Geodermatophilaceae biofilm formation and rock recolonization

The Geodermatophilaceae genera—Geodermatophilus, Blastococcus, and Modestobacter—live on rock surfaces and create biofilms that deteriorate stone architecture and monuments. Their biofilms increase the rate of weathering and erosion but are not well studied. Recently, thirteen strains were isolated, and their genomes sequenced. These new Geodermatophilaceae isolates along with Modestobacter marinus strain BC501 and Blastococcus saxobsidens strain DD2 were used in this study to evaluate biofilm formation under different environmental factors including temperature, light, and salt and heavy metal exposure. Ten isolates were used for experiments to recolonize back onto the rock substrates from which the isolates were obtained. For most of the isolates, optimal temperature was 28oC with light not influencing growth. These isolates exhibited salt tolerance and also showed elevated tolerance levels for heavy metals (cobalt, nickel, copper, lead, arsenate, and chromate). Two isolates—TF02A-26 and TF02A-35—were able to grow on the rock substrate after two months and one month, respectively in the absence of added nutrients. Determining how Geodermatophilaceae growth yields and biofilm adhesions are affected and effected by rock substrates could help preserve important stone structures from biodeterioration and help salty and heavy metal contaminated sites by bioremediation

Designing Programmes to Maximise Mutual Learning

Learning from research is a significant enabler of research impact that contributes to sustainable development. Essentially, anyone involved in a research project can benefit from regular opportunities to come together to review learning arising from the project, and an exchange of relevant knowledge between different stakeholders can enrich project development. Once a project reaches completion, effective communication and dissemination strategies can ensure the lessons learnt are shared with a wider audience. This Learning Guide seeks to draw out some of the key lessons on successful approaches knowledge sharing and mutual learning.ESRC-DFI

The African Universities' Research Approaches (AURA) Programme: Year One Case Studies: April 2015 to March 2016

Case studies from participating institutions of the African Universities' Research Approaches (AURA) programme which documents the learning arising from the programme in year one (April 2015 to March 2016)UK Ai

Investigating Domestic Violence Law in Cambodia

Legislation seeking to address violence against women has grown in recent years – at least 144 countries now have laws on domestic violence (DV). However, many women are still prevented or deterred from accessing justice. The ESRC-DFID Joint Fund for Poverty Alleviation Research on DV law in Cambodia not only contributed to greater understanding of the limitations of the legislation but was used as evidence in a law court. The Principal Investigator (PI) acting as expert witness was a significant factor in preventing a domestic abuse survivor living in the United States from deportation to Cambodia where she feared being harmed. The research provided the grounds for relief from deportation through the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).ESRC-DFI

Mothers and offspring : social relationships and social behaviour of the Kasekela community of chimpanzees at Gombe National Park, Tanzania

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Settlement patterns, biology and collection of pueruli and early juveniles of the West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59-64).Exploitation of J. lalandii in South Africa and Namibia is currently limited to harvesting adults from the wild. On growing (farming) of postlarval lobsters to a marketable size could increase production, and potentially relieve fishing pressure and enhance natural populations through reseeding areas with cultured lobsters. Postlarval lobsters are, however, not yet available in sufficient quantities through culture from egg to puerulus, so postlarvae for ongrowing need to be harvested from the wild. Finding a good source of wild postlarvae has hindered the development of lobster farming in South Africa. My study was designed to locate a site of high postlarval settlement and to (1) investigate numbers available for collection (standing-stock), temporal patterns of settlement and their relationships with environmental conditions, postlarval size-distributions and growth, (2) test the relative efficacy of various collector designs for effective collection of postlarvae, and (3) make recommendations for postlarval collection in the future. An oyster farm in Saldanha Bay was chosen as the study site

Real-Time 3-Dimensional Ultrasound-Assisted Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Catheter Placement: Implications of a New Technology

Background. There are a variety of techniques for targeting placement of an infraclavicular blockade; these include eliciting paresthesias, nerve stimulation, and 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) guidance. Current 2D US allows direct visualization of a “flat” image of the advancing needle and neurovascular structures but without the ability to extensively analyze multidimensional data and allow for real-time manipulation. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography has gained popularity and usefulness in many clinical specialties such as obstetrics and cardiology. We describe some of the potential clinical applications of 3D US in regional anesthesia. Methods. This case represents an infraclavicular catheter placement facilitated by 3D US, which demonstrates 360-degree spatial relationships of the entire anatomic region. Results. The block needle, peripheral nerve catheter, and local anesthetic diffusion were observed in multiple planes of view without manipulation of the US probe. Conclusion. Advantages of 3D US may include the ability to confirm correct needle and catheter placement prior to the injection of local anesthetic. The spread of local anesthetic along the length of the nerve can be easily observed while manipulating the 3D images in real-time by simply rotating the trackball on the US machine to provide additional information that cannot be identified with 2D US alone