UCT Open Access Journals (Univ. of Cape Town)
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Avian predators of the Indian Chameleon Chamaeleo zeylanicus
Full text linkThis paper presents the seven known records of avian predation on the Indian Chameleon Chamaeleo zeylanicus in India and Sri Lanka. There were four observations in which the predator was the Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela, with single predation events being made by Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis, Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda and Malabar Paid Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus
Unusual Predatory Behaviour by Mole Snake on African Penguin at Robben Island
Full text linkRobben Island, Table Bay, South Africa, is an Important Bird Area, and many of the seabird species breeding on Robben Island are of conservation concern. In particular, the African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is Critically Endangered. The island hosts 18 species of reptiles. During the 2024 annual African Penguin census, a Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana was observed attempting to constrict and presumably overpower an adult African Penguin. This is a phenomenon which has not previously been observed. This incident serves as a reminder of the many challenges face by the African Penguin
Integration of Health and Safety (H&S) into Construction Procurement System: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThe construction industry is a major contributor to the economy of many nations; however, the industry is bedevilled by poor health and safety (H&S) records, leading to significant human and economic losses. This study systematically reviews the integration of H&S into the construction procurement system, identifying key drivers and barriers. Using a systematic literature review approach, 71 articles were analysed out of 21,407 records that were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases to uncover the drivers and barriers to H&S incorporation into the procurement system. The study discovered the ambivalent influence of procurement methods, digital technology, legislation, and project ecosystem on H&S integration. The findings reveal that traditional procurement methods, low technology adoption, inadequate legislation, and negative management actions are major barriers. Conversely, modern procurement methods, robust digital technologies, clear legislative frameworks, and positive management actions serve as drivers. The study highlights significant research gaps, including limited empirical evidence on the long-term impact of procurement methods on H&S outcomes, especially in developing countries, and proposes future research directions to enhance H&S integration in construction procurement. There is a need for the enactment and enforcement of robust legislative frameworks that mandate H&S considerations in the construction procurement system. Also, contractors need to adopt modern procurement methods and leverage digital technologies to enhance H&S
A spanner in the taxonomic works? A simultaneous spawning irruption of Giant Pyxicephalus adspersus and Edible P. edulis Bullfrogs
Full text linkThis note reports on observations of the simultaneous breeding irruptions of Pyxicephalus adspersus and P. edulis at the same place and time on the farm Uitkoms 864 LS north of Polokwane (23° 41' 30"S, 29° 30' 23"E, QDGC 2329DA; 1192 m a.s.l.). The frogs were calling and spawning over an area of approximately 3 500 m2 which comprised of a series of several shallow pools of varying degrees of interconnectedness. There was no apparent niche separation within the pools, and both species were found in all areas of the pools. Callings males were well-spaced, usually at least 30 cm between calling P. adspersus and P. edulis males. Typical of bullfrog spawning aggregations, both species exhibited aggressive behaviour, both intra- and interspecifically
Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris: a veritable avian weightlifter
Full text linkFour nests of Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris were examined. The nests were constructed mainly of awns and stems grasses (genus Stipagrostis) on substantial foundations averaging 827 components, mostly small stones, with an average weight of 723 g, which is 33 times the weight of the average Familiar Chat
Sentiment News in the Nigerian Reit Market: Source and its Dynamic Nature
Full text linkIn this study, we assess the source and dynamic nature of sentiment news on the Nigerian REIT market. The study adopts direct survey method and the Nigerian stockbrokers were surveyed through close-end questionnaire instrument. The data collected were analysed by weighted mean score and stepwise regression model. The result showed that the prominent source of biased news in the property stock market is pronouncements/announcements on economic indices and capital markets. The REIT market is more active, with often buying decisions during the optimistic market mood driven by good news. The pessimism market condition is characterized by the decision to sell, often dominated by pessimistic investors; the optimistic investors take caution, leading to a dull market and low return on investment. Findings also revealed that sentiment news from pronouncements/announcements significantly explains the dynamic behaviour of investors during the optimistic market condition; the media/press report significantly explains investor behaviour towards property stock in the pessimism market condition. The study concluded that the need to examine irrational behaviour attributed to sentiment news is imperative to optimal investment decisions when thinking of investment in the REIT market
Zero-dose or under immunized: Where should the emphasis lie?
Full text linkVaccine preventable diseases (VPD) pose significant morbidity and mortality globally. Two years after the endorsement of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), the number of children not fully vaccinated increased from 19 million pre-COVID-19 to 25 million post-COVID, with 72% (18.2 million) of these labelled as zero-dose, i. e those who did not receive DPT 1 vaccine. While children who do not initiate vaccination early (zero-dose) may be at a greater risk of missing subsequent vaccinations, we most respectfully suggest that this term zero-dose may be problematic, lending itself to misconceptions among policy makers and health professionals. Firstly, zero-dose is currently set at six weeks DPT1 vaccination point and not at birth for children 12-23 months of age. Secondly, assessing zero-dose in children 12 to 23 months of age, delays corrective or remedial action because by month 12, the children have missed key vaccines before they are flagged as zero dosers. Thirdly, in poor settings, many children who initiate vaccination do not complete the schedule, with DPT1 coverage always higher than measles vaccine coverage. Additionally, the children in poor countries who miss the first DPT dose face similar challenges and deprivations and barriers as those who fail to complete their immunization schedule. The problems of poverty, inability to fully access immunization services, hesitant caregivers and poorly equipped immunization programs affect all children across sub–Saharan Africa and other poor countries. This review seeks to discuss the importance of looking at the entire recommended immunization schedule over and above highlighting those who miss DPT1 alone and proposes that “under-immunized” children as an entity be equally emphasized as “zero dose” children in low- and middle-income countries to ensure that adequate attention is given to both vulnerable groups
Addressing the Housing Shortage Gap in Nigeria: An exploration of Dry Construction Method
Full text linkDue to Nigeria's housing shortage, which has been increasing since the late 20th century and currently stands at 20 million units with a loss rate of 780,000 units annually, Nigeria's construction industry has been under pressure to adopt a modern, timely, and premium construction strategy. This research aims to assess how the dry construction method affects mass housing delivery in developing countries, focusing on Nigeria.
This study employed a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen experts and specialists in dry construction and housing who work for various organisations in Nigeria.
The study concluded that, although dry construction is infrequently used in developing countries, it offers significant potential for emerging economies and mortgage companies to ensure prompt housing delivery. By reducing building time and improving housing accessibility, dry construction can address the current challenges of delivering affordable housing in Nigeria. To successfully implement the dry construction method in closing the housing deficit in Nigeria, the research also noted that the government must change its priority beyond direct house development towards creating a conducive framework for the industry.
This study presents key stakeholders in the housing sector with the information they need to adopt and implement the dry construction method to close the housing gap, especially in Nigeria, which has received less attention
Quality Management In Ready-Mix Concrete Production In Zambia
Full text linkThe construction industry, a significant contributor to global economies, is projected to yield substantial economic output by 2030 of around $135 trillion. Central to construction is concrete, a widely used material. Ready-mix concrete (RMC), a specialised form of concrete, is gaining prominence due to its rapid setting and superior quality. In Zambia, the increasing demand for RMC highlights the need for stringent quality management to hedge potential structural risks. This study aimed to determine the quality management in ready-mix concrete production in Zambia. Employing a parallel convergent mixed-methods research design to achieve the objectives, qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and desk study and quantitative data was gathered through a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The findings of the study reveal that while guidelines exist, adherence varies. Regulatory bodies for standards, engineering and construction play pivotal roles in overseeing RMC quality. However, their execution faces inconsistencies and challenges due to limited resources and a lack of sense of responsibility. Quality control practices were investigated unveiling variations in forward, immediate, and retrospective control phases. Notable trends in proper storage and equipment calibration showed a commitment to precision. Immediate control practices, encompassing sampling and non-compliance management, demonstrated both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Retrospective control showed commitment to comprehensive strength testing and minimal towards split cylinder testing and on-site slump evaluation. In the realm of quality assurance (QA), RMC facilities show substantial adherence to documented QA standard operating procedures and thorough raw material inspections. However, deficiencies in batching and mixing practices and limited adoption of modern weighing systems require improvement. The study recommends creating an industry association for collaboration, enhancing standardised practices, introducing third-party quality audits, and proposing compulsory RMC standards to boost progress in the Zambian RMC industry.
Key Words: Quality Management, Ready Mix Concrete, Observation, Desk Study, Zambia