bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic status of elephants in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, Kenya
Authors: Wittemyer G. , Daballen D. , Rasmussen H. , Kahindi O. , Douglas‐Hamilton I. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIndividual based demographic records of the elephants utilizing Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves were collected from 1998 through 2003 and indicate that this elephant population was increasing at an average rate of 4.6% per year. Although the majority of carcasses were not found, known sources of mortality include disease, injury, and predation by lions and humans. Poaching did occur during the study period, however the population is increasing and thus our findings indicate ivory poaching has limited impact on the demographic status of these elephants. This population is part of the Samburu/Laikipia MIKE Site and thus its status is relevant to CITES ligislation.
Measuring species diversity while counting large mammals: comparison of methods using species‐accumulation curves
Authors: Gaidet Nicolas , Fritz Hervé , Messad Samir , Mutake Snoden , Le Bel Sébastien 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWith a growing need for wildlife conservation and management in the communal lands of Africa, comprehensive ecological monitoring tools need to be developed and evaluated. While wildlife census methods are often compared in terms of precision and accuracy to estimate the population size of various target species, little attention has been paid to the measure of species diversity in mammal communities. A combined measure of abundance and community composition is, however, a crucial source of information in determining conservation priorities and to evaluate the ecosystem responses to management activities. In this study, we present five census methods of large to medium‐sized mammals and compare their efficacy in measuring species diversity. A species accumulation curve analysis is used with a predictive model to estimate the local species richness, the level of completeness of our censuses as well as the effort required to carry out a census. Advantages and limits of each method are discussed through comparison of their respective measure of species richness and their species accumulation rate. Results illustrate a large difference between methods in the ability for species detection, with censuses completed by bicycle offering the best option within the context of a unprotected area.
Aspects of comparative thermal ecology of sympatric hinge‐back tortoises (Kinixys homeana and Kinixys erosa) in the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria
Authors: Luiselli Luca 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAspects of the thermal ecology of two sympatric hinge‐back tortoises, Kinixys erosa and Kinixys homeana, were studied in the rainforest zone of south‐eastern Nigeria (West Africa). There were no significant differences in mean body temperatures (Tb) among K. homeana males, K. homeana females, K. erosa males and K. erosa females. In both species, there was a significant correlation between Tb and air temperature (Ta), and the regression line of Ta plotted against Tb differed significantly from the line of ideal poikilothermy. These regressions did not differ significantly between sexes in either species. There were no significant differences in terms of mean Tb in K. homeana during the various day‐hour intervals, whereas the mean Tb of K. erosa varied significantly among the various daytime intervals, attaining the higher values at 11.01–15.00 and 15.01–19.00 hours. In both species, Tbs were nearly always below Tas, and the negative difference ‘Tb ‐ Ta’ increased with increasing Ta. The hourly‐time course of the difference between Tb and Ta showed significant differences in K. homeana (with the higher negative differences at 11.01–15.00 and 15.01–19.00 hours), whereas no such difference was observed in K. erosa. In general, tortoises of both species showed behavioural thermoregulation in their avoidance of overheating in tropical environments, taking advantage of shady forest environments.
Food and feeding ecology of the rock fowl Picatthartes oreas in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo A. I. , Ayodele I. A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe rock fowl is an endangered species and its food and feeding ecology was studied in the forest zone of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The methods used were direct observation, and fragmentation analysis of faecal and crop content of samples collected during both the wet and dry seasons. The results showed that rock fowl feed on a wide range of species of insects, fruits and flower buds. In the wet season, animal resources represented 54 and 62% of the adult and chick diet, respectively, whereas in the dry season, animal food resources represented about 60% of both adult and the chick diets. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the food composition of the birds between the dry and wet seasons. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) difference in food preference between adults and chicks. Food sharing was not common, although it was observed between rock fowl cockerels and hens. Food search and selection indices were directly related to season and food availability. It was concluded that food scarcity may not be a serious contributory factor in the threat to the rock fowl.
Studies on the hydrochemistry of Kangimi reservoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Kemdirim E. C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe physicochemical characteristics of Kangimi reservoir were investigated monthly at two stations of the reservoir between July 1998 and September 1999. This was done to determine if acceptable water quality standards are being maintained in the reservoir and to assess if the water could maintain a thriving fishery. All the physicochemical parameters investigated fell within the range of allowable standards for potable waters according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1993). Alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate‐nitrogen and phosphate phosphorus showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) values during the rains, which was associated with surface runoff, whereas dissolved oxygen, hardness, transparency and chlorophyll‐a showed significantly higher values (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The reservoir was indicated to be oligotrophic. The biological significance of these findings are discussed.
The ecological impact of bush encroachment on the yield of grasses in Borana rangeland ecosystem
Authors: Angassa Ayana 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe ecological impact of woody encroachment and the responses of herbage yield to encroachment were assessed at three locations in Borana rangeland at the end of the growing season. The study was carried out in two communal grazing areas (Medhecho and Dubluk) and one Government ranch (Dida‐Tuyura) in bush and/or shrub encroached and non‐encroached sites. In each area, three altitude ranges were distinguished and in each altitude range one transect, covering both encroached and non‐encroached rangeland, was selected. The assessment was based on the yield and botanical composition of the herbaceous layer. The grasses Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon aucheri and Panicum coloratum were common or dominant in both encroached and non‐encroached sites. Pennisetum mezianum and Pennise‐tum stramineum were typically found in encroached vegetation. The relative yield increased with non‐encroached sites and varied at different altitude ranges from about 106% to about 150%, thus increases ranged from 75% in Medhecho to 350% in Dubluk as determined from the lower values of the ranges.The encroached vegetation had a significantly lower score for herbage yield than the non‐encroached vegetation for most of the sites, although the differences were small. Differences based on altitude range were also significant for Eragrostis papposa and Pennisetum stramineum, while the three areas showed a significant difference for the mean yield of Aristida adscensionis, Cenchrus ciliaris and Eragrostis papposa.
Genetic structure of montane isolates of Pinus sylvestris L. in a Mediterranean refugial area
Authors: Robledo‐Arnuncio J. J. , Collada C. , Alía R. , Gil L. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAim  This work investigates the population genetic effects of periodic altitudinal migrations and interstadial fragmentation episodes in long‐term Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations at a regional scale.Location  The study focuses on Scots pine populations in the northern Meseta and peripheral mountain chains, central and north‐western Iberian Peninsula. The ample macrofossil record in the area shows that this 60,000‐km2 region represent a glacial refugium for Scots pine. The species occupied large areas on the Meseta plains during glacial cold stages, but it has periodically sheltered at high elevation in the surrounding mountain chains during warm episodes, conforming to a fragmented pattern similar to its present‐day distribution.Methods  We perform a fine‐scale chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) survey to assess the genetic structure of 13 montane Scots pine isolates in the northern Meseta (total N = 322 individuals). Using a hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (amova), we test the hypothesis of genetic isolation among disjunct mountain areas. We use a standard coalescence model to estimate genealogical relationship among populations, investigating the potential role of the regional relief as a factor influencing historic gene exchange among Scots pine populations.Results  Population haplotypic diversity was high among Scots pine populations (He = 0.978), greater than values reported for other more thermophilic pine species in the Iberian Peninsula. The amova revealed low (but significant) differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.031, P = 0.010), showed that the disjoint montane distribution could not account for the genetic divergence among areas (ΦCT = 0.012, P = 0.253), and that there was non‐trivial subdivision among populations within the same mountain region (ΦSC = 0.021, P = 0.012). The genealogical relationships among populations showed that Scots pine isolates growing on disjoint mountain blocks, but on slopes flowing to the same basin, were genetically closer than populations growing on different slopes of the same mountain chain, flowing to different basins.Main conclusions  The observed genetic structure for Scots pine is consistent with its population history, inferred from the palaeobotanical record, with vertical migrations throughout climatic pulses and with the drainage basins and large long‐term population sizes connecting different mountain blocks during the cooler glacial periods. Overall, the results suggest that, despite periodic interstadial fragmentation episodes, Scots pine biology provides for the long‐term maintenance of high within‐population and low among‐population genetic diversity at neutral genetic markers.
Coastal dune vegetation and pollen representation in south Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Authors: Fontana Sonia L. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAim  To establish the relationship between coastal dune vegetation and its pollen representation as an aid to interpret Holocene vegetation dynamics and environmental changes from pollen assemblages.Location  The study area is situated on the temperate Atlantic coast of south Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (c. 39° S and 61°20′ W).Methods  The vegetation of the active dune area adjacent to the beach was described on the basis of its floristic composition from 25 plots. Classification of the vegetation into distinct zones was carried out by cluster analysis. Surface samples were collected from each vegetation stand and analysed for their pollen composition. Pollen percentage data were analysed using principal components analysis in order to investigate the degree to which the different vegetation units can be distinguished by their pollen spectra. Pollen–vegetation relationships for selected taxa were explored using simple scatter plots and indices of association, under‐ and over‐representation. Indices of floristic diversity and palynological richness were used to assess the representation of the vegetation in the pollen spectra.Results and conclusions  Five vegetation zones are defined on the basis of species composition and their quantitative variation: back shore, mobile dunes, slacks, semi‐fixed and fixed dunes. Pollen assemblages from back shore, mobile dunes and slacks are clearly differentiated from semi‐fixed and fixed dunes. Pollen assemblages differ considerably from the associated vegetation composition. Major discrepancies are caused by large differences in pollen and vegetation proportion of Hyalis argentea and Discaria americana. There is a considerable proportion of non‐local pollen in every spectrum. Pollen representation in the coastal dunes at Monte Hermoso is influenced by differences in pollen production, dispersal and preservation of individual taxa as well as by the spatial distribution of the vegetation, the topography of the dune system and the wind pattern. The pollen–vegetation relationship established in this study has important implication for understanding and interpreting fossil pollen records from coastal dune environments.
‘First’ appearances in the Cenozoic land‐mammal record of the Greater Antilles: significance and comparison with South American and Antarctic records
Authors: MacPhee R.D.E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAim Through analysis of fossil records, the aim of this paper is to show that fossil representatives of at least three land‐mammal clades (pitheciine atelid primates, heteropsomyine echimyid rodents, and megalonychid phyllophagan xenarthrans) that once lived in the Greater Antilles are as old as, if not older than, ‘first’ occurrences of these same groups on the South American mainland.Location Greater Antilles, South America, Antarctic Peninsula.Methods Analysis of Cenozoic land‐mammal fossil records for the three areas.Results Comparison reveals an interesting similarity to the Tertiary vertebrate palaeontological record for the Antarctic Peninsula (Seymour Island), in the sense that the latter also includes early (Eocene) representatives of some typical ‘South American’ groups (e.g. meridiungulates, sloths, certain marsupial groups).Conclusions Given how limited the Antillean and Antarctic records are in quantity and quality, it seems unlikely that these ‘first’ appearances have much bearing on real origins (basal divergences). Rather, it suggests that the fossil basis for interpreting the origin and earliest diversification of ‘South American’ clades during the latest Cretaceous/early Cenozoic is probably even scantier than generally realized. In particular, the Antillean record strengthens arguments that some crown‐group continental lineages are considerably older than fossil evidence currently allows – a point increasingly (if unevenly) supported by molecular studies of many of the same clades.
How local community knowledge about malaria affects insecticide‐treated net use in northern Ghana
Authors: Adongo Philip B. , Kirkwood Betty , Kendall Carl 
Published: March 2005

SummaryLarge‐scale trials of insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) throughout Sub‐Saharan Africa demonstrated that they reduce child mortality in malaria endemic communities. These encouraging results have generated interest in ITNs as a viable malaria control strategy in many malaria endemic countries. However, regular use of ITNs under routine or non‐project conditions has been beset with several problems. This paper explores how local community knowledge about malaria acts as a barrier to the use of ITNs in three settings. We employed structured formal observation and a range of interviewing techniques which included informal interviews, focus group discussions, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, and structured survey interviewing. People recognize the term ‘malaria’ but have limited biomedical knowledge of the disease, including its aetiology, the role of the vector, and host response. Convulsions and anaemia are rarely linked to malaria. The people acknowledged a role for ITNs in nuisance reduction, but not for malaria prevention.
Malaria control in Vietnam: the Binh Thuan experience
Authors: Nam Nguyen Van , de Vries Peter J. , Toi Le Van , Nagelkerke Nico 
Published: March 2005

SummaryObjective  The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in Vietnam is based on application of insecticide‐treated bed nets (ITNs), spraying of insecticides and early microscopic diagnosis of malaria and treatment (EDTM) with artemisinin drugs. This study explores the implementation of the NMCP at provincial level and its impact on malaria incidence (mi) and prevalence in Binh Thuan in southern Vietnam.Methods  Data on implementation of EDTM, distribution of ITNs, annual mi and Plasmodium index (pi) were derived from intervention logbooks and surveillance records kept by the provincial Malaria Station since 1988. The relation between interventions and the change of pi over time was analysed with Generalized Estimating Equations.Results  Control activities focused on the highly endemic zones where ITNs were distributed free of charge to ethnic minority groups, including twice yearly re‐impregnation, from 1992 onwards. This almost completely replaced insecticide spraying. Complete ITN coverage of these groups was achieved in 1995, constituting 40% of the entire population. In all malaria endemic communes, primary health care posts were consecutively upgraded or installed, mainly between 1992 and 1995, offering EDTM with artemisinin drugs free of charge. Before 1994, mi peaked to over 50/1000, pi to over 16% in the highly endemic zones. In 1998, these had decreased to below 9/1000 and 4% respectively. The effects of the interventions could not be discerned with statistical significance.Conclusion  Malaria incidence and prevalence declined significantly in Vietnam, possibly due to the malaria control efforts, but coinciding with rapid socioeconomic changes.
Lymphatic filariasis in Ghana: establishing the potential for an urban cycle of transmission
Authors: Gbakima Aiah A. , Appawu Maxwell A. , Dadzie Samuel , Karikari Collins , Sackey Samuel O. , Baffoe‐Wilmot Aba , Gyapong Johnny , Scott Alan L. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryLymphatic filariasis is a significant public health and economic problem in many tropical and sub‐tropical regions. Unplanned urbanization leading to a lack of proper sanitary conditions has resulted in an increase in the urban‐based transmission of a number of vector‐borne diseases, including lymphatic filariasis. It has been well established that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in rural areas of Ghana. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a potential of establishing urban transmission cycles in Ghana's major cities. We clinically and immunologically assessed 625 individuals from the three major urban areas (Bawku, Bolgatanga and Secondi/Takoradi), finding that the prevalence of infection with Wuchereria bancrofti ranged from 0 to 12.5%. The results of a polymerase chain reaction based analysis of mosquitoes collected from these areas suggested that there is a low but detectable prevalence of mosquitoes infected with W. bancrofti. We conclude that there may be a potential for an established urban transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana.
Antiretroviral treatment in resource‐poor settings: public health research priorities
Authors: Jaffar Shabbar , Govender Thilo , Garrib Anupam , Welz Tanya , Grosskurth Heiner , Smith Peter G. , Whittle Hilton , Bennish Michael L. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryMany countries in Africa are planning to provide highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to millions of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This will be a highly complex therapy programme. Physician‐based models of care adapted from industrialized countries will not succeed in providing treatment to the majority of those who need it in resource‐constrained settings. A high priority is to identify care models for Africa that will increase coverage of HAART safely and effectively: key issues are (i) whether nursing staff or non‐clinically qualified staff can take the major role in the treatment programme and reduce the workload of physicians, (ii) whether treatment and monitoring can be delivered through peripheral health centres or through home visits and achieve better adherence and be more cost‐effective than delivery at hospitals and (iii) which clinical algorithms used by nursing or non‐clinically qualified staff will be effective for screening, diagnosing and managing treatment‐related side‐effects and medical problems being incurred. Many current ART support programmes are making little or no investment in research, but answering important questions on delivery of HAART will be essential if HAART programmes are to be successful in African nations with a high burden of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
High risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection during the Hajj pilgrimage
Authors: Wilder‐Smith Annelies , Foo Winnie , Earnest Arul , Paton Nicholas I. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIntroduction  Annually more than 2 million pilgrims from all over the world attend the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Overcrowding during this pilgrimage leads to a high risk of transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is common among hospitalized pilgrims, but the overall risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection during this pilgrimage is not known. We conducted a prospective study to assess the risk of M. tuberculosis infection among Hajj pilgrims.Methods  We measured the immune response to TB antigens using a whole‐blood assay (QuantiFERON TB assay) prior to departure and 3 months after return from the Hajj pilgrimage.Results  Of 357 paired assays, 149 pilgrims were negative prior to the Hajj and 15 (10%) of these had a significant rise in immune response to TB antigens.Conclusions  Pilgrims may be at high risk of acquiring M. tuberculosis infection during the Hajj. This has significant public health implications for TB control in countries with large Muslim populations.
Community‐directed interventions strategy enhances efficient and effective integration of health care delivery and development activities in rural disadvantaged communities of Uganda
Authors: Katabarwa M. N. , Habomugisha P. , Richards F. O. , Hopkins D. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe community‐directed interventions (CDI) strategy achieved a desired coverage of the ultimate treatment goal (UTG) of at least 90% with ivermectin distribution for onchocerciasis control, and filled the gap between the health care services and the communities. However, it was not clear how its primary actors – the community‐directed health workers (CDHW) and community‐directed health supervisors (CDHS) – would perform if they were given more responsibilities for other health and development activities within their communities. A total of 429 of 636 (67.5%) of the CDHWs who were involved in other health and development activities performed better than those who were involved only in ivermectin distribution, with a drop‐out rate of 2.3%. A total of 467 of 864 (54.1%) of CDHSs who were involved in other health and development activities also maintained the desired level of performance. They facilitated updating of household registers (P < 0.05), trained and supervised CDHWs, and educated community members about onchocerciasis control (P < 0.001). Their drop‐out rate was 2.6%. The study showed that the majority of those who dropped out had not been selected by their community members. Therefore, CDI strategy promoted integration of health and development activities with a high potential for sustainability.