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Tylosema esculentumis a perennial legume that is predominant in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. It is rich in nutrients, drought-tolerant, and a climate change contender for future agriculture. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify culturable bacterial endophytes. Our study assessed the mean CFUs/mL among the tuberous roots, stems, and leaves to determine the density and diversity using ANOVA. It was a quantitatively controlled experiment in which seeds were grown in a greenhouse. The bacteria number varied from 1.29 × 108to 3.5 × 108CFU/ml of broth, with the highest in the tuberous roots and the lowest in the leaves. At a 5% significant level, we revealed that there is a difference among the bacterial densities of the plant parts. Shannon-Weiner diversity showed that there is a higher diversity of bacteria in the tuberous roots. Of the isolates that were obtained, 53.8% belonged toEnterobacter, 15.4% toBacillus, 15.4% toPantoea, and 7.67% toBurkholderia. These discoveries have made us more aware of the endophytic bacteria we now have. These strains might thus be used in food crops to boost productivity, enabling food security, especially in Africa. The significance of the isolates in biological control, agriculture, and biotechnology for growth promotion will be determined by further research.

The increase in dryland agriculture elicits the need to develop sustainable practices that improve crop yield and protect soil fertility. The use of biofertilisers adapted to nutrient deficient soils and arid climates would help achieve this. In this review, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria is explored as a possible solution to the current state of dryland agriculture and climate change threats to agriculture. Plant microbe interactions form the basis of this review as evidence has shown that these interactions often exist to improve the health of plants. This is achieved by the production of important biochemicals and enzymes like indole acetic acid and amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase while also actively protecting plants from pathogens including fungal pathogens. Research, therefore, has shown that these plant-growth promoting bacteria may be exploited and developed into biofertilisers. These biofertilisers are both economically and environmentally sustainable while improving soil quality and crop yield. The literature presented in this review is in context of the Namibian climate and soil profiles.

International scientific partnerships are key to the success of strategic investments in plant science research and the farm-level adoption of new varieties and technologies, as well as the coherence of agricultural policies across borders to address global challenges. Such partnerships result not only in a greater impact of published research enhancing the career development of early and later stage researchers, but they also ensure that advances in plant science and crop breeding technologies make a meaningful contribution to society by brokering acceptance of emerging solutions to the world problems. We discuss the evidence showing that despite a lack of funding, scientists in some African countries make a significant contribution to global science output. We consider the criteria for success in establishing long-term scientific partnerships between scientists in developing countries in Southern Africa (“the South”) and developed countries such as the UK (“the North”). We provide our own personal perspectives on the key attributes that lead to successful institutional collaborations and the establishment of sustainable networks of successful “North-South” scientific partnerships. In addition, we highlight some of the stumbling blocks which tend to hinder the sustainability of long-term “North-South” scientific networks. We use this personal knowledge and experiences to provide guidelines on how to establish and maintain successful long-term “North-South” scientific partnerships.

With the Climate change effects becoming more and more undoubted in the world populations, the reality of food production trends taking a negative curve is clear. This bring up the questions of whether the farmers will be able to produce food for the sustenance of the world population or not? The rate of developing food shortage coping mechanisms in this regard is slower that the ravaging negative climate change effects of drought and floods on farm performance. This commentary has the aim of requesting a fresh discussion around the fundamentals of what is food, what is a food security and what is nutritional security? It is possible that the humanity has a perception that needs refocusing. This is a perception that some people may choose out of non-food safety issues not to eat certain foods while other however healthily eat such food. It therefore becomes hard to technically accept that food is in short supply for those the opt not to eat that which is edible.

The genus Moringa is a phenotypically varied group of trees and shrubs, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, whose species are mostly sought after for nutritional, nutraceutical and industrial use. The Namibian Moringa ovalifolia consists of phenotypically different populations scattered across the country and occurring in different ecological systems. In the present study, species boundaries of the Moringa ovalifolia from Halali, Uis, Sesfontein, Sprokieswoud (Etosha) and Namib Nauflukt Park were assessed using internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA data. In order to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the populations under investigation, Cylicomorpha parviflora Urb. was used as an out group to root the phylogenetic trees. Results from all the phylogenetic analysis methods used in this study, provided evidence for one monophyletic group for all the Namibian Moringa ovalifolia populations. All the three phylogenetic analysis methods inferred that the Namibian Moringa ovalifolia is a sister clade to other Moringa species. Furthermore, the Moringa ovalifolia from different Namibian populations nested together in all analyses forming a monophyletic clade, inferring a relatively recent separation from each other. The results demonstrate that the different populations of the Namibian Moringa ovalifolia are phylogenetically similar despite their morphological differences and geographic isolations.

Central bearded dragons, Pogona vitticeps, are ectothermic heliotherms native to dry and arid regions and are often kept as exotic pets in colder less arid countries. They do however, often fall sick resulting in sudden death. This is now known to be caused by bacterial infections such as Listeria monocytogenes and Porphyromonas pogonae sp. This study therefore, aimed to identify microorganisms present in the buccal cavity of the central bearded dragon (P. vitticeps) in Namibia. In order to achieve this, oral swabs were taken from a bearded dragon found in a garden in Windhoek, Namibia and grown in nutrient agar. Colony morphology was described before Gram’s staining to differentiate the bacteria. The automated VITEK®2 system was used to identify the bacteria. On nutrient agar, opaque yellow circular colonies were observed after 24hrs incubation at 37°C. A gram-positive coccus shaped bacteria was observed. VITEK®2 analysis identified the bacteria as Micrococcus luteus. There has not been a study on the microbiota of the buccal cavity of the central bearded dragon in Namibia.

Water is a global need for the health and survival of all life forms and a habitat to some. However, approximately one billion people in developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water in which Namibia is not an exception. Rural communities of Ohangwena and Omusati regions of Namibia construct hand-dug wells as a source of water. However, these hand-dug wells are not monitored for water quality and are generally poorly constructed. In addition, these hand-dug wells are easily accessed by both humans and animals making them a potential reservoir for zoonotic bacteria partly known to aid antimicrobial resistance development, a global health concern. A metagenomics analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to detect the bacterial communities in a total of 40 hand-dug well water samples, with 20 being from the wet season and the rest from the dry season. A total of 57 bacterial pathogens were detected with a diverse of zoonotic assemblage. Analysis revealed significant differences in diversity and evenness, and no significant difference in richness of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in hand-dug wells between the wet and dry seasons (P < 0.05) with the dry season having a higher diversity and evenness compared to the wet season. The analysis showed that the hand-dug well water was not definitely safe for human and livestock consumption and their exposure to zoonotic pathogens was pronounced in the dry season.

Namibia is a large country with a population slightly above 2 million of which 73% live in rural areas. It is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa with unpredictable rainfall patterns which occur between October and May. The Cuvelai Etosha Basin is a rural setting in which most people depend on groundwater to circumvent water scarcity by the construction of hand-dug wells. Communities consume hand-dug well water throughout the year without; knowledge of its safety, and treatment prior to use. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the seasonal safety and quality of hand-dug well water for human consumption. A 16S rRNA metagenomics study was conducted to explore the influence of season on the human pathogenic bacterial species richness, diversity, evenness and abundance in the hand-dug wells. Bacterial pathogens were identified and analysis revealed no significant difference in species richness and diversity, and a significant difference in species evenness and abundance between the wet and dry seasons. Hence, seasonality had an influence on human bacterial pathogens evenness and abundance but had no influence on species richness and diversity. In addition, the water in hand-dug wells of the Cuvelai Etosha Basin is not safe for consumption and domestic use unless sanitized. It is recommended that efforts should be made to treat the water prior to use, and hand-dug wells should be properly constructed to reduce contamination.

To determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in street vended ready-to-eat meats in Windhoek, Namibia, a total of 96 street vended ready to eat meat samples were evaluated. Prevalences of 42%, 52%, 15%, 6% and 83% were observed for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella and Enterobacteriaceae respectively, while the highest aerobic plate counts were 7.74 Log10 cfu/g, 5.67 Log10 cfu/g, 5.12 Log10 cfu/g, 4.56 Log10 cfu/g, 3.3 Log10 cfu/g, 5.75 Log10 cfu/g respectively. Unsatisfactory microbial levels were 32% for aerobic plate count, 26% for Enterobacteriaceae, 35% for Escherichia coli, 11% for Listeria monocytogenes, 7% for Staphylococcus aureus and 6% for Shigella. Salmonella was detected in 11% and 40% of samples from two suburbs. The unsatisfactory microbiological quality of some ready-to-eat meats necessitates the provision of training on food safety and hygiene to street vendors for consumer protection.

This paper proposes the application of generation adequacy analysis for reliability evaluation of an insulated power generation system that supplies a FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) oil and gas production platform. The frequency and duration method was adopted for generating system reliability evaluation. The historical reliability data of the floating production storage and offloading platform power system and the continuous Markov process are used to determine the generator’s reliability model. The load model was also based on the platform daily peak load variation curve. The system risk indexes were obtained using Monte Carlo simulation. Two system scenarios were simulated using different failure data for one of the generators and the software PowerFactory© has been used as a tool for this simulation. For a complete generation system modeling, frequency and duration methods were developed to calculate the probabilities, frequencies and duration of the system states. Numerical results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.

Worldwide, bioeconomy is promoted as an ‘engine for sustainable development’. However, increasingly, the notion that ‘the bioeconomy’ will facilitate sustainable development per se is challenged. Based on the assumption that when leaving the relations between ‘nature’ and ‘society’ unquestioned, inherent inequalities are rather reproduced than overcome, we draw upon a social-ecological framework to analyse the societal relations to nature in the Namibian bioeconomy. In Namibia, with independence, an array of different benefit-sharing mechanisms have been developed to implement local participatory governance structure, which will be further streamlined under the newly introduced access and benefit-sharing law. Results show that despite efforts to facilitate a diversity-based bioeconomy, separating structures and trade-offs are persistent. Images of ‘nature’, like the ‘eternal Namibian landscape’, that draw upon colonial notions are frequently used to market indigenous natural products. Institutions to ‘nature’ that guarantee fair and equitable terms of trade are often only short-term and/or small-scale, e.g. as shown at the case of Devil’s claw, Hoodia and Namibian Myrrh. Even when perspectives cannot be assigned in a stereotypical way between user and provider, and instead, all actors refer to biodiversity and traditional knowledge as ‘welfare of the people’, ‘cultural heritage’, ‘input for R&D’, ‘community benefit’, and ‘marketing tool’, a rational-instrumental reasoning tends to be favoured of a normative-ethical one. A more diversified awareness towards the dialectics entailed in the conception, making, and management of ‘nature’ potentially inhibiting an inclusive sustainable development is relevant at any theory–practice interface, including development project-management and environmental policy-making.

With the ever-increasing pace of urban life, many people now rely a lot on processed foods. Some of these processed foods are prepared hygienically and yet some are prepared in homestead and brought to the open market, without having gone through any microbial quality checks. This has in the recent past led to outbreaks of food -borne diseases such as Cholera and Salmonellosis to mention a few. In this study, processed food samples were collected from three open markets in Windhoek namely Single quarters, Soweto market and the Okuryangava Bus stop. The samples included maize (flour), dried Cleome gynandra leaves, mopane worms, roasted groundnuts, minnos, and cooked beef steaks. Morphological identification was done based on the macroscopic characters based on the colour, shape, and texture and microscopic characterization using lactophenol cotton blue wet mount. DNA was extracted from the fungal isolates and PCR was performed using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The PCR products were sequenced, and the results were used for identification using the BLAST search program in NCBI. Dried Cleome gynandra contained most of the isolated fungal species which were identified Pichia burtonii, P. macrostoma, Dothidealus, and A. parasiticus. However, Aspergillus species were present in all the food samples and A. parasiticus was found in all food samples except the ground nuts. These could be an indication of that the fungus prefers low water activity and possibly high salt concentrations to survive.

For many years, the generation of nitrates from organic sources in order to create nutrient solutions for hydroponics had proved a challenge until lately when microorganisms were introduced to perform this task. The objectives of the current study therefore were to use local microbial consortium to nitrify goat manure in water and to determine microbial diversity in the inoculated consortium. Therefore, microorganisms were sourced from garden soil and natural compost at the Sam Nujoma Marine resources Research Centre (SANUMARC) in Henties Bay Namibia to convert organic nitrogen in goat manure from Utuseb farm near Walvis Bay into nitrates. Results show that microbial consortium from the compost source produced significantly (P< 0.05) more nitrates followed by the garden-soil source, suggesting that it is necessary to add inoculum in order to generate nitrate from goat manure. The ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) community from the compost sample’s was dominated by uncultured ammonia-oxidising species followed by uncultured bacterium (both not identified), with the least being Nitrosomonas species. The AOB community from the garden source was dominated by uncultured bacterium, followed by uncultured ammonia-oxidising species and the least being Nitrosomonas species. NOB community from the compost source was dominated by uncultured bacterium, followed by Nitrobacter winogradskyi and Nitobacter vulgaris with the least being Nitrococcus mobilis and Nitrospira moscovensis. For the garden soil microbial source, uncultured nitrite-oxidising bacteria dominated followed by uncultured bacterium, whereas the least species were N. moscovensis and Nitrobacter alkalicus. Moreover, community composition of the compost sample was more diverse than the community from the garden sample. These results maintain that there are other unculturable yet important microbes doing the same job if not better than the known ones, in this case suggesting that there may be other local nitrite-oxidizing bacteria responsible for oxidizing ammonia other than the traditionally known Nitrobacter, Nitrospira and Nitrococcus species. Key words: Organic hydroponics, ammonification, nitrification, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.

The Cuvelai Etosha Basin of Namibia is characterised by complex aquifer systems with multi-layered aquifers and various water qualities. Some parts of the basin have been covered with a pipeline system that supplies purified surface water from the Kunene River. Locations that lack a pipeline system utilise hand-dug wells as a source of drinking water. These wells draw water from shallow perched aquifers and are not protected from surface contamination nor is the water quality monitored. Sanitised water supply is relevant for the growth and development of societies and is a priority of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. A bacteriological water quality study aimed at investigating the presence and seasonal variation of; Citrobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Pseudomonas species was conducted on 44 hand-dug wells in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions of the Cuvelai Etosha Basin. Samples were collected from both the wet and dry seasons. Results disclosed the presence of Salmonella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, and Pseudomonas species. Chi-square confirmed a significant seasonal variation in Salmonella (P 0.05), Escherichia (P > 0.05), Klebsiella (P > 0.05), Enterobacter (P > 0.05), Proteus (P > 0.05) and Pseudomonas (P > 0.05) species. Water from these hand-dug wells is not safe for drinking unless it is subjected to appropriate treatment. It is recommended that hand-dug wells should be properly constructed at safe distances from contaminating structures such a pit latrines and routinely assessed for pathogens, and the water should be sanitized prior to consumption.

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in the world. It provides food for the growing world populations while also creating employment opportunities. This sector, however, is greatly threatened by climate change, increased water scarcity, droughts, land degradation and poor management of resources. The state of drylands in the world raises great concern given that it largely affects third world countries particularly subsistence farmers. This raises questions with regards to the extent of drylands and the progression of land degradation and water availability. This article presents current efforts to track development of land degradation and developing systems that improve agricultural productivity in drylands. Our review finds that given the climatic and environmental threats to agricultural productivity suitable solutions such as improved research and resource management can lead to increased production for food security and even commercialization. Therefore, it is imperative to allow access to advanced technology to subsistence farmers.

The influence of organic hydroponic nutrient solution on tomato growth and yield was studied using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments (organic nutrient solution, conventional hydroponic fertiliser (as positive control) and plain tap water (as negative control)) replicated three times. Determinate tomato seeds were germinated and transplanted into the 3 treatments. Twenty days after transplanting, vegetative response variables were recorded at fifteen days intervals from each treatment. Vegetative response variables included plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter. The reproductive parameters included number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight (g), yield (kg) per plant and yield (kg) per treatment. Furthermore, the organic nutrient solution formulated from goat manure positively improved plant growth and yield performance of a tomato crop, and provided a technique feasible and alternative to conventional hydroponics. These results open further possibilities for other crops currently grown in hydroponics using conventional fertilisers. Key words: Organic nutrient solution, growth, yield, goat manure, tomato.

Vachellia tortilis is a tree belonging to the family Fabaceae that inhabits high temperature and dry environments of the world. It is ecologically and economically significant amongst others of the genera Vachellia and Senegalia. It is native to Namibia and several other countries. Various parts of the V. tortilis plant are used for different therapeutic purposes both in the traditional and pharmacological settings. However, V. tortilis is vulnerable to pathogenic infection to which they lack natural resistance and little is known regarding the pathogens responsible for such infections. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify the fungal species associated with twig dieback disease in V. tortilis. Pure cultures from diseased V. tortilis were grown using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and DNA was subsequently isolated and later amplified in a PCR reaction using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Sequencing and BLAST search revealed the identity of the isolates as; Penicillium rubefaciens, Penicillium herbarum, Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma harzianum. Results indicated that P. herbarum was associated with disease symptoms in A. tortilis, T. longibrachiatum and T. harzianum were antagonistic fungi while the effect of P. rubefaciens on V. tortilis remained unknown. It is recommended that further investigations using Koch’s postulates should be performed on V. tortilis using the isolates.

Detection of phytopathogens that are involved in causing disease symptoms in plants and crops is of prime importance as a key step in disease treatment and management. Ziziphus mucronata is a species endemic in temperate and tropical climates and used traditionally in the treatment of infectious diseases. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a rich source of nutrients for the human diet. Just like most crops, it is not immune to fungal diseases and reports had been received of P. vulgaris showing signs on disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the fungal species associated with the disease symptoms in the Z. mucronata and P. vulgaris. Fungal species where isolated from surface-sterilised symptomatic bark of Z. muconata and fresh green bean pods. These where grown on petri dishes containing Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated at room temperature. Pure cultures where then obtained by transferring small segments of fungal growth to a new petri dish that contained PDA. During DNA extraction the pure cultures where first homogenized using liquid nitrogen and then the rest of the extraction carried out as stipulated in the Zymo extraction kit. The Nanodrop was used for quantifying the DNA and amplification of the conserved Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of Ribosomal RNA genes was carried out using ITS1 and ITS2. The PCR products were sequenced at Inqaba Biotech Industries in South Africa. The obtained sequences were then compared by alignment with known sequences in the Genbank using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The BLAST searches were able to reveal the fungi isolated from the Z. mucronata as Fusarium penzigii and Fusarium dimerum while the fungi isolated from P. vulgaris shown to be Phoma destructiva, with 100 %, 95% and 100% sequence similarity respectively. The next step in this work is carry out Koch‘s postulates to determine which of this fungi is the causal agent of the observed diseases symptoms in order to start a targeted diseases management programme.

Advances have been recently made in the breeding and characterization of three major legume crops of the semiarid tropics, chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut. However, other wild‐growing legumes, called “orphan legumes,” with potential as crops, but are not yet cultivated would benefit from further attention. This review considers the domestication of one such plant, marama bean (Tylosema esculentum). Marama has long been recognized as a potential crop particularly for southern Africa, but coordinated, long‐term research and development has been lacking. Marama is a perennial, outcrossing hexaploid, growing under extreme conditions in a restricted geographic range; only natural stands exist that are likely to be overexploited. Marama has two potential units of economic yield, seed and tuber. The seed is protein‐ and oil‐rich, with potential in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries while the tuber is high in carbohydrates. In this review, the different aspects of bringing a wild plant into cultivation are considered, together with the additional socioeconomic benefits of developing a breeding program. An international collaboration is analyzing aspects of the plant structure and physiology, molecular biology, and its interactions with environment with a view to developing marama as a crop, with a role in food security, that could be harvested by local communities. Molecular topics considered include next‐generation sequencing for developing molecular maps, genotyping by sequencing, identification of quantitative trait loci for important agronomic traits, protein quality, and incompatibility mechanisms. To achieve domestication requires seed gardens and fields, and the phenotyping of marama material from different locations. Community engagement will also ensure agronomic sustainability and farmer participation. This review describes an approach for a successful outcome of a breeding program to introduce improved marama and highlights the challenges in achieving this, which is a paradigm for the difficulties in the cultivation of “orphan species.”

The thesis investigates whether the Zimbabwe planning regulatory framework engages with urban food systems and whether those regulations and plans are appropriate to the lived experience in African cities particularly focusing on the poor through the lens of food. This is done by examining how food production, processing and retailing have been enhanced, constrained and regulated by urban planning laws and regulations and the administering professionals in the urban settlement of Epworth near Harare in Zimbabwe. Food is a basic need but has not been given prominence in planning discourses. The use of food as a lens through which to examine the appropriateness of planning practice, laws, and the general regulatory framework provides a useful opportunity to consider the impact of planning on livelihoods of the urban poor in the global South. This thesis also provides an opportunity to link the two distinct but complimentary disciplines of urban planning and urban food and contributes to knowledge on contemporary planning and food systems. Treating the two as separate and disconnected fields has created gaps and inconsistencies that manifest themselves in inappropriate regulations and plans thereby causing insecure and risky food systems. Using mixed research methods, the thesis concludes that the legislative framework engages food in a largely inappropriate way for several reasons. Firstly, the legislative framework was adapted from a Western context which differs significantly with that of the global South. Secondly the framework was enacted for a different time and context many years ago unlike the context prevailing now. Thirdly the inappropriateness of the governance framework has been exacerbated by the modernist values held by most planning professionals. A key finding of the thesis is that most planners do not support informal livelihoods; whilst they practice in a largely informal poverty-stricken environment, they aspire for a modern ‘world-class’ city environment. The planners also do not believe that they have a role in food systems planning. Meanwhile, they are busy making decisions that threaten the same food systems. The planning regulatory framework therefore requires amendment of the inappropriate clauses whilst positive clauses should be utilized.

The Pichis river basin is located in the Selva Central region of Peru; it has large biodiversity of flora and fish that are of importance in local food security. However, deforestation of riparian forests directly affected their presence and the quality of the ecosystem. In this chapter, we discuss different techniques for the restoration of riparian forests, which would allow decision-makers at the community and government level to reach agreements for an integrated management of fisheries. The methodology integrated local indigenous knowledge and scientific research. The main results were the “Conservation Agreements for the restoration of riverine forests,” with the restoration of up to 55% of the ecosystem by 2015. The most common techniques used in the recovery of the riparian forest were the management of natural regeneration, reforestation, and plant succession, using about 40 species of native flora. The other relevant result was the creation of the first “Fishing Surveillance Committee,” confirming the reappearance of fish species. The local and regional government implemented and strengthened environmental regulations in favor of managing fisheries and riparian forests, including an economic fund to strengthen environmental monitoring and education in the Pichis river basin.

Plasmodium vivax es un desafío para la eliminación de la malaria. Esta especie cuenta con un estadío hepático latente (Hipnozoíto) que mantiene la transmisión de la enfermedad. El proyecto SEROVIVAX tiene como objetivo contribuir a la eliminación de la malaria en la región amazónica a través del desarrollo y validación de herramientas serológicas que permitan identificar la exposición individual reciente a P. vivax y monitorear los cambios en la intensidad de transmisión. Usando microarreglos de proteínas se evaluó las respuestas de anticuerpos a 507 proteínas de P. vivax en 207 individuos infectados en los últimos 36 meses y confirmados por qPCR (P. vivax positivos). El área bajo la curva (AUC), sensibilidad (SE), especificidad (SP), razones de probabilidad positiva (LR+) y negativa (LR-) fueron calculados a partir de un modelo de clasificación validados, a fin de evaluar la precisión de la respuesta antígeno-anticuerpo que discriminen entre infecciones recientes y antiguas. Se identificaron tres grupos de proteínas que funcionaron mejor individualmente y en combinación; con un alto AUC, alto LR+ y bajo LR-. Individualmente, destacaron dos proteínas: PVX_082680_1o1 (AUC: 0.65, LR +: 1.42, LR-: 0.49, SE: 0.77, SP: 0.45) y PVX_000930_1o1 (AUC: 0.64, LR +: 1.23, LR- : 0,52, SE: 0,83, SP: 0,33). En combinación, dos proteínas que formaron parte de las diez principales proteínas identificadas con mayor frecuencia en cada grupo (alto AUC: 0.82, alto LR+: 2.9, SE: 0.75, SP: 0.74 y bajo LR-: 0.24, SE: 0.85, SP: 0.62). Otras proteínas destacadas fueron PVX_097625_1o1 (proteína de superficie de merozoito 8, MSP-8), PVX_092070_1o1 y PVX_082655_1o1 y PVX_096280_1o1 y PVX_123810_2o2_S2. Se lograron identificar 6 proteínas con un gran potencial que serán producidas y validadas para el uso en herramientas serológicas que permitan el monitoreo del control y eliminación de la malaria en la Amazonía peruana y brasileña. 2019-09-05

This essay examines the diaries of Sir Charles F. Rey, Resident Commissioner of Bechuanaland, covering the years 1929-1937. The paper summarizes and reviews the accounting thoughts, activities and practices during a period of British colonial rule in Bechuanaland Protectorate. It illustrates early accounting and budgetary practices, as well as their role in influencing and shaping political and socio-economic development. The paper reveals that nuances of accounting history are contained in literary and archival documents, and that accounting practitioners and researchers should explore these scripts in order to understanding the introduction and development of accounting in the African continent. It further suggests that Sir Charles Rey’s memoirs show him to be a financial manager and administrator of note, albeit one who used financial management techniques to maintain control over natives, European businesses, and colonial administrators. This notwithstanding, this paper encourages researchers and practitioners to locate accounting history from such writings.

Legumes have been used as food by indigenous people of Africa yet their full potential as food sources has not been completely realized. With modern technologies such as marker-assisted selection and mutational breeding, there is scope for rapid improvement of germplasm in these underutilized species. One approach is to induce genetic mutations through irradiation of plant tissues with neutrons or gamma rays generating molecular changes. The irradiation leaves residual radiation in the exposed tissues creating offspring with new features. Genetic mutations in plants can improve their performance, germination, quality, size and disease resistance. The effects of radiation applied to marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) were explored. The aim of this study was to screen individuals of T. esculentum derived from seeds irradiated with gammarays using microsatellite markers. There were two irradiation treatments -50 and 100 gamma ray irradiations that were compared to non-irradiated seeds as controls. For each treatment, seeds were imbibed and germinated. Seed emergence rates and percentages were ascertained. Each set of seeds was genotyped using a SSR marker - MARA039, located in a sub-unit of a polygalacturonase – an enzyme that mainly regulates seed germination. In regard to emergence, significant differences between the irradiated seeds and non-irradiated counterparts were noted. Irradiated seeds germinated faster and in adosage-dependent manner compared to non-irradiated counterparts (p>0.05). Genotyping revealed that the total number of AGA repeats in the microsatellite region shifted from its original five in the controls to between four and seven in the irradiated seeds. Furthermore, there were several point mutations in the irradiated seeds as compared to the controls. The study findings, suggest that irradiation may induce beneficial mutational changes such as faster germination rate of the marama bean, considering that the mutated microsatellite repeat region is located in gene encoding the enzyme regulating seed germination in plants. Key words: Marama bean, Tylosema esculentum, mutational breeding, irradiation, seed cycle, SSR.

Malnutrition is a medical condition caused by an unbalanced diet, typically characterised by stunting and wasting in children. Malnutrition causes approximately a third of all deaths in children between 0-59 months mostly in developing countries. In Namibia, 24% of children under the age of 5 years are stunted while 6.2% are wasted. Tylosema esculentum, commonly known as marama bean is an underutilised legume of high nutritious value. Indigenous to Namibia, marama bean seeds have comparably high protein and lipid content. Marama bean is an appealing crop to Namibia in particular due to its low cultivation demands as it grows in sandy soils with minimal water requirements and no need for fertilisers. Ten accessions of marama bean seeds were analysed for their nutritional composition. The results indicate that ash content was found ranging between 2.13% and 3.46%. Minerals analysed were calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Their range of concentrations were 750.1-2306.2 mgkg-1, 53.9-322.4 mgkg-1, 1764.1-7415.0 mgkg-1, 4300.8-5267.9 mgkg-1 and 32.2-48.8 mgkg-1 respectively with no significant difference in concentration among the ten accessions. Correlation analysis of the minerals within the accessions showed that the correlations between zinc-magnesium and zinc-phosphorus concentrations were significantly different as compared to the rest of the pairs for all accessions. When analysed, the maximum and minimum amounts of crude fat and carbohydrates were 29.9%-44.1% and 19.4%-39.0% respectively which were found to not have a significant difference. However, the protein analysis determined that there was a significant difference with PMBC2 (mean content 34.6%) being the most significant accession. Therefore, PMBC2 was found to be the most suitable accession for crop development and domestication. This study’s main contribution with respect to the domestication of marama bean was the identification of the most superior accession based on nutritional composition.

The Kavango region (Northern part of Namibia) were the study was carried out, is extensively involved in agriculture and is also known to be dominated by the sandy aerosols soils. The bad soils in the region, which have poor nutrients and water holding capacity, combined with a fast rate of climate change in the region has contributed in the reduction in yield of most crops grown in the area. The main aim of the study was to determine cowpeas response to bio-inoculants by assessing yield of the pulse. Six different cultivars of Vigna unguiculata (Cow pea) were evaluated for their response to bio-inoculants. These cultivars were subjected to 3 different treatments. One with chemical fertilizer, another with Bradyrhizobium strains (14-3) and (1-7) bio-inoculants and a third which was a negative control with no treatment. After 90 days post seeding the cultivars were harvested and different yield parameters assessed. The cowpeas that were subjected to the bio-inoculant treatments yielded a later grain yield in kg per hectare as compared to the negative control and the fertilizer treatments. The outcome of this study therefore provided the local subsistence farmers with a cheaper eco-friendly alternative to mineral fertilizers.

Tylosema esculentum (marama bean) is one of the underutilized legumes that have potential to provide protein and fatty acids to ensure food security in dry parts of Southern Africa. In order to establish rapid domestication programs for the plant, it is important to explore the plant’s genome and identify functional genes molecular markers like microsatellites in order to develop molecular tools. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatics methods, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) have been developed for many plant species. These are being developed as an economic means of obtaining large numbers of gene sequences. The aim of this study was to identify genes with important roles for valuable agronomic traits and microsatellite sequences for marama bean. The authors reported the identification of genes associated with embryonic development and microsatellite sequences. The future direction will entail characterization of these genes using gene over-expression and mutant assays. Key words: Namibia, simple sequence repeats (SSR), data mining, homology searches, bioinformatics, Tylosema esculentum.

A diverse group of soil bacteria known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is able to inhabit the area close to plant roots and exert beneficial effects on plant growth. Beneficial interactions between rhizospheric bacteria and plants provide prospects for isolating culturable PGPR that can be used as bio-fertilizers for sustainable crop production in communities that cannot easily afford chemical fertilizers. This study was conducted with the aim of isolating rhizospheric bacteria from grasses along the Kavango River and screening the bacterial isolates for plant growth promoting characteristics. The bacteria were isolated from rhizospheres of Phragmites australis, Sporobolus sp., Vetiveria nigritana, Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor. The isolates were screened for inorganic phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. The nitrogen-fixing capability of the bacteria was determined by screening for the presence of the nifH gene. Up to 21 isolates were obtained from P. australis, Sporobolus sp., S. bicolor, P. glaucum and V. nigritana. The genera Bacillus, Enterobacter, Kocuria, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas, identified via 16S rDNA were represented in the 13 PGPR strains isolated. The isolates exhibited more than one plant growth promoting trait and they were profiled as follows: three phosphate solubilizers, four siderophore producers, eight IAA producing isolates and five nitrogen-fixers. These bacteria can be used to develop bio-fertilizer inoculants for improved soil fertility management and sustainable production of local cereals.

Sorghum is an important cereal that is processed into a variety of foods and leisure beverages across the African continent. Low sorghum yields experienced in agriculture is a result of major production constraints such as soil nutrient deficiency and plant disease. It is important that the methods for crop production are of a sustainable nature as the chemical fertilizers in current use are detrimental to the natural environment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria on growth of Sorghum bicolor. PGP bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Pennisetum glaucum (Pseudomonas stutzeri ACM2-32, Kosakonia cloacae FCM2-50, Bacillus subtilis ASM1-59 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSM1-61) and S. bicolor (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia LCS2-11) plants in Kavango (Namibia), were used as peat-based inoculants to evaluate their effects on the growth of S. bicolor. The combination treatment T9 (B. amyloliquefaciens LSM1-61: K. cloacae FCM2-50: P. stutzeri ACM2-32) significantly (p = 0.032) enhanced the biomass of S. bicolor as compared to the water control. Single inoculants consisting of S. maltophilia LCS2-11, K. cloacae FCM2-50 and B. amyloliquefaciens LSM1-61 and combination inoculants T7, T8 and T9, enhanced S. bicolor root biomass as much as a commercial fertilizer control. These results indicate that the plant growth promoting bacteria induced a beneficial effect on growth of sorghum seedlings. The future work involves testing these promising inoculants on growth of these sorghum plants to maturity stage to determine effects on seed yield over three seasons in multi-location trials. Key words: Rhizosphere bacteria, peat based inoculants, plant growth promoting bacteria, Sorghum bicolor.

During one of our greenhouse experiments on the marama bean plant (Tylosema esculentum) at the University of Namibia, various signs of necrosis and spotting were observed on leaf tissues of the newly developed seedlings. In this study, we hereby describe findings of the investigations undertaken to attempt and determine the possible causative agent(s) of such plant leaf infections. In brief, infected seedling leaves were first surface-sterilized and then used in form of leaf-discs (2 x 2 mm), to inoculate potato dextrose agar (PDA). Alongside this, control leaves were also similarly treated and overlaid onto PDA. While fungal growths were observed on all infected leaf-discs, no growth was observed on control discs. For each of the various fungal strains growing on the infected leaf discs, pure cultures were obtained by repeatedly sub-culturing the strains onto PDA. Subsequently, single spore cultures were also aseptically isolated from each of the obtained pure cultures and further developed into mycelia through inoculation and incubation in potato dextrose broth (PDB). All in all, a total of eight single spore cultures were obtained from the overall inoculations and sub-culturing. Subsequently, the total genomic DNAs of each of the obtained single spore cultures were isolated followed by amplification of their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The amplified ITS regions were then sequenced followed by a comparison of their nucleotide patterns with the GeneBank. Such a comparison then revealed the presence of a complex of several fungal isolates with eight commonly known species: Penicillium brevicompactum, Epicoccum sorghi, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternari solani, Fusarium equiseti, Penicillium olsonii, Fusarium chlamydosporum and Fusarium incarnatum. These fungal species are commonly known to cause various diseases and infections in legumes and other agronomically important crops. Ideally, the presence of these fungal species in marama bean and their involvement in leaf tissue decay should be noted with great concern and interest since this plant has recently been proposed as a potential leguminous crop for possible adoption and utilization in domestication efforts. Key words: Marama bean, Tylosema esculentum, fungi, Namibia, leaf infection, internal transcribed spacer (ITS).

Aim: The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in raw beef produced from selected commercial abbatoirs in Namibia. Methodology: A total of 9508 of beef samples from three different types of samples; meat cuts, carcass swabs and meat fluid were collected from the three local abattoirs over a period of two years starting from January 2008 to December 2009. Pre - enrichment for isolati on of Salmonella was done in Buffered peptone water followed by enrichment in the Rappaport - Vassiliadis and selenite cystine broth. The isolation of Salmonella was done on Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate and Brilliant Green agar followed by biochemical confirm ation and serotyping according to Kauffman White scheme. Results: The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 0.85 % for beef samples derived from meat cuts, meat fluid and carcass swabs. The prevalence of Salmonella in carcass swabs (2.67 %) was significantly different ( P = 0.0 5) from that of meat cuts (0.50 % ) and meat fluid (0.43 %). No significant difference ( P = 0.05) on the prevalence of Salmonella existed between the meat cuts and meat fluid. A total of 34 different types of Salmonella serovars were identified with S. Chester being the most frequently isolated serovars (n = 12), followed by S. Reading and S . Bredeney (n = 6) and S. Typhimurium (n = 5). Conclusions: The prevalence of Salmonella in raw beef found in this survey was lower than those observed in Sub Sahara Africa with S. Chester being the most prevalent serovar. Original Research Article

During the past few years, disease symptoms in many Acacia trees in the Windhoek Mu‐ nicipality area and the rest of Namibia have been observed. This observation triggered the investigation of phytopathological aspects that are reported in this chapter. The im‐ portance of indigenous trees of the Namibia flora is apparent considering that Namibia has two old deserts within its borders: the Namib Desert and the Kalahari Desert. Nam‐ bia’s tourism and meat industry are dependent on the indigenous trees of Nambia flora. The trees are the primary source of vegetation land cover (attracting tourists), and they provide browsing food matter to domestic livestock and wild animals (sources of meat). Hence, it is important to ensure that a healthy vegetation is maintained in this area.. This survey is the first dedicated step to find ways of protecting them from disease-causing agents. The aim of this survey is to investigate the possible causes of disease symptoms in trees. It is important to understand the biology of the pathogenic agents to propose a pos‐ sible method to control the diseases. The survey involved sampling leaves, stems and roots from dying trees that show symptoms such as branch girdling, gum oozing and de‐ foliation, suspicious general twig wilting and die-back. The survey was carried out in pla‐ ces where symptoms were observed. The tree surveys were done on Aloe zebrina, Tylosema esculentum, Syzygium and Acacia species. Primary isolations from plant material and then single-spore pure cultures were made for identification. In this chapter, we re‐ port isolation and identification of Microsphearopsis sp., Dreschelra sp., Botryosphearia spp., Acremonium spp., Coniothyrium sp., Phellinus spp., Cytospora sp., Fusarium sp., Scytalidium sp., Phoma spp., Gliomastix sp., Trichoderma koningii, Peacilomyces variotii, Alternaria citri and Curvularia palescens from the diseased trees. This work is still ongoing. This study paves way for proper designing of control methods to protect crops, trees and their biodi‐ versity. The protection of plant biodiversity ensures better reaping of food products and other ecosystem services and products. Without knowledge of the identity of these dis‐ ease-causing agents, it is not possible to accurately identify and manage threats to food production and threats to the native botanical biodiversity of Namibia.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne Gram-positive bacterial pathogen, and many of its virulence factors are either secreted proteins or proteins covalently or noncovalently attached to the cell wall. Previous work has indicated that noncovalently attached proteins with GW (glycine-tryptophan) domains are retained in the cell wall by binding to the cell wall polymer lipoteichoic acid (LTA). LTA is a glycerol phosphate polymer, which is modified in L. monocytogenes with galactose and d-alanine residues. We identified Lmo0933 as the cytoplasmic glycosyltransferase required for the LTA glycosylation process and renamed the protein GtlA, for glycosyltransferase LTA A Using L. monocytogenes mutants lacking galactose or d-alanine modifications or the complete LTA polymer, we show that GW domain proteins are retained within the cell wall, indicating that other cell wall polymers are involved in the retention of GW domain proteins. Further experiments revealed peptidoglycan as the binding receptor as a purified GW domain fusion protein can bind to L. monocytogenes cells lacking wall teichoic acid (WTA) as well as purified peptidoglycan derived from a wild-type or WTA-negative strain. With this, we not only identify the first enzyme involved in the LTA glycosylation process, but we also provide new insight into the binding mechanism of noncovalently attached cell wall proteins.Over the past 20 years, a large number of bacterial genome sequences have become available. Computational approaches are used for the genome annotation and identification of genes and encoded proteins. However, the function of many proteins is still unknown and often cannot be predicted bioinformatically. Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized Listeria monocytogenes gene lmo0933 likely codes for a glycosyltransferase required for the decoration of the cell wall polymer lipoteichoic acid (LTA) with galactose residues. Using L. monocytogenes mutants lacking LTA modifications or the complete polymer, we show that specific cell wall proteins, often associated with virulence, are retained within the cell wall, indicating that additional cell wall polymers are involved in their retention.

CurrentPennisetum glaucum(L.) R. BR. cultivars in Namibia have overall poor performance posing a threat to the nation’s food security because this crop is staple for over 70% of the Namibian population. The crop suffers from undesirable production traits such as susceptibility to diseases, low yield, and prolonged reproductive cycle. This study aimed to understand the genetic diversity of the crop in Namibia by simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and morphology analysis. A total of 1441 genotypes were collected from the National Gene Bank representing all the Namibian landraces. A sample of 96 genotypes was further analyzed by SSR using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and revealed a value of 0.45 indicating low genetic diversity. Ordination using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) on SSR data confirmed clusters generated by UPGMA for the 96P. glaucumaccessions. UPGMA phenograms of 29 morphological characterized genotypes were generated for SSR and morphology data and the two trees revealed 78% resemblance. Lodging susceptibility, tillering attitude, spike density, fodder yield potential, early vigour, and spike shape were the phenotypic characters upon which some clusters were based in both datasets. It is recommended that efforts should be made to widen the current gene pool in Namibia.

The occurrence of Salmonella is a global challenge in the public health and food production sectors. Our study investigated the prevalence, serovar and antimicrobial susceptibility of strains of Salmonella serovars isolated from animal feed (meat-and-bone and blood meal) samples from two commercial abattoirs in Namibia. A total of 650 samples (n = 650) were examined for the presence of Salmonella. Results showed that 10.9% (n = 71) were positive for Salmonella. Of the Salmonella serovars isolated, S. Chester was the most commonly isolated serovar (19.7%), followed by S. Schwarzengrund at 12.7%. From the Salmonella isolates, 19.7% (n = 14) were resistant to one or more of the antimicrobials (nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxa-zole, streptomycin and/or tetracycline), whereas 80.3% (n = 57) were susceptible to all 16 antimicrobials tested. Resistance to sulfisoxazole and the trimethroprim-suflamethoxazole combination were the most common. The resistant isolates belonged to ten different Salmonella serovars. The susceptibility of most of the Salmonella isolated to the antimicrobials tested indicates that anti-microbial resistance is not as common and extensive in Namibia as has been reported in many other countries. It also appears that there is a range of antimicrobials available that are effective in managing Salmonella infections in Namibia. However, there is some evidence that resistance is developing and this will need further monitoring to ensure it does not become a problem.

† Myzopoda africana, new species Figures 2, 3 Myzopoda sp., Butler, 1978: 65; Gunnell, 2010: 586. HOLOTYPE: NMT.010/Bat, complete left humerus (see table 1 for measurements). ETYMOLOGY: The species name is given for the African continent, since the new species represents the only known occurrence of the genus Myzopoda on continental Africa; extant species are restricted to Madagascar. TYPE LOCALITY: Tanzania: Arusha Province, Olduvai Gorge, Bed I, FLK NI, Layer 123. DIAGNOSIS: Differs from living Myzopoda schliemanni and M. aurita in having a larger humerus (mean dimensions 21% larger) that is more robust and has a relatively longer deltopectoral crest, a more rounded humeral head, a more robust lesser tubercle, a more distinct and elongate lateral capitular tail, a more distinct and laterally compressed capitulum, and a relatively broader epitrochlea with a more distally extended epitrochlear process. REFERRED SPECIMENS: NMT.008/Bat, left proximal humerus from Olduvai Bed I, FLK NI, layer 123; NMT.009/Bat, right distal humerus, Olduvai Bed 1, FLK NI, layer 4 (collected 1960). DESCRIPTION: Three humeri from Olduvai can be assigned to Myzopoda based on the presence of the following combination of characters: round, bulbous capitulum, extended capitular tail with flaring lip, a broad epicondyle with two distinct processes, and a humeral head placed distal to the trochiter (greater tubercle). The proximal humerus (fig. 2) of M. africana has a semi-rounded, distolaterally slightly flattened head. The proximal extent of the head does not extend as far proximally as the trochiter and is even slightly below the proximal extent of the lesser tubercle. The deltopectoral crest is elevated anteriorly, is relatively long and curving, and has a sharply defined anterior margin with a slight overhanging lip developed medially. Distally (figs. 2, 3), the humerus of M. africana has a rounded and slightly laterally compressed capitulum that is robust and not offset from the long axis of the humeral shaft. The lateral capitular tail is as broad as the trochlear surface. The trochlear groove is distinct but not deeply invaginated and with a sharply defined trochlear lip. The medial epicondyle is robust with a relatively elongate process that extends distally beyond the trochlear ridge and is developed as two rounded surfaces aligned anteroposteriorly. There is a small but distinct groove on the lateral surface of the epicondyle. Other fossil material of Myzopoda is unknown from both Africa and Madagascar, although more ancient myzopodids referred to another genus have been described from Egypt (Gunnell et al., 2014)., Published as part of Gunnell, Gregg F., Butler, Percy M., Greenwood, Marjorie & Simmons, Nancy B., 2015, Bats (Chiroptera) from Olduvai Gorge, Early Pleistocene, Bed I (Tanzania), pp. 1-35 in American Museum Novitates 2015 (3846) on pages 3-7, DOI: 10.1206/3846.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4598312, {"references":["Butler, P. M. 1978. Insectivora and Chiroptera. In V. J. Maglio and H. B. S. Cooke (editors), Evolution of African mammals: 56 - 68. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.","Gunnell, G. F. 2010. Chiroptera. In L. Werdelin and W. J. Sanders (editors), Cenozoic Mammals of Africa: 581 - 597. Berkeley: University of California Press.","Gunnell, G. F., N. B. Simmons, and E. R. Seiffert. 2014. New Myzopodidae (Chiroptera) from the late Paleogene of Egypt: emended family diagnosis and biogeographic origins of Noctilionoidea. PLoS ONE 9 (2): e 86712. [doi: 10.1371 / journal. pone. 0086712]"]}

Cf. Eptesicus isabellinus Figure 8 Eptesicus cf. hottentotus, Butler, 1978: 65. REFERRED SPECIMEN: NMT.032/Bat, right distal humerus, FLK NI, layer 6, 1964 (see table 1 for measurements). DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION: Olduvai specimen NMT.032/Bat represents a vespertilionid humerus very similar in size and morphology to that of extant Eptesicus isabellinus. NMT.032/Bat (fig. 8, bottom row) has a narrow but robust capitulum that is not angled or offset from shaft. The lateral capitular tail is much less broad than the trochlear surface, and is separated from the capitulum by a shallow groove. A trochlear groove is absent and the trochlear surface is relatively wide and robust with a sharply defined trochlear lip. The medial epicondylar process is low and robust and does not extend distally beyond the trochlear ridge. Groove on the lateral surface of epicondyle is weak to absent. These are all features typical of Eptesicus. The taxonomy of Eptesicus isabellinus is unresolved at the moment, but it appears to be the North African representative of the Eptesicus serotinus radiation sensu lato (Simmons, 2005). However, it is not clear whether E. isabellinus can be maintained as a species separate from E. serotinus (Simmons, 2005). We have chosen to retain it as distinct subject to revision of circumMediterranean Eptesicus species. NMT.032/Bat very closely resembles E. isabellinus (NHMUK 19.7.7.1160, fig. 8, top row) in nearly every detail of size and morphology. The fossil specimen has a slightly less distally extended epicondylar process and the distal end is slightly deeper anteroposteriorly. NMT.032 differs from Eptesicus furinalis (AMNH 278332) only in being relatively larger with a slightly broader capitulum and lacking any groove between the capitulum and trochlea. The lateral ridge is slightly broader than in the extant taxon but otherwise similar. The only records of Eptesicus fossil material from Africa all come from southern Africa (Hendey, 1981; Pocock, 1987; Avery, 1998), mostly from the early to late Pliocene deposits, and they are based on teeth and jaws that are not directly comparable to the specimen described here. Eptesicus is a common element of other Plio-Pleistocene faunal communities and is widespread across the northern continents during this time period (Simmons and Gunnell, in prep.)., Published as part of Gunnell, Gregg F., Butler, Percy M., Greenwood, Marjorie & Simmons, Nancy B., 2015, Bats (Chiroptera) from Olduvai Gorge, Early Pleistocene, Bed I (Tanzania), pp. 1-35 in American Museum Novitates 2015 (3846) on pages 13-15, DOI: 10.1206/3846.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4598312, {"references":["Butler, P. M. 1978. Insectivora and Chiroptera. In V. J. Maglio and H. B. S. Cooke (editors), Evolution of African mammals: 56 - 68. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.","Simmons, N. B. 2005. Order Chiroptera. In D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder (editors), Mammal species of the world, a taxonomic and geographic reference, vol. 1: 312 - 529. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.","Hendey, Q. B. 1981. Paleoecology of the late Tertiary fossil occurrences in \" E \" Quarry, Langebaanweg, South Africa, and a reinterpretation of their geological context. Annals of the South African Museum 84: 1 - 104.","Pocock, T. N. 1987. Plio-Pleistocene fossil mammalian microfauna of southern Africa - a preliminary report including description of two new fossil Muroid genera (Mammalia: Rodentia). Palaeontologia Africana 26: 69 - 91.","Avery, D. M. 1998. An assessment of the Lower Pleistocene micromammalian fauna from Swartkrans members 1 - 3, Gauteng, South Africa. Geobios 31: 393 - 414."]}