bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes, Nature and Effects of Variations in Highways
Authors: Priyantha THS , Karunasena Gayani , Rodrigo VAK
Published: May 2011

Highways play a significant role in the economic growth of developing countries. Sri Lankan government also has realized such importance and has directed special focus on constructing new highways. However, highways construction is not a simple task and these projects are often typified by risk and complexities which create a range of problems that has to be dealt with utmost care. Variations are one of them, which commonly occur due to uncertain scopes of work defined at the beginning. Thus, this study is undertaken to identify causes, nature and effects of variations in highways construction in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire survey was undertaken to identify frequent causes of variations and semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture data regarding nature and effects of variations. The results revealed that change in mind force and requirement increases were the main causes of client originated variations while design changes and defects in BOQ were the main causes of consultant originated variations. Land acquisition and funds arranging issues were identified as main unforeseeable cause that originates variations. The study further revealed that omission of any work has a significant impact on the nature of variations. In most situations, variations have resulted in cost overruns with an average increase of 9.9% of the initial contract sum. Keywords: Causes of variations; Nature of variations; Effects of variations; Highway construction; Sri Lanka DOI: 10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.3056 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.14-20
Single-Cell Analysis of the Human T Regulatory Population Uncovers Functional Heterogeneity and Instability within FOXP3+ Cells
Authors: d’Hennezel Eva , Yurchenko Ekaterina , Sgouroudis Evridiki , Hay Valérie , Piccirillo Ciriaco A.
Published: May 2011

Natural FOXP3+CD4+CD25High regulatory T cells are critical in immunological self-tolerance. Their characterization in humans is hindered by the failure to discriminate these cells from activated effector T cells in inflammation. To explore the relationship between FOXP3 expression and regulatory function at the clonal level, we used a single-cell cloning strategy of CD25-expressing CD4+ T cell subsets from healthy human donors. Our approach unveils a functional heterogeneity nested within CD4+CD25HighFOXP3+ T cells, and typically not revealed by conventional bulk assays. Whereas most cells display the canonical regulatory T (Treg) cell characteristics, a significant proportion of FOXP3+ T cells is compromised in its suppressive function, despite the maintenance of other phenotypic and functional regulatory T hallmark features. In addition, these nonsuppressive FOXP3+ T cells preferentially emerge from the CD45RO+ memory pool, and arise as a consequence of a rapid downregulation of FOXP3 expression upon T cell reactivation. Surprisingly, these dysfunctional Treg cells with unstable FOXP3 expression do not manifest overt plasticity in terms of inflammatory cytokine secretion. These results open a path to an extensive study of the functional heterogeneity of CD4+CD25HighFOXP3+ Treg cells and warrant caution in the sole use of FOXP3 as a clinical marker for monitoring of immune regulation in humans.
IL-13 Induces Skin Fibrosis in Atopic Dermatitis by Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin
Authors: Oh Min-Hee , Oh Sun Young , Yu Jinho , Myers Allen C. , Leonard Warren J. , Liu Yong Jun , Zhu Zhou , Zheng Tao
Published: May 2011

Skin fibrotic remodeling is a major feature in human atopic dermatitis (AD). Inflammation and tissue fibrosis are common consequences of Th2 responses. Elevated IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have been found in the AD skin lesions. Fibrocytes can be recruited to inflamed tissues to promote wound healing and fibrosis. Dermal transgenic expression of IL-13 causes an AD-like phenotype with fibrosis and increased TSLP. However, the role of TSLP in fibrotic remodeling is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of TSLP and fibrocytes in the generation of IL-13–induced skin fibrosis. In AD lesion, cessation of IL-13 transgene expression resulted in reduced skin inflammation but with no effect on further progression of fibrosis. This was accompanied by markedly increased CD34+/procollagen 1+ fibrocytes. Furthermore, fibrocytes express TSLP receptor (TSLPR), and TSLP directly promotes PBMC-derived fibrocytes to produce collagen. Neutralization of TSLP or genetic deletion of TSLPR in IL-13 transgenic mice resulted in a significant reduction in fibrocytes and in skin fibrosis. Furthermore, reduction of fibrosis by depletion of TSLP was independent of IL-13. Interestingly, the number of fibrocytes was highly increased in the skin samples of AD patients. These data indicate that the progression of skin fibrosis in IL-13–induced AD occurs via TSLP/TSLPR-dependent but IL-13–independent novel mechanisms by promoting fibrocyte functions.
Screening the MayBridge Rule of 3 Fragment Library for Compounds That Interact with theTrypanosoma brucei myo-Inositol-3-Phosphate Synthase and/or Show Trypanocidal Activity
Authors: Major Louise L. , Smith Terry K.
Published: May 2011

Inositol-3-phosphate synthase (INO1) has previously been genetically validated as a drug target againstTrypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. Chemical intervention of this essential enzyme could lead to new therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, no potent inhibitors of INO1 from any organism have been reported, so a screen for potential novel inhibitors ofT. bruceiINO1was undertaken. Detection of inhibition ofT. bruceiINO1 is problematic due to the nature of the reaction. Direct detection requires differentiation between glucose-6-phosphate and inositol-3-phosphate. Coupled enzyme assays could give false positives as potentially they could inhibit the coupling enzyme. Thus, an alternative approach of differential scanning fluorimetry to identify compounds that interact withT. bruceiINO1 was employed to screen ~670 compounds from the MayBridge Rule of 3 Fragment Library. This approach identified 38 compounds, which significantly altered the Tmof TbINO1. Four compounds showed trypanocidal activity with ED50s in the tens of micromolar range, with 2 having a selectivity index in excess of 250. The trypanocidal and general cytotoxicity activities of all of the compounds in the library are also reported, with the best having ED50S of ~20 μM againstT. brucei.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Activities of Daily Living in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Pan Weidong , Kwak Shin , Liu Yun , Sun Yan , Fang Zhenglong , Qin Baofeng , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: May 2011

We evaluated the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), named Zeng-xiao An-shen Zhi-chan 2 (ZAZ2), on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Among 115 patients with idiopathic PD enrolled (mean age, 64.7 ± 10.2 years old), 110 patients (M = 65, F = 45; mean age, 64.9 ± 10.7 years old) completed the study. Patients took either ZAZ2 () or placebo granule () in a blind manner for 13 weeks while maintaining other anti-Parkinson medications unchanged. All participants wore a motion logger, and we analyzed the power-law temporal autocorrelation of the motion logger records taken on 3 occasions (before, one week, and 13 weeks after the drug administration). Drug efficacy was evaluated with the conventional Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), as well as the power-law exponentα, which corresponds to the level of physical activity of the patients. ZAZ2 but not placebo granule improved the awake-sleep rhythm, the UPDRS Part II, Part II + III, and Part IV scores, and theαvalues. The results indicate that ZAZ2 improved activities of daily living (ADL) of parkinsonism and, thus, is a potentially suitable drug for long-term use.
Effectiveness of Cyclosporine and Mycophenolate Mofetil in a Child with Refractory Evans Syndrome
Authors: Farruggia Piero , Macaluso Alessandra , Tropia Serena , Genova Selene , Paolicchi Olivia , Di Marco Floriana , D'Angelo Paolo
Published: May 2011

Evans Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease consisting of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia. It may be associated with other autoimmune or lymphoproliferative diseases. Its course can be extremely serious and, rarely, even life-threatening; thus it represents a excellent treatment challenge for the pediatric hematologist. First line treatment consists of steroids and/or immunoglobulin; further therapy with rituximab, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressive drugs can be considered in unresponsive patients. We describe a baby with refractory Evans Syndrome that was cured by prolonged administration of mycophenolate mofetil and remained disease-free for 4 years after the discontinuation of treatment.
Positive and negative emotional responses to workrelated trauma of intensive care nurses in private health care facilities
Authors: Elkonin Diane , Van der Vyver Lizelle
Published: May 2011

Intensive care nursing is a stressful occupation and nurses are continually subjected to both primary and secondary trauma. Responses may be positive in the form of compassion satisfaction, or negative in the form of compassion fatigue. However, nurses tend to deny the negative impact of secondary trauma which leads to the silencing response and subsequent burnout. This article explores and describes the presence of these emotions and the relationships between them. A quantitative approach with a non-probability sampling method was used. The sample consisted of 30 registered nurses working in private health care intensive care units in East London, Eastern Cape. Data were gathered via the Professional Quality of Life Scale: Compassion Satisfaction and Fatigue Subscales – Revision IV (ProQOL – R-IV) and the Silencing Response Scale and were analysed according to descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients. Findings suggest a high risk for compassion fatigue, a moderate risk for burnout and the silencing response and moderate potential for compassion satisfaction. A marked negative relationship was found between compassion satisfaction and burnout and a substantial positive relationship between compassion fatigue and burnout, as well as compassion fatigue and the silencing response.OpsommingIntensiewesorgverpleging is ‘n stresvolle beroep en verpleegsters word gedurig aan beide primêre en sekondêre trauma blootgestel. Reaksie hierop kan óf positief wees, in die vorm van empatie-tevredenheid, óf negatief, in die vorm van empatie-uitputting. Verpleegsters is egter geneig om die negatiewe impak van sekondêre trauma te ontken,wat gevolglik tot stilswye en uitbranding kan lei. Hierdie artikel ondersoek en beskryf die teenwoordigheid en verwantskap tussen hierdie emosies. ‘n Kwantitatiewe benadering met ‘n nie-waarskynlikheidsteekproefmetode is gebruik. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 30 geregistreerde verpleegsters wat in privaat-intensiewesorgeenhede in Oos-Londen in die Oos-Kaap werk. Data is met behulp van die vierde hersiening van die ’Professional Quality of Life Scale: Compassion Satisfaction and Fatigue Subscales’ en die ’Silencing Response Scale’ingevorder en verwerk met verwysing na beskrywende statistieke en korrelasiekoëffisiente. Die resultate dui op ‘n hoë risiko vir empatie-uitputting, ‘n matige risiko vir uitbranding en die stilswye-reaksie, sowel as ‘n matige potensiaal vir empatie-tevredenheid. ‘n Beduidende negatiewe verwantskap blyk tussen empatie-tevredenheid en uitbranding te bestaan, terwyl ‘n aansienlik positiewe verwantskap tussen empatie-uitputting en uitbranding en empatieuitputting en die stilswye-reaksie bestaan.
Character strengths of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Guse Tharina , Eracleous Gloria
Published: May 2011

There is increased interest in possible positive outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer. This study investigated the manifestation of character strengths in adolescents who have survived cancer compared to that seen in healthy adolescents. The aim was to establish whether specific character strengths may be more prominent in adolescents who have survived cancer than in healthy adolescents. Two groups of participants, consisting of adolescents who have survived childhood cancer (n = 21) and a group of healthy adolescents (n = 21), were obtained through convenience sampling. They completed the Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIAYouth)(Park & Peterson 2006) as a measure of character strengths. No significant differences were found between the character strengths of adolescents who have survived cancer and their healthy peers, unlike the findings of a similar earlier study with adults (Peterson, Park & Seligman 2006). It is concluded that the experience of serious illness such as cancer neither hindered nor enhanced the development of character strengths in this group of adolescent survivors. More research is needed to understand positive psychological functioning in the aftermath of childhood cancer.Opsomming Daar is toenemende belangstelling in moontlike positiewe uitkomste vir kinders wat kanker oorleef het. Hierdie studie het ondersoek hoe karaktersterktes na vore kom in adolessente wat as kinders met kanker gediagnoseer is in vergelyking met dié in ‘n groep gesonde adolessente. Die studie het ten doel gehad om vas te stel of spesifieke karaktersterktes meer opvallend na vore kom in adolessente wat kanker oorleef het. Die deelnemers is deur middel van gerieflikheidsteekproefneming gekies. Die twee groepe het bestaan uit adolessente wat as kinders met kanker gediagnoseer is (n = 21) en ‘n groep gesonde adolessente (n = 21).Deelnemers het die Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) (Park & Peterson 2006)voltooi ten einde karaktersterktes te bepaal. Daar was geen beduidende verskil tussen die karaktersterktes van die adolessente wat kanker oorleef het en die gesonde groep nie, anders as met ‘n soortgelyke vroeëre studie onder volwassenes (Peterson, Park & Seligman 2006).Dit blyk dat die ervaring wat met ernstige siekte soos kanker gepaardgaan, ontwikkeling van karaktersterktes nóg bevorder nóg belemmer het in hierdie groep adolessente kankeroorwinnaars. Verdere navorsing is nodig om aspekte van positiewe sielkundige funksionering in adolessente kankeroorwinnaars te verstaan.
How assessment and reflection relate to more effective learning in adaptive management
Authors: Biggs Harry , Breen Charles , Slotow Rob , Freitag Stefanie , Hockings Marc
Published: May 2011

Assessment (an immediate evaluation of significance or performance) and reflection (a lengthy, deep consideration) should be important components of adaptive management leading to learning. In this paper we use a prototype adaptive cycle and feedback framework, which are related to some aspects of learning theory, to examine the extent to which assessment and reflection were applied in a series of studies and initiatives in the Kruger National Park. In addition to evaluating assessment and reflection, we also considered how the various contributing components of each case were inter-related to provide a holistic view of each initiative.Two other studies in the Kruger National Park, which have examined learning specifically, are also discussed. One of them suggests that in a complex environment, learning necessarily has a dual nature, with each component of seven contrasting pairs of the aspects of learning in partial tension with the other. We use these dualities to further probe assessment, reflection, inter-relatedness and learning in the cases presented. Each contrasting aspect of a ‘learning duality’ turns out to emphasise either assessment or reflection, which reinforces the idea that both are needed to facilitate sufficient learning for successful adaptive management. We hope this analysis can act as a springboard for further study, practice and reflection on these important and often underrated components of adaptive management.Conservation implications: The better understanding of assessment and reflection as being largely separate but complementary actions will assist adaptive management practitioners to give explicit attention to both, and to relate them better to each other.
Evaluating herbivore management outcomes and associated vegetation impacts
Authors: Grant Rina C.C. , Peel Mike J.S. , Bezuidenhout Hugo
Published: May 2011

African savannas are characterised by temporal and spatial fluxes that are linked to fluxes in herbivore populations and vegetation structure and composition. We need to be concerned about these fluxes only when management actions cause the system to shift towards a less desired state. Large herbivores are a key attribute of African savannas and are important for tourism and biodiversity. Large protected areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) manage for high biodiversity as the desired state, whilst private protected areas, such as those adjacent to the KNP, generally manage for high income. Biodiversity, sustainability and economic indicators are thus required to flag thresholds of potential concern (TPCs) that may result in a particular set of objectives not being achieved. In large conservation areas such as the KNP, vegetation changes that result from herbivore impact, or lack thereof, affect biodiversity and TPCs are used to indicate unacceptable change leading to a possible loss of biodiversity; in private protected areas the loss of large herbivores is seen as an important indicator of economic loss. Therefore, the first-level indicators aim to evaluate the forage available to sustain grazers without deleteriously affecting the vegetation composition, structure and basal cover. Various approaches to monitoring for these indicators were considered and the importance of the selection of sites that are representative of the intensity of herbivore use is emphasised. The most crucial step in the adaptive management process is the feedback of information to inform management decisions and enable learning. Feedback loops tend to be more efficient where the organisation’s vision is focused on, for example, economic gain, than in larger protected areas, such as the KNP, where the vision to conserve biodiversity is broader and more complex.Conservation implications: In rangeland, optimising herbivore numbers to achieve the management objectives without causing unacceptable or irreversible change in the vegetation is challenging. This manuscript explores different avenues to evaluate herbivore impact and the outcomes of management approaches that may affect vegetation.
Science support within the South African National Parks adaptive management framework
Authors: Kruger Judith M. , MacFadyen Sandra
Published: May 2011

‘Behind all good science is good science support.’ Implementing a successful strategic adaptive management (SAM) framework requires an effective science support structure. This structure must be effective in all areas of data management, starting with data collection and ending with the dissemination of knowledge, to facilitate timeous management decisions and associated actions. Accordingly, South African National Parks has embraced the use of various technologies to enable the effective implementation of a functional support structure. This paper described these technologies and discussed how they benefit the implementation of the SAM framework.Conservation implications: The importance of functional support structures in science and conservation management is frequently undervalued in a system where emphasis is placed on scientific products. In order to promote research and facilitate analysis, sound data management practices are essential to integrating knowledge into an organisation’s institutional memory.
River management under transformation: The emergence of strategic adaptive management of river systems in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Pollard Sharon , Du Toit Derick , Biggs Harry
Published: May 2011

Protected areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) face many management challenges, of which ensuring a healthy flow of rivers into the park is one of the most important. Although previous management policies isolated the KNP from its neighbours, this position has changed as the KNP seeks to negotiate a respected ‘place’ for water and conservation in a competitive environment. A major catalyst for this re-orientation has been the response from the KNP to the growing water crisis where its position needed to be seen within the wider catchment and policy context in South Africa. This paper presents an overview of the transforming management practices of the KNP in a changing political, socio-economic and environmental context, through the lens of water resources. We show that the KNP management model moved beyond inward-looking, isolationist policies to adopt responsivity to major change factors. The new approach was applied first in the sphere of river management in the KNP after which it spread to other domains such as fire and game management. It explicitly incorporates an experimental–reflexive orientation and considers management as a process of learningby- doing. This paper strives to review the transformation since the onset of explicit adaptive management of these rivers. The development of a new stewardship, based on a stakeholdercentred vision and on learning-focused management, has been a main achievement for the KNP. A closer partnership between researchers, managers and field staff, supported with buyin and co-learning, has led to a management framework based on a clear vision informed by stakeholder involvement, an objectives hierarchy, a scoping of management options, a monitoring system and a reflective evaluation process with feedback loops. Although developed through a focus on rivers, the framework can be embraced for the management of ecosystems as a whole.Conservation implications: The explicit adoption of strategic adaptive management for the rivers entering the KNP has had considerable implications not only with regard to management practice within the park, but also for the relationships with neighbours. This has also meant setting and implementing new goals and priorities with managers and staff.
Prioritising species of special concern for monitoring in Table Mountain National Park: The challenge of a species-rich, threatened ecosystem
Authors: Rebelo Tony G. , Freitag Stefanie , Cheney Chad , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: May 2011

Conservation requires that species are monitored to ensure the persistence of species and ecosystem processes. In areas with large numbers of threatened species, this can be a major challenge. Here we explore prioritising species of special concern on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, conserved primarily in the Table Mountain National Park. With 307 terrestrial plant and animal species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List (plus 208 as non-least concern) and 332 endemic to the Peninsula, it is impossible to monitor and manage all species with current resources. At a workshop of conservation managers and ecosystem and taxonomical specialists, 14 variables were incorporated into a simple scoring scheme to develop a priority listing of these species. Despite care to ensure that variables were independent, there was strong autocorrelation amongst biotic versus management variables. There was concern that biotic variables would be masked by management criteria, but this was not the case. We propose that monitoring should focus on as many top-scoring species as resources allow (including volunteers) and that setting a cut-off value for delimiting sensitive species should be eschewed. A major challenge is that many species are typical of lowland ecosystems, which are poorly represented in the national park. Although priority species for monitoring have been identified, this will need to be tempered with the monitoring costs and logistics of implementing the programme.Conservation implications: Owing to the large number of threatened and endemic species in the Cape Peninsula, it is impossible to monitor all species with current resources. Management must focus on ecosystem maintenance as species-focused management will inevitably result in conflict with other threatened species. Monitoring should focus on as many top-scoring species as resources allow. The costs and logistics of a monitoring programme still need to be worked out.
A framework for deriving and triggering thresholds for management intervention in uncertain, varying and time-lagged systems
Authors: Scholes Robert J. , Kruger Judith M.
Published: May 2011

Ecosystems are characterised by complexity: high connectivity, the presence of positive and negative feedback loops, non-linear, abrupt and sometimes irreversible changes, delays between cause and effects, and uncertainties in observations, understanding and prediction. ‘Adaptive management’ is the preferred approach for the rational management of such systems. Where the management objective is to allow natural feedbacks and adaptive processes to operate as much as possible – as it is in many areas set aside for biodiversity conservation – a key issue is defining the thresholds that will trigger management intervention. This paper outlines and illustrates a logical process for doing so, taking into account the characteristics of complex, continuously changing ecosystems and the reality of information that is partial and understanding that is always provisional. After identifying a key ecological process that is believed to have an element of irreversibility beyond a certain point, the process has several steps, (1) define an indicator of the system state, (2) set a limit of acceptable change and add a safety margin, (3) project the indicator forward using a model, including uncertainty, (4) note the time when the indicator might transgress the safety-buffered limit and (5) subtract ecosystem and management response times. If the resultant time is at hand, an action is indicated – if not, the action is to continue to monitor the situation and refine the observations and models.Conservation implications: Ecosystems are characterized by abrupt and sometimes irreversible changes. The challenge that face conservationists and managers are to identify which of these changes are likely to be irreversible and at what levels this will occur. This paper describes a logical process that enable mangers to determine which ecological processes have levels of irreversibility and monitor their status at all times. Once these processes are nearing the levels that are undesirable management actions can be invoked to prevent this from happening.
A strategic framework for biodiversity monitoring in South African National Parks
Authors: McGeoch Melodie A. , Dopolo Mbulelo , Novellie Peter , Hendriks Howard , Freitag Stefanie , Ferreira Sam , Grant Rina , Kruger Judith , Bezuidenhout Hugo , Randall Rodney M. , Vermeulen Wessel , Kraaij Tineke , Russell Ian A. , Knight Michael H. , Holness Stephen , Oosthuizen Ané
Published: May 2011

Protected areas are under increasing threat from a range of external and internal pressures on biodiversity. With a primary mandate being the conservation of biodiversity, monitoring is an essential component of measuring the performance of protected areas. Here we present a framework for guiding the structure and development of a Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) for South African National Parks (SANParks). Monitoring activities in the organisation are currently unevenly distributed across parks, taxa and key concerns: they do not address the full array of biodiversity objectives, and have largely evolved in the absence of a coherent, overarching framework. The requirement for biodiversity monitoring in national parks is clearly specified in national legislation and international policy, as well as by SANParks’ own adaptive management philosophy. Several approaches available for categorising the multitude of monitoring requirements were considered in the development of the BMS, and 10 Biodiversity Monitoring Programmes (BMPs) were selected that provide broad coverage of higher-level biodiversity objectives of parks. A set of principles was adopted to guide the development of BMPs (currently underway), and data management, resource and capacity needs will be considered during their development. It is envisaged that the BMS will provide strategic direction for future investment in this core component of biodiversity conservation and management in SANParks. Conservation implications: Monitoring biodiversity in protected areas is essential to assessing their performance. Here we provide a coordinated framework for biodiversity monitoring in South African National Parks. The proposed biodiversity monitoring system addresses the broad range of park management plan derived biodiversity objectives.
From numbers to ecosystems and biodiversity: A mechanistic approach to monitoring
Authors: Ferreira Sam , Deacon Andrew , Sithole Hendrik , Bezuidenhout Hugo , Daemane Mahlomola , Herbst Marna
Published: May 2011

Diverse political, cultural and biological needs epitomise the contrasting demands impacting on the mandate of the South African National Parks (SANParks) to maintain biological diversity. Systems-based approaches and strategic adaptive management (learn by doing) enable SANParks to accommodate these demands. However, such a management strategy creates new information needs, which require an appropriate analytical approach. We use conceptual links between objectives, indicators, mechanisms and modulators to identify key concerns in the context of and related to management objectives. Although our suggested monitoring designs are based mostly on defined or predicted underlying mechanisms of a concern, SANParks requires inventory monitoring to evaluate its key mandate. We therefore propose a predictive inventory approach based on species assemblages related to habitat preferences. Inventories alone may not always adequately serve unpacking of mechanisms: in some cases population size needs to be estimated to meet the information needs of management strategies, but actual population sizes may indirectly affect how the species impact on other values. In addition, ecosystem objectives require multivariate assessments of key communities, which can be used in trend analysis. SANParks therefore needs to know how to detect and define trends efficiently, which, in turn, requires precision of measures of variables. Conservation implications: Current research needs with regard to monitoring should focus on defining designs to yield optimal precision whilst taking methodology, survey trade-offs and analytical approaches into account. Use of these directives and research will guide monitoring during evaluation of SANParks objectives at various scales.
Applying adaptive management in resource use in South African National Parks: A case study approach
Authors: Scheepers Kelly , Swemmer Louise , Vermeulen Wessel J.
Published: May 2011

South African National Parks (SANParks) has a history of formal and informal natural resource use that is characterised by polarised views on national conservation interests and benefits to communities. Current efforts aim to determine the sustainability of existing resource use in parks and to formalise these activities through the development of resource use protocols. The resource use policy of SANParks outlines principles for sustainable resource use, including greater involvement of local communities in management of protected areas and an adaptive management approach to determining sustainable use levels. This paper examines three case studies on plant use in national parks with regard to the development of criteria and indicators for monitoring resource use, and the role of thresholds of potential concern in measuring effectiveness of managing for sustainable use levels. Opportunities and challenges for resource use management are identified. Findings show that platforms for discussion and knowledge sharing, including research committees and community associations, are critical to building relationships, trust and a shared vision of sustainable resource use between stakeholders. However, additional capacity building is needed to enable local community structures to manage internal social conflicts and jealousy, and to participate fully in monitoring efforts. Long-term monitoring is essential for developing flexible harvest prescriptions for plant use, but this is a time-consuming and resource-intensive exercise. Flexible management strategies are difficult to implement and sometimes command-and-control measures are necessary to protect rare or endangered species. A holistic approach that considers resource use in national parks as a complement to broader community development initiatives offers a way forward.Conservation implications: There is no blueprint for the development of sustainable resource use systems and resource use is often addressed according to multiple approaches in national parks. However, the SANParks resource use policy provides a necessary set of guiding principles for resource use management across the national park system that allows for monitoring progress.
The dynamics of questing ticks collected for 164 consecutive months off the vegetation of two landscape zones in the Kruger National Park (1988–2002). Part II. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis
Authors: Spickett Arthur M. , Gallivan Gordon J. , Horak Ivan G.
Published: May 2011

The study aimed to assess the long-term population dynamics of questing Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis in two landscape zones of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Ticks were collected by dragging the vegetation monthly in three habitats (grassland, woodland and gully) at two sites in the KNP (Nhlowa Road and Skukuza) from August 1988 to March 2002. Larvae were the most commonly collected stage of both species. More R. appendiculatus were collected at Nhlowa Road than at Skukuza, with larvae being most abundant from May to August, while nymphs were most abundant from August to December. Larvae were most commonly collected in the gullies from 1991 to 1994, but in the grassland and woodland habitats from 1998 onwards. Nymphs were most commonly collected in the grassland and woodland. More R. zambeziensis were collected at Skukuza than at Nhlowa Road, with larvae being most abundant from May to September, while nymphs were most abundant from August to November. Larvae and nymphs were most commonly collected in the woodland and gullies and least commonly in the grassland (p < 0.01). The lowest numbers of R. appendiculatus were collected in the mid-1990s after the 1991/1992 drought. Rhipicephalus zambeziensis numbers declined after 1991 and even further after 1998, dropping to their lowest levels during 2002. The changes in numbers of these two species reflected changes in rainfall and the populations of several of their large herbivore hosts, as well as differences in the relative humidity between the two sites over time.
The dynamics of questing ticks collected for 164 consecutive months off the vegetation of two landscape zones in the Kruger National Park (1988–2002). Part III. The less commonly collected species
Authors: Gallivan Gordon J. , Spickett Andrea , Heyne Heloise , Spickett Arthur M. , Horak Ivan G.
Published: May 2011

Despite many studies regarding tick ecology, limited information on long-term changes in tick populations exist. This study assessed the long-term population dynamics of the less frequently collected questing ixodid ticks in the Kruger National Park (KNP). From 1988 to 2002, monthly dragging of the vegetation was performed in three habitats (grassland, woodland and gully) at two sites in the KNP (Nhlowa Road, Landscape Zone 17, and Skukuza, Landscape Zone 4). Amblyomma marmoreum and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi were collected as larvae most commonly. Most A. marmoreum larvae were collected at Skukuza and numbers peaked from March to July. More R. evertsi evertsi larvae were collected at Nhlowa Road and numbers peaked in summer and in winter, while at Skukuza there was a single peak in spring. Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus simus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were collected as adults most commonly. More Ha. elliptica and R. turanicus were collected at Nhlowa Road than at Skukuza, while R. simus numbers from the two sites were approximately equal. Ha. elliptica were collected most often between February and June, and R. simus and R. turanicus during February and March. All three species were collected more frequently in gullies than in grassland or woodland. Their numbers increased in 1994/1995 following an eruption of rodents, the preferred hosts of the immature stages. The different host-seeking strategies of ticks largely determine the development stage at which they are likely to be collected during vegetation dragging and reflect a complex interaction between ticks, their hosts and the environment.
Medical students’ and public obstetric health care workers’ knowledge of the Saving Mothers campaign
Authors: Prollius Almereau , Joubert Gina , Du Toit Adelien , Joubert Susan , Lourens Tarina , Steenkamp Johanna J.
Published: May 2011

Maternal mortality in South Africa has been receiving attention since it became notifiable in 1997. The ’big five’ causes of maternal mortality are non-pregnancy-related infections (mainly HIV), complications of hypertension during pregnancy, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancyrelated sepsis and pre-existing medical conditions. In many cases in which women die during pregnancy or childbirth, avoidable health worker-related factors can be identified. This study assessed the knowledge of different levels of medical students and health care workers at public health obstetric facilities in Bloemfontein concerning the Saving Mothers campaign.The self-administered, test-like questionnaire was completed by senior medical students,interns and obstetric personnel (nurses or midwives). Interns obtained the highest median score (48%) for the questionnaire, while nurses obtained a median score of 31%. The results strongly suggest that training specific to the Saving Mothers campaign is urgently required across all levels of health care personnel.
Underweight and overweight in primary school children in eThekwini district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Puckree Threethambal , Naidoo Pooveshni , Pillay Prabashni , Naidoo Therona
Published: May 2011

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has been increasing worldwide. South Africa has minimal data on childhood body weight.Objectives: This study determined whether school children in the eThekwini district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were underweight or overweight.Method: A survey with quantitative and qualitative components was conducted amongst 120 participants between 10 years and 12 years of age. The participants were randomly selected from six public schools in an urban district of the province. A calibrated Goldline bathroom scale was used to measure body weight and a KDS Freo non-elastic measuring tape was used to measure height. A questionnaire consisting of open and close-ended questions collected demographic and lifestyle information. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight data. Proportions of obese, overweight and underweight children were calculated and subjected to chi-square tests at the p ≤ 0.05 significance level. All qualitative information was summarised.Results: According to World Health Organization criteria, 66% of the children were underweight, 28% were of normal weight and 5% were overweight. The proportion of underweight children increased with age (64% of children aged between 10 years and 11 years vs 70% for 12-year-olds). Of the underweight children, 41% were female and 51% were Indian.Only one child was obese. BMI was related to dietary patterns and activity levels during and outside school hours.Conclusion: A significant number of primary school children from the six selected public schools in the eThekwini district were underweight. More effort is required to improve the nutritional status of school children in the eThekwini district.
Leadership effectiveness in Higher Education: Managerial self-perceptions versus perceptions of others
Authors: Herbst Tessie H.H. , Conradie Pieter D.P.
Published: May 2011

Orientation: The study reported here explores the relationship between managerial selfperceptions and perceptions of others (the manager’s direct supervisor, peers and subordinates) with regard to leadership effectiveness (LE) in a group of managers in the context of a South African university undergoing a merging process.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of selfperception accuracy amongst the managers and to explore the patterns of interaction between self-perception accuracy (regarding their leadership behaviour) and perceived transformational leadership behaviour (as measured by composite ‘other’-ratings).Motivation of the study: Research has shown that managers in various work environments typically overestimate their own level of competence and that this could impact on the effectiveness of their leadership behaviour. This phenomenon has however not yet been researched in the context of South African higher education institutions.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative cross-sectional study of the relationship between self-perception accuracy and leadership effectiveness was conducted amongst the total population (N = 204) of staff members in management positions. The response rate was 67% and the realised sample consisted of 137 managers. Leadership behaviour was measured by means of behavioural ratings on the following five dimensions of the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI): ‘Challenging the process’, ‘Inspiring a shared vision’, ‘Enabling others to act’, ‘Modelling the way’ and ‘Encouraging the heart’.Main findings: Statistically significant discrepancies were found between self- and observer ratings on all five leadership dimensions, indicating a probable overestimation of their own capabilities. Results further provide evidence that perceived leadership effectiveness on three of the five transformational leadership practices varied as a function of the self-perceptions of managers.Practical/managerial implications: Managerial development practices should sensitise managers to what is essentially introspective and provide opportunities for them to reflect upon and question their leadership practices.Contribution/value-add: A challenge for higher education is to embark on feedback intensive leadership development processes that provide participants with comprehensive feedback in a supportive environment.
Screening of Wild-Type Fungal Isolates for Cellulolytic Activity
Authors: Doolotkeldieva T.D. , Bobusheva S.T.
Published: May 2011

Background

In this study, wild-type fungal isolates, producing highly effective cellulolytic enzymes were selected for bioconversion of residues and waste from agriculture and rational utilization of energy resources for food production.

Methods

We screened wild-type fungal isolates of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma with an enhanced ability to produce extracellular cellulase. We carried out solid-state fermentation on a medium of agricultural waste products, including wheat bran, beet peels, and cotton oil cake, as well as additional sources of nitrogen and mineral elements. Enzyme production by the fungal isolates was detected within 14 days of cultivation.

Results

Of 17 strains of Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Penicillium tested, we identified Penicillium strain K-2-25 and Trichoderma lignorium strain T-22 to have high cellulolytic activity. K-2-25 demonstrated the highest activity after 48 hours of cultivation. T-22 also showed significant cellulolytic activity. Penicillium strain K-2-25 showed cellulolytic activity for 98–270 hours during cultivation, and the amount of reduced glucose was 945 mg. T. lignorium T-22 was the second most active strain, with glucose reduction of 835 mg.

Conclusion

The strains K-2-25 and T-22 will are be recommended for biotechnological applications, especially for bioconversion of poor hardly decomposable vegetable waste products, such as like straw, into useful biomass.
A Note on Randers Metrics of Scalar Flag Curvature
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhao Lili
Published: May 2011

Some families of Randers metrics of scalar flag curvature are studied in this paper. Explicit examples that are neither locally projectively flat nor of isotropic S-curvature are given. Certain Randers metrics with Einstein α are considered and proved to be complex. Three dimensional Randers manifolds, with α having constant scalar curvature, are studied.
Non-Discrete Complex Hyperbolic Triangle Groups of Type (n,n, ∞;k)
Authors: Kamiya Shigeyasu , Parker John R. , Thompson James M.
Published: May 2011

A complex hyperbolic triangle group is a group generated by three involutions fixing complex lines in complex hyperbolic space. Our purpose in this paper is to improve a previous result and to discuss discreteness of complex hyperbolic triangle groups of type (n,n, ∞;k).
Improving CHN measurements in carbonate‐rich marine sediments
Authors: Phillips Stephen C. , Johnson Joel E. , Miranda Eduardo , Disenhof Corinne
Published: May 2011

CHN elemental analysis is a common and effective method for determining total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), inorganic carbon (IC) by difference, and total nitrogen (TN) in marine sediments. In this article, we identify and describe three problems related to CHN measurement in carbonate‐rich (>30% CaCO3) marine sediments and suggest mitigation methods to obtain the most accurate measurements of TC, TOC, IC, and TN. These problems involve (1) sample size limitations, (2) incomplete carbonate digestion during in‐situ acid addition, and (3) nitrogen contamination during acid additions. Carbonate‐rich marine sediments often have low TOC and TN content and are susceptible to incomplete combustion, due to their high IC (CaCO3) content, and require careful sample size selection to optimize analysis. Incomplete digestion of carbonate prior to TOC analysis can introduce significant error into the measurement, and here we propose a testing methodology to ensure effective carbonate digestion. Atmospheric contamination of sulfurous acid, used for carbonate digestion, is also observed and modeled, and we suggest steps to minimize this contamination. Overall, our results allow for the development of sediment‐specific protocols for accurate CHN measurements in carbonate‐rich marine sediments.