Avin Pillay

Fluorimetric Determination of Aluminium using Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA): State of Our Art and Future Developments

Abstract This paper describes some of our recent advances and proposed future work in the area of fluorimetric determination of Al using sequential injection analysis (SIA). A rapid, automated system was developed with turnover times for sample analysis of <2 min, and attainable limits of detection of <1 ng/mL. The method is cost‐effective and highly competitive. It utilizes three different approaches: (i) molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs); (ii) micellar enhanced treatment; and (iii) renewable surface application. The merits and limitations of each approach are discussed, and the optimum conditions of analysis are presented. The overall sensitivity achieved was more than adequate for general analysis. Proposed new developments involve greater signal enhancement, and improved analytical strategy. The facility is capable of routine application, and is highly beneficial to developing countries in need of cost‐effective techniques for analysis of environmental samples, body fluids, and foodstuffs.

After invention of the h-index, is there a place for the teaching track in academic promotion?

Academic promotions in universities are often decided upon an evaluation of a candidate’s achievement in three areas: research, teaching and service. Since the invention of the h-index in 2005 (Hirsch, 2005), the direction of academic promotion has changed because research performance in some areas of academia can now be evaluated by a citation index. Much has been written on the h-index and its influence on academic performance (Bornmann & Daniel, 2007; Glanzel, 2006; Kelly & Jennions, 2006; Pillay, 2013). In connection with academic promotion, Pillay points out: ‘generally, research output is weighted heaviest and plays a key role in determining the outcome of promotion’ (Pillay, 2013). In this Points for Debate piece, we will critically examine this emphasis on research, and consider arguments in favour of, and opposed to, introducing a ‘teaching track’ for those university teachers who define themselves primarily as educators rather than as researchers. Management concerns about a teaching track in our own institution tend to be linked to the perception that such a track would be an easier and less prestigious option that may in the long-term damage an institution’s reputation. An allied concern is that other universities in the UAE do not have a similar track. Being a regional leader can be seen as a plus but in the case of promotions the possible perception that one institution is setting up an easy option is also a potential deterrent for management. In other contexts such as Australia, teaching-focused appointments are increasingly common, but doubts have been raised about the parity of status between teaching and research tracks. Nonetheless, Probert (2013, p. 17) states that ‘[i]t is now theoretically possible, in nearly every university, to be promoted without a strong disciplinary research track record’. In this piece, we argue that ‘promotion without a strong disciplinary research track record’ is likely to exacerbate the problems raised by management. In our view, the teaching track may match and perhaps even exceed the rigour of other promotion tracks that use performance-based indicators such as the h-index and its variants. There is a misguided conception that promotion via the teaching track entails a rise in academic rank solely by participating in classroom teaching. Of course, classroom teaching and the general art of pedagogy forms one important aspect of this track, but it is necessary to make the distinction between everyday classroom activities, and activities that holistically determine the academic profile of a candidate who prosecutes scholarly research for the fundamental purpose of enhancing pedagogy. The

The contribution of CO2 emissions to environmental stress in the Middle East: challenges and potential solutions

The increasing demand for water and electricity in the Middle East causes environmental stress. Along with the industrial sector, desalination and power plants are linked to fossil fuel combustion, which is chiefly responsible for increased carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of certain sustainable development indicators (such as the ecological footprint) has led to growing concern. This paper presents some of the challenges facing the transition to sustainable development.

Report: 2nd World Future Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi, 19–21 January 2009

The Masdar Initiative, host of the 2nd World Future Energy Summit, 2009 (WFES), was launched by Abu Dhabi’s Government in 2006 and aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in renewable energy. WFES 2009 was the world’s largest conference and exhibition on renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, investments, policy and vision. The summit successfully brought together leading experts in the fields of climate change and alternative energy to present plans and strategies for clean energy solutions. The event was widely publicised and signalled the dawn of a new era for future energy. It was supported by more than 16,000 delegates and guests, and about 350 corporate bodies specialising in green technologies. The event showcased a fascinating display of new ideas and future technologies by a broad array of entrepreneurs and innovators. A hybrid fuel‐efficient SUV, advanced energy‐saving LED lighting and humanoid service robots to assist in constructing green homes were some of the innovations. The presence of royal personages and more than 100 ministers, senior government officials and corporate leaders made the event truly spectacular. Masdar was at the centre of a revolutionary initiative to propel the world into the age of future energy [1].

Climate change and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration: an African perspective

Since 1990 carbon dioxide emissions in Africa have increased by about 50%. The total carbon dioxide emissions of the entire African continent are not, however, anywhere near those of countries such as India or China. Yet certain African countries have per capita emissions comparable to some European countries. What is the outlook for Africa? How should African countries respond as it becomes increasingly likely that climate change is occurring? Increased industrial growth and more foreign investment in Africa, especially in countries that are politically and economically stable, have led to huge commercial developments such as the In Salah gas project in Algeria, which releases more than a million tons of carbon dioxide annually; and synthetic fuel plants and power stations in South Africa that generate more than 350 million tons per year. In this perspective should some African countries be required to limit greenhouse gas emissions or should they be immune to ‘environmental taxation’? This paper critically reviews the carbon dioxide problem in some parts of Africa and its role in climate change.

Rapid evaluation of the extent in micro-degradation of protective coatings using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)

The durability of coatings used to protect base materials can be affected by environmental factors and degradation mechanisms including thermal decomposition, catalytic decomposition, bio-disintegration, chemical corrosion and mechanical scission. LA-ICP-MS is often used for the analysis of the trace elements to understand the degradation mechanism. This article extends the use of the LA-ICP-MS for the determination of the extent of coating degradation. The method is particularly useful for the rapid evaluation of conventional overlay metal-coatings at micron and sub-micron levels in applications such as pipelines commonly found in the oil and gas industry.

The Vanishing Face of Gaia: A Final Warning

fields of scientific study in terms of well reasoned categories, related to real life, provoking critical thinking in an ecological context. The book also has bold, clear figures, illustrations and a number of engaging textual features. The 27 chapters are good from the first ‘An Introduction to Ecology’ to the last ‘Ecosystem Health and Human Impacts’. While almost every chapter touches in some way on human involvement in ecology, the first 17 chapters focus largely on the natural processes that constitute ecological interaction and the last four chapters specifically on human interactions with ecosystems. Sub-chapters are also well defined and are designed to provide understanding of components. They each build to a fuller picture of the topic at hand. In the preface, Krebs distinguishes between scientific study and public advocacy of related issues. It is a line he follows with responsibility and accuracy throughout. He demonstrates how ecological tenets and principles are drawn from empirical study and how they are represented in the context of advocacy for certain issues. A reverence for scientific method is an underlying theme. This enhances the value of this textbook to students new to the sciences and to those who remain sceptical of the relevance of ecology to public policy and planning. Some of the innovative and useful features of this book include:

Production of cosmetics and fishmeal from mercury‐contaminated fish‐extracts prior to waste disposal on municipal dump sites

The potential effect of deploying mercury‐contaminated fish‐extracts for the manufacture of cosmetics and fishmeal, and discarding the ensuing waste material on municipal dumps was investigated. Our study showed that some levels in fishmeal were elevated and could exceed 600 µg/kg; while the concentrations in fish‐oil (for cosmetics production) and fish‐water (dumped) were appreciable and reached levels of 16 and 12 µg/kg, respectively. Samples, collected from a central production plant were analysed directly by the cold‐vapour atomic absorption method. The method was validated by the use of standard addition, and acceptable relative standard deviations, well within ±5% were attained. Possible safety and remedial measures are discussed