A Mobile Holistic Enterprise Transformation Framework

Mobile phones and tablets shipments are surpassing those of the PC category, as well as in relation to Internet usage as of 2016; all details which have made mobile adoption a priority for many enterprises and a challenge for them as well. Many enterprises have fallen into a paradox of spending on creating and updating mobile services, and gaining less than expected in return. Reasons for this include the lack of vision, and the lack of a clearly defined, well communicated mobile strategy. Enterprise Architecture ‘EA’ facilitates a successful transformation by controlling and managing the transitions in order to arrive at a clearly defined future state. It is regarded as the science of change to many. However, EA frameworks are very comprehensive and require weeks of training and resources, and are often too generic for mobile transformation. Therefore, an EA-based mobile holistic enterprise framework has been developed to support enterprises in making mobile initiatives a priority. The proposed framework ensures a clearly defined, well-communicated, holistic future state that is continually evaluated, as opposed to many of the existing frameworks. The proposed Mobile Holistic Enterprise Architecture Framework - ‘MHETF’ - is based on the realisation of the capabilities of smartphones that are aimed at individual average consumers (the backbone of the current mobile trend). The capabilities are categorised and translated into four sets of services categories for business use. They are linked to another two components of the framework which are: (i) the categorisation of goals and objectives that are incorporated into the Balanced Scorecard for evaluation at a later stage in planning, and continually referred to during transitions and (ii) the categorisation of the implementation forms (categorisation of end solutions’ functionalities). The framework is supported by EA inter-operability and maturity models to ensure continuity and alignment with the existing initiatives, the enterprise’s strategic objectives, and the change required in the scope of transformation. An evaluation for the available enterprise architecture frameworks was carried out and resulted in the selection of The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF). The decision was also commended by the participants in the case study evaluation due to their familiarity with this framework, which is being adopted as the Saudi E Government Standard in contrast to the other major frameworks of Zachman and Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA). MHETF has been applied to three case studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; two applications for a leading national outsourcing company, and the third for the outpatient clinics in a large hospital in the capital city of Riyadh. The results have shown major improvements in the four goal areas of mobile transformation; productivity, processes, satisfaction improvement and facilitating new opportunities. Eventually, the final evolution has shown that the participants are satisfied with the framework overall, and indicates that the framework changed their perspective of the power of mobile applications significantly, is relatively easy to understand, and that they are planning to adopt it for future mobile initiatives

Context-dependent costs and benefits of tuberculosis resistance traits in a wild mammalian host

Disease acts as a powerful driver of evolution in natural host populations, yet individuals in a population often vary in their susceptibility to infection. Energetic trade-offs between immune and reproductive investment lead to the evolution of distinct life history strategies, driven by the relative fitness costs and benefits of resisting infection. However, examples quantifying the cost of resistance outside of the laboratory are rare. Here, we observe two distinct forms of resistance to bovine tuberculosis (bTB), an important zoonotic pathogen, in a free-ranging African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population. We characterize these phenotypes as “infection resistance,” in which hosts delay or prevent infection, and “proliferation resistance,” in which the host limits the spread of lesions caused by the pathogen after infection has occurred. We found weak evidence that infection resistance to bTB may be heritable in this buffalo population (h2 = 0.10) and comes at the cost of reduced body condition and marginally reduced survival once infected, but also associates with an overall higher reproductive rate. Infection-resistant animals thus appear to follow a “fast” pace-of-life syndrome, in that they reproduce more quickly but die upon infection. In contrast, proliferation resistance had no apparent costs and was associated with measures of positive host health—such as having a higher body condition and reproductive rate. This study quantifies striking phenotypic variation in pathogen resistance and provides evidence for a link between life history variation and a disease resistance trait in a wild mammalian host population

Novel SNP Discovery in African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, using high-throughput Sequencing

The African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, is one of the most abundant and ecologically important species of megafauna in the savannah ecosystem. It is an important prey species, as well as a host for a vast array of nematodes, pathogens and infectious diseases, such as bovine tuberculosis and corridor disease. Large-scale SNP discovery in this species would greatly facilitate further research into the area of host genetics and disease susceptibility, as well as provide a wealth of sequence information for other conservation and genomics studies. We sequenced pools of Cape buffalo DNA from a total of 9 animals, on an ABI SOLiD4 sequencer. The resulting short reads were mapped to the UMD3.1 Bos taurus genome assembly using both BWA and Bowtie software packages. A mean depth of 2.76 coverage over the mapped regions was obtained. Btau4 gene annotation was added to all SNPs identified within gene regions. Bowtie and BWA identified a maximum of 2,222,665 and 276,847 SNPs within the buffalo respectively, depending on analysis method. A panel of 173 SNPs was validated by fluorescent genotyping in 87 individuals. 27 SNPs failed to amplify, and of the remaining 146 SNPs, 43–54 % of the Bowtie SNPs and 57–58 % of the BWA SNPs were confirmed as polymorphic. dN/dS ratios found no evidence of positive selection, and although there were genes that appeared to be under negative selection, these were more likely to be slowl

Phylogeographic analysis reveals strong geographical structuring in the klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus

The klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus, occurs from the Western Cape of South Africa through to north-east Africa. Anthropological factors such as hunting have eradicated the klipspringer in parts of its former range and efforts have begun to reintroduce klipspringer back into these areas. This has highlighted the need for the proper understanding of the genetic variation, phylogeographic and population structure of the species, as well as the genetic validity of the 11 subspecies designations. Mitochondrial control region and cytochrome b sequence data were used to investigate these topics using blood, faecal and museum specimens. Cytochrome b and control region fragments were amplified in 83 and 60 samples respectively, out of a total sample set of 89 individuals. The generation of authentic mitochondrial DNA control region fragments proved difficult, with both Numt and PCR recombinant sequences identified after amplification. High levels of genetic variation were observed in the klipspringer, with cytochrome b and control region haplotype diversities of 0.78 and 0.98 respectively. Phylogenetic and network analyses showed the distinct geographical clustering of individuals into two major groups, south/south-western (S/SW) and east/north-eastern (E/NE), with the S/SW further split into two divergent groups. This suggests that the two S/SW groups were separated and isolated as a result of shifting climatic conditions in the late Pl iocene/early Pleistocene, after which secondary contact occurred and klipspringer moved upwards from southern Africa to colonise the east. The results from this study have conservation implications with respect to translocation policies, suggesting that translocations should only occur within the geographic groups identified in order to avoid outbreeding depression

Host genetic factors in susceptibility to mycobacterial disease in the African buffalo, Syncerus caffer

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, infectious disease found in domestic livestock and wildlife, and has serious biodiversity, economic and public health implications. African buffalo act as a wildlife reservoir of BTB, maintaining and transmitting the disease within the environment. The research presented in this thesis addresses the role of host genetic variation in resistance to BTB infection in African buffalo, and reviews the possible practical application of such information. Annual BTB prevalence within the African buffalo population in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, South Africa, was evaluated over a seven year period in order to define the extent of M. bovis infection. Prevalence changes over time suggest that the test and cull operation currently in place is performing successfully with respect to the original aims of the programme. A review of genetic studies of BTB in livestock and wildlife collated previous findings in this field and provided a collection of possible candidate genes and variants. It also highlighted a lack of research in wildlife, and the limitations of working with species with insufficient genetic data. To overcome the absence of whole-genome data, next-generation sequencing was performed on nine African buffalo, in order to identify novel genetic variants in this species. Upwards of 76 000 novel SNPs within gene regions were identified, and subsequent fluorescent genotyping of 173 SNPs showed a 57% validation rate. From the validated set, 69 SNPs located in genes related to the immune system were selected for association testing with BTB status in African buffalo, and were fluorescently genotyped in 868 individuals. Three SNPs, in the Solute Carrier family 7, member A13 (SLC7A13), Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumour-1 (DMBT1) and Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1α) genes, were identified as significantly associated with BTB status. Very little sequence information of the NRAMP1 (SLC11A1) gene was obtained from the next-generation sequencing performed, and this gene has been associated with brucellosis, salmonella and paratuberculosis in other animal species, making it an excellent candidate for BTB resistance. To characterise this gene in African buffalo, Sanger sequencing was performed to generate the complete coding region, and partially sequence the 5’UTR, intronic and 3’UTR regions. Fifteen novel polymorphisms and three microsatellites were identified within the gene. Finally, a review was prepared to assess the applicability of genetic information on BTB resistance to selective breeding programmes for African buffalo. Phenotypic, marker-assisted and genomic breeding strategies were discussed, with particular emphasis on their suitability to African buffalo. Identifying genes and variants involved in BTB resistance in African buffalo provides potential targets for drug or vaccine development, as well as information that could be incorporated into selective breeding programmes. This may support new management options for controlling the BTB epidemic in the game parks of South Africa, as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, lethal controlAFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Beestuberkulose (BTB) is ‘n chroniese, aansteeklike siekte wat in vee en wild voorkom en wat ernstige gevolge vir die ekonomie, biodiversiteit en openbare gesondheid inhou. Die Kaap-buffel is ‘n wild reservoir vir BTB wat die siekte onderhou en versprei in die omgewing. Die navorsing wat in hierdie tesis aangebied word fokus op die rol van gasheer genetiese variasie in die weerstand teen BTB infeksie in Kaap-buffels en gee ‘n oorsig van die moontlike praktiese toepassing van die resultate. Die jaarlikse BTB voorkomsyfer in die Kaap-buffel bevolking in die Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in Suid-Afrika is oor ‘n tydperk van sewe jaar geëvalueer om die omvang van M. bovis infeksie te bepaal. Die verandering in voorkomsyfer oor tyd dui daarop dat die toets-en-slag operasie wat tans gebruik word die oorspronklike doelwitte van die program suksesvol bereik. ‘n Oorsig en vergelyking van vorige genetiese studies van BTB in vee en wild het ‘n versameling van moontlike kandidaatgene en –variante verskaf. Dit het ook die gebrek aan navorsing in wildediere uitgewys en die navorsingsbeperkinge wanneer ‘n spesie met onvoldoende genetiese data bestudeer word benadruk. Aangesien daar nie heel genoom data beskikbaar is nie, is volgende-generasie volgordebepaling van 9 Kaap-buffels gedoen om nuwe genetiese variasies in hierdie spesie te identifiseer. Meer as 76 000 nuwe enkel-nukleotied polimorfismes (ENPs) binne geen-areas is geïdentifiseer en die daaropvolgende genotipering van 173 ENPs het ‘n bevestigingskoers van 57% gehad. Vanuit die bevestigde stel ENPs is 69 gekies vir assosiasietoetse met BTB status in die Kaap-buffel en genotipering van 868 individue is gedoen. Drie ENPs, in die Solute Carrier family 7, member A13 (SLC7A13), Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumour-1 (DMBT1) en Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1α) gene, was beduidend geassosieer met BTB status. Baie min volgorde inligting van die NRAMP1 (SLC11A1) geen is verkry uit die volgende-generasie volgordebepaling. Aangesien hierdie geen voorheen met brucellose, salmonella en paratuberkulose in ander dierespesies geassosieer is, is dit ‘n uitstekende kandidaat vir BTB weerstand. Hierdie geen is in Kaap-buffels gekarakteriseer deur Sanger volgordebepaling van die volledige koderende, gedeeltelike 5’UTR, introniese en 3’UTR areas te doen. Vyftien nuwe polimorfismes en drie mikrosatelliete is geïdentifiseer. Ten slotte is ‘n oorsigstudie gedoen om die toepaslikheid van BTB genetiese weerstandsdata in selektiewe telingsprogramme van Kaap-buffels te evalueer. Fenotipiese, merkerbemiddelde en genomiese teling strategieë is bespreek, met spesifieke klem op die geskiktheid van die metodes vir Kaap-buffels. Identifisering van gene en variante wat betrokke is by BTB weerstand in die Kaap-buffel bied potensiële teikens vir medikasie of entstof ontwikkeling, sowel as inligting wat in selektiewe telingsprogramme gebruik kan word. Dit kan nuwe bestuursopsies vir die beheer van die BTB-epidemie in die parke van Suid-Afrika bied as 'n alternatief vir, of in samewerking met, dodelike beheermetodes

Age structure changes indicate direct and indirect population impacts in illegally harvested black rhino.

Overharvesting affects the size and growth of wildlife populations and can impact population trajectories. Overharvesting can also severely alter population structure and may result in changes in spatial organisation, social dynamics and recruitment. Understanding the relationship between overharvesting and population growth is therefore crucial for the recovery of exploited species. The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis; black rhino) is a long-lived megaherbivore native to sub-Saharan Africa, listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Since 2009, the targeted illegal killing of rhino for their horns has escalated dramatically in South Africa. Given their slow life trajectories, spatial structure and social dynamics, black rhino may be susceptible to both direct and indirect impacts of overharvesting. Our study compared black rhino demography before and during extensive poaching to understand the impact of illegal killing. The population exhibited significant changes in age structure after four years of heavy poaching; these changes were primarily explained by a decrease in the proportion of calves over time. Population projections incorporating both direct poaching removals and decreased fecundity/recruitment were most similar to the observed demographic profile in 2018, suggesting that indirect impacts are also contributing to the observed population trajectory. These indirect impacts are likely a result of decreased density, through processes such as reduced mate-finding, population disturbance and/or increased calf predation. This study illustrates the combined effect of direct and indirect impacts on an endangered species, providing a more comprehensive approach by which to evaluate exploited populations

Species-specific drought impacts on black and white rhinoceroses.

Unrelenting poaching to feed the illegal trafficking of rhinoceros (rhino) horn remains the principle threat to the persistence of south-central black and southern white rhino that live in the Kruger National Park (Kruger), South Africa. Other global environmental change drivers, such as unpredictable climatic conditions, impose additional uncertainties on the management and persistence of these species. The drought experienced in Kruger over the 2015/2016 rainy season may have affected rhino population growth and thus added an additional population pressure to the poaching pressure already occurring. Under drought conditions, reduced grass biomass predicts increased natural deaths and a subsequent decrease in birth rate for the grazing white rhino. Such variance in natural death and birth rates for the browsing black rhino are not expected under these conditions. We evaluated these predictions using rhino population survey data from 2013 to 2017. Comparisons of natural deaths and birth rates between pre- (2013/2014 and 2014/15), during- (2015/2016) and post-drought (2016/2017) periods in Kruger showed increased natural mortality and decreased births for white rhino, but no significant changes for black rhino, supporting our predictions. As a result, despite reduced poaching rates, the total mortality rate of white rhino remains significantly higher than the birth rate. Decreased poaching, decreased natural deaths and no apparent drought effects in black rhino resulted in a lower total mortality rate than the estimated birth rate in 2017. Active biological management and traditional anti-poaching initiatives together therefore represent the most likely way to buffer the impacts of decreased population growth through climate change and wildlife crime on the persistence of rhinos

Gene polymorphisms in African buffalo sssociated with susceptibility to Bovine tuberculosis infection

Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.The original publication is available at http://www.plosone.org/Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, highly infectious disease that affects humans, cattle and numerous species of wildlife. In developing countries such as South Africa, the existence of extensive wildlife-human-livestock interfaces poses a significant risk of Mycobacterium bovis transmission between these groups, and has far-reaching ecological, economic and public health impacts. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), acts as a maintenance host for Mycobacterium bovis, and maintains and transmits the disease within the buffalo and to other species. In this study we aimed to investigate genetic susceptibility of buffalo for Mycobacterium bovis infection. Samples from 868 African buffalo of the Cape buffalo subspecies were used in this study. SNPs (n = 69), with predicted functional consequences in genes related to the immune system, were genotyped in this buffalo population by competitive allele-specific SNP genotyping. Case-control association testing and statistical analyses identified three SNPs associated with BTB status in buffalo. These SNPs, SNP41, SNP137 and SNP144, are located in the SLC7A13, DMBT1 and IL1a genes, respectively. SNP137 remained significantly associated after permutation testing. The three genetic polymorphisms identified are located in promising candidate genes for further exploration into genetic susceptibility to BTB in buffalo and other bovids, such as the domestic cow. These polymorphisms/genes may also hold potential for marker-assisted breeding programmes, with the aim of breeding more BTB-resistant animals and herds within both the national parks and the private sector.Stellenbosch UniversityPublishers' versio

Additional file 11: Table S6. of The complete genome sequence of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Summary of function annotation for African buffalo. (PDF 45 kb

Additional file 6: Figure S3. of The complete genome sequence of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Distribution of the read depth for the de novo assembled S. caffer genome. (PDF 86 kb