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The first case of COVID-19 in Eswatini was first reported in March 2020, posing an unprecedented challenge to the country’s health and socio-economic systems. Using geographic information system (GIS) data comprising 15 socioeconomic, demographic and environmental variables, we model the spatial variability of COVID-19 transmission risk based on case data for the period under strict lockdown (up to 8th May 2020) and after the lockdown regulations were gradually eased (up to 30th June 2020). We implemented and tested 13 spatial data-driven Bayesian network (BN) learning algorithms to examine the factors that determine the spatial distribution of COVID-19 transmission risk. All the BN models performed very well in predicting the COVID-19 cases as evidenced by low log loss (0.705–0.683) and high recall values (0.821–0.836). The tree-augmented naïve (TAN) model outperformed all other BN learning algorithms. The proximity to major health facilities, churches, shopping centres and supermarkets as well as average annual traffic density were the strongest predictors of transmission risk during strict lockdown. After gradual relaxation of the lockdown, the proportion of the youth (15–40 years old) in an area became the strongest predictor of COVID-19 transmission in addition to the proximity to areas where people congregate, excluding churches. The study provides useful insights on the spatio-temporal dynamics of COVID-19 transmission drivers thereby aiding the design of geographically-targeted interventions. The findings also point to the robustness of BN models in spatial predictive modelling and graphically explaining spatial phenomena under uncertainty and with limited data.

This study develops models of electricity access and use in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) using census data on household use of electricity for cooking and lighting. Nighttime light (NTL) data fro...

The spinal cord is the primary pathway of communication between the brain and peripheral nervous system. Knowledge of the spinal cord anatomy and recognition of typical common spinal cord syndromes are important as many of these diseases have a predilection for targeting specific areas or tracts within the spinal cord.

BACKGROUND: TB diagnosis in patients with HIV is challenging due to the lower sensitivities across tests. Molecular tests are preferred and the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay has limitations in lower-income settings. We evaluated the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and the lipoarabinomannan (LAM) test in HIV-positive, ART-naïve clinic patients.METHODS: A total of 783 eligible patients were enrolled; three spot sputum samples of 646 patients were tested using TB-LAMP, Xpert, smear microscopy and culture, while 649 patients had TB-LAM testing. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were estimated with 95% confidence intervals.RESULTS: Sensitivities for smear microscopy, TB-LAMP and Xpert were respectively 50%, 63% and 74% compared to culture, with specificities of respectively 99.2%, 98.5% and 97.5%. An additional eight were positive on TB-LAM alone. Seventy TB patients (9%) were detected using standard-of-care testing, an additional 27 (3%) were detected using study testing. Treatment was initiated in 57/70 (81%) clinic patients, but only in 56% (57/97) of all those with positive TB tests; 4/8 multidrug-resistant samples were detected using Xpert.CONCLUSION: TB diagnostics continue to miss cases in this high-burden setting. TB-LAMP was more sensitive than smear microscopy, and if followed by culture and drug susceptibility testing as required, can diagnose TB in HIV-positive patients. TB-LAM is a useful add-in test and both tests at the point-of-care would maximise yield.

We report measurements of the exclusive neutral pion electroproduction cross section off protons at large values of $x_B$ (0.36, 0.48 and 0.60) and $Q^2$ (3.1 to 8.4 GeV$^2$) obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E12-06-014. The corresponding structure functions $d\sigma_L/dt+\epsilon d\sigma_T/dt$, $d\sigma_{TT}/dt$, $d\sigma_{LT}/dt$ and $d\sigma_{LT'}/dt$ are extracted as a function of the proton momentum transfer $t-t_{min}$. The results suggest the amplitude for transversely polarized virtual photons continues to dominate the cross-section throughout this kinematic range. The data are well described by calculations based on transversity Generalized Parton Distributions coupled to a helicity flip Distribution Amplitude of the pion, thus providing a unique way to probe the structure of the nucleon.

Agricultural extension is a communication network linking different stakeholders in agriculture to improve their productivity and Information Communication Technology (ICT) has been utilised as an extension tool for enhancing information flow between agricultural extension services and their clients. The application of ICT in agricultural extension and rural development has significantly increased in several countries where it has provided an adequate access to agricultural information. Efforts are, therefore, needed to scale up investments in physical ICT infrastructure and services across developing country. This could be realised through the implementation of interventions aimed at speeding up assimilation and adoption of improved agricultural technology and management practices of the less productive smallholder farmers. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that agricultural knowledge and information management within an extension system can improve productivity of smallholder farmers. The role of ICTs in agricultural extension is discussed together with its challenges towards the improvement of productivity among smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers need to develop and utilize ICT based knowledge management techniques to implement strategies and interventions to transform the agricultural sector and improve their productivity. Agricultural extension is the ideal mechanism that can facilitate the introduction and subsequent adoption of ICTs for effective knowledge and information management.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Piptadeniastrum africanum is widely used in treating oxidative stress related diseases. Oxidative stress, defined as the disturbance in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, is the root cause of many pathophysiological conditions. Based on the dual properties of prooxidants as toxic and beneficial compounds, both prooxidants and antioxidants may be effective in the treatment of these conditions when the right dose is given to the right subject at the right time for the right duration. Aim of the study This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and ex vivo anti- and pro-oxidative effects of P. africanum. Materials and methods Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of methanol and aqueous extracts of P. africanum stem back were quantified spectrophotometrically. The methanol extract, ascorbate radicals and reactive oxygen species in brain and liver homogenates of mice treated with the methanol stem bark extract were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Free radical scavenging of DPPH was determined by spectrophotometric and EPR assays. Results The methanol extract was richer in both phenolic and flavonoid contents compared to the aqueous extracts and also showed better DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The EPR spectroscopy in vitro analysis exhibited high DPPH scavenging capacity before and after UV irradiation (99.5% and 98.76%) at 40 μg/ml extract. The ex vivo EPR spectroscopy studies demonstrated increased levels of ascorbate radicals (•Asc) in liver and brain homogenates of healthy mice treated with P. africanum in comparison with those of the non treated controls (0.6141 ± 0.026 vs 0.1800 ± 0.0073 arb. units for liver homogenates and 0.9605 ± 0.0492 vs 0.3375 ± 0.0062 arb. units for brain homogenates, correspondingly). Considerably, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in mice liver and brain homogenates after treatment with P. africanum extract compared to the control group, as well (1.9402 ± 0.1200 vs 0.6699 ± 0.062 arb. units for liver homogenates and 1.7325 ± 01503 vs 0.3167 ± 0.0403 arb.units, respectively). Conclusion Therefore, P. africanum exhibited antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties which may explain its broad spectrum use in a wide variety of ailments.

Quasielastic C12(e,e′p) scattering was measured at spacelike 4-momentum transfer squared Q2=8, 9.4, 11.4, and 14.2 (GeV/c)2, the highest ever achieved to date. Nuclear transparency for this reaction was extracted by comparing the measured yield to that expected from a plane-wave impulse approximation calculation without any final state interactions. The measured transparency was consistent with no Q2 dependence, up to proton momenta of 8.5 GeV/c, ruling out the quantum chromodynamics effect of color transparency at the measured Q2 scales in exclusive (e,e′p) reactions. These results impose strict constraints on models of color transparency for protons.

The influence of the naturally occurring population of microbes on various human diseases has been a topic of much recent interest. Not surprisingly, continuously growing attention is devoted to the existence of a gut brain axis, where the microbiota present in the gut can affect the nervous system through the release of metabolites, stimulation of the immune system, changing the permeability of the blood–brain barrier or activating the vagus nerves. Many of the methods that stimulate the nervous system can also lead to the development of cancer by manipulating pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, neurogenesis or the creation of new nervous tissue, is associated with the development and progression of cancer in a similar manner as the blood and lymphatic systems. Finally, microbes can secrete neurotransmitters, which can stimulate cancer growth and development. In this review we discuss the latest evidence that support the importance of microbiota and peripheral nerves in cancer development and dissemination. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has rapidly spread across many countries in pandemic proportions since the first case was reported in Hubei, China in December 2019. Understanding transmission, susceptibility and exposure risks is crucial for surveillance, control and response to the disease. Knowing the geographic distribution of health resource scarcity areas is necessary if a country is to adequately anticipate and prepare for the full impact of infections. We explored the potential to undertake a spatial risk assessment of an emerging pandemic under data scarcity in Eswatini. We used a set of socio-economic and demographic variables to identify epidemic risk prone areas in the country. Three risk zone levels for COVID-19 were identified in the country. The analysis showed that about 29% (320 818) of the population were located in the high risk zone and these were people who could potentially be infected with COVID-19 in the absence of mitigation measures. A majority of cases and deaths attributed to COVID-19 would likely remain unknown but our estimate could be used to gauge the full burden of the disease. Approximating and quantifying the number of people who may be potentially infected with COVID-19 remains impossible under data scarcity and limited healthcare capacity especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We provided an estimation method that could support the pandemic risk forecasting, preparedness and response measures in the midst of data scarcity. The resultant map products could be used to guide on-the-ground surveillance and response efforts., Highlights • About 321 000 people are located in the COVID-19 high risk zone in Eswatini. • A majority of COVID-19 cases and deaths are likely to remain unknown due to poor testing in Eswatini. • Minimizing movement from high risk zones to low risk areas could help control the spread of COVID-19.

Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) scattering was measured at spacelike 4-momentum transfer squared Q^{2}=8, 9.4, 11.4, and 14.2 (GeV/c)^{2}, the highest ever achieved to date. Nuclear transparency for this reaction was extracted by comparing the measured yield to that expected from a plane-wave impulse approximation calculation without any final state interactions. The measured transparency was consistent with no Q^{2} dependence, up to proton momenta of 8.5 GeV/c, ruling out the quantum chromodynamics effect of color transparency at the measured Q^{2} scales in exclusive (e,e^{'}p) reactions. These results impose strict constraints on models of color transparency for protons.

$^{2}\mathrm{H}(e,e'p)n$ cross sections have been measured at 4-momentum transfers of $Q^{2} = 4.5 \pm 0.5$ (GeV/c)$^{2}$ over a range of neutron recoil momenta, $p_{\mathrm{r}}$, reaching up to $\sim1.0$ GeV/c. The data were obtained at fixed neutron recoil angles $\theta_{nq} = 35^\circ$, $45^\circ$ and $75^{\circ}$ with respect to the 3-momentum transfer $\vec q$. The new data agree well with previous data which reached $p_{\mathrm{r}}\sim500$ MeV/c. At $\theta_{nq} = 35^\circ$ and $45^\circ$, final state interactions (FSI), meson exchange currents (MEC) and isobar currents (IC) are suppressed and the plane wave impulse approximation (PWIA) provides the dominant cross section contribution. The new data are compared to recent theoretical calculations, where we observe a significant discrepancy for missing momenta $p_{\mathrm{r}}>700$ MeV/c., Comment: main article: 6 pages, 2 figures | supplemental material: 7 pages, 13 figures | numerical tables of cross sections for data and theory are provided as ancillary material | This version has minor additions in the concluding paragraph to address the light-cone / EFT formalisms in the context of this experiment. The supplemental materials have new Fig. 10, and modified Fig. 9

Veld fires have become a frequent and devastating phenomena in the predominantly savanna ecosystems of the Kingdom of Eswatini. While fire damages have become more common and recurrent in recent years, their causes and impacts in the Kingdom of Eswatini are less understood, with very limited literature. This study aimed at filling up this existing information gap by investigating the causes, socio-economic and environmental impacts of veld fires, as well as highlighting the challenges and/or limitations in fire management and control in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The study used mixed methods approach to collect both primary and secondary data. These included household questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with key informants. The results showed that the major causes of fires are mainly anthropogenic, and these include arson and conflicts, controlled burning, ignorance of proper fire management practices, collision of electric cables, and acts of negligence, among others. Major impacts of veld fires in Eswatini were found to include disruption of rural (and urban) livelihoods, infrastructure damage, loss of biodiversity and destruction of important environmental resources, to mention but a few. The study concluded that fires contribute to biodiversity loss and that fires continue to be a major treat to the country’s economy. Lack of fire management resources is one contributing factor to the widespread fire damage in the country, while quantifying the direct economic loss resulting from fire remains a challenge due to lack of standardized fire damages data collection and reporting tools. The study recommended a development of a standardized tool for reporting fire damages, improvement of fire prevention and management, and development of an early warning system (in addition to capacity assessment of fire emergency operators) in an effort to improve fire management and to minimize fire-related damages in the country.

Organic and inorganic nanocomposites have been successfully used in the preparation of thin film organic solar cells with the view either to enhance the harvesting of solar energy or to assist in the charge transport processes. The optical absorption, conductivity and environmental stability of the nanocomposite are the main criteria that determine the suitability of the material for solar energy application. This chapter discusses the properties of a number of nanocomposite which are widely used in the preparation of various types of thin film solar cells.

SETTING In South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal is the epicentre of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, where approximately 70% of people with tuberculosis (TB) are co-infected with HIV. Undiagnosed TB contributes to high mortality in HIV-infected patients. Delays in diagnosing TB and treatment initiation result in prolonged transmission and increased infectiousness. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the LoopampTM MTBC Detection kit (TB-LAMP; based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay), smear microscopy and Xpert test with the gold standard of mycobacterial culture. METHODS Sputum samples were collected from 705 patients with symptoms of pulmonary TB attending a primary health care clinic. RESULTS The TB-LAMP assay had significantly higher sensitivity than smear microscopy (72.6% vs. 45.4%, P < 0.001), whereas specificity was slightly lower (99% vs. 96.8%, P = 0.05), but significantly higher than Xpert (92.9%, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in sensitivity of smear-positive, culture-positive and smear-negative, culture-positive sputum samples using TB-LAMP vs. Xpert (respectively 95.9%/55.9% vs. 97.6%/66.1%; P =0.65, P = 0.27). The positive predictive value of TB-LAMP was significantly higher than that of Xpert (87.5% vs. 77.0%; P = 0.02), but similar to that of smear microscopy (94.2%; P = 0.18). The negative predictive value was respectively 91.9%, 92.5% (P = 0.73) and 83.1% (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION Given its ease of operability, the TB-LAMP assay could be implemented as a point-of-care test in primary health care settings, and contribute to reducing treatment waiting times and TB prevalence.

There has been growing concern regarding the pollution of the aquatic environment with synthetic organic chemicals. Antiretroviral drugs, such as efavirenz and nevirapine, are pharmaceutical drugs and are referred to as emerging contaminants. Such drugs can be environmentally persistent and may be expected to pose potential risks to drinking water supplies. Sources of pharmaceutical drugs include effluents from Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTPs), hospital and pharmaceutical production facilities and the incorrect disposal of unused and expired medicines. Currently there are no monitoring programs and legislative guidelines for their regulations in South Africa. The aims of this study were firstly to develop a semi-quantitative method to extract and analyse efavirenz and nevirapine in the primary settling tank sludge. Secondly to use that method, and an existing method for liquid wastewater samples, to monitor the concentrations of efavirenz and nevirapine as the wastewater passes through the different stages of purification (anoxic; aerobic; pre and post chlorination) in the WWTP. This was repeated weekly over a period of 4 weeks. Thirdly, to determine if binding of efavirenz and nevirapine to the solids in the WWTP played a role in the removal of these compounds from the WWTP liquid phase. No references to the analysis of ARVDs in WWTP sludge were found in the literature. Grab samples of wastewater and sludge samples were collected from a WWTP (activated sludge treatment process) weekly for 4 weeks. Liquid samples were extracted solid phase extraction, solid samples were extracted using sonication followed by a QuEChERs clean-up. Sample extracts were then subjected to gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry for analyte determination. Efavirenz concentrations entering the WWTP ranged between 5500 to almost 14 000 ng/L. The removal of efavirenz by the WWTP ranged between 27 and 71%. The largest removal occurred in the anoxic zone, smaller amounts were removed in the aerators. Slight increases in efavirenz concentrations were found after chlorination and the final effluent into the river post maturation ponds again were slightly lower. Solids were found to contain efavirenz at concentrations between 17 and 43 mg/kg dried primary settling tank sludge and it is proposed that this binding to the solids is the main mechanism of removal of efavirenz from the wastewater stream as it passes through the WWTP. Although an order of magnitude lower nevirapine concentrations displayed the opposite behaviour and gradually increased through the various stages of purification in the WWTP. Minor fluctuations occurred but the concentrations of nevirapine were higher at the effluent (between 92 and 473 ng/L) than those entering the WWTP. No nevirapine was detected in the PST sludge. The increase in nevirapine concentrations are likely to be the result of the de-conjugation of the hydroxylated metabolites of nevirapine in the WWTP, its resistance to degradation and the lack of binding of the nevirapine to the PST sludge.

Forests and woodlands are a very important part of the global ecosystem through their provision of ecosystem goods and services. However, conversion to other land uses is one of the biggest threats to their existence. Remote sensing presents opportunities for monitoring such changes over wide and inaccessible areas including those areas that have no field data. In this study, we use the Carnegie Landsat Analysis System-lite (CLASlite) software and Landsat imagery to make the first spatially explicit national estimate deforestation in Swaziland. This was compared with deforestation data derived from the Global Forest Change (GFC) dataset for the period 2000–2014. The CLASlite analysis identified an estimated 46,620ha of forest and woodland lost between 1990 and 2015 resulting in a mean deforestation rate of 1704 ha yr−1. The GFC dataset, on the other hand, indicates a mean deforestation rate 1563 ha yr−1 when excluding forest regrowth. Validation of the results based on multi-year Google Earth and Landsat imagery indicated that both approaches are feasible for monitoring deforestation. The GFC data captured more forest loss within the dense plantation and wattle forests whilst underestimating deforestation within natural forests and woodlands. Although there are inter-annual variations, the rate of deforestation is generally increasing and widespread in many parts of the country mainly concentrated in the eastern half of the country and a few western parts where agriculture (particularly sugarcane), human settlements and other infrastructure developments are dominant land uses. Acacia and broadleaf savanna are being depleted at higher rates with up to 8.1% of forest area lost since the year 2000. Forest policies and legislation need to be reviewed to respond to the observed trends and patterns with a focus on forest conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The study investigated smallholder sugarcane farmers and extension officers' perceptions of readiness towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially cell phones, as a source of technology for accessing information within the Swaziland sugar industry. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland (N=172) and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data. The results revealed that sugarcane farmers and extension officers perceive the Swaziland sugar industry to be ready for the introduction and subsequent use of ICTs to access sugarcane production information. The sugar industry infrastructure and other facilities that are necessary for the use of cell phones were perceived to be ready. All respondents possessed cell phones which they personally owned. The entire sugar industry had access to cellular network and electricity. It was also shown that some demographic variables of respondents did have an influence on their perceptions regarding the industry's readiness towards the use of cell phones to access information. The results of this study can provide guidance to the government and the sugar industry of Swaziland when considering implementing improved information dissemination based programmes.

Riparian vegetation in the Okavango Delta has extensive economic, social and environmental benefits. However, despite its importance, it is threatened by changes in variation in hydrology, anthropogenic activities, and other environmental conditions. Some riparian vegetation communities may change rapidly in response to both long term and short term disturbances. Long term monitoring of riparian woodland vegetation can help reveal changes in these woodland species, enabling timeous management interventions. In this study we classified, mapped and conducted change detection analysis of the spatial extent of different communities of riparian woodland in the Okavango Delta. Woodland species were identified in the field and their percentage cover estimated. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis in PC-ORD was used to classify woodland vegetation into four communities. These communities were Croton megalobotrys-Hyphaene petersiana, Vachellia erioloba-Gymnosporia senegalensis, Phoenix reclinata-Syzygium cordatum and Vachellia tortilis-Combretum imberbe. Multi response permutation procedures (MRPP) was used to test if there was any significant difference in plant species composition between different vegetation communities. MRPP showed that communities varied significantly (p

The construction industry is negatively affected by cost and time overruns which further negatively impacts the contractual stakeholders. Construction delays and cost overruns are a global phenomenon since one of the major problems in the construction industry involves unexpected incurred costs and late delivery of projects. The success and failure of any project depends upon many factors and the Project Manager is considered to be the key contributor to the success of any project, as well as to guide the team members to achieve the client satisfaction. In addition, the roles, responsibilities, duties, and competencies of Project Managers have a direct impact on successfully completing construction projects on time and within budgeted cost. The study aimed to find the key competency skills that the Project Manager must possess to mitigate time and cost overruns. A quantitative research approach was adopted to determine the key competency skills of a Project Manager with respect to cost and time delays. A web-based questionnaire was published in the Eastern Cape Masters Builders Association (MBA) bulletin aimed at contractors registered with the association. The results revealed that the key competencies required to mitigate for cost overruns are comparable to those required to mitigate against time overruns. The study investigated the need for project managers to better equip themselves with key competency skills to perfom optimally to reduce the occurrence of cost and time delays on construction projects. The aim of this research was to assist Construction Managers to choose the right candidate as a Project Manager. It would also assist inspiring Project Managers to acquire the key competency skills. The paper responds to the conference theme given that the reduction of cost and time overruns promotes the sustainability of the Built Environment.

Deforestation is a global phenomenon that threatens not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods of people who depend on them. Recent global analyses indicates that this problem is growing, hence the growing need to identify the underlying drivers in order to develop more responsive policies. We present a machine learning-based method which automatically identifies key drivers and makes predictions from available spatial data in Swaziland during the post millennium period. The efficient Bayesian multivariate classifiers (EBMC) are used to learn feature-selected Bayesian network (BN) models of deforestation from multisource data. The EBMC models, learned using the K2 and BDeu algorithms, were also used to predict the probability or risk of deforestation in addition to providing a directed acyclic graphical view of the key interacting factors. These were compared with constraint and knowledge-based BNs developed using the common EBMC-selected variables. All the models performed consistently well (log loss 0.8) when evaluated against observed deforestation patterns. The knowledge-based and constrained-based BNs performed well highlighting the need for developing a causal structure of interactions between variables. The findings indicate that deforestation patterns are determined by an interaction of proximate and underlying factors primarily fuelwood use, human population density, human settlements, protection and land ownership status. The findings indicate that, unless robust conservation measures are put in place, deforestation is likely to continue as more areas become vulnerable. The models produced plausible results that can be used for preventive planning and policy making.

Children comprise a large proportion of the population in sub-Saharan Africa. The burden of paediatric surgical disease exceeds available resources in Africa, potentially increasing morbidity and mortality. There are few prospective paediatric perioperative outcomes studies, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).We conducted a 14-day multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study of paediatric patients (aged16 yrs) undergoing surgery in 43 government-funded hospitals in South Africa. The primary outcome was the incidence of in-hospital postoperative complications.We recruited 2024 patients at 43 hospitals. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 9.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.4-11.0]. The most common postoperative complications were infective (7.3%; 95% CI: 6.2-8.4%). In-hospital mortality rate was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6-1.5), of which nine of the deaths (41%) were in ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients. The preoperative risk factors independently associated with postoperative complications were ASA physcial status, urgency of surgery, severity of surgery, and an infective indication for surgery.The risk factors, frequency, and type of complications after paediatric surgery differ between LMICs and high-income countries. The in-hospital mortality is 10 times greater than in high-income countries. These findings should be used to develop strategies to improve paediatric surgical outcomes in LMICs, and support the need for larger prospective, observational paediatric surgical outcomes research in LMICs.NCT03367832.

Since its detection in Kenya in 2003, the exotic fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, has rapidly spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to predict the potential distribution of B. dorsalis in the southern African region using suitable environmental variables and some feral host plants. Presence data from surveillance information carried out in Mozambique and Swaziland up to 2013 were used for niche modelling to predict the potential geographical distribution of the pest in the southern African region. Prediction for its national distribution within Swaziland was also carried out using distribution data for eight feral host plants. Although variable between countries, predicted habitat suitability for the pest was potentially greater in the eastern parts of southern Africa, with response curves suggesting higher probability of the pest's occurrence in low altitude areas with moderate diurnal temperature and high precipitation during the wettest month of the year. Of the host plants considered, the pest's distribution was associated mainly with Ficus sycomorus. The model's prediction also suggested that human-associated activities, such as irrigation, could influence the distribution and establishment of the pest even in areas of low host-plant richness. Since the presence of B. dorsalis causes restrictions in international trade of its host plants, it is imperative that countries within the region continue surveillance programmes and coordinated strategies to reduce the impact of the pest.

In South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal is the epicentre of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, where approximately 70% of people with tuberculosis (TB) are co-infected with HIV. Undiagnosed TB contributes to high mortality in HIV-infected patients. Delays in diagnosing TB and treatment initiation result in prolonged transmission and increased infectiousness.To evaluate the LoopampTM MTBC Detection kit (TB-LAMP; based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay), smear microscopy and Xpert test with the gold standard of mycobacterial culture.Sputum samples were collected from 705 patients with symptoms of pulmonary TB attending a primary health care clinic.The TB-LAMP assay had significantly higher sensitivity than smear microscopy (72.6% vs. 45.4%, P0.001), whereas specificity was slightly lower (99% vs. 96.8%, P = 0.05), but significantly higher than Xpert (92.9%, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in sensitivity of smear-positive, culture-positive and smear-negative, culture-positive sputum samples using TB-LAMP vs. Xpert (respectively 95.9%/55.9% vs. 97.6%/66.1%; P =0.65, P = 0.27). The positive predictive value of TB-LAMP was significantly higher than that of Xpert (87.5% vs. 77.0%; P = 0.02), but similar to that of smear microscopy (94.2%; P = 0.18). The negative predictive value was respectively 91.9%, 92.5% (P = 0.73) and 83.1% (P = 0.0001).Given its ease of operability, the TB-LAMP assay could be implemented as a point-of-care test in primary health care settings, and contribute to reducing treatment waiting times and TB prevalence.

This paper provides a useful guidance in the interpretation and analyses of the technical impact of power factor correction in a power system. It is intended to raise awareness in order to achieve correct measurements, calculations and the key dynamics of the power system when quantifying the impact of power quality (PQ) in a non-linear power system. This paper is therefore targeting the power producing utilities, municipalities and the bulk end users of electricity.

Increasing amounts of Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products (PPCPs) have been detected in the water cycle in recent years. Of all the PPCPs, very little information regarding the determination of Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVDs) is available. The aim of this study was to monitor the concentrations of two ARVDs, nevirapine and efavirenz in influent and effluent points at a Wastewater Treatment Works in Gauteng, South Africa. Treated wastewater, before and after chlorination, was also examined to determine if the target ARVDs were removed by chlorination. The target ARVDs were extracted from wastewater using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and the extracts were subsequently analysed using Gas Chromatography-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOFMS).The method (extraction plus instrumental) was validated to determine limits of detection and quantification; accuracy; precision and uncertainties (at 40 ng/L) and all were found to be well within requirements for part per trillion analyses. The robustness of the method was also determined by analysing 10 quality control replicates on three non-consecutive days and found to be fit for purpose. The concentrations of nevirapine and efavirenz in wastewater influent were found to be as high as 2100 and 17400 ng/L respectively. As much as 50% of the ARVDs were removed by the wastewater treatment plant and resulted in treated effluent concentrations of nevirapine and efavirenz as high as 350 and 7100 ng/L respectively. Chlorination was not found to affect the ARVDs significantly. The findings from two other investigations, one in Germany and the other from South Africa, that have investigated ARVDsin surface water and wastewater are compared with those of this study.

The choice of a specialisation is one of the lifetime career decisions students have to make when entering college. The purpose of the study was to determine factors that influence the choice of Agriculture specialisation by college student teachers in Swaziland. A desk review and a Modified Delphi technique were used to generate items used in the survey questionnaire for data collection. A census of 351 student teachers from three teacher training colleges was used. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. The findings of the study revealed that students’ interest, department’s image, sex and influence by professionals were the predictors for the choice of Agriculture specialisation in the teacher training colleges in Swaziland. The study recommends that the Agriculture departments in the colleges must stage campaigns and craft policies to promote the choice of the Agriculture specialisation. A study should be conducted to determine the influence of the subject combinations that make an area of specialisation on the choice of the Agriculture specialisation.