Nigerian migration in central Durban : social adjustment, voluntary association and kinship relations.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.This study examines social adjustment and renegotiation of identity through networking, arrival and settlement of Nigerian migrants in Durban. The focus of the study therefore was based on the interrogation of personal relationships and the varying experiences that the migrants had as newcomers to Durban. It examined the barriers and challenges that individual Nigerian migrants encountered, as well as the ways in which they sought to transcend them. Since the study is anthropological it seeks to describe the migration experience from individuals‘ perspectives. I used both overt and covert participant observation, as well as semi structured interviews as part of my qualitative research approach. The goal was exploratory with a view to understanding the human side to a group that is often tarnished by accusations of illicit activities. While the number of Nigerian migrants in South Africa has increased since 1994, the media has been selective in its reporting of this migrant population group in Durban, shaping and determining popular perception about them. Issues such as reasons for coming to South Africa, their challenges and coping strategies, and their personal living experiences in Durban were central to this project. The information will show that respondents to my research had different reasons for migrating and settling in Durban. As much as the individual case studies differed in many ways they converge towards at least one common goal – that is to uplift themselves and their communities back home in Nigeria

Parallel and Distributed Stream Processing: Systems Classification and Specific Issues

Deploying an infrastructure to execute queries on distributed data streams sources requires to identify a scalable and robust solution able to provide results which can be qualified. Last decade, different Data Stream Management Systems have been designed by exploiting new paradigm and technologies to improve performances of solutions facing specific features of data streams and their growing number. However, some tradeoffs are often achieved between performance of the processing, resources consumption and quality of results. This survey 5 suggests an overview of existing solutions among distributed and parallel systems classified according to criteria able to allow readers to efficiently identify relevant existing Distributed Stream Management Systems according to their needs ans resources

A Review of the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Borneo, with Reference to the Population in Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

The Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is endemic to the Island of Borneo. It dominates from the coastal areas to the headwaters of some major rivers. In Sarawak, its distribution occurred in coastal and swamp areas based on previous studies. The population in the Bako National Park, Sarawak is fluctuating when compared to previous studies. The total population of the proboscis monkeys is estimated about 306 individuals compared to the lowest of 111 individuals in 2005. The fluctuating numbers of N. larvatus population is assumed to be at the optimum carrying capacity Bako National Park. There are still large areas of habitat outside the Bako National Park that can support the increasing population size that must be secured to protect a viable population in the long term

Ethogram of the free ranging Nasalis larvatus in Bako National Park, Sarawak

An ethogram on the behaviour and daily activities of the Nasalis larvatus (Proboscis Monkey) provided, based on the field observation conducted in Bako National Park, Sarawak, from December 2011 until December 2012. There were seven categories of behavior successfully described, comprising various activities and movement patterns. They are feeding, resting, agonistic, grooming, solicitation, copulation and locomotion. These categories are then break down in several characteristic activities and actions, such as, jumping, leaping, quadrupedal walking, chasing, slapping, biting, facial threats, postural threats, grooming, solicitation, copulation and others miscellaneous behavior. The most frequently observed behavior recorded during the observation are feeding, travelling and resting. The ethogram and behavioural data provided have improved ourstanding on the behavioural patterns of the N. larvatus in Bako National Park

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among diabetic patients in Kisangani (North-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo)

Introduction: the link between diabetes mellitus and hepatitis B and C Virus infections has not yet been studied in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country where diabetes mellitus is a growing disease and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses infections is high. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these viruses in diabetic patients. Methods: we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in diabetic subjects attending Kisangani University Clinics and General Hospitals of Kisangani City as well as the Diabetics Association of Oriental Province. The control group consisted of volunteer blood donors recruited from the Kisangani Provincial Blood Transfusion Center. Blood glucose was measured with the spectrophotometer; for hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses serology, we used rapid test kits (Determine TM® HBsAg and Hexagon® HCV test) and ELISA if seropositivity by rapid tests. The analysis was done by SPSS software. Results: seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in diabetics was 24.8% compared to 1.9% in volunteer blood donors (p = 0.0000); that of hepatitis B virus was 3.4% versus 3.5% in volunteer blood donors (p = 0.906). Hepatitis C virus infection was more common in type 2 diabetics (p = 0.006) and significantly associated with age of diabetic patients (p = 0.002). Conclusion: the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and not hepatitis B virus infection is significantly high in diabetic subjects, particularly type 2 diabetics, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and suggests systematic screening for this infection in any diabetic patient

Perception Des Mères Fréquentant Au Centre Pour Handicap Physique Heshima Letu Face Aux Malformations Congénitales (Beni, Nord-Kivu, RDC)

Introduction : Cette étude met en évidence l'impact des malformations congénitales sur les réactions émotionnelles des mères, notamment en Afrique où ces situations sont souvent perçues comme des tragédies, retardant parfois les soins médicaux et affectant les relations familiales.Méthodes : Une étude qualitative menée au Centre pour Handicapés Physiques Heshima Letu à Beni, Nord-Kivu, en République Démocratique du Congo, en mars 2024, a exploré les perceptions des mères sur ces malformations. Résultats : Les résultats révèlent que les mères, leurs conjoints et leurs familles réagissent avec surprise, inquiétude financière, stress et incertitude face aux malformations congénitales. Les perceptions des mères sur l'origine des malformations varient, allant du suivi médical insuffisant aux conditions de guerre et aux croyances surnaturelles. Malgré ces défis, les mères ont généralement une perception positive de la prise en charge au centre Heshima Letu, bien que l'avenir des enfants malformés reste incertain pour la plupart. La prévention des malformations est jugée difficile et dépendante de l'intervention divine, mais les mères proposent également des actions telles que la prière et la résolution des conflits. Discussion : Les résultats de cette étude mettent en lumière les réactions émotionnelles des mères, de leurs époux et de leur famille lors de l'annonce ou de la découverte des malformations congénitales chez leurs enfants. Les sentiments les plus courants exprimés par les mères incluent la surprise, la crainte des coûts de soins, le stress et l'inquiétude, avec des réactions similaires chez les époux et les membres de la famille. Les résultats concordent avec d'autres études, soulignant les difficultés émotionnelles des mères et leur besoin d'adaptation face à cette situation inattendue.  Conclusion : Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité d'une sensibilisation accrue sur les malformations congénitales et suggèrent des orientations pour les politiques de santé publique et les stratégies de prévention

The unique behaviour of Nasalis larvatus in Bako National Park

One of the attractions for tourists to visit Bako National Park is the presence of Nasalis larvatus (Proboscis Monkey) in the National Park. Therefore, in this chapter the unique behavior of N. larvatus in Bako National Park has been studied and recorded and is likely to be different from elsewhere. There were seven categories of behaviors that were successfully recorded, comprising various activities and movement patterns which involved their feeding, resting, agonistic, grooming, solicitation, copulation and locomotion. The categories are then break down into several characteristic activities and actions, such as, jumping, leaping, quadrupedal walking, chasing, slapping, biting, facial threats, postural threats, grooming, solicitation, copulation and others miscellaneous behavior. The most frequently observed behaviors during the observations of this research were eating, traveling and resting. Reports on the behavioral data provided are important to help improve our understanding of the behavioral patterns of wild N. larvatus in Bako National Park. Keywords: Proboscis Monkey, Nasalis lavartus, unique, Bako Natioanal Park, behaviour

Morphological growth performance and genetic parameters on Korean pine in Northeastern China

Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) is an economically valuable species owing to its excellent timber quality and nuts useful for various purposes. But few studies have been made on growth performance, and aspects combining the genetic gain and classification method on phenotypic similarity in the selection process of superior families. Thus, the present study aimed at analyzing the genetic variation and highlight suitable morphological traits for family selection; establishing trait correlations and families' ordination based on similarities in phenotypic characters, and selecting elite families and suitable parent trees. Full-sib families from 28 crosses established in randomized complete block design from Naozhi orchard in Northeast China were used, and 11 morphological traits were investigated. Significant differences were observed among families for all traits. The traits coefficients of variation ranged from 6.07 to 56.25 % and from 0.029 to 15.213 % in phenotype and genotypic variation, respectively. A moderate level of inherited genetic control was observed (broad sense heritability H-2, varied from 0.155 to 0.438). Traits related to stem growth were highly positively correlated to each other whereas crown traits showed a weak correlation with stem traits (Pearson correlation r, ranged from -0.161 to 0.956). Based on multi-trait comprehensive analysis, we selected six elite families and six parents, which resulted in a genetic gain of 5.6 %, 16.9 %, and 36.4 % in tree height, diameter at breast height, and volume, respectively. These results make a theoretical basis for selecting excellent families and establish orchards of Korean pine from improved seeds

Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Kits to Social and Sexual Networks of PLWH in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A Brief Report

Background: To reach 95% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) knowing their HIV status, alternative testing approaches such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) and secondary HIVST kit distribution are needed. We investigated if secondary HIVST kit distribution from male and female PLWH in South Africa would successfully lead to their contacts testing for HIV and linking to care if positive. / Methods: Male and female PLWH participating in an HIV treatment trial between July and November 2018 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were offered participation as "HIVST kit distributors" in a pilot of secondary distribution of HIVST kits to give to sexual partners and social networks. Univariate descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of volunteer distributors, proportion of HIVST recipients who reported their results, and linkage to care among those who tested positive using HIVST were assessed. / Results: Sixty-three participant kit distributors accepted kits to disperse to contacts, of whom 52% were female, median age was 34 years (IQR 26-42.5), 84% reported 1 sexual partner and 76% did not know their partner's HIV status. HIVST kit distributors took 218 kits, with 13/218 (6%) of kits reported to be intended to be given to a sexual partner. A total of 143 HIVST recipients reported their HIVST results; 92% reported their results were negative, 11 recipients reported positive results and 1 HIVST-positive recipient was linked to HIV care. / Conclusion: Secondary distribution of HIVST to social networks and sexual partners from South African PLWH is feasible, with two thirds of contacts reporting use of the HIVST kits. Additional support is necessary to facilitate linkage to care