Introduction:Early childhood development(ECD)centres are important community hubs in South Africa and act as sites for community detection of childhood nutrition problems.This study aimed to assess the ability of trai...Introduction:Early childhood development(ECD)centres are important community hubs in South Africa and act as sites for community detection of childhood nutrition problems.This study aimed to assess the ability of trained ECD practitioners with optimal support to correctly classify the nutritional status of infants and young children at ECD centres in the Nelson Mandela Bay.Methods:A descriptive,cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 1645 infants and children at 88 ECD centres.Anthropometric measurements were taken by trained fieldworkers and growth monitoring and promotion infrastructure was audited at ECD centres.Results:Of the sample,4.4%(n=72)were underweight by weight for age Z-score(WAZ<-2)and 0.8%(n=13)were severely underweight(WAZ<-3).Results showed that 13.1%(n=214)were stunted by height for age Z-score(HAZ<-2)and 4.5%(n=74)were severely stunted(HAZ<-3).The prevalence of moderate acute malnutrition was 1.2%and severe acute malnutrition was 0.5%,while the prevalence of overweight was 9.2%and the prevalence of obesity was 4%.A significant level of agreement between the correct interpretation and the ECD practitioners'interpretation was observed across all the anthropometric indicators investigated.The true positive wasting cases had a mean mid-upper arm circumference(MUAC)of 14.6 cm,which may explain the high false negative rate found in terms of children identified with wasting,where ECD practitioners fail to use the weight for height Z-score(WHZ)interpretation for screening.Conclusion:By using ECD centres as hub to screen for malnutrition,it may contribute to the early identification of failure to thrive among young children.Although it was concerning that trained ECD practitioners are missing some children with an unacceptably high false negative rate,it may have been due to the fact that wasting in older children cannot be identified with MUAC alone and that accurate WFH plotting is needed.Onsite mentorship by governmental health workers may provide ECD practitioners with more confidence to screen children for growth failure based on regular WFH measurements.Moreover,ECD practitioners will be more confident to monitor the Road to Health booklets for missed vaccinations,vitamin A and deworming opportunities.展开更多
Use of synthetic pesticides to manage crop pests has had a toll on human health, environmental safety and farmer’s income creating a need for alternative crop protection strategies. Botanical pesticides have been rep...Use of synthetic pesticides to manage crop pests has had a toll on human health, environmental safety and farmer’s income creating a need for alternative crop protection strategies. Botanical pesticides have been reported to be effective in managing crop pests, and a number of them have been formulated and commercialized. This study was conducted in North-Eastern Tanzania to establish the pesticidal and medicinal value of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale). Purposive sampling was adopted to select and interview 167 respondents drawn from farmers, traders, pharmaceutical shops, agro-shop operators and consumers of turmeric and ginger. Ginger and turmeric rhizomes were also collected for extraction, antifungal assay and biochemical analysis. Results showed that majority of the respondents were aware of the medicinal value of ginger and turmeric, with 59.5% having used the plants to treat respiratory related infections and healing skin surface and internal wounds. About 14% of farmers were aware of and had used aqueous botanical preparations from neem, moringa and Tephrosia to manage insect pests. Only 2.7% of farmers had used ginger powder as a protective insecticide on stored grains. Ginger and turmeric rhizome extracts showed high antifungal activity against Pythium (83% - 95%), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (34% - 52%) and Alternaria solani (38% - 53%). A GC-MS analysis of ginger and turmeric extracts showed presence of α-zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, α-farnesene, ar-curcumene, α-copaene, ar-tumerone and curlone. This study recommends that ginger and turmeric extracts be considered for development of a botanical pesticide and especially for management of damping off diseases.展开更多
1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation ...1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation com-prises adaptive management practices aimed at bolstering the resilience of ecosystems and species amid climate variability(Birchall et al.,2021;Gabriel-Campos et al.,2021).展开更多
The Agulhas Current is a major western boundary current flowing polewards on the southeast coast of South Africa.This analysis assesses its characteristics and suitability to generate power as a source of clean renewa...The Agulhas Current is a major western boundary current flowing polewards on the southeast coast of South Africa.This analysis assesses its characteristics and suitability to generate power as a source of clean renewable energy.On a section of coastline some 400 km long,over a period spanning more than 5 years an extensive set of current measurements was obtained.These data confirmed that south-westward currents with a speed greater than 1.2 m s^(-1)occurred over more than 60%of the recorded time;such ocean current speeds compare very favourably to winds required for energy generation.These currents occurred at the continental shelf break in water depths around 100 m,in the upper 50 m of the water column.Occasional current slowdowns and reversals did occur,with the major influence coming from‘Natal Pulses’,which are large-scale meanders in the Current that temporarily reversed the currents at the measurement sites.However,because of the surface temperature structure of the relevant water masses,such meanders can be identified in satellite imagery giving a few days advance warning of such current reversals.The characteristics of western boundary currents have been known for many years,but at Present,there is no operational system where this source of power is being utilised.It has tremendous potential for renewable energy generation,but is symptomatic of the many engineering challenges that still have to be solved to make such generation economically viable.展开更多
Background:Congenital cardiac diseases(CCD)are common congenital birth defects that require high-risk surgery.Outcomes following congenital cardiac surgery in children living in high-income countries(HIC)have been doc...Background:Congenital cardiac diseases(CCD)are common congenital birth defects that require high-risk surgery.Outcomes following congenital cardiac surgery in children living in high-income countries(HIC)have been documented,but little is known from the African continent.This study aimed to determine factors associated with perioperative mortality in patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery at our institution.Methods:This retrospective,cross-sectional study was conducted at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital over 12 years(2006–2017).A multivariable regression analysis was performed for the factors which had a p-value of 0.1 and less in the univariable regression analysis.A Cox regression analysis was performed for mortality over time.All hypothesis testing accepted a p-value of<0.05 as statistically signiffcant.Results:There was an 11%(188/1701)in-hospital mortality rate overall.Patients who had a median age of 0.33 years(interquartile range[IQR]0.13–1.25),weight of 5 kg(IQR 3.45–8.20),longer cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)of 179 min(16.0–275.5)and aortic cross-clamp of 82.5 min(35–139)were at greater risk of in-hospital mortality.Palliative surgeries had the highest in-hospital mortality rate at 41%.Cardiopulmonary bypass time(p<0.001),ICU length of stay(p<0.001),aortic cross-clamp time(p=0.001)and days on the ventilator(p<0.001)were independently predictive of perioperative all-cause in-hospital mortality in a multivariable regression model.Current predictive scoring systems had inconsistent performance,with the STAT 2020 mortality score being predictive in a multivariable regression analysis(p=0.038)and the RACHS-2 score in a Cox regression analysis(p=0.002).Conclusions:Perioperative mortality following congenital cardiac surgery was higher in our study group compared to HICs.Future prospective studies are required to highlight the need to prioritise and invest in the declining services provided to children with CCD in South Africa’s public sector.展开更多
The materialization of polybutylene succinate(PBS)belongs to the family of polyesters which are degrad-able and biodegradable,their biodegradability properties have attracted enormous interest for product development ...The materialization of polybutylene succinate(PBS)belongs to the family of polyesters which are degrad-able and biodegradable,their biodegradability properties have attracted enormous interest for product development towards different polymer-based applications.Besides its biodegradability,PBS can be derived from petroleum and biobased monomers.At the same time,the latter is the driving factor for its growing interest in bioplastics for fully green and sustainable biobased-derived polymer products.The processes and techniques presented herein,are based on the production of biobased succinic acid monomer to PBS.However,the counterpart biobased monomer 1,4-butanediol(1,4-BDO)production has not been commercially demonstrated.This review discusses the progress in state-of-the-art developments in the synthesis strategies of PBS,its copolymers,and composites with the view to improve molecular weight,thermal,and mechanical properties.It further analyzes the different strategies to synthesize modified PBS polymer composites from organic and inorganic nanofillers to enhance their chemical,thermal,stability and mechanical structural properties.Importantly,the review highlights the progress in the applications of PBS copolymers and composites with tailored structure-designed properties for specific sectors such as packaging films,biomedical and drug release,fire retardants,and agricultural products.The structure-functional performance characteristics of these developments in the PBS,copolymers,and composites are highlighted to provide baseline insights for future developments in engineering the specific applications,and structural interface PBS composites with enhanced structure-functional performance properties.展开更多
This study explores the determinants of impact on ecology in Northern Tanzania.By examining key socio-economic,institutional,and structural factors influencing engagement the study provides insights in strengthening a...This study explores the determinants of impact on ecology in Northern Tanzania.By examining key socio-economic,institutional,and structural factors influencing engagement the study provides insights in strengthening agribusiness networks and improving livelihoods.Data was collected from 215 farmers and 320 traders through a multistage sampling procedure.Heckman AI sample selection model was used in data analysis whereby the findings showed key factors influencing farmers’decisions on ecology were gender and years of formal education at p<0.1,and access to finance and off-farm income at p<0.05.The degree of farmers participation in social groups was influenced by age,household size,off-farm income and business network at p<0.05,number of years in formal education and access to finance at p<0.01,and distance to the market at p<0.1.The decision of traders to impact on ecology was significantly influenced by age and trading experience at p<0.1.Meanwhile,the degree of their involvement in social groups was strongly affected by gender,formal education,and trust at p<0.01,as well as by access to finance and business networks at p<0.05.The study concluded that natural ecology is influenced by socio economic and structural factors but trust among group members determine the degree of participation.The study recommends that strategies to improve agribusiness networks should understand underlying causes of impact on ecology and strengthen available social groups to improve performance of farmers and traders.展开更多
The Makhonjwa Mountains, traditionally referred to as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, retain an iconic Paleoarchean archive against which numerical models of early earth geodynamics can be tested. We present new geolog...The Makhonjwa Mountains, traditionally referred to as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, retain an iconic Paleoarchean archive against which numerical models of early earth geodynamics can be tested. We present new geologic and structural maps, geochemical plots, geo- and thermo-chronology, and geophysical data from seven silicic, mafic to ultramafic complexes separated by major shear systems across the southern Makhonjwa Mountains. All reveal signs of modern oceanic back-arc crust and subductionrelated processes. We compare the rates of processes determined from this data and balance these against plate tectonic and plume related models. Robust rates of both horizontal and vertical tectonic processes derived from the Makhonjwa Mountain complexes are similar, well within an order of magnitude, to those encountered across modern oceanic and orogenic terrains flanking Western Pacific-like subduction zones. We conclude that plate tectonics and linked plate-boundary processes were well established by 3.2-3.6 Ga. Our work provides new constraints for modellers with rates of a 'basket' of processes against which to test Paleoarchean geodynamic models over a time period close to the length of the Phanerozoic.展开更多
· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching...· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·展开更多
基金Nelson Mandela University,London Metropolitan University and UNICEF。
文摘Introduction:Early childhood development(ECD)centres are important community hubs in South Africa and act as sites for community detection of childhood nutrition problems.This study aimed to assess the ability of trained ECD practitioners with optimal support to correctly classify the nutritional status of infants and young children at ECD centres in the Nelson Mandela Bay.Methods:A descriptive,cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 1645 infants and children at 88 ECD centres.Anthropometric measurements were taken by trained fieldworkers and growth monitoring and promotion infrastructure was audited at ECD centres.Results:Of the sample,4.4%(n=72)were underweight by weight for age Z-score(WAZ<-2)and 0.8%(n=13)were severely underweight(WAZ<-3).Results showed that 13.1%(n=214)were stunted by height for age Z-score(HAZ<-2)and 4.5%(n=74)were severely stunted(HAZ<-3).The prevalence of moderate acute malnutrition was 1.2%and severe acute malnutrition was 0.5%,while the prevalence of overweight was 9.2%and the prevalence of obesity was 4%.A significant level of agreement between the correct interpretation and the ECD practitioners'interpretation was observed across all the anthropometric indicators investigated.The true positive wasting cases had a mean mid-upper arm circumference(MUAC)of 14.6 cm,which may explain the high false negative rate found in terms of children identified with wasting,where ECD practitioners fail to use the weight for height Z-score(WHZ)interpretation for screening.Conclusion:By using ECD centres as hub to screen for malnutrition,it may contribute to the early identification of failure to thrive among young children.Although it was concerning that trained ECD practitioners are missing some children with an unacceptably high false negative rate,it may have been due to the fact that wasting in older children cannot be identified with MUAC alone and that accurate WFH plotting is needed.Onsite mentorship by governmental health workers may provide ECD practitioners with more confidence to screen children for growth failure based on regular WFH measurements.Moreover,ECD practitioners will be more confident to monitor the Road to Health booklets for missed vaccinations,vitamin A and deworming opportunities.
文摘Use of synthetic pesticides to manage crop pests has had a toll on human health, environmental safety and farmer’s income creating a need for alternative crop protection strategies. Botanical pesticides have been reported to be effective in managing crop pests, and a number of them have been formulated and commercialized. This study was conducted in North-Eastern Tanzania to establish the pesticidal and medicinal value of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale). Purposive sampling was adopted to select and interview 167 respondents drawn from farmers, traders, pharmaceutical shops, agro-shop operators and consumers of turmeric and ginger. Ginger and turmeric rhizomes were also collected for extraction, antifungal assay and biochemical analysis. Results showed that majority of the respondents were aware of the medicinal value of ginger and turmeric, with 59.5% having used the plants to treat respiratory related infections and healing skin surface and internal wounds. About 14% of farmers were aware of and had used aqueous botanical preparations from neem, moringa and Tephrosia to manage insect pests. Only 2.7% of farmers had used ginger powder as a protective insecticide on stored grains. Ginger and turmeric rhizome extracts showed high antifungal activity against Pythium (83% - 95%), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (34% - 52%) and Alternaria solani (38% - 53%). A GC-MS analysis of ginger and turmeric extracts showed presence of α-zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, α-farnesene, ar-curcumene, α-copaene, ar-tumerone and curlone. This study recommends that ginger and turmeric extracts be considered for development of a botanical pesticide and especially for management of damping off diseases.
文摘1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation com-prises adaptive management practices aimed at bolstering the resilience of ecosystems and species amid climate variability(Birchall et al.,2021;Gabriel-Campos et al.,2021).
文摘The Agulhas Current is a major western boundary current flowing polewards on the southeast coast of South Africa.This analysis assesses its characteristics and suitability to generate power as a source of clean renewable energy.On a section of coastline some 400 km long,over a period spanning more than 5 years an extensive set of current measurements was obtained.These data confirmed that south-westward currents with a speed greater than 1.2 m s^(-1)occurred over more than 60%of the recorded time;such ocean current speeds compare very favourably to winds required for energy generation.These currents occurred at the continental shelf break in water depths around 100 m,in the upper 50 m of the water column.Occasional current slowdowns and reversals did occur,with the major influence coming from‘Natal Pulses’,which are large-scale meanders in the Current that temporarily reversed the currents at the measurement sites.However,because of the surface temperature structure of the relevant water masses,such meanders can be identified in satellite imagery giving a few days advance warning of such current reversals.The characteristics of western boundary currents have been known for many years,but at Present,there is no operational system where this source of power is being utilised.It has tremendous potential for renewable energy generation,but is symptomatic of the many engineering challenges that still have to be solved to make such generation economically viable.
文摘Background:Congenital cardiac diseases(CCD)are common congenital birth defects that require high-risk surgery.Outcomes following congenital cardiac surgery in children living in high-income countries(HIC)have been documented,but little is known from the African continent.This study aimed to determine factors associated with perioperative mortality in patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery at our institution.Methods:This retrospective,cross-sectional study was conducted at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital over 12 years(2006–2017).A multivariable regression analysis was performed for the factors which had a p-value of 0.1 and less in the univariable regression analysis.A Cox regression analysis was performed for mortality over time.All hypothesis testing accepted a p-value of<0.05 as statistically signiffcant.Results:There was an 11%(188/1701)in-hospital mortality rate overall.Patients who had a median age of 0.33 years(interquartile range[IQR]0.13–1.25),weight of 5 kg(IQR 3.45–8.20),longer cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)of 179 min(16.0–275.5)and aortic cross-clamp of 82.5 min(35–139)were at greater risk of in-hospital mortality.Palliative surgeries had the highest in-hospital mortality rate at 41%.Cardiopulmonary bypass time(p<0.001),ICU length of stay(p<0.001),aortic cross-clamp time(p=0.001)and days on the ventilator(p<0.001)were independently predictive of perioperative all-cause in-hospital mortality in a multivariable regression model.Current predictive scoring systems had inconsistent performance,with the STAT 2020 mortality score being predictive in a multivariable regression analysis(p=0.038)and the RACHS-2 score in a Cox regression analysis(p=0.002).Conclusions:Perioperative mortality following congenital cardiac surgery was higher in our study group compared to HICs.Future prospective studies are required to highlight the need to prioritise and invest in the declining services provided to children with CCD in South Africa’s public sector.
文摘The materialization of polybutylene succinate(PBS)belongs to the family of polyesters which are degrad-able and biodegradable,their biodegradability properties have attracted enormous interest for product development towards different polymer-based applications.Besides its biodegradability,PBS can be derived from petroleum and biobased monomers.At the same time,the latter is the driving factor for its growing interest in bioplastics for fully green and sustainable biobased-derived polymer products.The processes and techniques presented herein,are based on the production of biobased succinic acid monomer to PBS.However,the counterpart biobased monomer 1,4-butanediol(1,4-BDO)production has not been commercially demonstrated.This review discusses the progress in state-of-the-art developments in the synthesis strategies of PBS,its copolymers,and composites with the view to improve molecular weight,thermal,and mechanical properties.It further analyzes the different strategies to synthesize modified PBS polymer composites from organic and inorganic nanofillers to enhance their chemical,thermal,stability and mechanical structural properties.Importantly,the review highlights the progress in the applications of PBS copolymers and composites with tailored structure-designed properties for specific sectors such as packaging films,biomedical and drug release,fire retardants,and agricultural products.The structure-functional performance characteristics of these developments in the PBS,copolymers,and composites are highlighted to provide baseline insights for future developments in engineering the specific applications,and structural interface PBS composites with enhanced structure-functional performance properties.
基金financed as part of the project“Development of a methodology for instrumental base formation for analysis and modeling of the spatial socio-economic development of systems based on internal reserves in the context of digitalization”(FSEG-2023-0008).
文摘This study explores the determinants of impact on ecology in Northern Tanzania.By examining key socio-economic,institutional,and structural factors influencing engagement the study provides insights in strengthening agribusiness networks and improving livelihoods.Data was collected from 215 farmers and 320 traders through a multistage sampling procedure.Heckman AI sample selection model was used in data analysis whereby the findings showed key factors influencing farmers’decisions on ecology were gender and years of formal education at p<0.1,and access to finance and off-farm income at p<0.05.The degree of farmers participation in social groups was influenced by age,household size,off-farm income and business network at p<0.05,number of years in formal education and access to finance at p<0.01,and distance to the market at p<0.1.The decision of traders to impact on ecology was significantly influenced by age and trading experience at p<0.1.Meanwhile,the degree of their involvement in social groups was strongly affected by gender,formal education,and trust at p<0.01,as well as by access to finance and business networks at p<0.05.The study concluded that natural ecology is influenced by socio economic and structural factors but trust among group members determine the degree of participation.The study recommends that strategies to improve agribusiness networks should understand underlying causes of impact on ecology and strengthen available social groups to improve performance of farmers and traders.
基金funded from 1978 by the SACUGS (South African Committee for the International Union of Geological Sciences)on behalf of the CSIR (Council for scientific and Industrial Research)funding continued through the South African FRD(Foundation for Research and Development)+7 种基金the NRF(National Research Foundation)NRF funding was largely met through the joint SA-German Inkaba yeAfrica programfunded through the Global Change Program of DST(Department of Science and Technology)funded through the Norwegian Research Councilthe Meltzer Fund(University of Bergen)funding from the Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergenfunded through Cor LangereisAndrew Biggin (University Utrecht) by the Dutch ALWNWO (Aarden Levenswetenschappen division of the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek)
文摘The Makhonjwa Mountains, traditionally referred to as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, retain an iconic Paleoarchean archive against which numerical models of early earth geodynamics can be tested. We present new geologic and structural maps, geochemical plots, geo- and thermo-chronology, and geophysical data from seven silicic, mafic to ultramafic complexes separated by major shear systems across the southern Makhonjwa Mountains. All reveal signs of modern oceanic back-arc crust and subductionrelated processes. We compare the rates of processes determined from this data and balance these against plate tectonic and plume related models. Robust rates of both horizontal and vertical tectonic processes derived from the Makhonjwa Mountain complexes are similar, well within an order of magnitude, to those encountered across modern oceanic and orogenic terrains flanking Western Pacific-like subduction zones. We conclude that plate tectonics and linked plate-boundary processes were well established by 3.2-3.6 Ga. Our work provides new constraints for modellers with rates of a 'basket' of processes against which to test Paleoarchean geodynamic models over a time period close to the length of the Phanerozoic.
文摘· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·
