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Abstract Birds in seasonal habitats rely on intricate strategies for optimal timing of migrations. This is governed by environmental cues, including photoperiod. Genetic factors affecting intrinsic timekeeping mechanisms, such as circadian clock genes, have been explored, yielding inconsistent findings with potential lineage-dependency. To clarify this evidence, a systematic review and phylogenetic reanalysis was done. This descriptor outlines the methodology for sourcing, screening, and processing relevant literature and data. PRISMA guidelines were followed, ultimately including 66 studies, with 34 focusing on candidate genes at the genotype-phenotype interface. Studies were clustered using bibliographic coupling and citation network analysis, alongside scientometric analyses by publication year and location. Data was retrieved for allele data from databases, article supplements, and direct author communications. The dataset, version 1.0.2, encompasses data from 52 species, with 46 species for the Clock gene and 43 for the Adcyap1 gene. This dataset, featuring data from over 8000 birds, constitutes the most extensive cross-species collection for these candidate genes, used in studies investigating gene polymorphisms and seasonal bird migration.

This article reports on a case study from a larger project exploring ways in which online citizen science projects can enhance students' learning in science and in digital technology. In this case, two teachers integrated the digital technology curriculum with the science capability "interpreting representations" using the engaging context of Mars. As part of the unit, the students contributed to the online citizen science project AI4Mars, did some unplugged computational thinking, and then transferred this learning to learning to program mBots. Our aim is to inspire others to plan curricula that integrate opportunities for developing students' science capabilities and their digital technology skills.

Abstract Hybridization in antelope species has been widely reported in South African national parks and provincial reserves as well as on private land due to anthropogenic effects. In a closed management setting, hybridization may occur due to the crossbreeding of closely related species with unequal sex ratios, resulting in either sterile or fertile offspring. In this study, we used molecular techniques to evaluate the risk of anthropogenic hybridization between blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) in an isolated group that purposely included the two species with unequal sex ratios (one red hartebeest male and 19 male and female blesbok). Genetic analysis based on microsatellites confirmed the presence of seven hybrid individuals. Mitochondrial analysis verified that hybridization occurred between blesbok females and the red hartebeest male. STRUCTURE and NEWHYBRIDS classified the hybrids as F1. It is suspected that the hybrid individuals were sterile as the males had undeveloped testes and only F1 hybrids were detected. Thus, the risk of hybridization between these two species may be limited in the wild. In captive settings, genetic monitoring should be included in management plans for blesbok and red hartebeest to ensure that the long‐term consequences of wasted reproductive effort are limited.

Dog rabies has been recognized from ancient times and remains widespread across the developing world with an estimated 59,000 people dying annually from the disease. In 2011 a tri-partite alliance consisting of the OIE, the WHO and the FAO committed to globally eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. Regardless of global support, the responsibility remains with local program managers to implement successful elimination programs. It is well known that vaccination programs have a high probability of successful elimination if they achieve a population-coverage of 70%. It is often quoted that reducing population turnover (typically through sterilizations) raises the probability for local elimination by maintaining herd immunity for longer. Besides this, other factors that affect rabies elimination are rarely mentioned. This paper investigates the probability for local elimination as it relates to immunity, fecundity, dog population size, infectivity (bite rates), in-migration of immune-naïve dogs, and the initial incidence. To achieve this, an individual-based, stochastic, transmission model was manipulated to create a dataset covering combinations of factors that may affect elimination. The results thereof were analysed using a logistic regression model with elimination as the dependent variable. Our results suggest that smaller dog populations, lower infectivity and lower incidence (such as when epidemics start with single introductions) strongly increased the probability for elimination at wide ranges of vaccination levels. Lower fecundity and lower in-migration had weak effects. We discuss the importance of these findings in terms of their impact and their practical application in the design of dog-mediated rabies control programs.

From 2008 to 2018, South Africa permitted the export of captive-bred African lion (Panthera leo) skeletons to Southeast Asia under CITES Appendix II. Legal exports rose from approximately 50 individuals in 2008 to a maximum of 1,771 skeletons in 2016, and has led to ongoing concerns over possible laundering of non-lion, multiple-source and wild-sourced bones. South Africa is required under its obligations to CITES to employ mechanisms for monitoring and reporting trade, and to limit the potential for illegal trade and laundering of lion and other large felid bones. Monitoring tools for legal trade are critical to compliance with CITES. Here we evaluate the CITES-compliance procedure implemented by South Africa for export of lion bones and identify six essential general points for consideration in the implementation of animal export quota compliance protocols. We provide specific insight into the South African lion bone export monitoring system through: i) outlining the protocols followed; ii) assessing the utility of cranial morphology to identify species; iii) evaluating skeleton consignment weight as a monitoring tool; and iv) presenting molecular (DNA) species assignment and pairwise-comparative sample matching of individuals. We describe irregularities and illicit behaviour detected in the 2017 and 2018 lion bone quotas. Notably, we report that the compliance procedure successfully identified and prevented the attempted laundering of a tiger (P. tigris) skeleton in 2018. We emphasise the utility of mixed-method protocols for the monitoring of compliance in CITES Appendix II export quota systems.

An accurate knowledge of anatomy, especially natural variation within individuals, is of vital clinical importance. Cadaver dissection during anatomical training may be a valuable introduction to pathology for undergraduate students, which can contribute greatly to a successful medical career. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent and type of pathology lesions in a cadaver population (n = 127) used for medical dissection. This was done to gauge whether sufficient pathology lesions representative of all the organ systems were present in the cadaver population to warrant the use of cadavers as an additional pathology learning resource. This study demonstrated a wide variety of pathology lesions in different organ systems. The respiratory system was most affected with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) lesions being the most common finding (seen in 76% of cadavers) followed by bronchopneumonia and emphysema. Other common pathology findings included atherosclerosis, colonic diverticula, and chronic pyelonephritis. Skeletal fractures and degenerative joint disease were also noted. This study shows that cadaveric dissection offers a chance to alert and expose students to a wide variety of gross pathology and histopathology. It has been suggested that most medical students will practice in primary health care and as such more attention should be given to the pathology of commonly encountered diseases. This is particularly true for developing countries, where diseases such as TB are commonly encountered. The integration of pathology into the dissection hall may therefore be beneficial to student learning while simultaneously optimizing the use of cadaver material.

Abstract Anthropogenic hybridization is an increasing conservation threat worldwide. In South Africa, recent hybridization is threatening numerous ungulate taxa. For example, the genetic integrity of the near‐threatened bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) is threatened by hybridization with the more common blesbok (D. p. phillipsi). Identifying nonadmixed parental and admixed individuals is challenging based on the morphological traits alone; however, molecular analyses may allow for accurate detection. Once hybrids are identified, population simulation software may assist in determining the optimal conservation management strategy, although quantitative evaluation of hybrid management is rarely performed. In this study, our objectives were to describe species‐wide and localized rates of hybridization in nearly 3,000 individuals based on 12 microsatellite loci, quantify the accuracy of hybrid assignment software (STRUCTURE and NEWHYBRIDS), and determine an optimal threshold of bontebok ancestry for management purposes. According to multiple methods, we identified 2,051 bontebok, 657 hybrids, and 29 blesbok. More than two‐thirds of locations contained at least some hybrid individuals, with populations varying in the degree of introgression. HYBRIDLAB was used to simulate four generations of coexistence between bontebok and blesbok, and to optimize a threshold of ancestry, where most hybrids will be detected and removed, and the fewest nonadmixed bontebok individuals misclassified as hybrids. Overall, a threshold Q‐value (admixture coefficient) of 0.90 would remove 94% of hybrid animals, while a threshold of 0.95 would remove 98% of hybrid animals but also 8% of nonadmixed bontebok. To this end, a threshold of 0.90 was identified as optimal and has since been implemented in formal policy by a provincial nature conservation agency. Due to widespread hybridization, effective conservation plans should be established and enforced to conserve native populations that are genetically unique.

We present a new modeling tool that can be used to maximize the impact of canine rabies management resources that are available at the local level. The model is accessible through a web-based interface that allows for flexibility in the management strategies that can be investigated. Rabies vaccination, sterilization, chemo-contraception, and euthanasia can be specified and limited to specific demographic groups. Additionally, we allowed for considerable complexity in the specification of management costs. In many areas, the costs of contacting additional dogs increases as management effort increases, and this can have important strategic implications. We illustrated the application of the model by examining several alternative management strategies in an area of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Our results based on this dog population suggested that puppies should be vaccinated and sterilization would not be optimal if the spatial extent of management is not large (and perhaps not even then). Furthermore, given a sufficient budget, it was evident that vaccination campaigns should be repeated annually.

This study examines the influence of gender and recall in terms of sponsor image and purchase intention in relation to the four international sponsors of the 2003 Cricket World Cup (CWC 2003). The research was conducted six months after the CWC 2003 among 120 university students. The hypothesis was that consumers who correctly recalled a particular brand as one of the four global sponsors of CWC 2003 would have a more positive image of that brand and a stronger intention of purchasing it than those who were not able to recall the brand as a sponsor. The findings supported this hypothesis for only one of the sponsor brands, namely LG. They also identified sizeable differences in the correlation between sponsor image and purchase intention for respondents in the two recall groups. Male and female respondents differed in their ability to recall two of the sponsor brands, but no gender differences were found in their scores on sponsor image or purchase intention.

In the past decade or so, vulnerability has become a fairly prominent concept in human rights law. It has evolved from being an underlying notion to an explicit concept. This column takes stock of vulnerability's relationship to, and possible influence on human rights law, assessing the concept's potential and pitfalls. It focuses on the not altogether unrelated issues of migrants' social rights and on the role of human rights in environmental protection. The discussion commences with a reflection on the potential of vulnerability to re-interrogate those aspects of the human rights paradigm that relate to environmental protection. The next section focuses on the potential of vulnerability to enhance migrants' social rights within human rights law. Subsequently, it focuses on the pitfalls and the difficulties of the vulnerability concept. It concludes by offering an outlook for the future of the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by members of the genus Lyssavirus and causes fatal encephalitis in warm-blooded vertebrates. Rabies has been previously confirmed in domestic dog populations in close proximity to the Kruger National Park (KNP) and can potentially threaten conservation efforts. Domestic dogs infected with rabies virus occasionally enter the KNP and may be a source of rabies exposure to wildlife. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if wild carnivores in the KNP have been exposed to rabies virus, based on the presence of antibodies. Serum samples from the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus) and banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) were tested for the presence of rabies-specific antibodies using the BioPro enzyme-linked immunoassay kit (BioPro ELISA kit). Selected sera were tested in parallel with the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation test (FAVNT). Of the 168 carnivore serum samples screened, eight (4.8%) had a percentage blocking (PB) = 40, indicating the presence of rabies-binding antibodies and confirmed with the FAVNT to be very low levels of rabies virus neutralising antibodies (range 0.00 IU/mL - 0.22 IU/mL). Rabies-binding antibodies detected by the BioPro ELISA kit and rabies virus neutralising antibodies shown by the FAVNT should however be interpreted with caution because of the lack of validation and species-specific cutoff values for wild carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abilities of grain legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen are well documented, but the non-N effects of incorporating legumes into cereal-based systems are poorly understood. Continuous cropping of maize is assumed to increase maize fungal root pathogens, but few studies have documented this in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, it was hypothesized that maize pathogen densities of F. oxysporum , F. verticillioides , F. equiseti , F. graminearum , F. chlamydosporum , C. eragostidis , M. phaseolina , Trichoderma spp., Pythium spp, Phoma spp, R. solani and E.pedicellatum are lower under legume-maize rotations than under continuous maize cropping, while fertilisation also affects pathogen densities. Field measurements were taken during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 summer growing seasons at two sites in South Africa to investigate the effect of crop rotation and fertilisation on densities of soil-borne fungal pathogens in maize. Densities of 12 pathogens on maize roots and crowns were investigated 110 days after planting using a modified DNA extraction method and qPCR technology. Maize following a legume had lower densities of F. graminearum , F. oxysporum, E. pedicellatum, and C. eragostidis at both localities. However, no consistent rotation effects were observed on densities of M. phaseolina, Trichoderma spp., Pythium spp., R. solani, Phoma spp., F. verticillioides and F. equiseti. Impacts of fertilisation on pathogen densities were also inconsistent depending on the site and season. This warrants for an integrated approach to fungal pathogen control in maize production. • Crop rotation with a grain legume suppresses some maize root fungal pathogens but does not eradicate them. • The impact of fertilisation on the suppression of maize root pathogens depends on seasons and localities. • Intermittent dry spell followed by high precipitation can favour some fungal pathogens irrespective of cropping system. • Effective control of maize root fungal pathogens requires a holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global financial crisis that started in the United States in 2008 assumed different forms in different regions. In Europe, it became a sovereign debt crisis, closely linked to the inequalities within the eurozone region. In some European countries, with Greece as the outstanding example, the crisis became a personal one for many citizens as they suffered the loss of savings, jobs, and other means of financial security. The immediately visible response on their part was public protests and the exercise of electoral choice (mostly) against then incumbent parties. We are interested in examining how citizens experienced the crisis. Our sample includes thirteen countries from across the world, all of which felt the impact of recession, but to varying degrees. We hypothesize that countries with a good stock or high level of social capital prior to the crisis have been more resilient in dealing with the crisis than those with lower levels of social capital. We also hypothesize that countries in which individuals registered high levels of internal locus of control before the crisis had a greater capacity to cope with the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education leaders maintain that the contemporary New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2007) offers opportunities for lateral innovation as learning becomes a collective, whole-school endeavour. This article argues that school guidance counsellors are well positioned to weave themselves into possibilities for lateral innovation when the counselling room becomes a place where students explore, discover, develop, practise, and strengthen key competencies in the context of the concerns and difficulties that bring them to counselling. Indeed, the language of The New Zealand Curriculum, with its focus on values and key competencies alongside learning areas and learning for life, has much in common with the language of counselling. The structure of The New Zealand Curriculumin fact brings guidance counsellors to the heart of the core purpose of schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisions feminist thinking from the point of view of seven practitioners/researchers currently working in New Zealand. It arises from embodied pain, passionate commitments, and a shared curiosity about purposeful feminism in our work. We explore the challenges for us as counsellors to express feminism in our practice in ways that will meet the needs of women and men. The article aims to challenge practice by performing a number of feminisms in response to particular contexts. It speaks our practices as women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors discuss the development of counselling practices at the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit in New Zealand. These developments arose from a study that invited former patients of the Spinal Unit to reflect on their experiences of counselling (or lack thereof) when they were newly injured. Centring patients' experiences opened space for illness and disability narratives to be storied. The repertoire of narratives includes hopes and losses that result from their spinal cord injury. This article also pays close attention to the practices of power in a medical setting such as a spinal unit, and the importance of making space for patients' local and cultural knowledges to be heard alongside specialised medical knowledges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the Terminal Operators Convention (TOC) in light of South Africa's environmental law regime. Entrenched in section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and environmental framework legislation, are environmental rights and responsibilities that may govern a terminal operator's activities, irrespective of other international environmental obligations. The article explains the role of a terminal operator and illustrates how his activities may harm the environment. The article also focuses on interpreting article 5(1) of the TOC by using some South African approaches of judicial interpretation. In particular, it considers whether under the TOC, a terminal operator could be liable for loss or damage to the environment. To facilitate this determination, a comprehensive study of the principle of remoteness, and the role it plays in determining the extent to which loss or damage can be covered, is made. In the final instance, this article examines the inadequacies of the TOC, the greatest being that it is unlikely to cover environmental loss and damage. The authors draw ideas from the TOC and other international environmental instruments, and propose that South Africa should promulgate suitable legislation that imposes rigorous liability on a terminal operator for damage caused to the environment through his/her activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]