Vachellia (Acacia) karroo Communities in South Africa: An Overview

Vachellia karroo is a useful and widespread tree in Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, which is the third largest woody plant family in southern Africa. This is an ecologically and economically important species as almost all of its parts, including bark, pods, seeds, leaves and thorns, are extremely useful to both humans and animals. Various commercial products are also obtained from the tree, and gum is one of the most important products. V. karroo in South Africa has an extensive distribution range that includes several biomes. It is very adaptable and has wide habitat tolerance, growing under many differing conditions of soil, climate, and altitude. Although it is often associated with heavy, clayey soils on the banks of rivers and streams, it also grows in bushveld, dry thornveld, grassland and woodland. V. karroo is easy to grow and as a result can become an aggressive invader of valuable farming land and grazing areas, a phenomenon usually referred to as bush encroachment. An analysis of historic data comprising 1553 relevés and 2006 species, compiled from all areas of South Africa where V. karroo is known to occur was conducted, and TWINSPAN classification produced five main vegetation types

Die sielkundige aanpassing van drie groepe Bantoes volgens die Rorschach toets

Die huidige belangrike rol wat die Bantoe van Afrika in internasionale sake speel, is welbekend. So ook die belangrikheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse Bantoe. Hierdie belangrikheid van die Bantoe het egter verbasend skielik en vinnig gekom, so vinnig dat wetenskaplike kennis van hom as mens, nie kon tred hou nie, met die gevolg dat die beskaafde wereld hom swak ken. Die doel van hierdie proefskrif is dan ook om meer Iig te probeer werp op die persoonlikheid van die Bantoe en die lnvloed wat die snel veranderende omstandighede op hom uitoefen. Ten einde die maksimum waarde uit die Rorschach toets wat aangewend is, te verkry, is dlt nodig om beide die determinants berekenings sowel as die inhoudsanalise in berekening te bring. Vir navorsingsdoeleindes waar die resultate van verskeie proefpersone saamgevoeg word in verskiIlende groepe, is dit egter 'n moelIike taak om die gegewens kwantitatief hanteerbaar te kry. Dit is die rede waarom in hierdie studie van ordeskale gebruik gemaak is wat vir die doel heel doeltreffend blyk te gewees het

Product development as part of a positioning strategy for the hunting industry in the Eastern Cape

In this study on product development and positioning in the hunting industry in the Eastern Cape, two conceptual frameworks were developed, based on a literature study. These positioning and product development concepts were tested against primary and secondary information gathered about the hunting industry. The game and hunting industries were in a strong growth phase at the time of this study. These industries are playing an increasingly important role in the economy of the Eastern Cape, and more and more agricultural land is utilised for game ranching. From the perspective of obtaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive environment, it is therefore important for hunting providers to develop suitable products, and to position these products correctly. It is also important to investigate the characteristics of the game and hunting industries in the Eastern Cape and to get information about the characteristics of the market in which product development and positioning take place. Hunting is the most important form of game utilisation in the Eastern Cape, followed by cropping of game and live game sales. At the time of this study, the total value of the game utilised annually in the Eastern Cape was in excess of R168 million. Game utilisation seemed to be taking place on a sustainable basis, as the number of animals utilised annually was less than the annual production. Kudu and springbok provide the biggest total income, and, together with mountain reedbuck, are the most abundant species in the Eastern Cape. The main game-producing areas in the Eastern Cape coincide with the areas where extensive beef, sheep and goat farming are practised. The hunting products on offer from hunting providers, differ in certain ways. Aspects like price, type of hunting provided, game species available for hunting, terrain where hunting takes place, and various other aspects in connection with the hunt, differ from hunting provider to hunting provider. Characteristics of the hunting experience that hunters desire may be divided into core and variable elements. The core elements include: · the conditions pertaining to the hunt being spelt out clearly; · the maintenance of safety standards; · reasonable day fees; · the presence of game in sufficient numbers; and · other aspects generally desired by hunters. In the study it was found that the needs of hunters also differ regarding certain aspects of the hunting experience. These variable elements include price levels, type and availability of accommodation, and the role of the hunting provider. The core aspects that hunters desire are as a rule part of the product offering. From a product development perspective, the variable elements provide an opportunity to customise products to hunter needs. The inclusion or exclusion of variable elements from the product offering give rise to certain unique product features, and therefore provide the opportunity for product differentiation. After development, products are positioned firstly by selecting a market segment to focus on. Secondly, the needs of hunters in the target segment should be clearly identified, followed by the development of suitable products based on hunter needs, and taking into account the features of competitive offerings. Decisions should also be taken about the features to be included in the product offering to achieve product differentiation. After development of a suitable product, an image or brand should be chosen for the product, and this image should be effectively communicated to the market. A number of possible positioning options were identified for hunting providers. It was found that factors like the physical features of the ranch, available infrastructure, the market segment chosen, desires of the hunting providers, and the perception of the needs of hunters, eventually influence decisions about product development and positioning. The final decisions on positioning should take the core competencies of the hunting provider into account and should ensure that the hunting provider has the ability to fill the chosen position in the market

Establishing Baseline Values for Soil Quality Indicators in the Southern Cape of South Africa

Commercial dairy farming on pasture is commonly practiced in the southern Cape region of South Africa. In terms of its sustainability, quantification of the impact of dairy-pasture management on soil quality is essential. To comprehend the behaviour of soils in terms of quality, indicators should be assessed to screen the general direction of soil quality within a management system. Development of a soil quality assessment framework necessitates establishment of baseline values for soil quality indicators. The aim of this study was to establish baseline values for soil quality indicators for dairy-pasture soils in the southern Cape. Physical, chemical and biological indicators on a no-till kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)-ryegrass (Lolium spp.) pasture were compared to those of a virgin soil. Stratification ratios, which demonstrated the rate at which the indicator decreased with depth, were assessed for soil organic matter (SOM) related indicators. Biological indicators showed a well-established and well-functioning microbial population in the improved pasture soil. Stratification ratios demonstrated that the soil quality of the improved pasture system was improved relative to the virgin soil. Chemical indicators showed that the impact of nutrient management was favourable to pasture productivity. The association between the chemical and biological indicator were better established in the managed pasture. Physical indicators demonstrated that management practices adversely impacted the ability of the soil to provide physical support and structural functionality. This data were used in developing a first approximation of baseline values. Further research is warranted to validate them on representative commercial dairy farms in the southern Cape

The effect of sports vision exercises on the visual skills of university students

Vision is one of the most important special senses and is the primary source of external information. The role of vision in our everyday lifestyles is immense and adequate visual skills are needed for simple tasks which include reading and writing, that are especially important for students. Stress is an important factor which most students deal with, and along with other external factors, could adversely affect the ability to effectively perform many visual skills. This study aims to determine if sports vision exercises could improve visual skills and thereby enhance motor and cognitive performance. A 169 second year physiology students (18-22 years of age) participated in the study. The students were divided into control (n=78) and experimental groups (n=91) and pre and post sports vision tests were conducted. This included testing visual skills such as visual acuity, eye dominance, focusing, tracking, vergence, sequencing, eye-hand coordination, visualization and reflex. The results showed a significant improvement in the sequencing and eye-hand coordination tests in the experimental group, whilst a non-significant improvement (control group) was observed in the visual acuity, visualization, tracking, vergence and reflex tests. The improvements (except for focusing) were greater in the experimental group than in the control group. The study clearly showed that correct sports vision training can improve certain visual skills and lead to an enhancement of motor and cognitive learning and performance. Sports vision exercises are therefore an efficient method of improving certain visual skills and possibly minimizing any defects caused by stress.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpher

Guidelines for phytosociological classifications and descriptions of vegetation in southern Africa

Changes in the environment are first observed in changes in the vegetation. Vegetation survey, classification and mapping form the basis on which informed and scientifically defendable decisions on the environment can be taken. The classification and mapping of vegetation is one of the most widely used tools for interpreting complex ecosystems. By identifying different plant communities we are essentially identifying different ecosystems at a particular hierarchical level. Phytosociologists in Europe have been involved in such studies following, in particular, the Braun-Blanquet approach since the early 1900s. In South Africa, such studies were undertaken on a limited basis from the early 1970s and have since then steadily increased. The surveying of the enormous diversity of South African vegetation is one of the objectives of phytosociological studies. The demand for such data has steadily increased over the past few years to guide conservation policies, biodiversity studies and ecosystem management. In South Africa, numerous publications on the vegetation of conservation and other areas in the different biomes have been produced over the last few decades. However, vegetation scientists in South Africa experience unique problems. The purpose of this article is therefore to provide an overview of the history and the specific focus of phytosociological studies in South Africa and to recommend minimum requirements and methods to be followed when conducting such studies. It is believed that the incorporation of these requirements will result in scientifically justifiable research of high quality by phytosociologists in South Africa. CONSERVATIOM IMPLICATIONS: Effective conservation cannot be obtained without a thorough knowledge of the ecosystems present in an area. Consistent vegetation classifications and descriptions form the basis of conservation and monitoring exercises to maintain biodiversity. The incorporation of these guidelines and requirements will facilitate quality phytosociological research in South Africa.http://www.koedoe.co.zaam201

A critical engagement with theological education in Africa

The higher education landscape has arguably become one of the most arduous to traverse. More so in the African context, where a host of variables continiously challenge educators to reflect critically on their philosophies and practices as they engage an ever-changing audience. In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book originates from South Africa, it is presented as a South African perspective, although contributors are situated accross the African continent and abroad. The common denominator is that all contributers are, in some way or another, invested in theological education in Africa. The main contribution of this collaborative work is to be sought in the insights it offers on four main areas of theological education: A historical and current orientation on theological edcuation in Africa, some paradigm shifts in theological education in Africa, ministerial formation needs versus theological education challenges, and a critical reflection on elective models and methods. The book presents the original and innovative research of scholars for fellow scholars involved in theological higher education as it is grounded in the respective fields of interest of each contributor. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex African theological higher education landscape that is also mindful of post-COVID-19 realities. Methodologically the work draws on a combination of methods, including literature studies, empirical work, and in some cases sectional offerings from doctoral studies, as indicated in the various chapters

Evaluation of visual skills in sedentary and active work environments

The two fundamental categories of vision include visual-perceptual and visual-motor skills. Visual-motor skills encompass three essential ocular motor skills, namely focusing, eye-hand coordination and tracking. The aspects of the visual perceptual process include visual memory and visualization. This study aims to determine whether there is a difference in the visual performance of individuals exposed to a sedentary work environment and those exposed to an active work environment. The participants consisted of military recruits, who underwent a 12 week intense training regimen, and second year university students, who were subjected to a battery of vision testing to determine their visual performance. It was hypothesized that training recruits will possess superior visual skills in comparison to university students. The results indicate that training recruits possess superior skills in eye-hand coordination and visualization, while students showed enhanced tracking and sequencing skills. Cardio stress indices and blood pressures were tested to determine the heart health of the subjects and whether these factors influence visual attributes. Although not significant, the results indicate a decrease in cardio stress index in training recruits although their blood pressures were higher than those of students. The results concur with previous studies, which have shown that individuals exposed to physical activity, even for a short period of time, tend to acquire superior visual skills. However, the skills are honed according to the field of expertise due to the transfer effect that occurs in the brain. The findings of the study support as well as contradict evidence regarding sports vision testing and training, thus further investigation is required to elucidate the controversy regarding vision testing.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpher

A critical engagement with theological education in Africa

The higher education landscape has arguably become one of the most arduous to traverse. More so in the African context, where a host of variables continiously challenge educators to reflect critically on their philosophies and practices as they engage an ever-changing audience. In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book originates from South Africa, it is presented as a South African perspective, although contributors are situated accross the African continent and abroad. The common denominator is that all contributers are, in some way or another, invested in theological education in Africa. The main contribution of this collaborative work is to be sought in the insights it offers on four main areas of theological education: A historical and current orientation on theological edcuation in Africa, some paradigm shifts in theological education in Africa, ministerial formation needs versus theological education challenges, and a critical reflection on elective models and methods. The book presents the original and innovative research of scholars for fellow scholars involved in theological higher education as it is grounded in the respective fields of interest of each contributor. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex African theological higher education landscape that is also mindful of post-COVID-19 realities. Methodologically the work draws on a combination of methods, including literature studies, empirical work, and in some cases sectional offerings from doctoral studies, as indicated in the various chapters

Hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use in early acute respiratory distress syndrome : Insights from the LUNG SAFE study

Publisher Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s). Copyright: Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Background: Concerns exist regarding the prevalence and impact of unnecessary oxygen use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We examined this issue in patients with ARDS enrolled in the Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE (LUNG SAFE) study. Methods: In this secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE study, we wished to determine the prevalence and the outcomes associated with hyperoxemia on day 1, sustained hyperoxemia, and excessive oxygen use in patients with early ARDS. Patients who fulfilled criteria of ARDS on day 1 and day 2 of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure were categorized based on the presence of hyperoxemia (PaO2 > 100 mmHg) on day 1, sustained (i.e., present on day 1 and day 2) hyperoxemia, or excessive oxygen use (FIO2 ≥ 0.60 during hyperoxemia). Results: Of 2005 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 131 (6.5%) were hypoxemic (PaO2 < 55 mmHg), 607 (30%) had hyperoxemia on day 1, and 250 (12%) had sustained hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use occurred in 400 (66%) out of 607 patients with hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use decreased from day 1 to day 2 of ARDS, with most hyperoxemic patients on day 2 receiving relatively low FIO2. Multivariate analyses found no independent relationship between day 1 hyperoxemia, sustained hyperoxemia, or excess FIO2 use and adverse clinical outcomes. Mortality was 42% in patients with excess FIO2 use, compared to 39% in a propensity-matched sample of normoxemic (PaO2 55-100 mmHg) patients (P = 0.47). Conclusions: Hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use are both prevalent in early ARDS but are most often non-sustained. No relationship was found between hyperoxemia or excessive oxygen use and patient outcome in this cohort. Trial registration: LUNG-SAFE is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02010073publishersversionPeer reviewe