Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of white maize inbreds, hybrids and synthetics under stress and non-stress environments

Maize is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. The most important abiotic stresses in Africa are drought and low soil fertility. Aflatoxin contamination is a potential problem in areas facing drought and low soil fertility. Three studies were conducted to evaluate maize germplasm for tolerance to stress. In the first study, fifteen maize inbred lines crossed in a diallel were evaluated under drought, low N stress, and well-watered conditions at six locations in three countries to estimate general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), investigate genotype x environment interaction, and estimate genetic diversity and its relationship with grain yield and heterosis. GCA effects were not significant for grain yield across environments. Lines with good GCA effect for grain yield were P501 and CML258 across stresses. Lines CML339, CML341, and SPLC7-F had good GCA effects for anthesis silking interval across stresses. Additive genetic effects were more important for grain yield under drought and well-watered conditions. Heterosis estimates were highest in stress environments. Clustering based on genetic distance calculated using marker data from AFLP, RFLP, and SSRs grouped lines according to origin. Genetic distance was positively correlated with grain yield and specific combining ability. In the second study, synthetic hybrids were evaluated at seven locations in three countries to estimate GCA and SCA effects under low N stress and optimal conditions and investigate genotype x environment interaction. GCA effects were significant for all traits across low N stress and optimal conditions. The highest yielding synthetic hybrids involved synthetics developed from stress tolerant lines. Synthetics 99SADVIA-# and SYNA00F2 had good GCA for grain yield across low N stress conditions. Heterosis was highly correlated with grain yield. Optimal environments explained more variation than stress environments. The third study evaluated the agronomic performance and aflatoxin accumulation of single and three-way cross white maize hybrids at five locations in Texas. Inbreds CML343, Tx601W, and Tx110 showed positive GCA effects for grain yield. Significant GCA effects for reduced aflatoxin concentration were observed in lines CML269, CML270, and CML78 across locations. Differences in performance between single and three-way crosses hybrids were dependent mostly on the inbred lines

Nation brand advocacy and the reputation of South Africa

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Strategic Marketing, Johannesburg 2016Purpose – This paper investigates the brand knowledge and perceptions of South Africans living abroad. It also establishes whether South Africans living abroad are brand advocates for South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on key literature relating to knowledge transfer, brand advocacy and nation branding. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey to South Africans living abroad through the Brand South Africa database. Correlation, partial correlation and linear regression were used to identify linkages between knowledge transfer, brand advocacy and nation branding. Findings – The conceptual model in conjunction with the hypotheses presented is a start in the direction of establishing a framework to understanding the value of nation branding in the South African knowledge economy. Findings showed significant relation between knowledge transfer, brand advocacy and nation branding. Research limitations/implications – cross-sectional data were used and further research should examine data for multiple years in order to conduct longitudinal studies. Practical implications – The study has demonstrated that nation branding is an important concept to consider in relation to the diaspora. A strong nation brand help to increase exports, attract tourism, investment and immigration. Nation branding has become an essential part of a country’s sustainable development. Originality/value – The study analysed the relationship between knowledge transfer, brand advocacy and nation branding must be seen as a development strategy for home nations to tap the knowledge and skills of their expatriate professionals in developing economies such as South Africa.GR201

Investigating the nature of GxE interaction under different management systems and yield levels using linear-bilinear models: The case of CIMMYT maize hybrids trials in Eastern Africa

The International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement(CIMMYT) conducts selection of stress-tolerant genotypes under managed stress conditions. Data sets for this study were from Intermediate to Late Hybrid Trials (ILHT) conducted in five Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) countries from 2008 to 2011. Several trials, which were categorized into four management systems and two yield levels were used for this study. Variance Components, broad sense heritability (H), Site Regression (SREG), Genotypic Regression (GREG) and Factor Analytic (FA) models were fitted. We argue that it is preferable to first fit the fixed effect models before proceeding to the mixed effect model, as the former shows the level of complexity of the GE component and the number of axes required to explain it. The fixed effect model, SREG2, is preferable for trials targeting comparison of hybrids with checks. From the GGE biplots it was noted that the first two principale components (PC) did not account for sufficient percentage of variation for all years. Nevertheless, since PC1 accounted for large percentage of variation than PC2, the plot gives some idea of which hybrids won where. Most importantly, location of genotypes along PC1 can serve for judging yielding potential of the genotypes to guide in selection decision. Equivalence between Finlay - Wilkinson and GREG was established. The few environmental covariables obtained for 2009 were used to fit Partial Least Square (PLS) regression. The result indicated complexity in the GE component, as PLS latent factors accounted for small percentage of variation. It was recommended to use information from SREG2, GREG2 and FA(1) models in order to identify stable genotypes.Keywords: AMMI, Biplot, Factor Analytic Model, GREG, Mixed Effect Model, SREG, Stability

Factors affecting the organization and management of emergency mass casualty events public health institutions: Lazio Region ARES experience

Background: Mass Casualty Events also referred to as Disasters, are those occurrences causing damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life or destruction of health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area.Methods: The study was carried out in Rome between 2008/2009 while based at Sapienza University Departmento Esperimentale at Policlinico emergency hospital. Data was collected by interviews from key professional informants in the organization and management of disasters in Lazio region referred to as Azienda Regionale di Emergenza Sanitaria (ARES) using interview guides, questionnaires and focused group discussions. Additional data on identified sites and installations was collected by the observational survey method (transect  visits/walks) around Rome installations that the authority considers prone to disasters including tourist parks and public parks, hotels, stadia, train stations and Vaticans. Observations were analyzed qualitatively. This study was approved through the institutional review board of Rome University through the Departimento Medicina Esperimentale and Departmento d’Emergenza Accetazzione (DEA). Results: Disaster Management was found to be prioritized always and effectively represented for ready intervention by prepared pre- organized multi- agency teams at every site visited. These on- scene project squads comprised a representation from the armed forces, police, fire department, medical and ambulance service all under a unified command of leadership with a specified job description. Factors identified were: Political will, human resource planning, appropriate communication utilization, time management and sufficient preparedness for disasters in Region Lazio.Conclusion: Disaster Management is a necessity since liability to disasters is open to all to humanity around the world. Factors affecting disaster management enable an efficient fore casting and prompt response to avoid worsening that chaotic situation upon disaster intervention in any affected community.Keywords: Disasters, Calamity, Catastrophes, Mass emergency Casualty events, Organizatio

Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative - improving health from community to hospital

The Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative is a three year programme funded by the Scottish Executive International Development Fund which aims to achieve measurable reductions in major causes of disease and death in four villages within the Chikwawa District of Malawi alongside improving the hospital environment for the good of both staff and patients. The initiative has developed a holistic approach to health improvements through the provision of infrastructure at both health facilities and within communities, and training of government personnel and community volunteers. Specific areas targeted have included water and sanitation, maternal health, and communicable disease control with provision of training and materials to facilitate interventions and health education. At the end of the second year the programme has already seen reductions in diarrhoeal disease (30% overall in target communities), improved access to safe water, an increase in the uptake of growth monitoring and immunisations in children under the age of five years (15% increase since training volunteers), improved safe delivery of babies within the community (245 babies delivered safely in target communities with 25 referred due to complications) and increased community health activity (training and integration of village health committees, water point committees, traditional birthing attendants and health surveillance assistants). The programme hopes to act as a model for the District to follow in other communities to achieve it’s obligations under the Malawi Ministry of Health Essential Health Package

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of white maize inbreds, hybrids and synthetics under stress and non-stress environments

Maize is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. The most important abiotic stresses in Africa are drought and low soil fertility. Aflatoxin contamination is a potential problem in areas facing drought and low soil fertility. Three studies were conducted to evaluate maize germplasm for tolerance to stress. In the first study, fifteen maize inbred lines crossed in a diallel were evaluated under drought, low N stress, and well-watered conditions at six locations in three countries to estimate general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), investigate genotype x environment interaction, and estimate genetic diversity and its relationship with grain yield and heterosis. GCA effects were not significant for grain yield across environments. Lines with good GCA effect for grain yield were P501 and CML258 across stresses. Lines CML339, CML341, and SPLC7-F had good GCA effects for anthesis silking interval across stresses. Additive genetic effects were more important for grain yield under drought and well-watered conditions. Heterosis estimates were highest in stress environments. Clustering based on genetic distance calculated using marker data from AFLP, RFLP, and SSRs grouped lines according to origin. Genetic distance was positively correlated with grain yield and specific combining ability. In the second study, synthetic hybrids were evaluated at seven locations in three countries to estimate GCA and SCA effects under low N stress and optimal conditions and investigate genotype x environment interaction. GCA effects were significant for all traits across low N stress and optimal conditions. The highest yielding synthetic hybrids involved synthetics developed from stress tolerant lines. Synthetics 99SADVIA-# and SYNA00F2 had good GCA for grain yield across low N stress conditions. Heterosis was highly correlated with grain yield. Optimal environments explained more variation than stress environments. The third study evaluated the agronomic performance and aflatoxin accumulation of single and three-way cross white maize hybrids at five locations in Texas. Inbreds CML343, Tx601W, and Tx110 showed positive GCA effects for grain yield. Significant GCA effects for reduced aflatoxin concentration were observed in lines CML269, CML270, and CML78 across locations. Differences in performance between single and three-way crosses hybrids were dependent mostly on the inbred lines

Iodine Excess is a Risk Factor for Goiter Formation

Background: Goiters have been associated with iodine deficiency. Although universal salt iodization in Uganda achieved a household coverage of 95%by 2005, goiter rates are still high. This study investigated the association between iodine excess and goiter.Methods: In a case control study, urinary iodine levels, complete blood count, T3, T4 and TSH levels were determined.Results: We recruited, 60 goiter and 63 non goiter patients. The median urine iodine level for goiter patients was significantly higher than in non-goiter controls. Urinary iodine excretion was sufficient in 43%, more than sufficient in 31% and excess in 10% of cases. There was an association between excess urinary iodine levels and goiter.Conclusion: Urinary iodine excess was significantly associated with occurrence of goiter.Key Words: Iodine excess, Goiter, Sub Saharan Afric

REMATTOOL-R

REMATTOOL-R is a tool that helps breeders to visualize and assess the relationship between yield and several agronomic traits. Users can download the application, an abstract of the paper describing the application, and a sample dataset. The sample dataset includes maize field trial result means of an experiment from the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF, Grant # OPP1019943) and the Howard Buffet Foundation. The tabulated means are from data obtained from five locations across Kenya