Nutrient characterisation of river inflow into the estuaries of the Gouritz Water Management Area, South Africa

This study provides an overview of the nutrient status of river inflow into the estuaries within the Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA) of South Africa. Riverine inputs are a major source of macronutrients to estuaries and the adjacent coastal environments. Long-term water quality monitoring data (dissolved inorganic nitrogen, i.e. DIN; and dissolved inorganic phosphorus, i.e. DIP), collected by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA), were used to assess historical trends of river nutrient inflow within the Gouritz WMA. The results indicate that DIP concentrations exceeded the eutrophic limits for aquatic ecosystems (DWA) in 50% of the catchments assessed. Anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, wastewater  discharge, urbanisation, and afforestation were significant factors  influencing nutrient levels within these rivers. For the majority of the river systems (approx. 80%) there was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between inorganic nutrient levels and freshwater inflow from the  catchments. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) data (DWA) were assessed to explore the reasons for this ‘disconnect’ between freshwater inflow and inorganic nutrient levels. Results indicate that the Gwaing (267.73 kg·d-1 DIN; 77.46 kg·d-1 DIP), Goukou (49.71 kg·d-1 DIN; 17.38 kg·d-1 DIP), Knysna (41.77 kg·d-1 DIN; 13.92 kg·d-1 DIP) and Hartenbos (37.73 kg·d-1 DIN; 21.39 kg·d-1 DIP) systems received the highest daily loads from WWTPs. The Gwaing and Hartenbos estuaries would be most vulnerable to increased nutrient loading because of their small size and prolonged periods of mouth closure. The study highlights the importance of water quality monitoring of river inflows into coastal ecosystems, as it is needed to assess pollution trends and identify management priorities.Keywords: Water quality, eutrophication, inorganic nutrients, wastewater discharge

Discharge of water containing waste emanating from land to the marine environment: A water quality management perspective

The National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) mandates the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to manage all water containing waste (wastewater), which emanates from land-based sources and which directly impact on the marine environment. These sources include sea outfalls, storm water drains, canals, rivers and diffuse sources of pollution. To date there are many places where wastewater is being discharged into the sea. More than forty sea outfalls are formalised through authorisations issued in terms of the old Water Act, 1956 (Act 54 of 1956) and the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998). In order to protect water quality, effluent standards were applied under the old Water Act to discharges into the water resource. However, the National Water Act, 1998 follows a receiving water quality objectives approach recognising differences in the assimilative capacity of different resources. Both approaches have the same main objective namely to maintain the resource at a quality fit for use by other users. The same principle applies to discharges to the marine environment. In addition, South Africa, as a signatory to a number of international Conventions and treaties such as the London Convention, is committed to certain requirements pertaining to the disposal of waste at sea. To meet such requirements, a very clear policy on what could be allowed for discharge to sea is required for South Africa. Such a policy should be very clear on what is allowed, why it is allowed and the conditions that apply for such discharges in order for this country to retain international credibility. In this paper the authors provide a concise discussion on: • The development of an operational policy providing the strategic view on marine disposal, as well as the goal, basic principles, ground rules and management framework that will be applied to the discharge of land-derived wastewater to the marine environment; and • Overview of procedures to guide authorities and managers in terms of the administrative and institutional responsibilities in dealing with land-derived wastewater discharges to the marine environment of South Africa.br> Water SA Vol. 30 (5) 2005: pp.56-6

The perceived value and perceived benefits experienced by customers using travel agents

Although many predictions have been made about the demise of travel agents because of the impact of the Internet on travel agencies, many customers still prefer that a travel agent should take care of their travel arrangements instead of doing it themselves. This study endeavours to identify the benefits customers perceive to obtain when they use a travel agent for their travel arrangements. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses following the personal in-depth interviews with 26 customers of a travel agency and an extensive literature review revealed significant positive relationships between four perceived benefits and customer loyalty. These perceived benefits were identified as financial benefits, emotional benefits, expertise and support. An assessment of the internal consistency of all these dimensions was undertaken and all the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the dimensions were above the generally accepted cut-off value of 0.7. The structural model’s fit statistics (X2 = 349.27; df = 125; X2/df = 2.79; RMSEA = 0.0548) suggested that the data fitted the theoretical model reasonably well

Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19: A review and management guidance for South Africa

This article reviews the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and COVID-19. We report on the convergence of infectious diseases such as coronavirus infections and non-communicable diseases including DM. The mechanisms for the interaction between COVID-19 and DM are explored, and suggestions for the management of DM in patients with COVID-19 in South Africa are offered

Special Article: The South African Pilot Hospital Accreditation Progranune Part II. The developtnent of standards

No Abstract

Impact of CONSORT extension for cluster randomised trials on quality of reporting and study methodology : review of random sample of 300 trials, 2000-8

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Psychopathology and coping in recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients- the role of gender

Background. Although there is growing literature on the psychological responses to and the psychopathology associated with HIV/AIDS, few investigations have focused on the role of gender. This study compared psychiatric morbidity, coping responses, and disability in male and female outpatients recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.Method. One hundred and forty-nine patients (44 male, 105 female) with HIV/AIDS (mean ± standard deviation (SD) months since diagnosis 5.8 ± 4.1) attending an infectious diseases clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, were evaluated. Subjects were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Carver Brief COPE, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. In addition, negative life events and risk behaviours were evaluated.Results. Fifty-six per cent of patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, most commonly major depression (34.9%), dysthymic disorder (21.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (14.8%), and alcohol dependence (10.1 %). There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of mood disorders in the sample. Men, however, were more likely than women to meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, and to engage in certain risky sexual behaviours. Women were more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and to use coping strategies of planning and religion to deal with the illness. There were no significant gender differences in disability.Conclusion. Psychiatric disorders are common in recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa. Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of mood disorders in both men and women, and of gender-different responses such as increased alcohol and substance use and more risky sexual behaviour in men

Trajectories of Childhood Weight Gain: The Relative Importance of Local Environment versus Individual Social and Early Life Factors

Objective: To determine the association between local environmental factors with child weight status in a longitudinal study, using a semi-parametric, group-based method, while also considering social and early life factors. Methods: Standardized, directly measured BMI from 4-10 y of age, and group-based trajectory modeling (PROC TRAJ) were used to estimate developmental trajectories of weight change in a Québec birth cohort (n = 1,566). Associations between the weight trajectories and living location, social cohesion, disorder, and material and social deprivation were estimated after controlling for social and early life factors. Results: Four weight trajectory groups were estimated: low-increasing (9.7%); low-medium, accelerating (36.2%); medium-high, increasing (43.0%); and high-stable (11.1%). In the low-increasing and medium-high trajectory groups, living in a semi-urban area was inversely related to weight, while living in a rural area was positively related to weight in the high-stable group. Disorder was inversely related to weight in the low-increasing group only. Other important risk factors for high-stable weight included obesity status of the mother, smoking during pregnancy, and overeating behaviors. Conclusions: In this study, associations between local environment factors and weight differed by trajectory group. Early life factors appear to play a more consistent role in weight status. Further work is needed to determine the influence of place on child weight. © 2012 Carter et al