92 research outputs found
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) mortality and survival in fenced reserves as part of a managed metapopulation across South Africa
Get PDFLarge carnivores require expansive habitat to meet their life history needs making them vulnerable to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitat. This, in addition to human persecution has led to substantial population and range reductions of most of the world’s large carnivores over the past century. Cheetahs are no exception, occupying only 12% of their historic range in South Africa. Reintroduction programs have attempted to re-establish cheetahs to parts of this historic range, and increasingly the potential exists for their conservation in smaller fenced game reserves. However, this requires managers to maintain demographic and genetic diversity. In 2011, the Endangered Wildlife Trust initiated a project which coordinates movements between reserves using a metapopulation framework. This coordinated management approach is still in its infancy and little data exist on how reintroduction success varies amongst individuals and reserves. This study aims to examine the causes of mortality and the factors influencing cheetah survival on 20 reserves using individual life history records from 1993-2018. We assessed demographic, environmental, and management factors that are predicted to influence cheetah survival using a Cox proportional hazard model. Predation, mostly by lions (Panthera leo) accounted for 39% of known mortalities. However, the presence of spotted hyena (Crucota crucuta) posed the greatest threat to survival. Contrary to my prediction, translocation improved survival when controlling for age. Survival has also improved with time since the coordinated metapopulation approach was initiated in 2011. We created a nomogram which can be used by practitioners to predict cheetah survival within the metapopulation. Our study shows the importance of monitoring reintroduction efforts and encourages similar methods be used for other species of conservation concern that are managed within a metapopulation framework
South African hydrogen infrastructure (HySA infrastructure) for fuel cells and energy storage: overview of a projects portfolio
No full textThe paper provides brief introduction to the National South African Program, branded HySA (Hydrogen South Africa) as well as discusses potential business cases for deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in South Africa. This paper also describes some key activities in the area of hydrogen production and storage within HySA Infrastructure Center of Competence in South Africa. The content of this paper is based on the presentation given during the recent WHEC 2016 Congress in Zaragoza, Spain. More specifically, the discussion of activities at HySA Infrastructure Center of Competence in the paper includes hydrogen production and storage
The historical biogeography of terrestrial gamebirds (Aves: Galliformes)
No full textIncludes bibliographical references (p.36-44).Whilst the phylogenetic relations of gamebirds are now well understood, there is a great lack of consensus on their biogeographical relationships. It has been suggested that the basal galliform clades, namely the megapodes from Australasia and the cracids from South and Central America, have their origins in the northern hemisphere and have colonised the southern hemisphere more recently. Those in favour of a Northern Hemisphere origin suggest that stem galliforms originated only after the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction event
A comprehensive reading of John 9: a socio-rhetorial perspective of discipleship in the Gospel of John
Get PDFChapter 9, interpreted in terms of its macro-micro structure, fits into the
overall literary and theological framework of the Book of Signs. The controversy
between Jesus and the Jewish leaders depicted in chapters 7-10 is taken up by
Chapter 9 in a particular manner.
This study employs the socio-rhetorical perspective to critically investigate
the notion of discipleship. It differs from previous studies as they were undertaken
from the historical, socio-scientific and narrative perspectives, and Robbins' sociorhetorical
methodology is applied to the Chapter 9 in order to dissect the notion of
discipleship as a theological problem. In Chapter 9, the blind man emerges as the
paradigm of the disciple as he exemplifies the principle of John 8.12.
The `Jews', concerned with their need both for self-definition and the
survival of Judaism, attempt to contain the growth of Christianity. The conflict is
conceived as a `conflict between darkness and light' and the healed man emerges as
a hero of the community. His triumph over darkness contrasts him with the Pharisees
who misguidedly follow the way of darkness and reject God's self-revelation. To
summarize, by applying for the first time a multidimensional and comprehensive
approach to John 9, three important characteristics of discipleship in the Fourth
Gospel emerge: (1) it is not just simple enthusiasm and zeal, but rather a firm
commitment, and strong and courageous determination to bear witness based upon
an experience of the divine. Disciples are required to maintain their readiness for
struggles, even death, for the sake of their faith; (2) discipleship is conceived as
redefining the believer's covenant relationship with God which takes place through
Jesus' identity and work. Therefore, the notion of `disciples of Moses' is no longer
defensible; (3) discipleship is nothing less than a `discipleship into light' since it
implies a duty to plead everywhere and always the cause of the Light in the sphere of
darkness and in the world dominated by many kinds of ideologies (religious, cultural,
political, etc.). The disciple must be prepared to be marginalized, not only by the
dominant society, but also by his/her own family and familiar world.DTH (NEW TESTAMENT)NEW TESTAMEN
TTF-TCNQ-based thin films and microcrystals - growth and charge transport phenomena
No full textOrganische Materialien haben bis zur Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts hinsichtlich ihrer elektronischen Eigenschaften keine besondere Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Größeres Interesse an diesen Materialien entstand erst durch die Entdeckung einer ungewöhnlich hohen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des organischen Perylen-Bromin Ladungstransfer-Komplexes durch Inokuchi et al. im Jahr 1954. Diese neue Klasse von Materialien besteht typischerweise aus Donor- und Akzeptor-Molekülen, die in einer bestimmten Stöchiometrie aneinander gebunden sind. Elektrische Ladung wird zwischen den Donor- und Akzeptor-Molekülen transferiert. Um diesen Prozess zu beschreiben, entwickelte Robert Mulliken in den 60er Jahren ein theoretisches Gerüst. Abhängig von der Anordnung der Moleküle und transferierten elektrischen Ladung kann der Ladungstransfer-Komplex (oder Salz) ein Isolator, ein Halbleiter, ein Metall oder sogar ein Supraleiter sein. Noch mehr Aufmerksamkeit erhielten Ladungstransfer-Materialien mit der Entdeckung des ersten quasi-eindimensionalen organischen Metalls TTF-TCNQ (tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane) im Jahr 1973. ..
'n Bloemlesing van Nederlandse verhale /
No full textIncludes bibliographical references.Olivier, Fani
Exploring the role of Information and Communication Technology and Open Government Data in creating awareness of employment opportunities: a case study involving South African youth
Get PDFThe lack of youth employment opportunities in South Africa is exacerbated by inadequacies in governmental institutions, policies and access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). These inadequacies can result in information deficiencies such as, unawareness of employment opportunities and employment requirements. Open government data (OGD) and ICT’s are potential enablers in meeting some of the information needs related to finding employment opportunities but there is little theorization on the application of OGD. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how the role of ICT and OGD in creating awareness of youth employment opportunities can be understood better by the application of the Choice Framework. The Choice Framework (CF) is Kleine’s analytical tool for investigating ICTs for development towards a contextualised understanding of the relationships among the framework’s elements namely structure, agency, the dimension of choice and development outcomes. The research design is a single, exploratory case study; the data capturing was conducted in the Alexandra Township of the Gauteng Province in South Africa using semi-structured interviews. Data was collected from 34 participants (between the ages of 18 and 35) who are currently looking for employment. The data was analysed thematically using Atlas.ti V8 and then unpacked in terms of the constructors of the CF. The findings show most participants had access to ICT but limited awareness on OGD and several challenges in using OGD for finding employment related information were identified. The findings provide a theory based contextual understanding of the research problem including the challenges and recommendations towards overcoming said challenges of finding information on employment opportunities
Habitat vulnerability for the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Get PDFThesis (MA (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.The Okavango river along the panhandle of the Delta, in Botswana, is home to many wildlife species as well as to many large village communities. Local communities rely on the riverine system and its resources for subsistence and commerce. Activities associated with the utilization of these resources are governed by the fluctuating water levels of the river, which inhibit access during high water levels and allow access during low water levels. The high intensity of activities, such as reed harvesting, fishing and increased tourism, during low water periods coincides with the breeding season of many wildlife species in the system, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Over 90% of crocodile breeding areas in the Delta are found only in the panhandle region. The association between the intensity of human activities in the floodplains and crocodile nesting activity means that much of the habitat required for nesting is vulnerable to human disturbance and this could have severe negative impacts on the future of the Okavango crocodile population.
The study evaluated habitat vulnerability by mapping and spatially comparing habitat suitability, based on optimum environmental requirements for crocodile nesting, and human disturbance factors. A detailed crocodile nesting survey was carried out to locate and test all nesting sites according to criteria selected by species experts. The results from the survey were used to locate suitable nesting habitat in the study area by analysis in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Disturbance factors were visually identified and their locations in the study area spatially mapped. Their spatial influences on crocodile nesting were used as factors in a Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) that evaluated the combined effect of the disturbances on the area defined as suitable crocodile habitat. The results indicate the extent of habitat vulnerable to human disturbances.
The results from the study show that 59% of once suitable crocodile habitat is currently disturbed by human activities. Most of the remaining 41% of undisturbed habitat is located along the Moremi/Phillipa side channel, which represents a core area for protection measures to be instated. The study recommends the declaration of a crocodile nesting sanctuary in this side channel to ensure the breeding success of this keystone species.Master
Fully Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stent vs Multiple Plastic Stents to Treat Benign Biliary Strictures Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Randomized Trial
No full textBACKGROUND & AIMS: Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are complications of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Endotherapy using multiple plastic stents (MPS) or a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) are acceptable treatment options for biliary obstructive symptoms in these patients. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic CP-associated BBS enrolled in a multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing 12-month treatment with MPS vs FCSEMS. Primary outcome was stricture resolution status at 24 months, defined as absence of restenting and 24-month serum alkaline phosphatase not exceeding twice the level at stenting completion. Secondary outcomes included crossover rate, numbers of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) and stents, and stent- or procedure-related serious adverse events. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were randomized to MPS and 80 to FCSEMS. Baseline technical success was 97.6% for MPS and 98.6% for FCSEMS. Eleven patients crossed over from MPS to FCSEMS, and 10 from FCSEMS to MPS. For MPS vs FCSEMS, respectively, stricture resolution status at 24 months was 77.1% (54/70) vs 75.8% (47/62) (P = .008 for noninferiority intention-to-treat analysis), mean number of ERCPs was 3.9 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.3 (P < .001, intention-to-treat), and mean number of stents placed was 7.0 ± 4.4 vs 1.3 ± .6 (P < .001, as-treated). Serious adverse events occurred in 16 (19.0%) MPS and 19 (23.8%) FCSEMS patients (P = .568), including cholangitis/fever/jaundice (9 vs 7 patients respectively), abdominal pain (5 vs 5), cholecystitis (1 vs 3) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (0 vs 2). No stent- or procedure-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Endotherapy of CP-associated BBS has similar efficacy and safety for 12-month treatment using MPS compared with a single FCSEMS, with FCSEMS requiring fewer ERCPs over 2 years. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01543256.).sponsorship: Boston Scientific Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)status: Publishe
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