deals and 5% indicated that BEE policy did not impact on their turnover. Furthermore, 92% of the respondents indicated that their annual profit increased over the past 5 years because of the BEE tender deal and 8% indicated that BEE policy did not impact on their profit. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the South African Government should continue to support businesses using BEE policy to stimulate employment and economic growth. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Black economic empowerment; Polokwane; Profitability; South Africa; Turnover | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891601229 | The impact of bitumen deposits on groundwater quality | Asubiojo O.I., Adebiyi F.M. | 2014 | Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects | 36 | 4 | 10.1080/15567036.2010.536819 | Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria | Asubiojo, O.I., Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria; Adebiyi, F.M., Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria | Physico-chemical and elemental characteristics of groundwaters from a bitumen deposit area in Nigeria were determined with a view to assessing their levels of accumulation by the waters from the bitumen deposit and to provide a framework for the establishment of relationships between the chemistry of the mineral deposit and the groundwaters of the area. Physico-chemical parameters were measured using standard analytical procedures, while the elemental contents were determined by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy technique. The results showed that the groundwaters have higher concentrations of elements (V, Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn), which are known to be associated with hydrocarbon formation, than regular Nigerian groundwaters, apparently due to leaching of the elements from the bitumen deposit into the waters. Comparison of the analyzed parameters with their standard permissible values indicated that the waters were not potable. This was also corroborated by the values of their pollution index. Strong and significant positive correlations existed between some of the analyzed elements (K/Fe, K/Cu, Ca/Cr, V/Pb, Ni/Zn, Ni/Pb, Ca/Zn, V/Cr, V/Mn, V/Ni, V/Zn, Cr/Mn, Mn/Ni, and Ni/Cu), indicating a common source, chemical similarity, and/or common natural background levels in the waters. Elemental clustering results indicated that analyzed transition metals showed the closest inter-element clustering and were corroborated with their Pearson correlation matrices results, indicating chemical affinity and/or similar genetic origin. Strong positive correlations were shown by the results of the cross-plot analysis of the groundwater/oil sand water fraction and groundwater/bitumen suggesting inter-element correlations between them, and also establishing relationships between the groundwaters and the bitumen deposit in the area and that contamination of any components of the ecosystem would easily affect other ecosystems. These results could be used as a fingerprint for bitumen exploration elsewhere and also for similar mineral deposit settings, such as crude oil and coal deposits. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | bitumen; element; groundwater; oil sand; total reflection X-ray fluorescence | bitumen; element; Ground-water qualities; Hydrocarbon formation; Natural background levels; Physicochemical parameters; Positive correlations; Total reflection X-ray fluorescence; Bituminous materials; Chemical analysis; Clustering algorithms; Coal deposits; Correlation methods; Deposits; Ecosystems; Electromagnetic wave reflection; Fluorescence spectroscopy; Mineral resources; Oil sands; Water quality; Groundwater | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950118323 | The impact of Bioversity International's African Leafy Vegetables programme in Kenya | Gotor E., Irungu C. | 2010 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 28 | 1 | 10.3152/146155110X488817 | Bioversity International, via dei Tre Denari, 472/a, Maccarese, Rome 00057, Italy; St Paul's University, Private Bag 00217, Limuru, Kenya | Gotor, E., Bioversity International, via dei Tre Denari, 472/a, Maccarese, Rome 00057, Italy; Irungu, C., St Paul's University, Private Bag 00217, Limuru, Kenya | An objective of Bioversity International is to promote income and food security by ensuring that agricultural biodiversity is conserved, characterised and used to improve productivity. The African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) programme was initiated and implemented to meet this objective but no impact evaluation has been carried out since its conclusion. This study aims to evaluate the role played by Bioversity and its partners in the programme, and to assess the impact of the ALVs programme on the livelihoods of farmers in four regions of Kenya. The study used both primary and secondary data. Information from the survey was complemented by focus group discussions. To assess the role of Bioversity and its partners, all the partners were identified and interviewed. Bioversity was found to have ably acted as catalyst, facilitator and coordinator of the programme. Results also showed that production, consumption and marketing of ALVs had increased since 1997, women still dominated most of the ALVs activities, and those households that marketed ALVs were relatively better off than those that did not. © IAIA 2010. | Agro-biodiversity; ALVs; Impact assessment; In-situ conservation; Kenya; Poverty alleviation | agricultural production; biodiversity; food security; leafy vegetable; poverty alleviation; productivity; Kenya | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952624587 | The impact of biofuel production on food security: A briefing paper with a particular emphasis on maize-to-ethanol production | Makenete A., Lemmer W., Kupka J. | 2008 | International Food and Agribusiness Management Review | 11 | 2 | None | Large Business, ABSA Bank Ltd and President, Southern African Biofuels Association, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa; Agricultural Economist, Industry Services, Grain South Africa, PO Box 88, Bothaville, 9660, South Africa; Agribusiness Division, ABSA Bank Ltd, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa | Makenete, A., Large Business, ABSA Bank Ltd and President, Southern African Biofuels Association, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa; Lemmer, W., Agricultural Economist, Industry Services, Grain South Africa, PO Box 88, Bothaville, 9660, South Africa; Kupka, J., Agribusiness Division, ABSA Bank Ltd, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa | A multi-feedstock approach is crucial for sustainable biofuel production in South Africa. In respect of ethanol production, biofuel producers should be allowed to draw on a range of starch-based crops including maize. A multi-feedstock approach will enable producers to select crops best suited to the agro-climate of the regions where their plants are situated and to minimize logistic costs by sourcing crops grown closest to their plants. In recent months, plans to use maize to produce ethanol have raised concerns that this could jeopardize food security in South Africa. © 2008 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IAMA). | Biofuel production; Food security; Maize | Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908161323 | The impact of biochar on the bioaccessibility of 14C-phenanthrene in aged soil | Ogbonnaya O.U., Adebisi O.O., Semple K.T. | 2014 | Environmental Sciences: Processes and Impacts | 16 | 11 | 10.1039/c4em00396a | EcoSystems Environmental Management Services Ltd, 8 Rasheed Alaba Williams Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki-Peninsula, Lagos, Nigeria; University of Ilorin, Department of Microbiology, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria; Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Ce | Ogbonnaya, O.U., EcoSystems Environmental Management Services Ltd, 8 Rasheed Alaba Williams Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki-Peninsula, Lagos, Nigeria, Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Adebisi, O.O., University of Ilorin, Department of Microbiology, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria, Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Semple, K.T., Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom | Biochar is a carbon rich product from the incomplete combustion of biomass and it has been shown to reduce bioavailability of organic contaminants through adsorption. This study investigated the influence of 0%, 1%, 5% and 10% of two different particle sized wood biochars (≤2 mm and 3-7 mm) on the bioaccessibility of 14C-phenanthrene (10 mg kg-1) in aged soil. The extent of 14C-phenanthrene mineralisation by phenanthrene-degrading Pseudomonas sp. inoculum was monitored over a 14 day period in respirometric assays and compared to hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) aqueous extraction. Notably, biochar amendments showed significant reduction in extents of mineralisation and HPCD extraction. Linear correlations between HPCD extractability and the total amount mineralised revealed good correlations, with 2 mm biochar showing a best fit (r2 = 0.97, slope = 1.11, intercept = 1.72). Biochar reduced HPCD extractability and bioaccessibility of 14C-phenanthrene to microorganisms in a similar manner. Biochar can aid risk reduction to phenanthrene exposure to biota in soil and HPCD can serve as a useful tool to assess the extent of exposure in biochar-amended soils. © 2014 the Partner Organisations. | None | 2 hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin; adsorbent; biochar; phenanthrene c 14; radioisotope; unclassified drug; biochar; charcoal; phenanthrene; phenanthrene derivative; soil; soil pollutant; aged soil; aqueous solution; Article; bioaccessibility; biomineralization; controlled study; extraction; nonhuman; Pseudomonas; reduction; respirometry; soil; soil amendment; soil inoculation; analysis; bioremediation; chemistry; microbiology; soil; soil pollutant; Biodegradation, Environmental; Charcoal; Phenanthrenes; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Soil Pollutants | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875754510 | The impact of biases in mobile phone ownership on estimates of human mobility | Wesolowski A., Eagle N., Noor A.M., Snow R.W., Buckee C.O. | 2013 | Journal of the Royal Society Interface | 10 | 81 | 10.1098/rsif.2012.0986 | Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Wesolowski, A., Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; Eagle, N., College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Noor, A.M., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Buckee, C.O., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Mobile phone data are increasingly being used to quantify the movements of human populations for a wide range of social, scientific and public health research. However, making population-level inferences using these data is complicated by differential ownership of phones among different demographic groups that may exhibit variable mobility. Here, we quantify the effects of ownership bias on mobility estimates by coupling two data sources from the same country during the same time frame. We analyse mobility patterns from one of the largest mobile phone datasets studied, representing the daily movements of nearly 15 million individuals in Kenya over the course of a year. We couple this analysis with the results from a survey of socioeconomic status, mobile phone ownership and usage patterns across the country, providing regional estimates of population distributions of income, reported airtime expenditure and actual airtime expenditure across the country. We match the two data sources and show that mobility estimates are surprisingly robust to the substantial biases in phone ownership across different geographical and socioeconomic groups. © 2013 The Authors. | Human mobility; Mobile phone; Socio-economic status | Demographic groups; Health research; Human mobility; Human population; Mobile phone datasets; Mobile phone datum; Mobility pattern; Socio-economic status; Cellular telephones; Economics; Estimation; Mobile phones; Population dynamics; Population statistics; Telephone sets; E-learning; article; human; income; Kenya; migration; mobile phone; ownership bias; social problem; social status; biological model; epidemiology; motor activity; physiology; socioeconomics; statistics; utilization review; Cellular Phone; Humans; Kenya; Models, Biological; Motor Activity; Selection Bias; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855549873 | The impact of baseline faecal egg counts on the efficacy of single-dose albendazole against Trichuris trichiura | Levecke B., Mekonnen Z., Albonico M., Vercruysse J. | 2012 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 106 | 2 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.09.007 | Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Fondazione Ivo de Carneri, Milan, Italy | Levecke, B., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium; Mekonnen, Z., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Albonico, M., Fondazione Ivo de Carneri, Milan, Italy; Vercruysse, J., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium | There is considerable variation in the efficacy of single-dose albendazole (400. mg) against Trichuris trichiura across human trials. Factors contributing to this variation have not yet been identified. We assessed the impact of mean baseline faecal egg counts (FEC) on the efficacy of single-dose albendazole against T. trichiura in five previously conducted trials. Our results suggest that efficacy measured by reduction in mean FECs decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) when mean baseline FECs increased, highlighting that this parameter should be considered as an important confounding factor for drug efficacy. [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01087099 and NCT01327469]. © 2011. | Albendazole; Anthelminthics; Confounding factor; Drug resistance; Treatment outcome; Trichuris trichiura | albendazole; adolescent; adult; article; child; drug activity; drug efficacy; feces analysis; gastrointestinal transit; human; nonhuman; preschool child; school child; single drug dose; Trichuris; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Feces; Humans; Parasite Egg Count; Treatment Outcome; Trichuriasis; Trichuris; Trichuris trichiura | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930627593 | The impact of banks and stock market development on economic growth in South Africa: An ARDL-bounds testing approach | Nyasha S., Odhiambo N.M. | 2015 | Contemporary Economics | 9 | 1 | 10.5709/ce.1897-9254.161 | UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa | Nyasha, S., UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa; Odhiambo, N.M., UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of both bank- and market-based financial development on economic growth in South Africa during the period from 1980 to 2012. Unlike some previous studies, the current study employs means-removed average to construct both bank- and market-based financial development indices. The study uses the newly developed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to examine this linkage. The empirical results of this study show that there is a positive relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The results, however, fail to find any relationship between market-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The results apply irrespective of whether the regression analysis is conducted in the short run or in the long run. These results imply that it is bank-based financial development rather than market-based financial development that plays a pivotal role in propelling South Africa’s real sector. © 2015, Wyzsza Szkola Finansow i Zarzadzania w Warszawie. All rights reserved. | Bank-based financial development; Economic growth; Market-based financial development; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960262934 | The impact of backboard size and orientation on sternum-to-spine compression depth and compression stiffness in a manikin study of CPR using two mattress types | Cloete G., Dellimore K.H., Scheffer C., Smuts M.S., Wallis L.A. | 2011 | Resuscitation | 82 | 8 | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.04.003 | Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Emergency Medicine General Manager, Medi-Clinic Ltd, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Cloete, G., Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Dellimore, K.H., Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Scheffer, C., Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Smuts, M.S., Emergency Medicine General Manager, Medi-Clinic Ltd, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Wallis, L.A., Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Objectives: To explore how backboard orientation and size impact chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: Experiments were conducted on a full-body CPR training manikin using a custom-built simulator. Two backboards of different sizes were tested in longitudinal (head to toe) and latitudinal (side to side) directions to assess the impact of size and orientation on chest compressions during CPR. The net sternum-to-spine displacement, combined mattress and sternal displacement as well as the axial reaction force were measured during each test. Results: The difference in net compression depth between the larger and smaller backboards ranged between 0.08 ± 0.30 cm and 1.47 ± 0.13 cm, while the difference in back support stiffness varied between 103.7 ± 211 N/cm and 688.1 ± 180.3. N/cm. The difference in net compression depth between the longitudinal and latitudinal backboard orientations ranged from 0.07 ± 0.32 cm to 0.34 ± 0.18 cm, while for the back support stiffness the difference was between 13.4 ± 50.0. N/cm and 592.2 ± 211.0. N/cm. Conclusions: The effect of backboard size on chest compression (CC) performance during CPR was found to be significant with the larger backboard producing deeper chest compressions and higher back support stiffness than the smaller backboard. The impact of backboard orientation was found to depend on the size of the backboard and type of mattress used. Clinicians should be aware that although a smaller backboard may be easier for rescuers to manipulate, it does not provide as effective back support or produce as deep chest compressions as a larger backboard. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Back support; Backboard; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Chest compression rate; Compression stiffness; CPR; Mechanics | aluminum; polyvinyl carbonate; polyvinyl derivative; unclassified drug; apparatus; article; audiovisual equipment; back; backboard; compression; emergency treatment; hospital bed; mattress; mechanics; priority journal; resuscitation; rigidity; spine; sternum; thorax; Beds; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Compressive Strength; Equipment Design; Heart Massage; Humans; Manikins; Patient Positioning | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893100056 | The impact of automatic teller machines on the cost efficiency of Nigeria | Adewoye J.O., Omoregie N.V. | 2013 | Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce | 18 | 3 | None | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Management and Accounting, University of Technology (LAUTECH), OGBOMOSO, Ladoke Akintola, Nigeria | Adewoye, J.O., Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Omoregie, N.V., Department of Management and Accounting, University of Technology (LAUTECH), OGBOMOSO, Ladoke Akintola, Nigeria | Banks have intensified their adoption and usage of ATMs as a major e-banking tool to generate substantial contributions to their operations and financial results. Among the expectations of the banks in deploying and usage of ATMs is improving efficiency particularly cost efficiency. There is, however, no clear evidence of banks achieving the desired returns from ATMs investments in the Nigerian banking environment. The broad objective of this study was therefore to analyze the effect of the intensity of ATMs deployment on the cost efficiency of banks in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain the determinants of ATMs deployment and to evaluate the effect of ATMs deployment on the cost efficiency of Nigerian banks. The study was carried out on twenty two commercial banks post consolidation in which twenty were selected based on purposive and multistage sampling techniques. Secondary data obtained from the five years financial reports and internal operational records of the banks were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. In ascertaining the determinants of ATMs deployment of banks in Nigeria, five factors were considered, these are bank size, bank profitability, salary level, number of banks during period of study and value of ATM transactions. Three of the five variables were found to be significant. These are: bank size, salary level and value of ATM transactions. Also in evaluating the effect of ATMs deployment on the operating cost rate and Asset management rate of banks in Nigeria, four variables were used, number of ATMs as main independent variable and bank size, salary level as well as nonperforming loans being control variables. Number of ATMs, bank size and salary level were found significant. The results showed that bank size, salary level and value of ATM transactions were key determinants of ATMs adoption by banks in Nigeria.The result also revealed that the intensity of ATMs deployment made positive contribution to the cost efficiency of Nigerian banks. © Jonathan Oyerinde Adewoye and Nosa Victor Omoregie, 2013. | ATM intensity; ATM investments; Automated Teller Machine (ATM); Cost Efficiency; Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927636415 | The impact of attachment and depression symptoms on multiple risk behaviors in post-war adolescents in northern Uganda | Okello J., Nakimuli-Mpungu E., Klasen F., Voss C., Musisi S., Broekaert E., Derluyn I. | 2015 | Journal of Affective Disorders | 180 | None | 10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.052 | Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Uganda; Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Department of Orthopedagogics, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Social Welfare Studies, Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Centre of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany | Okello, J., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Uganda, Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Nakimuli-Mpungu, E., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Uganda; Klasen, F., Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Centre of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Voss, C., Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Centre of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Musisi, S., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Uganda; Broekaert, E., Department of Orthopedagogics, Ghent University, Belgium; Derluyn, I., Department of Social Welfare Studies, Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations, Ghent University, Belgium | Background We have previously shown that depression symptoms are associated with multiple risk behaviors and that parental attachments are protective against depression symptoms in post-war adolescents. Accumulating literature indicates that low levels of attachment may sensitize individuals to increased multiple risk behaviors when depression symptoms exist. This investigation examined the interactive effects of attachment and depression symptoms on multiple risk behavior. Methods We conducted hierarchical logistic regression analyses to examine the impact of attachment and depression symptoms on multiple risk behavior in our post-war sample of 551 adolescents in Gulu district. Results Analyses revealed interactive effects for only maternal attachment-by-depression interaction. Interestingly, high levels of maternal attachment exacerbated the relationship between depression symptoms and multiple risk behaviors while low levels of maternal attachment attenuated this relationship. Limitations It is possible that this analysis could be biased by a common underlying factor that influences self-reporting and therefore is correlated with each of self-reported attachment security, depressive symptoms, and multiple risk behaviors. Conclusions These findings suggest that maternal attachment serves as a protective factor at low levels while serving as an additional risk factor at high levels. Findings support and expand current knowledge about the roles that attachment and depression symptoms play in the development of multiple risk behaviors and suggest a more complex etiology for post-war adolescents. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Adolescents; Attachment; Depression; Risk behavior; War | adolescent; adult; aggression; Article; boy; child psychiatry; controlled study; depression; emotional attachment; female; girl; high risk behavior; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; sex difference; sexual behavior; social interaction; Uganda; war; adolescent behavior; depression; high risk behavior; object relation; parent; psychology; risk factor; self report; war; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Object Attachment; Parents; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Self Report; Uganda; War | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865576650 | The Impact of Asymptomatic Helminth Co-Infection in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis in North-West Ethiopia | Abate E., Belayneh M., Gelaw A., Idh J., Getachew A., Alemu S., Diro E., Fikre N., Britton S., Elias D., Aseffa A., Stendahl O., Schön T. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0042901 | Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Microbiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Medical Faculty, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Radiology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cancer and Inflammation, Odense, Denmark; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden | Abate, E., Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Medical Microbiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Belayneh, M., Medical Faculty, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gelaw, A., Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Idh, J., Department of Medical Microbiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Getachew, A., Department of Radiology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Alemu, S., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Diro, E., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Fikre, N., Department of Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Britton, S., Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Elias, D., University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cancer and Inflammation, Odense, Denmark; Aseffa, A., Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Stendahl, O., Department of Medical Microbiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Schön, T., Department of Medical Microbiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden | Background: Areas endemic of helminth infection, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV are to a large extent overlapping. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of asymptomatic helminth infection on the immunological response among TB patients with and without HIV, their house hold contacts and community controls. Methodology: Consecutive smear positive TB patients (n = 112), their household contacts (n = 71) and community controls (n = 112) were recruited in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Stool microscopy, HIV serology, serum IgE level, eosinophil and CD4 counts were performed and tuberculosis patients were followed up for 3 months after initiation of anti-TB treatment. Results: Helminth co-infection rate was 29% in TB patients and 21% in both community control and household contacts (p = 0.3) where Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite. In TB patients the seroprevalence of HIV was 47% (53/112). Eosinophilia and elevated IgE level were significantly associated with asymptomatic helminth infection. During TB treatment, the worm infection rate of HIV+/TB patients declined from 31% (10/32) at week 0 to 9% (3/32) at week 2 of TB treatment, whereas HIV-/TB patients showed no change from baseline to week 2, 29% (13/45) vs. 22.2% (10/45). This trend was stable at week 8 and 12 as well. Conclusion: One third of smear positive TB patients were infected with helminths. Eosinophilia and elevated IgE level correlated with asymptomatic worm infection, indicating an effect on host immunity. The rate of worm infection declined during TB treatment in HIV+/TB co-infected patients whereas no decline was seen in HIV-/TB group. © 2012 Abate et al. | None | immunoglobulin E; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; adult; aged; article; Ascaris lumbricoides; asymptomatic infection; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; endemic disease; eosinophilia; Ethiopia; feces analysis; female; helminth; helminthiasis; human; immune response; infection rate; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; prevalence; serology; seroprevalence; tuberculosis; worm infection; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Antigens, CD4; Coinfection; Communicable Disease Control; Comorbidity; Ethiopia; Female; Helminthiasis; Helminths; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Infectious Disease Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Time Factors; Tuberculosis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Vermes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897437969 | The impact of a sport-for-education programme in the South African context of poverty | Burnett C. | 2014 | Sport in Society | 17 | 6 | 10.1080/17430437.2014.882903 | Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University Of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Burnett, C., Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University Of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a baseline study of a school-based, incentive-driven, sport-for-development programme (Mighty Metres) in the South African context of poverty. It is underpinned by multiple theoretical frameworks (the interpretative phenomenological approach). The baseline study entailed retrospective social impact collected from 15 schools where the Mighty Metres programme was implemented. A mixed-method approach was used for conducting 57 interviews and 35 focus group sessions, and 159 questionnaires were completed by learners and 29 by school and cluster coordinators. Various models of implementation render nuanced findings at meso- and micro-levels. At the meso-level findings relate to associative branding, improved image and recruitment capacity for schools, regular physical activity, inclusivity and a decrease in absenteeism. Parents obtained 'bragging rights', and teachers and learners improved their physical and health profiles, reported improved inter-personal relations, recognition and psychological benefits. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-72349088098 | The impact of a small-scale irrigation scheme on malaria transmission in Ziway area, Central Ethiopia | Kibret S., Alemu Y., Boelee E., Tekie H., Alemu D., Petros B. | 2010 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 15 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02423.x | Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 14001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kibret, S., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 14001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Alemu, Y., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 14001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Boelee, E., International Water Management Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tekie, H., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 14001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Alemu, D., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Petros, B., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 14001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Objective To assess the impact of a small-scale irrigation scheme in Ziway area, a semi-arid area in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley, on malaria transmission. Method Parasitological, entomological and socio-economic studies were conducted in a village with and a village without irrigation. Blood smear samples were taken from individuals during the dry and wet seasons of 2005/2006. Socio-economic data were collected from household heads and key agricultural and health informants through interviews and questionnaires. Larval and adult mosquitoes were sampled during the dry and short wet seasons of 2006. Female anopheline mosquitoes were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for blood meal sources and sporozoite infections. Results Malaria prevalence was higher in the irrigated village (19%, P < 0.05) than the non-irrigated village (16%). In the irrigated village, malaria prevalence was higher in the dry season than in the wet season while the reverse occurred in the non-irrigated village. Households with access to irrigation had larger farm land sizes and higher incomes, but also higher prevalence of malaria. Larval and adult abundance of the malaria vectors, Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles pharoensis, was higher in the irrigated than in the non-irrigated village throughout the study period. Furthermore, the abundance of An. pharoensis was significantly higher than that of An. arabiensis during the dry irrigated period of the year. Canal leakage pools, irrigated fields and irrigation canals were the major breeding habitats of the two vector mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infection rates of 1.18% and 0.66% were determined for An. arabiensis and An. pharoensis in the irrigated village. Peak biting activities of the vectors occurred before 22:00 h, which is a source of concern that the effectiveness of ITNs may be compromised as the mosquitoes feed on blood before people go to bed. Conclusion Irrigation schemes along the Ethiopian Rift Valley may intensify malaria by increasing the level of prevalence during the dry season. To reduce the intensity of malaria transmission in the small-scale irrigation schemes currently in operation in Ethiopia, year-round source reduction by using proper irrigation water management, coupled with health education, needs to be incorporated into the existing malaria control strategies. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | An. arabiensis; An. pharoensis; Ethiopia; Malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; Small-scale irrigation | blood; disease prevalence; disease transmission; disease vector; dry season; entomology; immunoassay; infectious disease; irrigation; malaria; mosquito; parasitology; sampling; socioeconomic survey; wet season; Anopheles; Anopheles arabiensis; anopheles pharoensis; article; blood smear; breeding; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Ethiopia; female; health education; interview; irrigation (agriculture); larva; malaria; malaria control; mosquito; nonhuman; parasite transmission; parasite vector; Plasmodium falciparum; prevalence; questionnaire; season; socioeconomics; sporozoite; water management; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Agriculture; Animals; Anopheles; Child; Child, Preschool; Ecosystem; Ethiopia; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Infant; Insect Vectors; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Rural Health; Seasons; Socioeconomic Factors; Water Supply; Young Adult; Ethiopia; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles pharoensis; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750047201 | The impact of a situationally focused individual human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease risk-reduction intervention on risk behavior in a 1-year cohort of Nigerian military personnel | Ross M.W., Essien E.J., Ekong E., James T.M., Amos C., Ogungbade G.O., Williams M.L. | 2006 | Military Medicine | 171 | 10 | None | WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houst | Ross, M.W., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Essien, E.J., HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Ekong, E., Office of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research, 68Th Nigerian Military Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; James, T.M., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Amos, C., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Ogungbade, G.O., HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Williams, M.L., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD)-related risks in peacekeeping troops is a concern when they are stationed in areas of high HIV prevalence. We carried out an assessment of a situationally focused individual HIV/STD reduction intervention (where avoidance of risk situations, as well as risk behaviors, are emphasized) in one Nigerian military unit (N = 1,222), with a comparable unit from the same service as a waiting list control (N = 987). The intervention consisted of a possible five modules that were presented to groups of up to 50 personnel. Data were collected on reported sexual behaviors, condom beliefs, sexual risk behaviors with casual partners, and number of interventions attended. Data indicated significant increases in reported condom use with casual partners and positive condom beliefs at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Risk behavior was reduced 30% from baseline at 6 months and 23% from baseline at 12 months. There was also a significant dose-response effect for number of interventions attended. These data suggest that relatively brief situationally focused individual interventions are effective in military and West African contexts in reducing HIV/STD risk behaviors. Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2006. | None | adult; Africa; army; article; cohort analysis; condom; controlled study; dose response; female; follow up; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; intervention study; major clinical study; male; military service; Nigeria; nonhuman; risk reduction; sexual behavior; sexuality; sexually transmitted disease; soldier; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Research; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Military Medicine; Military Personnel; Nigeria; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894345479 | The impact of a school-based water supply and treatment, hygiene, and sanitation programme on pupil diarrhoea: A cluster-randomized trial | Freeman M.C., Clasen T., Dreibelbis R., Saboori S., Greene L.E., Brumback B., Muga R., Rheingans R. | 2014 | Epidemiology and Infection | 142 | 2 | 10.1017/S0950268813001118 | Center for Global Safe Water, Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, CNR 2027 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Center for Global Safe Water, Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, FL, United States; Tropical Institute for Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Global and Environmental Health, University of Florida, FL, United States | Freeman, M.C., Center for Global Safe Water, Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, CNR 2027 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Clasen, T., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Dreibelbis, R., Center for Global Safe Water, Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Saboori, S., Center for Global Safe Water, Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, CNR 2027 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Greene, L.E., Center for Global Safe Water, Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, CNR 2027 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Brumback, B., Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, FL, United States; Muga, R., Tropical Institute for Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kenya; Rheingans, R., Department of Global and Environmental Health, University of Florida, FL, United States | The impact of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access on mitigating illness is well documented, although impact of school-based WASH on school-aged children has not been rigorously explored. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in Nyanza Province, Kenya to assess the impact of a school-based WASH intervention on diarrhoeal disease in primary-school pupils. Two study populations were used: schools with a nearby dry season water source and those without. Pupils attending 'water-available' schools that received hygiene promotion and water treatment (HP&WT) and sanitation improvements showed no difference in period prevalence or duration of illness compared to pupils attending control schools. Those pupils in schools that received only the HP&WT showed similar results. Pupils in 'water-scarce' schools that received a water-supply improvement, HP&WT and sanitation showed a reduction in diarrhoea incidence and days of illness. Our study revealed mixed results on the impact of improvements to school WASH improvements on pupil diarrhoea. © 2013 Cambridge University Press. | Diarrhoea; hand hygiene; water (quality); water (safe); waterborne infections | article; child; child health; cluster analysis; controlled study; diarrhea; disease duration; hand washing; health program; health promotion; human; incidence; Kenya; prevalence; risk reduction; school health education; school hygiene; water quality; water sanitation and hygiene program; water supply; water treatment; diarrhea; female; hygiene; male; procedures; randomized controlled trial; sanitation; school health service; statistics and numerical data; student; controlled clinical trial; health promotion; Kenya; methodology; sanitation; statistics; Child; Diarrhea; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Hygiene; Kenya; Male; Prevalence; Sanitation; School Health Services; Students; Water Supply; Child; Diarrhea; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Hygiene; Kenya; Male; Prevalence; Sanitation; School Health Services; Students; Water Supply | None |
WoS | WOS:000259198200010 | The impact of a school-based safe water and hygiene programme on knowledge and practices of students and their parents: Nyanza Province, western Kenya, 2006 | Ayalo, M.,Freeman, M. C.,Hoekstra, R. M.,Migele, J.,Mwaki, A.,Ombeki, S.,O'Reilly, C. E.,Quick, R.,Ravani, M. | 2008 | EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION | 136 | 1 | 10.1017/S0950268807008060 | Emory University, CARE Kenya, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | "Freeman, M. C.: Emory University","Quick, R.: Emory University","Ravani, M.: Emory University", | Safe drinking water and hygiene are essential to reducing Kenya's diarrhoeal disease burden. A school-based safe water and hygiene intervention in Kenya was evaluated to assess its impact on students' knowledge and parents' adoption of safe water and hygiene practices. We surveyed 390 students from nine schools and their parents at baseline and conducted a final evaluation of 363 students and their parents. From baseline to final evaluation, improvement was seen in students' knowledge of correct water treatment procedure (21-65%. P < 0.01) and knowing when to wash their hands. At final evaluation, 14% of parents reported currently treating their water. compared with 6% Lit baseline (P < 0.01). From 2004 to 2005. school absenteeism in the September-November term decreased in nine project schools by 35%, and increased in nine neighbouring comparison Schools by 5%. This novel programme shows promise for reducing, school absenteeism and promoting water and hygiene interventions in the home. | ,ABSENTEEISM,BANGLADESH,BEHAVIORS,"CHILDHOOD DIARRHEA",CHLORINATION,"DIARRHEAL DISEASE",DRINKING-WATER,INTERVENTION,MORBIDITY,TRANSMISSION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955261225 | The impact of ART scale upon health workers: Evidence from two South African districts | George G., Atujuna M., Gentile J., Quinlan T., Schmidt E., Tobi P., Renton A. | 2010 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 22 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/09540120903544439 | Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom | George, G., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Atujuna, M., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Gentile, J., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Quinlan, T., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Schmidt, E., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom; Tobi, P., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom; Renton, A., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom | This study explores the effects of antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes on health-care human resources in South Africa. The study included two parts, a questionnaire-based survey of 269 health workers published earlier and a qualitative study of 21 purposively selected health practitioners involved in ART scale up. Contrary to what has been presented in literature, our survey showed that health workers in ART programmes experienced higher levels of morale, lower stress, lower sickness absenteeism and higher levels of job satisfaction. This paper uses qualitative data to provide insights into the working environment of ART workers and examines some possible explanations for our survey findings. The key factors that contribute to the different perception of working environment by ART workers identified in this study include bringing hope to patients, delaying deaths, acquiring training and the ability to better manage and monitor the disease. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | ART; health workers; HIV/AIDS; South Africa | antiretrovirus agent; absenteeism; article; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; job stress; priority journal; questionnaire; South Africa; work environment; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Developing Countries; Health Personnel; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; South Africa; Workload | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874635355 | The impact of ART on the economic outcomes of people living with HIV/AIDS | Nannungi A., Wagner G., Ghosh-Dastidar B. | 2013 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/362972 | Infectious Diseases Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States | Nannungi, A., Infectious Diseases Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Wagner, G., Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States; Ghosh-Dastidar, B., Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States | Background. Clinical benefits of ART are well documented, but less is known about its effects on economic outcomes such as work status and income in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. Data were examined from 482 adult clients entering HIV care (257 starting ART; 225 not yet eligible for ART) in Kampala, Uganda. Self-reported data on work status and income were assessed at baseline, months 6 and 12. Multivariate analysis examined the effects of ART over time, controlling for change in physical health functioning and baseline covariates. Results. Fewer ART patients worked at baseline compared to non-ART patients (25.5% versus 34.2%); 48.8% of those not working at baseline were now working at month 6, and 50% at month 12, with similar improvement in both the ART and non-ART groups. However, multivariate analysis revealed that the ART group experienced greater improvement over time. Average weekly income did not differ between the groups at baseline nor change significantly over time, among those who were working; being male gender and having any secondary education were predictive of higher income. Conclusions. ART was associated with greater improvement in work status, even after controlling for change in physical health functioning, suggesting other factors associated with ART may influence work. © 2013 Annet Nannungi et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-54549096830 | The impact of ART (anti-retrovial treatment) scale-up on health systems de-strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa: Justice and justification | Nixon S., Veenstra N. | 2008 | Medicine and Law | 27 | 3 | None | Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy, Toronto, ON, Canada | Nixon, S., Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy, Toronto, ON, Canada; Veenstra, N., Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The scale-up of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) is unquestionably a positive development. To be successful, however, scale-up must be understood as more than the technical delivery of pills. A central dimension of the challenge involves the health systems through which services are delivered. Part 1 of this article explores how the scale-up of ART could impact on health systems in sSA. We conclude that the current expansion of access to ART potentially involves an approach to health delivery that runs counter to many aims of health system strengthening. Part 2 addresses the question of whether this impact is justified. We argue that the potential erosion of health systems strengthening in the region is justified, provided simultaneous efforts are undertaken to optimize the possibility for realizing the "AIDS transition". We discuss these simultaneous efforts, drawing on recent research to illustrate the emerging scenario in sSA. In Part 3, we identify lessons that may inform scale-up of ART in sSA in ways that, at least, minimize detrimental effects and, ideally, serve to strengthen health systems in the region. We discuss the value of solidarity as a guiding principle for ART scale-up, followed by concrete lessons for moving forward. © YOZMOT 2008. | ART scale-up; Health system strengthening; HIV/AIDS; Sub-Saharan Africa | antiretrovirus agent; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; microbicide; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa; article; drug cost; health care access; health care availability; health care delivery; health care organization; health care planning; health care policy; health care system; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; maternal care; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient education; primary medical care; public health service; sexual transmission; social discrimination; social justice; vertical transmission; Africa South of the Sahara; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Health Manpower; Health Services Needs and Demand; HIV Infections; Humans; Public Health Administration | None |
WoS | WOS:000305821500007 | The impact of a psychiatry clinical rotation on the attitude of Nigerian medical students to psychiatry | Abayomi, O.,Adebowale, T. O.,Adelufosi, A. O.,Ogunwale, A.,Ojo, T. M. | 2012 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY | 15 | 3 | 10.4314/ajpsy.v15i3.24 | Neuropsychiat Hosp | None | Objective: Undergraduate medical students have ingrained and often negative attitudes towards psychiatry as a field and as a career. This in turn has affected recruitment of graduate medical students into the specialty Little is known about the impact of psychiatry rotations during undergraduate medical training on students' attitudes about psychiatry and eventual specialty choice in developing countries. This study examined the impact of a psychiatry clinical rotation on medical students' attitudes to psychiatry and possible career choice. Method: Eighty-one and one hundred and six fifth year medical students completed the ATP-30, socio-demographic and career choice questionnaires at the beginning and the end of a four week clinical rotation respectively Results: The overall attitude of the students to psychiatry was favourable at the beginning of the rotation with significant improvement following the rotation (p=0.003). Significant improvement in attitude was observed among female and younger students. Students who indicated preference for specialties other than psychiatry showed a greater improvement in their attitude to psychiatry following the rotation (p=0.011). The rotation however did not enhance students' preference for psychiatry as a future career. Conclusion: The four-week clinical rotation in psychiatry resulted in increased mean attitudinal score, but not in enhanced preference for psychiatry as a career. | ATTITUDE,"MEDICAL STUDENTS",NIGERIA,PSYCHIATRY,CAREER,CHOICE,SCHOOL | None | None |
None | None | The impact of a pathogenic bacterium on a social carnivore population | Höner O.P., Wachter B., Goller K.V., Hofer H., Runyoro V., Thierer D., Fyumagwa R.D., Müller T., East M.L. | 2012 | Journal of Animal Ecology | 81 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01873.x | Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, PO Box 1, Ngorongoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Seestraße 55, 16868 Wusterhausen an der Dosse, Germany | Höner, O.P., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Wachter, B., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Goller, K.V., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Hofer, H., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Runyoro, V., Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, PO Box 1, Ngorongoro, Tanzania; Thierer, D., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Fyumagwa, R.D., Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania; Müller, T., Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Seestraße 55, 16868 Wusterhausen an der Dosse, Germany; East, M.L., Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany | 1.The long-term ecological impact of pathogens on group-living, large mammal populations is largely unknown. We evaluated the impact of a pathogenic bacterium, Streptococcus equi ruminatorum, and other key ecological factors on the dynamics of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta population in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. 2.We compared key demographic parameters during twoyears when external signs of bacterial infection were prevalent ('outbreak') and periods of fiveyears before and after the outbreak when such signs were absent or rare. We also tested for density dependence and calculated the basic reproductive rate R 0 of the bacterium. 3.During the five pre-outbreak years, the mean annual hyena mortality rate was 0·088, and annual population growth was relatively high (13·6%). During the outbreak, mortality increased by 78% to a rate of 0·156, resulting in an annual population decline of 4·3%. After the outbreak, population size increased moderately (5·1%) during the first three post-outbreak years before resuming a growth similar to pre-outbreak levels (13·9%). We found no evidence that these demographic changes were driven by density dependence or other ecological factors. 4.Most hyenas showed signs of infection when prey abundance in their territory was low. During the outbreak, mortality increased among adult males and yearlings, but not among adult females - the socially dominant group members. These results suggest that infection and mortality were modulated by factors linked to low social status and poor nutrition. During the outbreak, we estimated R 0 for the bacterium to be 2·7, indicating relatively fast transmission. 5.Our results suggest that the short-term 'top-down' impact of S. equi ruminatorum during the outbreak was driven by 'bottom-up' effects on nutritionally disadvantaged age-sex classes, whereas the longer-term post-outbreak reduction in population growth was caused by poor survival of juveniles during the outbreak and subsequent poor recruitment of breeding females. These results suggest synergistic effects of 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' processes on host population dynamics. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Animal Ecology © 2011 British Ecological Society. | Basic reproductive rate (R 0); Crocuta crocuta; Disease ecology; Ngorongoro Crater; Population dynamics; Population regulation; Spotted hyena; Streptococcus | age class; bacterium; bottom-up control; breeding population; carnivore; density dependence; disease prevalence; disease transmission; ecological impact; host-pathogen interaction; juvenile; mammal; mortality; pathogen; population dynamics; population growth; population outbreak; population regulation; reproductive productivity; survival; top-down control; animal; animal disease; article; Carnivora; demography; disease transmission; epidemic; female; male; microbiology; nutritional status; physiology; population density; population dynamics; social dominance; Streptococcus equi; Streptococcus infection; Tanzania; Animals; Demography; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Hyaenidae; Male; Nutritional Status; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Social Dominance; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus equi; Tanzania; Arusha [Tanzania]; Ngorongoro Crater; Tanzania; Bacteria (microorganisms); Crocuta crocuta; Mammalia; Streptococcus; Streptococcus equi | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892573920 | The impact of apartheidon urban poverty in South Africa: What we can learn from history | Viljoen D., Sekhampu T.J. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p729 | School of Economics, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Viljoen, D., School of Economics, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Sekhampu, T.J., School of Economics, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | South Africa's present day configuration of poverty and inequality bears overriding racial and gender dimensions as a result of the country's history. The distortions created by the now defunct apartheid system are still visible and continue to perpetuate poverty in South Africa, reducing people's ability to improve their standard of living. This article provides a historical review of the impact which theapartheid system had on urban poverty in South Africa. Three aspects of apartheid policy that caused black urban poverty are highlighted, namely racially enforced relocations, the nature of housing provision for blacks, the character and regulation of urbanisation. | Apartheid; History; South Africa; Urban poverty | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863843550 | The impact of antiretroviral treatment on the age composition of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa | Hontelez J.A.C., De Vlas S.J., Baltussen R., Newell M.-L., Bakker R., Tanser F., Lurie M., Bärnighausen T. | 2012 | AIDS | 26 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3283558526 | Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen International Center for Health System Analysis and Education, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Hontelez, J.A.C., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen International Center for Health System Analysis and Education, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; De Vlas, S.J., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Baltussen, R., Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen International Center for Health System Analysis and Education, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Bakker, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Lurie, M., Department of Epidemiology and the International Health Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Bärnighausen, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Introduction: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage is rapidly expanding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Based on the effect of ART on survival of HIV-infected people and HIV transmission, the age composition of the HIV epidemic in the region is expected to change in the coming decades. We quantify the change in the age composition of HIV-infected people in all countries in SSA. Methods: We used STDSIM, a stochastic microsimulation model, and developed an approach to represent HIV prevalence and treatment coverage in 43 countries in SSA, using publicly available data. We predict future trends in HIV prevalence and total number of HIV-infected people aged 15-49 years and 50 years or older for different ART coverage levels. Results: We show that, if treatment coverage continues to increase at present rates, the total number of HIV-infected people aged 50 years or older will nearly triple over the coming years: from 3.1 million in 2011 to 9.1 million in 2040, dramatically changing the age composition of the HIV epidemic in SSA. In 2011, about one in seven HIV-infected people was aged 50 years or older; in 2040, this ratio will be larger than one in four. Conclusion: The HIV epidemic in SSA is rapidly ageing, implying changing needs and demands in many social sectors, including health, social care, and old-age pension systems. Health policymakers need to anticipate the impact of the changing HIV age composition in their planning for future capacity in these systems. © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | aging; antiretroviral therapy; epidemiological trends; HIV; mathematical model | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; age distribution; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; male; priority journal; prostitution; sexual behavior; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Aging; Anti-HIV Agents; Epidemics; Female; Health Policy; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Life Expectancy; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Prevalence; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864385578 | The impact of antiretroviral treatment on mortality trends of HIV-positive adults in rural Uganda: A longitudinal population-based study, 1999-2009 | Kasamba I., Baisley K., Mayanja B.N., Maher D., Grosskurth H. | 2012 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 17 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.02841.x | MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kasamba, I., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Baisley, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mayanja, B.N., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Maher, D., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Grosskurth, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective To investigate trends in all-cause adult mortality after the roll-out of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in rural Uganda. Methods Longitudinal population-based cohort study of approximately 20000 residents in rural Uganda. Mortality in adults aged 15-59years was determined for the 5-year period (1999-2003) before introduction of ART in January 2004 and for the 5-year period afterwards. Poisson regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratios (RRs) for the period before ART, 1year after ART introduction (from January 2004 to January 2005) and more than 1year after ART introduction. Trends in mortality were analysed by HIV status, age and sex. Results Before ART became available, the mortality rate (deaths per 1000 person-years) was 4.0 (95% CI=3.3-4.8) among HIV-negative individuals and 116.4 (95% CI=101.9-133.0) among HIV-positive individuals. During the period January 2004-end November 2009, 279 individuals accessed ART. In the year after ART was introduced, the mortality rate (deaths per 1000 person-years) among HIV-negative individuals did not change significantly (adjusted RR=0.95, 95% CI=0.61-1.47), but among HIV-positive individuals dropped by 25% to 87.4 (adjusted RR=0.75, 95% CI=0.53-1.06). In the period 2005-2009, the mortality rate (deaths per 1000 person-years) among HIV-positive individuals fell further to 39.9 (adjusted RR=0.33, 95% CI=0.26-0.43). The effect was greatest among individuals aged 30-44years, and trends were similar in men and women. Conclusion The substantially reduced mortality rate among HIV-positive individuals after ART roll-out lends further support to the intensification of efforts to ensure universal access to ART. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Antiretroviral therapy; HIV+; Masaka; Mortality; Uganda | antiretrovirus agent; adult; age class; antibiotics; antimicrobial activity; cohort analysis; disease treatment; human immunodeficiency virus; mortality; public access; public health; rural area; trend analysis; adolescent; adult; adult disease; antiviral therapy; article; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; mortality; rural area; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Counseling; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Rural Population; Sex Distribution; Uganda; Young Adult; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954148724 | The impact of antiretroviral therapy on population-level virulence evolution of HIV-1 | Roberts H.E., Goulder P.J.R., McLean A.R. | 2015 | Journal of the Royal Society Interface | 12 | 113 | 10.1098/rsif.2015.0888 | Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Emerging Infections, Oxford Martin School, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Roberts, H.E., Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Goulder, P.J.R., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; McLean, A.R., Institute for Emerging Infections, Oxford Martin School, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | In HIV-infected patients, an individual's set point viral load (SPVL) strongly predicts disease progression. Some think that SPVL is evolving, indicating that the virulence of the virus may be changing, but the data are not consistent. In addition, the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has the potential to drive virulence evolution. We develop a simple deterministic model designed to answer the following questions: what are the expected patterns of virulence change in the initial decades of an epidemic? Could administration of ART drive changes in virulence evolution and, what is the potential size and direction of this effect? We find that even without ART we would not expect monotonic changes in average virulence. Transient decreases in virulence following the peak of an epidemic are not necessarily indicative of eventual evolution to avirulence. In the short term, we would expect widespread ART to cause limited downward pressure on virulence. In the long term, the direction of the effect is determined by a threshold condition, which we define. We conclude that, given the surpassing benefits of ART to the individual and in reducing onward transmission, virulence evolution considerations need have little bearing on how we treat. © 2015 The Authors. Published by the Royal Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits unrestricted use, provided the original author and source are credited. | Antiretroviral therapy; Between-host modelling; HIV-1; Set point viral load; Virulence evolution | Digital storage; Viruses; Antiretrovirals; Deterministic modeling; Disease progression; Downward pressure; HIV-1; Threshold condition; Viral load; Virulence evolution; Diseases; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiviral therapy; Article; epidemic; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; meta analysis; model; therapy effect; virus virulence | None |
WoS | WOS:000306955700007 | The impact of antiretroviral therapy on adult mortality in rural Tanzania | Changalucha, John,Clark, Benjamin D.,Isingo, Raphael,Jonas, Aswile,Kalongoji, Samweli,Marston, Milly,Mbaga, Joyce,Michael, Denna,Mngara, Julius,Todd, Jim,Urassa, Mark,Wringe, Alison,Zaba, Basia | 2012 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 17 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02924.x | University of London, Magu Dist Council | "Marston, Milly: University of London","Todd, Jim: University of London","Wringe, Alison: University of London","Zaba, Basia: University of London", | Objective To describe the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on mortality rates among adults participating in an HIV community cohort study in north-west Tanzania. Methods Serological and demographic surveillance rounds have been undertaken in a population of approximately 30 000 people since 1994. Free HIV care including ART has been available since 2005. Event history analysis was used to compare mortality rates among HIV-negative and HIV-positive adults in the 5-year period before and after the introduction of ART. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated using exponential regression models. Interaction between time period and HIV status was assessed to investigate whether there was a non-linear relationship between these two variables. Results Male and female mortality patterns varied over the pre- and post-ART period. In women, the crude death rate fell for both HIV negatives and HIV positives hazard rate ratio (HRR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.510.99 and HRR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.460.99, respectively). For men, the mortality among the HIV negatives increased (HRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.062.03) while the decline in mortality among the HIV positives (HRR = 0.77; 95%CI 0.521.13) was not statistically significant. The largest decrease in HIV-positive mortality over the two periods was among the 30- to 44-year-old age group for women and among the 45- to 59-year-old age group for men. Conclusion There has been a modest effect on mortality in the study population following the introduction of free ART 5 years ago. Improving access to treatment and placing greater focus on retaining individuals on treatment are essential if the full potential of treatment for reducing HIV-related mortality is to be realised. | "ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COHORT,HIV,MORTALITY,Tanzania,HIV,POPULATION,PROGRAM | None | None |
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-s2.0-84902513065 | The impact of antenatal mental distress on functioning and capabilities: Views of health care providers and service users in Cape Town, South Africa | Mall S., Honikman S., Evans B., Swartz L., Lund C. | 2014 | Disability and Rehabilitation | 36 | 13 | 10.3109/09638288.2013.833300 | Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychology, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | Mall, S., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Honikman, S., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Evans, B., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Swartz, L., Department of Psychology, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Lund, C., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: Antenatal mental distress has disabling consequences. It affects functioning and participation in daily activities and can lead to postnatal depression. This study employs the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF), to explore the experiences of pregnant women with mental distress attending the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP). The analysis also adopts Amartya Sen's capabilities approach to provide suggestions for appropriate interventions. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with seven pregnant women experiencing antenatal mental distress, three postnatal women who had experienced antenatal mental distress and seven health care providers all affiliated with the PMHP. We used an open-ended interview guide employing domains from the ICF as well as from the capabilities approach. Findings: Participants attributed their antenatal mental distress to a range of environmental factors. Difficulties in functioning were reported by participants including difficulties at work and caring for children. Participants stated that services provided by the PMHP have a positive impact on functioning and capabilities. Conclusion: The study suggests that the ICF is useful for exploring the impact of antenatal mental distress on functioning. It is well complemented by the capabilities approach to inform interventions.Implications for RehabilitationAntenatal mental distress is a significant public health issue that impacts on women's functioning and participation exacerbated by social factors such as poverty and exposure to violence.This study explored restrictions in functioning and participation faced by women with antenatal mental distress including the ability to care for children, find meaningful employment and sustain relationships.Counselling services can play a role in restoring functioning and capabilities for women experiencing antenatal mental distress.Counselling services have the ability to discuss restrictions in functioning caused by antenatal mental distress with their clients and to offer support for creating capabilities once functioning has improved. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd. | Antenatal mental distress; Capabilities; ICF; South Africa | adult; counseling; daily life activity; disability; female; health personnel attitude; human; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; interview; mental stress; pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; pregnant woman; prevention and control; psychology; risk factor; South Africa; urban population; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Counseling; Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Interviews as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnant Women; Risk Factors; South Africa; Stress, Psychological; Urban Population | None |
None | None | The impact of antenatal HIV diagnosis on postpartum childbearing desires in northern Tanzania: A mixed methods study | Keogh S.C., Urassa M., Roura M., Kumogola Y., Kalongoji S., Kimaro D., Changalucha J., Zaba B. | 2012 | Reproductive Health Matters | 20 | None | 10.1016/S0968-8080(12)39634-1 | Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Keogh, S.C., Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Roura, M., Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kumogola, Y., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kalongoji, S.; Kimaro, D.; Changalucha, J., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Zaba, B., Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | With the expansion of routine antenatal HIV testing, women are increasingly discovering they are HIV-positive during pregnancy. While several studies have examined the impact of HIV on childbearing in Africa, few have focused on the antenatal/postpartum period. Addressing this research gap will help tailor contraceptive counseling to HIV-positive women's needs. Our study measures how antenatal HIV diagnosis affects postpartum childbearing desires, adjusting for effects of HIV before diagnosis. A baseline survey on reproductive behavior was administered to 5,284 antenatal clients before they underwent routine HIV testing. Fifteen months later, a follow-up survey collected information on postpartum reproductive behavior from 2,162 women, and in-depth interviews with 25 women investigated attitudes toward HIV and childbearing. HIV diagnosis was associated with a long-term downward adjustment in childbearing desires, but not with changes in short-term postpartum desires. The qualitative interviews identified health concerns and nurses' dissuasion as major factors discouraging childbearing post-diagnosis. At the same time, pronatalist social norms appeared to pressure women to continue childbearing. Given the potential for fertility desires to change following antenatal HIV diagnosis, contraceptive counseling should be provided on a continuum from antenatal through postpartum care, taking into account the conflicting pressures faced by HIV-positive women in relation to childbearing. | Antenatal care; Fertility desires; HIV and pregnancy; Post-partum period; Reproductive health services; Tanzania | antiretrovirus agent; age distribution; article; attitude to pregnancy; educational status; family decision making; family size; female; follow up; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; maternal attitude; parity; paternal attitude; prenatal diagnosis; prevalence; priority journal; puerperium; qualitative analysis; reproductive rights; risk reduction; rural population; sexual behavior; Tanzania; virus transmission; women's health; women's rights; Adolescent; Adult; Contraception; Family Planning Services; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Intention; Middle Aged; Motivation; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prevalence; Qualitative Research; Reproductive History; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949819390 | The impact of an interim protection order (domestic violence act 116 of 1998) on the victims of domestic violence | Vogt T., Greeff A.P. | 2010 | Families in Society | 91 | 1 | 10.1606/1044-3894.3958 | Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Vogt, T., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Greeff, A.P., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | The primary objectives of this study were to determine the impact of the interim protection order (IPO) on the nature and extent of domestic violence, the general well-being of the victims of domestic violence, and the efficiency of the application procedure for the IPO. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was used on an experimental (n = 884) and a control (n = 125) group. The results indicated that the IPO had a significant impact on certain aspects of physical, psychological, and social well-being and in some areas of domestic violence. The IPO did not have a significant impact on the participants' experiences of their personal, communal, environmental, and transcendental well-being. Application procedures were found to be satisfactory in most areas. © 2010 Alliance for Children and Families. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904280719 | The impact of animal source food products on human nutrition and health | Schönfeldt H.C., Pretorius B., Hall N. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i3.11 | Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Schönfeldt, H.C., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Pretorius, B., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hall, N., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Throughout the ages the quest for food and drink has influenced humanity's economic, social and political development, and played a role in the organization of society and history. Nutrition (or what we choose to consume) influences the health of human beings and therefore their quality of life. Animal source foods are often the dietary component that evokes the widest array of complex scientific, economic, environmental and political issues. It is viewed as the most expensive component of any diet, yet can make significant contributions to human health through providing high quantities of essential nutrients. In addition to quantity, the high quality of the nutrients in animal source foods is important as high-quality nutrients are more readily absorbed into the human body than lower-quality nutrients from other food and non-food sources. As South Africans increasingly suffer the consequences of inappropriate diets (over-and under-nutrition), the role of animal source foods as part of a healthy diet requires continuous investment in research and extrapolation of information towards appropriate guidelines and recommendations. Although it is often suggested that the intake of animal source foods should be limited because of possible linkages between animal product consumption and health, scientific evidence increasingly indicates the beneficial role that animal source foods can play in preventing and combating obesity and certain non-communicable diseases related to over-nutrition. This article aims to describe the nutritional role of animal source foods as part of a healthy South African diet and presents a review of recent findings related to their nutrient contribution, as well as evidence relating to common health concerns. | Animal source foods; Health; Livestock products; Nutrition | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748632889 | The impact of an HIV and AIDS life skills program on secondary school students in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | James S., Reddy P., Ruiter R.A.C., McCauley A., Van Den Borne B. | 2006 | AIDS Education and Prevention | 18 | 4 | 10.1521/aeap.2006.18.4.281 | Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands; Horizons Program, Population Council, Washington, DC, United States; Medical Research Council, Health Promotion R and D Group, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | James, S., Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Medical Research Council, Health Promotion R and D Group, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Reddy, P., Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Ruiter, R.A.C., Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands; McCauley, A., Horizons Program, Population Council, Washington, DC, United States; Van Den Borne, B., Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands | The evaluation of the Department of Educations' life skills program on HIV and AIDS prevention among Grade 9 students in 22 randomly allocated schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, showed only a significant increase in student knowledge about HIV/AIDS in the intervention group compared with the control group. No effects were found on safe sex practices (condom use, sexual intercourse) or on measures of psychosocial determinants of these practices (attitude and self-efficacy). A process evaluation among the teachers showed that some implemented the program fully (seven schools) and some partially (four schools). An exploratory analysis showed that students who received the full intervention were more positive in their perceptions about sexual behavior and social connectedness (at 10-month follow-up) and reported less sex and more condom use (at 6-month follow-up) than students in the partial and control groups. These limited effects therefore call for further analysis of the content and implementation strategies used in the classroom. © 2006 The Guilford Press. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; child; condom; controlled study; demography; education program; female; follow up; health education; high school student; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; knowledge; male; medical society; questionnaire; safe sex; sexual behavior; sexual education; skill; social psychology; social support; South Africa; teacher; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Condoms; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Education; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Safe Sex; Sex Factors; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Time Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955398979 | The impact of an environmental tax on electricity generation in South Africa | Seymore R., Adams P.D., Mabugu M., Van Heerden J.H., Blignaut J. | 2010 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 34 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre of Policy Studies, Monash University, Australia | Seymore, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Adams, P.D., Centre of Policy Studies, Monash University, Australia; Mabugu, M.; Van Heerden, J.H.; Blignaut, J. | In the 2008 budget of the Minister of Finance, the South African Government proposed to impose a 2 cents/kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) tax on the sale of electricity generated from non-renewable sources; this tax is to be collected at source by the producers/generators of electricity. The intention of this measure is to serve a dual purpose of protecting the environment and helping to manage the current electricity supply shortages by reducing demand. The objective here is to evaluate the impact of such an electricity generation tax on the South African, SACU and SADC economies. The paper firstly considers the theoretical foundations of an electricity generation tax supported by international experiences in this regard. This section also contrasts the suitability of a permit with a tax system to achieve CO2 emission reduction. We subsequently apply the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to evaluate the impact of an electricity generation tax on the South African, SACU and SADC economies. We simulate the proposed tax as a 10 percent increase in the output price of electricity. We assume a closure rule that allows unskilled labour to migrate and a limited skilled workforce. As expected, the electricity generation tax will reduce demand. Due to the decrease in domestic demand, export volume increases and import volume decreases, this is despite a weaker terms of trade. We also found that unemployment for unskilled labour increases and wages of skilled workers are expected to decrease. A unilateral electricity generation tax will benefit other SACU and SADC countries through an improvement in relative competitiveness, as shown by the improvement of the terms of trade for these regions. If, however, the benefits of pollution abatement are internalised, then electricity generation tax is expected to yield a positive effect on the South African economy. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872137581 | The impact of an employee wellness programme in clothing/textile manufacturing companies: A randomised controlled trial | Edries N., Jelsma J., Maart S. | 2013 | BMC Public Health | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-13-25 | Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape, South Africa | Edries, N., Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape, South Africa; Jelsma, J., Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape, South Africa; Maart, S., Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape, South Africa | Background: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing amongst South African employees. Health risk behaviours have been identified as a major contributor to reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) and the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Worksite wellness programmes promise to promote behaviour changes amongst employees and to improve their HRQoL. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of an employee wellness programme on HRQoL, health behaviour change, body mass index (BMI) and absenteeism amongst clothing and textile manufacturing employees. Methods. The study used a randomised control trial design. The sample consisted of 80 subjects from three clothing manufacturing companies in Cape Town, South Africa. The experimental group was subjected to a wellness programme based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as well as weekly supervised exercise classes over six weeks. The control group received a once-off health promotion talk and various educational pamphlets, with no further intervention. Measurements were recorded at baseline and at six weeks post-intervention. Outcome measures included the EQ-5D, Stanford Exercise Behaviours Scale, body mass index and absenteeism.Data was analysed with the Statistica-8 software program. Non-parametric tests were used to evaluate the differences in the medians between the two groups and to determine the level of significance. The Sign test was used to determine the within group changes. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the difference between the two groups. Results: At six weeks post intervention the experimental group (39 subjects) demonstrated improvement in almost every parameter. In contrast, apart from an overall decrease in time off work and a reduction in BMI for all study participants, there was no significant change noted in the behaviour of the control group (41 subjects). Seventy percent of the experimental group had improved HRQoL EQ-5D VAS scores post intervention, indicating improved perceived HRQoL. In comparison, only 58% of the control group had improved HRQoL EQ-5D VAS scores post intervention. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline or at six weeks post intervention. Conclusion: An employee wellness programme based on the principles of CBT combined with weekly aerobic exercise class was beneficial in improving the perceived HRQoL and changing health-related behaviours of clothing manufacturing employees. However, it cannot be concluded that the EWP was more effective than the once off health promotion talk as no significant changes were noted between the two groups at 6-weeks post intervention.This trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (trial registration number NCT01625039). © 2013 Edries et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Cognitive behaviour therapy; Employee wellness; Musculo-skeletal disorders; Occupational health | absenteeism; adult; article; attitude to health; body mass; clothing; control group; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; female; health behavior; health care quality; health promotion; human; male; materials; methodology; occupation; occupational health service; publication; quality of life; questionnaire; randomized controlled trial; South Africa; statistics; textile; Absenteeism; Adult; Body Mass Index; Clothing; Control Groups; Female; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Promotion; Humans; Male; Manufactured Materials; Occupational Health Services; Occupations; Pamphlets; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; South Africa; Textiles | None |
WoS | WOS:000284293900010 | The impact of an emergency hiring plan on the shortage and distribution of nurses in Kenya: the importance of information systems | Gross, J. M.,Kamenju, A.,Kiriinya, R.,Oywer, E.,Rakuom, C.,Riley, P. L.,Rogers, M. F.,Wambua, D.,Waudo, A.,Willy, R. | 2010 | BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION | 88 | 11 | 10.2471/BLT.09.072678 | Emory University, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Govt Kenya, Kenya Hlth Workforce Project, Nursing Council Kenya | "Gross, J. M.: Emory University","Rogers, M. F.: Emory University", | Objective To analyse the effect of Kenya's Emergency Hiring Plan for nurses on their inequitable distribution in rural and underserved areas.
Methods We used data from the Kenya Health Workforce Informatics System on the nursing workforce to determine the effect of the Emergency Hiring Plan on nurse shortages and maldistribution. The total number of nurses, the number of nurses per 100 000 population and the opening of previously closed or new heath facilities were recorded.
Findings Of the 18 181 nurses employed in Kenya's public sector in 2009, 1836 (10%) had been recruited since 2005 through the Emergency Hiring Plan. Nursing staff increased by 7% in hospitals, 13% in health centres and 15% in dispensaries. North Eastern province, which includes some of the most remote areas, benefited most: the number of nurses per 100 000 population increased by 37%. The next greatest increase was in Nyanza province, which has the highest prevalence of HIV infection in Kenya. Emergency Hiring Plan nurses enabled the number of functioning public health facilities to increase by 29%. By February 2010, 94% of the nurses hired under pre-recruitment absorption agreements had entered the civil service.
Conclusion The Emergency Hiring Plan for nurses significantly increased health services in Kenya's rural and underserved areas over the short term. Preliminary indicators of sustainability are promising, as most nurses hired are now civil servants. However, continued monitoring will be necessary over the long term to evaluate future nurse retention. The accurate workforce data provided by the Kenya Health Workforce Informatics System were essential for evaluating the effect of the Emergency Hiring Plan. | ,BRAIN-DRAIN,HEALTH,HUMAN-RESOURCES | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878998712 | The impact of an advanced certificate in education (ACE) program on the professional practice of graduates | Aluko R. | 2009 | International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning | 10 | 4 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Aluko, R., University of Pretoria, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of a distance education program offered by the university of pretoria, south africa, on the professional practice of teachers. a pilot study was conducted using a combination of surveys and focus group interviews. findings reveal that the program was beneficial to graduates" personal development, professional practice, schools, learners, and colleagues. further, principals who participated in the study attested to the differences they observed between the graduates and other teachers who had not been exposed to such a program. suggestions for improvements included the introduction of subjects taught at school as areas of specialization, involvement of school principals in the assessment of enrolled students, visits to schools by the organizers, and exposure of students to the practical opportunities offered by the program (with portfolios that could be a part of the assessment). | Distance Education; Formative evaluation; Impact analysis; Program evaluation; Summative evaluation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954553983 | The impact of a multiple intelligences teaching approach drug education programme on drug refusal skills of Nigerian pupils | Nwagu E.N., Ezedum C.E., Nwagu E.K.N. | 2015 | Global Health Promotion | 22 | 3 | 10.1177/1757975914547203 | Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Nwagu, E.N., Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ezedum, C.E., Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Nwagu, E.K.N., Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | The rising incidence of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria is a source of concern for health educators. This study was carried out on primary six pupils to determine the effect of a Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach Drug Education Programme (MITA-DEP) on pupils’ acquisition of drug refusal skills. A programme of drug education based on the Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach (MITA) was developed. An experimental group was taught using this programme while a control group was taught using the same programme but developed based on the Traditional Teaching Approach. Pupils taught with the MITA acquired more drug refusal skills than those taught with the Traditional Teaching Approach. Urban pupils taught with the MITA acquired more skills than rural pupils. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean refusal skills of male and female pupils taught with the MITA. © 2014, © The Author(s) 2014. | drug education; Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach; pupils; refusal skills | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887939430 | The impact of a multilateral electricity generation tax on competitiveness in southern africa: A computable general equilibrium analysis using the global trade analysis project | Seymore R., Van Heerden J.H., Mabugu M. | 2013 | Energy and Environment | 24 | 6 | 10.1260/0958-305X.24.6.917 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Seymore, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Heerden, J.H., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Mabugu, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The South African Government announced, in the 2008 Budget Review, the intention to tax the generation of electricity from non-renewable sources with 2c/kWh. The intention of the tax is to serve a dual purpose of managing the potential electricity shortages in South Africa and to protect the environment. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an electricity generation tax on the international competitiveness of South Africa. Specifically, different scenarios are assessed to establish whether the loss of competitiveness can be negated through an international, multilateral electricity generation tax. The paper firstly considers the beneficial impact of environmental taxation on the competitiveness of a country. We subsequently apply the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to evaluate the impact of an electricity generation tax on the competitiveness of South Africa, given multilateral taxes on SACU, SADC and European Union economies. It is shown that an electricity generation tax will indeed affect the competitiveness of South Africa in a negative way. Furthermore, SACU and SADC wide implementation will marginally reinforce these negative effects. However, a multilateral electricity generation tax across SACU or SADC countries will result in emission reductions, but lower than in the case of a unilateral electricity generation tax. In contrast, the cost to the South African economy could be limited, if the European Union would follow suit and implement an electricity generation tax. One could therefore argue in favour of global rules for environmental taxes, since this will ensure minimum negative competitiveness effects on participating countries. | competitiveness; electricity tax; GTAP | competitiveness; Computable general equilibrium; Electricity generation; Environmental taxation; Environmental taxes; GTAP; International competitiveness; South African government; Competition; Electric generators; Electricity; Emission control; International trade; Taxation; Economic analysis; competitiveness; computable general equilibrium analysis; electricity generation; environmental protection; global trade; potential energy; tax system; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906912841 | The impact of a monolingual medium of instruction in a multilingual university in South Africa | Abongdia J.-F.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 13 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p62 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Abongdia, J.-F.A., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This paper investigates the impacts of a monolingual medium of instruction (MOI) in a multilingual university in South Africa. It offers a critical examination of the different effects (both positive and negative) this may have on learning and of course academic performance of the students. It further examines why the students may or may not prefer the selected medium of instruction and the effect this has on their learning abilities. Hence the analysis of these different views would inform and improve the teaching and learning in the classroom at higher education level as the lecturers would be informed of the outcomes thus leading to different strategic approaches that would be used in teaching and learning. In addition, the paper presents the factors that appear to play a role in shaping the students' ideologies and attitudes towards English, a language used as a MOI across most if not all universities in South Africa and which many of the students appear to find difficult to use in academic learning. The findings from this qualitative study are examined using studies on language ideologies by Kroskrity (2000) and language policy and planning by Spolsky and Shohamy (2000) and Brumfit (2006). | English; Language attitudes; Language ideologies; Language policy; Medium of instruction; Multilingualism; Socio-political factors; South Africa; University | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926138501 | The impact of a mental health teaching programme on rural and urban secondary school students' perceptions of mental illness in southwest Nigeria | Bella-Awusah T., Adedokun B., Dogra N., Omigbodun O. | 2014 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 26 | 3 | 10.2989/17280583.2014.922090 | Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Greenwood Institute for Child Health, Westcotes House, Wes | Bella-Awusah, T., Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adedokun, B., Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Dogra, N., Greenwood Institute for Child Health, Westcotes House, Westcotes Drive, Leicester, United Kingdom; Omigbodun, O., Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria | Objective: Available evidence suggests that children hold negative views about mental illness. Studies show that it is possible for schools and mental health services to jointly undertake child and adolescent mental health promotion. This study aimed to assess the impact of a school based mental health awareness programme aimed at increasing mental health literacy and reducing negative views about persons with mental illness. Methods: A total of 154 secondary school students in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, were allocated into an intervention and a control group. Students in the intervention group received a three-hour mental health awareness session. All students completed a pre-, immediate post, and six month post-intervention questionnaire on their views about mental health and illness. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores between the intervention and the control group post-intervention, but no significant differences in attitude and social distance scores. Conclusion: Brief training workshops appear able to produce small but positive changes in the mental health knowledge of young Nigerians. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | None | adolescent; age distribution; Article; attitude to health; awareness; controlled study; female; health education; health program; high school; human; knowledge; major clinical study; male; mental disease; mental health; Nigeria; perception; questionnaire; rural area; schizophrenia; social distance; teaching; urban area; attitude to health; child; education; health education; mental disease; procedures; program evaluation; psychology; rural population; statistics and numerical data; student; urban population; Adolescent; Child; Education; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Nigeria; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Students; Urban Population | None |
WoS | WOS:000337855300005 | The impact of alcohol and road traffic policies on crash rates in Botswana, 2004-2011: A time-series analysis | Dellinger, Ann M.,Naumann, Rebecca B.,Ndlovu, Christopher,Rudd, Rose A.,Sebego, Miriam,Voetsch, Karen | 2014 | ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION | 70 | None | 10.1016/j.aap.2014.02.017 | University of Botswana, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Botswana Police Serv, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | "Sebego, Miriam: University of Botswana", | In Botswana, increased development and motorization have brought increased road traffic-related death rates. Between 1981 and 2001, the road traffic-related death rate in Botswana more than tripled. The country has taken several steps over the last several years to address the growing burden of road traffic crashes and particularly to address the burden of alcohol-related crashes. This study examines the impact of the implementation of alcohol and road safety-related policies on crash rates, including overall crash rates, fatal crash rates, and single-vehicle nighttime fatal (SVNF) crash rates, in Botswana from 2004 to 2011. The overall crash rate declined significantly in June 2009 and June 2010, such that the overall crash rate from June 2010 to December 2011 was 22% lower than the overall crash rate from January 2004 to May 2009. Additionally, there were significant declines in average fatal crash and SVNF crash rates in early 2010. Botswana's recent crash rate reductions occurred during a time when aggressive policies and other activities (e.g., education, enforcement) were implemented to reduce alcohol consumption and improve road safety. While it is unclear which of the policies or activities contributed to these declines and to what extent, these reductions are likely the result of several, combined efforts. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | ALCOHOL,INJURY,"ROAD TRAFFIC","Traffic fines",ACCIDENTS,CONSUMPTION,INJURIES,"INTERVENTION ANALYSIS",OFFENSES,PENALTIES,PRICE,REDUCE,"SEAT-BELT USE",TAX | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883465046 | The impact of a labour-intensive road construction programme in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province | Musekene E.N. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.817301 | Monitoring and Evaluation, South African Social Security Agency, SASSA House, Cnr Beatrix and Pretorius Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa | Musekene, E.N., Monitoring and Evaluation, South African Social Security Agency, SASSA House, Cnr Beatrix and Pretorius Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa | This study investigates the distributional impacts of labour-intensive projects under the Gundo Lashu programme in the Limpopo province. The aim was to evaluate infrastructure effectiveness of the Extended Public Works Programme, focusing on the interface between road investment and economic development as the central premise. The objective was to evaluate the impact of the programme on the participants and their communities. Specific areas of impacts investigated are mobility, income, work opportunities, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods and opening of access to market opportunities. A matched case-control study design was adopted. The study found that the programme had achieved its objectives related to the total number of jobs created and the total road length constructed. However, the programme showed mixed results on communities' socio-economic outcomes and the impacts of the programme on poverty and sustainable livelihoods. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | economic development; Extended Public Works Programme; impact evaluation; labour-intensive methods; road construction; transport infrastructure | economic development; income; mobility; poverty alleviation; road construction; road transport; socioeconomic impact; sustainability; transportation infrastructure; Limpopo; South Africa; Vhembe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870182563 | The impact of aircraft noise exposure on South African children′s reading comprehension: The moderating effect of home language | Seabi J., Cockcroft K., Goldschagg P., Greyling M. | 2012 | Noise and Health | 14 | 60 | 10.4103/1463-1741.102963 | Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, South Africa | Seabi, J., Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, South Africa; Cockcroft, K., Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, South Africa; Goldschagg, P., Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, South Africa; Greyling, M., Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, South Africa | Given the limited studies conducted within the African continent, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic aircraft noise exposure and the moderating effect of home language on the learners′ reading comprehension. The sample comprised 437 (52%) senior primary learners exposed to high levels of aircraft noise (Experimental group) and 337 (48%) learners residing in a quieter area (Control group). Of these, 151 learners in the Experimental group spoke English as a first language (EFL) and 162 spoke English as a second language (ESL). In the Control group, the numbers were similarly divided (EFL n = 191; ESL n = 156). A univariate General Linear Model was used to investigate the effects of aircraft noise exposure and language on reading comprehension, while observing for the possible impact of intellectual ability, gender, and socioeconomic status on the results. A significant difference was observed between ESL and EFL learners in favor of the latter (F 1,419 = 21.95, P =.000). In addition a substantial and significant interaction effect was found between the experimental and control groups for the two language groups. For the EFL speakers there was a strong reduction in reading comprehension in the aircraft noise group. By contrast this difference was not significant for the ESL speakers. Implications of the findings and suggestions for further research are made in the article. | Aircraft noise; home language; reading comprehension; South Africa | adolescent; aircraft; article; child; cognitive defect; communication disorder; environmental exposure; female; human; language; learning disorder; longitudinal study; male; reading; South Africa; traffic noise; Adolescent; Aircraft; Child; Cognition Disorders; Communication Barriers; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Learning Disorders; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Multilingualism; Noise, Transportation; Reading; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450255099 | The impact of AIDS on intergenerational support in South Africa: Evidence from the cape area panel study | Ardington C., Case A., Islam M., Lam D., Leibbrandt M., Menendez A., Olgiati A. | 2010 | Research on Aging | 32 | 1 | 10.1177/0164027509348143 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States | Ardington, C., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Case, A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Islam, M., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Lam, D., Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; Leibbrandt, M., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Menendez, A., University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Olgiati, A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | This study uses panel data from Cape Town to document the role played by aging parents in caring for grandchildren who lose parents due to illnesses such as AIDS. The authors quantify the probabilities that older adults and their adult children provide financial support to orphaned grandchildren. The authors find significant transfers of public and private funds to older adults caring for orphans. Perhaps because of these transfers the authors find no differences in expenditure patterns between households with orphans and other older adult households. They also find no impact of either the death of a child or taking in orphaned grandchildren on adult well-being as measured by ability to work, depression, or self-reported health. Findings suggest that the combined public and private safety net in South Africa mitigates many of the consequences older adults could suffer when an adult child dies and leaves behind grandchildren needing care. © The Author(s) 2010. | AIDS; Intergenerational support; Orphans; South Africa | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547676187 | The impact of AIDS on government service delivery: The case of the Zambia Wildlife Authority | Rosen S., Hamazakaza P., Feeley F., Fox M. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | SUPPL. 3 | 10.1097/01.aids.0000279694.61652.e3 | Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Farming Systems Association of Zambia, Mount Makulu Central Research Station, Chilanga, Zambia; Health Economics Research Office, Helen Joseph Hospital (Themba Lethu Clinic), Perth Road, Westdene 2092, South Africa | Rosen, S., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States, Health Economics Research Office, Helen Joseph Hospital (Themba Lethu Clinic), Perth Road, Westdene 2092, South Africa; Hamazakaza, P., Farming Systems Association of Zambia, Mount Makulu Central Research Station, Chilanga, Zambia; Feeley, F., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Fox, M., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | BACKGROUND: The loss of working-aged adults to HIV/AIDS has been shown to increase the costs of labor to the private sector in Africa. There is little corresponding evidence for the public sector. This study evaluated the impact of AIDS on the costs and service delivery capacity of a government agency, the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). METHODS: Data were collected on workforce characteristics, mortality, costs, and number of days spent on patrol between 2003 and 2005 by 76 current patrol officers (reference subjects) and 11 patrol officers who died of AIDS or suspected AIDS (index subjects). The impact of AIDS on service delivery capacity and labor costs and the net benefits of providing treatment were estimated. RESULTS: Reference subjects averaged 197.4 patrol days per year. After adjustment index subjects patrolled 68% less in their last year of service (P < 0.0001), 51% less in their second to last year (P < 0.0001), and 37% less in their third to last year (P < 0.0001). For each employee who died, ZAWA lost an additional 111 person-days for management, funeral attendance, vacancy and staff replacement. Each death also cost ZAWA the equivalent of 3.3 years' annual compensation for care, benefits, recruitment, and training. In 2005, AIDS reduced service delivery capacity by 6.0% and increased labor costs by 9.3%. CONCLUSION: Impacts on this government agency are substantially larger than observed in the private sector. AIDS is constraining ZAWA's ability to protect Zambia's parks. At a cost of US $500/patient/ year, antiretroviral therapy (ART) would result in service improvements and net budgetary savings to ZAWA. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Antiretroviral therapy; Government; HIV/AIDS; Labor productivity; Zambia | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; compensation; death; female; government; health care cost; health care delivery; health service; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; information processing; major clinical study; male; mortality; priority journal; Zambia; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Commerce; Costs and Cost Analysis; Female; Government Agencies; HIV Seroprevalence; Humans; Male; Workplace; Zambia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893077280 | The Impact of Aid and Public Investment Volatility on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa | Museru M., Toerien F., Gossel S. | 2014 | World Development | 57 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2013.12.001 | University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Museru, M., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Toerien, F., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Gossel, S., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | This study investigates the effects of aid inflows and the volatility of public investment on economic growth in 26 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period from 1992 to 2011. Three volatility variables comprising aid, government revenue, and public investment are incorporated into an aid-growth model to test for their effect on economic growth. Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique and averaged data for five four-year sub-periods, we show that although foreign aid has a positive impact on growth once potential endogeneity has been accounted for, aid effectiveness may have been eroded by volatility in public investment. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Aid; Economic growth; Public investment; Sub-Saharan Africa; Volatility | aid flow; economic growth; international aid; investment; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-58049200662 | The impact of a home visitation programme on household hazards associated with unintentional childhood injuries: A randomised controlled trial | Odendaal W., van Niekerk A., Jordaan E., Seedat M. | 2009 | Accident Analysis and Prevention | 41 | 1 | 10.1016/j.aap.2008.10.009 | University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, PO Box 1087, Lenasia 1820, South Africa | Odendaal, W., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Jordaan, E., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Seedat, M., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, PO Box 1087, Lenasia 1820, South Africa | Background: The continued high mortality and morbidity rates for unintentional childhood injuries remain a public health concern. This article reports on the influence of a home visitation programme (HVP) on household hazards associated with unintentional childhood injuries in a South African low-income setting. Methods: A randomised controlled trial (n = 211 households) was conducted in a South African informal settlement. Community members were recruited and trained as paraprofessional visitors. Four intervention visits were conducted over 3 months, focusing on child development, and the prevention of burn, poison, and fall injuries. The HVP, a multi-component intervention, included educational inputs, provision of safety devices, and an implicit enforcement strategy. The intervention effect (IE) was measured with a standardised risk assessment index that compared post-intervention scores for intervention and control households. Results: A significant reduction was observed in the hazards associated with electrical and paraffin appliances, as well as in hazards related to poisoning. Non-significant changes were observed for burn safety household practices and fall injury hazards. Conclusions: This study confirmed that a multi-component HVP effectively reduced household hazards associated with electrical and paraffin appliances and poisoning among children in a low-income South African setting. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Home visitation; Multi-component intervention; Paraprofessional home visitors; Randomised controlled trial; Unintentional childhood injuries | Hazards; Health risks; Paraffin waxes; Paraffins; Risk assessment; Risk management; Home visitation; Multi-component intervention; Paraprofessional home visitors; Randomised controlled trial; Unintentional childhood injuries; Health hazards; adolescent; article; child; child welfare; clinical trial; confidence interval; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dangerous goods; home accident; human; infant; mortality; newborn; preschool child; professional practice; randomized controlled trial; risk assessment; risk reduction; safety; South Africa; statistics; Accidents, Home; Adolescent; Child; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Confidence Intervals; Hazardous Substances; House Calls; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Risk Assessment; Risk Reduction Behavior; Safety; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899136242 | The impact of agronomic inputs on selected physicochemical features and their relationships with heavy metals levels in surface sediment and water in sugarcane farms in Nzoia, Kenya | Omwoma S., Lalah J.O., Ongeri D.M.K., Schramm K.-W. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 71 | 10 | 10.1007/s12665-013-2824-y | Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P.O. Box 52428-00200, City Square, Nairobi, Kenya; HelmholtzZentrum Muenchen, The German National Research Centre for Environment and Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany | Omwoma, S., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Lalah, J.O., Department of Chemical Science and Technology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P.O. Box 52428-00200, City Square, Nairobi, Kenya; Ongeri, D.M.K., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Schramm, K.-W., HelmholtzZentrum Muenchen, The German National Research Centre for Environment and Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany | Sugarcane farming is the most important cash crop cultivation activity in the Lake Victoria basin of Kenya practised in an area covering approximately 114,000 Ha in total. For better yields, various agronomic inputs including fertilizers and herbicides have been used intensively in the farms, causing serious concerns about their potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystems within the lake basin. In this study, the physicochemical features of surface sediment and water including pH, total organic carbon contents and heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr) loads in River Kuywa and in runoff canals in sugarcane farms in Nzoia nucleus estate within the lake basin were determined to assess the effects of agronomic activities including agronomic inputs in the form of nitrogenous fertilizers [urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP)], herbicides and sewage sludge used in farming on their levels. The results indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the heavy metal levels in sediment and water samples taken before and after the farms, respectively, indicating a positive impact on the concentration levels. The canal water and sediment samples' heavy metal levels were also significantly higher than those of the river samples showing that the influent sugarcane farm canal waters transfer these contaminants into River Kuywa. Although the levels of these parameters were significantly higher in the canals than in the controls obtained from outside the sugarcane farms, the heavy metal levels in soil samples from within the farms with similar agronomic activities did not differ significantly among the various plots. The turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, water and soil pH and total organic carbon values in samples obtained within the sugarcane farms showed significant seasonal variations and differed significantly from the values in the controls showing a significant negative impact of agronomic inputs on water quality. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Agronomic inputs; Heavy metals; Kenya; Lake Victoria catchment; River Kuywa; Sugarcane farming | Agronomy; Canals; Catchments; Copper; Heavy metals; Herbicides; Hydraulic structures; Lakes; Lead; Phosphate fertilizers; Rivers; Sewage sludge; Surficial sediments; Urea; Urea fertilizers; Water quality; Weed control; Agronomic inputs; Diammonium phosphates; Electrical conductivity; Kenya; Lake Victoria; Physicochemical features; Sugarcane farmings; Total organic carbon content; River pollution; agronomy; cash cropping; crop yield; cultivation; heavy metal; physiological response; sediment pollution; sugar cane; surface water; water pollution; water quality; East African Lakes; Lake Victoria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40849127058 | The impact of agricultural runoff on the quality of two streams in vegetable farm areas in Ghana | Ntow W.J., Drechsel P., Botwe B.O., Kelderman P., Gijzen H.J. | 2008 | Journal of Environmental Quality | 37 | 2 | 10.2134/jeq2007.0136 | CSIR Water Research Inst., P.O.Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; West Africa Office, International Water Management Inst., Accra, Ghana; Univ. of Ghana, Chemistry Dep., Legon, Ghana; UNESCO-IHE Inst. for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; UNESCO Jakarta Office, Regional Bureau for Science for Asia and Pacific, JI. Galuh II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia | Ntow, W.J., CSIR Water Research Inst., P.O.Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; Drechsel, P., West Africa Office, International Water Management Inst., Accra, Ghana; Botwe, B.O., Univ. of Ghana, Chemistry Dep., Legon, Ghana; Kelderman, P., UNESCO-IHE Inst. for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Gijzen, H.J., UNESCO Jakarta Office, Regional Bureau for Science for Asia and Pacific, JI. Galuh II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia | A study of two small streams at Akumadan and Tono, Ghana, was undertaken during the rain and dry season periods between February 2005 and January 2006 to investigate the impact of vegetable field runoff on their quality. In each stream we compared the concentration of current-use pesticides in one site immediately upstream of a vegetable field with a second site immediately downstream. Only trace concentrations of endosulfan and chlorpyrifos were detected at both sites in both streams in the dry season. In the wet season, rain-induced runoff transported pesticides into downstream stretches of the streams. Average peak levels in the streams themselves were 0.07 μg L -1 endosulfan, 0-02 μg L-1 chlorpyrifos (the Akumadan stream); 0.04 μg L-1 endosulfan, 0.02 μg L-1 chlorpyrifos (the Tono stream). Respective average pesticide levels associated with streambed sediment were 1.34 and 0.32 μg kg-1 (the Akumadan stream), and 0.92 and 0.84 μg kg-1 (the Tono stream). Further investigations are needed to establish the potential endosulfan and chlorpyrifos effects on aquatic invertebrate and fish in these streams. Meanwhile measures should be undertaken to reduce the input of these chemicals via runoff. Copyright © 2008 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | Animals; Pesticides; Stream flow; Water quality; Chlorpyrifos; Endosulfan; Streambed sediments; Vegetable field runoff; Agricultural runoff; chlorpyrifos; endosulfan; environmental chemical; pesticide; agricultural land; aquatic environment; article; chemical environment; concentration (parameters); crop production; environmental impact; fish; Ghana; invertebrate; nonhuman; rural area; seasonal variation; sediment; stream (river); vegetable; water contamination; water pollution; water quality; Agriculture; Chlorpyrifos; Endosulfan; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Ghana; Insecticides; Rivers; Seasons; Vegetables; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Invertebrata | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861502765 | The impact of agricultural innovation system interventions on rural livelihoods in Malawi | Mapila M.A.T.J., Kirsten J.F., Meyer F. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 2 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.675699 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Mapila, M.A.T.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Kirsten, J.F., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Meyer, F., Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This study, conducted in central Malawi, assessed the way a research intervention using an agricultural innovation system affected rural livelihoods. Propensity score matching was used to establish one village as a control, against which the impact of the intervention on two study villages [0]could be measured. Using the Enabling Rural Innovation intervention as a case study, it was established that rural livelihood outcomes pertaining to crop and livestock production, household income, asset ownership and fertiliser use were significantly improved by this intervention. In-depth analysis, however, demonstrated that although the participating households had more robust livelihoods during the intervention, when the research programme was phased out the effect was reduced. The authors recommend that local agricultural extension officers should receive more capacity building and budgetary support to ensure proper understanding of agricultural innovation systems concepts and correct application so as to sustain their positive effects. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | agricultural innovation systems; enabling rural innovation; impact evaluation; Malawi; rural livelihoods | capacity building; crop production; farming system; innovation; livestock farming; rural area; Malawi | None |
WoS | WOS:000269490000010 | The Impact of Agricultural Extension and Roads on Poverty and Consumption Growth in Fifteen Ethiopian Villages | Dercon, Stefan,Gilligan, Daniel O.,Hoddinott, John,Woldehanna, Tassew | 2009 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS | 91 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-8276.2009.01325.x | Addis Ababa University, International Food Policy Research Institute, University of Oxford | "Dercon, Stefan: University of Oxford","Hoddinott, John: International Food Policy Research Institute","Woldehanna, Tassew: Addis Ababa University" | This article investigates whether public investments that led to improvements in road quality and increased access to agricultural extension services led to faster consumption growth and lower rates of poverty in rural Ethiopia. Estimating an Instrumental Variables model using Generalized Methods of Moments and controlling for household fixed effects, we find evidence of positive impacts with meaningful magnitudes. Receiving at least one extension visit reduces headcount poverty by 9.8 percentage points and increases consumption growth by 7.1 percentage points. Access to all-weather roads reduces poverty by 6.9 percentage points and increases consumption growth by 16.3 percentage points. These results are robust to changes in model specification and estimation methods. | ETHIOPIA,EXTENSION,GROWTH,POVERTY,ROADS,PROGRAMS,"RURAL ETHIOPIA",SHOCKS | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921807477 | The impact of agricultural and commercial use on two Urban Commonages in Harare | Magadza C., Magadza M. | 2014 | Honeyguide | 60 | 1 | None | Harare, Zimbabwe | Magadza, C., Harare, Zimbabwe; Magadza, M. | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952506138 | The impact of Age, Gender and social factors on the Vocational Choice among Nigerian adolescents | Basil N.M. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 19 | 4 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Basil, N.M., Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the impact of age, gender and social factors on the vocational choice among Nigerian adolescents. Eight hundred (800) male and female secondary school students sampled from eight secondary schools in Abuja Municipality participated. Participants were 400 junior secondary three (200 males and 200 females, 13-15 years), with a mean age of 14 years; and 400 senior secondary three (200 males and 200 females, 16-18 years) with a mean age of 17 years. Vocational Choice Scale (VCS) was used to test the vocational choice of the students. Results showed, there was significant age impact on adolescents' vocational choice, F (1,790) =30.6P<.001, Gender was significant, F (2,790) =305:7P<.0001. On the interaction effect, age x social factors was significant F (2,790)0020=24.02 P<.001. Gender x social factors was significant F (2,790) =15.28 P<.001. Age x gender x social factors were significant F (2,790) =15.28 P<.001. Age x gender x social factors were significant. F (2,790) =46. 8P<.001 Scheffe test showed that family factors scored the highest in the social factor impact on the vocational choice among students. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892550387 | The impact of age and gender diversity on oganisational commitment | Toga R., Qwabe N.P., Mjoli T.Q. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p657 | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Toga, R., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Qwabe, N.P., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Mjoli, T.Q., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Establishing the relationship between managers and employees' age and gender differences and the level of commitment could be of benefit to the organisations in the sense that these demographic differences can be used as predictors of employees' organisational commitment. The main purpose of the study was specifically to examine the two relational demographic differences (age and gender differences) between manager and employee and the role they play on employees' organisational commitment. A raosoft sample size calculator was used to calculate the recommended sample size; therefore an interval or systematic random sample of 100 lower level employees. A self designed biographical and occupational data questionnaire, and to measure Organisational Commitment, Meyer and Allen (1997) which consists of 18 - item Likert-type rating scale was used. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and the t-test. The results indicated a significant differences in the unexpected directions in affective commitment and continuance commitment between male employees supervised by male managers and male employees supervised by female managers; male employees were found to have higher levels of affective and continuance commitment when supervised by female managers. Female employees were found to have a higher level of normative commitment when supervised by male managers than when supervised by female managers which was also in the unexpected direction. Managers should be encouraged to apply the principles of workforce diversity in personnel selection and continue to provide diversity training in the workplace so as to dispel any vestiges of resistance to diversity which may have accounted for the partial support for the similarity/attraction paradigm that was demonstrated by the results. This study provides insights and information on age and gender differences as components of diversity which play an important role in the quality of manager-employee relationship in an organisation. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958152209 | The impact of African elephants on Acacia tortilis woodland in northern Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe | Gandiwa E., Magwati T., Zisadza P., Chinuwo T., Tafangenyasha C. | 2011 | Journal of Arid Environments | 75 | 9 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2011.04.017 | Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Mushandike College of Wildlife Management, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 9036, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Geography Department and Environmental Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa | Gandiwa, E., Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Magwati, T., Mushandike College of Wildlife Management, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 9036, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Zisadza, P., Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Chinuwo, T., Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Tafangenyasha, C., Geography Department and Environmental Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa | We investigated the impact of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) on the structure and composition of Acacia tortilis woodland in northern Gonarezhou National Park, southeast Zimbabwe. A. tortilis woodland was stratified into high, medium and low elephant utilisation categories based on evidence of elephant habitat use as determined through dung-count surveys in relation to distance of woodland patches from perennial and natural surface water sources. The following variables were recorded in each study plot: tree height, species name, number of species, plant damage, basal circumference and number of stems per plant. A total of 824 woody plants and 26 woody species were recorded from the sampled A. tortilis woodland patches. Mean tree densities, basal areas, tree heights and species diversity were lower in areas with medium and high elephant utilisation as compared to low elephant utilisation areas. Plants damaged by elephants increased with increasing elephant utilisation. The study findings suggest that A. tortilis woodland is gradually being transformed into an open woodland. We recommended that protected area management in arid and semi-arid areas should consider (i) formulating clear thresholds of potential concern to allow for the conservation of sensitive woodlands such as A. tortilis woodlands and (ii) establishing long-term vegetation monitoring programmes. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | African savanna; Elephant utilisation; Loxodonta africana; Water sources; Woody plants | basal area; community structure; conservation management; damage; ecological impact; elephant; environmental monitoring; habitat use; legume; national park; semiarid region; stem; water availability; woodland; Gonarezhou National Park; Masvingo; Zimbabwe; Acacia; Acacia tortilis; Elephantidae; Loxodonta; Loxodonta africana | None |
WoS | WOS:000279623000003 | The impact of a food security program on household food consumption in Northwestern Ethiopia: A matching estimator approach | Abebaw, Degnet,Fentie, Yibeltal,Kassa, Belay | 2010 | FOOD POLICY | 35 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.01.002 | Haramaya University, Ethiopian Econ Policy Res Inst, United Nations World Food Program | "Kassa, Belay: Haramaya University", | With the financial support from various development partners, Ethiopia has designed and implemented several programs to improve household food security. Yet, food insecurity is still a major challenge to several millions of people in the country and it is questionable whether the different food security programs implemented over the past years have been successful. Using a propensity score matching method to control for pre-intervention differences, this study examined the impact on household food calorie intake of an integrated food security program (IFSP), which had been implemented in Northwestern Ethiopia by two non-governmental organizations as a case study. The estimated results provide evidence that IFSP has a positive and statistically significant effect on food calorie intake. In particular, IFSP has raised physical food calorie intake by 30% among the beneficiary households. However, we also found that IFSP has differential impact depending on family size, landownership and gender of head of household. Overall, the paper provides evidence that supporting integrated food security programs is important to improve food security in rural areas. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | ETHIOPIA,"FOOD SECURITY","PROGRAM EVALUATION","propensity score matching",CAUSAL,DIARRHEA,"ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION ESTIMATOR",INDIA,PROPENSITY-SCORE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927716182 | The impact of a faculty development programme for health professions educators in sub-Saharan Africa: An archival study | Frantz J.M., Bezuidenhout J., Burch V.C., Mthembu S., Rowe M., Tan C., Van Wyk J., Van Heerden B. | 2015 | BMC Medical Education | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12909-015-0320-7 | Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Medical Education and Research Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Frantz, J.M., Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Bezuidenhout, J., Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Burch, V.C., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Mthembu, S., KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Rowe, M., Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Tan, C., Medical Education and Research Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Van Wyk, J., College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Van Heerden, B., Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Background: In 2008 the sub-Saharan FAIMER Regional Institute launched a faculty development programme aimed at enhancing the academic and research capacity of health professions educators working in sub-Saharan Africa. This two-year programme, a combination of residential and distance learning activities, focuses on developing the leadership, project management and programme evaluation skills of participants as well as teaching the key principles of health professions education-curriculum design, teaching and learning and assessment. Participants also gain first-hand research experience by designing and conducting an education innovation project in their home institutions. This study was conducted to determine the perceptions of participants regarding the personal and professional impact of the SAFRI programme. Methods: A retrospective document review, which included data about fellows who completed the programme between 2008 and 2011, was performed. Data included fellows' descriptions of their expectations, reflections on achievements and information shared on an online discussion forum. Data were analysed using Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework. Results: Participants (n=61) came from 10 African countries and included a wide range of health professions educators. Five key themes about the impact of the SAFRI programme were identified: (1) belonging to a community of practice, (2) personal development, (3) professional development, (4) capacity development, and (5) tools/strategies for project management and/or advancement. Conclusion: The SAFRI programme has a positive developmental impact on both participants and their respective institutions. © 2015 Frantz et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Evaluation; Faculty development; Kirkpatrick framework | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749990905 | The impact of aerial application of organophosphates on the cholinesterase levels of rural residents in the Vaalharts district, Northern Cape Province, South Africa | Dalvie M.A., London L. | 2006 | Environmental Research | 102 | 3 | 10.1016/j.envres.2006.01.008 | Occupational and Environmental Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa | Dalvie, M.A., Occupational and Environmental Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa; London, L., Occupational and Environmental Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa | A cluster of Guillaine-Barre syndrome cases in the Vaalharts region, South Africa prompted an investigation of the impact of aerial organophosphate spraying on cholinesterase levels of residents in the region. A prospective study of cholinesterase levels among residents and workers in the area and a control area was performed. Standardized red blood cell cholinesterase levels amongst participants were monitored before (round 1), during (round 2), and after (round 3) the 1996/1997 aerial spraying season. Participants were assigned environmental exposure categories based on the time since (within 10 or 30 days) and distance from (on farm, on neighboring farm, <10 km from farm) aerial pesticide application. There were 342 participants in round 1, of whom 78% participated in round 2, 62% in round 3, and 56% in all three rounds. There was an increase in cholinesterase levels in round 2 (mean increase=5.96±6.25 IU/g hemoglobin) and then a decrease in round 3 (6.17±6.51), significantly associated with environmental exposure (participants living on farm or neighboring farm and <10 km from spraying area) controlling for age, gender, alcohol dependence, and usual and recent domestic and occupational pesticide use (e.g., for round 2-round 1 cholinesterase differences, over(β, ^) (exposed group relative to unexposed)=5.72±1.21 IU/g hemoglobin, P = 0.000, R2 = 0.27, n = 171). The results show a shift in cholinesterase levels associated with residence in the spraying area, but in the direction opposite to that expected from the spraying of pesticides. Seasonal fluctuations in ambient temperature during the study may have influenced the results. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Aerial; Cholinesterase; Neurotoxic; Organophosphate; Pesticides | organophosphate; pesticide; enzyme activity; farm; organophosphate; rural society; adult; alcoholism; article; cholinesterase blood level; controlled study; environmental exposure; environmental temperature; erythrocyte; female; hemoglobin blood level; human; male; neurotoxicity; priority journal; rural area; season; sex difference; South Africa; Adult; Cholinesterases; Environmental Exposure; Erythrocytes; Female; Geography; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pesticides; Phosphoric Acid Esters; Prospective Studies; Rural Population; South Africa; Africa; Cape Province; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-19144362045 | The impact of adult mortality on the living arrangements of older people in rural South Africa | Hosegood V., Timæus I.M. | 2005 | Ageing and Society | 25 | 3 | 10.1017/S0144686X0500365X | Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Hosegood, V., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Timæus, I.M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | This paper examines changes in households with older people in a northern rural area of KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, between January 2000 and January 2002. The focus is the impact of adult deaths, especially those from AIDS, on the living arrangements of older people. The longitudinal data are from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System. In 2000, 3,657 older people (women aged 60 years or older, men 65 years or older) were resident in the area, and 3,124 households had at least one older member. The majority (87%) of older people lived in three-generation households. Households with older people were significantly poorer, more likely to be headed by a woman, and in homesteads with poorer quality infrastructure than households without older members. By January 2002, 316 (8%) of the older people in the sample had died. Of all the households with an older person, 12 per cent experienced at least one adult death from AIDS. The paper shows that older people, particularly those living alone or with children in the absence of other adults, were living in the poorest households. They were also coping with an increasing burden of young adult deaths, the majority of which were attributable to AIDS. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | Adult children; AIDS; Children; HIV; Household composition; Mortality; Older people; South Africa | elderly population; household structure; mortality; rural area; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
WoS | WOS:000226560400004 | The impact of adult mortality and parental deaths on primary schooling in north-western Tanzania | Ainsworth, M,Beegle, K,Koda, G | 2005 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | 41 | 3 | 10.1080/0022038042000313318 | The World Bank, University of Dar es Salaam | None | Mortality of parents and other adults due to the African AIDS epidemic could reduce children's primary schooling by reducing households' ability to pay fees, raising the opportunity cost of children's time, and leaving orphaned children with guardians who care less about their education than would their parents. This study measures the impact of adult deaths and orphan status on primary school attendance and hours spent at school using a panel household survey from north-western Tanzania, an area hard-hit by the AIDS epidemic. Attendance was delayed for maternal orphans and children in poor households with a recent adult death; there was no evidence that children 7-14 dropped out of primary school due to orphan status or adult deaths. However, among children already attending, school hours were significantly lower in the months prior to an adult death in the household and seemed to recover following the death. In addition, girls sharply reduced their hours in school immediately after losing a parent.
Improvements in school quality and better access to secondary education would improve outcomes for all children, including those affected by adult AIDS mortality. Beyond that, public policy needs to focus on the special schooling constraints faced by children affected by adult deaths, both in terms of increased opportunity costs of their time and the psychological impacts, with an eye to how they might be mitigated and at what cost. | ,AIDS,COUNTRIES,"HIV-1 INFECTION","KAGERA REGION",PREVALENCE,"RURAL TANZANIA","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896796367 | The impact of a developmental movement programme on the performance of rural hearingimpaired children on the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development | Bothma J.-M.V.D.M., Dunn M., Kokot S. | 2014 | South African Journal of Psychology | 44 | 1 | 10.1177/0081246313516254 | North West University, PO Box 1088, Harrismith, 9880, South Africa; University of South Africa, South Africa | Bothma, J.-M.V.D.M., North West University, PO Box 1088, Harrismith, 9880, South Africa; Dunn, M., North West University, PO Box 1088, Harrismith, 9880, South Africa; Kokot, S., University of South Africa, South Africa | Being hearing impaired does not only affect a child's academic performance, but can also influence his or her overall development and ability to succeed academically. Neurodevelopmental movement programmes are generally not accepted as evidenced-based practice, and their effect on academic performance is often underrated. Movement, however, is regarded by many as being essential to learning, and there seems to be a positive interchange between the brain and the body. This article reports on research conducted on the impact of a neurodevelopmental movement programme on the development of 4- to 8-year-old hearing-impaired children. Children were selected from a special needs school in QwaQwa, a rural area in the Free State province of South Africa. Two groups of children (one an experimental and the other a comparison group) were used in this research, with both groups undergoing a pre-test and post-test phase using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised. The experimental group was subjected to a 14-week neurodevelopmental movement programme. The comparison group underwent a placebo intervention. The results indicate that the children in the experimental group showed an improvement in some aspects of specific development following the intervention (locomotor functioning, performance-related abilities, and practical reasoning skills). General developmental age showed significant improvement in both the experimental group and the comparison group. This result may support the critique against movement programmes, where the placebo effect is offered as the reason for change in children participating in movement programmes. The results of this empirical investigation aid in understanding the impact of movement programmes on a hearing-impaired child's general development. © The Author(s) 2014. | Child development; Developmental movement programme; Griffiths Scales; Hearing impaired; Movement | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891630909 | The impact of additional nitrates in mild steel corrosion in a seawater/sediment system | Pillay C., Lin J. | 2014 | Corrosion Science | 80 | None | 10.1016/j.corsci.2013.11.047 | School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa | Pillay, C., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa; Lin, J., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of additional nitrate sources on mild steel coupon corrosion in a seawater/sediment system. The results show that addition of 5. mM of nitrate sources significantly increased the weight loss of coupons after 20. weeks. SEM results indicate increase in microbial populations and corrosive products in the non-autoclaved and the nitrate-treated environments. EDX analyses revealed an increase in contents of carbon, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium with the exception of iron with an increase in incubation time. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | A. Mild steel; B. SEM; B. Weight loss; C. Microbiological corrosion | EDX analysis; Incubation time; Microbial populations; Microbiological corrosion; Nitrate sources; Steel coupon; Weight loss; Carbon steel; Corrosion; Nitrates | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925084162 | The impact of acute preoperative beta-blockade on perioperative cardiac morbidity and all-cause mortality in hypertensive South African vascular surgery patients | Moodley Y., Biccard B.M. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 6 | 10.7196/SAMJ.8856 | Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Moodley, Y., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Biccard, B.M., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background. Acute β-blockade has been associated with poor perioperative outcomes in non-cardiac surgery patients, probably as a result of β-blocker-induced haemodynamic instability during the perioperative period, which has been shown to be more severe in hypertensive patients. Objective. To determine the impact of acute preoperative β-blockade on the incidence of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity and allcause mortality in hypertensive South African (SA) patients who underwent vascular surgery at a tertiary hospital. Methods. We conducted two separate case-control analyses to determine the impact of acute preoperative β-blockade on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, a composite outcome of a perioperative troponin-I leak or all-cause mortality) and perioperative troponin-I leak alone. Case and control groups were compared using χ2, Fisher’s exact, McNemar’s or Student’s t-tests, where applicable. Binary logistic regression was used to determine whether acute preoperative β-blocker use was an independent predictor of perioperative MACEs/troponin-I leak in hypertensive SA vascular surgery patients. Results. We found acute preoperative β-blockade to be an independent predictor of perioperative MACEs (odds ratio (OR) 3.496; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.948 - 6.273; p<0.001) and troponin-I leak (OR 5.962; 95% CI 3.085 - 11.52; p<0.001) in hypertensive SA vascular surgery patients. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that acute preoperative β-blockade is associated with an increased risk of perioperative cardiac morbidity and all-cause mortality in hypertensive SA vascular surgery patients. © 2015, South African Medical Journal. All right reserved. | None | atenolol; carvedilol; labetalol; troponin I; adult; Article; beta adrenergic receptor blocking; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular mortality; case control study; controlled study; female; human; hypertension; incidence; major clinical study; male; outcome assessment; perioperative period; preoperative period; scoring system; vascular surgery | D43TW000231, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899015621 | The impact of active site mutations of South African HIV PR on drug resistance: Insight from molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy and per-residue footprints | Ahmed S.M., Maguire G.E.M., Kruger H.G., Govender T. | 2014 | Chemical Biology and Drug Design | 83 | 4 | 10.1111/cbdd.12262 | Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Center of Catalysis and Peptide Synthesis, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | Ahmed, S.M., Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Maguire, G.E.M., Center of Catalysis and Peptide Synthesis, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., Center of Catalysis and Peptide Synthesis, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Govender, T., Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations were used to provide an understanding of the impact of active site drug-resistant mutations of the South African HIV protease subtype C (C-SA HIV PR), V82A and V82F/I84V on drug resistance. Unique per-residue interaction energy 'footprints' were developed to map the overall drug-binding profiles for the wild type and mutants. Results confirmed that these mutations altered the overall binding landscape of the amino acid residues not only in the active site region but also in the flaps as well. Four FDA-approved drugs were investigated in this study; these include ritonavir (RTV), saquinavir (SQV), indinavir (IDV), and nelfinavir (NFV). Computational results compared against experimental findings were found to be complementary. Against the V82F/I84V variant, saquinavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir lose remarkable entropic contributions relative to both wild-type and V82A C-SA HIV PRs. The per-residue energy 'footprints' and the analysis of ligand-receptor interactions for the drug complexes with the wild type and mutants have also highlighted the nature of drug interactions. The data presented in this study will prove useful in the design of more potent inhibitors effective against drug-resistant HIV strains. Molecular dynamics and binding free energy calculations showed that the binding affinity of inhibitors for the V82F/I84V double mutant is impaired significantly compared with wild type and V82A mutant. It was found that localized mutations can disturb the binding affinity of the inhibitors toward the nearby, and some cases distant, residues. Entropic loss was found to play a role in binding affinity with some inhibitors more than the others. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | binding free energy calculations; HIV protease subtype C; molecular dynamics | amino acid; Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase; indinavir; ligand; mutant protein; nelfinavir; receptor; ritonavir; saquinavir; unclassified drug; v82a enzyme; v82f i84v enzyme; Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase; Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase inhibitor; antiviral resistance; article; binding affinity; drug protein binding; entropy; enzyme active site; ligand binding; molecular dynamics; multidrug resistance; mutational analysis; priority journal; protein footprinting; protein protein interaction; receptor binding; wild type; Africa; antiviral resistance; chemical structure; chemistry; drug effects; genetics; metabolism; mutation; thermodynamics; Africa; Catalytic Domain; Drug Resistance, Viral; HIV Protease; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Molecular Structure; Mutation; Thermodynamics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859138208 | The impact of a community service learning project on the professional growth of pre-service teachers [Die trefkrag van'n gemeenskapsdiens leerprojek op die professionele ontwikkeling van onderwysstudente] | Bansilal S., Mthembu Z. | 2011 | Acta Academica | 43 | 4 | None | School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa | Bansilal, S., School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa; Mthembu, Z., School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa | This article reports on a qualitative study based on a group of third- and fourth-year science student teachers, who participated in a community service learning (CSL) project. This study followed five students at three community drop-in centres in order to explore how their participation contributed to their learning. Data was generated from the lecturer's field notes and reports, as well as from the students' reflections, summative reports and presentations. The findings indicate that students found the experience academically, personally and professionally enriching. Working with poor orphans and community workers also helped the students develop a greater awareness of social responsibility. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-71449088918 | The impact of a community-based pilot health education intervention for older people as caregivers of orphaned and sick children as a result of HIV and AIDS in South Africa | Boon H., Ruiter R.A.C., James S., Van Den Borne B., Williams E., Reddy P. | 2009 | Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology | 24 | 4 | 10.1007/s10823-009-9101-2 | Health Promotion Research and Development Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Horizons, Population Council, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, Netherlands | Boon, H., Health Promotion Research and Development Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, Netherlands; Ruiter, R.A.C., Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; James, S., Health Promotion Research and Development Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Den Borne, B., Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Williams, E., Horizons, Population Council, Johannesburg, South Africa; Reddy, P., Health Promotion Research and Development Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | The increasing HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa poses a substantial burden to older people, in particular older women who mainly provide care for sick adult children and their grandchildren who have become orphaned and rendered vulnerable by the death or illness of their parents. In this study, 202 isiXhosa speaking older caregivers from Motherwell in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were trained to provide care for grandchildren and adult children living with HIV or AIDS. Based on a community needs assessment, a health education intervention comprising four modules was designed to improve skills and knowledge which would be used to assist older people in their care-giving tasks. Some topics were HIV and AIDS knowledge, effective intergenerational communication, providing home-based basic nursing care, accessing social services and grants, and relaxation techniques. Structured one-on-one interviews measured differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores among those who attended all four modules vs. those that missed one or more of the sessions. The results demonstrated that older people who participated in all four workshops perceived themselves more able and in control to provide nursing care. The participants also showed a more positive attitude towards people living with HIV or AIDS and reported an increased level of HIV and AIDS knowledge. The results provided valuable information upon which the development of future interventions may be based and psychosocial and structural needs of the older caregivers may be addressed by relevant stakeholders. © The Author(s) 2009. | AIDS; Care-giving; HIV; Older people; South Africa | aged; article; attitude to health; caregiver; community care; education; female; health education; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; male; middle aged; mortality; nursing; orphaned child; pilot study; psychological aspect; South Africa; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Caregivers; Child, Orphaned; Community Networks; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940488699 | The impact of a community awareness strategy on caregiver treatment seeking behaviour and use of artemether-lumefantrine for febrile children in rural Kenya | Wasunna B., Okiro E.A., Webster J., Todd J., Snow R.W., Jones C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130305 | Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Wasunna, B., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Okiro, E.A., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Webster, J., Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Todd, J., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Jones, C., Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Background: Access to prompt and effective treatment is the cornerstone for malaria control. Population Services International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a malaria behaviour change communication intervention in Nyanza province, Kenya. The initiative aimed to improve: symptom recognition and prompt access to government health facilities for febrile children; effective treatment with the recommended first-line drug artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in public health facilities and adherence to the AL regimen. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional household surveys were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on prompt and correct use of AL for febrile children below five years of age. The primary outcome was the proportion of children below five years of age with fever in the last 14 days accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset. Results: There was an increase from 62.8% pre-intervention to 79.4% post-intervention (95% CI: 11.1, 22.1) in caregivers who reported seeking formal treatment promptly (on the same day, or next day) for their febrile children. However, there was a decrease in the use of government health facilities in the post-intervention period. There was a small increase in the proportion of children accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset [18.4% vs 23.5% (0.1-10.0)]. Conclusion: The findings of this evaluation demonstrate that interventions that target only one sector may have a limited impact on improvements in prompt and effective treatment where multiple sources of treatments are sought for febrile illness. Additionally, the context in which an intervention is implemented is likely to influence the process and outcomes. © 2015 Wasunna et al. | None | amodiaquine; artemether plus benflumetol; chloroquine; dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; quinine; Article; behavior change; caregiver; child; childhood disease; community care; cross-sectional study; female; fever; health care access; health care facility; health care utilization; health promotion; help seeking behavior; human; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; male; medication compliance; outcome assessment; patient compliance; rural area | 092654, Wellcome Trust |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-20344395331 | The impact of acid rain deposition resulting from natural gas flaring on the socio-economic life of the people of Afiesere community, in Nigeria's Niger delta | Oghenejoboh K.M. | 2005 | Journal of Industrial Pollution Control | 21 | 1 | None | Department of Chemical/Petroleum Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Oghenejoboh, K.M., Department of Chemical/Petroleum Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Air and rainwater analyses were carried out within Afiesere, an oil producing community in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria to acertain the deposition of acid rain resulting from gas flaring in the area. The analysis showed that the pH of rainwater some distance away from the flare was 6.13, which is less than the pH of normal rainwater, while that within the oil facilities was 6.58. The concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr etc) and anions (SOx, NOx, Co etc) in the air were considerably low. However, the presence of extra H+ in the rainwater through diffusional effect of trans-atmospheric aerosol and other gaseous pollutants from the gas flare results in acid rain. The physical effects of acid rain are evident in the deteriorating health conditions and general economic life of the inhabitants of the community. © Enviromedia Printed in India. All rights reserved. | Acid rain; Anions; Atmosphere; Cations; Emission; Gas flaring | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000318584000008 | The Impact of Accreditation Exercise on University Libraries in Kenya | Ngulube, Patrick,Odera-Kwach, Beatrice Achieng' | 2013 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIBRARY ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 23 | 1 | None | University of South Africa, Commiss Higher Educ | "Ngulube, Patrick: University of South Africa", | This paper is the result of an exploratory study of the impact of accreditation - a process of external quality assurance on university libraries in Kenya. The paper also sought the perceptions of university librarians regarding external quality assurance. The mixed research method was used for data collection. The population of the study constituted all the universities in Kenya recognised by the Commission for Higher Education. The sample frame was drawn from the list of private universities authorised to award degrees in Kenya. Based on the findings from the questionnaire survey, four purposively selected heads of university libraries were interviewed. A total of 22 (92%) out of 24 potential university librarians completed and returned the questionnaire. The results show that university librarians were aware of the purpose of accreditation as it pertains to licensing, while conformity to standards was the greatest strength of accreditation. The university librarians suggested ways of improving the accreditation process. The findings show that there were positive and negative perceptions about the accreditation process. The findings reveal that despite the differences in the universities, majority of the librarians were positive that the accreditation process had brought about significant changes in their institutions. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations for improvement of the accreditation process. | "ACADEMIC LIBRARIES",ACCREDITATION,"external quality assurance","IMPACT ASSESSMENT",KENYA,"MIXED METHODS RESEARCH" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-28344443375 | The impact of access to animal health services on donkey health and livelihoods in Ethiopia | Curran M.M., Feseha G., Smith D.G. | 2005 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 37 | None | 10.1007/s11250-005-9008-z | Villardi Consulting, Singapore; Donkey Sanctuary, Veterinary Faculty, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, United Kingdom | Curran, M.M., Villardi Consulting, Singapore; Feseha, G., Donkey Sanctuary, Veterinary Faculty, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Smith, D.G., Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, United Kingdom | This study was carried out to assess the impact of animal healthcare services on poor donkey owners in Ethiopia. The services provided by the Donkey Sanctuary were used as a case study. A questionnaire survey was designed and carried out in the areas around Debre Zeit in the Highlands of Ethiopia. The staff carried out a survey at 10 sites. Six of these were in Donkey Sanctuary project areas and four were in control areas. The results showed that in project areas donkeys were significantly healthier and more productive than in non-project areas. Donkey owners in project sites felt better off for having access to animal healthcare services; donkey owners in non-project sites were less confident about their incomes and the health of their animals. © 2005 Springer. | Donkey; Ethiopia; Health services; Livelihood | agriculture; animal; animal welfare; article; Ethiopia; female; horse; human; male; questionnaire; socioeconomics; veterinary medicine; Agriculture; Animal Welfare; Animals; Equidae; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Veterinary Medicine; Animalia; Equus asinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893272930 | The impact of accent identification errors on speech recognition of South African English | Kamper H., Niesler T.R. | 2014 | South African Journal of Science | 110 | 42371 | 10.1590/sajs.2014/20120049 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kamper, H., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Niesler, T.R., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | For successful deployment, a South African English speech recognition system must be capable of processing the prevalent accents in this variety of English. Previous work dealing with the different accents of South African English has considered the case in which the accent of the input speech is known. Here we focus on the practical scenario in which the accent of the input speech is unknown and accent identification must occur at recognition time. By means of a set of contrastive experiments, we determine the effect which errors in the identification of the accent have on speech recognition performance. We focus on the specific configuration in which a set of accent-specific speech recognisers operate in parallel, thereby delivering both a recognition hypothesis as well as an identified accent in a single step. We find that, despite their considerable number, the accent identification errors do not lead to degraded speech recognition performance. We conclude that, for our South African English data, there is no benefit of including a more complex explicit accent identification component in the overall speech recognition system. © 2014. The Authors. | Acoustic modelling; Human language technology; Parallel recognition | acoustics; language; recognition; vocalization; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881612365 | The impact of a call centre on communication in a programme and its projects | Bond-Barnard T.J., Steyn H., Fabris-Rotelli I. | 2013 | International Journal of Project Management | 31 | 7 | 10.1016/j.ijproman.2012.12.012 | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Bond-Barnard, T.J., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Steyn, H., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Fabris-Rotelli, I., Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Call centres are increasingly being utilised in public sector programmes to facilitate and manage communication between numerous stakeholders. Yet, the impact of call centres on projects has not been investigated. This paper reports on a survey with 92 respondents that assessed the impact of a call centre for a repair and maintenance programme. An empirically verified model is presented to illustrate the relationship between call centre communication and project performance. A balance of frequent informal and formal communication is shown to reduce mistrust and conflict of interest resulting from each party trying to maximise his respective economic position in the principal-agency relationship. The data provides evidence that a call centre improves the communication, collaboration and trust in project principal-agency relationships which, in turn, is perceived to contribute to project performance. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and APM IPMA. | Call centres; Communication; Principal-agency theory; Project communication management; Project performance | Call centres; Conflict of interest; Economic positions; Principal agencies; Project communications; Project performance; Public sector; Repair and maintenance; Surveys; Communication; call center; communication; performance assessment; project management; stakeholder; theoretical study | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-59049093597 | The impact of abandoned pastoral settlements on plant and nutrient succession in an African savanna ecosystem | Muchiru A.N., Western D., Reid R.S. | 2009 | Journal of Arid Environments | 73 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.09.018 | African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States | Muchiru, A.N., African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Western, D., African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya; Reid, R.S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya, Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States | We detail the impact of abandoned traditional settlements (or bomas) on plant and nutrient succession in the Amboseli ecosystem, southern Kenya, over the course of a century. Plant and soil data were sampled on and around abandoned settlements. The term, 'onsite', refers to the area within the perimeter fence, 'offsite' to the area up to 200 m beyond the fence. Herbaceous standing biomass onsite increased in the course of succession to peak at twice offsite levels within two decades. Biomass remained elevated for six decades then dropped to the background levels at the limit of sampling distance. Plant species richness onsite increased rapidly in the course of succession, then stabilized on older bomas. Species composition changed throughout succession, with pioneer herbs and grasses giving way to boma-edge species and woody vegetation later in succession. Soil nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen, magnesium and phosphorus, were highly elevated on abandoned settlements. The various nutrients declined at different rates during the course of plant succession. Potassium, phosphorus and magnesium levels remained at twice offsite levels for over a century, creating islands of high fertility and high plant biomass in the savanna landscape. We conclude that the perturbation caused by shifting nomadic settlements creates localized nutrient and plant diversity hotspots in savanna ecosystems that remain distinct from the surrounding savanna for decades, possibly centuries. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biomass; Nutrient hotspots; Pastoralism; Patch dynamics; Species richness; Wildlife | abandoned land; biomass; pastoralism; patch dynamics; plant; savanna; soil nutrient; species richness; succession; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Poaceae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-18244370507 | The impact of a 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on the public health burden of pneumonia in HIV-infected and -uninfected children | Madhi S.A., Kuwanda L., Cutland C., Klugman K.P. | 2005 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 40 | 10 | 10.1086/429828 | National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Paediatr. Infect. Dis. Research Unit, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital, Old Nurses Home, West Wing, PO Bertsham, Bertsham, Gauteng, 2013, South Africa | Madhi, S.A., National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa, Paediatr. Infect. Dis. Research Unit, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital, Old Nurses Home, West Wing, PO Bertsham, Bertsham, Gauteng, 2013, South Africa; Kuwanda, L., National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cutland, C., National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa, Paediatr. Infect. Dis. Research Unit, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Klugman, K.P., National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States | Introduction. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PnCV) may be used as a probe to define the burden of pneumococcal disease and better characterize the clinical presentation of pneumococcal pneumonia. Methods. This study used a 9-valent PnCV to define different end points of vaccine efficacy and the preventable burden of pneumococcal pneumonia in 39,836 children who were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in South Africa. Results. Whereas the point-estimate of vaccine efficacy was greatest when measured against the outcome of vaccine-serotype specific pneumococcal bacteremic pneumonia (61%; P = .01), the sensitivity of blood culture to measure the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia prevented by vaccination was only 2.6% in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected children and 18.8% in HIV-infected children. Only 37.8% of cases of pneumococcal pneumonia prevented by PnCV were detected by means of chest radiographs showing alveolar consolidation. A clinical diagnosis of pneumonia provided the best estimate of the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia prevented through vaccination in HIV-uninfected children (267 cases prevented per 100,000 child-years) and HIV-infected children (2573 cases prevented per 100,000 child-years). Conclusion. Although outcome measures with high specificity, such as bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, provide a better estimate as to vaccine efficacy, the burden of disease prevented by vaccination is best evaluated using outcome measures with high sensitivity, such as a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. © 2005 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | Pneumococcus vaccine; article; blood culture; child; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; double blind procedure; drug efficacy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; pneumonia; priority journal; public health; randomized controlled trial; sensitivity and specificity; serotype; Streptococcus pneumoniae; thorax radiography; vaccination; Double-Blind Method; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal; South Africa; Vaccines, Conjugate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951854168 | The impact of a 10-week physical activity intervention programme on selective metabolic syndrome markers in black adolescents | Zeelie A., Moss S.J., Kruger H.S., Van Rooyen J.M. | 2009 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 31 | 1 | None | School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Zeelie, A., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Moss, S.J., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Kruger, H.S., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.M., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week physical activity (PA) intervention on selective metabolic syndrome markers in black adolescents. All available adolescents (194 subjects), boys and girls, in the grade 9 class (15-19 years) attending a secondary school were recruited for the experimental group. A control group consisting of 57 adolescents from grade 9 of another secondary school in the same area was also recruited. The experimental group participated in a 10-week PA intervention. Body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Windkessel arterial compliance (Cw), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and waist circumference were measured. After the 10-week PA intervention, adolescents from the control group had a significantly lower DBP compared to the intervention group (p=0.00005) and adolescents from the intervention group had a significantly lower SBP compared to the control group (p=0.000061). There was also a tendency towards a higher Cw and lower HOMA-IR in the intervention group compared to the control group. The findings of this study suggest that black adolescents had significantly lower SBP and a trend of lower HOMA-IR after a 10-week PA intervention. | Adolescents; Metabolic syndrome; Physical activity | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745087239 | The impact of 2 dipping systems on endemic stability to bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle in 4 communally grazed areas in Limpopo province, South Africa | Rikhotso B.O., Stoltsz W.H., Bryson N.R., Sommerville J.E.M. | 2005 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 76 | 4 | None | Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Services, Limpopo Provincial Government, Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe 1365, South Africa; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Rikhotso, B.O., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, Department of Veterinary Services, Limpopo Provincial Government, Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe 1365, South Africa; Stoltsz, W.H., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Bryson, N.R., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Sommerville, J.E.M., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | A 12-month study was conducted in 4 communal grazing areas in the Bushbuckridge region, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The main objective was to investigate the impact of reduced acaricide application on endemic stability to bovine babesiosis (Babesia bigemina and Babesin bovis) and anaplasmosis (Anaplasma marginale) in the local cattle population. To this end 60 cattle in each communal grazing area were bled at the beginning and the conclusion of the experimental period and their sera were assayed for B. bovis, B. bigemina and Anaplasma antibodies. Cattle in the intensively dipped group were dipped 26 times and maintained on a 14-day dipping interval throughout the study, whereas cattle in the strategically dipped group were dipped only 13 times. Three cattle, from which adult ticks were collected, were selected from each village, while immature ticks were collected by drag-sampling the surrounding vegetation. During the dipping process, a questionnaire aimed at assessing the prevalence of clinical cases of tick-borne disease, abscesses and mortalities was completed by an Animal Health Technician at each diptank. An increase in seroprevalence to B. bovis and B. bigemina and a decrease in seroprevalence to Anaplasma was detected in the strategically dipped group while in the intensively dipped group the converse was true. Amblyomma hebraeum was the most numerous tick species on the cattle, and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was more plentiful than Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. Drag samples yielded more immature stages of A. hebraeum than of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. The incidence of clinical cases of tick-borne disease and of abscesses increased in the strategically dipped group at the start of the survey. | Amblyomma hebraeum; Anaplasma marginale; Babesia bigemina; Babesia bovis; Catte; Communal grazing; Endemic stability; Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus; Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus; Strategic dipping | acaricide; protozoon antibody; bacterium antibody; insecticide; abscess; Anaplasma marginale; anaplasmosis; article; Babesia; babesia bigemina; Babesia bovis; babesiosis; blood sampling; cattle; cattle disease; cattle farming; controlled study; disease surveillance; endemic disease; female; grazing; infection control; male; mortality; nonhuman; parasite development; questionnaire; Rhipicephalus; seroprevalence; South Africa; tick; tick borne disease; vegetation; animal; animal disease; blood; drug effect; epidemiology; growth, development and aging; microbiology; parasitology; season; treatment outcome; Acari; Amblyomma hebraeum; Anaplasma; Anaplasma marginale; Animalia; Babesia bigemina; Babesia bovis; Boophilus; Boophilus bigemina; Boophilus bovis; Bos taurus; Ixodida; Rhipicephalus; Anaplasma marginale; Anaplasmosis; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibodies, Protozoan; Babesia; Babesia bovis; Babesiosis; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Insecticides; Male; Seasons; Seroepidemiologic Studies; South Africa; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916240336 | The impact and lessons of the 2008 global financial crisis to Zimbabwe | Mudzingiri C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p333 | University of the Free State-Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Mudzingiri, C., University of the Free State-Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | The global financial crisis that had its epicenter in the United States of America affected economies across the globe at varying degrees. Using Zimbabwean national data from The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the study concludes that there is adverse effect of the global financial crisis on exports. An analysis on the graphical trends indicates that the falling commodity prices on the international market resulted in reduction of income from exports. The mining sector was the hardest hit since most of the minerals extracted in the country are exported. Quantifying the total effect of the global financial crisis in Zimbabwe cannot be precisely estimated since the crisis occurred concurrently with economic instability in the country. Since financial crisis is a common phenomenon around the globe, the impact of financial crisis can be mitigated by proper financial regulation, financial development, debt management, good governance, and preparedness of such eventualities. The paper looks at economic events that transpired between years 2007 to 2009 in Zimbabwe. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Debt management; Financial crisis; Financial development; Financial regulation; Hyper inflation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960538883 | The impact and implementation of national qualifications frameworks: A comparison of 16 countries | Allais S.M. | 2011 | Journal of Education and Work | 24 | 42433 | 10.1080/13639080.2011.584685 | Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Allais, S.M., Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | Education and labour market; National qualifications frameworks; Outcomes-based qualifications; Policy impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961314114 | The impact and effects of trauma resulting from excommunication | Kubeka M.J., Masango M.J. | 2010 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 66 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v66i1.803 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kubeka, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article will attempt to critically analyse various aspects of the state of trauma. It will analyse the impact, consequences and effects of trauma resultant from excommunication of clergy and how the practice has been handed down through the ages. The ultimate aim of the authors is an understanding of how excommunication evolved throughout the ages and the nature of its impact on the victims or survivors thereof. The author’s own first-hand encounter prompted him to research this subject. It is imperative to look at the scientific application of the ritual as it affects all the stakeholders and participants, active or passive. An overview of various biblical eras will be given, including the Old Testament prophets, Christ’s own views as well as the period of St Paul in the New Testament. © 2010. The Authors. | Effects; Impact; Pain; Stories; Trauma | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881303266 | The impact and effectiveness of transparency and accountability initiatives: Freedom of information | Calland R., Bentley K. | 2013 | Development Policy Review | 31 | S1 | 10.1111/dpr.12020 | Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU), University of Cape Town, South Africa; DGRU, South Africa | Calland, R., Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU), University of Cape Town, South Africa, DGRU, South Africa; Bentley, K., Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU), University of Cape Town, South Africa, DGRU, South Africa | Analysis of the impact and effectiveness of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation has been hampered by lack of systematic evidence and conceptual confusion about what kind of right it represents. This article discusses some of the main conceptual parameters of FOI theory, before reviewing the available evidence from a range of studies. It presents case studies of civil-society activism on FOI in India and South Africa to illustrate the extent to which access to information is having an impact, in particular on socio-economic conditions. After reviewing the range of approaches used, it concludes that the academic community and the FOI community of practice need to come together to devise robust and rigorous methodologies. © 2013 Overseas Development Institute. | Access to information; Effectiveness; Freedom of information; Impact | accountability; civil society; conceptual framework; socioeconomic conditions; India; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861674926 | The impact and cost of scaling up genexpert MTB/RIF in South Africa | Meyer-Rath G., Schnippel K., Long L., MacLeod W., Sanne I., Stevens W., Pillay S., Pillay Y., Rosen S. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0036966 | Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa | Meyer-Rath, G., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Schnippel, K., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Long, L., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; MacLeod, W., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Sanne, I., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Stevens, W., National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, S., National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, Y., National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; Rosen, S., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | Objective: We estimated the incremental cost and impact on diagnosis and treatment uptake of national rollout of Xpert MTB/RIF technology (Xpert) for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB above the cost of current guidelines for the years 2011 to 2016 in South Africa. Methods: We parameterised a population-level decision model with data from national-level TB databases (n = 199,511) and implementation studies. The model follows cohorts of TB suspects from diagnosis to treatment under current diagnostic guidelines or an algorithm that includes Xpert. Assumptions include the number of TB suspects, symptom prevalence of 5.5%, annual suspect growth rate of 10%, and 2010 public-sector salaries and drug and service delivery costs. Xpert test costs are based on data from an in-country pilot evaluation and assumptions about when global volumes allowing cartridge discounts will be reached. Results: At full scale, Xpert will increase the number of TB cases diagnosed per year by 30%-37% and the number of MDR-TB cases diagnosed by 69%-71%. It will diagnose 81% of patients after the first visit, compared to 46% currently. The cost of TB diagnosis per suspect will increase by 55% to USD 60-61 and the cost of diagnosis and treatment per TB case treated by 8% to USD 797-873. The incremental capital cost of the Xpert scale-up will be USD 22 million and the incremental recurrent cost USD 287-316 million over six years. Conclusion: Xpert will increase both the number of TB cases diagnosed and treated and the cost of TB diagnosis. These results do not include savings due to reduced transmission of TB as a result of earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation. © 2012 Meyer-Rath et al. | None | ethambutol; ethionamide; isoniazid; kanamycin; ofloxacin; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; streptomycin; terizidone; rifampicin; analytical equipment; antimicrobial therapy; article; bacterium detection; classification algorithm; cohort analysis; controlled study; diagnostic test; follow up; growth rate; health care cost; human; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; multidrug resistance; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; pilot study; population model; practice guideline; prevalence; scale up; South Africa; trend study; Xpert MTB RIF assay; antibiotic resistance; diagnostic test; economics; isolation and purification; lung tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; pathogenicity; statistics; time; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Health Care Costs; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rifampin; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350145609 | The impact analysis of information technology on organizational success | Olateju O.I., Akewushola R.O., Okunnu M.A., Yusuf B.R. | 2009 | Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations | 7 | 4 | 10.4018/jeco.2009070105 | Lagos State University, Nigeria; Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria | Olateju, O.I., Lagos State University, Nigeria; Akewushola, R.O., Lagos State University, Nigeria; Okunnu, M.A., Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria; Yusuf, B.R., Lagos State University, Nigeria | Information technology success has been widely discussed in the past two decades. As systems and technologies are being improved and developed, discussions on their effectiveness and evaluation on their success have been continuously debated by researchers, scholars and practitioners throughout the years. Besides the major concern of information technology effectiveness, this study identifies availability of internet facilities and software packages as the major independent variable affecting organization success. A purposive selection was adopted in selecting forty (40) medium scale enterprises from the five (5) divisions of Lagos state. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the distribution of the data collected and co-efficient of multiple determinant (R2) was used to determine the percentage contribution of the enterprises that had access to internet facilities and software packages to the variance that occurred in the profitability, relative market share and innovative strategy the findings revealed that the percentage contribution of the enterprises that had little or no access to internet and software packages to the organizational success is very low. Copyright © 2009, IGI Global. | Information technology; Internet; Organization; Organizational success | Descriptive statistics; Impact analysis; Independent variables; Innovative strategies; Market share; Organization; Organizational success; Competition; Information technology; Internet; Profitability; Software packages; Computer software selection and evaluation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907297493 | The ‘ideal’ vs. ‘real’ values educator: How teachers’ practice impacts on values education at a disadvantaged south african school | Drake M.L. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1542 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Drake, M.L., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | A renewed emphasis on values education provides a ‘beacon of hope’ as to how South Africans may find common ground and become a united society through education. Teachers are described as role-models in the process of values realisations, with competence and commitment being key ingredients in how teachers model new South African values. This study investigates the role of the teacher in values education, by comparing policy ideals and context realities. Functioning in difficult circumstances, disadvantaged (township) schools continually struggle against the odds. Using qualitative research methods situated in the interpretive paradigm, observations, in-depth interviews and focus groups with teachers reveal deeply explanatory evidence that support how the attitudes and behaviours of teachers severely impact values realisation and enactment in a school community. Findings indicate that policy-makers need to carefully consider the end-users of policy; the teachers in the field. Without targeted interventions to address these ground-level, contextual issues, values policies will remain an idealistic rhetoric. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Policy-practice gap; South African education; Teachers’ practice; Township schools; Values education | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943228551 | The hustle and bustle of city life: Monitoring the effects of urbanisation in the African lesser bushbaby | Scheun J., Bennett N.C., Ganswindt A., Nowack J. | 2015 | Science of Nature | 102 | 9 | 10.1007/s00114-015-1305-4 | Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; School of Environmental and Rural Science, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia | Scheun, J., Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bennett, N.C., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Ganswindt, A., Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Nowack, J., Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia | Urbanisation has become a severe threat to pristine natural areas, causing habitat loss and affecting indigenous animals. Species occurring within an urban fragmented landscape must cope with changes in vegetation type as well as high degrees of anthropogenic disturbance, both of which are possible key mechanisms contributing to behavioural changes and perceived stressors. We attempted to elucidate the effects of urbanisation on the African lesser bushbaby, Galago moholi, by (1) recording activity budgets and body condition (body mass index, BMI) of individuals of urban and rural populations and (2) further determining adrenocortical activity in both populations as a measure of stress via faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels, following successful validation of an appropriate enzyme immunoassay test system (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge test).We found that both sexes of the urban population had significantly higher BMIs than their rural counterparts, while urban females had significantly higher fGCM concentrations than rural females. While individuals in the urban population fed mainly on provisioned anthropogenic food sources and spent comparatively more time resting and engaging in aggressive interactions, rural individuals fed almost exclusively on tree exudates and spent more time moving between food sources. Although interactions with humans are likely to be lower in nocturnal than in diurnal species, our findings show that the impact of urbanisation on nocturnal species is still considerable, affecting a range of ecological and physiological aspects. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015. | Anthropogenic disturbance; Faecal glucocorticoids; Increased weight; Provisioned food | aggregation behavior; behavioral ecology; body condition; body mass; environmental disturbance; environmental monitoring; habitat conservation; habitat fragmentation; habitat loss; hormone; immunoassay; metabolite; nocturnal activity; primate; pristine environment; record; rural population; urban area; urban population; urbanization; Africa; Animalia; Galago moholi | DA1031/3-1/2, DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746067847 | The human factor II: Creating a high performance culture in an organization | Kaliprasad M. | 2006 | Cost Engineering (Morgantown, West Virginia) | 48 | 6 | None | Murray and Roberts Engineering Solutions of Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa; AACE, South Africa | Kaliprasad, M., Murray and Roberts Engineering Solutions of Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa, AACE, South Africa | An organization's long-term success depends on the ability of that organization to sustain the delivery of quality products and services, yet many organizations fail in the area of a sustainable high performance culture. This article explores the three major deterrents to sustaining this high performance in an organization. The key aspects of what constitutes an organizational culture, and more importantly, a high performance culture will also be discussed, as will the "Four Cultures Model," providing some clarity on the central tendencies of all organizations. The stronger the culture, the more resistant it is to change. For an organizational culture to maintain its strength and adapt to shifts in its environment requires contribution, candor, and constant learning. Having a high performance culture has financial implications, as indicated by a study showing non-high performers increasing net income by just one percent over an 11-year period, compared to the 756 percent improvement for the organizations identified as having high-performing cultures. The importance of establishing a culture of business excellence is also discussed as is the dynamics of striving beyond business excellence. What is key throughout are the concepts of teamwork, global thinking, and dynamic leadership, with specific focus on solutions. A sustainable high performance culture model is also discussed highlighting five key success factors. It has to be said that the only way that organizations can be considered as high performing is if the people who comprise these organizations succeed. Performance can also be influenced from any number of factors, including not just the internal elements such as organizational culture, structures, processes and leadership, but also external elements. High performance depends upon the alignment of internal systems with the larger system within which the organization operates. | Education; Leadership; Organizational performance; Profits; Team work | Leadership; Organizational performance; Profits; Team work; Mathematical models; Quality control; Societies and institutions; Sustainable development | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918771116 | The household economy approach. managing the impact of climate change on poverty and food security in developing countries | Seaman J.A., Sawdon G.E., Acidri J., Petty C. | 2014 | Climate Risk Management | 4 | None | 10.1016/j.crm.2014.10.001 | Evidence for Development, South Bank House, Black Prince Rd., London, United Kingdom; Dept. Of Geography, King's College, London, United Kingdom; 932, Vicker Court, Kelowna, Canada; Plot 209, Ndiwulira Road, Kiira Town Council, Kampala, Uganda; 15, First Avenue, London, United Kingdom | Seaman, J.A., Evidence for Development, South Bank House, Black Prince Rd., London, United Kingdom, Dept. Of Geography, King's College, London, United Kingdom; Sawdon, G.E., Evidence for Development, South Bank House, Black Prince Rd., London, United Kingdom, 932, Vicker Court, Kelowna, Canada; Acidri, J., Evidence for Development, South Bank House, Black Prince Rd., London, United Kingdom, Plot 209, Ndiwulira Road, Kiira Town Council, Kampala, Uganda; Petty, C., Evidence for Development, South Bank House, Black Prince Rd., London, United Kingdom, Dept. Of Geography, King's College, London, United Kingdom, 15, First Avenue, London, United Kingdom | Climate change is expected to have severe effects on the populations of developing countries because many of these depend heavily on agriculture for income, have large impoverished rural populations which rely on agriculture for subsistence, and are financially and technically least equipped to adapt to changing conditions. Planning to target measures to support adaptation to reduce the impact of climate change on poverty and food insecurity requires methods of identifying vulnerable households. This paper describes an established approach to vulnerability assessment, the 'Household Economy Approach' (HEA) and its potential application to the management of climate change in developing countries. The HEA is widely used by Governments and others, chiefly in Africa, for the assessment of household vulnerability to poverty and food security. HEA uses a model based on Amartya Sen's entitlement theory and detailed social and economic data to simulate the impact of weather related, price, policy and other shocks on household income and food access, to provide information for decision making. In developing countries climate change will be experienced in terms of increased climate variability and an increased frequency of extreme events. HEA provides a way of managing the effects of year to year shocks to prevent impoverishment and the erosion of household resilience. It also provides the information needed to develop scenarios to support the design of policies to support longer term adaptation. HEA data has already been collected for large areas of Africa. © 2014 The Authors. | Climate change; Food security; Livelihoods; Poverty; Vulnerability assessment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903306367 | The HIV basic care package: Where is it available and who receives it? Findings from a mixed methods evaluation in Kenya and Uganda | Penfold S., Simms V., Downing J., Powell R.A., Mwangi-Powell F., Namisango E., Moreland S., Atieno M., Gikaara N., Kataike J., Kwebiha C., Munene G., Banga G., Higginson I.J., Harding R. | 2014 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 26 | 9 | 10.1080/09540121.2014.882489 | Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Futures Group, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Penfold, S., Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Simms, V., Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Downing, J., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Powell, R.A., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Mwangi-Powell, F., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Namisango, E., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Moreland, S., Futures Group, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Atieno, M., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Gikaara, N., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Kataike, J., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Kwebiha, C., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Munene, G., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Banga, G., African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda; Higginson, I.J., Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Harding, R., Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom | An evidence-based basic care package (BCP) of seven interventions (Family testing, Cotrimoxazole, Condoms, Multivitamins, Access to safe water treatment, Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), and Insecticide-treated bednet) has been advocated to prevent infections among people with HIV in low-income settings. We examined the availability and receipt of the BCP in HIV outpatient clinics in Kenya and Uganda. A survey of 120 PEPFAR-funded facilities determined the services offered. At each of the 12 largest facilities, a longitudinal cohort of 100 patients was recruited to examine care received and health status over three months. The full BCP was offered in 14% (n = 17/120) of facilities; interventions most commonly offered were Support for family testing (87%) and Condoms (87%), and least commonly IPT (38%). Patients (n = 1335) most commonly reported receiving Cotrimoxazole (57%) and Multivitamins (36%), and least commonly IPT (4%), directly from the facility attended. The BCP (excluding Isoniazid) was received by 3% of patients directly from the facility and 24% from any location. BCP receipt was associated with using antiretroviral therapy (ART; OR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0-1.1), receipt from any location) but not with patient gender, wealth, education level or health. The BCP should be offered at more HIV care facilities, especially Isoniazid, and to more people irrespective of ART use. Coordinating local BCP suppliers could help improve availability through addressing logistical challenges or reducing costs. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | delivery of healthcare; East Africa; HIV; opportunistic infections | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; cotrimoxazole; isoniazid; multivitamin; adult; article; bed net; condom; family testing; female; health; health care delivery; health care facility; health care survey; health status; HIV test; hospital; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; Kenya; major clinical study; male; mental health; palliative therapy; priority journal; Uganda; water supply; water treatment; delivery of healthcare; East Africa; HIV; opportunistic infections; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Communicable Disease Control; Condoms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Intervention Studies; Interviews as Topic; Isoniazid; Kenya; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Combination; Uganda; Vitamins; Water Supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954821177 | The health profile and impact assessment of waste scavengers (Rag Pickers) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wachukwu C.K., Mbata C.A., Nyenke C.U. | 2010 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 10 | 17 | None | Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; College of Health Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wachukwu, C.K., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Mbata, C.A., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Nyenke, C.U., College of Health Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The objective of this study was to determine the health profile and impact assessment of waste scavengers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. To isolate and identify the potential pathogens that degrade the waste, samples were collected from 7 dumpsites and one control site. Serial dilutions of the samples were carried out and aliquots (0.1 mL) of the diluted samples were inoculated into appropriate media. Similarly, blood, stool, urine and nasal swabs were collected from 80 waste scavengers and 20 control subjects. The blood samples were used for the determination of haematological parameters and widal test, while urine, stool and nasal swabs were used for microbiological analysis. Five genera of bacteria were isolated from the waste dumpsites, which include Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus sp. while the control sites showed growth of Bacillus sp., only. The culture result from waste scavengers also showed similar organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Salmonella sp. There was significant decrease in the haemoglobin levels, haematocrit and Neutrophil counts of rag pickers as compared with the control subjects (p<0.05). Mean values for waste scavenger were Hb 12.12±1.85g dL1, HCT 36.33±16.7% and Neutrophil 33.33±14.06%, while control subjects were Hb 14.48±04g dL1, HCT 42.66±9.47% and Neutrophil 56.55±16.83%. The AST for waste scavengers was slightly increased, while the other LFT values were decreased compared to the control subjects. It can be inferred that waste scavengers serve as vehicles for the transmission of certain pathogens that degrade waste, thereby, constituting some public health hazards. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Health profile; Impact assessment; Microbial degradation; Rag pickers; Waste dumpsite; Waste scavengers | Impact assessments; Microbial degradation; Microbiological analysis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rag pickers; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus sp; Waste dumpsite; Bacteriology; Biodegradation; Blood; Escherichia coli; Health; Health hazards; Salmonella; Vehicle transmissions; Solid wastes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755185855 | The growth performance of young Archachatina marginata Swaison (African Giant Snail) fed with mulberry (Morus alba) and siam-weed (Chromoleana odorata) leaf meal supplementary diet | Imran G.T., Ogungbile I.A., Oyeleye B. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 9 | None | Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria | Imran, G.T., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogungbile, I.A., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oyeleye, B., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria | Two of the most costly sources of protein ingredients in livestock feed are soya and fishmeals. These ingredients are now becoming scarce due to their multiple uses, hence the needs for sourcing for substitutes. A six weeks Completely Randomised Design experiment was conducted at the FRIN Snailery unit, Ibadan to evaluate the growth perfomance of Archachatina marginata Swaison on mulberry and chromoleana leafmeals. Thirty (30) young snails of 3-5 weeks old were fed with mulberry and siam-weed leafmeals in addition to the unripe pawpaw fruit. Concentrate feed containing soya and fish meals serves as the control. Average feed intakes, body weight gain, shell length and circumference of snails were the parameters assessed. The results showed that highest feed intake and feed conversion ratio were obtained in chromoleana leafmeal treatment but snails fed with mulberry leafmeal performed best in terms of average body weight gain, shell length and circumference of snails. This indicated that leaves of some tropical plants especially especially mulberry and siam-weed could be used as a good substitutes in snail supplementary ration and help to reduce the cost of production in snail farming. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Chromoleana leafmeals; Fishmeals; Mulberry; Siam-weed; Soya | Archachatina marginata; article; body weight; Chromoleana odorata; controlled study; cost; crude protein content; diet supplementation; feeding; fish; food composition; food intake; growth rate; mulberry; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional value; plant leaf; protein content; snail; soybean; weed; weight gain | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868005179 | The growth performance and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry raised in homestead concrete tanks | Oyin O. | 2012 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 8 | 1 SPL. ISS. | 10.39231jfas.2013.243.247 | Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oyin, O., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fertilizer application in earthen ponds has been used as a low-cost method of sustainable aquaculture production. This study was carried out to investigate the growth response of African catfish fry, Clarias gariepinus in three different culture media in homestead concrete tanks. The water in the control (T1) was not treated while T2 and T3 were treated with poultry droppings and soy bean milk filtrate, respectively. Nine hundred catfish fry weighing averagely 0.67-0.69 g were randomly allocated to the 3 treatments in equal number. In each tank (2x3x1.5 m) were suspended, 3 net cages each of dimension, 1x1x1 m containing 100 fry. The fish in tank 1 (control treatment) were fed fish meal from the start at 5% of their body weight and four times daily. The other treatments were not fed at all for the first 7 days. Feeding with fishmeal commenced for treatments T2 and T3 on the next 8-14 day. The weights of the feed were adjusted after weekly weighing of the culture media for phytoplankton composition. The best weight increase was recorded in T1 (2.33 g). The highest survival rate was in T3 (98%). Treatment T3 (11.56±1.14x103) generated higher concentrations of most of identified zooplanktons than treatments T1 (5.39±0.73x103) and T2 (12.78±0.98x103). These zooplanktons were absent in treatments T1 and T2. The result indicates that fertilizing the culture medium using soybean milk filtrate or poultry droppings improved the growth and of C. gariepinus. © 2013 Academic Journals Inc. | Clariasgariepinus; Concrete tanks; Culture meha; Growth; Non-conventional; Survival | concrete structure; fish culture; growth rate; phytoplankton; survival; zooplankton; Clarias gariepinus; Glycine max | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944311449 | The Grand Popo beach 2013 experiment, Benin, West Africa: From short timescale processes to their integrated impact over long-term coastal evolution | Almar R., Hounkonnou N., Anthony E.J., Castelle B., Senechal N., Laibi R., Mensah-Senoo T., Degbe G., Quenum M., Dorel M., Chuchla R., Lefebvre J.-P., Penhoat Y.D., Laryea W.S., Zodehougan G., Sohou Z., Addo K.A., Ibaceta R., Kestenare E. | 2014 | Journal of Coastal Research | 70 | None | 10.2112/SI70-110.1 | IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; University of Abomey-Calavi, ICMPA-UNESCO Dept. International Dept. in Mathematical Physics and Applications, Cotonou, Benin; Aix-Marseille Université, IUF, CEREGE, UMR, 34 Europole de l'Arbois, Aix en Provence Cedex 04, France; EPOC Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Talence, France; Université Abomey Calavi, Département des Sciences de la Terre, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques Cotonou, Benin; University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Accra, Ghana; IRHOB Cotonou, Benin; Universidad Técnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaíso, Chile | Almar, R., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Hounkonnou, N., University of Abomey-Calavi, ICMPA-UNESCO Dept. International Dept. in Mathematical Physics and Applications, Cotonou, Benin; Anthony, E.J., Aix-Marseille Université, IUF, CEREGE, UMR, 34 Europole de l'Arbois, Aix en Provence Cedex 04, France; Castelle, B., EPOC Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Talence, France; Senechal, N., EPOC Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Talence, France; Laibi, R., Université Abomey Calavi, Département des Sciences de la Terre, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques Cotonou, Benin; Mensah-Senoo, T., University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Accra, Ghana; Degbe, G., IRHOB Cotonou, Benin; Quenum, M., University of Abomey-Calavi, ICMPA-UNESCO Dept. International Dept. in Mathematical Physics and Applications, Cotonou, Benin; Dorel, M., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Chuchla, R., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Lefebvre, J.-P., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Penhoat, Y.D., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Laryea, W.S., University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Accra, Ghana; Zodehougan, G., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France; Sohou, Z., IRHOB Cotonou, Benin; Addo, K.A., University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Accra, Ghana; Ibaceta, R., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaíso, Chile; Kestenare, E., IRD-LEGOS, Université Paul Sabatier/CNRS/CNES/IRD, Toulouse, France | The first large nearshore field experiment in the Gulf of Guinea was conducted at Grand Popo Beach, Benin, in February 2013, on an open wave-dominated micro- to meso-tidal coast, located mid-way between Cotonou and Lome harbours. The overall project aims at understanding at multi-scale (from event to interannual) the causes of the dramatic erosion observed throughout the Bight of Benin, and caused by the interaction of a large littoral drift with human engineering works. Grand Popo 2013 experiment was designed to measure the processes over the short term and to test the ability of an installed video system to monitor the evolution of this stretch of coast over the longer term. The beach, characterized by a low-tide terrace and a high tide reflective part, experiences a long swell (Hs=1.6 m, Tp=16 s, oblique incidence ∼15-20°). Topographic surveys showed a double beach cusp system interaction and repeated surf-zone drifter runs revealed high flash and swash rip activity driven by wave dissipation over the terrace and energetic swash dynamics at the upper reflective beach. Swash was measured over a cusp system at two locations using video poles. Wave reanalyses (ERAInterim) were used to determine the wave climate and its variability, and to quantify sediment transport. This robust methodology is thought to be replicated elsewhere in different coastal environments in West Africa, in particular with the objective to monitor various sites within the framework of the new West African Coastal Observatory. © Coastal Education & Research Foundation 2014. | beach cusps; energetic swash; erosion; Gulf of Guinea; littoral drift; long swell; low-tide terrace; micro-meso tidal environment; wave reflection | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-66949141795 | The global gas and dust budget of the Large Magellanic Cloud: AGB stars and supernovae, and the impact on the ISM evolution | Matsuura M., Barlow M.J., Zijlstra A.A., Whitelock P.A., Cioni M.-R.L., Groenewegen M.A.T., Volk K., Kemper F., Kodama T., Lagadec E., Meixner M., Sloan G.C., Srinivasan S. | 2009 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 396 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14743.x | National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; South African Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 9, 7935 Observatory, South Africa; NASSP, Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom; Royal Observatory of Belgium, Ringlaan 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium; Gemini Observatory, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States; Astronomy Department, Cornell University, 610 Space Sciences Building, Ithaca, NY 14853-6801, United States; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States | Matsuura, M., National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Barlow, M.J., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Zijlstra, A.A., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Whitelock, P.A., South African Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 9, 7935 Observatory, South Africa, NASSP, Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Cioni, M.-R.L., Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom; Groenewegen, M.A.T., Royal Observatory of Belgium, Ringlaan 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium; Volk, K., Gemini Observatory, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Kemper, F., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Kodama, T., National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan; Lagadec, E., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Meixner, M., Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States; Sloan, G.C., Astronomy Department, Cornell University, 610 Space Sciences Building, Ithaca, NY 14853-6801, United States; Srinivasan, S., Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States | We report on an analysis of the gas and dust budget in the interstellar medium (ISM) of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Recent observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope enable us to study the mid-infrared dust excess of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the LMC. This is the first time we can quantitatively assess the gas and dust input from AGB stars over a complete galaxy, fully based on observations. The integrated mass-loss rate over all intermediate and high mass-loss rate carbon-rich AGB candidates in the LMC is 8.5 × 10 -3 M ⊙ yr -1, up to 2.1 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1. This number could be increased up to 2.7 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1 if oxygen-rich stars are included. This is overall consistent with theoretical expectations, considering the star formation rate (SFR) when these low- and intermediate-mass stars where formed, and the initial mass functions. AGB stars are one of the most important gas sources in the LMC, with supernovae (SNe), which produces about 2-4 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1. At the moment, the SFR exceeds the gas feedback from AGB stars and SNe in the LMC, and the current star formation depends on gas already present in the ISM. This suggests that as the gas in the ISM is exhausted, the SFR will eventually decline in the LMC, unless gas is supplied externally. Our estimates suggest 'a missing dust-mass problem' in the LMC, which is similarly found in high-z galaxies: the accumulated dust mass from AGB stars and possibly SNe over the dust lifetime (400-800 Myr) is significant less than the dust mass in the ISM. Another dust source is required, possibly related to star-forming regions. © 2009 RAS. | Dust, extinction; Galaxies: evolution; Galaxies: individual: the Magellanic Clouds; Stars: AGB and post-AGB; Stars: mass-loss; Supernovae: general | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455250558 | The global financial crisis and African Economies: Impact and transmission channels | Aryeetey E., Ackah C. | 2011 | African Development Review | 23 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2011.00295.x | University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Aryeetey, E., University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Ackah, C., Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | This paper is intended to highlight the general impact of the crisis on African countries in terms of economic performance and then show some variations across countries by discussing how the different transmission channels operated in them, and what their effects have been. The paper has noted that the global financial and economic crisis has affected African economies in a significant way, mostly indirectly through the harm it causes to the real sectors of the economies. In aggregate terms, the impact has been quite strong, as shown by the sharp drop in aggregate output around the region. Even though there are both direct and indirect channels for transmitting the crisis to African economies from the rest of the world, the indirect channels have been more pronounced in their effects largely on account of the structures of these economies. The integration of these economies into the global economy has been largely on account of trade in goods and also the consequence of migration, hence the effects on the real sectors and in remittance flows. There have been significant variations in the impact of the crisis across countries, and this has been influenced largely by the quality of institutions, particularly for regulation, and initial conditions prevailing in the countries. © 2011 The Authors. African Development Review © 2011 African Development Bank. | None | economic integration; economic structure; financial crisis; global economy; remittance; Africa | None |
None | None | The Glasgow consensus on the delineation between pesticide emission inventory and impact assessment for LCA | Rosenbaum R.K., Anton A., Bengoa X., Bjørn A., Brain R., Bulle C., Cosme N., Dijkman T.J., Fantke P., Felix M., Geoghegan T.S., Gottesbüren B., Hammer C., Humbert S., Jolliet O., Juraske R., Lewis F., Maxime D., Nemecek T., Payet J., Räsänen K., Roux P., | 2015 | International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment | 20 | 6 | 10.1007/s11367-015-0871-1 | IRSTEA, UMR ITAP, ELSA LCA research group and ELSA-PACT Industrial Chair for Environmental and Social Sustainability Assessment, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, BP 5095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; IRTA, Ctra Cabrils km 2, Cabrils, Barcelona, Spain; Quantis, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 410 Swing Rd., Greensboro, NC, United States; CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal (Qc), P.O. Box 6079, Montréal, Canada; Pesticides and Environment Management Centre, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P. O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; University of Otago, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; BASF SE, Agricultural Products Center, Limburgerhof, Germany; Environmental Resources Management Ltd, Eaton House Wallbrook Court North Hinksey Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Group for Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Dr. Knoell Consult GmbH, Mannheim, Germany; Syngenta, Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Agroscope, Institute for Sustainability Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland; Cycleco, 1011 Avenue Léon Blum, Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France; MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland; European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Veolia Environnement Recherche & Innovation, Centre de Recherche-Maisons-Laffitte, Chemin de la Digue, B.P. 76, Maisons-Laffitte Cedex, France; Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Bayer Technology Services GmbH, BTS-TD-TI-Sustainability Consulting, Leverkusen, Germany; SIK—Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology, Box 5401, Göteborg, Sweden | Rosenbaum, R.K., IRSTEA, UMR ITAP, ELSA LCA research group and ELSA-PACT Industrial Chair for Environmental and Social Sustainability Assessment, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, BP 5095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Anton, A., IRTA, Ctra Cabrils km 2, Cabrils, Barcelona, Spain; Bengoa, X., Quantis, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Bjørn, A., Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Brain, R., Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 410 Swing Rd., Greensboro, NC, United States; Bulle, C., CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal (Qc), P.O. Box 6079, Montréal, Canada; Cosme, N., Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Dijkman, T.J., Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Fantke, P., Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Produktionstorvet 424, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Felix, M., Pesticides and Environment Management Centre, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P. O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Geoghegan, T.S., University of Otago, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; Gottesbüren, B., BASF SE, Agricultural Products Center, Limburgerhof, Germany; Hammer, C., Environmental Resources Management Ltd, Eaton House Wallbrook Court North Hinksey Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom; Humbert, S., Quantis, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Jolliet, O., University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Juraske, R., Group for Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, Dr. Knoell Consult GmbH, Mannheim, Germany; Lewis, F., Syngenta, Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Maxime, D., CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal (Qc), P.O. Box 6079, Montréal, Canada; Nemecek, T., Agroscope, Institute for Sustainability Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland; Payet, J., Cycleco, 1011 Avenue Léon Blum, Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France; Räsänen, K., MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland; Roux, P., IRSTEA, UMR ITAP, ELSA LCA research group and ELSA-PACT Industrial Chair for Environmental and Social Sustainability Assessment, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, BP 5095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Schau, E.M., European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Sourisseau, S., Veolia Environnement Recherche & Innovation, Centre de Recherche-Maisons-Laffitte, Chemin de la Digue, B.P. 76, Maisons-Laffitte Cedex, France; van Zelm, R., Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Nijmegen, Netherlands; von Streit, B., Bayer Technology Services GmbH, BTS-TD-TI-Sustainability Consulting, Leverkusen, Germany; Wallman, M., SIK—Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology, Box 5401, Göteborg, Sweden | Purpose: Pesticides are applied to agricultural fields to optimise crop yield and their global use is substantial. Their consideration in life cycle assessment (LCA) is affected by important inconsistencies between the emission inventory and impact assessment phases of LCA. A clear definition of the delineation between the product system model (life cycle inventory—LCI, technosphere) and the natural environment (life cycle impact assessment—LCIA, ecosphere) is missing and could be established via consensus building. Methods: A workshop held in 2013 in Glasgow, UK, had the goal of establishing consensus and creating clear guidelines in the following topics: (1) boundary between emission inventory and impact characterisation model, (2) spatial dimensions and the time periods assumed for the application of substances to open agricultural fields or in greenhouses and (3) emissions to the natural environment and their potential impacts. More than 30 specialists in agrifood LCI, LCIA, risk assessment and ecotoxicology, representing industry, government and academia from 15 countries and four continents, met to discuss and reach consensus. The resulting guidelines target LCA practitioners, data (base) and characterisation method developers, and decision makers. Results and discussion: The focus was on defining a clear interface between LCI and LCIA, capable of supporting any goal and scope requirements while avoiding double counting or exclusion of important emission flows/impacts. Consensus was reached accordingly on distinct sets of recommendations for LCI and LCIA, respectively, recommending, for example, that buffer zones should be considered as part of the crop production system and the change in yield be considered. While the spatial dimensions of the field were not fixed, the temporal boundary between dynamic LCI fate modelling and steady-state LCIA fate modelling needs to be defined. Conclusions and recommendations: For pesticide application, the inventory should report pesticide identification, crop, mass applied per active ingredient, application method or formulation type, presence of buffer zones, location/country, application time before harvest and crop growth stage during application, adherence with Good Agricultural Practice, and whether the field is considered part of the technosphere or the ecosphere. Additionally, emission fractions to environmental media on-field and off-field should be reported. For LCIA, the directly concerned impact categories and a list of relevant fate and exposure processes were identified. Next steps were identified: (1) establishing default emission fractions to environmental media for integration into LCI databases and (2) interaction among impact model developers to extend current methods with new elements/processes mentioned in the recommendations. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Consensus; Ecosphere; Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA); Life cycle inventory (LCI); Pesticides; Spatial boundary; Technosphere; Temporal boundary | pesticide; agricultural pest; air pollution; Article; consensus; controlled study; data base; ecosphere; ecosystem; environmental impact assessment; environmental parameters; greenhouse; health practitioner; human; life cycle assessment; life cycle impact assessment; practice guideline; priority journal; risk assessment; technosphere; United Kingdom | None |
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-s2.0-40749116957 | The genus Hyalomma koch, 1844: V. re-evaluation of the taxonomic rank of taxa comprising the H. (Euhyalomma) marginatum koch complex of species (Acari: Ixodidae) with redescription of all parasitic stages and notes on biology | Apanaskevich D.A., Horak I.G. | 2008 | International Journal of Acarology | 34 | 1 | None | United States National Tick Collection, Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, United States; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Apanaskevich, D.A., United States National Tick Collection, Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, United States; Horak, I.G., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | The systematic morphology of species within the Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) marginatum Koch complex of ticks is illustrated and their relationships within this assemblage are discussed. Traditionally this group comprises the extremely polymorphic species Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) marginatum Koch, 1844 subdivided into four subspecies, namely H. (E.) marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844; H. (E.) marginatum rufipes Koch, 1844; H. (E.) marginatum isaaci Sharif, 1928 and H. (E.) marginatum turanicum Pomerantzev, 1946. A fifth member of the association, namely H. (E.) glabrum Delpy, 1949, has recently been re-instated as a full species. The taxonomic rank of the first mentioned four ticks is herein raised to species level. Details on the repositories of type specimens, synonyms, descriptions, variability, hosts, geographic distribution, and disease relationships of these four ticks are provided, and all their developmental stages are illustrated. | Acari; Female; Geographic distribution; H (E.) isaaci sharif; H (E.) turanicum pomerantzev; H. (E.) marginatum koch; H. (E.) rufipes koch; Hyalomma (euhyalomma) marginatum koch complex; Ixodidae; Larva; Male; Nymph; Systematics | Acari; Hyalomma; Hyalomma marginatum; Hyalomma marginatum marginatum; Hyalomma marginatum rufipes; Hyalomma rufipes; Ixodida; Ixodidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960472927 | The general information about the impact of water hyacinth on Aba Samuel dam, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Implications for ecohydrologists | Ingwani E., Gumbo T., Gondo T. | 2010 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 10 | 42404 | 10.2478/v10104-011-0014-7 | Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, P Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Ingwani, E., Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gumbo, T., Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gondo, T., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, P Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | The water hyacinth, Eichhorrnia crassipes, has been widely recognized as the worst aquatic weed the world over and of increasing importance in Africa, Ethiopia inclusive. The aim of the research was to highlight the devastating impact of the water hyacinth on aquatic life and human activities on Aba Samuel Dam and to underline prospects of its beneficial use. Delphi technique and on-site observations were used. Eutrophication was found to be the main cause of the proliferation of the plant. However, a majority of its potential uses were identified. The absence of a distinct Ministry of Environment is retarding the efforts in fighting causes of water hyacinth spreading. Community awareness has also been identified as a vital component in eradication of water hyacinth. This research is of significant relevance to environmentalists and ecohydrologists in formulating appropriate strategies and policies for hampering proliferation of the weed. | Aquatic weeds; Ecohydrology; Eutrophication; Invasive species; Sustainability; Water quality | ecohydrology; ecological impact; eutrophication; invasive species; observational method; plant; policy analysis; research work; strategic approach; sustainability; water quality; Aba Samuel Dam; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia; Eichhornia crassipes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872538241 | The gender gap in sport performance: Equity influences equality | Capranica L., Piacentini M.F., Halson S., Myburgh K.H., Ogasawara E., Millard-Stafford M. | 2013 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 8 | 1 | None | Dept of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy; Dept of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, ACT, Australia; Dept of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan; School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States | Capranica, L., Dept of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy; Piacentini, M.F., Dept of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy; Halson, S., Dept of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, ACT, Australia; Myburgh, K.H., Dept of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Ogasawara, E., Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan; Millard-Stafford, M., School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States | Sport is recognized as playing a relevant societal role to promote education, health, intercultural dialogue, and the individual development, regardless of an individual's gender, race, age, ability, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Yet, it was not until the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London that every country's delegation included a female competitor. The gender gap in sport, although closing, remains, due to biological differences affecting performance, but it is also influenced by reduced opportunity and sociopolitical factors that influence full female participation across a range of sports around the world. Until the cultural environment is equitable, scientific discussion related to physiological differences using methods that examine progression in male and female world-record performances is limited. This commentary is intended to provide a forum to discuss issues underlying gender differences in sport performance from a global perspective and acknowledge the influence of cultural and sociopolitical factors that continue to ultimately affect female performance. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Female athletes; Sport participation; Women | article; athletic performance; cultural anthropology; female; human; male; sex difference; sport; Athletic Performance; Culture; Female; Humans; Male; Sex Factors; Sports; Women | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936886428 | The Gendered Impacts of Agricultural Asset Transfer Projects: Lessons from the Manica Smallholder Dairy Development Program | Johnson N., Njuki J., Waithanji E., Nhambeto M., Rogers M., Kruger E.H. | 2015 | Gender, Technology and Development | 19 | 2 | 10.1177/0971852415578041 | CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Cultivate Africa’s Future, International Development Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Land O’Lakes International Development, Chimoio-Manica, Mozambique; Brattle Group, Washington, DC, United States; Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States | Johnson, N., CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Njuki, J., Cultivate Africa’s Future, International Development Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Waithanji, E., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Nhambeto, M., National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Land O’Lakes International Development, Chimoio-Manica, Mozambique; Rogers, M., Brattle Group, Washington, DC, United States; Kruger, E.H., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States | This article explores the gendered impacts of a development project that provided dairy training and a superior breed of cattle to households as part of a broader effort to develop a smallholder-friendly, market-oriented dairy value chain in the Manica province of Mozambique. The project first targeted households, registered cows in the names of the household heads, and, initially, trained these cow owners in various aspects of dairy production and marketing. Subsequently, the training was expanded to two members per household to increase the capacity within households to care for cows, a change that resulted in the training of a significant number of women. Using qualitative and quantitative data on dairy production and consumption, and on gendered control over income and assets, the article explores how men and women participated in and benefited from the Manica Smallholder Dairy Development Program (MSDDP). We found that despite being registered in the name of men, in practice, dairy cattle are in some cases viewed as jointly owned by both men and women. Beneficiary households dramatically increased dairy production and income, with men, women, and children all contributing labor to this endeavor. Women’s incentives for participation in dairy were less clear. Despite their recognized rights and responsibilities related to dairy cow management, women exercised relatively little control over milk and milk income as compared to men. This article explores the various monetary and nonmonetary benefits of MSDDP and dairying for women along with their implications for the level of effort put in by women, and the overall project outcomes. © 2015, © 2015 Asian Institute of Technology. | assets; dairy development; Gender; mixed methods; Mozambique; property rights | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903639098 | The further development and evaluation of an automatic dismantler of short staple ring-spun yarns | Fassihi A., Hunter L. | 2014 | Textile Research Journal | 84 | 11 | 10.1177/0040517513512397 | Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and CSIR, South Africa | Fassihi, A., Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Hunter, L., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and CSIR, South Africa | There is often a need to dismantle staple fiber yarns into their component fibers, without significantly changing the fiber physical properties, or damaging the fibers in the process, so that the fibers can be tested for their physical properties. In the past, this could only be done by the very time-consuming and tedious manual method. In view of this, an instrument, termed the yarn dismantler, which could automatically dismantle short staple ring-spun yarns, was developed and patented. This paper reports research undertaken on Upland cotton ring-spun yarns to further develop, evaluate and optimize the original demonstration model into a final prototype ready for commercialization. Results are presented which show that, according to Advanced Fibre Information System (AFIS) single fiber length tests, the fibers from automatically dismantled ring-spun cotton yarns are very similar in their properties to those dismantled by hand (manually). It was also found that, at a speed of 2 m/min, the yarn dismantler functioned very well, enabling the length of cotton yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility of results and without changing the fiber length properties. According to the test results obtained here, neither steaming the dismantled fiber strand nor the spinning draft appeared to affect the dismantled fiber length significantly, or in a consistent manner. © The Author(s) 2014. | Advanced Fibre Information System tests; cotton; fiber length; Yarn dismantler | Cotton; Cotton yarn; Fibers; Information systems; Physical properties; Wool; Advanced-fibre information systems; Demonstration models; Fiber length; Manual methods; Reproducibilities; Ring-spun yarns; Single fiber; Staple fiber; Spinning (fibers); Cotton; Fiber Length; Physical Properties; Spinning; Yarn | None |
None | None | The flower industry in Tanzania: Production performance and costs | Msogoya T.J., Maerere A.P. | 2006 | Journal of Agronomy | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ja.2006.478.481 | Lordship Science Centre, Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, CM1 3RR, United Kingdom; Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania | Msogoya, T.J., Lordship Science Centre, Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, CM1 3RR, United Kingdom; Maerere, A.P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania | A survey was conducted to assess production levels, costs, marketing and policy regulations affecting the flower industry in Tanzania. Results indicated that rose and chrysanthemum were the main ornamental crops produced for export with yield of 908 and 145.6 million flower stems and shoot cuttings per year in 2003, respectively. The surface areas under rose and chrysanthemum cultivation increased by 328.9 and 658.3% and the corresponding production by 316.84 and 666.33% between 1997 and 2003, respectively. Greenhouse construction accounted for 50% while purchase of land and rose planting materials represented 17.7 and 12.3% of the total investment cost, respectively. Interest on loans and freight charges accounted for 19 and 16.0% of the total operational cost, respectively. All chrysanthemum shoot cuttings were directly exported to The Netherlands whereas 90% of total rose flowers were exported to Europe through European middlemen with a marketing commission of 18-30% of sales and 52% of total operational cost. The average selling prices of rose and chrysanthemum were 0.23 and 0.11 US$ per flower stem and shoot tip cutting, respectively. Foreign growers appreciated the provision of tax exemption of five years but considered the National Agricultural Policy of 1997 being too general and not favourable to the flower industry. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Agricultural policy; Marketing; Production costs; Tanzania flower industry | Chrysanthemum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929208462 | The fishery performance indicators: A management tool for triple bottom line outcomes | Anderson J.L., Anderson C.M., Chu J., Meredith J., Asche F., Sylvia G., Smith M.D., Anggraeni D., Arthur R., Guttormsen A., McCluney J.K., Ward T., Akpalu W., Eggert H., Flores J., Freeman M.A., Holland D.S., Knapp G., Kobayashi M., Larkin S., MacLauchlin | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0122809 | Institute for Global Food Systems, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Economics, University of Washington, Box 353330, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Industrial Economics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Marine Resource Economics, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, United States; Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, JL. Palem Putri IX/NO. 1, Taman Yasmin V, Bogor, Indonesia; MRAG Ltd., 18 Queen Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Economics and Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway; South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA, Australia; United Nations University-World Institute for Development Economics Research, C/O Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Block1, #5 El Rio Vista Phase 5, Davao City, Philippines; Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5187, Mississippi State, MS, United States; Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Centre, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, United States; Environment and Natural Resource Management, The World Bank, 1818 H St. NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Dr., Suite 201, North Charleston, SC, United States; School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA, United States; Marine Economic Development, Level 1 83-85 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Aukland, New Zealand; University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, 205 Kingston Coastal Institute, One Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, United States | Anderson, J.L., Institute for Global Food Systems, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; Anderson, C.M., School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; Chu, J., World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; Meredith, J., Department of Economics, University of Washington, Box 353330, Seattle, WA, United States; Asche, F., Department of Industrial Economics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Sylvia, G., Marine Resource Economics, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, United States; Smith, M.D., Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, United States; Anggraeni, D., Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, JL. Palem Putri IX/NO. 1, Taman Yasmin V, Bogor, Indonesia; Arthur, R., MRAG Ltd., 18 Queen Street, London, United Kingdom; Guttormsen, A., Department of Economics and Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway; McCluney, J.K., School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; Ward, T., South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA, Australia; Akpalu, W., United Nations University-World Institute for Development Economics Research, C/O Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Eggert, H., Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Flores, J., Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Block1, #5 El Rio Vista Phase 5, Davao City, Philippines; Freeman, M.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5187, Mississippi State, MS, United States; Holland, D.S., Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Centre, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd, Seattle, WA, United States; Knapp, G., Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, United States; Kobayashi, M., Environment and Natural Resource Management, The World Bank, 1818 H St. NW, Washington, DC, United States; Larkin, S., Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; MacLauchlin, K., South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Dr., Suite 201, North Charleston, SC, United States; Schnier, K., School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA, United States; Soboil, M., Marine Economic Development, Level 1 83-85 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Aukland, New Zealand; Tveteras, S., University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Uchida, H., Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, 205 Kingston Coastal Institute, One Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, United States; Valderrama, D., Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States | Pursuit of the triple bottom line of economic, community and ecological sustainability has increased the complexity of fishery management; fisheries assessments require new types of data and analysis to guide science-based policy in addition to traditional biological information and modeling.We introduce the Fishery Performance Indicators (FPIs), a broadly applicable and flexible tool for assessing performance in individual fisheries, and for establishing cross-sectional links between enabling conditions, management strategies and triple bottom line outcomes. Conceptually separating measures of performance, the FPIs use 68 individual outcome metrics-coded on a 1 to 5 scale based on expert assessment to facilitate application to data poor fisheries and sectors-that can be partitioned into sectorbased or triple-bottom-line sustainability-based interpretative indicators. Variation among outcomes is explained with 54 similarly structured metrics of inputs, management approaches and enabling conditions. Using 61 initial fishery case studies drawn from industrial and developing countries around the world, we demonstrate the inferential importance of tracking economic and community outcomes, in addition to resource status. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | Article; ecology; economic aspect; environmental aspects and related phenomena; environmental factor; environmental sanitation; environmental sustainability; exogenous environmental factor; fish stock; fishery; fishery management; Fishery Performance Indicator; general environmental performance; harvest sector performance; human rights; post harvest sector performance; triple bottom line | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896914550 | The first-year augmented programme in Physics: A trend towards improved student performance | Chetty N. | 2014 | South African Journal of Science | 110 | 42371 | 10.1590/sajs.2014/20120096 | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box X01 Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Chetty, N., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box X01 Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Amidst a critical national shortage of qualified Black graduates in the pure and applied sciences, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has responded to a call from government for redress by launching the BSc4 Augmented Physics programme. In this paper, the methods employed to foster learning and to encourage student success in the Mechanics module of the Augmented Physics programme are described and discussed. The use of problem-based learning and a holistic learning policy that focuses on the emotional, physical and knowledge development of the student seems to have yielded higher throughput in the first semester of an undergraduate programme in Physics. Furthermore, the results point to an increase in the conceptual understanding of the student with respect to Mechanics. When appraising this success, the results of the 2007-2009 cohorts, with and without teaching interventions in place, were analysed. These initial analyses pave the way for a course designed to benefit the student and improve throughput. These methods are not unique to Physics and can be adapted for any module in any country. © 2014. The Authers. | Access; Extended curriculum; Language; Problem-based learning; Study techniques | curriculum; government; learning; mechanics; physics; student; teaching; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-31744447128 | The first 5 years of the family clinic for HIV at Tygerberg hospital: Family demographics, survival of children and early impact of antiretroviral therapy | van Kooten Niekerk N.K.M., Knies M.M., Howard J., Rabie H., Zeier M., van Rensburg A., Frans N., Schaaf H.S., Fatti G., Little F., Cotton M.F. | 2006 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 52 | 1 | 10.1093/tropej/fmi047 | Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | van Kooten Niekerk, N.K.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Knies, M.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Howard, J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Rabie, H., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Zeier, M., Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; van Rensburg, A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Frans, N., Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Schaaf, H.S., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Fatti, G., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Little, F., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cotton, M.F., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Background: Family clinics address the problems of HIV-infected children and their families. The aims were to document demographics of the children and caregivers attending the Family Clinic for HIV at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TAH) and to investigate factors affecting disease progression in children. Methods: A retrospective folder review of children and parents attending the Family Clinic at TAH between January 1997 and December 2001, a period noted for its lack of antiretroviral treatment. Results: Of 432 children seen for testing, 274 children, median age 16.9 months, were HIV-infected. During follow-up, 46 children died (median age 23 months) and 113 were lost to follow-up. The majority of children were malnourished. Those <2 years of age had lower weight for age Z-scores (WAZ) than older children (p<0.001). At presentation, 47 per cent were in clinical stage B and two-thirds had moderate or severe CD4+ T cell depletion. Seventeen children had received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 12 dual and 31 monotherapy. HAART was associated with improved survival compared to dual or monotherapy. Risk of death was reduced from eleven-fold for a WAZ <-4 to four-fold between -2 and -3. There was no association with immunological and clinical classification at entry and risk of mortality. Only 18 per cent of parents were evaluated in the clinic. Non-parental care was documented for 25 per cent of families. Conclusions: A low WAZ is associated with poor survival in children. Nutritional status should receive more attention in HIV disease classification in children. Parent utilization of the clinic was inadequate. Even in the absence of HAART, extended survival in children is possible. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; article; body weight; caregiver; CD4+ T lymphocyte; child; child care; child death; clinical feature; correlation analysis; cost of illness; demography; disease classification; disease course; disease severity; family counseling; female; follow up; general practice; health care utilization; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; lymphocyte depletion; major clinical study; male; malnutrition; medical documentation; monotherapy; nutritional status; risk assessment; scoring system; screening test; South Africa; survival; Age Factors; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Analysis of Variance; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Child Mortality; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nutritional Status; Patient Compliance; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937064907 | The feasibility, time savings and economic impact of a designated time appointment system at a busy HIV care clinic in Kenya: A randomized controlled trial | Kwena Z.A., Njoroge B.W., Cohen C.R., Oyaro P., Shikari R., Kibaara C.K., Bukusi E.A. | 2015 | Journal of the International AIDS Society | 18 | 1 | 10.7448/IAS.18.1.19876 | Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Kwena, Z.A., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Njoroge, B.W., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Cohen, C.R., Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Oyaro, P., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Shikari, R., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Kibaara, C.K., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Bukusi, E.A., Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya | Introduction: As efforts are made to reach universal access to ART in Kenya, the problem of congestion at HIV care clinics is likely to worsen. We evaluated the feasibility and the economic benefits of a designated time appointment system as a solution to decongest HIV care clinics. Methods: This was an explanatory two-arm open-label randomized controlled trial that enrolled 354 consenting participants during their normal clinic days and followed-up at subsequent clinic appointments for up to nine months. Intervention arm participants were given specific dates and times to arrive at the clinic for their next appointment while those in the control arm were only given the date and had the discretion to decide on the time to arrive as is the standard practice. At follow-up visits, we recorded arrival and departure times and asked the monetary value of work participants engaged in before and after clinic. We conducted multiple imputation to replace missing data in our primary outcome variables to allow for intention-to-treat analysis; and analyzed the data using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Overall, 72.1% of the intervention participants arrived on time, 13.3% arrived ahead of time and 14.6% arrived past scheduled time. Intervention arm participants spent a median of 65 [interquartile range (IQR), 52-87] minutes at the clinic compared to 197 (IQR, 173-225) minutes for control participants (p < 0.01). Furthermore, intervention arm participants were more productively engaged on their clinic days valuing their cumulative work at a median of USD 10.5 (IQR, 60.0-16.8) compared to participants enrolled in the control arm who valued their work at USD 8.3 (IQR, 5.5-12.9; p = 0.02). Conclusions: A designated time appointment system is feasible and provides substantial time savings associated with greater economic productivity for HIV patients attending a busy HIV care clinic. © 2015 Kwena ZA et al; licensee International AIDS Society. | Clinic waiting time; Designated time appointment system; HIV care clinic; HIV patient; Kenya | adult; Article; controlled study; economics; female; follow up; health care system; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; major clinical study; male; open study; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; time | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953803547 | The feasibility of MS and advanced data processing for monitoring Schistosoma mansoni infection | Balog C.I.A., Alexandrov T., Derks R.J., Hensbergen P.J., van Dam G.J., Tukahebwa E.M., Kabatereine N.B., Thiele H., Vennervald B.J., Mayboroda O.A., Deelder A.M. | 2010 | Proteomics - Clinical Applications | 4 | 5 | 10.1002/prca.200900158 | Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; University of Bremen, Center for Industrial Mathematics, Bremen, Germany; Vector Control Division, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany; DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Balog, C.I.A., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Alexandrov, T., University of Bremen, Center for Industrial Mathematics, Bremen, Germany; Derks, R.J., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Hensbergen, P.J., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; van Dam, G.J., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Tukahebwa, E.M., Vector Control Division, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Kabatereine, N.B., Vector Control Division, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Thiele, H., Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany; Vennervald, B.J., DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Mayboroda, O.A., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Deelder, A.M., Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands | Purpose: Sensitive diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and the evaluation of chemotherapeutic interventions are of prime importance for the improvement of control and prevention strategies for Schistosomiasis. The aim of the present study was to identify novel markers of Schistosoma mansoni infection and disease using urine samples from a large cohort from an area endemic for S. mansoni. Experimental design: Urine samples were collected and processed on an automated sample clean-up and fractionation system combining strong cation exchange and reversed phase, and analyzed by MS (MALDI ToF MS). The ClinPro Tools™ (CPT) software and the Discrete Wavelet Transformation-Support Vector Machine (DWT-SVM) procedure were used for classification and statistical analysis. Results: We observed a large difference in urinary peptide profiles between children and adults but classification based on infection was possible only for children. Here, in the external validation data set, 93% of the infected children were classified correctly with DWTSVM (versus 76% for CPT). In addition 91% of low-infected children were classified correctly using DWT-SVM (versus 85% for CPT). The discriminating peptides were identified as fragments of collagen 1A1 and 1A3, and uromodulin. Conclusions and clinical relevance: In conclusion, we provide the usefulness of a peptidomics profiling approach combined with DWT-SVM in the monitoring of S. mansoni infection. | Discrete Wavelet Transformation-Support Vector machine; Infection markers; MS; Schistosoma mansoni; Urinary peptidomics | collagen; collagen 1A1; collagen 1A3; Tamm Horsfall glycoprotein; unclassified drug; adolescent; article; child; cohort analysis; endemic disease; female; human; major clinical study; male; matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry; peptidomics; priority journal; protein urine level; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis mansoni; school child; support vector machine; Adolescent; Adult; Antigens, Helminth; Biological Markers; Child; Feasibility Studies; Feces; Glycoproteins; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Peptides; Proteomics; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Software; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Schistosoma mansoni | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051567838 | The farm decision role of price information from commodity exchanges: An ex-ante evaluation using quasi-rational price expectations in Ethiopia | Getnet K., Verbeke W., D'Haese M., Viaene J., D'Haese L. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 15 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Ambo University College, Ambo, Ethiopia; Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | Getnet, K., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ambo University College, Ambo, Ethiopia; Verbeke, W., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; D'Haese, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Viaene, J., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; D'Haese, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | Farmers use different information to predict future returns upon which they base current decisions. In designing information systems, knowledge about the information set used by farmers is relevant to have insight into the necessary information that should be made available for farmers. Using quasirational forecasting regression analysis to represent producer price expectation formation, the usefulness of disseminating real time information about the central wholesale prices discovered by the Ethiopian commodity exchange was tested. The results showed that the information about central wholesale prices can help farmers to make unbiased price forecasts. Effective dissemination of real time price information discovered through the Ethiopian commodity exchange was fully supported by the empirical insights from this study. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Ethiopia; Market information; Prices; Quasi-rational expectation; Smallholders | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901313398 | The Failure of Cross-country Regression Analysis in Measuring the Impact of Foreign Aid | Collodel A.G., Kotzé D.A. | 2014 | Journal of Developing Societies | 30 | 2 | 10.1177/0169796X14525527 | Department of Development Studies, UNISA, South Africa | Collodel, A.G.; Kotzé, D.A., Department of Development Studies, UNISA, South Africa | Foreign aid is publicly motivated by a moral obligation to help the poor and develop underdeveloped countries. Despite the vast amount of foreign aid spent annually to address the poverty of millions of people and the economic decline of underdeveloped countries, very little headway has been made. First, this article argues that aid does not work in isolation and many variables influence growth and development and thus the impact of foreign aid; and second that cross-country regression analysis is an inappropriate method to measure the effectiveness of aid. It emphasizes that the methodology used to measure the impact of foreign aid is too generalist. It concludes that foreign aid cannot be treated as a homogenous entity that works equally in all countries in all types of environment and across all times. There is an urgent need to develop a new methodology for measuring the effectiveness of foreign aid. © 2014 SAGE Publications. | aid variables; country case study; cross-country regression analysis; donor variables; external variables; recipient variables | aid policy; growth and development; international aid; regression analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878542959 | The experimental evaluation and molecular dynamics simulation of a heat-enhanced transdermal delivery system | Otto D.P., De Villiers M.M. | 2013 | AAPS PharmSciTech | 14 | 1 | 10.1208/s12249-012-9900-6 | Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United States | Otto, D.P., Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; De Villiers, M.M., School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United States | Transdermal delivery systems are useful in cases where preferred routes such as the oral route are not available. However, low overall extent of delivery is seen due to the permeation barrier posed by the skin. Chemical penetration enhancers and invasive methods that disturb the structural barrier function of the skin can be used to improve transdermal drug delivery. However, for suitable drugs, a fast-releasing transdermal delivery system can be produced by incorporating a heating source into a transdermal patch. In this study, a molecular dynamics simulation showed that heat increased the diffusivity of the drug molecules, resulting in faster release from gels containing ketoprofen, diclofenac sodium, and lidocaine HCl. Simulations were confirmed by in vitro drug release studies through lipophilic membranes. These correlations could expand the application of heated transdermal delivery systems for use as fast-release-dosage forms. © 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. | diffusion; heated patch; ketoprofen; molecular dynamics; transdermal | diclofenac; ketoprofen; lidocaine; article; chemical reaction; correlation analysis; diffusion; drug delivery system; drug release; experimental study; gel; heat; heating; in vitro study; lipophilicity; molecular dynamics; priority journal; skin conductance; skin penetration; transdermal patch; Administration, Cutaneous; Gels; Hot Temperature; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Permeability | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917734228 | The experiences of municipal management on the implementation of performance management systems in lepelle- nkumpi local municipality, In limpopo province | Thaba K.L., Kanjere M.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1216 | University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus, Mankweng), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, P O Box 756, Fauna Park, South Africa | Thaba, K.L., University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus, Mankweng), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Kanjere, M.M., University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, P O Box 756, Fauna Park, South Africa | Performance Management Development System has been implemented at local municipalities to measure the performance of the workers and to indirectly combat poor service delivery protests. The program however brought its own inherent challenges. The question that remained was whether the system was effective in developing the workers or not. Thus, an empirical investigation was conducted in Lepelle- Nkumpi local municipality to explore the experiences of municipal management on the implementation of performance management system. The study also looked at the support systems that are in place for the implementation of the programme. Twenty six municipal managers participated in the study, thirteen females and thirteen males. The findings indicated that there is a need to improve on the implementation of Performance Management and Development Systems. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Appraisal; Development; Evaluation; Performance management system | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892597722 | The examination of the effect of participation in entrepreneurial development programmes on enterprise performance: A case of small-scale business in Nigeria | Olugbenga A.F. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n1p237 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Centre for Distance Learning, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Olugbenga, A.F., Obafemi Awolowo University, Centre for Distance Learning, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Entrepreneurial Development programmes have contributed significantly to small-scale business development. Their impact includes increased business income, accelerated business growth, improved productivity and increased sales. The success story of Entrepreneurial Development programmes notwithstanding, they have problem of excluding small entrepreneurs due to accessibility of the programmes, finance, timing duration and lack of awareness of the programme. This study examined the effect of Entrepreneurial Development programmes on enterprises development and performance.The study area was Ondo State of Nigeria. The study carried out a comparative study of different types of small-scale business entrepreneurs. Questionnaires were administered to small-scale business entrepreneurs. This study concluded that participation in Entrepreneurial Development programmes had a positive impact on the performance of small-scale business in Nigeria. | Entrepreneur; Entrepreneurial Development programmes; International Labour Organisation; National Directorate of Employment; Small-scale business | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249128527 | The evolving impact of HIV/AIDS on outpatient health services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Parikh A., Veenstra N. | 2008 | South African Medical Journal | 98 | 6 | None | Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Parikh, A., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Veenstra, N., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background and objective. The high HIV prevalence in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) places immense pressure on the health system. The burden of HIV/AIDS on health services is evolving as the epidemic progresses and as antiretroviral treatment becomes more widely available. For health policy makers and managers, timely and appropriate information is needed to facilitate adaptive management of health services. Through longitudinal research covering outpatient health services in KZN we examined the dynamics of the evolving HIV/AIDS burden and the resource implications of this burden, necessary for resource allocation decisions. Methods. Data were collected between 2004 and 2005 in outpatient services across six health facilities in the province. The burden of HIV/ AIDS was measured by assessing the proportion of outpatients presenting as HIV positive, determined by a clinical diagnosis (and test result where available). The burden was also measured by looking at the types of diseases presenting at outpatient facilities. Moreover, the study assessed the burden experienced by health care workers and financial implications for health facilities. Results and conclusions. The study demonstrates that the burden on outpatient services is significant but has not been increasing over time, suggesting that people are not accessing care if and when they need it. However, in terms of resources, this burden has been increasing and shifting from tertiary services to more primary services. In order to accommodate the demands of HIV/AIDS, our focus therefore needs to turn towards outpatient services, in particular at the primary care level. | None | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; caregiver burden; controlled study; drug cost; female; health care access; health care cost; health care facility; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; information processing; laboratory diagnosis; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; outpatient; outpatient care; primary medical care; resource allocation; South Africa; tertiary health care; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Community Health Services; Female; Health Policy; Health Resources; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Pilot Projects; Prevalence; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856663066 | The evaluation of whole-body vibration in a South African opencast mine | Aye S.A., Heyns P.S. | 2011 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 111 | 11 | None | Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, S.A., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Heyns, P.S., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Vibration levels on a variety of equipment in a South African opencast mine were measured in this study. The well-established ISO 2631-1 (1997) standard methodology was used for the computation of weighted root mean square (WRMS) and vibration dose value (VDV). This method was used to evaluate the wholebody vibration (WBV) on a wide range of equipment in the opencast mine using the two main parameters, namely the daily exposure A(8) which is based on the WRMS concept and the VDV which measures shocks. The results obtained show that while the majority of the equipment rendered exposure levels that are below the exposure limit value (ELV), exposure levels on about half of the equipment do exceed the exposure action levels. The study also highlights the importance of shock in the observed responses. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2011. | Excavators; LHDs; Opencast mine; Other equipment; Whole-body vibration | Exposure level; Exposure limit value; LHDs; Main parameters; Opencast mine; Root Mean Square; Vibration level; Whole-body vibrations; Excavators; Metallurgy; Equipment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928481903 | The evaluation of the impact of wettability alteration and oil relative permeability changes with temperature during cyclic steam injection in naturally fractured reservoirs using horizontal wells | Kamari A., Nikookar M., Sahranavard L., Mohammadi A.H. | 2015 | Petroleum Science and Technology | 33 | 6 | 10.1080/10916466.2014.914952 | Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris, France | Kamari, A., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nikookar, M., Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Sahranavard, L., Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Mohammadi, A.H., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris, France | In this communication, first, cyclic steam injection process in an Iranian heavy oil reservoir was simulated using three horizontal wells and the effect of various operational parameters on the performance was studied. This study has been done on the fractured reservoirs, as there are few studies on cyclic steam injection and the effect of temperature changes on the oil relative permeability in such reservoirs. Then, some practical values of irreducible water saturation and residual oil saturation at different temperatures have been considered for study of their effects on the oil recovery and oil relative permeability, because these practical values are so useful for prediction of production performance. The conclusions indicate that irreducible water saturation and residual oil saturation have significant impact on recovery factor and cumulative steam oil ratio. Comparison of four various methods show the difference in calculated oil relative permeability at various water saturations. Copyright © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | CSOR; CSS; cumulative steam oil ratio; cyclic steam stimulation; naturally fractured reservoir; recovery factor; RF; wettability | Crude oil; Heavy oil production; Horizontal wells; Oil shale; Oil wells; Petroleum reservoir engineering; Petroleum reservoir evaluation; Petroleum reservoirs; Steam; Water injection; Wetting; CSOR; CSS; Cumulative steam-oil ratios; Cyclic steam stimulations; Naturally fractured reservoirs; Recovery factors; RF; Injection (oil wells) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898605376 | The evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of soft drink leaf extract of phyllanthus amarus (euphorbiaceae) in rats | Adedapo A.A., Ofuegbe S.O. | 2014 | Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology | 25 | 1 | 10.1515/jbcpp-2013-0033 | Dept. of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Physiology, Oyo State 20005, Nigeria; Biological Sciences College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria; Dept. o | Adedapo, A.A., Dept. of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Physiology, Oyo State 20005, Nigeria, Biological Sciences College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ofuegbe, S.O., Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria | Background: Phyllanthus amarus has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria to treat some disease conditions. This study evaluated the soft drink extract (SDE) of the plant for antidiabetic activities in rats. Methods: Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for this plant extract. The antidiabetic activities of the SDE of the plant were assessed using some standard tests as well as histological changes in liver, kidney and pancreas. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats using alloxan, whereas glibenclamide at 0.2 mg/kg was the reference drug used in this study. Results: The SDE at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight caused a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose, a significant change in the oral glucose tolerance test, a marked effect in the hypoglycemic activity test, and a pronounced reduction in the glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels of diabetic rats. Histopathologically, the liver of the diabetic nontreated and glibenclamidetreated groups showed widespread vacuolar change in the hepatocytes, but there was no visible lesion seen in the kidney and pancreas of extract-treated and glibenclamide- Treated groups. No lesion was also seen in the liver of the SDE-treated group. Conclusions: The results from this study may have validated the traditional basis for the use of P. amarus as antidiabetic agent with the pharmacological activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phenolics contained in this plant. At the doses used, SDE also appeared safer than glibenclamide even though the latter is more potent. | Antidiabetic agent; Diabetes mellitus; Glibenclamide; Hypoglycemia; Mice; Normoglycemia; Phyllanthus amarus; Rats | alloxan; antidiabetic agent; cholesterol; glibenclamide; glucose; hemoglobin; plant extract; soft drink extract; triacylglycerol; unclassified drug; antidiabetic agent; cholesterol; glibenclamide; glucose blood level; plant extract; triacylglycerol; acute toxicity; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antidiabetic activity; article; body weight; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; diet restriction; erythrocyte count; evaluation study; glucose blood level; histopathology; kidney; leukocyte count; liver; liver cell; male; mouse; nonhuman; oral glucose tolerance test; pancreas; Phyllanthus amarus; rat; soft drink; triacylglycerol blood level; animal; blood; blood cell count; chemistry; drug effects; experimental diabetes mellitus; glucose tolerance test; pathology; Phyllanthus; plant leaf; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Glucose Tolerance Test; Glyburide; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Liver; Male; Pancreas; Phyllanthus; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Triglycerides | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960161803 | The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals | Yusuf O.S., Maxwell E.I. | 2011 | International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology | 6 | 2 | 10.1504/IJBET.2011.041124 | Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umu | Yusuf, O.S., Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Maxwell, E.I., Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in-vivo using analgesic models viz. hot plate method in mice, tail flick or immersion method in rats and the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex model in mice. In all the models, Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) was used as the reference drug. In the hot plate and tail flick models, the oral administration of J. curcas extract at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and the reference drug ASA (400 mg/kg) showed potent analgesic effects by significantly (P < 0.001) increasing the Pain Reaction Time (PRT) dose dependently in mice and rats. Also the reference drug and the extract of J. curcas significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased the number of the abdominal Keywords: Jatropha curcas; hot plate; tail flick; writhing reflex; ASA; acetylsalicylic acid. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Yusuf, O.S. and Maxwell, E.I. (2011) 'The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals', Int. J. Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp.200-207. Biographical notes: Omeh S. Yusuf is a Lecturer in Biochemistry and has BSc and MSc degrees, with specialisation in Medical/Plant Biochemistry. He is pursuing his PhD in Lipid Biochemistry, which is nearing completion. He is involved in research concerning medicinal plants. contortions in the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex in mice and increased the percentage protection in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, this study indicates that the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas has significant analgesic properties and may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acetylsalicylic acid; ASA; Hot plate; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex | Acetyl salicylic acid; ASA; Hot plates; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex; Acetic acid; Biochemistry; Biomedical engineering; Drug dosage; pH; Rats; Animals | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922982409 | The evaluation of statins as potential inhibitors of the LEDGF/p75-HIV-1 integrase interaction | Harrison A.T., Kriel F.H., Papathanasopoulos M.A., Mosebi S., Abrahams S., Hewer R. | 2015 | Chemical Biology and Drug Design | 85 | 3 | 10.1111/cbdd.12384 | CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; HIV Pathogenesis Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Harrison, A.T., CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, HIV Pathogenesis Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kriel, F.H., CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Papathanasopoulos, M.A., HIV Pathogenesis Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mosebi, S., CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Abrahams, S., CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, HIV Pathogenesis Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hewer, R., CMDD, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lovastatin was identified through virtual screening as a potential inhibitor of the LEDGF/p75-HIV-1 integrase interaction. In an AlphaScreen assay, lovastatin inhibited the purified recombinant protein-protein interaction (IC50 = 1.97 ± 0.45 μM) more effectively than seven other tested statins. None of the eight statins, however, yielded antiviral activity in vitro, while only pravastatin lactone yielded detectable inhibition of HIV-1 integrase strand transfer activity (31.65% at 100 μM). A correlation between lipophilicity and increased cellular toxicity of the statins was observed. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | AlphaScreen; HIV-1 integrase; LEDGF/p75; Lovastatin; Statins | antivirus agent; atorvastatin; compactin; cx 05168; fluindostatin; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; integrase; intercellular adhesion molecule 1; lens epithelium derived growth factor; lymphocyte function associated antigen 1; mevinolin; pravastatin; protein p75; RANTES; Rho factor; simvastatin; unclassified drug; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; integrase; integrase inhibitor; lens epithelium-derived growth factor; p31 integrase protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1; recombinant protein; signal peptide; antiviral activity; Article; binding site; cell viability; controlled study; cytotoxicity; dose response; down regulation; drug screening; enzyme activity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; in vitro study; lipophilicity; priority journal; protein protein interaction; biosynthesis; cell culture; chemistry; cytology; drug effects; drug screening; enzymology; genetics; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; metabolism; mononuclear cell; physiology; protein domain; virus replication; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Cells, Cultured; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; HIV Integrase; HIV Integrase Inhibitors; HIV-1; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lovastatin; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs; Recombinant Proteins; Virus Replication | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857339014 | The evaluation of sodium bicarbonate and hydroxy-βeta-cyclodextrin as treatments for organophosphor and carbamate poisoning in poultry | Verster R.S., Sekhesa M. | 2011 | Life Science Journal | 8 | SUPPL. 1 | None | Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa | Verster, R.S., Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; Sekhesa, M., Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa | Organophosphorus and carbamates are used world wide on a large scale and accidental poisonings are often seen. The objective of the trials was to evaluate newer antidotes, using chickens as experimental animals. Pilot trials were done to establish the lethal dosages of each poison. In Study 1, fourteen broilers were dosed orally with diazinon at 8 mg/kg and seven broilers were also given sodium bicarbonate at 504 mg/kg by intravenous route 30 minutes later. In Study 2, fourteen broilers received coumaphos orally at 25 mg/kg and 30 minutes later sodium bicarbonate was administered intravenously at a dosage of 504 mg/kg to seven broilers. In Study 3, fourteen broilers received aldicarb at 4 mg/kg and 30 minutes later seven broilers also received hydroxypropyl-β-yclodextrin at 250 mg/kg intravenously. In all the studies, the controls also received sterile, de-ionized water intravenously 30 minutes after dosing as a placebo. The results indicated that sodium bicarbonate had made a significant difference (P < 0.05) to the survival times of broilers in trial 1 and trial 2. Hydroxypropyl-β-yclodextrin treated broilers also had significant longer survival times (P < 0.05) than the controls in trial 3. The final conclusion is that sodium bicarbonate has the potential to inactivate organophosphors, while hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin can be useful for lipid-soluble insecticides with a molecular weight below 250 Daltons. The recommendation is to administer these compounds as adjunctive treatments together with the standard antidotes to improve the outcome of organphosphor or carbamate poisoning. | Carbamates; Cyclodextrins; Organophosphors; Sodium bicarbonate | Animalia; Gallus gallus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947922292 | The evaluation of platelet indices and markers of inflammation, coagulation and disease progression in treatment-naïve, asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals | Nkambule B.B., Davison G.M., Ipp H. | 2015 | International Journal of Laboratory Hematology | 37 | 4 | 10.1111/ijlh.12307 | Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University and NHLS, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Biomedical sciences, Faculty of Health and wellness sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa | Nkambule, B.B., Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University and NHLS, Tygerberg, South Africa; Davison, G.M., Department of Biomedical sciences, Faculty of Health and wellness sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Ipp, H., Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University and NHLS, Tygerberg, South Africa | Introduction: Cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events have emerged as major causes of mortality in people living with HIV. Activated platelets play a key role in both inflammation and thrombosis. Haematology analysers measure a variety of platelet indices, which could be surrogate markers of platelet activation. Flow cytometry offers the discrimination of platelet subpopulations and evaluation of the activation status of platelets. This study aimed to measure platelet indices in untreated HIV infection and to evaluate their relationship with markers of immune activation and disease progression. Materials and methods: One hundred and eighty-five antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-infected and 145 HIV-negative healthy individuals were recruited. Platelet indices measured using the ADVIA 2120 platform consisted of platelet count (PLT ×109/L), mean platelet volume (MPV fL), platelet distribution width (PDW%) and plateletcrit (PCT%). These were correlated with CD4 count, %CD38 on CD8+ (CD38/8) T cells, viral load, fibrinogen, D-dimers and CD31+ platelet CD62P and CD36 expression, determined using flow cytometry. Results: The HIV group had decreased MPV levels [median 7.7 (7.1-8.3) vs. control group 8.4 (7.8-9.2), P < 0.0001], which correlated with PCT% (r = 0.3038, P = 0.0013), viral load (r = 0.2680, P = 0.0177) and PDW% (r = 0.2479, P = 0.0257). Additionally, the MPV correlated with CD4 count r = -0.2898, P = 0.0075. The HIV group had decreased PDW%, 49.35 (46.40-52.65) vs. control group, 53.90 (50-56.80), P = 0.0170. In addition, the PDW% showed correlations with D-dimers (r = 0.443, P = 0.03) and %CD36 (r = -0.3666, P = 0.0463). Conclusion: Platelet indices may offer a rapid and affordable method for monitoring platelet activation and disease progression in patients with HIV. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. | HIV; D-dimer; Immune activation; Platelet function; Platelet indices | antiretrovirus agent; CD36 antigen; CD38 antigen; D dimer; edetic acid; fibrinogen; PADGEM protein; biological marker; fibrin degradation product; fibrin fragment D; fibrinogen; leukocyte antigen; adult; antibody titer; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD8+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease course; erythrocyte; female; flow cytometry; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; inflammation; major clinical study; male; platelet distribution width; plateletcrit; priority journal; protein expression; thrombocyte; thrombocyte activation; thrombocyte count; thrombocyte function; thrombocyte volume; virus load; asymptomatic disease; blood; blood clotting; case control study; complication; HIV Infections; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunology; inflammation; innate immunity; metabolism; middle aged; pathology; T lymphocyte; thrombocyte; thrombosis; Adult; Antigens, CD; Asymptomatic Diseases; Biomarkers; Blood Coagulation; Blood Platelets; Case-Control Studies; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Progression; Female; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Fibrinogen; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Inflammation; Male; Mean Platelet Volume; Middle Aged; Platelet Activation; Platelet Count; T-Lymphocytes; Thrombosis; Viral Load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929518018 | The evaluation of platelet function in HIV infected, asymptomatic treatment-naïve individuals using flow cytometry | Nkambule B.B., Davison G.M., Ipp H. | 2015 | Thrombosis Research | 135 | 6 | 10.1016/j.thromres.2015.01.031 | Divisions of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa | Nkambule, B.B., Divisions of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Davison, G.M., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Ipp, H., Divisions of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces inflammation and platelet activation. People living with HIV are at increased risk of thrombotic events. Activated platelets link inflammation with thrombosis. However platelet function in HIV remains unclear. P-selectin (CD62P), a marker of platelet activation, and platelet glycoprotein GPIV (CD36) a marker of platelet aggregation, can be measured using flow cytometry. We raise a hypothesis that HIV alters the signalling pathways involved in normal platelet function. We evaluated platelet function in HIV using a whole blood platelet flow cytometry based assay. Materials and methods Fifty-eight antiretroviral therapy naïve HIV infected and 38 HIV negative individuals were recruited in a clinic in Cape Town. Platelet surface CD36 and CD62P were measured using flow cytometry. These were then correlated with CD4 count, viral load and %CD38 on CD8 + T-cells. Platelet function was evaluated using adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid and collagen at varying concentrations. Results The HIV group showed increased levels of %CD62P (median 5.51[3.03- 10.11] vs. Control group 2.14[0.19 - 3.59], p < 0.0001. This correlated with Viral load (r = 0.336, P = 0.008). The HIV group also showed increased levels of platelet %CD36 21.93[11.03-44.92] vs. Control 16.15[2.24-25.37], p = 0.0087) which correlated with viral load (r = 0.398, p = 0.024). The HIV group showed a hyper response to AA and collagen at various concentrations. Notably, the HIV group only showed a hyper response to ADP at a maximal concentration of 20 μM (median CD62P MFI, 1.91[1.64-4.95] vs. Control 1.75[1.45-2.44] p = 0.0279. Conclusion The measurement of platelet function using flow cytometry is a rapid technique for the evaluation of platelet signalling pathways that may be modified in HIV infected individuals. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | None | adenosine diphosphate; antiretrovirus agent; arachidonic acid; CD36 antigen; CD8 antigen; collagen; PADGEM protein; adult; antiviral therapy; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; disease course; female; flow cytometer; flow cytometry; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; priority journal; signal transduction; thrombocyte count; thrombocyte function; thrombocyte membrane; virus load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906545171 | The evaluation of pioneering bioethanol projects in nigeria following the announcement and implementation of the nigerian biofuel policy and incentives | Ohimain E.I. | 2015 | Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy | 10 | 1 | 10.1080/15567249.2010.512904 | Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Ohimain, E.I., Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Nigeria has joined the bioenergy production bandwagon in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel consumption, decentralize its energy sources and increase the renewable and cleaner energy share of the nations energy consumption. Following the release and implementation of the Nigerian Biofuel Policy and Incentives, 20 new bioethanol projects have commenced with an additional 13 projects in the offing. These projects qualify to be accorded pioneer status and its attendant benefits because they are directly involved in the production of fuel ethanol from locally sourced biomass feedstocks. We examined the projects based on the nominal ethanol yield from the various feedstocks and found that some of the projects were misevaluated in terms of feedstock requirement to produce the desired ethanol output. In such instances, we provided a more realistic estimate, which the project proponents could adapt in order to meet the designed ethanol production output. This study provided the very first attempt to evaluate pioneering bioethanol projects in Nigeria. Such information is typically not available in public domains in Nigeria. The study also highlighted the importance of policy for the promotion of biofuel, and actualization of environmental and sustainable development goals. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | bioethanol; biofuel policy; biorefineries; incentives; pioneer | Biomass; Energy utilization; Ethanol; Feedstocks; Bioenergy productions; Biofuel policies; Biomass feedstock; Biorefineries; Cleaner energies; Ethanol production; incentives; pioneer; Bioethanol | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846429581 | The evaluation of oil and fatty acid composition in seed of cotton accessions from various countries | Lukonge E., Labuschagne M.T., Hugo A. | 2007 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 87 | 2 | 10.1002/jsfa.2731 | Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Lukonge, E., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Labuschagne, M.T., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Cottonseed oil has a 2:1 ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, but in large amounts it contributes to a short shelf-life due to rancidity. The aim of this study was to screen germplasm from various countries for oil and fatty acid content, to identify parents that can be used in hybridisation to increase stearic and oleic acids and reduce palmitic fatty acids. Oil content varied from 13.6% to 24.7%. Linoleic acid ranged from 51.5% to 63%, palmitic from 19.2% to 25.6%, oleic from 14.2% to 18.5% and stearic from 2.1% to 2.8%. Stearic and palmitic acids were positively correlated, and stearic and linoleic acids were negatively correlated; therefore breeding for increased stearic acid and reduced palmitic acid as well as breeding for increased stearic and linoleic acids at the same time might be difficult through conventional breeding. CIM70 and Cyto 12/74 had high values for stearic and oleic acids and Stoneville had high values of stearic and oleic acids and low palmitic acid. These can be used as parents to improve these two fractions. © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry. | Cotton; Fatty acids; Genetic distance; Oil | Gossypium hirsutum; Micropus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959894289 | The evaluation of novel natural products as inhibitors of human glutathione transferase P1-1 | Mukanganyama S., Bezabih M., Robert M., Ngadjui B.T., Kapche G.F.W., Ngandeu F., Abegaz B. | 2011 | Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry | 26 | 4 | 10.3109/14756366.2010.526769 | Biomolecular Interactions Analyses Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, P. Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Chemistry, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon; Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon | Mukanganyama, S., Biomolecular Interactions Analyses Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Bezabih, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, P. Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Robert, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon; Ngadjui, B.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon; Kapche, G.F.W., Department of Chemistry, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon; Ngandeu, F., Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon; Abegaz, B., Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, P. Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana | Glutathione transferase P1-1 is over expressed in some cancer cells and contributes to detoxification of anticancer drugs, leading to drug-resistant tumors. The inhibition of human recombinant GSTP1-1 by natural plant products was investigated using 10 compounds isolated from plants indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. Monochlorobimane and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were used to determine GST activity. Each test compound was screened at 33 and 100 μM. Isofuranonapthoquinone (1) (from Bulbine frutescens) showed 68% inhibition at 33 μM, and sesquiterpene lactone (2) (from Dicoma anomala) showed 75% inhibition at 33 μM. The IC 50 value of 1 was 6.8 μM. The mode of inhibition was mixed, partial (G site) and noncompetitive (H site) with Ki values of 8.8 and 0.21 μM, respectively. Sesquiterpene 2 did not inhibit the CDNB reaction. Therefore, isofuranonapthoquinone 1 needs further investigations in vivo because of its potent inhibition of GSTP1-1 in vitro. © 2011 Informa UK, Ltd. | Cancer; Glutathione transferases; GST P1-1; Multidrug resistance; Natural products | enzyme inhibitor; glutathione transferase P1; glutathione transferase p1 1; isofuranonaphthoquinone; natural product; plant extract; sesquiterpene lactone; unclassified drug; article; drug effect; drug potency; drug screening; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; human; IC 50; priority journal; Biological Agents; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glutathione S-Transferase pi; Humans; Isoenzymes; Kinetics; Molecular Conformation; Plant Extracts; Recombinant Proteins; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Bulbine frutescens; Dicoma anomala | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952902452 | The evaluation of novel camphor-derived pyridyl ligands as catalysts in the asymmetric diels-alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with 3-acryloyl-2- oxazolidinone | Boyle G.A., Govender T., Kruger H.G., Naicker T., Maguire G.E.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 62 | None | None | School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Boyle, G.A., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Govender, T., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Naicker, T., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Maguire, G.E.M., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | A series of camphor-derived pyridyl ligands were evaluated in the Diels-Alder reaction of 3-acryloyl-2-oxazolidinone 1 with cyclopentadiene 2. High yields with good endo:exo selectivity, but only moderate enantioselectivities (43 % ee), were obtained. The structures of the copper (II) complexes of the ligands were calculated usingONIOMdensity functional theory and the results suggest that chiral induction to the alkene functional group is indeed lacking. This explains the moderate experimental selectivities obtained. | Asymmetric catalysis; Camphor ligands; Computational modelling; Diels-Alder cycloaddition | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952918622 | The evaluation of novel camphor-derived ligands as catalysts in the asymmetric Henry reaction | Boyle G.A., Govender T., Kruger H.G., Maguire G.E.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 62 | None | None | School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Boyle, G.A., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Govender, T., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Maguire, G.E.M., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | The evaluation of a series of camphor-derived ligands as catalysts in the asymmetric Henry reaction is reported. The synthesis of two novel derivatives is detailed and these molecules are also screened as catalysts in this reaction. The single crystal X-ray structure of one of the novel compounds is reported. The reaction is catalyzed with moderate to excellent yields and moderate enantioselectivity. | Asymmetric catalysis; Camphor; Chiral ligands; Henry reaction | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45349090253 | The evaluation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals achieved in patients with established cardiovascular disease and/or hyperlipidaemia receiving lipid-lowering therapy: The South African Not at Goal study (SA-NAG) | Ramjeeth A., Butkow N., Raal F., Maholwana-Mokgatlhe M. | 2008 | Cardiovascular Journal of Africa | 19 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | Ramjeeth, A., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Butkow, N., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Raal, F., Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Maholwana-Mokgatlhe, M., Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | Aim: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor that leads to the clinical sequelae of CVD. As a result, it has become essential for South Africa to update its guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemia, and the South African scientific community has recently adopted the European guidelines on CVD prevention in clinical practice. The South African Not at Goal study (SA-NAG) was a survey done to determine the percentage of patients on lipid-lowering therapy who were not achieving guideline-specified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. Methods: I n this cross-sectional study, dyslipidaemic and/or CVD patients on lipid-lowering therapy for more than four months were enrolled. V olunteers had their demographic data and previous medical history documented. Blood samples from these patients were analysed (using standardised methods) to obtain fasting blood lipid and glucose levels. Results: I n total, 1 201 patients (age 58 ± 11.4 years) were recruited by physicians and general practitioners from across South Africa. U nder the new guidelines, 41% of patients were defined as low risk (LR) and 59% were high risk (HR). Sixty-three per cent of LR patients and 77% of HR patients (71% overall) did not achieve their LDL-C target goals of 2.5 and 3.0 mmol/l, respectively. The LR and HR patients who did not achieve their LDL-C goals were on average 19% (0.7 mmol/l ± 0.5) and 31% (1.1 mmol/l ± 1.1) above their LDL-C target levels, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that a considerable number of patients fall into the category 'not at goal' LDL-C. Patients who failed to achieve goal were also far above their LDL-C target levels. The adoption of the new guidelines will necessitate enhanced disease management to reduce the disease burden. | None | antilipemic agent; atorvastatin; fluindostatin; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; simvastatin; adult; aged; article; blood sampling; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular risk; controlled study; dyslipidemia; female; general practitioner; glucose blood level; human; hyperlipidemia; lipid blood level; major clinical study; male; obesity; practice guideline; South Africa; Age Distribution; Aged; Antilipemic Agents; Biological Markers; Blood Glucose; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Guideline Adherence; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Male; Metabolic Syndrome X; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Assessment; South Africa; Treatment Outcome | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69349088417 | The evaluation of Eudragit microcapsules manufactured by solvent evaporation using USP Apparatus 1 | Khamanga S.M., Parfitt N., Nyamuzhiwa T., Haidula H., Walker R.B. | 2009 | Dissolution Technologies | 16 | 2 | None | Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Khamanga, S.M., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Parfitt, N., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Nyamuzhiwa, T., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Haidula, H., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Walker, R.B., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The objectives of this study were to prepare microcapsules containing verapamil and propranolol and to evaluate the kinetics and mechanism of drug release from the microcapsules using USP Apparatus 1. The effects of polymer concentration and polymer type on the cumulative amount of drug released were evaluated. The microcapsules were manufactured using Eudragit RS and RL polymers by solvent evaporation with the ultimate aim of prolonging drug release. Twenty-four formulations were prepared using different drug/polymer ratios. The effects of polymer type and polymer/drug ratios on the size, flow properties, surface morphology, and the release characteristics of the microcapsules were examined. The effects of drug inclusion methods on drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release properties of the complex microcapsules were also investigated. The formulations containing drug/polymer ratio 1:4 (w/w) were the most appropriate with respect to encapsulation efficiency (70%), flow properties (HR = 1.2), drug loading (15-20%), and drug release characteristics, in all cases. The release kinetics from the different formulations followed mainly a diffusion-controlled mechanism. | None | eudragit; polymer; propranolol; verapamil; article; controlled drug release; drug diffusion; drug formulation; drug manufacture; drug release; drug screening; encapsulation; evaporation; flow kinetics; flow rate; microcapsule; surface property | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884238048 | The Evaluation of CYP2B6 Inhibition by Artemisinin Antimalarials in Recombinant Enzymes and Human Liver Microsomes | Ericsson T., Masimirembwa C., Äbelö A., Ashton M. | 2013 | Drug Metabolism Letters | 6 | 4 | 10.2174/1872312811206040004 | Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Dept. Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, LAPF Center, Harare, Zimbabwe | Ericsson, T., Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Dept. Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Masimirembwa, C., African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, LAPF Center, Harare, Zimbabwe; Äbelö, A., Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Dept. Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Ashton, M., Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Dept. Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden | Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the recommended treatment of uncomplicated P.falciparum malaria by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Some artemisinin compounds and anti-retroviral drugs have been shown to be metabolized by CYP2B6. In the African clinical settings, the likelihood of co-administration of ACTs and antiretroviral drugs is higher than elsewhere, posing the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This study aimed to investigate whether artemisinin compounds inhibit CYP2B6 activity in vitro using recombinant CYP2B6 (rCYP2B6) and human liver microsomes (HLM). Values for IC50 and Ki were determined by kinetic analyses using non-linear regression. In vitro to in vivo extrapolations of the likelihood of DDIs where done using a static [I]/Ki approach. Artemisinin and artemether were shown to inhibit CYP2B6 in vitro through a partial mixed type of inhibition, while dihydroartemisinin did not inhibit the enzymatic activity. IC50 values for artemisinin were 9.5 and 9.1 μM for rCYP2B6 and HLM, respectively, after 30 min of incubation. Corresponding values for artemether were 7.5 and 5.4 μM. Artemisinin did not show any time-dependency or requirement of NADPH in its mechanism, indicating a reversible mode of inhibition. Based on the [I]/Ki approach using rCYP2B6, the risk of DDIs for artemisinin was indicated to be medium to high, while artemether had a low risk. The findings indicate a potential but moderate risk of DDIs in the co-administration of artemisinin or artemether with efavirenz in the co-treatment of malaria and HIV/AIDS. © 2013 Bentham Science Publishers. | Artemether; Artemisinin; Cytochrome P450 2B6; Dihydroartemisinin; Enzyme inhibition; Human liver microsomes; In vitro | antimalarial agent; artemether; artemisinin; cytochrome P450 2B6; dihydroartemisinin; efavirenz; ketoconazole; reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; ticlopidine; area under the curve; article; concentration response; controlled study; drug blood level; drug metabolism; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; enzyme kinetics; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; in vivo study; incubation time; liver microsome; plasma concentration-time curve; priority journal; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Microsomes, Liver; Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating; Recombinant Proteins | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919391242 | The evaluation of candidate biomarkers of cell-mediated immunity for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) | Goosen W.J., Cooper D., Warren R.M., Miller M.A., van Helden P.D., Parsons S.D.C. | 2014 | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology | 162 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.10.008 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 25, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Goosen, W.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Cooper, D., Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 25, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Warren, R.M., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Miller, M.A., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; van Helden, P.D., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Parsons, S.D.C., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa | We evaluated commercially available bovine enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and a human IP-10 ELISA to measure IP-10, MIG, MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3 and IL1-RA in buffalo plasma in order to identify sensitive markers of the immune response to Mycobacterium bovis-specific peptides. Additionally, we found that all coding mRNA sequences of these cytokines showed very high homology with their homologues in domestic cattle (97-99%) as did the derived amino acid sequences (97-99%). This high sequence homology between cattle and buffaloes supports the use of bovine ELISAs for the detection these cytokines in buffaloes. MCP-1 concentration showed a positive correlation with that of IFN-γ (p=. 0.0077) and appears to occur in far greater abundance in buffaloes when compared to humans. Using a bovine IP-10 ELISA, levels of this cytokine were found to be significantly increased in antigen-stimulated blood samples from M. bovis test positive buffaloes (p < 0.0001) and IP-10 was detected in far greater abundance than IFN-γ. Measurement of IP-10 with this ELISA may prove to be a sensitive marker of M. bovis infection in African buffaloes. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | African buffalo; Bovine tuberculosis; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Interferon gamma; Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 | gamma interferon; gamma interferon inducible protein 10; interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein; messenger RNA; monocyte chemotactic protein 1; monocyte chemotactic protein 2; monocyte chemotactic protein 3; biological marker; CXCL9 chemokine; gamma interferon inducible protein 10; interleukin 1 receptor blocking agent; monocyte chemotactic protein; African buffalo; amino acid sequence; Article; blood sampling; bovine tuberculosis; cellular immunity; domestic cattle; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; evaluation study; gene expression assay; immune response; nonhuman; sequence homology; animal; blood; bovine; buffalo; cellular immunity; immunology; microbiology; mycobacteriosis; Mycobacterium bovis; nonparametric test; procedures; veterinary; Bos; Bos taurus; Bovinae; Bubalus; Mycobacterium bovis; Syncerus caffer; Animals; Biological Markers; Buffaloes; Cattle; Chemokine CXCL10; Chemokine CXCL9; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Immunity, Cellular; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins; Mycobacterium bovis; Mycobacterium Infections; Statistics, Nonparametric | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953731552 | The evaluation of bedside teachingan instrument for staff evaluation and student experience: A pilot study at a South African university | Green-Thompson L., Mcinerney P., Veller M. | 2010 | South African Journal of Surgery | 48 | 2 | None | Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Green-Thompson, L., Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mcinerney, P., Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veller, M., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Background. Bedside teaching is the core teaching strategy in the clinical study years of the medical undergraduate degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. The quality of this teaching strategy has not been formally evaluated by students as other teaching strategies have been. Method. A quantitative, descriptive study was undertaken in the final year of study of the graduate entry medical programme (GEMP). The sample comprised medical students who were completing their surgical block during September and November 2008. There were approximately 30 students in each of these 2 blocks. A bedside teaching evaluation questionnaire was developed, based on previously validated peer review questionnaires used in evaluating small group formal classroom-based lectures. The purpose of the study was to determine the reliability of the instrument for evaluating bedside teaching. Results. A sample of 112 evaluations was obtained and the constructs and sub-constructs were subjected to an analysis using Cronbach's alpha. Conclusion. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.9627, demonstrating that the instrument is reliable and can be used to evaluate bedside teaching. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906064932 | The evaluation of a training programme based on Paulo Freire's views on community practice: A South African example | Nel H. | 2014 | Social Work (South Africa) | 50 | 2 | None | Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nel, H., Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | A training programme in personal leadership, directed at facilitators of community practice, based on the principles and methods of Paulo Freire's approach, was applied and evaluated in an African context. The nature of the training programme was student centred, and implemented in a participatory consciousness-raising and experiential way. The purpose of this article is to report on the evaluation of the programme, which was conducted by means of an exploratory, descriptive and contextual strategy of inquiry pursued within a qualitative paradigm. Practice guidelines derived from the findings indicated the importance of facilitation methods that raise consciousness in the process of transformation. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887702790 | The evaluation of a telephonic wellness coaching intervention for weight reduction and wellness improvement in a community-based cohort of persons with serious mental illness | Temmingh H., Claassen A., Van Zyl S., Carrara H., Dayakalashe N.M., Myer L., Stein D.J. | 2013 | Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease | 201 | 11 | 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000036 | Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Valkenberg Hospital, Private Bag X1, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa; Virgin Life Care (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Temmingh, H., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Valkenberg Hospital, Private Bag X1, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa; Claassen, A., Virgin Life Care (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Van Zyl, S., Virgin Life Care (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Carrara, H., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dayakalashe, N.M., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Valkenberg Hospital, Private Bag X1, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa; Myer, L., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Stein, D.J., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Valkenberg Hospital, Private Bag X1, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa | Obesity and metabolic disturbances frequently occur in individuals with psychiatric disorders. This study evaluates a telephonically delivered lifestyle coaching intervention aimed at weight reduction and wellness improvement in psychiatric outpatients. A cohort of 761 participants was prospectively followed up for a period of 12 months. Lifestyle coaching was administered telephonically on a weekly basis for the first 3 months and monthly thereafter. During the study period, there was a significant reduction in weight and waist circumference as well as a significant increase in general health in the completer group. A total of 46% of the participants lost 5% or more of their baseline weight. Significant predictors of attrition at baseline were the presence of metabolic syndrome, younger age, chronic illness, and the diagnosis of a mood disorder. Dropout was significantly less in those participants who received support from a nominated caregiver. Telephonic lifestyle coaching is feasible in this population. Copyright © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Lifestyle coaching; Serious mental illness; Telephonic; Weight reduction; Wellness improvement | amisulpride; aripiprazole; carbamazepine; clozapine; lamotrigine; lithium; olanzapine; quetiapine; risperidone; serotonin uptake inhibitor; tricyclic antidepressant agent; valproic acid; adult; article; bipolar disorder; caregiver; chronic disease; clinical evaluation; female; follow up; human; lifestyle; major clinical study; major depression; male; mental disease; mental patient; metabolic syndrome X; mood disorder; outpatient; schizophrenia; telemedicine; telephonic wellness coaching intervention; waist circumference; weight reduction; wellbeing; Adolescent; Adult; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Promotion; Humans; Life Style; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Residence Characteristics; Severity of Illness Index; Telemedicine; Weight Loss; Young Adult | GlaxoSmithKline |
WoS | WOS:000244468900009 | The evaluation of an intervention programme for reception learners who experience barriers to learning and development | Rossi, June,Stuart, Anita | 2007 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION | 27 | 1 | None | University of Johannesburg | None | It is believed that learners who experience barriers to learning and development are at risk for formal education and that stimulation can offset these barriers, ensuring that learners are able to actualise their potential. An intervention programme was designed with the aim of improving abilities in learners who had not yet attained the learning outcomes in the areas of fine-motor and/or language development. Although many research studies support educational intervention, to date insufficient attention has been paid to researching programmes of this kind. This programme of intervention was effective in improving the Eye and Hand Co-ordination and Personal-Social subscales of the Griffiths Scales and the Draw-a-Person test scores of all the learners who experienced barriers in their fine-motor and/or language development. In male learners, improved scores on the Eye and Hand Co-ordination and Hearing and Speech subscales of the Griffiths Scales and the Draw-a-Person test were shown. The female learners improved on the Eye and Hand Co-ordination subscale of the Griffiths Scales and the Draw-a-Person test. | DEVELOPMENT,INTERVENTION,LEARNING,"reception learners" | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69549121611 | The evaluation of age-related histomorphometric variables in a cadaver sample of lower socioeconomic status: implications for estimating age at death | Keough N., L'Abbé E.N., Steyn M. | 2009 | Forensic Science International | 191 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.07.012 | Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Keough, N., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; L'Abbé, E.N., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Steyn, M., Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Estimating age at death from adult skeletal remains is a daunting task for human osteologists. For this reason, the evaluation of micro-structural changes in bone with advancing age has become a popular method. However, factors such as nutrition, chronic disease, population group and sex have been suggested to influence the rate of bone turnover, and thus the use of histological methods in providing an accurate age at death has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of 10 histomorphometric traits used to estimate age. The sample comprised of 146 dissection room cadavers of known sex, age and ancestry (105 males and 41 females). A 0.2 cm × 1.0 cm sample was removed from the anterior surface of the mid-shaft of the femur (opposite the linea aspera), and slides were prepared according to standard methodology. The total osteon count (r = 0.50), the percentage unremodelled bone (r = -0.50), the total number of non-Haversian canals (r = -0.50) and the average percentage of fragmental bone (r = 0.55) had moderate correlations with age, while the total number of measurable osteons (r = 0.43), the total number of osteonal fragments (r = 0.40), the percentage of fragmentary bone (r = 0.37) the average number of lamellae per osteon (r = 0.29), the minimum diameter of the Haversian canals (r = 0.14) and resorption spaces (r = 0.11) had little to no relationship with age. Despite poor correlations with age, eight variables were shown to be highly repeatable (r = 0.74-0.93). Moderate to low correlations with age may be attributed to these variables not being related to age in a progressive and predictable fashion, activity patterns or possible chronic disease in the sample. A databank needs to be compiled from larger samples from various populations in order to more holistically assess the relationship between these variables and age as well as other mitigating factors such as disease, nutrition and population group. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anterior mid-shaft of the femur; Bone histology; Bone remodelling; Forensic anthropology; Haversian systems; Osteons | adult; age determination; aged; article; bone remodeling; bone structure; cadaver; female; femur shaft; histology; human; human tissue; male; osteometry; priority journal; socioeconomics; time of death; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Age Determination by Skeleton; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Remodeling; Cadaver; Female; Femur; Forensic Anthropology; Haversian System; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Social Class; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943741633 | The evaluation of accuracy of serial rapid HIV test algorithm in the diagnosis of HIV antibodies among pregnant women in south east Nigeria Pregnancy and Childbirth | Mbachu I.I., Udigwe G., Joseph I., John O., Samuel U.O., Joseph U., Ngozi M.C. | 2015 | BMC Research Notes | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13104-015-1454-8 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria | Mbachu, I.I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Udigwe, G., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Joseph, I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; John, O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Samuel, U.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Joseph, U., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; Ngozi, M.C., Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria | Background: Accurate HIV testing in pregnancy is critical to the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection and linkages to other preventive strategies. Aims and objectives: This study determined the sensitivity, specificity negative and positive predictive value of serial rapid testing of HIV among pregnant women in Nnewi, south east Nigeria. Methodology: This was a comparative descriptive study conducted over a 4-month period. Serial rapid testing algorithm was compared with conventional ELISA testing after obtaining informed consents from the pregnant women. All positive and discordant results were confirmed with western blot HIV test. Participants also completed a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Result: A total of 166 pregnant women participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 29 ± 4.3 years. The HIV prevalence was highest in the 25-29 years category. This was also the modal age category. Majority of the women were multiparous. The prevalence of HIV infection was 12 %. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value of serial rapid HIV testing was 95, 100, 99.3 and 100 % respectively. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the serial rapid test algorithm was high but still lower than the WHO recommended 99 % and above. The 100 % specificity and positive predictive value makes it a good diagnostic test strategy. There is need for regular review of HIV test kits and policy. © 2015 Mbachu et al. | Accuracy; Pregnant women; Rapid HIV test; Serial algorithm | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901028720 | The evaluation and quantification of respirable coal and silica dust concentrations: A task-based approach | Grové T., Van Dyk T., Franken A., Du Plessis J. | 2014 | Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene | 11 | 6 | 10.1080/15459624.2013.877140 | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Centre for Mining Innovation, P.O. Box 91230, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Kobus Dekker Occupational Hygiene Consultancy, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Grové, T., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Centre for Mining Innovation, P.O. Box 91230, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Van Dyk, T., Kobus Dekker Occupational Hygiene Consultancy, Pretoria, South Africa; Franken, A., School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Du Plessis, J., School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Silicosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis are serious occupational respiratory diseases associated with the coal mining industry and the inhalation of respirable dusts containing crystalline silica. The purpose of this study (funded by the Mine Health and Safety Council of South Africa) was to evaluate the individual contributions of underground coal mining tasks to the respirable dust and respirable silica dust concentrations in an underground section by sampling the respirable dust concentrations at the intake and return of each task. The identified tasks were continuous miner (CM) cutting, construction, transfer of coal, tipping, and roof bolting. The respirable dust-generating hierarchy of the tasks from highest to lowest was: transfer of coal > CM right cutting > CM left cutting > CM face cutting > construction > roof bolting > tipping; and for respirable silica dust: CM left cutting > construction > transfer of coal > CM right cutting. Personal exposure levels were determined by sampling the exposures of workers performing tasks in the section. Respirable dust concentrations and low concentrations of respirable silica dust were found at the intake air side of the section, indicating that air entering the section is already contaminated. The hierarchy for personal respirable dust exposures was as follows, from highest to lowest: CM operator > cable handler > miner > roof bolt operator > shuttle car operator, and for respirable silica dust: shuttle car operator > CM operator > cable handler > roof bolt operator > miner. Dust control methods to lower exposures should include revision of the position of workers with regard to the task performed, positioning of the tasks with regard to the CM cutting, and proper use of the line curtains to direct ventilation appropriately. The correct use of respiratory protection should also be encouraged. Copyright © 2014 JOEH, LLC. | Coal mining; Coal mining activities; Mine Health and Safety Council; Respirable dust; Respirable silica dust; Task-based exposure | air pollutant; coal; dust; silicon dioxide; air pollutant; analysis; coal mining; dust; environmental monitoring; human; occupational exposure; particle size; South Africa; statistics and numerical data; workplace; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Coal; Coal Mining; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Particle Size; Silicon Dioxide; South Africa; Workplace | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449152839 | The environmental impacts of regional disparity in population and wealth distribution in Nigeria | Madu I.A. | 2009 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 11 | 2 | 10.1007/s10668-007-9109-0 | Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 4100001, Nigeria | Madu, I.A., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 4100001, Nigeria | The disparity in both population and wealth distribution in Nigeria by geo-political zones is well recognized. There is also the recognition that some of the environmental problems in certain sections of the country can be attributed to the imbalance in both population and wealth distribution. Hence the various agitations for environmental resource control in the country. What is lacking however is the research that shows the magnitude of the linkages between the disparity and the environmental degradation in regional context. This provides the basis for this research. To achieve the aim of the research, a STIRPAT model was employed as an analytical tool. The findings show that the southern geopolitical zones are generally more densely populated and wealthier than the northern zones. The south is also experiencing a higher degree of environmental resource degradation attributable to anthropogenic factors. Thus, there is congruence between population density, wealth distribution and environmental degradation in Nigeria. Therefore the achievement of sustainable environment and development in Nigeria requires deliberate policies to mitigate the impact of population concentration and wealth creation on the environment. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Environmental resource degradation; Geo-political zones; Living standards; Population distribution; STIRPAT model and wealth | anthropogenic effect; environmental degradation; environmental impact assessment; environmental policy; mitigation; population distribution; research; resource management; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887303478 | The environmental impact of crude oil formation water: A multivariate approach | Nnaji C.C., Agunwamba J.C. | 2013 | Journal of Water Chemistry and Technology | 35 | 5 | 10.3103/S1063455X13050056 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nnaji, C.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Agunwamba, J.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Water bodies receiving effluents from gas flow stations were sampled for ten months (March to December). Fifteen physicochemical parameters were monitored at six locations. Results obtained were analyzed unsing principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Five principal componets accounting for 72.43% of total variance were isolated. The first principal component was a measure of sea water intrusion, the second componet was a measure of total solids, the third component was a measure of organic pollution while the fourth and fifth principal component depicted the impact of effluent discharges. Effluents from gas flow stations were not the major causes of pollution of water resources in the locations of study. Cluster analysis showed no significant variation in the physicochemical characteristics of water samples based on location. Physicochemical parameters exhibited a seasonal pattern as a result of dilution by rainfall, reduced rate of evaporation in rainy season and dissolution of gaseous products of gas flaring in rain. Metals had no significant effect on the quality of water sampled from the six locations during the period of monitoring. © 2013 Allerton Press, Inc. | cluster analysis; effluents; formation water; pollution; principal compoments; rainfall | Effluent discharge; First principal components; Formation water; Multivariate approach; Physicochemical characteristics; Physicochemical parameters; principal compoments; Principal Components; Cluster analysis; Effluents; Environmental impact; Flow of gases; Pollution; Principal component analysis; Rain; Water quality; Water resources; Water pollution | None |
None | None | The environmental and socio-economic impacts of mining on local livelihoods in Tanzania: A case study of Geita District | Kitula A.G.N. | 2006 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 14 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2004.01.012 | Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3187, Morogoro, Tanzania | Kitula, A.G.N., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3187, Morogoro, Tanzania | This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining in Geita District, Tanzania. In addition to sampling community perceptions of mining activities, the study prescribes interventions that can assist in mitigating the negative impacts of mining. Marked environmental and interrelated socio-economic improvements can be achieved within regional artisanal gold mines if the government provides technical support to local operators, regulations are improved, and illegal mining activity is reduced. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Geita District; Gold mining; Local people; Mining activities; Socio-economic | Economic and social effects; Environmental impact; Gold mines; Mining laws and regulations; Geita district; Local people; Mining activities; Mining | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745484939 | The environmental and social impact of petroleum and natural gas exploitation in Nigeria | Okeagu J.E., Okeagu J.C., Adegoke A.O., Onuoha C.N. | 2006 | Journal of Third World Studies | 23 | 1 | None | Department of Biology, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Owerri General Hospital, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; University of Port Harcourt, River | Okeagu, J.E., Department of Biology, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Okeagu, J.C., Owerri General Hospital, Imo State, Nigeria; Adegoke, A.O., Department of Geography, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Onuoha, C.N., University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | The petroleum industry is the most environmentally deleterious enterprise in Nigeria, because of oil spillages, as well as ineffective or careless waste management and gas disposal. Severe environmental degradation has affected the quality of life for most Nigerians, especially those who are located in the Niger Delta. The injustices facing the peoples of the Niger Delta are in many ways the same as those facing all Nigerians after decades of rule by successive military regimes. However in the oil producing regions, the suppression of political activity, the lack of legal redress for damage to the environment, and the resulting loss of livelihood, and the sheer ubiquity of human rights abuses by the region's security forces, have generated greater protest, in turn resulting in greater repression. The first responsibility for resolving the injustices lies with the Nigerian government, whose priority should be to alleviate the social devastation facing all the people of the Niger Delta region. Multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria should also share the responsibility. | None | environmental degradation; environmental impact; human rights; oil industry; social impact; Africa; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908260975 | The elaboration and empirical evaluation of the de Goede learning potential structural model | Van Heerden S., Theron C. | 2014 | South African Journal of Business Management | 45 | 3 | None | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Van Heerden, S., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Theron, C., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | As a direct result of having segregated amenities and public services during the Apartheid era where Black individuals were provided with services inferior to those of White individuals, the country is currently challenged by serious and a debilitating skills shortage across most industry sectors, high unemployment and poverty rates, and inequality in terms of income distribution as well as in terms of racial representation in the workforce. These challenges are the consequence of a larger problem that knowledge, skills and abilities are not uniformly distributed across all races. In the past, and still now, White South Africans had greater access to skills development and educational opportunities. It is this fundamental inequality that has to be addressed. It is argued that skills development - specifically affirmative action skills development should form part of the solution. A need therefore exists to identify the individuals who would gain maximum benefit from such affirmative action skills development opportunities and to create the conditions that would optimise learning performance. To achieve this, an understanding is required of the complex nomological network of latent variables that determine learning performance. De Goede (2007) proposed and tested a learning potential structural model based on the work of Taylor (1994). The primary objective of this study was to expand on De Goede's (2007) learning potential structural model in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity underlying learning performance. A subset of the hypothesised expanded learning potential structural model was empirically evaluated. The first analysis of the structural model failed to produce a good fit to the data. The model was subsequently modified by both adding additional paths and by removing insignificant paths. The final revised structural model was found to fit the data well. All paths contained in the final model were empirically corroborated. The practical implications of the learning potential structural model on HR and organisations are discussed. Suggestions for future research are made by indicating how the model can be further elaborated. The limitations of the study are also discussed. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954994398 | The e-Government evaluation challenge: A South African Batho Pele-aligned service quality approach | Kaisara G., Pather S. | 2011 | Government Information Quarterly | 28 | 2 | 10.1016/j.giq.2010.07.008 | Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Faculty of Informatics and Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Kaisara, G., Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Pather, S., Faculty of Informatics and Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Over the past decade, governments have embarked on major Information and Communication Technology (ICT) investments in an attempt to take advantage of the benefits of the internet in extending the channels by which services are provided to their respective citizenries. With the increasing reliance on ICTs, one of the challenges facing public sector managers is how to evaluate the success or effectiveness of their ICT investments. Given the citizen-focused objectives of governments, service quality approaches offer a suitable frame for evaluating ICT effectiveness. This paper therefore extends current e-Service quality research into the e-Government domain. The paper reports on the development of a multi-item instrument for evaluating the e-Service quality constructs of an e-Government website in South Africa. The development of this instrument also takes into account the service delivery principles which have been adopted by the South African government viz. the Batho Pele program. The study shows that there are six service quality dimensions applicable in e-Government evaluation, viz. website design, navigation, communication, site aesthetics, information quality, and security. The generic instrument allows practitioners to modify and utilise it according to their needs. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. | Batho Pele; E-Government; ICT; Information Systems; Internet; Service quality; South Africa; Website evaluation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875972998 | The effects of varying dietary protein levels on growth performance and some quality parameters of carcass and eggs of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) [Efecto de diferentes niveles de proteína dietética sobre el comportamiento del crecimiento y alguno | Sotolu A.O. | 2011 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Keffi, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Keffi, Nigeria | Growth performance and some quality parameters of broodstocks and eggs of female Clarias gariepinus were investigated in this study for 70 days. Fish were fed diets with varying crude protein levels (CP); 30, 35 and 40% in triplicates with imported feed as control. Proximate analysis of feeds, fish and eggs alone were done and data were collected on fish growth and nutrient utilization efficiency fortnightly. Results showed that fish fed diets with 35% CP exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher growth rate, feed conversion ratio and apparent net protein utilization than fish fed diet with 40% CP. Fish fed diets with 35 and 40% CP had higher CP values of carcass and for eggs while both were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the CP values of other treatments. Egg development was however higher in fish fed 40% CP diet but with marginal differences as compared to the values obtained in fish fed 35% CP diet. The result showed that diet with 35% crude protein produced good growth rate in catfish broodstock and better nutrient utilization as well as improved egg development and maturity than fish feed diet with 30% crude protein. | Carcass quality; Clarias gariepinus; Egg quality; Female broodstock; Growth performance | Clarias gariepinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878453373 | The effects of two strategic anthelmintic treatments on goat performance under extensive management in a semi-arid area of South Africa | Bakunzi F.R., Motsei L.E., Nyirenda M., Ndou R.V., Mwanza M. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | 2 | None | Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Bakunzi, F.R., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Motsei, L.E., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Nyirenda, M., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Ndou, R.V., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Mwanza, M., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | A study was carried out in a semi-arid area of the North West province of South Africa from September 2004 to September 2005 to determine the effects anthelmintic treatment before or during the rains on the performance of 60 indigenous female goats. The performance parameters studied were body weight, packed cell volume and faecal nematode egg output. Anthelmintic treatment of goats before and during the rains significantly reduced faecal egg output, and improved body weight and packed cell volume. Overall, anthelmintic treatment before the rains was equal to or better for all the three performance parameters when compared to treatment during the rains. Both treatments yielded better performance in comparison to the control. | Anthelmintic treatment; Goat production; Semi-arid area; Strategic control | Capra hircus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-46849096098 | The effects of therapeutic management approach on depressive symptomatology and cognitive task performance among the physically challenged students of rehabilitation centre, Ibadan, Nigeria | Busari A.O., Eniola M.S. | 2008 | Anthropologist | 10 | 1 | None | Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria; Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Busari, A.O., Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria; Eniola, M.S., Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigated therapeutic management approach of depressive symptomatology on the performance of Cognitive task among the special need students of rehabilitation centre, Ibadan, Nigeria (male one hundred and eleven and female eight-nine), A self constructed validated questionnaire was used to generate data. The t-test statistics was employed to test the three research hypotheses formulated while the adjusted post-mean score was performed on the achievement test scores. Findings indicated that there were significant differences in the signs and symptoms of depression exhibited by the experimental and the control groups. Further, better cognitive task performance by the experimental group due to reduction in the level of signs and symptoms of depression was revealed. © Kamla-Raj 2008. | Cognitive task; Depressive symptomatology; Physically challenged; Therapeutic management | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940035974 | The effects of start-up factor (self-efficacy) on business performance | Radipere S. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 1CONT7 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The study examined relationship between self-efficacy and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the fourteen variables out of eighteen variables suggests that self-efficacy be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of self-efficacy on business performance. © 2014, Virtus Interpress, All rights reserved. | Business Performance; Entrepreneur; Self-Efficacy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650714156 | The effects of spectral evaluation of c-Si modules | Simon M., Meyer E.L. | 2011 | Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications | 19 | 1 | 10.1002/pip.973 | Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Simon, M., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Meyer, E.L., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Outdoor spectral measurements in sub-Sahara, South Africa in particular have not been documented probably due to lack of data or lack of proper methodologies for quantifying the spectral effects on photovoltaic performance parameters. Crystalline-Si modules are widely used for system designs in most cases based on the data provided from indoor measurements or from maritime northern hemispheric conditions. As a result of this, PV systems fail to deliver their intended maximum power output. In this study, a methodology for quantifying outdoor spectral effects of c-Si modules commonly found in the African continent is presented. The results of three crystalline-Si modules indicate that these modules are affected as the spectrum shifts during seasons although these devices are perceived (without outdoor data) that their performance is not influenced by the seasonal changes in outdoor spectrum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | crystalline-Si modules; outdoor spectrum; spectral effects | crystalline-Si modules; Indoor measurement; Maximum power output; outdoor spectrum; Photovoltaic performance; PV system; Seasonal changes; South Africa; Spectral effects; Spectral measurement; Spectrum shifts; System design; Crystalline materials; Silicon; Systems analysis; Photovoltaic effects | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45249111772 | The effects of spatial mobility on the performance of firms | Knoben J., Oerlemans L.A.G., Rutten R.P.J.H. | 2008 | Economic Geography | 84 | 2 | None | Department of Organisation Studies, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, Tilburg, Netherlands; Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Knoben, J., Department of Organisation Studies, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, Tilburg, Netherlands; Oerlemans, L.A.G., Department of Organisation Studies, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, Tilburg, Netherlands, Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Rutten, R.P.J.H., Department of Organisation Studies, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, Tilburg, Netherlands | A considerable body of research has analyzed the impact of a firm's geographic position and levels of organizational and territorial embeddedness on its performance. Generally, these studies have assumed that firms are immobile. Research that has focused on the effects of the relocation of firms has treated firms mainly as atomistic actors that can move freely in geographic space and has tended to neglect the influence of changes in a firm's geographic position and level of organizational and territorial embeddedness. We integrated insights from both streams of literature to answer the research question, "What are the effects of relocation on a firm's performance, and what is the influence of a firm's geographic position and its level of organizational and territorial embeddedness on this relationship?" On the basis of our analysis of data from a survey of managers of Dutch automation services firms, we found that the degree of impact of a firm's relocation on its performance depends on the characteristics of the relocation. For example, a move to an urbanized region hampers performance, whereas a move to a research and development-intensive region fosters a higher level of performance. Furthermore, firms with high levels of organizational embeddedness suffer in the short term from relocation, but benefit in the long run. © 2008 Clark University. | Embeddedness; Innovativeness; Performance; Relocation | industrial performance; innovation; mobility; relocation; research and development; theoretical study; Benelux; Eurasia; Europe; Netherlands; Western Europe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79651469921 | The effects of shade on performance, carcass classes and behaviour of heat-stressed feedlot cattle at the finisher phase | Blaine K.L., Nsahlai I.V. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9740-x | Crafcor Farming PTY Ltd, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Discipline of Poultry and Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Blaine, K.L., Crafcor Farming PTY Ltd, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Nsahlai, I.V., Discipline of Poultry and Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | The study aimed to determine the impact of shade on the performance, carcass class and behaviour using 146 crossbred steers and bulls during the finishing phase on a commercial feedlot in February. Treatments were (1) shade and (2) no shade. Average daily gain (ADG), DMI, and feed efficiency were measured, and hot carcass weight (HCW) and grades were collected at slaughter. The proportion of animals within a pen engaged in various behavioural activities (standing, lying, feeding and panting) was recorded. Five randomly selected individual animals per treatment were monitored every 2 min between 0700 and 1600 hours to determine the time spent on each of the above activities. Shade improved the final body weight (P < 0.0001), ADG (P = 0.079), and HCW by 8.33 kg (P < 0.05). Shade increased (P < 0.05) the feeding activity but decreased (P < 0.05) panting behaviour. Shade conferred an economic benefit of R2. 03 head -1 week -1, and thus would reduce heat stress and increase the feedlot profitability. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Behaviour; Feedlot cattle; Heat stress; Performance; Shade | animal; animal behavior; animal husbandry; article; body weight; cattle; eating; growth, development and aging; male; methodology; physiological stress; physiology; randomization; South Africa; statistical model; temperature; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Cattle; Eating; Linear Models; Male; Random Allocation; South Africa; Stress, Physiological; Temperature; Animalia; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887009810 | The effects of parental involvement on academic performance of Ghanaian youth: Testing measurement and relationships using structural equation modeling | Chowa G.A.N., Masa R.D., Tucker J. | 2013 | Children and Youth Services Review | 35 | 12 | 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.09.009 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chowa, G.A.N., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States, Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; Masa, R.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Tucker, J., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States | Research in developed countries suggests that parental involvement is associated with youth academic success. However, little is known about the overall impact of parental involvement on youth academic performance in developing countries. Further, it is unclear what type of parental involvement impacts the academic performance of youth from developing countries. This study examines whether parental involvement at home and school are meaningfully different constructs in a population of Ghanaian youth and their parents, and whether parental involvement predicts academic performance. Results suggest a multidimensional construct consists of home and school involvement. The effect of parental involvement on youth academic performance appears to be a function of the type of parental involvement. Home-based parental involvement is positively associated with academic performance, while school-based parental involvement is negatively associated with academic performance. Parental involvement in youth's education has important implications for academic performance. Parental involvement in education has the potential to model positive attitudes toward school as well as adaptive academic practices, thus sending the message to youth that school is important.© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Confirmatory factor analysis; Education; Ghana; Parental involvement; Structural equation modeling; Youth | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748528140 | The effects of ontogenetic maturation in Pinus patula - Part II: Hedge cycling and field performance | Mitchell R.G., Jones N.B. | 2006 | Southern African Forestry Journal | None | 207 | None | Sappi Forests Research, Shaw Research Centre, P.O. Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa | Mitchell, R.G., Sappi Forests Research, Shaw Research Centre, P.O. Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa; Jones, N.B., Sappi Forests Research, Shaw Research Centre, P.O. Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa | Early studies suggest that the juvenile period, during which favourable rooting can be achieved from Pinus patula seedling hedges, may be as short as 2 years from the date of sowing. If the effects of hedge maturation cannot be delayed, productivity from seedling hedges will be severely limited. The most common technique to postpone hedge maturation in some coniferous species is by rejuvenating the donor plant (ramet) through serial propagation or hedge cycling. This involves taking a cutting from the parent hedge and, once rooted, establishing a new donor hedge from the rooted cutting. Cuttings harvested from such cycled hedges have been reported to grow better than those from non-cycled hedges that have passed the point of ontogenetic maturation. This paper summarises the effects of cycling P. patula hedge plants in the nursery on subsequent field performance. Seedling comparisons were included in the field trial. The effects of cycling were measured for the first three years after planting. The field results indicate that cycling hedges within the first 24 months since sowing negatively affected early field growth in one treatment. Cuttings from the non-cycled three-year-old seedling hedge treatment performed similarly to the seedling controls in the field trial, which supports other studies. Based on these results, it is currently recommended that P. patula cuttings be produced from seedling hedges for a period of 36 months from sowing, without the inclusion of a hedge-cycling regime. | Cuttings; Growth; Ontogenetic maturation; Pinus patula; Stem form (tropism); Survival | Pinus patula | None |
None | None | The effects of nonuniform illumination on the electrical performance of a single conventional photovoltaic cell | Paul D.I., Smyth M., Zacharopoulos A., Mondol J. | 2015 | International Journal of Photoenergy | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/631953 | Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Centre for Sustainable Technologies, School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, United Kingdom | Paul, D.I., Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Smyth, M., Centre for Sustainable Technologies, School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, United Kingdom; Zacharopoulos, A., Centre for Sustainable Technologies, School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, United Kingdom; Mondol, J., Centre for Sustainable Technologies, School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, United Kingdom | Photovoltaic (PV) concentrators are a promising approach for lowering PV electricity costs in the near future. However, most of the concentrators that are currently used for PV applications yield nonuniform flux profiles on the surface of a PV module which in turn reduces its electrical performance if the cells are serially connected. One way of overcoming this effect is the use of PV modules with isolated cells so that each cell generates current that is proportional to the energy flux absorbed. However, there are some cases where nonuniform illumination also exists in a single cell in an isolated cells PV module. This paper systematically studied the effect of nonuniform illumination on various cell performance parameters of a single monocrystalline standard PV cell at low and medium energy concentration ratios. Furthermore, the effect of orientation, size, and geometrical shapes of nonuniform illumination was also investigated. It was found that the effect of nonuniform illumination on various PV cell performance parameters of a single standard PV cell becomes noticeable at medium energy flux concentration whilst the location, size, and geometrical shape of nonuniform illumination have no effect on the performance parameters of the cell. © 2015 Damasen Ikwaba Paul et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939506652 | The effects of motivation as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and business performance using 500 SMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SME owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as the dependent variable. The level of significance of eight variables out of the twelve variables suggests that motivation be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of motivation on business performance. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business performance; Entrepreneurship; Motivation; SME | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862567119 | The effects of mergers and acquisitions on business performance in Nigerian banking industry: An empirical analysis | Awolusi O.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Business Performance Management | 13 | 04-Mar | 10.1504/IJBPM.2012.047301 | Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | Awolusi, O.D., Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper provides a holistic view of the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) implementation process, by reviewing the hard and soft factors that cause success and failure for M&As implementation, as well as, examine the impact of M&As on perceived business performance measures (PBPM) in Nigerian banking industry. The aim was achieved through an empirical study involving a survey on 19 Nigerian banks involved in mergers and/or acquisitions. Using SEM, multivariate analyses were mathematically represented in a single equation, and findings from this study confirmed that M&As had significant association on PBPM. The equation could be used by banks, and companies alike, to compose strategies to optimise their management of business performance and mergers and/or acquisition programmes. The model was able to provide predictive implications on business performance, given the activities of key factors manifesting successful M&As, hence, these factors could be adopted by companies wishing to undertake M&As programme in Nigeria. Nonetheless, to improve business performance management, companies could control their M&As programme. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Banking; Business performance; Consolidation; M&As; Mergers and acquisitions; Nigeria; Structural equation modelling | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-14844282075 | The effects of medium-chain triacylglycerol and carbohydrate ingestion on ultra-endurance exercise performance | Goedecke J.H., Clark V.R., Noakes T.D., Lambert E.V. | 2005 | International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism | 15 | 1 | None | Med. Research Council Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7725, South Africa | Goedecke, J.H., Med. Research Council Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7725, South Africa; Clark, V.R., Med. Research Council Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7725, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., Med. Research Council Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7725, South Africa; Lambert, E.V., Med. Research Council Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7725, South Africa | The aims of the study were to determine if medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT), ingested in combination with carbohydrate (CHO), would alter substrate metabolism and improve simulated competitive ultra-endurance cycling performance. Eight endurance-trained cyclists took part in this randomized, single-blind crossover study. On two separate occasions, subjects cycled for 270 min at 50% of peak power output, interspersed with four 75 kJ sprints at 60 min intervals, followed immediately by a 200 kJ time-trial. One hour prior to the exercise trials, subjects ingested either 75 g of CHO or 32 g of MCT, and then ingested 200 mL of a 10% CHO (wt/vol) solution or a 4.3% MCT + 10% CHO (wt/vol) solution every 20 min during the CHO and MCT trials, respectively. During the constant-load phases of the 270 min exercise trial, VO2 RER, and heart rate were measured at 30 min intervals and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were recorded. There was no difference in VO2 or RER between the MCT and CHO trials (P = 0.40). Hourly sprint (P = 0.03 for trial x time interaction) and time-trial times (14:30 ± 0.58 vs. 12:36 ± 1:6, respectively, P < 0.001) were slower in the MCT than the CHO trial. Half the subjects experienced GI symptoms with MCT ingestion. In conclusion, MCTs ingested prior to exercise and co-ingested with CHO during exercise did not alter substrate metabolism and significantly compromised sprint performance during prolonged ultra-endurance cycling exercise. © 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. | Carbohydrate oxidation; Fat oxidation; Respiratory exchange ratio; Sports nutrition; Sprint performance | carbohydrate; medium chain triacylglycerol; adult; article; carbohydrate intake; carbohydrate metabolism; clinical article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; crossover procedure; cycling; endurance; exercise; gastrointestinal symptom; heart rate; human; lung gas exchange; male; oxidation; randomized controlled trial; single blind procedure; Adult; Basal Metabolism; Bicycling; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Energy Metabolism; Gastrointestinal Tract; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Pulmonary Gas Exchange; Single-Blind Method; Time Factors; Triglycerides | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877992988 | The effects of maternal dietary lysine intake on offspring performance to 21 days of age | Ciacciariello M., Tyler N.C. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Poultry Research | 22 | 2 | 10.3382/japr.2012-00625 | Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Ciacciariello, M., Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Tyler, N.C., Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | The CP and amino acid requirements for broiler breeder hens have historically been determined by assessing the response of these birds in terms of egg production. However, based on increasing evidence on the effects of maternal nutrient intake on offspring performance, this should be revised. In addition, the nutrition management of broiler breeder hens during lay is very controversial, and managers and nutritionists resort to the manipulation of feed allocation to improve egg production in these flocks. In this study, broiler breeder hens were fed diets differing in digestible lysine concentration from 26 to 60 wk of age. Fertile eggs were collected at 38, 48, and 60 wk and incubated. Broilers hatched were reared in commercial conditions and their performance was measured to 21 d of age. Based on this study, the feeding of the hens has a significant effect on offspring performance, and this should be considered when maternal requirements are investigated. Furthermore, we demonstrated the effects of maternal nutrient intake manipulation on the performance of broilers hatched from hens at different stages of the productive cycle. © 2013 Poultry Science Association, Inc. | Broiler; Crude protein; Digestible lysine; Maternal nutrition; Offspring performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957913272 | The effects of macroeconomic performance on the demand for tertiary education in Zimbabwe | Richard M., Emily R. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 21 | 2 | None | Economics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant drive, Harare, Zimbabwe | Richard, M., Economics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant drive, Harare, Zimbabwe; Emily, R., Economics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant drive, Harare, Zimbabwe | Macroeconomic fluctuations experienced in most developing countries are believed to be the major determinants of the demand for education. The extent to which these factors influence tertiary education is still on research agenda. This study takes further the research agenda by investigating the effects of macroeconomic factors on the demand for tertiary education. Modelling enrolment as an Autoregressive Distributable Lag (ADL) of order one, the results show that labour market conditions are the major macroeconomic determinants, especially current unemployment and average earnings have positive and elastic effect, but unemployment persistence has a negative although elastic influence. However, the income variable (real per capita GDP) had no statistically discernable effect. There was no evidence of gender disparity as the effects slightly varied between male and female enrolment. The major policy implication is for the government to fight high levels of persistent unemployment. | Economic indicators; Gender disparity; Income shock; Tertiary enrolment | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938510013 | The effects of knowledge sharing and knowledge application on service recovery performance | Boateng H., Agyemang F.G. | 2015 | Business Information Review | 32 | 2 | 10.1177/0266382115587852 | University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Spiritan University College, Ghana | Boateng, H., University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Agyemang, F.G., Spiritan University College, Ghana | This study set out to discover the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge application (KA) on service recovery performance (SRP) through survey-based research. The population of the study consisted of front-line employees of hotels in Accra. The study found significant and positive effects of both KS and KA on SRP. Data were analysed using linear and multiple regression. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. | Hospitality sector; knowledge application; knowledge management; knowledge sharing; service recovery performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883766667 | The effects of internal and external mechanism on governance and performance of corporate firms in Nigeria | Adetunji Babatunde M., Olaniran O. | 2009 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 7 | 2 D | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Banking and Finance, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, Nigeria | Adetunji Babatunde, M., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olaniran, O., Department of Banking and Finance, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, Nigeria | There is a renewed interest on the need to strengthen mechanisms to ensure that managers and directors take measures to protect the interest of a firm's stakeholders. This study made use of panel data regression analysis between 2002 and 2006 for a sample of 62 firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to examine the relationship between internal and external governance mechanisms and corporate firms' performance. The results have the implication that regulatory agencies should encourage firms to achieve a reasonable board size since overly large boards may be detrimental to the firm. Our results also show no significant evidence to support the idea that outside directors help promote firm performance. In addition, the study found that the measure of performance matter for analysis of corporate governance studies. We found in some cases different results from the use of Returns on Assets (ROA) and Tobin's Q as measures of firm performance. | Corporate governance; Firms; Nigeria; Panel data | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948777525 | The effects of hybrid pay incentives on work-team performance: A longitudinal study | Dlamini M., Sutherland M., Werbeloff M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 4 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n4a2 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Dlamini, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Sutherland, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Werbeloff, M., Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Despite the widespread use of pay incentives to drive performance, few studies mpirically demonstrate their long-term benefits within work-team settings in field studies; even fewer studies incorporate hybrid pay incentives in their design. This longitudinal field study explored the effects on individual work performance of allocating tellers to teams with supervisors who received hybrid pay incentives, where 60 per cent of their incentive was based on the individual performance of each of their team members and 40 per cent on their own performance. It was conducted on bulk-cash tellers working in 19 centres, using a time-series design. The results, derived from quantitative data collected from 82 individual tellers over 24 months, showed that hybrid pay incentives for supervisors of teams of tellers, some of whom were individually incentivised, were associated with significant increases in the volume, speed and accuracy of deposit processing by all the tellers. The findings empirically demonstrate the long term sustainability of improved performance associated with the introduction of hybrid pay incentive structures within work teams. © University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Hybrid incentives; Interdependencies; Longitudinal filed study; Pay incentives; Team work | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883822987 | The effects of human resource management and socio demographic characteristics on performance of extension agents in Kwara state of Nigeria | Annor-Frempong F. | 2013 | Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education | 20 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Annor-Frempong, F., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | [No abstract available] | Capacity building and socio-economic characteristics; Extension personnel; Human resource management; Job performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924339798 | The effects of healthcare governance and ownership structure on the performance of hospitals in Ghana | Abor P.A. | 2015 | International Journal of Law and Management | 57 | 2 | 10.1108/IJLMA-04-2014-0031 | School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Department of Public Administration AND Health Services Management, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Abor, P.A., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom, Department of Public Administration AND Health Services Management, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of health-care governance and ownership structure on the performance of hospitals in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses multiple regression models based on a sample of 132 hospitals in Ghana. Findings – The results of the study indicate that hospitals with a governing board perform better than those without a governing board. The results of this study also suggest that board characteristics and ownership structure are important in explaining the performance of hospitals in Ghana. The results further indicate that mission-based and private hospitals with effective board governance structures exhibit better performance than public hospitals. Originality/value – This study makes a number of new and meaningful contributions to the extant literature and the findings support managerialism, stakeholder and resource dependency theories. The findings also have important implications for the effective governance of hospitals. © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Health-care governance; Hospital; Ownership structure; Performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904135242 | The effects of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance | Radipere S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p141 | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Entrepreneurship scholars have attempted to explain performance by investigating the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Therefore, the study will look at how entrepreneurial orientation impact on business performance. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. The findings from the survey among 500 SMME owners were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the eight variables out of twelve variables suggests that entrepreneurial orientation be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. The ability to adjust one's business model to adapt to changed economic circumstances is an important thing as it dictates performance in increasingly competitive economic environment. | Business performance; Entrepreneurial orientation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927545929 | The effects of drought and shade on the performance, morphology and physiology of ghanaian tree species | Amissah L., Mohren G.M.J., Kyereh B., Poorter L. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0121004 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Amissah, L., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mohren, G.M.J., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Kyereh, B., College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Poorter, L., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands | In tropical forests light and water availability are the most important factors for seedling growth and survival but an increasing frequency of drought may affect tree regeneration. One central question is whether drought and shade have interactive effects on seedling growth and survival. Here, we present results of a greenhouse experiment, in which seedlings of 10 Ghanaian tree species were exposed to combinations of strong seasonal drought (continuous watering versus withholding water for nine weeks) and shade (5% irradiance versus 20% irradiance). We evaluated the effects of drought and shade on seedling survival and growth and plasticity of 11 underlying traits related to biomass allocation, morphology and physiology. Seedling survival under dry conditions was higher in shade than in high light, thus providing support for the "facilitation hypothesis" that shade enhances plant performance through improved microclimatic conditions, and rejecting the trade-off hypothesis that drought should have stronger impact in shade because of reduced root investment. Shaded plants had low biomass fraction in roots, in line with the trade-off hypothesis , but they compensated for this with a higher specific root length (i.e., root length per unit root mass), resulting in a similar root length per plant mass and, hence, similar water uptake capacity as high-light plants. The majority (60%) of traits studied responded independently to drought and shade, indicating that within species shade- and drought tolerances are not in trade-off, but largely uncoupled. When individual species responses were analysed, then for most of the traits only one to three species showed significant interactive effects between drought and shade. The uncoupled response of most species to drought and shade should provide ample opportunity for niche differentiation and species coexistence under a range of water and light conditions. Overall our greenhouse results suggest that, in the absence of root competition shaded tropical forest tree seedlings may be able to survive prolonged drought. © 2015 Amissah et al. | None | Albizia zygia; Aningeria robusta; Antiaris toxicaria; Article; controlled study; drought; drought stress; drought tolerance; Entandrophragma angolense; environmental impact assessment; Ghanaian; greenhouse effect; growth rate; kapok; leaf area; leaf water potential; microclimate; morphological trait; nonhuman; Pericopsis elata; Piptadeniastrum africanum; plant growth; plant parameters; plant physiology; plant response; plant structures; root length; seasonal variation; shade; species coexistence; species differentiation; stem length; Sterculia rhinopetala; stomatal conductance; Strombosia pustulata; survival prediction; survival rate; tree; Turraeanthus africanus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872009039 | The effects of Doppler broadening and detector resolution on the performance of three-stage Compton cameras | MacKin D., Polf J., Peterson S., Beddar S. | 2013 | Medical Physics | 40 | 1 | 10.1118/1.4767756 | Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Department of Physics, 145 Physical Sciences II, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States; Department of Physics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | MacKin, D., Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Polf, J., Department of Physics, 145 Physical Sciences II, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States; Peterson, S., Department of Physics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Beddar, S., Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Purpose: The authors investigated how the characteristics of the detectors used in a three-stage Compton camera (CC) affect the CC's ability to accurately measure the emission distribution and energy spectrum of prompt gammas (PG) emitted by nuclear de-excitations during proton therapy. The detector characteristics they studied included the material (high-purity germanium HPGe and cadmium zinc telluride CZT), Doppler broadening (DB), and resolution (lateral, depth, and energy). Methods: The authors simulated three-stage HPGe and CZT CCs of various configurations, detecting gammas from point sources with energies ranging from 0.511 to 7.12 MeV. They also simulated a proton pencil beam irradiating a tissue target to study how the detector characteristics affect the PG data measured by CCs in a clinical proton therapy setting. They used three figures of merit: the distance of closest approach (DCA) and the point of closest approach (PCA) between the measured and actual position of the PG emission origin, and the calculated energy resolution. Results: For CCs with HPGe detectors, DB caused the DCA to be greater than 3 mm for 14% of the 6.13 MeV gammas and 20% of the 0.511 MeV gammas. For CCs with CZT detectors, DB caused the DCA to be greater than 3 mm for 18% of the 6.13 MeV gammas and 25% of the 0.511 MeV gammas. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the PCA in the direction for HPGe and CZT detectors ranged from 1.3 to 0.4 mm for gammas with incident energy ranging from 0.511 to 7.12 MeV. For CCs composed of HPGe detectors, the resolution of incident gamma energy calculated by the CC ranged from 6% to 1% for gammas with true incident energies from 0.511 to 7.12 MeV. For CCs composed of CZT detectors, the resolution of gamma energy calculated by the CC ranged from 10% to 1% for gammas with true incident energies from 0.511 to 7.12 MeV. For HPGe and CZT CCs in which all detector effect were included, the DCA was less than 3 mm for 75% and 68% of the detected gammas, respectively, and restricting gammas to those having energy greater than 2.0 MeV increased these percentages to 83% and 77% for HPGe and CZT, respectively. Distributions of the true gamma origins and the PCA after detector characteristics had been included showed good agreement on beam range and some loss of resolution for the lateral profile of the PG emission. Characteristic energy lines were evident in the calculated gamma energy spectrum. Conclusions: The authors found the following: (1) DB is the dominant source of spatial and energy resolution loss in the CCs at all energy levels; (2) the largest difference in the spatial resolution of HPGe and CZT CCs is that the spatial resolution distributions of CZT have broader tails. The differences in the FWHM of these distributions are small; (3) the energy resolution of both HPGe and CZT three-stage CCs is adequate for PG spectroscopy; and (4) restricting the gammas to those having energy greater than 2.0 MeV can improve the achievable image resolution. © 2013 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. | Compton camera; detector; prompt gamma; proton therapy; range verification | germanium; article; camera; Doppler broadening; doppler device; energy; image quality; Monte Carlo method; position; priority journal; proton therapy; target organ; equipment; gamma camera; proton therapy; safety; Gamma Cameras; Monte Carlo Method; Proton Therapy; Safety | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949093182 | The effects of dietary graded Leucaena leucocephala seeds on performance and blood parameters in broiler chicks | Abdelati K.A., Ahmed M.E., Mohamed H.H. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 71, 13314 Khartoum, Sudan; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Fish Sciences, Alneelain University, P.O. Box 12702, Sudan; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Abdelati, K.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 71, 13314 Khartoum, Sudan; Ahmed, M.E., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Fish Sciences, Alneelain University, P.O. Box 12702, Sudan; Mohamed, H.H., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | The core objective of this study was to assess the effects of different dietary Leucaena leucocephala seed on the performance and some blood parameters in broiler, chick. Seeds were included at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% in the diet of one hundred twenty one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks. The results showed that, feed intake, body weight gain and PER were significantly (p≤0.01) depressed with the inclusion of 6, 9 and 12% leucaena seeds in the diet. Feed intake, body weight gain and PER were negatively correlated (p≤0.05) with levels of inclusion of leucaena seeds. However, overall FCR, haematological parameters, plasma albumin, glucose and mortality rate were not influenced (p≤0.05) by dietary treatments. Inclusion of dietary leucaena significantly decreased plasma Ca, Na, total protein and cholesterol. While plasma Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase GOT, alkaline phosphatase ALP and uric acid were increased with the increase in levels of leucaena in the broiler diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Amino acids and cholesterol; Broiler; Leucaena leucocephala | albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; calcium; cholesterol; glucose; protein; sodium; uric acid; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; calcium blood level; chick; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; diet; food intake; glucose blood level; hematological parameters; legume; leucaena leucocephala; mortality; nonhuman; nutritional value; plant seed; protein blood level; sodium blood level; uric acid blood level; weight gain; Leucaena; Leucaena leucocephala | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943816512 | The effects of culture as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Radipere, S., South Africa | The study examines relationship between culture and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. South Africa's low ranking in terms of global competitiveness is a source of national concern. This means that South Africa has the smallest proportion of entrepreneurs compared with other developing countries. This is a problem in a country where entrepreneurial ventures account for one-third of total employment. There is a need to find out to what extent the entrepreneurial start-up factor (culture) affects the performance of a business. Questionnaire is used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. Probability sampling is used to ensure that each member of the SMME population was given a known non-zero chance of selection. Simple random sampling was utilized to identify the respondents. The findings from the survey are modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the sixteen variables out of twenty five variables suggests that culture is classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of culture on business performance. © Simon Radipere, 2014. | Business performance; Cultural dimensions; Culture; SMMEs | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924807774 | The Effects of Cathode Parameters on the Performance of Poly(2,5-Benzimidazole)-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell | Maiyalagan T., Pasupathi S., Pollet B.G. | 2015 | Electrocatalysis | 6 | 2 | 10.1007/s12678-014-0228-8 | HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa | Maiyalagan, T., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa; Pollet, B.G., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa | The effects of electrode parameters on membrane electrode assembly performance including Pt loading, hydrophobicity during heat treatment, catalyst layer thickness and the amount of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the cathode are investigated. The fuel cell performance is maximized via catalyst utilization by optimizing the phosphoric acid content in the electrodes. Heat treatment of gas diffusion electrode results in an increase in hydrophobicity and a decrease in phosphoric acid content in the catalyst layer, which drastically affects the fuel cell performance. In our conditions, a maximum fuel cell performance of 270 mW cm−2 was achieved at 160 °C with air using 1 mg Pt cm−2 total catalyst loading (20 % PTFE). The fuel cell performance and the poisoning effect of carbon monoxide in poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI)-membrane-based high-temperature membrane electrode assemblies were investigated with respect to carbon monoxide concentrations. Fuel cell performance of Pt alloys (Pt-Cu/C, Pt-Fe/C, Pt-Ni/C) is compared with that of Pt/C at temperatures between 140 and 180 °C. It was observed that Pt-Cu/C alloy catalysts exhibit higher performance with lower catalyst loadings (0.4 mg Pt cm−2) than Pt/C catalyst. The performance of alloy catalysts follows the order of Pt-Cu/C > Pt-Fe/C > Pt-Ni/C > Pt/C. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | ABPBI; Electrode performance; Gas diffusion electrode; HT-PEMFCs; Membrane electrode assembly; Phosphoric acid; Pt alloy catalysts | None | KP1-S01, DST, Department of Science and Technology, Republic of South Africa |
None | None | The effects of calcium, phosphorus and zinc supplementation on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Tanzania | Phiri E.C.J.H., Nkya R., Pereka A.E., Mgasa M.N., Larsen T. | 2007 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 39 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-007-9016-2 | Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Surgery, and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, Tjele, Denmark | Phiri, E.C.J.H., Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Nkya, R., Department of Surgery, and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Pereka, A.E., Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mgasa, M.N., Department of Surgery, and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Larsen, T., Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, Tjele, Denmark | The effects of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on reproductive performance of grazing dairy cows was studied. Forty-eight cows in their first to third parity were allocated to eight groups of 6 animals each, based on stage of lactation and milk yield. Groups 1 (control), 2 (Ca), 3 (P) and 4 (Zn) received, respectively, no mineral supplement, 10 g Ca, 8 g P and 400 mg Zn. The rest of the groups received a combination of Ca/P, Ca/Zn, P/Zn or Ca/P/Zn. Animals were drenched daily. Ovarian activity was determined by progesterone concentrations in milk. Prepartum body condition score (BCS) measured using scale 1-5 was 2.5-3.5. Reproductive problems were observed in all groups except that supplemented with Ca. Cows supplemented with Ca, P, Ca/P, Ca/Zn and Ca/P/Zn had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter interval (30 days) from calving to resumption of oestrus as compared to control (69 days). Intervals from calving to conception and between calvings did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05), but were shorter in Ca-supplemented cows. Furthermore, cows in groups 2 and 3 needed an average of 2 services per conception against 3 for cows in other groups. Hence, supplementation with Ca, P and Zn of deficient dairy cows appears to improve reproductive performance. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media B.V. | Crossbred Zebu cows; Grazing; Mineral supplementation; Reproductive performance | phosphorus; progesterone; zinc; animal; article; calcium intake; cattle; chemistry; dairying; diet supplementation; drug effect; female; metabolism; milk; physiology; regression analysis; reproduction; Tanzania; Animals; Calcium, Dietary; Cattle; Dairying; Dietary Supplements; Female; Milk; Phosphorus; Progesterone; Regression Analysis; Reproduction; Tanzania; Zinc; Animalia; Bos; Bos indicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941134620 | The effects of business support as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The study examined relationship between business support and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the four variables out of eight variables suggests that business support be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. © 2015, Virtus interpress. All rights reserved. | Business performance; Business support; Entrepreneur | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876286004 | The effects of a self-selected nap opportunity on the psychophysiological, performance and subjective measures during a simulated industrial night shift regimen | Davy J., Göbel M. | 2013 | Ergonomics | 56 | 2 | 10.1080/00140139.2012.751459 | Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Davy, J., Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Göbel, M., Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | This study compared the effects of a 1 h self-selected recovery period to those of a standard night shift arrangement (with a total break time of 1-h) over a simulated three-day night shift schedule in a laboratory setting. Results showed that the inclusion of the flexible nap scheme resulted in higher performance output, improvements in physiological strain responses and reduced sleepiness during each night shift and generally over the three-night cycle. Certain variables also revealed the impact of napping compared with the standard rest break condition on the circadian rhythm. The sleep diary records show that the inclusion of the current intervention did not significantly reduce daytime recovery sleep. The results suggest that the potential benefits of flexible napping may outweigh the logistical effort it requires in a workplace environment.Practitioner summary: Consensus on appropriate napping strategies for shift work remains a challenge. This simulated night shift laboratory study sought to determine the effects of a 1-h self-selected nap opportunity relative to a normal shift set-up. The nap improved performance and decreased sleepiness, without affecting daytime sleep. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | fatigue; napping; performance; shift work | Circadian rhythms; Laboratory studies; napping; performance; Physiological strains; Potential benefits; Recovery periods; Shift work; Ergonomics; Fatigue of materials; Physical therapy; Sleep research; arousal; article; attention; circadian rhythm; critical flicker fusion; female; heart rate; human; male; neuropsychological test; perceptive threshold; psychomotor performance; reaction time; sleep; thermoregulation; work schedule; young adult; Arousal; Attention; Body Temperature Regulation; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Flicker Fusion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Sensory Thresholds; Sleep; Work Schedule Tolerance; Young Adult; Arousal; Attention; Body Temperature Regulation; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Flicker Fusion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Sensory Thresholds; Sleep; Work Schedule Tolerance; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349678957 | The effects of anthelmintic treatments against gastrointestinal nematodes on the performance of breeding ewes and lambs on pasture in semi-arid Kenya | Ng'ang'a C.J., Maingi N., Kanyari P.W.N., Munyua W.K. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9280-9 | Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya | Ng'ang'a, C.J., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Maingi, N., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Kanyari, P.W.N., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Munyua, W.K., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya | The effects of anthelmintics treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in breeding ewes in a semi-arid area of Kenya were determined. The study carried out during two breeding seasons, between June 2000 and December 2001 where albendazole was administered to groups of ewes, 2 weeks before mating, 3 weeks to lambing and mid lactation indicated significantly lower nematode egg counts in treated than untreated groups of ewes. In the first breeding season, reduced rainfall resulted in pasture scarcity and weight loss in both groups of ewes through out the gestation period, but losses were higher for the untreated group. In the second season, both groups of ewes showed a steady increase in weight gain during the gestation period and post-partum, but weight gains were higher in the treated group. In lambs, weight gains at 6 weeks were higher for treated ewes than control groups, in both breeding seasons. The results of this trial indicate that anthelmintic treatments in breeding ewes in the study area are beneficial in reducing gastrointestinal nematode infections and improving performance of the ewes and their lambs. In addition to the treatments, breeding ewes should be given feed supplementation particularly during periods of pasture scarcity. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008. | Anthelmintics; Breeding ewes; Gastrointestinal nematodes; Lambing weights; Weight gains | anthelmintic agent; analysis of variance; animal; animal disease; article; drug effect; gastrointestinal disease; Kenya; nematode; parasitology; sheep; sheep disease; treatment outcome; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anthelmintics; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Kenya; Nematoda; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Treatment Outcome; Nematoda; Ovis aries | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350786518 | The effects of aggregation on the performance of the inverse method and indicators of network analysis | Johnson G.A., Niquil N., Asmus H., Bacher C., Asmus R., Baird D. | 2009 | Ecological Modelling | 220 | 23 | 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.08.003 | IFREMER, Place du Seminaire, L'Houmeau, 17137, France; Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement, Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Alfred Wegener Institut, Hafenstrasse 43, Wattenmeerstation, List, 25992, Germany; IFREMER, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France; Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7620 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Johnson, G.A., IFREMER, Place du Seminaire, L'Houmeau, 17137, France; Niquil, N., Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement, Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Asmus, H., Alfred Wegener Institut, Hafenstrasse 43, Wattenmeerstation, List, 25992, Germany; Bacher, C., IFREMER, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France; Asmus, R., Alfred Wegener Institut, Hafenstrasse 43, Wattenmeerstation, List, 25992, Germany; Baird, D., Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7620 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Food webs are usually aggregated into a manageable size for their interpretation and analysis. The aggregation of food web components in trophic or other guilds is often at the choice of the modeler as there is little guidance in the literature as to what biases might be introduced by aggregation decisions. We examined the impacts of the choice of the a priori model on the subsequent estimation of missing flows using the inverse method and on the indices derived from ecological network analysis of both inverse method-derived flows and on the actual values of flows, using the fully determined Sylt-Rømø Bight food web model. We used the inverse method, with the least squares minimization goal function, to estimate 'missing' values in the food web flows on 14 aggregation schemes varying in number of compartments and in methods of aggregation. The resultant flows were compared to known values; the performance of the inverse method improved with increasing number of compartments and with aggregation based on both habitat and feeding habits rather than diet similarity. Comparison of network analysis indices of inverse method-derived flows with that of actual flows and the original value for the unaggregated food web showed that the use of both the inverse method and the aggregation scheme affected indices derived from ecological network analysis. The inverse method tended to underestimate the size and complexity of food webs, while an aggregation scheme explained as much variability in some network indices as the difference between inverse-derived and actual flows. However, topological network indices tended to be most robust to both the method of determining flows and to the inverse method. These results suggest that a goal function other than minimization of flows should be used when applying the inverse method to food web models. Comparison of food web models should be done with extreme care when different methodologies are used to estimate unknown flows and to aggregate system components. However, we propose that indices such as relative ascendency and relative redundancy are most valuable for comparing ecosystem models constructed using different methodologies for determining missing flows or for aggregating system components. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Aggregation; Ecological indicators; Estuary; Food web; Inverse method; Network analysis | Aggregation; Ecological indicators; Food web; Inverse method; Network analysis; Ecosystems; Electric network analysis; Food additives; Inverse problems; aggregation; comparative study; ecosystem modeling; estimation method; estuarine ecosystem; feeding behavior; food web; habitat creation; inverse analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901928798 | The effect of workforce diversity on organizational performance of selected firms in Nigeria | Ogbo A.I., Anthony K.A., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p231 | Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Ogbo, A.I., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Anthony, K.A., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Workforce diversity includes the differences and similarities of the employees. Organizational performance is the extent to which the organizational objectives and goals are being achieved. Most business organizations fail in Nigeria because galvanizing diverse workforce to work as a team has been ineffective in terms of policy, training, exposure and approach to specific and overall goals. This has made profitability index difficult to measure in Nigeria. The objectives of the paper are: To determine whether workforce diversity has a positive influence on customer related issues; and to ascertain the effect of education as a tool, on the management of workforce diversity to enhance high profitability index. Findings revealed that workforce diversity has a positive effect on customer related issues in an organisation. In addition, it is found that education as a tool could be effectively utilized in managing workforce diversity to enhance high profitability. Workforce Diversity has been identified as a tool to improved organizational performance and has been as old as the first organization in Nigeria right from the barter system era of the early 1750 and at the industrial revolution and scientific management periods of 1911 to the modern epoch. A combination of the use of secondary data, oral interview, and content analysis was adopted. A spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.95 was obtained. Findings in line with the objectives revealed positive influence of workforce diversity on organizational performance of the selected organisations in Nigeria. Conclusion and recommendation was drawn along that regard. | Diversity; Managing; Organizational performance; Workforce | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047177963 | The effect of wattle tannin on intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention and growth performance of goats in South Africa | Bengaly K., Mhlongo S., Nsahlai I.V. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 4 | None | Institut d'Economie Rurale (1ER), BP 258, Bamako, Mali; School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Bengaly, K., Institut d'Economie Rurale (1ER), BP 258, Bamako, Mali; Mhlongo, S., School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Nsahlai, I.V., School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | This study was conducted to determine the effect of wattle tannin extract (WTE) on protein utilisation by goats in a metabolism and a growth trial. Iso-nitrogenous diets (18% CP) with the following ingredients: filler, sunflower cake, molasses, hominy chop, vitamin-mineral mix and lucerne hay were formulated and mixed with 0,7.5,15,22.5 and 30 g WTE/kg dry matter (DM). The diets were fed to goats supplemented with 20% (w/w) native pasture hay. In the metabolism trial eighteen male (5 Nguni and 13 Boer) goats, within a live weight range of 21.5 to 37.5 kg (with a mean of 28.6, S.D. = 4.88), were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to the five treatment rations. Incremental levels of WTE in the diet resulted to small and non-significant increases (P>0.05) of total intake (g/day) of dry matter (DM) (mean 1089 ±58.6), organic matter (OM) (mean 902 ± 48.3), and nitrogen (N) (mean 32 ± 1.8) but the intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (mean 351 ± 17.6) significantly increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing WTE dosage. The apparent digestibility (g/kg) of DM (mean (661 ± 17.9) did not change (P>0.05)across treatments. Microbial N supply (g/day) and its efficiency of synthesis were similar across dietary treatments. N digestibility was adversely (P<0.05) affected by the levels of WTE. In response to supplementation with WTE, faecal N (mean 8 ± 0.4 g/day) rose while urinary N excretion (mean 13 ± 1.0 g/day) was not affected, and neither was N retention (mean 10 ± 0.7 g/day). In the growth trial, South African indigenous Nguni and Boer goats (n = 26) were used. Goats were about at 8-24 months of age with live weights ranging from 11 to 28 kg (mean 17.8, S.D. = 3.80 kg). Boer goats converted feed significantly more efficiently than Nguni goats (0.21 vs. 0.17 g gain/g feed, P<0.001). These results indicate that WTE given as dietary supplement is unlikely to improve the protein status and therefore growth performance of goats to a considerable degree. Condensed tannin, goat, growth, nutrient digestibility, protein, wattle. | None | Capra hircus; Helianthus; Medicago sativa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645795178 | The effect of treated rice milling waste on performance, nutrient retention, carcass and organ characteristics of finisher broilers | Amaefule K.U., Iheukwumere F.C., Lawal A.S., Ezekwonna A.A. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/ijps.2006.51.55 | Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, | Amaefule, K.U., Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Iheukwumere, F.C., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Lawal, A.S., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ezekwonna, A.A., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | One hundred and twenty 4-week old broilers were used to evaluate the effect of various treatment methods of rice milling waste (RMW) on growth performance, nutrient retention and organ characteristics of finisher broilers. Rice milling waste was treated with urea (D2), poultry droppings (D/3) and water (D4), while untreated waste (D1) served as control. Urea treated RMW diet significantly (P<0.05) improved body weight, weight gain and dressed weight of broilers. Organ weights, dry matter intake and nitrogen free extract were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Broilers fed untreated RMW diet recorded significantly higher feed intake than broilers fed other diets. The results showed that rice milling waste, when treated with urea (fertilizer grade) and included in finisher broiler diets, could enhance their performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Broilers; Performance; Poultry droppings; Rice milling waste; Urea | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867263314 | The effect of the South African market concentration on portfolio performance | Van Heerden J.D., Saunderson S. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 6 | 0.041666666667 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; PO Box 330, Gallo Manor, 2052, South Africa | Van Heerden, J.D., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Saunderson, S., PO Box 330, Gallo Manor, 2052, South Africa | Portfolio risk is mainly a function of portfolio concentration and covariance between the assets in a portfolio. This study shows that South Africa experiences a high level of market concentration and that assets with large weights in the FTSE/JSE All Share Index (ALSI) have large covariances with each other. Together these two phenomena suggest that a high level of portfolio risk can be expected. Active portfolio managers in South African generally attempt to decrease portfolio concentration by deviating from the benchmark's weighting structure in order to decrease their portfolio risk. The effect of such a portfolio construction process on the measurement of relative performance, where the ALSI is used as the benchmark, was investigated by means of a simulation process. The results indicated that during times when those shares with larger weights in the index perform well, the probability of outperforming the ALSI is very small, while the probability of outperforming the ALSI during times when those same shares perform poorly is very high. These findings suggest that investors need to be educated about the bias regarding relative performance measurement using broad market indices, while alternative or additional methods of performance measurement need to be investigated to minimise this bias. | Performance measures; South Africa; Stock market | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950917461 | The effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars | Obilo O.P., Ikotun B., Ihejirika G.O., Ibeawuchi I.I., Oben T.T. | 2010 | Crop Protection | 29 | 5 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2009.11.009 | Dept. of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Dept. Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Agric. and Forestry, University | Obilo, O.P., Dept. of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ikotun, B., Dept. Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Agric. and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ihejirika, G.O., Dept. of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ibeawuchi, I.I., Dept. of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oben, T.T., Research Department, PAMOL Plantations Plc, Lobe Estate, South Western Region, Cameroon | The objective of this work was to assess the effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars planted in Owerri, Imo state. Eighteen cultivars were planted in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times over a period of 3 years. Cultivars TMS 30211, TMS 30001, 98/0510 and TMS 4(2)1425 were regarded as resistant due to the possession of more than three desirable characteristics such as the least size of cankers and absence of cankers in the first and second trials (2003/04 and 2004/05) respectively, lowest severity score and highest weight of healthy fresh tuber and stems. They are recommended for use as parent materials for breeding for resistance to CAD. Cultivar Akwakwuru had the largest size of cankers on whole plant, highest fresh weight of infected tubers and stems which led to low yield and less planting materials. It is regarded as susceptible and may lead to spread of CAD. The correlation of weight of infected fresh tubers on size of canker on whole plant, young stem and maturing stem were positively and highly significantly correlated (r = 0.645, r = 0.470, r = 0.583 and r = 0.622, respectively). Crown Copyright © 2009. | Cultivars; Resistant; Severity; Susceptible | cassava; correlation; cultivar; disease incidence; disease resistance; disease severity; microbial activity; yield response; Imo; Nigeria; Owerri; Manihot esculenta; Tuber (truffle) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908607201 | The effect of tasting sheet shape on product configurations and panellists' performance in sensory projective mapping of brandy products | Louw L., Oelofse S., Naes T., Lambrechts M., van Rensburg P., Nieuwoudt H. | 2015 | Food Quality and Preference | 40 | PA | 10.1016/j.foodqual.2014.09.011 | Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch), South Africa; Distell Ltd, PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Nofima Mat, Oslovegen 1, Ås, Norway; University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Louw, L., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch), South Africa, Distell Ltd, PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Oelofse, S., Distell Ltd, PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Naes, T., Nofima Mat, Oslovegen 1, Ås, Norway, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Lambrechts, M., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch), South Africa, Distell Ltd, PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, South Africa; van Rensburg, P., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch), South Africa, Distell Ltd, PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Nieuwoudt, H., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch), South Africa | Projective mapping is a rapid sensory profiling method used to obtain overviews of the sensory differentiation in product sets. Elongated projective mapping tasting sheets, i.e. rectangles, have been hypothesised to bring forth more prominent sample differences, while shapes with equal perpendicular bisectors, such as circles or squares, could reportedly be used to visualise more subtle sample differences. This hypothesis was tested in the present study using a set of eight different brandy products, in order to gain a better understanding of the practical implications of using different tasting sheet shapes for different project goals. The results showed that very similar product configurations were obtained with square, rectangular or round tasting sheets. Panellists performed better with round tasting sheets, leading to more accurate results. Square tasting sheets delivered the most different results when compared to round and square tasting sheets. The practical significance of using different tasting sheet shapes to elicit either more prominent or more subtle sample differences could not be established in the set of brandy samples used in this study. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Brandy; Panellist performance; Projective mapping; Sheet shape | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544477415 | The effect of supplementing Rhodes grass hay with cotton seed cake and pyrethrum marc based rations on the performance of Sahiwal female weaners | Wekesa F.W., Abdulrazak S.A., Mukisira E.A. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 1 | None | National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 57811, Nairobi, Kenya | Wekesa, F.W., National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Abdulrazak, S.A., Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Mukisira, E.A., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 57811, Nairobi, Kenya | The objective of the study was to evaluate the voluntary feed intake and body weight gain of Sahiwal female weaners fed on rhodes grass hay and supplemented with cotton seed cake based ration (CSCBR) and pyrethrum marc based ration (PMBR). Twenty five weaners were allocated to five treatments in a randomised complete design (RCD). The CP contents of the feeds were 74.1, 156 and 143 g/kg dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was 720, 345 and 329 g/kg DM for Rhodes grass hay (RGH), CSBR and PMBR respectively. At higher level of supplementation, improved dry matter intake was recorded in the group that was offered PMBR than CSCBR. Supplementation also improved dry matter intake with hardly any substitution effect. Better average daily gain was recorded in weaners, which were supplemented with CSCBR but was not statistically different from the PMBR while control group grew at the lowest rate. Volatile fatty acid concentration improved with supplementation but varied across the treatment diets. All the animals across the various treatment diets remained in a positive nitrogen balance during the period of study. Supplementation also improved rumen ammonia nitrogen levels. It was concluded that CSCBR and PMBR were comparable in respect of animal performance and hence be encouraged in their inclusion in ruminant rations. | Cotton seed cake; Intake; Live-weight gain; Pyrethrum marc; Rhodes grass hay | Animalia; Bovidae; Chloris gayana; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-28944431793 | The effect of supplementing Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay with Acacia tortilis leaves and pods mixture on intake, digestibility and growth performance of goats | Abdulrazak S.A., Njuguna E.G., Karau P.K. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Science, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, P. O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya | Abdulrazak, S.A., Department of Animal Science, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Njoro, Kenya, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, P. O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Njuguna, E.G., Department of Animal Science, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Karau, P.K., Department of Animal Science, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Njoro, Kenya | An experiment was conducted for 63 days to examine the effects of supplementation of Rhodes grass hay (H) with mixtures of leaves and pods of Acacia tortilis on intake, digestion and growth performance of Small East African goats (SEAG). Twenty four SEAG of 18±4 kg BW, 9months old were assigned to six diets including ad libitum Rhodes grass hay alone (H) or H supplemented with various proportions of pods, leaves and mixture of the two as follows; 19 g DM/kg W0.75 pods (P), 19 g DM/kgW0.75 leaves (L), 9.5:9.5 g DM/kg W0.75 pods +leaves (PL), 14:5 g DM/kg W 0.75 pods +leaves (PPL) or 5:14 g DM/kg W0.75 pods +leaves (PLL). The diets were allocated to the goats in a completely randomised design, with 4 goats per treatment. Dry matter intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention and live weight gains were all increased by supplementation. There was an indication of a better response in intake and weight gains when the hay was supplemented with equal proportion (9.5 g DM/kg W0.75) of pods and the leaves. It is concluded that mixtures of pods and leaves give more benefits than when either is offered singly to goats fed a basal diet of grass hay. | Acacia tortilis; Goats; Intake; Leaves; Live weight; Pods; Tree mixture | Acacia; Acacia tortilis; Capra hircus; Chloris gayana | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899993796 | The effect of supplementing leaves of four tannin-rich plant species with polyethylene glycol on digestibility and zootechnical performance of zebu bulls (Bos indicus) | Yisehak K., De Boever J.L., Janssens G.P.J. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 98 | 3 | 10.1111/jpn.12068 | Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg, Melle, Belgium | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; De Boever, J.L., Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg, Melle, Belgium; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium | The effect of supplementing leaves of four tannin-rich plant species with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) on nutrient intake and digestibility as well as on weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and N retention of zebu bulls (Bos indicus) was studied. Leaves of Albizia gummifera, Grewia ferruginea, Prunus africana and Syzygium guineense, containing, respectively, 85, 55, 76 and 172 g condensed tannins (CT) per kg dry matter (DM), were combined with natural pasture hay in a ratio of 40:60 on DM basis. The four diets were fed both without and with addition of PEG, at a dose of 40 g per kg DM, to eight zebu bulls during trials of 25 days in an 8 × 8 randomized crossover design. Supplementation with PEG increased nutrient intake, digestibility, FCR, N retention and average daily gain (p < 0.01). A diet × PEG interaction was observed for nutrient intake as well as for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility (p < 0.05), but the effect size of PEG addition could not be attributed to the CT content as such, and also digestibility without PEG was not related to CT content of the diets. The reason why the efficacy of PEG addition did not relate to the CT content pointed the need to evaluate other factors that can help to predict the efficacy of PEG, for example, tannin type or interaction with other nutrients. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Digestibility; N retention; Nutrient intake; Polyethylene glycol; Tannin; Zebu cattle | macrogol derivative; tannin derivative; analysis; animal; animal food; animal food; Bovinae; chemistry; controlled study; crossover procedure; diet; diet supplementation; digestion; drug effects; male; metabolism; physiology; plant leaf; randomized controlled trial; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Cross-Over Studies; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Male; Plant Leaves; Polyethylene Glycols; Tannins | None |
None | None | The effect of supplementation on the performance of free range local chickens in Tanzania | Mutayoba S.K., Katule A.K., Minga U., Mtambo M.M., Olsen J.E. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Open University of Tanzania, P.O.Box 2409, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania | Mutayoba, S.K., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Katule, A.K., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Minga, U., Open University of Tanzania, P.O.Box 2409, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Mtambo, M.M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Olsen, J.E. | A study to evaluate the effect supplementation on growth and egg production in free range chickens was carried out in Morogoro, Tanzania. The effect of location and household surroundings on performance of free range local chickens was also assessed. A total of 144 chickens were used. Birds were selected and sorted based on their body weight and age and then randomly allocated to three feeding regimes. The three feed types were; homemade and commercial supplement and the un-supplemented (those which were left to scavenge only). During the growing period, performance was measured in terms of body weight, shank length and growth rate. Total number of eggs laid, egg weight and shell thickness were recorded during the laying period. Gross margin analysis was done for the laying period. A digestibility trial was carried out to assess the nutritive value of feeds and their utilization by the birds.Total dry matter digestibility differed significantly (P<0.05) between seasons and was 79 and 67% for the dry and wet season feed, respectively. Feed supplementation to free range local chickens led to improved performance in terms of growth rate and body weight. The mean mature body weight for the supplemented and un-supplemented chickens was 1484 g and 1282g, respectively. However no difference was observed between treatments on shank length. Significant (P< 0.05) differences for growth rate were observed between treatments during periods 1-3 and between locations. Performance for birds at the experimental station was lower for most parameters. An increase in egg number and shell thickness with supplementation was noted. The mean egg number for free range local chickens supplemented with homemade feed and commercial was 31.9 and 31.8, respectively whereas it was 20.4 for the un-supplemented free range chickens. The profit margin from eggs was increased by 11.2% and declined by 3.4% in birds under homemade and commercial supplementation, respectively. From these results it was therefore concluded that supplementation led to improved performance in terms of growth, egg production and quality but the profit margin was substantially reduced by feed cost. This means that cheap locally available feed ingredients should be used when supplementing rural chickens. | Dry and wet season scavenged feed; Feed supplementation; Shank length | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746263672 | The effect of supplementation on productive performance of Boer goat bucks fed winter veld hay | Almeida A.M., Schwalbach L.M., Waal H.O.D., Greyling J.P.C., Cardoso L.A. | 2006 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 38 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-006-4368-6 | IICT, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Almeida, A.M., IICT, Lisbon, Portugal; Schwalbach, L.M., Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Waal, H.O.D., Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Greyling, J.P.C., Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Cardoso, L.A., IICT, Lisbon, Portugal | Fifteen Boer goat bucks, (6-8 months old), were allocated into two groups and fed ad libitum for a period of 29 days. The WH group (winter hay; n = 8) received a chopped diet consisting of grass hay, predominantly Themeda trianda grass (cut during the winter) from a natural pasture (veld). The WH+S group (winter hay plus supplement; n = 7) received a chopped diet consisting of Themeda trianda veld hay, supplemented with maize meal, molasses meal and urea. Body weights and feed consumption were recorded. Animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics (weight and percentages of selected carcass cuts) and the carcass chemical composition were determined. The WH+S animals showed a higher live weight and cumulated feed intake. Carcass cuts from WH animals represented a higher percentage of the total carcass, especially cuts where muscle depots are higher (legs, best end chops and prime cuts). There is an attempt by non-supplemented animals to preserve the body's nitrogen reserves under prolonged nutritional stress conditions, and there is consequently a necessity to supplement feeding of small ruminants fed winter veld hay, especially if the animals are to be used in subsequent breeding seasons. © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2006. | Boer goat; Carcass; Growth; Supplementation; Winter veld hay | animal; animal food; animal welfare; article; breeding; goat; growth, development and aging; male; methodology; nutritional requirement; physiology; randomization; reproduction; season; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animal Welfare; Animals; Breeding; Goats; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Random Allocation; Reproduction; Seasons; Weight Gain; Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Themeda; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954860590 | The effect of stake dimension on the field performance of two hardwoods with different durability classes | Antwi-Boasiako C., Allotey A. | 2010 | International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation | 64 | 4 | 10.1016/j.ibiod.2009.11.004 | Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana | Antwi-Boasiako, C., Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana; Allotey, A., Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana | Timber diversity is associated with virtually all types of wood structures for various end-uses including bridges and railway-sleepers. Some timbers resist bio-degradation and are termed naturally durable. Wood durability is influenced by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors; however, knowledge is scant about the role stake dimension plays. Therefore, the field performance of replicates of four dimensions (500 × 50 × 25; 250 × 25 × 12.5; 125 × 12.5 × 6.25; and 62.5 × 6.25 × 3.13 mm) from two commercially important hardwoods (Milicia excelsa and Sterculia rhinopetala) of different durabilities (i.e., high and moderate, respectively) was investigated for 5 years using the graveyard method with non-durable Ceiba pentandra as a control. Durability parameters assessed were visual durability ratings, hardness, and mass losses. C. pentandra usually performed worst in all parameters. Generally, a steady increase exists in degradation from the thickest stakes (500 × 50 × 25 mm) to the thinnest (62.5 × 6.25 × 3.13 mm). Thus, the greater the stake dimension, the smaller its visual durability rating, mass and hardness losses (i.e. more durable). However, few discrepancies occurred, as the thinnest stakes were often buried deep in the soil, decreasing their chances of getting attacked. M. excelsa remained harder and more durable for stakes of all dimensions (especially the thickest) than those of S. rhinopetala. However, the thinnest M. excelsa stakes unexpectedly recorded mean mass loss of 4.9%, compared with 2.1% for S. rhinopetala. The study shows wood dimension significantly affects its durability, which would inform timber engineers about their wood dimension choices for appropriate end-uses. © 2010. | End-use; Mass loss; Service-life; Visual durability rating; Wood dimension | End-uses; Field performance; Hardness loss; Intrinsic factors; Mass loss; Milicia excelsa; Visual durability rating; Wood durability; Wood structure; Degradation; Hardness; Hardwoods; Timber; Wooden buildings; Durability; bridge; deciduous tree; dicotyledon; durability; fieldwork; performance assessment; railway; timber; wood quality; Buildings; Degradation; Dimensions; Durability; Forests; Hardness; Hardwoods; Wood; Ceiba pentandra; Milicia excelsa; Sterculia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744454393 | The effect of soil amendment on the performance of Gambaya albida (Linn) seedlings | Okunomo K., Ureigho U.N., Opute H.O. | 2006 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 13 | 2 | None | Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria | Okunomo, K., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria; Ureigho, U.N., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria; Opute, H.O., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria | A study on the effect of soil amendments on the performance of G. albida was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was employed to assess the effect of these soil amendment options namely cowdung, poultry droppings, Ash and topsoil on growth performance in seedlings of Gambaya albida (Linn). Results showed that there was significant difference between the treatments (P<0.05) from 2-12 weeks after transplanting (WAT). As regards the plant height and collar difference between the treatments from the 2-12WAT. The result indicated that the soil amendment materials had significant effect on leaf number and leaf area of the species (P<0.05) throughout the duration of the study except at 4WAT. The highest mean height values of 17.17cm was recorded under poultry dropping treatment at 12WAT, while mean leaf number and leaf area values were 8.7 and 55.22cm2 respectively. The highest leaf dry weight of 1.7gwasobtainedundercowdung treatment while poultry dropping sand ash had the highest stem and root dry weights of 1.9and 1.6g respectively. It is recommended that poultry droppings should be adopted by our local farmers for the establishment of Gambaya albida seedling. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006. | Seedling growth; Soil analysis; Tree seedlings | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956319397 | The effect of social factors on students' academic performance in Nigerian tertiary institutions | Umar S.S., Shaib I.O., Aituisi D.N., Yakubu N.A., Bada O. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | MAR | None | Department of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Department Of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria | Umar, S.S., Department of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Shaib, I.O., Department of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Aituisi, D.N., Department of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Yakubu, N.A., Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria; Bada, O., Department Of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865527472 | The effect of seedbed preparation on the efficacy of herbicides and maize performance | Kayode J., Ademiluyi B. | 2006 | Tropical Agriculture | 83 | 04-Jan | None | Department of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Kayode, J., Department of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Ademiluyi, B., Department of Plant Science, University OfAdo-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Maize (Zea mays L.) performance and weed control efficiency with three seedbed preparation methods combined with either a pre-plant or post-emergence herbicide were compared over two years. The treatments were: zero tillage + weedy check, zero tillage + hoe weeding, zero tillage + glyphosate, zero tillage + atrazine, ridge + weedy check, ridge + hoe weeding, ridge + glyphosate, ridge + atrazine, heap + weedy check, heap + hoe weeding, heap + glyphosate, and heap + atrazine. Atrazine applied at 3.0 kg active ingredient ha-1 post-emergence and glyphosate applied pre-emergence at the same rate produced better weed control efficiency, plant height, and grain yield under ridge and heap tillage than under zero tillage system. Atrazine compared well with hoe weeding, but performed better than glyphosate. ©2006 Trop. Agric (Trinidad). | Atrazine; Glyphosate; Heap; Hoe weeding; Weedy check; Zea mays; Zero tillage | Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873878460 | The effect of seasonal variation and angle of inclination on the performances of photovoltaic panels in south eastern nigeria | Ogueke N.V., Abam F., Nwaigwe K.N., Okoronkwo C.A., Ugwuoke P.E., Anyanwu E.E. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 5 | 3 | None | School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University | Ogueke, N.V., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Abam, F., Mechanical Engineering Department, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Nwaigwe, K.N., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Okoronkwo, C.A., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ugwuoke, P.E., National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anyanwu, E.E., School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | The effects of seasonal variation and angle of inclination on the performances of photovoltaic panels in south eastern Nigeria are presented. Three photovoltaic panels, each with a rated capacity of 60 W, were used for the study in each of the locations considered. Three installation positions considered are: horizontal, an angle equal to the local latitude of location and an angle 5° greater than the local latitude of location. Power output from these panels was measured at fixed time interval from dawn to dusk for 12 months. Results obtained show an average performance of 25-30 W representing about 42-50% of the panels rated capacity. Furthermore, the horizontally installed panels, on the average, presented better performance than the others angles. Thus utilization of photovoltaic panels for power generation in the region considered should be limited to lighting applications and applications within the same power requirement range. Also for overall best performance, they should be installed in a horizontal position. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Angle of inclination; Photovoltaic panels; Power generation; Seasonal variation; Solar | Angle of inclination; Fixed time interval; Installation position; Lighting applications; Nigeria; Photovoltaic panels; Power out put; Power requirement; Seasonal variation; Solar; Photovoltaic cells; Power generation; Solar power generation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953789602 | The effect of rice yellow mottle virus infection on the performance of rice (oryza sativa l.) relative to time of infection under screenhouse condition | Onwughalu J.T., Abo M.E., Okoro J.K., Onasanya A., Sere Y. | 2010 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 10 | 13 | None | Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Nigeria; Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 203 | Onwughalu, J.T., Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Abo, M.E., National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Nigeria; Okoro, J.K., Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Onasanya, A., Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic, Nigeria; Sere, Y., Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic, Nigeria | The study on the resistance of Gigante, Moroberekan and Bouake 189 rice varieties was investigated against the Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) infection relative to time of infection under screenhouse controlled condition. Rice varieties, Moroberekan, Gigante and Bouake 189, were inoculated with RYMV isolate at seedling, tillering, booting and flowering growth stages. Gigante, Moroberekan and Bouake 189 gave mean yield losses of 12.68, 78.06 and 94.4%, respectively at booting and seedling infection stages. The No. of grains plant-1 is mostly affected at booting infection stage in Bouake 189 and at seedling infection stage in Moroberekan. No significant difference in No. of empty spikelets plant-1 due to infection at different growth stages among the three varieties. Plant height was significantly affected by virus infection at seedling stage of the three varieties and other growth stages of Bouake 189. The highest yield loss of 94.4% obtained in Bouake 189 at seedling and booting infection stages establishes the fact that yield losses to RYMV are strongly influenced by host cultivars as well as time of virus infection. The study revealed that the period from seedling and booting represents the most vulnerable phase to RYMV infection in rice growth stages. This information would strongly assist breeding programmes in the development of durable resistant rice cultivars to RYMV disease. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Growth stages; Indica; Japonica; Resistance; Rice variety; Rice yellow mottle virus | Breeding programmes; Controlled conditions; Different growth stages; Growth stages; Indica; Japonica; Rice (Oryza sativa L.); Rice variety; Electric resistance; Plants (botany); Viruses | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749104143 | The effect of quantitative replacement of soybean meal with cooked and toasted lima bean meal on growth performance and carcass quality values of broiler finisher birds | Akinmutimi A.H., Aligwara A.O., Abasiekong S.F. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 5 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.487.490 | College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Akinmutimi, A.H., College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Aligwara, A.O., College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Abasiekong, S.F., College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | The effect of cooked and toasted lima bean meal in boiler finisher diets was assessed using seventy five (75) Anak broiler birds. The beans were cooked for ninety (90) minutes, oven dried at 60oC and toasted to brownness. It was quantitatively used to replace soybean at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% levels of inclusion. The birds aged twenty eight (28) days were divided into five (5) treatments and each treatment replicated three (3) times. The birds were assigned to the diets in a completely randomized design experiment. The result of growth performance showed that the mean feed intake values showed no significant (P>0.05) difference for all the diets while there were significant (P<0.05) differences for values of weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The values are 42.8, 46.6, 41.2, 35.4, 23.3 and 3.45, 2.70, 2.84, 3.27, 4.93 for weight gain and feed conversion ratio respectively. The cut- parts showed that the birds on the test diets have values comparable to those on the control diet Based on the above results, normal market live weight and cost per kilogram weight gain, 5% cooked and toasted lima bean meal can quantitatively replaced soybean meal without adverse effect on the growth performance and carcass quality values and hence recommended. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Carcass quality; Cooked and toasted lima bean; Growth performance; Soybean | Aves; Glycine max; Phaseolus lunatus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904309570 | The effect of production system and management practices on the environmental impact, quality and safety of milk and dairy products | Erasmus L.J., Webb E.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i3.13 | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Erasmus, L.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | There is an increasing trend to label milk and dairy products according to production system, absence of certain feed additives and non-use of specific technologies. These claims include the practice of organic farming, the absence of ionophore antibiotics and recombinant bovine somatotropin (r-bST) free milk. Absence-claim labels may imply to some consumers that certain milk is safer and more nutritious than other milk. Milk from r-bST supplemented cows is completely safe for human consumption, since bST is a protein, which is digested like other animal and plant proteins, it is species specific, and most bST in milk is denaturated by pasteurization. Fears of higher insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in r-bST milk are unfounded, since these are insignificant compared with the daily secretion of IGF-1 in human saliva and gastro-intestinal secretions. r-bST does not affect milk composition. All milk (i.e. conventional, r-bST free and organic) is compositionally similar, and all milk is wholesome. Various studies have also confirmed that r-bST does not affect milk flavour or manufacturing characteristics that are important during the production of processed dairy foods such as cheese or yoghurt. There is no pathway for ionophore antibiotics from feed to milk and there is no scientific basis for concerns that these additives can give rise to transmissible resistance factors that may compromise the therapeutic use of antibiotics in humans. Organic farming is recognized as a possible way forward to improve sustainability in agriculture. However, it typically requires more resources and produces less food, which currently makes it less profitable and a questionable solution to meeting the world's growing food supply needs. Improving productive efficiency by using technologies is currently the most logical approach to mitigating the environmental impact of the dairy herd. The potential of r-bST and feed additives such as ionophore antibiotics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be recognized and implemented where applicable. © The authors. | Dairy production systems; Ionophores; Organic milk; R-bST | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349155767 | The effect of probiotics supplementation on the growth performance of two strains of cockerels | Fatufe A.A., Matanmi I.O. | 2008 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 9 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Fatufe, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Matanmi, I.O., Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | In a 2 x 3 factorial design, two hundred and seven 3 weeks old black (Bovan Nera) and white (Gold line) cockerels were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments. The basal diet was based on maize, soybean meal, groundnut cake and wheat offal. Probiotics replaced the wheat offal in Diets I, II and III in proportion of 0, 0.05 and 0.1%. Probiotics contained Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisae and Saccharomyces boulardii. Each diet was offered to 3 pens of 12 black cockerels each or 3 pens of 11 white cockerels each. Starting chicken of both strains responded non-significantly to increasing probiotics concentration in feed intake, body weight gain, and feed/gain ratio. A non-significant interaction occurred between strain and dietary probiotics concentration for all response criteria. The slope of regression of body weight changes depending on age was higher for white than black. | Cockerels; Performance; Probiotics; Slope of regression; Strain | Arachis hypogaea; Glycine max; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Saccharomyces; Saccharomyces boulardii; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906809202 | The effect of probability and uncertainty models on hedge fund performance analysis | Mwamba J.M. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 5 | None | University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Mwamba, J.M., University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper implements two types of framework to investigate the outperformance, selectivity, and market timing skills in hedge funds: uncertainty and probability. Using the uncertainty framework, the paper develops an uncertain fuzzy credibility regression model in the form of a linear and quadratic CAPM in order to estimate these performance skills. Using the probability framework the paper implements frequentist and Bayesian CAPMs (linear and quadratic) to estimate the same performance skills. We consider a data set of monthly investment style indices published by Hedge Fund Research group. The data set extends from January 1995 to June 2010. We divide this sample period into four overlapping sub-sample periods that contain different market trends. Using the probability framework, our results show that bounded rationality triggers inefficiencies in the market that fund managers can utilise to outperform the market. This market outperformance is due to selectivity and market timing skill during periods of economic recovery only. We admit that these results contradict the rational expectations model. However, with the uncertainty framework this effect disappears on behalf of the rational expectations model and the efficient market hypothesis. This disappearance may be a result of the increased amount of high frequency trading witnessed recently that has made market inefficiencies, which are the main source of hedge fund performance, rarer. | Hedge fund performance analysis; Probability and uncertainty models | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049133208 | The effect of pH and anoxia on the performance of Phoslock®, a phosphorus binding clay | Ross G., Haghseresht F., Cloete T.E. | 2008 | Harmful Algae | 7 | 4 | 10.1016/j.hal.2007.12.007 | Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia | Ross, G., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Haghseresht, F., ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Cloete, T.E., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | This study examined the adsorption of phosphate by Phoslock, a lanthanum modified clay, by investigating the effect of solution pH and presence of algal mass on its kinetic behavior. In addition, the effect of anoxic conditions on its ability to retain the adsorbed phosphate was studied. It was found that Phoslok® was most effective at pH values between 5 and 7, and the adsorption capacity decreased above pH 9. The adsorption capacity was lower in algae-containing lake water than in prepared reverse osmosis water solutions. The phosphorus was not released from the Phoslock® under anoxic conditions. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Adsorption capacity; Anoxia; Kinetics; pH; Phoslock® | algae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942190785 | The effect of performance-based financing on illness, care-seeking and treatment among children: An impact evaluation in Rwanda | Skiles M.P., Curtis S.L., Basinga P., Angeles G., Thirumurthy H. | 2015 | BMC Health Services Research | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12913-015-1033-7 | Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Skiles, M.P., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Curtis, S.L., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Basinga, P., Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Angeles, G., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Thirumurthy, H., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Background: Performance-based financing (PBF) strategies are promoted as a supply-side, results-based financing mechanism to improve primary health care. This study estimated the effects of Rwanda's PBF program on less-incentivized child health services and examined the differential program impact by household poverty. Methods: Districts were allocated to intervention and comparison for PBF implementation in Rwanda. Using Demographic Health Survey data from 2005 to 2007-08, a community-level panel dataset of 5781 children less than 5 years of age from intervention and comparison districts was created. The impacts of PBF on reported childhood illness, facility care-seeking, and treatment received were estimated using a difference-in-differences model with community fixed effects. An interaction term between poverty and the program was estimated to identify the differential effect of PBF among children from poorer families. Results: There was no measurable difference in estimated probability of reporting illness with diarrhea, fever or acute respiratory infections between the intervention and comparison groups. Seeking care at a facility for these illnesses increased over time, however no differential effect by PBF was seen. The estimated effect of PBF on receipt of treatment for poor children is 45 percentage points higher (p∈=∈0.047) compared to the non-poor children seeking care for diarrhea or fever. Conclusions: PBF, a supply-side incentive program, improved the quality of treatment received by poor children conditional on patients seeking care, but it did not impact the propensity to seek care. These findings provide additional evidence that PBF incentivizes the critical role staff play in assuring quality services, but does little to influence consumer demand for these services. Efforts to improve child health need to address both supply and demand, with additional attention to barriers due to poverty if equity in service use is a concern. © 2015 Skiles et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864958013 | The effect of particle sizes on the performance of filler: A case study of rice husk and wood flour | Omofuma F.E., Adeniye S.A., Adeleke A.E. | 2011 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 14 | 9 | None | Department of Petroleum Engineering, General Abdulsalmi A. Abubakar, College of Engineering, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria | Omofuma, F.E., Department of Petroleum Engineering, General Abdulsalmi A. Abubakar, College of Engineering, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria; Adeniye, S.A., Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria; Adeleke, A.E., Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria | The essence of this research paper is to gauge the effect of particle size and particle size distribution of filler on rubber compounds. It also involves the comparison of the level of reinforcement and gauge the possibility of utilizing the low cost locally sourced filler [(rice husk and wood flour) with a commercial filler calcium carbonate (CaCO 3)] as an alternative material in rubber compounding. Thus, the use of rice husk and wood flour as filler will in no doubt promote self employment among the teaming unemployed youths thereby reducing poverty and creating wealth for the people. Test like moisture content, pH, ash content, hardness resistance, abrasion resistance, compression set and flex fatigue were subsequently carried out on the vulcanizate. These properties were compared with that of CaCO 3 filled vulcanizate. The result reveals that at 212um, rice husk has hardness resistance of 50 (IRHD) and flex resistance 8690rpm and wood flour has better hardness resistance of 57 (IRHD), flex fatigue resistance of 10955rpm (yet to fail) and abrasion resistance of 21.0122%. © IDOSI Publications, 2011. | Compounding; Curing; Filler; Rice husk; Vulcanizate; Wood flour | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864334280 | The effect of parameters on the end buffer impact force history of the crane | Haas T.N., Maingon P., Dunaiski P.E. | 2012 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 54 | 1 | None | Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; MARINTEK, SINTEF Marine, Otto Nielsens veg 10, Trondheim, Norway | Haas, T.N., Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Maingon, P., MARINTEK, SINTEF Marine, Otto Nielsens veg 10, Trondheim, Norway; Dunaiski, P.E. | An overarching investigation was conducted to provide engineers with guidelines for designing crane supporting structures. The focus of this study was to determine whether the identified parameters had an effect on the end buffer impact force history when the electric overhead travelling crane collides with the end stops of the supporting structure. Seven design codes which were reviewed do not consider the crane and its supporting structure as a coupled system. This simplification ignores some of the parameters which have a significant influence on the impact force, which could lead to the codified estimates being sometimes unconservative. During the experimental tests it was discovered that some of the parameters could not be accurately controlled and/or monitored. This led to the development of a finite element (FE) model of the full-scale experimental configuration which was used to conduct advanced simulations. The FE model considered the crane and the supporting structure as a coupled system, in which the parameters were individually varied to obtain its effect on the impact force history. The results showed that some of the individual parameters do have a significant effect on the impact force history. | Crane; End buffer force; Fe | Advanced simulation; Coupled systems; Design codes; Effect of parameters; Electric overhead travelling; End buffer force; Experimental test; FE model; Finite element models; Identified parameter; Impact force; Impact force history; Supporting structure; Civil engineering; Iron; Cranes | 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-s2.0-84904538961 | The effect of non-genetic factors on the reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian × Sanga crossbred dairy cattle breeds kept under hot and humid environment | Apori S.O., Hagan J.K. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0604-7 | Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Apori, S.O., Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Hagan, J.K., Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | A study was conducted to assess the effect of non-genetic factors on the reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian × Sanga crossbred dairy cattle kept at Amrahia Dairy Farm, Ghana. Records on 66 crossbred Friesian × Sanga and 105 purebred Sanga cattle from 2005 to 2012 were used. The effect of sex of calf (male or female), season of calving (major, minor and dry), year of calving (2005-2012) and parity (first to third) on birthweight, calving interval and age at first calving were determined. The data were analyzed using the general linear model procedures of GenStat (Discovery Edition). The effect of parity of dam, year of calving, season of calving and sex of calf were considered as fixed effects for evaluating the different reproductive traits. Data on calving and conception rates over the period were 74.3 and 76.1 %, respectively. The overall mean values for birthweight, age at first calving and calving interval obtained were 23.9 ± 1.5 and 22.8 ± 1.4 kg, 38.8 ± 2.5 and 40.2 ± 2.4 months and 390.8 ± 12.5 and 413.6 ± 12.1 days for the crossbred and Sanga, respectively. It was observed that all the major determinants of reproductive performance studied apart from birthweight were significantly influenced by year of birth, parity, season of calving and sex. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Age at first calving; Birthweight; Calving interval; Friesian; Reproductive; Sanga | Animalia; Bos; Friesia; Sanga; animal; birth weight; Bovinae; breeding; cross breeding; dairying; female; fertilization; Ghana; heat; humidity; male; parity; physiology; pregnancy; procedures; reproduction; season; sex difference; statistical model; tropic climate; Animals; Birth Weight; Breeding; Cattle; Crosses, Genetic; Dairying; Female; Fertilization; Ghana; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Linear Models; Male; Parity; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Seasons; Sex Factors; Tropical Climate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-29844446793 | The effect of nitrogen fertilizer application to maize and sorghum on the bionomics of Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and the performance of its larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) | Jiang N., Schulthess F. | 2005 | Bulletin of Entomological Research | 95 | 6 | 10.1079/BER2005381 | Stemborer Biological Control Project, International Centre of Insect Ecology and Physiology, PO Box 30772, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Jiang, N., Stemborer Biological Control Project, International Centre of Insect Ecology and Physiology, PO Box 30772, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Schulthess, F., Stemborer Biological Control Project, International Centre of Insect Ecology and Physiology, PO Box 30772, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of plant species (maize, sorghum), plant age (young, middle, old) and four different nitrogen fertilization levels (N0-N3) on the bionomics of the invasive crambid Chilo partellus and the performance of its braconid larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes. Plant N varied significantly between N0 and N1-N3, but the differences among the latter were not significant. Intrinsic rates of increase and net-reproductive rates of C. partellus followed the same trends: they were lowest with N0 and similar among the other treatments. On maize only, mortality of C. partellus and parasitism by C. flavipes tended to decrease with age of the plant while the percentage of borers reaching adulthood (i.e. pupation) increased. Borer mortality and parasitism was lower and pupation higher on sorghum than on maize. On both host plants, percent dry matter content of frass, which could affect ingress of the parasitoid into the borer tunnel, did not vary with nitrogen level but varied with age of the host plants: on maize, it was highest on young plants and on sorghum on old plants. Tunnels were shorter on young maize and sorghum plants; longer tunnels on older plants indicated compensatory feeding by the larva as a result of lower nutritive value of the food source. Consequently, larval weight was lower on older than younger plants. The level of nitrogen fertilization had no effect on food conversion efficiency of C. partellus. Nitrogen did not affect number of C. flavipes progeny while egg load of progeny increased significantly with nitrogen level, on both plant species. Differences in egg load between sorghum and maize were mostly not significant. It was concluded that on depleted soils only, an increase in nitrogen via mulching, rotation with a leguminous crop or fertilization would increase survival of C. partellus on both maize and sorghum and an increase in acreage of maize and in application of nitrogen fertilizer in an area would also increase the parasitism of C. flavipes. © CAB International, 2005. | Bionomics; Chilo partellus; Cotesia flavipes; Frass; Maize; Nitrogen; Plant age; Sorghum; Tunnel | fertilizer; nitrogen; phosphorus; potassium; fertilizer; maize; nitrogen; parasitoid; sorghum; animal; article; chemistry; drug effect; feces; growth, development and aging; host parasite interaction; maize; moth; parasite identification; parasitology; plant leaf; plant stem; population dynamics; reproduction; sex ratio; sorghum; statistics; wasp; Animals; Feces; Fertilizers; Host-Parasite Relations; Moths; Nitrogen; Parasite Egg Count; Phosphorus; Plant Leaves; Plant Stems; Population Dynamics; Potassium; Reproduction; Sex Ratio; Sorghum; Wasps; Zea mays; Braconidae; Chilo partellus; Cotesia flavipes; Crambinae; Hymenoptera; Lepidoptera; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80655130364 | The effect of Nigerian Qua-Iboe brent crude oil on the reproductive performance of female Wistar albino rats | Nwaigwe A.N., Anya K.O., Nwaigwe C.O., Nwaigwe C.U. | 2012 | Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/jest.2012.84.90 | Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, N | Nwaigwe, A.N., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Anya, K.O., Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwaigwe, C.O., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwaigwe, C.U., Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The reproductive performance of rats given graded levels of the Nigerian Qua-iboe brent crude oil was investigated in 32 female Wistar albino rats. The experiment was divided into three parts, whereby, crude oil was given orally at the dose of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL, corresponding to Groups A, B and C, respectively, for four weeks, while the untreated group served as control (Group D). Experiment one investigated the effect of the crude oil on the oestrous cycle in rats divided into four groups of four replicates, monitored for four consecutive cycles for regularity of oestrous cycle using vaginal cytology. Three of the four groups were drenched with graded levels of the crude oil while remaining group served as the control. Experiment two investigated the effect of crude oil on gestation, using another set of female Wistar albino rats which were grouped and drenched as in experiment one. Mating was monogamous, while drenching done every other day following mating. The gestation length, litter size, stillbirth and gross malformation of foetuses were monitored. The same group of animals in experiment two was used for experiment three, whereby the animals were drenched prior to mating and until parturition. Results showed irregularity of oestrous cycle in the drenched groups, with significant differences (p<0.05) existing between the experimental group and control group considering stillbirths, conception rates, gestation length and litter size. These findings suggested that exposure to Nigerian Qua-Iboe Brent crude oil affected the reproductive performance of the rats. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Gestation length; Mating oral administration; Oestrous cycle; Still birth; Vaginal cytology | crude oil; cytology; mating behavior; pregnancy; reproductive behavior; rodent; Animalia; Rattus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57249090335 | The effect of multilingual policies on performance and progression in reading literacy in South African primary schools | Howie S., Venter E., Van Staden S. | 2008 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 14 | 6 | 10.1080/13803610802576775 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Howie, S., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, E., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Staden, S., University of Pretoria, South Africa | South Africa's rich multicultural society is reflected by 11 official languages. The Language in Education policy stipulates that children should start learning at school in their home language until Grade 3. In most schools, the language of instruction for all subjects changes in Grade 4 from an indigenous African language to English, which means that more than 80% of South African pupils learn in a language different to their home language. This paper seeks to ascertain (a) to what extent South African pupils are proficient readers in the language in which they have received reading instruction for 4 years, (b) what differences in achievement become evident between pupils in Grade 4 and Grade 5, and (c) the relationship between South African pupils' performance in the test language and home language. Statistics from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006 were applied to determine differences in achievement. | Assessment; International comparative studies; Reading literacy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650227057 | The effect of molecular composition and heterogeneity on the environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of propylene impact copolymers | van Reenen A.J., Shebani A.N. | 2009 | Polymer Degradation and Stability | 94 | 9 | 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.04.018 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | van Reenen, A.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Shebani, A.N., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | The ESCR of three propylene impact copolymers in the presence of isopropanol was investigated and the variation in stress crack resistance was evaluated in terms of polymer characteristics. The effect of removing both soluble and crystalline material from the copolymers on the ESCR was evaluated. The stress crack resistance appears to be dependent on the crystallinity of the materials, but not solely so. The amount and distribution of the rubbery copolymer in these materials appears to play a role as well. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fraction removal; Propylene copolymers; Stress crack resistance; Temperature rising elution fractionation | Crystallinity; Environmental stress crackings; Fraction removal; Impact copolymers; Iso-propanol; Molecular compositions; Polymer characteristics; Propylene copolymers; Stress crack resistance; Temperature rising elution fractionation; Copolymerization; Copolymers; Cracks; Cryogenic equipment; Crystalline materials; Impact resistance; Plastic products; Propylene | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-37349095631 | The effect of mode of entry into medical school on performance in the first two years | Afolabi A.O., Mabayoje V.O., Togun V.A., Oyadeyi A.S., Raji Y. | 2007 | Journal of Medical Sciences | 7 | 6 | None | Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University o | Afolabi, A.O., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Mabayoje, V.O., Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Togun, V.A., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oyadeyi, A.S., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Raji, Y., Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study was designed to compare the relative performance of students admitted into the Medical Programme through Pre-degree Science with those of students admitted through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The performance indices used were the University 100 level Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Physiology examination score during the 200 level Comprehensive Examination. The files of students admitted into the Medical Programme in 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 Sessions were obtained from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The following data were extracted from each file-age, sex, school certificate result, mode of entry (JAMB, Pre-degree, Direct at 100 level or transfer at 200 level), 100 level CGPA and Physiology score in the 200 level Comprehensive examinations. The study showed that the students admitted through JAMB performed better in 200 level Physiology examinations but there was no correlation between the University Matriculation Examination (UME) Scores and the O-Level aggregate, 100 level CGPA and 200 level Physiology results. The Pre-degree examination score however showed a strong positive correlation with the O-Level aggregate, 100 level CGPA and the 200 level Physiology examination scores. It is therefore recommended that the Pre-degree examination results be used in admitting students into Medicine, as it is a more reliable predictor of success in Medical School Examinations. | CGPA; Direct; JAMB/UME; O-level aggregates; Pre-degree; Transfer | academic achievement; age; article; correlation analysis; education program; intermethod comparison; medical education; medical school; medical student; prediction; reliability; sex difference; task performance | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651240979 | The effect of manufacturing and assembling tolerances on the performance of double-ridged horn antennas | Jacobs B., Odendaal J.W., Joubert J. | 2010 | Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications | 24 | 10 | 10.1163/156939310791958761 | Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Jacobs, B., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Odendaal, J.W., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, J., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Double Ridged Guide Horn antennas are highly sensitive to tolerances in machining and assembly. This study shows that most of the sensitivity problems can be attributed to gaps formed between various subsections in the waveguide launcher assembly. The coaxial feeding section is especially sensitive to manufacturing tolerances. It was found that gaps between the ridges and feeding section causes deep resonances in the on axis gain. Due to the small tolerances involved, a highly detailed broadband simulation model of the antenna that includes a coaxial feeding section as well as an N-type connector had to be used in the investigation. The model is implemented in the electromagnetic simulation software package FEKO, which uses the method of moments (MoM) technique to calculate the electromagnetic fields. Gaps between the subsections of the waveguide launcher were implemented in the simulation model and compared to typical measured results. Excellent agreement between measured and simulated data is obtained. Corrective measures as well as improved designs for the waveguide launcher section are presented. © 2010 VSP. | None | Broadband simulations; Co-axial feeding; Corrective measures; Double-ridged horn; Electromagnetic simulation; Highly sensitive; Manufacturing tolerances; Measured results; Simulated data; Simulation model; Electromagnetic fields; Feeding; Launching; Manufacture; Method of moments; Waveguides; Computer simulation | None |
None | None | The effect of maize bran or maize bran mixed with sunflower cake on the performance of smallholder dairy cows in urban and peri-urban area in Morogoro, Tanzania | Mlay P.S., Pereka A.E., Balthazary S.T., Phiri E.C.J., Hvelplund T., Weisbjerg M.R., Madsen J. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 1 | None | Dept. Physiol., Biochem., P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Dept. of Anim. Sci. and Anim. Health, Roy. Vet. Agric. Univ., Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Dept. of Anim. Nutr. and Physiology, Danish Inst. of Agric. Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, 8830Tjele, Denmark | Mlay, P.S., Dept. Physiol., Biochem., P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Pereka, A.E., Dept. Physiol., Biochem., P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Balthazary, S.T., Dept. Physiol., Biochem., P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Phiri, E.C.J., Dept. Physiol., Biochem., P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. Box 3017, Morogoro, Tanzania; Hvelplund, T., Dept. of Anim. Sci. and Anim. Health, Roy. Vet. Agric. Univ., Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Weisbjerg, M.R., Dept. of Anim. Sci. and Anim. Health, Roy. Vet. Agric. Univ., Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Madsen, J., Dept. of Anim. Nutr. and Physiology, Danish Inst. of Agric. Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, 8830Tjele, Denmark | A study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding milking cows a supplement of maize bran alone (MB) or maize bran mixed with sunflower meal (MBS) during the dry season. Eighteen smallholder farms in urban and peri-urban areas of Morogoro practising complete zero grazing with not less than two milking cows participated in the trial. Forty-eight cows were used with ranges of body weight 232-556 kg, previous milk yield 3-13 litres/day, body condition score 2.5-5, parity 2-5, and 3-6 months post calving. For each farm, both MBS and MB treatments were randomly distributed to the cows. Body weights and body condition scores were taken before, at 6th and 12th week of treatment. Daily milk production was recorded three weeks before, 12 weeks during and 3 weeks after the withdrawal of treatments. Milk samples were collected during the 12th week of treatment and analysed for butterfat (BF), crude protein (CP) and total solids (TS). The economic viability of the dairy enterprises in relation to supplementation was also assessed. MBS fed cows had significantly higher (P<0.001) milk yield compared to MB fed cows. No differences were observed in milk composition parameters, body weights and body condition changes. The economic return for sunflower meal incorporation in MBS was found to be very high. It is concluded that using sunflower meal mixed with maize bran was effective in increasing milk yield during the dry season and was economically profitable compared to maize bran alone. | Dairy cows; Maize bran; Milk yield; Sunflower cake; Supplementation | Bos taurus; Helianthus; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946547176 | The effect of magnesium hydroxide, hydromagnesite and layered double hydroxide on the heat stability and fire performance of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) | Molefe D.M., Labuschagne J., Focke W.W., Van Der Westhuizen I., Ofosu O. | 2015 | Journal of Fire Sciences | 33 | 6 | 10.1177/0734904115612501 | University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; CSIR, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Molefe, D.M., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Labuschagne, J., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Focke, W.W., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Van Der Westhuizen, I., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Ofosu, O., CSIR, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Emulsion grade poly(vinyl chloride) was plasticized with 100 phr of diisononyl phthalate and filled with 30 phr of different hydrated filler-type flame-retardant additives. Static heat stabilities were determined at 200°C by following the time dependence of hydrogen chloride evolution. Fire-retardant performance was studied with a cone calorimeter at a radiant flux of 35 kW m-2. The layered double hydroxide outperformed the other fillers with regard to improving static heat stability and also with respect to most fire-retardant performance indices. © The Author(s) 2015. | heat stabilizer; Layered double hydroxide; poly(vinyl chloride); thermal analysis | Chlorine compounds; Emulsification; Fillers; Heat stabilizers; Polyvinyl chlorides; Thermoanalysis; Cone calorimeter; Di-isononyl phthalate; Fire performance; Flame-retardant additives; Hydrogen chloride; Layered double hydroxides; Magnesium hydroxide; Performance indices; Flame retardants | National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953759638 | The effect of increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) on dry matter intake and body weight gain performance of broiler finisher chickens | Tsega W., Tamir B. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 12 | None | Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box, 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | Tsega, W., Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box, 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tamir, B., Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | This study was conducted with the objective of determining the effects of increasing levels of air dried leaves of sweet potato on dry matter intake and body weight gain of Ross broiler finisher chickens. Three hundred chicks with similar body weight of 540 ± 5.28 g and aging 29 days were randomly distributed using completely randomized design in to 15 pens each with 20 chicks and five treatment rations were allocated each with three replications. The five dietary treatments consisted of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% air dried leaves of sweet potato. The experimental feed ingredients as well as the formulated rations were analyzed for dry matter and nutrient contents. The experiment lasted for 28 days during which dry matter intake and body weight change was measured. The laboratory chemical analysis results showed that dried leaves of sweet potato contained 25% crude protein and 2672.44 kcal ME /kg dry matter, indicating its potential to be used as sources of both protein and energy. The dry matter intake and body weight gain of birds fed on diets containing dried leaves of sweet potato up to 10% inclusion was similar with the control group. But, beyond 10% air dried leaves of sweet potato inclusion, the dry matter intake and body weight gain were reduced from the control group. The results of this study suggested that inclusion of air dried leaves of sweet potato up to the level of 10% of the diet dry matter in the finisher ration might be considered as the optimum level of inclusion when birds are sold on live weight basis. | Byproducts; Poultry | Aves; Gallus gallus; Ipomoea batatas | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878862975 | The effect of governance on performance of commercial banks in Kenya: A panel study | Nyamongo E.M., Temesgen K. | 2013 | Corporate Governance (Bingley) | 13 | 3 | 10.1108/CG-12-2010-0107 | Research and Policy Analysis Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Economics and Business, Moi University, Nairobi, Kenya | Nyamongo, E.M., Research and Policy Analysis Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Temesgen, K., School of Economics and Business, Moi University, Nairobi, Kenya | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance on the performance of 37 commercial banks in Kenya over the period 2005-2009. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses two measures of performance, i.e. return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), and the dependent variables and three measures of governance - namely the board size, independent directors, and CEO duality - as the key independent variables. The study follows a panel econometrics technique to investigate the relationship between governance variables and bank performance. Findings: The main findings are as follows: a large board size tends to impact performance negatively; the existence of independent board directors tends to enhance the performance of the banks; and there is no evidence that CEO duality or otherwise has impact on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Practical implications: The study therefore recommends that for commercial banks in Kenya to register high performance they need to check the size of their board of directors and also increase the number of independent directors. Originality/value: To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study on Kenya that has used advanced panel data techniques. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Commercial banks; Governance; Kenya; Organizational performance; Panel data | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250001438 | The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) waste meal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum lipid and serum cholesterol profiles of rabbit | Omage J.J., Onimisi P.A., Adegbite E.K., Agunbiade M.O. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Omage, J.J., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Onimisi, P.A., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adegbite, E.K., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Agunbiade, M.O., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Six weeks old twenty five growing rabbits of mixed sexes and breeds were used to evaluate the utilization of ginger waste meal (GWM) as energy substitute for maize in the diet of growing rabbits and the effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum lipids and serum cholesterol profiles. Fives diets containing GWM at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels with the 40% level replacing maize completely were formulated. Five rabbits each were randomly assigned to each of the five diets. Rabbits were housed individually in cages in complete randomization and fed the respective diets and water ad libitum for the 8 weeks of the experiment. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among the five dietary treatments with respect to daily feed intake, water consumption, water/feed ratio, total serum lipids and cholesterol levels. The results showed that the inclusion of ginger waste meal in the diet will stimulate increased water consumption and also induce hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects on the rabbit without negative effects on growth performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Carcass characteristics; Cholesterol; Ginger waste meal; Growing rabbits; Growth performance; Lipids; Serum | cholesterol; lipid; animal food; article; caloric intake; carcass; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; dietary intake; female; fluid intake; food composition; ginger; growth rate; lipid blood level; maize; male; meal; nonhuman; rabbit; randomization; waste; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays; Zingiber officinale | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881520472 | The effect of geographical region of birth on the reproductive performance of the Nguni in Southern Mozambique | Maciel S., Okeyo A.M., Amimo J., Scholtz M.M., Neser F.W.C., Martins M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 5 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i5.11 | Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; International Livestock Research Institute, Biotechnology Theme, Nairobi, Kenya; ARC-Animal Production Institute, Irene, South Africa; REMOC, Reprodutores de Mozambique, Lda, Posto Fomento Impaputo, Maputo, Mozambique | Maciel, S., Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Okeyo, A.M., International Livestock Research Institute, Biotechnology Theme, Nairobi, Kenya; Amimo, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Biotechnology Theme, Nairobi, Kenya; Scholtz, M.M., Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, ARC-Animal Production Institute, Irene, South Africa; Neser, F.W.C., Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Martins, M., REMOC, Reprodutores de Mozambique, Lda, Posto Fomento Impaputo, Maputo, Mozambique | The objective of this study was to assess the effect of place of birth on the reproductive performance of two Nguni ecotypes (Nguni and Landim) raised in a sub-tropical environment to enhance strategies for livestock development and restocking programmes within the southern African region. Reproduction data collected between 1994 and 2009 from 301 cows of the Landim (n = 122) and Nguni (n = 179) ecotypes were analysed. Results indicated that ecotype and place of birth had significant effects on age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). The means for AFC were 1085 and 1003 days, those for CI were 422 and 436 days, while the calving rate (CR) was 90.0% and 85.7% for the Nguni and Landim, respectively. This study demonstrates for the first time a possible genotype by environment interaction between Nguni ecotypes. This might aid future cattle development and restocking programmes in southern Africa, taking into consideration the adaptation of indigenous genotypes and climate change. | Age at first calving; Calving interval; Ecotypes; Environment; Landim | None | 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-s2.0-84877342673 | 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-s2.0-84867741983 | The effect of froth depth on air recovery and flotation performance | Hadler K., Greyling M., Plint N., Cilliers J.J. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.04.003 | Froth and Foam Research Group, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Anglo American Platinum, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa | Hadler, K., Froth and Foam Research Group, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Greyling, M., Anglo American Platinum, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa; Plint, N., Anglo American Platinum, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa; Cilliers, J.J., Froth and Foam Research Group, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom | In recent years, it has been shown that there is a clear link between froth stability and flotation performance. Air recovery is a measure of froth stability, and describes the fraction of air entering a flotation cell that overflows the cell lip as unburst bubbles. Studies have shown that air recovery passes through a peak as flotation cell aeration is increased. Furthermore, when a cell, or bank of cells, is operated at the air rate that yields this Peak Air Recovery (PAR), higher mineral recoveries are obtained, often for a higher concentrate grade. In this paper, the effect of froth depth on air recovery is discussed, particularly with regards to the interaction between air rate and froth depth. Using results obtained from an industrial experimental campaign, it is shown that, at a given air rate, air recovery passes through a peak as froth depth is increased. The froth depth at which PAR is obtained depends on the air rate; for example at lower air rates, the PAR froth depth will be shallower than at higher air rates. In order to operate at the highest air recovery, therefore, froth depth should increase as the air rate increases. Surveys were carried out at a single air rate and three different froth depths, in which air recovery increased with increasing froth depth. These results show that the lowest grades and recoveries were obtained when operating with the shallowest froth, which also yielded the lowest air recoveries, despite giving the highest mass pull. The highest mineral recovery was obtained when operating with the deepest froth. While the relationship between air rate, froth depth and PAR may be complex, the results presented in this paper underline that operating under conditions that yield high air recoveries is the best indicator for obtaining high mineral recoveries. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation bubbles; Flotation froths; Froth flotation; Process optimisation | Air rate; Air recovery; Concentrate grade; Experimental campaign; Flotation bubbles; Flotation cell; Flotation froths; Flotation performance; Froth stability; Mineral recovery; Process optimisation; Deinking; Minerals; Molecular biology; Recovery; Froth flotation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861182750 | The effect of exogenous anabolic steroids on growth performance, testicular and seminal characteristics of yearling Boer goat bucks | Makae T., Greyling J.P.C., Schwalbach L.M.J., Raito M.B. | 2012 | Small Ruminant Research | 105 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.03.005 | Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Makae, T., Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Greyling, J.P.C., Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Schwalbach, L.M.J., Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Raito, M.B., Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The effect of anabolic steroid treatment on young Boer goat bucks (12 months of age; mean body weight of 47.0 ± 3.8. kg) was investigated. Bucks were individually housed and randomly allocated to two treatment groups and fed a pelleted maintenance diet (8.5. MJ. ME/kg and 13% CP). Bucks in the first group (n= 9) received a weekly i.m. injection of 25. mg Deca-durabolin (testosterone) for a total period of 16 weeks. The remaining bucks (n= 10) served as the controls. At the end of the 16-week treatment phase an additional 12 week recovery monitoring phase (no treatment) was implemented. During the trial semen was collected (artificial vagina) weekly, where semen volume, colour, pH and sperm density and motility was recorded. The body parameters recorded weekly included body weight, scrotal circumference and volume. The body parameters found to be significantly (P< 0.05) affected by treatment with the anabolic steroid, was scrotal circumference and volume. This degeneration of the scrotal measurements was ascribed to the negative feedback system induced by the exogenous anabolic steroid treatment (androgenic effect). By the end of the recovery period, the difference in scrotal circumference and volume between the treatment groups had decreased to 7% - with the treated bucks still recording a significantly (P< 0.05) lower scrotal volume, compared to the control group (584.4 ± 87.3. ml vs 640.0 ± 81.0. ml respectively). Despite this reduction in scrotal circumference and volume none of the seminal parameters recorded in the trial (i.e. sperm motility, semen volume and pH, sperm concentration and percentage live sperm) were significantly affected by the steroid treatment. It would also seem as if the inhibitory effect of steroid treatment on testicular development was only temporary and that young males can recover, without any apparent loss in fertility, as measured by semen quality. The lack in body weight response could possibly be ascribed to the age of the animals and the relatively low energy content of the diet. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Anabolic steroids; Boer goat; Bucks; Scrotum parameters; Seminal characteristics | Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
None | None | The effect of environmental regulations on financial performance in Tanzania: A survey of manufacturing companies quoted on the Dar Es Salaam stock exchange | Naila D.L. | 2013 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 3 | 1 | None | ST Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | Naila, D.L., ST Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | There has been environmental pollution across the globe. Environmental activists are condemning manufacturing companies of environmental pollution. This has led to the establishment of environmental regulations and standards by government authorities across the globe. In complying with environmental regulations companies have found themselves incurring additional cost when compared to those companies which do not comply. However, the effect of compliance to environmental regulations on the financial performance is not clear. This study explores the effects of environmental compliance on the financial performance for listed manufacturing companies in Tanzania. Five listed manufacturing companies were surveyed to obtain data used for the purpose of this study. Specifically, the study intended to establish: the relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance and the effect of environmental compliance on the financial performance. Regression analysis was done to establish the relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance. Findings suggest that there is no significant relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance among listed manufacturing firms in Tanzania. This study concludes that environmental compliance has no significant effect on the financial performance for listed manufacturing firms in Tanzania. © 2013, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Dar es Salaam stock exchange; Environmental regulations; Financial performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867364082 | The effect of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinesis) fruit peel mweal on the growth performance and haematology of rabbits | Ojabo L.D., Adenkola A.Y., Odaudu G.I. | 2012 | Veterinary Research | 5 | 2 | 10.3923/vr.2012.26.30 | Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, | Ojabo, L.D., Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Adenkola, A.Y., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Odaudu, G.I., Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | This study investigated the feed value of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinesis) peel as a replacement for maize in rabbit det. Twenty mixed breed male rabbit were used and randomly assigned to dets T1 (O%), T2 (20%), T3 (30%), T4 (40%) in whch sweet orange peel replaced maize at 0, 20,30 and 40%, respectively at the rate of five rabbits per dietaq group. The rabbit were fed and provided drinking water ad libitum for the 8 weeks experimental duration. Feed intake and live weights were recorded weekly for each replicate and the relative cut-up parts were also determined. Feed conversion ratio from the data as quantity of feed per unit weight gain over the same period. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered by the cut-throat method and dressed to determine the dressing percentage. During slaughtering 4 mL of blood sample was collected into bijou bottles containing the anticoagulant, disodium salt of ethylene daminetetra-acetic acid at the rate of 2 mg mL -1 of blood forthe determination of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. The performance indices, feed intake, body weight and feeds conversion ratio was not affected significantly (p<0.05) except water consumption and water feed ratio. None of the hematological parameters were significantly (p>0.05) affected. The performance and hematology of rabbits fed on sweet orange were not depressed. The study has shown that sun dried sweet orange peel can be used as a replacement feedstuff for maize in the ration of grower rabbit at a level of 40%, its optimal replacement level can only be determined by evaluating its effect at hgher level of maize replacement in subsequent studes. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Dried sweet orange (citrus sinesis) peel; Effect; Growth performance; Haematological parameters; Performance; Rabbit | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650222412 | The effect of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit pulp meal on the growth performance of rabbits | Hon F.M., Oluremi O.I.A., Anugwa F.O.I. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 8 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.1150.1155 | Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria | Hon, F.M., Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Nigeria; Oluremi, O.I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria; Anugwa, F.O.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria | A feeding trial was conducted with thirty six mixed breeds of rabbits to assess the feeding value of sun dried sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit pulp meal (SOPM). The sweet orange peel meal was analyzed for its proximate nutrients and its crude fibre constituents. The nutrients in SOPM were 7.71% CP, 9.6% CF, 2.12% EE, 5.18% ash, 75.31% NFE and 3756.14kcalME/kg. The crude fibre fractions were 15.04% cellulose, 20.46% hemi-cellulose, 38.28% NDF, 18.32% ADF and 3.28% ADL. The experimental rabbits were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: T0, T5, T10, T15, T20 and T25 in which SOPM replaced maize at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%, respectively at the rate of six rabbits per dietary group. The rabbits were fed these diets for 84 days during which performance and nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Experimental diets had significant effects (p<0.05) on the body weight gain, water intake, water: feed ratio, protein efficiency ratio and final live weight. Coefficient of digestibility and nutrient digestibility, were not adversely affected by the inclusion of SOPM in the diets. This study has shown the possibility that sweet orange fruit pulp meal can be used as a replacement feedstuff for maize in the ration of grower rabbit up to a level of 20%. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Performance and nutrient digestibility; Rabbit; Sweet orange fruit pulp meal | cellulose; hemicellulose; lignin; protein; animal experiment; animal food; article; body weight; controlled study; dietary intake; experimental rabbit; female; fluid intake; food analysis; food composition; fruit; growth rate; maize; male; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional assessment; nutritional value; plant fiber; sweet orange; weight gain; Citrus sinensis; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80455131226 | The effect of dosing Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (Me) on lactation performance of multiparous Holstein cows | Henning P.H., Erasmus L.J., Meissner H.H., Horn C.H. | 2011 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 41 | 2 | None | Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Megastarter Biotech Pty Ltd T/A MS Biotech, PO Box 10520, Centurion 0046, South Africa | Henning, P.H., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa, Megastarter Biotech Pty Ltd T/A MS Biotech, PO Box 10520, Centurion 0046, South Africa; Erasmus, L.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Meissner, H.H., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Horn, C.H., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa | The objective of the study was to determine whether early post-partum dosing of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (Me) will be beneficial to performance of high producing TMR-fed cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated to four treatments (60% or 70% concentrate diet and placebo or Me [single oral dose of 1011 cfu in 250 mL suspension on day of calving and Days 10 and 20 post-partum, respectively]). Observations were recorded between calving and 80 days post-partum. Performance data were analysed for all 60 cows combined and for the 40 highest producing cows only, since they were considered more susceptible to ruminal acidosis. For all 60 cows, body weight, condition score and milk yield tended to increase with Me, but data for the 40 highest producing cows suggested that this response could be ascribed primarily to higher producing cows on the higher concentrate diet. Dry matter intake and milk protein were not affected by Me, whereas milk fat percentage increased with Me but only in cows on the 60% concentrate diet. Results support the hypothesis that dosing with Megasphaera elsdenii is most likely to benefit higher producing cows with greater risk of acidosis. | Body weight; Concentrate; Dairy cow; Feed intake; Milk yield; Sara | Bos; Megasphaera elsdenii | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924198271 | The effect of different high-fat diets on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in male, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) | Donaldson J., Pillay K., Madziva M.T., Erlwanger K.H. | 2015 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 99 | 2 | 10.1111/jpn.12250 | Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Donaldson, J., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, K., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Madziva, M.T., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erlwanger, K.H., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Summary: Poultry diets are formulated with additional animal fat or vegetable oils to improve growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. High-fat diet feeding in rats and fish has been shown to result in alterations in the phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of the erythrocyte membrane, in turn affecting erythrocyte osmotic fragility. In contrast, the few studies performed using high-fat diet feeding in avian species show no changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility. This study made use of the Japanese quail as no data exists on investigation of this species with respect to high-fat diet feeding and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Fifty-seven male quail were randomly divided into six groups and fed either a standard diet (commercial poultry feed) or one of five high-fat diets (commercial poultry feed with 22% of either coconut oil, lard, palm oil, soya bean oil or sunflower oil on a weight/weight basis) for 12 weeks. All birds on the high-fat diets were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) after the 12-week feeding period, than when commencing the dietary intervention. Serum triglyceride concentrations of birds in all high-fat diet groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than birds in the standard diet group, whereas only birds in the palm oil group had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol concentrations compared to the standard diet group. Fragiligrams of erythrocytes from birds in the various dietary groups were similar. High-fat diet feeding with different types of additional fat did not affect the osmotic fragility of the quail erythrocytes. Feeding quail high-energy diets of varying degrees of fatty acid saturation was well tolerated and did not seem to affect the overall health status of the birds. Resistance of avian erythrocytes to modification by excess dietary fat may be a general characteristic of avian erythrocytes. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | High-fat diets; Japanese quail; Osmotic fragility | fat intake; lipid; administration and dosage; animal; blood; body weight; controlled study; Coturnix; drug effects; erythrocyte; fat intake; growth, development and aging; male; osmotic fragility; pharmacology; physiology; randomized controlled trial; Animals; Body Weight; Coturnix; Dietary Fats; Erythrocytes; Lipids; Male; Osmotic Fragility | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555193627 | The effect of different cereal aphid species on the performance of two coccinellid predators | Nyaanga J.G., Kamau A.W., Pathak R.S., Tuey R.K. | 2012 | Journal of Entomology | 9 | 1 | 10.3923fle.2012.41.49 | Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Plant Breeding Centre, Private Bag, Njoro, Kenya | Nyaanga, J.G., Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Kamau, A.W., Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Pathak, R.S., Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Tuey, R.K., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Plant Breeding Centre, Private Bag, Njoro, Kenya | Coccinellid beetles have been studied worldwide for integration with biological aphid control systems but their performance on different cereal aphid prey has not been investigated. A study was conducted to evaluate the relative suitability of five cereal aphid prey species; Rhopalosiphum padi, Metopolophium dirhodum, Sitobion avenae, Schizaphis graminum and Diurap his noxia on two coccinellid predators; Adonia variegata and Cheilomenes lunata. The five aphid species were separately fed to first instar larvae and newly emerged adult coccinellids in the laboratory. Development and reproduction parameters were quantified. The duration of the immature stages of C. lunata was significantly shorter (F = 1408.34; df = 5, 25; MSE = 0.3; p<0.0001) on R. padi (11.7±0.14) and longest on D. noxia (16.2±0.07). The duration for A. variegata larvae was similarly shorter (F = 8718.94; df = 5, 25; MSE = 0.1; pO.0001) on R. Padi (10.2±0.08) and longest on D. noxia (12.1±0.08). The total eggs produced were higher (F = 25648.0; df = 4, 24; MSE= 3.6; p<0.0001) when C. lunata was fed with R. padi (740.1±3.00) and lowest on D. noxia (203.0±3.23). A. variegata exhibited nearly a similar trend whereby the total eggs produced were highest (F = 4987.08; df = 4, 24; MSE = 5.5; pO.0001) on R. padi (1655.4±4.83) and lowest on D. noxia (244.2±4.69). The two predators coccinellid species C. lunata and A. variegata are deemed to be efficient predators of R. padi, M. dirhodum and S. avenae and poor on D. noxia and S. graminum. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc. | Adonia variegata; Biocontrol; Biology; Chelomenes lunata; Prey suitability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872252674 | The effect of dietary pattern and body mass index on the academic performance of in-school adolescents | Ogunsile S.E. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 6 | 10.5539/ies.v5n6p65 | Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Ogunsile, S.E., Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary pattern and body mass index on the academic performance of in-school adolescents in Ekiti State. One hundred and twenty eight students (10-19 years) selected from three senior secondary schools in Ekiti State Nigeria, formed the participants for this study. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection and the data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics (bivariate Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression) using Spss version 12 at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of this study showed that of all the adolescents, only 16.4%, 14.1%, 7.0%, 16.4% and 10.2% followed a healthy dietary pattern of regular intake of breakfast, three square meals, milk, fruits and vegetables respectively. 50%, 38.3% and 45.3% followed an unhealthy dietary pattern of regular intake of sweets, chewing gum and soft drinks. With regards to body mass index and academic performance, less than 40% of the respondents were of normal weight and only half of the respondents had good academic performance. Body mass index, breakfast consumption, eating three square meals and regular intake of fruits and vegetables all had significant effects (P <0.05) on the academic performance of adolescents. Also, there was a significant joint effect of body mass index and healthy dietary pattern on the academic performance of these adolescents. Parents and school authorities should make all efforts to ensure healthy dietary pattern among adolescents so as to enhance their academic performance. | Academic performance; Body mass index; Dietary pattern; In-school adolescent | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913543474 | The effect of dietary lipid saturation and antioxidant type on the performance of finishing lambs | van der Walt K.E., Einkamerer O.B., van Der Merwe H.J., Hugo A., Slippers S.C., Fair M.D. | 2014 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 44 | 5 | 10.4314/sajas.v44i5.8 | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Meadow Feeds, P.O. Box 6224, Weltevreden Park, South Africa | van der Walt, K.E., Meadow Feeds, P.O. Box 6224, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Einkamerer, O.B., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; van Der Merwe, H.J., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Slippers, S.C., Meadow Feeds, P.O. Box 6224, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Fair, M.D., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | The effect on production performance of a synthetic or natural antioxidant and lipid saturation in the finishing diets of lambs was investigated. The four dietary treatments consisted of the same basal diet (187 g CP, 355 g NDF, and 71 g EE per kg DM), differing only in regard to the supplemental lipid source (30 g/kg of either saturated beef tallow or unsaturated soybean oil) and type of antioxidant (125 g/ton of either a synthetic or natural antioxidant) included, in a 2 × 2 factorial design experiment. Eighty-four S.A. Mutton Merino lambs (27.64 ± 1.72 kg) were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatments (n = 21 lambs per treatment) and subdivided into 7 replicates per treatment (n = 3 lambs per replicate). After a dietary adaptation period of 8 days, all lambs received the respective experimental diets for the remaining period (41 days). The average daily DM feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency was calculated accordingly. No significant differences in DMI, ADG and the efficiency with which ingested feed were utilized (FCR), were recorded for the treatments. However, the addition of unsaturated soybean oil to the diet significantly increased the efficiency with which the ME of the diet was utilized. In contrast with the natural antioxidant, the inclusion of unsaturated soybean oil in the diet containing a synthetic antioxidant, resulted in a significant lower MEI by the lambs - indicating that a lipid x antioxidant interaction occurred. Results of the present study seem to indicate that dietary lipid saturation in the finishing diets of lambs had no influence on their growth performance. However, a more efficient utilisation of ME in the finishing diet containing unsaturated soybean oil, compared to the saturated beef tallow, did occur. | Fatty acid; Flavonoid; Metabolizable energy; Oil; Production; Sheep; Soybean; Tallow | Glycine max; Ovis aries | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951522060 | The effect of dietary ionophores on feedlot performance of lambs | Price M.M., Einkamerer O.B., de Witt F.H., Greyling J.P.C., Fair M.D. | 2009 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 39 | SUPPL. 1 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Price, M.M., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Einkamerer, O.B., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; de Witt, F.H., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Greyling, J.P.C., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Fair, M.D., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rumen fermentation modifiers (ionophores) in feedlot finisher diets on the production performance of S.A. Mutton Merino lambs. Monensin (16.4 mg/kg), lasalocid (33.0 mg/kg) or salinomycin (17.5 mg/kg) was incorporated into a commercial high-protein (398 g CP/kg DM) concentrate. Treatment diets consisted of maize meal (650 g/kg), lucerne hay (150 g/kg) and a protein concentrate (200 g/kg; containing an ionophore or not) to supply isonitrogenous (177 g CP/kg DM) total mixed diets during the experimental period. Sixty lambs (29.7 ± 2.5 kg) were randomly allocated to the treatment groups (n = 15/treatment) and each treatment was further subdivided into five replicates (n = 3/replicate). Individual body weight and average feed intake per replicate were recorded weekly and used to calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG). Ionophore treatment had no effect on any of the feedlot performance parameters measured (feed intake: 1379, 1434, 1534 and 1559 g DM/day; ADG: 298, 314, 340 and 329 g/day; FCR: 4.66, 4.58, 4.51 and 4.74 g DM intake/kg live weight gained for the Control, Monensin, Lasalocid and Salinomycin treatments, respectively. The results suggest the efficiency of the different rumen fermentation modifiers to be similar and financial implications and/or animal preference would influence their usage in sheep diets. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Feed efficiency; Ionophores; Lambs; Production | Animalia; Medicago sativa; Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886439252 | The effect of dietary inclusion of jatropha curcas kernel meal on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile nile tilapia | Workagegn K.B., Ababbo E.D., Tossa B.T. | 2013 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 4 | 5 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000193 | Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Workagegn, K.B., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ababbo, E.D., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Tossa, B.T., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of different proportion of heat treated and heat untreated Jatropha curcas kernel meal (JCKM) on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile Nile tilapia. Ten fish with an average body weight of 2.36 g fish-1 were randomly distributed in each experimental aquarium in triplicates, and fed with experimental diets for 65 days. The results revealed that the highest growth performance in terms of final body weight and specific growth rate was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by heat untreated control diet and 10% heat treated JCKM with same survival rate. Similarly, the best feed utilization efficiency in terms of feed conversion ratio and feeding efficiency was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by 10% heat treated JCKM and heat untreated control diet. All fish fed the above three diets had higher growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate without significant (P>0.05) variation to each other. However, fish fed with the rest of the experimental diets had significantly (P<0.05) lower. Thus, the inclusion of excess dietary JCKM (above 10% heat treated dietary JCKM and at any level of heat untreated dietary JCKM) depressed growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of the fish. This implies that heat treatment has an effect on reduction of some of anti-nutritional factors and toxicants in JCKM. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of heat treated JCKM in fish diet increases growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of the fish without increasing mortality rare, and thus, it is a future promising feed ingredient for fish feed production. © 2013 Workagegn KB, et al. | Alternative feed source; Feed ingredient; Oreochromis niloticus; Performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943147298 | The effect of diet and feeding system on the on-farm performance of local chickens during the early growth phase | Nakkazi C., Kugonza D.R., Kayitesi A. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 10 | None | Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P. O. Box 96, Tororo, Uganda; Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda | Nakkazi, C., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kugonza, D.R., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P. O. Box 96, Tororo, Uganda, Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kayitesi, A., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | This study evaluated the performance of local chickens on three diets and two feeding systems under on-farm conditions. The diets used were formulated from local feedstuffs that had been identified in a baseline survey and analyzed for chemical composition in the laboratory. Based on the laboratory results, two diets were formulated containing 20% CP and 2900Kcal ME/kg (D20) and 23% CP; 3200KcalME/kg (D23). A commercial diet (D18) containing 18% CP; 2800 Kcal ME/kg was obtained from a local feed supplier to be used as a control. The three diets were then used in conducting growth trials with chicks under two different systems of feeding. The first system involved feeding the birds intensively. The three diets were feed separately to four replicate groups of ten chicks each. This system used 120 un-sexed day old local chicks that were obtained from a local hatchery and brooded artificially. The second system involved feeding the experimental diets to semi-scavenging chicks brooded by their mother hens in confinement cages from 6.00 am to 12.00 noon, after which they were let out to scavenge. A weighed amount of feed was given to each batch and left over feed was weighed and recorded each week to compute feed consumption. In both experiments birds were weighed in batches on day one and thereafter weekly for six weeks. The data revealed no difference in the growth rate and final live body weight of chicks under the three dietary treatments. Chickens that were fed intensively exhibited better growth and survival rates than those that were fed from 6.00 am to 12.00 noon then let out to scavenge. Hence it was concluded that that a diet containing 18% CP and 2800Kcal ME/kg is sufficient for rearing local chickens during the early growth phase (0-6 weeks) on-farm. Also intensive feeding of local chickens results into better growth and survival than the semi-scavenging system. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Chicks; Dietary-energy; Growth rate; Semi-scavenging | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956984979 | The effect of conditioning with NaCL, KCL and HCL on the performance of natural clinoptilolites removal efficiency of cu2+ and co2+ from Co/Cu synthetic solutions | Mamba B.B., Nyembe D.W., Mulaba-Bafubiandi A.F. | 2010 | Water SA | 36 | 4 | None | Department of Chemical Technology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Minerals Processing and Technology Research Group, Department of Extraction Metallurgy, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 526, Wits 2050, South Africa | Mamba, B.B., Department of Chemical Technology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Nyembe, D.W., Department of Chemical Technology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A.F., Minerals Processing and Technology Research Group, Department of Extraction Metallurgy, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 526, Wits 2050, South Africa | Southern African clinoptilolites capability as an ion-exchanger with respect to Cu2+and Co2+was investigated in order to consider its viability in the removal of metal cations from aqueous solutions. The effect of chemical conditioning was investigated using sodium chloride (NaCl), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potassium chloride (KCl). The most efficient activating or conditioning reagent was found to be HCl at 0.02 M concentration, followed by KCl at 0.04 M and then NaCl at 0.04 M. The worst performing clinoptilolite was the original form under the conditions described in this study and it thus served as a control. The HCl-conditioned clinoptilolite was the most efficient in metal removal (79% Co2+and 73% Cu2+) followed by the NaCl-conditioned form (69% Co2+ and 54% Cu2+), while the KCl-conditioned form adsorbed 54% and 73% of Co2+and Cu2+, respectively. The column method was used for the cation-exchange processes with synthetic solutions of 0.0020 M, 0.0698 M and 0.2000 M of Co2+and Cu2+ concentrations which were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). | Chemical conditioning; Clinoptilolite; Copper and cobalt; Ion-exchange | [Co/Cu]; Aqueous solutions; Atomic absorption spectroscopy; Cation exchanges; Chemical conditioning; Clinoptilolite; Clinoptilolites; Column methods; Effect of chemicals; Metal cation; Metal removal; Potassium chloride; Removal efficiencies; Synthetic solutions; Absorption spectroscopy; Adsorption; Atomic spectroscopy; Cobalt; Hydrochloric acid; Ion exchange; Ion exchangers; Positive ions; Sodium chloride; Solutions; Zeolites; Chemicals removal (water treatment); aqueous solution; atomic absorption spectroscopy; cobalt; copper; hydrochloric acid; ion exchange; potassium chloride; sodium chloride; zeolite | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548647421 | The effect of coarse edge on wool spinning performance and yarn properties | Botha A.F., Hunter L. | 2007 | South African Journal of Science | 103 | 42433 | None | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | Botha, A.F., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Hunter, L., Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | The interrelationship of natural fibre, yarn and fabric properties is both important and complex, and has attracted considerable research. An area which has received little attention is that concerning the effect of fibre diameter distribution, notably of relatively coarse fibres, on processing behaviour and yarn and fabric properties, except for their well-known effect on handle and prickle (scratchiness). Prickle is an unpleasant sensation sometimes experienced with garments worn next to the skin. The effect of fibre diameter distribution, of coarse fibres (or coarse edge, CE) in particular, on spinning performance and yarn properties, was investigated for 400 different wools. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to quantify the relationships between all the main fibre properties, including CE, on the one hand, and the spinning performance and yarn properties on the other hand. We found that CE had no significant effect on spinning performance and yarn properties, except for yarn neps and yarn hairiness. These findings are important for sheep breeding practices as well as for selecting the most appropriate wools when yarn of a specified quality is to be processed, because attention needs be paid only to fibre diameter, not to coarse edge. | None | regression analysis; research work; sheep; wool; Ovis aries | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747104303 | The effect of Cirina forda larva meal in rabbit diets on performance, carcass quality and nutrient digestibility | Oluremi O.I.A., Bogbenda M., Mkah T.P. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 7 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Niger | Oluremi, O.I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Bogbenda, M., Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Mkah, T.P., Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria | A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the nutritive potential of Cirina forda larva meal (CFLM) as an animal protein concentrate in rabbit feeding by evaluating growth response, carcass quality and nutrient digestibility. Twenty mixed breed weaner rabbits between 9-11 weeks of age were assigned randomly in groups of five to control diet (CD) and three other diets TD2.5, TD5.0 and TD7.5 containing 2.5. 5.0 and 7.5% CFLM. Rabbit had unrestricted access to drinking water and their respective diets. Diets had significant effects (p<0.01) on feed intake, water consumption and live body weight (LBW). The coefficient of nutrient digestibility, and carcass, visceral and offal indices did not have significant variations (p>0.05) except the forelimb (p<0.05). Rabbit became heavier as feed intake decreased at higher CFLM dietary inclusion, which is an indication of improved feed conversion. The study has shown that CFLM can be used in compounding diets for grower rabbit at 7.5% level of inclusion. | Carcass quality; Cirina forda larva meal; Digestibility; Performance; Rabbit | Animalia; Cirina forda; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874625321 | The effect of career development activities on employee performance: A case study of world agroforestry centre | Gachunga H.G., Wamoto E. | 2012 | International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management | 11 | 6 | None | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya; CGIAR, Kenya | Gachunga, H.G., Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya; Wamoto, E., CGIAR, Kenya | Career development initiatives by organizations are a key retention tool and ensure that the best talent is retained. Career development activities give employees a clear focus about their career track and also ensure their career aspirations are met. Career development focuses on a whole range of activities and this research specifically addressed: mentoring, coaching and formal training activities, and their effect on employee performance. The key objectives were to establish whether mentoring, coaching and formal training had an effect on employee performance in ICRAF, a research-based institution. The research design adopted was descriptive research and the target population was 385, from which a sample of 277 was drawn. The study yielded a response rate of 76%. The data was analysed using multiple regression analysis and yielded significant results. © Common Ground, Hazel Gachoka Gachunga, Esther Wamoto, All Rights Reserved. | Career development; Mentoring and coaching | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890514157 | The effect of carbohydrate ingestion on performance during a simulated soccer match | Goedecke J.H., White N.J., Chicktay W., Mahomed H., Durandt J., Lambert M.I. | 2013 | Nutrients | 5 | 12 | 10.3390/nu5125193 | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Discovery Health High Performance Centre, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | Goedecke, J.H., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town 7700, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; White, N.J., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Chicktay, W., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Mahomed, H., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Durandt, J., Discovery Health High Performance Centre, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | Aim: This study investigated how performance was affected after soccer players, in a postprandial state, ingested a 7% carbohydrate (CHO) solution compared to a placebo (0% CHO) during a simulated soccer match. Methods: Using a double-blind placebo-controlled design, 22 trained male league soccer players (age: 24 ± 7 years, wt: 73.4 ± 12.0 kg, VO2max: 51.8 ± 4.3 mL O2/kg/min) completed two trials, separated by 7 days, during which they ingested, in random order, 700 mL of either a 7% CHO or placebo drink during a simulated soccer match. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), agility, timed and run to fatigue were measured during the trials. Results: Change in agility times was not altered by CHO vs. placebo ingestion (0.57 ± 1.48 vs. 0.66 ± 1.00, p = 0.81). Timed runs to fatigue were 381 ± 267 s vs. 294 ± 159 s for the CHO and placebo drinks, respectively (p = 0.11). Body mass modified the relationship between time to fatigue and drink ingestion (p = 0.02 for drink × body mass), such that lower body mass was associated with increased time to fatigue when the players ingested CHO, but not placebo. RPE values for the final stage of the simulated soccer match were 8.5 ± 1.7 and 8.6 ± 1.5 for theCHO and placebo drinks respectively (p = 0.87). Conclusions: The group data showed that the 7% CHO solution (49 g CHO) did not significantly improve performance during a simulated soccer match in league soccer players who had normal pre-match nutrition. However, when adjusting for body mass, increasing CHO intake was associated with improved time to fatigue during the simulated soccer match. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Football; Intermittent exercise; Sports drinks; Supplementation | carbohydrate; fat; placebo; adult; agility; article; athletic performance; body mass; carbohydrate intake; controlled study; dietary intake; double blind procedure; glycogen muscle level; heart rate variability; human; human experiment; jogging; male; muscle fatigue; normal human; palatability; postprandial state; randomized controlled trial; soccer; sports drink; stretching exercise; sweating; taste; visual analog scale; walking speed; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Athletic Performance; Dietary Carbohydrates; Double-Blind Method; Energy Intake; Fatigue; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Running; Soccer; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879524493 | The effect of brewers dried grains supplemented by enzyme on performance of Isa-Brown laying hens [Utjecaj sušenoga pivskoga ječma s dodatkom enzima na produktivnost Isa-Brown nesilica] | Olajide R., Akinsoyinu A.O., Iyayi E.A., Afolabi K.D. | 2013 | Poljoprivreda | 19 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, P.M.B, 5006, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Olajide, R., Department of Animal Science and Production, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, P.M.B, 5006, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria; Akinsoyinu, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Iyayi, E.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Afolabi, K.D., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of Brewers Dried Grains (BDG) supplemented with Grandizyme® enzyme as a partial substitute for maize in layers diets. One hundred and twenty Isa-Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to three diets formulated with 0 (control), 10% and 20% BDG, and fed for 12 weeks. There were 4 replicates of 10 birds each in a dietary treatment. Feed intake, hen day production and net profit generated from the sales of eggs were significantly (p<0.05) highest for diet 3. Cost of feed /kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced from N{strok}35.50 (€0.17) for diet 1 to N{strok}33.69 (€0.16) and N{strok}31.38 (€0.15) respectively for diets 2 and 3. Substitution of maize with 20% BDG supplemented with Grandizyme® enzyme resulted in better performance and gave a higher net profit compared with other treatments; and could be adopted to alleviate the problem of high cost of maize. | Brewers dried grains; Enzyme supplementation; Laying hen; Performance; Profitability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846269648 | The effect of breathing an ambient low-density, hyperoxic gas on the perceived effort of breathing and maximal performance of exercise in well-trained athletes | Ansley L., Petersen D., Thomas A., St Clair Gibson A., Robson-Ansley P., Noakes T.D. | 2007 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 41 | 1 | 10.1136/bjsm.2006.026989 | School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, United Kingdom; School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, United Kingdom; National Hyperbarics, Fairfield Suites, Kingsbury Hospital, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom | Ansley, L., School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, United Kingdom, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, United Kingdom; Petersen, D., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Thomas, A., National Hyperbarics, Fairfield Suites, Kingsbury Hospital, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa; St Clair Gibson, A., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Robson-Ansley, P., Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: The role of the perception of breathing effort in the regulation of performance of maximal exercise remains unclear. Aims: To determine whether the perceived effort of ventilation is altered through substituting a less dense gas for normal ambient air and whether this substitution affects performance of maximal incremental exercise in trained athletes. Methods: Eight highly trained cyclists (mean SD) maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) = 69.9 (7.9) (mlO2/kg/min) performed two randomised maximal tests in a hyperbaric chamber breathing ambient air composed of either 35% O2/65% N2 (nitrox) or 35% O 2/65% He (heliox). A ramp protocol was used in which power output was incremented at 0.5 W/s. The trials were separated by at least 48 h. The perceived effort of breathing was obtained via Borg Category Ratio Scales at 3-min intervals and at fatigue. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE) were monitored continuously. Results: Breathing heliox did not change the sensation of dyspnoea: there were no differences between trials for the Borg scales at any time point. Exercise performance was not different between the nitrox and heliox trials (peak power output = 451 (58) and 453 (56) W), nor was VO2max (4.96 (0.61) and 4.88 (0.65) I/ min) or maximal VE (157 (24) and 163 (22) l/min). Between-trial variability in peak power output was less than either VO2max or maximal VE. Conclusion: Breathing a less dense gas does not improve maximal performance of exercise or reduce the perception of breathing effort in highly trained athletes, although an attenuated submaximal tidal volume and VE with a concomitant reduction in VO2 suggests an improved gas exchange and reduced O2 cost of ventilation when breathing heliox. | None | heliox; nitrogen; oxygen; adult; article; athlete; breathing mechanics; controlled study; dyspnea; exercise; exhaustion; fatigue; human; human experiment; oxygen consumption; training; Adult; Anaerobic Threshold; Analysis of Variance; Bicycling; Ergometry; Exercise Test; Helium; Humans; Nitrogen; Oxygen; Oxygen Consumption; Pulmonary Gas Exchange; Respiration; Single-Blind Method | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881221046 | The effect of barley bran, linseed meal and their mixes supplementation on the performances, carcass characteristics and economic return of Arsi-Bale sheep | Ermias T., Solomon M., Mengistu U. | 2013 | Small Ruminant Research | 114 | 1 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.05.010 | Madawalabu University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 247, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Ermias, T., Madawalabu University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 247, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia; Solomon, M., Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Mengistu, U., Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The study was conducted using 25 yearling male Arsi-Bale sheep to see the effect of barley bran (BB), linseed meal (LSM) and their mixes supplementation on DMI, apparent nutrient digestibility, body weight (BW) gain, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), carcass characteristics and economic return of Arsi-Bale sheep. A completely randomized block design consisting of five treatments and five blocks was used for the study. The basal diet (faba bean haulms) was offered in average of 50% refusal to ensure ad libitum intake. The supplement feeds were offered in DM basis at 08:00 and 16:00. h by dividing the daily offer into two equal parts. The digestibility and feeding trials were conducted for 7 and 90 days, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the sheep were slaughtered for carcass analysis. The CP content of offered faba bean haulms, BB and LSM were 7.7%, 9.7% and 24.8%, respectively. Supplementation improved (P < 0.001) DMI, apparent nutrient digestibility, BW gain, carcass characteristics and economic return. Sheep supplemented with two parts of BB and one part of LSM resulted significantly (P < 0.01) the highest net return. Therefore, sheep fed on a basal diet of faba bean haulms supplemented with two parts of BB and one part of LSM is economical. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Barley bran; Body weight gain; Carcass; Haulms; Linseed meal | Hordeum; Ovis aries; Vicia faba | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959969881 | The effect of alternative pruning methods on the viticultural and oenological performance of some wine grape varieties | Archer E., van Schalkwyk D. | 2007 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 28 | 2 | None | Lusan Premium Wines, PO Box 104, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Archer, E., Lusan Premium Wines, PO Box 104, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; van Schalkwyk, D., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Three different trials, at three different localities, each with different growing conditions, were conducted with nine different wine grape varieties. Four different pruning methods, hand, mechanical, minimal and no pruning were tested. Growth responses, grape composition and morphology, wine quality as well as labour inputs were evaluated. Huge labour savings were obtained with the alternative pruning methods compared to hand pruning. A reduction in vigour and increase in yield were evident in each variety. Wine quality was not decreased and in some cases even a quality increase was evident. Varieties differ in their adaptability to alternative pruning methods with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Chardonnay performing well and Sauvignon blanc and Merlot poorly. Chenin blanc, Shiraz, Colombar and Ruby Cabernet showed acceptable performance. Alternative pruning methods proved to be viable, especially for the production of medium and low priced wines. | Grapevine; Pruning; Wine quality | Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis vinifera | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888117571 | The effect of a group approach on the performance of high school mathematics learners | Dhlamini J., Mogari D. | 2013 | Pythagoras | 34 | 2 | 10.4102/pythagoras.v34i2.198 | Department of Mathematics Education, University of South Africa, South Africa; Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | Dhlamini, J., Department of Mathematics Education, University of South Africa, South Africa; Mogari, D., Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | In this study, we investigated the effects of a group approach versus a non-group approach on the mathematics performance of learners. A group approach refers to an arrangement in which learners sit together to discuss and solve mathematics tasks. We studied a convenience sample of low-performing Grade 10 mathematics learners using a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The experimental group was taught using a group approach and the control group using non-group approach instruction. To measure the effects of teaching approaches, we administered a Financial Mathematics Achievement Test (FMAT) before and after the experiment. Using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) the study found that learners in a group approach learning environment performed significantly better than learners taught through a non-group teaching mode (p < 0.05). The theory of cognitive load was used to interpret the results. The results suggest that a group approach may be effective when teaching certain mathematics topics in Grade 10 classrooms. © 2013. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902476419 | The effect of aggregating multivariate performance parameters in a quality award process | Beshah B. | 2014 | International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management | 31 | 6 | 10.1108/IJQRM-07-2012-0104 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Beshah, B., Mechanical Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Purpose: Quality awards, commonly, have basic criteria and sub-criteria to evaluate applicants based on the quality management principles and philosophies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the method of selecting award winners and its consequences. Design/methodology/approach: Award winners' and non-award winners' performances of the Ethiopian Quality Award are the study groups. The criteria and sub-criteria evaluation results of the award were collected and analysed by the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System. Findings: The research assumed that award winners' performances are exceptionally outstanding. However, the result does not justify the assumption. Hence, the drawback of aggregating multivariate performance measures in a quality award is proven. Mahalanobis distance is proposed as alternative approach to evaluate and select organizations. Practical implications: The outcome of this research will help award givers, evaluators and participants to understand the real difficulty to select very few organizations among applicants. Furthermore, it helps to consider the possible error when aggregating individual performance. Originality/value: Aggregating performances is a common practice in quality awards evaluation process but this paper proved its drawback. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Ethiopia; MD; MTS; Performance aggregating | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892601733 | The effect of academic development initiatives on student performance at a South African University: A case of finance modules | Muzindutsi P.-F. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p717 | School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, South Africa | Muzindutsi, P.-F., School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, South Africa | The retention and the success of undergraduate students is a concern in South African universities which have been faced with a major challenge of low graduation rates. To respond to this challenge, South African universities adopted various academic development initiatives to provide support to students who are at risk of not completing the undergraduate qualification within the required time. This study used multiple regression analysis to evaluate the contribution of academic development initiatives in improving the academic performance of 'at risk' students within discipline of finance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, during the period 2009-2011. Results showed that some of the initiatives, such as revision workshops, contributed significantly to student performance while others, such as one-on-one consultations between students and Academic Development Officers (ADO's), had no significant effect on student performance. This study found that making academic development initiatives inclusive to all willing students did not disadvantage 'at risk' students. It was therefore concluded that academic development initiatives can only succeed when there is full commitment from students involved. This study recommends that one-on-one discussions between students and ADO's should be supplemented by other strategies, such as timely and regular revision workshops, in order to yield positive results. | Academic development programme; At risk students; Student performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871737682 | The Effective Population Size of Malaria Mosquitoes: Large Impact of Vector Control | Athrey G., Hodges T.K., Reddy M.R., Overgaard H.J., Matias A., Ridl F.C., Kleinschmidt I., Caccone A., Slotman M.A. | 2012 | PLoS Genetics | 8 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003097 | Department of Entomology, Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; Malaria Research Lead Programme, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States | Athrey, G., Department of Entomology, Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Hodges, T.K., Department of Entomology, Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Reddy, M.R., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Overgaard, H.J., Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Matias, A., Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; Ridl, F.C., Malaria Research Lead Programme, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Kleinschmidt, I., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Caccone, A., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Slotman, M.A., Department of Entomology, Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States | Malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa have proven themselves very difficult adversaries in the global struggle against malaria. Decades of anti-vector interventions have yielded mixed results-with successful reductions in transmission in some areas and limited impacts in others. These varying successes can be ascribed to a lack of universally effective vector control tools, as well as the development of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Understanding the impact of vector control on mosquito populations is crucial for planning new interventions and evaluating existing ones. However, estimates of population size changes in response to control efforts are often inaccurate because of limitations and biases in collection methods. Attempts to evaluate the impact of vector control on mosquito effective population size (Ne) have produced inconclusive results thus far. Therefore, we obtained data for 13-15 microsatellite markers for more than 1,500 mosquitoes representing multiple time points for seven populations of three important vector species-Anopheles gambiae, An. melas, and An. moucheti-in Equatorial Guinea. These populations were exposed to indoor residual spraying or long-lasting insecticidal nets in recent years. For comparison, we also analyzed data from two populations that have no history of organized vector control. We used Approximate Bayesian Computation to reconstruct their demographic history, allowing us to evaluate the impact of these interventions on the effective population size. In six of the seven study populations, vector control had a dramatic impact on the effective population size, reducing Ne between 55%-87%, the exception being a single An. melas population. In contrast, the two negative control populations did not experience a reduction in effective population size. This study is the first to conclusively link anti-vector intervention programs in Africa to sharply reduced effective population sizes of malaria vectors. © 2012 Athrey et al. | None | Anopheles; Anopheles gambiae; Anopheles melas; Anopheles moucheti; article; controlled study; disease carrier; disease transmission; Equatorial Guinea; geographic distribution; malaria; microsatellite marker; nonhuman; pesticide spraying; population size; vector control; Africa South of the Sahara; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Equatorial Guinea; Humans; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Pest Control; Population Density; Pyrethrins; Anopheles gambiae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-20744437324 | The effectiveness of media use in health education: Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS television campaign in Ethiopia | Farr A.C., Witte K., Jarato K., Menard T. | 2005 | Journal of Health Communication | 10 | 3 | 10.1080/10810730590934244 | Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Development Studies Associates, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, 201K Winston Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-8104, United States | Farr, A.C., Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States, Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, 201K Winston Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-8104, United States; Witte, K., Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jarato, K., Development Studies Associates, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Menard, T., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States | An effective vehicle to change behaviors is entertainment education. To demonstrate entertainment education effects, researchers must first indicate that participants have been exposed to their program. Exposure to effective programs has been associated with increases in knowledge about program topics, attitude change, and self-efficacious perceptions. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new exposure technique that accurately and precisely determines direct exposure levels to Ethiopia's Journey of Life. Overall, the study found very high listenership, storyline recall, liking of the program, and strong desire to change behavior while maintaining low error rates in terms of verbatim recall of storylines and reported listener ship to a fictitious program. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Inc. | None | accuracy; adult; article; controlled study; error; Ethiopia; female; health education; human; male; mass medium; recall; television; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Ethiopia; Female; Health Behavior; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Mental Recall; Radio; Television | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924985594 | The effectiveness of lean manufacturing audits in measuring operational performance improvements | Taggart P., Kienhöfer F. | 2013 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 24 | 2 | None | School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Taggart, P., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Kienhöfer, F., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The hypothesis that lean manufacturing audits are an effective way to measure improvements in operational performance was tested using 64 manufacturing sites owned by a FTSE 100 company. Commonly-used lean characteristics were evaluated: policy deployment, standardised work, visual management and housekeeping, quick changeover techniques, total productive maintenance, continuous improvement (kaizen), error proofing, cultural awareness, material control, and levelling (heijunka). Operational performance was assessed employing commonly-used operational performance measures: on-time-delivery, inventory turns, and direct labour utilisation. The findings are that lean manufacturing audits are effective in measuring improvements in operational performance provided that the audit scope and the lean characteristics are aligned up front. © 2013, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved. | None | Agile manufacturing systems; Manufacture; Continuous improvements; Cultural awareness; Lean manufacturing; Manufacturing sites; On-time delivery; Operational performance; Total productive maintenance; Visual management; Lean production | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917689456 | The effectiveness of a teacher professional learning programme: The perceptions and performance of mathematics teachers | Ndlovu M. | 2014 | Pythagoras | 35 | 2 | 10.4102/pythagoras.v35i2.237 | Centre for Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Ndlovu, M., Centre for Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | The purpose of this article is to report on an investigation of the perceptions and performance of mathematics teachers in a teacher professional learning (TPL) programme based on realistic mathematics education (RME) principles, which included a topic on transformations, undertaken by the researcher. Forty-seven Senior Phase (Grade 7-9) teachers took part in the mixed-methods study in which they answered a questionnaire with both closed and openended items. Fifty teachers took an achievement test at the end of the programme. The TPL programme used the RME approach in the design and delivery of mathematical tasks intended to enhance teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching. The sessions were conducted in a manner that modelled one way in which RME principles can be adopted as a teacher professional development strategy. The significance of the study is that continuing TPL is acknowledged to contribute to improvement in teaching and learning to address the concern about unsatisfactory learner achievement in mathematics. The responses suggested that the majority of teachers experienced the sessions positively in relation to all but one of the six RME principles. The teachers reported that they took an active part both as individuals and in small groups and expressed their willingness to adopt the type of activities and materials for their classrooms, which is an essential first step in Guskey's first level of evaluation of a teacher TPL programme. The teachers' average performance in an achievement test at the end of the topic was 72% which was indicative of modest learning gains at Guskey's second level of TPL effectiveness. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249104990 | The effect feeding forage legumes as nitrogen supplement on growth performance of sheep | Baloyi J.J., Ngongoni N.T., Hamudikuwanda H. | 2008 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 40 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-007-9120-3 | Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology, University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Baloyi, J.J., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology, University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Ngongoni, N.T., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hamudikuwanda, H., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The effect of feeding forage legumes, Cowpea, Silverleaf desmodium and Oxley fine stem stylo, as protein supplements to natural pasture (veld) hay on intake, growth rate and nitrogen metabolism in growing lambs was evaluated. Thirty growing lambs were stratified according to body weight and randomly assigned, within a stratum, to five diets in a completely randomised design. The diets were veld hay alone (V), veld hay supplemented with either 10 g/kg of urea (VU), veld hay supplemented with 250 g/kg Cowpea (VC), 250 g/kg Silverleaf desmodium (VS) or 250 g/kg Oxley fine stem stylo (VF) forage legume hays. The V and the VU groups were used as control diets. Animals supplemented with either urea or the forage legume had higher (P<0.01) total dry matter intake compared with the animals on V. The animals supplemented with the forage legumes had higher (P<0.01) nitrogen intake and faecal nitrogen output than the non-supplemented group. All animals, across the treatments, lost body weight; lambs on V had higher (P<0.01) body weight losses than those in the other treatments. The forage legume supplemented groups lost less (P<0.01) body weight than those on the V and VU diets. Although supplementation with forage legumes enhanced feed intake and reduced weight losses it did not maintain body weights of lambs fed a basal diet of poor quality roughages. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Forage legumes; Growth; Nitrogen; Sheep; Supplementary feeding | nitrogen; animal; article; chemistry; diet supplementation; eating; feces; growth, development and aging; legume; metabolism; physiology; randomization; sheep; Animals; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Fabaceae; Feces; Nitrogen; Random Allocation; Sheep; Animalia; Desmodium; Ovis aries; Stylosanthes guianensis | None |
None | None | The ECOWAS court as a human rights promoter? Assessing five years' impact of the Koraou Slavery judgment | Adjolohoun H.S. | 2013 | Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights | 31 | 3 | None | Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Adjolohoun, H.S., Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The 2005 reform initiated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had the double effect of putting an end to ten years of judicial lethargy and positioning its Community Court of Justice (ECCJ) as a promising international human rights body. One of the most illustrative cases of the Court's impact is the landmark Koraou (Slavery) judgment in which the ECCJ condemned Niger for failing to protect the complainant from enslavement by a third party. Five years after the Koraou decision, this paper uses empirical based theories, case study and factual evidence to interrogate whether the ECCJ's judgment has had any further effect than just restoring the dignity of an individual litigant. Such assessment is important to thousands of other human beings who still live in bondage in the rest of the region. Ultimately, the paper seeks to demonstrate that although it has not reached the irradiating model of the European Court of Human Rights, the ECCJ has the potential of becoming a human rights promoter in the region and beyond. © Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM), Printed in the Netherlands. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944457091 | The economy wide impact of investment on infrastructure for electricity in ethiopia: A recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium approach | Borojo D.G. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 5 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia | Borojo, D.G., Department of Economics, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia | This study has applied a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model to examine the economic impact of investment on infrastructure for electricity using an updated 2009/10 social accounting matrix. Three simulations (foreign saving, domestic household and enterprises saving and mix of foreign and domestic saving to finance the investment) in combination with total factor productivity of industrial and service sectors are used. The findings of the study have shown the improvement of the real gross domestic product (GDP), output of industrial and service sectors in all simulations. Nonetheless, mixed effects have found on household consumption and trade balance. The highest growth of real GDP is registered when the investment on electricity is fully financed by domestic household and enterprise saving. However, household consumption expenditure has grown at negative rate worsening the welfare of households. Investment on electricity fully financed by foreign saving is resulted in lower growth rate of real GDP due to worsening of net export. In addition, it has benefits for households as it increases their welfare. But it is to be repaid in the future that would increase indebtedness of the country. So, financing the investment partly by domestic household saving and foreign saving would be worthwhile. © 2015, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Economy; Electricity infrastructure; Recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879134548 | The economic impacts of tourism in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa: Is poverty subsiding? | Muchapondwa E., Stage J. | 2013 | Natural Resources Forum | 37 | 2 | 10.1111/1477-8947.12007 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sweden | Muchapondwa, E., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Stage, J., Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sweden | Tourism in southern Africa is based on the region's wildlife and nature assets and is generally environmentally sustainable, but the extent to which it contributes to other aspects of sustainable development - overall income generation or poverty eradication - is less well explored. In this paper, we use social accounting matrices to compare the economic impacts of foreign tourism in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Overall impacts on GDP range from 6% (South Africa) to 9% (Namibia). However, South Africa's economy is more diversified than its neighbours' and more of the goods and services used by tourists and by the tourism industry are supplied domestically. Consequently, the impact per Rand spent is considerably larger for South Africa than for Botswana or Namibia. The poorer segments of the population appear to receive shares of tourism income that are smaller than their share of overall income in all three countries. © 2013 The Authors. Natural Resources Forum © 2013 United Nations. | Botswana; Multiplier effects; Namibia; Poverty reduction; South Africa; Tourism | economic impact; Gross Domestic Product; income; poverty alleviation; sustainable development; tourism economics; Botswana; Namibia; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902471527 | The economic impact of the Comrades Marathon | Saayman M., Saayman A. | 2012 | International Journal of Event and Festival Management | 3 | 3 | 10.1108/17582951211262675 | Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Saayman, A., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Purpose: The Comrades Marathon is a world-renowned ultra marathon that takes place yearly between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It attracts athletes from around the world, and boasts a participation of more than 14,000. The purpose of this article is to determine the impact that this marathon has on the provincial economy - a manufacturing-based economy. Design/methodology/approach: Spending data of participants and their accompanying spectators were compiled by means of surveys and participants were split into categories based on their origin. The provincial Social Accounting Matrix is used to quantify the impact of this spending stimulus on production, income and job creation within the province. Findings: The results show that Comrades Marathon contributes significantly to the provincial economy and that more than 600 jobs are dependent on the event. Research limitations/implications: It has a larger impact on the local economy than many similar sport events and this is attributed to the specialised nature of the event as well as its status as an ultra-marathon. Originality/value: This research is one of few on ultra-marathons and the focus is on participants' spending behaviour during the event. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Event management; Local economies; Social Accounting Matrix (SAM); South Africa; Sport tourism; Sporting events; Tourism; Ultra-marathon | None | None |
None | None | The economic impact of malignant catarrhal fever on pastoralist livelihoods | Lankester F., Lugelo A., Kazwala R., Keyyu J., Cleaveland S., Yoder J. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0116059 | Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania; School of Economics, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States | Lankester, F., Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Lugelo, A., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kazwala, R., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Keyyu, J., Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania; Cleaveland, S., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Yoder, J., School of Economics, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States | This study is the first to partially quantify the potential economic benefits that a vaccine, effective at protecting cattle against malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), could accrue to pastoralists living in East Africa. The benefits would result from the removal of household resource and management costs that are traditionally incurred avoiding the disease. MCF, a fatal disease of cattle caused by a virus transmitted from wildebeest calves, has plagued Maasai communities in East Africa for generations. The threat of the disease forces the Maasai to move cattle to less productive grazing areas to avoid wildebeest during calving season when forage quality is critical. To assess the management and resource costs associated with moving, we used household survey data. To estimate the costs associated with changes in livestock body condition that result from being herded away from wildebeest calving grounds, we exploited an ongoing MCF vaccine field trial and we used a hedonic price regression, a statistical model that allows estimation of the marginal contribution of a good's attributes to its market price. We found that 90 percent of households move, on average, 82 percent of all cattle away from home to avoid MCF. In doing so, a herd's productive contributions to the household was reduced, with 64 percent of milk being unavailable for sale or consumption by the family members remaining at the boma (the children, women, and the elderly). In contrast cattle that remained on the wildebeest calving grounds during the calving season (and survived MCF) remained fully productive to the family and gained body condition compared to cattle that moved away. This gain was, however, short-lived. We estimated the market value of these condition gains and losses using hedonic regression. The value of a vaccine for MCF is the removal of the costs incurred in avoiding the disease. © 2015 Lankester et al. | None | Africa; age; Article; body constitution; Bovinae; cattle farming; controlled study; economic evaluation; female; gender; heart weight; heifer; high risk population; human; income; infection control; infection risk; livestock; male; malignant catarrhal fever; marketing; milk production; nonhuman; pasture; resource management; vaccination; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052712781 | The economic impact of hunting in the Northern Cape province | Saayman M., Van Der Merwe P., Rossouw R. | 2011 | South African Journal of Wildlife Research | 41 | 1 | 10.3957/056.041.0115 | Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, P., Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Rossouw, R., School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | We here estimate the economic impact of hunting (both biltong and trophy) on South Africa's Northern Cape province economy. This study used the input-output (social accounting matrix) and multiplier analyses to evaluate the economic impact of hunting in the regional economy of the Northern Cape province. Data on biltong hunting were derived from a national survey conducted in 2007 and data on trophy hunting were derived from the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa (PHASA). The results indicated that the direct economic impact of hunting in the Northern Cape province economy, resulting from increased expenditure, exceeded R696.1 million for 2007. This direct impact resulted in a total economic impact in the order of R774.3 million, and consequently, in a multiplier effect of 1.11. With regard to employment, it was estimated that some 9072 jobs plus those of the employees directly involved might be dependent on hunting in the province, thereby supporting the notion that this is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry. | biltong hunting; economic impact; hunting; social accounting matrix; South Africa; tourism; trophy hunting | economic impact; ecotourism; employment; estimation method; hunting; regional economy; tourism economics; Northern Cape; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940319325 | The economic impact of hunting: A regional approach | van der Merwe P., Saayman M., Rossouw R. | 2014 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 17 | 4 | None | Tourism Research in Economic, Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa; School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa | van der Merwe, P., Tourism Research in Economic, Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa; Saayman, M., Tourism Research in Economic, Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa; Rossouw, R., School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa | The core of South Africa tourism industry is based on wildlife tourism. Private game reserves and game farms which forms part of wildlife tourism constitute most of the wildlife products in South Africa. On these private reserves and game farms, hunting is one of the major income generators for product owners. The aim of this study is to analyse the economic impact of hunting on the regional economies of three of South Africa's most important hunting provinces. The study used economic multipliers, input-output analysis, and related modelling processes through input-output (supply-use) tables and social accounting matrices (SAM). The results differed significantly for the three provinces, with Limpopo receiving the biggest impact (R2.6 billion) and the Free State having the highest multiplier (2.08). The geographical location of the game farms, the number of farms per province and the species available all influenced the magnitude of the economic impact of hunters over and above the traditional determinants of economic impact analysis. The implication of the research is that it will help product owners in the development of game farms or hunting products, contribute to policy formulation, especially for government decisions on what products to offer where, and how to create more jobs. | Accounting matrix; Biltong hunting; Economic impact; Hunting; Social; South Africa; Tourism; Trophy hunting | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846700819 | The economic impact of HIV/AIDS on small, medium and large enterprises | Ellis L.L. | 2006 | South African Journal of Economics | 74 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2006.00093.x | Bureau for Economic Research, Stellenbosch University, W Cape, South Africa | Ellis, L.L., Bureau for Economic Research, Stellenbosch University, W Cape, South Africa | Based on the Bureau of Economic Research (BER's) 2005 HIV/AIDS survey, this paper provides a snapshot view of the nature and the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on companies of different sizes in South Africa, as well as their response to the epidemic. Whereas the focus of most of the previous workplace surveys has been on "evaluating workplace responses", the present study also considers the economic impact of HIV/AIDS. This study provides evidence of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the largest sample of small, medium and large companies in South Africa to date. The survey results suggest that employer responses are strongly linked to company size, with the majority of medium and large companies indicating that they have an HIV/AIDS policy in place and small companies having done little in the way of action against the epidemic. © 2006 The Author. Journal compilation © 2006 Economic Society of South Africa. | Company size; Economic impact; HIV/AIDS; Survey | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; debt; economic development; economic impact; human immunodeficiency virus; small and medium-sized enterprise; workplace; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Ziziphus mauritiana | None |
WoS | WOS:000258977600014 | The economic impact of HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality on households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Araya, T.,Davey, G.,Mariam, D. Haile,Reniers, G.,Tekola, F. | 2008 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 20 | 8 | 10.1080/09540120701777256 | Addis Ababa University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado System, University of Witwatersrand | "Araya, T.: Addis Ababa University","Davey, G.: Addis Ababa University","Mariam, D. Haile: Addis Ababa University","Tekola, F.: Addis Ababa University", | The present study investigates whether the household-level economic impact of an adult AIDS death is different from that of death from another cause. The data come from cross-sectional post-mortem interviews (verbal autopsies) with relatives or primary caregivers of deceased adults randomly selected from deaths recorded in an ongoing burial surveillance in Addis Ababa. Our analyses consist of three parts. First, we assess the sociodemographic risk factors for AIDS mortality. Subsequently, we reverse the causal order of this relationship and carry out an analysis of the effect of AIDS mortality on the subjective experience of change in the household's financial situation following the death of a household member. Finally, we quantify the direct and indirect costs of illness and death on the household. Results indicate that households experiencing an HIV/AIDS death are poorer than those experiencing a non-HIV/AIDS death. In addition, poorer households experience a greater decline in socioeconomic status following death of a household member. AIDS mortality has more detrimental effects on the household economic status than deaths due to other causes. While the difference between AIDS and non-AIDS mortality in terms of direct costs is minimal, the indirect cost of an AIDS death per household exceeds that of non-AIDS death by 58%. In conclusion, poor households are more likely to experience an AIDS death and in turn are more vulnerable to the socioeconomic impact of death. Therefore, it is justifiable to target HIV-impact mitigation programs on poorer households. | "Addis Ababa",ETHIOPIA,HIV/AIDS,MORBIDITY,MORTALITY,"socioeconomic impact",AFRICA,AIDS,EXPENDITURE,HIV-INFECTION,RISK,SOCIOECONOMIC-STATUS | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944458503 | The economic impact of climate change on road infrastructure in Ghana | Twerefou D.K., Chinowsky P., Adjei-Mantey K., Strzepek N.L. | 2015 | Sustainability (Switzerland) | 7 | 9 | 10.3390/su70911949 | Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Institute of Climate and Civil Systems, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States | Twerefou, D.K., Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Chinowsky, P., Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Adjei-Mantey, K., Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Strzepek, N.L., Institute of Climate and Civil Systems, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States | This paper estimates the economic impact of climate change on road infrastructure using the stressor-response methodology. Our analysis indicates that it could cumulatively (2020-2100) cost Ghana $473 million to maintain and repair damages caused to existing roads as a result of climate change (no adapt scenario). However, if the country adapts the design and construction of new road infrastructure, expected to occur over the asset's lifespan (adapt scenario), the total cumulative cost could increase to $678.47 million due to the initial costs of adaptation. This investment provides lower costs on a decadal basis later in the infrastructure lifespan. This creates the planning question of whether lower decadal costs in the future are a priority or if minimizing initial costs is a priority. The paper addresses this question through decadal and average annual costs up to the year 2100 for the ten regions, using the potential impacts of 54 distinct potential climate scenarios. © 2015 by the authors. | Climate change; Roads; Stressor-response; Temperature | climate change; cost analysis; design method; economic impact; infrastructural development; repair; road construction; sustainability; temperature; Ghana | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248524026 | The economic impact of climate change on Kenyan crop agriculture: A Ricardian approach | Kabubo-Mariara J., Karanja F.K. | 2007 | Global and Planetary Change | 57 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2007.01.002 | School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Kabubo-Mariara, J., School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Karanja, F.K., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Kenya | This paper measures the economic impact of climate on crops in Kenya. We use cross-sectional data on climate, hydrological, soil and household level data for a sample of 816 households. We estimate a seasonal Ricardian model to assess the impact of climate on net crop revenue per acre. The results show that climate affects crop productivity. There is a non-linear relationship between temperature and revenue on one hand and between precipitation and revenue on the other. Estimated marginal impacts suggest that global warming is harmful for crop productivity. Predictions from global circulation models confirm that global warming will have a substantial impact on net crop revenue in Kenya. The results also show that the temperature component of global warming is much more important than precipitation. Findings call for monitoring of climate change and dissemination of information to farmers to encourage adaptations to climate change. Improved management and conservation of available water resources, water harvesting and recycling of wastewater could generate water for irrigation purposes especially in the arid and semi-arid areas. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | adaptations; agriculture; climate change; crop revenue | acclimation; climate change; climate modeling; crop production; economic impact; glacial debris; global warming; precipitation (climatology); Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928542223 | The economic and pricing impact of authorized generic medicines in South Africa | McGee S.-A.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing | 9 | 1 | 10.1108/IJPHM-11-2013-0059 | Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Johannesburg, South Africa | McGee, S.-A.M., Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose – This paper aims to examine whether authorized generics (AGs) have influenced prices and market shares in markets for molecules facing generic competition in South Africa. AGs (clones), which are identical to the originator brands, offer a solution for originator companies to protect their markets from independent generic (IG) competition. IG competitors have claimed that AGs have a negative impact on pricing and competition. Design/methodology/approach – In a retrospective analysis, pricing and quantity data for 24 months post generic entry were extracted for oral solid dosage form products which experienced generic entry into their markets between 2005 and 2011, divided into “Authorized generic affected” and “no authorized generic” markets. A series of indices was calculated, as well as market shares of competing originator and generic products, and the number of generic competitors determined. Indices and market share data for clone affected and unaffected groups were tested at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months using unmatched t-tests, at a 95 per cent significance level. Findings – None of the evaluated pricing indices showed a consistently significant difference existing between AG-affected and no-AG samples. The only variable for which the two samples consistently differed was market shares, with originator brands experiencing significantly more market share erosion in AG-affected markets. Pricing levels of generics and originator products as well as growth of numbers of generic competitors were similar in both AG-affected and no-AG groups. Originality/value – A study of this nature on the impacts of AGs in the South African generics has not been previously published and reflects the situation particular to the country. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Authorized generic; Clone; Generic; Market share; Medicines; Prices | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960394623 | The economic and poverty impacts of animal diseases in developing countries: New roles, new demands for economics and epidemiology | Rich K.M., Perry B.D. | 2011 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 101 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.08.002 | Norwegian Inst. of International Affairs (NUPI), International Livestock Research Inst. (ILRI), Department of International Economics, C/O NUPI, P.O. Box 8159, 0033 Oslo, Norway; University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Pretoria, South Africa; c/o P.O. Box 437, Gilgil 20116, Kenya | Rich, K.M., Norwegian Inst. of International Affairs (NUPI), International Livestock Research Inst. (ILRI), Department of International Economics, C/O NUPI, P.O. Box 8159, 0033 Oslo, Norway; Perry, B.D., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, University of Pretoria, South Africa, c/o P.O. Box 437, Gilgil 20116, Kenya | Animal disease outbreaks pose significant threats to livestock sectors throughout the world, both from the standpoint of the economic impacts of the disease itself and the measures taken to mitigate the risk of disease introduction. These impacts are multidimensional and not always well understood, complicating effective policy response. In the developing world, livestock diseases have broader, more nuanced effects on markets, poverty, and livelihoods, given the diversity of uses of livestock and complexity of livestock value chains. In both settings, disease control strategies, particularly those informed by ex ante modeling platforms, often fail to recognize the constraints inherent among farmers, veterinary services, and other value chain actors. In short, context matters. Correspondingly, an important gap in the animal health economics literature is the explicit incorporation of behavior and incentives in impact analyses that highlight the interactions of disease with its socio-economic and institutional setting. In this paper, we examine new approaches and frameworks for the analysis of economic and poverty impacts of animal diseases. We propose greater utilization of " bottom-up" analyses, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of value chain and information economics approaches in impact analyses and stressing the importance of improved integration between the epidemiology of disease and its relationships with economic behavior. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Decision-making; Developing countries; Poverty impacts; Value chain; Veterinary epidemiology and economics | animal; animal disease; article; developing country; economics; epidemic; human; poverty; Animal Diseases; Animals; Developing Countries; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Poverty; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958704924 | The ecological impact of used petrochemical oils on soil properties with special reference to physicochemical and total petroleum hydrocarbon contents of soils around automobile repair workshops | Adebiyi F.M., Afedia M.O. | 2011 | Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects | 33 | 16 | 10.1080/15567030903397883 | Department of Chemistry, Environmental Pollution Research Laboratory, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria | Adebiyi, F.M., Department of Chemistry, Environmental Pollution Research Laboratory, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria; Afedia, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Environmental Pollution Research Laboratory, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria | Soils around automobile repair workshops were analyzed for physicochemical, elemental, and hydrocarbon contents with a notion to assess the contamination level of the soils via petrochemicals mishandling. The soils were collected using standard analytical procedures, while their elemental contents were determined using bulk scientific atomic absorption spectrometry/atomic emission spectrometry techniques. Total petroleum hydrocarbons, which are known to be potential carcinogens and physicochemical parameters-pH, Cl-, CO 3 2-, electrical conductivity, and organic matter contents-were determined using standard analytical techniques. Ten elements-Mn, Zn, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cr, V, and Pb-were analyzed and detected and their concentrations, the enrichment factors, Pollution Index, and Geoaccumulation Index values were established. The concentrations of K, Mn, V, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cu were higher in the oil-contaminated soils than those of other Nigerian soils, while the values of the physicochemical parameters (CO3 2-, Cl- and electrical conductivity) followed the same trend. The results of the Geoaccumulation Index indicated that the soils were very heavily polluted with all the metals (Geoaccumulation Index values > 5), except V (4 < Igeo < 5) which heavily polluted and Pb (2 < Igeo < 3) which moderately polluted the soils. These results were corroborated by their values, which were excessive when compared with their tolerable limits. The total petroleum hydrocarbons of the soils were detected at high levels when compared with studies of similar settings. The overall results showed that the soils of the area were highly contaminated and might be detrimental to living existence. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | atomic absorption spectrometry; atomic emission spectrometry; element; petrochemical; physicochemical; soil | Analytical procedure; Analytical techniques; Atomic emission spectrometry; Contamination levels; Ecological impacts; Electrical conductivity; element; Elemental contents; Emission spectrometry; Enrichment factors; Geo-accumulation index; Hydrocarbon content; Nigerians; Oil contaminated soil; physicochemical; Physicochemical parameters; Pollution index; Soil property; Total petroleum hydrocarbons; Absorption; Absorption spectroscopy; Atoms; Chlorine; Chromium; Electric conductivity; Hydrocarbons; Lead; Manganese; Petrochemicals; Petroleum chemistry; Pollution detection; Sodium; Soils; Spectrometry; Zinc; Soil pollution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547104035 | The early-adolescent female clothing consumer: Expectations, evaluation and satisfaction with fit as part of the appreciation of clothing quality | de Klerk H.M., Tselepis T. | 2007 | Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management | 11 | 3 | 10.1108/13612020710763146 | Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | de Klerk, H.M., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Tselepis, T., Department of Consumer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose - The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the early-adolescent female consumer's expectations and evaluation, as well as satisfaction relating to the fit, as a dimension of the quality of her clothes. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative research style was followed and a structured questionnaire was used as data-collecting method. A total of 120 13-year-old young female consumers, also known as the early-adolescent female, participated in the study. Findings - The results suggest that the early-adolescent female consumer is not only concerned about the functional aspects of the fit of her clothes, but also about the emotional effect. Results further suggest that this consumer group probably does not have the expertise, knowledge and cognitive skills that can enable them, during the evaluation phase of the decision-making process, to realistically evaluate this very important dimension of the quality of clothes, with the main purpose of giving functional comfort and emotional pleasure during the post-purchase experience. This then contributes to the fact that, when wearing the clothes, they are, especially as regards the emotional and cognitive dimensions, mostly dissatisfied with the fit of their clothes. Originality/value - With the buying power of this young market in mind,the main implication of the above is that brands that are specifically aimed at these young consumers should specifically be sized according to the measurements and figure proportions of the young consumer. | Clothing; Customer satisfaction; Women; Young adults | buying; consumer research; data processing; decision making; market; marketing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860343597 | The dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe: A case study of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Haregeweyn N., Fikadu G., Tsunekawa A., Tsubo M., Meshesha D.T. | 2012 | Landscape and Urban Planning | 106 | 2 | 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2012.02.016 | Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia | Haregeweyn, N., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia; Fikadu, G., Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia; Tsunekawa, A., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Tsubo, M., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Meshesha, D.T., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan | This study evaluated the dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and livelihoods of small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe of Bahir Dar in northwest Ethiopia. Aerial photos for the years 1957, 1984, and 1994 as well as field mapping using GPS for the year 2009 were employed and analyzed using GIS. Heads of 271 households affected by the expansion were interviewed to evaluate the impacts of expansion and compensation modalities in practice. Results showed that the urban area expanded annually by about 12%, 14% and 5% during the periods: 1957-1984, 1984-1994 and 1994-2009, respectively. The area showed an overall annual increment of 31%, from 279. ha in 1957 to 4830. ha in 2009. Built-up areas increased as a result of horizontal expansion, from 80. ha in 1957 to 848. ha in 1994, but also due to intensification at the expense of agricultural areas, from 80 to 155. ha, during the same period. A total of 242.2. ha of farmland was expropriated from 271 households between 2004 and 2009, and 96% of those interviewed believed that the compensation was insufficient, as the decision is influenced by the government's land ownership system. We predict that the current urban area will double by 2024. This will have far-reaching ecological, socio-economic and environmental impacts. A better understanding of the dynamics of urban growth and its associated impacts in the urban fringe can help form a basis for sustainable planning of future developments of areas experiencing urban expansion. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Ethiopia; Expropriation; Horizontal expansion; Intensification; Urban expansion; Urban fringe | Ethiopia; Expropriation; Horizontal expansion; Intensification; Urban expansion; Urban fringe; Agriculture; Crystal orientation; Dynamics; aerial photography; agricultural intensification; agricultural land; agricultural worker; GIS; GPS; land cover; land use change; land use planning; landownership; urban growth; Ethiopia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912042628 | The Dube TradePort-King Shaka International Airport mega-project: Exploring impacts in the context of multi-scalar governance processes | Robbins G. | 2015 | Habitat International | 45 | P3 | 10.1016/j.habitatint.2014.05.006 | Amsterdam Institutes for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Robbins, G., Amsterdam Institutes for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Mega-projects aimed at enhancing urban economic infrastructure have been widely recognised as a feature of cities in which influential actors are eager to encourage economic growth. They have also been described as being central in influencing physical patterns of city growth through their direct and indirect impacts on land-uses. Whilst such initiatives are not necessarily new, it has been noted in more recent urban development experiences that these projects tend to involve crafting highly complex, mixed-use environments through a variety of forms of public-private collaboration. Furthermore, they are promoted not only in instrumental terms as facilities or infrastructure to serve a need of a particular economic process, but are also often packaged and motivated as comprehensive urban developments that can reposition the image of cities in a highly competitive global investment environment. Such processes are both influenced by and, in turn, influence multi-scalar governance processes and practices, both in the planning and motivating projects, as well as in their operations. The new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) and Dube TradePort (DTP), located some 35km north from the City of Durban in South Africa, were projects developed with the intention of replacing an apparently obsolete facility so as to enable the region to attract more international aviation links that could, in turn, support tourism and exports. Based on analysis of documents and a range of stakeholder interviews, the paper shows how the development of the facilities and the associated impacts, from the shaping of space to meeting of operational targets, have been influenced by and also influenced the character of governance arrangements. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Cities; Mega-project impacts; Mega-projects; Multi-scalar governance; Private sector; Public sector | airport; governance approach; private sector; public sector; urban development; urban economy; urban planning; Durban; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904631082 | The dual impact of antiretroviral therapy and sexual behaviour changes on HIV epidemiologic trends in Uganda: A modelling study | Shafer L.A., Nsubuga R.N., Chapman R., O'Brien K., Mayanja B.N., White R.G. | 2014 | Sexually Transmitted Infections | 90 | 5 | 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051219 | Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, GF335, 810 Sherbrook Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Medical Research Council Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Shafer, L.A., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, GF335, 810 Sherbrook Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada, Medical Research Council Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Nsubuga, R.N., Medical Research Council Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Chapman, R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; O'Brien, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mayanja, B.N., Medical Research Council Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; White, R.G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability in a population may influence risky sexual behaviour. We examine the potential impact of ART on the HIV epidemic, incorporating evidence for the impact that ART may have on risky sexual behaviour. Methods: A mathematical model, parameterised using site-specific data from Uganda and worldwide literature review, was used to examine the likely impact of ART on HIV epidemiologic trends. We varied assumptions about rates of initiating ART, and changes in sexual partner turnover rates. Results: Modelling suggests that ART will reduce HIV incidence over 20 years, and increase prevalence. Even in the optimistic scenario of ART enrollment beginning after just five months of infection (in HIV stage 2), prevalence is estimated to rise from a baseline of 10.5% and 8.3% among women and men, respectively, to at least 12.1% and 10.2%, respectively. It will rise further if sexual disinhibition occurs or infectiousness while on ART is slightly higher (2% female to male, rather than 0.5%). The conditions required for ART to reduce prevalence over this period are likely too extreme to be achievable. For example, if ART enrolment begins in HIV stage 1 (within the first 5 months of infection), and if risky sexual behaviour does not increase, then 3 of our 11 top fitting results estimate a potential drop in HIV prevalence by 2025. If sexual risk taking rises, it will have a large additional impact on expected HIV prevalence. Prevalence will rise despite incidence falling, because ART extends life expectancy. Conclusions: HIV prevalence will rise. Even small increases in partner turnover rates will lead to an additional substantial increase in HIV prevalence. Policy makers are urged to continue HIV prevention activities, including promoting sex education, and to be prepared for a higher than previously suggested number of HIV infected people in need of treatment. | None | adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; epidemic; female; health care policy; high risk behavior; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; infection control; life expectancy; major clinical study; male; mathematical model; medical literature; priority journal; sexual behavior; sexual education; sexuality; Uganda; Africa; Antiretroviral therapy; epidemiologic trends; HIV/AIDS; mathematical modeling; sexual behavior; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Condoms; Female; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Policy Making; Prevalence; Risk-Taking; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Uganda; Viral Load | B&MGF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; G0501499, MRC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; G0802414, MRC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; MR/J005088/1, MRC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-50949099697 | The drivers influencing the relationship between sales representatives and customers and the impact this relationship has on sales volume within Coca-Cola's Western Cape region | Herbst F.J., Forrest C.L. | 2008 | South African Journal of Business Management | 39 | 1 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Franchise Manager Forbes Group (Western Cape), Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Western Cape, South Africa | Herbst, F.J., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Forrest, C.L., Franchise Manager Forbes Group (Western Cape), Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Western Cape, South Africa | Companies within the FMCG sector are continually trying to create value from their brands by increasing their margins and/or selling more of their products. Taking cost out of the value chain gives the company a competitive advantage, but this advantage is short lived as competitors also reduce costs. Differentiating a product through enhanced features and benefits also provides a competitive advantage, but is also subject to imitation by rivals. As competition increases, companies are looking for new avenues to differentiate themselves. Relationship marketing has, as a result, increased its prevalence as a competitive tool to provide that point of difference. This research investigated the factors that influence the relationships between a Coca-Cola sales representative and his/her customers within the Cape Town region. This article was developed after studying literature as it pertained to customer relationship marketing. From the literature the foundation blocks in developing buyer-seller relationships were studied. The research methodology tested the impact of certain factors on the ability to build a relationship between buyer and seller and then tested the validity of those answers using underlying determinants of a relationship. These determinants included the ability to communicate, the ability to trust, the degree of loyalty and the ability to influence a customer. The response to the questionnaires was extremely high (over 95%) and provided for a robust evaluation of data. The research showed that there was a positive correlation between the profile of a sales representative and a customer. It is easier for a sales representative to build a relationship with a customer who is a similar age. It is however easier for the sales representative to influence a younger customer. Gender plays no role in a sales representative's ability to build a relationship. With respect to education, a stronger relationship exists between a customer and sales representative of a similar education. Again it is easier for a representative to influence a customer who has a lower level of education. Race does have an impact on the ability to build relationships. The research showed that an African sales representative should service an African customer. There was a positive link between matching sales representatives and customers who come from similar areas and have the same religion. There was no correlation between the degree of the relationship that a Coca-Cola sales representative in the Western Cape region has with a customer and the sales growth within the outlets. This final conclusion must be read in the context of the relative high market share that the Coca-Cola Company has in the Western Cape. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350238308 | The doing and un-doing of public participation during environmental impact assessments in Kenya | Okello N., Beevers L., Douven W., Leentvaar J. | 2009 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 27 | 3 | 10.3152/146155109X465940 | Eco-excellence Consultancy Ltd, PO Box 49645 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015 2601, DA Delft, Netherlands | Okello, N., Eco-excellence Consultancy Ltd, PO Box 49645 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Beevers, L., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015 2601, DA Delft, Netherlands; Douven, W., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015 2601, DA Delft, Netherlands; Leentvaar, J., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015 2601, DA Delft, Netherlands | Mechanisms that restrict public participation during environmental decision-making in Kenya still exist almost a decade after the inception of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) of 1999. This paper analyses the current situation concerning public participation during environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). It presents the barriers that may impede effective public participation in environmental decision-making in Kenya and draws attention to possible solutions, including the potential of SEA as a bridge to better public participation.© IAIA 2009. | EIA; Environmental decision-making; Kenya; Public participation; SEA | decision making; environmental impact assessment; environmental management; local participation; strategic environmental assessment; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846349242 | The distributive impact of land markets in Uganda | Baland J.-M., Gaspart F., Platteau J.-P., Place F. | 2007 | Economic Development and Cultural Change | 55 | 2 | 10.1086/508717 | University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium; International Center for Research in Agroforestry, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | Baland, J.-M., University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Gaspart, F., Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium; Platteau, J.-P., University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Place, F., International Center for Research in Agroforestry, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | In central Uganda, land-market transactions tend to mitigate initial inequality in land endowments. Farmers with smaller endowments of inherited land succeed in buying more land than the other farmers. Perhaps more important, native farmers who have not inherited are able to acquire more land on the local land-sale market than any other category of farmers are able to obtain. This fact is explained in three ways: (1) landless farmers who cannot buy land out-migrate from the areas; (2) traditional norms of social security give preference to landless farmers on the land market; or (3) inheritance practices tend to discriminate against the male heirs susceptible to purchase enough land to set up their own farms. | None | agricultural land; farm; land market; social security; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
None | None | The distribution and impacts of harmful algal bloom species in eastern boundary upwelling systems | Trainer V.L., Pitcher G.C., Reguera B., Smayda T.J. | 2010 | Progress in Oceanography | 85 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.pocean.2010.02.003 | NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, United States; Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay, 8012 Cape Town, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa; Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Cabo Estay, Canido, 36200 Vigo, Spain; Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States | Trainer, V.L., NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, United States; Pitcher, G.C., Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay, 8012 Cape Town, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa; Reguera, B., Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Cabo Estay, Canido, 36200 Vigo, Spain; Smayda, T.J., Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States | Comparison of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species in eastern boundary upwelling systems, specifically species composition, bloom densities, toxin concentrations and impacts are likely to contribute to understanding these phenomena. We identify and describe HABs in the California, Canary, Benguela and Humboldt Current systems, including those that can cause the poisoning syndromes in humans called paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), and amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), as well as yessotoxins, ichthyotoxins, and high-biomass blooms resulting in hypoxia and anoxia. Such comparisons will allow identification of parameters, some unique to upwelling systems and others not, that contribute to the development of these harmful blooms. | None | Amnesic shellfish poisoning; Benguela; California; Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning; Harmful algal blooms; Humboldt current system; Paralytic shellfish poisoning; Species composition; Toxin concentrations; Upwelling systems; Algae control; Toxic materials; Blooms (metal); algal bloom; anoxia; community composition; eastern boundary current; environmental impact; hypoxia; paralytic shellfish poisoning; parameterization; population density; population distribution; toxin; upwelling; Atlantic Ocean; Pacific Ocean; algae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901931859 | The dimensions of oil conflict and impact on Nigeria's federal relations: A review | Akume A.T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p222 | Department Of Public Administration, CASSS, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria | Akume, A.T., Department Of Public Administration, CASSS, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria | Conflict is a natural human phenomenon. Its impact is however variegated and dependent on how it is handled. Nigeria is encumbered by conflicts that are occurring along political, social and economic fronts. Oil (petroleum) is an economic resource relevant to Nigeria's development but the disruptive disagreement, discontent and contention oil has continued to generate due to some perceived unfairness has made oil conflict to transcend economic, politics and social lines such that the entire national polity is tensed with strained relationships between groups on the one hand and on the other hand between groups and the state. This disagreement has significantly impaired Nigeria's developmental process. It is against this backdrop that this paper utilizing the documentary method and analytic approach examines the dimensions of oil conflict, the modes of its resolution and its impact on Nigeria. | Amnesty; And resource control; Conflict; Deprivation; Derivation; Frustration; Interest; Militancy; Niger-delta; Oil | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919641680 | The Diffusion and Impacts of Information and Communication Technology on Tourism in the Western Cape, South Africa | Anwar M.A., Carmody P., Surborg B., Corcoran A. | 2013 | Urban Forum | 25 | 4 | 10.1007/s12132-013-9210-4 | Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Commission for Aviation Regulation, Dublin, Ireland | Anwar, M.A., Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Carmody, P., Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Surborg, B., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Corcoran, A., Commission for Aviation Regulation, Dublin, Ireland | Two features of the globalising economy are its technological dynamism and its increasing service orientation. International tourism is an important element of the “new economy” of globalisation, as are new information and communication technologies. The relations between these two central elements of the reconfiguring world system have been under-theorised. Based on extensive primary fieldwork in Western Cape Province, South Africa, this paper explores the impact of new information and communication technologies on tourism development. It finds that, while these new technologies are extensively used in marketing and booking, in particular, foreign-owned websites have established a dominant command and control function, thereby replicating previous patterns of economic extraversion. © 2013, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Information and communication technologies; South Africa; Tourism | fieldwork; globalization; information and communication technology; international tourism; marketing; tourism development; World Wide Web; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248504652 | The differential impact of various assessment parameters on the medical students performance in the professional anatomy examination in a new medical school | Shittu L.A.J., Zachariah M.P., Izegbu M.C., Adesanya O.A., Ashiru O.A. | 2006 | International Journal of Morphology | 24 | 4 | None | Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Morbid Anatomy | Shittu, L.A.J., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Zachariah, M.P., Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Izegbu, M.C., Department of Morbid Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Adesanya, O.A., Department of Anatomy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo-State, Nigeria; Ashiru, O.A., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | There is a dearth of knowledge on the level of agreement between all the various assessment tasks on the same content area, in order to test this hypothesis we adopted the concept of convergent validity and also to isolate area of academic weakness among the students and to readjust the curriculum content to balance the weakness. A blinded cohort retrospective study was carried out on a total of sixty-six third year medical students who had sat for their first professional examination in anatomy in the new medical college of Lagos State University. Using records of their grades in the various assessments parameters- the average end-in course assessment, short essays question (SEQ), multiplechoice questions (MCQ), and practical (Steeple-chase). The mean + S.D. Pearson's correlation with students t-test (p< 0.05 being significant) were analyzed using the computerized SPSS 11 (SPSS inc. Chicago, Illinois) software package. The practical was significantly correlated with overall performance (r = 0.89, p< 0.01); with the student t-value of 6.15 (p< 0.01). Although, the SEQ showed significant correlation to overall performance (r =0.72; p<0.01), the t-value of 0.4 was nonsignificant, but, within an acceptable range. The practical, MCQ, SEQ and end-incourse showed an overall rank order of relative performance in assessment tasks, therefore indicates that, in general, students performance in the Professional examination was better than in the end-incourse examination and hence, the need to reappraise this pattern and emphasize the role of incourse assessment in the curriculum. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Anatom•br>. | Anatomy; Assessment parameters; Nigeria; Student performance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861632691 | The differential impact of two anesthetic techniques on cortisol levels in Nigerian surgical patients | Aggo A.T., Fyneface-Ogan S., Mato C.N. | 2012 | Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | 15 | 1 | 10.4103/1119-3077.94102 | Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Aggo, A.T., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Fyneface-Ogan, S., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Mato, C.N., Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Background: Surgical procedures are associated with a complexity of stress response characterized by neurohumoral, immulogic, and metabolic alterations. Aim: The aim was to compare the effects on the stress response by isoflurane-based intratracheal general anesthesia (ITGA) and bupivacaine-based epidural anesthesia (EA), using cortisol as a biochemical marker. Materials and Methods: Following the approval of the Hospital Ethical Board, informed written consent from patients recruited into this study was obtained. One group received general anesthesia with relaxant technique (group A) while the other group had bupicaine epidural anesthesia with catheter placement for top-ups (group B) for their surgeries. Both groups were assessed for plasma cortisol levels -baseline, 30 minutes after skin the start of surgery and at skin closure. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline mean heart rate, mean arterial pressure (mean MAP) and the mean duration of surgery between the two groups; the baseline mean plasma cortisol level was 88.70 ± 3.85 ng/ml for group A and 85.55 ± 2.29 ng/ml for group B, P=0.148. At 30 minutes after the start of surgery the plasma cortisol level in the GA group was 361.60 ± 31.27 ng/ml while it was 147.45 ± 22.36 ng/ml in the EA group, showing a significant difference, P=0.001. At skin closure the mean plasma cortisol value of 384.65 ± 48.04 ng/ml recorded in the GA group was found to be significantly higher than the value of 140.20 ± 10.74 ng/ml in the GA group, P<0.002. Conclusion: Using plasma cortisol as a measure, bupivacaine-based epidural anesthesia significantly reduces the stress response to surgical stimuli when compared with isoflurane-based tracheal general anesthesia. | Cortisol levels; Epidural anesthesia; General anesthesia; Surgery | anesthetic agent; bupivacaine; hydrocortisone; isoflurane; adult; aged; anesthesia; article; blood; epidural anesthesia; evaluation; female; general anesthesia; heart rate; human; male; methodology; middle aged; surgery; treatment outcome; Adult; Aged; Anesthesia, Epidural; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Intratracheal; Anesthetics; Bupivacaine; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Isoflurane; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Surgical Procedures, Operative | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745321309 | The differential impact of social-pension income on household poverty alleviation in three South African ethnic groups | Ferreira M. | 2006 | Ageing and Society | 26 | 3 | 10.1017/S0144686X0600482X | The Albertina and Walter Sisulu Institute of Ageing in Africa, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Ferreira, M., The Albertina and Walter Sisulu Institute of Ageing in Africa, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Social pension programmes play a key role in old-age support systems through their ability to reach vulnerable older persons. Pension income helps to sustain households affected by extreme poverty and vulnerability, by providing resources for spending that protects against vulnerability, and thereby they facilitate economic and social development. Under apartheid, South Africa's citizens were categorised according to race, and persons classified as Asian, black and coloured (mixed race) had less access to the opportunities and resources available to whites. Parity in the amount of social pension benefits paid to beneficiaries in the different ethnic categories was achieved only in 1993. The Non-Contributory Pensions and Poverty Study, conducted in Brazil and South Africa, has assessed the impact of social pension income on household poverty alleviation. This paper draws on the findings of the South African survey to analyse the differential effects of pension income on household poverty alleviation in three ethnic-geographic groups. Its data show a pervasive social and economic gradient of disadvantage among the groups, with rural-black households being most disadvantaged, urban-coloured households least disadvantaged, and urban-black households in between. The impact of pension income on household poverty alleviation has a similar pattern. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for the achievement of equity through informed policy interventions. © 2006 Cambridge University Press. | Equity; Ethnicity; Policy; Poverty alleviation; Social pensions; South Africa | black population; ethnicity; household income; household survey; pension system; poverty alleviation; social impact; social policy; Africa; Asia; Eurasia; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949751752 | The differential effect of labour unrest on corporate financial performance | Ganda F., Ngwakwe C.C. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 3CONT2 | None | School of Accountancy, University of Limpopo South Africa, South Africa; Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo South Africa, South Africa | Ganda, F., School of Accountancy, University of Limpopo South Africa, South Africa; Ngwakwe, C.C., Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo South Africa, South Africa | Heightening labour unrest episodes have inevitably generated important results on corporate financial performance. This paper provides first-hand, empirical data to illustrate the effect of labour unrest on firm performance before periods of labour unrest (2004 to 2008) and during periods of labour unrest (2009 to 2013) in South Africa’s mining sector. Content analysis was used to gather financial performance measures (Operating profit, Return on Capital Employed and Debt to Equity Ratios) of two mining firms. Then, t-test (paired samples) were utilised to analyse the data. The findings demonstrates that operating profit during labour unrest was lower when compared to operating profit before labour unrest for both company’s A and B. Return on Capital Employed results for five years before labour unrest was greater than ROCE during the labour unrest for both companies. Then, debt to equity during the labour unrest is greater than before labour unrest for the studied companies. © 2015 Virtus Interpress.All rights reserved. | Corporate Financial Performance; Debt to Equity Ratio; Labour Unrest; Mining Sector; Operating Profit; Return on Capital Employed | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856431067 | The Difference of Performance as Research | Fleishman M. | 2012 | Theatre Research International | 37 | 1 | 10.1017/S0307883311000745 | Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Fleishman, M., Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This article considers the proposition that performance as research is a series of embodied repetitions in time, on both micro (bodies, movements, sounds, improvisations, moments) and macro (events, productions, projects, installations) levels, in search of a series of differences. It investigates the proposition in terms of Bergson's notion of b creative evolutionb and Deleuze's engagement with it, and is concerned with questions such as: what nature of differences does performance as research give rise to? Where do the differences lie, in the repetitions or in the spaces in between? And is there a point at which the unleashing of differences is exhausted, a point at which, perhaps, the evolution becomes an involution, either a shrinkage of difference, an inverted return to the same, or, in the Deleuzian sense, a new production no longer dependent on differentiation but on transversal modes of becoming? © International Federation for Theatre Research 2012. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867506400 | The diagnostic performance of the GenoType MTBDRplus version 2 line probe assay is equivalent to that of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay | Barnard M., Gey Van Pittius N.C., Van Helden P.D., Bosman M., Coetzee G., Warren R.M. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 50 | 11 | 10.1128/JCM.01958-12 | National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; National TB Reference Laboratory, NHLS, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa | Barnard, M., National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Gey Van Pittius, N.C., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Van Helden, P.D., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Bosman, M., National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa; Coetzee, G., National TB Reference Laboratory, NHLS, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Warren, R.M., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Molecular diagnostics for Mycobacterium tuberculosis have recently been endorsed by the World Health Organization. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay was endorsed for use on patient material, regardless of smear gradation, while the GenoType MTBDRplus (version 1) has been limited for use on smear-positive patient material. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF and GenoType MTBDRplus (version 2) assays on smear-positive and smear-negative patient specimens submitted to a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory. A total of 282 consecutive specimens were subjected to the two new molecular assays, and their performance characteristics were assessed relative to the routine diagnostic standard. Both assays showed similar diagnostic performance characteristics. The sensitivities of the GenoType MTBDRplus (v2.0) and Xpert MTB/RIF assays for the detection of culture-positive M. tuberculosis were 73.1% and 71.2%, respectively, while the specificities of both assays were 100%. Both assays were able to diagnose the presence of M. tuberculosis in 57 to 58% of smear-negative cases, suggesting that the performance characteristics were dependent on bacillary load. The detection of M. tuberculosis in culture-negative specimens confirmed that molecular assays should not be used for treatment monitoring. The sensitivity and specificity for rifampin resistance detection were 100% in both assays; however, the GenoType MTBDRplus (v2.0) assay provided additional information on isoniazid susceptibility. The GenoType MTBDRplus (v2.0) assay will complement the Xpert MTB/RIF screening assay by validating rifampin susceptibility and providing information on isoniazid susceptibility. In addition, the GenoType MTBDRplus (v2.0) assay will provide pharmacogenetic information that may be critical in guiding appropriate treatment. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | isoniazid; rifampicin; analytical equipment; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium detection; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; laboratory; microbiological examination; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; predictive value; priority journal; screening; sensitivity and specificity; tuberculosis; Bacteriological Techniques; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Genotype; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948757618 | The diagnostic accuracy of integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the evaluation of pulmonary mass lesions in a tuberculosis-endemic area | du Toit R., Shaw J.A., Irusen E.M., von Groote-Bidlingmaier F., Warwick J.M., Koegelenberg C.F.N. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 12 | 10.7196/SAMJ.2015.v105i12.10300 | Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | du Toit, R., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Shaw, J.A., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Irusen, E.M., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; von Groote-Bidlingmaier, F., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Warwick, J.M., Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Koegelenberg, C.F.N., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Background. Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) is a well-validated modality for assessing pulmonary mass lesions and specifically for estimating risk of malignancy. Tuberculosis (TB) is known to cause false-positive PET-CT findings. Objective. To investigate the utility of PET-CT in the evaluation of pulmonary mass lesions and nodules in a high TB prevalence setting. Methods. All patients referred for the evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule or mass and who underwent PET-CT scanning over a 3-year period were included. The PET-CT findings, including maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), were compared with the gold standard (tissue or microbiological diagnosis). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy for malignant disease were calculated according to the SUVmax cut-off of 2.5 and a proposed cut-off obtained from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. Forty-nine patients (mean (standard deviation) age 60.1 (10.2) years; 29 males) were included, of whom 30 had malignancy. Using an SUVmax cut-off of 2.5, PET-CT had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy for malignancy of 93.3%, 36.8%, 70.0%, 77.8% and 71.4%, respectively. After a ROC curve analysis, a suggested SUVmax cut-off of 5.0 improved the specificity to 78.9% and the diagnostic accuracy to 86.7%, with a small reduction in sensitivity to 90.0%. Conclusions. The diagnostic accuracy of PET-CT in the evaluation of pulmonary mass lesions using the conventional SUVmax cut-off of 2.5 was reduced in a TB-endemic area. An SUVmax cut-off of 5.0 has a higher specificity and diagnostic accuracy for malignancy, with a comparable sensitivity. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | PET/CT; Positron emission tomography/computed tomography; Pulmonary mass lesions; Tuberculosis-endemic area | fluorodeoxyglucose f 18; adult; Article; clinical article; computer assisted emission tomography; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; histology; human; human tissue; lung cancer; lung lesion; lung nodule; lung tuberculosis; male; predictive value; receiver operating characteristic; sensitivity and specificity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930671344 | The development of a Simplified, Effective, Labour Monitoring-to-Action (SELMA) tool for Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD): Study protocol Obstetrics | Souza J.P., Oladapo O.T., Bohren M.A., Mugerwa K., Fawole B., Moscovici L., Alves D., Perdona G., Oliveira-Ciabati L., Vogel J.P., Tunçalp O., Zhang J., Hofmeyr J., Bahl R., Gülmezoglu A.M. | 2015 | Reproductive Health | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/s12978-015-0029-4 | Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; GLIDE Technical Cooperation and Research, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria; Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frere Maternity Hospital, P Bag X9047, East London, South Africa; Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland | Souza, J.P., Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil, GLIDE Technical Cooperation and Research, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; Oladapo, O.T., UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland; Bohren, M.A., UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, United States; Mugerwa, K., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makere University, Kampala, Uganda; Fawole, B., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria; Moscovici, L., Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil, GLIDE Technical Cooperation and Research, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; Alves, D., Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; Perdona, G., Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; Oliveira-Ciabati, L., Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil, GLIDE Technical Cooperation and Research, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil; Vogel, J.P., UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland; Tunçalp, O., UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland; Zhang, J., Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hofmeyr, J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frere Maternity Hospital, P Bag X9047, East London, South Africa; Bahl, R., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland; Gülmezoglu, A.M., UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Res. Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: The partograph is currently the main tool available to support decision-making of health professionals during labour. However, the rate of appropriate use of the partograph is disappointingly low. Apart from limitations that are associated with partograph use, evidence of positive impact on labour-related health outcomes is lacking. The main goal of this study is to develop a Simplified, Effective, Labour Monitoring-to-Action (SELMA) tool. The primary objectives are: to identify the essential elements of intrapartum monitoring that trigger the decision to use interventions aimed at preventing poor labour outcomes; to develop a simplified, monitoring-to-action algorithm for labour management; and to compare the diagnostic performance of SELMA and partograph algorithms as tools to identify women who are likely to develop poor labour-related outcomes. Methods/Design: A prospective cohort study will be conducted in eight health facilities in Nigeria and Uganda (four facilities from each country). All women admitted for vaginal birth will comprise the study population (estimated sample size: 7,812 women). Data will be collected on maternal characteristics on admission, labour events and pregnancy outcomes by trained research assistants at the participating health facilities. Prediction models will be developed to identify women at risk of intrapartum-related perinatal death or morbidity (primary outcomes) throughout the course of labour. These predictions models will be used to assemble a decision-support tool that will be able to suggest the best course of action to avert adverse outcomes during the course of labour. To develop this set of prediction models, we will use up-to-date techniques of prognostic research, including identification of important predictors, assigning of relative weights to each predictor, estimation of the predictive performance of the model through calibration and discrimination, and determination of its potential for application using internal validation techniques. Discussion: This research offers an opportunity to revisit the theoretical basis of the partograph. It is envisioned that the final product would help providers overcome the challenging tasks of promptly interpreting complex labour information and deriving appropriate clinical actions, and thus increase efficiency of the care process, enhance providers' competence and ultimately improve labour outcomes. Please see related articles ' http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0027-6 ' and ' http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0028-5 '. © 2015 Souza et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | Decision-support tool; Labour monitoring; Partograph | Article; clinical assessment tool; clinical trial; cohort analysis; decision support system; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; fetus; health care facility; hospital admission; human; internal validity; intrapartum care; major clinical study; medical record; multicenter study; newborn; Nigeria; outcome assessment; perinatal morbidity; perinatal mortality; population research; practice guideline; prediction; predictive value; pregnancy outcome; prognosis; prospective study; sample size; Simplified Effective Labor Monitoring to Action; Uganda; vaginal delivery | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940206658 | The development of a scoring tool for the measurement of performance in managing hypotension and intra-operative cardiac arrest during spinal Anaesthesia for caesarean section | Horsten G., Wise R., Ramroop S., Rodseth R. | 2015 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 21 | 3 | 10.1080/22201181.2015.1054617 | Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Clinical Unit, Critical Care, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Perioperative Research Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Statistics and Biometry, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Clinical Unit, Anaesthesia, Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Horsten, G., Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Wise, R., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Clinical Unit, Critical Care, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Perioperative Research Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ramroop, S., Department of Statistics and Biometry, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Rodseth, R., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Perioperative Research Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Clinical Unit, Anaesthesia, Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Background: At level one hospitals in South Africa a high annual number of maternal deaths occur due to the unrecognised/ untreated complications of spinal anaesthesia. The authors developed a clinical scenario and scoring system to measure intern performance in managing hypotension and cardiac arrest during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section on a human patient simulator. This system was then subjected to tests of validity and reliability. Methods: The simulator-based clinical scenario was developed by two specialist anaesthesiologists. A modified Delphi technique was used to achieve consensus among 10 anaesthetic specialists regarding a standardised scoring system. A total of 20 medical officers with a Diploma in Anaesthesiology and 20 interns completed the scenario and were scored by two senior anaesthesiologists. Results: Medical officers scored an average of 252 and 246 points, whereas interns scored an average of 216 and 215 points (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively). The scoring instrument demonstrated high inter-assessor reliability with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.983. Conclusions: The scoring tool was shown to be valid and reliable. It offers a standardised assessment process and may be used to refine institutional intern training programmes, with a view to improving anaesthesia skills in community service medical officers. © 2015 The Author(s). | Anaesthesia spinal; Caesarean section; Internship; Residency; Simulation; Simulator | Article; assessment of humans; cesarean section; computerised mannequin; Delphi study; diagnostic value; general medical device; heart arrest; human; hypotension; maternal mortality; medical education; medical personnel; reliability; simulation; simulator; simulator based clinical scenario; spinal anesthesia; validation process; validity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48749125391 | The development of a risk of failure evaluation tool for small dams in Mzingwane Catchment, Zimbabwe | Mufute N.L., Senzanje A., Kaseke E. | 2008 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 33 | 42595 | 10.1016/j.pce.2008.06.029 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant,, Zimbabwe; School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Mufute, N.L., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant,, Zimbabwe; Senzanje, A., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Kaseke, E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant,, Zimbabwe | Small dams in Mzingwane Catchment in southern Zimbabwe are mostly in poor physical condition mainly due to lack of resources for repair and maintenance. Most of these dams are likely to fail thereby adversely affecting water availability and livelihoods in the area. To assist those involved in maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of small dams in resource poor and data sparse areas such as Mzingwane Catchment, a non-probabilistic but numerical risk of failure evaluation tool was developed. The tool helps to systematically, and objectively classify risk of failure of small dams, hence assist in the ranking of dams to prioritise and attend to first. This is important where resources are limited. The tool makes use of factors such as seepage, erosion and others that are traditionally used to assess condition of dams. In the development of the tool, an assessment of the physical condition of 44 (1 medium sized and 43 small dams) dams was done and the factors were identified and listed according to guidelines for design and maintenance of small dams. The description of the extent to which the factors affect the physical condition of small dams was then standardised. This was mainly guided by standard based and risk-based approaches to dam safety evaluation. Cause-effect diagrams were used to determine the stage at which each factor is involved in contributing to dam failure. Weights were then allocated to each factor depending on its stage or level in the process of causing dam failure. Scores were allocated to each factor based on its description and weight. Small dams design and maintenance guidelines were also used to guide the ranking and weighting of the factors. The tool was used to classify 10 dams. The risk of failure was low for one dam, moderate for one, high for four and very high for four dams, two of which had already failed. It was concluded that the tool could be used to rank the risk of failure of small dams in semi-arid areas. The tool needs to be tested in a wider geographical area to improve its usefulness. © 2008. | Evaluation tool; Failure; Mzingwane catchment; Semi-arid; Small dam | Arid regions; Catchments; Disasters; Graphic methods; Hydraulic structures; Maintainability; Maintenance; Repair; Risk assessment; Runoff; Standards; Cause-effect diagrams; Dam failure; Dam safety evaluation; Evaluation tools; Geographical areas; Maintenance , repair and rehabilitation (MRR); Non-probabilistic; Physical conditions; Repair and maintenance; Risk of failure; Semi arid areas; Small dams; Sparse areas; Water availability; Zimbabwe; Dams; catchment; dam failure; dam repair; failure analysis; risk assessment; semiarid region; Africa; Matabeleland South; Mzingwane River; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845372104 | The development impact of solar cookers: A review of solar cooking impact research in South Africa | Wentzel M., Pouris A. | 2007 | Energy Policy | 35 | 3 | 10.1016/j.enpol.2006.06.002 | Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, PO Box 11906, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa; Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Lynwood Road, South Africa | Wentzel, M., Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, PO Box 11906, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa; Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Lynwood Road, South Africa | Solar cooking is often considered "a solution looking for a problem". Solar cookers have long been presented as an interesting solution to the world's problem of dwindling fuel wood sources and other environmental problems associated with wood fuel demand for cooking. However, recent GTZ field work in South Africa showed different benefits instead: the use of solar cookers resulted in appreciable fuel and time savings as well as increased energy security for households using commercial fuels. These observations are based on field tests in South Africa that started in 1996 to investigate the social acceptability of solar cookers and to facilitate local production and commercialisation of the technology. Impact studies and use rate studies have been carried out by a number of different organisations since the inception of the project and although commercialisation of the technology has not been achieved to its fullest potential, impact studies indicate that solar cookers have a positive development impact on households through fuel-, energy- and time savings. The article aims to summarise the findings of the various studies and present an overview of use rates and impact data. A variety of factors influence solar cooker use rates, which in turn determine impacts. Some factors are related to the user, some to the environment in which the cooker is used and some to the cooker itself. Ultimately, the data shows that on average, only 17% of solar cooker owners do not use their stoves after purchase and that active solar cooker users utilise their stoves on average for 31% of their cooking incidences. Since the majority of solar stove buyers actually use their stoves and obtain real benefits, this suggests that that solar cookers are indeed not a solution looking for a problem but a solution worth promoting. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Developing impacts; Household energy; Solar cooking | Economic and social effects; Energy resources; Environmental impact; Social aspects; Wood fuels; Household energy; Solar cooking; Solar equipment; alternative energy; household energy; solar cooker; solar power; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650402463 | The development and psychometric evaluation of a safety climate measure for primary care | De Wet C., Spence W., Mash R., Johnson P., Bowie P. | 2010 | Quality and Safety in Health Care | 19 | 6 | 10.1136/qshc.2008.031062 | National Health Service Education for Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Glasgow, United Kingdom; National Health Service Education for Scotland, 2 Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8BW, United Kingdom | De Wet, C., National Health Service Education for Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom, National Health Service Education for Scotland, 2 Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8BW, United Kingdom; Spence, W., University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Mash, R., Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Johnson, P., Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Bowie, P., National Health Service Education for Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Introduction: Building a safety culture is an important part of improving patient care. Measuring perceptions of safety climate among healthcare teams and organisations is a key element of this process. Existing measurement instruments are largely developed for secondary care settings in North America and many lack adequate psychometric testing. Our aim was to develop and test an instrument to measure perceptions of safety climate among primary care teams in National Health Service for Scotland. Method: Questionnaire development was facilitated through a steering group, literature review, semistructured interviews with primary care team members, a modified Delphi and completion of a content validity index by experts. A cross-sectional postal survey utilising the questionnaire was undertaken in a random sample of west of Scotland general practices to facilitate psychometric evaluation. Statistical methods, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach and Raykov reliability coefficients were conducted. Results: Of the 667 primary care team members based in 49 general practices surveyed, 563 returned completed questionnaires (84.4%). Psychometric evaluation resulted in the development of a 30-item questionnaire with five safety climate factors: Leadership, teamwork, communication, workload and safety systems. Retained items have strong factor loadings to only one factor. Reliability coefficients was satisfactory (α=0.94 and π=0.93). Discussion This study is the first stage in the development of an appropriately valid and reliable safety climate measure for primary care. Measuring safety climate perceptions has the potential to help primary care organisations and teams focus attention on safetyrelated issues and target improvement through educational interventions. Further research is required to explore acceptability and feasibility issues for primary care teams and the potential for organisational benchmarking. | None | article; female; human; interview; literature; male; national health service; organization; primary health care; psychometry; questionnaire; safety; United Kingdom; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Organizational Culture; Primary Health Care; Psychometrics; Questionnaires; Review Literature as Topic; Safety Management; Scotland; State Medicine | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36749074017 | The development and evaluation of a four-roller flour mill with parallelogram configuration | Famurewa J.A.V. | 2007 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 3 | 6 | None | Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Famurewa, J.A.V., Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | A roller mill was designed and evaluated using four equal size cylindrical rollers with their centers on vertices of a parallelogram. The relative speeds and opposite direction of rotation of the rollers allowed the discharge of the materials on them, and splitting took place in between the first pair of corrugated rollers. The broken seeds were directed towards the second and third nips where adequate size reduction was accomplished consecutively by smooth rollers. The milled products were separated into three fractions: chaff, flour and size larger than flour. The chaff and the flour are collected at different outlets, while the particles with sizes larger than flour are blown back into the hopper for further reduction. The mill was evaluated using three grains: maize, beans and soy beans at different combinations of evaluating parameters. The machine was able to mill grains to flour size without any leakage at the nip points. For all the grains, a wide gap set produced higher throughput than narrow, as well as fast feeding in smaller particle size and higher throughput. The results obtained from the evaluation showed that the machine is very capable of three-stage size reduction to produce flour, avoiding the feeding problems in three high roller mills. Sieve analysis of the milled product for each experiment showed uniform particle size. Copyright ©2007 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved. | Cereals; Milling; Roller mills; Size reduction | Food processing; Machine design; Milling (machining); Rollers (machine components); Rotation; Size determination; Cereals; Parallelogram configurations; Roller mills; Size reduction; Grain (agricultural product); Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
WoS | WOS:000272445000005 | The Developmental Impact of Asian Drivers on Kenya with Emphasis on Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing | Kamau, Paul,McCormick, Dorothy,Pinaud, Nicolas | 2009 | WORLD ECONOMY | 32 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2009.01251.x | University of Nairobi, OECD Dev Ctr | "Kamau, Paul: University of Nairobi","McCormick, Dorothy: University of Nairobi", | (1251) Paul Kamau with Dorothy McCormick and Nicolas Pinaud
Kenya has enjoyed a relatively diversified economy (at least by SSA standards), with light manufacturing industries in particular playing a significant growing role. The rise of Asian competition (locally, regionally and on third-country markets), partly due to the erosion of trade preferences for clothing and footwear, has raised fresh policy challenges. The specific relevance of the clothing industry in the analysis of China's and India's impact on Africa is manifold: this is a low-skilled labour-intensive industry, and hence an avenue for African economies' diversification; the competition from Asian producers vis--vis the SSA clothing industry is felt at the local, regional and global level (on third-country markets): it is therefore direct and indirect; also, the Asian Drivers' impact on African clothing industries has both a trade and investment dimension while being competitive and complementary. | ,AFRICA,CHINA | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000272445000006 | The Developmental Impact of Asian Drivers on Ethiopia with Emphasis on Small-scale Footwear Producers | Gebre-Egziabher, Tegegne | 2009 | WORLD ECONOMY | 32 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2009.01252.x | Addis Ababa University | None | (1252) Tegegne Gebre-Egziabher
This paper examines the developmental impact of China and India on Ethiopia by examining macro-level trade, investment and aid relation, and micro-level impacts on local micro and small-scale footwear producers. Both secondary and primary data were used. At macro level there are clear evidences of an increase in trade between Ethiopia on the one hand and China and India on the other, though the trade balance disfavours Ethiopia. China has displaced other countries as export destinations for Ethiopia. Similarly, the presence of China and India is also felt in the areas of investment and aid. At local level, Chinese imports of footwear have forced local enterprises to downsize their activity and lose assets and money. At the same time, however, firms have followed both the high road of competition (design and quality improvement, investment in machinery, product specialisation) and the low road of competition (lowering price and profit, reducing raw materials and inputs, and joining the informal sector) to withstand the impact of Chinese imports. The long-term effect of Chinese imports is to crowd out local efforts of using the sector as the basis for industrialisation. Government, non-government organisations and local producers should work together in order to withstand the negative impacts of footwear imports by raising the competitiveness of the local producers. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746531217 | The determinants of credit access and its impacts on micro and small enterprises: The case of garment producers in Kenya | Akoten J.E., Sawada Y., Otsuka K. | 2006 | Economic Development and Cultural Change | 54 | 4 | 10.1086/503585 | Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya; University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development, Japan | Akoten, J.E., Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya; Sawada, Y., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Otsuka, K., Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development, Japan | To explore the factors affecting access to various credit sources for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and to identify the impacts of those factors on profitability and employment growth, data exclusively collected from a stratified random sample of micro and small garment producers in three garment clusters in Nairobi, Kenya were employed. It was found that MSEs in Kenya attempt to resolve the scarcity of credit by borrowing from diverse sources of credit, including such indigenous credit sources as rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs). In all the clusters studied, ROSCAs are the most important credit source at the cluster with the highest density of active garment producers. | None | employment; garment industry; microenterprise; profitability; random walk method; small and medium-sized enterprise; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882430919 | The determinants of box office performance in the film industry revisited | Pangarker N.A., Smit E.V.D.M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Business Management | 44 | 3 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Pangarker, N.A., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Smit, E.V.D.M., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | The film industry is a significant player in the global economy. It calls for significant up-front investments with the result that analysts, studios and investors alike are interested in predicting box office success as part of financial risk management. This study utilises global box office revenue in assessing the effects of eight explanatory variables, identified from previous studies, in the explanation of revenue. Nearly three decades after the seminal study the extension of the original methodology to global rather than USA data, still confirms production cost, releases by major studios, award nominations and sequels to successful films as the key drivers of global box office revenue. The evidence further suggests that in the modern global context, the film genre, the release date around holidays and positive critical reviews play a less significant role than in the original investigation. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867237053 | 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-s2.0-33746298345 | The design of an ERT system for 3D data acquisition and a quantitative evaluation of its performance | Wilkinson A.J., Randall E.W., Long T.M., Collins A. | 2006 | Measurement Science and Technology | 17 | 8 | 10.1088/0957-0233/17/8/006 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wilkinson, A.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Randall, E.W., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Long, T.M., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Collins, A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This paper describes a multi-plane implementation of a current-pulse electrical resistance tomography (ERT) data capture system. This is achieved by extending a single plane system, with 16 electrodes and 16 parallel measurement channels, to a one capable of acquiring data in a specified sequence across multiple planes (up to eight) by inserting multiplexer modules in parallel between the instrument and the electrode array. This approach allows high-speed capture systems to be configured for applications such as dual plane cross-correlation velocity measurements or more complex current injection and measurement sequences yielding 3D data sets. The measurement timing and multiplexer measurement sequences are implemented by an embedded processor. Both the executable code and the measurement sequence tables are downloaded to the instrument at start-up. This allows flexibility in specifying the data acquisition sequences and timing required for specific applications without modification of the hardware or embedded code. The effect of measurement noise on the estimated conductivity is quantified and spatial resolution discussed for the case of a 2D online imaging algorithm. Example reconstructions from recorded data sets are presented which verify the operation of the instrument. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd. | 3D; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography; ERT; Multiplexing; Noise; Resolution | Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography (ERT); High-speed capture systems; Multiplexer modules; Electric resistance; Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electric resistance; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-42149088980 | The design of advanced performance high strength low-carbon martensitic armour steels. Part 1. Mechanical property considerations | Maweja K., Stumpf W. | 2008 | Materials Science and Engineering A | 485 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.msea.2007.08.048 | Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Maweja, K., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Stumpf, W., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | In a series of experimentally tempered martensitic steel alloys it was observed that for a given chemical composition, the heat treatment parameters for advanced ballistic performance are different from those required for higher mechanical properties, rendering the often specified relationship between mechanical properties and ballistic performance questionable. Systematic analysis of the microstructures and the fracture surfaces of 13 laboratory melted tempered martensitic armour plate steels was carried out to understand the improved ballistic performance of these steels of which the mechanical properties were actually lower than currently specified for military and security applications. It was, furthermore, observed that the detrimental effect of inclusions on ballistic performance depends on the tempering temperature and on the strain rate. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Armour steel; Ballistic performance; Inclusions; Martensite; Mechanical properties; Strain rate | Armor; Ballistics; Chemical analysis; Fracture; Heat treatment; Inclusions; Martensite; Metallographic microstructure; Plate metal; Strain rate; Chemical composition; Detrimental effect; Carbon steel; Armor; Ballistics; Carbon steel; Chemical analysis; Fracture; Heat treatment; Inclusions; Martensite; Metallographic microstructure; Plate metal; Strain rate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41149119106 | The design of advanced performance high strength low-carbon martensitic armour steels. Microstructural considerations | Maweja K., Stumpf W. | 2008 | Materials Science and Engineering A | 480 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.msea.2007.07.078 | Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Maweja, K., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Stumpf, W., Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Neither a higher hardness nor higher mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, impact energy, and %elongation) appear to be exclusive or even reliable criteria for predicting the ballistic performance of martensitic armour steels, as shown in our previous work [K. Maweja, W.E. Stumpf, Mater. Sci. Eng. A (February), submitted for publication]. An alternative design methodology for tempered martensitic armour steels is, therefore, proposed which is based on the effect of retained austenite on the ratio of the yield to ultimate tensile strength (YS/UTS), the microstructure of the tempered martensite and its martensite start temperature Ms. This approach was developed using 6 mm thick armour plates and later was successfully applied to the design of eight experimental armour steels with plate thicknesses ranging from 4.7 to 5.2 mm and tested by the standard R4 (5.56 mm rounds) ballistic test. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Ballistic performance; Design; Martensitic armour steels; Microstructure; YS/UTS | Ballistics; Martensite; Mechanical testing; Metallographic microstructure; Plate metal; Tensile strength; Ballistic performance; Ballistic test; Martensitic armour steels; Ultimate tensile strength; Carbon steel; Ballistics; Carbon steel; Martensite; Mechanical testing; Metallographic microstructure; Plate metal; Tensile strength | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855773556 | The design, implementation and evaluation of computerized clinic patient management and clinician order entry systems in a PMTCT clinic in Uganda | Kavuma M., Mars M. | 2011 | 2011 IST-Africa Conference Proceedings, IST 2011 | None | None | None | Management Sciences for Health, P.O Box 71419, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Tele Health Nelson R Mandela Medical School University of KwaZulu Natal, 719 Umbilo Road 4001, Congella 4013, South Africa | Kavuma, M., Management Sciences for Health, P.O Box 71419, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Tele Health Nelson R Mandela Medical School University of KwaZulu Natal, 719 Umbilo Road 4001, Congella 4013, South Africa; Mars, M., Department of Tele Health Nelson R Mandela Medical School University of KwaZulu Natal, 719 Umbilo Road 4001, Congella 4013, South Africa | A computerized clinic patient management system (CCPMS) and a portable clinician electronic order entry system were designed for the HIV/AIDS PMTCT research and programme activities at Mulago hospital. Clinicians satisfaction with the CCPMS was evaluated using a quantitative questionnaire and 848 records were collected to evaluate the portable clinician order entry system. Most clinicians thought the CCPMS improved clinic and drug inventory management. 52% thought it slightly impacted on the quality of patient care and 90% preferred using the CCPMS. Hospital tablet PC order entry system data were found to be more complete and significantly more accurate with 0.8% errors daily compared to 4.1% errors daily in paper based registers (p#60;0.0001). A lower number of missed infant MTCT prophylaxis dosing was also observed in the tablet PC data (4% compared to 14%). Computerized information systems can enhance HIV/AIDS care and research efforts and clinicians are willing to adopt them. © 2011 IIMC LTD. | clinic; computerized; Design; evaluation; portable; systems; Uganda | clinic; computerized; evaluation; portable; Uganda; Computer systems; Design; Diseases; Errors; Hospitals; Inventory control; Personal computers; Quality control | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248195150 | The design and evaluation of placebo material for crude herbals: Artemisia afra herb as a model | Dube A., Manthata L.N., Syce J.A. | 2007 | Phytotherapy Research | 21 | 5 | 10.1002/ptr.2084 | School of Pharmacy, South African Herbal Science and Medicines Institute (SAHSMI), University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | Dube, A., School of Pharmacy, South African Herbal Science and Medicines Institute (SAHSMI), University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Manthata, L.N., School of Pharmacy, South African Herbal Science and Medicines Institute (SAHSMI), University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Syce, J.A., School of Pharmacy, South African Herbal Science and Medicines Institute (SAHSMI), University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | Herbal materials are known to present significant challenges with regard to designing credible placebos. This study intended to demonstrate the possibility of designing placebo material for crude herbals and used Artemisia afra, a popular traditional herbal medicine in South Africa, as a model. To produce the placebo, step-wise solvent extractions were conducted on the plant leaves and the process was monitored spectrophotometrically and using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection. The odour and taste between the placebo and A. afra was matched by inclusion of linalool and sodium saccharin, respectively. The muscle relaxant activity of the placebo was evaluated using an isolated guinea-pig tracheal muscle preparation. The UV absorbance of the extracts and the HPLC chromatograms, showed that most of the phytochemical constituents had been removed and the placebo closely resembled the A. afra leaves. The EC50 of the placebo and the leaves were 4846.00 and 68.49 mg/mL, respectively, which showed that not only did the A. afra leaves possess muscle relaxant activity, but that the placebo did not possess any significant activity compared with the A. afra leaves (p value 0.0001). These results demonstrated that it is possible to design credible, pharmacologically inert placebo material for crude herbals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Artemisia afra; Crude herbal material; Herbal placebo design; HPLC; Muscle relaxant activity; Solvent extraction | herbaceous agent; placebo; plant medicinal product; animal experiment; animal tissue; Artemisia; article; controlled study; diode; female; guinea pig; high performance liquid chromatography; male; muscle relaxation; nonhuman; odor; plant leaf; solvent extraction; South Africa; spectrophotometer; taste; trachea muscle; ultraviolet radiation; Animals; Artemisia; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Guinea Pigs; Medicine, Herbal; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Odors; Placebos; Plant Preparations; Taste; Trachea; Artemisia afra; Cavia | None |
WoS | WOS:000259280900015 | The design and evaluation of a hope enhancement programme for adults | Pretorius, Charl,Temane, Michael,Venter, Chris,Wissing, Marie | 2008 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 18 | 2 | None | Univ NW | None | The study evaluated the effectiveness of a hope enhancement programme for a group of adults and its impact on general psychological well-being. The intervention programme focused on participants' abilities to set feasible goals, planning ways to reach those goals (pathways) and increase determination and motivation (agency) to reach these goals. The workshop-format programme, consisted of six two-hour sessions conducted over five days. A pre and post-test design included an experimental group (n = 8), control group (n = 8) and 'chat group' (n = 8). Findings indicated that the programme increased hope levels of the experimental group as indicated by the Hope Scale and the Hopefulness Subscale of the Hunter Opinions and Personal Expectations Scale. Well-being also improved as indicated by a significant increase in sense of coherence along with a positive change in satisfaction with life. Recommendations for future research were made. | HOPE,"hope enhancement","programme evaluation","psychological well-being","SATISFACTION WITH LIFE","SENSE OF COHERENCE","COHERENCE SCALE",HAPPINESS,"LIFE SCALE",MENTAL-HEALTH,OPTIMISM,SATISFACTION,SELF-EFFICACY,SENSE,STRENGTH,VALIDATION | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899948778 | The description of South African corporate communication practitioners that contribute to organisational performance | Le Roux T. | 2014 | Public Relations Review | 40 | 2 | 10.1016/j.pubrev.2013.11.008 | School of Communication Studies/African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), Hoffmanstreet North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Le Roux, T., School of Communication Studies/African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), Hoffmanstreet North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Public relations are a function that contributes to the greater good of society and the performance of an organisation ( Grunig, 2006b; Grunig et al., 2002). However, many times the practitioner fails to accomplish this undertaking ( Grunig et al., 2002; Tobin, 2004; Van Ruler, 1997).Practitioners, researchers and professional bodies from various countries have researched, and tried to suggest the abilities, skills, knowledge and approach that practitioners should have and take, in order to make a contribution to organisational performance. However, no study has provided a comprehensive prioritised list of all these variables in order to describe the practitioner that contributes to organisational performance.In light of this problem, this study tries to describe the South African public relations practitioner that will be able to contribute to organisational performance. The study firstly prioritises and tests all the variables influencing practitioners listed in literature against the views of South African practitioners in top performing organisations. Secondly the study, through the use of structural equation modelling, builds a model that describes the variables pertaining to a South African practitioner that contribute to organisational performance, from the view of South African practitioners.The study is framed within the relational, reflective, two-way symmetrical and feminist paradigms, supported by the general excellence theory as meta-theory, and the relationship management and corporate communication role theories. The multidimensional paradigm was specifically selected to accommodate the complex research context ( Grunig, 1989, 2006a; Valin, 2004).The research methodology followed is both exploratory and interpretive. The literature study is followed by semi-structured interviews with four purposefully selected practitioners and the chairpersons of the two professional bodies (PRISA and IABC) in order to verify the variables identified in literature, and possibly identify new variables pertaining to the South African environment. All these variables were then used to construct a questionnaire completed by public relations practitioners active in the 1319 top performing South African organisations as per South Africa's Top 300 National Companies List ( Fletcher, 2007) and the Financial Mail Top 200 Companies List ( Williams, 2005). A response rate of 19.9% was achieved.The qualitative data was content analysed and the quantitative data analysed by means of Statistica ( StatSoft Inc., 2007) and SPSS ( SPSS Inc., 2007) data analysis software. In order to build a model that describes the South African practitioner that contributes to organisational performance, structural equation modelling by means of AMOS ( SPSS Inc., 2009) software was used.In essence it was found that practitioners should take ownership of and manage their contribution to organisational performance. Furthermore, 13 variables pertaining to the individual-, industry- and professional-levels were statistically verified as the most important variables describing South African practitioners contributing to organisational performance. Due to the specific relationship between these variables, it would seem that enhancing any of these 13 variables would enhance the practitioner's contribution to organisational performance. The main contribution of the study is to add to the discussion on the how the profession can manage and expand its contribution to organisational performance. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Corporate communication influences; Corporate communication roles theory; Manager; Practitioner roles; Strategist; Technician | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649122419 | The description and evaluation of an african breath psychotherapeutic workshop | Edwards S.D. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 2 | None | University of Zululand, South Africa; 3 Antigua, 32 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320, South Africa | Edwards, S.D., University of Zululand, South Africa, 3 Antigua, 32 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320, South Africa | An African breath psychotherapeutic workshop is described and evaluated with a small group of participants (students =9, males = 3, females =6, age range =24 to 59 years, mean age 40.3 years) all of whom were professionally registered psychologists. There were 3 Xhosa, 2 Zulu, 1 Tswana, 2 English and 1 Afrikaans home language speakers. The workshop, which was based on accessing original Spirit through ancestral and personal breath-based spirituality, was called Shiso, an acronym for Spirit, Heart, Image, Soul and Oneness. Findings indicated significant improvement in self-perceived ratings of spirituality on a standardized scale by all participants. Individual student descriptions and focus group discussion indicated some awareness of original Spirit as revealed through subtle breathing experiences invoking the universal and personal ancestral presence of the participants. The experience was meaningfully described in such terms as relaxation, connection, openness, harmony, integration, awareness, amazement, healing and transcendence. Copyright ©2009. | African; Breath; Psychotherapy; Spiritual healing; Spirituality; Workshop | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350625511 | The demographic impact of HIV and AIDS across the family and household life-cycle: Implications for efforts to strengthen families in sub-Saharan Africa | Hosegood V. | 2009 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 21 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/09540120902923063 | Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; CYFSD, HSRC, Dalbridge, South Africa; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies/UKZN, Durban, South Africa | Hosegood, V., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, CYFSD, HSRC, Dalbridge, South Africa, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies/UKZN, Durban, South Africa | HIV is no longer a new or emerging disease in southern Africa. In the era of HIV and AIDS, families and households have continued to form, build, migrate and dissolve. Children born in the 1980s with the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission have already gone on to start the next generation of families and households. Isolating the impact of HIV and AIDS on families and households is complex given that the epidemic has become part of the direction and force of contemporary demographic, social and economic processes and trends. Cycles of family and household life have occurred in a changing HIV and AIDS public-health environment, one in which HIV treatment access has increased rapidly. As part of an on-going process to assess the relevance and effectiveness of policies and programmes designed to protect and support children affected by HIV and AIDS, it is necessary to update our knowledge about the family and household circumstances in which children live. This paper summarises findings from a review on the Demographic Evidence of Family and Household Changes in Response to the Effects of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa: Implications for Efforts to Strengthen Families. The review examined published literature presenting data from empirical studies, primarily large, cross-sectional or longitudinal population-based or sample surveys. The family or household life-cycle is used as a conceptual and organisational framework. The implications of the demographic evidence are discussed in relation to policy and programme responses to strengthen families and households in the region. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Demographic impact True; Demography; Families; HIV/AIDS; Households | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa; article; demography; family counseling; health care policy; health program; health survey; household; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; marriage; nonhuman; priority journal; professional practice; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Child; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Characteristics; Family Health; Female; Health Surveys; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Reproductive Health; Socioeconomic Factors; Vulnerable Populations; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349200981 | The decline of tuberculosis in Yemen: Evaluation based on two nationwide tuberculin surveys | Al-Absi A., Bassili A., Abdul Bary H., Barker A., Daniels M., Munim A., Seita A., Williams B., Dye C. | 2009 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 13 | 9 | None | National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Sana'a, Yemen; Tropical Disease Research, Stop TB, World Health Organization, Abdul Razzak Al Sanhouri Street, Nasr City, Cairo 11371, Egypt; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; World Health Organization, Khartoum, Sudan; Stop TB, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Al-Absi, A., National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Sana'a, Yemen; Bassili, A., Tropical Disease Research, Stop TB, World Health Organization, Abdul Razzak Al Sanhouri Street, Nasr City, Cairo 11371, Egypt; Abdul Bary, H., National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Sana'a, Yemen; Barker, A., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Daniels, M., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Munim, A., World Health Organization, Khartoum, Sudan; Seita, A., Tropical Disease Research, Stop TB, World Health Organization, Abdul Razzak Al Sanhouri Street, Nasr City, Cairo 11371, Egypt; Williams, B., Stop TB, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Dye, C., Stop TB, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | SETTING: Yemen. OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis (TB) in Yemen by conducting a tuberculin survey and by comparing the results obtained with those of a previous tuberculin survey from 1991. DESIGN: A nationwide tuberculin survey enrolling 31276 schoolchildren aged between 7 and 12 years. RESULTS: Skin indurations were recorded for 28499 schoolchildren, of whom 16927 (59.4%) had no bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar. Analysis of the distribution of indurations was difficult as it did not show any bimodal pattern. Prevalence of infection and annual risk of tuberculosis infection (ARTI) were thus estimated using the mirror image and mixture methods, and not the cut-off point method. The two methods indicated similar results: respectively 0.45% and 0.51% for prevalence of infection, and 0.05% and 0.05% for ARTI. In comparison with the 1991 tuberculin survey, the average annual decline of ARTI was 9.0% by the mirror method and 5.5% by the mixture method. CONCLUSION: Yemen seems to have a low ARTI (0.05%), and TB infection seems to be declining considerably. Analysis of the survey results highlighted the limitations of tuberculin surveys in countries with comparable epidemiological situations. © 2009 The Union. | Annual risk of TB infection; Prevalence; Tuberculin survey; Tuberculosis | BCG vaccine; tuberculin; article; child; controlled study; female; human; major clinical study; male; prevalence; priority journal; school child; skin induration; tuberculosis; Yemen; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Risk Assessment; Time Factors; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Yemen | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-66349134266 | The cost of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in South Africa | Retief F., Chabalala B. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management | 11 | 1 | 10.1142/S1464333209003257 | School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Centre for Environmental Management, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Retief, F., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Chabalala, B., Centre for Environmental Management, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | The wide adoption of EIA internationally is implicitly or explicitly based on the assumption that the benefits of EIA outweigh the costs. However, there has been surprisingly little empirical research conducted on the "cost" of EIA. The latter has been mostly because of the difficult methodological challenges it presents, which include the difficulties associated with clarifying terminology and disentangling what is meant by "cost". South Africa has been a leading developing country in terms of the introduction of EIA. However, almost a decade of mandatory EIA practice has raised serious questions about unjustified and unnecessary time delays and monetary costs and a desperate need for improved efficiency and effectiveness. In light of the latter the urgent need to gain a better understanding of the "cost" of EIA is evident. This paper presents preliminary results of an empirical study on the "direct EIA cost" in relation to "overall project cost" in South Africa. The data was obtained from a detailed survey of 148 EIAs conducted in the Free State, North West and the Northern Cape Provinces. The research suggests that the average direct cost of EIA within this region of South Africa is particularly low compared to international EIA systems. However, as a percentage of total project cost, EIA in South Africa compares with the higher spectrum of international practice. The latter suggests that within the South African context a large number of EIAs are being conducted for relatively small scale projects and that the main cost burden is placed on small and medium economic enterprise. In conclusion the overall profile of EIA cost in the South African context is described in relation to four broad project categories. To take the debate forward and to allow for regional comparative analysis, it is proposed that the research be expanded to include other provinces. © Imperial College Press. | Cost of EIA; Direct EIA costs; Indirect EIA costs | developing world; empirical analysis; environmental impact assessment; environmental planning; methodology; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
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-s2.0-34548274984 | The correlation of segment accelerations and impact forces with knee angle in jump landing | Elvin N.G., Elvin A.A., Arnoczky S.P., Torry M.R. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Biomechanics | 23 | 3 | None | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation, Vail, CO, United States | Elvin, N.G., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Elvin, A.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Arnoczky, S.P., Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Torry, M.R., Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation, Vail, CO, United States | Impact forces and shock deceleration during jumping and running have been associated with various knee injury etiologies. This study investigates the influence of jump height and knee contact angle on peak ground reaction force and segment axial accelerations. Ground reaction force, segment axial acceleration, and knee angles were measured for 6 male subjects during vertical jumping. A simple spring-mass model is used to predict the landing stiffness at impact as a function of (1) jump height, (2) peak impact force, (3) peak tibial axial acceleration, (4) peak thigh axial acceleration, and (5) peak trunk axial acceleration. Using a nonlinear least square fit, a strong (r = 0.86) and significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlation was found between knee contact angle and stiffness calculated using the peak impact force and jump height. The same model also showed that the correlation was strong (r = 0.81) and significant (p ≤ 0.05) between knee contact angle and stiffness calculated from the peak trunk axial accelerations. The correlation was weaker for the peak thigh (r = 0.71) and tibial (r = 0.45) axial accelerations. Using the peak force but neglecting jump height in the model, produces significantly worse correlation (r = 0.58). It was concluded that knee contact angle significantly influences both peak ground reaction forces and segment accelerations. However, owing to the nonlinear relationship, peak forces and segment accelerations change more rapidly at smaller knee flexion angles (i.e., close to full extension) than at greater knee flexion angles. © 2007 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Accelerometers; Jumping height; Landing ground reaction | Accelerometers; Contact angle; Correlation theory; Impact strength; Physiological models; Stiffness; Ground reaction force; Jump landing; Jumping height; Knee angle; Shock deceleration; Biomechanics; acceleration; adult; article; correlation analysis; force; height; human; human experiment; jumping; knee function; male; nonlinear system; normal human; statistical significance; thigh; tibia; trunk; Acceleration; Adult; Computer Simulation; Gait; Humans; Knee Joint; Locomotion; Male; Models, Biological; Range of Motion, Articular; Stress, Mechanical; Task Performance and Analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908375913 | The correlation of leadership practices of first and second generation family business owners to business performance | van der Westhuizen J.P., Garnett A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 21 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n21p27 | Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | van der Westhuizen, J.P., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Garnett, A., North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | Family firms are a major contributor to many economies. However, very few of these businesses will continue to exist after the first generation due to succession failure. Family business leaders need to learn how to manage the factors that affect the succession process. Researchers in family business literature acknowledge that leadership is vital to the success and survival of the firm, although the high failure rate of family businesses in the second and later generations indicates that the succeeding generations might not have developed sufficient leadership practices to sustain business performance. The aim of this research study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between leadership practices and business performance amongst first and second generation owners of family firms. A self administered, quantitative survey questionnaire, measuring leadership practices and business performance was distributed via means of a non-probability, snowball sampling method to 197 first and second generation family business owners in the Sedibeng region of South Africa. The findings indicate that positive significant correlations exist between the occurrence of leadership practices and business performance for first generation leaders of the selected family businesses, but limited correlations exist between the variables for the second generation leaders. These results illuminate the potential differences in the ways that first and second generation leaders lead family businesses. To this end, propositions are offered to assist founders in training future leaders. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Business performance; Family business; First generation; Leadership practices; Successors | None | None |
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-s2.0-84939270193 | The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System: Updates to the model and evaluation of version 6.5 | Van Amburgh M.E., Collao-Saenz E.A., Higgs R.J., Ross D.A., Recktenwald E.B., Raffrenato E., Chase L.E., Overton T.R., Mills J.K., Foskolos A. | 2015 | Journal of Dairy Science | 98 | 9 | 10.3168/jds.2015-9378 | Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, Brazil; Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Elanco Animal Health, Canastota, NY, United States | Van Amburgh, M.E., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Collao-Saenz, E.A., Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, Brazil; Higgs, R.J., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Ross, D.A., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Recktenwald, E.B., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Raffrenato, E., Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Chase, L.E., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Overton, T.R., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Mills, J.K., Elanco Animal Health, Canastota, NY, United States; Foskolos, A., Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States | New laboratory and animal sampling methods and data have been generated over the last 10 yr that had the potential to improve the predictions for energy, protein, and AA supply and requirements in the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The objectives of this study were to describe updates to the CNCPS and evaluate model performance against both literature and on-farm data. The changes to the feed library were significant and are reported in a separate manuscript. Degradation rates of protein and carbohydrate fractions were adjusted according to new fractionation schemes, and corresponding changes to equations used to calculate rumen outflows and postrumen digestion were presented. In response to the feed-library changes and an increased supply of essential AA because of updated contents of AA, a combined efficiency of use was adopted in place of separate calculations for maintenance and lactation to better represent the biology of the cow. Four different data sets were developed to evaluate Lys and Met requirements, rumen N balance, and milk yield predictions. In total 99 peer-reviewed studies with 389 treatments and 15 regional farms with 50 different diets were included. The broken-line model with plateau was used to identify the concentration of Lys and Met that maximizes milk protein yield and content. Results suggested concentrations of 7.00 and 2.60% of metabolizable protein (MP) for Lys and Met, respectively, for maximal protein yield and 6.77 and 2.85% of MP for Lys and Met, respectively, for maximal protein content. Updated AA concentrations were numerically higher for Lys and 11 to 18% higher for Met compared with CNCPS v6.0, and this is attributed to the increased content of Met and Lys in feeds that were previously incorrectly analyzed and described. The prediction of postruminal flows of N and milk yield were evaluated using the correlation coefficient from the BLUP (R2<inf>BLUP</inf>) procedure or model predictions (R2<inf>MDP</inf>) and the concordance correlation coefficient. The accuracy and precision of rumen-degradable N and undegradable N and bacterial N flows were improved with reduced bias. The CNCPS v6.5 predicted accurate and precise milk yield according to the first-limiting nutrient (MP or metabolizable energy) with a R2<inf>BLUP</inf>=0.97, R2<inf>MDP</inf>=0.78, and concordance correlation coefficient=0.83. Furthermore, MP-allowable milk was predicted with greater precision than metabolizable energy-allowable milk (R2<inf>MDP</inf>=0.82 and 0.76, respectively, for MP and metabolizable energy). Results suggest a significant improvement of the model, especially under conditions of MP limitation. © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. | Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System; Dairy cattle; Evaluation; Update | Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Bos | None |
WoS | WOS:000287165400017 | The contribution of South African curricula to prepare health professionals for working in rural or under-served areas in South Africa: A peer review evaluation | Cakwe, M.,CHEER,Reid, S. J. | 2011 | SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL | 101 | 1 | None | University of Cape Town, University of Kwazulu Natal | "Cakwe, M.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Reid, S. J.: University of Cape Town" | Setting. The Collaboration for Health Equity through Education and Research (CHEER) was formed in 2003 to examine strategies that would increase the production of health professionals who choose to practise in rural and under-served areas in South Africa.
Objectives. We aimed to identify how each faculty is preparing its students for service in rural or under-served areas.
Methods. Peer reviews were conducted at all nine participating universities. A case study approach was used, with each peer review constituting its own study but following a common protocol and tools. Each research team comprised at least three reviewers from different universities, and each review was conducted over at least 3 days on site.
The participating faculties were assessed on 11 themes, including faculty mission statements, resource allocation, student selection, first exposure of students to rural and under-served areas, length of exposure, practical experience, theoretical input, involvement with the community, relationship with the health service, assessment of students and research and programme evaluation.
Results. With a few exceptions, most themes were assessed as inadequate or adequate with respect to the preparation of students for practice in rural or under-served areas after qualification, despite implicit intentions to the contrary at certain faculties.
Conclusions. Common challenges, best practices and potential solutions have been identified through this project. Greater priority must be given to supporting rural teaching sites in terms of resources and teaching capacity, in partnership with government agencies. | ,CHOICE | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-36048990788 | The contribution of isokinetic strength parameters to the performance of cricket batsmen | Nunes T., Coetzee B. | 2007 | Isokinetics and Exercise Science | 15 | 3 | None | Sport Science (Human Movement Science), 10 Boom Street, Miederpark, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa; School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2521, South Africa | Nunes, T., Sport Science (Human Movement Science), 10 Boom Street, Miederpark, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa; Coetzee, B., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2521, South Africa | The purposes of this study were to determine which of the isokinetic knee and shoulder strength parameters discriminate between successful and less successful provincial academy cricket batsmen and to assess the contribution of isokinetic knee and shoulder strength parameters to the performance of these athletes. Twenty-two contracted batsmen (20.63 ± 1.62 years) from the Gauteng and North-West Cricket Academies in South Africa were tested during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. The discriminant analyses showed that no strength, work or power parameters discriminated significantly between the successful (top 5 ranked batsmen of both seasons) and less successful academy batsmen. A forward stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that the contribution of individual knee-related isokinetic parameters ranged 4-16% whereas for the shoulder the range was 4-28%. However knee parameters accounted for a total of 57% of the difference between the more and less successful batsmen while the corresponding share in terms of shoulder parameters was even higher: 61%. The conclusion that can, therefore, be drawn is that isokinetic knee and shoulder strength parameters contribute to the performance of provincial academy cricket batsmen and that these components should be included in the talent identification protocols for young promising batsmen. © 2007 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved. | Batsmen; Batting; Cricket; Isokinetic strength | adult; article; cricket; discriminant analysis; human; human experiment; knee function; male; multiple regression; muscle isometric contraction; muscle strength; musculoskeletal system parameters; normal human; shoulder; sport; sports medicine | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859864105 | The concept of masking as a cultural device for Chewa music and dance performances | Nthala G.M. | 2011 | Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa | 8 | 1 | 10.2989/18121004.2011.652383 | University of the Free State, Odeion School of Music, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Nthala, G.M., University of the Free State, Odeion School of Music, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | In the course of field research various relationships between Chewa masking as a cultural phenomenon and Chewa music and dance became consistently evident. The research focused on the ethnographic study of drumming artistry within major Chewa dances. This resulted in a detailed analysis of Chewa dance organisations and drumming accompaniment from musical, anthropological, theatre, fine art and dance perspectives. In this article two Chewa dances, gulewamkulu and mganda, are used to demonstrate that Chewa music and dance performances display the concept of masking through their organisation, presentation and coordination. As a cultural device, Chewa masking emanates from various historical roots and is applied to music and dance performances culturally, musically, symbolically and aesthetically, making it a key element in the execution of these performances. © 2011 Copyright NISC (Pty) Ltd. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-57049169698 | The comparison of three β-agonists for growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot cattle | Strydom P.E., Frylinck L., Montgomery J.L., Smith M.F. | 2009 | Meat Science | 81 | 3 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2008.10.011 | Animal Nutrition and Animal Products Institute (ANPI), Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Intervet a Part of Schering-Plough Corporation, 29160 Intervet Lane, Millsboro, DE 19966, United States; Biometry Unit, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X519, Silverton 0127, South Africa | Strydom, P.E., Animal Nutrition and Animal Products Institute (ANPI), Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Frylinck, L., Animal Nutrition and Animal Products Institute (ANPI), Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Montgomery, J.L., Intervet a Part of Schering-Plough Corporation, 29160 Intervet Lane, Millsboro, DE 19966, United States; Smith, M.F., Biometry Unit, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X519, Silverton 0127, South Africa | Forty-eight Bonsmara steers were assigned to three treatment groups and one control group consisting of 12 animals each. The control (C) received no β-agonist, while the three treatment groups received zilpaterol (6 ppm) (Z), ractopamine (30 ppm) (R) or clenbuterol (2 ppm) (Cl) for the last thirty days on feed. Growth performance (final 30 days), USDA quality and yield grades and meat quality (shear force, chemical, histological and biochemical) were compared for the three β-agonist and control groups. Animals responded negatively to Cl treatment during initial stages of supplementation, which was evident in lower feed consumption and initial growth rates. For carcass growth and yield, Cl had greater and more efficient growth rates, higher dressed out yields (proportional), lower USDA yield grades, and reduced marbling compared with C (P < 0.05). For meat quality measurements, the M. longissimus (LL) and M. semitendinosus (ST) were sampled. Cl had the greatest effect (P < 0.05) on WBSF, especially on the LL, followed by Z. Variation in tenderness and ageing effects corresponded with variation in calpastatin activity and myofibrillar fragmentation between treatment groups. While zilpaterol and ractopamine are currently the only products registered for cattle in different countries, it seems that zilpaterol has an advantage in carcass growth efficiency and yield without showing any adaptation problems for animals such as experienced by the more aggressive β-agonist clenbuterol. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | β-Agonist; Beef; Calpain; Drip loss; Myofibril fragment length; Tenderness | Animalia; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962079229 | The comparison of in vitro release methods for the evaluation of oxytocin release from pluronic® F127 parenteral formulations | Chaibva F.A., Walker R.B. | 2007 | Dissolution Technologies | 14 | 4 | 10.14227/DT140407P15 | Department of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Chaibva, F.A., Department of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Walker, R.B., Department of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | The objective of these studies was to develop a discriminatory in vitro release test for assessing formulation factors that may affect oxytocin (OT) release during formulation development studies of a Pluronic® F127 OT in situ gel-forming parenteral dosage form. An appropriate release assessment method should be able to discriminate between the performance of different formulation compositions (1, 2), and this was the primary criterion used for selection of an appropriate test procedure during the test method development process. ANOVA and the difference (f1) and similarity (f2) factors were used to evaluate the discriminatory behavior of different test methods that were investigated in these studies. The in vitro release tests that were investigated included the use of USP Apparatus 1, 2, and 3; a dialysis bag in USP Apparatus 2; and a membrane-less diffusion method. It was concluded that the use of USP Apparatus 3 was best able to discriminate between OT release for the different formulations tested. USP Apparatus 3 was thus considered the most suitable in vitro release test apparatus for studying formulation factors affecting OT release during the development of a parenteral dosage form prepared using Pluronic® F127. © 2007, Dissolution Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883446561 | The comparative performance of chartered accountancy students in South Africa: The impact of historical legacies | Sartorius K., Sartorius B. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.817307 | School of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Sartorius, K., School of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sartorius, B., School of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | African students continue to underperform in South Africa's schools and universities. This paper investigates the comparative performance of African chartered accountancy students from school to post-university level. The paper employed a mixed-method approach to analyse a series of cross-sectional datasets. The results showed that African students have underperformed at school, university and at post-university level, although the performance gap appears to be narrowing in the first professional chartered accountancy examination. The differential performance of these students was explained by poorer marks in mathematics and English that can be traced back to historical legacies in the education sector. South African universities, moreover, perpetuate this disadvantage because they have retained Eurocentric teaching approaches. In order to remove these barriers, tuition at school and university must be complemented by cross-cultural teaching practices and bridging programmes. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | accountancy students; examination performance | academic performance; comparative study; student; teaching; university sector; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449209745 | The combined impact of mine drainage in the Ankobra River Basin, SW Ghana | Akabzaa T.M., Jamieson H.E., Jorgenson N., Nyame K. | 2009 | Mine Water and the Environment | 28 | 1 | 10.1007/s10230-008-0057-1 | Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Department of Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Akabzaa, T.M., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Jamieson, H.E., Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Jorgenson, N., Department of Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nyame, K., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | This study assessed the combined effects of seven large-scale gold mines, one manganese mine, and scattered artisanal gold mining sites on the quality of water in the Ankobra Basin in a geologically complex terrain. Water samples from streams, boreholes, hand dug wells, and mine spoil were analysed. Scatter plots of trends among measured parameters were used to assess drainage quality and differential impacts. Drainage quality exhibits wide seasonal and spatial variations; the geology strongly influences the water chemistry. Areas with low pH (<5.5), and high sulphate ions and trace ions are suggestive of acid mine drainage while sites with high pH (>7.5), HCO3 -, subdued SO4 2-, and high trace ions are suggestive of sites where acid neutralization is effective. High metal sources are largely confined to mining operations in the Birimian formation with ores containing more than 2% sulphides. However, restricted high metal regimes are observed in drainage in the Tarkwaian formation associated with scatted sulphide-bearing dolerite dykes in the operational areas of the Tarkwa and Damang mines. Earlier studies disputed sulphides in the Tarkwaian formation until recently, when acid-generating dykes were discovered in operating pits. The most degraded waters emanate from the Prestea and Iduapriem mines, and to a lesser extent, the Nsuta mine sites, all mining Birimian rocks. The Tarkwa mine showed minimal metal loading. Zn, Cu, Ni, As, SO4, pH, and specific conductance are essential and adequate parameters in determining if acid drainage is taking place at these sites, and are recommended for routine mine environmental monitoring. | Ankobra River; Drainage; Ghana; Mine; Water | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925250271 | The Collaborative Wilms Tumour Africa Project; Baseline evaluation of Wilms tumour treatment and outcome in eight institutes in sub-Saharan Africa | Paintsil V., David H., Kambugu J., Renner L., Kouya F., Eden T., Hesseling P., Molyneux E., Israels T. | 2015 | European Journal of Cancer | 51 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejca.2014.10.030 | Dept of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; Dept of Paediatric Oncology, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dept of Paeds Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Dept of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Dept of Paediatric Oncology, Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; Acad Unit of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Dept of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Dept of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Blantyrea, Malawi; Department of Paediatric Oncology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117Amsterdam, Netherlands | Paintsil, V., Dept of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; David, H., Dept of Paediatric Oncology, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kambugu, J., Dept of Paeds Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Renner, L., Dept of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Kouya, F., Dept of Paediatric Oncology, Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; Eden, T., Acad Unit of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Hesseling, P., Dept of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Molyneux, E., Dept of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Blantyrea, Malawi; Israels, T., Department of Paediatric Oncology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117Amsterdam, Netherlands | Aim Reported survival of Wilms tumour in sub-Saharan Africa is below 50%. A published International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) consensus adapted treatment guideline is implemented as a multi-centre prospective clinical trial at eight centres in sub-Saharan Africa. A baseline evaluation has been done to help decide on priorities to improve outcome and to assess improvements over time. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients admitted with Wilms tumour in the three years (2011-2013) preceding the collaborative trial. Patient outcome at the end of treatment was documented for all patients diagnosed in 2011 and 2012. Outcome was classified as (1) alive, no evidence of disease; (2) alive with disease; (3) died during treatment and (4) incomplete treatment. Details on treatment facilities, staff and estimated cost of treatment are documented. Results Every year 114-130 patients are diagnosed. The mean survival at end of treatment is 39% (69/176) ranging from 11% to 61%. Incomplete treatment is the most common cause of treatment failure with 31% (54/176), ranging from 14% to 48% between centres. Twenty-six percent (46/176) of patients died during treatment, ranging from 13% to 37%. Estimated cost of treatment for parents ranged from 100 US$ to 1100 US$ and was considered an important cause of failure to complete treatment. Conclusion Overall two year survival is estimated at 25%. Prevention of incomplete treatment is possible and will positively affect outcome. Sharing similar local challenges in this regional collaborative project helps to identify and implement feasible, sustainable and successful strategies. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Adapted treatment guideline; Africa; Developing country; Low income country; Nephroblastoma; Regional network; Treatment abandonment; Treatment cost; Treatment related mortality; Wilms tumour | Africa south of the Sahara; Article; cancer patient; cancer survival; demography; follow up; health care cost; health insurance; human; major clinical study; medical record review; nephroblastoma; outcome assessment; priority journal; retrospective study; treatment failure; treatment outcome; clinical trial; economics; female; mortality; multicenter study; prospective study; risk factor; survival; treatment outcome; Wilms Tumor; Africa South of the Sahara; Female; Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Wilms Tumor | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862958822 | The COL5A1 gene, ultra-marathon running performance, and range of motion | Brown J.C., Miller C.-J., Posthumus M., Schwellnus M.P., Collins M. | 2011 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 6 | 4 | None | Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Brown, J.C., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Miller, C.-J., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Posthumus, M., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Schwellnus, M.P., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: Endurance running performance is a multifactorial phenotype that is strongly associated with running economy. Sit and reach range of motion (SR ROM) is negatively associated with running economy, suggesting that reduced SR ROM is advantageous for endurance running performance. The COL5A1 gene has been associated with both endurance running performance and SR ROM in separate cohorts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether COL5A1 is associated with ultra-marathon running performance and whether this relationship could be partly explained by prerace SR ROM. Methods: Seventy-two runners (52 male, 20 female) were recruited from the 56 km Two Oceans ultra-marathon and were assessed for prerace SR ROM. The cohort was genotyped for the COL5A1 BstUI restriction fragment length polymorphism, and race times were collected after the event. Results: Participants with a TT genotype (341 ± 41 min, N = 21) completed the 56 km Two Oceans ultra-marathon significantly (P = 0.014) faster than participants with TC and CC genotypes (365 ± 39 min, N = 50). The COL5A1 genotype and age accounted for 19% of performance variance. When the cohort was divided into performance and flexibility quadrants, the T allele was significantly (P = 0.044) over-represented within the fast and inflexible quadrant. Conclusion: The COL5A1 genotype was found to be significantly associated with performance in a 56 km ultra-endurance run. This study confirms previous findings and it furthers our understanding of the relationships among ROM, COL5A1, and endurance running performance. We continue to speculate that the COL5A1 gene alters muscle-tendon stiffness. © 2011 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Athletic performance; Endurance; Genetic association; Range of motion; Running economy; Type V collagen | COL5A1 protein, human; collagen type 5; adult; analysis of variance; article; athletic performance; endurance; female; gene expression; genetic polymorphism; genetics; genotype; human; joint characteristics and functions; male; phenotype; physiology; running; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Athletic Performance; Collagen Type V; Female; Gene Expression; Genotype; Humans; Male; Phenotype; Physical Endurance; Polymorphism, Genetic; Range of Motion, Articular; Running | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953731718 | The COL5A1 gene: A novel marker of endurance running performance | Posthumus M., Schwellnus M.P., Collins M. | 2011 | Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise | 43 | 4 | 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181f34f4d | Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Posthumus, M., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Schwellnus, M.P., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | BACKGROUND: Running economy, a key component of endurance ability, has been shown to be associated with flexibility. Increased stiffness (inflexibility) may improve running economy and therefore endurance running ability. The COL5A1 gene, which encodes the α1-chain of type V collagen, was found to associate with measures of flexibility. Type V collagen is a quantitatively minor fibrillar collagen, which is believed to regulate fibrillogenesis within tendons and other connective tissue. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether the COL5A1 gene is associated with endurance performance. METHODS: Three hundred thirteen Caucasian male participants who completed either the 2006 or the 2007 226-km South African Ironman triathlon (3.8-km swim, 180-km bike, and 42.2-km run) participated in this study. All participants were genotyped for the COL5A1 BstUI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: The COL5A1 BstUI RFLP was significantly associated with time to complete the running component of the triathlon. Participants with a TT genotype completed the running component of the race significantly faster than individuals with a CC genotype (P = 0.019; mean ± SD: TT = 294.2 ± 52.1 min, CC = 307.4 ± 48.6 min). In addition, there was a significant linear trend (P = 0.020) in the CC genotype distribution when the run times were divided into the fastest (13%), middle (17%), and slowest (25%) tertiles. There were no significant genotype differences for time to complete the swim, the bike, or the overall race. COL5A1 BstUI RFLP, body mass index, age, and 15 wk of running training history predicted 30% of the variance in running performance. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to identify the COL5A1 BstUI RFLP as a marker for endurance running performance. Further studies are required to replicate these findings. © 2011 The American College of Sports Medicine. | IRONMAN; TRIATHLON; TYPE V COLLAGEN | COL5A1 protein, human; collagen type 5; adult; article; athletic performance; blood; endurance; genetics; genotype; human; male; metabolism; middle aged; physiology; running; South Africa; Adult; Athletic Performance; Collagen Type V; Genotype; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Endurance; Running; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868145132 | The coagulation performance of okra mucilage in an industrial effluent by turbidimetry | Ani J.U., Nnaji N.J., Okoye C.O.B., Onukwuli O.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Chemical Sciences | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | Ani, J.U., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nnaji, N.J., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okoye, C.O.B., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onukwuli, O.D., Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | The determination of coagulation rate constants was achieved by monitoring changes in the concentration of the coagulating suspension with time. These coagulation rate constants were obtained by turbidimetric studies on fibre-cement industry effluent (FCIE). The gravimetric method of measuring the concentration of suspended particles is tedious and thus not suitable for routine evaluations of coagulation kinetics. The coagulation rate constants were obtained from the slopes of first and second order plots of the coagulation reactions using aluminum sulphate and okra mucilage (OMUC) as coagulants. The work further examined the suitability of OMUC as a novel coagulant for the removal of colloids from FCIE. | Coagulation rate constant; Colloids; Fibre-cement; Nephelometric; Orthokinetic | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951741165 | The clinical impact of combining intermittent preventive treatment with home management of malaria in children aged below 5years: Cluster randomised trial | Tagbor H., Cairns M., Nakwa E., Browne E., Sarkodie B., Counihan H., Meek S., Chandramohan D. | 2011 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 16 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02699.x | Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; District Health Administration Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti, Ghana; Malaria Consortium, London, United Kingdom | Tagbor, H., Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Cairns, M., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Nakwa, E., Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Browne, E., Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Sarkodie, B., District Health Administration Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti, Ghana; Counihan, H., Malaria Consortium, London, United Kingdom; Meek, S., Malaria Consortium, London, United Kingdom; Chandramohan, D., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective To investigate the impact of seasonal intermittent preventive treatment (IPTc) on malaria-related morbidity in children <5years of age who already had access to home-based management of malaria (HMM) for presumptive treatment of fevers. Method Thirty community-based drug distributors (CDDs) from all 13 communities of a rural subdistrict in Ghana were trained to provide prompt treatment for presumptive malaria using artesunate-amodiaquine (AS+AQ) to all children under 5years of age. Six communities were randomised to also receive bimonthly courses of seasonal IPTc with AS+AQ in May, July and September of 2007. The primary outcome was the incidence rate of febrile episodes diagnosed presumptively as malaria by the CDDs in the communities in each intervention group. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to determine the prevalence of parasitaemia and anaemia among the study children. Results During the 6months in which IPTc was delivered, incidence of fevers in communities given HMM+IPTc was lower than in communities given HMM alone, but this difference was not statistically significant (protective efficacy: 37.0%(95% CI: -9.7 to 63.8; P=0.14). However, incidence of presumptive malaria was significantly lower in IPTc communities when only children who received all three courses of IPTc were included in the analysis: protective efficacy 61.5% (95% CI:31.2-78.5; P=0.018). Protection with IPTc was not followed by rebound morbidity in the following year. At the end of the intervention period, prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia was lower in communities that had received IPTc, but there were no differences in anaemia or haemoglobin concentration. Conclusion In this study area, incidence of fevers was lower in communities given three courses of IPTc during the time of peak transmission than in communities that received only HMM. However, high levels of coverage for IPTc will be necessary for maximum impact. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Home; Intermittent; Malaria; Management; Preventive; Treatment | amodiaquine plus artesunate; child health; cluster analysis; disease control; disease transmission; disease treatment; drug prescribing; health survey; malaria; morbidity; anemia; article; child; clinical evaluation; dizziness; drug intermittent therapy; dysphagia; female; fever; Ghana; headache; heart palpitation; home care; human; incidence; insomnia; intermittent preventive therapy; jaundice; major clinical study; malaria; male; morbidity; mouth pain; nausea; parasitemia; patient compliance; preschool child; prevalence; pruritus; randomized controlled trial; rash; rural area; side effect; treatment indication; treatment outcome; urine color; vomiting; weakness; Anemia; Antimalarials; Child, Preschool; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Fever; Ghana; Home Care Services; Humans; Infant; Malaria; Male; Medication Adherence; Parasitemia; Seasons; Treatment Outcome; Ghana; Artesunate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650709477 | The clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of routine, voluntary HIV screening in South Africa | Walensky R.P., Wood R., Fofana M.O., Martinson N.A., Losina E., April M.D., Bassett I.V., Morris B.L., Freedberg K.A., Paltiel A.D. | 2011 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 56 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181fb8f24 | Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, United States; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Walensky, R.P., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Fofana, M.O., General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Martinson, N.A., School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa; Losina, E., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, United States, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; April, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Bassett, I.V., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Morris, B.L., General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Freedberg, K.A., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Paltiel, A.D., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Background:: Although 900,000 HIV-infected South Africans receive antiretroviral therapy, the majority of South Africans with HIV remain undiagnosed. Methods: We use a published simulation model of HIV case detection and treatment to examine 3 HIV screening scenarios, in addition to current practice as follows: (1) one-time; (2) every 5 years; and (3) annually. South African model input data include the following: 16.9% HIV prevalence, 1.3% annual incidence, 49% test acceptance rate, HIV testing costs of $6.49/patient, and a 47% linkage-to-care rate (including 2 sequential antiretroviral therapy regimens) for identified cases. Outcomes include life expectancy, direct medical costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness. Results: HIV screening one-time, every 5 years, and annually increase HIV-infected quality-adjusted life expectancy (mean age 33 years) from 180.6 months (current practice) to 184.9, 187.6, and 197.2 months. The incremental cost-effectiveness of one-time screening is dominated by screening every 5 years. Screening every 5 years and annually each have incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $1570/quality-adjusted life year and $1720/quality-adjusted life year. Screening annually is very cost-effective even in settings with the lowest incidence/prevalence, with test acceptance and linkage rates both as low as 20%, or when accounting for a stigma impact at least four-fold that of the base case. Conclusions: In South Africa, annual voluntary HIV screening offers substantial clinical benefit and is very cost-effective, even with highly constrained access to care and treatment. © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | None | antiretrovirus agent; nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; proteinase inhibitor; adult; article; clinical article; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness analysis; female; health care access; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; life expectancy; male; priority journal; quality adjusted life year; screening; simulation; South Africa; treatment outcome; Adult; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Anti-HIV Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Costs and Cost Analysis; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; HIV Infections; Humans; Life Expectancy; Mass Screening; Models, Theoretical; Social Stigma; South Africa; Time Factors; Voluntary Programs | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907959202 | The Clinical and Economic Impact of Point-of-Care CD4 Testing in Mozambique and Other Resource-Limited Settings: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis | Hyle E.P., Jani I.V., Lehe J., Su A.E., Wood R., Quevedo J., Losina E., Bassett I.V., Pei P.P., Paltiel A.D., Resch S., Freedberg K.A., Peter T., Walensky R.P. | 2014 | PLoS Medicine | 11 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001725 | Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Instituto Nacional da Saùde, Maputo, Mozambique; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Maputo, Mozambique; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | Hyle, E.P., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Jani, I.V., Instituto Nacional da Saùde, Maputo, Mozambique; Lehe, J., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Maputo, Mozambique; Su, A.E., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Quevedo, J., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Maputo, Mozambique; Losina, E., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Bassett, I.V., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Pei, P.P., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Paltiel, A.D., Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Resch, S., Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Freedberg, K.A., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Peter, T., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Maputo, Mozambique; Walensky, R.P., Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.We use a validated model of HIV testing, linkage, and treatment (CEPAC-International) to examine two strategies of immunological staging in Mozambique: (1) laboratory-based CD4 testing (LAB-CD4) and (2) point-of-care CD4 testing (POC-CD4). Model outcomes include 5-y survival, life expectancy, lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Input parameters include linkage to care (LAB-CD4, 34%; POC-CD4, 61%), probability of correctly detecting antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility (sensitivity: LAB-CD4, 100%; POC-CD4, 90%) or ART ineligibility (specificity: LAB-CD4, 100%; POC-CD4, 85%), and test cost (LAB-CD4, US$10; POC-CD4, US$24). In sensitivity analyses, we vary POC-CD4-specific parameters, as well as cohort and setting parameters to reflect a range of scenarios in sub-Saharan Africa. We consider ICERs less than three times the per capita gross domestic product in Mozambique (US$570) to be cost-effective, and ICERs less than one times the per capita gross domestic product in Mozambique to be very cost-effective. Projected 5-y survival in HIV-infected persons with LAB-CD4 is 60.9% (95% CI, 60.9%–61.0%), increasing to 65.0% (95% CI, 64.9%–65.1%) with POC-CD4. Discounted life expectancy and per person lifetime costs with LAB-CD4 are 9.6 y (95% CI, 9.6–9.6 y) and US$2,440 (95% CI, US$2,440–US$2,450) and increase with POC-CD4 to 10.3 y (95% CI, 10.3–10.3 y) and US$2,800 (95% CI, US$2,790–US$2,800); the ICER of POC-CD4 compared to LAB-CD4 is US$500/year of life saved (YLS) (95% CI, US$480–US$520/YLS). POC-CD4 improves clinical outcomes and remains near the very cost-effective threshold in sensitivity analyses, even if point-of-care CD4 tests have lower sensitivity/specificity and higher cost than published values. In other resource-limited settings with fewer opportunities to access care, POC-CD4 has a greater impact on clinical outcomes and remains cost-effective compared to LAB-CD4. Limitations of the analysis include the uncertainty around input parameters, which is examined in sensitivity analyses. The potential added benefits due to decreased transmission are excluded; their inclusion would likely further increase the value of POC-CD4 compared to LAB-CD4.POC-CD4 at the time of HIV diagnosis could improve survival and be cost-effective compared to LAB-CD4 in Mozambique, if it improves linkage to care. POC-CD4 could have the greatest impact on mortality in settings where resources for HIV testing and linkage are most limited.Point-of-care CD4 tests at HIV diagnosis could improve linkage to care in resource-limited settings. Our objective is to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of point-of-care CD4 tests compared to laboratory-based tests in Mozambique. © 2014 Hyle et al. | None | adult; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical feature; cost effectiveness analysis; cost of living; economic aspect; female; financial management; health care cost; highly active antiretroviral therapy; hospital care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; life expectancy; male; middle aged; mortality; Mozambique; opportunistic infection; point of care CD4 testing; point of care testing; sensitivity and specificity; survival rate; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; validation process; aged; cost benefit analysis; economics; health care planning; HIV Infections; hospital information system; procedures; young adult; Adult; Aged; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Health Care Costs; Health Resources; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mozambique; Point-of-Care Systems; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873051514 | The clinical and economic impact of genotype testing at first-line antiretroviral therapy failure for HIV-infected patients in South Africa | Levison J.H., Wood R., Scott C.A., Ciaranello A.L., Martinson N.A., Rusu C., Losina E., Freedberg K.A., Walensky R.P. | 2013 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 56 | 4 | 10.1093/cid/cis887 | Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Departments of Biostatistics, United States; Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University, School of Public Health, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, United States; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States; Harvard Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | Levison, J.H., Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Scott, C.A., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Ciaranello, A.L., Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Martinson, N.A., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Rusu, C., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Losina, E., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Departments of Biostatistics, United States, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States, Harvard Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Freedberg, K.A., Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University, School of Public Health, United States, Harvard Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Walensky, R.P., Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, United States, Harvard Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | Background. In resource-limited settings, genotype testing at virologic failure on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) may identify patients with wild-type (WT) virus. After adherence counseling, these patients may safely and effectively continue first-line ART, thereby delaying more expensive second-line ART.Methods. We used the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications International model of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease to simulate a South African cohort of HIV-infected adults at first-line ART failure. Two strategies were examined: no genotype vs genotype, assuming availability of protease inhibitor-based second-line ART. Model inputs at first-line ART failure were mean age 38 years, mean CD4 173/μL, and WT virus prevalence 20%; genotype cost was $300 per test and delay to results, 3 months. Outcomes included life expectancy, per-person costs (2010 US dollars), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (dollars per years of life saved [YLS]).Results. No genotype had a projected life expectancy of 106.1 months, which with genotype increased to 108.3 months. Per-person discounted lifetime costs were $16 360 and $16 540, respectively. Compared to no genotype, genotype was very cost-effective, by international guidance, at $900/YLS. The cost-effectiveness of genotype was sensitive to prevalence of WT virus (very cost-effective when prevalence ≥12%), CD4 at first-line ART failure, and ART efficacy. Genotype-associated delays in care ≥5 months decreased survival and made no genotype the preferred strategy. When the test cost was <$100, genotype became cost-saving. Conclusions. Genotype resistance testing at first-line ART failure is very cost-effective in South Africa. The cost-effectiveness of this strategy will depend on prevalence of WT virus and timely response to genotype results. © 2012 The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup. com. | antiretroviral treatment failure; HIV; resistance testing; resource-limited settings | antiretrovirus agent; darunavir; etravirine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; proteinase inhibitor; tenofovir; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cost effectiveness analysis; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug treatment failure; genotype; gross national product; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; life expectancy; major clinical study; priority journal; South Africa; survival; wild type; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Genotype; Health Resources; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Models, Theoretical; South Africa; Treatment Failure | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938151874 | The CIB-lensing bispectrum: Impact on primordial non-gaussianity and detectability for the Planck mission | Curto A., Tucci M., Kunz M., Martínez-González E. | 2015 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 450 | 4 | 10.1093/mnras/stv849 | Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain; Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Kavli Institute for Cosmology Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 6 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, South Africa | Curto, A., Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Kavli Institute for Cosmology Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Tucci, M., Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland; Kunz, M., Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 6 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, South Africa; Martínez-González, E., Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain | We characterize the cosmic infrared background (CIB)-lensing bispectrum which is one of the contributions to the three-point functions of cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps in harmonic space. We show that the CIB-lensing bispectrum has a considerable strength and that it can be detected with high significance in the Planck high-frequency maps. We also present forecasts of the contamination on different shapes of the primordial non-Gaussianity f<inf>nl</inf> parameter produced by the CIB-lensing bispectrum and by the extragalactic point sources bispectrum in the Planck high-resolution CMB anisotropy maps. The local, equilateral and orthogonal shapes are considered for 'raw' single-frequency (i.e. without applying any component separation technique) and foreground-reduced Planck temperaturemaps. The CIB-lensing correlation seems to mainly affect orthogonal shapes of the bispectrum-with Δf (ort) <inf>nl</inf> = -21 and -88 for the 143 and 217 GHz bands, respectively-while point sources mostly impact equilateral shapes, with Δf (eq) <inf>nl</inf> = 160, 54 and 60 at 100, 143 and 217 GHz. However, the results indicate that these contaminants do not induce any relevant bias on Planck f<inf>nl</inf> estimates when foreground-reduced maps are considered: using SEVEM for the component separation, we obtain Δf (ort) <inf>nl</inf> = 10.5 due to the CIB-lensing and Δf (eq) <inf>nl</inf> = 30.4 due to point sources, corresponding to 0.3σ and 0.45σ in terms of the Planck 2013 fnl uncertainty. The component separation technique is, in fact, able to partially clean the extragalactic source contamination and the bias is reduced for all the shapes. We have further developed singleand multiple-frequency estimators based on the Komatsu, Spergel & Wandelt formalism that can be implemented to efficiently detect this signal. © 2015 The Authors. | Infrared: diffuse background; Methods: data analysis; Methods: statistical; Radio continuum: galaxies | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247149911 | The CHRNE 470del20 mutation causing congenital myasthenic syndrome in South African Brahman cattle: Prevalence, origin, and association with performance traits | Thompson P.N., Van Der Werf J.H.J., Heesterbeek J.A.P., Van Arendonk J.A.M. | 2007 | Journal of Animal Science | 85 | 3 | 10.2527/jas.2006-379 | Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; School of Rural Science and Agriculture, University of New England, Armidale, Australia; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands; Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands | Thompson, P.N., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Van Der Werf, J.H.J., School of Rural Science and Agriculture, University of New England, Armidale, Australia; Heesterbeek, J.A.P., Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands; Van Arendonk, J.A.M., Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands | Genotyping of the South African, registered, Brahman cattle population for the 470del20 mutation in the CHRNE gene causing congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) was carried out in 1,453 animals. Overall prevalence of carriers was 0.97% (0.50 to 1.68%, 95% confidence interval). Carrier prevalence among breeding bulls in 2004 was 1.22% (0.65 to 2.15%, 95% confidence interval), and had not changed significantly since 2000. Using segregation analysis, CMS genotype probabilities were calculated for all 612,219 animals in the pedigree, leading to the identification of 2 founder animals as the most likely original carriers. Pedigree analysis revealed no ancestors common to all known carriers, but rather that the mutation had been introduced at least twice into the South African Brahman population, probably via animals imported from the United States. The effects of CMS genotype probability on adjusted birth, 200-d, 400-d, and 600-d BW, as well as on EBV for birth, 200-d, 400-d, and 600-d BW, and milk, were estimated, accounting for effects of sire. Heterozygosity for the CHRNE 470del20 mutation was associated with a 13.3-kg increase in adjusted 600-d BW (P = 0.03). Positive effects of CMS carrier status on all BW EBV were found, but no effect was found on milk EBV. We conclude that CMS carriers have a BW advantage at 600 d and possibly also at birth, 200 d, and 400 d. This may confer a selective advantage and tend to increase the frequency of the mutation. © 2007 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. | Brahman cattle; Congenital myasthenic syndrome; Genotyping; Heterozygote; Pedigree analysis | Animalia; Bos; Human herpesvirus 4; animal; animal disease; article; cattle; cattle disease; congenital myasthenic syndrome; female; genetics; genotype; heterozygote; male; mutation; prevalence; South Africa; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Genotype; Heterozygote; Male; Mutation; Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital; Prevalence; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938682532 | The challenges to performance and sustaining mutual health organisations/health institutions: An exploratory study in Ghana | Adomah-Afari A. | 2015 | International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance | 28 | 7 | 10.1108/IJHCQA-02-2015-0018 | School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Ghana and Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, United Kingdom | Adomah-Afari, A., School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, Ghana and Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, United Kingdom | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore challenges to the performance and sustainability of mutual health organisations (MHOs) and health institutions towards enhancing access to quality health care (HC) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered through interviews and documentary review. Findings – Problems with late release of reimbursement funds for discharging with claims by the central government has impacted heavily on the financial and strategic management and decisionmaking processes of the MHOs and health institutions. Research limitations/implications – The lack of in-depth analysis of the financial viability of the MHOs; and the limited number of schemes selected. Practical implications – Recommends the need to ensure prompt release of reimbursement funds by government to enable the MHOs to reimburse claims to health institutions. Social implications – There is a perceived tension between the MHOs and HC institutions due to late release of reimbursement funds by the government. Originality/value – Contributes to understanding of how the NHI Act influences the operations of MHOs and health institutions towards increasing access to quality HC and financing. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Effectiveness; Efficiency; Finance/economics; Patient perception; Quality health care; Risk management | community care; economics; female; Ghana; health; health care delivery; health care quality; human; interview; male; organization and management; Community Health Services; Female; Ghana; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Quality of Health Care; Rural Health | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349634151 | The challenge of integrating sustainability into talent and organization strategies: Investing in the knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve high performance | Arnott J., Lacy P., Lowitt E. | 2009 | Corporate Governance | 9 | 4 | 10.1108/14720700910985025 | Accenture, Kelvin, South Africa; Accenture, London, United Kingdom; Accenture, Boston, MA, United States | Arnott, J., Accenture, Kelvin, South Africa; Lacy, P., Accenture, London, United Kingdom; Lowitt, E., Accenture, Boston, MA, United States | Purpose - This paper aims to address the importance of a framework for developing employees' sustainability knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on in-depth interviews with executives from five Fortune 1000 companies that are viewed as market leaders in addressing sustainability. Findings - This paper provides a series of initiatives to equip their employees' talent - from top executives to employees throughout the organization - with the much needed, but often sorely lacking knowledge, skills and attitudes to spearhead efforts to attend to sustainability both today and tomorrow. Practical implications - The usefulness of demonstrating a company's suite of ongoing initiatives to address sustainability to potential employees during the recruiting process is highlighted by each company. Originality/value - The framework covered by this paper can help companies enhance their talent management skills. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Employees; Leadership development; Management development | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-73149090995 | The chairman's statements and annual reports: Are they reporting the same company performance to investors? | Bhana N. | 2009 | Investment Analysts Journal | 70 | 1 | None | Regent Business School, PO Box 10686, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa; University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom | Bhana, N., Regent Business School, PO Box 10686, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa, University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom | This paper analyses the chairman's statements of the top 50 and bottom 50 companies listed on the JSE ranked by percentage change in profit before taxation. The research examines whether companies with improving and declining performance report good and bad news in different ways. The findings are in line with expectations and both groups of companies show a preference to emphasise the positive aspects of their performance. Furthermore, both groups prefer to take credit for good news themselves, while blaming the external environment for bad news. Managers use accounting narratives in a self-serving manner, rather than reporting performance objectively. The research in this paper has implications for the current state of financial reporting whereby auditors do not formally audit but instead review the chairman's statement to ascertain its consistency with the financial statements. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84555189394 | The Central Governor Model in 2012: Eight new papers deepen our understanding of the regulation of human exercise performance | Noakes T.D. | 2012 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 46 | 1 | 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090811 | Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Newlands 7725, South Africa | Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Newlands 7725, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863878794 | The Causes and Impact of the Brain Drain in Institutions of Higher Learning in Zimbabwe | Shumba A., Mawere D. | 2012 | International Migration | 50 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1468-2435.2012.00749.x | School of Teacher Education, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa; Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Shumba, A., School of Teacher Education, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa; Mawere, D., Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | The brain drain of professionals has now become a major concern in developing countries, especially in Zimbabwe, in particular. In this study, we sought to determine: (a) the causes for the exodus of professionals; (b) the impact of the massive exodus of professionals on higher education; (c) the effects of the brain drain on the quality of graduate produced; and (d) possible solutions that could be used to curb the massive exodus of professionals. A sample of three employers, ten current and eight former lecturers, ten current students and five members of management were used in this study. We collected data using a questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. In this study, we found that the major push factors include low remuneration, low job satisfaction, collapse of funding, the political climate and declining currency exchange regimes, while the pull factors include attractive salaries and research and study opportunities, among others. Both push and pull factors caused the brain drain in Zimbabwe. © 2012 The Authors. International Migration © 2012 IOM. | None | brain drain; developing world; higher education; learning; questionnaire survey; student; Zimbabwe | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944176143 | The cadmium telluride photon counting sensor in panoramic radiology: gray value separation and its potential application for bone density evaluation | Langlais R., Katsumata A., Naidoo S., Ogawa K., Fukui T., Shimoda S., Kobayashi K. | 2015 | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology | 120 | 5 | 10.1016/j.oooo.2015.07.002 | University of Texas, Health Science Center Dental School, CEO Emeritus Enterprises, San Antonio, TX, United States; Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; University of the Western Cape, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Hosei UniversityTokyo, Japan; Department of Oral Anatomy, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Oral Radiology, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan | Langlais, R., University of Texas, Health Science Center Dental School, CEO Emeritus Enterprises, San Antonio, TX, United States; Katsumata, A., Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; Naidoo, S., University of the Western Cape, Tygerberg, South Africa; Ogawa, K., Department of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Hosei UniversityTokyo, Japan; Fukui, T., Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; Shimoda, S., Department of Oral Anatomy, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Kobayashi, K., Department of Oral Radiology, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan | Objective To investigate whether bone mineral density can be evaluated more accurately using a panoramic device with a new cadmium telluride photon-counting sensor and software than 2 panoramic devices with a conventional semiconductor sensor. Study Design A fiduciary test object with several known levels of hydroxy apatite mineral concentration was placed in a phantom on the mandibular occlusal plane. Panoramic images were acquired by changing the position of the test object within the dental arch. The gray value, the spectrum deformation index (SDI), and the relative attenuation index (RAI) of the test object were evaluated. The SDI and RAI represent unique energy information as acquired by the QR-Master panoramic machine and the corresponding special QR-MC analysis software. In order to compare the values expressed in the different units (gray, SDI, and RAI values), the percentage discrepancy was calculated. Results The cadmium telluride photon-counting fitted machine more consistently separated each of the hydroxy apatite concentrations in all of the different positioning configurations and locations. The SDI function of the QR Master machine produced more stable values than the RAI value and the gray values of the 2 conventional panoramic machines. Conclusions The methodologies as developed for this study can be used to test more sophisticated analyses for the determination of bone density. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | None | None | METI, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry |
None | None | The Burden of Rabies in Tanzania and Its Impact on Local Communities | Sambo M., Cleaveland S., Ferguson H., Lembo T., Simon C., Urassa H., Hampson K. | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002510 | Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Temeke Municipal Council, Livestock Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Sambo, M., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cleaveland, S., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ferguson, H., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Lembo, T., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Simon, C., Temeke Municipal Council, Livestock Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Urassa, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Hampson, K., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Background:Rabies remains a major public health threat in many parts of the world and is responsible for an estimated 55,000 human deaths annually. The burden of rabies is estimated to be around US$20 million in Africa, with the highest financial expenditure being the cost of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, these calculations may be substantial underestimates because the costs to households of coping with endemic rabies have not been investigated. We therefore aimed to estimate the household costs, health-seeking behaviour, coping strategies, and outcomes of exposure to rabies in rural and urban communities in Tanzania.Methods and Findings:Extensive investigative interviews were used to estimate the incidence of human deaths and bite exposures. Questionnaires with bite victims and their families were used to investigate health-seeking behaviour and costs (medical and non-medical costs) associated with exposure to rabies. We calculated that an average patient in rural Tanzania, where most people live on less than US$1 per day, would need to spend over US$100 to complete WHO recommended PEP schedules. High costs and frequent shortages of PEP led to poor compliance with PEP regimens, delays in presentation to health facilities, and increased risk of death.Conclusion:The true costs of obtaining PEP were twice as high as those previously reported from Africa and should be considered in re-evaluations of the burden of rabies. © 2013 Sambo et al. | None | antibiotic agent; rabies vaccine; adolescent; aged; article; child; coping behavior; disinfection; health behavior; health care cost; human; incidence; infant; interview; outcome assessment; post exposure prophylaxis; questionnaire; rabies; tetanus prophylaxis; world health organization; wound care; adult; animal; bites and stings; cost of illness; dog; economics; female; male; middle aged; preschool child; rabies; Tanzania; very elderly; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Bites and Stings; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost of Illness; Dogs; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Rabies; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644745302 | The bradykinin β2 receptor (BDKRB2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) genes and endurance performance during Ironman Triathlons | Saunders C.J., Xenophontos S.L., Cariolou M.A., Anastassiades L.C., Noakes T.D., Collins M. | 2006 | Human Molecular Genetics | 15 | 6 | 10.1093/hmg/ddl014 | MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical Research Council of South Africa, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus | Saunders, C.J., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Xenophontos, S.L., Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Cariolou, M.A., Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Anastassiades, L.C., Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus; Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Collins, M., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical Research Council of South Africa, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa | We have previously shown that the insertion allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene was over-represented in the fastest South-African-born finishers of the South African Ironman Triathlons. As ACE is a component of the skeletal muscle kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), the aim of this study is to determine if there are any further associations between polymorphisms within the BDKRB2 and NOS3 genes, which encode for the KKS components, bradykinin β2 receptor and nitric oxide synthase, respectively, and ultra-endurance performance during the Ironman Triathlons. Four-hundred and forty-three male Caucasian triathletes who completed the 2000 and/or 2001 South African Ironman Triathlons and 203 healthy Caucasian male control subjects were genotyped for the functional -9/+9 polymorphism within exon 1 of the BDKRB2 gene and the G894T NOS3 gene polymorphisms. The BDKRB2 -9/-9 genotype occurred at a significantly higher frequency when the triathlete group (27.0%) was compared with the control group (19.3%, P =0.035). When divided into tertiles, there was also a significant linear trend for the NOS3 GG genotype distribution among the fastest (35.0%), middle (40.4%) and slowest (46.9%) finishers (P =0.039). The overall finishing times of the triathletes with an NOS3 GG genotype together with a BDKRB2 + 9 allele were significantly slower than those with other genotype combinations (P = 0.001). The NOS3/BDKRB2 genotype (β = -0.150, B = -31.48, P=0.002), together with body mass index and age, accounted for 14.6% of the variance in the overall race time for the triathlon. In conclusion, both the NOS3 and BDKRB2 genes are associated with the actual performance during the Ironman Triathlons. © 2006 Oxford University Press. | None | bradykinin B2 receptor; endothelial nitric oxide synthase; analysis of variance; article; athlete; controlled study; DNA polymorphism; endurance sport; exon; functional assessment; functional genomics; gene frequency; genetic association; genetic variability; genotype; human; human experiment; kallikrein kinin system; male; multivariate analysis; normal human; priority journal; protein expression; protein function; South Africa; statistical significance; triathlon; Adult; Bicycling; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Physical Endurance; Receptor, Bradykinin B2; Running; South Africa; Sports; Swimming | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865661795 | 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-s2.0-84857373506 | The BIOTA Biodiversity Observatories in Africa-a standardized framework for large-scale environmental monitoring | Jürgens N., Schmiedel U., Haarmeyer D.H., Dengler J., Finckh M., Goetze D., Gröngröft A., Hahn K., Koulibaly A., Luther-Mosebach J., Muche G., Oldeland J., Petersen A., Porembski S., Rutherford M.C., Schmidt M., Sinsin B., Strohbach B.J., Thiombiano A., W | 2012 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 184 | 2 | 10.1007/s10661-011-1993-y | Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Wismarsche Str. 8, Rostock 18051, Germany; Institute of Soil Science, University of Hamburg, Allende-Platz 2, Hamburg 20146, Germany; Department of Ecology and Geobotany, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany; Laboratoire de Production et Amélioration Végétales, U.F.R. Sciences de la Nature, Université d'Abobo-Adjamé, BP 150, Daloa 02, Cote d'Ivoire; Department of Research Management and Funding, University of Hamburg, Moorweidenstr. 18, Hamburg 20148, Germany; Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch, Rhodes Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Research Institute Senckenberg, J.W. Goethe-University, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany; Laboratoire d'Ecologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 B. P. 526, Cotonou, Benin; National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), P/Bag 13184, Windhoek, Namibia; Laboratoire de Biologie et d'Écologie Végétales, Unité de Formation et Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université de Ouagadougou, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03 03, Burkina Faso | Jürgens, N., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Schmiedel, U., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Haarmeyer, D.H., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany, Department of Ecology and Geobotany, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany; Dengler, J., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Finckh, M., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Goetze, D., Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Wismarsche Str. 8, Rostock 18051, Germany; Gröngröft, A., Institute of Soil Science, University of Hamburg, Allende-Platz 2, Hamburg 20146, Germany; Hahn, K., Department of Ecology and Geobotany, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany; Koulibaly, A., Laboratoire de Production et Amélioration Végétales, U.F.R. Sciences de la Nature, Université d'Abobo-Adjamé, BP 150, Daloa 02, Cote d'Ivoire; Luther-Mosebach, J., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany, Institute of Soil Science, University of Hamburg, Allende-Platz 2, Hamburg 20146, Germany; Muche, G., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Oldeland, J., Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, Hamburg 22609, Germany; Petersen, A., Institute of Soil Science, University of Hamburg, Allende-Platz 2, Hamburg 20146, Germany, Department of Research Management and Funding, University of Hamburg, Moorweidenstr. 18, Hamburg 20148, Germany; Porembski, S., Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Wismarsche Str. 8, Rostock 18051, Germany; Rutherford, M.C., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch, Rhodes Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Schmidt, M., Research Institute Senckenberg, J.W. Goethe-University, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany; Sinsin, B., Laboratoire d'Ecologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01 B. P. 526, Cotonou, Benin; Strohbach, B.J., National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), P/Bag 13184, Windhoek, Namibia; Thiombiano, A., Laboratoire de Biologie et d'Écologie Végétales, Unité de Formation et Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université de Ouagadougou, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03 03, Burkina Faso; Wittig, R., Department of Ecology and Geobotany, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany; Zizka, G., Research Institute Senckenberg, J.W. Goethe-University, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany | The international, interdisciplinary biodiversity research project BIOTA AFRICA initiated a standardized biodiversity monitoring network along climatic gradients across the African continent. Due to an identified lack of adequate monitoring designs, BIOTA AFRICA developed and implemented the standardized BIOTA Biodiversity Observatories, that meet the following criteria (a) enable long-term monitoring of biodiversity, potential driving factors, and relevant indicators with adequate spatial and temporal resolution, (b) facilitate comparability of data generated within different ecosystems, (c) allow integration of many disciplines, (d) allow spatial up-scaling, and (e) be applicable within a network approach. A BIOTA Observatory encompasses an area of 1 km 2 and is subdivided into 100 1-ha plots. For meeting the needs of sampling of different organism groups, the hectare plot is again subdivided into standardized subplots, whose sizes follow a geometric series. To allow for different sampling intensities but at the same time to characterize the whole square kilometer, the number of hectare plots to be sampled depends on the requirements of the respective discipline. A hierarchical ranking of the hectare plots ensures that all disciplines monitor as many hectare plots jointly as possible. The BIOTA Observatory design assures repeated, multidisciplinary standardized inventories of biodiversity and its environmental drivers, including options for spatial up- and downscaling and different sampling intensities. BIOTA Observatories have been installed along climatic and landscape gradients in Morocco, West Africa, and southern Africa. In regions with varying land use, several BIOTA Observatories are situated close to each other to analyze management effects. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Diversity; Global change; Permanent plot; Sampling scheme; Transect; Vegetation | Diversity; Global change; Permanent plot; Sampling scheme; Transect; Buildings; Forestry; Observatories; Vegetation; Biodiversity; biodiversity; environmental management; environmental monitoring; global change; implementation process; landscape planning; observational method; sampling; spatiotemporal analysis; vegetation; Africa; article; biodiversity; climate; controlled study; ecosystem; environmental management; environmental monitoring; land use; Morocco; organism social group; research; sampling; South Africa; standard; Africa; Animals; Biodiversity; Biota; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environmental Monitoring; Plants; Morocco; Southern Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865406457 | The benefits and potential impacts of household cooking fuel substitution with bio-ethanol produced from cassava feedstock in Nigeria | Ohimain E.I. | 2012 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 16 | 3 | 10.1016/j.esd.2012.06.003 | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27411, United States; Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science | Ohimain, E.I., Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27411, United States, Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | The major cooking fuels in Nigeria, which are fuel wood and kerosene, face supply difficulties, price instabilities, safety, health and environmental challenges. In response to these challenges, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently announced the partial replacement of these cooking fuels with bio-ethanol produced from cassava in a project called 'cassakero'. The project involves the installation of 10,000 micro-scale bio-refineries across the country with a combined capacity of 4millionliters per day. The project includes the establishment of a 400,000ha cassava farm to supply cassava feedstock to the ethanol refineries. Though the detailed design of the project is not yet available, the aim of this paper is to appraise the project with the aim of highlighting the benefits of the project for enhancement while emphasizing the potential negative impacts for mitigation. The results of the appraisal revealed that the project will be beneficial in terms of job creation, boost rural agriculture, conserve forest from fuel wood exploitation, alleviate poverty and prevent indoor pollution. The impact of the project on greenhouse gas emission is ambiguous. While the shift to ethanol cooking fuel will release less CO 2 comparatively, the conversion of 400,000ha of forest to cassava farm, the use of fossil fuel for processing cassava tubers to ethanol, fermentation of cassava starch and the use of agro-chemicals will release CO 2 as well. Other potential negative impacts of the project include large input of water and energy and the production of large volume of waste stream, which need to be handled. There is a potential food versus fuel conflict, especially if the current production of cassava is not scaled up to meet the several emerging projects in Nigeria requiring cassava feedstock. © 2012 International Energy Initiative. | Cassakero; Cooking fuel; Ethanol; Fuel wood; Gel fuel; Kerosene | alternative energy; biofuel; cassava; cooking appliance; energy policy; ethanol; fuel consumption; poverty alleviation; renewable resource; Nigeria; Manihot esculenta | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901945863 | The behavioral impact of foster care towards middle-aged children and adolescents on their families of origin: A case study in Alice Township | Pitso T., Maxhela N., Xhongo K., Vazi T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p644 | Department of Psychology, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Social Work, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Pitso, T., Department of Psychology, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Maxhela, N., Department of Social Work, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Xhongo, K., Department of Social Work, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Vazi, T., Department of Social Work, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Provision of care for children who have been taken from their families can be viewed as being a potentially unconvincing and fragile process in our black communities. Since 1994 the South African Government has increasingly adopted a social agenda, channeling a significant amount of effort and resources towards identifying vulnerable groups in society, crafting legislation that would protect their interests and developing and implementing programmes and strategies to support them. The qualitative study assessed the behavioural impact of children in foster care and also behavioural impact towards their families of origin in Alice, Eastern Cape Province. The open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from 30 participants, who gave a voluntary consent. The findings of the study are that today the vulnerabilities of children, the youth, and the disabled are still inextricably linked to harsh apartheid-era legislation aimed at subjugating black South Africans and are further exacerbated by systemic poverty and inequality which continuous to manifest itself along a racial divide. Recommendations made are that there should be immediate filling of vacant posts, induction of new social workers, and provision of adequate services to liaise foster cares with the families' origin of these children. | Adolescence; Behaviour; Care; Foster; Impact; Middle childhood | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450172295 | The beginnings of children's palliative care in Africa: Evaluation of a children's palliative care service in Africa | Amery J.M., Rose C.J., Holmes J., Nguyen J., Byarugaba C. | 2009 | Journal of Palliative Medicine | 12 | 11 | 10.1089/jpm.2009.0125 | Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda | Amery, J.M., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Rose, C.J., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Holmes, J., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Nguyen, J., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Byarugaba, C., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda | Aim: To evaluate a children's palliative care service designed specifically for a resource-poor sub-Saharan African setting. Methodology: The study used mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology: quantitative retrospective, comparative survey and cross-sectional, noninterventional interview survey. Results: Evaluation showed increases in referrals, proportion of children on program, morphine and chemotherapy prescriptions, and improved compliance for a cost of $100 per child. The most valued service strengths were free drugs, food, play, learning, and staff attitude. Weaknesses included insufficiency of strengths listed above, as well as poor hospital staff attitude, lack of school fees and poor treatment compliance rates. Suggestions included more of the strengths as well as more accessible service locations. Discussion: The study suggests affordable, nurse-led, volunteer-supported children's palliative care services are both achievable and effective in sub-Saharan African. The study suggests that palliative care units should provide a specialized service focused on children. Such a service would clearly identify children in need of children's palliative care and should provide medication for symptom control; food and basic needs support; play and learning facilities; child protection; and systems for patient education, communication and follow up. Staff lack confidence and/or competence and this is a significant barrier to children's palliative care that should be addressed in Africa. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | morphine; Africa; article; basic needs; chemotherapy; cross-sectional study; follow up; health care cost; health program; health service; hospital personnel; human; interpersonal communication; interview; methodology; palliative therapy; patient compliance; patient education; patient referral; prescription; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; retrospective study; social support; Africa South of the Sahara; Child; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Palliative Care; Poverty; Retrospective Studies | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953236502 | The association of 20M shuttle run performance with a substantial increase in waist circumference in japanese middle-aged adults | Yamamoto N., Kojo K., Shimura M., Hagi Y. | 2010 | Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine | 59 | 2 | None | Department of Fisheries Distribution and Management, National Fisheries University, United States; Graduate School of Physical Education, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Citizen's Health Plaza, Health Promotion Center, United St | Yamamoto, N., Department of Fisheries Distribution and Management, National Fisheries University, United States, Graduate School of Physical Education, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Kojo, K., Citizen's Health Plaza, Health Promotion Center, United States; Shimura, M., Department for Interdisciplinary Studies of Lifelong Sport and Physical Activity, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Hagi, Y., Department of Sport and Leisure Management, TOKAI University, Japan | Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between 20m shuttle run (20mSRT) performance and a substantial increase in waist circumference (WC) with aging in Japanese middle-aged adults. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six Japanese middle-aged adults (40-64 yrs; 40 males, 116 females) participated in this study. Baseline data on 20mSRT, height, weight, WC, alcohol habit, smoking habit and the use of medication were collected from 2003 to 2004. Follow-up data on height, weight and WC were collected in 2008. The 20mSRT results were divided into gender-specific quartiles. A logistic regression analysis was used to predict a substantial increase in the WC (5 cm or more) during the follow-up. Results: During the follow-up, 44 people had a substantial increase in the WC. Independently from sex, age, height (baseline), weight (baseline), WC (baseline), alcohol habit, smoking habit and the use of medication, the highest quartile of 20m SRT was significantly associated with significantly lower odds ratio of a substantial increase in WC (OR: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.36) in comparison to the lowest quartile of 20mSRT. Furthermore, after additional adjustment for change in weight during follow-up, the highest quartile remained significantly predictive of a substantial increase in the WC, with odds ratio of 0.07 (95%CI: 0.01-0.39). Conclusions: These results indicate that the 20mSRT performance is a significant predictor of a substantial increase in the WC with aging in Japanese middle-aged adults. | 20m shuttle run; Aging; Increase in waist circumference; Prospective study | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913586216 | The association between the seven elements of the black economic empowerment score and market performance | van Der Merwe C.M., Ferreira P. | 2014 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 17 | 5 | None | Department of Financial Accounting, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Financial Accounting, University of Pretoria, South Africa | van Der Merwe, C.M., Department of Financial Accounting, University of South Africa, South Africa; Ferreira, P., Department of Financial Accounting, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The black economic empowerment (BEE) score consists of seven elements, namely ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. The purpose of this study is to establish whether an association exists between an entity’s BEE elements and its share returns in the short term.Based on prior literature, it appears that the market reacts positively to an announcement of a BEE deal, although the literature also indicates that an entity’s BEE score, which includes all seven elements of the BEE score, bears a negative relationship to its share returns. Therefore the association between the various BEE elements and share returns needs to be investigated. The study uses a multivariate regression analysis that controls for factors influencing share returns. The study includes the BEE element data as obtained from the survey of the top empowerment companies carried out by Empowerdex/Financial Mail for the period 2005 to 2011.The results of this study indicate that a significant positive association exists between the management control element of the BEE score and the entity’s share returns. Furthermore, a significant negative association exists between the ownership and preferential procurement elements of an entity and its share returns. This study contributes to the literature on BEE in the accounting and finance field in South Africa as well as enhances the understanding and effect of BEE compliance through implementation of the generic scorecard as required by the 2007 codes of good practice. The results of this study would be of interest to government policy analysts, investors and managers. © 2014 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | BEE; BEE elements; Black economic empowerment; Management control; Ownership element; Preferential procurement; Share returns | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873274573 | The Association between Cognition and Academic Performance in Ugandan Children Surviving Malaria with Neurological Involvement | Bangirana P., Menk J., John C.C., Boivin M.J., Hodges J.S. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 2 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0055653 | Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Neurology/Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States | Bangirana, P., Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Menk, J., School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; John, C.C., Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Boivin, M.J., Department of Psychiatry and Neurology/Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States, Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Hodges, J.S., School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States | Background: The contribution of different cognitive abilities to academic performance in children surviving cerebral insult can guide the choice of interventions to improve cognitive and academic outcomes. This study's objective was to identify which cognitive abilities are associated with academic performance in children after malaria with neurological involvement. Methods: 62 Ugandan children with a history of malaria with neurological involvement were assessed for cognitive ability (working memory, reasoning, learning, visual spatial skills, attention) and academic performance (reading, spelling, arithmetic) three months after the illness. Linear regressions were fit for each academic score with the five cognitive outcomes entered as predictors. Adjusters in the analysis were age, sex, education, nutrition, and home environment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation models (SEM) were used to determine the nature of the association between cognition and academic performance. Predictive residual sum of squares was used to determine which combination of cognitive scores was needed to predict academic performance. Results: In regressions of a single academic score on all five cognitive outcomes and adjusters, only Working Memory was associated with Reading (coefficient estimate = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.10 to 0.63, p<0.01) and Spelling (0.46, 0.13 to 0.78, p<0.01), Visual Spatial Skills was associated with Arithmetic (0.15, 0.03 to 0.26, p<0.05), and Learning was associated with Reading (0.06, 0.00 to 0.11, p<0.05). One latent cognitive factor was identified using EFA. The SEM found a strong association between this latent cognitive ability and each academic performance measure (P<0.0001). Working memory, visual spatial ability and learning were the best predictors of academic performance. Conclusion: Academic performance is strongly associated with the latent variable labelled "cognitive ability" which captures most of the variation in the individual specific cognitive outcome measures. Working memory, visual spatial skills, and learning together stood out as the best combination to predict academic performance. © 2013 Bangirana et al. | None | academic achievement; arithmetic; article; attention; child; cognition; female; human; learning; major clinical study; malaria; male; mental performance; neurologic examination; outcome assessment; preschool child; reading; spelling; structural equation modeling; Uganda; working memory; Age Factors; Attention; Child; Cognition; Educational Status; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Learning; Linear Models; Malaria, Cerebral; Male; Mathematics; Memory, Short-Term; Models, Statistical; Nutritional Status; Reading; Sex Factors; Spatial Behavior; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874169907 | The aspect of nationality and performance in a mountain ultra-maratho-the 'Swiss Alpine Marathon' | Eichenberger E., Knechtle B., Rüst C.A., Lepers R., Rosemann T., Onywera V.O. | 2012 | Journal of Human Sport and Exercise | 7 | 4 | 10.4100/jhse.2012.74.03 | Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland; INSERM U887, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France; Kenyatta University, Department of Recreation Management and Exercise Science, Kenya; IAAF Athletics Academy, Kenyatta University, Kenya | Eichenberger, E., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Knechtle, B., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Rüst, C.A., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Lepers, R., INSERM U887, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France; Rosemann, T., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Onywera, V.O., Kenyatta University, Department of Recreation Management and Exercise Science, Kenya, IAAF Athletics Academy, Kenyatta University, Kenya | Runners from East Africa and especially from Kenya dominate middle- and long- distance running races worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the participation and performance trends regarding the nationality of runners in a mountain ultra-marathon held in partially high alpine terrain. We hypothesized that Kenyan runners, living and training in the Great Rift Valley, a predominantly hilly, mountainous and altitudinous region like the Alps, would dominate also a mountain ultra-marathon because they are accustomed to high altitudes and mountainous terrains. We examined the participation and performance trends of ultra-marathoners regarding their nationalities in the 78-km 'Swiss Alpine Marathon' including 21 km in high alpine terrain where 12,194 men and 1,781 women finished between 1998 and 2011. A total of 1,682 women and 11,580 men, corresponding to 94.9 % of all finishers, originated from Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Great Britain, Austria, the Netherlands and Luxembourg where only one male Kenyan runner ever participated. Female runners from Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Sweden as well as male runners from Denmark, Great Britain, and Sweden increased their participation significantly. Women from the Netherlands became slower whereas women originating from Great Britain became faster. Men from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland became slower. The fastest runners originated from Switzerland for both women and men. To summarize, runners from Switzerland dominated the 'Swiss Alpine Marathon'. Paradoxically, and interestingly, the Kenyan runners were not dominating the 'Swiss Alpine Marathon'. Further studies should investigate Kenyan participation and performance in ultra-marathons in Africa such as the 'Comrades Marathon'. © Faculty of Education. University of Alicante. | Alpine ultra-running; Endurance running; Ethnicity; Ultra endurance | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942258758 | The appropriateness of preoperative blood testing: A retrospective evaluation and cost analysis | Buley H.E., Bishop D., Rodseth R. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 6 | 10.7196/SAMJ.9318 | Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Outcomes Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Buley, H.E., Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bishop, D., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Rodseth, R., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Outcomes Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Background. Inappropriate preoperative blood testing can negatively contribute to healthcare costs. Objective. To determine the extent and cost implications of inappropriate preoperative blood testing in adult patients booked for orthopaedic, general or trauma surgical procedures at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (SA). Methods. We undertook a retrospective observational study using routine clinical data collected from eligible patient charts. The appropriateness of preoperative blood tests was evaluated against locally published guidelines on testing for elective and non-elective surgery. The cost of the relevant blood tests was determined using the National Health Laboratory Service 2014 State Pricing List. Results. A total of 320 eligible patient charts were reviewed over a 4-week period. Preoperative blood testing was performed in 318 patients. There was poor compliance with current departmental guidelines, with an estimated over-expenditure of ZAR81 019. Non-compliance was particularly prevalent in younger patients, patients graded as American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 and 2, and low-risk surgery groups. Conclusion. Inappropriate preoperative blood testing is common in our hospital, particularly in low-risk patients. This is associated with an increase in healthcare costs, and highlights the need for SA doctors to become more cost-conscious in their approach to blood testing practices. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | None | albumin; C reactive protein; calcium; creatinine; electrolyte; magnesium; phosphate; urea; adult; aged; Article; blood cell count; blood examination; blood gas analysis; comorbidity; cost benefit analysis; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; human; international normalized ratio; liver function test; major clinical study; middle aged; observational study; preoperative evaluation; retrospective study; South Africa; surgical technique | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047104571 | The application of the Taguchi method in the evaluation of mechanical flotation in waste activated sludge thickening | du Plessis B.J., de Villiers G.H. | 2007 | Resources, Conservation and Recycling | 50 | 2 | 10.1016/j.resconrec.2006.06.014 | Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | du Plessis, B.J., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; de Villiers, G.H., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is generally used for thickening of waste activated sludge (WAS). Mechanical flotation (MF) is used in the metallurgical industry for selectively recovering minerals from ore. In this study the potential of MF to thicken WAS was investigated. The Taguchi experimental design was followed to investigate the effect of airflow rate, residence time, impeller speed, surfactant dosing, sludge dilution and their interactions. Results indicate that MF with surfactant addition shows potential to thicken WAS and should be investigated further on a bigger scale. The surfactant dosing contribution to thickening is significant at a 95% confidence level. The interactions between residence time and impeller speed, residence time and airflow rate and residence time and surfactant dosing were also found to be significant at a 95% confidence level. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Mechanical flotation; Taguchi method; Waste activated sludge thickening | Flotation; Impellers; Surface active agents; Taguchi methods; Mechanical flotation (MF); Waste activated sludge (WAS); Activated sludge process; surfactant; Activated sludge process; Flotation; Impellers; Surface active agents; Taguchi methods; activated sludge; airflow; dissolved gas; experimental design; mechanical property; metallurgy; methodology; residence time; surfactant; airflow; analytical error; article; dilution; flotation; flow rate; impeller; methodology; sludge thickening; statistical analysis; taguchi method; waste water management | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920935484 | The application of chromatographic gas ratio analysis in reservoir fluid evaluation of “Beta” field in the Congo basin | Mode A.W., Anyiam O.A., Egbujie B.C. | 2014 | Journal of the Geological Society of India | 84 | 3 | 10.1007/s12594-014-0133-z | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mode, A.W., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anyiam, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Egbujie, B.C., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study illustrates how real time chromatographic analysis of light hydrocarbons can provide effective fluid characterisation as the reservoir is being penetrated. For the analysis, gas chromatographic data of Methane to Pentane (C1–C5) were collected from the reservoir sections of three wells (A, B and C) in the “Beta Field”, onshore Congo basin. These gas values were plotted on the Pixler plot for the individual wells. Also, the values of their wetness, character and balance ratios were evaluated. The results obtained were compared with the fluid type standard values of the gas ratios, to identify the type of fluid in the formation. The fluid types indicated by these results were then compared with the results obtained through the analysis of the resistivity values from the three wells. These results show that both the chromatographic gas ratio analysis and the resistivity results indicate the same fluid type (oil) in the three wells. © 2014, Geological Society of India. | Congo basin; Fluid identification; Formation evaluation; Gas chromatography | formation mechanism; gas chromatography; gas well; hydrocarbon reservoir; methane; Congo Basin | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951842460 | The anthropometric vault item performance determinants of young female gymnasts [Die antropometriese sprongitem-prestasiedeterminante Van Jong dogtergimnaste] | Bester A., Coetzee B. | 2009 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 31 | 1 | None | Skool Vir Biokinetika, Rekreasie en Sportwetenskap, Noordwes-Universiteit, Bussie 494, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Bester, A., Skool Vir Biokinetika, Rekreasie en Sportwetenskap, Noordwes-Universiteit, Bussie 494, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Coetzee, B., Skool Vir Biokinetika, Rekreasie en Sportwetenskap, Noordwes-Universiteit, Bussie 494, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The purposes of this study were firstly to determine the anthropometric variables that differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between successful and less successful young, South-African (SA), female gymnasts in the vault item and secondly, to determine the anthropometric variables that contribute to the performance of young SA female gymnasts in the vault item. Twelve young, female gymnasts (13.39 ± 2.14 years) from a gymnastics club in the North-West Province of South Africa participated in this study. Only gymnasts who participated at level 6-9 and junior as well as at the senior Olympic level were selected to participate in this study. Sixty-one anthropometric variables were measured on the dominant side of the body according to the methods of Norton et al. (1996). Independent t-tests and effect sizes revealed that the gymnasts who obtained the highest points (top 5) during the execution of the vault item during the South African Gymnastics Championships had statistical and practical significantly larger relaxed and flexed upper arm, wrist and ankle circumferences as well as higher mesomorphy values than the less successful gymnasts. The cluster analysis-reduced variables were used to perform a forward, stepwise multiple regression analysis, which showed that flexed upper arm circumference (53.93%), midstillion dactillion length (12.38%), foot length (11.50%), fat percentage (8.93%), trochanterion-tibial lateral length (5.77%), chest circumference (3.69%), ectomorphy (1.96%), bideltoied breadth (1.54%), triceps skinfold (0.23%) and iliospinal box height (0.07%) contributed 100% to the variance in gymnasts' vault performances. Therefore the conclusion that can be drawn is that larger upper arm and upper body circumferences; hand, foot, upper leg and total leg lengths; triceps skinfold and fat percentage as well as a higher ectomorphy value are important anthropometric vaulting performance determinants for young, South African, female gymnasts and should be included in the sport-scientific testing protocols of gymnasts. | Anthropometry; Female; Girls; Gymnastics; Performance; Vault | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-51349086709 | The Amma radiosonde program and its implications for the future of atmospheric monitoring over Africa | Parker D.J., Fink A., Janicot S., Ngamini J.-B., Douglas M., Afiesimama E., Agusti-Panareda A., Beljaars A., Dide F., Diedhiou A., Lebel T., Polcher J., Redelspergerk J.-L., Thorncroft C., Wilson G.A. | 2008 | Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society | 89 | 7 | 10.1175/2008BAMS2436.1 | University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; LOCEAN, IRD, Paris, France; ASECNA, Dakar, Senegal; National Severe Storms Laboratory, NOAA, Norman, OK, United States; NIMET, Abuja, Nigeria; ECMWF, Reading, Uni | Parker, D.J., University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Fink, A., University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Janicot, S., LOCEAN, IRD, Paris, France; Ngamini, J.-B., ASECNA, Dakar, Senegal; Douglas, M., National Severe Storms Laboratory, NOAA, Norman, OK, United States; Afiesimama, E., NIMET, Abuja, Nigeria; Agusti-Panareda, A., ECMWF, Reading, United Kingdom; Beljaars, A., ECMWF, Reading, United Kingdom; Dide, F., DMN, Cotonou, Benin, South Africa; Diedhiou, A., LTHE, IRD, Grenoble, France; Lebel, T., LTHE, IRD, Grenoble, France; Polcher, J., IPSL, CNRS, Paris, France; Redelspergerk, J.-L., CNRM, CNRS, Toulouse, France; Thorncroft, C., SUNY at Albany, Albany, NY, United States; Wilson, G.A., GMet, Accra, Ghana | This article describes the upper-air program, which has been conducted as part of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA). Since 2004, AMMA scientists have been working in partnership with operational agencies in Africa to reactivate silent radiosonde stations, to renovate unreliable stations, and to install new stations in regions of particular climatic importance. A comprehensive upper-air network is now active over West Africa and has contributed to high-quality atmospheric monitoring over three monsoon seasons. During the period June to September 2006 high-frequency soundings were performed, in conjunction with intensive aircraft and ground-based activities: some 7,000 soundings were made, representing the greatest density of upper air measurements ever collected over the region. An important goal of AMMA is to evaluate the impact of these data on weather and climate prediction for West Africa, and for the hurricane genesis regions of the tropical Atlantic. Many operational difficulties were encountered in the program, involving technical problems in the harsh environment of sub-Saharan Africa and issues of funding, coordination, and communication among the many nations and agencies involved. In facing up to these difficulties, AMMA achieved a steady improvement in the number of soundings received by numerical weather prediction centers, with a success rate of over 88% by August 2007. From the experience of AMMA, we are therefore able to make firm recommendations for the maintenance and operation of a useful upper-air network in WMO Region I in the future. © 2008 American Meteorological Society. | None | Climatology; Forecasting; Network protocols; Radiosondes; Sensor networks; Weather forecasting; African monsoon multidisciplinary analysis; Atmospheric monitoring; Climate predictions; Ground-based; Harsh environments; High frequencies; High-quality; Maintenance and operation; New stations; Numerical weather prediction; Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical problems; Tropical atlantic; Upper air; West-Africa; Atmospherics | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920150697 | The Air Liberalisation Index as a tool in measuring the impact of South Africa's aviation policy in Africa on air passenger traffic flows | Surovitskikh S., Lubbe B. | 2015 | Journal of Air Transport Management | 42 | None | 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2014.09.010 | Division Tourism Management, Department of Marketing Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | Surovitskikh, S., Division Tourism Management, Department of Marketing Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Lubbe, B., Division Tourism Management, Department of Marketing Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | In Africa, the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) to date remains the single most important air transport reform policy, the continent-wide implementation of which remains pending. This study employs the Air Liberalisation Index (ALI), developed by the Word Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat, to measure the impact of each of the seven quantifiable market access features of South Africa's aviation policy in Africa on air passenger traffic flows. A fixed one-way panel regression technique was applied to panel data, representing five air transport markets: intra-African, the SADC, East African, West African and North African over two time periods (2000-2010; 2006-2010). The results proved to be significant in three markets, intra-African, the SADC and East African and provide new insights into the relationship between air passenger traffic flows and aviation policy in the South African - intra-African and regional contexts. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; ALI; Aviation policy; Market access features; South Africa; Yamoussoukro Decision | air transportation; panel data; policy implementation; policy reform; regression analysis; traffic management; transportation policy; East Africa; North Africa; South Africa; West Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958852543 | The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control: Impact on onchocercal skin disease | Ozoh G.A., Murdoch M.E., Bissek A.-C., Hagan M., Ogbuagu K., Shamad M., Braide E.I., Boussinesq M., Noma M.M., Murdoch I.E., Sékétéli A., Amazigo U.V. | 2011 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 16 | 7 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02783.x | Department of Dermatology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozala, Nigeria; Department of Dermatology, Watford General Hospital, Watford, United Kingdom; Faculte de Medecine et des Sciences Biomedicales, Universite de Yaoundé, Cameroon; Eye | Ozoh, G.A., Department of Dermatology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozala, Nigeria; Murdoch, M.E., Department of Dermatology, Watford General Hospital, Watford, United Kingdom; Bissek, A.-C., Faculte de Medecine et des Sciences Biomedicales, Universite de Yaoundé, Cameroon; Hagan, M., Eye Care Unit, Ghana Health Services, Accra, Ghana; Ogbuagu, K., Commodity Security Branch, Technical Division, UNFPA Headquarters, New York, NY, United States; Shamad, M., Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Juba, Khartoum, Sudan; Braide, E.I., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Boussinesq, M., UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement, Montpellier, France; Noma, M.M., WHO/APOC, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Murdoch, I.E., Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; Sékétéli, A., WHO/APOC, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Amazigo, U.V., WHO/APOC, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Objectives To assess the long-term impact of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control on itching and onchocercal skin disease (OSD). Methods Seven study sites in Cameroon, Sudan, Nigeria and Uganda participated. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted of communities meso- and hyper-endemic for onchocerciasis before and after 5 or 6years of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). Individuals were asked about any general health symptoms including itching and underwent full cutaneous examinations. Onchocercal skin lesions were documented according to a standard classification. Results Five thousand one hundred and ninety three people were examined in phase I and 5,180 people in phase II. The presence of onchocercal nodules was a strongly significant (P<0·001) risk factor for all forms of onchocercal skin disease: APOD (OR 1·66); CPOD (OR 2·84); LOD (OR 2·68); reactive skin lesions (OR 2·38) and depigmentation (OR 3·36). The effect of community-directed treatment with ivermectin was profound. At phase II, there were significant (P<0·001) reductions in the odds of itching (OR 0·32), APOD (OR 0·28); CPOD (OR 0·34); reactive skin lesions (OR 0·33); depigmentation (OR 0·31) and nodules (OR 0·37). Reduction in the odds of LOD was also significant (OR 0.54, P<0.03). Conclusions This first multi-country report of the long-term impact of CDTI reveals a substantial reduction in itching and OSD. APOC operations are having a major effect in improving skin health in poor rural populations in Africa. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control; Impact; Onchocercal skin disease; Onchocerciasis | ivermectin; disease control; disease prevalence; health impact; health policy; health survey; ivermectin; lesion; low income population; onchocerciasis; rural population; skin disorder; adolescent; adult; article; child; clinical feature; depigmentation; disease severity; female; health program; human; infection control; major clinical study; male; onchocercal skin disease; onchocerciasis; preschool child; pruritus; school child; skin defect; skin examination; skin infection; skin nodule; Adult; Aged; Cameroon; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Filaricides; Humans; Ivermectin; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Odds Ratio; Onchocerciasis; Pruritus; Risk Factors; Rural Population; Skin Diseases, Parasitic; Sudan; Uganda; Cameroon; Nigeria; Sudan; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899147082 | The affect of innovation strategies and their connect to company performance | Pelser T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p60 | North-West University, South Africa | Pelser, T., North-West University, South Africa | The management of innovation is made difficult by the complexity, unpredictability and pace of turbulence in the environment which compresses the time horizons for strategic planning and increases the investment risk The main purpose of this study was to investigate innovation management practices in technology intensive industries and to explore their relationship to company performance. A non-probability, judgment sample of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) were taken. The study makes a contribution to the field of strategic management research by integrating the dimensions of several previous studies, to derive a more comprehensive taxonomy of innovation strategy dimensions. Two distinct innovation strategy factors obtained with the analysis were proved to positively influence the company performance dimensions and were classified as New Product Innovation and Process Innovation factors. The results show that innovation strategy choices can significantly affect company performance. It thereby indicates which of the underlying dimensions have the strongest relationship with company performance. From an industry perspective, the greatest significance of these findings may be that they accentuate the importance of innovation policy in strategic management. The substantial differences in performance associated with the dimensions do not necessarily indicate that a given company should choose a particular innovation strategy, but rather indicates that innovation policy decisions may have a substantial leverage on a company's performance and should be analysed and exercised with care. | Company performance; Innovation policy; New product innovation; Process innovation | None | None |
WoS | WOS:000306670300012 | The adult population impact of HIV care and antiretroviral therapy in a resource poor setting, 2003-2008 | Ackers, Marta,Adamu-Zeh, Mirabelle,Broz, Dita,Gargano, Julia W.,Laserson, Kayla,Marston, Barbara,Muttai, Hellen,Nyabiage, Lennah,Odhiambo, Frank,Orimba, Vincent,Owuor, Karen,Sewe, Maquins,Williamson, John | 2012 | AIDS | 26 | 12 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328353b7b9 | CDC Res & Publ Hlth Collaborat, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Minist Hlth | None | Objective: To describe the population uptake of HIV care including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its impact on adult mortality in a rural area of western Kenya with high HIV prevalence during a period of rapid HIV services scale-up.
Design: Adult medical chart data were abstracted at health facilities providing HIV care/ART to residents of a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) and linked with HDSS demographic and mortality data.
Methods: We evaluated secular trends in patient characteristics across enrollment years and estimated proportions of HIV-positive adult residents receiving care. We evaluated adult (18-64 years) population mortality trends using verbal autopsy findings.
Results: From 2003 to 2008, 5421 HDSS-resident adults enrolled in HIV care; 61.4% (n = 3331) were linked to HDSS follow-up data. As the number of facilities expanded from 1 (2003) to 17 (2008), receipt of HIV services by HIV-positive residents increased from less than 1 to 29.5%, and ART coverage reached 64.0% of adults with CD4 cell count less than 250 cells/mu l. The proportion of patients with WHO stage 4 at enrollment decreased from 20.4 to 1.9%, and CD4 cell count testing at enrollment increased from 1.0 to 53.4%. Population-level mortality rates for adults declined 34% for all causes, 26% for AIDS/tuberculosis, and 47% for other infectious diseases; noninfectious disease mortality rates remained constant.
Conclusion: The initial years of rapid HIV service expansion coincided with a drop in adult mortality by a third. Continued expansion of population access to HIV clinical services, including ART, and program quality improvements will be necessary to achieve further progress in reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | AIDS/HIV,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",MORTALITY,"POPULATION SURVEILLANCE","COTRIMOXAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS",HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,INFECTIOUS-DISEASES,MORTALITY,"PROSPECTIVE COHORT","RURAL WESTERN KENYA",SOUTH-AFRICA,TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE,UGANDA,"VERB | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862067780 | The adoption and productivity impacts of improved management practices on lowland rice production in Niger State, Nigeria | Rahji M.A.Y. | 2008 | Tropical Agriculture | 85 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Rahji, M.A.Y., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | The study sought to identify the factors influencing rice producers' adoption of improved management practices and its impacts on their productivity in Niger State, Nigeria. The data came from a sample survey of the study area. A switching regression model comprising of probit model and production functions was adopted in data analysis. The probit model identified six key significant variables as those influencing adoption by the farmers. These are farm size, extension services, credit, farm income and the land tenure arrangement. The production function analyses indicate a structural shift in the production parameters of the adopters and significant productivity differentials between the groups. Farmland redistribution, farm income improvement, effective extension delivery services, adequate supply of improved seeds and credit delivery system were recommended. | Improved practices adoption; Niger State; Nigeria; Productivity differentials; Rice production | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936945934 | The 2007 Dutch reformed church synod resolution: Impact on gay ministers | van Loggerenberg M. | 2015 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 71 | 3 | 10.4102/hts.v71i3.2894 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | van Loggerenberg, M., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | At the 2007 General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), a compromise resolution was accepted regarding homosexual members. The resolution, inter alia, requires of gay ministers to remain celibate as a prerequisite to be legitimated. This research is a qualitative inquiry to evaluate the impact this resolution has on the lives of gay ministers and gay candidate ministers. Apart from doing a literature study Narrative and Post-foundational perspectives were obtained by interviewing six gay ministers and/or candidate ministers as co-researchers, and also by engaging in dialogue with interdisciplinary experts from Sociology, Psychology and Law. From the stories told by the gay ministers and/or gay candidate ministers, certain themes emerged, revealing the immense impact caused by the resolution. © 2015, The Authors. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883642337 | Texting Africa: Writing as performance | Deumert A., Lexander K.V. | 2013 | Journal of Sociolinguistics | 17 | 4 | 10.1111/josl.12043 | University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Oslo, Norway | Deumert, A., University of Cape Town, South Africa, University of Oslo, Norway; Lexander, K.V., University of Cape Town, South Africa, University of Oslo, Norway | This paper discusses African multilingual digital writing, focusing on one digital genre: texting. Our analysis draws on quantitative and qualitative data from five highly multilingual African countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. Writers are shown to draw on local as well as global linguistic resources in crafting their messages. Being a good texter requires the performance of 'textual linguistic dexterity': the ability to articulate meaning through the skillful use of both global and local forms. Good texters are valued by their audiences not only for the speed with which they reply, but also their ability to 'play with words'. The quantitative data shows such practices to be widespread, while the qualitative data allows us to understand writers' motivations and underlying linguistics ideologies. Texting is frequently used in intimate interactions, especially for expressions of love, affection and attraction. Through the juxtaposition of linguistic material, and drawing on the social meanings of different resources within their multilingual repertoires, writers are able to project particular personae and to negotiate various forms of emotional attachment. Eli phepha lixoxa ngendlela yokubhala ngeelwimi ezininzi zeseAfrika usebenzisa ubuxhakaxhaka beteknoloji, ligxile kudidi olunye lokusetyenziswa kobuxhakaxhaka beteknoloji: ubhalo-tekisi. Uphicotho-nkcukacha lwethu lolobalo (khwantithethivu) nolomgangatho (khwalitethivu) weenkcukacha-ngqangi eziqokelelwe kwawona mazwe abalaseleyo ngokusebenzisa iilwimi ezininzi eAfrika: iCôte d'Ivoire, iGhana, iNigeria, iSenegal noMzantsi Afrika. Ababhali baboniswa besebenzisa izixhobo zobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi zasekhaya (lokhali) nezehlabathi liphela ukuyila imiyalezo yabo. Ukuba ngumbhali-tekisi obalaseleyo kufunisa ukuba ukwazi ukusebenzisa le nto ibizwa ngouba 'yitextual linguistic dexterity': oko ke kukwazi ukuphimisela intsingiselo yomyalezo ngendlela ebonisa ubuchule bokusebenzisa iindlela zokuyila itekisi zasekhaya nezehlabathi. Ababhali-tekisi ababalaseleyo baxatyisiwe ngabafundi-miyalezo babo, hayi ngenxa yokuphendula msinya nje kuphela, koko nangenxa yobugcisa babo 'bokudlala ngamagama'. Iinkcukacha-ngqangi zobalo zikubonisa oko njengento esele inabe ngokubanzi, ngeli xa zona iinkcukacha-ngqangi zomgangatho zisenza simqonde ngcono oyena nobangela wokuba ababhali-miyalezo benze ngolu hlobo benza ngalo kwakunye neengcinga zobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi ekusekelwe phezu kwako oku. Ubhalo-tekisi ludla ngokwenziwa kwiinkcoko zobuhlobo, ingakumbi kwezo zothando, ezobubele nezokuthabatheka. Ngokulungelelanisa ezobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi nangokuyila iintsingiselo zezinto ezahlukeneyo kwingqokelela yokusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezahlukeneyo, ababhali babanako ukubonisa 'ububona' obuthile kwanokubonisa iindlela ezahlukeneyo abachukumiseka ngazo. [isiXhosa]. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | (non-standard) spelling; Africa; Intimacy; Multilingualism; Performance; Texting | None | National Research Foundation |
None | None | Tests of bednet traps (Mbita traps) for monitoring mosquito populations and time of biting in Tanzania and possible impact of prolonged insecticide treated net use | Braimah N., Drakeley C., Kweka E., Mosha F., Helinski M., Pates H., Maxwell C., Massawe T., Kenward M.G., Curtis C. | 2005 | International Journal of Tropical Insect Science | 25 | 3 | 10.1079/IJT200576 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Joint Malaria Programme, Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania | Braimah, N., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Drakeley, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, Joint Malaria Programme, Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Kweka, E., Joint Malaria Programme, Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Mosha, F., Joint Malaria Programme, Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Helinski, M., NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Pates, H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Maxwell, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Massawe, T., NIMR Ubwari Field Station, Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Kenward, M.G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Curtis, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Mosquito traps known as Mbita traps made from modified bednets according to a design developed in Kenya were compared with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps for their ability to catch anopheline and culicine mosquitoes in several different villages in northern Tanzania. The results confirmed those recently reported in Kenya, that Mbita traps catch significantly fewer mosquitoes than CDC traps. Statistical analysis using a Poisson log linear model with random effects for the trap counts showed that the ratio of the catches with the two types of trap was not consistent in the different villages. Thus, we doubt whether the Mbita trap would be a reliable substitute for CDC traps. In one trial, the catches made at different hours of the night with the two types of trap indicated that in villages where insecticide treated nets (ITNs) had been used for some years, somewhat more of the Anopheles biting occurred early and late in the night, whereas in villages with no history of ITN use, biting was concentrated in the middle of the night. This suggests that behavioural adaptation to avoid contact with ITNs may be beginning to evolve. © ICIPE 2005. | CDC light trap; Insecticide treated nets; Mbita trap; Mosquito traps; Tanzania; Time of mosquito biting | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880159710 | Testing the ureilite projectile hypothesis for the El'gygytgyn impact: Determination of siderophile element abundances and Os isotope ratios in ICDP drill core samples and melt rocks | Goderis S., Wittmann A., Zaiss J., Elburg M., Ravizza G., Vanhaecke F., Deutsch A., Claeys P. | 2013 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 48 | 7 | 10.1111/maps.12047 | Department of Geology, Earth System Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, BE-1050, Belgium; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, Ghent, BE-9000, Belgium; Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University St. Louis, Campus Box 1169, 1 Brookings Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63130-4899, United States; Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, United States; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Department of Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, Ghent, BE-9000, Belgium; School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 10, Münster, D-48149, Germany | Goderis, S., Department of Geology, Earth System Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, BE-1050, Belgium, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, Ghent, BE-9000, Belgium; Wittmann, A., Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University St. Louis, Campus Box 1169, 1 Brookings Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63130-4899, United States, Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, United States; Zaiss, J., Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Elburg, M., Department of Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, Ghent, BE-9000, Belgium, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ravizza, G., Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Vanhaecke, F., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, Ghent, BE-9000, Belgium; Deutsch, A., Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 10, Münster, D-48149, Germany; Claeys, P., Department of Geology, Earth System Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, BE-1050, Belgium | The geochemical nature of the impactites from International Continental Scientific Drilling Project-El'gygytgyn lake drill core 1C is compared with that of impact melt rock fragments collected near the western rim of the structure and literature data. Concentrations of major and trace elements, with special focus on siderophile metals Cr, Co, Ni, and the platinum group elements, and isotope ratios of osmium (Os), were determined to test the hypothesis of an ureilite impactor at El'gygytgyn. Least squares mixing calculations suggest that the upper volcanic succession of rhyolites, dacites, and andesites were the main contributors to the polymict impact breccias. Additions of 2-13.5 vol% of basaltic inclusions recovered from drill core intervals between 391.6 and 423.0 mblf can almost entirely account for the compositional differences observed for the bottom of a reworked fallout deposit at 318.9 mblf, a polymict impact breccia at 471.4 mblf, and three impact melt rock fragments. However, the measured Os isotope ratios and slightly elevated PGE content (up to 0.262 ng g-1 Ir) of certain impactite samples, for which the CI-normalized logarithmic PGE signature displays a relatively flat (i.e., chondritic) pattern, can only be explained by the incorporation of a small meteoritic contribution. This component is also required to explain the exceptionally high siderophile element contents and corresponding Ni/Cr, Ni/Co, and Cr/Co ratios of impact glass spherules and spherule fragments that were recovered from the reworked fallout deposits and from terrace outcrops of the Enmyvaam River approximately 10 km southeast of the crater center. Mixing calculations support the presence of approximately 0.05 wt% and 0.50-18 wt% of ordinary chondrite (possibly type-LL) in several impactites and in the glassy spherules, respectively. The heterogeneous distribution of the meteoritic component provides clues for emplacement mechanisms of the various impactite units. © The Meteoritical Society, 2013. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923096068 | Testing the performance of state-of-the-art dust emission schemes using DO4Models field data | Haustein K., Washington R., King J., Wiggs G., Thomas D.S.G., Eckardt F.D., Bryant R.G., Menut L. | 2015 | Geoscientific Model Development | 8 | 2 | 10.5194/gmd-8-341-2015 | School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Cape Town, Environmental and Geographical Science, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France | Haustein, K., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Washington, R., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; King, J., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wiggs, G., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Thomas, D.S.G., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Eckardt, F.D., University of Cape Town, Environmental and Geographical Science, Cape Town, South Africa; Bryant, R.G., Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Menut, L., Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France | Within the framework of the Dust Observations for Models (DO4Models) project, the performance of three commonly used dust emission schemes is investigated in this paper using a box model environment. We constrain the model with field data (surface and dust particle properties as well as meteorological parameters) obtained from a dry lake bed with a crusted surface in Botswana during a 3 month period in 2011. Our box model results suggest that all schemes fail to reproduce the observed horizontal dust flux. They overestimate the magnitude of the flux by several orders of magnitude. The discrepancy is much smaller for the vertical dust emission flux, albeit still overestimated by up to an order of magnitude. The key parameter for this mismatch is the surface crusting which limits the availability of erosive material, even at higher wind speeds. The second-most important parameter is the soil size distribution. Direct dust entrainment was inferred to be important for several dust events, which explains the smaller gap between modelled and measured vertical dust fluxes. We conclude that both features, crusted surfaces and direct entrainment, need to be incorporated into dust emission schemes in order to represent the entire spectra of source processes. We also conclude that soil moisture exerts a key control on the threshold shear velocity and hence the emission threshold of dust in the model. In the field, the state of the crust is the controlling mechanism for dust emission. Although the crust is related to the soil moisture content to some extent, we are not as yet able to deduce a robust correlation between state of crust and soil moisture. © Author(s) 2015. | None | atmospheric pollution; data set; dust; emission; magnitude; meteorology; numerical model; parameterization; performance assessment; pollutant source; size distribution; soil moisture; Botswana | NE/H021841/1, NERC, Natural Environment Research Council |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899056568 | Testing the performance of registered herbicides on the control of Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae) in South African grasslands | Goodall J.M., Witkowski E.T.F. | 2014 | Weed Research | 54 | 3 | 10.1111/wre.12071 | Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Hilton, South Africa | Goodall, J.M., Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Hilton, South Africa; Witkowski, E.T.F., Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | We report on the performance of the registered herbicides picloram and metsulfuron-methyl on the control of Campuloclinium macrocephalum (pompom weed) in grasslands. Herbicide trials in hydric and xeric grasslands were treated for three consecutive years in either summer (February) or autumn (April) and monitored for an additional 3 years after spraying ceased. Uncontrolled factors such as a host-specific rust, fire and drought were observed from the second year of the study. Metsulfuron-methyl and picloram did not differ in efficacy according to the timing of applications, but average mortality of marked plants was <80% expected of registered herbicides. Populations of C. macrocephalum in plots were reduced proportionately to the percentage mortality of marked plants. Picloram and metsulfuron-methyl applied at 252 g a.i. ha-1 and 45 g a.i. ha-1, respectively, were not detectable by gas chromatography in the upper 25 cm of the soil profile during any of the sampling intervals from 0 to 56 days after treatment. Three annual applications of registered herbicide did not reduce C. macrocephalum successfully, and it is estimated that between five (summer) to seven (autumn) annual treatments are required to reduce weed density to <1 plant per plot (25 m2). Future research should focus on rust-herbicide interactions, the role of fire in seedbank management and fire as a treatment that could be integrated with chemical control. © 2014 European Weed Research Society. | Disease; Drought; Environmental factors; Fire; Mortality; Pompom weed; Recruitment; Regrowth; Seedlings | chemical control; dicotyledon; disease treatment; drought; environmental factor; fire; gas chromatography; grassland; mortality; performance assessment; regrowth; research work; rust disease; seed bank; soil profile; weed control; South Africa; Asteraceae; Campuloclinium macrocephalum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956901748 | Testing the impact of social forces on the evolution of Sahelian farming systems: A combined agent-based modeling and anthropological approach | Saqalli M., Gérard B., Bielders C., Defourny P. | 2010 | Ecological Modelling | 221 | 22 | 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.08.004 | REEDS UVSQ Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 47 boulevard Vauban, 78280 Guyancourt, France; International Livestock Research Institute, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia; Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | Saqalli, M., REEDS UVSQ Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 47 boulevard Vauban, 78280 Guyancourt, France; Gérard, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia; Bielders, C., Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Defourny, P., Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | This article presents the results of a methodology based on an extensive sociological fieldwork in three different sites settled along a gradient of aridity in Nigerien Sahel. This fieldwork led to build a set of rules for the behaviour of individuals in non-pastoralist villages. We implemented these rules into an agent-based model simulating three village archetypes. Each archetype includes biophysical, economical, social agricultural and livestock modules. Results from simulations with no social transition processes show that villages specialize themselves into different economic activities according to natural resource specificities: A decreasing intensification gradient is observed from the most favoured site, with more local productions and good ecological indicators, to the less-favoured site, with a growing proportion of the population wealth coming from migration remittances and " off-shore" livestock. Two family transition processes were implemented, following field observations and literature-based hypotheses: family organizations evolve between a patriarchal mode and a non-cooperative mode following tensions due to income redistribution. Family inheritance systems evolve from a " customary" one-heir mode to a " local Muslim" mode in which all males inherits land. This evolution depends on family tensions due to land availability. Once introducing these processes, the population of each site differentiates itself into specialized groups according to size, assets and social status. Meanwhile, the group proportions and specializations strongly vary according to the sites but they are all characterized by the emergence of individualistic family types and the increase of the village populations' robustness. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Family organization; Family transition processes; Individual agent-based modeling; Inheritance; Social distribution of economic assets | Family organization; Family transition processes; Individual agent; Inheritance; Social distribution; Computational methods; Ecology; Economics; Agriculture; anthropology; aridity; economic activity; family structure; farming system; literature review; rural area; social behavior; Nigeria; Sahel [Sub-Saharan Africa] | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856588612 | Testing stemming performance, possible or not? | Boshoff D., Webber-Youngman R.C.W. | 2011 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 111 | 12 | None | Anglo American, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Boshoff, D., Anglo American, Johannesburg, South Africa; Webber-Youngman, R.C.W., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The ability of an explosive to break rock is influenced considerably by the extent of confinement in the blasthole. It is believed that confinement is improved by the use of adequate stemming. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the first and second stages of developing a stemming performance testing rig for small diameter boreholes. The rig was used to compare and contrast the performance of different designs of products. The results showed that different stemming products have differences in terms of their functionality, which can have a major impact on the efficiency of rock breaking. Two test procedures were used, one through the exclusive use of compressed air and the second using a purposebuilt high pressure test rig with small quantities of explosives. Both tests were used to identify and evaluate the ability of various stemming products to resist the escape of explosive gas through the collar of a blasthole. An investigation was done to determine the types of stemming products most commonly used in South African underground hard rock mines, and these products were used during the tests. The first stage of tests using compressed air only did not prove adequate to predict with certainty the pressure behaviour in the borehole of a particular product under high pressure conditions. The purpose-built high pressure test rig also did not prove to be a very effective tool to test stemming products under high pressure conditions. The test rig incorporated only the effect of gas pressure on the stemming product, and excluded the effect of the shock wave. This study therefore proved that to take into account only the gas pressure generated in the blasthole is not sufficient to effectively test stemming product performance. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2011. | Blasthole; Break rock; Confinement; Explosive; Stemming performance testing. | Blasthole; Effective tool; Gas pressures; Hard rock mines; High-pressure condition; High-pressure test-rig; Performance testing; Product performance; Rock breaking; Test procedures; Test rigs; Ability testing; Boreholes; Compressed air; Drilling rigs; Explosives; Plasma confinement; Pressure vessels; Rock products | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751526274 | Testing antecedents to sales performance in postapartheid era: A field study | Barbuto Jr. J.E., Barbuto L., De La Rey P., Boshoff A.B., Ye X. | 2006 | Psychological Reports | 99 | 2 | 10.2466/PR0.99.2.603-618 | University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States; Future Leadership Consulting; University of Pretoria, South Africa; Stellenbosch University, South Africa; 306 Ag Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0709, United States | Barbuto Jr., J.E., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States, 306 Ag Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0709, United States; Barbuto, L., Future Leadership Consulting; De La Rey, P., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Boshoff, A.B., Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ye, X., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States | The predictors of objectively measured sales performance were assessed with 245 sales representatives from a large South African life insurance company. Sales representatives completed measures of their locus of control, entrepreneurial attitudes, biographical history, and performance was assessed from company records of sales, net commissions earned, and lapse ratios. The nature of employment contract, job status, and race explained significant differences in performance outcomes. The predictive nature of locus of control and entrepreneurial attitudes for performance outcomes was tested using structural equation modeling procedures, with limited validity. The implications for research and practice are also discussed. © Psychological Reports 2006. | None | achievement; adult; article; attitude; Caucasian; commercial phenomena; control; female; human; income; insurance; male; middle aged; Negro; personnel management; policy; psychological aspect; self concept; social problem; South Africa; statistics; Achievement; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Attitude; Commerce; Employee Performance Appraisal; Entrepreneurship; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Humans; Income; Insurance, Life; Internal-External Control; Male; Middle Aged; Public Policy; Race Relations; Self Concept; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953222801 | 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-s2.0-84857667087 | Testcross performance of doubled haploid maize lines derived from tropical adapted backcross populations | Beyene Y., Mugo S., Pillay K., Tefera T., Ajanga S., Njoka S., Karaya H., Gakunga J. | 2011 | Maydica | 56 | 4 | None | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Monsanto South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), PO Box 57811, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya | Beyene, Y., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Mugo, S., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Pillay, K., Monsanto South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd, Kenya; Tefera, T., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Ajanga, S., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), PO Box 57811, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Njoka, S., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), PO Box 57811, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Karaya, H., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Gakunga, J., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya | Doubled haploid (DH) lines produced by in vivo induction of maternal haploids are routinely used in maize breeding. The present study was carried out to assess the performance of 75 doubled haploid maize testcrosses and six checks tested across four locations in Kenya for grain yield, agronomic traits and reaction to major leaf diseases. The 75 DH lines were derived from the backcross (BC1) plants of two CIMMYT bi-parental crosses. Significant location, genotype and genotype x location effects were observed for grain yield and anthesis-silking interval (ASI). Genotypes were significantly different for reaction to leaf blight and gray leaf spot. Location explained 69% of the total phenotypic variance while both genotype and genotype by environment interaction effects contributed 4% each. Fifteen DH testcross hybrids yielded better than the best commercial check, WH505 (5.1 t/ha). The best DH testcross hybrid (CKDHH0223) averaged over the four locations yielded 29.5% higher than WH505. These results indicate that maize testcrosses developed from DH lines produced as high a grain yield and as acceptable agronomic traits as the commercial hybrids developed through conventional pedigree methods. The DH lines identified in the study may be useful for improving yield and disease resistance in maize breeding programs in eastern and southern Africa. | Doubled haploid; Genotype × Environment interaction; Maize | Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247340143 | Testcross performance and diversity analysis of white maize lines derived from backcrosses containing exotic germplasm | Menkir A., Ingelbrecht I., The C. | 2007 | Euphytica | 155 | 3 | 10.1007/s10681-006-9344-8 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; IRAD, Nkolbisson Center, BP, 2067 Younde, Cameroon | Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ingelbrecht, I., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; The, C., IRAD, Nkolbisson Center, BP, 2067 Younde, Cameroon | Introgression from exotic maize (Zea mays L.) into adapted breeding pools can broaden and diversify the genetic base of adapted germplasm. The first objective of this study was to determine the agronomic performance of white maize lines derived from adapted x exotic backcrosses in tropical environments. Six exotic white maize inbred lines were crossed to an adapted white line (1368) and the F1s were backcrossed to 1368. Forty-one BC1F 4 lines derived from these backcrosses and the recurrent parent were crossed with a common inbred tester (9071) and the progeny were evaluated at eight environments in Nigeria. The testcrosses x environment interaction mean square was not significant for all agronomic traits. The BC-derived lines containing exotic germplasm contributed significantly to the variation in testcross mean grain yields and other agronomic traits. Among the 41 testcrosses, only 5 yielded significantly less than 1368 x 9071, with the 7 best testcrosses producing between 304 and 867 kg ha-1 more grain than 1368 x 9071. The second objective of this study was to assess the genetic divergence of the BC-derived white lines from their adapted recurrent parent. Thirty-nine BC-derived white lines along with 1368 and 9071 were genotyped with ten AFLP primer pairs that generated 506 polymorphic fragments. The average allelic diversity of the lines was 31 ± 0.07. The genetic distance (GD) estimates of each BC-derived line from 1368 varied from 0.76 to 0.84, with a mean of 0.80 ± 0.003. The average GD for all pairs of the BC-derived lines was 0.63 ± 0.005, varying from 0.31 to 0.89. The observed significant amount of variation among the BC-derived white lines suggests that they can contribute new alleles for expanding the genetic base of tropical maize and for developing high-yielding hybrids. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | AFLP; Agronomic performance; Backcross derived lines; Maize | Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-42149132303 | Terrain conductivity evaluation of road base integrity in a basement complex environment | Oladapo M.I., Adeoye O.O., Mogaji K.A., Adeoye S. | 2008 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 8 | 8 | None | Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Physics, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria | Oladapo, M.I., Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Adeoye, O.O., Department of Physics, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria; Mogaji, K.A., Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Adeoye, S., Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | A shallow electromagnetic evaluation of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria main road base integrity has been undertaken in this stiidy with the aim of identifying probable zones of untimely failure. Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Method (CSEM) was adopted for the study. The road segment investigated is underlain by four different lithologic units, which are the migmatite gneiss, quartzites, charnockite and granites along the west-east direction of the campus. Quadrature phase (conductivity) and in-phase (magnetic susceptibility) were measured in both vertical and horizontal dipoles. While the vertical dipole mode has a probing depth of 6 m, the horizontal dipole mode probes at a depth of 3 m. The range of quadrature and in-phase values obtained for horizontal dipole mode is from 6 to 50 mS m-1 and 0.808 to 20.47 ppt respectively. For vertical dipole mode, the range of quadrature and in-phase values are -21.00-71.00 mS m-1 and 20.07 to 20.47 ppt. The ratio of vertical conductivity value (Cv) to horizontal conductivity value (CH) i.e., CV/CH was utilized in assessing road-base performance. Road stability was observed where this ratio is greater than 1 (CV/CH>1) while signs of distress characterized where the ratio is less than or equal to 1 (CV/CH = 1) in vertical dipole. Likewise, relatively high magnetic susceptibility values in vertical dipole mode characterized zones of early distress. This technique is presumed useful in fast and cheap roadwork performance evaluation. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Conductivity and distress; Lithologic; Magnetic susceptibility; Road-base | Basement complex; Controlled source; Electromagnetic methods; Horizontal dipoles; Lithologic; Road-base; Terrain conductivity; Vertical and horizontal dipoles; Electromagnetism; Granite; Magnetic susceptibility; Roads and streets | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847642523 | Terminal crossbreeding of Dorper ewes to Ile de France, Merino Landsheep and SA Mutton Merino sires: Ewe production and lamb performance | Cloete J.J.E., Cloete S.W.P., Olivier J.J., Hoffman L.C. | 2007 | Small Ruminant Research | 69 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.12.005 | Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Cape Institute of Agricultural Training: Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa; Institute for Animal Production: Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa; Irene Animal Improvement Institute, Private Bag X2, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa | Cloete, J.J.E., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa, Cape Institute of Agricultural Training: Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa; Cloete, S.W.P., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa, Institute for Animal Production: Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa; Olivier, J.J., Irene Animal Improvement Institute, Private Bag X2, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | The effect of crossing Dorper ewes with Ile de France (IdF), Merino Landsheep (ML) and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) rams in a terminal crossbreeding program was investigated during 2000 and 2001. Expressed as percentage of purebred Dorper lambs, the average birth weights of IdF cross and ML cross lambs were increased by 12 and 7%, respectively. Crossbred progeny of IdF sires were 10% heavier than purebred Dorpers at weaning. A corresponding difference in favour of ML sires amounted to 5%. IdF crossbred lambs reached slaughter weight earlier than the other cross lambs and purebred Dorper lambs. Lamb mortality prior to weaning was unaffected by the breed of the service sire, and ranged between 0.13 for lambs sired by IdF rams to 0.22 for purebred Dorper lambs. Ewe joining weight, as well as number of lambs born and weaned per ewe lambed was independent of the breed of the service sire. When weight of lamb weaned per ewe lambed was considered, there was a tendency towards higher lamb outputs in ewes that were joined to IdF and SAMM sires. Estimated repeatability derived for joining weight and the various measures of reproduction generally accorded with literature estimates. Backfat depth (taken at the 13th rib, 25 mm from the midline) indicated that purebred Dorper lambs had a thicker fat cover compared to all combinations of crossbred lambs. Corresponding sire breed differences were found between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebra, 25 mm from the midline. Terminal crossbreeding of Dorper ewes with IdF, ML and SAMM sires did not deleteriously affect lamb growth and survival or ewe reproduction. Terminal crossbreeding could thus be implemented in commercial Dorper flocks, without compromising productivity and/or product quality. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Dressing percentage; Fat depth; Lamb growth; Lamb output; Reproduction; Weaning weight | Ovis aries | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247530793 | Ten years hence - Has the South African choice on termination of Pregnant Act, Act 92 of 1996, realised its aims? A moral-critical evaluation | de Roubaix M. | 2007 | Medicine and Law | 26 | 1 | None | Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South Africa | de Roubaix, M., Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South Africa | The South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act 92 of 1996) (CTOP) passed by parliament ten years ago, aims to promote female reproductive autonomy through legitimising free access to abortion up to 20 weeks' of gestation. The article critically evaluates CTOP and highlights three societal concerns: the effect of CTOP on the self-esteem of nurses who perform abortion; the effect on general societal morality, and its desirability. CTOP has enjoyed mixed success. On the plus side, it has furthered female reproductive autonomy, has decreased early pregnancy maternal mortality and has advanced non-racialism through equal access to safe abortion. On the minus side, it remains controversial; the majority of the population opposes abortion on request, predominantly based on religiously-informed intuitions on the value of ante-natal life. Officials and managers of public health care facilities are often obstructive, and TOP personnel victimised and socially stigmatised. An unacceptably high rate of unsafe abortion prevails, particularly in rural areas and amongst adolescents, but also in certain urban areas. The prime causes are inadequate public education, attitudinal problems, and lack of psychological support for TOP personnel, the segregation of ante-natal care and abortion services, inadequate training, research, communication and contraceptive services, absence of incentives for TOP personnel and "traditional" gender roles and male power-based domination in reproductive choices. Corrective measures include a goal directed educational programme and initiatives like value clarification workshops which have been effective in changing negative attitudes of participants, and may thus address stigmatisation, improve working conditions of TOP personnel, promote societal tolerance and acceptance, and informed consent. Of particular concern are the questions of informed consent, minors, promotion of counselling and contraceptive services (particularly for adolescents), conscientious objection and the protection of compliant (and non-compliant) personnel. ©YOZMOT 2007. | Abortion legislation; Adolescents; Birth control; Constitutional concerns; Education; Gender based domination; Minors; Pre-natal moral significance; Reproductive autonomy; Safe unsafe abortion; Self-esteem; Societal Morality; South Africa | abortion; article; birth control; contraception; fetal rights; first trimester pregnancy; gestational age; health care access; health care facility; health education; health promotion; human; illegal abortion; induced abortion; informed consent; maternal mortality; medicolegal aspect; morality; nurse attitude; patient attitude; patient autonomy; pregnancy termination; prenatal care; psychosocial care; public health; racism; religion; reproductive rights; right to life; self esteem; sex role; social desirability; social psychology; South Africa; Abortion, Legal; Female; Humans; Morals; Pregnancy; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947486022 | Temporal changes in the impacts on plant communities of an invasive alien tree, Acacia longifolia | Marchante H., Marchante E., Freitas H., Hoffmann J.H. | 2015 | Plant Ecology | 216 | 11 | 10.1007/s11258-015-0530-4 | Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Marchante, H., Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, Coimbra, Portugal, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal; Marchante, E., Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal; Freitas, H., Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal; Hoffmann, J.H., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Studies on the impacts of invasive plants are common but most are short term and fail to consider the temporal context of invasion. The present work investigated particular invasions on two different time scales and asked: (1) Do the impacts of an invasive tree on plant communities change after decades of invasion? (2) Are patterns of impacts dynamic over a period of five years? (3) Can multiple parameters reveal impacts that are unnoticed when single-value parameters are measured alone? Contrasting plant communities (long invaded, recently invaded and non-invaded) of a Portuguese coastal dune were compared during a 5-year period to assess the impacts of the invasive Acacia longifolia. Plant diversity, richness, cover, plant traits, indicator species analysis, similarity between areas and species turnover were analysed to reveal spatial and temporal patterns of change. Native species richness declined in both invaded areas. As invasion time increased, species shared with natural habitats decreased along with native plant cover, diversity and species turnover. Many species typical of dunes were replaced by generalists and exotics species, and richness of species with some level of nitrophily increased, particularly in recently invaded areas. Life form spectrum was radically transformed in invaded areas with several small-sized life forms being replaced by one single microphanerophyte. Germination of A. longifolia was greatest in long invaded areas. Findings show that modification of plant communities intensifies with invasion time and that invasion promotes a diversity of structural and functional changes which are dynamic over a few years (medium-term scale) but which tend to stabilize after several decades (long-term scale). An analysis of parameters in combination revealed changes that were not apparent when the same parameters were considered separately. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Acacia longifolia; Coastal ecosystems; Indicator species analysis; Invasion chronology; Long-term impacts; Medium-term impacts; Plant traits; Species turn over | biological invasion; chronology; coastal zone; community dynamics; ecological impact; invasive species; legume; long-term change; plant community; spatiotemporal analysis; subtropical region; turnover; Portugal; Acacia longifolia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927591622 | Temperature Variation and heat wave and cold spell impacts on years of life lost among the urban poor population of Nairobi, Kenya | Egondi T., Kyobutungi C., Rocklöv J. | 2015 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 12 | 3 | 10.3390/ijerph120302735 | African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden | Egondi, T., African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Kyobutungi, C., African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Rocklöv, J., Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden | Weather extremes are associated with adverse health outcomes, including mortality. Studies have investigated the mortality risk of temperature in terms of excess mortality, however, this risk estimate may not be appealing to policy makers assessing the benefits expected for any interventions to be adopted. To provide further evidence of the burden of extreme temperatures, we analyzed the effect of temperature on years of life lost (YLL) due to all-cause mortality among the population in two urban informal settlements. YLL was generated based on the life expectancy of the population during the study period by applying a survival analysis approach. Association between daily maximum temperature and YLL was assessed using a distributed lag nonlinear model. In addition, cold spell and heat wave effects, as defined according to different percentiles, were investigated. The exposure-response curve between temperature and YLL was J-shaped, with the minimum mortality temperature (MMT) of 26 °C. An average temperature of 21 °C compared to the MMT was associated with an increase of 27.4 YLL per day (95% CI, 2.7–52.0 years). However, there was no additional effect for extended periods of cold spells, nor did we find significant associations between YLL to heat or heat waves. Overall, increased YLL from all-causes were associated with cold spells indicating the need for initiating measure for reducing health burdens. © 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Cold spell; Cold-related mortality; Heat wave; Heat-related mortality; Temperature | climate effect; environmental factor; health geography; health impact; informal settlement; mortality; survival; temperature gradient; urban population; Article; cause of death; cold injury; cold spell; controlled study; environmental impact; environmental monitoring; environmental temperature; heat wave; human; Kenya; life expectancy; mortality; outcome assessment; physical phenomena; social status; survival; temperature sensitivity; temperature variation; thermal analysis; urban area; weather; Kenya; Nairobi [Kenya]; Nairobi [Nairobi (CNT)] | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904673859 | Temperature performance of a thione quinoxaline compound as mild steel corrosion inhibitor in hydrochloric acid medium | El-Hajjaji F., Belkhmima R.A., Zerga B., Sfaira M., Taleb M., Ebn Touhami M., Hammouti B., Al-Deyab S.S., Ebenso E. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 9 | 9 | None | Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux, de Modélisation et d'Environnement, LIMME, Faculté des Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, USMBA, BP 1796-30000, Atlas - Fès, Morocco; Laboratoire des Matériaux, d'Electrochimie et d'Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofaîl, BP. 133-14000, Kénitra, Morocco; LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, BP 717-60000, Oujda, Morocco; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, B.O. 2455, Riaydh11451, Saudi Arabia; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | El-Hajjaji, F., Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux, de Modélisation et d'Environnement, LIMME, Faculté des Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, USMBA, BP 1796-30000, Atlas - Fès, Morocco; Belkhmima, R.A., Laboratoire des Matériaux, d'Electrochimie et d'Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofaîl, BP. 133-14000, Kénitra, Morocco; Zerga, B., Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux, de Modélisation et d'Environnement, LIMME, Faculté des Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, USMBA, BP 1796-30000, Atlas - Fès, Morocco; Sfaira, M., Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux, de Modélisation et d'Environnement, LIMME, Faculté des Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, USMBA, BP 1796-30000, Atlas - Fès, Morocco; Taleb, M., Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux, de Modélisation et d'Environnement, LIMME, Faculté des Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, USMBA, BP 1796-30000, Atlas - Fès, Morocco; Ebn Touhami, M., Laboratoire des Matériaux, d'Electrochimie et d'Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofaîl, BP. 133-14000, Kénitra, Morocco; Hammouti, B., LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, BP 717-60000, Oujda, Morocco; Al-Deyab, S.S., Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, B.O. 2455, Riaydh11451, Saudi Arabia; Ebenso, E., Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | The inhibiting action of 3-methyl-1-prop-2-ynylquinoxaline-2(1H)-thione (Pr-N-Q=S) on mild steel in molar hydrochloric acid has been investigated in the temperature range from 35 to 80 °C using weight loss measurements. It was shown that the inhibition efficiency increased with Pr-N-Q=S concentration and remained constant and so higher close to 96 % at 10-3M though temperature rising. The apparent activation energies (Ea), enthalpies (ΔH*) and entropies of activation (ΔS*) values provided evidence of the inhibitory effect of Pr-N-Q=S. Langmuir isotherm model fitted well the adsorption of Pr-N-Q=S onto metallic surface in acidic media. Furthermore, spontaneity of the adsorption process, evaluated from the sign of free energy (ΔadsG°) values, showed a decrease upon temperature increase in the presence of Pr-N-Q=S. © 2014 The Authors. | Adsorption; Corrosion inhibition; Quinoxaline; Thermodynamic and kinetic proprieties | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956361360 | Temperament and character correlates of neuropsychological performance | Cassimjee N., Murphy R. | 2010 | South African Journal of Psychology | 40 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Applied Psychology, University College, Cork, Ireland | Cassimjee, N., Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Murphy, R., Department of Applied Psychology, University College, Cork, Ireland | We Investigate the association between temperament and character dimensions, on the one hand, and computerised neuropsychological test performance, on the other hand. Temperament and character dimensions were operationalised as scores on the subscales of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), a 240-item measure that Is based on the psychobiologlcal theory of personality. Neuropsychological outcomes were measured on six computerised tests of executive functioning and abstract reasoning from the University of Pennsylvania Computerised Neuropsychological Test Battery (PennCNP). The executive and abstract reasoning tasks included a test of Motor Praxis (MPRAXIS), the Penn Abstraction, Inhibition and Working Memory Task (AIM), the Letter-N-Back (LNB2), the Penn Conditional Exclusion Task (PCET), the Penn Short Logical Reasoning Task (SPVRT) and the Short Raven's Progressive Matrices (SRAVEN). Results from this exploratory study yielded significant associations between neuropsychological performance and temperament and character traits. The temperament traits of Harm Avoidance and Reward Dependence were positively correlated with reaction time on the AIM and the SPVRT. The character dimension of Self-Transcendence was significantly associated with performance accuracy on the AIM and the temperament dimension of Novelty Seeking was inversely related to performance accuracy on the LNB2. These results confirm the importance of addressing the temperament and character correlates of neuropsychological performance in both clinical and non-clinical studies. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Character; Executive functioning; Neuropsychology; Personality; Psychobiological theory; Temperament | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855600818 | Teff (Eragrostis tef) production constraints on Vertisols in Ethiopia: Farmers' perceptions and evaluation of low soil zinc as yield-limiting factor | Haileselassie B., Stomph T.-J., Hoffland E. | 2011 | Soil Science and Plant Nutrition | 57 | 4 | 10.1080/00380768.2011.593482 | Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 258, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, Netherlands | Haileselassie, B., Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 258, Mekelle, Ethiopia, Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Stomph, T.-J., Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, Netherlands; Hoffland, E., Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands | Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is a major food crop in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is well adapted to Vertisols. Yields are low (around 1000 kg ha -1) despite fertilization with urea and diammonium phosphate. The objectives of this study were to understand farmers' perception on teff production constraints and to evaluate on-farm yield response of teff to zinc (Zn) fertilization. We conducted a farm survey and a participatory fertilization experiment in three teff-based sites (peasant associations) on Vertisols in the mid highland and lowland agroecological zones in Ethiopia. Per site 10 farmers participated in the survey and on-farm experiment. Poor soil fertility in the mid highland and moisture deficit in the lowland agroecological zones were mentioned by farmers as major teff production constraints, respectively. On-farm application of Zn fertilizer at a rate of 8 kg Zn ha -1 increased teff grain and straw yields by 14% and 15% on average, respectively, which could be economically profitable. Not all plots showed a positive response, however, indicating the necessity for enhanced insight in indicators for soil Zn bioavailability as a yield-limiting factor. Our study indicates the importance of Zn in teff production on Vertisols. We propose further research on management options to prepare for effective interventions based on the farm survey and on-farm experiment. © 2011 Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. | Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter; Farmers' perception; Participatory research; Vertisol; Zinc | Eragrostis; Eragrostis tef | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940734173 | TEC prediction performance of the IRI-2012 model over Ethiopia during the rising phase of solar cycle 24 (2009-2011) | Tariku Y.A. | 2015 | Earth, Planets and Space | 67 | 1 | 10.1186/s40623-015-0312-1 | Department of Physics, University of Ambo, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia | Tariku, Y.A., Department of Physics, University of Ambo, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia | This paper discusses the performance of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012) model for estimating the vertical total electron content (VTEC) variation over Ethiopian regions during the rising phase of solar cycle 24 (2009-2011). Ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) VTEC data, inferred from dual-frequency GPS receivers installed at Bahir Dar (geographic latitude 11.6°N and longitude 37.35°E, geomagnetic latitude 2.64°N and longitude 108.94°E), Nazret (geographic latitude 8.57°N and longitude 39.29°E, geomagnetic latitude -0.25°N and longitude 111.01°E), and Robe (geographic latitude 7.11°N and longitude 40.03°E, geomagnetic latitude -1.69°N and longitude 111.78°E), are compared to diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC variations obtained with the IRI-2012 model. It is shown that the variability of the diurnal VTEC is minimal at predawn hours (near 0300 UT, 0600 LT) and maximal between roughly 1000 and 1300 UT (1300-1600 LT) for both the experimental data and the model. Minimum seasonal VTEC values are observed for the June solstice during the period of 2009-2011. Moreover, it is shown that the model better estimates diurnal VTEC values just after the midnight hours (0000-0300 UT, 0300-0600 LT). The modeled monthly and seasonal VTEC values are larger than the corresponding measured values during the period of 2009-2010 when all options for the topside electron density are used. An important finding of this study is that the overestimation of VTEC values derived from the model decreases as the Sun transitions from very low to high solar activity. Moreover, it is generally better to use the model with the NeQuick option for the topside electron density when estimating diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC variations. © 2015 Tariku. | Equatorial ionosphere; GPS-VTEC; IRI-2012 VTEC; Solar cycle | electron density; geomagnetism; GPS; ionosphere; modeling; performance assessment; prediction; solar activity; solar cycle; Ethiopia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940714174 | TEC prediction performance of IRI-2012 model during a very low and a high solar activity phase over equatorial regions, Uganda | Tariku Y.A. | 2015 | Journal of Geophysical Research A: Space Physics | 120 | 7 | 10.1002/2015JA021203 | Department of Physics, University of Ambo, Ambo, Ethiopia | Tariku, Y.A., Department of Physics, University of Ambo, Ambo, Ethiopia | This paper examines the capacity of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012) model in predicting the vertical total electron content (VTEC) variation over Uganda during a very low solar activity phase (2009) and a high solar activity (2012) phase. This has been carried out by comparing the ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) VTEC inferred from dual-frequency GPS receivers installed at Entebbe (geographic latitude 0.038N and longitude 32.44E; geomagnetic latitude -9.53N and longitude 104.06E) and Mbarara (geographic latitude -0.60N and longitude 30.74E; geomagnetic latitude -10.02N and longitude 102.36E). In this work, the diurnal, monthly, and seasonal variations in the measured VTEC have been analyzed and compared with the VTEC derived from IRI-2012 model. It has been shown that the lowest diurnal peak GPS-VTEC values are observed in the June solstice months during both the low and the high solar activity phases. Similarly, the highest diurnal peak IRI-2012 VTEC values are observed in equinoctial months during both phases. The variability of the VTEC in both the experimental and model is minimal nearly at 03:00 UT (06:00 LT) and maximal mostly between 10:00 and 13:00 UT (13:00-16:00 LT) during both phases. The diurnal highest peak modeled VTEC value observed during the high solar activity phase is almost twice larger than the diurnal highest peak modeled VTEC value depicted during the low solar activity phase. Moreover, the highest monthly mean hourly measured VTEC value observed in October during the high solar activity phase is larger by more than twice the corresponding highest monthly mean hourly measured VTEC value observed in November during the low solar activity phase. Similarly, the lowest monthly measured VTEC value observed in July during the high solar activity phase is larger by more than twice the corresponding lowest measured monthly VTEC value observed in the same month during the low solar activity phase. It has also been shown that the highest measured seasonal mean hourly VTEC values are observed in the December solstice and the March equinox, respectively, during the low and the high solar activity phases, while the corresponding lowest measured VTEC values are observed in the June solstice during both phases. The model prediction generally follows the monthly and seasonal variations of measured VTEC, with the highest and the lowest monthly values being observed in equinoctial and solstice months, respectively, during both phases. The overall results show that the modeled diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC values are generally larger than those corresponding measured VTEC values observed during both the low and the high solar activity phases, with the largest deviations being observed during the low solar activity phase. Moreover, the model does not respond to the effects resulting from the storm. Hence, unlike the measured VTEC values, the modeled VTEC values are unaffected by the storm. © 2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. | equatorial ionosphere; GPS-VTEC; high solar activity; IRI-2012 VTEC; low solar activity | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-28344433134 | Technology transfer pathways and livelihood impact indicators in central Ethiopia | Tesfaye A., Jemal I., Ferede S., Curran M.M. | 2005 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 37 | None | 10.1007/s11250-005-9011-4 | Holetta Research Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Adami Tulu Research Center, Zway, Ethiopia; Debre Zeit Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Villardi Consulting, Singapore, Singapore | Tesfaye, A., Holetta Research Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jemal, I., Adami Tulu Research Center, Zway, Ethiopia; Ferede, S., Debre Zeit Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Curran, M.M., Villardi Consulting, Singapore, Singapore | A survey was conducted in central Ethiopia to elicit information on existing and potential dissemination pathways for technical information on donkey husbandry. A detailed socio-economic survey was also conducted to provide background information on the people and the region, and livelihood indicators were drawn out at the same time. The results showed that there are many opportunities for group dissemination by making use of existing social networks. There are also opportunities for dissemination through extension agents, farmer groups and radio broadcasting. © 2005 Springer. | Central Ethiopia; Donkey; Husbandry | adult; agriculture; animal; animal husbandry; animal welfare; article; economics; education; Ethiopia; female; horse; human; income; interpersonal communication; male; methodology; middle aged; technology; Adult; Agriculture; Animal Husbandry; Animal Welfare; Animals; Communication; Equidae; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Income; Male; Middle Aged; Technology Transfer; Equus asinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949471240 | Technology orientation and effectuation – links to firm performance in the renewable energy sector of South Africa | Urban B., Heydenrych J. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 3 | 10.7166/26-3-1039 | Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Urban, B., Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Heydenrych, J., Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Effectuation processes are consistent with emergent or non-predictive strategies, and speak to the essence of Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction. In this study, hypotheses are formulated to understand the relationship between effectuation, technology orientation, and firm performance. The study takes place in South Africa, which remains a highly significant economic player in sub-Saharan Africa, and is focused on the renewable energy sector. Survey results provide evidence that different dimensions of effectuation are positively associated with technology orientation, and influence firm performance. Policy makers should be encouraging firms to use effectual principles of experimentation, flexibility, establishing pre-commitments, and forming alliances, so as to maximise their returns on technology and constrain their potential losses. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering, All rights reserved. | None | Energy policy; Renewable energy resources; Surveys; Creative destruction; Firm Performance; Policy makers; Potential loss; Renewable energy sector; South Africa; Sub-saharan africa; Technology orientation; Technology transfer | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847779261 | Technologies that contribute to reducing environmental impacts of electrical production | Kahn M.T.E., Fritz W. | 2006 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 17 | 4 | None | Centre for Distributed Power Electronic Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Kahn, M.T.E., Centre for Distributed Power Electronic Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Fritz, W., Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) was attended by approximately 21 000 international delegates in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002. The aim was to institute ecologically sound environmental management. Research has shown that fossil fuel or coal fired power plants are the major cause of air pollution in electricity generation. This paper seeks to show technologies that can contribute to reducing the environmental impacts of electricity production, via emission control systems, industry energy policy, renewable energy technologies etc. and the promotion of active research and development in alternative energy applications in Africa. Innovative energy technology research and development and applications such as smaller scale distributed generation and solid state lighting (SSL) are seen as capable of adding a positive contribution in this area. | Electrical production; Energy consumption; Energy technology; Environmental impacts; Research and development | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-27344439988 | Technological performance judged by American patents awarded to South African inventors | Pouris A. | 2005 | South African Journal of Science | 101 | 42496 | None | Institute for Technological Innovation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | PATENTS ARE ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY as a reflection of a country's inventive and technological achievements and are used for monitoring and assessing national systems of innovation. In South Africa, patents are one of the technological indicators monitored by the Department of Science and Technology. This article reports the results of an assessment of South Africa's technological performance based on the number of utility patents granted to South African inventors by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The analysis shows that the country is losing ground in the international technological race. South Africa's shares in the USPTO halved from 0.13% in 1988 to a mere 0.07% in 2001. Finer analysis reveals a small shift towards modern technologies (such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and computers and peripherals) and Science Linkage indicators identify the areas (in particular biotechnology and pharmaceuticals) in which South Africa is producing leading-edge technologies. | None | innovation; international comparison; social indicator; technological development; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891817996 | Techno-economic impact of optimized lowgrade thermal coal export production through beneficiation modelling | Bergh J.P., Falcon R.M.S., Falcon L.M. | 2013 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 113 | 11 | None | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Bergh, J.P., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Falcon, R.M.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Falcon, L.M., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The advent of low-quality export coal demand has brought a new range of possibilities to the South African coal industry. Products that traditionally were only of value to the domestic or combustion industry sectors now have the potential to be exported, with only minor amounts of upgrading required through beneficiation. Comparatively high steam-coal export prices can be obtained for lowquality export coal, which enhances the economic feasibility of expanding low-quality thermal coal exports. There are, however, increasing concerns about the feasibility of lower quality thermal coal exports and the broader implications. These concerns relate to the environmental impact of low-quality thermal coal production for export and the inherent threat to the security of domestic thermal coal supply in South Africa. Against this background, this paper serves to explain the extended value chain in the production of export coal. The technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of low-grade exports versus coal production for domestic use are evaluated. The value chain estimation is calculated by the beneficiation modelling and characterization of two coals. Based on the value estimation, the lowgrade export production scenario, and finally the modelling of potential pollutant distribution, are described.© The southern african institute of mining and metallurgy, 2013. | Coal beneficiation; Dense medium processing; Dry processing; Environmental impact; Fine coal processing; Techno-economics; Thermal coal | Coal beneficiation; Dense medium; Dry processing; Fine coals; Techno-economics; Thermal coal; Beneficiation; Coal; Coal combustion; Concentration (process); Environmental impact; International trade; Mobile telecommunication systems; Coal industry | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870680969 | Techno-economic evaluation of wind energy in southwest Nigeria | Adaramola M.S., Oyewola O.M., Ohunakin O.S., Dinrifo R.R. | 2012 | Frontiers in Energy | 6 | 4 | 10.1007/s11708-012-0205-y | Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, 7030, Norway; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 23402, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant Unive | Adaramola, M.S., Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, 7030, Norway; Oyewola, O.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 23402, Nigeria; Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ogun State, 11001, Nigeria; Dinrifo, R.R., School of Engineering, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, 23401, Nigeria | In this study, an analysis of the wind energy potential in the southwest geo-political region of Nigeria was conducted. A 37-year (1971-2007) wind speed data set measured at 10 m height, obtained from eight meteorological stations within the region was analyzed using a 2-parameter Weibull function. Besides, a technoeconomic evaluation of large wind energy conversion systems with power ratings ranging from 0. 6 to 2MW at different hub heights based on the levelized unit cost of electricity was made for the different sites considered. The result showed that electricity cost varied from 0. 06997 and 0. 11195 $/(kW·h) to 2. 86611 and 4. 58578 $/(kW·h) at limit values of turbine specific cost band intervals of 1000 and 1600 $/kW. It was further shown that Lagos, having the highest accumulated power outputs of 430. 10 kW/a from DeWind D7 at 70m hub height, is the most preferred for economically usable power generation in terms of the levelized unit cost. © 2012 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | mean wind speed; Nigeria; southwest geopolitical region; techno-economic analysis; Weibull distributions; wind turbine | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-81355160660 | Techno-economic evaluation of a nuclear-assisted coal-to-liquid facility | Chiuta S., Blom E. | 2012 | Progress in Nuclear Energy | 54 | 1 | 10.1016/j.pnucene.2011.08.004 | Unit for Energy Systems, Postgraduate School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2531, South Africa | Chiuta, S., Unit for Energy Systems, Postgraduate School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2531, South Africa; Blom, E., Unit for Energy Systems, Postgraduate School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2531, South Africa | The production of synthetic fuels (synfuels) in Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) facilities has contributed to global warming due to the enormous carbon dioxide (CO2) emission footprint of the process. This corresponds to inefficient carbon conversion, a problem growing in importance particularly given the severe consequences concomitantly posed by global warming and the rapid depletion of coal reserves. This paper seeks to address these simultaneous challenges of environmental and energy sustainability associated with CTL facilities. To reduce the environmental impact and improve the carbon conversion of CTL facilities, we propose and apply the concept of a nuclear-assisted synthesis gas (syngas) plant to a reference syngas plant in a CTL facility consisting of 36 dry fixed-bed gasifiers. In this kind of plant, a Hybrid Sulphur (HyS) plant powered by 10 high-temperature nuclear reactors (HTR's) splits water to produce nuclear hydrogen and oxygen. The nuclear hydrogen supplements the hydrogen-poor syngas from the Rectisol and the oxygen becomes part of the gasifier feed. The nuclear-assisted syngas plant concept that we have developed is entirely based on the premise that the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction is minimised by operating a dry fixed-bed gasifier under steam-lean conditions. A mass-analysis model of the syngas plant described in this paper demonstrates that the WGS reaction contributes 68% to the CO2 emission output. The consequent benefits of eliminating the WGS reaction include reductions in the CO2 emissions and gasification coal requirement of 75% and 40%, respectively, all to achieve the same syngas output as the conventional syngas plant. In addition, we have developed an economic model for use as a strategic decision analysis tool that compares the relative syngas manufacturing costs for conventional and nuclear-assisted syngas plants. Our model predicts that syngas manufactured in the nuclear-assisted CTL plant would cost 21% more to produce when the average cost of producing nuclear hydrogen is US$3/kg H2. The model also evaluates the cost of CO 2 avoided, which at the average hydrogen cost is $58/t CO 2. Sensitivity analyses performed on the costing model reveal, however, that the cost of CO2 avoided is zero at a hydrogen production cost of $2/kg H2 or at a delivered coal cost of $128/t coal. The economic advantages of the nuclear-assisted syngas plant are lost above the threshold cost of $100/t CO2. However, the cost of CO2 avoided in our model is below the threshold for the range of critical assumptions considered in the sensitivity analyses. Consequently, this paper demonstrates the practicality, feasibility and economic attractiveness of the nuclear-assisted CTL plant. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Carbon dioxide; Coal gasification; Global warming; HTR; Nuclear hydrogen; Synthesis gas | Average cost; Carbon conversions; Coal reserves; Costing model; Economic advantages; Economic models; Energy sustainability; Fixed-bed; Fixed-bed gasifiers; Gasifiers; High temperature; HTR; Hybrid sulphur; Hydrogen costs; Manufacturing cost; Nuclear hydrogen; Strategic decision analysis; Syn-gas; Techno-economic evaluation; Water-gas-shift reactions; WGS reactions; Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Coal; Coal gasification; Costs; Environmental impact; Global warming; High temperature reactors; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Liquids; Oxygen; Proven reserves; Sensitivity analysis; Sulfur; Sustainable development; Synthesis (chemical); Synthesis gas; Synthetic fuels; Cost benefit analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860282569 | Techno-economic evaluation of a micro-hydropower plant for rural electrification in South Africa | Kusakana K., Munda J.L., Jimoh A.A., Monchusi B.B. | 2011 | International Review on Modelling and Simulations | 4 | 5 | None | Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Kusakana, K., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Munda, J.L., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Monchusi, B.B., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This study investigated the techno-economic viability of micro-hydropower generation in the electrification of a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The proposed scheme is composed of a squirrel cage induction machine running as a generator and directly coupled to a Kaplan hydro-turbine. Mathematical models were developed and simulations performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK software to highlight the characteristics of the output power supplied to consumers for varying water flow rate. A small-scale experimental model based on a DC machine as a turbine driving a self-excited induction generator was developed to validate the designed model. Economic and environment analyses were performed using HOMER software to assess the possibility of using the proposed stand-alone micro-hydropower system for low-cost electricity production and supply for the specific site. The MATLAB/SIMULINK model developed and the laboratory experiments demonstrated the technical viability of using a Kaplan turbine and a self-excited induction generator in micro-hydropower generation. The economic and environmental results highlight the cost-effectiveness character and the reduction of gas pollutant emissions achieved by the plant. The micro-hydropower plant is a technically and economically viable and environmentally friendly means for rural electrification. © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Micro-Hydropower; Rural Power Supply; Techno-Economic Analysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920437193 | Techno-economic and environmental evaluation of demand side management techniques for rural electrification in Ibadan, Nigeria | Akinbulire T.O., Oluseyi P.O., Babatunde O.M. | 2014 | International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering | 5 | 4 | 10.1007/s40095-014-0132-2 | Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Akinbulire, T.O., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Oluseyi, P.O., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Babatunde, O.M., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | According to the United Nation Development Programme, access to modern low-cost energy systems in developing countries is important in the realization of the globally agreed developmental goals, as well as the Millennium Development Goals, and sustainable development, which would assist in the reduction of poverty and to improve the conditions and quality of life for the greater part of the world’s population. Planners have suggested hybrid energy system for the electrification of rural areas worldwide. This study investigates the techno-economic and environmental effect of applying demand side management (DSM) activities to rural loads before design and sizing of hybrid energy systems for such community. Iporin a rural area in Ibadan, Nigeria which is endowed with an average daily solar radiation of 3.84 kWh/m2/day was taken as a case study. The total daily consumption which was initially estimated as 297 kWh/day after the application of DSM techniques dropped to 130 kWh/day representing a decrease of 56.80 %. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables software was used for simulation and optimization purpose. Parameters such as DSM index, net present cost, and emission level were used in determining the effect of the DSM technique. Overall, the DSM activities proved to be more economical and environmental friendly. © 2014, The Author(s). | Demand side management; Energy efficiency; HOMER; Hybrid energy system; Nigeria | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907192021 | Technical performance evaluation of the MyT4 point of care technology for CD4+ T cell enumeration | Mwau M., Kadima S., Mwende J., Adhiambo M., Akinyi C., Prescott M., Lusike J., Hungu J., Vojnov L. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0107410 | Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya | Mwau, M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Kadima, S., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya; Mwende, J., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Adhiambo, M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Akinyi, C., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Prescott, M., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya; Lusike, J., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya; Hungu, J., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya; Vojnov, L., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya | Objective: Though absolute CD4+ T cell enumeration is the primary gateway to antiretroviral therapy initiation for HIV-positive patients in all developing countries, patient access to this critical diagnostic test is relatively poor. We technically evaluated the performance of a newly developed point-of-care CD4+ T cell technology, the MyT4, compared with conventional CD4+ T cell testing technologies. Copyright:Design: Over 250 HIV-positive patients were consecutively enrolled and their blood tested on the MyT4, BD FACSCalibur, and BD FACSCount.Results: Compared with the BD FACSCount, the MyT4 had an r2 of 0.7269 and a mean bias of 223.37 cells/μl. Compared with the BD FACSCalibur, the MyT4 had an r2 of 0.5825 and a mean bias of 246.58 cells/μl. Kenya currently uses a CD4+ T cell test threshold of 350 cells/μl to determine patient eligibility for antiretroviral therapy. At this threshold, the MyT4 had a sensitivity of 95.3% (95% CI: 88.4-98.7%) and a specificity of 87.9% (95% CI: 82.3-92.3%) compared with the BD FACSCount and sensitivity and specificity of 88.2% (95% CI: 79.4-94.2%) and 84.2% (95% CI: 78.2-89.2%), respectively, compared with the BD FACSCalibur. Finally, the MyT4 had a coefficient of variation of 12.80% compared with 14.03% for the BD FACSCalibur.Conclusions: We conclude that the MyT4 performed well at the current 350 cells/μl ART initiation eligibility threshold when used by lower cadres of health care facility staff in rural clinics compared to conventional CD4+ T cell technologies. © 2014 Mwau et al. | None | adult; Article; blood analysis; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cell assay; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lymphocyte count; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nonhuman; outcome assessment; patient assessment; point of care testing; process development; sensitivity and specificity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877646793 | Technical evaluation of ondo bitumen for direct asphalt concrete mix design | Adeleke A.A., Adeosun A.S., Disu A.O., Olorunniwo E.O. | 2012 | Petroleum and Coal | 54 | 3 | None | Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adeleke, A.A., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Adeosun, A.S., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Disu, A.O., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Olorunniwo, E.O., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The suitability or otherwise of the abundant Nigerian Ondo bitumen as a binder in hot mix asphalt concrete mix design for roadmaking has not been established. Samples of Ondo bitumen (as-received and as-refined) were tested for specific gravity, softening point and penetration. Concrete mixes were also prepared with standard proportions of aggregates with Ondo bitumen (as-received and as-refined) and standard bitumen as binders. The concrete mixes were then compacted to standard cylindrical specimens for Marshall stability indices tests. The results of physico-chemical tests gave the specific gravity, softening point and penetration for the Ondo bitumen as-received as 1.12, 77°C and 44.3 mm, while the values for the refined product were 1.03, 52°C and 67 mm, respectively. The Marshall stability tests for Ondo bitumen (as-received) at 5.8% of the weight of aggregate yielded 25.5 KN, 15 mm, 77.4%, while that of Ondo bitumen as-refined gave 13.03 KN, 35 mm, 77.4%; respectively. When the physico-chemical properties Ondo bitumen (as-received and asrefined) were compared with those of standard bitumen, only the refined product was found to satisfy the requirements for concrete mix design. The Marshall stability results however showed that Ondo bitumen concrete mixes (as-received and as-refined) do not meet the standard specifications for stability and flow. The results obtained thus suggest that Ondo bitumen may not be useable alone for direct asphalt mix design. | Aggregate; Bitumen; Concrete; Marshall; Penetration; Stability | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-22144479818 | Technical article: A fuzzy-logic-based approach to cleaner production evaluation for surface finishing plants | Telukdarie A., Brouckaert C., Huang Y. | 2005 | Plating and Surface Finishing | 92 | 5 | None | Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States | Telukdarie, A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Brouckaert, C., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Huang, Y., Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States | The evaluation of environmental cleanliness of an electroplating facility, as compared to the best available practice, has been a challenge, particularly in small or mid-sized plants. This is mainly due to the fact that the detailed plant data necessary for evaluation is always difficult to obtain completely and precisely. To alleviate the data-scarce and lack-of-skill related problems in environmental performance evaluation for cleaner production, a fuzzy-logic-based decision analysis approach is introduced in this paper. The attractiveness of the approach is illustrated by the analysis of rinse system management. The approach is general and thus is suitable for any type of environmental cleanliness problems in the electroplating industry. | None | Clean rooms; Decision theory; Evaluation; Fuzzy sets; Metal cleaning; Metal finishing; Plating; Production engineering; Waste management; Waste treatment; Cleaner production evaluation; Electroplating industry; Fuzzy logic based approach; Rinse system management; Surface finishing plants; Electroplating shops | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-56849088350 | Technical and institutional evaluation of geray irrigation scheme in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia | Checkol G., Alamirew T. | 2008 | Journal of Spatial Hydrology | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Checkol, G.; Alamirew, T., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The technical and institutional performance evaluation of Geray Irrigation Scheme was made in order to identify management practices for implementation to improve the system operation and the performance of the irrigation system. The evaluation was made based on the selected performance indicators such as conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, water delivery performance, and maintenance indicators. The availability of institutional and support services were also investigated through a questionnaire administered to beneficiary farmers and other stakeholders. The results obtained showed that the main and tertiary canal conveyance efficiencies were 92 and 82 percents respectively. Many of the secondary and tertiary canals are poorly maintained and many of the structures are dysfunctional. Application efficiency monitored on three farmers' plot located at different ends of a given secondary canal ranges from 44 to 57 percent. Water delivery performance was only 71% showing a very substantial reduction from the design of the canal capacity. Maintenance indicator evaluated in terms of water level change (31.9%) and effectiveness of the infrastructures showed that the scheme management was in a very poor shape. Dependability of the scheme evaluated in terms of duration and irrigation interval showed that the scheme is performing below the intended level. The 47% of the land initially planned for development is currently under irrigation while there is no change in the water supply indicating that the sustainability of the scheme is in doubt. The cooperative support services that had been rendered to the beneficiaries in the past four years were found to be minimal. Moreover, there were few indicators that show the production was market oriented. The evaluation clearly revealed the fact that conflict resolution remains to be the duty of the local community authorities and Water User Associations (WUA) has no legal right to enforce its bylaws. In conclusion, the overall technical adequacy of the scheme is rated very poor requiring tremendous mobilization of the community to sustainably manage it. Proper institutional setup needs to be in place, and WUA needs to be more empowered in order to enforce its by-laws. | Ethiopia; Irrigation institution; Irrigation performance; Support services | irrigation system; questionnaire survey; water management; water supply; Africa; Amhara; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947563361 | Technical and institutional attributes constraining the performance of small-scale irrigation in Ethiopia | Amede T. | 2015 | Water Resources and Rural Development | 6 | None | 10.1016/j.wrr.2014.10.005 | International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, Kenya | Amede, T., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, Kenya | Small-scale irrigation is playing an important role in adapting to climate change, achieving food security, and improving household incomes. The Ethiopian Government considers irrigated agriculture as a primary engine of economic growth and plans to increase the current level of irrigation infrastructure three-fold by the end of 2015. However, there has been concern regarding the performance and management of existing small-scale irrigation. Based on the assessment of 52 small-scale irrigation schemes, and three case study sites, we describe the challenges and interventions required to improve irrigation water management in Ethiopia. Though most schemes are operational, many do not operate at full capacity, due to design failures, excessive siltation, poor agronomic and water management practices, and weak local institutions. In addition to low returns, there is competition for irrigation water between upstream and downstream users, vegetable growers and cereal growers, and between farmers with large irrigable plots and those with small plots. Despite these challenges, our field assessment revealed that small scale irrigation increases crop yields, improves crop diversification, and reduces the risk of crop failure. We emphasize in this paper the need for incentives to improve productivity and minimize conflicts, while enhancing innovation capacity, developing scheme-specific intensification strategies, and promoting collective action. We also describe how benefits from water investments could be substantially increased by overcoming design constraints, strengthening water user associations, and protecting catchments. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Communities; Incentives; Irrigation management; Productivity; Water | agricultural application; crop production; incentive; infrastructural development; irrigation system; performance assessment; state role; water management; Ethiopia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349113846 | Technical and economic evaluation of the utilization of solar energy at South Africa's SANAE IV base in Antarctica | Olivier J.R., Harms T.M., Esterhuyse D.J. | 2008 | Renewable Energy | 33 | 5 | 10.1016/j.renene.2007.05.044 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Olivier, J.R., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Harms, T.M., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Esterhuyse, D.J., South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | The technical and economic feasibility of utilizing solar energy at South Africa's SANAE IV station in Antarctica was evaluated in order to estimate potential financial and external savings, and to alleviate the programme's dependence on the special blend of diesel shipped annually from Cape Town. The average global horizontal and tilted insolation rates at the base were studied, energy consumption data of the station was investigated, technical performance characteristics of devices for harnessing solar energy were assessed and an economic analysis was completed. It was shown that at SANAE IV flat-plate solar thermal collectors could potentially be used in conjunction with the snow smelter (a device that meets the station's fresh water demand) and that photovoltaic modules could feasibly be used to reduce the station's electrical demand. Flat-plate solar thermal collectors could collect solar energy at an average of 3.13 R/kWh (viz. 0.49 US$/kWh) from a suggested 143 m2 array, while comparatively a 40 kWp photovoltaic system would be less economically sound and only able to pay back costs at the end of the system's expected 25-year lifetime, generating electricity at an estimated 3.20 R/kWh (annual electrical consumption at SANAE IV amounts to more than 1062 MWh). The total diesel savings of the solar thermal and photovoltaic systems were estimated at approximately 12 245 and 9958 l, respectively, which represent savings in externalities of R67 338 and R55 879 each. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antarctica; Economic analysis; Feasibility study; SANAE IV; Solar energy; Technical analysis | Economic analysis; Energy utilization; Photovoltaic cells; Antarctica; Feasibility study; Technical analysis; Solar energy; Economic analysis; Energy utilization; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy; economic analysis; energy use; feasibility study; performance assessment; photovoltaic system; solar power; technical efficiency; Africa; Antarctica; Cape Town; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861313410 | Team performance and sport attendance of South African super rugby and Currie cup rugby fans | Gerber C., Terblanche N.S. | 2012 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 34 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Gerber, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Terblanche, N.S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | To compete successfully in the expanding sport market, sport marketers need a thorough understanding of sport consumers, who include sport participants and sport spectators. Sport spectators are, in many instances, fanatical about the performance and success of their teams. It is thus obvious that ultimately their satisfaction with the experience of attending sporting events will be an important predictor of whether they will attend future events. Understanding the factors that influence spectator attendance is fundamental to understanding decisions about sport consumption. In professional rugby, competitions such as the Super Rugby and Currie Cup benefit from the lucrative money-generating opportunities offered. This study focuses on team performance and spectator attendance of the Super Rugby and Currie Cup competitions. Results indicated some interesting relationships between team performance and spectator attendance, and that a team's final log position could predict future spectator attendance. | Fans; Marketing; Rugby; Spectators; Sport attendance; Team performance | None | None |
None | None | Teaching and educational scholarship in Tanzania: Faculty initiative to improve performance of health professions' students | Mkony C.A., O'Sullivan P.S., Owibingire S.S., Fyfe M.V., Omer S., Freeman P., Makubi A., Mloka D.A., Portillo C.J., Leyna G.H., Tarimo E., Kaaya E.E., MacFarlane S.B. | 2012 | Journal of Public Health Policy | 33 | None | 10.1057/jphp.2012.45 | School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; School of Dentistry, MUHAS, Tanzania; Global Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Center for Social Policy, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States; School of Pharmacy, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Nursing, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Medicine, and Global Health Sciences, UCSF, United States | Mkony, C.A., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; O'Sullivan, P.S., School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Owibingire, S.S., School of Dentistry, MUHAS, Tanzania; Fyfe, M.V., Global Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Omer, S., Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Freeman, P., Center for Social Policy, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States; Makubi, A., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mloka, D.A., School of Pharmacy, MUHAS, Tanzania; Portillo, C.J., School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; Leyna, G.H., School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; Tarimo, E., School of Nursing, MUHAS, Tanzania; Kaaya, E.E., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; MacFarlane, S.B., School of Medicine, and Global Health Sciences, UCSF, United States | Well-educated and competent health professionals influence the health system in which they work to improve health outcomes, through clinical care and community interventions, and by raising standards of practice and supervision. To prepare these individuals, training institutions must ensure that their faculty members, who design and deliver education, are effective teachers. We describe the experience of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in encouraging improvements in the teaching capacity of its faculty and postgraduate students triggered by a major institutional transition to competency-based education. We employed a multi-stage process that started by identifying the teaching and learning needs and challenges of MUHAS students and faculty. Collaborating with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), MUHAS responded to these needs by introducing faculty to competency-based curricula and later to strategies for long term continuing improvement. We demonstrate that teaching faculty members are keen for local institutional support to enable them to enhance their skills as educators, and that they have been able to sustain a program of faculty development for their peers. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. | assessment; competencies; faculty development; health professions education; Tanzania; teaching | article; curriculum; education; health service; human; medical education; medical profession; medical school; methodology; organization and management; standard; Tanzania; teaching; university hospital; Academic Medical Centers; Competency-Based Education; Education, Medical; Faculty, Medical; Health Occupations; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Tanzania; Teaching | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248337864 | Teachers' perception of teaching as correlates of students' academic performance in Oyo State, Nigeria | Adu E.O., Olatundun S.O. | 2007 | Essays in Education | 20 | None | None | University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adu, E.O., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Olatundun, S.O., University of Ibadan, Nigeria | It needs to be pointed out that the role of the teacher is of paramount importance in the education system. He is the custodian of knowledge and instructor of instruction. It is often said that the standard of education can not grow beyond the level or standard of the teachers. Therefore this study examined the Teachers' perception of teaching as correlate of students' academic performance in Oyo state, Nigeria. The results showed that, the relationship between teachers' perceptions and students' performance is positive and significant that is, the perceptions of teachers have effect on students' performance, (r = 0.372, P<.05) Also it was revealed that qualification has no significant effect on students performance as t=0.683, P>.05.Teachers attitudes and good behaviour has a significant effect on performance (r=0.395, P<.05) and Methods of teaching has significant effect on students performance (r= 0.591,P<.05). It was however recommended that it is necessary for the teacher as a member of his profession to be an enlightened person who possesses a thorough mastery of broad field of human knowledge, subject matter, attitudes and behaviour. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916638864 | Teacher retention and quality education: Impact of rural incentives in North-West, South Africa | Poti J.G., Mutsvangwa A., Hove M.L. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p792 | North-West Provincial Government, Mafikeng, South Africa; North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa | Poti, J.G., North-West Provincial Government, Mafikeng, South Africa; Mutsvangwa, A., North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa; Hove, M.L., North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa | In order to retain current qualified teachers in rural schools, largely in inaccessible areas, since they have the necessary skills and qualifications, a policy on incentives was signed by the education minister and published in the Government Gazette no 30678 on 18 January 2008. Its establishment was because rural areas are characterised by factors that negatively influence delivery of quality education. The problem is that ever since the introduction of the Teachers Rural Incentive Scheme, the latter has never been evaluated to validate its design objectives and projected impact. This article investigated, through an evaluative survey, the impact of rural incentives in retaining teachers and ensuring quality education in the rural schools of the North West Department of Education in South Africa. In an emerging economy such as South Africa, quality education becomes a yardstick for global comparability. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Attrition; Capacitation; Incentive; Retention; Rurality; Urban spaces | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-26244453920 | Taxonomic re-evaluation of Leptographium lundbergii based on DNA sequence comparisons and morphology | Jacobs K., Solheim H., Wingfield B.D., Wingfield M.J. | 2005 | Mycological Research | 109 | 10 | 10.1017/S0953756205003618 | Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Skogforsk, Høgskoleveien 8, 1432 Ås, Norway; Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Jacobs, K., Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Solheim, H., Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Skogforsk, Høgskoleveien 8, 1432 Ås, Norway; Wingfield, B.D., Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Wingfield, M.J., Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The genus Leptographium was described in 1927 and currently includes 48 species, with L. lundbergii as the type species. In recent years, the taxonomic status of L. lundbergii has not been uniformly agreed upon and it has been the topic of considerable debate. The problem was compounded by the absence of a type specimen, and the species was epitypified at a later stage. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the epitype is now unknown. In 1983, Wingfield & Marasas described L. truncatum, which is morphologically similar to L. lundbergii. Based on DNA comparisons and similarities in their morphology, this fungus was reduced to synonymy with L. lundbergii. The loss of the type specimen as well as variation in the morphology of strains identified as L. lundbergii prompted us to re-examine the taxonomic status of this species. A number of strains from various geographic areas were studied. These include a strain of L. lundbergii deposited at CBS by Melin in 1929 (CBS 352.29) as well as the ex-type strain of L. truncatum. The strains were compared based on morphology and comparison of multiple gene sequences. Three genes or genic regions, ITS2 and part of the 28S gene, partial β-tubulin and partial elongation factor 1-α were compared. Strains currently identified as L. lundbergii, represented a complex of species. Strains initially described as L. truncatum clustered separately from other L. lundbergii strains, could be distinguished morphologically and should be treated as a distinct taxon. L. lundbergii is provided with a new and expanded description based on a neotype designated for it. A third group was also identified as separate from the main L. lundbergii clade and had a distinct Hyalorhinocladiella-type anamorph, described here as H. pinicola sp. nov. © The British Mycological Society. | None | fungal DNA; ribosomal spacer DNA; ribosome RNA; tubulin; fungus; genetic analysis; morphology; taxonomy; article; Ascomycetes; chemistry; classification; DNA sequence; genetics; nucleotide sequence; phase contrast microscopy; phylogeny; polymerase chain reaction; sequence alignment; ultrastructure; Ascomycota; Base Sequence; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Microscopy, Interference; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Tubulin; Fungi; Hyalorhinocladiella; Leptographium; Leptographium lundbergii | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879604021 | Taxonomic evaluation of the genus Enterobacter based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA): Proposal to reclassify E. nimipressuralis and E. amnigenus into Lelliottia gen. nov. as Lelliottia nimipressuralis comb. nov. and Lelliottia amnigena comb. nov., | Brady C., Cleenwerck I., Venter S., Coutinho T., De Vos P. | 2013 | Systematic and Applied Microbiology | 36 | 5 | 10.1016/j.syapm.2013.03.005 | LM-UGent, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Brady, C., LM-UGent, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cleenwerck, I., BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Venter, S., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coutinho, T., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; De Vos, P., BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | The taxonomy of Enterobacter has a complicated history, with several species transferred to and from this genus. Classification of strains is difficult owing to its polyphyletic nature, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. It has been previously acknowledged that Enterobacter contains species which should be transferred to other genera. In an attempt to resolve the taxonomy of Enterobacter, MLSA based on partial sequencing of protein-encoding genes (gyrB, rpoB, infB and atpD) was performed on the type strains and reference strains of Enterobacter, Cronobacter and Serratia species, as well as members of the closely related genera Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, Mangrovibacter, Raoultella and Yokenella. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated nucleotide sequences revealed that Enterobacter can be divided into five strongly supported MLSA groups, suggesting that the species should be reclassified into five different genera. Further support for this was provided by a concatenated amino acid tree, phenotypic characteristics and fatty acid profiles, enabling differentiation of the MLSA groups. Three novel genera are proposed: Lelliottia gen. nov., Pluralibacter gen. nov. and Kosakonia gen. nov. and the following new combinations: Lelliottia nimipressuralis comb. nov., Lelliottia amnigena comb. nov., Pluralibacter gergoviae comb. nov., Pluralibacter pyrinus comb. nov., Kosakonia cowanii comb. nov., Kosakonia radicincitans comb. nov., Kosakonia oryzae comb. nov., Kosakonia arachidis comb. nov., Cronobacter helveticus comb. nov. and Cronobacter pulveris comb. nov. Additionally, the novel epithet Cronobacter zurichensis nom. nov. is proposed for the reclassification of Enterobacter turicensis into the genus Cronobacter, as Cronobacter turicensis (Iversen et al., 2008) is already in use. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. | Cronobacter; Enterobacter; Enterobacteriaceae; MLSA; Taxonomy | granzyme B; RNA polymerase beta subunit; article; bacterial strain; Cronobacter; Cronobacter helveticus; Cronobacter pulveris; Cronobacter zurichensis; DNA DNA hybridization; Enterobacter; enterobacter amnigenus; Enterobacter arachidis; Enterobacter cowanii; enterobacter gergoviae; Enterobacter helveticus; Enterobacter nimipressuralis; Enterobacter oryzae; Enterobacter pulveris; Enterobacter pyrinus; Enterobacter radicincitans; Enterobacter turicensis; gene sequence; Kosakonia; Kosakonia arachidis; Kosakonia cowanii; Kosakonia oryzae; Kosakonia radicincitans; Lelliottia; Lelliottia amnigena; Lelliottia nimipressuralis; multilocus sequence typing; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; phylogenetic tree; phylogeny; Pluralibacter; Pluralibacter gergoviae; Pluralibacter pyrinus; priority journal; Serratia; taxonomy; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Cluster Analysis; Cronobacter; DNA, Bacterial; Enterobacter; Fatty Acids; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Homology; Citrobacter; Enterobacter; Enterobacter amnigenus; Enterobacter gergoviae; Enterobacter nimipressuralis; Enterobacter pyrinus; Enterobacteriaceae; Klebsiella; Kluyvera; Leclercia; Raoultella; Serratia; Yokenella | None |
None | None | Taxation in the Tanzanian gold sector: Overview of impacts and possible solutions | Magai P.S., Márquez-Velázquez A. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 2 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.797225 | Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam, Business School, PO Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; DAAD Partnership on Economic Development Studies, HTW Berlin, University of Applied, Hoenower Straße 34, Berlin, 10318, Germany | Magai, P.S., Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam, Business School, PO Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Márquez-Velázquez, A., DAAD Partnership on Economic Development Studies, HTW Berlin, University of Applied, Hoenower Straße 34, Berlin, 10318, Germany | This paper analyses the factors that reduce the gold sector's contribution to the Tanzanian government's revenue. Tanzania is among Africa's largest gold exporters. Yet ordinary Tanzanians have seen little benefit from this. This is partly because the government has enacted tax laws that are, as we shall see, overly favourable to multinational mining companies, and partly because of the same companies' business practices. Critics argue that the government fails to capture a substantial amount of state revenue as a result of low royalty rates, unpaid corporate taxes and tax evasion by major gold mine operators. This paper argues that the Tanzanian government should try to increase its share of revenues by taxation based on revenues, increasing its auditing skills and its involvement in mining, as well as by increasing the transparency of contracts and limiting the discretionary power of policy-makers in negotiating contracts. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | gold; impacts; revenue; Tanzania; taxation | export; gold; mining industry; policy making; tax system; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856365361 | Task-shifting to community health workers: Evaluation of the performance of a peer-led model in an antiretroviral program in Uganda | Alamo S., Wabwire-Mangen F., Kenneth E., Sunday P., Laga M., Colebunders R.L. | 2012 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 26 | 2 | 10.1089/apc.2011.0279 | Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, P.O. Box 7307, Kampala 256, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; HIV Epidemiology and Control Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium | Alamo, S., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, P.O. Box 7307, Kampala 256, Uganda; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kenneth, E., Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Sunday, P., Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Laga, M., HIV Epidemiology and Control Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Colebunders, R.L., Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium | Task shifting to community health workers (CHW) has received recognition. We examined the performance of community antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis treatment supporters (CATTS) in scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Reach Out, a community-based ART program in Uganda. Retrospective data on home visits made by CATTS were analyzed to examine the CATTS ability to perform home visits to patients based on the model's standard procedures. Qualitative interviews conducted with 347 randomly selected patients and 47 CATTS explored their satisfaction with the model. The CATTS ability to follow-up with patients worsened from patients requiring daily, weekly, monthly, to three-monthly home visits. Only 26% and 15% of them correctly home visited patients with drug side effects and a missed clinic appointment, respectively. Additionally, 83% visited stable pre-ART and ART patients (96%) more frequently than required. Six hundred eighty of the 3650 (18%) patients were lost to follow-up (LTFU) during the study period. The mean number of patients LTFU per CATTS was 40.5. Male (p=0.005), worked for longer durations (p=0.02), and had lower education (p=0.005). An increased number of patients (p=0.01) were associated with increased LTFU. Ninety-two percent of the CATTS felt the model could be improved by reducing the workload. CATTS who were HIV positive, female, not residing in the same village as their patients, more educated, married, on ART, and spent less time with the patients were rated better by their patients. The Reach-Out CHW model is labor-intensive. Triaged home visits could improve performance and allow CATTS time to focus on patients requiring more intensive follow-up. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; article; child; controlled study; female; follow up; health auxiliary; health care management; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; major clinical study; male; marriage; medical education; patient satisfaction; peer group; professional practice; qualitative analysis; retrospective study; school child; shift worker; Uganda; workload; Adolescent; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Anti-HIV Agents; Child; Community Health Workers; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Seropositivity; Home Care Services; House Calls; Humans; Lost to Follow-Up; Male; Middle Aged; Program Evaluation; Retrospective Studies; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449124194 | Task shifting for scale-up of HIV care: Evaluation of nurse-centered antiretroviral treatment at Rural Health Centers in Rwanda | Shumbusho F., Van Griensven J., Lowrance D., Turate I., Weaver M.A., Price J., Binagwaho A. | 2009 | PLoS Medicine | 6 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000163 | Family Health International, Kigali, Rwanda; TRACPlus - Center for Infectious Disease Control, Kigali, Rwanda; Family Health International, Durham, NC, United States; Rwanda National AIDS Control Commission, Kigali, Rwanda | Shumbusho, F., Family Health International, Kigali, Rwanda; Van Griensven, J., Family Health International, Kigali, Rwanda; Lowrance, D., TRACPlus - Center for Infectious Disease Control, Kigali, Rwanda; Turate, I., Family Health International, Kigali, Rwanda; Weaver, M.A., Family Health International, Durham, NC, United States; Price, J., Family Health International, Kigali, Rwanda; Binagwaho, A., Rwanda National AIDS Control Commission, Kigali, Rwanda | Background: The shortage of human resources for health, and in particular physicians, is one of the major barriers to achieve universal access to HIV care and treatment. In September 2005, a pilot program of nurse-centered antiretroviral treatment (ART) prescription was launched in three rural primary health centers in Rwanda. We retrospectively evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of this task-shifting model using descriptive data. Methods and Findings:Medical records of 1,076 patients enrolled in HIV care and treatment services from September 2005 to March 2008 were reviewed to assess: (i) compliance with national guidelines for ART eligibility and prescription, and patient monitoring and (ii) key outcomes, such as retention, body weight, and CD4 cell count change at 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo after ART initiation. Of these, no ineligible patients were started on ART and only one patient received an inappropriate ART prescription. Of the 435 patients who initiated ART, the vast majority had adherence and side effects assessed at each clinic visit (89% and 84%, respectively). By March 2008, 390 (90%) patients were alive on ART, 29 (7%) had died, one (<1%) was lost to follow-up, and none had stopped treatment. Patient retention was about 92% by 12 mo and 91% by 24 mo. Depending on initial stage of disease, mean CD4 cell count increased between 97 and 128 cells/ml in the first 6 mo after treatment initiation and between 79 and 129 cells/ml from 6 to 24 mo of treatment. Mean weight increased significantly in the first 6 mo, between 1.8 and 4.3 kg, with no significant increases from 6 to 24 mo. Conclusions:Patient outcomes in our pilot program compared favorably with other ART cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa and with those from a recent evaluation of the national ART program in Rwanda. These findings suggest that nurses can effectively and safely prescribe ART when given adequate training, mentoring, and support. © 2009 Shumbusho et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; efavirenz; lamivudine plus nevirapine plus stavudine; lamivudine plus nevirapine plus zidovudine; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adult; article; body weight; CD4 lymphocyte count; female; health care delivery; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; medical record review; nurse; outcome assessment; patient care; patient compliance; patient monitoring; physician; prescription; rural health care; Rwanda; unspecified side effect; cohort analysis; drug utilization; evaluation; feasibility study; health care quality; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical audit; middle aged; nurse attitude; nursing practice; organization and management; pilot study; practice guideline; retrospective study; Rwanda; theoretical model; treatment outcome; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Cohort Studies; Drug Prescriptions; Drug Utilization; Feasibility Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Medical Audit; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Nurse's Practice Patterns; Nurse's Role; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Patient Compliance; Pilot Projects; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Program Evaluation; Retrospective Studies; Rural Health Services; Rwanda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925503480 | Task disengagement and implications for vigilance performance in CCTV surveillance | Donald F.M., Donald C.H.M. | 2014 | Cognition, Technology and Work | 17 | 1 | 10.1007/s10111-014-0309-8 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia; Leaderware, Sandton, South Africa | Donald, F.M., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Donald, C.H.M., Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia, Leaderware, Sandton, South Africa | This research examines the relationship between behavioural indicators of task disengagement and vigilance performance for closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance operators and novices in a proactive real-world detection task. Seventy-three participants (42 CCTV operators and 31 novices) performed a 90-min CCTV video surveillance task based on asset protection footage in a heavy industry. The study showed a range of individualised responses in managing attention resources in order to deal with vigilance demands. Alternating fluctuations between task engagement and disengagement were found for the majority of participants, indicating efforts to manage attention resources and cope with vigilance demands. Almost a quarter of the sample disengaged during the first 30 min, but a third showed no behavioural indicators of disengagement during the task. Different results were obtained for participants with different types of work exposure (novices and operators from either ‘generalist’ or ‘specialist’ CCTV surveillance operations). Task disengagement was associated with lower detection rates. The implications of task engagement theory and behavioural indictors of task disengagement for the measurement and management of vigilance performance are discussed. © 2014, Springer-Verlag London. | Closed-circuit television (CCTV); Monitoring; Operator performance; Task disengagement; Vigilance | Monitoring; CCTV surveillance; Closed-circuit television (CCTV); Heavy industries; Operator performance; Task disengagement; Video surveillance; Vigilance; Vigilance performance; Security systems | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939263610 | Target-site resistance mutations (kdr and RDL), but not metabolic resistance, negatively impact male mating competiveness in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae | Platt N., Kwiatkowska R.M., Irving H., Diabaté A., Dabire R., Wondji C.S. | 2015 | Heredity | 115 | 3 | 10.1038/hdy.2015.33 | Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; IRSS/Centre Muraz, BP 390 Bobo-Dioulasso Burkina Faso, South Africa | Platt, N., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Kwiatkowska, R.M., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Irving, H., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Diabaté, A., IRSS/Centre Muraz, BP 390 Bobo-Dioulasso Burkina Faso, South Africa; Dabire, R., IRSS/Centre Muraz, BP 390 Bobo-Dioulasso Burkina Faso, South Africa; Wondji, C.S., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom | The implementation of successful insecticide resistance management strategies for malaria control is currently hampered by poor understanding of the fitness cost of resistance on mosquito populations, including their mating competiveness. To fill this knowledge gap, coupled and uncoupled Anopheles gambiae s.l. males (all M form (Anopheles coluzzii)) were collected from mating swarms in Burkina Faso. This multiple insecticide resistant population exhibited high 1014F kdr R allele frequencies (>60%) and RDL R (>80%) in contrast to the Ace-1 R allele (<6%). Kdr heterozygote males were more likely to mate than homozygote resistant (OR=2.36; P<0.001), suggesting a negative impact of kdr on An. coluzzii mating ability. Interestingly, heterozygote males were also more competitive than homozygote susceptible (OR=3.26; P=0.006), suggesting a heterozygote advantage effect. Similarly, heterozygote RDL R /RDL S were also more likely to mate than homozygote-resistant males (OR=2.58; P=0.007). Furthermore, an additive mating disadvantage was detected in male homozygotes for both kdr/RDL-resistant alleles. In contrast, no fitness difference was observed for the Ace-1 mutation. Comparative microarray-based genome-wide transcription analysis revealed that metabolic resistance did not significantly alter the mating competitiveness of male An. coluzzii mosquitoes. Indeed, no significant difference of expression levels was observed for the main metabolic resistance genes, suggesting that metabolic resistance has a limited impact on male mating competiveness. In addition, specific gene classes/GO terms associated with mating process were detected including sensory perception and peroxidase activity. The detrimental impact of insecticide resistance on mating competiveness observed here suggests that resistance management strategies such as insecticide rotation could help reverse the resistance, if implemented early. © 2015 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved. | None | allele; competition (ecology); disease vector; gene expression; genome; heterozygosity; malaria; mating success; metabolism; mosquito; mutation; swarming; Burkina Faso; Anopheles gambiae; animal; Anopheles gambiae; Burkina Faso; disease carrier; DNA sequence; gene expression profiling; gene frequency; genetics; genotype; heterozygote; insecticide resistance; male; mosquito; mutation; population genetics; reproductive fitness; sexual behavior; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Burkina Faso; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Frequency; Genetic Fitness; Genetics, Population; Genotype; Heterozygote; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Male; Mosquito Control; Mutation; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sexual Behavior, Animal | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244444177 | Target rocks, impact glasses, and melt rocks from the Lonar impact crater, India: Petrography and geochemistry | Osae S., Misra S., Koeberl C., Sengupta D., Ghosh S. | 2005 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 40 | 42623 | None | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721 302, India; Geological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016, India | Osae, S., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Misra, S., Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721 302, India; Koeberl, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Sengupta, D., Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721 302, India; Ghosh, S., Geological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016, India | The Lonar crater, India, is the only well-preserved simple crater on Earth in continental flood basalts; it is excavated in the Deccan trap basalts of Cretaceous-Tertiary age. A representative set of target basalts, including the basalt flows excavated by the crater, and a variety of impact breccias and impact glasses, were analyzed for their major and trace element compositions. Impact glasses and breccias were found inside and outside the crater rim in a variety of morphological forms and shapes. Comparable geochemical patterns of immobile elements (e.g., REEs) for glass, melt rock and basalt indicates minimal fractionation between the target rocks and the impactites. We found only little indication of post-impact hydrothermal alteration in terms of volatile trace element changes. No clear indication of an extraterrestrial component was found in any of our breccias and impact glasses, indicating either a low level of contamination, or a non-chondritic or otherwise iridium-poor impactor. © The Meteoritical Society, 2005. | None | crater; glass; impact structure; melt; shock metamorphism; Asia; Eurasia; India; Lonar Crater; Maharashtra; South Asia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958454949 | Targeting of early to intermediate maize hybrids for yield performance and yield stability using SREG model | Setimela P.S., Crossa J., Bänziger M. | 2010 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 27 | 3 | None | International Maize Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe; CIMMYT Km, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, EL Batan, D.F, Mexico | Setimela, P.S., International Maize Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe; Crossa, J., CIMMYT Km, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, EL Batan, D.F, Mexico; Bänziger, M., CIMMYT Km, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, EL Batan, D.F, Mexico | The effectiveness of targeting and predicting maize (Zea mays.L) hybrid performance is difficult when the magnitude of genotype x environment (GE) interaction and yield prediction cannot be interpreted and is only based on genotypes (G) and GE means. The traditional analysis of variance (ANOVA) is not sufficient in predicting and giving information into the patterns of genotypes and environments that give rise to GE interaction. The objectives of this study were to show the usefulness of G plus GE interaction (GGE) using the properties of GGE biplot based on the site regression (SREG) model analysis of a biplot in predicting yield performance and stability of early to intermediate maturing hybrids (EIHYB) grown in southern Africa. The SREG analysis model was based on regional trial data of EIHYB from three seasons (2005 - 2007) across 30 environments under four different management practices: well fertilized/rain fed conditions, managed nitrogen stress, managed drought stress, and managed low pH stress. GGE biplots were constructed using the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) derived from singular value decomposition of environment-centered multi-environmental trials. The PC1 scores of the hybrids and the environments were plotted against their respective PC2 scores to effectively show mean performance and stability for grain yield across years and environments; discriminativeness vs. representativeness of test locations across the years and which-won-where. The SREG model showed that maize hybrids were under major environmental and GE interactions. In spite of large variation from year to year maize hybrids responded positively to better environmental conditions relative to grain yield performance and key environmental patterns could be established. | Genotype x environment interactions; GGE biplots; Maize hybrids; Site regression model (SREG) | agricultural management; crop yield; drought stress; genotype-environment interaction; hybrid; maize; management practice; nitrogen; nutrient availability; principal component analysis; regression analysis; seasonality; variance analysis; yield response; Southern Africa; Zea; Zea mays | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-13244263032 | Targeting education: The politics of performance and the prospects of 'Education For All' | Jansen J.D. | 2005 | International Journal of Educational Development | 25 | 4 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2005.04.009 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Jansen, J.D., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This article offers a critical examination of the public claims about the potential, reach and impact of "target setting in education" within the context of developing countries. The argument is made that the target - setting enterprise is undermined by three fallacies-conceptual, methodological and organizational - with negative consequences for the achievement of education quality in poor countries. While acknowledging the logic of targets on the part of international development agencies, the article nevertheless suggests that target setting could be seen as a transnational system of surveillance that takes measures of control, measurement and accountability beyond the confines of national borders. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Comparative education; Curriculum; Development; Education policy; Educational administration; International education; Literacy | curriculum; education policy; performance assessment; targeting | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865357190 | Targeting bigger schools can reduce ecosystem impacts of fisheries | Dagorn L., Filmalter J.D., Forget F., Amandè M.J., Hall M.A., Williams P., Murua H., Ariz J., Chavance P., Bez N. | 2012 | Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | 69 | 9 | 10.1139/F2012-089 | Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, P.O. Box 570, Victoria, Seychelles; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP171, 34203 Sète CEDEX, France; Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508, United States; Oceanic Fisheries Programme, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), BP D5, 98848 Nouméa, New Caledonia; AZTI-Tecnalia / Herrera Kaia. Portualdea, z/g, 20110 Pasaia (Gipuzkoa), Spain; Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), C.O. de Canarias, Calle General Gutiérrez n4, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | Dagorn, L., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, P.O. Box 570, Victoria, Seychelles; Filmalter, J.D., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, P.O. Box 570, Victoria, Seychelles, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Forget, F., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, P.O. Box 570, Victoria, Seychelles, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Amandè, M.J., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP171, 34203 Sète CEDEX, France; Hall, M.A., Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508, United States; Williams, P., Oceanic Fisheries Programme, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), BP D5, 98848 Nouméa, New Caledonia; Murua, H., AZTI-Tecnalia / Herrera Kaia. Portualdea, z/g, 20110 Pasaia (Gipuzkoa), Spain; Ariz, J., Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), C.O. de Canarias, Calle General Gutiérrez n4, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Chavance, P., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP171, 34203 Sète CEDEX, France; Bez, N., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP171, 34203 Sète CEDEX, France | Sustainability of living resource exploitation relies on an ecosystem management approach. Within tropical tuna purse seine fisheries using fish aggregating devices (FADs), such an approach incorporates the reduction of bycatch, in particular vulnerable species such as elasmobranchs. The levels of total bycatch (in mass) from fishing operations using FADs is known to be five times higher than when tuna are caught in free-swimming schools. We intend to find practical solutions to reduce bycatch in FAD sets through the investigation of the relationships between the ratio of bycatch to target catch across different set size classes in all oceans. Ratios were always highest when catches were small, with the smallest class of catches responsible for the highest total portion of bycatch (23%-43%) while only contributing negligibly to the total target catch (3%-10%). Reducing the number of fishing sets (a part of the total effort) while maintaining the same total yield could contribute to a substantial reduction in the impacts of human activities. | None | bycatch; catch statistics; ecological impact; ecosystem management; fish; fish aggregating device; fishery management; fishing effort; human activity; sustainability; tuna fishery; vulnerability | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947158614 | Targeting agricultural research based on potential impacts on poverty reduction: Strategic program priorities by agro-ecological zone in Nigeria | Alene A.D., Manyong V.M., Tollens E.F., Abele S. | 2007 | Food Policy | 32 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2006.07.004 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; IITA-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; IITA-Kampala, Uganda | Alene, A.D., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Manyong, V.M., IITA-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tollens, E.F., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Abele, S., IITA-Kampala, Uganda | Growing concern for poverty in the face of declining agricultural research budgets has increasingly required formal priority setting of public agricultural research in developing countries to ensure that scarce research resources are allocated in ways that will have the greatest impact on the poor. This paper assessed the potential impacts of alternative commodity research programs on poverty reduction in three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria and identified strategic agricultural research priorities in the three zones. The paper discusses the poverty reduction-based priorities and their role in facilitating dialogue between research managers and policymakers aimed at sharpening the focus of agricultural research to achieve poverty reduction objectives in Nigeria. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Agricultural research; Nigeria; Poverty reduction; Priority setting | agricultural development; agricultural research; developing world; poverty alleviation; research program; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
None | None | Tanzania national survey on iodine deficiency: Impact after twelve years of salt iodation | Assey V.D., Peterson S., Kimboka S., Ngemera D., Mgoba C., Ruhiye D.M., Ndossi G.D., Greiner T., Tylleskär T. | 2009 | BMC Public Health | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-319 | Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; National Council for Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders(NCCIDD), P.O. Box 977, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, rstadveien 21, N-5009 Bergen, Norway; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Unit of International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, SE -75185 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of International Health (IHCAR), Nobel v 9. Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; UNICEF Kitgum Zonal Office, C/o UNICEF Kampala, George Street, Kampala, Uganda; Food and Nutrition Department, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-790, South Korea | Assey, V.D., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, National Council for Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders(NCCIDD), P.O. Box 977, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, rstadveien 21, N-5009 Bergen, Norway, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Unit of International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, SE -75185 Uppsala, Sweden; Peterson, S., Department of Women's and Children's Health, Unit of International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, SE -75185 Uppsala, Sweden, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of International Health (IHCAR), Nobel v 9. Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Kimboka, S., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, National Council for Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders(NCCIDD), P.O. Box 977, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Ngemera, D., UNICEF Kitgum Zonal Office, C/o UNICEF Kampala, George Street, Kampala, Uganda; Mgoba, C., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ruhiye, D.M., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ndossi, G.D., Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, 22 Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Greiner, T., Food and Nutrition Department, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-790, South Korea; Tylleskär, T., Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, rstadveien 21, N-5009 Bergen, Norway | Background. In many low-income countries, children are at high risk of iodine deficiency disorders, including brain damage. In the early 1990s, Tanzania, a country that previously suffered from moderate to severe iodine deficiency, adopted universal salt iodation (USI) as an intervention strategy, but its impact remained unknown. Methods. We report on the first national survey in mainland Tanzania, conducted in 2004 to assess the extent to which iodated salt was used and its apparent impact on the total goitre prevalence (TGP) and urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) among the schoolchildren after USI was initiated. In 2004, a cross-sectional goitre survey was conducted; covering 140,758 schoolchildren aged 6 - 18 years were graded for goitre according to new WHO goitre classification system. Comparisons were made with district surveys conducted throughout most of the country during the 1980s and 90s. 131,941 salt samples from households were tested for iodine using rapid field test kits. UIC was determined spectrophotometrically using the ammonium persulfate digestion method in 4523 sub-sampled children. Results. 83.6% (95% CI: 83.4 - 83.8) of salt samples tested positive for iodine. Whereas the TGP was about 25% on average in the earlier surveys, it was 6.9% (95%CI: 6.8-7.0) in 2004. The TGP for the younger children, 6-9 years old, was 4.2% (95%CI: 4.0-4.4), n = 41,965. In the 27 goitre-endemic districts, TGP decreased from 61% (1980s) to 12.3% (2004). The median UIC was 204 (95% CF: 192-215) g/L. Only 25% of children had UIC <100 g/L and 35% were 300 g/L, indicating low and excess iodine intake, respectively. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates a marked improvement in iodine nutrition in Tanzania, twelve years after the initiation of salt iodation programme. The challenge in sustaining IDD elimination in Tanzania is now two-fold: to better reach the areas with low coverage of iodated salt, and to reduce iodine intake in areas where it is excessive. Particular attention is needed in improving quality control at production level and perhaps the national salt iodation regulations may need to be reviewed. © 2009 Assey et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | ammonium derivative; persulfate ammonium; sodium chloride; unclassified drug; iodine; iodized salt; adolescent; adult; article; child; controlled study; diet; diet supplementation; disease classification; female; goiter; health survey; human; iodination; iodine deficiency; major clinical study; male; preschool child; school child; spectrophotometry; Tanzania; world health organization; cross-sectional study; goiter; prevalence; salt intake; Tanzania; urine; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Goiter; Health Surveys; Humans; Iodine; Prevalence; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855967898 | Tank performance and multiple uses in Tamil Nadu, South India-comparison of 2 time periods (1996-97 and 2009-10) | Palanisami K., Meinzen-Dick R., Giordano M., Van Koppen B., Ranganathan C.R. | 2011 | Irrigation and Drainage Systems | 25 | 3 | 10.1007/s10795-011-9114-1 | IWMI, Hyderabad, AP, India; IFPRI, Washington, D.C., United States; IWMI, Colombo, Sri Lanka; IWMI, Pretoria, South Africa; Tamil Nadu Agrl. University, Coimbatore, India | Palanisami, K., IWMI, Hyderabad, AP, India; Meinzen-Dick, R., IFPRI, Washington, D.C., United States; Giordano, M., IWMI, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Van Koppen, B., IWMI, Pretoria, South Africa; Ranganathan, C.R., Tamil Nadu Agrl. University, Coimbatore, India | Irrigation tanks in India are common property resources. Tanks provide not only for irrigation, but also forestry, fishing, domestic water supply, livestock, and other uses. Using empirical results from a study of tank performance from 80 tanks in Tamil Nadu, South India in two time period: 1996-97 and 2009-10, this paper evaluates tank irrigation system performance in terms of economic output and revenue generation forirrigation and other uses. The results indicate that irrigation and other productive uses put together raised the total value of output at tank level by 12 % in 1996-97 and just 6 % in 2009-10. This may suggest that tank multiple use values are small and getting smaller, and therefore not worth consideration. However, it was also found that, while declining in absolute terms, non-irrigation uses provided the majority of tax revenues and still more than cover government's operation and maintenance expenditure (O&M) budget. This finding provides another reason to consider multiple use values and their linkage with overall system viability. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Irrigation performance; Multiple uses; Revenue generation; Social forestry; Tank management; Tank storage; Tax; Water conflicts | Irrigation performance; Multiple use; Revenue generation; Tank storage; Tax; Water conflicts; Commerce; Forestry; Land use; Tanks (containers); Timber; Water management; Water supply; Irrigation; economic analysis; expenditure; governance approach; irrigation; irrigation system; maintenance; performance assessment; storage tank; water management; water supply; Commerce; Forestry; Forests; Irrigation; Land Use; Tanks; Water Management; Water Supply; India; Tamil Nadu | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919840894 | Tackler characteristics associated with tackle performance in rugby union | Hendricks S., Matthews B., Roode B., Lambert M. | 2014 | European Journal of Sport Science | 14 | 8 | 10.1080/17461391.2014.905982 | UCT/MRC Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Hendricks, S., UCT/MRC Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Matthews, B., UCT/MRC Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Roode, B., UCT/MRC Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Lambert, M., UCT/MRC Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Abstract: Tackling is an important skill for performance in rugby, yet little has been reported on tackler characteristics and its relationship to performance in competition. The aim of this study was to identify tackler characteristics and its association with tackle performance in matches. Eighteen matches of the 2010 Super 14 were analysed, which amounted to 2092 coded tackles. Tackler characteristics such as head position – in motion, up and forward, type of tackle – shoulder tackler, arm tackle or ball-carrier fend – absent, moderate, strong and leg drive–absent, moderate, strong or shoulder usage were coded and associated with tackle outcomes. Relative risk ratio (RRR), the ratio of the probability of an outcome occurring when a characteristic was observed (versus the non-observed characteristic) was determined using multinomial logistic regression. Having the head in motion decreased the tackler's chances of a successful tackle (RRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.72–2.92, p < 0.001) relative to an up and forward head position. Ball-carriers using a fend significantly decreased the tackler's probability of success (moderate fend RRR 2.97, 95% CI 2.04–4.31, p < 0.001). Moderate leg drive (RRR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26–0.50, p < 0.001) by the tackler increased the likelihood of tackle success. Head up and forward, counter-acting the ball-carrier fend, shoulder tackles targeted at the ball-carrier mid-torso, using the arms to wrap or pull, and leg driving were key tackler characteristics associated with positive tackle outcome in matches. Based on these findings, it is recommended that these technical characteristics are emphasised and incorporated into training to effectively prepare tacklers for competition. © 2014, © 2014 European College of Sport Science. | collision sports; contact skills; multinomial logistic regression; performance; Tackling; technique | athletic performance; football; human; image processing; physiology; statistical model; videorecording; Athletic Performance; Football; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Logistic Models; Video Recording | National Research Foundation; DAAD, National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898957144 | System wide impacts of fuel usage patterns in the Ethiopian highlands: Potentials for breaking the negative reinforcing feedback cycles | Duguma L.A., Minang P.A., Freeman O.E., Hager H. | 2014 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 20 | 1 | 10.1016/j.esd.2014.03.004 | ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Peter Jordanstr. 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria; World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya | Duguma, L.A., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Minang, P.A., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Freeman, O.E., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, UN Avenue, Gigiri, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Hager, H., Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Peter Jordanstr. 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria | Due to scarcity of firewood, farmers in rural Ethiopia are forced to use cattle dung as a complementary energy source. By looking at patterns of firewood and cattle dung use for energy generation and their implications for food crop production, forest regeneration and community level emission reduction potentials, this study explores system interactions using a community living next to the Menagesha Suba state forest in Ethiopia as a case study. Mixed methods were used including household surveys, nutrient content analyses of firewood and cattle dung, and calculations of fuel and emission reductions for four cooking energy efficiency scenarios. It was found that the community and surrounding environment is stuck in a negative feedback cycle. Therefore shifts in current practices and systems are needed to break this cycle, for example by enhancing firewood supply, improving soil fertility, improving energy efficiency and enabling access to carbon financing for emissions reduced. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Cattle dung; Crop production; Emission reductions; Ethiopian highlands; Firewood; Nutrient cycling | crop production; emission control; energy efficiency; fuel; household survey; manure; nutrient cycling; soil fertility; wood; Ethiopian Highlands; Bos | FTA, Federal Transit Administration |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897469181 | Systematic review of the use of dried blood spots for monitoring HIV viral load and for early infant diagnosis | Smit P.W., Sollis K.A., Fiscus S., Ford N., Vitoria M., Essajee S., Barnett D., Cheng B., Crowe S.M., Denny T., Landay A., Stevens W., Habiyambere V., Perriens J.H., Peeling R.W. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0086461 | Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; HIV, Medicine and Science, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, NY, United States; Department of Haematology, UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Technology and Innovation, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, San Fransisco, CA, United States; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Immunology- Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Smit, P.W., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sollis, K.A., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Fiscus, S., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Ford, N., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Vitoria, M., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Essajee, S., HIV, Medicine and Science, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, NY, United States; Barnett, D., Department of Haematology, UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Cheng, B., Department of Technology and Innovation, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, San Fransisco, CA, United States; Crowe, S.M., Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Denny, T., Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, Durham, NC, United States; Landay, A., Department of Immunology- Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Habiyambere, V., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Perriens, J.H., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Peeling, R.W., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Dried blood spots (DBS) have been used as alternative specimens to plasma to increase access to HIV viral load (VL) monitoring and early infant diagnosis (EID) in remote settings. We systematically reviewed evidence on the performance of DBS compared to plasma for VL monitoring and EID. Methods and Findings: Thirteen peer reviewed HIV VL publications and five HIV EID papers were included. Depending on the technology and the viral load distribution in the study population, the percentage of DBS samples that are within 0.5 log of VL in plasma ranged from 52-100%. Because the input sample volume is much smaller in a blood spot, there is a risk of false negatives with DBS. Sensitivity of DBS VL was found to be 78-100% compared to plasma at VL below 1000 copies/ml, but this increased to 100% at a threshold of 5000 copies/ml. Unlike a plasma VL test which measures only cell free HIV RNA, a DBS VL also measures proviral DNA as well as cell-associated RNA, potentially leading to false positive results when using DBS. The systematic review showed that specificity was close to 100% at DBS VL above 5000 copies/ml, and this threshold would be the most reliable for predicting true virologic failure using DBS. For early infant diagnosis, DBS has a sensitivity of 100% compared to fresh whole blood or plasma in all studies. Conclusions: Although limited data are available for EID, DBS offer a highly sensitive and specific sampling strategy to make viral load monitoring and early infant diagnosis more accessible in remote settings. A standardized approach for sampling, storing, and processing DBS samples would be essential to allow successful implementation. Trial Registration: PROSPERO Registration #: CRD42013003621. © 2014 Smit et al. | None | RNA; virus DNA; virus RNA; article; blood analysis equipment; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; dried blood spot testing; early diagnosis; false negative result; genetic analyzer; health care access; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; intermethod comparison; patient monitoring; peer review; sample size; sampling; sensitivity and specificity; standardization; systematic review; virus load; blood; dried blood spot testing; HIV Infections; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; physiology; procedures; reproducibility; virology; Dried Blood Spot Testing; Early Diagnosis; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Viral Load | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884878053 | Systematic Review of the Performance of Rapid Rifampicin Resistance Testing for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis | Arentz M., Sorensen B., Horne D.J., Walson J.L. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0076533 | Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Center for AIDS Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Arentz, M., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Sorensen, B., Center for AIDS Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Horne, D.J., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Walson, J.L., Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Introduction:Rapid tests for rifampicin resistance may be useful for identifying isolates at high risk of drug resistance, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). However, choice of diagnostic test and prevalence of rifampicin resistance may both impact a diagnostic strategy for identifying drug resistant-TB. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the performance of WHO-endorsed rapid tests for rifampicin resistance detection.Methods:We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library through January 1, 2012. For each rapid test, we determined pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates using a hierarchical random effects model. Predictive values of the tests were determined at different prevalence rates of rifampicin resistance and MDR-TB.Results:We identified 60 publications involving six different tests (INNO-LiPA Rif. TB assay, Genotype MTBDR assay, Genotype MTBDRplus assay, Colorimetric Redox Indicator (CRI) assay, Nitrate Reductase Assay (NRA) and MODS tests): for all tests, negative predictive values were high when rifampicin resistance prevalence was ≤ 30%. However, positive predictive values were considerably reduced for the INNO-LiPA Rif. TB assay, the MTBDRplus assay and MODS when rifampicin resistance prevalence was < 5%.Limitations:In many studies, it was unclear whether patient selection or index test performance could have introduced bias. In addition, we were unable to evaluate critical concentration thresholds for the colorimetric tests.Discussion:Rapid tests for rifampicin resistance alone cannot accurately predict rifampicin resistance or MDR-TB in areas with a low prevalence of rifampicin resistance. However, in areas with a high prevalence of rifampicin resistance and MDR-TB, these tests may be a valuable component of an MDR-TB management strategy. © 2013 Arentz et al. | None | rifampicin; antibiotic resistance; article; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; drug resistant tuberculosis; human; intermethod comparison; meta analysis; predictive value; prevalence; sensitivity and specificity; systematic review; tuberculosis rapid test; Antitubercular Agents; Bias (Epidemiology); Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Rifampin; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | NIH, National Institutes of Health; World Health Organization |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897775476 | Systematic review of the performance of HIV viral load technologies on plasma samples | Sollis K.A., Smit P.W., Fiscus S., Ford N., Vitoria M., Essajee S., Barnett D., Cheng B., Crowe S.M., Denny T., Landay A., Stevens W., Habiyambere V., Perrins J., Peeling R.W. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 2 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0085869 | Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; HIV, Medicine and Science, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, NY, United States; Department of Haematology, United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment, Service (UK NEQAS) for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Technology and Innovation, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, San Fransisco, CA, United States; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Vaccine Immunology, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Immunology- Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Sollis, K.A., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Smit, P.W., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Fiscus, S., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Ford, N., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Vitoria, M., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Essajee, S., HIV, Medicine and Science, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, NY, United States; Barnett, D., Department of Haematology, United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment, Service (UK NEQAS) for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Cheng, B., Department of Technology and Innovation, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, San Fransisco, CA, United States; Crowe, S.M., Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Denny, T., Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Vaccine Immunology, Durham, NC, United States; Landay, A., Department of Immunology- Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Habiyambere, V., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Perrins, J., Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Peeling, R.W., Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Viral load (VL) monitoring is the standard of care in developing country settings for detecting HIV treatment failure. Since 2010 the World Health Organization has recommended a phase-in approach to VL monitoring in resource-limited settings. We conducted a systematic review of the accuracy and precision of HIV VL technologies for treatment monitoring. Methods and Findings: A search of Medline and Embase was conducted for studies evaluating the accuracy or reproducibility of commercially available HIV VL assays. 37 studies were included for review including evaluations of the Amplicor Monitor HIV-1 v1.5 (n = 25), Cobas TaqMan v2.0 (n = 11), Abbott RealTime HIV-1 (n = 23), Versant HIV-1 RNA bDNA 3.0 (n = 15), Versant HIV-1 RNA kPCR 1.0 (n = 2), ExaVir Load v3 (n = 2), and NucliSens EasyQ v2.0 (n = 1). All currently available HIV VL assays are of sufficient sensitivity to detect plasma virus levels at a lower detection limit of 1,000 copies/mL. Bias data comparing the Abbott RealTime HIV-1, TaqMan v2.0 to the Amplicor Monitor v1.5 showed a tendency of the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 to under-estimate results while the TaqMan v2.0 overestimated VL counts. Compared to the Amplicor Monitor v1.5, 2-26% and 9-70% of results from the Versant bDNA 3.0 and Abbott RealTime HIV-1 differed by greater than 0.5log10. The average intra and inter-assay variation of the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 were 2.95% (range 2.0-5.1%) and 5.44% (range 1.17-30.00%) across the range of VL counts (2log10-7log10). Conclusions: This review found that all currently available HIV VL assays are of sufficient sensitivity to detect plasma VL of 1,000 copies/mL as a threshold to initiate investigations of treatment adherence or possible treatment failure. Sources of variability between VL assays include differences in technology platform, plasma input volume, and ability to detect HIV-1 subtypes. Monitoring of individual patients should be performed on the same technology platform to ensure appropriate interpretation of changes in VL. Prospero registration # CD42013003603. © 2014 Sollis et al. | None | accuracy; antiviral resistance; article; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2; immunoassay; immunological monitoring; intermethod comparison; limit of detection; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; systematic review; treatment response; virus detection; virus load; algorithm; blood; classification; developing country; diagnostic kit; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; molecular diagnosis; plasma; polymerase chain reaction; procedures; reproducibility; serology; virology; world health organization; diagnostic kit; Algorithms; Developing Countries; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Plasma; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Viral Load; World Health Organization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884132277 | Systematic review of economic evaluation literature in Ghana: Is health technology assessment the future? | Odame E.A. | 2013 | Value in Health Regional Issues | 2 | 2 | 10.1016/j.vhri.2013.07.006 | Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana | Odame, E.A., Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana | Objectives: In many countries, such as Ghana, there is an increasing impetus to use economic evaluation to allow more explicit and transparent health care priority setting. An important question for policymakers in low-income countries, however, is whether it is possible to introduce economic evaluation data into health care priority-setting decisions. Methods: This article systematically reviewed the literature on economic evaluation on medical devices and pharmaceuticals in Ghana published between 1997 and 2012. Its aim was to analyze the quantity, quality, and targeting of economic evaluation studies that relate to medical devices and pharmaceuticals and provide a framework for those conducting similar health technology assessment reviews in similar contexts. Results: The review revealed that the number of publications reporting economic evaluations was minimal with regard to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Conclusions: With the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme since 2004 policymakers are confronted with the challenge of allocating scarce resources rationally. Priority setting therefore has to be guided by a sound knowledge of the costs of providing health services. The need for economic evaluation is thus important. More costing studies were found; there were very few cost-effectiveness analysis studies. If economic evaluation is useful for policymakers only when performed correctly and reported accurately, these findings depict barriers to using economic evaluation to assist decision-making processes in Ghana; hence, there is a need for an independent health technology assessment unit. © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). | Economic evaluation; Ghana; Medical devices; Pharmaceuticals | article; cost; decision making; economic evaluation; Ghana; health care policy; health impact assessment; health service; medical device; national health insurance; pharmaceutics; priority journal; publication; quality control; resource allocation; systematic review | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903540002 | Systematic review: Assessing the impact of drinking water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low- and middle-income settings: Systematic review and meta-regression | Wolf J., Prüss-Ustün A., Cumming O., Bartram J., Bonjour S., Cairncross S., Clasen T., Colford J.M., Curtis V., De France J., Fewtrell L., Freeman M.C., Gordon B., Hunter P.R., Jeandron A., Johnston R.B., Mäusezahl D., Mathers C., Neira M., Higgins J.P.T. | 2014 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 19 | 8 | 10.1111/tmi.12331 | Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Centre for Research into Environment and Health, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Wolf, J., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Prüss-Ustün, A., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Cumming, O., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Bartram, J., Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Bonjour, S., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Cairncross, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Clasen, T., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Colford, J.M., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Curtis, V., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; De France, J., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Fewtrell, L., Centre for Research into Environment and Health, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Freeman, M.C., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Gordon, B., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Hunter, P.R., Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Jeandron, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Johnston, R.B., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Mäusezahl, D., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Mathers, C., Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Neira, M., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Higgins, J.P.T., School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Objective: To assess the impact of inadequate water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low- and middle-income settings. Methods: The search strategy used Cochrane Library, MEDLINE & PubMed, Global Health, Embase and BIOSIS supplemented by screening of reference lists from previously published systematic reviews, to identify studies reporting on interventions examining the effect of drinking water and sanitation improvements in low- and middle-income settings published between 1970 and May 2013. Studies including randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Ottawa-Newcastle scale. Study results were combined using meta-analysis and meta-regression to derive overall and intervention-specific risk estimates. Results: Of 6819 records identified for drinking water, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria, and of 12 515 records identified for sanitation, 11 studies were included. Overall, improvements in drinking water and sanitation were associated with decreased risks of diarrhoea. Specific improvements, such as the use of water filters, provision of high-quality piped water and sewer connections, were associated with greater reductions in diarrhoea compared with other interventions. Conclusions: The results show that inadequate water and sanitation are associated with considerable risks of diarrhoeal disease and that there are notable differences in illness reduction according to the type of improved water and sanitation implemented. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication. | Diarrhoea; Global burden of disease; Risk estimates; Sanitation; Water | chlorine; drinking water; water; diarrheal disease; drinking water; health risk; income distribution; meta-analysis; risk assessment; sanitation; water supply; World Health Organization; article; cohort analysis; diarrhea; environmental impact assessment; environmental sanitation; human; indoor air pollution; loose feces; lowest income group; meta analysis; morbidity; observational study; outcome assessment; risk factor; systematic review; time series analysis; total quality management; water quality; water supply; water treatment; agua; assainissement; carga global de enfermedad; cálculo de riesgo; cálculos de riesgo; charge mondiale des maladies; developing country; Diarrea; diarrhea; diarrhée; eau; estimations du risque; global burden of disease; income; review; risk estimates; saneamiento; sanitation; standard; water quality; water supply; agua; assainissement; carga global de enfermedad; cálculo de riesgo; cálculos de riesgo; charge mondiale des maladies; diarrea; diarrhée; diarrhoea; eau; estimations du risque; global burden of disease; risk estimates; saneamiento; sanitation; water; Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Humans; Income; Sanitation; Water Quality; Water Supply | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876329990 | Systematic optimisation and evaluation of on-line, off-line and stop-flow comprehensive hydrophilic interaction chromatography × reversed phase liquid chromatographic analysis of procyanidins, Part I: Theoretical considerations | Kalili K.M., De Villiers A. | 2013 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1289 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.03.008 | Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Kalili, K.M., Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; De Villiers, A., Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC) provides significantly improved separation for complex real-life samples. LC × LC can be performed in one of three different ways, using on-line, off-line, or stop-flow configurations. We have previously shown how off-line comprehensive hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) × reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) provides a powerful separation system for procyanidins (PCs), one of the most complex fractions of natural phenolics. In the current contribution, a systematic approach for the optimisation and evaluation of each of the LC × LC methodologies is presented using HILIC × RP-LC analysis of PCs as application. Optimisation was performed using the peak capacities of individual one-dimensional separations measured for different gradient times and flow rates and their combination in each of the three LC × LC modes by taking into account the effects of first dimension under-sampling, the degree of orthogonality between the two dimensions and additional band broadening associated with stop-flow analysis. The performance of all three methods is compared in terms of practical peak capacities, analysis times and peak production rates. One-dimensional LC provided the best performance for separations requiring relatively low peak capacities, whereas the on-line LC × LC system was advantageous for required practical peak capacities up to ~600. For higher resolution, the off-line or stop-flow systems should be used. Especially noteworthy is the fact that, due to slow diffusion of PCs, the contribution of stop-flow to first dimension band broadening was negligible for stop-flow times of up to 15. min. In a separate contribution, the experimental verification of the findings of this study will be reported. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC); Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC); Off-line; On-line; Procyanidins; Stop-flow | Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography; Hydrophilic interaction chromatography; Off-line; On-line; Procyanidins; Stop-flow; Flavonoids; Optimization; Two dimensional; Liquid chromatography; catechin; epicatechin; procyanidin derivative; article; cacao; diffusion; flow rate; hydrophilic interaction chromatography; intermethod comparison; mathematical analysis; nonhuman; online system; priority journal; process optimization; reversed phase liquid chromatography; separation technique; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Models, Theoretical; Proanthocyanidins | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876320596 | Systematic optimisation and evaluation of on-line, off-line and stop-flow comprehensive hydrophilic interaction chromatography × reversed phase liquid chromatographic analysis of procyanidins. Part II: Application to cocoa procyanidins | Kalili K.M., De Villiers A. | 2013 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1289 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.03.009 | Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Kalili, K.M., Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; De Villiers, A., Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Procyanidins present a severe analytical challenge due to their structural complexity and diversity. Comprehensive two-dimensional hydrophilic interaction chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography (HILIC × RP-LC) provides a highly efficient separation system for procyanidins. In the first part of this contribution a systematic approach for the optimisation and evaluation of HILIC × RP-LC analyses in on-line, off-line and stop-flow modes was presented. The three systems were compared in terms of peak capacity, the number of peaks produced per unit time as well as the total analysis time required to carry out such analyses by taking under-sampling, degree of orthogonality and stop-flow band-broadening into account. In this paper, the experimental verification of these findings using cocoa procyanidins as an application is presented. The results show that while optimisation procedures based on theoretical considerations remain largely valid in practice, several important experimental considerations should also be taken into account to achieve maximum performance in all three modes of HILIC × RP-LC. On-line analysis provides an effective tool for the screening of procyanidin content within reasonable times, provided that under-sampling of first dimension peaks is minimised. Off-line- and stop-flow HILIC × RP-LC analyses on the other hand are more suited for the detailed analysis of complex procyanidin fractions, with the latter being shown to be a promising automated alternative providing the same performance as the off-line approach. Experimental data presented verify the conclusion that stop-flow operation has a negligible effect on first dimension band broadening under the optimised experimental conditions used. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Cocoa; Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC); Off-line; On-line; Procyanidins; Stop-flow | Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography; Off-line; On-line; Procyanidins; Stop-flow; Cocoa; Liquid chromatography; Optimization; Two dimensional; Flavonoids; catechin; epicatechin; procyanidin derivative; article; chemical analysis; chemical structure; controlled study; hydrophilic interaction chromatography; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; online system; priority journal; process optimization; reversed phase liquid chromatography; separation technique; Cacao; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Proanthocyanidins; Theobroma cacao | None |
WoS | WOS:000338029800003 | Systematic Monitoring of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Scale-Up: Adoption of Efficiency Elements in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe | Aduda, Dickens Omondi,Bertrand, Jane T.,Castor, Delivette,Farrell, Margaret,Frade, Sasha,Loolpapit, Mores,Machaku, Michael D.,Mavhu, Webster,Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel,Oyango, Mathews,Perry, Linnea,Rech, Dino,Spyrelis, Alexandra | 2014 | PLOS ONE | 9 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0082518 | Tulane University, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ctr HIV AIDS Prevent Studies, Dept Community Med UZ, FHI 360, Jhpiego, US Agcy Int Dev | "Bertrand, Jane T.: Tulane University","Castor, Delivette: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)","Farrell, Margaret: Tulane University","Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)","Perry, Linnea: Tulane University", | Background: SYMMACS, the Systematic Monitoring of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Scale-up, tracked the implementation and adoption of six elements of surgical efficiency-use of multiple surgical beds, pre-bundled kits, task shifting, task sharing, forceps-guided surgical method, and electrocautery-as standards of surgical efficiency in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Methods and Findings: This multi-country study used two-staged sampling. The first stage sampled VMMC sites: 73 in 2011, 122 in 2012. The second stage involved sampling providers (358 in 2011, 591 in 2012) and VMMC procedures for observation (594 in 2011, 1034 in 2012). The number of VMMC sites increased significantly between 2011 and 2012; marked seasonal variation occurred in peak periods for VMMC. Countries adopted between three and five of the six elements; forceps-guided surgery was the only element adopted by all countries. Kenya and Tanzania routinely practiced task-shifting. South Africa and Zimbabwe used pre-bundled kits with disposable instruments and electrocautery. South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe routinely employed multiple surgical bays.
Conclusions: SYMMACS is the first study to provide data on the implementation of VMMC programs and adoption of elements of surgical efficiency. Findings have contributed to policy change on task-shifting in Zimbabwe, a review of the monitoring system for adverse events in South Africa, an increased use of commercially bundled VMMC kits in Tanzania, and policy dialogue on improving VMMC service delivery in Kenya. This article serves as an overview for five other articles following this supplement. | ,"HIV PREVENTION",MEN,TRIAL,UGANDA | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903700542 | Systematic monitoring of male circumcision scale-up in Nyanza, Kenya: Exploratory factor analysis of service quality instrument and performance ranking | Omondi Aduda D.S., Ouma C., Onyango R., Onyango M., Bertrand J. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0101235 | School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; FHI360, Kisumu Office, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Global Health Systems and Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States | Omondi Aduda, D.S., School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; Ouma, C., Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; Onyango, R., Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya; Onyango, M., FHI360, Kisumu Office, Kisumu, Kenya; Bertrand, J., Department of Global Health Systems and Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States | Background: Considerable conceptual and operational complexities related to service quality measurements and variability in delivery contexts of scaled-up medical male circumcision, pose real challenges to monitoring implementation of quality and safety. Clarifying latent factors of the quality instruments can enhance contextual applicability and the likelihood that observed service outcomes are appropriately assessed. Objective: To explore factors underlying SYMMACS service quality assessment tool (adopted from the WHO VMMC quality toolkit) and; determine service quality performance using composite quality index derived from the latent factors. Study design: Using a comparative process evaluation of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Scale-Up in Kenya site level data was collected among health facilities providing VMMC over two years. Systematic Monitoring of the Medical Male Circumcision Scale-Up quality instrument was used to assess availability of guidelines, supplies and equipment, infection control, and continuity of care services. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to clarify quality structure. Results: Fifty four items and 246 responses were analyzed. Based on Eigenvalue >1.00 cut-off, factors 1, 2 & 3 were retained each respectively having eigenvalues of 5.78; 4.29; 2.99. These cumulatively accounted for 29.1% of the total variance (12.9%; 9.5%; 6.7%) with final communality estimates being 13.06. Using a cut-off factor loading value of ≥0.4, fifteen items loading on factor 1, five on factor 2 and one on factor 3 were retained. Factor 1closely relates to preparedness to deliver safe male circumcisions while factor two depicts skilled task performance and compliance with protocols. Of the 28 facilities, 32% attained between 90th and 95th percentile (excellent); 45% between 50th and 75th percentiles (average) and 14.3% below 25th percentile (poor). Conclusion: the service quality assessment instrument may be simplified to have nearly 20 items that relate more closely to service outcomes. Ranking of facilities and circumcision procedure using a composite index based on these items indicates that majority performed above average. © 2014 Omondi Aduda et al. | None | article; circumcision; controlled study; exploratory research; factorial analysis; health care delivery; health care facility; health care quality; infection control; instrument validation; Kenya; patient care; patient safety; performance measurement system; practice guideline; protocol compliance; quality control; reference value; scale up; Systematic Monitoring of the Medical Male Circumcision Scale Up; circumcision; human; male; quality control; safety; standards; Circumcision, Male; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Health Facilities; Humans; Kenya; Male; Quality Control; Safety | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149387943 | Systematic evaluation of serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease among children under five: The pneumococcal global serotype project | Johnson H.L., Deloria-Knoll M., Levine O.S., Stoszek S.K., Hance L.F., Reithinger R., Muenz L.R., O'Brien K.L. | 2010 | PLoS Medicine | 7 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000348 | International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md, United States; Westat, Rockville, MD, United States; US Agency for International Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Johnson, H.L., International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md, United States; Deloria-Knoll, M., International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md, United States; Levine, O.S., International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md, United States; Stoszek, S.K., Westat, Rockville, MD, United States; Hance, L.F., Westat, Rockville, MD, United States; Reithinger, R., Westat, Rockville, MD, United States, US Agency for International Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Muenz, L.R., Westat, Rockville, MD, United States; O'Brien, K.L., International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md, United States | Background: Approximately 800,000 children die each year due to pneumococcal disease and > 90% of these deaths occur in developing countries where few children have access to life-saving serotype-based vaccines. Understanding the serotype epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among children is necessary for vaccine development and introduction policies. The aim of this study was to systematically estimate the global and regional distributions of serotypes causing IPD in children < 5 years of age. Methods and Findings: We systematically reviewed studies with IPD serotype data among children < 5 years of age from the published literature and unpublished data provided by researchers. Studies conducted prior to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction, from 1980 to 2007, with ≥ 12 months of surveillance, and reporting ≥ 20 serotyped isolates were included. Serotype-specific proportions were pooled in a random effects meta-analysis and combined with PD incidence and mortality estimates to infer global and regional serotype-specific PD burden. Of 1,292, studies reviewed, 169 were included comprising 60,090 isolates from 70 countries. Globally and regionally, six to 11 serotypes accounted for ≥70% of IPD. Seven serotypes (1, 5, 6A, 6B, 14, 19F, 23F) were the most common globally; and based on year 2000 incidence and mortality estimates these seven serotypes accounted for ≥300,000 deaths in Africa and 200,000 deaths in Asia. Serotypes included in both the 10- and 13-valent PCVs accounted for 10 million cases and 600,000 deaths worldwide. Conclusions: A limited number of serotypes cause most IPD worldwide. The serotypes included in existing PCV formulations account for 49%-88% of deaths in Africa and Asia where PD morbidity and mortality are the highest, but few children have access to these life-saving vaccines. © 2010 Johnson et al. | None | Pneumococcus vaccine; Africa; age; article; Asia; bacterium isolate; causal attribution; child; disease surveillance; geographic distribution; human; incidence; mortality; nonhuman; pneumococcal infection; preschool child; serotype; Streptococcus pneumoniae; systematic review; Child, Preschool; Disease Progression; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Internationality; Pneumococcal Infections; Serotyping; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Vaccines, Conjugate | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875540845 | Synthesis, spectral characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of novel α-aminophosphonates | Chinnam S., Potturi C., Maddila S., Muttana V.B.R., Ediga A., Chinnam V. | 2013 | Der Pharma Chemica | 5 | 1 | None | Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara Univeristy, Tirupati, India; Department of Environmental Sciences, Sri Rama Engineering College, Tirupati, India; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, West Ville Campus, Chilten Hills, Durban -4000, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India; Department of Chemistry, KVR College, Nandigama, India | Chinnam, S., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara Univeristy, Tirupati, India; Potturi, C., Department of Environmental Sciences, Sri Rama Engineering College, Tirupati, India; Maddila, S., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, West Ville Campus, Chilten Hills, Durban -4000, South Africa; Muttana, V.B.R., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara Univeristy, Tirupati, India; Ediga, A., Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India; Chinnam, V., Department of Chemistry, KVR College, Nandigama, India | A facile method has been developed for the synthesis of novel α-aminophosphonates 5a-j by the one-pot three component reaction of equimolar quantities of 4-amino-N-2-thiazolyl-benzenesulfonamide (Sulfathiazole) (1), dimethyl phosphite (2) and various aldehydes (4a-j) in dry toluene at reflux conditions via Kabachinik-Fields reaction in high yields (70-80%) without use of any catalyst. Their chemical structures were established by IR, 1H, 13C, 31P-NMR, mass spectral studies and elemental analyses. All the title compounds exhibited promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. | Antibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Dimethyl/diethyl phosphites; Kabachinik-fields reaction; Sulfathiazole | aldehyde; antifungal agent; bovastin; dimethyl (2 chlorophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (2 nitrophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (3 chlorophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (3 cyanophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (3 methoxyphenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (3 nitrophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (3 trifluoromethylphenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (4 chlorophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (4 fluorophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl (4 nitrophenyl) [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; dimethyl [(3 trifluoromethyl)phenyl] [4 (n thiazol 2 ylsulfamoyl)phenylamino]methylphosphonate; phosphoramidic acid derivative; streptomycin; sulfathiazole; toluene; unclassified drug; antifungal activity; article; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus niger; Bacillus subtilis; bacterial strain; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; catalyst; chemical reaction; controlled study; drug structure; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; Fusarium oxysporum; infrared spectroscopy; Kabachinik Fields reaction; nonhuman; phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Streptococcus bovis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953337190 | Synthesis, photo physical studies and evaluation of ruthenium(II) complexes of polypyridyl ligands as sensitizer for DSSCs | Mkhohlakali A.C., Ajibade P.A. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 12 | None | Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa | Mkhohlakali, A.C., Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa; Ajibade, P.A., Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa | In the research on TiO2 nanocrystalline sensitization, ruthenium(II) complexes have received considerable attention in order to get efficient dyes for DSSCs. In this study, we report the synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes formulated as [Ru(L1)(L2)(NCS)2], [Ru(L3)(L1)((NCS)2] where L1= 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-disulphonic acid, L2= 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid and L3 = 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxy aldehyde. The compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The complexes exhibited a broad metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the range 510-531 nm and intense (π-π*) transitions between 240-380 nm. Some of these complexes showed emission maxima up to 680 nm. The compounds were used sensitizers to fabricate solar cells and an overall conversion efficiencies of 0.2-1.06 % under standard 1 sun 1.5 AM illumination (100 mWcm-2) with open circuit voltage 0.53, and 0.6, 0.48 V, short circuit current density up to 3.4 mAcm-2 and fill factor up to 0.6 were obtained. © 2015 The Authors. | DSSCS; Open voltage solar cell efficiency; Photo physical properties; Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes; Short circuit current voltage | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878737629 | Synthesis of Ti(iv) complexes of donor-functionalised phenoxy-imine tridentates and their evaluation in ethylene oligomerisation and polymerisation | Suttil J.A., Shaw M.F., McGuinness D.S., Gardiner M.G., Evans S.J. | 2013 | Dalton Transactions | 42 | 25 | 10.1039/c3dt32465f | School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart 7001, Australia; Sasol Technology Ltd, PO Box 1183, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Suttil, J.A., School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart 7001, Australia; Shaw, M.F., School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart 7001, Australia; McGuinness, D.S., School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart 7001, Australia; Gardiner, M.G., School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart 7001, Australia; Evans, S.J., Sasol Technology Ltd, PO Box 1183, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | A number of analogues of the Mitsui Chemicals ethylene trimerisation system (IV) have been explored, in which one of the donor atoms have been modified. Thus, a series of mono-anionic tridentate phenoxy-imine (3-(t-butyl)-2-(OH)- C6H4CN(C(CH3)2CH2OMe) 1, 3-(adamantyl)-2-(OH)-C6H4CN(2′-(2′′- (SMe)C6H4)-C6H4) 2, 3-(t-butyl)-2-(OSiMe3)-C6H4CN(C(CH 3)2CH2OMe) 3) or phenoxy-amine (3,5-di(t-butyl)-2-(OH)-C6H4CH2-N(2′- (2′′-(OMe)C6H4)-C6H4) 4) ligands have been prepared and reacted with TiCl4 or TiCl 4(thf)2 to give the mono-ligand complexes 5-7. The solid state structures of compounds 4-6 have been determined. Complexes 5-7 have been tested for their potential as ethylene oligomerisation/polymerisation systems in conjunction with MAO activator and benchmarked against the Mitsui phenoxy-imine trimerisation system IV. While the phenoxy-amine complex 6 shows a propensity for polymer formation, the phenoxy-imine complexes 5 and 7 show somewhat increased formation of short chain LAOs. Complex 5 is selective for 1-butene in the oligomeric fraction, while 7 displays liquid phase selectivity to 1-hexene. As such 7, which is a sulfur substituted analogue of the Mitsui system IV, displays similar characteristics to the parent catalyst. However, its utility is limited by the lower activity and predominant formation of polyethylene. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | 1-Hexene; Donor atoms; Liquid Phase; Mitsui Chemicals; Phenoxy-imine; Polymer formation; Solid-state structures; Ti complexes; Butenes; Complexation; Ethylene; Nitrogen compounds; Oligomerization; Oligomers; Phenoxy resins; ethylene; ethylene derivative; imine; organometallic compound; phenol derivative; phenoxyl radical; titanium; article; chemical structure; chemistry; polymerization; synthesis; Ethylenes; Imines; Models, Molecular; Molecular Structure; Organometallic Compounds; Phenols; Polymerization; Titanium | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899445523 | Synthesis of standards and procedures for specimen preparation and in-field evaluation of cold-recycled asphalt mixtures | Tebaldi G., Dave E.V., Marsac P., Muraya P., Hugener M., Pasetto M., Graziani A., Grilli A., Bocci M., Marradi A., Wendling L., Gaudefroy V., Jenkins K., Loizos A., Canestrari F. | 2014 | Road Materials and Pavement Design | 15 | 2 | 10.1080/14680629.2013.866707 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States; IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, University of San Marino, San Marino, Italy; Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece | Tebaldi, G., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Dave, E.V., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States; Marsac, P., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Muraya, P., Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Hugener, M., EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Pasetto, M., Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Graziani, A., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Grilli, A., Department of Civil Engineering, University of San Marino, San Marino, Italy; Bocci, M., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Marradi, A., Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Wendling, L., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Gaudefroy, V., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Jenkins, K., Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Loizos, A., Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Canestrari, F., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy | The use of recycled asphalt (RA) materials in pavement rehabilitation processes is continuously increasing as recycling techniques, such as cold recycling (CR), are being utilised in increasing magnitude and greater awareness for use of recycled materials and consideration of sustainable practices is becoming common in the construction industry. The focus of this paper is on developing a state of the art and state of the practice summary of processes used for classification of RA as well as the curing and specimen preparation practices for cold-recycled asphalt mixtures. A variety of topics were explored through an exhaustive literature search, these include RA production methods, definition of RA materials, stockpiling practices, industrial operations, specimen curing and preparation practices and in-field evaluation of cold-recycled rehabilitation. This paper was developed through efforts of CR task group (TG6) of RILEM Technical Committee on Testing and Characterization of Sustainable Innovative Bituminous Materials and Systems (TC-237 SIB). © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | cold-recycling; material characterisation; RAP; recycled asphalt; specimen preparation | Asphalt mixtures; Construction industry; Curing; Mixtures; Recycling; cold-recycling; Industrial operations; Material characterisation; Pavement rehabilitation; RAP; Recycled asphalt; Sustainable practices; Synthesis of standards; Specimen preparation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893236984 | Synthesis of metergoline analogues and their evaluation as antiplasmodial agents | Singh K., Kaur G., Mjambili F., Smith P.J., Chibale K. | 2014 | MedChemComm | 5 | 2 | 10.1039/c3md00310h | Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Medical School, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Singh, K., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Kaur, G., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mjambili, F., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Medical School, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | A series of compounds based on metergoline were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive NF54 strain of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. These compounds were also screened for their cytotoxicity towards a mammalian cell line. Some of the compounds exhibited superior antiplasmodial activity with a good selectivity index relative to metergoline. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | antimalarial agent; chloroquine; metergoline; metergoline derivative; unclassified drug; animal cell; antiprotozoal activity; article; CHO cell; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; in vitro study; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal | South African Medical Research Council |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919947877 | Synthesis of functionalized 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-aminoquinolines via intermediate (3-pyrrolin-1-yl)- and (2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolines and evaluation of their antiplasmodial and antifungal activity | Vandekerckhove S., Van Herreweghe S., Willems J., Danneels B., Desmet T., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Chibale K., D'Hooghe M. | 2015 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 92 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.12.020 | SynBioC Research Group, Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Vandekerckhove, S., SynBioC Research Group, Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Van Herreweghe, S., SynBioC Research Group, Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Willems, J., SynBioC Research Group, Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Danneels, B., Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Desmet, T., Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; De Kock, C., Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Chibale, K., South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; D'Hooghe, M., SynBioC Research Group, Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium | (3-Pyrrolin-1-yl)- and (2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolines were prepared via cyclization of diallylaminoquinolines and 4-chloro-N-quinolinylbutanamides, respectively, as novel synthetic intermediates en route to N-functionalized 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-aminoquinolines with potential biological activity. (3-Pyrrolin-1-yl)quinolines were subjected to bromination reactions, and the reactivity of (2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolines toward lithium aluminum hydride and methyllithium was assessed, providing an entry into a broad range of novel functionalized (pyrrolidin-1-yl)- and (hydroxyalkylamino)quinolines. Antiplasmodial evaluation of these novel quinolines and their functionalized derivatives revealed moderate micromolar potency against a chloroquine-sensitive strain of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and the two most potent compounds also showed micromolar activity against a chloroquine-resistant strain of P. falciparum. Antifungal assessment of (hydroxyalkylamino)quinolines revealed three compounds with promising MIC values against Rhodotorula bogoriensis and one compound with potent activity against Aspergillus flavus. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Antimalarial agents; Antimicrobial agents; Pyrrolidine derivatives; Quinolines | 2 methyl 3 (2 methylpyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 3 (2 methylpyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 3 (pyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 4 (quinolin 3 ylamino)butanol; 4 (quinolin 5 ylamino)butanol; 4 (quinolin 6 ylamino)butanol; 4 (quinolin 8 ylamino)butanol; 5 (2 methylpyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 5 (2 methylquinolin 3 ylamino) 2 methylpentan 2 ol; 5 (2 methylquinolin 3 ylamino)pentan 2 ol; 5 (pyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 5 (quinolin 3 ylamino)pentan 2 one; 5 (quinolin 5 ylamino) 2 methylpentan 2 ol; 5 (quinolin 5 ylamino)pentan 2 ol; 5 (quinolin 5 ylamino)pentan 2 one; 5 (quinolin 6 ylamino) 2 methylpentan 2 ol; 5 (quinolin 6 ylamino)pentan 2 ol; 5 (quinolin 6 ylamino)pentan 2 one; 5 (quinolin 8 ylamino) 2 methylpentan 2 ol; 6 (2 methylpyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 6 (pyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; 8 (2 oxopyrrolidin 1 yl)quinoline; aminoquinoline derivative; amphotericin B; antifungal agent; antimalarial agent; artesunate; chloroquine; emetine; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; aminoquinoline derivative; antifungal agent; antimalarial agent; antifungal activity; antimalarial activity; Article; Aspergillus flavus; bromination; Candida albicans; controlled study; derivatization; drug design; drug potency; drug screening; drug synthesis; IC50; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Rhodotorula; Rhodotorula bogoriensis; structure activity relation; substitution reaction; chemistry; dose response; drug effects; drug sensitivity; synthesis; Aminoquinolines; Antifungal Agents; Antimalarials; Aspergillus flavus; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Rhodotorula; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925261279 | Synthesis of CpM(CO)3-DAB and -PAMAM dendrimer conjugates and preliminary evaluation of their biological activity | Hu W., Hoyer J., Neundorf I., Govender P., Smith G.S., Schatzschneider U. | 2015 | European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry | 2015 | 9 | 10.1002/ejic.201403060 | Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Julius-Maximilians- Universität Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburg, Germany; Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, Köln, Germany; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa | Hu, W., Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Julius-Maximilians- Universität Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburg, Germany; Hoyer, J., Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, Köln, Germany; Neundorf, I., Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, Köln, Germany; Govender, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Schatzschneider, U., Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Julius-Maximilians- Universität Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburg, Germany | Dendrimers of different generations and core structures [diaminobutane poly(propylenimine) (DAB) G1, G2, G3; poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) G1] were chosen as carriers for bioactive organometallic half-sandwich complexes of the type CpM(CO)3 (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, M = Mn or Re) to study the influence of these parameters on their biological activity against cancer cells. Structure-activity relationships were determined by variation of the metal center as well as the type, molecular weight, and number of terminal functional groups of the dendrimer conjugates. All conjugates were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as HPLC. Their biological activity was determined on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by the resazurin assay. Interestingly, the most-active compounds were the first-generation dendrimer conjugates. The Mn and Re series showed nearly the same activities. Thus, the cytotoxicity of the dendrimer conjugates does not seem to directly correlate with the type or number of terminal functional groups. Rather, it points to a mechanism of action that is different from that previously observed for peptide conjugates with similar CpM(CO)3 functional groups. Dendrimers of different generation and core structure are used as carriers for bioactive organometallic half-sandwich complexes of the type CpM(CO)3 (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, M = Mn or Re). Interestingly, the most-active compounds are the first-generation dendrimer conjugates, and the influence of the metal center is much less pronounced. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | Anticancer activity; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Dendrimers; Manganese; Rhenium | None | National Research Foundation |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940424532 | Synthesis of CdS flower-like hierarchical microspheres as electrode material for electrochemical performance | Kaviyarasu K., Manikandan E., Maaza M. | 2015 | Journal of Alloys and Compounds | 648 | None | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.06.010 | UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Central Research Laboratory, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | Kaviyarasu, K., UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Manikandan, E., Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Central Research Laboratory, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Maaza, M., UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa | We report in this paper, a facile hydrothermal route for the preparation of CdS nanocrystals at room temperature (RT). Composition, structure and morphology of the products were analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that the hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for periods ranging from 0 to 1440 min caused no significant modification of the long range order structure subjected to hydrothermal treatment. From the XRD analysis the diffraction peaks pertaining to 26.75°, 43.89° and 52.34° are attributed to the (111), (220) and (311) planes of cubic zinc blende structure. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are dominated by a strong narrow band edge emission tunable in the blue region of the visible spectra indicating the narrow size distribution of CdS nanocrystals. TEM observation shows that the CdS nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis are well dispersed and the average crystallite size was found to be ∼10 nm. The confocal microscopic studies reveal that each flower like spheres is due to Ostwald's ripening with numerous nanoparticles aggregating a surface. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | CdS; Confocal microscopy; Current-voltage studies; Nanocrystals; PL; TEM | Cadmium sulfide; Confocal microscopy; Crystallite size; Nanocrystals; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Zinc sulfide; CdS; Current voltage; Electrochemical performance; Hierarchical microspheres; Narrow size distributions; Photoluminescence spectrum; PL; Structure and morphology; Hydrothermal synthesis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940643337 | Synthesis of 3D porous carbon based on cheap polymers and graphene foam for high-performance electrochemical capacitors | Barzegar F., Bello A., Fashedemi O.O., Dangbegnon J.K., Momodu D.Y., Taghizadeh F., Manyala N. | 2015 | Electrochimica Acta | 180 | None | 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.08.148 | Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa | Barzegar, F., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Bello, A., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Fashedemi, O.O., Department of Chemistry, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Dangbegnon, J.K., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Momodu, D.Y., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Taghizadeh, F., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa; Manyala, N., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa | A scalable production of high surface area nanoporous carbon material (∼2994 m2 g-1) with good distribution of micro-, meso- and macro-pores was hydrothermally synthesized using both cheap polymers and graphene foam as carbon sources. The as synthesised material shows a unique interconnected porous graphitic structure. The electrochemical double-layer capacitor fabricated from this nanoporous carbon material exhibited a superior supercapacitive performance of 188 F g-1 at current density 0.5 A g-1. This corresponded to areal capacitance of 6.3 μF cm-2 coupled with a high energy of 0.56 μWh cm-2 (16.71 Wh kg-1) and a power density of 13.39 μW cm-2 (401 W kg-1) due to extended potential window of 1.6 V in KOH aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, no capacitance loss after 10,000 cycles was observed, owing to the unique structure and large surface area of the active material. The outstanding performance of this material as supercapacitor electrode shows that it has great potential for high performance energy-related applications. Crown Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | Electrochemical performance; Equivalent circuit; Porous carbon; Supercapacitor | Capacitance; Capacitors; Electrolytic capacitors; Equivalent circuits; Graphene; Polymers; Porous materials; Electrochemical double-layer capacitors; Electrochemical performance; Graphitic structures; High performance electrochemical capacitors; Hydrothermally synthesized; Porous carbons; Super capacitor; Supercapacitor electrodes; Foams | University of Pretoria; UP, University of Pretoria |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928730069 | Synthesis, nanostructure evaluation and tunable anomalous 3D hopping transport of manganese ferrite encapsulated poly[3,4-(ethylenedioxy)thiophene] decorated graphene layer | Nandi D., Maity A. | 2015 | RSC Advances | 5 | 45 | 10.1039/c5ra01904d | Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa; DST/CSIR National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Pretoria, South Africa | Nandi, D., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa; Maity, A., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa, DST/CSIR National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Pretoria, South Africa | A straightforward novel synthetic approach of manganese ferrite encapsulated poly[3,4-(ethylenedioxy)thiophene] nanocomposite decorated on a graphene layer (NIPG) is engineered assisted by dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid as surfactant. NIPG is characterized by Raman, TG, SEM, EDX, AFM, TEM etc. The temperature-induced (50 to 300 K) I-V characteristics and conductivity are scrutinized for NIPG and the structure-property relationship for electrical transport is also demonstrated. Varying loading of manganese ferrite nanoparticle and graphene significantly improve the order of conductivity even in a low temperature regime due to development of charge carriers such as polaron, bipolaron etc. in the band structure. An anomalous 3D Mott variable range hopping mechanism provides a complete framework to comprehend transport in NIPG. © The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Ferrite; Graphene; Manganese; Sulfur compounds; Temperature; Thiophene; Dodecyl-benzene sulphonic acid; Electrical transport; IV characteristics; Low-temperature regime; Manganese ferrite nanoparticles; Mott variable-range hopping; Structure property relationships; Temperature-induced; Loading | CSIR, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; DST, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860390424 | Synthesis, evaluation and application of polycyclic fluorescent analogues as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and voltage gated calcium channel ligands | Joubert J., Dyk S.V., Green I.R., Malan S.F. | 2011 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 46 | 10 | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.08.008 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Private Bag 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Joubert, J., Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Private Bag 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Dyk, S.V., Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Private Bag 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Green, I.R., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Malan, S.F., Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Private Bag 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | A series of polycyclic fluorescent ligands were synthesised and evaluated in murine striatal synaptoneurosomes for N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) mediated calcium flux inhibition and inhibition of calcium influx through voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC). Amantadine (a) and N-(1-adamantyl)-1,3- propanediamine (c) substituted with 1-cyanoisoindole (3), indazole (5), dinitrobenzene (7, 8), dansyl (9, 10) and coumarin (11) moieties showed moderate to high inhibition of the NMDAR. A high degree of VGCC inhibition was observed for the cyanoisoindole compounds (3, 4) the dansyl compounds (9, 10) and the coumarin compound (12). Fluorophores conjugated to hydroxy-4-aza-8- oxoheptacyclotetradecane (13, 14) did not exhibit any significant VGCC inhibition, but the indazole conjugate (14) showed promising NMDAR activity. Dose response curves were calculated for selected NMDAR inhibitors (8-11) and N-[3-(1-adamantylamino)propyl]-5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonamide (10) exhibited the highest activity of the novel compounds. Compound 10 was further used as a fluorescent NMDAR ligand in a fluorescent competition assay utilizing MK-801, NGP1-01 and amantadine as known NMDAR inhibitors to demonstrate the possible applications of the novel fluorescent compounds. These small molecule fluorescent ligands can be considered as possible pharmacological tools in assay development and/or other investigations in the study of neurodegeneration. © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Amantadine; Calcium channels; Fluorescent ligands; NMDAR; Polycyclic | 2 [3 (1 adamantylamino)propyl]isoindole 1 carbonitrile; 3 (1 adamantylamino)propionitrile; 3 [4 aza 8 oxo heptacyclo [0.4.1.0 2,10 .0 3,14 .0 4,9 . 09,13 .0 12,15]tetradecyl] 2 (methylamino)benzoate; 3 [4 Aza 8 oxo heptacyclo[0.4.1.0 2,10 .0 3,14 .0 4,9 . 09,13 .0 12,15]tetradecyl] 1h indazole 3 carboxylate; 3 hydroxy 4 aza 8 oxo heptacyclo[9.4.1.0 2,10 .0 3,14 .0 4,9 .0 12,15]tetradecane; amantadine derivative; dizocilpine; fluorescent dye; n (1 adamantyl) 1,3 propanediamine; n (1 adamantyl) 2 oxo chromene 3 carboxamide; n (1 cyano 2h isoindol 2 yl)adamantan 1 amine; n (2,4 dinitrophenyl)adamantan 1 amine; n (adamantan 1 yl) n' (2,4 dinitrophenyl)propane 1,3 diamiane; n [3 (1 adamantylamino)propyl] 1h indazole 3 carboxamide; n [3 (1 adamantylamino)propyl] 2 methylaminobenzamide; n [3 (1 adamantylamino)propyl] 5 dimethylaminonaphthalene 1 sulfonamide; n adamantan 1 yl 1h indazole 3 carboxamide; n adamantan 1 yl 2 (methylamino) benzamide; n adamantan 1 yl 5 dimethyl amino 1 naphthalenesulfonic acid; n methyl dextro aspartic acid receptor; unclassified drug; voltage gated calcium channel; animal cell; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; binding affinity; binding competition; brain synaptosome; calcium transport; concentration response; controlled study; drug binding site; drug receptor binding; drug screening; drug synthesis; fluorescence analysis; male; nonhuman; rat; receptor affinity; Amantadine; Animals; Calcium Channel Blockers; Calcium Channels; Fluorescent Dyes; Ligands; Male; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Synaptosomes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907878119 | Synthesis, characterization of Fe3O4@glycine doped polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposites and their potential performance to remove toxic Cr(VI) | Ballav N., Choi H.J., Mishra S.B., Maity A. | 2014 | Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry | 20 | 6 | 10.1016/j.jiec.2014.01.007 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea; Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites (P andC), Materials Science and Manufacturing (MSM), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Ballav, N., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Choi, H.J., Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea; Mishra, S.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Maity, A., Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites (P andC), Materials Science and Manufacturing (MSM), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Fe3O4 coated glycine doped polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposite (Fe3O4@gly-PPy NC) was prepared via coating of suspended Fe3O4 nanoparticles with gly-PPy. FE-SEM and HR-TEM images indicated that Fe3O4 nanoparticles were encapsulated by precipitating gly-PPy moieties. Chromium(VI) adsorption followed a Langmuir isotherm with maximum capacity of 238-303mg/g for a temperature range of 25-45°C at pH 2. The adsorption process was governed by the ionic interaction and the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by the PPy moiety. Results showed that NCs are effective adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater and can be separated by external magnetic field from the reactor. © 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. | Adsorption; Glycine; Hexavalent chromium; Magnetic nanocomposite; Polypyrrole | Amino acids; Polypyrroles; Hexavalent chromium; Magnetic nanocomposites; Adsorption | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889569205 | Synthesis, characterization, kinetic release study and evaluation of hydrazone linker in ferrocene conjugates at different pH values | Nkazi B.D., Neuse E.W., Sadiku E.R., Aderibigbe B.A. | 2013 | Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology | 23 | 6 | None | School of Chemical and Metallurgy, University of Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa; Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Nkazi, B.D., School of Chemical and Metallurgy, University of Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa; Neuse, E.W., Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Sadiku, E.R., Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Aderibigbe, B.A., Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Hydrazone linker plays an important role in drug delivery because it is stable under physiological conditions and hydrolytically degradable in mildly acidic environment. In this research, we demonstrated the efficacy of hydrazone linker in polymer-drug conjugation by using it to incorporate an analogue of ferrocene to biodegradable polymers to form conjugates. These conjugates were characterized by NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy. The mass percentage incorporation of the analogue was found to be between 1.95-2.76% from the NMR spectroscopy. The stability of the hydrazone linker of the selected conjugates was evaluated at various pH-values and found to cleave under acidic pH but stable at neutral pH. Various kinetic release models were used to determine the release mechanism of ferrocene analogue from polyaspartamide polymeric carriers. The release profile was found to fit best with Korsmeyer-Peppas model with a diffusion exponent of 1.1. | Cancer chemotherapy; Ferrocene; Hydrazone bond and kinetic release model; Polymer-drug conjugation | ferrocene derivative; hydrazone derivative; antineoplastic activity; article; conjugate; drug conjugation; drug delivery system; drug efficacy; drug half life; drug release; drug screening; drug stability; drug synthesis; freeze drying; kidney clearance; melting point; nuclear magnetic resonance; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; pH; ultraviolet spectroscopy | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906782047 | Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure and Antimicrobial Evaluation of a Novel -M-X-M-X- Type Infinite Chain 1D Cu(II) Complex with Eflornithine Hydrochloride Hydrate as Ligand | Obaleye J.A., Tella A.C., Osunniran W.A., Simon N., Omojasola P.F. | 2014 | Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials | 24 | 5 | 10.1007/s10904-014-0052-x | Department of Chemistry, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeri | Obaleye, J.A., Department of Chemistry, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Tella, A.C., Department of Chemistry, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Osunniran, W.A., Department of Chemistry, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Simon, N., Department of Chemistry, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Omojasola, P.F., Department of Microbiology, P.M.B. 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | A novel -M-X-M-X- type infinite chain 1D copper(II) complex of Eflornithine, Dichloro-[2-amino-5-ammonio-2-(difluoromethyl)pentanoate]copper(II) hydrate, [Cu(C6H12F2N2O2)Cl2]·H2O 1 has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques (UV/Vis and FT-IR), TGA and X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complex 1 showed the structure to be monoclinic with space group Cc, a = 13.1295(15) Å, b = 12.1859(14) Å, c = 8.1927(9) Å, β = 118.359(3) Å, V = 1153.5(2) Å3, Z = 4. The complex exhibits a quadratic planar coordination of the Cu-atom. The Cu(II) centre is coordinated by two chloride atoms, an oxygen atom of the carboxyl- and a nitrogen atom of the amino-group, respectively, forming a quadratic planar geometry. The terminal amino group of the ligand is protonated to form NH3 + while the carboxylic moiety is deprotonated to form Zwitterionic eflornithine ligand, with the coordination of the metal at the nitrogen atom of the second amino group. The compound has -M-X-M-X- infinite 1D chain polymeric structure. Two neigbouring Cu(EFL)Cl chain units are bridged by an Cl- ion, forming a -Cu-Cl-Cu-Cl- linear chain structure along C-axis. The antibacterial activities of the complex on Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were investigated and found to be active at higher concentration than the parent ligand. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Antibacterial activity; Crystal structure; Eflornithine hydrochloride hydrate; Spectra; TGA; Zwitterions | Atmospheric spectra; Atoms; Bacteria; Chains; Chelation; Chlorine compounds; Copper; Crystal structure; Escherichia coli; Hydrates; Hydration; Ligands; Nitrogen; X ray diffraction analysis; Anti-bacterial activity; Escherichia coli (E. coli); Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Spectroscopic technique; Terminal amino groups; TGA; Zwitterions; Copper compounds | None |
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-s2.0-84872721184 | Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of silicon-containing aminoquinoline organometallic complexes as antiplasmodial, antitumor, and antimycobacterial agents | Li Y., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Guzgay H., Hendricks D.T., Naran K., Mizrahi V., Warner D.F., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2013 | Organometallics | 32 | 1 | 10.1021/om300945c | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Li, Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Naran, K., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mizrahi, V., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Warner, D.F., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Two silicon-containing analogues (1, 2) of chloroquine, modified in the lateral side chain with organosilicon moieties, were synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 were further reacted with dinuclear half-sandwich transition metal precursors [Ru(Ar)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (Ar = η6-p- iPrC6H4Me; η6-C 6H6; η6-C6H5OCH 2CH2OH), [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]2, and [RhCp*(μ-Cl)Cl]2, to yield a series of neutral mononuclear Ru(II), Rh(I), and Rh(III) silicon-aminoquinoline complexes (3-12). Compounds 1 and 2 act as monodentate donors that coordinate to the transition metals via the quinoline nitrogen of the aminoquinoline scaffold. All the compounds were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the molecular structures of compounds 2 and 11 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the in vitro pharmacological activities of compounds 1-12 were established against chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum and against the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, as well as an esophageal (WHCO1) cancer cell line. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Aminoquinoline; Anti-mycobacterial; Anti-tumors; Cancer cell lines; Dinuclear; Half-sandwich; In-vitro; Malarial parasites; Monodentates; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Neutral mononuclear; Organometallic complex; Organosilicones; Pathogenic bacterium; Pharmacological activity; Plasmodium falciparum; Side-chains; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Spectroscopic technique; Cell culture; Organometallics; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Scaffolds; Silicon; Synthesis (chemical); Transition metals; X ray diffraction analysis; Chlorine compounds | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929463566 | 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-s2.0-84925457770 | 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-s2.0-84939966442 | Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of an oleic acid derived novel bicephalous dianionic surfactant | Kalhapure R.S., Akamanchi K.G. | 2015 | Journal of Surfactants and Detergents | 18 | 3 | 10.1007/s11743-015-1678-6 | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, India; Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | Kalhapure, R.S., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, India, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Akamanchi, K.G., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, India | A novel oleic acid derived bicephalous dianionic surfactant disodium (Z) 3,3′-(oleoylazanediyl)dipropanoate containing one hydrophobic carbon chain and two hydrophilic head groups was synthesized, characterized and evaluated for cytotoxicity for the purpose of introducing a new biocompatible surfactant. The head group 3,3′-azanediyldipropanoate was synthesized through Michael addition of methyl acrylate to benzylamine and subsequent reductive debenzylation with Pd/C, H<inf>2</inf> and was condensed with an oleic acid moiety via amide bond formation. Ester groups at the periphery were hydrolyzed using acetyl chloride-water and the diacid formed was neutralized with sodium bicarbonate to obtain the desired surfactant. The CMC was determined by conductometry, log P <inf>octanol/water</inf> by ChemSW software and the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) by the Davies method and ChemSW. In vitro cytotoxicity study was performed using sulforhodamine B assay and the in vivo skin irritation study was performed on male New Zealand white rabbits as per OECD guideline 404. The CMC was found to be 1.9 mm/l which was almost half of the CMC of sodium oleate. The Log P <inf>octanol/water</inf> value of -3.87 and the HLB values of 35.22 and 34.46 by the Davies method and ChemSW software respectively revealed the hydrophilic nature of the surfactant. The surfactant did not exhibit any cytotoxicity at any of the concentrations tested and was found to be non-irritating by in vivo skin irritation studies. The findings of the present work suggest that the synthesized novel bicephalous dianionic surfactant is a safe and biocompatible excipient. It has the potential to be an attractive alternative to linear and gemini surfactants for applications in biological studies and pharmaceutical drug delivery systems. © 2015 AOCS. | Bicephalous; Critical micelle concentration; Cytotoxicity; Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance; Oleic acid; Skin irritation | Addition reactions; Alcohols; Biocompatibility; Chlorine compounds; Critical micelle concentration; Cytotoxicity; Drug delivery; Hydrophilicity; Oleic acid; Sodium; Sodium bicarbonate; Amide bond formation; Bicephalous; Biocompatible surfactants; Biological studies; Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance; New Zealand White rabbit; Pharmaceutical drugs; Skin irritation; Surface active agents | UGC, University Grants Commission |
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-s2.0-84925099186 | Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluations of mixed ligand complexes of diphenylamine of cobalt | Ejelonu B.C., Olagboye S.A. | 2015 | Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Ejelonu, B.C., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Olagboye, S.A., Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Nove l cobalt(II) diphenylamine complexes have been synthesized in water-methanol medium and characterized on the basis of their elemental analysis, melting points, solubility tests, conductivity tests , UV-Visible and IR spectral studies. The antimicrobial activities of the cobalt (II) complexes were screened against Enterohaemorragic coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium tetani,Neisseria gonorrheae and Streptococcus pyogeus bacteria and Mucor, Rhizomucor, Aspergillus fumigates, Rhizopus, Sporothrix schenckii, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Absidia, Aspergillus niger and Candida spp pathogenic fungi. The melting points or decomposition temperatures of the metal complexes fell between 89-101°C. The colors of the metal complexes range from blue to purple. The spectral results suggest the binding of diphenylamine(ligand) through the nitrogen atom to the cobalt(II) ions. The absorption bands observed in the Uv-Visible region are presumed to be due to charge transfer or intra-ligand transitions from the ligands or d-d transition from the metal ions.The metal complexes displayed proactive activities against the tested bacteria and fungi pathogens. | Antimicrobial; Diphenylamine; Metal complexes; Mixed ligand | amoxicillin; antiinfective agent; cobalt complex; cobalt diphenylamine complex; diphenylamine derivative; ketoconazole; methanol; unclassified drug; water; Absidia; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; Article; Aspergillus; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus fumigatus; Aspergillus terreus; Candida; Clostridium tetani; conductance; controlled study; drug solubility; drug synthesis; enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli; infrared spectroscopy; ligand binding; melting point; Mucor; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; nonhuman; Rhizomucor; Rhizopus; Sporothrix schenckii; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pyogenes; ultraviolet spectroscopy; Absidia; Aspergillus; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus niger; Aspergillus terreus; Candida; Clostridium tetani; Fungi; Mucor; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Rhizomucor; Rhizopus; Sporothrix schenckii; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877291742 | Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of some schiff bases and their thiazolidinone products | Gebretekle D., Tadesse A., Upadhyay R.K., Dekebo A. | 2012 | Oriental Journal of Chemistry | 28 | 4 | None | Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | Gebretekle, D., Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Tadesse, A., Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Upadhyay, R.K., Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Dekebo, A., Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | Six isomeric nitro- and methoxy anilines were condensed with vanillin to obtain Schiff's bases. A new series of 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)-1-thiazolidinone derivatives were synthesized by the cyclocondensation of Schiff's bases with mercapto acetic acid. The chemical structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, molecular weight determination, IR, 1H & 13C and DEPT-135 NMR spectral measurements. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were studied in vitro against staphylococcus aurous and Escherichia coli bacteria and Aspergillus niger and Rhizoctoia bataticola fungi by using Ampicillin and Bavistin reference drugs respectively. | Amines; Bacteria; Fungi; Schiff's bases; Thiazolidinones | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874911480 | Synthesis, characterisation, docking analysis and biological evaluation of α,α′-bis(p-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-γ- methylcyclohexanone | Shalini S., Girija C.R., Karunakar P., Jotani M.M., Venugopala K.N., Venkatesha T.V. | 2013 | Indian Journal of Chemistry - Section B Organic and Medicinal Chemistry | 52 | 2 | None | Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Department of Biotechnology, PES Institute of Technology, BSK III Stage, Bangalore 560 085, India; Department of Physics, Bhavan's Sheth R. A. College of Science, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380 001, India; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577 451, India | Shalini, S., Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Girija, C.R., Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Karunakar, P., Department of Biotechnology, PES Institute of Technology, BSK III Stage, Bangalore 560 085, India; Jotani, M.M., Department of Physics, Bhavan's Sheth R. A. College of Science, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380 001, India; Venugopala, K.N., Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa; Venkatesha, T.V., Department of Chemistry, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577 451, India | α,α′-bis(p-Dimethylaminobenzylidene)-γ- methylcyclohexanone (BMABMC) C25H30ON2, has been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectroscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The single crystal XRD studies of the title compound reveals the presence of C-H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions linking inversion-related molecules into a dimer forming a ring of graph set R2 2(22). The antibacterial activitiy of the compound has been screened in vitro against the organisms. To evaluate the inhibition of HIV-1 integrase activity, molecular docking was performed and the study reveals a hydrophobic interaction with the catalytic core residues showing moderate inhibitory activity on HIV-1 integrase. The semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations were also performed using MOPAC2009 (PM3) for optimization of the geometry and the chemical activity of molecule. HOMO-LUMO transition implied an electron density transfer from C-N and C-C bonds at the edge of the molecule towards C-O and C-C bonds linked to central distorted cyclohexanone ring. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 7.778 eV reflects the chemical activity of the molecule thereby resulting charge transfer interaction. | Antimicrobial activity; Crystal structure; Cyclohexanone derivatives; Molecular docking analysis; MOPAC calculations | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868249509 | Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro evaluation of platinum(II) and gold(I) iminophosphine complexes for anticancer activity | Chiririwa H., Moss J.R., Hendricks D., Smith G.S., Meijboom R. | 2013 | Polyhedron | 49 | 1 | 10.1016/j.poly.2012.09.053 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chiririwa, H., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa, Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Moss, J.R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | The reactions of iminophosphine ligands with [PtCl2(COD)], [PtCl2(DMSO)2], and [Au(tht)Cl] has been investigated. The new platinum(II) and gold(I) complexes were characterised using elemental analysis, electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), NMR (1H and 31P) and IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. In vitro cytotoxic study results show that platinum and gold complexes block the proliferation of WHCO1 and KYSE450 cell lines with an IC50 range of 2.16-9.47 μM. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anticancer; Gold(I) complexes; Iminophosphines; Platinum(II) complexes | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876485335 | Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro evaluation of palladium(II) iminophosphine complexes for anticancer activity | Chiririwa H., Moss J.R., Hendricks D., Meijboom R., Muller A. | 2013 | Transition Metal Chemistry | 38 | 2 | 10.1007/s11243-012-9674-4 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Chiririwa, H., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa, Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Moss, J.R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Muller, A., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Palladium(II) complexes have been obtained from the reactions of the iminophosphine ligands, (L1-L7), respectively, with [PdCl2(COD)] and [PdMeCl(COD)] in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The palladium(II) complexes were characterised using elemental analysis, electro spray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), NMR (1H and 31P), IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 2, 7 and 8 revealed that the complexes exhibited a slightly distorted square planar geometry. In vitro cytotoxic study results show that the palladium complexes exhibit moderate activity and block the proliferation of WHCO1 cells with an IC50 range of 19.02-45.27 μM, and IC50 range of 10.03-68.54 μM for the KYSE450 cell lines. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | None | Anticancer activities; Cell lines; In-vitro evaluation; Palladium complexes; Room temperature; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Square planar geometry; X-ray diffraction studies; Cell culture; Chlorine compounds; Mass spectrometry; Synthesis (chemical); X ray diffraction analysis; Palladium compounds | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871163693 | Synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of IrO2 based binary metal oxide electrocatalysts fo oxygen evolution reaction | Felix C., Maiyalagan T., Pasupathi S., Bladergroen B., Linkov V. | 2012 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 7 | 12 | None | South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Felix, C., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Maiyalagan, T., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Bladergroen, B., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, V., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | IrO2, IrxRu1-xO2, IrxSnx-1O2 and IrxTax-1O2 (1 ≥ x ≥ 0.7) were synthesized, characterised and evaluated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in solid polymer electrolyte electrolysers. The electrocatalysts were synthesised by adapting the Adams fusion method. The physical properties of the electrocatalysts were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Electrochemical activity of the electrocatalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. X-ray diffraction revealed no phase separation when RuO2 or SnO2 was introduced into the IrO2 lattice suggesting that solid solutions were formed. Transmission electron microscope analysis revealed nanosize particles for all synthesised metal oxides. Crystallinity increased with the addition ofRuO2 and SnO2 while a suppression of crystal growth was observed with the addition of Ta2O5 to IrO2. Chronoamperometry revealed that the addition of all the secondary metal oxides to IrO2 resulted in improved catalytic performance. Ir0.7Ru0.3O2 was identified as the most promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction. ©2012 by ESG. | Adams fusion method; Anodic electrocatalyst; Oxygen evolution reaction; Solid polymer electrolyte; Water electrolysis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945363835 | Synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical evaluation of reduced graphene oxide modified antimony nanoparticles | Silwana B., Van Der Horst C., Iwuoha E., Somerset V. | 2015 | Thin Solid Films | 592 | None | 10.1016/j.tsf.2015.09.010 | Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa; SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Silwana, B., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Van Der Horst, C., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Iwuoha, E., SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Somerset, V., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper demonstrates some aspects on the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles of metallic alloys using polyvinyl alcohol as a stabiliser, which combines high surface area and superior hybrid properties. The present experimental design was to synthesise a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide and antimony nanoparticles to be used as thin films for macro- and micro-carbon electrodes for enhancing sensing of different toxic metal pollutants in the environment. The synthetic process of reduced graphene oxide was done using the modified Hummers method while antimony pentachloride was reduced with sodium borohydride into nanoparticles of antimony using polyvinyl-alcohol as a stabiliser. The systematic investigation of morphology was done by scanning electron microscopy and high resolution-transmission electron microscope, which revealed the synthesis of a product, consists of reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles. The electrochemical behaviour of the reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles coated on a glassy carbon electrode was performed using voltammetric and impedance techniques. Electrochemical impedance measurements showed that the overall resistance, including the charge-transfer resistance, was smaller with reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles than reduced graphene oxide and antimony nanoparticles, on their own. Evaluation of the reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticle sensor in the stripping voltammetry has shown a linear working range for concentration of platinum (II) between 6.0 × 10- 6-5.4 × 10- 5 μg L- 1 with limit of detection of 6 × 10- 6 μg L- 1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3), which is below the World Health Organisation guidelines for freshwater. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Adsorptive stripping voltammetry; Antimony nanoparticles; Bi-metallic film; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Platinum analysis; Reduced graphene oxide | Carbon films; Charge transfer; Electrochemical electrodes; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrodes; Glass membrane electrodes; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Metal nanoparticles; Metallic compounds; Nanocomposite films; Nanoparticles; Oxide films; Platinum; Polyvinyl alcohols; Scanning electron microscopy; Signal to noise ratio; Synthesis (chemical); Voltammetry; Adsorptive stripping voltammetry; Bi-metallic films; Charge transfer resistance; Electrochemical behaviour; Electrochemical evaluations; Electrochemical impedance measurements; Glassy carbon electrodes; Reduced graphene oxides; Graphene | University of the Western Cape |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905258580 | Synthesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive evaluation of palmitoyl benzamides | Baba H., Usifoh C.O., Igbinaduwa P.O. | 2014 | Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | 13 | 7 | 10.4314/tjpr.v13i7.17 | Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Baba, H., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Usifoh, C.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Igbinaduwa, P.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Purpose: To synthesize and characterize palmitoyl amino benzamides, and to evaluate them for possible anti-inflammatory and anti -nociceptive activities. Methods: Palmitoyl amino benzamides were synthesized by the opening of isatoic anhydride ring with respective amino acids (glycine, β-alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid) and the condensation of the product with palmitoyl chloride. The final products were purified on column chromatography, eluting with dichloromethane/ethyl acetate. All the compounds were unequivocally characterized using the combination of infra red (IR), 1H and 13C (nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and elemental analysis. In vivo anti -inflammatory and anti -nociceptive activities of the synthesized compounds at 20, 50 and 100mg/kg doses were carried out using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rat and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, respectively. Aspirin was used at a dose of 100mg/kg as the reference drug. Results: The compounds were obtained in high yield (70 - 90 %) and purity. The anti -inflammatory results showed a poor activity for the compounds except o-palmitoylamino N-carboxyethyl benzamide which produced significant inhibition (p < 0.05) at a dose of 50 mg/kg (43.8 % oedema inhibition) while the reference drug, aspirin, showed 51.3 % inhibition. The anti -nociceptive study, however, showed good inhibition (p < 0.05) of acetic acid-induced writhing, with o-palmitoylamino Ncarboxymethylbenzamide producing 86.2 % inhibition at 100 mg/kg dose compared with the reference drug (aspirin) which gave 74.3 % inhibition at 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the synthesized compounds, though displaying poor anti-inflammatory activity, do possess promising anti-nociceptive activity. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved. | Analgesic; Anti-inflammatory; Aspirin; Benzamide; Glycine; Palmitoyl; β-Alanine; γ-Aminobutyric acid | 4 aminobutyric acid; acetylsalicylic acid; benzamide derivative; beta alanine; glycine; o palmitoylamino N carboxyethylbenzamide; o palmitoylamino N carboxymethylbenzamide; o palmitoylamino N carboxypropylbenzamide; palmitoyl amino benzamide; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; antinociception; article; column chromatography; drug dose increase; drug purification; drug synthesis; female; infrared spectroscopy; male; mass spectrometry; mouse; nonhuman; nuclear magnetic resonance; paw edema; rat | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947931377 | Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of 1,3,5-triazine amino acid derivatives to study their MAO inhibitors | Khattab S.N., Khalil H.H., Bekhit A.A., El-Rahman M.M.A., El-Faham A., Albericio F. | 2015 | Molecules | 20 | 9 | 10.3390/molecules200915976 | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Khattab, S.N., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Khalil, H.H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Bekhit, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; El-Rahman, M.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; El-Faham, A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Albericio, F., Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Three series of 4,6-dimethoxy-, 4,6-dipiperidino- and 4,6-dimorpholino-1,3,5-triazin- 2-yl) amino acid derivatives were synthesized and characterized. A preliminary study for their monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity showed that compounds 7, 18, and 25 had MAO-A inhibition activity comparable to that of the standard clorgyline, with apparently more selective inhibitory activity toward MAO-A than MAO-B and no significant acute toxicity. | 1,3,5-triazine derivatives; Amino acids; Monoamine oxidase; Morpholine; Piperidine | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939937081 | Synthesis and Preliminary Bio-evaluation of Polyaspartamide Co-conjugates of p-Amino-salicylic Acid Chelated Platinum(II) and Ferrocene Complexes | Mukaya H.E., Neuse E.W., van Zyl R.L., Chen C.T. | 2015 | Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials | 25 | 3 | 10.1007/s10904-015-0174-9 | Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Mukaya, H.E., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Neuse, E.W., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; van Zyl, R.L., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chen, C.T., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The present study reports the preparation and preliminary biological activity results of co-conjugates of platinum ferrocene based drugs by using a novel synthetic route for the incorporation of ferrocene into the carrier. The Fe content obtained by ICP-AES was found in the range of 1.8–2.3 % by mass for the conjugates and 1.4–2.0 % by mass for the co-conjugates. The Pt content obtained by ICP-OES was in the range of 5.6–7.2 % by mass for the co-conjugates. The preliminary pharmacological evaluation performed on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line for conjugate 1 and 4, and corresponding co-conjugate 6 and 9 revealed that the conjugates were 5 and 2 times more active than the free drug, while the corresponding co-conjugates were 16 and 6 times more active than the free drug. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Biological activity; Cancer; Co-conjugate; Conjugate; Ferrocene; p-Aminosalicylic acid; Platinum drug | Atomic emission spectroscopy; Bioactivity; Cell culture; Cobalt compounds; Diseases; Organometallics; Platinum; Synthesis (chemical); Bio-evaluation; Cancer; Conjugate; Ferrocenes; Mcf-7 human breast cancer cells; Platinum drugs; Polyaspartamides; Synthetic routes; Salicylic acid | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898980052 | Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-one derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents | Patel V., Bhatt N., Bhatt P., Joshi H.D. | 2014 | Medicinal Chemistry Research | 23 | 4 | 10.1007/s00044-013-0799-6 | Department of Chemistry, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India; JJT University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa | Patel, V., Department of Chemistry, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India; Bhatt, N., JJT University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India; Bhatt, P., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Joshi, H.D., Department of Chemistry, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India | Novel compounds of biological interest were synthesized by in situ reduction of Schiff's base of 5,6-dimethoxy indanone and 1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H- benzo[d] imidazol-2(3H)-one in the presence of Ti(OiPr)4 and NaBH3CN. Further alkylation using different alkyl/aryl halides in the presence of NaH in DMF gave a series of novel compounds. A formation of newly synthesized compounds was confirmed on the basis of their spectral and elemental analysis. Further these compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity and found to have promising antibacterial and antifungal activity. © Springer Science+Business Media 2013. | 1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-benzo[d] imidazol-2(3H)-one; 5,6-dimethoxy indanone; Antimicrobial agents; In situ reduction of Schiff's base | 1 (piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one derivative; 3 benzyl 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 3 butyl 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 (3 (dimethylamino)propyl 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 (4 nitrobenzyl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 (methoxymethyl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 isobutyl 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 propyl 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1yl)piperidin 4 yl) 3 ethyl 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 3 (2 chloroethyl) 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo{d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 5 chloro 3 (4 chlorobenzyl) 1 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 1h benzo[d]imidazol 2(3h) one; 6 chloro 3 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) n,n diethyl 2 oxo 2,3 dihydro 1h benzo[d]imidazole 1 carboxamide; antiinfective agent; ethyl 2 (6 chloro 3 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl) 2 oxo 2,3 dihydro 1h benzo[d]imidazol 1 yl)acetate; ethyl 6 chloro 3 (1 (5,6 dimethoxy 2,3 dihydro 1h inden 1 yl)piperidin 4 yl)2 oxo 2,3 dihydro 1h benzo[d]imidazole 1 carboxylate; imidazole derivative; Schiff base; unclassified drug; alkylation; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; antimicrobial activity; article; drug screening; drug synthesis | 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-s2.0-77955664975 | Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of gold(I) thiosemicarbazone complexes for antimalarial activity | Khanye S.D., Smith G.S., Lategan C., Smith P.J., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Chibale K. | 2010 | Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry | 104 | 10 | 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2010.06.005 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California at San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Khanye, S.D., 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; Lategan, C., Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California at San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California at San Francisco, CA 94143, 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 | The reaction of thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) with [AuI(THT)Cl], THT=tetrahydrothiophene, has been investigated. The resulting gold(I) complexes have been characterized by a range of spectroscopic techniques: NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy. The in vitro antimalarial data for gold(I) TSC complexes suggests that coordination of gold(I) to TSCs enhanced their efficacy against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and their inhibition of the parasite cysteine protease falcipain-2. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. | Falcipain-2; Gold(I) complexes; P. falciparum; Thiosemicarbazones | chloroquine; n [n (3 carboxyoxirane 2 carbonyl)leucyl]agmatine; tetrahydrothiophene derivative; antimalarial activity; article; in vitro study; infrared spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; microanalysis; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; synthesis; Antimalarials; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Gold; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Models, Chemical; Molecular Structure; Organometallic Compounds; Plasmodium falciparum; Protease Inhibitors; Thiosemicarbazones; Plasmodium falciparum | 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 |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896776369 | Synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of aminoacridines and artemisinin-acridine hybrids | Joubert J.P., Smit F.J., Du Plessis L., Smith P.J., N'da D.D. | 2014 | European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 56 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.01.014 | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMCEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Joubert, J.P., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Smit, F.J., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Du Plessis, L., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMCEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; N'da, D.D., Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMCEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | During this study, 9-aminoacridine and artemisinin-acridine hybrid compounds were synthesized and the in vitro for antimalarial activity against both the chloroquine sensitive but also gametocytocidal strain (NF54), and chloroquine resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum was determined. In vitro cytotoxicity against CHO cells, apoptosis of HepG2 and SH-SY5Y as well as anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines were assessed. The hybrids were synthesized, using a microwave-assisted radiation method by covalently linking artemisinin and acridine pharmacophores by means of a liable, aminoethyl ether linker. The synthesized compounds were found active against both the Plasmodium strains and displayed superior selective toxicity towards the parasitic cells. Hybrid 7, however, containing ethylenediamine linker, proved the most active of all of the synthesized compounds. It had seven-fold higher antigametocytocidal activity compared to chloroquine and was also found to be seven-fold more potent than chloroquine against the Dd2 strain, with highly selective action towards the parasitic cells. This hybrid also showed favourable anti-cancer activity against the HeLa cells, three- and eight-fold higher than those of chloroquine and melphalan, respectively. This hybrid may therefore stand as drug candidate for further investigation in the search for new and effective drugs against malaria and cervical cancer. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Acridine; Apoptosis; Artemisinin; Cytotoxicity; Hybrids; Malaria | 6 chloro 2 methoxy 9 (2 methylpiperazin 1 yl)acridine 2 (10 beta dihydroartemisinoxy)ethane; 6 chloro 2 methoxy 9 (3 methylpiperazin 1 yl)acridine; 6 chloro 2 methoxy 9 (piperazin 1 yl)acridine; 6 chloro 2 methoxy 9 (piperazin 1 yl)acridine 2 (10 beta dihydroartemisinoxy)ethane; 6 chloro 2 methoxy n [2 (piperazin 1 yl)ethyl]acridin 9 amine; 6 chloro 2 methoxy n [2 (piperazin 1 yl)ethyl]acridin 9 amine 2 (10 beta dihydroartemisinoxy)ethane; [3 [(6 chloro 2 methoxyacridin 9 yl)amino]propyl](methyl) amine; [3 [(6 chloro 2 methoxyacridin 9 yl)amino]propyl](methyl) amine 2 (10 beta dihydroartemisinoxy)ethane; [n (2 aminoethyl) 6 chloro 2 methoxyacridin 9 amine] 2 (10 beta dihydroartemisinoxy)ethane; acridine derivative; aminoacridine derivative; antimalarial agent; antineoplastic agent; artemisinin derivative; chloroquine; ether; ethylenediamine; melphalan; n (2 aminoethyl) 6 chloro 2 methoxyacridin 9 amine; unclassified drug; acridine derivative; antimalarial agent; antineoplastic agent; artemisinin; artemisinin derivative; animal cell; antimalarial activity; antineoplastic activity; apoptosis; article; CHO cell; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug synthesis; HeLa cell; human; human cell; hybrid; in vitro study; microwave radiation; nonhuman; nucleophilicity; pharmacophore; phase transition; physical chemistry; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; X ray analysis; animal; cell survival; chemistry; CHO cell line; Cricetulus; drug effects; synthesis; tumor cell line; Acridines; Animals; Antimalarials; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Artemisinins; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; CHO Cells; Cricetulus; Humans; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645315774 | Synthesis and evaluation of the mucoadhesivity of a CD-chitosan derivative | Venter J.P., Kotzé A.F., Auzély-Velty R., Rinaudo M. | 2006 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 313 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2006.01.016 | School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Centre de Recherches Sur Les Macromolécules Végétales (CNRS), Université Joseph Fourier de Grenoble, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex, France | Venter, J.P., School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa, Centre de Recherches Sur Les Macromolécules Végétales (CNRS), Université Joseph Fourier de Grenoble, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex, France; Kotzé, A.F., School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Auzély-Velty, R., Centre de Recherches Sur Les Macromolécules Végétales (CNRS), Université Joseph Fourier de Grenoble, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex, France; Rinaudo, M., Centre de Recherches Sur Les Macromolécules Végétales (CNRS), Université Joseph Fourier de Grenoble, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex, France | Combining mucoadhesive characteristics of a biodegradable polymer such as chitosan with the potential to enhance drug release by increasing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs has great potential for pharmaceutical technology and drug delivery design. Polymeric delivery systems have been extensively researched in an attempt to achieve modified drug release. Cyclodextrins (CD) offer an alternative approach. These cyclic oligosaccharides have the ability to form non-covalent complexes with a number of drugs altering their physicochemical properties. In the continuing challenge to improve the properties of delivery systems, this paper focuses on the modification of chitosan by introducing β-cyclodextrin and to test the mucoadhesive strength and inclusion properties of this synthesised cyclodextrin-polymer. β-Cyclodextrin was successfully grafted onto a chitosan chain polymer with a cyclodextrin grafting yield of 7% and a CD-chitosan yield of 85%. Although the complexation of (+)-catechin by the grafted β-CD was found to be about five times weaker than that by the β-CD monoaldehyde and natural β-CD, the inclusion properties of the chitosan-CD remain promising. The mucoadhesive properties of chitosan-CD were compared to that of pectin (reference) and the parent chitosan with the use of a tensile separation test. The chitosan-CD showed mucoadhesive strengths of 12% stronger than pectin, but 13.5% weaker than the parent chitosan. The synthesised chitosan-CD-polymer exhibits characteristics of a possible mucoadhesive drug delivery system with some inclusion properties from β-cyclodextrin. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bioabsorption; Chitosan; Drug delivery; Mucosal adhesion | aldehyde; beta cyclodextrin; chitosan derivative; cyclodextrin derivative; pectin; polymer; adhesion; article; drug delivery system; drug penetration; drug release; drug synthesis; mucosa; priority journal; tensile strength; Adhesiveness; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chitosan; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Molecular Structure; Mucins; Polymers; Viscosity | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929992950 | Synthesis and evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity of tryptanthrin derivatives | Onambele L.A., Riepl H., Fischer R., Pradel G., Prokop A., Aminake M.N. | 2015 | International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance | 5 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.03.002 | Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; HochschuleWeihenstephan-Triesdorf, Organic-analytical Chemistry, Straubing, Germany; Department of Paediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital Cologne, Köln, Germany; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Onambele, L.A., Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Riepl, H., HochschuleWeihenstephan-Triesdorf, Organic-analytical Chemistry, Straubing, Germany; Fischer, R., Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Pradel, G., Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Prokop, A., Department of Paediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital Cologne, Köln, Germany; Aminake, M.N., Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Malaria remains one of the most deadly diseases threatening humankind and is still affecting a significant proportion of the world population, especially in Africa. Chemotherapy is a vital component of the fight against the disease and new antimalarial agents are urgently needed to curb the spread of malaria parasites that are resistant to existing drugs. The natural product tryptanthrin is known for its wide range of activities, including antiplasmodial activity, but its poor solubility has undermined its development as potent antimicrobial and antiprotozoan agent. The aim of this work was to synthesize analogues of tryptanthrin and to evaluate their antiplasmodial activity against the asexual and sexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Our results suggest that most tryptanthrin analogues retained their antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites in the nanomolar range (30-100 nM). The antiplasmodial activity of the most active compound NT1 (IC<inf>50</inf>: 30 nM; SI: 155.9) was similar in both strains and close to that of chloroquine (IC<inf>50</inf>: 20 nM) on the sensitive strain. The antiplasmodial activity was improved with derivatization, thus pointing out the necessity to explore tryptanthrin using medicinal chemistry approaches. Ten (10) of the tested derivatives met the criteria, allowing for advancement to animal testing, i.e., SI > 100 and IC<inf>50</inf> < 100 nM. In addition to their activity on the asexual stages, tryptanthrin and two selected derivatives (NT1 and T8) prevented the maturation of gametocytes at their IC<inf>90</inf> concentrations, indicating a transmission-blocking potential. Moreover, NT1 was able to impair gametogenesis by reducing the exflagellation of microgametes by 20% at IC<inf>90</inf>, while tryptanthrin and T8 had no influence on exflagellation. The results of this study confirm that tryptanthrin and its derivatives are potential antimalarial candidates with abilities to kill the intraerythrocytic asexual stages and prevent the formation of sexual stages of the parasite. © 2015 The Authors. | Antiplasmodial; Gametocytes; Malaria; Synthesis; Tryptanthrin derivatives | 2 chloro 8 bromo tryptanthrin 8 bromo 2 chloro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 2 chloro 8 nitro tryptanthrin 2 chloro 8 nitro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 2,3 dimethoxy 8 bromo tryptantrin 8 bromo 2,3 dimethoxyindolo[ 2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 2,3 dimethoxy 8 nitro tryptanthrin 2,3 dimethoxy 8 nitro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 3 bromo 8 nitro indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 3 chloro 8 nitro tryptanthrin 3 chloro 8 nitro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 7 methyl indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 8 bromo tryptanthrin 3 carboxylic acid 8 bromo 6,12 dioxo 6,12 dihydro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 3 carboxylic acid; 8 bromo tryptanthrin 3 carboxylic acid methylester 8 bromo 6,12 dioxo 6,12 dihydro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 3 carboxylic acid methylester; 8 bromotryptanthrin 8 bromo indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 8 chlorotryptanthrin 8 chloro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 8 fluorotryptanthrin 8 fluoro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 8 methyltryptanthrin 8 methyl indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; 8 nitro tryptanthrin 3 carboxylic acid methylester 8 nitro 6,12 dioxo 6,12 dihydro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 3 carboxylic acid methyl ester; 8 nitrotryptanthrin 3 carboxylic acid 8 nitro 6,12 dioxo 6,12 dihydro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 3 carboxylic acid; 8 nitrotryptanthrin 8 nitro indolo[2,1 b]quinazoline 6,12 dione; antimalarial agent; benzene; chloroquine; lactate dehydrogenase; natural product; tryptanthrin derivative; unclassified drug; antimalarial activity; antimalarial drug resistance; antiplasmodial activity; Article; asexual reproduction; cell maturation; derivatization; drug screening; drug synthesis; gametocyte; gametogenesis; growth inhibition; malaria control; medicinal chemistry; parasite transmission; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; toxicity testing | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949488600 | Synthesis and evaluation of SQ109 analogues as potential anti-tuberculosis candidates | Onajole O.K., Govender P., Helden P.D.v., Kruger H.G., Maguire G.E.M., Wiid I., Govender T. | 2010 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 45 | 5 | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.01.046 | School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Onajole, O.K., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Govender, P., School of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Helden, P.D.v., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Maguire, G.E.M., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Wiid, I., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Govender, T., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | As part of an ongoing project to develop highly potent anti-tuberculosis therapeutics, six SQ109 derivatives were synthesized and screened in vitro for their anti-tuberculosis activity against the ATCC strain H37Rv and the extensively drug-resistant clinical strain XDR 173. Compound 16 with an extended alkene chain was the most active against both strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within a MIC range of 0.5-0.25 μM. Compound 12 and SQ109 were potent within a MIC range of 1-0.5 μM, whilst compound 18 displayed an activity within the MIC range of 0.5-2 μM against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | 1,2 Cage diamine; Anti-tuberculosis (TB); SQ109; XDR | n (2 adamantyl) n' geranylethylenediamine; n (3,7 dimethyloctyl) n' (1 adamantyl)ethane 1,2 diamine; n (3,7 dimethyloctyl) n' (2 adamantyl)ethane 1,2 diamine; n (3,7,11 trimethyldodecyl) n' (2 adamantyl)ethane 1,2 diamine; n farnesyl n' (2 adamantyl)ethane 1,2 diamine; n geranyl n' (1 adamantyl)ethane 1,2 diamine; tuberculostatic agent; unclassified drug; antimicrobial activity; article; bacterial strain; drug potency; drug resistant tuberculosis; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; in vitro study; minimum inhibitory concentration; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; structure activity relation; Adamantane; Antitubercular Agents; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethylenediamines; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Structure; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Stereoisomerism | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905505316 | Synthesis and evaluation of quindoline and its analogue as potential anticancer agents | Boahen Y.O., Mann J. | 2014 | Chemistry of Natural Compounds | 50 | 3 | 10.1007/s10600-014-0995-8 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Chemistry Department, University of Reading, Reading RG6 7AD, United Kingdom; School of Chemistry, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT 9 5AG, United Kingdom | Boahen, Y.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, Chemistry Department, University of Reading, Reading RG6 7AD, United Kingdom; Mann, J., Chemistry Department, University of Reading, Reading RG6 7AD, United Kingdom, School of Chemistry, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT 9 5AG, United Kingdom | Several derivatives of quindoline, 10H-(indolo[3,2-b]quinoline), alkaloids were prepared by the modification of the Pfitzinger quinoline reaction. The conversion of quindoline was 71% while that of another compound, 2,10-bis(dimethylaminoethyl)-indolo[3,2-b]quinoline, was 64%. In the evaluation of the cytotoxicities of the two compounds using five human ovarian cancer cell lines, namely SKOV-3, A2780, A2780R, CHI, and CHIR, quindoline gave minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) results of 66, 21.5, 24.5, 15.5, and 30 M, respectively whiles the more potent compound, 2,10-bis(dimethylaminoethyl) -indolo[3,2-b]quinoline, gave 6.3, 12.5, 10.5, 8.4, and 12.5 M, respectively. A third compound, 2-(3′-hydroxypropan-1′-yl)-10H-indolo[3,2-b] quinoline, was prepared by the Heck reaction in a yield of 70%. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | cancer; cytotoxicity; minimum inhibitory concentration; quindoline | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40849123775 | Synthesis and evaluation of phosphine-N ligands in transition metal-catalysed C{single bond}C bond forming reactions | Williams D.B.G., Pretorius M. | 2008 | Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical | 284 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.molcata.2008.01.007 | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Williams, D.B.G., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Pretorius, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | A series of phosphino-imine and the corresponding phosphino-amine P,NR ligands (R = alkyl, aryl) was synthesised from the commercially available starting material 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde, including P,N bi-, tri- and tetradentate imine ligands, their secondary amine analogues, and also the methylated tertiary amine equivalents. As an extension, some P,NPPh2 and P,NPCy2 derivatives were also prepared from the same starting material. All of these ligands were successfully applied in catalytic reactions (Heck, cross-coupling and hydroformylation), and benchmarked against traditional ligands with satisfying results. While providing catalyst systems that were stable and generally acceptably active in comparison with the benchmarks, the Pd-ligand catalyst systems of this study were found to be especially active in Stille reactions. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalysis; Ligands; Palladium; Rhodium | Catalysis; Crosslinking; Ligands; Reaction rates; Synthesis (chemical); Catalyst systems; Catalytic reactions; Secondary amines; Tetradentate imine ligands; Transition metal compounds | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885649435 | Synthesis and evaluation of novel fluorinated 2-styrylchromones as antibacterial agents | Momin M., Ramjugernath D., Chenia H., Koorbanally N.A. | 2013 | Journal of Chemistry | None | None | 10.1155/2013/436758 | School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Momin, M., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Ramjugernath, D., School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Chenia, H., Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Koorbanally, N.A., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | A range of fluorinated 2-styrylchromones (5a-g) of which six were new (5a-f) were prepared in three steps using the Baker-Venkataraman rearrangement along with two methoxylated derivatives (5h-i) and a methylenedioxy derivative (5j) and screened for their antibacterial activity using Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, sciuri, and xylosus as well as Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia). The compounds were most effective against B. subtilis followed by S. aureus and a single strain of E. coli (ATCC 25922). Difluorination on the phenyl ring was shown to enhance antibacterial activity, and fluorine substitution at the 6 position was shown to be far superior to substitution at the 7 position. In comparison to tetracycline, the activity indices of the fluorinated styrylchromones ranged from 0.50 to 0.75 against B. subtilis. The crystal structure of 2′-fluoro-2-styrylchromone is also presented, and the molecule was shown to be planar. © 2013 Mehbub Momin et al. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890066618 | Synthesis and evaluation of new polynuclear organometallic Ru(ii), Rh(iii) and Ir(iii) pyridyl ester complexes as in vitro antiparasitic and antitumor agents | Chellan P., Land K.M., Shokar A., Au A., An S.H., Taylor D., Smith P.J., Riedel T., Dyson P.J., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Dalton Transactions | 43 | 2 | 10.1039/c3dt52090k | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland | Chellan, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Land, K.M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Shokar, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Au, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; An, S.H., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Taylor, D., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Riedel, T., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Dyson, P.J., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | New polynuclear organometallic Platinum Group Metal (PGM) complexes containing di- and tripyridyl ester ligands have been synthesised and characterised using analytical and spectroscopic techniques including 1H, 13C NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Reaction of these polypyridyl ester ligands with either [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2, [Rh(C5Me5)Cl2]2 or [Ir(C 5Me5)Cl2]2 dimers yielded the corresponding di- or trinuclear organometallic complexes. The polyaromatic ester ligands act as monodentate donors to each metal centre and this coordination mode was confirmed upon elucidation of the molecular structures for two of the dinuclear complexes. The di- and trinuclear PGM complexes synthesized were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the human protozoal parasites Plasmodium falciparum strain NF54 (chloroquine sensitive), Trichomonas vaginalis strain G3 and the human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) and A2780cisR (cisplatin-resistant) cell lines. All of the complexes were observed to have moderate to high antiplasmodial activities and the compounds with the best activities were evaluated for their ability to inhibit formation of synthetic hemozoin in a cell free medium. The in vitro antitumor evaluation of these complexes revealed that the trinuclear pyridyl ester complexes demonstrated moderate activities against the two tumor cell lines and were also less toxic to model non-tumorous cells. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Antiplasmodial activity; Antitumor evaluation; Coordination modes; Organo-metallic complexes; Ovarian cancer cells; Plasmodium falciparum; Platinum group metals; Spectroscopic technique; Cell culture; Chlorine compounds; Dimers; Esterification; Esters; Infrared spectroscopy; Iridium; Ligands; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Organometallics; Platinum compounds; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Synthesis (chemical); antineoplastic agent; antiparasitic agent; iridium; organometallic compound; pyridine; pyridine derivative; rhodium; ruthenium; article; chemical structure; chemistry; conformation; drug effect; human; Plasmodium falciparum; solubility; synthesis; Trichomonas vaginalis; tumor cell line; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiparasitic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; Humans; Iridium; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Organometallic Compounds; Plasmodium falciparum; Pyridines; Rhodium; Ruthenium; Solubility; Trichomonas vaginalis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-22444440988 | Synthesis and evaluation of metal-ligand complexes for selective olefin solubilization in reactive solvents | Wentink A.E., Kuipers N.J.M., De Haan A.B., Scholtz J., Mulder H. | 2005 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 44 | 13 | 10.1021/ie0487890 | Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | Wentink, A.E., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Kuipers, N.J.M., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; De Haan, A.B., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Scholtz, J., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa; Mulder, H., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | The separation of 1-hexene from Fischer-Tropsch streams is an expensive and difficult separation because of the low relative volatilities encountered. Applying metal-ligand complexes, which π-complex olefins, can increase the selectivity and capacity of these separations. In this paper, potential metal-ligand combinations are screened for this purpose using ethylene as the olefin. Ethylene solubility measurements with the metal-ligand complexes show a qualitative relationship between the stability and ability of the metal-ligand complex. The ligands LIX 26 (a hydroxyquinoline) and LEX 54 (a diketone) do not easily extract silver, and the resulting metalligand complex is unstable as silver precipitates. In contrast, Cyanex 301 and 302, thiophosphoric acids, easily extract silver and are very stable, but here the silver ion no longer forms π complexes. The ligands, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, result in a stable metal-ligand complex that can also selectively complex ethylene relative to ethane. © 2005 American Chemical Society. | None | Ethane; Olefins; Phosphoric acid; Precipitation (chemical); Separation; Silver; Solubility; Solvents; Ethylene solubility; Fischer-Tropsch streams; Metal-ligand complexes; Selectivity; Complexation; solvent | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856721286 | Synthesis and evaluation of comb-type copolymers prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization as possible cold flow improvers in GTL diesel fuels | Norah Maithufi M., Joubert D.J., Klumperman B. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Polymer Science | 124 | 4 | 10.1002/app.35268 | Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands; Sasol Technology R and D, 1 Klasie Havenga Street, Sasolburg, South Africa; Department of Polymer Science and Chemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa | Norah Maithufi, M., Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands, Sasol Technology R and D, 1 Klasie Havenga Street, Sasolburg, South Africa; Joubert, D.J., Sasol Technology R and D, 1 Klasie Havenga Street, Sasolburg, South Africa; Klumperman, B., Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands, Department of Polymer Science and Chemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa | Statistical comb-type copolymers of styrene (Sty) and stearyl methacrylate (C18 MA) with varying [styrene]:[C18MA] ratios were synthesized by a controlled/living radical polymerization technique called atom transfer radical polymerization. The polymeric materials were evaluated in selected SASOL Fischer Tropsch gas-to-liquid diesels as possible cold flow improvers. Crystallization studies revealed that as the styrene content of the copolymer increased, a crystal growth inhibition mechanism was exhibited. With an increase in styrene content of the copolymer, differential scanning calorimetry and the cloud filter plugging point (CFPP) revealed a delay in onset of crystallization and lowered CFPP, respectively, whereas low-temperature microscopy indicated modifications and size reduction of wax crystals. However, there appeared to be a styrene content, beyond which the additive's efficiency decreased. Homopolymer and copolymers with the highest styrene content led to long unfavorable needle-shaped crystals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP); cold filter plugging point (CFPP); cold flow properties; comb-type copolymers; GTL diesel | Cold filter plugging point; Cold flow improver; cold flow properties; Comb-type copolymer; Controlled/living radical polymerization; Crystal growth inhibition; Filter plugging; Fischer Tropsch; GTL diesel; Low temperatures; Size reductions; Stearyl methacrylate; Wax crystals; Copolymers; Crystal growth; Diesel fuels; Differential scanning calorimetry; Polymerization; Styrene; Atom transfer radical polymerization | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934294774 | Synthesis and evaluation of catalytic activity of calcined sodium silicate for transesterification of waste cooking oil to biodiesel | Daramola M.O., Nkazi D., Mtshali K. | 2015 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 5 | 2 | None | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa | Daramola, M.O., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Nkazi, D., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mtshali, K., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa | Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO) using heterogeneous sodium silicate catalyst is presented in this article. The conversion of WCO to biodiesel exploited the potential of the catalyst to convert high free fatty acid (FFA) content feedstock to biodiesel directly, thereby by-passing the esterification stage whereby FFA content of the feedstock is reduced prior to transesterification reaction. In the study, effect of reaction temperature and reaction time on the activity of the catalyst during transesterification of WCO to biodiesel was investigated. The transesterification reaction was conducted in a batch reactor with 2.51 g of the catalysts and at WCO to methanol ratio of 1:6. In addition, the reaction temperature was varied between 25°C to 63°C, and the reaction time was varied from 0 to 180 minutes at a 30 minute step increase. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield increased with reaction time and reaction temperature and the highest FAME yield of ~ 30% was obtained at 63°C after 180 minutes. However, further studies are required for in-depth understanding of the activity and kinetics of the catalyst for biodiesel production from WCO. | Biodiesel; Heterogeneous catalysis; Transesterification; Waste cooking oil | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903302088 | Synthesis and evaluation of artesunate-indoloquinoline hybrids as antimalarial drug candidates | Wang N., Wicht K.J., Shaban E., Ngoc T.A., Wang M.-Q., Hayashi I., Hossain Md.I., Takemasa Y., Kaiser M., El Tantawy El Sayed I., Egan T.J., Inokuchi T. | 2014 | MedChemComm | 5 | 7 | 10.1039/c4md00091a | Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; Chemistry Departments, Faculty of Science, El Menoufeia University, Shebin El Koom, Egypt | Wang, N., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Wicht, K.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Shaban, E., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Ngoc, T.A., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Wang, M.-Q., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Hayashi, I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Hossain, Md.I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Takemasa, Y., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Kaiser, M., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland, University Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; El Tantawy El Sayed, I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan, Chemistry Departments, Faculty of Science, El Menoufeia University, Shebin El Koom, Egypt; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Inokuchi, T., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan | Hybrids of artesunate-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline, -indolo[3,2-c]quinoline, and -indolo[3,2-b]quinoline were synthesized and screened for their antiplasmodial activity against two different malaria strains (CQS and CQR) and their cytotoxic activities against normal cells were evaluated. All the synthesized hybrids showed a decreased cytotoxicity and increased antimalarial activity relative to the individual, non-hybridized compounds. Furthermore, these hybrids were stronger β-haematin inhibitors than the corresponding molecules from which they were derived. The most effective antimalarial hybrid showed an IC 50 value of 0.45 nM against the CQS strain. At the same time this hybrid also showed effective activity against the CQR strain, with an IC 50 value of 0.42 nM and an RI value of 0.93. With the dosing of the artesunate-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline set at 10 mg kg-1 once a day for four consecutive days, parasitemia was significantly reduced on day 4, with an antiparasitic activity of 89.6%, and a mean mouse survival time of 7.7 days. © 2014 the Partner Organisations. | None | None | AS232Z00719G, JST, Japan Science and Technology Agency; Japan Science and Technology Agency |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928669397 | Synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of AZO dyes | Kofie W., Dzidzoramengor C., Adosraku R.K. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 7 | 4 | None | Centre for Drug Design and Development, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Kofie, W., Centre for Drug Design and Development, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Dzidzoramengor, C., Centre for Drug Design and Development, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Adosraku, R.K., Centre for Drug Design and Development, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Objective: To synthesizeazo dyesand evaluate their antimicrobial potential. Methods: A number of azo compounds were synthesized via diazotization of primary aromatic amine and subsequent coupling with naphthols or other coupling partners. The antimicrobial properties of these azo compounds were determined against six microbial species; Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC10231), Mycobacterium smegmatis (clinical strain), Micrococcus luteus(ATCC10240), Pseudomonas aureginosa (ATCC 9027) and the fungusCandida albicans(ATCC10231) using the Kirby-Bauer Standard disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC)were also determined for those compounds that exhibited antimicrobial activity. Results: Two of the azo compounds showed inhibition against microbial agents, with p-NAαN in particular exhibiting very good antimicrobial properties. However, Pseudomonas aureginosa (ATCC 9027) was resistant against all the azo compounds. Conclusion: p-NAαN showed broad spectrum of activity againstStaphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Micrococcus luteusand the fungal species Candida albicans, with p-ABAαN exhibiting activity against Candida albicans. © 2015, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. All rights reserved. | Antimicrobial; Azo; Diazotization; Disc diffusion method; Minimum inhibition concentration | azo dye; antimicrobial activity; Article; Candida albicans; controlled study; cross coupling reaction; diazotization; disk diffusion; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; Micrococcus luteus; minimum inhibitory concentration; Mycobacterium smegmatis; nonhuman; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; thin layer chromatography | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928944900 | Synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of novel 3-{[1-pyridin-2-yl methylene]amino}-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one analogues | Karthikeyan R., Idhayadhulla A., Manilal A., Merdekios B., Kumar R.S., Nasser A.J.A. | 2015 | Der Pharmacia Lettre | 7 | 4 | None | P.G and Research Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Chemistry, Sri Vinayaga College of Arts and Science, Thiruvalluvar University, Ulundurpet, Villupuram (Dt), Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; Department of Chemistry, Shivani Engineering College, Trichy (Dt), Tamil Nadu, India | Karthikeyan, R., P.G and Research Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India; Idhayadhulla, A., Department of Chemistry, Sri Vinayaga College of Arts and Science, Thiruvalluvar University, Ulundurpet, Villupuram (Dt), Tamil Nadu, India; Manilal, A., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; Merdekios, B., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; Kumar, R.S., Department of Chemistry, Shivani Engineering College, Trichy (Dt), Tamil Nadu, India; Nasser, A.J.A., P.G and Research Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India | New series of 2-thioxo imidazolidin-4-one derivatives were synthesized. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity and compared with Ciprofloxacin and Clotrimazole standards. 2- Thioxoimidazolidin-4-ones (3a-f) and (4a-f) were synthesized employing Mannich base method by interacting 2- thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (2) with benzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazide or semicarbazide . The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral studies. The synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains and antifungal activity against various fungal strains. Compound (3b) was highly active against S.aureus compared with standard Ciprofloxacin in antibacterial screening, and compound (4d) was highly active against A.niger compared with Clotrimazole in antifungal screening. | 2-Thioximidazolidin-4-one; Antibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Mannich base | 2 (4 chlorophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 (4 chlorophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarboxamide; 2 (4 dimethylaminophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 (4 dimethylaminophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarboxamide; 2 (4 hydroxyphenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 (4 hydroxyphenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarboxamide; 2 (4 methoxyphenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 (4 methoxyphenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarboxamide; 2 (4 nitrophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 (4 nitrophenyl)[[[4 oxo 3 (pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioximidazolidin 1 yl]methyl]hydrazinecarboxamide; 2 2 [[4 oxo 3 [(pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioxoimidazolidin 1 yl]][(phenyl)methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 2 [[4 oxo 3 [(pyridin 2 ylmethylene)amino] 2 thioxoimidazolidin 1 yl]][(phenyl)methyl]hydrazinecarbothioamide; 3 [(1 pyridin 2 yl methylene)amino]thioxoimidazolidin 4 one derivative; 3 [[1 pyridin 2 ylmethylene]amino] 2 thioxoimidazolidin 4 one; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; benzaldehyde; ciprofloxacin; clotrimazole; semicarbazide; thiosemicarbazide; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; antimicrobial activity; Article; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; controlled study; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; infrared spectroscopy; nonhuman; proton nuclear magnetic resonance | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908026839 | Synthesis and evaluation of a carbosilane congener of ferroquine and its corresponding half-sandwich ruthenium and rhodium complexes for antiplasmodial and β-hematin inhibition activity | Li Y., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Organometallics | 33 | 17 | 10.1021/om500622p | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Li, Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | A silicon-containing congener of ferroquine (1) was synthesized by incorporating an organosilicon motif in the lateral side chain of ferroquine. Compound 1 was then further reacted with dinuclear half-sandwich transition-metal precursors [Ru(Ar)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (Ar = η6-p-iPrC6H4Me, η6-C6H6, η6-C6H5OCH2CH2OH), [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]2, and [RhCp∗(μ-Cl)Cl]2, to yield a series of heterometallic organometallic complexes (2-6). Compound 1 coordinates selectively in a monodentate manner to the transition metals via the quinoline nitrogen of the aminoquinoline scaffold. All of the compounds were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the molecular structure of compound 1 was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of compounds 1-6 was established against the chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912093078 | 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-s2.0-84941762656 | 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-s2.0-78650137011 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of some pyridine derivatives as antimicrobial agents | Hussen D.A., Bekhit A.A., Hymete A. | 2009 | Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal | 27 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt | Hussen, D.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Bekhit, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt; Hymete, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | In this study, several pyridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). The intermediate chalcone derivatives 2a,b were synthesized by condensation of pyrazole aldehydes 1a,b with acetophenone in alcoholic KOH. Cylization of 2a,b with ethyl cyanoacetate and ammonium acetate resulted in pyridine carbonitrile derivatives 3a,b. Furthermore, condensation of pyridine-4-carboxaldeyde, 4 with different amino-derivatives gave rise to pyridine derivatives 5a,b, 6a,b. The oxadiazole derivative 7a was prepared by cylization of 6a with acetic anhydride. Characterization of the synthesized compound was performed using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and elemental microanalyses. The antimicrobial test results revealed that compounds 5a, 6b and 7a (MIC = 50 μg/ml) exhibited half fold antibacterial activity compared to ampicillin (MIC = 25 μg/ml), against B. cereus. On the other hand, compound 3b (MIC = 25 μg/ml) showed an equivalent activity compared to miconazole (MIC = 25 μg/ml) against C. albicans and to clotrimazole (MIC = 100 μg/ml) against the clinical isolate C. albicans 6647. Moreover, this compound was further tested for its acute toxicity profile. The results showed that its oral and parentral LD50s are more than 300 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, compound 3b is a good candidate as antifungal agent with good acute toxicity profile, and deserves more investigation to find out its mechanism of action and bioavailability. | Acute toxicity; Antifungal; in vitro antibacterial; Pyridine derivatives; Synthesis | 1 (4 chlorophenyl) 3 phenyl 4 (3 penyl 3 oxophenyl) 1h pyrazole; 1 (4 chlorophenyl) 4 formyl 3 phenyl 1h pyrazole; 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 4 (3 penyl 3 oxophenyl) 1h pyrazole; 1 (4 methylphenyl) 4 formyl 3 phenyl 1h pyrazole; 2 phenoxy n' [(pyridin 4 yl)methylene]acetohydrazide; 2 phenyl 1 [(4 pyridinyl)methylene]hydrazine; 2,5 (dipyridin 4 yl) 1,3,4 oxadiazole; 6 phenyl 4 (3 phenyl 1 4 chlorophenyl 1h pyrazolyl) 2 oxo 1,2 dihydropyridine 3 carbonitrile; 6 phenyl 4 (3 phenyl 1 4 methylphenyl 1h pyrazolyl) 2 oxo 1,2 dihydropyridine 3 carbonitrile; acetic acid derivative; acetophenone; aldehyde derivative; ammonium acetate; ampicillin; antiinfective agent; chalcone; clotrimazole; cyanide; ethylcyanoacetate; miconazole; n [(4 pyridinyl)methylene] 4,4' diaminobiphenyl; n' [(pyridin 4 yl)methylene] isonicotinohydrazide; oxadiazole derivative; pyrazole aldehyde; pyrazole derivative; pyridine 4 carboxaldeyde; pyridine carbonitrile derivative; pyridine derivative; unclassified drug; animal experiment; antifungal activity; antimicrobial activity; article; Aspergillus niger; Bacillus cereus; Biginelli reaction; Candida albicans; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; cyclization; drug activity; drug structure; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; female; isolation procedure; male; microanalysis; minimum inhibitory concentration; mouse; nonhuman; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; substitution reaction; synthesis | 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-s2.0-84857601717 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel isopropyl 2- thiazolopyrimidine-6-carboxylate derivatives | Kotaiah Y., Hari Krishna N., Naga Raju K., Rao C.V., Jonnalagadda S.B., Maddila S. | 2012 | Journal of the Korean Chemical Society | 56 | 1 | None | Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Kotaiah, Y., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; Hari Krishna, N., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; Naga Raju, K., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; Rao, C.V., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, India; Maddila, S., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | In the present study, we have synthesized novel Isopropyl 2-(4-substitutedbenzylidene)-5-methyl-3-oxo-7-phenyl-3,7-dihydro-2H-thiazolo[3, 2-a]-pyrimidine-6-carboxylate derivatives (6a-j). Elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data elucidated structure of newly synthesized compounds. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for antiinflammatory and anti microbial studies. Their biological activity data of the 10 compounds indicates that two compounds posses potent anti-inflammatory and five have antimicrobial activities. | Anti-inflammatory; Antibacterial; Antifungal activities; Isopropyl 2-thiazolopyrimidine-6-carboxylate | Anti-fungal activity; Anti-inflammatories; Anti-microbial; Anti-microbial activity; Antibacterial; Biological evaluation; Isopropyl 2-thiazolopyrimidine-6-carboxylate; Mass spectral data; Chemical engineering; Chemistry; Carboxylation | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649112709 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 4-substituted 1-{[4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)phenyl]methylidene} thiosemicarbazides as new class of potential antiprotozoal agents | Bhat A.R., Athar F., Van Zyl R.L., Chen C.-T., Azam A. | 2008 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 5 | 5 | 10.1002/cbdv.200890073 | Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Bhat, A.R., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Athar, F., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Van Zyl, R.L., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Chen, C.-T., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Azam, A., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India | A novel series of 4-substituted 1-{[4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl) phenyl]methylidene}thiosemicarbazide, 4a -4n, was synthesized in 9-21% yield by the condensation of 4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)benzaldehyde (3) with various substituted thiosemicarbazides in presence of catalytic amount of AcOH. These compounds were assayed for in vitro antiamoebic activity, and the results showed that out of 14 compounds 9 were found with IC50 values lower than metronidazole corresponding to 1.05- to 4.7-fold increase in activity. MTT Assay showed that all the compounds are nontoxic to human kidney epithelial cell line. 4-(m-Toluidinyl)-1-{[4- (10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)phenyl]methylidene} thiosemicarbazide (4h) showed the highest antiamoebic activity with least cytotoxicity. Some of the compounds were screened for their antimalarial activities and ability to inhibit β-haematin formation, but none of them showed an activity better than chloroquine and quinine. Only one compound out of six showed an activity comparable to standard drug. © 2008 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich. | None | 1,2,3,4 tetrahydro n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]quinoline 1 carbothiohydrazide; 3 (4,5 dimethyl 2 thiazolyl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide; 4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)benzaldehyde; 4 (2 chlorobenzyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (2 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (3 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (4 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 benzyl 4 phenyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclohexyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclohexyl 4 methyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclooctyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclopentyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 methyl 4 phenyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 methyl n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]piperizine 1 carbothiohydrazide; 4 phenyl n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]piperazine 1 carbothiohydrazide; 5 [4 (1,3 dioxolan 2 yl)phenyl] 10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin; antiprotozoal agent; chloroquine; hematin; metronidazole; n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]pyrrolidine 1 carbothiohydrazide; quinine; thiosemicarbazide derivative; unclassified drug; antiprotozoal agent; porphyrin; semicarbazide derivative; thiosemicarbazide; antimalarial activity; article; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug synthesis; Entamoeba histolytica; epithelium cell; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; inhibition kinetics; kidney epithelium; protein synthesis; Amoeba; animal; chemical structure; chemistry; classification; drug effect; Plasmodium; structure activity relation; synthesis; Amoeba; Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Molecular Structure; Plasmodium; Porphyrins; Semicarbazides; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952651616 | Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Teixobactin Analogue | Jad Y.E., Acosta G.A., Naicker T., Ramtahal M., El-Faham A., Govender T., Kruger H.G., De La Torre B.G., Albericio F. | 2015 | Organic Letters | 17 | 24 | 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b03176 | Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Jad, Y.E., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Acosta, G.A., Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; Naicker, T., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ramtahal, M., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; El-Faham, A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Govender, T., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; De La Torre, B.G., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Albericio, F., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | The first synthesis and biological activity of a teixobactin analogue is reported. Substitution of the unusual l-allo-enduracididine residue by the naturally occurring l-arginine was achieved, and the analogue gave an activity trend similar to that of teixobactin (against Gram-postive bacteria) and meropenem, which was approved by the FDA in 1996. The synthetic route used allows for the synthesis of the natural product as well as the development of a program of medicinal chemistry. © 2015 American Chemical Society. | None | None | 2014 SGR 137, Generalitat de Catalunya; RGP-234, KSU, Generalitat de Catalunya |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880895145 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of a post-synthetically modified Trp-based diketopiperazine | Preciado S., Mendive-Tapia L., Torres-García C., Zamudio-Vázquez R., Soto-Cerrato V., Pérez-Tomás R., Albericio F., Nicolás E., Lavilla R. | 2013 | MedChemComm | 4 | 8 | 10.1039/c3md20353k | Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001-Durban, South Africa; Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII s.n., 08028 Barcelona, Spain | Preciado, S., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Mendive-Tapia, L., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Torres-García, C., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Zamudio-Vázquez, R., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Soto-Cerrato, V., Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; Pérez-Tomás, R., Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; Albericio, F., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001-Durban, South Africa; Nicolás, E., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Lavilla, R., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII s.n., 08028 Barcelona, Spain | A series of C2-arylated analogues of the diketopiperazine brevianamide F has been synthesized using a mild Pd-catalyzed CH-activation procedure. Biological evaluation of the new derivatives in different cell lines shows that this modification is responsible for the remarkable change in activity, turning a mild antibiotic and antifungal natural product (brevianamide F) into novel antitumoral compounds. Furthermore, the approach stated represents a new straightforward and versatile methodology with promising applications in peptidomimetics and medicinal chemistry. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | antineoplastic agent; brevianamide F derivative; puromycin; unclassified drug; antineoplastic activity; antiproliferative activity; article; arylation; breast adenocarcinoma; cancer cell culture; catalysis; chemical modification; colon adenocarcinoma; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug mechanism; drug potency; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; human; human cell; lung carcinoma; priority journal; stereoisomerism; uterine cervix carcinoma | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947711009 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4β-benzoxazolepodophyllotoxin hybrids as DNA topoisomerase-II targeting anticancer agents | Paidakula S., Kankala S., Kankala R.K., Juluru B., Jonnalagadda S.B., Lee C.-H., Vadde R., Vasam C.S. | 2015 | RSC Advances | 5 | 118 | 10.1039/c5ra15366b | Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University Karimnagar, Telangana State, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India | Paidakula, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Kankala, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India, School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Kankala, R.K., Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Juluru, B., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Lee, C.-H., Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Vadde, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Vasam, C.S., Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University Karimnagar, Telangana State, India, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India | A series of new 4β-benzoxazolepodophyllotoxin compounds (9a-j) were prepared and screened for cytotoxicity against four human tumour cell lines (HeLa, DU-145, A-159 and MCF-7). Among these compounds, 9a, 9c, 9f and 9i have shown more potent anticancer activity than etoposide with considerable IC50 values. Apoptosis evaluation studies were performed using the Hoechst-33258 staining method and it was found specially that the best active compound 9i shows clear nuclear damage compared to etoposide. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to recognize the interactions against DNA topoisomerase-II and it was found that the energy calculations were in good agreement with the observed IC50 value. © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Cell death; Active compounds; Anti-cancer agents; Anticancer activities; Biological evaluation; DNA topoisomerase; Energy calculation; Evaluation study; Molecular docking; Cell culture | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950589013 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-anilinoquinolines as potent inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor | Pawar V.G., Sos M.L., Rode H.B., Rabiller M., Heynck S., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Thomas R.K., Rauh D. | 2010 | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 53 | 7 | 10.1021/jm901877j | Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Department i of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln - Bonn, University of Köln, 50924 Köln, Germany; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Pawar, V.G., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Sos, M.L., Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Rode, H.B., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Rabiller, M., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Heynck, S., Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Thomas, R.K., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany, Department i of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln - Bonn, University of Köln, 50924 Köln, Germany; Rauh, D., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany | The mutant receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR is a validated and therapeutically amenable target for genotypically selected lung cancer patients. Here we present the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 6- and 7-substituted 4-anilinoquinolines as potent type I inhibitors of clinically relevant mutant variants of EGFR. Quinolines 3a and 3e were found to be highly active kinase inhibitors in biochemical assays and were further investigated for their biological effect on EGFR-dependent Ba/F3 cells and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | epidermal growth factor receptor; erlotinib; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 bis(2 methoxyethoxy)quinolin 4 amine; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 dimethoxyquinazolin 4 amine; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 dimethoxyquinolin 4 amine; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinazoline 6 yl]acrylamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinazoline 6 yl]propionamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl] 4 (dimethylamino)butanamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl]acrylamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl]propionamide; n [4 [(3 bromo phenyl)amino]quinazoline 6 yl]4 (dimethylamino)butanamide; quinoline derivative; unclassified drug; article; drug activity; drug synthesis; human; lung small cell cancer; structure activity relation; substitution reaction; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Mutation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinolines; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957845582 | Synthesis and anti-prion activity evaluation of aminoquinoline analogues | MacEdo B., Kaschula C.H., Hunter R., Chaves J.A.P., Van Der Merwe J.D., Silva J.L., Egan T.J., Cordeiro Y. | 2010 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 45 | 11 | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.07.054 | Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil | MacEdo, B., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Kaschula, C.H., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hunter, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chaves, J.A.P., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Van Der Merwe, J.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Silva, J.L., Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Cordeiro, Y., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil | Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies form a group of neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and other mammals. They occur when the native prion protein is converted into an infectious isoform, the scrapie PrP, which aggregates, leading to neurodegeneration. Although several compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit this conversion, there is no effective therapy for such diseases. Previous studies have shown that antimalarial compounds, such as quinolines, possess anti-scrapie activity. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluate the effect of aminoquinoline derivatives on the aggregation of a prion peptide. Our results show that 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline and N-(7-chloro-4-quinolinyl)-1,2-ethanediamine inhibit the aggregation significantly. Therefore, such aminoquinolines might be considered as candidates for the further development of therapeutics to prevent the development of prion diseases. © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Aggregation; Antimalarials; Inhibitor; Neurodegeneration; Prion; Quinoline | 2 (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) aminoethanol; 4 (cyclopentylamino) 7 chloro quinoline; 4 amino 7 chloroquinoline; 7 chloro 4 methylaminoquinoline; aminoquinoline derivative; n (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) 1,2 ethanediamine; n 2 (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) n 1,n 1 dimethyl 1,2 ethanediamine; n 2 (7 trifluoromethylthio 4 quinolinyl) n 1,n 1 diethyl 1,2 ethanediamine; prion protein; unclassified drug; animal experiment; anisotropy; article; clinical evaluation; drug synthesis; hamster; light scattering; nerve degeneration; nonhuman; protein aggregation; Aminoquinolines; Antiviral Agents; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry; Prions | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876719611 | Synthesis and antiplasmodial evaluation of aziridine-(iso)quinoline hybrids and their ring-opening products | Vandekerckhove S., De Moor S., Segers D., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Chibale K., De Kimpe N., D'Hooghe M. | 2013 | MedChemComm | 4 | 4 | 10.1039/c3md20377h | Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Medical School, University of Cape Town K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Vandekerckhove, S., Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; De Moor, S., Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Segers, D., Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; De Kock, C., Medical School, University of Cape Town K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Medical School, University of Cape Town K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kimpe, N., Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; D'Hooghe, M., Department of Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | Aziridine-(iso)quinoline hybrid systems were prepared as novel synthetic intermediates en route to functionalized (iso)quinolines with potential antimalarial activity. Various quinolinecarboxaldehydes were converted into quinoline-aziridine-pyrazole, -pyridazinone or -pyrimidinone hybrids, and the three-membered azaheterocyclic moiety in these compounds was finally subjected to ring opening by either methanol or water to provide the corresponding functionalized quinolines. In addition, 5-hydroxyisoquinoline was used for the preparation of isoquinoline-aziridine chimeras, which were further transformed into a variety of functionalized isoquinolines via regioselective aziridine ring opening by various nucleophiles. Antiplasmodial evaluation of these new aziridine-(iso)quinoline hybrids and their ring-opening products revealed micromolar potency (0.22-30 μM) for all representatives against a chloroquine-sensitive strain of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The six most potent compounds also showed micromolar activity against a chloroquine-resistant strain of P. falciparum with IC<inf>50</inf>-values ranging between 1.02 and 17.58 μM. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | 5 hydroxyisoquinoline; antimalarial agent; aziridine(iso)quinoline derivative; chloroquine; methanol; quinoline derivative; unclassified drug; water; antimalarial activity; article; controlled study; drug potency; drug resistance; drug synthesis; IC 50; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944878449 | Synthesis and antioxidant evaluation of novel phenothiazine linked substitutedbenzylideneamino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives | Maddila S., Momin M., Gorle S., Palakondu L., Jonnalagadda S.B. | 2015 | Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society | 60 | 2 | 10.4067/s0717-97072015000200012 | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Private Bag 54001, Durban, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, J.N.T. University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India; Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chilten Hills, Durban, South Africa | Maddila, S., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Private Bag 54001, Durban, South Africa; Momin, M., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Private Bag 54001, Durban, South Africa; Gorle, S., Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chilten Hills, Durban, South Africa; Palakondu, L., Department of Chemistry, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, J.N.T. University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Private Bag 54001, Durban, South Africa | A series of novel 5-((10H-phenothiazin-10yl)methyl)-4-(substitutedbenzylideneamino)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol derivatives (6a-i) have been synthesized from compound (1) through a multi-step reaction. The key intermediate (5) afforded a series of title compounds (6a-i) on condensation with various suitable aldehydes in the presence of H2SO4. The structures of novel compounds were characterized based on their elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS spectral data. All these novel compounds were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity by employing nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and DPPH radical scavenging assays. The compounds 6d, 6e and 6i demonstrated potent antioxidant activity as these contain the electron-releasing groups. | 1,2,4-triazole; Anti-oxidant activity; Phenothiazines; Synthesis | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868307948 | Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some novel substituted 2-chloroacetanalides | Aschale M. | 2012 | International Journal of ChemTech Research | 4 | 4 | None | Head of Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Computation Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | Aschale, M., Head of Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Computation Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | The title compounds were prepared by the reaction of substituted primary amines with chloroacetylchloride in benzene. Structures of all these compounds have been elucidated by their elemental analysis, spectral studies and molecular weights. All the products were assayed for their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas holcicola bacteria and Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum fungi and results were compared with that of reference drugs. | Antibacterial; Antifungal; Substituted chloroacetinilides | 2 chloroacetanilide; 2 iodo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 chloro 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 dimethylamino 2 chloroacetanilide; acetanilide derivative; amine; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; benzene; carbendazim; chloramphenicol; chloride; unclassified drug; 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 chloro 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 dimethylamino 2 chloroacetanilide; acetanilide derivative; antibiotic agent; antifungal agent; carbendazim; chloramphenicol; iodo 2 chloroacetanilide; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; Aspergillus niger; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; controlled study; drug synthesis; Fusarium oxysporum; infrared spectroscopy; molecular weight; nonhuman; physical chemistry; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Staphylococcus aureus; substitution reaction; ultraviolet spectroscopy; Xanthomonas; Xanthomonas holcicola; drug structure; drug synthesis; Xanthomonas holicicola | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907153133 | Synthesis and anti-cancer evaluation of steroidal diglycoside-pyrazoline hybrids | Kankala S., Kankala R.K., Kommidi D.R., Mudithanapelli C., Balaboina R., Vadde R., Jonnalagadda S.B., Vasam C.S. | 2014 | RSC Advances | 4 | 76 | 10.1039/c4ra05599c | Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong-Hwa University, Shou-Feng, Hualien Taiwan, Taiwan; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University, Karimnagar, India | Kankala, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Kankala, R.K., Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong-Hwa University, Shou-Feng, Hualien Taiwan, Taiwan; Kommidi, D.R., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Mudithanapelli, C., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Balaboina, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Vadde, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Vasam, C.S., Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University, Karimnagar, India | A new series of steroidal glycoside pyrazoline functional hybrid constructs (SG-pyrazolines 3a-k) synthesized were evaluated for in vitro anti-cancer cytotoxic activity against a panel of human tumor cell lines of lung, breast, CNS, colon and ovarian cancer. These hybrid constructs were also measured at their respective IC50values on normal cell lines of HMEC and CHO for evaluating the biocompatibility. Several of these new hybrid constructs were found to possess higher growth inhibition activity than the standard cisplatin and support the concept to modulate drug receptor interaction. Regarding the synthesis, firstly a new SG molecule, an extract of Caralluma gracillis, was converted to the chalcones (2a-k) via the condensation of sp3C-H bonds on methyl keto of the D-ring of SG with appropriate substituted benzaldehydes. The cyclocondensation of SG-chalcones (2a-k) with hydrazine specifically catalyzed by Ag(i) N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag(i)-NHC) in ethanol has produced selectively the SG-pyrazoline hybrids (3a-k). This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014. | None | Biocompatibility; Cell culture; Cytotoxicity; Diseases; Organic compounds; Platinum compounds; Silver; Cyclocondensation; Cytotoxic activities; Drug-receptor interactions; Growth-inhibition activities; Human tumor cell lines; Hybrid constructs; N-heterocyclic carbenes; Substituted benzaldehydes; Synthesis (chemical) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943236465 | Synthesis and anti-bacterial evaluation of novel thio- and oxazepino[7,6-b]quinolines | Hamidi H., Heravi M.M., Tajbakhsh M., Shiri M., Oskooie H.A., Shintre S.A., Koorbanally N.A. | 2015 | Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society | 12 | 12 | 10.1007/s13738-015-0698-5 | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran; Department of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | Hamidi, H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran; Heravi, M.M., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran; Tajbakhsh, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran; Shiri, M., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran; Oskooie, H.A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran; Shintre, S.A., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Koorbanally, N.A., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | Cyclocondensation of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and 2-thiophenol/2-aminophenols led to the formation of benzo[2,3][1,4]thio- or oxazepino[7,6-b]quinolines. Ugi reaction of the latter compound with various carboxylic acids and isocyanides gave novel oxazepino[7,6-b]quinoline derivatives. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Among them, compounds 4a, 4b and 4d showed moderate to good activity. © 2015 Iranian Chemical Society. | Anti-bacterial; Isocyanide; Oxazepinoquinolines; Thiazepinoquinolines; Ugi condensation | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893487553 | Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of 3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid from Piper multiplinervium | Malami I., Gibbons S., Malkinson J.P. | 2014 | Fitoterapia | 93 | None | 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.01.005 | Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, P.M.B 2346 Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom | Malami, I., Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, P.M.B 2346 Sokoto, Nigeria; Gibbons, S., Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom; Malkinson, J.P., Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom | 3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid is an antibacterial agent isolated from the leaves of Piper multiplinervium. This compound has activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori. This research aimed to synthesize a natural antibacterial compound and its analogs. The synthesis of 3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid consists of three steps: straightforward synthesis involving protection of phenolic hydroxyl group, coupling of suitable isoprenyl chain to the protected aromatic ring at ortho position followed by carboxylation with concomitant deprotection to give the derivatives of the salicylic acid. All the three prenylated compounds synthesized were found to exhibit spectrum of activity against S. aureus (ATCC) having MIC: 5.84 × 10- 3, 41.46 × 10- 2 and 6.19 × 10 - 1 μmol/ml respectively. The compounds also displayed activity against resistance strain of S. aureus (SA1119B) having MIC: 5.84 × 10- 3, 7.29 × 10- 3 and 3.09 × 10 - 1 μmol/ml respectively. This synthesis has been achieved and accomplished with the confirmation of it structure to that of the original natural product, thus producing the first synthesis of the natural product and providing the first synthesis of its analogs with 3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid having biological activity higher than that of the original natural product. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | 3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid; Antibacterial; Piper multiplinervium; Prenylated salicylic acid; Staphylococcus aureus | 1, 3 dibromo 2 methoxymethoxybenzene; 2 bromo 6 dimethlyallyl 1 methoxymethoxybenzene; 2 bromo 6 farnesyl 1 methoxymethoxybenzene; 2 bromo 6 geranyl 1 methoxymethoxybenzene; 3 dimethylallyl 2 hydroxybenzoic acid; 3 farnesyl 2 hydroxybenzoic acid; 3 geranyl 2 hydroxybenzoic acid; antiinfective agent; aromatic compound; natural product; norfloxacin; phenol; salicylic acid; unclassified drug; 3-farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid; antiinfective agent; farnesol; hydroxybenzoic acid derivative; antibacterial activity; article; biological activity; carboxylation; controlled study; deprotection reaction; drug isolation; drug screening; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; Gram negative bacterium; Gram positive bacterium; Helicobacter pylori; isoprenylation; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Piper (plant); Piper multiplinervium; plant leaf; prenylation; priority journal; Staphylococcus aureus; structure activity relation; analogs and derivatives; chemistry; medicinal plant; microbial sensitivity test; Piper (plant); synthesis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Farnesol; Hydroxybenzoates; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Piper; Plants, Medicinal | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649335405 | Syntheses of new imidazole ligand series and evaluation of 1-, 2- and 4,5-imidazole substituent electronic and steric effects on N-donor strengths | Eseola A.O., Sun W.-H., Li W., Woods J.A.O. | 2010 | Journal of Molecular Structure | 984 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.molstruc.2010.09.015 | Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer's University, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of P | Eseola, A.O., Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer's University, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sun, W.-H., Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Li, W., Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Woods, J.A.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A series of new imidazole based heterocycles (5-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol- 2-yl)furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (Him-dp), (5-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl) furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (HIm-pt), (5-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2- yl)furan-2-yl)methyl acetate (HIm-phen), 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H- imidazole (HIm-n), 1-methyl-2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (MeIm-n), N-(2-(1-ethyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)benzamide (EtIm-ba) and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(8-(1-ethyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1,4- dihydroquinolin-2-yl)phenol (EtIm-q) were synthesized and studied for the dependence of their azole donor characteristics on substituent factors by means of experimentally determined ionization constant data (derived as pK as), spectroscopic analyses and calculated properties of their DFT optimized molecular geometries performed at the B3LYP/6-311 + G level. Results showed that the lowest donor strength recorded for HIm-pt (pKa = 2.67 ± 0.07) could be traced to the extensive electronic conjugation of the azole π-electrons with 4,5- and 2-substituents. On the other hand, the strongest imidazole donor strength in the series was obtained from EtIm-q (pKa = 4.61 ± 0.04) for which the substituents possessed negligible π-overlap with the azole ring. The experimental results and theoretical calculations lead to conclusions that effective conjugation between the imidazole ring and substituent aromatic groups is accountable for significant withdrawal of charge densities on the imidazole N-donor atom and vice versa. Furthermore, observed donor strengths in the series suggest that electronic inductive effects of the substituents provided lesser impact on donor strength modification of imidazole base and that alkylation of 1-imidazole position did not yield the anticipated push of electron density in favour of the N-donor atom. It is anticipated that the results should promote the understanding of azole-containing bio-macromolecular species and reactions as well as tuning and application of azole functions in molecular science. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | DFT calculations; Protonation-deprotonation; Spectroscopy; Substituent effects | 1H-imidazole; Aromatic group; Benzamides; DFT calculation; Donor atoms; Donor strength; Electron densities; Heterocycles; Imidazol; Inductive effects; Ionization constant; Methyl acetates; Molecular geometries; Molecular science; Steric effect; Substituent effect; Theoretical calculations; Amides; Phenols; Protonation; Spectroscopic analysis; Sulfur compounds; Impact strength | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950227267 | Synoptic-based evaluation of climatic response to vegetation change over Southern Africa | MacKellar N., Tadross M., Hewitson B. | 2010 | International Journal of Climatology | 30 | 5 | 10.1002/joc.1925 | Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Danish Climate Centre, Danish Meteorological Institute, Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark | MacKellar, N., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Danish Climate Centre, Danish Meteorological Institute, Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Tadross, M., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hewitson, B., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The results of regional climate model (RCM) simulations of the effects of vegetation change in southern Africa are analysed to asses the role of synoptic forcing in land-atmosphere interactions. A self-organizing map (SOM) is used to identify the dominant large-scale features in the atmospheric boundary conditions used to force the RCM. The fields used to characterize the large-scale circulation are geopotential height at 850 and 500 hPa and total precipitable water between these two levels. For each of the patterns (nodes) identified in these variables by the SOM, the mean RCM-simulated response to vegetation change is evaluated. Notable differences are seen in the response of precipitation, near-surface temperature and geopotential heights to the land surface change between different nodes. Conditions characterized by strong sub-tropical anticyclones and low atmospheric moisture show the greatest temperature and geopotential height changes and are most sensitive to changes in radiative fluxes, whereas precipitation and surface hydrological processes are more sensitive under conditions of weak subsidence and high levels of atmospheric moisture. © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society. | Land-atmosphere interaction; Self-organizing maps; Southern Africa | Atmospheric boundary conditions; Atmospheric moisture; Climatic response; Geopotential height; Hydrological process; Land surface change; Large-scale circulation; Near surface temperature; Radiative fluxes; Regional climate models; Simulated response; Synoptic forcing; Total precipitable water; Vegetation change; Atmospheric pressure; Climate models; Conformal mapping; Moisture; Self organizing maps; Strength of materials; Vegetation; Climate change; air-soil interaction; anticyclone; atmospheric moisture; boundary condition; climate modeling; computer simulation; geopotential; map; regional climate; synoptic meteorology; vegetation dynamics; Southern Africa; Equus asinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864445857 | Synergistic tonic and phasic activity of the locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) arousal system is required for optimal attentional performance | Howells F.M., Stein D.J., Russell V.A. | 2012 | Metabolic Brain Disease | 27 | 3 | 10.1007/s11011-012-9287-9 | Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Office 105, J-2 Block Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Howells, F.M., Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Office 105, J-2 Block Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Stein, D.J., Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Russell, V.A., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | A certain level of arousal is required for an individual to perform optimally, and the locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system plays a central role in optimizing arousal. Tonic firing of LC-NE neurons needs to be held within a narrow range of 1-3 Hz to facilitate phasic firing of the LC-NE neurons; these two modes of activity act synergistically, to allow the individual to perform attentional tasks optimally. How this information can be applied to further our understanding of psychiatric disorders has not been fully elucidated. Here we propose two models of altered LC-NE activity that result in attentional deficits characteristic of psychiatric disorders: 1) 'hypoaroused' individuals with e.g. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have decreased tonic firing of the LC-NE system, resulting in decreased cortical arousal and poor attentional performance and 2) 'hyperaroused' individuals with e.g. anxiety disorders have increased tonic firing of the LC-NE system, resulting in increased cortical arousal and impaired attentional performance. We argue that hypoarousal (decreased tonic firing of LC-NE neurons) and hyperarousal (increased tonic firing of LC-NE neurons) are suboptimal states in which phasic activity of LC-NE neurons is impeded. To further understand the neurobiology of attentional dysfunction in psychiatric disorders a translational approach that integrates findings on the LC-NE arousal system from animal models and human imaging studies may be useful. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012. | Anxiety; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; Hyperarousal; Hypoarousal | noradrenalin; anxiety disorder; arousal; article; attention; attention deficit disorder; human; locus ceruleus; mental performance; mental task; nerve potential; neuromodulation; nonhuman; Action Potentials; Animals; Anxiety Disorders; Arousal; Attention; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Locus Coeruleus; Models, Neurological; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866529255 | Synergism of clinical evaluation and penile sonographic imaging in diagnosis of penile fracture: A case report | Bello J.O. | 2012 | Journal of Medical Case Reports | 6 | None | 10.1186/1752-1947-6-321 | Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Bello, J.O., Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Introduction. Penile fracture is an uncommon urologic emergency, and is the traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea covering the corpus cavernosa. This usually occurs following blunt trauma sustained during coitus, masturbation or self-manipulations to hide or suppress an erection. Clinical diagnosis can often be easily made with typical history and examination findings. However, the patient may present atypically and/or with a suspicion of associated urethral injury. The roles of various diagnostic investigations are being evaluated in these situations. Case presentation. We report the case of a 31-year-old African man with penile fracture and suspected associated urethral injury that occurred after self-manipulations to hide an erection. Conclusions: Penile ultrasound and sonourethrography provide useful additional diagnostic information to supplement clinical history and physical examination findings and can be performed easily, at low cost and with no delays to surgery. © 2012 Bello; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Corpus Cavernosum; Penile fracture; Penile Ultrasound; Sonourethrography; Tunica Albuginea | article; case report; echography; emergency ward; hematoma; human; male; micturition disorder; penile swelling; penis injury; physical examination; priority journal; urethral catheterization; urethrography | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250658504 | Synchronous cycles of domestic dog rabies in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of control efforts | Hampson K., Dushoff J., Bingham J., Brückner G., Ali Y.H., Dobson A. | 2007 | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | 104 | 18 | 10.1073/pnas.0609122104 | Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia; Department of Agriculture, Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa; Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan | Hampson, K., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States; Dushoff, J., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Bingham, J., Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia; Brückner, G., Department of Agriculture, Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa; Ali, Y.H., Virology Department, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan; Dobson, A., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States | Rabies is a fatal neurological pathogen that is a persistent problem throughout the developing world where it is spread primarily by domestic dogs. Although the disease has been extensively studied in wildlife populations in Europe and North America, the dynamics of rabies in domestic dog populations has been almost entirely neglected. Here, we demonstrate that rabies epidemics in southern and eastern Africa cycle with a period of 3-6 years and show significant synchrony across the region. The observed period is shorter than predictions based on epidemiological parameters for rabies in domestic dogs. We find evidence that rabies prevention measures, including vaccination, are affected by disease prevalence and show that a simple model with intervention responses can capture observed disease periodicity and host dynamics. We suggest that movement of infectious or latent animals combined with coordinated control responses may be important in coupling populations and generating synchrony at the continental scale. These findings have important implications for rabies prediction and control: large-scale synchrony and the importance of intervention responses suggest that control of canine rabies in Africa will require sustained efforts coordinated across political boundaries. © 2007 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA. | Disease dynamics; Epidemics; Infectious disease; Mathematical model; Vaccination | Africa; article; disease transmission; dog; domestic animal; epidemic; geographic distribution; infection control; mathematical model; nonhuman; priority journal; rabies; vaccination; virus infection; Africa south of the Sahara; animal; animal disease; biological model; dog; dog disease; immunology; incidence; pathology; population density; time; Animalia; Canis familiaris; virus vaccine; Africa South of the Sahara; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Incidence; Models, Biological; Population Density; Rabies; Time Factors; Viral Vaccines | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958531750 | Symbolism in Urhobo Masks and Mask Performances | Diakparomre A.M. | 2010 | Journal of Asian and African Studies | 45 | 5 | 10.1177/0021909610373220 | Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | Diakparomre, A.M., Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | In almost every part of the world, masked performance events continue to chronicle happenings in human society and reflect perceptions of the environment. Among the Urhobo people of Nigeria, mask corpuses and mask performance traditions exist whose metaphoric and iconic attributes seem to have been neglected in previous studies. Consequently, the masks and performance events have been visible but not audible. A research need, therefore, remained for a deeper appreciation of the symbolism inherent in the mask forms and performance structures. In this article, the mask morphologies and performance structures are subjected to semiotic examination. It is observed that the masks and performance structures are purveyors of Urhobo normative and cosmic notions, and that they are, indeed, icons in motion. © The Author(s) 2010. | Cosmology; icons; masking structure; symbolism; Urhobo | cosmology; cultural geography; ethnic group; iconography; perception; performance assessment; symbolism; Nigeria | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051800673 | Swashed away? Storm impacts on sandy beach macrofaunal communities | Harris L., Nel R., Smale M., Schoeman D. | 2011 | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science | 94 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ecss.2011.06.013 | Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Port Elizabeth Museum at Bayworld, P.O. Box 13147, Humewood 6013, South Africa; School of Environmental Science, University of Ulster, Ulster, Ireland | Harris, L., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Nel, R., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Smale, M., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa, Port Elizabeth Museum at Bayworld, P.O. Box 13147, Humewood 6013, South Africa; Schoeman, D., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa, School of Environmental Science, University of Ulster, Ulster, Ireland | Storms can have a large impact on sandy shores, with powerful waves eroding large volumes of sand off the beach. Resulting damage to the physical environment has been well-studied but the ecological implications of these natural phenomena are less known. Since climate change predictions suggest an increase in storminess in the near future, understanding these ecological implications is vital if sandy shores are to be proactively managed for resilience. Here, we report on an opportunistic experiment that tests the a priori expectation that storms impact beach macrofaunal communities by modifying natural patterns of beach morphodynamics. Two sites at Sardinia Bay, South Africa, were sampled for macrofauna and physical descriptors following standard sampling methods. This sampling took place five times at three- to four-month intervals between April 2008 and August 2009. The second and last sampling events were undertaken after unusually large storms, the first of which was sufficiently large to transform one site from a sandy beach into a mixed shore for the first time in living memory. A range of univariate (linear mixed-effects models) and multivariate (e.g. non-metric multidimensional scaling, PERMANOVA) methods were employed to describe trends in the time series, and to explore the likelihood of possible explanatory mechanisms. Macrofaunal communities at the dune-backed beach (Site 2) withstood the effects of the first storm but were altered significantly by the second storm. In contrast, macrofauna communities at Site 1, where the supralittoral had been anthropogenically modified so that exchange of sediments with the beach was limited, were strongly affected by the first storm and showed little recovery over the study period. In line with predictions from ecological theory, beach morphodynamics was found to be a strong driver of temporal patterns in the macrofaunal community structure, with the storm events also identified as a significant factor, likely because of their direct effects on beach morphodynamics. Our results also support those of other studies suggesting that developed shores are more impacted by storms than are undeveloped shores. Whilst recognising we cannot generalise too far beyond our limited study, our results contribute to the growing body of evidence that interactions between sea-level rise, increasing storminess and the expansion of anthropogenic modifications to the shoreline will place functional beach ecosystems under severe pressure over the forthcoming decades and we therefore encourage further, formal testing of these concepts. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | (E): 25° 30' 21.94″ E; (S): 34° 02' 25.67″ S; (W): 25° 29' 14.05″ E; Bounding co-ordinates: (N): 34° 01' 50.99″ S; Burrowing organisms; Climatic changes; Coastal erosion; Dynamic response; Eastern Cape; Ecosystem resilience; Port Elizabeth; Sardinia Bay; | anthropogenic effect; beach; climate change; community structure; ecosystem resilience; environmental impact; experimental study; habitat conservation; linearity; management practice; morphodynamics; multivariate analysis; numerical model; prediction; pressure effect; sampling; storm; time series; volume; South Africa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872385148 | Sustained release indomethacin-loaded solid lipid microparticles based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS): In vitro and in vivo evaluation | Chime S.A., Attama A.A., Onunkwo G.C. | 2012 | Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology | 22 | 6 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Chime, S.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Attama, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Onunkwo, G.C., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS) were formulated using phospholipid (Phospholipon 90H) and triglyceride (Softisan 154) in the ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. SLMs were prepared by melt homogenization technique. Characterization based on yield, mean particle diameter and morphology, pH, thermal analysis and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were carried out on the SLMs. In vitro release was carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 75), while the anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic properties were studied using rats. From the results, the mean particle diameter of SLMs ranged from 2.19 ± 0.05 μm to 20.77 ± 0.03 μm. Maximum EE% of 96, 93 and 94% were obtained and showed significant variation within the batches (p < 0.05). The release profile of indomethacin-loaded SLMs showed about 82-99% drug release at 13 h. Indomethacin-loaded SLMs showed good anti-inflammatory and gastro-protective effects, and could be formulated for once-daily administration, either orally or parenterally, under controlled conditions. | Indomethacin; NSAlDs; Solid lipid microparticles (SLMs); Solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS); Sustained release; Ulcerogenicity | indometacin; phospholipid; phospholipon 90h; softisan 154; solid lipid nanoparticle; triacylglycerol; unclassified drug; antiinflammatory activity; antiulcer activity; article; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug screening; drug stability; in vitro study; in vivo study; intestine fluid; nanoencapsulation; nonhuman; particle size; paw edema; pH; physical chemistry; rat; solidified reverse micellar solution; stomach protection; sustained drug release; thermal analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877300645 | Sustained-release diclofenac potassium-loaded solid lipid microparticle based on solidified reverse micellar solution: In vitro and in vivo evaluation | Chime S.A., Attama A.A., Builders P.F., Onunkwo G.C. | 2013 | Journal of Microencapsulation | 30 | 4 | 10.3109/02652048.2012.726284 | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Developme | Chime, S.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Attama, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Builders, P.F., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Onunkwo, G.C., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Objective: To formulate sustained-release diclofenac potassium-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS) and to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo properties. Methods: SRMS consisting of mixtures of Phospholipon® 90H and Softisan® 154 were used to formulate diclofenac potassium-loaded SLMs. Characterization based on the particle size and morphology, stability and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were carried out on the SLMs. In vitro release was carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.5). Anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic properties were studied using rats. Results: Maximum EE% of 95%, 94% and 93% were obtained for SLMs formulated with SRMS 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. In vitro release showed about 85-90% drug release at 13h. Diclofenac potassium-loaded SLMs showed good anti-inflammatory and gastro-protective properties. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium-loaded SLMs based on SRMS could be used orally or parenterally under controlled conditions, for once daily administration. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd. | Diclofenac potassium; SLMs; SRMS; Sustained release; Ulcerogenicity | diclofenac potassium; phosphatidylcholine; polysorbate 80; sorbitol; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; article; controlled study; drug formulation; drug screening; encapsulation; freeze drying; in vitro study; in vivo study; intestine fluid; micelle; nonhuman; particle size; paw edema; rat; sustained drug release; ulcerogenesis; Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Diclofenac; Drug Carriers; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Female; Lipids; Male; Micelles; Rats; Rats, Wistar | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350149861 | Sustainable production and the performance of South African entrepreneurs in a global supply chain. The case of South African table grape producers | Ras P.J., Vermeulen W.J.V. | 2009 | Sustainable Development | 17 | 5 | 10.1002/sd.427 | Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, Netherlands | Ras, P.J., Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Vermeulen, W.J.V., Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, Netherlands | Global trade is strongly growing and becoming connected to the issue of sustainable development in business practices. In recent years this has resulted in businesses on the demand side formulating sets of requirements for suppliers on their performance on corporate social responsibility and sustainable production. In doing this, value systems of the industrialized world are forwarded towards developing countries. It is seen as a way to complement poor sustainability policies on practices in these countries. This relatively new phenomenon of promoting sustainable development through market interactions is quite remarkable. Why would economic actors take up such public interests (abating environmental degradation and social injustice)? From the perspective of developing countries on the supply side of global value chains, being able to commit to such business-to-business standards requires developing world producers to possess certain qualities and capacities. This article reflects on this issue, identifying essential capacities, drawn from literature on (sustainable) entrepreneurship. It develops a model explaining business performance with characteristics of entrepreneurship. The model is tested in practice using data on exporters of table grapes in South Africa. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. | Economic sustainability; Entrepreneurship; Global supply chain; Sustainability | agricultural market; developing world; entrepreneur; export; fruit production; global trade; industrial performance; sustainability; sustainable development; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vitaceae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649628685 | Sustainable assessment and evaluation strategies for open and distance learning | Okonkwo C.A. | 2010 | Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education | 11 | 4 | None | National Open University of Nigeria, 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 80067 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | Okonkwo, C.A., National Open University of Nigeria, 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 80067 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The large numbers of students and numerous courses make assessment and evaluation very difficult and administrative nightmare at Distance Learning (DL) institutions. These challenges informed exploring issues relating to assessment and evaluation like the development and use of question bank and deployment of technology in assessment with emphasis on strategies for sustainability. Assessment in ODL, unlike in the Conventional system where students have a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning periodically, depends on formal assessment tasks only. Thus, for validity to be high in ODL assessment, assessment must provide the appropriate situation possible for measuring the specific abilities being measured. Reliability is maximized when the assessment items are many; the items are not too easy or too difficult for the candidates; and the marking consistent. Evaluation depends on Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and End of Semester Examination (ESE) in ODL system. Large question/item bank (with reliable and valid questions) from which items are picked to constitute test are needed. Attempts are made to provide argument for the use of computer as a viable option for sustainable assessment based on its sustainable features especially for ODL institutions with a large number of students' population. It is hoped that these strategies if adopted have the potentials to eliminate some of the challenges that ODL institutions are currently facing in assessment. It will also strengthen quality assurance mechanism in ODL institutions. | Assessment; Evaluation; Question bank; Strategies; Sustainability; Technology | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-83055188191 | Sustainable architecture evaluation method in an African context: Transgressing discipline boundaries with a systems approach | Sanya T. | 2012 | Sustainability Science | 7 | 1 | 10.1007/s11625-011-0137-1 | School of Architecture Housing and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Sanya, T., School of Architecture Housing and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper presents a method for poverty-inclusive evaluation of architectural sustainability. Existing evaluation tools largely ignore poverty-an omission that renders them inadequate for use in a developing country context. Methodological challenges arise from the complexity due to inclusion of poverty alongside numerous other sustainability aspects. Moreover, the shared transdisciplinary nature of architecture and sustainability coupled with inherent scale polarities add to the complexity. The evaluation method discussed here adopts concepts from systems theory to develop a framework that addresses the above challenges. It yields credible results in a developing country context with a dearth of research precedents and databases. The method was applied in an empirically based study of the sustainability performance of earth walling techniques in Uganda. The study showed that, from a sustainability viewpoint, wattle-and-daub performs best, followed by adobe, whereas the most popular brick was only better than compressed earth blocks. In their transparency, the evaluation method and results here presented can stand conventional academic scrutiny. But the conclusions point to the need for greater acceptance of transdisciplinary approaches to knowledge conceptualism if the holistic disposition of sustainability, architecture and sustainable architecture is to be accommodated. © 2011 Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science, United Nations University, and Springer. | Architecture; Multi-attribute utility technique; Poverty; Sustainability evaluation; Systems theory | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904304162 | Sustainability of the South African livestock sector towards 2050 Part 1: Worth and impact of the sector | Meissner H.H., Scholtz M.M., Palmer A.R. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 3 | None | 1189 van Riebeeck Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion 0157, South Africa; ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; ARC-Animal Production Institute, PO Box 101, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Meissner, H.H., 1189 van Riebeeck Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion 0157, South Africa; Scholtz, M.M., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Palmer, A.R., ARC-Animal Production Institute, PO Box 101, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Livestock production in South Africa contributes substantially to food security. It is also a topic of public debate because of lack of knowledge and wrong information. This article aims to provide information on the worth and impact of the livestock sect or information and statistics providing a baseline to guiding sustainability towards 2050. Seventy percent of agricultural land in South Africa can be utilized only by livestock and game and species are found in all provinces with high concentrations in the eastern higher rainfall regions. Statistics in 2010 indicate 13.6 million beef cattle, 1.4 million dairy cattle, 24.6 million sheep, 7.0 million goats, 3 million game species (farmed), 1.1 million pigs, 113 million broilers, 31.8 million layers and 1.6 million ostriches. The gross value of livestock products increased by 185% from 1995/2000 to 2006/2010. In relation to field crops and horticulture, livestock products increased their position from 42% to 47% of gross agricultural value. The main reason was a rise in the value and demand for livestock foods, particularly meat. Livestock foods contribute 27% of the consumer food basket on a weight basis. Consumption of livestock foods resembles that of developing countries with meat consumption being 50 - 90 g/capita/day, milk and dairy products 120 - 130 g /capita/day and eggs 15 - 20 g/capita/day. Since this is the average for the country with consumption by the rich and poor often differing tenfold, consumption of livestock foods by the poor is of concern, given the many health attributes of livestock foods. The livestock sector in South Africa is a major role player in the conservation of biodiversity through a variety of well-adapted indigenous and non-indigenous breeds and rare game species. It has also shown commitment to rangeland/ecosystem conservation through conservative stocking rates, with several studies and observations reporting improvement in the condition of the natural resource. The sector has always been a major employer, but employment rate has declined steadily since 2000 because of increased minimum wages, fewer commercial farmers and increased property size. Some 245 000 employees with 1.45 million dependants, in addition to dependants on communal land and emerging farms, are employed on 38 500 commercial farms and intensive units with wages amounting to R 6 100 million (South African rand). Livestock farming is the backbone of the socio-economy and provides the sustenance of most non-metropolitan towns and rural communities. © Copyright resides with the authors. | Biodiversity; Livestock foods; Livestock numbers; Production; Socio-economic impact | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903641724 | Surviving, coping or thriving? Understanding coping and its impact on social well-being in mozambique | Hutchinson A.J. | 2014 | British Journal of Social Work | 44 | 4 | 10.1093/bjsw/bcs167 | Division of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Hutchinson, A.J., Division of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom, Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper presents the empirical interrogation and development of the concept of coping strategies through the findings of a piece of qualitative research which used this concept to understand and promote social well-being with young women in Mozambique during unintended pregnancy. Concepts and theories of 'coping' during adverse life events or periods of stress can be used to reinforce capabilities and strengths, facilitating rather than constraining people's own mechanisms of resilience. However, the framework within which the concept is situated is frequently ill-defined, particularly in applied contexts. 'Coping strategies' are used in many models of social work practice (preventative, remedial, rehabilitative, strengths-based, recovery-ordinated, developmental), yet understandings of what it means to 'cope', whether it be about counter-balancing threat, 'getting by' or 'getting on', and how such coping is strategic, are crucial for determining how the concept is used by practitioners and policy makers. Research findings based on qualitative interviews with young women (fifteen to nineteen-year-olds) and key informants in Mozambique on the concept of coping strategies are used to develop a typology which will help academics, policy makers and practitioners unpick the underlying assumptions associated with the concept. © 2012 The Author. | teenage pregnancy | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70949097284 | Survival of somatic and F-RNA coliphages in treated wastewater effluents and their impact on viral quality of the receiving water bodies in the Eastern Cape Province-South Africa | Momba M.N.B., Sibewu M., Mandeya A. | 2009 | Journal of Biological Sciences | 9 | 7 | 10.3923/jbs.2009.648.654 | Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag x680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag x1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Momba, M.N.B., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag x680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Sibewu, M., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag x680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Mandeya, A., Department of Statistics, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag x1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | In the wake of growing suspicion of the implication of poor wastewater treatment in the Hepatitis A virus outbreak in the Eastern Cape Province, this study aimed to investigate the survival of viral indicators in treated effluent samples collected from four wastewater treatment plants of this province and to determine the impact of the effluents on the receiving water bodies. The concentration of free chlorine residuals and the viral quality of the effluents in terms of somatic and F-RNA coliphages were determined according to standard methods. The study revealed that although the average free chlorine residual concentration of the treated effluents was ≤0.32 mg L-1, somatic and F-RNA coliphages were still found in the treated effluents. Viral quality of the treated effluent samples collected from Alice, Fort Beaufort, Dimbaza and East London wastewater treatment plants was very poor and did not complied with the recommended limits set by the official guidelines in South Africa in terms of coliphages, which are 0-1 pfu/100 mL for negligible risk for domestic water use and 0-20 pfu/100 mL for recreational water use. There were generally higher somatic coliphage counts (average ranges: 4.67 log10 to 6.39 log 10 pfu/100 mL) than F-RNA coliphage counts (average ranges: 3.37 log10 to 5.26 log10 pfu/100 mL) in the treated effluents. In the receiving water bodies, the highest and the lowest counts of both somatic (average: 5.12 log10pfu/100 mL and F-RNA (5.58 log10 pfu/100 mL) coliphages were recorded in Dimbaza and East London, respectively. The direct relationship between the poor viral quality of the treated effluents, the impact on the receiving water bodies and the consequent threat to the health of the surrounding communities calls for a modified approach in disinfection and proper management of wastewater treatment plants in the province. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Coliphages; Effluent; Receiving water body; Survival; Wastewater | chlorine; RNA; article; coliphage; concentration (parameters); controlled study; disinfection; effluent; indicator organism; nonhuman; somatic cell; South Africa; United Kingdom; viral contamination; virus survival; waste water management; Hepatitis A virus | None |
None | None | Survey of care and evaluation of east African burn unit feasibility: An academic burn center exchange | Mitchell K.B., Giiti G., Gallagher J.J. | 2013 | Journal of Burn Care and Research | 34 | 1 | 10.1097/BCR.0b013e318269be63 | New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States; Weill Bugando Medical School, Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania | Mitchell, K.B., New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States; Giiti, G., Weill Bugando Medical School, Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania; Gallagher, J.J., New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States | Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, partnered with Weill Bugando Medical College and Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, in Mwanza, Tanzania, to consider the development of a burn unit there. This institutional partnership provided a unique opportunity to promote sustainable academic exchange and build burn care capacity in the East African region. A Weill Cornell burn surgeon and burn fellow collaborated with the Sekou Toure department of surgery to assess its current burn care capabilities and potential for burn unit development. All aspects of interdisciplinary burn care were reviewed and institutional infrastructure evaluated. Sekou Toure is a 375-bed regional referral center and teaching hospital of Weill Bugando Medical College. In 2010-2011, it admitted 5244 pediatric patients in total; 100 of these patients were burn-injured children (2% of admissions). There was no specific data kept on percentage of body surface burned, degree of burn, length of stay, or complications. No adult, operative, or outpatient burn data were available. There are two operating theaters. Patient's families perform wound care with nursing supervision. Rehabilitation therapists consult as needed. Meals are provided three times daily by a central kitchen. Public health outreach is possible through village-based communication networks. Infrastructure to support the development of a burn care unit exists at Sekou Toure, but needs increased clinical focus, human resource capacity building, and record-keeping to track accurate patient numbers. A multidisciplinary center could improve record-keeping and outcomes, encourage referrals, and facilitate outreach through villages. © 2013 by the American Burn Association. | None | Africa; article; burn; burn unit; capacity building; feasibility study; health survey; hospital bed capacity; human; institutional care; length of stay; major clinical study; meal; operating room; public health; rehabilitation care; teaching hospital; wound care; Burn Units; Feasibility Studies; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; International Cooperation; New York; Tanzania | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879841426 | Surfacial carbonized palygorskite as support for high-performance Pt-based electrocatalysts | Wang H., Luo R., Liao S., Key J., Ji S., Wang R. | 2013 | Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry | 17 | 7 | 10.1007/s10008-013-2029-z | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Guangdong Key Lab for Fuel Cell Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Luo, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Liao, S., Guangdong Key Lab for Fuel Cell Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Key, J., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | Pt nanoparticles deposited on a low-cost, surfacial, carbonized palygorskite (Pt/C-PLS) prepared by carbonizing sucrose were evaluated as a methanol oxidation catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transfrom infrared spectrophotometry analyses revealed that carbon was formed on the surface of PLS and that free silica presented in the C-PLS support. The catalytic activity of methanol oxidation of Pt/C-PLS was higher than that of Pt/C, and the former catalyst had better CO tolerance. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Carbonization; Fuel cell; Methanol oxidation; Palygorskite; Pt nanoparticle | CO tolerance; Fourier; Free silicas; Infrared spectrophotometry; Methanol Oxidation; Palygorskites; Pt nanoparticles; Pt-based electrocatalyst; Carbonization; Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC); Electrocatalysts; Fuel cells; Methanol; Nanoparticles; Oxidation; Platinum; Transmission electron microscopy; Platinum alloys | 20110490847, NSF, National Science Foundation; 2012 T50587, NSF, National Science Foundation of Science and Technology |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70649105566 | Surface pressure effects from shock wave impact on inclined and curved clothing | Skews B.W., Bugarin S., Sawicka E. | 2010 | International Journal of Impact Engineering | 37 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2009.07.005 | School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Skews, B.W., School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Bugarin, S., School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Sawicka, E., School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Previous studies of the impact of a blast or shock wave on a layer of textile positioned a short distance in front of a surface have shown that significant pressure amplification can occur. These studies have all dealt with the case of head-on impact on plane textile surfaces. This study extends such work to plane textile specimens inclined to the wave propagation direction, both for the textile freely suspended in order to examine the transmitted wave and with it positioned a short distance in front of a solid surface. Tests are also conducted with the textile suspended in a cylindrical shape positioned in front of a curved surface to approximate a more realistic practical loading case on a torso. Three textile types were used, varying significantly in permeability. In the oblique impact case it is found that the pressure amplification decreases as the wall angle decreases. The behaviour of the wave system in the gap between the textile layer and the body is clarified, showing a succession of oblique shock reflections and transmissions back through the textile layer. Tests on the cylindrical body surface at low Mach number show no significant amplification at the most forward position and steadily decreasing pressure around the sides of the surface. The concern regarding very large increases in pressure which arose from tests on head-on impact on plane surfaces appear to be ameliorated when the body is curved. Computer simulations are used to confirm the wave pattern for the cylindrical case by modeling a curved porous surface a short distance in front of a rigid wall. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Blast loading; Pressure amplification; Trauma | Blast loading; Curved surfaces; Cylindrical bodies; Cylindrical shapes; Low Mach numbers; Oblique impact; Plane surfaces; Porous surface; Rigid wall; Shock reflection; Short distances; Solid surface; Surface pressures; Textile surfaces; Transmitted waves; Wave patterns; Wave propagation direction; Wave system; Clarification; Computer simulation; Mach number; Offshore structures; Pressure effects; Shock waves; Textiles; Amplification | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-73149109275 | SUPPORT tools for Evidence-informed policymaking in health 18: Planning monitoring and evaluation of policies | Fretheim A., Oxman A.D., Lavis J.N., Lewin S. | 2009 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 7 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1186/1478-4505-7-S1-S18 | Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Section for International Health, Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Political Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. West, HSC-2D3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa | Fretheim, A., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway, Section for International Health, Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Oxman, A.D., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Lavis, J.N., Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Political Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. West, HSC-2D3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Lewin, S., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway, Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa | This article is part of a series written for people responsible for making decisions about health policies and programmes and for those who support these decision makers The term monitoring is commonly used to describe the process of systematically collecting data to inform policymakers, managers and other stakeholders whether a new policy or programme is being implemented in accordance with their expectations. Indicators are used for monitoring purposes to judge, for example, if objectives are being achieved, or if allocated funds are being spent appropriately. Sometimes the term evaluation is used interchangeably with the term monitoring, but the former usually suggests a stronger focus on the achievement of results. When the term impact evaluation is used, this usually implies that there is a specific attempt to try to determine whether the observed changes in outcomes can be attributed to a particular policy or programme. In this article, we suggest four questions that can be used to guide the monitoring and evaluation of policy or programme options. These are: 1. Is monitoring necessary? 2. What should be measured? 3. Should an impact evaluation be conducted? 4. How should the impact evaluation be done? © 2009 Fretheim et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; controlled study; evaluation; evidence based practice; expectation; funding; health care planning; health care policy; health program; information; manager; monitoring; outcome assessment | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883177457 | Supported 3-D Pt nanostructures: The straightforward synthesis and enhanced electrochemical performance for methanol oxidation in an acidic medium | Li Z., Ji S., Pollet B.G., Shen P.K. | 2013 | Journal of Nanoparticle Research | 15 | 10 | 10.1007/s11051-013-1959-9 | State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Physics and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa | Li, Z., State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Physics and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Pollet, B.G., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Shen, P.K., State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Physics and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China | Noble metal nanostructures with branched morphologies [i.e., 3-D Pt nanoflowers (NFs)] by tri-dimensionally integrating onto conductive carbon materials are proved to be an efficient and durable electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation. The well-supported 3-D Pt NFs are readily achieved by an efficient cobalt-induced/carbon-mediated galvanic reaction approach. Due to the favorable nanostructures (3-D Pt configuration allowing a facile mass transfer) and supporting effects (including framework stabilization, spatially separate feature, and improved charge transport effects), these 3-D Pt NFs manifest much higher electrocatalytic activity and stability toward methanol oxidation than that of the commercial Pt/C and Pt-based electrocatalysts. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | 3-D Pt nanoflowers; Branched morphologies; Fuel cells; Methanol oxidation; Supported electrocatalyst | Conductive carbon; Electrocatalytic activity and stability; Electrochemical performance; Metal nanostructure; Methanol Oxidation; Pt-based electrocatalyst; Supported electrocatalysts; Supporting effect; Conductive materials; Electrocatalysts; Fuel cells; Methanol; Morphology; Oxidation; Platinum; Platinum alloys; Stabilization; Synthesis (chemical); Nanoflowers; carbon; cobalt; methanol; nanomaterial; platinum; article; electrochemical analysis; electrochemistry; molecular stability; morphology; nanocatalyst; oxidation; priority journal; synthesis; transmission electron microscopy; X ray powder diffraction | U1034003, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 21073241, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949760368 | Supply chain integration and business performance in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria | Didia J.U.D., Nwokah N.G. | 2015 | International Journal of Supply Chain Management | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Didia, J.U.D., Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Nwokah, N.G., Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The purpose of this explanatory research is to evaluate the association between supply chain integration and business performance in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria. This study used a structured questionnaire to elicit responses from respondents from the Telecommunication firms in Nigeria. Returned copies of questionnaire were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the mean and standard deviation of the distribution, while the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used to ascertain the associations between the supply chain integration and the dimensions of business performance in the telecommunication firms in Nigeria. The results of the study reported herein, shows that supply chain integration associates with business performance in the Nigeria Telecommunication firms. It is the recommendation of this paper that managers of Nigerian Telecommunication firms should strengthen their practice of supply chain Integration strategy as a paradigm shift from the isolated functional dependence. The study reported in this paper can be carried out in other industry; and also, in other culture to ascertain whether the same, similar or different outcomes can be achieved. © ExcelingTech Pub, UK. | Business performance; Integration; Marketing; Supply-chain; Telecommunication | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880107907 | Supplementation of meal concentrate on growth and subsequent reproductive performances of Woyto-Guji goats | Berhanu T., Thiengtham J., Tudsri S., Abebe G., Prasanpanich S. | 2013 | Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science | 47 | 1 | None | Southern Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 06, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Animal and Range Science, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Berhanu, T., Southern Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 06, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Thiengtham, J., Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Tudsri, S., Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Abebe, G., Department of Animal and Range Science, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Prasanpanich, S., Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | The growth and subsequent reproductive performance of Woyto-Guji goats was evaluated under varying levels of meal concentrate supplementation in the hot to warm semiarid environments of southwestern Ethiopia. Forty five primiparous Woyto-Guji goats aged 14.3 ± 0.49 mth, with 15.0 ± 2.9 kg mean bodyweight (BW) and mean body condition score (BCS) of 2.9 ± 0.05 were allotted in a completely randomized design to three treatment groups-no concentrate (T0, control), 200 g per goat daily (T1) and 400 g per goat daily (T2). Concentrate was fed for 90 d before mating and during the last 2 mth of pregnancy. Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) was fed ad libitum to all goats. Supplementation significantly increased the feed intake, BW and BCS of the goats. The final average BW observed was 15.0, 18.1 and 20.2 kg and average daily gain (ADG) values were 2.7, 33.5 and 54.7 g.d-1 for the T20, T1 and T2 treatment groups, respectively. The supplemented groups mated and kidded earlier (within 4 and 3 d, respectively, from the first mating and kidding of goats) compared to the control (mated and kidded within 12 and 10 d, respectively, from the first mating and kidding of goats). Compared to the control, the pregnancy rate and kidding rate of goats were improved by 17% (T1) and 29% (T2) and by 71% (T1) and 83% (T2), respectively. The concentrate supplement may offer benefits in promoting growth, pregnancy, kidding rates and early mating and kidding of Woyto-Guji goats before the subsequent hot dry season of southwestern Ethiopia. | Growth; Reproduction; Supplementation; Woyto-Guji goats | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880491139 | Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in South Africa: Comprehensive economic evaluation of an integrated child health delivery platform | Verguet S., Jassat W., Bertram M.Y., Tollman S.M., Murray C.J.L., Jamison D.T., Hofman K.J. | 2013 | Global Health Action | 6 | 1 | 10.3402/gha.v6i0.20056 | Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, United States; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Health Systems Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa; Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Verguet, S., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, United States; Jassat, W., MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Health Systems Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bertram, M.Y., MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tollman, S.M., MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana; Murray, C.J.L., Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Jamison, D.T., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, United States; Hofman, K.J., MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Supplementary immunization activity (SIA) campaigns provide children with an additional dose of measles vaccine and deliver other interventions, including vitamin A supplements, deworming medications, and oral polio vaccines. Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of the full SIA delivery platform in South Africa (SA). Design: We used an epidemiologic cost model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the 2010 SIA campaign. We used province-level campaign data sourced from the District Health Information System, SA, and from planning records of provincial coordinators of the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The data included the number of children immunized with measles and polio vaccines, the number of children given vitamin A supplements and Albendazole tablets, and costs. Results: The campaign cost $37 million and averted a total of 1,150 deaths (95% uncertainty range: 990-1,360). This ranged from 380 deaths averted in KwaZulu-Natal to 20 deaths averted in the Northern Cape. Vitamin A supplementation alone averted 820 deaths (95% UR: 670-1,040); measles vaccination alone averted 330 deaths (95% UR: 280-370). Incremental cost-effectiveness was $27,100 (95% UR: $18, 500-34,400) per death averted nationally, ranging from $11,300 per death averted in the Free State to $91,300 per death averted in the Eastern Cape. Conclusions: Cost-effectiveness of the SIA child health delivery platform varies substantially across SA provinces, and it is substantially more cost-effective when vitamin A supplementation is included in the interventions administered. Cost-effectiveness assessments should consider health system delivery platforms that integrate multiple interventions, and they should be conducted at the sub-national level. © 2013 Sté phane Verguet et al. | Child health; Cost-effectiveness; Integrated delivery platform; Measles; Sub-Saharan Africa; Supplementary immunization activity | anthelmintic agent; measles vaccine; poliomyelitis vaccine; retinol; vitamin; article; child; child health; child health care; cost benefit analysis; cost of illness; cost-effectiveness; economics; health promotion; helminthiasis; human; integrated delivery platform; integrated health care system; measles; preventive health service; South Africa; sub-Saharan Africa; supplementary immunization activity; child health; cost-effectiveness; integrated delivery platform; measles; sub-Saharan Africa; supplementary immunization activity; Anthelmintics; Child; Child Health Services; Cost of Illness; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Health Promotion; Helminthiasis; Humans; Immunization Programs; Measles Vaccine; Poliovirus Vaccines; South Africa; Vitamin A; Vitamins | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-40949156798 | Superiority in competition for light: A crucial attribute defining the impact of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African savanna | Iponga D.M., Milton S.J., Richardson D.M. | 2008 | Journal of Arid Environments | 72 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.10.001 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Conservation Ecology Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Iponga, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Conservation Ecology Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Milton, S.J., Centre for Invasion Biology, Conservation Ecology Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Richardson, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Invasion of ecosystems by woody alien plant species is a widespread phenomenon. Interspecific competition has often been suggested as a mechanism for replacement of one species by another, but this is rarely tested. We investigated the potential of an invasive alien tree to transform vegetation by quantifying the relative abilities of the alien tree Schinus molle and dominant native trees Acacia tortilis and Rhus lancea to compete for light when growing in association within a South African semi-arid savanna. Due to dispersal of its fruits by birds, seedlings of S. molle establish under tree canopies. Using canopy symmetry as an index of ability to compete for light, we found that the alien S. molle consistently out-competes the dominant native tree species. The results also show that pod production of A. tortilis was higher when it grew alone compared to when it grew with S. molle or R. lancea. The percentage of dead branches was higher on A. tortilis trees growing in association with the S. molle. The outcome is that the alien tree will gradually increase in abundance, changing woodland structure and ecosystem processes. Our findings provide evidence for the role of competition in the process of alien plant invasions. We suggest that S. molle, previously considered a benign naturalized species in South Africa, should be declared a noxious weed in some parts of that country. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biological invasions; Coefficient of tree symmetry (TS); Shade; Symmetry technique; Woodland structure | abundance; angiosperm; biological invasion; dominance; ecosystem structure; interspecific competition; invasive species; light availability; native species; savanna; semiarid region; Africa; Acacia; Acacia tortilis; Anacardiaceae; Aves; Hedera; Lancea; Schinus molle; Searsia lancea | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921889220 | Sulphur trioxide decomposition with supported platinum/palladium on rutile catalyst: 2. Performance of a laboratory fixed bed reactor | Stander B.F., Everson R.C., Neomagus H.W.J.P., Van Der Merwe A.F., Tietz M.R. | 2015 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 40 | 6 | 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.12.087 | Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Stander, B.F., Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Everson, R.C., Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Neomagus, H.W.J.P., Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, A.F., Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Tietz, M.R., Chemical Resources Beneficiation Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The construction, operation and experimental evaluation of a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor for the decomposition of sulphur trioxide with a supported platinum and palladium based catalyst, were undertaken. The heating was accomplished with an electrical furnace and the objective was to operate at steady state with an acceptable conversion of sulphur trioxide involving an endothermic reaction. The catalyst consisted of 0.5 wt.% platinum and 0.5 wt.% palladium on rutile and the effect of the inlet temperature and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) was investigated. It was found that the reactor attained a steady state of operation for experiments conducted over a temperature range of 903 K and 1103 K with a sintered pelletized catalyst at a high temperature prior to reduction and reaction. Sulphur trioxide conversions equivalent to 60%, within 80% of the equilibrium value, were obtained at 1103 K over a range of weight hourly space velocities (2.6-865 h-1) involving a low gas velocity (Rep = 16) with a range of fixed bed configurations (2.5 mm diameter with 5-400 mm bed lengths). © 2014 Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. | Fixed bed reactor performance; Platinum-palladium catalyst; Sulphur trioxide decomposition | Catalysts; Enzyme immobilization; Oxide minerals; Platinum; Sintering; Sulfur; Endothermic reactions; Equilibrium value; Experimental evaluation; Fixed bed reactor; Inlet temperature; Palladium catalyst; Platinum and palladiums; Weight hourly space velocity; Chemical reactors | 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-s2.0-84857730058 | Sulfonimidamides as Sulfonamides Bioisosteres: Rational Evaluation through Synthetic, in Vitro, and in Vivo Studies with γ-Secretase Inhibitors | Sehgelmeble F., Janson J., Ray C., Rosqvist S., Gustavsson S., Nilsson L.I., Minidis A., Holenz J., Rotticci D., Lundkvist J., Arvidsson P.I. | 2012 | ChemMedChem | 7 | 3 | 10.1002/cmdc.201200014 | Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; DMPK, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Neuroscience, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 574, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Sehgelmeble, F., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Janson, J., DMPK, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Ray, C., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Rosqvist, S., Neuroscience, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Gustavsson, S., Neuroscience, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Nilsson, L.I., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Minidis, A., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Holenz, J., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Rotticci, D., Medicinal Chemistry, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Lundkvist, J., Neuroscience, iScience, CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Arvidsson, P.I., CNSP iMed, AstraZeneca R and D Södertälje, Västra Mälarehamnen 9, 151 85 Södertälje, Sweden, Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 574, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | [No abstract available] | Bioisosteres; Drugs; Gamma-secretase; Sulfonamides; Sulfonimidamides | begacestat; functional group; gamma secretase inhibitor; gsi 136; sulfonamide; sulfonimidamide; unclassified drug; article; in vitro study; in vivo study; lipophilicity; plasma protein binding; priority journal; solubility; synthesis; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; Animals; Brain; Cells, Cultured; Female; Hepatocytes; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuroprotective Agents; Stereoisomerism; Sulfonamides | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651087210 | Suitability assessment of water quality of river shinta and its impacts on the users: A case study from gondar town of ethiopia | Khan M.M., Admassu M., Sharma H.R. | 2009 | Indian Journal of Environmental Protection | 29 | 2 | None | Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Chemistry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Applied Science, Higher College of Tenhnology, University of Gondar, P. O. Box No. 47, Alkhuwair, Muscat, Oman; Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | Khan, M.M., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Chemistry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Applied Science, Higher College of Tenhnology, University of Gondar, P. O. Box No. 47, Alkhuwair, Muscat, Oman; Admassu, M., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Sharma, H.R., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | The water quality of river Shinta was assessed near Azuzu area of Gondar town of Ethiopia with the view of determining the effects of urban activities, human settlement and industrial effluent discharge on its water quality. The water samples were analyzed and the range of values observed were pH (6.98-8.95), electronic conductivity (3.22-9.09 dS/m), dissolved oxygen (4.4-5.9mg/L), total solids (556-869mg/L), total alkalinity (300-345mg/L), total hardness (234-300mg/L), chloride (119-411 mg/L), calcium (41.60-95.0 mg/L) and iron(0.5-3.0 mg/L). Lead and zinc were remained below detection limits. There were distinct variations observed in some water quality parameters, as river flows from Azuzu upstream to Azuzu down stream stations in Gondar town. The survey results showed that about 25% of the respondent's children face health problems and about 18.75% of the respondent's complaints about irritation after taking bath from river water. About 25% of respondents reported illness of their domestic animals as they believed it may be due to consumption of polluted river water whereas, 59% who are using river water for irrigation purposes complained of wilting of seasonal crops and decrease in crop yields. © 2009 - Kalpana Corporation. | Health impacts; Maximum permissible levels; Pollution; Shinta river; Water quality | Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79451475733 | Suffering infertility: The impact of infertility on women's life experiences in two nigerian communities | Larsen U., Hollos M., Obono O., Whitehouse B. | 2010 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 42 | 6 | 10.1017/S0021932010000271 | Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Anthropology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, Unit | Larsen, U., Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Hollos, M., Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Obono, O., Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Whitehouse, B., Department of Anthropology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States | This paper examines the experiences of women with infertility in two Nigerian communities with different systems of descent and historically different levels of infertility. First, the paper focuses on the life experiences of individual women across the two communities and second, it compares these experiences with those of their fertile counterparts, in each community. In doing this, women who are childless are distinguished from those with subfertility and compared with high-fertility women. The research is based on interdisciplinary research conducted among the Ijo and Yakurr people of southern Nigeria, which included a survey of approximately 100 childless and subfertile women and a matching sample of 100 fertile women as well as in-depth ethnographic interviews with childless and subfertile women in two communities: Amakiri in Delta State and Lopon in Cross River State. The findings indicate that while there are variations in the extent to which childlessness is considered to be problematic, the necessity for a woman to have a child remains basic in this region. Copyright © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | adaptive behavior; adult; aged; article; case control study; confidence interval; cultural anthropology; demography; female; fertility; health survey; human; human relation; infertility; mental stress; middle aged; multivariate analysis; Nigeria; perception; psychological aspect; risk; social psychology; women's health; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropology, Cultural; Case-Control Studies; Confidence Intervals; Demography; Female; Fertility; Health Surveys; Humans; Infertility; Interpersonal Relations; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Nigeria; Odds Ratio; Prejudice; Residence Characteristics; Social Perception; Stress, Psychological; Women's Health | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954766502 | Success profiling: A methodological perspective on the interactive nature of success predictors on student performance at an open and distance learning institution | Müller H., Swanepoel E., De Beer A. | 2010 | Perspectives in Education | 28 | 2 | None | Research Directorate, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Müller, H., Research Directorate, University of South Africa, South Africa; Swanepoel, E., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; De Beer, A., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The drive to improve the academic performance of students at an open and distance learning (ODL) institution has resulted in the incorporation of a blended learning component, namely satellite classes, in the learning strategy to enhance the academic performance of first year diploma students in Business Management and Management. Monitoring this intervention to justify implementation costs (Mathur & Oliver, 2007:3) and effectiveness in relation to student performance is essential. Whereas an initial study confirmed a statistically significant relationship between satellite class attendance and academic performance, this study evaluated the interaction effect of satellite classes and additional, potential success predictors on academic performance by applying the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) methodology. This decision tree methodology described the interactive driving forces that impacted on student success. Satellite class intervention and biographical student attributes constituted the driving forces. The CHAID analysis enabled the profiling of successful and at-risk students. The decision tree algorithm mimics true life situations where various effects interactively and jointly influence and predict an outcome. The results showed that satellite class intervention as such was an effective and significant predictor of performance, but that the critical interacting nature of satellite class attendance and additional co-predictors, such as population group and type of matriculation certificate, considerably strengthened performance prediction. | Age; At-risk profile; Blended learning intervention; Business Management; CHAID analysis; Data partitioning; Decision trees; Matriculation certificate; ODL; Population group; Satellite class attendance; Student performance; Success profile; Throughput | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942365769 | Successful scale-up performance of a novel papaya-clay combo adsorbent: up-flow adsorption of a basic dye | Unuabonah E.I., Adedapo A.O., Nnamdi C.O., Adewuyi A., Omorogie M.O., Adebowale K.O., Olu-Owolabi B.I., Ofomaja A.E., Taubert A. | 2015 | Desalination and Water Treatment | 56 | 2 | 10.1080/19443994.2014.944572 | Environmental and Chemical Processes Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Biosorption and Water Treatment Research Laborator | Unuabonah, E.I., Environmental and Chemical Processes Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adedapo, A.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Nnamdi, C.O., Environmental and Chemical Processes Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adewuyi, A., Environmental and Chemical Processes Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Omorogie, M.O., Environmental and Chemical Processes Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adebowale, K.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olu-Owolabi, B.I., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ofomaja, A.E., Biosorption and Water Treatment Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Taubert, A., Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Golm, Germany | Abstract: A novel low-cost papaya-clay combo adsorbent, hybrid clay (HYCA), was prepared from a combination of Carica papaya seeds and Kaolinite clay. HYCA breakthrough adsorption capacity was 35.46 mg/g for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye in a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor. In ca. 20 min, regeneration of MB dye-loaded HYCA reached at least 90% each cycle for five regeneration cycles. However, above 40°C, the HYCA adsorbent lost more than 50% of its adsorption capacity after five regeneration cycles. The AdDesignSTM software was used to successfully predict the breakthrough curve and scale-up performance of MB dye adsorption onto the HYCA adsorbent. The pore and surface diffusion model (PSDM) described experimental data better than the constant pattern homogeneous surface diffusion model. From economic assessment using the PSDM, the AdDesignSTM software predicted that 1 kg of HYCA can effectively treat 1.45 m3 (0.29 m3 each cycle) of water containing 1 mg/L of MB dye (with a treatment objective of 50 μg/L MB dye) in effluent solution in 9 h 35 min with run time of ca. 15 h in a day including time for five regeneration cycles It was further predicted that the presence of other organic pollutants in low concentrations reduce the breakthrough adsorption capacity of HYCA by 10%. Finally, the cost of preparing 1 kg of HYCA adsorbent was calculated to ≈$6.31 vs. ≈$31.25/kg for medium quality commercial activated carbon. © 2014 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved. | Adsorption; Breakthrough; Cationic dye; Hybrid clay; Methylene blue; Pore and surface diffusion model; Regeneration | adsorption; breakthrough curve; diffusion; dye; kaolinite; organic pollutant; water treatment; Carica papaya | TWAS, Academy of Sciences for the Developing World; 3240245996, UNESCO, Academy of Sciences for the Developing World |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900853903 | Subtitles and eye tracking: Reading and performance | Kruger J.-L., Steyn F. | 2014 | Reading Research Quarterly | 49 | 1 | 10.1002/rrq.59 | School of Languages, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Kruger, J.-L., School of Languages, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Steyn, F., Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This article presents an experimental study to investigate whether subtitle reading has a positive impact on academic performance. In the absence of reliable indexes of reading behavior in dynamic texts, the article first formulates and validates an index to measure the reading of text, such as subtitles on film. Eye-tracking measures (fixations and saccades) are expressed as functions of the number of standard words and word length and provide a reliable index of reading behavior of subtitles over extended audiovisual texts. By providing a robust index of reading over dynamic texts, this article lays the foundation for future studies combining behavioral measures and performance measures in fields such as media psychology, educational psychology, multimedia design, and audiovisual translation. The article then utilizes this index to correlate the degree to which subtitles are read and the performance of students who were exposed to the subtitles in a comprehension test. It is found that a significant positive correlation is obtained between comprehension and subtitle reading for the sample, providing some evidence in favor of using subtitles in reading instruction and language learning. The study, which was conducted in the context of English subtitles on academic lectures delivered in English, further seems to indicate that the number of words and the number of lines do not play as big a role in the processing of subtitles as previously thought but that attention distribution across different redundant sources of information results in the partial processing of subtitles. © 2013 International Reading Association. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880917155 | Substitution reactions in dinuclear platinum(II) complexes: An evaluation of the influence of the diazine-bridging ligand on reactivity | Ongoma P.O., Jaganyi D. | 2013 | Transition Metal Chemistry | 38 | 5 | 10.1007/s11243-013-9726-4 | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Ongoma, P.O., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Jaganyi, D., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | A kinetic study of aqua substitution in dinuclear Pt(II) complexes, [{cis-Pt(OH2)(NH3)2}2-μ-pmn] (ClO4)2 (pmn), [{cis-Pt(OH2)(NH 3)2}2-μ-pdn](ClO4)2 (pdn), [{cis-Pt(OH2)(NH3)2}2-μ- qzn](ClO4)2 (qzn), [{cis-Pt(OH2)(NH 3)2}2-μ-pht](ClO4)2 (pht) and [{cis-Pt(OH2)(NH3)2} 2-μ-pzn](ClO4)2 (pzn) (pmn = pyrimidine, pdn = pyridazine, qzn = quinazoline, pht = phthalazine, pzn = pyrazine) by different sulphur-donor nucleophiles, thiourea (TU), N,N-dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and N,N,N,N-tetramethylthiourea (TMTU) was carried out. The reactions were followed under pseudo-first-order conditions as a function of nucleophile concentration and temperature using stopped-flow and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods. The reactivity of the nucleophiles follows the order TU > DMTU > TMTU. The general order of reactivity for the aqua complexes follows pzn > qzn > pmn > pdn > pht which is confirmed by the obtained pKa values and the quantum chemical calculated NBO charges at the metal centre. The negative values reported for the activation entropy confirm the associative nature of the substitution process. The results demonstrate the strong connection between structural and electronic characteristics of the diazine-bridging ligand and reactivity of the dinuclear Pt(II) complexes. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | None | Activation entropies; Aqua complexes; Dinuclear platinum complexes; Electronic characteristics; Negative values; Pseudo-first-order; Quantum chemical; Spectro-photometric method; Chemical compounds; Ligands; Nucleophiles; Quantum chemistry; Substitution reactions; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Platinum | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-55549133586 | Substance use and sexual risk prevention in Cape Town, South Africa: An evaluation of the HealthWise program | Smith E.A., Palen L.-A., Caldwell L.L., Flisher A.J., Graham J.W., Mathews C., Wegner L., Vergnani T. | 2008 | Prevention Science | 9 | 4 | 10.1007/s11121-008-0103-z | Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; S-109 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States | Smith, E.A., Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States, S-109 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Palen, L.-A., Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States; Caldwell, L.L., Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States; Flisher, A.J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Graham, J.W., Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States; Mathews, C., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wegner, L., University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Vergnani, T., University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | Sexual behavior and substance use represent major threats to the health and well-being of South African adolescents, especially in light of the high prevalence of HIV infection in this population. However, there is currently a lack of evidence-based school programs designed to address health risk behaviors. The current study details the evaluation of HealthWise South Africa, a leisure, life skills, and sexuality education intervention for eighth and ninth grade students. We hypothesized that, compared to controls, HealthWise participants would have delayed sexual initiation, reduced rates of current sexual activity, increased use of and perceived access to condoms, and lower rates of lifetime and past use of multiple substances. Longitudinal data were analyzed using logistic regression of multiply imputed data. Results indicate that HealthWise was effective in increasing the perception of condom availability for both genders (OR=1.6). As compared to HealthWise participants, control participants also had steeper increases in recent and heavy use of alcohol (OR=1.4 [95% C.I.=1.1-1.8], 1.6 [1.2-2.2], respectively) and recent and heavy cigarette use (OR=1.4 [1.1-1.7], 1.4 [1.1-1.8], respectively). There were also several significant gender by treatment interactions, which are discussed. These results suggest that HealthWise is a promising approach to reducing multiple health risk behaviors among the population of school-going South African adolescents. © 2008 Society for Prevention Research. | Adolescence; Adolescent sexual behavior; Adolescent substance use; HIV prevention; Intervention; Sexual behavior; South Africa; Substance use | addiction; adolescent; article; child behavior; condom; evaluation; female; health promotion; human; male; school health service; social marketing; South Africa; unsafe sex; utilization review; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Condoms; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Male; School Health Services; Social Marketing; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders; Unsafe Sex | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-56949097859 | Subpixel monitoring of the seasonal snow cover with MODIS at 250 m spatial resolution in the Southern Alps of New Zealand: Methodology and accuracy assessment | Sirguey P., Mathieu R., Arnaud Y. | 2009 | Remote Sensing of Environment | 113 | 1 | 10.1016/j.rse.2008.09.008 | School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; CSIR-NRE Earth Observation Research Group, Building 33, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; IRD-Great Ice, Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement, 54 Rue Molière, 38402 Saint Martin d'Heres cedex, France | Sirguey, P., School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; Mathieu, R., School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand, CSIR-NRE Earth Observation Research Group, Building 33, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Arnaud, Y., IRD-Great Ice, Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement, 54 Rue Molière, 38402 Saint Martin d'Heres cedex, France | This study describes a comprehensive method to produce routinely regional maps of seasonal snow cover in the Southern Alps of New Zealand (upper Waitaki basin) on a subpixel basis, and with the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The method uses an image fusion algorithm to produce snow maps at an improved 250 m spatial resolution in addition to the 500 m resolution snow maps. An iterative approach is used to correct imagery for both atmospheric and topographic effects using daily observations of atmospheric parameters. The computation of ground spectral reflectance enabled the use of image-independent end-members in a constrained linear unmixing technique to achieve a robust estimation of subpixel snow fractions. The accuracy of the snow maps and performance of the algorithm were assessed carefully using eight pairs of synchronic MODIS/ASTER images. 'Pixel-based' metrics showed that subpixel snow fractions were retrieved with a Mean Absolute Error of 6.8% at 250 m spatial resolution and 5.1% after aggregation at 500 m spatial resolution. In addition, a 'feature-based' metric showed that 90% of the snowlines were depicted generally within 300 m and 200 m of their correct position for the 500-m and 250-m spatial resolution snow maps, respectively. A dataset of 679 maps of subpixel snow fraction was produced for the period from February 2000 to May 2007. These repeated observations of the seasonal snow cover will benefit the ongoing effort to model snowmelt runoff in the region and to improve the estimation and management of water resources. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Image fusion; MODIS; Mountainous terrain; Snow; Spectral unmixing; Subpixel snow fraction | Agglomeration; Atmospherics; Conformal mapping; Data fusion; Fusion reactions; Hydraulic models; Image fusion; Maps; Optical projectors; Spectrometers; Water management; Water resources; Accuracy assessments; Atmospheric parameters; Comprehensive methods; End-members; Fusion algorithms; Iterative approaches; Linear unmixing; Mean absolute errors; Moderate resolution imaging spectro radiometers; MODIS; MODIS/ASTER; Mountainous terrain; New zealand; Regional maps; Robust estimations; Seasonal snow covers; Snowmelt runoffs; Spatial resolution.; Spatial resolutions; Spectral reflectances; Spectral unmixing; Sub pixels; Subpixel snow fraction; Topographic effects; Precipitation (meteorology); accuracy assessment; algorithm; alpine environment; environmental monitoring; mapping method; MODIS; pixel; snow cover; spatial resolution; Australasia; New Zealand; South Island; Southern Alps | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247357793 | Subjective visual evaluation vs. traditional and geometric morphometrics in species delimitation: A comparison of moth genitalia | Mutanen M., Pretorius E. | 2007 | Systematic Entomology | 32 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3113.2006.00372.x | Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland | Mutanen, M., Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland; Pretorius, E., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Species-level taxonomic studies usually include detailed morphological descriptions of taxa. Traditionally, species descriptions have been based on nonmetric, subjective, visual comparisons of morphological traits regardless of whether diagnostic characters between species are quantitative or qualitative in nature. In difficult cases, traditional morphometrics (morphometrics based on linear measurements or ratios) and appropriate multivariate statistics have been applied to validate species delimitations. Modern geometric morphometrics, a new powerful method to quantify shapes, is increasingly being used in taxonomy and systematics. We compared the results from the three morphology-based methods (subjective visual differentiation and differentiation by traditional morphometrics and geometric morphometrics) using male genital morphology for this purpose. Five species complexes of Lepidoptera Tortricidae and Geometridae were analysed, each having two to four species, and each species being readily identifiable by their wing patterns. The between-species differences were visualized with thin-plate spline deformation grids using average landmark configurations of each species. The results from exploratory and confirmatory statistics of geometric data in a taxonomic context were compared. Morphometrics provided more accurate identification than subjective visual differentiation and the best result was achieved by combined size and shape data. Furthermore, species delimitation using exploratory statistics of landmark data is often problematic because of overlap in scatters. We conclude that geometric morphometrics provides a powerful way to search for differences between taxa and serves as an objective, useful and novel way to visualize morphological variation in shape in insect taxonomy. We recommend more extensive use of geometric morphometric tools in taxonomy. © 2007 The Royal Entomological Society. | None | morphology; morphometry; moth; taxonomy; visual analysis; Geometridae; Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-29144505474 | Subjective impacts of dental caries and fluorosis in rural Ugandan children | Robinson P.G., Nalweyiso N., Busingye J., Whitworth J. | 2005 | Community Dental Health | 22 | 4 | None | School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS, c/o Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Cresent, Sheffield S10 2TA, United Kingdom | Robinson, P.G., School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Cresent, Sheffield S10 2TA, United Kingdom; Nalweyiso, N., Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS, c/o Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Busingye, J., Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS, c/o Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Whitworth, J., Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS, c/o Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda | Objective: Describe the oral health related quality of life among a group of children in rural Uganda and compare impacts on oral health related quality of life associated with dental caries and fluorosis. Basic Research Design: Cross-sectional clinical and questionnaire analytical study. Participants: Proportional sample of 174 12 year olds attending primary schools in a rural sub-county of Uganda. Outcome measures: Clinical assessments using WHO basic methods and the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index of Fluorosis (TFI). Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life data collected with self-administered child perception questionnaire (CPQ 11-14). Results: Two thirds of children reported a dental impact 'often' or 'everyday'. The mean number of impacts per child at this threshold was 2.6 and the mean total CPQ 11-14 score was 25.8 (sd 21.1). Mean DMFT was 0.68. No children had fillings. Forty-one children had dental fluorosis with 10 having scores greater than 2. CPQ 11-14 showed acceptable criterion validity and reliability. The number of sites with gingivitis or the presence of calculus or trauma were not associated with summary measures of CPQ 11-14 whereas having any dental caries or treatment experience was associated with higher total scores and more impacts. Socially noticeable fluorosis (TFI >2) was associated with more impacts but not with higher total scores. Conclusions: Despite low levels of oral disease these children experience appreciable impacts on oral health related quality of life. The greatest burden was associated with dental caries and to a lesser extent, fluorosis. © BASCD 2005. | Children; Dental caries; Dental fluorosis; Oral health related quality of life | article; attitude to health; child; classification; cross-sectional study; dental caries; female; gingivitis; health; health survey; human; male; mouth hygiene; psychological aspect; quality of life; reproducibility; tooth calculus; tooth disease; tooth pain; Uganda; Attitude to Health; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Calculus; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Female; Fluorosis, Dental; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Oral Hygiene; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Rural Health; Toothache; Uganda | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951624077 | Subclinical endometritis in Zebu x Friesian crossbred dairy cows: Its risk factors, association with subclinical mastitis and effect on reproductive performance | Bacha B., Regassa F.G. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9433-5 | College of Animal Science, Wollega University, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Bacha, B., College of Animal Science, Wollega University, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia; Regassa, F.G., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | A study was carried out on 59 clinically healthy Zebu x Friesian crossbred cows to determine the prevalence of subclinical endometritis, associated factors and its effect on the reproductive performance. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by endometrial cytology using uterine lavege technique and subclinical mastitis using CMT. The clinical, management and reproductive data were obtained from a weekly follow up visit of each cow for a period of 6 months after calving. The prevalence of subclinical endometritis, with ≥5% neutrophil count, was 47.5% and 30.5% at week 4 and 8, significantly decreasing (P = 0.002) as postpartum period advanced. Body condition score at week 4 postpartum (OR = 4.5, P = 0.017) and regular cow exercise (OR = 4.8, P = 0.026) were the significant risk factors while post-calving hygiene (P = 0.06) was poorly associated. Subclinical endometritis was also directly associated with subclinical mastitis at both week 4 (OR = 4.5, P = 0.012) and 8 (OR = 3.6, P = 0.031) postpartum. The risk of first service pregnancy (OR = 5.1, P = 0.004) was higher in cows negative for subclinical endometritis at week 8 postpartum and the proportion of cows that required more than 3 services was higher in cows with uterine inflammation. Also the proportion of cows diagnosed pregnant within 180 DIM was higher in cows with normal uterus at both week 4 (OR = 10.3, P = 0.001) and week 8(OR = 21.8, P = 0.001). These results indicated that subclinical endometritis was directly associated with poor body condition and subclinical mastitis and that it had negative effect on reproductive traits of dairy cows. This association may also reflect the possibility of translocation of bacteria/bacterial products from the uterus to the udder or vic-versa or else the presence of common cause for both endometritis and mastitis. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Cows; Endometritis; Mastitis; Reproduction; Subclinical | Bos; Bos indicus; Friesia; animal; animal disease; article; bovine mastitis; cattle; dairying; endometritis; female; pregnancy; prevalence; reproduction; risk factor; Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Endometritis; Female; Mastitis, Bovine; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Reproduction; Risk Factors | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930244335 | Sub-acute evaluation of extract of syzygium malaccense in albino rats | Adebayo A.H., Ogundare O.C., Adegbite O.S. | 2015 | Research Journal of Medicinal Plant | 9 | 2 | 10.3923/rjmp.2015.60.71 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, School | Adebayo, A.H., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ogundare, O.C., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, School of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu, PMB, 21606, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Adegbite, O.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study was aimed at investigating the sub-acute evaluation of the extract of Syzygium malaccense in albino rats. Five groups of eight rats per group were orally administered with graded 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg kgG1 b.wt. doses of the extract for 28 days. Blood samples of the sacrificed rats were collected for biochemical and haematological studies while liver and kidney tissues were used for histopathological assessment. The results showed an LD50 of 1224.75 mg kgG1 b.wt. with no significant (p>0.05) changes in weight of organs tested. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALP, protein and albumin levels in all the treated animals did not change significantly, however, there was significant (p<0.05) change in the activity of ALT as well as haematological parameters such as RBC, WBC, HGB, platelet counts, MCV and MCH when compared with the control group. The results from histopathology showed an inflammation of the liver cells at doses beyond 100 mg kgG1 b.wt. but there was no significant damage to the kidney tissue. It may be concluded that the extract of S. malaccense possesses the tendency of affecting the haematopoietic elements and may also alter the structural integrity of the liver tissue if ingested at higher doses. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Biochemical parameters; Haematological indices; Histopathology; Myrtaceae; Syzygium malaccense | albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; hemoglobin; plant extract; protein; Syzygium malaccense extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; blood sampling; controlled study; drug safety; enzyme activity; erythrocyte count; hepatitis; histopathology; LD50; leukocyte count; liver cell; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; nonhuman; organ weight; phytochemistry; rat; Syzygium; Syzygium malaccense; thrombocyte count; toxicity testing; Animalia; Myrtaceae; Rattus; Syzygium malaccense | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949096960 | Style and organizational performance of Nigerian companies: An empirical analysis | Okafor C. | 2008 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 8 | 2 | None | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Okafor, C., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | In this study, an attempt is made to demonstrate the relationship between style and organizational performance. With data from randomly selected companies quoted on the 1st tier market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), this study empirically established, using the ordinary least square, a relationship between style and organizational performance. The practical implication of this finding is that the employees of Nigerian quoted companies are sensitive to the leadership behaviour of their chief executives. Consequently, the research calls for employee centred leadership behaviour. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Employee centred; Labour management; Leadership behaviour; Organizational performance; Team formation; Worker empowerment | Empirical analysis; Leadership behaviour; Nigerians; Ordinary least squares; Organizational performance; Stock exchange; Team formation; Worker empowerment; Industry; Human resource management | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954197672 | Study on the performance of different craniofacial superimposition approaches (II): Best practices proposal | Damas S., Wilkinson C., Kahana T., Veselovskaya E., Abramov A., Jankauskas R., Jayaprakash P.T., Ruiz E., Navarro F., Huete M.I., Cunha E., Cavalli F., Clement J., Lestón P., Molinero F., Briers T., Viegas F., Imaizumi K., Humpire D., Ibáñez O. | 2015 | Forensic Science International | 257 | None | 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.07.045 | European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain; Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, United Kingdom; Division of Identification and Forensic Sciences, Israel National Police, Jerusalem, Israel; Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation; Main Department of Criminalistics Investigation Committee of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia; Legal Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Forensic Sciences Centre (CENCIFOR), Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Research Unit of Paleoradiology and Allied Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; South Africa Police Service, Pretoria, South Africa; Crime Scene Investigation Section, Forensic Laboratory, Portuguese Criminal Police, Lisbon, Portugal; National Research Institute of Police Science, Japan; Public Ministry, Lima, Peru; Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain | Damas, S., European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain; Wilkinson, C., Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, United Kingdom; Kahana, T., Division of Identification and Forensic Sciences, Israel National Police, Jerusalem, Israel; Veselovskaya, E., Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation; Abramov, A., Main Department of Criminalistics Investigation Committee of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation; Jankauskas, R., Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Jayaprakash, P.T., Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia; Ruiz, E., Legal Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Navarro, F., Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Huete, M.I., Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Cunha, E., Forensic Sciences Centre (CENCIFOR), Coimbra, Portugal, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Cavalli, F., Research Unit of Paleoradiology and Allied Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Clement, J., Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Lestón, P., Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; Molinero, F., Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; Briers, T., South Africa Police Service, Pretoria, South Africa; Viegas, F., Crime Scene Investigation Section, Forensic Laboratory, Portuguese Criminal Police, Lisbon, Portugal; Imaizumi, K., National Research Institute of Police Science, Japan; Humpire, D., Public Ministry, Lima, Peru; Ibáñez, O., European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain, Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain | Craniofacial superimposition, although existing for one century, is still a controversial technique within the scientific community. Objective and unbiased validation studies over a significant number of cases are required to establish a more solid picture on the reliability. However, there is lack of protocols and standards in the application of the technique leading to contradictory information concerning reliability. Instead of following a uniform methodology, every expert tends to apply his own approach to the problem, based on the available technology and deep knowledge on human craniofacial anatomy, soft tissues, and their relationships. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of different craniofacial superimposition methodologies and the corresponding technical approaches to this type of identification. With all the data generated, some of the most representative experts in craniofacial identification joined in a discussion intended to identify and agree on the most important issues that have to be considered to properly employ the craniofacial superimposition technique. As a consequence, the consortium has produced the current manuscript, which can be considered the first standard in the field; including good and bad practices, sources of error and uncertainties, technological requirements and desirable features, and finally a common scale for the craniofacial matching evaluation. Such a document is intended to be part of a more complete framework for craniofacial superimposition, to be developed during the FP7-founded project MEPROCS, which will favour and standardize its proper application. © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Craniofacial identification; Craniofacial superimposition; Forensic anthropology; Forensic anthropology population data; MEPROCS | adult; anatomic landmark; Article; cameras and films; computer assisted tomography; computer program; craniofacial morphology; face profile; female; good clinical practice; human; illumination; male; mandible; measurement error; measurement precision; methodology; performance measurement system; practice guideline; priority journal; skull; tape recorder; uncertainty | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954197010 | Study on the performance of different craniofacial superimposition approaches (I) | Ibáñez O., Vicente R., Navega D.S., Wilkinson C., Jayaprakash P.T., Huete M.I., Briers T., Hardiman R., Navarro F., Ruiz E., Cavalli F., Imaizumi K., Jankauskas R., Veselovskaya E., Abramov A., Lestón P., Molinero F., Cardoso J., Çağdir A.S., Humpire D., | 2015 | Forensic Science International | 257 | None | 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.05.030 | European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain; Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Forensic Sciences Centre (CENCIFOR), Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom; Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia; Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; South Africa Police Service, Pretoria, South Africa; Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Legal Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Research Unit of Paleoradiology and Allied Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Trieste, Italy; National Research lnstitute of Police Science, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation; Main Department of Criminalistics Investigation Committee of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation; Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; Crime scene investigation section, Forensic Laboratory, Portuguese Criminal Police, Lisbon, Portugal; Council of forensic medicine, Istanbul, Turkey; Public Ministry, Lima, Peru; Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States; Laboratorio di Antropología e Odontologia Forense, University of Milan, Milan, Italy | Ibáñez, O., European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain, Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Vicente, R., Forensic Sciences Centre (CENCIFOR), Coimbra, Portugal, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Navega, D.S., Forensic Sciences Centre (CENCIFOR), Coimbra, Portugal, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Wilkinson, C., Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom; Jayaprakash, P.T., Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia; Huete, M.I., Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Briers, T., South Africa Police Service, Pretoria, South Africa; Hardiman, R., Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Navarro, F., Physical Anthropology Laboratory, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Ruiz, E., Legal Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Cavalli, F., Research Unit of Paleoradiology and Allied Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Imaizumi, K., National Research lnstitute of Police Science, Japan; Jankauskas, R., Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Veselovskaya, E., Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation; Abramov, A., Main Department of Criminalistics Investigation Committee of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation; Lestón, P., Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; Molinero, F., Department of Identification - Criminalist Services, Civil Guard, Madrid, Spain; Cardoso, J., Crime scene investigation section, Forensic Laboratory, Portuguese Criminal Police, Lisbon, Portugal; Çağdir, A.S., Council of forensic medicine, Istanbul, Turkey; Humpire, D., Public Ministry, Lima, Peru; Nakanishi, Y., Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom; Zeuner, A., Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom; Ross, A.H., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States; Gaudio, D., Laboratorio di Antropología e Odontologia Forense, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Damas, S., European Centre for Soft Computing, Mieres, Spain | As part of the scientific tasks coordinated throughout The 'New Methodologies and Protocols of Forensic Identification by Craniofacial Superimposition (MEPROCS)' project, the current study aims to analyse the performance of a diverse set of CFS methodologies and the corresponding technical approaches when dealing with a common dataset of real-world cases. Thus, a multiple-lab study on craniofacial superimposition has been carried out for the first time. In particular, 26 participants from 17 different institutions in 13 countries were asked to deal with 14 identification scenarios, some of them involving the comparison of multiple candidates and unknown skulls. In total, 60 craniofacial superimposition problems divided in two set of females and males. Each participant follow her/his own methodology and employed her/his particular technological means. For each single case they were asked to report the final identification decision (either positive or negative) along with the rationale supporting the decision and at least one image illustrating the overlay/superimposition outcome. This study is expected to provide important insights to better understand the most convenient characteristics of every method included in this study. © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Craniofacial identification; Craniofacial superimposition; Forensic anthropology; MEPROCS | anthropometry; Article; computer aided design; controlled study; craniofacial superimposition technique; face; female; forensic identification; human; male; morphology; photography; physical anthropology; priority journal; reliability; skull | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952187358 | Study on seroprevalence, risk factors, and economic impact of foot-and-mouth disease in Borena pastoral and agro-pastoral system, southern Ethiopia | Bayissa B., Ayelet G., Kyule M., Jibril Y., Gelaye E. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 4 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9728-6 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre zeit, Ethiopia; National Veterinary Institute (NVI), P.O. Box 19, Debre zeit, Ethiopia | Bayissa, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre zeit, Ethiopia; Ayelet, G., National Veterinary Institute (NVI), P.O. Box 19, Debre zeit, Ethiopia; Kyule, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre zeit, Ethiopia; Jibril, Y., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre zeit, Ethiopia; Gelaye, E., National Veterinary Institute (NVI), P.O. Box 19, Debre zeit, Ethiopia | Cross-sectional serological study and questionnaire survey were conducted in Borana pastoral and agro-pastoral area to determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infection and to assess community perceptions as to importance of the disease. A multistage random sampling was carried out to select cattle for seroprevalence and households for interviews. Totally, 768 sera were collected from 111 herds. The overall individual level seroprevalence of 23.0% (n=177) and herd level seroprevalence of 58.6% (n=65) were recorded using 3ABC ELISA test. The variation of individual level seroprevalence in districts were statistically significant (P < 0.05) which was 29.9% in Arero, 24.0% in Yabello, and 15.7% in Teltele. From multivariate logistic regression analysis, herd size and age were seen to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with FMD seroprevalence. The result of the questionnaire survey based on 120 respondents indicated that, the daily milk yield of cows infected with FMD during outbreaks is reduced to an average of 0.5 L for 25.5 days while cows developing heat-intolerance syndrome after acute infection gave an average 0.67 L for 3.8 months and their calving interval prolonged about 12 months. The questionnaire survey in agro-pastoral area of Borena also indicated that FMD-infected oxen remained off-plough for one season when outbreaks occur in cropping time, whereas heat-intolerant oxen were no longer used for traction. These findings of the present study indicated that FMD is a highly prevalent and economically important disease in the Borana pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems which need effective control strategy for the disease. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Agro-pastoral and pastoral; Economic impact; Foot-and-mouth disease; Risk factors; Seroprevalence; Southern Ethiopia | virus antibody; animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; blood; cattle; cattle disease; cross-sectional study; economics; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; epidemic; epidemiology; Ethiopia; female; foot and mouth disease; Foot and mouth disease virus; human; immunology; male; milk; prevalence; questionnaire; risk factor; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Outbreaks; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Ethiopia; Female; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus; Humans; Male; Milk; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Bos | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551714785 | Study on reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows at Alage Dairy Farm, Rift Valley of Ethiopia | Fekadu A., Kassa T., Belehu K. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9734-8 | Alage Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational Training College, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Zeway 78, Ethiopia; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Fekadu, A., Alage Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational Training College, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Zeway 78, Ethiopia; Kassa, T., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Belehu, K., School of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | A retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cattle in Alage Dairy Farm in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia using data recorded from July 1983 to June 2005. Data of cows with complete information were considered, and a total of 1,104 records for calving to conception (Cal-Con), calving interval (CI), and number of services per conception (NSC), and 721 records for age at first service (AFS) and at first calving (AFC) were analyzed. The overall means (±S. E.) of AFS, AFC, Cal-Con and CI, and NSC were 991.4 ± 24.3, 1,265 ± 24.3, 285.8 ± 18.9, 561.3 ± 18.9 days and 1.69 ± 0.1, respectively. Parity significantly influenced NSC, Cal-Con, and CI. Season and year showed a significant effect on all the parameters, indicating the role of the environment and more specifically the influence of nutritional conditions at least for the long AFS and AFC, management practices, and climate on reproductive performance of the study herd. A more focused study to discern the elements of the reproductive constraints have been recommended. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Holstein-Friesian; Reproductive performance; Rift Valley | animal; animal husbandry; article; cattle; Ethiopia; female; methodology; physiology; pregnancy; regression analysis; reproduction; retrospective study; season; tropic climate; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Ethiopia; Female; Least-Squares Analysis; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Tropical Climate; Bos; Friesia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-69249096975 | Study on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle under smallholder conditions in and around Zeway, Ethiopia | Yifat D., Kelay B., Bekana M., Lobago F., Gustafsson H., Kindahl H. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 6 | None | Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden | Yifat, D., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Kelay, B., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Bekana, M., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Gustafsson, H., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden; Kindahl, H., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden | A study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in urban and rural smallholder dairy farms in Zeway Ethiopia and its surrounding. A total of 287 (141 rural and 146 urban) smallholder dairy farms that owned 2-5 crossbred dairy cows were visited and reproductive performance of 503 (244 rural and 259 urban) crossbred dairy cows were studied. The overall mean values (n=503) for age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), gestation length (GL) and number of services per conception (NSPC) were 32.1 months, 412 days, 135 days, 278 days and 1.67, respectively. The mean values of CI and DO were significantly shorter in the urban than in the rural area. Parity number significantly influenced DO and NSPC. While, season of previous calving had significant effect on CI, DO and NSPC of smallholder crossbred dairy cows. In general, the smallholder crossbred dairy cows in the urban area had better reproductive performance than in the rural area. The overall observed reproductive performance of smallholder crossbred dairy cattle in this study was good. Thus, the ongoing activities to improve and expand crossbred dairy cattle production at smallholder level in the region should be encouraged. | Calving interval; Gestation; Holstein; Urban; Zebu | Bos; Bos indicus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70049096250 | Study on reproductive activity and evaluation of breeding soundness of jacks (Equus asinus) in and around Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Lemma A., Deressa B. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 8 | None | Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Lemma, A., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Deressa, B., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | An evaluation of the reproductive performance and breeding soundness of jacks was carried out through a study on phenotypic traits (n=107), castrated jacks (n=22) and semen evaluation (n=3). Measurements including age, body condition score (BCS), body weight and testicular parameters were taken. Semen was collected using artificial vagina and was subjected to both gross and microscopic evaluation. The overall mean (±SD) BCS, age, and body weight for the jacks in the phenotypic study were 3.32±0.8, 11.1±4.7years, and 126 ±14.6kg, respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean scrotal circumference between the different BCS categories. A highly significant (p<0.001) difference was observed in scrotal circumference among the different age groups with adult animals having the largest scrotal circumference. The mean (±SD) testis weight of the castrates was 276±33g while the ratio of testis weight to body weight was 1:2.1. A significant correlation was found between testis weight and scrotal circumference (r=0.43, p<0.05), testis weight and BCS (r=0.47, p< 0.05), and testis weight and body weight (r=0.81, p<0.001). The mean (±SD) semen volume was 39.9±14.5ml. The mean (±SD) jell-free volume, motility and sperm concentration were 28.8±10.7ml, 85.4±8.6%, and 533 ± 33.1 x 106/ml, respectively. BCS, scrotal circumference and testis weight were significantly correlated to sperm concentration (p<0.05; r=0.69; r=0.85 and 0.80, respectively). The mean time to erection was 3.3 minutes while length to semen collection was 5.4 minutes. The present study shows critical evaluation of the phenotypic traits to be important for stud selection and breeding soundness evaluation of jacks such as in artificial insemination. | Ethiopia; Jacks; Reproductive performance; Semen analysis; Testicular parameters | Animalia; Carangidae; Equus asinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249800094 | Study of the impact of land use and hydrogeological settings on the shallow groundwater quality in a peri-urban area of Kampala, Uganda | Kulabako N.R., Nalubega M., Thunvik R. | 2007 | Science of the Total Environment | 381 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.03.035 | Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF), The World Bank, P.O.Box 4463, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100-44 Stockholm, Sweden | Kulabako, N.R., Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Nalubega, M., Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF), The World Bank, P.O.Box 4463, Kampala, Uganda; Thunvik, R., Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100-44 Stockholm, Sweden | A study to assess the impacts of land use and hydrogeological characteristics on the shallow groundwater in one of Kampala's peri-urban areas (Bwaise III Parish) was undertaken for a period of 19 months. Water quality monitoring was carried out for 16 installed wells and one operational protected spring to ascertain the seasonal variation. The aspects of hydrogeological setting investigated in the study were the subsurface unconsolidated material characteristics (stratigraphy, lithology, hydraulic conductivity, porosity and chemical content), seasonal groundwater depths and spring discharge, topography and rainfall of the area. Both laboratory and field measurements were carried out to determine the soil and water characteristics. Field surveys were also undertaken to identify and locate the various land use activities that may potentially pollute. The results demonstrate that the water table in the area responds rapidly to short rains (48 h) due to the pervious (10- 5 - 10- 3 ms- 1) and shallow (< 1 mbgl) vadose zone, which consists of foreign material (due to reclamation). This anthropogenically influenced vadose zone has a limited contaminant attenuation capacity resulting in water quality deterioration following the rains. There is widespread contamination of the groundwater with high organic (up to 370 mgTKN/l and 779 mgNO- 3/l), thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) and faecal streptococci (FS) (median values as high as 126E3 cfu/100 ml and 154E3 cfu/100 ml respectively) and total phosphorus (up to 13 mg/l) levels originating from multiple sources of contamination. These include animal rearing, solid waste dumping, pit latrine construction and greywater/stormwater disposal in unlined channels leading to increased localised microbial (faecal) and organic (TKN/NO- 3) contamination during the rains. The spring discharge (range 1.22-1.48 m3/h) with high nitrate levels (median values of 117 and 129 mg/l in the wet and dry seasons) did not vary significantly with season (p = 0.087) suggesting that this source is fed by regional base flow. However, the microbial quality deterioration observed in the spring discharge after a rain event (median values of 815TTCs cfu /100 ml and 433 FS cfu/100 ml) was attributed to the poor maintenance of the protection structure. Identification and selection of appropriate management solutions for the protection of shallow groundwater in informal settlements should not only be based on water quality problems and the causal physical characteristics as demonstrated by this study, but also institutional and socio-economic factors. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Hydrogeological setting; Land use; Peri-urban; Thermotolerant coliforms; Total Kjedahl nitrogen; Total phosphorus | Hydrogeology; Land use; Nitrogen; Topography; Urban planning; Water quality; Hydrogeological settings; Thermotolerant coliforms; Total Kjedahl nitrogen; Total phosphorus; Groundwater; ground water; phosphorus; rain; well water; anthropogenic effect; coliform bacterium; discharge; fecal coliform; field survey; groundwater pollution; hydrogeology; land use; management practice; organic nitrogen; periurban area; phosphorus; pollution monitoring; seasonal variation; social impact assessment; socioeconomic conditions; topographic effect; vadose zone; water quality; article; coliform bacterium; Enterococcus faecalis; environmental monitoring; environmental reclamation; field experiment; hydraulic conductivity; laboratory test; land use; porosity; priority journal; soil analysis; solid waste management; stratigraphy; topography; Uganda; urban area; water analysis; water contamination; water quality; water table; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Rain; Refuse Disposal; Soil; Uganda; Water; Water Supply; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda; Animalia | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249788992 | Study of sensory evaluation, consumer acceptability, affordability and market price of rice | Tomlins K., Manful J., Gayin J., Kudjawu B., Tamakloe I. | 2007 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 87 | 8 | 10.1002/jsfa.2889 | Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway, Chatham Maritime, Central Avenue, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; Food Research Institute, PO Box M20, Accra, Ghana | Tomlins, K., Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway, Chatham Maritime, Central Avenue, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; Manful, J., Food Research Institute, PO Box M20, Accra, Ghana; Gayin, J., Food Research Institute, PO Box M20, Accra, Ghana; Kudjawu, B., Food Research Institute, PO Box M20, Accra, Ghana; Tamakloe, I., Food Research Institute, PO Box M20, Accra, Ghana | The purpose of the study was to evaluate consumer acceptance, affordability and market value of a prototype parboiled rice (PPR) in relation to three local samples and a high-value imported one. While descriptive sensory evaluation and central location testing are used to evaluate consumer acceptability, this study suggests that affordability and market price of rice can also be assessed. The PPR was acceptable and the suggested market price was influenced by both affordability and acceptability. Acceptance scores suggested a potential higher price; consumers discounted the prototype rice and the extent depended on affordability. The concept of consumer acceptability and affordability varied widely among consumers and this was related to the market price, demographics and attitudes towards rice. Sensory attributes associated with quality were positively related with price but negatively with affordability. Acceptability was related to rice consumption and purchasing behaviour, whereas affordability was associated with income, gender and quality perception. Low affordability groups knew the least about the benefits of rice. The implications are discussed. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry. | Consumer acceptability; Ghana; Market price; Oryza sativa; Parboiled; Rice; Sensory evaluation; West Africa | Oryza sativa | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856587278 | Study of secondary schools students performance in mathematics from Zimbabwe | Wadesango N., Dhliwayo E. | 2012 | Anthropologist | 14 | 2 | None | Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa | Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa; Dhliwayo, E., Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa | The study was set up to determine some causes of poor performance in Mathematics examinations at Ordinary ('O') levels in Gweru District Day Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe. For the purpose of establishing the causes, ten day secondary schools in the district were investigated. The research design employed was the descriptive survey because of its ability to address current issues during the time of the study. Ten 'O' level mathematics teachers and their heads of departments were sampled. This information was collected through the use of teacher questionnaire and Head of Departments (H.O.D) questionnaires which enabled the researchers to have a wider view on the research problem. The questionnaires were physically administered by the researchers from school to school which facilitated a 100% return rate. Data collected was grouped and presented in tables in the form of numbers and interpretation. The results obtained from the study indicated that teaching methods and negative attitudes by students of both sexes are some of the causes of poor performance by students at 'O' level mathematics. The study recommends regular staff development workshops. © Kamla-Raj 2012. | 'O' Level; Both Sexes; Day Schools; Gweru; Secondary Schools | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-61649092578 | Study of heavy metal distribution in soils impacted with crude oil in southern Nigeria | Iwegbue C.M.A., Williams E.S., Isirimah N.O. | 2009 | Soil and Sediment Contamination | 18 | 2 | 10.1080/15320380802545399 | Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Williams, E.S., Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Isirimah, N.O., Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | The study presents the levels and enrichment factors of heavy metals in soils of southern Nigeria that have received significant impact of crude oil spillage. The results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the examined soils fitted into levels found in agricultural soils except for cadmium. Heavily impacted sites showed elevated levels of heavy metals compared to less impacted sites and background levels. The mean enrichment factors for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn were 37.3, 2.8, 14.4, 14.0, 0.77, 5.4, and 1.27 for topsoil and 37.5, 1.30, 7.81, 1.59, 4.12, and 1.28 for subsoil, respectively. This clearly indicates that there is gradual build-up of heavy metals in these soils as a result of the oil spillage and related anthropogenic activities in this area. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Enrichment factor; Heavy metal; Niger Delta; Oil spillage; Soil contamination | Cadmium; Chromium; Crude petroleum; Lead; Manganese; Manganese compounds; Metals; Soils; Zinc; Agricultural soils; Anthropogenic activities; Background levels; Crude oil; Elevated levels; Enrichment factor; Heavy metals in soils; Metal distributions; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Oil spillage; Significant impacts; Soil contamination; Soil pollution | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054681176 | Study of catalyst sprayed membrane under irradiation method to prepare high performance membrane electrode assemblies for solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis | Su H., Bladergroen B.J., Linkov V., Pasupathi S., Ji S. | 2011 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 36 | 23 | 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.08.057 | South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Su, H., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Bladergroen, B.J., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Linkov, V., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | In this work, a catalyst sprayed membrane under irradiation (CSMUI) method was investigated to develop high performance membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolysis. The water electrolysis performance and properties of the prepared MEA were evaluated and analyzed by polarization curves, electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterizations revealed that the CSMUI method is very effective for preparing high performance MEA for SPE water electrolysis: the cell voltage can be as low as 1.564 V at 1 A cm-2 and the terminal voltage is only 1.669 V at 2 A cm-2, which are among the best results yet reported for SPE water electrolysis with IrO2 catalyst. Also, it is found that the noble metal catalysts loadings of the MEA prepared by this method can be greatly decreased without significant performance degradation. At a current density of 1 A cm-2, the MEA showed good stability for water electrolysis operating: the cell voltage remained at 1.60 V without obvious deterioration after 105 h operation under atmosphere pressure and 80 °C. ©2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catalyst sprayed membrane under irradiation method; High performance; Membrane electrode assembly; Solid polymer electrolyte; Water electrolysis | Atmosphere pressure; Cell voltages; Electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy; Good stability; High performance; Membrane electrode assemblies; Membrane electrode assembly; Noble metal catalysts; Performance degradation; Polarization curves; Solid polymer electrolyte; Solid polymer electrolytes; Terminal voltages; Water electrolysis; Catalysts; Hydrogen; Irradiation; Membranes; Polyelectrolytes; Polymers; Precious metals; Scanning electron microscopy; Electrolysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751640621 | Study methods for improving quality learning and performance in higher education | Mutsotso S.N., Abenga E.S.B. | 2010 | Educational Research and Reviews | 5 | 12 | None | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 190, Kakamege - 50100, Kenya | Mutsotso, S.N., Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 190, Kakamege - 50100, Kenya; Abenga, E.S.B., Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 190, Kakamege - 50100, Kenya | Education is an investment to development and poor study methods should not compromise the mandate of higher education institutions to generate, preserve and disseminate knowledge and produce high quality graduates. Universities admit students with varying backgrounds in terms of learning/study styles, levels of preparedness and concepts of university education. Some were "drilled", spoon fed, taught for exams, or have wrong purposes/values of university learning. These negatively impact on their study skills and achievement. In complementing the role played by academic staff, students need to be conscious of their personality and study ethics as they influence studying. It is futile to teach well while students lack the fundamentals to conceptualize and internalize the new knowledge. This paper proposes a paradigm shift in study methods and suggests strategies for both the lecturers and the students in universities towards improved learning and performance. The paper is based on the "distributed learning approach" to adequately cater for individual differences that exist among the students. The model is significant for university students, most of whom begin serious studying on realization that examinations are around the corner. This causes stress, confusion and tendency to cheat in examinations. Distributed learning model will address the study space needs and the efficiency and effectiveness of study methods. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Achievement; Distributed learning; Learning performance; Study methods | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887537998 | Studies on waterjet impact forces in the hydroentanglement process | Moyo D., Anandjiwala R.D. | 2013 | Textile Research Journal | 83 | 16 | 10.1177/0040517513478452 | Fibres and Composites Research Group, CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Moyo, D., Fibres and Composites Research Group, CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Anandjiwala, R.D., Fibres and Composites Research Group, CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | In the hydroentanglement process, high velocity multiple waterjets are generated through the nozzles before impinging on the hydroentangling belt or fibre-web and exert an impact force. In this study, a technique to measure important characteristics of the waterjets, namely, the coefficient of velocity, Cv, and coefficient of discharge, Cd, is proposed. The technique offers a simple and practical method to determine the energy transfer efficiency from the manifold to the waterjets. The measured Cv and Cd values were observed to decrease with an increase in waterjet pressure, which implied higher energy losses at higher waterjet pressures. These results were then used in the next experiment to measure the waterjet impact force. The waterjet impact force was measured using a Tensiometer-R2000 fixed on a vibration-free stand at different waterjet pressures, varied from 30 to 120 bar. It was observed that the waterjet impact forces were equal across the width of the machine at a given pressure, but increased proportionally with the increase in the waterjet pressure. When the empirical relation was fitted between experimental and theoretical values of waterjet impact force, it was found that theoretical values were overestimated. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav. | coefficient of discharge; Coefficient of velocity; energy transfer; hydroentanglement; impact force; jet-strip | Coefficient of discharges; Coefficient of velocity; Hydroentanglement; Impact force; jet-strip; Energy dissipation; Energy transfer; Vibrations (mechanical); Jets | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
None | None | Studies on the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows raised on smallholder farms in eastern Usambara mountains, Tanzania | Swai E.S., Kyakaisho P., Ole-Kawanara M.S. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 5 | None | Veterinary Investigation Centre, P O Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; District Veterinary Office, P.O. Box 20, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Divisional Dairy Development Office, P.O. Box 4, Amani, Muheza, Tanzania | Swai, E.S., Veterinary Investigation Centre, P O Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Kyakaisho, P., District Veterinary Office, P.O. Box 20, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Ole-Kawanara, M.S., Divisional Dairy Development Office, P.O. Box 4, Amani, Muheza, Tanzania | A retrospective questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted to asses reproductive performance and factors influencing reproductive efficiency of crossbred cows in smallholder farms in Amani, Tanzania. The study was carried out during the period of October to November 2003. The study also estimated the frequency and determinants of long calving interval (LCI), retention of foetal membrane (RFM), dystocia (D), and abortion (A) in smallholder crossbred cattle and explored birth trends. Sixty-three dairy farms (average breedable cows = 2, range 1 to 9) were visited and data on reproductive, breeding and management histories were collected and statistically analyzed. Overall, 179 breedable cows were observed to be alive at some stage in 2002. These cows contributed a total risk period of 62,780 cow days, equivalent to 2,093 cow months or 171.9 cow years. The mean (±SE) calving interval and the interval between calving and the initiation of ovarian activity were 476 ± 14 and 108 ± 6.7 days, respectively. Birth rate was 52 per 100 cows years, with birth been reported to occur in all months of the year. Of the 123 cows that were reported to have calved more than once in their lifetime 4(3.3%), 3 (2.4%) were associated with abortion and dystocia, respectively. Fifteen (12.2%) of the animals suffered RFM. Significant factors that were associated with LCI and RFM as was revealed from multiple logistic regression models were age of the cows, distance range between bull source and cows, farmer attending basic animal husbandry training and the owner of the cows. Cow that was located over 2 km away from the breeding bull source was associated with LCI (Odd ratio [OR] 2.7, P = 0.020) and older cow with lower odds for RFM (OR = 0.97, P = 0.001). Animals belonging to male and a farmer who has attended a basic training had lower odds for LCI and RFM (OR = 0.31, P = 0.001 for male cow owner and OR = 0.37, P = 0.033 for attending training, respectively). Though not statistically different (P>0.05), poor reproduction performance was also linked with farm managerial factors. Under nutrition, poor heat detection despite of farmer being aware of the cardinal signs of heat, poor monitoring of heat signs due to the inadequate usage of breeding supporting tools were also found to negatively influence reproduction efficiency. We conclude that, the present estimate of LCI, birth rate, prevalence of peripartum disorders often inter linked by farm managemental attributes, indicate and suggest poor reproductive performances of cows in Amani smallholder dairy farms. Identification and quantification of the specific reproductive disorders and associated interacting factors (feeding/ managemental) contributing to such poor reproductive performance call for detailed investigation. | Africa; Amani; Reproductive performance; Smallholder dairy production; Tanzania | Animalia; Bos; Equus asinus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847035098 | Studies on the impact of municipal waste dumps on surrounding soil and air quality of two cities in northern Nigeria | Elaigwu S.E., Ajibola V.O., Folaranmi F.M. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Elaigwu, S.E., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ajibola, V.O., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Folaranmi, F.M., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Atmospheric pollution from municipal refuse dumps and vehicular traffic are matters of growing interest, often leading to temporary restrictions in urban areas. This study aimed at evaluating bioaccumulation and effects caused by airborne pollutants from refuse dumps. Specimens of the moss Funaria capsularis collected in five sites in the urban areas of Zaria and Kaduna, Nigeria and trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead and zinc) were measured. The overall results of this exploratory study suggest the utility of F. capsularis as a lower plant for biomonitoring the environmental impact of atmospheric pollution in urban areas. The impact of these dump sites on surrounding soils was also studied. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Air pollution; Bioaccumulation; Muncipal dumps; Vehicular exhausts | Airborne pollutants; Atmospheric pollution; Exploratory studies; Muncipal dumps; Municipal refuse dumps; Municipal waste dumps; Northern Nigeria; Surrounding soils; Air pollution; Air quality; Bioaccumulation; Biochemistry; Environmental impact; Copper | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745652456 | Studies on the growth performance of native chicken ecotypes and RIR chicken under improved management system in Northwest Ethiopia | Hassen H., Neser F.W.C., Dessie T., De Kock A., Van Marle-Koster E. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 6 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Hematology and Cell Biology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Department of Animal Science and Grassland Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Hassen, H., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Neser, F.W.C., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Dessie, T., ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; De Kock, A., Department of Hematology and Cell Biology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Van Marle-Koster, E., Department of Animal Science and Grassland Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa | A study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of native and RIR chickens under intensive management condition for 22 weeks using a standard commercial ration. Seven native chicken populations were collected from representative administrative zones in northwest Ethiopia. The experimental layout was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Data on feed consumption, body weight and related parameters were collected up to the age of 22 weeks. The mean total feed intake for the seven native chicken ecotypes and RIR chicken lines at the end of their growth phase were 13.80, 15.16, 13.44, 13.25, 13.81, 13.36, 14.11 and 12.83 kg for the native chicken types named as Tilili, Gellilia, Debre-Ellias, Mello-Hamusit, Gassay, Guangua, Mecha and RIR, respectively. There was no significant difference in feed consumption among the tested chicken ecotypes. However, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in average body weight and body weight gain between the different lines. The average body weights for Tilili , Gellilia, Debre-Ellias, Mello-Hamusit, Gassay, Guangua, Mecha and RIR were 1191, 1186, 1054, 1222, 1038, 1249, 1257 and 1394 g respectively. The lowest and highest mean mature body weight at the age of 22 weeks were 1038 g for Gassay and 1257g for Mecha native chicken lines, respectively. Besides, the average mature body weight for Tilili, Gellilia, Debre-Ellias, Mello-Hamusit, Gassay, Guangua, Mecha and RIR was 1191, 1186, 1054, 1222, 1038, 1249, 1257 and 1394 g and their mean daily body weight growth rates were 7.6, 7.5, 6.7, 7.8, 6.6, 7.9, 8.0 and 8.8 g per bird, respectively. The native chicken lines named as Mello-Hamusit, Guangua and Mecha were the fastest growers among the native chicken lines. Mortality from hatching to end of the growth period i.e. at maturity was higher for all the native and RIR chickens used under intensive management condition. | Growth; Intensive; Native chickens; RIR | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945247872 | Studies on precipitation performance of n-heptane and n-pentane/n-heptane on C7 and C5/C7 asphaltenes and maltenes from 350 °C atmospheric residuum of three Nigerian light crudes | Nwadinigwe C.A., Anigbogu I.V., Ujam O.T. | 2015 | Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology | 5 | 4 | 10.1007/s13202-014-0150-x | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwadinigwe, C.A., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anigbogu, I.V., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ujam, O.T., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Asphaltenes behave like blood cholesterol in that they deposit on the walls of crude oil transportation pipes thereby narrowing the internal diameters, thus posing great dangers. This study was designed to remove asphaltenes from light crudes by solvent precipitation and to investigate the comparative performance of n-heptane (single solvent) and n-pentane/n-heptane (mixed solvent) in this regard. Each of three Nigerian crudes: Bonny Export, Bodo and Mogho crudes were first distilled at 350 °C to obtain the atmospheric residuum. Asphaltenes were precipitated from each residuum at different stirring times with single n-heptane and mixed n-pentane + n-heptane solvents. The precipitated asphaltenes were characterized with FTIR, UV–visible spectrophotometers while the maltenes were fractionated to obtain the various fractions. Results show that the asphaltenes were made up of saturated (cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons) and unsaturated (substituted aromatic hydrocarbon). Also, aromatics to saturates ratio and resins to asphaltenes ratio was higher in Bonny Export and lower in Mogho crude, thus, indicating that Bonny Export has the lowest asphaltene precipitation risk while Mogho crude has the highest risk. The results also showed that resins stabilize asphaltenes in crude as addition of resins to the different crudes reduced the quantity of asphaltene precipitated. © 2014, The Author(s). | Asphaltenes; Crude oil; Maltenes; Precipitation; Stabilization | Aromatic hydrocarbons; Cholesterol; Crude oil; Heptane; Hydrocarbons; Paraffins; Petroleum transportation; Precipitation (chemical); Resins; Solvents; Stabilization; Aliphatic hydrocarbons; Asphaltene precipitation; Comparative performance; Maltenes; Oil transportation; Solvent precipitation; Substituted aromatic; Visible spectrophotometers; Asphaltenes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349647847 | Studies on performance of young African goats fed diets containing sulphur additive | Bawala T.O., Akinsoyinu A.O., Yusuf A.O. | 2009 | Nutrition and Food Science | 39 | 4 | 10.1108/00346650910976301 | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Bawala, T.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinsoyinu, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Yusuf, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of dietary sulphur supplementation from elemental sulphur on the growth performance, nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) utilisation, rumen microbial volatile fatty acids production, acid/base balance, serum biochemical status and haematological profile of young West African dwarf and Red Sokoto (Maradi) goats, with a view of improving their nutrition for greater performance. Design/methodology/approach - Twenty-four (12 of each) growing West African dwarf and Red Sokoto goats were fed isonitrogenous (17 per cent) and isocaloric (3.98 Mcal/kgDM) treatments containing varying levels of elemental sulphur at (percentage DM) 0.00, 0.15 and 0.20 in a 2×3 factorial arrangement within randomized complete block design. After a 61 day feeding trial, the performances of the goats were assessed and compared. Findings - The results showed that S supplementation increased (p<0.05) weight gain and feed efficiency in the fed goats with those on 0.20 per cent S level recorded highest values. Similar trends were observed for N and S retention, haematological and serum biochemical studies. S supplementation did not influence (p>0.05) ruminal pH, lactate and acid/base balance. Increased dietary S inclusion increased (p<0.05) molar proportions of acetate and priopionate. Practical implications - Owing to the outstanding performances of goats fed 0.15 and 0.20 per cent S dietary levels relative to their contemporaries on an unsupplemented (0.00 per cent) S diet, inclusion of S in the diet of growing animals becomes necessary for optimal production. Originality/value - The paper provides information on the influence of sulphur on animal performance as poor nutrition constitutes a limiting factor to animal production. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Diet; Livestock; Nutrition; Sulphur | Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549114257 | Studies on growth performance and feed utilization of two Clariid catfish and their hybrid reared under different culture systems | Adewolu M.A., Ogunsanmi A.O., Yunusa A. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 23 | 2 | None | Dept of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University P.M.B. 001, Lasu Post Office, OJO, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria | Adewolu, M.A., Dept of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University P.M.B. 001, Lasu Post Office, OJO, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria; Ogunsanmi, A.O., Dept of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University P.M.B. 001, Lasu Post Office, OJO, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria; Yunusa, A., Dept of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University P.M.B. 001, Lasu Post Office, OJO, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance and feed utilization of two Clariid catfish and their hybrid reared under monoculture, duoculture and trioculture systems. The Clariid catfish were Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus longifilis and their hybrid (♀H. longifilis X ♂C. gariepinus). In the monoculture system, each of the species and their hybrid was cultured separately, in the duoculture system, there were combinations of C. gariepinus with H. longifilis; C. gariepinus with hybrid catfish; and H. longifilis with hybrid catfish In the trio culture system, all the two catfish species and their hybrid were cultured together. Fingerlings of mean weight 8.50±0.50g were stocked into 21 circular tanks of 40 liters in capacity at 18 fingerlings per tank. Fish were fed on twice daily at 09.00hour and 18.00hour on 35% crude protein at 3% of their total body weight. There was 50% exchange of water daily in all the culture systems. The results revealed that all the two species and their hybrid grew best under the monoculture, followed by duoculture and least in trioculture systems. Hybrid catfish had the best growth and feed utilization, followed by C. gariepinus and the least with H. longifillis, There were significant differences (p<0.05) in all the growth and feed utilization parameters of the two clariid species and their hybrid in all the culture systems expect in the duoculture of hybrid catfish which showed no significant (p>0.05) differences when cultured with either C.gariepinus or H. longifilis. C. gariepinus had better growth rate and feed utilization when cultured with hybrid catfish than when cultured with H.longifilis and vice verse. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Clarias gariepinus; Duoculture; Heterobranchus longifillis; Hybrid catfish; Monoculture; Trioculture | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-13444305415 | Studies on bambara groundnut flour performance in Okpa preparation | Barimalaa I.S., Agoha G., Oboh C.A., Kiin-Kabari D.B. | 2005 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 85 | 3 | 10.1002/jsfa.1996 | Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State Univ. Sci. and Technol., PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Barimalaa, I.S., Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State Univ. Sci. and Technol., PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Agoha, G., Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State Univ. Sci. and Technol., PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Oboh, C.A., Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State Univ. Sci. and Technol., PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Kiin-Kabari, D.B., Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State Univ. Sci. and Technol., PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Bambara groundnut flours of different particle sizes were prepared after bean seeds had been cold-soaked and/or germinated, dried, milled and sieved. The flours were used to prepare okpa (local dish prepared by steaming mashed bambara groundnut) and their sensory properties determined. Viscosity of the flour pastes, before steaming, were also determined. Results showed that bambara groundnut flours from both germinated and cold-soaked beans could be used in preparing good quality okpa and, therefore, remove all the problems involved in preparing the raw beans for okpa-making as is done traditionally. Particle size appeared to play a major role in obtaining good okpa; therefore flours intended for okpa preparation should be such that 66, 86 and 96%, respectively, of cold-soaked bean flour or 58, 78 and 91%, respectively, of germinated bean flour, after 1, 3 and 5 milling passes, should be in the particle range 1.5-4.5 × 10-4 m. Slightly higher amounts of the coarse (6.0 × 10~4m) particles are needed in the germinated bean flours to compensate for the breakdown of starch and proteins, the gelling agents in bambara groundnut. © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry. | Bambara groundnut flour; Okpa preparation; Particle size | Arachis hypogaea; Phaseolus (angiosperm) | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-10244219995 | Studies of the chemical composition and protein quality evaluation of differently processed Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna pruriens seed flours | Agbede J.O., Aletor V.A. | 2005 | Journal of Food Composition and Analysis | 18 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jfca.2003.10.011 | Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, Dept. of Animal Production/Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Agbede, J.O., Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, Dept. of Animal Production/Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Aletor, V.A., Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, Dept. of Animal Production/Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Differently processed seed flours of Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna pruriens were characterized with respect to their proximate composition, gross energy, mineral and amino acid contents. The anti-nutrients typified by phytin, lectin, trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), tannin and cyanide were also quantified and this was followed by protein quality evaluation with the rat. The result showed that C. ensiformis contained on the average: crude protein 24.2±2.2, ash 3.1±0.6 and ether extract 11.1±0.9 g/100 g DM while M. pruriens contained on the average: CP 25.7±1.4, ash 4.1±1.4 and EE 9.6±2.8 g/100 g DM. The gross energy varied from 1.65 to 2.07 MJ/100 g for C. ensiformis with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.74% while it varied from 1.66 to 2.07 MJ/100 g with a CV of 6.19% for M. pruriens due to processing. The seed flours contained a good array of amino acids but were low in cystine and methionine. Also the two flours contained appreciable levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P as well as some minor minerals such as Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu. The levels of these minerals were higher in the raw flours and tended to be low, in most cases, in dehulled flours. Processing significantly reduced and in some cases eliminated the anti-nutrients quantified. The protein quality evaluation of the legume seeds clearly indicated their unsuitability even in the processed forms, as sole sources of dietary protein in human nutrition. However, given their high yield potentials these seeds could play valuable roles as supplemental nutrient sources to some farm products used in food formulation for man in most developing countries where hunger is endemic. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Anti-nutrients; Canavalia Ensiformis; Mucuna pruriens; Nutrient; Processing | calcium; copper; cyanide; cysteine; iron; lectin; magnesium; manganese; methionine; phosphorus; potassium; sodium; tannin; trypsin inhibitor; zinc; amino acid analysis; amino acid composition; article; Canavalia; chemical composition; chemical procedures; controlled study; cooking; flour; food composition; food processing; high performance liquid chromatography; nonhuman; plant seed; protein quality; statistical analysis; statistical significance; velvet bean; Canavalia; Canavalia ensiformis; Fraxinus; Mucuna; Mucuna pruriens | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900398756 | Student teachers' views of the impact of school experience programme on their perceptions of the teaching profession | Mushoriwa T.D., Mavuso M.P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p336 | University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa | Mushoriwa, T.D., University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa; Mavuso, M.P., University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa | This study analysed the impact of the School Experience (SE) programme on rural student teachers' perceptions of the teaching profession. This was done through investigating the views of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education (BEd) fourth year students which were randomly selected. A qualitative and quantitative survey through semi- structured questionnaire with closed and open - ended items and structured interviews was conducted. The majority of student teachers (86%) felt that school experience positively socialised them into the teaching profession by providing them with the needed work-based experience. Most of the student teachers in the study felt that a student teacher's experiences during SE mediate their beliefs, opinions, views and convictions about the teaching profession, making them like or dislike the profession. Ten percent were ambivalent and still an insignificant number (4%) decided against the teaching profession. One of the major recommendations of the study is that since the SE programme is critical in the formation of one's perceptions about and commitment to the teaching profession, teacher training institutions should design appropriate SE programmes and closely monitor them to ensure they continue achieving the intended goals. | Impact; Institutions; Monitor; Perceptions; Rural student teachers; School experience; Social participation; Socialise; Teaching practice; Teaching profession | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897057156 | Student teachers' academic backgrounds and beliefs about teaching: Predicting student engagement and performance in a developing country | Nizeyimana G., Osman R. | 2014 | Education as Change | 18 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1080/16823206.2013.877356 | Kigali Institute of Education, Curriculum and Teaching, Rwanda; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Nizeyimana, G., Kigali Institute of Education, Curriculum and Teaching, Rwanda; Osman, R., University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | This article explores the influence of university/college first-year student teachers' educational backgrounds and their beliefs about teaching on their performance, and identifies these as key indicators of student engagement in learning to teach in developing countries, with particular reference to Rwanda. Both quantitative data (students' marks) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews) were collected from student teachers in the 2010 academic year. This article argues that, in developing countries where primary teacher preparation is done at high school level while secondary school teacher preparation is done at university/college level, tertiary first-year student teachers' beliefs about their teaching career are more likely to determine the level of their engagement in learning to teach and hence performance than their prior academic background in related fields of study. © 2014 © 2014 The University of Johannesburg. | academic background; beliefs; developing countries; performance; student engagement; teacher education | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928012852 | Students want HIV testing in schools a formative evaluation of the acceptability of HIV testing and counselling at schools in Gauteng and North West provinces in South Africa | Madiba S., Mokgatle M. | 2015 | BMC Public Health | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12889-015-1746-x | Department of Environmental and Occupational Heath, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa | Madiba, S., Department of Environmental and Occupational Heath, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; Mokgatle, M., Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa | Background: The proposal by the South African Health Ministry to implement HIV testing and counselling (HTC) at schools in 2011 generated debates about the appropriateness of such testing. However, the debate has been between the Ministries of Education and Health, with little considerations of the students. The main aim of the study was to assess the students' opinions and uptake of HIV testing and counselling in general, and the acceptability of the provision of HIV testing and counselling in schools. The study also determined the association between socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, and HIV testing behaviour of the students. Methods: A survey was conducted among grade 10-12 high school students in North West and Gauteng provinces, South Africa. Seventeen high schools (nine rural and eight urban) were randomly selected for the administration of a researcher-assisted, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 2970 students aged 14-27 years participated in the study; 1632 (55%) were girls, 1810 (61%) ever had sex, and 1271 (49.8%) had more than one sex partner. The mean age of first sexual activity was 15.6. Half (n∈=∈1494, 50.1%) had been tested for HIV. Having multiple sexual partners, age, and gender were significantly associated with increased odds of having had a HIV test. Fear, being un-informed about HTC, and low HIV risk perceptions were the reasons for not getting tested. The acceptability of HTC at school was high (n∈=∈2282, 76.9%) and 2129 (71.8%) were willing to be tested at school. Appropriateness, privacy, and secrecy were the main arguments for and against HTC at school. One-third (n∈=∈860, 29%) had intentions to disclose their HIV status to students versus 1258 (42.5%) for teachers. Stigma, discrimination and secrecy were the primary reasons students did not intend to disclose. Conclusions: A high acceptability of HTC and willingness to be tested at school suggest that HIV prevention programs tailored to youth have a high potential of success given the readiness of students to uptake HTC. Bringing HIV testing to the school setting will increase the uptake of HTC among youth and contribute towards efforts to scale up HTC in South Africa. © 2015 Madiba and Mokgatle; licensee BioMed Central. | Acceptability of HTC at school; Disclosure; HIV status; Sexual behaviour; South Africa; Stigma and discrimination; Students; Uptake of HTC | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953736894 | Students performance and perception of neurophysiology: feedback for innovative curricular reform in a nigerian medical school | Nwobodo E., Anyaehie U.B., Nwobodo N., Awiwa C., Ofoegbu E., Okonkwo C., Aligekwe C., Burdick B. | 2009 | Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences | 24 | 1 | None | Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States | Nwobodo, E., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; Anyaehie, U.B., College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Nwobodo, N., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; Awiwa, C., Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ofoegbu, E., College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Okonkwo, C., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States; Aligekwe, C., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States; Burdick, B., FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States | This study aimed at ascertaining the status of students' performances and their perception of the learning of neurophysiology in a Nigerian medical school. The goal of the study was to determine ways of addressing identified negative perceptions for the purpose of improving upon the overall learning and use neurophysiology knowledge by structured curricular reform. We analyzed and compared the performances of students in three areas of physiology at the second professional examinations over a three-year period (n=300). We also surveyed learning experience of a batch of graduating doctors in neurosciences (n=50) and surveyed the staff and students' perception of the teaching of neurophysiology. The students performances in neurophysiology was comparatively poorer than in cardiovascular and endocrinology aspects of the subject over a three year period at the second professional examinations. The reported students perception of their neurophysiology learning included uninteresting, abstract concepts, lack of real examples and conflicting facts with their prior basic knowledge. Over 50% of the graduands rated their learning experiences as poor or very poor or below average for the neuroscience courses. The analyses of the curricular contents of neurophysiology in the preclinical departments indicted asynchrony and redundancy in topics that may reduce the learning and reduce teaching time efficiency of the neuroscience courses. It is suggested that learning experiences of medical students should be routinely monitored and structured to ensure that the graduate doctor is able to understand and transfer learned experiences into clinical studies and practice. A horizontally integrated curriculum may be one way of raising students knowledge, attitude and skills in neuroscience courses as taught in the preclinical departments and is suggested. © Physiological Society of Nigeria, 2009. | Curriculum; Horizontal integration; Learning experiences; Students | adaptive behavior; article; comprehension; curriculum; education; human; learning; medical education; medical school; medical student; methodology; neurophysiology; Nigeria; perception; psychological aspect; questionnaire; teaching; Comprehension; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Educational Measurement; Feedback, Psychological; Humans; Learning; Neurophysiology; Nigeria; Perception; Questionnaires; Schools, Medical; Students, Medical; Teaching | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349185649 | Students' evaluations of the use of e-learning in a collaborative project between two South African universities | Rohleder P., Bozalek V., Carolissen R., Leibowitz B., Swartz L. | 2008 | Higher Education | 56 | 1 | 10.1007/s10734-007-9091-3 | Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Social Work, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Human Sciences Research Council, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, South Africa | Rohleder, P., Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Bozalek, V., Department of Social Work, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Carolissen, R., Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Leibowitz, B., Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Swartz, L., Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Human Sciences Research Council, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, South Africa | Online learning is increasingly being used in Higher Education, with a number of advantages to online learning being identified. One of these advantages is the suggestion that online learning provides for equality of opportunity. This article reports on students' evaluations of the use of e-learning in a collaborative project between two South African universities. The results highlighted both positive and negative evaluations of the use of e-learning. The positive aspects identified were that e-learning provided for ease of communication between parties, and easy access to information and learning material. Negative aspects identified were that it presented some technical challenges; online communication was disjointed; there was unequal access to computers between students from the two universities; students felt that more face-to-face interaction is needed. The issue of unequal access to computers and the internet is highlighted as a crucial issue for e-learning in the South African context, and for the fostering of a democratising educational discourse. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media B.V. | Collaborative learning; Democratic learning; E-learning; Higher education; South Africa; Students | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949695407 | Students and teachers' perception of the causes of poor academic performance in ogun state secondary schools [Nigeria]: Implications for couselling for national development | Asikhia O.A. | 2010 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 13 | 2 | None | Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction Michael, Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria | Asikhia, O.A., Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction Michael, Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria | The study examined the perception of students and teachers on the causes of poor academic performance among secondary school students in Ogun State, Nigeria. Subjects for the study were one hundred and thirty-five (135) students and fifty (50) teachers randomly drawn from five secondary schools in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data for the study. Percentages and chi-square were used to analyse the research questions. Responses of teachers showed that teachers' qualification and students' environment do not influence students' poor performance but teachers' methods of teaching influence poor academic performance. Students' response on the other hand showed that while teachers' qualification and students' environment influence students' poor performance, teachers' method of teaching and learning materials do not. The implications of these findings for secondary school guidance counselors interested in counseling adolescents for good academic performance were discussed. | None | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-48549096567 | Student evaluation of a Clinical Self-Study Laboratory | Saakane K., John M., Timothe'e S., Maphosa M., Jennifer C., Petra B. | 2008 | Nurse Education in Practice | 8 | 5 | 10.1016/j.nepr.2007.10.002 | Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Clinical Self-Study Laboratory, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Saakane, K., Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; John, M., Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Timothe'e, S., Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Maphosa, M., Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Jennifer, C., Evaluation of Health Care Program Module, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Petra, B., Clinical Self-Study Laboratory, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Introduction: Being clinically competent is an essential component of any nursing curricula to ensure that on completion the nursing graduates are able to practice safely and effectively as a nurse. Clinical Self-Study Laboratories have become increasingly popular in nursing education in recent years as a way of ensuring a variety of skills are taught to the nursing students. These clinical skills laboratories are used to teach communication and interpersonal skills, psychomotor skills, promote the development of collaborative skills required in nursing as well as being able to help integrate theory and practice [Morgan, R., 2006. Using clinical skills laboratories to promote theory-practice integration during first practice placement: an Irish perspective. Journal of Clinical Nursing 15, 155-161]. However, it is essential that these programs be subject to routine quality assurance and effectiveness evaluation. Methodology: The purpose of the study was to conduct a process evaluation of the implementation of the Clinical Self-Study Laboratory (CSSL) in the School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal. The process evaluation included a descriptive quantitative satisfaction survey of first and third year Bachelor of Nursing students, a checklist to assess the quality of the CSSL equipment and a retrospective record review of utilisation of the CSSL by students. Results: The CSSL appears to be well implemented and utilized by students. Students reported that it was accessible and that the equipment in the laboratory was of a reasonable quality. A few students reported dissatisfaction with some of the equipment and requested that more equipment and trained personnel be made available. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Clinical skill; Clinical skills laboratory; Process evaluation | adult; article; clinical competence; female; health care quality; human; male; nursing education; nursing student; organization and management; psychological aspect; questionnaire; standard; teaching; Adult; Clinical Competence; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; Female; Humans; Male; Program Evaluation; Programmed Instruction as Topic; Questionnaires; Students, Nursing; Teaching | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956004029 | Structure, conduct and performance of farm gate marketing of natural rubber in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria | Giroh D.Y., Umar H.Y., Yakub W. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 14 | None | Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Giroh, D.Y., Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Umar, H.Y., Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Yakub, W., Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study examined the structure, conduct and performance of farm gate marketing of natural rubber in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. Copies of questionnaires were used on 75 randomly selected rubber farmers. Data collected were analyzed using Gini coefficient and budgetary technique. The results indicated that gross margin and net profit were N17,821.31 and N17,278.47 while the gross margin and net profit per farmer were N62,588.47 and N60,682.00 respectively. The marketing margin and efficiency were 44.03 and 122% respectively. Rate of return was also high. The Gini coefficient analysis showed that the market was concentrated (0.256), showing the possibility of non-competitive behaviour and equality in earnings among marketers. ©2010 Academic Journals. | Budgetary technique; Farm gate; Gini coefficient; Marketing; Nigeria | None | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855999356 | 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 |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940259267 | Structure and properties of a β-nucleated polypropylene impact copolymer | Motsoeneng T.S., van Reenen A.J., Luyt A.S. | 2015 | Polymer International | 64 | 2 | 10.1002/pi.4778 | Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Motsoeneng, T.S., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; van Reenen, A.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Luyt, A.S., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | The effect of a β-nucleating agent (β-NA) on the properties and structure of a commercial impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC) was investigated. The effect of selected β-NAs on the impact resistance, stress and strain behaviour of the IPC is reported. In addition, the IPC was fractionated according to crystallinity by preparative temperature rising elution fractionation. Fractions with varying chemical composition and crystallinity were treated with a two-component β-NA to investigate the effect of the β-NA on the various fractions. The results indicate that the efficacy of the β-NA is dependent on the chemical composition of the polymer that crystallises, more specifically on the sequence length of crystallisable propylene units. The effect of the addition of β-NAs on the overall morphology of the IPC was also investigated, and in particular the size and distribution of the rubbery particles in these complex reactor blends were probed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry. | Impact polypropylene copolymer; Mechanical properties; Thermal stability; β-nucleation | Copolymers; Mechanical properties; Propylene; Thermodynamic stability; Chemical compositions; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Nucleating agents; Polypropylene impact copolymers; Sequence lengths; Stress and strain; Structure and properties; Temperature-rising elution; Polypropylenes | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350157089 | Structure and performance of formal retail market for bamboo products in Kenya | Kibwage J.K., Odondo A.J., Momanyi G.M. | 2008 | Scientific Research and Essays | 3 | 6 | None | Tobacco-Bamboo Research Project Office, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, Kenya | Kibwage, J.K., Tobacco-Bamboo Research Project Office, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, Kenya; Odondo, A.J., Tobacco-Bamboo Research Project Office, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, Kenya; Momanyi, G.M., Tobacco-Bamboo Research Project Office, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, Kenya | In Kenya, bamboo is mostly found in Central, Western and Coastal provinces. It is mainly used in residential fencing, horticultural flower farming, handcrafts and minor cottage industry products. This study focused on bamboo market segments in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu with the aim of addressing uncertainties in the market structure and lack of concrete information on market potentials of the products. A stratified random sample of 20 branches of major supermarkets (i.e.Uchumi Supermarket Limited and Nakumatt Holdings Limited) was conducted. Standard questionnaires, keyinformant interviews and participant observation were used to obtain primary data. Secondary data were obtained from International Network for Bamboo and Rattan database, conferences/workshops proceedings reports, scientific journals, periodicals and textbooks. This study revealed that most bamboo products are imported, a scenario that results in high product prices and low demand. Thus, the need to encourage domestic production of the products. Conditions of imperfect competition with oligopolistic tendencies characterize the formal retail market, hence the need to strengthen its competition through consumer enlightenment and information dissemination. © 2008 Academic Journals. | Bamboo market; Kenya; Supermarkets | Calamus rotang | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744454929 | Structure and performance evaluation of cocoa marketing institutions in South-Western Nigeria: An economic analysis | Folayan J.A., Daramola G.A., Oguntade A.E. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria | Folayan, J.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria; Daramola, G.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria; Oguntade, A.E., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria | This study employs various measures of parameters of market structure such as concentration ratio, Gini Coefficients and Herfindahl Index and Market performance such as cost and return and multiple regression analyses in an attempt to examine empirically structural performance of cocoa marketing institutions in South-Western Nigeria using cross sectional data collected from 140 cocoa marketers in the study area. The empirical results revealed that based on the outcome of various parameters measure of market concentration indexes, cocoa market was found to be perfectly competitive. Also, the result of market performance analysis revealed that cocoa marketing is profitable while the postulated regressors explained about 96 percent variation in the quantity of cocoa purchased in the study area. | Exporters; Licensed buying agents; Warehousing market structure and performance | Theobroma cacao | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885961613 | Structural vascular disease in africans: Performance of ethnic-specific waist circumference cut points using logistic regression and neural network analyses: The SABPA study | Botha J., De Ridder J.H., Potgieter J.C., Steyn H.S., Malan L. | 2013 | Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes | 121 | 9 | 10.1055/s-0033-1351289 | Physical Activity Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School for Psychosocial Behavioural Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Statistical Consultation Service, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520 Potchefstroom, South Africa | Botha, J., Physical Activity Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; De Ridder, J.H., Physical Activity Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Potgieter, J.C., School for Psychosocial Behavioural Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Steyn, H.S., Statistical Consultation Service, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Malan, L., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520 Potchefstroom, South Africa | A recently proposed model for waist circumference cut points (RPWC), driven by increased blood pressure, was demonstrated in an African population. We therefore aimed to validate the RPWC by comparing the RPWC and the Joint Statement Consensus (JSC) models via Logistic Regression (LR) and Neural Networks (NN) analyses. Urban African gender groups (N=171) were stratified according to the JSC and RPWC cut point models. Ultrasound carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), blood pressure (BP) and fasting bloods (glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides) were obtained in a well-controlled setting. The RPWC male model (LR ROC AUC: 0.71, NN ROC AUC: 0.71) was practically equal to the JSC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.71, NN ROC AUC: 0.69) to predict structural vascular disease. Similarly, the female RPWC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.84, NN ROC AUC: 0.82) and JSC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.82, NN ROC AUC: 0.81) equally predicted CIMT as surrogate marker for structural vascular disease. Odds ratios supported validity where prediction of CIMT revealed clinical significance, well over 1, for both the JSC and RPWC models in African males and females (OR 3.75-13.98). In conclusion, the proposed RPWC model was substantially validated utilizing linear and non-linear analyses. We therefore propose ethnic-specific WC cut points (African males, ≥90 cm; -females, ≥98 cm) to predict a surrogate marker for structural vascular disease. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York. | anthropometry; central obesity; ethnicity; logistic regression; neural networks | gamma glutamyltransferase; glucose; high density lipoprotein; triacylglycerol; adult; Africa; aged; arterial wall thickness; article; artificial neural network; blood pressure measurement; body mass; cardiovascular risk; carotid artery; diastolic blood pressure; disease marker; energy expenditure; ethnicity; female; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; glucose blood level; human; human tissue; logistic regression analysis; male; normal human; physical activity; priority journal; systolic blood pressure; triacylglycerol blood level; vascular disease; waist circumference; Adult; Africa; Aged; Biological Markers; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Lipoproteins, HDL; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Neural Networks (Computer); Nonlinear Dynamics; Odds Ratio; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Sex Characteristics; Triglycerides; Urban Population; Vascular Diseases; Waist Circumference; Young Adult | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939966140 | Structural performance of the Nigerian grown Abura timber bridge beam subjected to compression and shearing forces | Aguwa J.I. | 2015 | KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering | 19 | 4 | 10.1007/s12205-013-0164-9 | Dept. of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Aguwa, J.I., Dept. of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | There is the need to subject some Nigerian timber species to reliability analysis in order to establish their structural usefulness. It is on this basis that the Nigerian grown Abura timber was studied and structurally assessed to understand its performance as timber bridge beams. This was achieved by preparing some test specimens of it from naturally seasoned samples at moisture content of 18%.and determining its strength properties, which were subjected to statistical analysis to obtain the mean, standard deviation as well as the coefficient of variation. Structural analysis, deterministic design and structural reliability analysis were performed on the Abura timber bridge beam at the Ultimate Limit State of loading. A computer programme developed in FORTRAN language and First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) were used in the reliability analysis. In order to study the effect of geometry and loading on the reliability index, sensitivity analysis was performed by altering the geometrical dimensions of the beam as well as the magnitude of the loadings on the beam. Satisfactory level of reliability indices were recorded at depth of 400 mm, breadth of 150 mm and span of 5000 mm under the ultimate limit state of loading. The Abura bridge beam depicted very low level of safety when subjected to only shearing forces under the specified design conditions. The probabilities of failure of the Abura bridge beam in compression and shear are 0.68 × 10−5 and 0.023 respectively, under the specified design conditions. © 2015, Korean Society of Civil Engineers and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | compression and shearing; Nigerian grown abura; strength; structural reliability; timber bridge beam | Bridge components; Design; Sensitivity analysis; Shearing; Structural analysis; Timber; Wooden bridges; Coefficient of variation; First order reliability methods; Geometrical dimensions; Nigerians; strength; Structural reliability; Structural reliability analysis; Timber bridge; Reliability analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953659998 | Structural performance assessment and fatigue analysis of a railway bridge | Moyo P., Tait R. | 2010 | Structure and Infrastructure Engineering | 6 | 5 | 10.1080/15732470903068912 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Moyo, P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Tait, R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Increased economic activity in South Africa has put pressure on both rail and road transportation systems. In particular, there is a need to increase loading on the rail systems. The railway network consists of a number of steel bridges approaching the end of their design life. The fitness of these bridges to carry higher loads needs to be assessed. The present paper describes a systematic procedure for the condition assessment of a 100 year old wrought iron railway bridge. Experimental modal analysis techniques were used to calibrate the finite-element model. The calibrated model was used to predict the behaviour of the bridge under proposed loading regimes. Strain measurements were taken at selected locations and were used to assess the fatigue life of the bridge. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of combining experimental modal analysis with actual structural response from live loading for condition assessment and performance prediction. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Fatigue assessment; Fracture mechanics; Structural monitoring; System identification | Calibrated model; Condition assessments; Design life; Economic activities; Experimental modal analysis; Fatigue analysis; Fatigue assessment; Fatigue assessments; Fatigue life; Finite-element models; Higher loads; Loading regimes; Performance prediction; Rail systems; Railway bridges; Railway network; Road transportation; South Africa; Structural Monitoring Systems; Structural performance; Structural response; Damping; Economics; Finite element method; Fracture; Fracture mechanics; Iron; Loading; Metal analysis; Modal analysis; Monitoring; Railroad bridges; Railroad transportation; Railroads; Rails; Soil structure interactions; Steel bridges; Wrought iron; Structural analysis | None |
Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887008459 | Structural insights into the South African HIV-1 subtype C protease: Impact of hinge region dynamics and flap flexibility in drug resistance | Naicker P., Achilonu I., Fanucchi S., Fernandes M., Ibrahim M.A.A., Dirr H.W., Soliman M.E.S., Sayed Y. | 2013 | Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics | 31 | 12 | 10.1080/07391102.2012.736774 | Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt; School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa; Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt | Naicker, P., Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Achilonu, I., Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Fanucchi, S., Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Fernandes, M., School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Ibrahim, M.A.A., School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt; Dirr, H.W., Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Soliman, M.E.S |