TeleWeaver: an architectural overview of a customised application server for rurality
- Tsietsi, Mosiuoa, Terzoli, Alfredo, Gumbo, Sibukelo
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Terzoli, Alfredo , Gumbo, Sibukelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430624 , vital:72704 , 10.1109/ISTAFRICA.2016.7530616
- Description: The Siyakhula Living Lab in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa has been in existence for over a decade now. In this time, sever-al software artefacts have been developed by students and partners with the aim of providing contextually-relevant services to the rural community. However, reliance on different platforms and paradigms has meant that the deployment of such services would be difficult to implement and maintain reliably in actual practice. What is required is a single software platform that can act as a docking station for multiple applications, as well as a routing substrate for applications living inside and outside the platform. A candidate platform to enable this is currently being integrated under the codename Teleweaver and is built from a free, open source J2EE application server and integrates with other software components. This paper provides an architectural overview of the platform and demonstrates how it provides a sustainable context for application development going forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Terzoli, Alfredo , Gumbo, Sibukelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430624 , vital:72704 , 10.1109/ISTAFRICA.2016.7530616
- Description: The Siyakhula Living Lab in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa has been in existence for over a decade now. In this time, sever-al software artefacts have been developed by students and partners with the aim of providing contextually-relevant services to the rural community. However, reliance on different platforms and paradigms has meant that the deployment of such services would be difficult to implement and maintain reliably in actual practice. What is required is a single software platform that can act as a docking station for multiple applications, as well as a routing substrate for applications living inside and outside the platform. A candidate platform to enable this is currently being integrated under the codename Teleweaver and is built from a free, open source J2EE application server and integrates with other software components. This paper provides an architectural overview of the platform and demonstrates how it provides a sustainable context for application development going forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Temperature-dependent performance and potential distribution of Pareuchaetes insulata, a biological control agent of Chromolaena odorata in South Africa
- Uyi, Osariyekemwen O, Zachariades, Costas, Hill, Martin P, McConnachie, Andrew J
- Authors: Uyi, Osariyekemwen O , Zachariades, Costas , Hill, Martin P , McConnachie, Andrew J
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418067 , vital:71505 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9760-1"
- Description: Despite the release of about 1.9 million individuals of Pareuchaetes insulata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in KwaZulu-Natal for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae) in South Africa, the moth probably only established at one of the 30 release sites and its population level is generally low in the field. To determine whether climate incompatibility in South Africa is responsible for the poor performance of P. insulata, the effects of temperature on life-history traits were investigated under several constant temperatures. Although a degree-day model estimated between 3.9 and 10.0 generations of the moth per year in the weed’s invaded range, survival and fecundity declined while development time was prolonged at constant temperatures below 25 °C, indicating that both direct and indirect negative impacts of low winter temperatures, such as increased mortality, slow development and reduced fecundity as well as exposure to natural enemies, may partly explain the poor performance of P. insulata in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Uyi, Osariyekemwen O , Zachariades, Costas , Hill, Martin P , McConnachie, Andrew J
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418067 , vital:71505 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9760-1"
- Description: Despite the release of about 1.9 million individuals of Pareuchaetes insulata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in KwaZulu-Natal for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae) in South Africa, the moth probably only established at one of the 30 release sites and its population level is generally low in the field. To determine whether climate incompatibility in South Africa is responsible for the poor performance of P. insulata, the effects of temperature on life-history traits were investigated under several constant temperatures. Although a degree-day model estimated between 3.9 and 10.0 generations of the moth per year in the weed’s invaded range, survival and fecundity declined while development time was prolonged at constant temperatures below 25 °C, indicating that both direct and indirect negative impacts of low winter temperatures, such as increased mortality, slow development and reduced fecundity as well as exposure to natural enemies, may partly explain the poor performance of P. insulata in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The Bero Volcanic Complex: extension of the Paraná-Etendeka Igneous Province into SW Angola
- Marsh, Julian S, Swart, Roger S
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Swart, Roger S
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60763 , vital:27827 , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377027316304176
- Description: An extension of the Etendeka-Paraná Igneous Province into SW Angola occurs as minor basalt lavas, intrusive gabbro sheets, minor mafic dykes and thick sheets and lava flows (with minor pyroclastics) of quartz latite composition This suite crops out along the eastern margin of the Cretaceous Namibe Basin in SW Angola. The quartz latites from one locality have been referred to informally as the Giraul volcanics but the name ‘Giraul’ has previously been used for Cretaceous conglomerates. We propose the name Bero Volcanic Complex for this suite of intrusive and extrusive rocks on the basis that the full compositional range of this diverse suite crops out along the Rio Bero. Major and trace element compositions and Sr-, Nd-, and Pb-isotopic compositions indicate that the basalts and gabbros are equivalent to the high-Ti Khumib/Urubici and Pitanga types from the Etendeka and Paraná. The basalts underlie the quartz latites which are cut by mafic dykes some of which are compositionally equivalent to the Paranapanema lavas in the Paraná. Five different geochemical types of high-Ti quartz latite are recognised amongst the silicic volcanics, 3 of which have very close geochemical affinities to the Ventura, Sarusas, and Khoraseb types of the northern Etendeka. Their relative stratigraphic position in the Bero volcanic sequence is the same as in the Etendeka sequence and extend significantly the area over which these types were erupted. The two remaining types, Chinguau and High-Nb are not known from either the Etendeka or the Paraná provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Swart, Roger S
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60763 , vital:27827 , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377027316304176
- Description: An extension of the Etendeka-Paraná Igneous Province into SW Angola occurs as minor basalt lavas, intrusive gabbro sheets, minor mafic dykes and thick sheets and lava flows (with minor pyroclastics) of quartz latite composition This suite crops out along the eastern margin of the Cretaceous Namibe Basin in SW Angola. The quartz latites from one locality have been referred to informally as the Giraul volcanics but the name ‘Giraul’ has previously been used for Cretaceous conglomerates. We propose the name Bero Volcanic Complex for this suite of intrusive and extrusive rocks on the basis that the full compositional range of this diverse suite crops out along the Rio Bero. Major and trace element compositions and Sr-, Nd-, and Pb-isotopic compositions indicate that the basalts and gabbros are equivalent to the high-Ti Khumib/Urubici and Pitanga types from the Etendeka and Paraná. The basalts underlie the quartz latites which are cut by mafic dykes some of which are compositionally equivalent to the Paranapanema lavas in the Paraná. Five different geochemical types of high-Ti quartz latite are recognised amongst the silicic volcanics, 3 of which have very close geochemical affinities to the Ventura, Sarusas, and Khoraseb types of the northern Etendeka. Their relative stratigraphic position in the Bero volcanic sequence is the same as in the Etendeka sequence and extend significantly the area over which these types were erupted. The two remaining types, Chinguau and High-Nb are not known from either the Etendeka or the Paraná provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The complex immunological and inflammatory network of adipose tissue in obesity
- Apostolopoulos, Vasso, De Courten, Maximilian P J, Stojanovska, Lily, Blatch, Gregory L, Tangalakis, Kathy, De Courten, Barbora
- Authors: Apostolopoulos, Vasso , De Courten, Maximilian P J , Stojanovska, Lily , Blatch, Gregory L , Tangalakis, Kathy , De Courten, Barbora
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66120 , vital:28905 , https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500272
- Description: publisher version , A number of approaches have been utilized in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity, including, surgery, medication, diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle changes. Despite these interventions, the prevalence of obesity and the various disorders related to it is growing. In obesity, there is a constant state of chronic low‐grade inflammation which is characterized by activation and infiltration of pro‐inflammatory immune cells and a dysregulated production of high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This pro‐inflammatory milieu contributes to insulin resistance, type‐2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other related co‐morbidities. The roles of the innate (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, NK cells, MAIT cells) and the adaptive (CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells) immune responses and the roles of adipokines and cytokines in adipose tissue inflammation and obesity are discussed. An understanding of the crosstalk between the immune system and adipocytes may shed light in better treatment modalities for obesity and obesity‐related diseases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Apostolopoulos, Vasso , De Courten, Maximilian P J , Stojanovska, Lily , Blatch, Gregory L , Tangalakis, Kathy , De Courten, Barbora
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66120 , vital:28905 , https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500272
- Description: publisher version , A number of approaches have been utilized in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity, including, surgery, medication, diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle changes. Despite these interventions, the prevalence of obesity and the various disorders related to it is growing. In obesity, there is a constant state of chronic low‐grade inflammation which is characterized by activation and infiltration of pro‐inflammatory immune cells and a dysregulated production of high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This pro‐inflammatory milieu contributes to insulin resistance, type‐2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other related co‐morbidities. The roles of the innate (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, NK cells, MAIT cells) and the adaptive (CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells) immune responses and the roles of adipokines and cytokines in adipose tissue inflammation and obesity are discussed. An understanding of the crosstalk between the immune system and adipocytes may shed light in better treatment modalities for obesity and obesity‐related diseases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The development agenda and new roles for librarians
- Satgoor, Ujala, Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Libraries and society -- Developing countries Libraries and community -- Developing countries Social justice -- Developing countries Information society -- Developing countries Library science -- Social aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Political aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries Freedom of information -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3498 , vital:20514
- Description: Presentation delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Cape branch of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), 19 August 2016. The presentation addresses the role of librarians in terms of the National Development Plan, including transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Libraries and society -- Developing countries Libraries and community -- Developing countries Social justice -- Developing countries Information society -- Developing countries Library science -- Social aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Political aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries Freedom of information -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3498 , vital:20514
- Description: Presentation delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Cape branch of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), 19 August 2016. The presentation addresses the role of librarians in terms of the National Development Plan, including transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The development of captopril pellets using the principles of quality by design
- Veerubhotla, Hari Mani Krishna
- Authors: Veerubhotla, Hari Mani Krishna
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64769 , vital:28599
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Veerubhotla, Hari Mani Krishna
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64769 , vital:28599
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The development of computational biology in South Africa: successes achieved and lessons learnt
- Mulder, Nicola J, Christoffels, Alan, De Oliveira, Tulio, Gamieldien, Junaid, Hazelhurst, Scott, Joubert, Fourie, Kumuthini, Judit, Pillay, Ché S, Snoep, Jacky L, Tastan Bishop, Özlem, Tiffin, Nicki
- Authors: Mulder, Nicola J , Christoffels, Alan , De Oliveira, Tulio , Gamieldien, Junaid , Hazelhurst, Scott , Joubert, Fourie , Kumuthini, Judit , Pillay, Ché S , Snoep, Jacky L , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Tiffin, Nicki
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148347 , vital:38731 , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004395
- Description: Bioinformatics is now a critical skill in many research and commercial environments as biological data are increasing in both size and complexity. South African researchers recognized this need in the mid-1990s and responded by working with the government as well as international bodies to develop initiatives to build bioinformatics capacity in the country. Significant injections of support from these bodies provided a springboard for the establishment of computational biology units at multiple universities throughout the country, which took on teaching, basic research and support roles. Several challenges were encountered, for example with unreliability of funding, lack of skills, and lack of infrastructure. However, the bioinformatics community worked together to overcome these, and South Africa is now arguably the leading country in bioinformatics on the African continent. Here we discuss how the discipline developed in the country, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learnt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mulder, Nicola J , Christoffels, Alan , De Oliveira, Tulio , Gamieldien, Junaid , Hazelhurst, Scott , Joubert, Fourie , Kumuthini, Judit , Pillay, Ché S , Snoep, Jacky L , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Tiffin, Nicki
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148347 , vital:38731 , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004395
- Description: Bioinformatics is now a critical skill in many research and commercial environments as biological data are increasing in both size and complexity. South African researchers recognized this need in the mid-1990s and responded by working with the government as well as international bodies to develop initiatives to build bioinformatics capacity in the country. Significant injections of support from these bodies provided a springboard for the establishment of computational biology units at multiple universities throughout the country, which took on teaching, basic research and support roles. Several challenges were encountered, for example with unreliability of funding, lack of skills, and lack of infrastructure. However, the bioinformatics community worked together to overcome these, and South Africa is now arguably the leading country in bioinformatics on the African continent. Here we discuss how the discipline developed in the country, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learnt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of land-use on small mammal diversity inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Thondhlana, Gladman, Lagesse, Juliette V
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Lagesse, Juliette V
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67823 , vital:29150 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.03.006
- Description: Publisher version , This study investigated small mammal species diversity at 10 paired contrast sites along a fence line inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sites outside the GFRNR are used for subsistence land-based activities including livestock production and fuelwood harvesting. From 145 live captures, a total of 114 unique individuals of five small mammal species (four rodents and one elephant shrew) were recorded over 1170 trap nights. Average small mammal species diversity and abundance were significantly higher inside the reserve than outside. Human activities such as livestock grazing seemed to explain low levels of small mammal diversity and abundance at the communal sites. Vegetation variables showed a complex interplay with small mammal diversity. In general, high vegetation diversity had a positive influence on small mammal diversity though the influence of some environmental variables was species-dependent. We conclude that the GFRNR is effective in protecting small mammals but the findings raise questions around the influence of land use practices such as livestock grazing on biodiversity, especially given that local communities in South Africa are continuously seeking greater access to reserves for livestock grazing and other provisioning services.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Lagesse, Juliette V
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67823 , vital:29150 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.03.006
- Description: Publisher version , This study investigated small mammal species diversity at 10 paired contrast sites along a fence line inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sites outside the GFRNR are used for subsistence land-based activities including livestock production and fuelwood harvesting. From 145 live captures, a total of 114 unique individuals of five small mammal species (four rodents and one elephant shrew) were recorded over 1170 trap nights. Average small mammal species diversity and abundance were significantly higher inside the reserve than outside. Human activities such as livestock grazing seemed to explain low levels of small mammal diversity and abundance at the communal sites. Vegetation variables showed a complex interplay with small mammal diversity. In general, high vegetation diversity had a positive influence on small mammal diversity though the influence of some environmental variables was species-dependent. We conclude that the GFRNR is effective in protecting small mammals but the findings raise questions around the influence of land use practices such as livestock grazing on biodiversity, especially given that local communities in South Africa are continuously seeking greater access to reserves for livestock grazing and other provisioning services.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of novel thiazole-derived small molecules on the neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness and impacts of subsidies to film industries
- Collins, Alan, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of silica based nanoparticles on the photophysicochemical properties, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy study of zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine
- Oluwole, David O, Uddin, Imran, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Uddin, Imran , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240371 , vital:50828 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.07.002"
- Description: Aminopropyl triethoxysilane functionalized core SiO2 and core/shell ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles (NP) were covalently linked to zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc, complex 1) via amide bond formation. The photophysicochemical behavior, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7 cells) of the conjugates were studied. The nanoconjugates showed enhanced photophysicochemical behavior as compared to complex 1 alone. Complex 1 showed higher dark toxicity against MCF-7 cells when compared to the conjugates. In the dark, complex 1 accounted for less than 50% viable cells at 28.6 μg/mL and 57.1 μg/mL compared to the conjugates which accounted for more than 50% cell viability at these concentrations. The in vitro dark viability and PDT activity of complex 1 was reduced in the presence of these nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Uddin, Imran , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240371 , vital:50828 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.07.002"
- Description: Aminopropyl triethoxysilane functionalized core SiO2 and core/shell ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles (NP) were covalently linked to zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc, complex 1) via amide bond formation. The photophysicochemical behavior, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7 cells) of the conjugates were studied. The nanoconjugates showed enhanced photophysicochemical behavior as compared to complex 1 alone. Complex 1 showed higher dark toxicity against MCF-7 cells when compared to the conjugates. In the dark, complex 1 accounted for less than 50% viable cells at 28.6 μg/mL and 57.1 μg/mL compared to the conjugates which accounted for more than 50% cell viability at these concentrations. The in vitro dark viability and PDT activity of complex 1 was reduced in the presence of these nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The evaluation of a talent management programme within a global multinational organisation: a case study
- Authors: Ferguson, Alana Paulette
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64747 , vital:28597
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ferguson, Alana Paulette
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64747 , vital:28597
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The good African society index
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396194 , vital:69157 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-015-0891-z"
- Description: This paper constructs a Good Society Index for 45 African countries, termed the Good African Society Index (GASI). The GASI consists of nine main indexes: (1) economic sustainability, (2) democracy and freedom, (3) child well-being, (4) environment and infrastructure, (5) safety and security, (6) health and health systems, (7) integrity and justice, (8) education, and (9) social sustainability and social cohesion. Each component is split into four sub-components for a total of 36 indicators. Tunisia ranks highest on the GASI, followed by Cape Verde and Botswana. Chad has the lowest GASI score, followed by Central African Republic and Cote d’Ivoire. The GASI is strongly related to the 2012 Human Development Index and Fragile States Index, to a lesser extent, GNI per capita.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396194 , vital:69157 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-015-0891-z"
- Description: This paper constructs a Good Society Index for 45 African countries, termed the Good African Society Index (GASI). The GASI consists of nine main indexes: (1) economic sustainability, (2) democracy and freedom, (3) child well-being, (4) environment and infrastructure, (5) safety and security, (6) health and health systems, (7) integrity and justice, (8) education, and (9) social sustainability and social cohesion. Each component is split into four sub-components for a total of 36 indicators. Tunisia ranks highest on the GASI, followed by Cape Verde and Botswana. Chad has the lowest GASI score, followed by Central African Republic and Cote d’Ivoire. The GASI is strongly related to the 2012 Human Development Index and Fragile States Index, to a lesser extent, GNI per capita.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The Guinea pigs of a problem-based learning curriculum
- Reddy, Sarasvathie, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Reddy, Sarasvathie , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66730 , vital:28987 , ISSN 1470-3300 , https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2014.959542
- Description: Publisher version , Participants in a study on learning the clinical aspects of medicine in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum repeatedly referred to themselves as ‘Guinea pigs’ at the mercy of a curriculum experiment. This article interrogates and problematises the ‘Guinea pig’ identity ascribed to and assumed by the first cohort of students who undertook a PBL curriculum. The article suggests that a range of issues may have come into play in the unfortunate events reported on here, and focuses on the participants’ reported experiences of marginalisation during their clinical education modules in the hospital wards. The impact of power differentials on identity formation was found to be exacerbated by the ‘Guinea pig’ characterisation.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Reddy, Sarasvathie , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66730 , vital:28987 , ISSN 1470-3300 , https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2014.959542
- Description: Publisher version , Participants in a study on learning the clinical aspects of medicine in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum repeatedly referred to themselves as ‘Guinea pigs’ at the mercy of a curriculum experiment. This article interrogates and problematises the ‘Guinea pig’ identity ascribed to and assumed by the first cohort of students who undertook a PBL curriculum. The article suggests that a range of issues may have come into play in the unfortunate events reported on here, and focuses on the participants’ reported experiences of marginalisation during their clinical education modules in the hospital wards. The impact of power differentials on identity formation was found to be exacerbated by the ‘Guinea pig’ characterisation.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The GULLS project: a comparison of vulnerabilities across selected ocean hotspots and implications for adaptation to global change
- Cochrane, Kevern L, Hobday, Alistair J, Aswani, Shankar, Byfield, Val, Dutra, Leo X, Gasalla, Maria A, Haward, Marcus, Paytan, Adina, Pecl, Gretta T, Popova, Katya, Sainulabdeen, Shyam S, Savage, Candida, Sauer, Warwick H H, van Putten, Ingrid E, Visser, Natascha, TG Team
- Authors: Cochrane, Kevern L , Hobday, Alistair J , Aswani, Shankar , Byfield, Val , Dutra, Leo X , Gasalla, Maria A , Haward, Marcus , Paytan, Adina , Pecl, Gretta T , Popova, Katya , Sainulabdeen, Shyam S , Savage, Candida , Sauer, Warwick H H , van Putten, Ingrid E , Visser, Natascha , TG Team
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422037 , vital:71906
- Description: The GULLS project, `Global learning for local solutions: Reducing vulnerability of marine-dependent coastal communities' has been underway since October 2014. The project has been investigating six regional `hotspots': marine areas experiencing rapid warming. These are south-east Australia, Brazil, India, Solomon Islands, South Africa, and the Mozambique Channel and Madagascar. Rapid warming could be expected to have social, cultural and economic impacts that could affect these countries in different ways and may already be doing so. GULLS has focused on contributing to assessing and reducing the vulnerability of coastal communities and other stakeholders dependent on marine resources and to facilitate adaptation to climate change and variability through an integrated and trans-disciplinary approach. It includes participants from Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The research programme has been divided into six inter-linked components: ocean models, biological and ecological sensitivity analyses, system models, social vulnerability, policy mapping, and communication and education. This presentation will provide a brief overview of each of these components and describe the benefits that have resulted from the collaborative and transdisciplinary approach of GULLS. Following the standard vulnerability elements of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, the vulnerabilities of coastal communities and other stakeholders dependent on marine resources in the five hotspots will be compared using a set of indicators derived and populated from results of the research programme. The implications of similarities and differences between the hotspots for adaptation planning and options will be described.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Cochrane, Kevern L , Hobday, Alistair J , Aswani, Shankar , Byfield, Val , Dutra, Leo X , Gasalla, Maria A , Haward, Marcus , Paytan, Adina , Pecl, Gretta T , Popova, Katya , Sainulabdeen, Shyam S , Savage, Candida , Sauer, Warwick H H , van Putten, Ingrid E , Visser, Natascha , TG Team
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422037 , vital:71906
- Description: The GULLS project, `Global learning for local solutions: Reducing vulnerability of marine-dependent coastal communities' has been underway since October 2014. The project has been investigating six regional `hotspots': marine areas experiencing rapid warming. These are south-east Australia, Brazil, India, Solomon Islands, South Africa, and the Mozambique Channel and Madagascar. Rapid warming could be expected to have social, cultural and economic impacts that could affect these countries in different ways and may already be doing so. GULLS has focused on contributing to assessing and reducing the vulnerability of coastal communities and other stakeholders dependent on marine resources and to facilitate adaptation to climate change and variability through an integrated and trans-disciplinary approach. It includes participants from Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The research programme has been divided into six inter-linked components: ocean models, biological and ecological sensitivity analyses, system models, social vulnerability, policy mapping, and communication and education. This presentation will provide a brief overview of each of these components and describe the benefits that have resulted from the collaborative and transdisciplinary approach of GULLS. Following the standard vulnerability elements of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, the vulnerabilities of coastal communities and other stakeholders dependent on marine resources in the five hotspots will be compared using a set of indicators derived and populated from results of the research programme. The implications of similarities and differences between the hotspots for adaptation planning and options will be described.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of geographical origin of two strains of the herbivore, Eccritotarsus catarinensis, on several fitness traits in response to temperature
- Ismail, Mohannad, Brooks, Margot
- Authors: Ismail, Mohannad , Brooks, Margot
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66914 , vital:28999 , ISSN 0306-4565 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2016.07.008
- Description: Publisher version , Adaptation to temperature changes is vital to reduce adverse effects on individuals, and some may present phenotypic changes, which might be accompanied with physiological costs in fitness traits. The objective of this study was to determine whether the two strains of the herbivore Eccritotarsus catarinensis, a biological control agent against water hyacinth in South Africa, differ in their responses to temperature according to their geographical origin. We experimentally quantified the responses of the two strains, at three constant temperatures: 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C, using laboratory cultures that originated from Brazil and Peru, where climates differ. Reproductive output, egg hatching rate, sex ratio and longevity were recorded at each temperature. Fitness traits for both strains were significantly reduced at 30 °C compared with 25 °C and 20 °C in two successive generations. Nonetheless, Peruvian individuals continued their development at 30 °C, whereas Brazilian individuals that succeeded in emerging did not continue their development. In contrast, sex ratio was unaffected by temperature. The Peruvian strain of E. catarinensis presented different phenotypes depending on temperature and was more adapted to extreme high temperature than the Brazilian strain. The tropical origin of the population induces the insect to tolerate the extreme high temperature. We suggest that the Peruvian strain could be better suited for release to control water hyacinth in nature, particularly in regions where temperature is high.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ismail, Mohannad , Brooks, Margot
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66914 , vital:28999 , ISSN 0306-4565 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2016.07.008
- Description: Publisher version , Adaptation to temperature changes is vital to reduce adverse effects on individuals, and some may present phenotypic changes, which might be accompanied with physiological costs in fitness traits. The objective of this study was to determine whether the two strains of the herbivore Eccritotarsus catarinensis, a biological control agent against water hyacinth in South Africa, differ in their responses to temperature according to their geographical origin. We experimentally quantified the responses of the two strains, at three constant temperatures: 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C, using laboratory cultures that originated from Brazil and Peru, where climates differ. Reproductive output, egg hatching rate, sex ratio and longevity were recorded at each temperature. Fitness traits for both strains were significantly reduced at 30 °C compared with 25 °C and 20 °C in two successive generations. Nonetheless, Peruvian individuals continued their development at 30 °C, whereas Brazilian individuals that succeeded in emerging did not continue their development. In contrast, sex ratio was unaffected by temperature. The Peruvian strain of E. catarinensis presented different phenotypes depending on temperature and was more adapted to extreme high temperature than the Brazilian strain. The tropical origin of the population induces the insect to tolerate the extreme high temperature. We suggest that the Peruvian strain could be better suited for release to control water hyacinth in nature, particularly in regions where temperature is high.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of photoperiod on the reproductive physiology of the greater red musk shrew: Crocidura flavescens
- Hoole, C, McKechnie, Andrew E, Parker, Daniel M, Bennett, Nigel C
- Authors: Hoole, C , McKechnie, Andrew E , Parker, Daniel M , Bennett, Nigel C
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70136 , vital:29624 , https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2015-0128
- Description: Photoperiodism involves the use of both absolute measures of day length and the direction in which day length is changing as a cue for regulating seasonal changes in physiology and behaviour so that birth and lactation coincide with optimal resource availability, increasing offspring survival. Induced ovulation and opportunistic breeding is often found in species that are predominantly solitary and territorial. In this study, the photoperiodic reproductive responses of male greater red musk shrews (Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)) were investigated in the laboratory. The presence of spermatozoa regardless of the light cycle, suggest that although the shrews are photoresponsive, they may be capable of breeding throughout the year. Significantly greater testicular volume and eminiferous tubule diameter following exposure to a short day-light cycle suggests that these animals may have breeding peaks that correspond to short days. The presence of epidermal spines on the penis indicates that the shrew is likely also an induced ovulator. Flexible breeding patterns combined with induced ovulation affords this solitary species the greatest chance of reproductive success.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hoole, C , McKechnie, Andrew E , Parker, Daniel M , Bennett, Nigel C
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70136 , vital:29624 , https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2015-0128
- Description: Photoperiodism involves the use of both absolute measures of day length and the direction in which day length is changing as a cue for regulating seasonal changes in physiology and behaviour so that birth and lactation coincide with optimal resource availability, increasing offspring survival. Induced ovulation and opportunistic breeding is often found in species that are predominantly solitary and territorial. In this study, the photoperiodic reproductive responses of male greater red musk shrews (Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)) were investigated in the laboratory. The presence of spermatozoa regardless of the light cycle, suggest that although the shrews are photoresponsive, they may be capable of breeding throughout the year. Significantly greater testicular volume and eminiferous tubule diameter following exposure to a short day-light cycle suggests that these animals may have breeding peaks that correspond to short days. The presence of epidermal spines on the penis indicates that the shrew is likely also an induced ovulator. Flexible breeding patterns combined with induced ovulation affords this solitary species the greatest chance of reproductive success.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of photoperiod on the reproductive physiology of the greater red musk shrew: Crocidura flavescens
- Hoole, C, McKechnie, Andrew E, Parker, Daniel M, Bennett, Nigel C
- Authors: Hoole, C , McKechnie, Andrew E , Parker, Daniel M , Bennett, Nigel C
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70157 , vital:29626 , https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2015-0128
- Description: Photoperiodism involves the use of both absolute measures of day length and the direction in which day length is changing as a cue for regulating seasonal changes in physiology and behaviour so that birth and lactation coincide with optimal resource availability, increasing offspring survival. Induced ovulation and opportunistic breeding is often found in species that are predominantly solitary and territorial. In this study, the photoperiodic reproductive responses of male greater red musk shrews (Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)) were investigated in the laboratory. The presence of spermatozoa regardless of the light cycle, suggest that although the shrews are photoresponsive, they may be capable of breeding throughout the year. Significantly greater testicular volume and eminiferous tubule diameter following exposure to a short day-light cycle suggests that these animals may have breeding peaks that correspond to short days. The presence of epidermal spines on the penis indicates that the shrew is likely also an induced ovulator. Flexible breeding patterns combined with induced ovulation affords this solitary species the greatest chance of reproductive success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hoole, C , McKechnie, Andrew E , Parker, Daniel M , Bennett, Nigel C
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70157 , vital:29626 , https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2015-0128
- Description: Photoperiodism involves the use of both absolute measures of day length and the direction in which day length is changing as a cue for regulating seasonal changes in physiology and behaviour so that birth and lactation coincide with optimal resource availability, increasing offspring survival. Induced ovulation and opportunistic breeding is often found in species that are predominantly solitary and territorial. In this study, the photoperiodic reproductive responses of male greater red musk shrews (Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)) were investigated in the laboratory. The presence of spermatozoa regardless of the light cycle, suggest that although the shrews are photoresponsive, they may be capable of breeding throughout the year. Significantly greater testicular volume and eminiferous tubule diameter following exposure to a short day-light cycle suggests that these animals may have breeding peaks that correspond to short days. The presence of epidermal spines on the penis indicates that the shrew is likely also an induced ovulator. Flexible breeding patterns combined with induced ovulation affords this solitary species the greatest chance of reproductive success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The inhibitory effects of various substrate pre-treatment by-products and wash liquors on mannanolytic enzymes
- Malgas, Samkelo, Van Dyk, J Susan, Abboo, Sagaran, Pletschke, Brett I
- Authors: Malgas, Samkelo , Van Dyk, J Susan , Abboo, Sagaran , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66156 , vital:28911 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcatb.2015.11.014
- Description: publisher version , Biomass pre-treatment is essential for achieving high levels of bioconversion through increased accessibility of hydrolytic enzymes to hydrolysable carbohydrates. However, pre-treatment by-products, such as sugar and lignin degradation products, can negatively affect the performance of hydrolytic (mannanolytic) enzymes. In this study, two monomeric sugars, five sugar degradation products, five lignin derivatives and four liquors from biomass feedstocks pre-treated by different technologies, were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on mannanolytic enzymes (α-galactosidases, β-mannanases and β-mannosidases). Lignin derivatives elicited the greatest inhibitory effect on the mannanolytic enzymes, followed by organic acids and furan derivatives derived from sugar degradation. Lignin derivative inhibition appeared to be as a result of protein–phenolic complexation, leading to protein precipitating out of solution. The functional groups on the phenolic lignin derivatives appeared to be directly related to the ability of the phenolic to interfere with enzyme activity, with the phenolic containing the highest hydroxyl group content exhibiting the greatest inhibition. It was also demonstrated that various pre-treatment technologies render different pre-treatment soluble by-products which interact in various ways with the mannanolytic enzymes. The different types of biomass (i.e. different plant species) were also shown to release different by-products that interacted with the mannanolytic enzymes in a diverse manner even when the biomass was pre-treated using the same technology. Enzyme inhibition by pre-treatment by-products can be alleviated through the removal of these compounds prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to maximize enzyme activity.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Malgas, Samkelo , Van Dyk, J Susan , Abboo, Sagaran , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66156 , vital:28911 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcatb.2015.11.014
- Description: publisher version , Biomass pre-treatment is essential for achieving high levels of bioconversion through increased accessibility of hydrolytic enzymes to hydrolysable carbohydrates. However, pre-treatment by-products, such as sugar and lignin degradation products, can negatively affect the performance of hydrolytic (mannanolytic) enzymes. In this study, two monomeric sugars, five sugar degradation products, five lignin derivatives and four liquors from biomass feedstocks pre-treated by different technologies, were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on mannanolytic enzymes (α-galactosidases, β-mannanases and β-mannosidases). Lignin derivatives elicited the greatest inhibitory effect on the mannanolytic enzymes, followed by organic acids and furan derivatives derived from sugar degradation. Lignin derivative inhibition appeared to be as a result of protein–phenolic complexation, leading to protein precipitating out of solution. The functional groups on the phenolic lignin derivatives appeared to be directly related to the ability of the phenolic to interfere with enzyme activity, with the phenolic containing the highest hydroxyl group content exhibiting the greatest inhibition. It was also demonstrated that various pre-treatment technologies render different pre-treatment soluble by-products which interact in various ways with the mannanolytic enzymes. The different types of biomass (i.e. different plant species) were also shown to release different by-products that interacted with the mannanolytic enzymes in a diverse manner even when the biomass was pre-treated using the same technology. Enzyme inhibition by pre-treatment by-products can be alleviated through the removal of these compounds prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to maximize enzyme activity.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The interaction between graphene quantum dots grafted with polyethyleneimine and Au@ Ag nanoparticles
- Achadu, Ojodomo John, Uddin, Imran, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Uddin, Imran , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188679 , vital:44775 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.03.016"
- Description: Graphene quantum dots grafted with polyethyleneimine (GQDs-PEI) and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles blend was demonstrated to be a novel biosensing nanoprobe for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcys) and glutathione (GSH). The fluorescence emission of GQDs-PEI was quenched efficiently upon interaction with Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. The quenched fluorescence emission of the GQDs-PEI was restored in the presence of the biothiols. The fluorimetric sensing is based on the strong affinity between the mercapto (SH) groups of the biothiols and the Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles by which the interaction between GQDs-PEI and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles was disrupted with a consequent modulation (‘turn-on’) of the quenched GQDs-PEI emission. Thus, a new, simple, rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence nanoprobe for detecting biothiols has been developed in this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Uddin, Imran , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188679 , vital:44775 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.03.016"
- Description: Graphene quantum dots grafted with polyethyleneimine (GQDs-PEI) and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles blend was demonstrated to be a novel biosensing nanoprobe for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcys) and glutathione (GSH). The fluorescence emission of GQDs-PEI was quenched efficiently upon interaction with Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. The quenched fluorescence emission of the GQDs-PEI was restored in the presence of the biothiols. The fluorimetric sensing is based on the strong affinity between the mercapto (SH) groups of the biothiols and the Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles by which the interaction between GQDs-PEI and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles was disrupted with a consequent modulation (‘turn-on’) of the quenched GQDs-PEI emission. Thus, a new, simple, rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence nanoprobe for detecting biothiols has been developed in this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016