To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Botswana novels.
Journal articles on the topic 'Botswana novels'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 31 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Botswana novels.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Lopang, Wazha. "Novels of Botswana in English, 1930–2006." Current Writing: Text and Reception in Southern Africa 28, no. 2 (July 2, 2016): 193–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1013929x.2016.1202052.
Full text
2
Johns, Timothy. "Novels of Botswana in English, 1930â2006 by Mary S. Lederer." CLA Journal 60, no. 3 (2017): 386–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/caj.2017.0009.
Full text
3
Finnegan, Lesley. "‘A COMPLETELY SATISFACTORY DETECTIVE’: THE DETECTIVE FICTION GENRE IN ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH'S BOTSWANA NOVELS." English Studies in Africa 49, no. 2 (January 2006): 123–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00138390608691358.
Full text
4
Bwalya, Kelvin Joseph. "Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy – the Case of Botswana A Discussion Article." International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development 2, no. 2 (April 2010): 53–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jskd.2010040103.
Full textAbstract:
Botswana is keen to position itself as a knowledge-based economy as early as 2016 due to the realisation that to compete on a global scale, efficient knowledge value chains must be put in place, which includes indigenous knowledge management systems. This realisation is primarily caused by falling demand in the price of diamonds (due to the world’s recession), which is the country’s current economic mainstay. Today, Botswana is pushing for further economic liberalisation and diversification by employing and encouraging novel frontiers of knowledge with emphasis placed on research and efficient knowledge management as a vital resource for national development. In Botswana, the role of scientific and technical knowledge is being emphasized as the main driver of sustainable development, but not forgetting the potential contribution of indigenous and mythological knowledge to this aim. Several initiatives have been devised or implemented by both the government and the public sector to position Botswana as a knowledge-based economy. This paper surveys the fundamental concepts on which this paradigm shift is based and brings out the different initiatives that have been undertaken while emphasizing the role of research and efficient knowledge management paradigms in shaping Botswana as a knowledge-based economy.
5
Glomb, Nicolaus W., Adeola A. Kosoko, Cara B. Doughty, Marideth C. Rus, Manish I. Shah, Megan Cox, Cafen Galapi, Presley S. Parkes, Shelley Kumar, and Bushe Laba. "Needs Assessment for Simulation Training for Prehospital Providers in Botswana." Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 33, no. 6 (November 13, 2018): 621–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x18001024.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractBackgroundIn June 2012, the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW; Gaborone, Botswana) initiated a national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in response to significant morbidity and mortality associated with prehospital emergencies. The MOHW requested external expertise to train its developing workforce. Simulation-based training was planned to equip these health care providers with clinical knowledge, procedural skills, and communication techniques.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the educational needs of the pioneer Botswana MOHW EMS providers based on retrospective EMS logbook review and EMS provider feedback to guide development of a novel educational curriculum.MethodsData were abstracted from a representative sample of the Gaborone, Botswana MOHW EMS response log from 2013-2014 and were quantified into the five most common call types for both adults and children. Informal focus groups with health professionals and EMS staff, as well as surveys, were used to rank common response call types and self-perceived educational needs.ResultsBased on 1,506 calls, the most common adult response calls were for obstetric emergencies, altered mental status, gastrointestinal/abdominal pain, trauma, gynecological emergencies, and cardiovascular and respiratory distress-related emergencies. The most common pediatric response calls were for respiratory distress, gastrointestinal complaints/dehydration, trauma and musculoskeletal injuries, newborn delivery, seizures, and toxic ingestion/exposure. The EMS providers identified these same chief complaints as priorities for training using the qualitative approach. A locally relevant, simulation-based curriculum for the Botswana MOHW EMS system was developed and implemented based on these data.Conclusions: Trauma, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal complaints, and puerperal/perinatal emergencies were common conditions for all age groups. Other age-specific conditions were also identified as educational needs based on epidemiologic data and provider feedback. This needs assessment may be useful when designing locally relevant EMS curricula in other low-income and middle-income countries.GlombNW, KosokoAA, DoughtyCB, RusMC, ShahMI, CoxM, GalapiC, ParkesPS, KumarS, LabaB.Needs assessment for simulation training for prehospital providers in Botswana. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):621–626.
6
Petitt, Andrea, and Alice J. Hovorka. "Women and Cattle “Becoming-With” in Botswana." Humanimalia 12, no. 1 (September 10, 2020): 145–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.52537/humanimalia.9433.
Full textAbstract:
Cattle are paramount to lives, livelihoods and landscapes in Botswana. Human-cattle relations emerge and evolve through historically-situated social relations of power based on gender, ethnicity, and class. Our paper explores intersectional human-cattle relations in Botswana within the contemporary period of enhanced commercialization. Specifically, with data from participant observation and semi-structured interviews with women cattle owners in Ghanzi District, Botswana, we investigate how women across a range of ethnicities become-with cattle and how cattle are becoming-with women cattle owners, directly or mediated through hired labour and/or technology. By operationalizing Haraway’s multispecies ‘becoming-with’ through intersectionality theory we articulate the nuanced ways in which individuals or social groups of two distinct species (here humans and cattle) become who they are. We show that whereas gender and ethnicity dynamics place women as engaging directly with cattle, engaging indirectly with cattle or becoming-without cattle, class most visibly shape the way that cattle become-with women cattle owners and other humans. We offer a novel illustration of an intersectional becoming-with, highlighting human-animal relations in the context of agriculture and socio-economic change in the Global South.
7
March, John B., Jason Clark, and Malcolm Brodlie. "Characterization of Strains of Mycoplasma mycoidessubsp. mycoides Small Colony Type Isolated from Recent Outbreaks of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Botswana and Tanzania: Evidence for a New Biotype." Journal of Clinical Microbiology 38, no. 4 (2000): 1419–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jcm.38.4.1419-1425.2000.
Full textAbstract:
Four strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp.mycoides small colony type (MmmSC) isolated from recent outbreaks of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Africa have been investigated. One Botswanan strain, M375, displayed numerous and significant phenotypic differences from both contemporary field isolates and older field and vaccine strains (African, Australian, and European strains dating back to 1936). Differences include altered morphology, reduced capsular polysaccharide production, high sensitivity to MmmSC rabbit hyperimmune antisera in vitro, and unique polymorphisms following immunoblotting. While insertion sequence analysis using IS1634 clearly indicates a close evolutionary relationship to west African strains, hybridization with IS1296 shows the absence of a band present in all other strains of MmmSC examined. The data suggest that a deletion has occurred in strain M375, which may explain its altered phenotype, including poor growth in vitro and a relative inability to cause septicemia in mice. These characteristics are also exhibited byMycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae(causal agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia [CCPP]), against which M375 antiserum exhibited some activity in vitro (unique among the various MmmSC antisera tested). These findings may have evolutionary implications, since CCPP is believed to be lung specific and without a septicemic phase (unlike CBPP). Since M375 was isolated from a clinical case of CBPP, this novel biotype may be fairly widespread but not normally isolated due to difficulty of culture and/or a potentially altered disease syndrome. Bovine convalescent antisera (obtained from contemporary naturally infected cattle in Botswana) were active against strain M375 in an in vitro growth inhibition test but not against any other strains of MmmSC tested. There exists the possibility therefore, that strain M375 may possess a set of protective antigens different from those of other strains of MmmSC (including vaccine strains). These findings have implications for the control of the current CBPP epidemic in Africa.
8
Kiravu, Cheddi, Moses T. Oladiran, and Kamen Yanev. "Modeling of technology adoption in Botswana." International Journal of Energy Sector Management 8, no. 2 (May 27, 2014): 198–229. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijesm-02-2013-0004.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The conceptualisation of technology adoption has largely been based on the Bass or some Bass-derived model – notably, the logistic model. Logistic-type models offer limited insights regarding the adoption process dynamics or the utility value of their results. The purpose of this paper is to outline an alternative technology adoption framework based on complex adaptive networks. Design/methodology/approach – An agent-based methodological approach is proposed. In it the actors, factors, goals, and adaptive learning influences driving solar energy technology adoption (SETA) process are first substantiated by empirical evidence gathered using field questionnaires and then incorporated in the simulation of a dynamic complex adaptive network of SETA. The complex adaptive network model is based on simple heuristic rules applied using a modified preferential attachment scheme within a NetLogo simulation environment. Findings – The interim results suggest an emergent network where prominent hub “driver” agents underlining the robustness of the model are statistically discernible. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to solar photovoltaic and solar water heating technology adoption in Botswana households; however, its results are far-reaching. Practical implications – These results can be related to sustainable energy policy design. There, targeted incentive mechanisms can be formulated against the backdrop of the identified environmental factors and actors; the aim being to accelerate and cascade SETA. Social implications – The results could also be cascaded to other sectors and other non-solar technologies, thus providing a general alternative framework for enabling the widespread adoption of technologies. Originality/value – This research therefore represents a novel way of utilizing the new science of networks to accelerate SETA.
9
Majinda, Runner R. T., Berhanu M. Abegaz, Merhatibeb Bezabih, Bonaventure T. Ngadjui, Cornelius C. W. Wanjala, Ladislaus K. Mdee, Gomotsang Bojase, Alfonse Silayo, Ishmael Masesane, and Samuel O. Yeboah. "Recent results from natural product research at the University of Botswana." Pure and Applied Chemistry 73, no. 7 (July 1, 2001): 1197–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/pac200173071197.
Full textAbstract:
Marketed plants are very important items of trade in many parts of the world. The community uses these for a variety of purposes such as foods, cosmetics, flavors, spices, and medicines. It seems that plants that are used for medicinal purposes form the most common category. Four plants used for treatment of microbial infections, viz., Bolusanthus speciosus, Erythrina latissima, Crotalaria podocarpa, and Elephantorrhiza goetzei, were investigated, and these yielded several known and novel structures, some with appreciable antibiotic activity against the test organisms. The activity of some of the isolated plants and the parts of the plant from which these were obtained lend support to their traditional use. Bulbine abyssinica and B. capitata yielded phenylanthraquinones, some of which were shown to possess strong antiplasmodial activity. In addition, these yielded isofuranonaphthoquinones, which were also found to be weakly antiplasmodial and antioxidant. Scilla nervosa yielded several known and novel homoisoflavoinds of the 3-benzylchroman-4-ones and 3-benzylidinechroman-4-one type, as well as some stilbenoids. The homoisoflavonoids showed strong antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines. Rhus pyroides gave a novel bichalcone, which showed weak antifeedant activity, consistent with the observation by farmers that the plant was avoided by corn cricket. Results from investigated Dorstenia species originating from Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Tanzania yielded styrenes, coumarins, chalcones, and flavonoids. The chalcones and flavonoids showed various levels of prenylation or geranylation, and an observation made so far is that prenylated flavonoids are only found in Dorstenia species of African origin. The only example of a bis-geranylated chalcone is found in Dorstenia.
10
Saleh, George Michael, James Wawrzynski, Silvestro Caputo, Tunde Peto, Lutfiah Ismail Al Turk, Su Wang, Yin Hu, Lyndon Da Cruz, Phil Smith, and Hongying Lilian Tang. "An Automated Detection System for Microaneurysms That Is Effective across Different Racial Groups." Journal of Ophthalmology 2016 (2016): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4176547.
Full textAbstract:
Patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) represent a large proportion of the caseload seen by the DR screening service so reliable recognition of the absence of DR in digital fundus images (DFIs) is a prime focus of automated DR screening research. We investigate the use of a novel automated DR detection algorithm to assess retinal DFIs for absence of DR. A retrospective, masked, and controlled image-based study was undertaken. 17,850 DFIs of patients from six different countries were assessed for DR by the automated system and by human graders. The system’s performance was compared across DFIs from the different countries/racial groups. The sensitivities for detection of DR by the automated system were Kenya 92.8%, Botswana 90.1%, Norway 93.5%, Mongolia 91.3%, China 91.9%, and UK 90.1%. The specificities were Kenya 82.7%, Botswana 83.2%, Norway 81.3%, Mongolia 82.5%, China 83.0%, and UK 79%. There was little variability in the calculated sensitivities and specificities across the six different countries involved in the study. These data suggest the possible scalability of an automated DR detection platform that enables rapid identification of patients without DR across a wide range of races.
11
Anderson, Motswedi, Wonderful Choga, Sikhulile Moyo, Trevor Bell, Tshepiso Mbangiwa, Bonolo Phinius, Lynnette Bhebhe, et al. "Molecular Characterization of Near Full-Length Genomes of Hepatitis B Virus Isolated from Predominantly HIV Infected Individuals in Botswana." Genes 9, no. 9 (September 7, 2018): 453. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes9090453.
Full textAbstract:
The World Health Organization plans to eliminate hepatitis B and C Infections by 2030. Therefore, there is a need to study and understand hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemiology and viral evolution further, including evaluating occult (HBsAg-negative) HBV infection (OBI), given that such infections are frequently undiagnosed and rarely treated. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV genomes from 108 individuals co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or OBI identified from previous HIV studies conducted in Botswana from 2009 to 2012. Full-length (3.2 kb) and nearly full-length (~3 kb) genomes were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequences from OBI participants were compared to sequences from CHB participants and GenBank references to identify OBI-unique mutations. HBV genomes from 50 (25 CHB and 25 OBI) individuals were successfully genotyped. Among OBI participants, subgenotype A1 was identified in 12 (48%), D3 in 12 (48%), and E in 1 (4%). A similar genotype distribution was observed in CHB participants. Whole HBV genome sequences from Botswana, representing OBI and CHB, were compared for the first time. There were 43 OBI-unique mutations, of which 26 were novel. Future studies using larger sample sizes and functional analysis of OBI-unique mutations are warranted.
12
Bartlam-Brooks, H. L. A., M. C. Bonyongo, and Stephen Harris. "Will reconnecting ecosystems allow long-distance mammal migrations to resume? A case study of a zebra Equus burchelli migration in Botswana." Oryx 45, no. 2 (April 2011): 210–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605310000414.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractTerrestrial wildlife migrations, once common, are now rare because of ecosystem fragmentation and uncontrolled hunting. Botswana historically contained migratory populations of many species but habitat fragmentation, especially by fences, has decreased the number and size of many of these populations. During a study investigating herbivore movement patterns in north-west Botswana we recorded a long-distance zebra Equus burchelli antiquorum migration between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi grasslands, a round-trip distance of 588 km; 55% of 11 animals collared in the south-eastern peripheral delta made this journey. This was unexpected as, between 1968 and 2004, the migration could not have followed its present course because of the bisection of the route by a veterinary cordon fence. As little evidence exists to suggest that large-scale movements by medium-sized herbivores can be restored, it is of significant interest that this migration was established to the present highly directed route within 4 years of the fence being removed. The success of wildlife corridors, currently being advocated as the best way to re-establish ecosystem connectivity, relies on animals utilizing novel areas by moving between the connected areas. Our findings suggest that medium-sized herbivores may be able to re-establish migrations relatively quickly once physical barriers have been removed and that the success of future system linkages could be increased by utilizing past migratory routes.
13
Mandiyanike, David, and Onthatile Olerile Moeti. "The implications of COVID-19 legislation on chronic ailments patients: perspectives from Botswana." Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy 15, no. 2 (February 4, 2021): 236–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/tg-08-2020-0201.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health challenges in the 21st century. The World Health Organisation recommended physical distancing to halt the upward trajectory of the infections. Countries including Botswana imposed lockdown for non-essential workers. This paper aims to argue that lockdown as imposed by the Government of Botswana was a necessary measure given the nature of transmission of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses exploratory research to unpack impacts of the novel COVID-19 regulations or be responsive to new concerns by breaking new ground through delving into new problem areas. The paper used a use case to explain a single outcome for a single case. Findings The restriction on the freedom of movement is necessary to protect citizens, particularly, those with chronic illness from contracting the deadly virus. The paper further observes that while the legislative intent of the GOB was to protect those with chronic illnesses from COVID-19, the lockdown resulted in near death experiences for some chronic ailment patients. These experiences result from unfettered discretion of functionaries who were policing and manning the streets and those who are conferred with authority to issue travel permits to seek and obtain medical assistance, lack of public transport and the processes of applications for the permits, which exposed citizens to COVID-19. Research limitations/implications The study was desk based. It may have yielded different results. Lockdowns limited mobility for non-essential services. The full impact of the restrictions and the attendant defaulting was yet to be fully realised. Observing the COVID-19 protocols and bureaucratic requirements for obtaining information from the government offices were major challenges. Practical implications Achieving total lockdown as an end in itself may amount to a pyrrhic victory – the authorities may successfully achieve total lockdown but with heavy costs on gains made in combating ailments. Botswana has fought many other pandemics and chronic illnesses still subsist and need to be catered for. For patients, there is not only the complexity of dealing with one chronic condition but also the work of trying to live “normal” lives in the face of co-morbidity, which can be overwhelming. The COVID-19 pandemic adds to the “work” that patients must do to manage and live with such health conditions and the psychological distress. Social implications Authorities need to be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Abrasive actions may lead to a higher constituency of discontent. Botswana has had a good track record of being democratic, and this needs to be strengthened. Originality/value The implementation of the COVID-19 regulations particularly the requirement for a travel permit to seek health-care services may hinder access to essential health services and ultimately increase the pressure on emergency services or, at worst, increase mortality. Clear guidelines and sober interpretation of the regulations are necessary. This will also make it easier for the frontline security officers manning the streets to correctly understand the prevailing circumstances. In view of the massive gains garnered in combating chronic illnesses, it is important that such gains are not reversed, while the GOB fights COVID-19. People living with HIV/AIDS, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are known to be at significantly higher risk of developing severe illness when contracting COVID-19. Achieving total lockdown as an end in itself may amount to a pyrrhic victory – the authorities may successfully achieve total lockdown but with heavy costs on gains made in combating other chronic ailments.
14
Ayma, V. H., V. A. Ayma, and J. Gutierrez. "DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION VIA AN ORTHOGONAL AUTOENCODER APPROACH FOR HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE CLASSIFICATION." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLIII-B3-2020 (August 21, 2020): 357–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliii-b3-2020-357-2020.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract. Nowadays, the increasing amount of information provided by hyperspectral sensors requires optimal solutions to ease the subsequent analysis of the produced data. A common issue in this matter relates to the hyperspectral data representation for classification tasks. Existing approaches address the data representation problem by performing a dimensionality reduction over the original data. However, mining complementary features that reduce the redundancy from the multiple levels of hyperspectral images remains challenging. Thus, exploiting the representation power of neural networks based techniques becomes an attractive alternative in this matter. In this work, we propose a novel dimensionality reduction implementation for hyperspectral imaging based on autoencoders, ensuring the orthogonality among features to reduce the redundancy in hyperspectral data. The experiments conducted on the Pavia University, the Kennedy Space Center, and Botswana hyperspectral datasets evidence such representation power of our approach, leading to better classification performances compared to traditional hyperspectral dimensionality reduction algorithms.
15
Mukami, Hawa W., and Bareki S. Batlokwa. "Application of a Custom-Synthesized Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Selective Isolation of Total Glucose and Fructose from 100% Fruit Juice Samples Prior to Instrumental Analysis." Molecular Imprinting 5, no. 1 (September 1, 2018): 16–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/molim-2018-0001.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract This article presents a novel sample preparation strategy that employed a custom-synthesized glucose - fructose (G-F) specific molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) powder as an adsorbent for the simultaneous and selective extraction, isolation and pre-concentration of total glucose and fructose from the complex and `dirty` sample matrix of ‘100%’ fruit juices purchased from retail shops in Palapye, Botswana. The prepared G-F MIP powder demonstrated high selectivity, effective extraction and isolation for glucose and fructose from real samples of `100%` fruit juice samples as evidenced by the calculated high extraction efficiencies (EEs) of over 90%, with low percentage relative standard deviations (%RSD) of below 7% for n=6, for both glucose and fructose when compared to the low EEs of below 25% by the non-imprinted polymer (NIP), regarded as the control. Furthermore, the G-F MIP showed lower selectivity towards the analogous molecules; maltose and lactose as supported by the low EEs of below 31%. With the high affinity for glucose and fructose, the selective sample preparation strategy proposed herein presented itself as a potential procedure to be employed to improve the accurate analysis of adulterated artificial sugar sweeteners that are usually illegally added to the so-called `100%` fruit juices by producers to improve their taste.
16
Guerreiro, Marco A., Deborah J. Springer, Joana A. Rodrigues, Laura N. Rusche, Keisha Findley, Joseph Heitman, and Álvaro Fonseca. "Molecular and Genetic Evidence for a Tetrapolar Mating System in the Basidiomycetous Yeast Kwoniella mangrovensis and Two Novel Sibling Species." Eukaryotic Cell 12, no. 5 (March 22, 2013): 746–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/ec.00065-13.
Full textAbstract:
ABSTRACTKwoniella mangrovensishas been described as a sexual species with a bipolar mating system. Phylogenetic analysis of multiple genes places this species together withKwoniella heveanensisin theKwoniellaclade, a sister clade to that containing two pathogenic species of global importance,Cryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattii, within the Tremellales. Recent studies defining the mating type loci (MAT) of species in these clades showed that, with the exception ofC. neoformansandC. gattii, which are bipolar with a single biallelic multigeneMATlocus, several other species feature a tetrapolar mating system with two unlinked loci (homeodomain [HD] and pheromone/receptor [P/R] loci). We characterized several strains from the original study describingK. mangrovensis; twoMATregions were amplified and sequenced: theSTE20gene (P/R locus) and the divergently transcribedSXI1andSXI2genes (HD locus). We identified five different mating types with differentSTE20/SXIallele combinations that together with results of mating experiments demonstrate thatK. mangrovensisis not bipolar but instead has a tetrapolar mating system. Sequence and gene analysis for a 43-kb segment of theK. mangrovensistype strainMATlocus revealed remarkable synteny with the homologousK. heveanensisMATP/R region, providing new insights into slower evolution ofMATloci in theKwoniellacompared to theCryptococcusclade of the Tremellales. The study of additional isolates from plant substrates in Europe and Botswana using a combination of multilocus sequencing withMATgene analysis revealed two novel sibling species that we nameKwoniella europaeaandKwoniella botswanensisand which appear to also have tetrapolar mating systems.
17
Govender, Lucretia, Lureshini Naidoo, and Mathabatha Evodia Setati. "Nesterenkonia suensis sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic actinobacterium isolated from a salt pan." International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 63, Pt_1 (January 1, 2013): 41–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/ijs.0.035006-0.
Full textAbstract:
A Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming actinobacterium designated strain Sua-BAC020T was isolated from brine from Sua salt pan in Botswana. The strain was alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic, displaying optimal growth at 35–37 °C, pH 9 and 2.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Sua-BAC020T belonged to the genus Nesterenkonia , sharing 96.2–99.0 % sequence similarity with the type strains of recognized species within this genus. DNA–DNA hybridization with the type strains of species that showed the closest phylogenetic affiliation, Nesterenkonia xinjiangensis (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 98.9 %), Nesterenkonia aethiopica (99.0 %), Nesterenkonia halophila (97.5 %), Nesterenkonia flava (97.4 %) and Nesterenkonia halobia (97.2 %), gave relatedness values of 10–45 %. The peptidoglycan type of strain Sua-BAC020T was A4α, l-Lys–Gly–d-Asp. Cells of the isolate contained phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and unidentified glycolipids as major polar lipids, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-7 were the predominant menaquinones, and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain Sua-BAC020T was 64.8 mol%. Based on DNA–DNA hybridization, and physiological and biochemical tests, strain Sua-BAC020T is distinct from all recognized Nesterenkonia species, suggesting that this strain represents a novel species, for which the name Nesterenkonia suensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Sua-BAC020T ( = DSM 22748T = NCCB 100309T).
18
Kolobe, Lone Godfrey Future, Caspar K. Lebekwe, and Boyce Sigweni. "Systematic literature survey: applications of LoRa communication." International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) 10, no. 3 (June 1, 2020): 3176. http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v10i3.pp3176-3183.
Full textAbstract:
LoRa is a communication scheme that is part of the low power wide are network (LPWAN) technology using ISM bands. It has seen extensive documentation and use in research and industry due to its long coverage ranges of up-to 20Km or more with less than 14dB transmit power. Moreover, some applications report theoretical battery lives of upto 10years for field deployed modules utilising the scheme in WSN applications. Additionally, the scheme is very resilient to losses from noise, as well bursts of interference through its FEC. Our objective is to systematically review the empirical evidence of the use-cases of LoRa in rural landscapes, metrics and the relevant validation schemes. In addition the research is evaluated based on (i) mathematical function of the scheme (bandwidth use, spreading factor, symbol rate, chip rate and nominal bit rate) (ii) use-cases (iii) test-beds, metrics of evaluation and (iv) validation methods. A systematic literature review of published, refereed primary studies on LoRa applications was conducted. Using articles from 2010-2019. We identified 21 relevant primary studies. These reported a range of different assessments of LoRa. 10 out of 21 reported on novel use cases. As an actionable conclusion, the authors conclude that more work is needed in terms of field testing, as no articles could be found on performance/deployment in Botswana or South Africa despite the existence of LoRa networks in both countries. Thus researchers in the region can research propagation models performance, energy efficiency of the scheme and MAC layer as well as the channel access challenges for the region.
19
Sharp, Colin P., William F. Gregory, Louise Hattingh, Amna Malik, Emily Adland, Samantha Daniels, Anriette van Zyl, et al. "PARV4 prevalence, phylogeny, immunology and coinfection with HIV, HBV and HCV in a multicentre African cohort." Wellcome Open Research 2 (April 7, 2017): 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.11135.1.
Full textAbstract:
Background: The seroprevalence of human parvovirus-4 (PARV4) varies considerably by region. In sub-Saharan Africa, seroprevalence is high in the general population, but little is known about the transmission routes or the prevalence of coinfection with blood-borne viruses, HBV, HCV and HIV. Methods: To further explore the characteristics of PARV4 in this setting, with a particular focus on the prevalence and significance of coinfection, we screened a cohort of 695 individuals recruited from Durban and Kimberley (South Africa) and Gaborone (Botswana) for PARV4 IgG and DNA, as well as documenting HIV, HBV and HCV status. Results: Within these cohorts, 69% of subjects were HIV-positive. We identified no cases of HCV by PCR, but 7.4% were positive for HBsAg. PARV4 IgG was positive in 42%; seroprevalence was higher in adults (69%) compared to children (21%) (p<0.0001) and in HIV-positive (52%) compared to HIV-negative individuals (24%) (p<0.0001), but there was no association with HBsAg status. We developed an on-line tool to allow visualization of coinfection data (https://purl.oclc.org/coinfection-viz). We identified five subjects who were PCR-positive for PARV4 genotype-3. Ex vivo CD8+ T cell responses spanned the entire PARV4 proteome and we propose a novel HLA-B*57:03-restricted epitope within the NS protein. Conclusions: This characterisation of PARV4 infection provides enhanced insights into the epidemiology of infection and co-infection in African cohorts, and provides the foundations for planning further focused studies to elucidate transmission pathways, immune responses, and the clinical significance of this organism.
20
Vicente, Mário, Mattias Jakobsson, Peter Ebbesen, and Carina M. Schlebusch. "Genetic Affinities among Southern Africa Hunter-Gatherers and the Impact of Admixing Farmer and Herder Populations." Molecular Biology and Evolution 36, no. 9 (July 9, 2019): 1849–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msz089.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Southern African indigenous groups, traditionally hunter-gatherers (San) and herders (Khoekhoe), are commonly referred to as “Khoe-San” populations and have a long history in southern Africa. Their ancestors were largely isolated up until ∼2,000 years ago before the arrival of pastoralists and farmers in southern Africa. Assessing relationships among regional Khoe-San groups has been challenging due to admixture with immigrant populations that obscure past population affinities and gene flow among these autochthonous communities. We re-evaluate a combined genome-wide data set of previously published southern Africa Khoe-San populations in conjunction with novel data from Khoe-San individuals collected in Xade (Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana) prior to their resettlement outside the reserve. After excluding regions in the genome that trace their ancestry to recent migrant groups, the genetic diversity of 20 Khoe-San groups fitted an isolation-by-distance model. Even though isolation-by-distance explained most genetic affinities between the different autochthonous groups, additional signals of contact between Khoe-San groups could be detected. For instance, we found stronger genetic affinities, than what would be explained by isolation-by-distance gene flow, between the two geographically separated Khoe-San groups, who speak branches of the Kx’a-language family (ǂHoan and Ju). We also scanned the genome-wide data for signals of adaptive gene flow from farmers/herders into Khoe-San groups and identified a number of genomic regions potentially introduced by the arrival of the new groups. This study provides a comprehensive picture of affinities among Khoe-San groups, prior to the arrival of recent migrants, and found that these affinities are primarily determined by the geographic landscape.
21
Jackson, Craig R., J. Weldon McNutt, and Peter J. Apps. "Managing the ranging behaviour of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) using translocated scent marks." Wildlife Research 39, no. 1 (2012): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr11070.
Full textAbstract:
Context Conflict between large carnivores and livestock outside the boundaries of wildlife areas frequently results in losses to both livestock and predator populations. The endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus Temminck, 1820) is wide ranging and unrestricted by conventional fences, thereby posing a major challenge to conservation managers. Wild dogs are territorial and communicate residence using scent marks. Simulating the presence of other wild dogs using translocated foreign scent marks may therefore represent a means to manage wild dog ranging behaviour. Aims To investigate the effectiveness of using targeted scent-mark deployments to signal a wild dog pack to return to their frequented range within the safety of a protected area. Methods We report on the ranging behaviour of a wild dog pack reintroduced into a wildlife area in Botswana with no recent history of resident wild dogs. We describe daily movements by the free-ranging introduced pack and compare these to moves following targeted deployment of scent marks when the wild dog pack had ranged close to or outside the boundaries of the protected area. Key results Targeted foreign scent-mark exposure resulted in the pack moving closer to the geometric centre of its range. The mean distance travelled the day after exposure was significantly greater than the distance travelled the previous day and the mean daily distance moved during the study period. Conclusions Targeted exposure to foreign scent marks proved to be a viable alternative to recapturing dogs that had ranged beyond the boundaries of the wildlife area. Implications This novel approach to managing free-ranging carnivores utilises biologically relevant signals and holds potential not only for the conservation of African wild dogs, but also for other territorial species.
22
Lawrence, David S., Katlego Tsholo, Agnes Ssali, Zivai Mupambireyi, Graeme Hoddinott, Deborah Nyirenda, David B. Meya, et al. "The Lived Experience Of Participants in an African RandomiseD trial (LEOPARD): protocol for an in-depth qualitative study within a multisite randomised controlled trial for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis." BMJ Open 11, no. 4 (April 2021): e039191. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039191.
Full textAbstract:
IntroductionIndividuals recruited into clinical trials for life-threatening illnesses are particularly vulnerable. This is especially true in low-income settings. The decision to enrol may be influenced by existing inequalities, poor healthcare infrastructure and fear of death. Where patients are confused or unconscious the responsibility for this decision falls to relatives. This qualitative study is nested in the ongoing AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION) Trial. AMBITION is recruiting participants from five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is trialling a novel treatment approach for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, an infection known to affect brain function. We aim to learn from the experiences of participants, relatives and researchers involved in AMBITION.Methods and analysisWe will collect data through in-depth interviews with trial participants and the next of kin of participants who were confused at enrolment and therefore provided surrogate consent. Data will be collected in Gaborone, Botswana; Kampala, Uganda and Harare, Zimbabwe. Interviews will follow a narrative approach including participatory drawing of participation timelines. This will be supplemented by direct observation of the research process at each of the three recruiting hospitals. Interviews will also take place with researchers from the African and European institutions that form the partnership through which the trial is administered. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim, translated (if necessary) and organised thematically for narrative analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Health Research Development Committee, Gaborone (Reference: HPDME:13/18/1); Makerere School of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board, Kampala (Reference: 2019–061); University of Zimbabwe Joint Research Ethics Committee, Harare (Reference: 219/19), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Reference: 17957). Study findings will be shared with research participants from the sites, key stakeholders at each research institution and ministries of health to help inform the development and implementation of future trials. The findings of this study will be published in journals and presented at academic meetings.Trial registrationRegistered at www.clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04296292.
23
Paley, Jeremy, Julia Cottrill, Katherine Errecart, Aimee White, Carrie Schaden, Tyler Schrag, Robert Douglas, Beeta Tahmassebi, Rachel Crocker, and David Streatfield. "The evolution of Global Libraries’ performance measurement and impact assessment systems." Performance Measurement and Metrics 16, no. 2 (July 13, 2015): 132–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-04-2015-0010.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of a common approach to impact assessment across the Global Libraries (GL) portfolio of grants. It presents an overview of two systems, the Performance Metrics (PMs) and the Common Impact Measurement System (CIMS). By providing a standard set of definitions and methods for use across countries, these systems enable grantees to collect data that can be compared and aggregated for the purpose of collective learning, improvement, accountability, and advocacy. Design/methodology/approach – The PMs offer a standard methodology to collect library project performance management data, whereas the CIMS is a standard survey of public library users. The paper describes how the PM and CIMS data are being visualized and used, with examples of findings and lessons learned. Findings – The paper cites examples of the type of PM and CIMS data available, with a focus on employment, gender, and case studies from Botswana and Indonesia. These highlights illustrate how libraries’ user demographics differ from other types of public internet access venues and how libraries can contribute to strong employment and growth. Research limitations/implications – The measurement systems rely on different partners collecting data for the same metrics across different countries; while each grantee adheres to a standard methodology, small procedural, and methodological differences are inevitable. Future research could focus on conducting similar studies elsewhere, outside the cohort of countries in the GL portfolio of grants. Practical implications – The paper offers insights and lessons for library agencies or institutions interested in implementing a common measurement system. Recognizing that few library projects have the resources to track a comprehensive set of indicators, a case study is presented about how smaller initiatives can adapt these systems to their needs. Social implications – The indicators described in this paper enable public libraries to shift their focus from services provided to the outcomes they help individuals and communities realize, potentially increasing the potency of their programming and advocacy. Originality/value – Common measurement systems are not new, but their application in the public library field is novel, as is the Data Atlas, a platform grantees use to compare results across metrics, track progress, and conduct advocacy.
24
Alexander, Kathleen A., Peter N. Laver, Mark C. Williams, Claire E. Sanderson, Carly Kanipe, and Mitchell V. Palmer. "Pathology of the Emerging Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi, in the Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)." Veterinary Pathology 55, no. 2 (December 19, 2017): 303–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0300985817741730.
Full textAbstract:
Wild banded mongooses ( Mungos mungo) in northeastern Botswana and northwest Zimbabwe are infected with a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi. We evaluated gross and histologic lesions in 62 infected mongooses (1999–2017). Many tissues contained multifocal irregular, lymphohistiocytic to granulomatous infiltrates and/or multifocal or coalescing noncaseating to caseating granulomas with variable numbers of intralesional acid-fast bacilli. Over one-third of nasal turbinates examined had submucosal lymphohistiocytic to granulomatous infiltrates, erosion and ulceration of the nasal mucosa, bony remodeling, and nasal distortion. Similar inflammatory cell infiltrates expanded the dermis of the nasal planum with frequent ulceration. However, even in cases with intact epidermis, acid-fast bacilli were present in variable numbers among dermal infiltrates and on the epidermal surface among desquamated cells and debris, most commonly in small crevices or folds. In general, tissue involvement varied among cases but was highest in lymph nodes (50/54, 93%), liver (39/53, 74%), spleen (37/51, 73%), and anal glands/sacs (6/8, 75%). Pulmonary lesions were present in 67% of sampled mongooses (35/52) but only in advanced disseminated disease. The pathological presentation of M. mungi in the banded mongoose is consistent with pathogen shedding occurring through scent-marking behaviors (urine and anal gland secretions) with new infections arising from contact with these contaminated olfactory secretions and percutaneous movement of the pathogen through breaks in the skin, nasal planum, and/or skin of the snout. Given the character and distribution of lesions and the presence of intracellular acid-fast bacilli, we hypothesize that pathogen spread occurs within the body through a hematogenous and/or lymphatic route. Features of prototypical granulomas such as multinucleated giant cells and peripheral fibrosis were rarely present in affected mongooses. Acid-fast bacilli were consistently found intracellularly, even in regions of necrosis. The mongoose genome has a unique deletion (RD1mon) that includes part of the encoding region for PPE68 (Rv3873), a gene co-operonic with PE35. These proteins can influence the host’s cellular immune response to mycobacterial infections, and it remains uncertain how this deletion might contribute to observed patterns of pathology. M. mungi infection in banded mongooses is characterized by both a unique transmission and exposure route, as well as accompanying pathological features, providing an opportunity to increase our understanding of MTC pathogenesis across host-pathogen systems.
25
Kalua, Fetson Anderson. "Literature as an Agent for Social Change: The Case of Caitlin Davies’s Place of Reeds and The Return of El Negro." Imbizo 8, no. 1 (May 9, 2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.25159/2078-9785/2274.
Full textAbstract:
This article considers two of Caitlin Davies’s novels on Botswana, Place of Reeds and The Return of El Negro, as exemplifying the ways in which literature addresses issues of justice within the postcolonial context. A narrative which see-saws between history, journalism and anecdotal reporting, Place of Reeds exposes the underbelly of Botswana society, particularly with regard to the country’s mistreatment and marginalisation of its minorities and women. Paradoxically, El Negro is a story about an unidentified Southern African man whose body was clandestinely taken to Europe by natural scientists who put it on display, subjected it to scrutiny, and used it as a specimen for scientific research. In the years leading up to the end of the twentieth century, the body was brought back and buried in Botswana’s capital of Gaborone. What Caitlin Davies’s second text does is to lay bare the violence of colonialism. Using Homi Bhabha’s concept of a vernacular cosmopolitanism, a notion which he uses to suggest that global progress should be determined from the perspective of those people who have suffered all manner of injustices in the past, this article argues for and shows the extent to which Davies’s fiction bears witness to the role that literature plays in addressing issues of social justice in society.
26
Mackiewicz, Michał. "The sustainability of fiscal policy in southern African countries–a comparative empirical perspective." International Journal of Emerging Markets ahead-of-print, ahead-of-print (April 29, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijoem-06-2020-0696.
Full textAbstract:
PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to assess the fiscal sustainability of nine southern African countries that belong to the Southern African Development Community.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the author performs a novel time-varying analysis of fiscal sustainability in southern African countries.FindingsThe authors found that in Zimbabwe and Namibia, the formal condition of solvency was not fulfilled, resulting in the explosive growth of debt during the recent slowdown. In contrast, Angola, Botswana and Malawi prove to run sustainable fiscal policies, and they were also fiscally invulnerable to the recent unfavourable economic developments in Africa. For the rest of the countries in the sample (Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Zambia), the results are mixed.Originality/valueIn the existing literature, there is abundance of empirical evidence concerning fiscal sustainability in European and American countries. In contrast, there is strikingly little knowledge concerning this phenomenon in African countries. The authors tried to fill this gap using a novel, time-varying approach.
27
Kyobe, Samuel, Savannah Mwesigwa, Grace P. Kisitu, John Farirai, Eric Katagirya, Angella N. Mirembe, Lesego Ketumile, et al. "Exome Sequencing Reveals a Putative Role for HLA-C*03:02 in Control of HIV-1 in African Pediatric Populations." Frontiers in Genetics 12 (August 26, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.720213.
Full textAbstract:
Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules present endogenously processed antigens to T-cells and have been linked to differences in HIV-1 disease progression. HLA allelotypes show considerable geographical and inter-individual variation, as does the rate of progression of HIV-1 disease, with long-term non-progression (LTNP) of disease having most evidence of an underlying genetic contribution. However, most genetic analyses of LTNP have occurred in adults of European ancestry, limiting the potential transferability of observed associations to diverse populations who carry the burden of disease. This is particularly true of HIV-1 infected children. Here, using exome sequencing (ES) to infer HLA allelotypes, we determine associations with HIV-1 LTNP in two diverse African pediatric populations. We performed a case-control association study of 394 LTNPs and 420 rapid progressors retrospectively identified from electronic medical records of pediatric HIV-1 populations in Uganda and Botswana. We utilized high-depth ES to perform high-resolution HLA allelotyping and assessed evidence of association between HLA class I alleles and LTNP. Sixteen HLA alleles and haplotypes had significantly different frequencies between Uganda and Botswana, with allelic differences being more prominent in HLA-A compared to HLA-B and C allelotypes. Three HLA allelotypes showed association with LTNP, including a novel association in HLA-C (HLA-B∗57:03, aOR 3.21, Pc = 0.0259; B∗58:01, aOR 1.89, Pc = 0.033; C∗03:02, aOR 4.74, Pc = 0.033). Together, these alleles convey an estimated population attributable risk (PAR) of non-progression of 16.5%. We also observed novel haplotype associations with HLA-B∗57:03-C∗07:01 (aOR 5.40, Pc = 0.025) and HLA-B∗58:01-C∗03:02 (aOR 4.88, Pc = 0.011) with a PAR of 9.8%, as well as a previously unreported independent additive effect and heterozygote advantage of HLA-C∗03:02 with B∗58:01 (aOR 4.15, Pc = 0.005) that appears to limit disease progression, despite weak LD (r2 = 0.18) between these alleles. These associations remained irrespective of gender or country. In one of the largest studies of HIV in Africa, we find evidence of a protective effect of canonical HLA-B alleles and a novel HLA-C association that appears to augment existing HIV-1 control alleles in pediatric populations. Our findings outline the value of using multi-ethnic populations in genetic studies and offer a novel HIV-1 association of relevance to ongoing vaccine studies.
28
Sabiu, Saheed, Christiana Eleojo Aruwa, Viresh Mohanlall, and Himansu Baijnath. "Momordica balsamina L.: An Appraisal on Morphology, Ecological Diversity, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Biotechnological Applications." Current Traditional Medicine 06 (September 9, 2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/2215083806999200909115721.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Momordica balsamina L. is a monoecious climbing vine and perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia, Arabia and the Caribbean, and with prominent presence in Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Southern African provinces. While evidence of its anecdotal usage as medicine exist, scientific reports complementing the claims are still emerging or at their infancy. Objective: This review appraised the morphology, therapeutic and biotechnological significance of M. balsamina. Method: Online resources such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and MeSH were utilized for literature search and included relevant information from inception till May 2020 to streamline sought outcomes for in-depth discussion. Results: The data gathered and considered worthy of inclusion in this study revealed that M. balsamina is rich in phytonutrients of medicinal significance with cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, balsamin and momordins well characterized and fully elucidated. These compounds and other novel bioactive agents in M. balsamina have found remarkable pharmacological relevance and could further be harnessed for use against several debilitating human disorders. Conclusion: The potential applications of M. balsamina as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent should not be undermined. Also, with the inadequate toxicological data on this wild species, its consumption should be with caution and translational studies that could advance scientific knowledge and aid better understanding of both its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics without sidelining its potent biotechnological applications are highly encouraged. It is hoped that this paper will provide baseline information that could serve as a guide and inspiration for further studies on the prospects of M. balsamina.
29
Venter, Johanna M. E., Etienne E. Müller, Mahlape P. Mahlangu, and Ranmini S. Kularatne. "Treponema pallidum macrolide resistance and molecular epidemiology in southern Africa, 2008-2018." Journal of Clinical Microbiology, August 4, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jcm.02385-20.
Full textAbstract:
Treponema pallidum macrolide resistance and clinical treatment failure have emerged rapidly within communities where macrolides have been used as convenient, oral therapeutic alternatives to benzathine penicillin G for syphilis, or for other clinical indications. Macrolides are not included in the South African syndromic management guidelines for genital ulcer disease; however, in 2015, a 1 gram dose of azithromycin was incorporated into treatment algorithms for genital discharge. We determined the prevalence of 23S rRNA macrolide resistance-associated point mutations in 135 T. pallidum -positive surveillance specimens from Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa between 2008 and 2018. Additionally, we investigated the association between macrolide resistance, T. pallidum strain type and HIV co-infection. A significant increase in the prevalence of the A2058G macrolide resistance-associated point mutation was observed in specimens collected after 2015. There was a high level of molecular heterogeneity among T. pallidum strains circulating in the study communities, with strain type 14d/f being the most predominant in South Africa. Fourteen novel strain types, derived from three new tpr -gene restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns and seven new tp0548 -gene sequence types, were identified. There was an association between A2058G-associated macrolide resistance and T. pallidum strain types 14d/f and 14d/g, but no association between T. pallidum macrolide resistance and HIV co-infection. The majority of T. pallidum strains, as well as strains containing the A2058G mutation, belonged to the SS14-like clade. This is the first study to extensively detail the molecular epidemiology and emergence of macrolide resistance in T. pallidum in southern Africa.
30
Libous, Jennifer L., Nicole A. Montañez, Dorothy E. Dow, Suad Kapetanovic, Janice Buckley, Tebogo Jacqueline Kakhu, Portia Kamthunzi, et al. "IMPAACT 2016: Operationalizing HIV Intervention Adaptations to Inform the Science and Outcomes of Implementation." Frontiers in Reproductive Health 3 (May 28, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frph.2021.662912.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: Uptake of evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYA-LWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is complex, and cultural differences necessitate local adaptations to enhance effective implementation. Few models exist to guide intervention tailoring, yet operationalizing strategies is critical to inform science and implementation outcomes, namely acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability. This paper describes operationalizing the ADAPT-ITT framework applied to a manualized trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TI-CBT) intervention addressing mental and sexual health for AYA-LWH in SSA in preparation for a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Methods: Phase 1 of the RCT focused on operationalizing ADAPT-ITT steps 3–7 to tailor the intervention for use in eight sites across Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Well-defined processes were developed to supplement the general guidelines for each step to provide clear, consistent direction on how to prepare and conduct each step, including documenting, assessing, and determining adaptations, while maintaining intervention fidelity. The processes provided efficient standardized step-by-step progression designed for future replication. All sites participated in Phase 1 using the created tools and strategies to translate and present the TI-CBT to community stakeholders for feedback informing local adaptations.Results: The research team developed and operationalized materials guiding adaptation. A translation review process verified local adaptability, maintained core concepts, and revealed differing interpretations of words, idioms, and culturally acceptable activities. Strategically designed tools comprised of feedback and translation verification forms resulted in meticulous management of adaptations. Robust collaborations between investigators, research managers, site personnel, and topical experts maximized multidisciplinary expertise, resulting in ~10–15 personnel per site facilitating, collecting, assessing, and integrating local feedback. Processes and tools operationalized in steps 3–7 effectively addressed implementation outcomes during community engagements (n = 108), focus groups (n = 5–8 AYA-LWH and caregivers per group), and strategic training of youth leaders.Discussion: This paper offers a novel generalizable approach using well-defined processes to guide intervention adaptation building on the ADAPT-ITT framework. The processes strengthen the science of implementation and provide much-needed specificity in adaptation steps to optimize and sustain real-world impact and help researchers and community stakeholders maximize existing infrastructure, culture, and resources to inform implementation strategies.
31
Alexander, Kathleen A., Claire E. Sanderson, Michelle H. Larsen, Suelee Robbe-Austerman, Mark C. Williams, and Mitchell V. Palmer. "Emerging Tuberculosis Pathogen Hijacks Social Communication Behavior in the Group-Living Banded Mongoose ( Mungos mungo )." mBio 7, no. 3 (May 10, 2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00281-16.
Full textAbstract:
ABSTRACT An emerging Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) pathogen, M. mungi , infects wild banded mongooses ( Mungos mungo ) in Northern Botswana, causing significant mortality. This MTC pathogen did not appear to be transmitted through a primary aerosol or oral route. We utilized histopathology, spoligotyping, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and molecular markers (regions of difference [RDs] from various MTC members, including region of difference 1 [RD1] from M. bovis BCG [RD1 BCG ], M. microti [RD1 mic ], and M. pinnipedii [RD1 seal ], genes Rv1510 [RD4], Rv1970 [RD7], Rv3877/8 [RD1], and Rv3120 [RD12], insertion element IS 1561 , the 16S RNA gene, and gene Rv0577 [ cfp32 ]), including the newly characterized mongoose-specific deletion in RD1 (RD1 mon ), in order to demonstrate the presence of M. mungi DNA in infected mongooses and investigate pathogen invasion and exposure mechanisms. M. mungi DNA was identified in 29% of nasal planum samples ( n = 52), 56% of nasal rinses and swabs ( n = 9), 53% of oral swabs ( n = 19), 22% of urine samples ( n = 23), 33% of anal gland tissue ( n = 18), and 39% of anal gland secretions ( n = 44). The occurrence of extremely low cycle threshold values obtained with qPCR in anal gland and nasal planum samples indicates that high levels of M. mungi can be found in these tissue types. Histological data were consistent with these results, suggesting that pathogen invasion occurs through breaks in the nasal planum and/or skin of the mongoose host, which are in frequent contact with anal gland secretions and urine during olfactory communication behavior. Lesions in the lung, when present, occurred only with disseminated disease. No environmental sources of M. mungi DNA could be found. We report primary environmental transmission of an MTC pathogen that occurs in association with social communication behavior. IMPORTANCE Organisms causing infectious disease evolve modes of transmission that exploit environmental and host conditions favoring pathogen spread and persistence. We report a novel mode of environmental infectious disease transmission that occurs in association with olfactory secretions (e.g., urine and anal gland secretions), allowing pathogen exposure to occur within and between social groups through intricate social communication behaviors of the banded mongoose host. The presence of M. mungi in these environmentally deposited secretions would effectively circumvent natural social barriers (e.g., territoriality), facilitating between-group pathogen transmission in the absence of direct physical contact, a rare occurrence in this highly territorial species. This work identifies an important potential mechanism of pathogen transmission of epidemiological significance in social species. We also provide evidence of a novel mechanism of pathogen transmission for the MTC complex, where pathogen movement in the environment and host exposure dynamics are driven by social behavior.