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Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc) is an indigenous African crop. In South Africa, the crop is grown by rural subsistence farmers. This crop is classified as a drought-tolerant crop and it can produce good yields in poor soil conditions. However, statistics show that Bambara groundnut production is currently neglected by industries due to the lack of research on the crop focused on postharvest technologies, and agro-processing. Current research on the crop is mostly focused on agronomic and growing characteristics. Data on the physical properties and processing equipment for the Bambara groundnuts are limited. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of moisture contents on both Bambara groundnut seeds (shelled) and pods (unshelled). The physical properties of the pods and seeds were measured at three moisture content levels. The finding showed that axial dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, and weight increase as moisture content increases. The static coefficient of friction of seeds and pods increased from 0.15 to 0.19 and 0.29 to 0.31, respectively. Simirlarly, the bulk density of shelled and unshelled groundnuts increased from 500 to 955, and 355 to 422 kg.m-3, respectively. The results also showed that the true density of seeds rose from 994 to 1832 kg.m-3 and for the unshelled groundnuts it increased linearly from 532 to 655 kg.m-3. The required forces for cracking both bambara groundnut seeds and kernels showed a declining trend as moisture increased from 6 to 20%. The cracking forces required for Bambara groundnuts kernels at 6, 15, and 20 % are 32.5 ±12 N, 29.9 ±15.3 N, and 28.9 ±9 N, respectively. As the moisture increased, the data deviation from the mean decreased from 16.30 to 10.1 N. In terms of designing agro processing eqiupment or machinary such as a shelling machine, the physical properties from the lower moisture content are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated CORDEX RCMs' ability to project future rainfall and extreme events in the Mzingwane catchment using an ensemble average of three RCMs (RCA4, REMO2009 and CRCM5). Model validation employed the statistical mean and Pearson correlation, while trends in projected rainfall and number of rainy days were computed using the Mann-Kendall trend test and the magnitudes of trends were determined by Sen's slope estimator. Temporal and spatial distribution of future extreme dryness and wetness was established by using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). The results show that RCMs adequately represented annual and inter-annual rainfall variability and the ensemble average outperformed individual models. Trend results for the projected rainfall suggest a significant decreasing trend in future rainfall (2016–2100) for all stations at p < 0.05. In addition, a general decreasing trend in the number of rainy days is projected for future climate, although the significance and magnitude varied with station location. Model results suggest an increased occurrence of future extreme events, particularly towards the end of the century. The findings are important for developing proactive sustainable strategies for future climate change adaption and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall characteristics during the annual rainy season are explored for the Mzingwane catchment of south-western Zimbabwe, for both historic period (1886–1906) and more recent times (1950–2015), based on available daily and monthly precipitation series. Annual and seasonal rainfall trends are determined using the modified Mann-Kendall test, magnitude of trends test and Sen's slope estimator. Rainfall variability is quantified using the coefficient of variation (CV), precipitation concentration index (PCI) and standard precipitation index (SPI). Results suggest that contemporary mean annual rainfall may not have changed from that measured during the historic period of 1886–1906. However, the number of rainy days (≥ 1 mm) has decreased by 34%, thus suggesting much more concentrated and increased rainfall intensity. A notable shift in both the onset and cessation dates of the rainy season is recorded, particularly during the twenty-first century, which has resulted in a significantly reduced (p < 0.05) length of the rainy season. The combination of a reduced number of rainy days (≥ 1 mm) and a shortened rainy season suggests that long intra-season dry spells have become more common through time and have considerable negative consequences for agriculture and wetland ecosystem in the region. In addition, high spatio-temporal rainfall variability and seasonal PCI values indicate strong seasonality in the rainy season. Based on the SPI results, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) strongly influences rainfall variability. The results further suggest high uncertainty in rain season characteristics, which requires effective planning for water needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric warming and extreme weather events have increasingly become major contemporary issues of global concern, yet relatively few studies have investigated recent decadal-scale climate change and variability in Zimbabwe. This study investigates spatiotemporal temperature and extreme weather events in Mzingwane catchment of southern Zimbabwe for the period 1967-2015. This is achieved through using the Non-parametric Modified Mann-Kendal trend test, while magnitudes of trends are estimated using Sen's slope estimator. Temporal and spatial trends for extreme dryness and wetness are established by using the Standard Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index. The results for annual anomalies show a strong positive anomaly (.44 °C warmer) at all five stations for the summer months, while winter months recorded cool anomaly averaging -.28 °C. Trends in annual Tmax significantly increased (p < .05) at an average of .16 °C decade-1 at four stations, but excluding Matopos, which decreased significantly at .29 °C decade-1. The mean Tmax for the period 1897-1904 was .7 and 1.7 °C cooler than the reference average and 2000-2015 average respectively, while historic Tmin is .3 and 2.1 °C cooler. Results of extreme events indicate a significant increase (p < .05) in the occurrence of extreme dry periods since the 1980s. The findings are important for developing appropriate sustainable and adaptive strategies as climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication is an integral part of nursing practice not just only for therapeutic reasons but also for sharing information. Nurses working in intensive care experience challenges when communicating with patients who are mechanically ventilated due to lack of knowledge and skill. These challenges infringe on the patients' rights to receive information and as such they may impact negatively on the patients' outcomes. Aim: This study determined the existing knowledge and skills of intensive care nurses working with mechanically ventilated patients in Botswana. Methods: A retrospective descriptive and explorative research design with a quantitative approach was used to audit patients' records. This was augmented by further interviewing nurses for their knowledge and skills when communicating with ventilated patients within the two intensive care units in Botswana. The American Association of Critical Nurses Synergy Model was used to guide the study. One hundred and fifty ‐ nine (159) patients' files were audited and 50 nurses chosen by purposive sampling completed a self ‐ administered 42 ‐ item questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 10 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the data. Results: Assessment of patients' ability to communicate was recorded in more than 90% of files audited. Four per cent (4%) of the respondents only communicated essential information and no other strategies or devices were used to aid communication. Conclusion: Communication with ventilated patients can be quite challenging to nurses working in the intensive care unit. There is a need for communication skills training to ensure that all nurses working with mechanically ventilated patients are properly trained, equipped and capable of communicating effectively with the patient. Implications for nursing and health policy: A greater understanding of communication dynamics with the intensive care unit with patients who are mechanically ventilated is crucial to enable nurses to improve their care and improve patients' comfort. Incorporating communication in the nursing standards would ensure that patients are treated with dignity which would help improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confusion between terms and ambiguities among definitions have long plagued the field of invasion biology. One result is disruption in flow of information from researchers to policy-makers and managers who rely on science to inform regulatory frameworks and management actions. We reviewed the South African marine biology literature to quantify the current usage of terminology describing marine invasions and found a variety of terms in use, few of which are defined when used. In response, we propose standard terminology that aligns with international practice. We then interpreted the Blackburn unified framework for biological invasions within the marine context and used this as a transparent way to apply the standardised terms to an updated list of marine alien species for the country. This resulted in the recognition of 36 alien and 53 invasive species within South Africa. Most notably, follow-up research is required to confirm the status of at least 11 listed species, the majority of which have been recorded only once, or not in the past 25 years. It is hoped that by standardising terminology, marine science in South Africa will better support authorities charged with managing the threat posed by marine alien species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biological invasions continue to increase around the world, with impacts on many coastal marine systems. Here we review the South African marine invasion literature which, despite the field being relatively new, has grown to have significant presence in both the local and international arenas. Of the 79 papers reviewed, 70% focused on the establishment and spread of alien species, with modes of transport and introduction largely overlooked. An emphasis was also apparent towards field studies, in particular survey work, with few experimental studies. The overwhelming majority of papers focused on a single species, the Mediterranean musselMytilus galloprovincialis, reflecting the scale of this invasion and the tractable nature of rocky shores as study systems. With the exception of this one species, the impacts of marine alien species have rarely been quantified. We suggest that future research extends the taxonomic coverage of present work and develops a better understanding of the mechanisms of introduction, establishment and spread of marine alien species. Through an experimental approach, the drivers of altered ecological patterns and processes resulting from invasions should be addressed, providing insight into associated impacts. This approach will maintain the local applicability and international relevance of South African marine invasion research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There are serious concerns relating to the growing number of people living with chronic illnesses that were being cared for at home and within the community but are not receiving appropriate attention and care from the health service providers and the health system at large. This happens despite the existence of Ministry of Health sanctioned Community and Home Based Care programmes. Patient centred and effective health intervention programmes are mandatory if the health outcomes of service users are to be met or improved. This study aimed toexplore the effectiveness of the Community and Home Based Care (C&HBC) in providing services that effectively met users' goals in mitigating chronic illnesses. An explorative and descriptive mixed methods study was used in which in-depth structured and unstructured interviews and focus group discussion were conducted with 206 eligible participants. Results showed that the C&HBC programme generally improved the health status of respondents resulting in an enhanced quality of life. There was a satisfactory measure of socio-economic needs such as finance, food security, and pain relief being poorly met. The Community and Home Based care programme could not meet all the needs due to limited resources and a lack of integration of services. A fully integrated health and social care service is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The effect of water restriction on rumen degradability and outflow rate of low quality veld hay and dry-matter apparent digestibility was investigated in four rumen cannulated Tuli × Friesian steers (mean weight 329 (s.d. 36·6) kg) given food at maintenance (metabolizable energy allowance (maintenance) (MJ) = 8·3 + 0·091 M). Two diets with 20: 80 (low, L) and 80:20 (high, H) roughage to concentrate ratios were used in combination with free access to water for 2·5 h once daily or once every 3rd day. A 4 × 4 Latin-square design with a 2 (diets) × 2 (watering frequencies) factorial arrangement of treatments was used.The degradation pattern of veld hay was not affected by the type of diet and the watering frequency. Although the effective degradabilities of hay in steers given the two diets were low (177 and 258 g/kg for L and H, respectively), they were significantly different (P < 0·05) from each other. However, watering frequency did not affect the effective degradability of hay (218 and 217 g/kg). While the low roughage diet had a higher rumen outflow rate for Crmordanted hay than the high roughage diet (0·047 per h and 0·031 per h), this was not statistically significant. The same outflow rate was obtained for the two watering frequencies (0·039 per h). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An 18-week experiment investigated the effects of type of diet and frequency of watering on the performance of growing cattle given food at maintenance (metabolizable energy (ME) allowance (MJ) = 8·3 + 0·091 M where M = live weight of the animal). Three diets with 20: 80 (low, L), 50:50 (medium, M) and 80: 20 (high, H) roughage to concentrate ratios (10·2, 7·8 and 5·4 MJME per kg dry matter) were used in combination with free access to water for 2·5 h once daily or once every 3rd day. A completely randomized-block design with a 3 (diets) × 2 (watering frequencies) factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Five animals were allocated per treatment (average weight 245 (s.d. 21·6) kg).Dry-matter intake increased as the roughage content of the diet increased (P < 0·05) but was not affected by the watering regime (P > 0·05). Total water intake was found to be positively correlated with dry-matter intake and increased with dietary roughage level. Animals watered daily drank more (P < 0·05) water (12·6 v. 10·0 kg/day) than those watered every 3rd day. The apparent digestibility of the diets decreased as the amount of roughage increased (diet L 734g/kg, M471 g/kg and H 433 g/kg). Similar apparent digestibilities were observed under the two watering frequencies (546 g/kg and 547 g/kg).Type of diet significantly (P < 0·05) affected the final weights of the steers. Animals given diet H were proportionately 0·07 heavier than those offered diet L corresponding to total weight changes of −0·8 and +18·4 kg respectively. Carcass weight, backfat thickness and eye muscle area were not affected by the treatments. The chemical composition of the 9 to 11th rib joint was only affected by diet H which gave less fat (P < 0·05). Water, fat, protein and ash content averaged 607,118,190 and 84 g/kg respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]