bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the economics of happiness: the influence of income and non-income factors on happiness
Authors: Mahadea Darma
Published: April 2017

The quest for individual happiness and a better life for all is an important economic objective in countries as different as South Africa and France or Zimbabwe and Bhutan. Economists have focused attention on the effects of consumption, income and economic growth or development on well-being and whether economic growth can be the sole basis for delivering prosperity (Dutt & Radcliff , 2009; Jackson, 2010).  The search for happiness is an important individual and national economic goal.  In the Benthamite utilitarian tradition, happiness is the sum of all pleasures and pains. People often obtain or perceive their happiness from what they have in comparison with others.  At the macroeconomic level, more happiness may come from a sustained growth in GDP that enables households to enjoy an improved quality of life, with rising income, consumption and employment opportunities.  At the microeconomic or individual level, more income may also enable people to live happier and fuller lives relative to those who are poor.  But this accounts for only a small contribution to happiness. Life circumstances, such as marital status, health, having children and the nature of the working environment statistically make a greater contribution to happiness than income.
Vodacom and MTN’s brand positioning based on the perceptions of a group of LSM seven to ten respondents
Authors: Mentz Hennie , Strydom JW , Rudansky-kloppers Sharon
Published: April 2017

This article investigates Vodacom and MTN’s brand positioning based on the perceptions of a group of LSM seven to ten respondents who are principal estate agents in Gauteng. An empirical study was conducted. The profile of the sample in terms of access to telecommunication-related services confirmed that of individuals in the LSM seven to ten groups with a skew towards LSM ten. As a minimum requirement for the target market brands in the category should be strongly associated with the statements market leader, local brand, technologically sophisticated brand, trusted brand, South African brand and prestigious/upmarket brand. At an overall level, Vodacom has established a more favourable brand positioning compared to MTN. However, both Vodacom and MTN have failed to establish a personal brand relationship with the target market.
The role and value of water in natural capital restoration on the Agulhas Plain
Authors: Fourie Helanya , De Wit Martin P. , Van der Merwe Albert
Published: April 2017

The Agulhas Plain is a low-lying coastal area within the Cape Floristic Region. It is heavily invaded by alien vegetation that infringes upon the sustainable supply of ecosystem goods and services provided by the native fynbos vegetation. Alien clearing and natural capital restoration is expected to recover these ecosystem goods and services and in particular to increase water availability. The study conducts cost-benefit analyses to assess whether alien clearing and natural capital restoration would add value to the Agulhas Plain through sufficiently increasing the supply of marketable ecosystem goods and services. The results indicate that the costs of alien clearing and restoration cannot be justified in the absence of water as a valued commodity. Other ecosystem goods and services included have a negligible impact on justifying costs.
An international comparison of inflation credibility surveys
Authors: Rossouw Jannie , Padayachee Vishnu , Joubert Stephanus Johannes
Published: April 2017

This paper analyses the methodology used in assessing inflation credibility (i.e. perceptions of the accuracy of historical inflation rates) in countries targeting inflation, and compares the approaches used in New Zealand, South Africa and Sweden.  The results indicate an implied inverse (or negative) relationship in all but one instance, between the direction of actual inflation and the perception of inflation among the respondents. The analysis also shows a lack of knowledge about inflation and price increases among South African respondents, which is absent from similar surveys in New Zealand and Sweden.  Important research questions identified include possible links between inflation credibility and the adoption date of inflation targeting, as well as the type and range of targets used.
Managing postgraduate research service quality: Developing and assessing a conceptual model
Authors: Ramroop Shawn , Govender Krishna Kistan
Published: April 2017

This paper reports on the conceptual development and empirical evaluation of a postgraduate (PG) research service quality management model, through conducting an electronic survey among a cohort of master’s and doctorate graduates at one of the top three research universities in South Africa, using specifically developed and validated research instruments.By fitting the data from a sample of 117 graduates to a conceptual model using structural equation modelling, it became evident that the PG research students’ perception of the Organisational Climate for Research (OCR) is associated with their perception of the PG Research Service Quality (PGSQUAL), the PG Service Experience (SERVEXP) and their perception of their Role (RC). However, no association was found between the students’ perception of the research climate (OCR) and their satisfaction (SERVSAT) with the research service; the service experience (SERVEXP) and postgraduate research service quality (PGSQUAL); service satisfaction (SERVSAT) and postgraduate service quality (PGSQUAL).  The aforementioned findings imply that higher education institutions need to create a research climate which is supportive of service quality, and better manage the research climate, so that the PG students are clear about their role, which will eventually translate to a better PG service experience and improved perception of PG service quality.
Separation of ownership and control in South African-listed companies
Authors: Steyn Blanché , Stainbank Lesley
Published: April 2017

This article tests the separation of ownership and control in South African-listed companies that leads to the divergence of interest between shareholders and directors. Where listed companies are owned by so many shareholders that their diffused shareholding results in negligible control over the directors who manage the assets of the company, it is likely that the directors will manage and direct the company to maximise their self-interest to the detriment of the interest of the shareholders. The separation of ownership and control and the maximisation of self-interest are central themes in the agency theory. Researching their validity in a South African context where the market is less liquid and the stock exchange is significantly smaller can add a valuable contribution to the continuing debate on corporate governance in the country. The article analyses 186 listed South African companies using data extracted over four years to test whether there is separation of ownership and control and whether such separation leads to the maximisation of self-interest. Data were extracted for the years 2005 and 2006, using the shareholding in 2006 to determine control, and for the years 2009 and 2010, using the shareholding in 2010 to determine control. Directors’ remuneration as a percentage of assets was used as a proxy for the maximisation of directors’ interest, and profit attributable to shareholders as a percentage of assets was used as a proxy for the maximisation of shareholders’ interest. These proxies were used to test the impact of control during the two controlling periods, namely 2006 and 2010.The article finds that the majority of listed companies in South Africa are controlled by a dominant shareholder. However, there are still a significant number of companies where the directors have de facto control. Contrary to the expectation that companies controlled by directors will aim to maximise directors’ remuneration, or companies controlled by shareholders will aim to maximise profit attributable to shareholders, this article finds the opposite to be true. This is possibly an indication that the controlling parties might consider factors other than their direct financial self-interest, or that there is an inherent cost associated with control.
Business rescue decision making through verifier determinants – ask the specialists
Authors: Pretorius Marius , Holtzhauzen Gert
Published: April 2017

Orientation: Business rescue has become a critical part of business strategy decision making, especially during economic downturns and recessions. Past legislation has generally supported creditor-friendly regimes, and its mind-set still applies which increases the difficulty of such turnarounds. There are many questions and critical issues faced by those involved in rescue. Despite extensive theory in the literature on failure, there is a void regarding practical verifiers of the signs and causes of venture decline, as specialists are not forthcoming about what they regard as their “competitive advantage”.Research purpose: This article introduces the concept and role of “verifier determinants” of early warning signs, as a tool to confirm the causes of decline in order to direct rescue strategies and, most importantly, reduce time between the first observation and the implementation of the rescue. Motivation for the study: Knowing how specialist practitioners confirm causes of business decline could assist in deciding on strategies for the rescue earlier than can be done using traditional due diligence which is time consuming. Reducing time is a crucial element of a successful rescue.Research design and approach: The researchers interviewed specialist practitioners with extensive experience in rescue and turnaround. An experimental design was used to ensure the specialists evaluated the same real cases to extract their experiences and base their decisions on. Main findings: The specialists confirmed the use of verifier determinants and identified such determinants as they personally used them to confirm causes of decline. These verifier determinants were classified into five categories; namely, management, finance, strategic, banking and operations and marketing of the ventures under investigation. The verifier determinants and their use often depend heavily on subconscious (non-factual) information based on previous experiences, rendering them “irrational” in modern management perspectives.Practical/Managerial implications: Decision makers and affected persons could benefit from the insights obtained through this study. Confirming early warning signs through verifier determinants would be beneficial for entrepreneurs who are creditors, rescue practitioners, government regulators, court officials and educators alike.Contribution/Value add: Knowing the verifier determinants could assist decision making and improve the effectiveness of rescue strategies.
Regional economic impacts of events: A comparison of methods
Authors: Van Wyk Lukas , Saayman Melville , Rossouw Riaan , Saayman Andrea
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and comparison of three related methods for modelling the short-run economic impact of events, namely the partial Input-Output (I-O), Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. An analysis of strengths and limitations of these different methods suggests that it may be considerations such as the underlying assumptions specific to each model, data collection, expected output, research objectives, and costs involved that determine the choice of modelling framework. Data from surveys conducted at the Aardklop National Arts Festival during 2010 were used in the comparative analyses, which were executed by means of two regional (i.e. provincial-level) models and one small-region (i.e. place-specific) model constructed for the small town.
An expanded accounting framework for sustainable growth: Focus on the relationship between a focal firm and its stakeholders
Authors: Yoo Taeyoung , Nam Giseok
Published: April 2017

In contrast to current accounting principles, which have focused on financial information about the reporting entity, this study suggests that attention should be paid to the information about relationships between a focal firm and its stakeholders. That is, we could more accurately assess the sustainability of a firm’s profit and growth by considering both its financial outcomes and business relationships. The rationale of the suggestion is that firms which facilitate mutual profitability between themselves and their stakeholders are more likely to achieve cooperative relationships and consequently enjoy better financial performance and sustainable growth than those who pursue their profitability in an exclusive way. This study therefore suggests that principles of accounting should embrace not only the incomes of a firm and its consolidations (subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements) but also those of its stakeholders, such as suppliers.
An estimation of the impact of the 2012 platinum-sector strike on the South African economy
Authors: Jordaan Johannes C
Published: April 2017

A Leontief-type economic-impact model for 2012 is used to estimate the potential impacts, in percentage terms, of the 2012 platinum-sector strike on the South African economy. Although it is impossible to incorporate and calculate all the potential impacts, such a model can provide an estimation based on sound statistics and methodologies. Understanding the potential, wider economic impacts of strike action can lead to valuable insights for policymakers, businesses and workers. This will hopefully result in improved policies, as well as enriched negotiations to find solutions to deadlocks in wage negotiations before such deadlocks progress to strike action. Data from the Department of Labour (DoL) shows that 103,155 workers participated in the strike in the metal-ores sector during 2012, and company annual reports indicate that this strike action lasted seven weeks on average. Estimates show that the monetary value of ounces lost by the platinum-related mining industry as a result of lost production during the strike periods amounted to R10.6 billion. Two scenarios are estimated that result in a gross domestic product (GDP) loss for 2012 of 0.53 per cent or R16.5 billion (Scenario 1), and of 0.49 per cent or R15.5 billion (Scenario 2). This implies that GDP growth could have been 3 per cent for Scenario 1 and 2.97 per cent for Scenario 2, instead of the actual GDP growth of 2.47 per cent. Exports could have been R9.05 billion higher for Scenario 1 and R8.4 billion higher for Scenario 2. The current-account deficit for 2012 could have been reduced to 4.93 per cent of GDP for Scenario 1 and to 4.9 per cent for Scenario 2, as against the actual deficit of 5.23 per cent. Tax income could have been R3.8 billion higher for Scenario 1 and R3.6 billion higher for Scenario 2. As a result, the government’s budget deficit could have been reduced to 5.13 per cent instead of 5.26 per cent. Expressing employment opportunities lost in terms of annual employment opportunities lost as a result of lost activity shows that this represents almost 25,000 employment opportunities for Scenario 1 and almost 23,300 such opportunities for Scenario 2.
Causes of corruption: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Forson Joseph Ato , Baah-Ennumh Theresa Yaaba , Buracom Ponlapat , Chen Guojin , Zhen Peng
Published: April 2017

This study explores the causes of corruption in 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 1996 to 2013. The sources of corruption are grouped into three main thematic areas – historical roots, contemporary causes and institutional causes to make way for subjective and objective measures. The subjective measures allow for assessment of the effectiveness of anticorruption policies. Using pooled OLS, fixed-effect and instrumental-variable approaches, and focusing on the perceived level of corruption as the dependent variable, we find that ethnic diversity, resource abundance and educational attainment are markedly less associated with corruption. In contrast, wage levels of bureaucrats and anticorruption measures based on government effectiveness and regulatory quality breed substantial corruption. Press freedom is found to be variedly associated with corruption. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that the fight against corruption on the continent needs to be reinvented through qualitative and assertive institutional reforms. Anticorruption policy decisions should focus on existing educational systems as a conduit for intensifying awareness of the devastating effect of corruption on sustainable national development.
An exploratory qualitative study of brand associations as a means for brand extensions: Part 2
Authors: Kasper H , Strepp Y , Terblanche NS
Published: April 2017

One of the more familiar means to capitalise on the reputation of an established brand, is to use the brand name to introduce new products in a different product category. Various factors impact on the extent to which brand extensions can benefit from or even detract from the original brand. The focus of this study is on brand associations as means to extend the original brand. A qualitative study, in contrast with the quantitative nature of most earlier studies, was used to elicit an unbiased picture of consumers’ associations of a brand. The use of a qualitative study also made it possible to follow up on and probe  the comments made by respondents. The study examined consumers’ reactions to a variety of fictitious extensions for four different popular brands (Coca-Cola, Benetton, Yamaha, and Kellogg’s). The key rationale for this study was to observe how consumers’ associations of a brand impact on their evaluation of extensions to that brand. Six propositions were investigated. Because of the considerable extent of the findings generated by the qualitative approach, the research is reported in two parts. The findings on three propositions were reported in Kasper, Strepp and Terblanche (2005). The findings on the remaining three propositions are described in this second part of the reported research.
Meeting the challenge of the work-life balance in the South African workplace
Authors: Mageni GF , Slabbert AD
Published: April 2017

The work-life balance (WLB) construct as a business imperative has been of growing concern in organisations outside South Africa for the past two decades, particularly given the pressure to create a sustainable global competitive advantage through human capital. Within the last decade this aspect has been prominent in various forums. However, no studies as yet provide insight into the applicability of WLB models to the South African workplace. The present article therefore explores the composition of a WLB system, and analyses constraints on its application under the conditions of the South African labour market.
Consumer perceptions of supermarket service quality: Scale development and validation
Authors: Venter PF , Dhurup M
Published: April 2017

The retail industry remains one of the largest sectors in the global economy. In South Africa, retailing is one of the toughest and most competitive industries. The South African retail business environment is becoming increasingly hostile and unforgiving, with intense competition from both domestic and foreign companies (Terblanche, 1998: 1). The findings of this preliminary study do provide basic support for a three-factor structure for supermarket service quality in terms of reliability and validity. The reliability analysis, which followed the factor analysis, reflected coefficient α values ranging from 0.85 to 0.90, indicating high internal consistency among variables within each dimension. In today's saturated retail markets, retailersface increasing hurdles to attract and maintain customers.
The attitude and vulnerability of people as determinants of poverty: The case of Lesotho
Authors: Ueckermann EM , Blignaut JN
Published: April 2017

Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world.  After reviewing the growth and poverty debate, which suggests that policy reforms and economic growth have largely failed to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in Lesotho, the paper explores the core constraints to poverty reduction.  It is argued that the attitudes of the people in Lesotho and the extent to which they are vulnerable to exogenous shocks are important variables towards removing structural and fundamental constraints that impede poverty alleviation.  To quantify the values of attitude and vulnerability, an econometric model is constructed that uses an HSRC public perceptions survey in Lesotho.  The economic significance of this alternative measure provides a new dynamic on how to approach the issue of poverty alleviation in Lesotho.
A perspective on the measurement of inflation credibility
Authors: Rossouw J , Joubert F
Published: April 2017

Inflation targeting anchors inflation expectations, which are not within the sphere of control of the authorities, but can only be influenced over time by consistent policy.  As public distrust of inflation figures will feed through to inflation expectations, this paper highlights a comparison of the credibility of two different measures of inflation in terms of an inflation credibility barometer.  In a comparison of the barometer results to the analysis of inflation perceptions reported by other central banks, it is concluded that the barometer delivers superior results.  The main recommendation is that respondents should be requested in a follow-up study to indicate whether they attach a higher degree of credibility to the overall inflation rate or the rate used for targeting purposes.
Financial liberalisation and inflationary dynamics in the context of a small open economy
Authors: Gupta R
Published: April 2017

This paper develops a short-term model of a small open financially repressed economy characterised by unorganised money markets, intermediate goods imports, capital mobility and flexible exchange rates. The analysis shows that financial liberalisation, in the form of increased rate of interest on deposits and tight monetary policy, causes deflation for an economy with a high degree of capital mobility. However, for economies with a low degree of capital mobility, the possibility of stagflation cannot be ruled out. These results suggest that financial liberalisation in the form of lower reserve requirements should be recommended for economies with restricted transactions in the capital account.
The impact of fiscal policy on economic growth in Namibia
Authors: Kaakunga E
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to shed light on the impact of fiscal policy on growth.  Governments undertake expenditures to pursue a variety of goals, only one of which may be an increase in per capita income.  Using the framework of endogenous growth models which seeks to explain sustained long term growth, we showed how a change in the mix of public spending in favour of productive activities could lead to a steady state growth rate.  The explanatory variables, which affect growth positively, include capital expenditure, tax revenue and the terms of trade.  The share of private consumption in GDP, fiscal deficit, the share of total public debt in GDP and current expenditure relates negatively to the growth rate of output.
Cultural similarity and international trade in a panel of nations
Authors: Hwang E-G , Guo R
Published: April 2017

Using a gravity model and the data of a panel of eight nations, we present evidence that supports the views that geographical influence on trade had increased from 1985 to 1997. In both years, linguistic influence on trade is found to exist in export but not in import. The estimated results show a positive relation between religious similarity and international trade for the year 1985 but not for the year 1997. However, there is an indication that, for 1997, the religious dissimilarity tends to discourage international trade with low-income countries and regions and to encourage international trade with high-income countries. We also find that, for low-income trade partners, religious dissimilarity retards imports more than exports; by contrast, for high-income trade partners, it encourages exports more than imports.
Corruption perception and sustainable development: Sharing Botswana’s anti-graft agency experiences
Authors: Gbadamosi G
Published: April 2017

Unethical practices and corruption issues have become one of the greatest challenges to Africans and their leaders, threatening to undermine economic growth, democratic stability and sustenance, and general developmental efforts. Against this background, this paper examines corruption perception in Africa using indicators of Transparency International as benchmark. The costs of corruption to the continent’s progress were highlighted. The paper also focuses on Botswana’s efforts to fight corruption through its Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC). The factors that have aided the qualified successes of the anti-corruption efforts as well as lessons that may be learnt by other African countries are discussed.
Considering the Pasadena “Paradox”
Authors: Vivian RW
Published: April 2017

Nover and Hájek (2004) suggested a variant of the St Petersburg game which they dubbed the Pasadena game.  They hold that their game ‘is more paradoxical than the St Petersburg game in several aspects’.  The purpose of this article is to demonstrate theoretically and to validate by simulation, that their game does not lead to a paradox at all, let alone in the St Petersburg game sense.  Their game does not produce inconsistencies in decision theory.
An econometric analysis of the impact of democratisation on domestic savings and investment in Nigeria
Authors: Dinneya G
Published: April 2017

This study employs four-dimensional and one composite indices of democratization constructed to capture the democratization processes in Nigeria’s transition polity, to investigate the empirical relationships between the levels of democratization in Nigeria and two economic growth variables – domestic savings and domestic investment. As would be expected, the findings do not settle the debate in any direction. However, they could shed some light on the differences between the dimensional and the overall effects of democratization on economic variables.  The results of the analyses show that the short-run responses of growth variables to changes in democratization may differ from their long-run responses.
Smallholder farmers’ perceptions of factors that constrain the competitiveness of a formal organic crop supply chain in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Darroch MAG , Mushayanyama T
Published: April 2017

The 48 organic-certified members of the Ezemvelo Farmers’ Organisation in KwaZulu-Natal were surveyed during October-November 2004 to assess what factors they perceive constrain the competitiveness of a formal supply chain that markets their amadumbe, potatoes and sweet potatoes. They identified uncertain climate, tractor not available when needed, delays in payments for crops sent to the pack-house, lack of cash and credit to finance inputs, and more work than the family can handle as the current top five constraints. Principal Component Analysis further identified three valid institutional dimensions of perceived constraints  and two valid farm-level dimensions. Potential solutions to better manage these constraints are discussed, including the need for the farmers to renegotiate the terms of their incomplete business contract with the pack-house agent.
Risk management strategies on small-scale commercial farms in three zobatat of Eritrea
Authors: Mohammed MA , Ortmann GF , Ferrer SR
Published: April 2017

In this study the perceptions of small-scale commercial farmers in Eritrea of the importance of various risk responses are ascertained and analysed to gain insight into their risk-management strategies.  Data were elicited through a survey of 186 small-scale commercial farmers conducted in three zobatat (regions) of Eritrea. Factor Analysis is used to investigate heterogeneity in sample farmers’ responses.  Results indicate that relatively more important risk responses include the use of internal and external sources of information, on-farm and off-farm diversification, choice of production system and product marketing arrangements. Farmers’ perceptions of risk responses vary according to farm type, geographical location, farm and farmer characteristics, as well as the existence of enterprise specific risk responses (e.g. livestock insurance) and differences in the marketing regulations of various agricultural products.
The burden of malaria in pregnancy in malaria-endemic areas
Authors: Steketee RW , Nahlen BL , Parise ME , Menendez C
Published: April 2017

Pregnant women in malarious areas may experience a variety of adverse consequences from malaria infection including maternal anemia, placental accumulation of parasites, low birth weight (LBW) from prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), fetal parasite exposure and congenital infection, and infant mortality (IM) linked to preterm-LBW and IUGR-LBW. We reviewed studies between 1985 and 2000 and summarized the malaria population attributable risk (PAR) that accounts for both the prevalence of the risk factors in the population and the magnitude of the associated risk for anemia, LBW, and IM. Consequences from anemia and human immunodeficiency virus infection in these studies were also considered. Population attributable risks were substantial: malaria was associated with anemia (PAR range = 3-15%), LBW (8-14%), preterm-LBW (8-36%), IUGR-LBW (13-70%), and IM (3-8%). Human immunodeficiency virus was associated with anemia (PAR range = 12-14%), LBW (11-38%), and direct transmission in 20-40% of newborns, with direct mortality consequences. Maternal anemia was associated with LBW (PAR range = 7-18%), and fetal anemia was associated with increased IM (PAR not available). We estimate that each year 75,000 to 200,000 infant deaths are associated with malaria infection in pregnancy. The failure to apply known effective antimalarial interventions through antenatal programs continues to contribute substantially to infant deaths globally.
The cost-effectiveness of antenatal malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Goodman CA , Coleman PG , Mills AJ
Published: April 2017

Antimalarial chemoprophylaxis during pregnancy significantly increases the birth weight of babies born to primigravidae, but coverage in sub-Saharan Africa is very limited. This analysis assessed whether increasing coverage is justified on cost-effectiveness grounds. A standardized modeling framework was used to estimate ranges for the cost per discounted year of life lost averted by weekly chloroquine chemoprophylaxis and intermittent sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) treatment for primigravidae in an operational setting with moderate to high malaria transmission. The SP regimen was found to be more cost-effective than the chloroquine regimen, because of both lower costs and higher compliance. Both regimens appear to be a good value for money in comparison with other methods of malaria control and based on rough cost-effectiveness guidelines for low-income countries, even with high levels of drug resistance. However, extending the SP regimen to all gravidae and increasing the number of doses per pregnancy could make the intervention significantly less cost-effective.
Gaps in the childhood malaria burden in Africa: cerebral malaria, neurological sequelae, anemia, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and complications of pregnancy
Authors: Murphy SC , Breman JG
Published: April 2017

Evaluations of the African childhood malaria burden do not fully quantify the contributions of cerebral malaria (CM), CM-associated neurological sequelae, malarial anemia, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and pregnancy-related complications. We estimated the impact of these malaria manifestations on members of the African population < 5 years old. Calculations were based on an extensive literature review that used National Library of Medicine search engines, other bibliographic sources, and demographic data. In sub-Saharan Africa, CM annually affects 575,000 children < 5 years of age and 110,000 (approximately 19% case fatality rate [CFR]) die. Childhood survivor, of CM experience developmental and behavioral impairments: each year, 9,000-19,000 children (> 2% of survivors of CM) < 5 years of age in Africa experience neurological complications lasting > 6 months. Severe malarial anemia heavily burdens hospitals with rising admission and CFRs and with treatments that are complicated by limited and sometimes contaminated blood supplies. Severe malarial anemia occurs 1.42-5.66 million times annually and kills 190,000-974,000 (> 13% CFR) children < 5 years of age annually. Respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and overlapping clinical manifestations cause 1.12-1.99 million cases and > 225,000 (> 18% CFR) additional deaths among African children with malaria. Maternal, placental, or fetal malaria infection during pregnancy adversely affects development and survival of fetuses and newborns through low birth weight (LBW), maternal anemia, and possibly abortion and stillbirth. Between 167,000 and 967,000 cases of malaria-associated LBW occur yearly; malaria-induced LBW kills 62,000-363,000 (> 38% CFR) newborns each year. All the gaps in the burden comprise 0.4-1.7 million deaths annually, > 50% of which are due to severe malarial anemia. These malaria-induced medical problems constitute major clinical, public health, and research challenges in that they may contribute to more than double the mortality than is generally acknowledged.
Toward a framework and indicators for monitoring Roll Back Malaria
Authors: Remme JH , Binka F , Nabarro D
Published: April 2017

Roll Back Malaria (RBM) is a new global partnership that aims to halve the malaria burden by the year 2010. A framework and indicators for monitoring the outcomes and impact of RBM have been defined through an extensive consultative process. The framework identifies critical areas for monitoring RBM action relating to 1) the impact on malaria burden, 2) improvements in malaria prevention and treatment, 3) related health sector development, and 4) support for RBM action (including partnerships). A set of RBM indicators has been defined that corresponds to these critical areas but that reflects the major variations in malaria epidemiology and the principal interventions in different parts of the world. Countries would select indicators that are appropriate for their situation. Four global indicators are proposed for use by all countries in which RBM action is under way. Data collection procedures are discussed, and it is indicated how monitoring RBM action can build on existing data-collection mechanisms.
Distribuição diamétrica de espécies da Floresta Ombrófila Densa no Sul do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Cysneiros Vinicius Costa , Amorim Thiago De Azevedo , Mendonça Júnior Joaquim De Oliveira , Gaui Tatiana Dias , De Moraes Juan Carlos Resende , Braz Denise Monte , Machado Sebastião Do Amaral
Published: April 2017

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho e selecionar funções densidade de probabilidade que descrevam a distribuição diamétrica da comunidade florestal e das três principais espécies da Floresta Ombrófila Densa no sul do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram testadas as funções Normal, Log Normal, Beta, Gama, Sb de Johnson e Weibull. Os ajustes foram realizados com auxílio da ferramenta Solver (MSExcel®), que utiliza o algoritmo linear de gradiente reduzido para otimização dos parâmetros das funções. Para a seleção do melhor modelo foram avaliados o valor D de Kolmogorov – Smirnov e o erro padrão da estimativa (Syx %). De maneira geral, as funções Sb de Johnson e Weibull apresentaram as melhores estatísticas de ajuste e maior precisão nas estimativas. Mesmo representando melhor a realidade da distribuição, os menores intervalos de classe não forneceram os melhores ajustes, sendo as estimativas mais precisas propiciadas pelos maiores intervalos e menores números de classes.
Strategies of two tropical woody species to tolerate salt stress
Authors: Lustosa Bruno Melo , Souza Lígia Gomes Ferreira , Frosi Gabriella , Falcão Hiram Marinho , Pereira Silvia , Oliveira Marciel Teixeira , Santos Mauro Guida
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the leaf primary metabolism in two woody species, Sterculia foetida and Bombacopsis glabra. Both species have seeds rich in oil and they are largely found in regions with irregularities in water availability. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse from seeds. At 140 days after emergence, 50% of the plants were subjected to salt stress for 23 days, daily receiving 100 mM of NaCl solution. In both species, leaf stomata conductance and water potential decreased quickly under salt stress. The two species showed different strategies in photosynthetic pigment concentration and components of nitrogen metabolism. S. foetida kept the pigment concentration unchanged after 23 days of stress, while B. glabra increased concentration of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. S. foetida showed a high leaf concentration of K+ in stressed plants and a Na+/K+ ratio without differences when compared to control. Thus, S. foetida presented a better ionic balance, while B. glabra invested in photoprotection. Therefore, both species present potential to be planted in Brazilian Northeast, where water deficit and salt stress are challenging for annual crops.
Deposição de folhedo e fluxo de nutrientes em eucalipto geneticamente modificado
Authors: Conti Júnior José Luiz Ferraresso , Silva Paulo Henrique Muller , Couto Hilton Thadeu Zarate do
Published: April 2017

A deposição de folhedo é um dos principais indicadores de ciclagem de nutrientes em plantios florestais. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica de deposição de folhedo, o fluxo dos nutrientes copa-solo via folhedo e a decomposição desse material em um plantio experimental de eucalipto geneticamente modificado. Não foram observadas alterações significativas na produção de folhedo ou no fluxo de nutrientes devido à transformação do eucalipto. As maiores variações observadas foram entre os dois clones estudados, mas foram inferiores às observadas comumente com as mudanças dos tratos silviculturais.
The potential of tree-ring cellulose content as a novel
supplementary proxy in dendroclimatology
Authors: Ziehmer Malin M. , Nicolussi Kurt , Schlüchter Christian , Leuenberger Markus
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Cellulose content (CC [%]) in tree rings is usually utilized as a tool to control the quality of the α-cellulose extraction from tree-rings in the preparation of stable isotope analysis in wooden tissues. Reported amounts of CC [%] are often limited to mean values per tree. For the first time, CC [%] series from two high Alpine species, Larix decidua Mill. (European Larch, LADE) and Pinus cembra L. (Swiss stone pine, PICE) are investigated in modern wood samples and Holocene wood remains from the Early and Mid-Holocene. Modern CC [%] series reveal a species-specific low-frequency trend independent from their sampling site over the past 150 years. Climate-cellulose relationships illustrate the ability of CC [%] to record temperature in both species, but for slightly different periods within the growing season. The Holocene CC [%] series illustrate diverging low-frequency trends in both species, independent of sampling site characteristics (latitude, longitude and elevation). Moreover, potential age trends are not apparent in the two coniferous species. The arithmetic mean of CC [%] series in the Early and Mid-Holocene indicate low CC [%] succeeding cold events. In conclusion, CC [%] in tree rings show high potential to be established as novel supplementary proxy in dendroclimatology.
Atmospheric dry and wet nitrogen deposition in agro-pastoral catchments of the China and Mongolia Altay
Authors: Lv Jin Ling , Buerkert Andreas , Liu Guo Jun , Lv Chao Yan , Zhang Xi Ming , Li Kai Hui , Liu Xue Jun
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Very few comparative studies of nitrogen (N) deposition in agroecosystems have been conducted along landuse and altitude gradients. In an effort to fill this gap of knowledge we selected three typical, interconnected landuse systems (cropland, mountain grassland and plain grassland)at six sampling sites in the transboundary Altay Mountains of NW China and SW Mongolia to compare the dynamics and amounts of wet and dry N deposition. During 12 months from June 2014 to May 2015 dry and wet N deposition through middle volume total suspended particulates (TSP), passive samplers and precipitation collectors were monitored. The croplands had the highest concentrations of NH4+-N (1.6 mg N L−1 in China and 2.0 mg N L−1 in Mongolia) and of NO3−-N (1.0 mg N L−1 in China and 1.2 mg N L−1 in Mongolia) in precipitation compared with the other land use types for wet deposition. In contrast, the Mongolian mountain grasslands experienced the highest wet deposition (3.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1) which was at least partly due to higher summer precipitation (161 mm), the second highest wet deposition occurred on Chinese cropland with 3.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1 while wet deposition in other landuse types ranged from 1.8 to 2.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Chinese cropland had the highest NH3 (3.1 μg N m−3) and NO2 (3.8 μg N m−3) concentrations and dry N deposition (15.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1) among all landuse types while Mongolian cropland had dry N deposition of 8.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Chinese cropland (18.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1) had the highest total N deposition, followed by the Mongolian cropland with 10.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and the Mongolian mountain grassland with 10.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1. NH4+-N concentration were negatively correlated with precipitation (P
Accounting for the climate–carbon feedback in emission metrics
Authors: Gasser Thomas , Peters Glen P. , Fuglestvedt Jan S. , Collins William J. , Shindell Drew T. , Ciais Philippe
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Most emission metrics have previously been inconsistently estimated by including the climate–carbon feedback for the reference gas (i.e. CO2) but not the other species (e.g. CH4). In the fifth assessment report of the IPCC, a first attempt was made to consistently account for the climate–carbon feedback in emission metrics. This attempt was based on only one study, and therefore the IPCC concluded that more research was needed. Here, we carry out this research. First, using the simple Earth system model OSCAR v2.2, we establish a new impulse response function for the climate–carbon feedback. Second, we use this impulse response function to provide new estimates for the two most common metrics: global warming potential (GWP) and global temperature-change potential (GTP). We find that, when the climate–carbon feedback is correctly accounted for, the emission metrics of non-CO2 species increase, but in most cases not as much as initially indicated by IPCC. We also find that, when the feedback is removed for both the reference and studied species, these relative metric values only have modest changes compared to when the feedback is included (absolute metrics change more markedly). Including or excluding the climate–carbon feedback ultimately depends on the user's goal, but consistency should be ensured in either case.
An assessment of the accuracy of global rainfall estimates without ground-based observations
Authors: Massari Christian , Crow Wade , Brocca Luca
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Satellite-based rainfall estimates have great potential value for a wide range of applications, but their validation is challenging due to the scarcity of ground-based observations of rainfall in many areas of the planet. Recent studies have suggested the use of Triple Collocation (TC) to characterize uncertainties associated with rainfall estimates by using three collocated products of this variable. However, TC requires the simultaneous availability of three products with mutually-uncorrelated errors, a requirement that is difficult to satisfy among current global precipitation datasets. In this study, a recently-developed method for rainfall estimation from soil moisture observations, SM2RAIN, is demonstrated to facilitate the accurate application of TC within triplets containing two state-of-the art satellite rainfall estimates and a reanalysis product. The validity of different TC assumptions are indirectly tested via a high quality ground rainfall product over the Contiguous United States (CONUS), showing that SM2RAIN can provide a truly independent source of rainfall accumulation information which uniquely satisfies the assumptions underlying TC. On this basis, TC is applied with SM2RAIN on a global scale in an optimal configuration to calculate, for the first time, reliable global correlations (versus an unknown truth) of the aforementioned products without using a ground benchmark dataset. The analysis is carried out during the period 2012–2015 using daily rainfall accumulation products obtained at 1° × 1° spatial resolution. Results convey the relatively high accuracy of the satellite rainfall estimates in Eastern North and South America, South Africa, Southern and Eastern Asia, Eastern Australia as well as Southern Europe and complementary performances between the reanalysis product and SM2RAIN, with the first performing reasonably well in the northern hemisphere and the second providing very good performance in the southern hemisphere. The methodology presented in this study can be used to identify the best rainfall product for hydrologic models with sparsely- gauged areas and provide the basis for an optimal integration among different rainfall products.
Regional snow-avalanche detection using object-based image analysis of near-infrared aerial imagery
Authors: Korzeniowska Karolina , Bühler Yves , Marty Mauro , Korup Oliver
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Snow avalanches are destructive natural hazards in mountain regions that continue to claim lives, and cause infrastructural damage and traffic detours. Given that avalanches often occur in remote and poorly-accessible steep terrain, their detection and mapping is extensive and time consuming. Nonetheless, systematic avalanche detection over large areas could help to generate more complete and up-to-date inventories (cadastres) necessary for validating avalanche forecasting and hazard mapping. In this study, we have focused on automatically detecting avalanches and classifying them into release zones, tracks, and runout zones based on 0.25-m near-infrared (NIR) ADS80-SH92 aerial imagery using an object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach. Our algorithm takes into account the brightness, the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and the normalised difference water index (NDWI) and its standard deviation (SDNDWI) in order to distinguish avalanches from other land-surface elements. Using normalised parameters allows readily applying this method across large areas. We trained the method by analysing the properties of snow avalanches at three 4-km2 areas near Davos, Switzerland. We compared the results with manually-mapped avalanche polygons, and obtained a user's accuracy of > 0.9 and a Cohen's kappa of 0.79–0.85. Testing the method for a larger area of 226.3 km2, we estimated producer's and user's accuracies of 0.61 and 0.78, respectively, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.67. Detected avalanches that overlapped with reference data by > 80 % occurred randomly throughout the testing area, showing that our method avoids overfitting. Our method shows potential in large-scale avalanche mapping, although further investigations into other regions are desirable to verify the stability of our selected thresholds and the transferability of the method.