The Delphi technique is a method of collecting opinion on a particular research question. It is based on the premise that pooled intelligence enhances individual judgement and captures the collective opinion of a group of experts without being physically assembled. The conventional Delphi uses a series of questionnaires to generate expert opinion in an anonymous fashion and takes place over a series of rounds. The technique is becoming a popular strategy that straddles both quantitative and qualitative realms. Issues that are critical to its validity are the development of the questionnaire; definition of consensus and how to interpret non-consensus; criteria for and selection of the expert panel; sample size; and data analysis. The authors used the Delphi technique to assist with making recommendations regarding education and training for medical practitioners working in district hospitals in South Africa. The objective of this Delphi was to obtain consensus opinion on content and methods relating to the maintenance of competence of these doctors. They believe the experience gained from their work may be useful for other health science education researchers wishing to use the Delphi method.

Globally, the number of recreational fishers is sizeable and increasing in many countries. Associated with this trend is the potential for negative impacts on fish stocks through exploitation or management measures such as stocking and introduction of non-native fishes. Nevertheless, recreational fishers can be instrumental in successful fisheries conservation through active involvement in, or initiation of, conservation projects to reduce both direct and external stressors contributing to fishery declines. Understanding fishers' concerns for sustained access to the resource and developing methods for their meaningful participation can have positive impacts on conservation efforts. We examined a suite of case studies that demonstrate successful involvement of recreational fishers in conservation and management activities that span developed and developing countries, temperate and tropical regions, marine and freshwater systems, and open- and closed-access fisheries. To illustrate potential benefits and challenges of involving recreational fishers in fisheries management and conservation, we examined the socioeconomic and ecological contexts of each case study. We devised a conceptual framework for the engagement of recreational fishers that targets particular types of involvement (enforcement, advocacy, conservation, management design [type and location], research, and monitoring) on the basis of degree of stakeholder stewardship, scale of the fishery, and source of impacts (internal or external). These activities can be enhanced by incorporating local knowledge and traditions, taking advantage of leadership and regional networks, and creating collaborations among various stakeholder groups, scientists, and agencies to maximize the probability of recreational fisher involvement and project success.

Human activities have severely affected the condition of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Physical alteration, habitat loss, water withdrawal, pollution, overexploitation and the introduction of nonnative species all contribute to the decline in freshwater species. Today, freshwater species are, in general, at higher risk of extinction than those in forests, grasslands and coastal ecosystems. For North America alone, the projected extinction rate for freshwater fauna is five times greater than that for terrestrial fauna-a rate comparable to the species loss in tropical rainforest. Because many of these extinctions go unseen, the level of assessment and knowledge of the status and trends of freshwater species are still very poor, with species going extinct before they are even taxonomically classified.Increasing human population growth and achieving the sustainable development targets set forth in 2002 will place even higher demands on the already stressed freshwater ecosystems, unless an integrated approach to managing water for people and ecosystems is implemented by a broad constituency. To inform and implement policies that support an integrated approach to water management, as well as to measure progress in halting the rapid decline in freshwater species, basinlevel indicators describing the condition and threats to freshwater ecosystems and species are required. This paper discusses the extent and quality of data available on the number and size of populations of freshwater species, as well as the change in the extent and condition of natural freshwater habitats. The paper presents indicators that can be applied at multiple scales, highlighting the usefulness of using remote sensing and geographical information systems technologies to fill some of the existing information gaps. Finally, the paper includes an analysis of major data gaps and information needs with respect to freshwater species to measure progress towards the 2010 biodiversity targets.

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This randomized open-label trial was designed to provide preliminary immunogenicity and safety data to support development of the pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for adults. The aims were to: identify an age-appropriate PCV13 formulation, i.e., with (n = 309) or without (n = 304) aluminum phosphate (AlPO 4); compare the selected PCV13 formulation (n = 309) with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23; n = 301); and, together with an extension study, assess sequential use of pneumococcal vaccines at 1-year intervals in adults aged ≥65 years (n = 105) not pre-vaccinated with PPSV23. Immune responses were measured by ELISA and opsonophagocytic activity assays 1 month postvaccination. Immunoglobulin G responses elicited by PCV13 with AlPO 4 and PCV13 without AlPO 4 were similar for the majority, and noninferior for all PCV13 serotypes. PCV13 with AlPO 4 was generally more reactogenic, with reactions mainly mild or moderate. Thus, PCV13 with AlPO 4 (hereafter PCV13) became the selected formulation. Immune responses to PCV13 were noninferior for all but one serotype and for most PCV13 serotypes superior to PPSV23. Vaccine sequence assessments showed that for PCV13/PPSV23, the initial PCV13 dose generally enhanced responses to a subsequent PPSV23 dose, compared with PPSV23 alone. For PCV13/PCV13, a second dose did not enhance the first dose response when given after 1 year. For PCV13/PPSV23/PCV13, priming with PCV13 (vaccination 1) did not protect against lower responses induced by PPSV23 to subsequent PCV13 (vaccination 3). In conclusion, the pediatric PCV13 formulation with AlPO 4 is well tolerated and immunogenic in adults, is generally more immunogenic than PPSV23, and subsequent vaccination with PPSV23 is possible if required.