Performance and field host range of the life stages of Cornops aquaticum, a biological control agent of water hyacinth
- Franceschini, M Celeste, Hill, Martin P, Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela, Gervazoni, Paula B, Sabater, Lara M, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: Franceschini, M Celeste , Hill, Martin P , Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela , Gervazoni, Paula B , Sabater, Lara M , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424814 , vital:72186 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13354"
- Description: Host specificity determination of weed biocontrol agents has historically relied on evidence generated through quarantine trials in the region of introduction. These trials could give ‘false positive’ results due to a maximum type I error probability, and where possible, more research under field conditions should be conducted in the region of origin. The oligophagous, semiaquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tetrataeniini), was released in South Africa for the biological control of Pontederia crassipes Pellegrini and Horn (Pontederiaceae). The aim of this study was to assess how the performance and field host range of C. aquaticum varies according to its stages of development, and how this contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the fundamental (laboratory-based) and the ecological (field-based) host range of this grasshopper, and its implications for water hyacinth biocontrol. We conducted post-release laboratory no-choice trials, confining early instars (instars 1 and 2), later instars (instars 3–6), and adult females and males in mesh cages, to determine insect performance on wetland plants growing in sympatry with P. crassipes. Also, gut analysis from field-collected C. aquaticum was done to determine the ecological host range of this insect, identifying epidermal tissue of consumed plants. In no-choice trials, survival rates of the later instars and adult C. aquaticum were similar on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. and Kunth) Lye (Cyperaceae), and P. crassipes. However, under field conditions, P. crassipes and the congeneric Pontederia azurea Sw. were the only plant contents in the guts of early instars and the most abundant species in later instars and adults. The results support the hypothesis that C. aquaticum is an oligophagous insect on the genus Pontederia, and that different life stages should be considered when conducting host-specificity trials in externally feeding mobile herbivore species. Diet composition of field-collected insects thus could help detect false positives in laboratory trials, being an additional and realistic approach in understanding and predicting the selection processes of the insect in the new environment. Retrospective analysis of potential agents that were rejected due to lack of host-specificity, using the methods from this study, could add a suite of additional agents to programs where invasive weeds remain unmanaged.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Franceschini, M Celeste , Hill, Martin P , Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela , Gervazoni, Paula B , Sabater, Lara M , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424814 , vital:72186 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13354"
- Description: Host specificity determination of weed biocontrol agents has historically relied on evidence generated through quarantine trials in the region of introduction. These trials could give ‘false positive’ results due to a maximum type I error probability, and where possible, more research under field conditions should be conducted in the region of origin. The oligophagous, semiaquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tetrataeniini), was released in South Africa for the biological control of Pontederia crassipes Pellegrini and Horn (Pontederiaceae). The aim of this study was to assess how the performance and field host range of C. aquaticum varies according to its stages of development, and how this contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the fundamental (laboratory-based) and the ecological (field-based) host range of this grasshopper, and its implications for water hyacinth biocontrol. We conducted post-release laboratory no-choice trials, confining early instars (instars 1 and 2), later instars (instars 3–6), and adult females and males in mesh cages, to determine insect performance on wetland plants growing in sympatry with P. crassipes. Also, gut analysis from field-collected C. aquaticum was done to determine the ecological host range of this insect, identifying epidermal tissue of consumed plants. In no-choice trials, survival rates of the later instars and adult C. aquaticum were similar on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. and Kunth) Lye (Cyperaceae), and P. crassipes. However, under field conditions, P. crassipes and the congeneric Pontederia azurea Sw. were the only plant contents in the guts of early instars and the most abundant species in later instars and adults. The results support the hypothesis that C. aquaticum is an oligophagous insect on the genus Pontederia, and that different life stages should be considered when conducting host-specificity trials in externally feeding mobile herbivore species. Diet composition of field-collected insects thus could help detect false positives in laboratory trials, being an additional and realistic approach in understanding and predicting the selection processes of the insect in the new environment. Retrospective analysis of potential agents that were rejected due to lack of host-specificity, using the methods from this study, could add a suite of additional agents to programs where invasive weeds remain unmanaged.
- Full Text:
Persistent effects of historical sea levels on the population structure of a temporary wetland copepod
- Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan, Jooste, Candice M, Wasserman, Ryan J, Dalu, Tatenda, Raath-Krüger, Morgan J, Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine, Teske, Peter R
- Authors: Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan , Jooste, Candice M , Wasserman, Ryan J , Dalu, Tatenda , Raath-Krüger, Morgan J , Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine , Teske, Peter R
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445115 , vital:74348 , https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.14139
- Description: Temporary wetland ecosystems are common in arid and semi‐arid envi-ronments, and are inhabited by diverse invertebrate communities. Little is known about the dynamics of genetic connectivity in the geograph-ically scattered populations of these wetland specialists. The current study investigated the spatial genetic structure and dispersal history of a recently described calanoid copepod, Lovenula raynerae, reported from temporary wetlands in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We tested whether the species represents a single, well‐connected population or comprises different regional genetic groups, some of which may be rare or endangered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan , Jooste, Candice M , Wasserman, Ryan J , Dalu, Tatenda , Raath-Krüger, Morgan J , Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine , Teske, Peter R
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445115 , vital:74348 , https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.14139
- Description: Temporary wetland ecosystems are common in arid and semi‐arid envi-ronments, and are inhabited by diverse invertebrate communities. Little is known about the dynamics of genetic connectivity in the geograph-ically scattered populations of these wetland specialists. The current study investigated the spatial genetic structure and dispersal history of a recently described calanoid copepod, Lovenula raynerae, reported from temporary wetlands in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We tested whether the species represents a single, well‐connected population or comprises different regional genetic groups, some of which may be rare or endangered.
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Photoantimicrobial activity of Schiff-base morpholino phthalocyanines against drug resistant micro-organisms in their planktonic and biofilm forms
- Sindelo, Azole, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360437 , vital:65088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103519"
- Description: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a treatment for the eradication of drug-resistant micro-organisms. One of the advantages of this technique, is that there is minimal possibility of microbial resistance. Hence, herein, the preparation and characterization of novel neutral and cationic morpholine containing Schiff base phthalocyanines are reported. The cationic complexes gave moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of ∼0.2 in aqueous media. Conversely, the neutral complexes generated very low ΦΔ values making them very poor candidates for antimicrobial studies. The cationic phthalocyanines showed excellent photodynamic activity against planktonic cells of all micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Choleraesuis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The efficiency of aPDI was shown to be both concentration and light-dose-dependent. Mono biofilms were susceptible when treated with 200 µM of cationic Pcs at 108 J/cm2. However, ∼10% of the mixed biofilm survived after treatment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360437 , vital:65088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103519"
- Description: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a treatment for the eradication of drug-resistant micro-organisms. One of the advantages of this technique, is that there is minimal possibility of microbial resistance. Hence, herein, the preparation and characterization of novel neutral and cationic morpholine containing Schiff base phthalocyanines are reported. The cationic complexes gave moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of ∼0.2 in aqueous media. Conversely, the neutral complexes generated very low ΦΔ values making them very poor candidates for antimicrobial studies. The cationic phthalocyanines showed excellent photodynamic activity against planktonic cells of all micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Choleraesuis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The efficiency of aPDI was shown to be both concentration and light-dose-dependent. Mono biofilms were susceptible when treated with 200 µM of cationic Pcs at 108 J/cm2. However, ∼10% of the mixed biofilm survived after treatment.
- Full Text:
Photodynamic inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using pyrrolidinium containing Schiff base phthalocyanines
- Sindelo, Azole, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360449 , vital:65089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114535"
- Description: New tetra-substituted zinc and indium Schiff base phthalocyanines (ZnPc and InPc, respectively) are synthesized and characterized herein. The ethyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-2, InPc-2) and propyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-3, InPc-3) substituted Schiff base Pcs were reacted with methyl iodide to form their cationic derivatives (ZnPc-2Q, InPc-2Q, ZnPc-3Q, and InPc-3Q, respectively). The photophysical and photochemical properties of the Pcs were studied. The cationic Pcs generated higher singlet oxygen quantum yield in aqueous media than the neutral Pcs. The photoinactivation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains was evaluated. 5 µM ZnPc-3Q and InPc-3Q inactivated 100 % of the MSSA and MRSA while 5 µM ZnPc-2Q and InPc-2Q eradicated 100 % for MSSA and 97.2 % and 98.7 % (respectively) of the MRSA. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy studies depended on singlet oxygen ability, the charges, and the extension of the alkyl groups.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360449 , vital:65089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114535"
- Description: New tetra-substituted zinc and indium Schiff base phthalocyanines (ZnPc and InPc, respectively) are synthesized and characterized herein. The ethyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-2, InPc-2) and propyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-3, InPc-3) substituted Schiff base Pcs were reacted with methyl iodide to form their cationic derivatives (ZnPc-2Q, InPc-2Q, ZnPc-3Q, and InPc-3Q, respectively). The photophysical and photochemical properties of the Pcs were studied. The cationic Pcs generated higher singlet oxygen quantum yield in aqueous media than the neutral Pcs. The photoinactivation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains was evaluated. 5 µM ZnPc-3Q and InPc-3Q inactivated 100 % of the MSSA and MRSA while 5 µM ZnPc-2Q and InPc-2Q eradicated 100 % for MSSA and 97.2 % and 98.7 % (respectively) of the MRSA. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy studies depended on singlet oxygen ability, the charges, and the extension of the alkyl groups.
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Sample size assessments for thermal physiology studies: An R package and R Shiny application
- van Steenderen, Clarke J M, Sutton, Guy F, Owen, Candice A, Martin, Grant D, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: van Steenderen, Clarke J M , Sutton, Guy F , Owen, Candice A , Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444455 , vital:74242 , https://doi.org/10.1111/phen.12416
- Description: Required sample sizes for a study need to be carefully assessed to account for logistics, cost, ethics and statistical rigour. For example, many studies have shown that methodological variations can impact the critical thermal limits (CTLs) recorded for a species, although studies on the impact of sample size on these measures are lacking. Here, we present ThermalSampleR; an R CRAN package and Shiny application that can assist researchers in determining when adequate sample sizes have been reached for their data. The method is particularly useful because it is not taxon specific. The Shiny application offers a user‐friendly interface equivalent to the package for users not familiar with R programming. ThermalSampleR is accompanied by an in‐built example dataset, which we use to guide the user through the workflow with a fully worked tutorial.
- Full Text:
- Authors: van Steenderen, Clarke J M , Sutton, Guy F , Owen, Candice A , Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444455 , vital:74242 , https://doi.org/10.1111/phen.12416
- Description: Required sample sizes for a study need to be carefully assessed to account for logistics, cost, ethics and statistical rigour. For example, many studies have shown that methodological variations can impact the critical thermal limits (CTLs) recorded for a species, although studies on the impact of sample size on these measures are lacking. Here, we present ThermalSampleR; an R CRAN package and Shiny application that can assist researchers in determining when adequate sample sizes have been reached for their data. The method is particularly useful because it is not taxon specific. The Shiny application offers a user‐friendly interface equivalent to the package for users not familiar with R programming. ThermalSampleR is accompanied by an in‐built example dataset, which we use to guide the user through the workflow with a fully worked tutorial.
- Full Text:
Signposts on the road toward transformative governance: how a stronger focus on diverse values can enhance environmental policies
- Keleman, Eszter, Subramanian, Suneetha M, de Vos, Alta, Amaruzaman, Sacha, Porter-Bolland, Luciana, Islar, Mine, Kosmus, Marina, Nakangu, Barbara, Nuesiri, Emmanuel, Robles, Gabriela A, Yiu, Evonne, Emerton, Lucy, Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Authors: Keleman, Eszter , Subramanian, Suneetha M , de Vos, Alta , Amaruzaman, Sacha , Porter-Bolland, Luciana , Islar, Mine , Kosmus, Marina , Nakangu, Barbara , Nuesiri, Emmanuel , Robles, Gabriela A , Yiu, Evonne , Emerton, Lucy , Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415927 , vital:71301 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2023.101351"
- Description: Transformative change toward sustainability is increasingly recognized as inevitable to avoid the collapse of socioecological systems. However, for a deep and system-wide transformation, governance approaches and policymaking need to be changed too. This paper discusses how a diverse value approach in environmental policymaking could be undertaken to foster transformative governance that can further lead to system-wide transitions. Based on the analysis of different policy options’ transformative potential, we argue that the more diverse values addressed by a policy instrument, the bigger its transformative potential. Weaving values into policy decision-making is possible at several junctures of the policy process, but context-specificities should always be considered, and capacities must be enhanced at all levels, both for public and private actors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Keleman, Eszter , Subramanian, Suneetha M , de Vos, Alta , Amaruzaman, Sacha , Porter-Bolland, Luciana , Islar, Mine , Kosmus, Marina , Nakangu, Barbara , Nuesiri, Emmanuel , Robles, Gabriela A , Yiu, Evonne , Emerton, Lucy , Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415927 , vital:71301 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2023.101351"
- Description: Transformative change toward sustainability is increasingly recognized as inevitable to avoid the collapse of socioecological systems. However, for a deep and system-wide transformation, governance approaches and policymaking need to be changed too. This paper discusses how a diverse value approach in environmental policymaking could be undertaken to foster transformative governance that can further lead to system-wide transitions. Based on the analysis of different policy options’ transformative potential, we argue that the more diverse values addressed by a policy instrument, the bigger its transformative potential. Weaving values into policy decision-making is possible at several junctures of the policy process, but context-specificities should always be considered, and capacities must be enhanced at all levels, both for public and private actors.
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Social ecosystem for skills research inclusivity, relationality and informality
- Metelerkamp, Luke, Monk, David
- Authors: Metelerkamp, Luke , Monk, David
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434871 , vital:73112 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: Eighty per cent of Africans work in the informal economy. In this chapter, we consider the highly informal, unregulated and often marginalized contexts that form the majority experience of living, working and learning. Situating the praxis of horizontal learning within these very normal contexts of informality demands renewed analysis into the questions of how horizontal learning is facilitated, by whom, with what resources, and why. Following on from Chapter 4, we develop our approach to social ecosystems further through two empirical case studies offering distinct lenses on to the informal sector. In Gulu, we consider the current dynamics of learning and inclusion among informal traders at a local market and in a set of food and clothing initiatives; in Alice, we reflect on an intentional effort on behalf of established, formal institutions to explore new approaches to teaching and learning through support of expansive informal learning in the context of food growing. While our focus across the book is on the range of labour markets and livelihood opportunities, it is appropriate to start our empirical chapters by focusing on the labour market of the majority.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Metelerkamp, Luke , Monk, David
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434871 , vital:73112 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: Eighty per cent of Africans work in the informal economy. In this chapter, we consider the highly informal, unregulated and often marginalized contexts that form the majority experience of living, working and learning. Situating the praxis of horizontal learning within these very normal contexts of informality demands renewed analysis into the questions of how horizontal learning is facilitated, by whom, with what resources, and why. Following on from Chapter 4, we develop our approach to social ecosystems further through two empirical case studies offering distinct lenses on to the informal sector. In Gulu, we consider the current dynamics of learning and inclusion among informal traders at a local market and in a set of food and clothing initiatives; in Alice, we reflect on an intentional effort on behalf of established, formal institutions to explore new approaches to teaching and learning through support of expansive informal learning in the context of food growing. While our focus across the book is on the range of labour markets and livelihood opportunities, it is appropriate to start our empirical chapters by focusing on the labour market of the majority.
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Social innovation that connects people to coasts in the Anthropocene
- Celliers, Louis, Costa, Maria M, Rölfer, Lena, Aswani, Shankar, Ferse, Sebastien
- Authors: Celliers, Louis , Costa, Maria M , Rölfer, Lena , Aswani, Shankar , Ferse, Sebastien
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391410 , vital:68649 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/cft.2023.12"
- Description: Post-industrial society is driving global environmental change, which is a challenge for all generations, current and future. The Anthropocene is the geological epoch in which humans dominate and it is rooted in the past, present, and future. Future sustainability is building on the momentum of the fundamental importance of studying human dynamics and governance of coupled social and ecological systems. In the Anthropocene, social innovation may play a critical role in achieving new pathways to sustainability. This conventional narrative review uses a qualitative analysis anchored in the Grounded Theory Method and a systematic collection and analysis of papers to identify broad types of social innovations. Scientific journal articles published since 2018 were prioritised for inclusion. The six types of social innovation proposed are (a) authentic engagement; (b) artful and engaging communication; (c) urging and compelling change; (d) governance for social-ecological systems; (e) anticipation in governance; and (f) lived experiences and values. The six innovations proposed in this paper can be embedded within, and form part of, social action using a science–society compact for the sustainable development of coasts in the Anthropocene.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Celliers, Louis , Costa, Maria M , Rölfer, Lena , Aswani, Shankar , Ferse, Sebastien
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391410 , vital:68649 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/cft.2023.12"
- Description: Post-industrial society is driving global environmental change, which is a challenge for all generations, current and future. The Anthropocene is the geological epoch in which humans dominate and it is rooted in the past, present, and future. Future sustainability is building on the momentum of the fundamental importance of studying human dynamics and governance of coupled social and ecological systems. In the Anthropocene, social innovation may play a critical role in achieving new pathways to sustainability. This conventional narrative review uses a qualitative analysis anchored in the Grounded Theory Method and a systematic collection and analysis of papers to identify broad types of social innovations. Scientific journal articles published since 2018 were prioritised for inclusion. The six types of social innovation proposed are (a) authentic engagement; (b) artful and engaging communication; (c) urging and compelling change; (d) governance for social-ecological systems; (e) anticipation in governance; and (f) lived experiences and values. The six innovations proposed in this paper can be embedded within, and form part of, social action using a science–society compact for the sustainable development of coasts in the Anthropocene.
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Socio-Economic and Environmental Challenges of Small-Scale Fisheries: Prognosis for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Lake Kariba, Zambia
- Imbwae, Imikendu, Aswani, Shankar, Sauer, Warwick H H
- Authors: Imbwae, Imikendu , Aswani, Shankar , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391422 , vital:68650 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043179"
- Description: The Lake Kariba fishery is of regional importance; it accounts for 35% of the total Zambian fish production. However, emerging evidence in the recent decades suggests that the fishery is facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, we examined the social, economic, and environmental problems faced by the fishing communities in Lake Kariba. The framework links various social, economic, and ecological factors to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. A combination of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and key informant interviews were used to assess this sustainability challenge. The data collected were subjected to bivariate and descriptive analysis. The results obtained did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years (R2 Linear = 0.119, p = 0.248). However, the experts and the fishers have reported declining trends in valuable fish species such as Oreochromis mortimeri, compounded by the increased fishing efforts (X2 = 180.14, p value = ˂ 0.00001). The key threats identified include: overfishing, weak institutions, and the introduction of invasive fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus. This situation has raised fears of fish depletion among the stakeholders. Based on these results, we recommend stronger institutional collaboration among the stakeholders in the riparian states and education that illustrates the global value of fisheries for food security and biodiversity conservation in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Imbwae, Imikendu , Aswani, Shankar , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391422 , vital:68650 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043179"
- Description: The Lake Kariba fishery is of regional importance; it accounts for 35% of the total Zambian fish production. However, emerging evidence in the recent decades suggests that the fishery is facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, we examined the social, economic, and environmental problems faced by the fishing communities in Lake Kariba. The framework links various social, economic, and ecological factors to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. A combination of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and key informant interviews were used to assess this sustainability challenge. The data collected were subjected to bivariate and descriptive analysis. The results obtained did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years (R2 Linear = 0.119, p = 0.248). However, the experts and the fishers have reported declining trends in valuable fish species such as Oreochromis mortimeri, compounded by the increased fishing efforts (X2 = 180.14, p value = ˂ 0.00001). The key threats identified include: overfishing, weak institutions, and the introduction of invasive fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus. This situation has raised fears of fish depletion among the stakeholders. Based on these results, we recommend stronger institutional collaboration among the stakeholders in the riparian states and education that illustrates the global value of fisheries for food security and biodiversity conservation in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Full Text:
South African nose flies (Diptera, Calliphoridae, Rhiniinae): taxonomy, diversity, distribution and biology
- Thomas-Cabianca, Arianna, Villet, Martin H, Martínez-Sánchez, Anabel, Rojo, Santos
- Authors: Thomas-Cabianca, Arianna , Villet, Martin H , Martínez-Sánchez, Anabel , Rojo, Santos
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441400 , vital:73884 , 10.3897/BDJ.11.e72764
- Description: Rhiniinae (Diptera, Calliphoridae) is a taxon of nearly 400 known species, many of them termitophilous. Approximatelly 160 valid species in 16 genera are Afrotropical, with over 60 of them occurring in South Africa. The taxonomy of this group is outdated, as most studies of the South African taxa were conducted 40 to 70 years ago (mostly by Salvador Peris and Fritz Zumpt). Published information on their biology and ecology is also scarce.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thomas-Cabianca, Arianna , Villet, Martin H , Martínez-Sánchez, Anabel , Rojo, Santos
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441400 , vital:73884 , 10.3897/BDJ.11.e72764
- Description: Rhiniinae (Diptera, Calliphoridae) is a taxon of nearly 400 known species, many of them termitophilous. Approximatelly 160 valid species in 16 genera are Afrotropical, with over 60 of them occurring in South Africa. The taxonomy of this group is outdated, as most studies of the South African taxa were conducted 40 to 70 years ago (mostly by Salvador Peris and Fritz Zumpt). Published information on their biology and ecology is also scarce.
- Full Text:
Supporting Education for Sustainable Development through an Online Global Forum for Teacher Educators
- Schudel, Ingrid J, Down, Lorna, McKeown, Rosalyn, Baumann, Stefan, Petersen, Andrew, Urenje, Shepherd
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid J , Down, Lorna , McKeown, Rosalyn , Baumann, Stefan , Petersen, Andrew , Urenje, Shepherd
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435283 , vital:73144 , ISBN 9781538153840 , https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538153833/At-School-in-the-World-Developing-Globally-Engaged-Teachers
- Description: The Online Global Forum on Education for Sustainable De-velopment (ESD) for Teacher Educators was launched in 2019 by colleagues from three continents who formed a group called ESD Innovate (hereinafter also referred to as Forum founders). ESD Innovate is made up of three African representatives, two European, and two from North America and the Caribbean. The group was formed during the Inter-national Network of Teacher Education Institutions (INTEI) conference in 2016. In discussions at this conference, we (the authors of this chapter and those who formed ESD In-novate) heard the need for ongoing professional develop-ment in ESD for teacher educators. Professional develop-ment programs regarding ESD are available for in-service teachers in some regions of the world, but few are available for teacher educators, especially initiatives designed for sus-tained engagement. Thus, the Forum aims to meet the need for continuing professional development of teacher educa-tors with an ESD focus. Additionally, the Forum was de-signed to bring teacher educators together from all over the world to facilitate collaboration between and among teacher educators and their student teachers in an intellectual dia-logue on the response of teacher education to the Sustaina-ble Development Goals (United Nations, 2015). At the same time, we aimed to share local and global experiences on the realization of relevance and education quality through ESD.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid J , Down, Lorna , McKeown, Rosalyn , Baumann, Stefan , Petersen, Andrew , Urenje, Shepherd
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435283 , vital:73144 , ISBN 9781538153840 , https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538153833/At-School-in-the-World-Developing-Globally-Engaged-Teachers
- Description: The Online Global Forum on Education for Sustainable De-velopment (ESD) for Teacher Educators was launched in 2019 by colleagues from three continents who formed a group called ESD Innovate (hereinafter also referred to as Forum founders). ESD Innovate is made up of three African representatives, two European, and two from North America and the Caribbean. The group was formed during the Inter-national Network of Teacher Education Institutions (INTEI) conference in 2016. In discussions at this conference, we (the authors of this chapter and those who formed ESD In-novate) heard the need for ongoing professional develop-ment in ESD for teacher educators. Professional develop-ment programs regarding ESD are available for in-service teachers in some regions of the world, but few are available for teacher educators, especially initiatives designed for sus-tained engagement. Thus, the Forum aims to meet the need for continuing professional development of teacher educa-tors with an ESD focus. Additionally, the Forum was de-signed to bring teacher educators together from all over the world to facilitate collaboration between and among teacher educators and their student teachers in an intellectual dia-logue on the response of teacher education to the Sustaina-ble Development Goals (United Nations, 2015). At the same time, we aimed to share local and global experiences on the realization of relevance and education quality through ESD.
- Full Text:
Supporting social learning and knowledge management withing the ecological infrastructure for water security project
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Cockburn, Jessica J, Rosenberg, Eureta, le Roux, Liesl, Zwinkels, Marijn, Mbaniwa, Wenzile, Ward, Mike, Brownell, Faye, Sithole, Nkosigithandile, Makhaya, Zanele, Mponwana, Maletje, du Plessis, Pienaar
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Cockburn, Jessica J , Rosenberg, Eureta , le Roux, Liesl , Zwinkels, Marijn , Mbaniwa, Wenzile , Ward, Mike , Brownell, Faye , Sithole, Nkosigithandile , Makhaya, Zanele , Mponwana, Maletje , du Plessis, Pienaar
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425719 , vital:72278 , ISBN 978-0-6392-0553-3 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2988%20final.pdf
- Description: In this section, we outline processes relating to stakeholder engage-ment relevant to the SLKMM strategy, which include stakeholder analy-sis, a stakeholder tracking tool and a stakeholder database. These pro-cesses and products required on-going refinement during implementa-tion of the SLKMM strategy. The implications of the stakeholder analy-sis work in developing the SLKMM strategy are articulated further in CHAPTER 3: STRATEGY-AS-PRACTICE FOR SOCIAL LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND MEDIATION (SLKMM)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Cockburn, Jessica J , Rosenberg, Eureta , le Roux, Liesl , Zwinkels, Marijn , Mbaniwa, Wenzile , Ward, Mike , Brownell, Faye , Sithole, Nkosigithandile , Makhaya, Zanele , Mponwana, Maletje , du Plessis, Pienaar
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425719 , vital:72278 , ISBN 978-0-6392-0553-3 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2988%20final.pdf
- Description: In this section, we outline processes relating to stakeholder engage-ment relevant to the SLKMM strategy, which include stakeholder analy-sis, a stakeholder tracking tool and a stakeholder database. These pro-cesses and products required on-going refinement during implementa-tion of the SLKMM strategy. The implications of the stakeholder analy-sis work in developing the SLKMM strategy are articulated further in CHAPTER 3: STRATEGY-AS-PRACTICE FOR SOCIAL LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND MEDIATION (SLKMM)
- Full Text:
The binary order of things: A discursive study of nursing students’ talk on providing, and learning about, LGBT patient care
- Pinto, Pedro, Macleod, Catriona I, Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Authors: Pinto, Pedro , Macleod, Catriona I , Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441343 , vital:73878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2022.2048163"
- Description: Against the backdrop of the healthcare inequities and maltreatment facing LGBT patients, recommendations have been made for the inclusion of LGBT health topics in nursing curricula. Based on data collected in focus group discussions with South African nursing students, we complicate the assumption that training focused on health-specific knowledge will effectively reform providers’ prejudicial practices. Findings reveal ambivalence: silence and discrimination versus inclusive humanism. Participants drew on discourses of ignorance, religion, and egalitarian treatment to justify their inadequacy regarding LGBT patients; while doing so, however, they deployed othering discourses in which homophobic and transphobic disregard is rendered acceptable, and “scientifically” supported through binary, deterministic views of sexuality and gender. Such “expert” views accord with Foucault’s notion of “grotesque discourse.” We conclude with a discussion of the findings’ implications for nursing education; we call for the recognition and teaching of binary ideology as a form of discursive violence over LGBT lives.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pinto, Pedro , Macleod, Catriona I , Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441343 , vital:73878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2022.2048163"
- Description: Against the backdrop of the healthcare inequities and maltreatment facing LGBT patients, recommendations have been made for the inclusion of LGBT health topics in nursing curricula. Based on data collected in focus group discussions with South African nursing students, we complicate the assumption that training focused on health-specific knowledge will effectively reform providers’ prejudicial practices. Findings reveal ambivalence: silence and discrimination versus inclusive humanism. Participants drew on discourses of ignorance, religion, and egalitarian treatment to justify their inadequacy regarding LGBT patients; while doing so, however, they deployed othering discourses in which homophobic and transphobic disregard is rendered acceptable, and “scientifically” supported through binary, deterministic views of sexuality and gender. Such “expert” views accord with Foucault’s notion of “grotesque discourse.” We conclude with a discussion of the findings’ implications for nursing education; we call for the recognition and teaching of binary ideology as a form of discursive violence over LGBT lives.
- Full Text:
The Case for a Cray on a Chip
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439277 , vital:73561 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Siphamandla-Mncu-be/publication/375376322_Shadow_Information_Technology_in_the_Advent_of_Open_Educational_Resources/links/65485042ce88b87031c92188/Shadow-Information-Technology-in-the-Advent-of-Open-Educational-Resources.pdf#page=22
- Description: Moore’s Law is usually interpreted as a prediction of how many transistors you can buy for the same money at some future date. It can also be interpreted as how long you need to wait until a given number of transistors falls below a target price. An example of this reverse-application of Moore’s Law is transitions such as the emergence of microprocessors competitive with traditional larger-scale computers and the emergence of smartphones. Since the late 1990s, it has become increasingly common for growth in transistors to equate to more CPUs (cores) per die. Recent designs have over 50 billion transistors and far more potential parallelism than can be supported by memory. I argue the case for a rebalancing of design goals with a much larger, faster on-chip memory and a CPU that is designed around this memory system. The proposal: a Cray-class vector CPU on a die with 1 Gibyte of static RAM, or Crayon (for Cray on a chip). The kind of organization classically used by Cray vector supercomputers is feasible to achieve on a single chip. I argue that a design like this can use the available memory bandwidth, as opposed to over-CPU designs with a large number of cores and GPU threads that are memory limited and propose how such a design could be used.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439277 , vital:73561 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Siphamandla-Mncu-be/publication/375376322_Shadow_Information_Technology_in_the_Advent_of_Open_Educational_Resources/links/65485042ce88b87031c92188/Shadow-Information-Technology-in-the-Advent-of-Open-Educational-Resources.pdf#page=22
- Description: Moore’s Law is usually interpreted as a prediction of how many transistors you can buy for the same money at some future date. It can also be interpreted as how long you need to wait until a given number of transistors falls below a target price. An example of this reverse-application of Moore’s Law is transitions such as the emergence of microprocessors competitive with traditional larger-scale computers and the emergence of smartphones. Since the late 1990s, it has become increasingly common for growth in transistors to equate to more CPUs (cores) per die. Recent designs have over 50 billion transistors and far more potential parallelism than can be supported by memory. I argue the case for a rebalancing of design goals with a much larger, faster on-chip memory and a CPU that is designed around this memory system. The proposal: a Cray-class vector CPU on a die with 1 Gibyte of static RAM, or Crayon (for Cray on a chip). The kind of organization classically used by Cray vector supercomputers is feasible to achieve on a single chip. I argue that a design like this can use the available memory bandwidth, as opposed to over-CPU designs with a large number of cores and GPU threads that are memory limited and propose how such a design could be used.
- Full Text:
The concurrent impacts of drought and leaf harvesting on two traditional African vegetable non-timber forest product species
- Sinasson, Gisele K, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Sinasson, Gisele K , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/399832 , vital:69562 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283900"
- Description: Investigating the concurrent impacts with harvesting on wild vegetables can guide their sustainable management while contributing to the understanding of such impacts on NTFP species. This study investigated leaf production, morphological and growth responses to the concurrent impacts of drought and leaf harvesting between two wild vegetables. A randomized greenhouse experiment was implemented with 1,334 plants of Amaranthus sp. and 391 of B. pilosa. A drought treatment was first implemented through six levels of drought stress and a control treatment. The harvesting treatment consisted of four harvesting levels and was implemented twice. Measurements were recorded before first and second harvests and at end of experiment. Data were separated into two periods (after first and second harvests) and analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and log-linear analysis. The results showed significant effects of drought on both species. However, Amaranthus sp. appeared more resilient to reduction in the daily amount of water than reduction in the frequency, while B. pilosa was resilient under both facets of drought stress. For Amaranthus sp., basal diameter, its growth, leaf production and survival increased with increase in the harvesting level (with some exceptions) after first harvest. After second harvest, there was decrease in plant height and leaf production. In B. pilosa, the impact was only significant on survival and leaf production (after first harvest). The effect of the interaction of the two drivers was significant for Amaranthus sp., but not for B. pilosa. The results also highlighted the possible negative impact of a prolonged high rate harvesting on the species performance, especially under severe drought. Basal diameter, its growth, survival and leaf production appeared more resilient to reduced amounts of watering in Amaranthus sp., and under both types of drought stress for B. pilosa. This suggests that both species could be sustained under medium drought stress.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sinasson, Gisele K , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/399832 , vital:69562 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283900"
- Description: Investigating the concurrent impacts with harvesting on wild vegetables can guide their sustainable management while contributing to the understanding of such impacts on NTFP species. This study investigated leaf production, morphological and growth responses to the concurrent impacts of drought and leaf harvesting between two wild vegetables. A randomized greenhouse experiment was implemented with 1,334 plants of Amaranthus sp. and 391 of B. pilosa. A drought treatment was first implemented through six levels of drought stress and a control treatment. The harvesting treatment consisted of four harvesting levels and was implemented twice. Measurements were recorded before first and second harvests and at end of experiment. Data were separated into two periods (after first and second harvests) and analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and log-linear analysis. The results showed significant effects of drought on both species. However, Amaranthus sp. appeared more resilient to reduction in the daily amount of water than reduction in the frequency, while B. pilosa was resilient under both facets of drought stress. For Amaranthus sp., basal diameter, its growth, leaf production and survival increased with increase in the harvesting level (with some exceptions) after first harvest. After second harvest, there was decrease in plant height and leaf production. In B. pilosa, the impact was only significant on survival and leaf production (after first harvest). The effect of the interaction of the two drivers was significant for Amaranthus sp., but not for B. pilosa. The results also highlighted the possible negative impact of a prolonged high rate harvesting on the species performance, especially under severe drought. Basal diameter, its growth, survival and leaf production appeared more resilient to reduced amounts of watering in Amaranthus sp., and under both types of drought stress for B. pilosa. This suggests that both species could be sustained under medium drought stress.
- Full Text:
The Emancipatory Nature of Transformative Agency
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Thifhulufhelwi, Reuben, Chikunda, Charles, Mponwana, Maletje
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Thifhulufhelwi, Reuben , Chikunda, Charles , Mponwana, Maletje
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436175 , vital:73232 , ISBN 9781009153799 , https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009153799
- Description: Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) research has established an impressive body of scholarship that advances social understanding of human agency in the transformation of society, much of which is captured in contributions to this volume (cf. Hopwood (Chapter 15); Sannino (Chapter 2); Stetsenko (Chapter 3); Bal and Bird Bear (Chapter 8)). The main tenets of this work, building on the historical legacy of Vygotsky and Marx, affirm that humans are not passive recipients of external stimuli or influences but are active co-creators of the world (s) they inhabit. They are capable of using and producing cultural tools to take power over their own volitional action (s)(cf. Sannino, 2015, Chap-ter 2 of this volume; Hopwood and Gottshalk, 2017). Vygotsky’s major legacy in coming to understand transformative agency is that the cultural tools produced and used as mediational means are critical in the emergence of transformative agency (Sannino, 2015, 2020, Chapter 2 of this volume; Stetsenko, 2019; Hopwood, Chapter 15 of this volume) and thus in the transformation of human activity. As shown by Sannino (2015, 2020), such tools offer stimulus for volitional action that can break paralysis, especially when conflicts of motives are experienced.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Thifhulufhelwi, Reuben , Chikunda, Charles , Mponwana, Maletje
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436175 , vital:73232 , ISBN 9781009153799 , https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009153799
- Description: Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) research has established an impressive body of scholarship that advances social understanding of human agency in the transformation of society, much of which is captured in contributions to this volume (cf. Hopwood (Chapter 15); Sannino (Chapter 2); Stetsenko (Chapter 3); Bal and Bird Bear (Chapter 8)). The main tenets of this work, building on the historical legacy of Vygotsky and Marx, affirm that humans are not passive recipients of external stimuli or influences but are active co-creators of the world (s) they inhabit. They are capable of using and producing cultural tools to take power over their own volitional action (s)(cf. Sannino, 2015, Chap-ter 2 of this volume; Hopwood and Gottshalk, 2017). Vygotsky’s major legacy in coming to understand transformative agency is that the cultural tools produced and used as mediational means are critical in the emergence of transformative agency (Sannino, 2015, 2020, Chapter 2 of this volume; Stetsenko, 2019; Hopwood, Chapter 15 of this volume) and thus in the transformation of human activity. As shown by Sannino (2015, 2020), such tools offer stimulus for volitional action that can break paralysis, especially when conflicts of motives are experienced.
- Full Text:
The importance of long-term post-release studies in classical biological control: Insect–plant monitoring and public awareness of water hyacinth management (Pontederia crassipes) in Dique Los Sauces, Argentina
- Faltlhauser, Ana C, Jiménez, Nadia L, Righetti, Tomas, Visintin, Andrés M, Torrens, Javier, Salinas, Nicolás A, Mc Kay, Fernando, Hill, Martin P, Cordo, Hugo A, Sosa, Alejandro J
- Authors: Faltlhauser, Ana C , Jiménez, Nadia L , Righetti, Tomas , Visintin, Andrés M , Torrens, Javier , Salinas, Nicolás A , Mc Kay, Fernando , Hill, Martin P , Cordo, Hugo A , Sosa, Alejandro J
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424828 , vital:72187 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13355"
- Description: Several components of classical biological control (CBC) programmes are necessary to assess the success of the management strategy (e.g., post-release monitoring) and also help prevent reintroductions or resurgences of invasive species (e.g., public awareness). Water hyacinth, Pontederia (= Eichhornia) crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is an aquatic plant naturally distributed in the north-eastern region of the Del Plata basin in Argentina. In the 1960s it was introduced into the Dique Los Sauces reservoir located outside of its native range in La Rioja Province, in western Argentina, where it became invasive. The natural enemy, Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was intentionally introduced in 1974 to control the weed. To assess the success of this CBC programme, a long-term post-release study was conducted. Between 1965 and 2023, we monitored plant coverage, estimated N. bruchi densities, and quantified the associated damage by reanalysing previously published data and incorporating new sampling. We also conducted an online survey to analyse public knowledge and perception about this programme. Water hyacinth coverage fluctuated from its first record in 1965 (maximum coverage 90%) until the control of germinated plants (coverage 0%) in 2018. The plant decline was accompanied by an increase in the weevil population. In our survey, out of 325 respondents only a small group of mostly middle-aged and elderly people knew that the restoration had been achieved through a management strategy and even fewer were aware of the biocontrol approach taken. Respondents who had a positive approach to biological control were more aware of the management plan than respondents who had neutral or negative opinions. Neochetina bruchi has played a key factor in the control of P. crassipes. The intrinsic dynamics of these populations, the dormant seed bank, and the lack of public awareness support the need for long post-release evaluations including outreach campaigns to make a sustainable successful management programme.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Faltlhauser, Ana C , Jiménez, Nadia L , Righetti, Tomas , Visintin, Andrés M , Torrens, Javier , Salinas, Nicolás A , Mc Kay, Fernando , Hill, Martin P , Cordo, Hugo A , Sosa, Alejandro J
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424828 , vital:72187 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13355"
- Description: Several components of classical biological control (CBC) programmes are necessary to assess the success of the management strategy (e.g., post-release monitoring) and also help prevent reintroductions or resurgences of invasive species (e.g., public awareness). Water hyacinth, Pontederia (= Eichhornia) crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is an aquatic plant naturally distributed in the north-eastern region of the Del Plata basin in Argentina. In the 1960s it was introduced into the Dique Los Sauces reservoir located outside of its native range in La Rioja Province, in western Argentina, where it became invasive. The natural enemy, Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was intentionally introduced in 1974 to control the weed. To assess the success of this CBC programme, a long-term post-release study was conducted. Between 1965 and 2023, we monitored plant coverage, estimated N. bruchi densities, and quantified the associated damage by reanalysing previously published data and incorporating new sampling. We also conducted an online survey to analyse public knowledge and perception about this programme. Water hyacinth coverage fluctuated from its first record in 1965 (maximum coverage 90%) until the control of germinated plants (coverage 0%) in 2018. The plant decline was accompanied by an increase in the weevil population. In our survey, out of 325 respondents only a small group of mostly middle-aged and elderly people knew that the restoration had been achieved through a management strategy and even fewer were aware of the biocontrol approach taken. Respondents who had a positive approach to biological control were more aware of the management plan than respondents who had neutral or negative opinions. Neochetina bruchi has played a key factor in the control of P. crassipes. The intrinsic dynamics of these populations, the dormant seed bank, and the lack of public awareness support the need for long post-release evaluations including outreach campaigns to make a sustainable successful management programme.
- Full Text:
The in-vitro proliferation-suppression of MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines mediated by differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines in sonodynamic therapy supplemented-photodynamic therapy
- Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360461 , vital:65090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112084"
- Description: This work focuses on the study of the effects of the ultrasonic frequency (MHz) and power (W.cm−2) on the stability, reactive oxygen species yields and cytotoxicity activities of differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines (Pcs) in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Four ultrasonic parameters were investigated: Par I (1 MHz: 1 W.cm−2), Par II (1 MHz: 2 W.cm−2), Par III (3 MHz: 1 W.cm−2) and Par IV (3 MHz: 2 W.cm−2). A higher degradation of the Pcs was observed with increasing power at the Par II. Two reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the ultrasound treated Pcs: singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Due to minimal degradation of most Pcs, Par I was chosen for SDT, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and Henrietta Lacks cancer cell lines. PSDT generally showed improved therapeutic efficacies of the Pcs compared to the SDT and PDT mono treatments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360461 , vital:65090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112084"
- Description: This work focuses on the study of the effects of the ultrasonic frequency (MHz) and power (W.cm−2) on the stability, reactive oxygen species yields and cytotoxicity activities of differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines (Pcs) in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Four ultrasonic parameters were investigated: Par I (1 MHz: 1 W.cm−2), Par II (1 MHz: 2 W.cm−2), Par III (3 MHz: 1 W.cm−2) and Par IV (3 MHz: 2 W.cm−2). A higher degradation of the Pcs was observed with increasing power at the Par II. Two reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the ultrasound treated Pcs: singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Due to minimal degradation of most Pcs, Par I was chosen for SDT, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and Henrietta Lacks cancer cell lines. PSDT generally showed improved therapeutic efficacies of the Pcs compared to the SDT and PDT mono treatments.
- Full Text:
The prevalence, uses and cultural assimilation of shrub and tree invasive alien plants in a biodiversity hotspot along the Wild Coast, South Africa
- Wootton, Oscar, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Wootton, Oscar , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401314 , vital:69725 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2216804"
- Description: Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) frequently offer both ecosystem services and disservices to rural communities with high livelihood dependency on local landscapes. However, biocultural relationships with IAPS may go deeper than just provisioning uses, as they may be assimilated into local belief systems manifest in them becoming embedded in cultural constructions such as naming, stories, songs and ceremonies. It is likely that IAPS that are culturally assimilated will represent a greater conflict of interest in the face of proposed controls of IAPS in biodiversity hotspots where conservation priorities are frequently deemed paramount by external agencies. Using a mixed-methods approach we undertook roadside surveys of 17 selected IAPS along the 250 km Wild Coast section of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, accompanied by questionnaire interviews with 48 local people. The mean number of IAPS per site was four, ranging from zero (only one site) to ten, and local inhabitants deemed the abundance of all but one of the species to be increasing. All species had been in the region for decades, had a vernacular name, and all but one had direct consumptive uses. Species with multiple uses were more widely recognised. However, there was only marginal incorporation of the IAPS into stories, songs and ceremonies, although medicinal uses of some IAPS were for cultural/spiritual needs rather than physical ailments per se. These results show that despite widespread use, there was as yet relatively limited cultural assimilation of the IAPS in the Wild Coast region.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wootton, Oscar , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401314 , vital:69725 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2216804"
- Description: Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) frequently offer both ecosystem services and disservices to rural communities with high livelihood dependency on local landscapes. However, biocultural relationships with IAPS may go deeper than just provisioning uses, as they may be assimilated into local belief systems manifest in them becoming embedded in cultural constructions such as naming, stories, songs and ceremonies. It is likely that IAPS that are culturally assimilated will represent a greater conflict of interest in the face of proposed controls of IAPS in biodiversity hotspots where conservation priorities are frequently deemed paramount by external agencies. Using a mixed-methods approach we undertook roadside surveys of 17 selected IAPS along the 250 km Wild Coast section of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, accompanied by questionnaire interviews with 48 local people. The mean number of IAPS per site was four, ranging from zero (only one site) to ten, and local inhabitants deemed the abundance of all but one of the species to be increasing. All species had been in the region for decades, had a vernacular name, and all but one had direct consumptive uses. Species with multiple uses were more widely recognised. However, there was only marginal incorporation of the IAPS into stories, songs and ceremonies, although medicinal uses of some IAPS were for cultural/spiritual needs rather than physical ailments per se. These results show that despite widespread use, there was as yet relatively limited cultural assimilation of the IAPS in the Wild Coast region.
- Full Text:
The Role of the University as Mediator in a Skills Ecosystem Approach to VET
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Openjuru, George, Zeelen, Jacques
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Openjuru, George , Zeelen, Jacques
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434907 , vital:73115 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: In this chapter, we focus particularly on the mediating role of the university, in close connection with vocational institutions and informal community actors, in developing an inclusive approach to vocational education and training (VET) through an expanded social ecosystem for skills model. Here we draw upon lessons learnt from the Alice and Gulu cases on communitybased approaches to establishing an expanded skills ecosystem approach to VET in Africa. The main ques-tion guiding this chapter relates to the possible mediating role of the university to enhance a regional expanded ecosystem for supporting quality vocational education that is also rele-vant to its context, including emergent possibilities to build skills and livelihoods linked to just transitions. Universities are not VET centres as conventionally understood, but they can contribute to VET in various ways. Most often, universities are identified as contributing to the qualifications and training of VET educators. In this chapter, we take a different angle and consider the role of engaged research and community engagement as two approaches that can contribute to the advancement of an expanded social ecosystem model with positive benefits for VET institutions. Drawing on insights gained in the earlier chapters of this book requires us to take into account several important realities as previously dis-cussed, as well as key ingredients for the development of a regional skills ecosystem of vocational education, as demon-strated by the two cases considered in this chapter.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Openjuru, George , Zeelen, Jacques
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434907 , vital:73115 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: In this chapter, we focus particularly on the mediating role of the university, in close connection with vocational institutions and informal community actors, in developing an inclusive approach to vocational education and training (VET) through an expanded social ecosystem for skills model. Here we draw upon lessons learnt from the Alice and Gulu cases on communitybased approaches to establishing an expanded skills ecosystem approach to VET in Africa. The main ques-tion guiding this chapter relates to the possible mediating role of the university to enhance a regional expanded ecosystem for supporting quality vocational education that is also rele-vant to its context, including emergent possibilities to build skills and livelihoods linked to just transitions. Universities are not VET centres as conventionally understood, but they can contribute to VET in various ways. Most often, universities are identified as contributing to the qualifications and training of VET educators. In this chapter, we take a different angle and consider the role of engaged research and community engagement as two approaches that can contribute to the advancement of an expanded social ecosystem model with positive benefits for VET institutions. Drawing on insights gained in the earlier chapters of this book requires us to take into account several important realities as previously dis-cussed, as well as key ingredients for the development of a regional skills ecosystem of vocational education, as demon-strated by the two cases considered in this chapter.
- Full Text: