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New host and distribution records for five species of Enterogyrus Paperna, 1963 (Dactylogyridae: Ancyrocephalinae) from cichlid hosts in South Africa
No full textBetween March 2015 and September 2016, three species of Cichlidae (Coptodon rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia sparrmanii) were screened for the presence of stomach monogeneans. Four localities across three provinces of South Africa (Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West) were sampled and a total of five Enterogyrus species were identified, viz. E. cichlidarum, E. coronatus, E. malmbergi, E. mashegoi and E. multispiralis. Finding E. malmbergi from O. mossambicus and T. sparrmanii represents new host and geographic records. Enterogyrus coronatus was reported from C. rendalli and T. sparrmanii from three localities. Both hosts are new host records for the species and show a wide distribution of E. coronatus within South Africa. Tilapia sparrmanii is a new host record for E. cichlidarum, E. mashegoi and E. multispiralis. Enterogyrus mashegoi and E. cichlidarum are reported from new localities
Evaluation of Nutritional Profile of Periwinkle (Tympanotonus Fuscatus) from Ekeuku Market, Owerri, Imo State
No full textShellfish meat are popular due to their high protein content, low carbohydrate values, low fat/cholesterol profile, and the presence of some vital minerals such as copper, calcium, zinc, iron, and manganese. High nutritional values in shellfish has resulted in an increase in demand for the resource which eventually influences the economic growth in both local and international markets. The nutritional profile of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) was studied with the aim of providing health related information to consumers. The proximate analysis was evaluated using standard analytical procedures. Results showed that periwinkle samples contained 3.69±0.63% ash, 38.38±0.19% moisture, 20.21±0% protein, 0.25±0.04% fat, 4.33±0% crude fibre and 33.15±0.78% carbohydrate. The results also revealed the mineral content of periwinkle thus: manganese content was 1.30ppm, magnesium content was 9.64ppm, calcium content was 1.55ppm, lead was 0.00ppm, iron was 5.60ppm and zinc was 0.11ppm. The findings from this work showed that periwinkle contained considerable amounts of protein, carbohydrate, ash, fibre, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc but low in fat with no lead content. Thus, increase consumption of periwinkle may help address micronutrient and protein deficiency problems
Prevalence of postural deformities in South African adolescents: The PAHL Study
No full textPostural disorders may occur during growth and development in adolescents. Research regarding postural changes during adolescence, especially in black South African children, is limited. This study examined the prevalence and changes of postural deformities among black South African adolescents (aged 14 years in 2010 and 18 years in 2014; n = 100), who were part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). The children’s stature and body mass were measured, and a qualitative New-York Posture Test was used to evaluate their postural deformities. The results show that in all 13 posture variables, the prevalence of abnormal posture ranged from 0-35% and slightly abnormal averaged 16-73% for the total group across the measured points. For the total group, high prevalence was observed regarding forward head, forward shoulders, hip sway, lordosis, and uneven shoulders in the abnormal and slightly abnormal category in 2014. Of the 13 posture variables, boys more significantly (p≤0.001) presented with abnormal posture (forward head, forward shoulders, kyphoses, and hip sway) than girls who experienced significant (p≤0.001) changes in abnormal posture (forward head, uneven shoulders, and lordosis). In conclusion, boys had more postural abnormalities than girls and the prevalence of postural deviations increased in this cohort over the four-year period. Intervention programmes comprising early prescription of physical exercise and proper postural habits in schools are recommended to address these preventable postural deformities
A qualitative exploration of sport policy implementation in Mauritius and its implications for human rights
No full textThe Republic of Mauritius launched the National Sport and Physical Activity (NSPA) Policy in 2018, which aims to address four core areas: economy, health and well-being, individual development, and culture and identity. In the context of this new policy, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with sport practitioners (PE teachers, coaches and policymakers) to learn more about their perspectives on progress, opportunities and barriers for vulnerable groups in Mauritius to access sport-related services. Based on interpretative phenomenological analysis, the interviews yielded seven themes: the meaning of sport, sport policy, sociocultural factors in Mauritius influencing participation, ongoing actions, barriers to participation, opportunities for improvement, and professional development. The enactment of the policy by the sport sector and allied stakeholders is still at an early stage. A collective vision has been established, yet resources to operationalise this are required, such as a monitoring and evaluation framework, training of professionals and coherent allocation of resources to sport organisations. The results highlight the need to ensure that social change to promote participation in sport for all requires that macro, meso and micro actions operate in tandem, are resourced, and are linked through specific goals, the realisation of which is monitored and evaluated. The human rights implications of the results are discussed and policy recommendations proffered
School leadership practice at faith-based schools through a servant leadership lens
Full text linkIn this article we report on an investigation into developing people and serving the community at faith-based schools througha servant leadership theory lens. Relevant literature was reviewed, and data were collected from school leaders by means of individual semi-structured interviews. Twelve participants were purposively selected from schools classified as top-performing schools in Gauteng, a province in South Africa. The interviews with these participants were audiotaped and transcribed, and the data analysed by using a process of abductive data analysis. The following measures were employed to review the servant leadership practices of faith-based leaders: being a serving leader, fostering people growth, and enhancing community relationships. Overall, principals were found to be effective leaders involved in a hands-on manner in both taskorientated and person-orientated activities. The servant leadership conception whereby “other” interests are regarded as more important than own interests serves as the basis for people development and there is a clear awareness that the enhancement of community relationships is a key facet in the communication that takes place between school principals and community members. The participants also showed concern for school-led development activities. It was evident that participating school staff were personally involved in facilitating learning activities such as collaborative workgroups and workshops and in creating a supporting structure for staff development. Apart from recommending that principals’ leadership behaviour in the abovementioned areas is consolidated, we strongly support their involvement in related matters such as coping with contextual realities and enhancing community relationships. The improvement of community relationships is eventually a challenging task to be exercised by principals within the social, political and demographic contexts of faith-based schools
Exploring intervention of e-textbook in schools: Teachers’ perspectives
Full text linkAs an innovative educational tool, e-textbooks has gained wide interest – especially with the growth of e-learning. As with any new technology, understanding how users adopt these technologies is still unclear. In the study reported on here we proposed a theoretical model shaping the determinants of teachers’ attitude toward e-textbooks. Specifically, we identified three contextualised factors (ease of use, usefulness, and concerns) as the factors of adopting e-textbooks. In addition, we examined teachers’ use of e-textbooks. A mixed-methods research design was used in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The results show that teachers held positive attitudes toward using e-textbooks in their teaching and used them as instructional aids. The results might inform education decision-makers who are planning to integrate e-textbooks into their schools in line with digital transformation and the knowledge society
The relationship between school-related gender-based violence and absenteeism: Evidence from 14 Southern and Eastern African countries
Full text linkChildren in sub-Saharan African countries face higher exposure to gender-based violence (GBV) compared to their counterparts in other world regions (United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], 2014). When GBV occurs in schools, it severely endangers access to education. Using the third round of data of the Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ) from over 60,000 Grade 6 learners across 14 countries, we examined the relationship between GBV in primary schools and learners’ absenteeism. Findings indicate that sexual harassment perpetrated by teachers significantly increases learners’ absenteeism. In contrast, effects were less clear when the perpetrator was a fellow learner. Effects found are similar in magnitude for girls and boys. Violence prevention education programmes and stricter punishment for offenders are needed to establish a safer school environment and overcome harassment-related barriers to learning
Cassava mosaic disease incidence and severity and whitefly vector distribution in Gabon
Full text linkCassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a major constraint to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the epidemiology of CMD in cassava production systems in Gabon. An epidemiological survey was conducted throughout Gabon from October 2020 to May 2021 to evaluate the epidemiology of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in cassava farms. A phytosanitary diagnosis was conducted at each farm, using the harmonised and unified WAVE protocol to assess the incidence and severity of CMD and the abundance of its whitefly vector. All data collected were recorded using WAVE’s mobile application and uploaded into the WAVE Cube data system. The results showed that CMD was present in all farms surveyed (n = 227; 100%), but with a variable incidence rate. At national level, the incidence of CMD was high, with an average of 64.29%. However, incidence differed among regions with 82.22 and 79.20% for Ogooue-Maritime and Nyanga; respectively, but only 40.42% for Estuaire. Woleu-Ntem had the highest mean severity (3.47) and Ogooue-Maritime the lowest (2.64). Overall, incidence and severity differed significantly among regions (P< 0.05). The average abundance was 2.58 whiteflies per plant (w/p), varying between 1.06 (Nyanga) and 5.25 w/p (Estuaire). The use of infected cuttings was the main mode of CMD spread (62.67%). These results highlight the need to identify the viruses responsible for the observed cases of CMD, to sanitise cultivated plant material, and to implement a CMD control strategy in Gabon
Significance of sweet sorghum as a multi-purpose crop for Sub-Saharan Africa
Full text linkThere is great interest in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) for promoting resilience in rural livelihoods in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). Unlike other crops, sweet sorghum is a multi-purpose crop for grain, feed, fodder, chewing, syrup and biofuel production. The objective of this paper is to analyse information on the diversity within the crop, its adaptation and plant breeding efforts in SSA. We also discuss opportunities that exist in SSA that make the crop an attractive alternative. It is clear from the review that the crop has a wide genetic base, hence significant improvements can be made on a number of preferred traits. The review further outlines four possible production models for the economic development of the sweet sorghum industry in Sub-Saharan Africa; which are (i) production for supply to urban chewing markets, (ii) syrup production, (iii) biofuel production and (iv) fodder production. Although current research focuses on production of ethanol for biofuel, other potential uses such as production for chewing, syrup and fodder cannot be overlooked for most SSA farmers. A lot has to be done on the research front before biofuel production from sweet sorghum can be profitable and technically feasible. Future plant breeding efforts can be tailor made to deliver cultivars with peculiar traits for various end-uses
Performance evaluation of secondary triploid Musa hybrids from in-vitro and ex-vitro derived propagules
Full text linkThis experiment was carried out at the High Rainfall Station of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria, to investigate if secondary triploid plantains established using in-vitro excised zygotic embryo propagules and tissue culture will differ significantly from those established by using ex-vitro propagules such as seeds obtained from open or hand pollinated parents. Seeds of secondary triploid plantain hybrids were obtained by crossing tetraploid female hybrids TMP4x 2796-5 and TMP4x 4698-1 by hand pollination with pollen from known diploid males TMP2x 1297-3 and TMP2x 1448-1. Another set of these female hybrids were exposed to open pollination. At maturity, seeds from ripened mature fruits from both methods of pollination had their zygotic embryos extracted and cultured in-vitro. Another set of seeds were grown ex-vitro in the soil. Both in-vitro and ex-vitro derived propagules obtained from open and hand pollinated parents were raised in the tissue culture laboratory and the nursery respectively. Three replications of the 12 treatments of eight-week-old secondary triploids were planted in the field at 3m x 2m spacing using an RCB (randomized complete block) design. Data collected were: number of days to 50% flowering (DTF), time to fruit filling (TFF), plant height and number of leaves at 50% flowering, bunch weight, number of hands/bunches, fingers/ bunch and total yield. Collected data were analysed using ANOVA in RCB design at (P = 0.05) while means were compared with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at (P = 0.05). Inconsistent individual genotypically significant differences were found in some phenological and vegetative characters, yield constituents and total yield between ex-vitro and in-vitro derived secondary triploids indicating no definitive pattern in responses of the secondary triploids. However, only days to flowering (DTF) showed consistent significant notable differences out of all these traits. Generally, the ex-vitro derived secondary triploids flowered significantly later than in-vitro derived ones. The secondary triploids from open pollinated parental crosses flowered significantly earlier than those obtained from the hand pollinated parental crosses