Evaluating the Impacts of Human Activities on Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Large Mammals in Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.

Assessing Forest Cover Distribution, Species Diversity, and Richness of the Buffer Zone for Strategic Forest Management Planning for Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m2/ha and 46,540.82 m3/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.

Determining the Effects of Selected Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum: Var. Rio Grande Tomatoes) in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.

Framing Education-Civicness-Social Contract Nexus in Africa? The Case of South Sudan

This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical perspective that attributes the driver of civil wars to governance deficit that is manifested in absence of resilient social contract in terms of sustained agreement between citizens and state.We then ask the key question of whether and how education is linked to a resilient social contract.We found a wealth of evidence linking education and peacebuilding,and education and civicness,but a gap exists in the literature about the link between education and social contract.On the basis of a thorough review of theory and research on education,civicness,and social contract,we develop a theoretical framework to conceptually frame the nexus between education,civicness,resilient social contract,and sustainable peace.This framework is founded on the theory of state formation.Applying this framework to the case of South Sudan,we found that education through civicness makes students become key political stakeholders and more likely nurture a resilient social contract,which in turn sustains peace.The very low level of educated population in South Sudan might have contributed,among other factors,to limited demand for good governance that contributes to governance deficit,which perpetuates poor state-society relations,ineffective and exclusive institutions,and erosion of social cohesion,and interpersonal trust,factors central to resilient social contract.

The Discovery of a Green Wood Beetle Diastocera trifasciata(Coleoptera:Lamiinae)on Mango Tree in South Sudan

The green wood insect beetle which was later identified as Diastocera trifasciata((Fabricius)-tribus Ceropplesini,Coleoptera:Lamiinae)was found on September 18,2015,girdling a mango twig at Dr.John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology(Dr.JG-MUST)campus,Bor county,Jonglei state,Republic of South Sudan.The beetle D.trifasciata attacks young vigorous growing mango branches of more than 20-35 mm circumferences.Severely cut branches dried up and broken away especially when there was a strong blowing wind or just remained dry,hung on the tree.Although this incidence may seem not to pose a significant economic threat at the moment,the authors keenly advocate for proactive pest surveillances,monitoring and evaluating its spread,impact damage level caused on mango plants in most areas of high mango productivity and developing control strategy that will prevent further devastations of mango trees,guarantee high fruit yields and ensure food security in South Sudan.

The Contending Claim Over Abyei by Sudan and South Sudan:Challenges Ahead

This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the conflictin Abyei as natural resource conflict or identity-driven within a broader picture of conflicts in Sudan are factuallyflawed and poorly explained the nature and causes of the conflict. This paper contends that multiplicity of factorshas reinforced each other, thus these factors in unison created a stalemate and continuing claim over Abyei. Inexamining these interwoven factors, the paper employed a qualitative approach to conduct the study. Both primaryand secondary data sources were used adequately. Various academic pieces of literature, researches, and conferencereports have been used as secondary data sources. Key informant interviews were used to gather primary data totest secondary sources. Hence, the study comes up with three basic findings. First, claim over Abyei has beensustained by the elites’ manipulation of identity for their political and economic goals that hinder peacefulco-existence among communities in Abyei. Second, the competition over resources chiefly oil and locally, pastureand water complicated already fragile and tense relation by alluring national actors that even more protractedconflict on the ground to control these resources. Finally, the double standard in U.S. policy towards Abyei, by andlarge, helps Khartoum to continue its obstruction tactics to maintain the status quo.

South Sudan Peace Plan

Africa the first port of call on their trips abroad every year. This year was no exception. In January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Kenya, Sudan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo （DRC） to implement the results of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang＇s Africa visits in 2013 and 2014 respectively. It was a trip during which hard questions were asked.

Pregnancy Outcomes of the Internally Displaced Women in Juba, South Sudan

Background: Conflict and displacement substantially affect maternal reproductive health by increasing the risks formorbidity and mortality. However, most literature on pregnancy outcomes is from cross-border refugees and migrants. To date, scanty literature is available on pregnancy outcomes of internally displaced women. South Sudan, with 16 women dying daily is badly affected by internal conflicts of which by the end of December 2013 about 2.2 million people were internally displaced. The aim of this study was to determine pregnancy outcomes of women living in the United Nations House Internally Displaced People (UN IDP) camp and factors associated with poor outcomes. The study was ethically cleared by MUHAS and the Ministry of Health in South Sudan. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in UN House IDP Camp in Juba among internally displaced women who attended antenatal services in the camp, from September to November 2016. Among them, women who became pregnant in last 3 years, excluding the index, were interviewed about their immediate past pregnancy experiences. Additionally, the women were interviewed on reproductive health and gender violence matters. Interviews were guided by a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed for associations with poor pregnancy outcome. Results: A total of 300 internally displaced women participated in the study. Data for 289 participants were analyzed for poor pregnancy outcome. More than half of the women, 157 (54.3%), had poor pregnancy outcome. Poor Maternal outcome was established in 47% of the women and poor fetal outcome in 27.7%. Delivery in IDP camp compared with outside the camp, was independently associated with a 3-fold increase in risk for poor pregnancy outcome, OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 1.47 - 5.56). Conclusion: The prevalence of poor pregnancy outcome is unacceptably high among internally displaced women seeking antenatal services in the IDP camp in Juba and delivery in the camp seems to increase the risk.

The effect of bi-annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin on the incidence of epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic villages in South Sudan:a study protocol

Background:Nodding syndrome(NS)is a devastating epileptic illness of unknown aetiology mainly affecting children 5-15 years of age.Head nodding distinguishes NS from other forms of epilepsy.Other manifestations of the illness include mental and physical growth retardation.Many children die as a result of falling in fires or drowning.Recently,it was shown that NS is only one of the phenotypic presentations of onchocerciasis associated epilepsy(OAE).Despite the strong epidemiological association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis,the causal mechanism is unknown.After implementation of bi-annual community directed treatment with ivermectin(CDTi)and larviciding of rivers in northern Uganda,new cases of NS have ceased,while new cases continue to emerge in South Sudanese onchocerciasis-endemic areas with an interrupted CDTi programme.This study is designed to evaluate the potential effects of bi-annual CDTi on reducing the incidence of NS/OAE in onchocerciasisendemic areas in South Sudan.Methods:A pre-intervention door-to-door population-based household survey will be conducted in selected onchocerciasis-endemic villages in Mundri and Maridi Counties,which have a high prevalence of epilepsy.Using a validated questionnaire,the entire village will be screened by community research assistants for suspected epilepsy cases.Suspected cases will be interviewed and examined by a trained clinical officer or medical doctor who will confirm or reject the diagnosis of epilepsy.Bi-annual CDTi will be implemented in the villages and a surveillance system for epilepsy set up.By implementing an epilepsy onchocerciasis awareness campaign we expect to obtain>90%CDTi coverage of eligible individuals.The door-to-door survey will be repeated two years after the baseline survey.The incidence of NS/OAE will be compared before and after bi-annual CDTi.Discussion:Our study is the first population-based study to evaluate the effect of bi-annual CDTi to reduce the incidence of NS/OAE.If the study demonstrates such a reduction,these findings are expected to motivate communities in onchocerciasis-endemic regions to participate in CDTi,and will encourage policy makers,funders and other stakeholders to increase their efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis.

What did we learn from preparing for cross-border transmission of Ebola virus disease into a complex humanitarian setting-The Republic of South Sudan?

Background:Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease(EVD)outbreak(2013-2016),WHO developed a preparedness checklist for its member states.This checklist is currently being applied for the first time on a large and systematic scale to prepare for the cross border importation of the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo hence the need to document the lessons learnt from this experience.This is more pertinent considering the complex humanitarian context and weak health system under which some of the countries such as the Republic of South Sudan are implementing their EVD preparedness interventions.Main text:We identified four main lessons from the ongoing EVD preparedness efforts in the Republic South Sudan.First,EVD preparedness is possible in complex humanitarian settings such as the Republic of South Sudan by using a longer-term health system strengthening approach.Second,the Republic of South Sudan is at risk of both domestic and cross border transmission of EVD and several other infectious disease outbreaks hence the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to outbreak preparedness in the country.Third,a phased and well-prioritized approach is required for EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings given the costs associated with preparedness and the difficulties in the accurate prediction of outbreaks in such settings.Fourth,EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings is a massive undertaking that requires effective and decentralized coordination.Conclusion:Despite a very challenging context,the Republic of South Sudan made significant progress in its EVD preparedness drive demonstrating that it is possible to rapidly scale up preparedness efforts in complex humanitarian contexts if appropriate and context-specific approaches are used.Further research,systematic reviews and evaluation of the ongoing preparedness efforts are required to ensure comprehensive documentation and application of the lessons learnt for future EVD outbreak preparedness and response efforts.

苏丹Muglad盆地下白垩统原油破坏作用及黏度变化规律——以Fula凹陷Jake south油田Bentiu油藏为例

苏丹Muglad盆地Fula凹陷Jake south油田在生产过程中发现下白垩统Bentiu油藏原油性质差异较大,且原油性质变化机理不清,为油藏开发带来较大困难。综合测井、试油、原油性质、原油全烃色谱、质量色谱等资料,对Bentiu油藏原油破坏作用及黏度变化规律进行了研究,结果表明,Bentiu油藏原油性质变化的主要因素为生物降解作用,水洗作用影响较弱,氧化作用影响最弱。在各种原油破坏作用影响下,由油藏油水界面处至油藏顶部,原油破坏作用逐渐减弱,破坏作用逐渐变小,API重度值逐渐升高,黏度逐渐降低。通过数理统计方法建立了Bentiu油藏50℃脱气原油黏度与其距油水界面的垂直距离、地层深电阻率、密度曲线的线性关系式,计算结果可为油藏数值模拟提供数据支持。

联合国南苏丹西部战区维和人员肌肉骨骼疾病的分析

目的评估联合国南苏丹特派团西部战区维和人员肌肉骨骼疾病(musculoskeletal injuries,MSIs)的类型和诊疗特点。方法回顾性分析2021-12/2022-12月期间某国工兵营一级医院、某国步兵营一级医院、某战区一级医院和某国二级医院MSIs患者的临床资料,调查并分析MSIs的类型、诊断和治疗情况。结果共接诊来自超过40个国家的374例MSIs患者,其中男性261例,女性113例,平均年龄37.83岁。MSIs主要致病机制为慢性退变性疾病(32.89%,123/374)、运动相关疾病(28.34%,106/374)和工作相关疾病(21.66%,81/374)。MSIs主要的发病部位腰(20.32%,76/374)、膝关节(13.64%,51/374)和颈(12.83%,48/374)。MSIs最常见病因为腰肌劳损,共有122例。一级医院MSIs主要的治疗方式为非甾体类抗炎药(nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs,NSAIDs)治疗(44.86%),40%(74/185)的患者转移至上级医院,而二级医院MSIs主要治疗方式为NSAIDs(26.98%)、康复理疗(24.87%)和石膏固定(16.93%)。结论MSIs是联合国南苏丹特派团西部战区维和人员最常见的疾病,应根据MSIs类型和诊疗特点,充分准备相应的防治药物和医疗器械,并做好突发危重疾病的诊疗和后送预案。

南苏丹Melut盆地北部地区中—新生界稠油成藏模式及勘探潜力

南苏丹Melut盆地北部地区发育多种类型的稠油油藏,勘探开发前景广阔。通过油源对比、油气运聚模拟,对Melut盆地北部地区中—新生界稠油油藏类型进行了划分,并分析了不同层系稠油油藏的成藏模式及主控因素。研究结果表明:①Melut盆地北部地区发育5种类型的稠油油藏,分别为新近系Jimidi组构造-岩性稠油油藏、古近系Yabus组断块稠油油藏和地层不整合稠油油藏、白垩系Galhak组上倾尖灭岩性稠油油藏、基岩潜山裂缝稠油油藏。②新近系Jimidi组稠油油藏成因为次生型,具有远源断层-不整合面运移的成藏特征,为构造-岩性油藏,Gandool,Dabass和Jammam等地区是有利的稠油聚集区。③古近系Yabus组稠油油藏为次生型成因,其中地层不整合稠油油藏勘探潜力有限,断块稠油油藏具有远源断层-砂体阶梯式运移的成藏特征,盆缘Jammam断阶带是稠油勘探的有利区带。④白垩系Galhak组地层-岩性稠油油藏为原生型成因,主要受控于近源未熟—低熟烃源岩,凹陷斜坡高部位辫状河三角洲前缘是地层-岩性稠油油藏发育的主要相带。

Review of China-Sudan Oil Cooperation

There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil development in both Sudan and South Sudan.China,Sudan and South Sudan will continue to benefit from collaboration in petroleum industry.

南苏丹境内裂谷盆地源上构造-岩性油藏成藏主控因素与成藏模式

以钻井、测井及三维地震资料等为基础,通过岩心分析、连井对比、油气运聚模拟、地震反演及多信息叠合等方法,从油源条件、储-盖组合和输导体系3个方面对南苏丹境内Melut和Muglad 2个裂谷盆地源上构造-岩性油藏成藏的主控因素进行了分析,并探讨了成藏模式。研究结果表明:①Melut和Muglad盆地均发育早白垩世第Ⅰ裂陷期优质烃源岩,厚度大、面积广、有机质类型好、成熟度适中,具有良好的油源条件;Melut盆地古近系Yabus组、新近系Jimidi组和Muglad盆地白垩系Aradeiba组发育三角洲相和河流相沉积,河道和水下分流河道微相砂体的含砂率、砂岩厚度均适中,且不同层序内河道的河型存在垂向演化,发育泛滥平原和水下分流间湾微相局部封隔带,形成多套源上砂泥互层储-盖组合,为形成规模构造-岩性圈闭提供了条件;边界控盆断裂与盆缘斜坡区控凹断裂是沟通主力烃源岩与源上目的层的主要油气垂向运移通道,源上层段发育的多期不整合面和富砂地层形成了多个侧向优势运移路径(输导脊),油源断裂与输导脊耦合控制Melut和Muglad盆地源上构造-岩性油藏的有利区带。②Melut盆地Yabus组、Jimidi组以及Muglad盆地Aradeiba组具备形成源上规模构造-岩性油藏的石油地质条件,成藏模式可分为“断裂垂向运移型”、“断裂垂向运移-不整合面侧向输导型”和“断裂垂向运移-连通砂体侧向输导型”3种。

南苏丹小学数学新旧课程标准比较研究

采用定性与定量结合的方法,系统地对南苏丹①小学数学新旧课标进行比较分析,结果表明:在整体框架结构方面,新课标研制要素更加多元化,操作性更强,具备更强的规范与指导功能;在课程理念与课程目标方面,新课标更契合南苏丹实际;在课程内容方面,新课标不仅在学习内容领域划分上更为科学、合理,而且在内容编排方面更好地体现了数学知识体系中各领域之间的逻辑联系,实现了“放低起点、减缓坡度、降低难度”的编写要求。此外,新课标增加的三个特色专题,使得课程知识体系的横向与纵向组织之间更加均衡,适切性更强。总之,与旧课标相比,新课标在整体框架方面呈现出新的特点,在课程理念、课程目标、课程内容等方面均有新的发展。

苏丹—南苏丹Muglad盆地构造对油气成藏控制作用研究

本文通过对苏丹—南苏丹Muglad盆地盆地结构、构造演化、构造特征、主要圈闭类型、不同类型反向断块圈闭形成机制等研究,深入探讨了Muglad盆地构造对油气成藏的控制作用。研究表明,反向断块圈闭是Muglad盆地最主要的圈闭类型,而主力产油区块1、2、4区主要发育两种类型的反向断块圈闭。一种是古隆起及斜坡区应力调节作用下的反向断块圈闭,该类型反向断块圈闭构造背景相对稳定,加之斜坡或古隆起区有利于油气聚集,是研究区最有利的成藏构造。另一种为凯康槽两侧同沉积断裂带内因中非剪切带走滑扭动作用形成的局部反向断块圈闭,该类型反向断块圈闭受凯康槽边界断裂多期强烈活动影响具有保存难、不易成藏的特点。另外,凯康槽两侧盆地结构及构造演化差异进一步决定了油气平面富集差异。凯康槽东侧Shelungo、Bamboo和Unity隆起带的发育及相对稳定的构造背景为油气富集创造了良好的圈闭和保存条件;而凯康槽西侧不发育类似的隆起带,由西部斜坡和西部断阶带组成。西部斜坡反向断层不发育,西部断阶带多期强烈活动使得凯康槽西侧油气发育程度整体不如东侧。受西部断阶带的多期改造,西部斜坡区具有多层系成藏的特点。

砂质辫状河储层隔夹层分布模式及其对边底水运移的影响——以南苏丹P油田Fal块为例

基于野外露头与南苏丹P油田Fal块砂质辫状河储层的地质特征对比,选取山西省大同市吴官屯砂质辫状河露头剖面为原始模型,通过实测地质剖面记录的方法对其进行详细解剖,明确砂质辫状河储层中隔夹层的成因类型,建立隔夹层分布模式,并以此为指导分别从隔层和夹层的角度,对Fal块边底水油藏中水体的运移规律进行研究。结果表明,砂质辫状河储层中发育河底滞留泥砾沉积、废弃河道细粒沉积、泛滥平原细粒沉积、落淤披覆泥沉积和侧积泥沉积共5种成因类型的隔夹层。以单期砂质辫状河河道为基本单元,建立隔夹层分布模式,即废弃河道细粒沉积与河道砂体互相叠置;泛滥平原细粒沉积向河道外侧不断延伸;落淤披覆泥、侧积泥和河底滞留泥砾沉积受后期冲刷改造充填于河道砂体内部。基于建立的砂质辫状河储层隔夹层分布模式,指出Fal块砂质辫状河储层中以泛滥平原细粒沉积为主的隔层分布是影响底水突进程度的主要因素,夹层发育频率越高对边水的遮挡作用越强。