Nagoya Protocol and Africa’s willingness to share biological control agents, are we deterred by barriers instead of using opportunities to work together?
- Ivey, Philip J, Hill, Martin P, Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack, Weaver, Kim N
- Authors: Ivey, Philip J , Hill, Martin P , Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack , Weaver, Kim N
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418040 , vital:71503 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-023-10184-8"
- Description: Amongst members of the biological control community there is a range of perceptions regarding the Nagoya Protocol, at best it will hinder access to natural enemies of pests and invasive plants and at worst implementation of the Protocol will prevent access to these resources. In this preliminary study of Africa’s preparedness to implement the Nagoya Protocol and control access to potential biological control agents, we found that several countries have not yet established procedures and policies in this regard. Several factors including lack of awareness, insufficient relevant information and lack of capacity may cause delay in countries implementing access and benefit sharing legislation and processes. The lack of preparedness provides an opportunity for the research community to work with government officials to facilitate future access to natural enemies to act as biological control agents on invasive plants and agricultural pests. Collaboration between researchers, managers and bureaucrats in support of African countries could lead to collective action that develops policies and implements processes to foster exploration of African biodiversity. This collaboration could also foster the sharing of biological control agents that will benefit Africa through integrated pest management in agriculture, protection of human lives and livelihoods, and reduction of the impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity and environmental infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ivey, Philip J , Hill, Martin P , Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack , Weaver, Kim N
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418040 , vital:71503 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-023-10184-8"
- Description: Amongst members of the biological control community there is a range of perceptions regarding the Nagoya Protocol, at best it will hinder access to natural enemies of pests and invasive plants and at worst implementation of the Protocol will prevent access to these resources. In this preliminary study of Africa’s preparedness to implement the Nagoya Protocol and control access to potential biological control agents, we found that several countries have not yet established procedures and policies in this regard. Several factors including lack of awareness, insufficient relevant information and lack of capacity may cause delay in countries implementing access and benefit sharing legislation and processes. The lack of preparedness provides an opportunity for the research community to work with government officials to facilitate future access to natural enemies to act as biological control agents on invasive plants and agricultural pests. Collaboration between researchers, managers and bureaucrats in support of African countries could lead to collective action that develops policies and implements processes to foster exploration of African biodiversity. This collaboration could also foster the sharing of biological control agents that will benefit Africa through integrated pest management in agriculture, protection of human lives and livelihoods, and reduction of the impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity and environmental infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Nature-Connectedness and Well-Being Experienced During Best and Worst Times of Life: A Case for Safeguarding Biocultural Diversity
- Møller, Valerie, Cocks, Michelle L, Vetter, Susanne M
- Authors: Møller, Valerie , Cocks, Michelle L , Vetter, Susanne M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426516 , vital:72359 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-023-03063-3"
- Description: South Africa boasts some of the richest diversity of fauna and flora in the world; it also claims to be a world in one country given its cultural diversity. In a time of climate change, rapid population growth and urbanisation, the country’s natural resources as well as its cultural diversity are under threat. We report a multi-dimensional survey conducted among Xhosa-speaking people in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, that collected detailed information on indigenous knowledge of nature and its impact on cultural practices and well-being. Survey respondents included both rural and urban dwellers, a majority of whom professed to be Christians who also held traditional religious beliefs and acknowledged the ancestors. Survey respondents described their Best and Worst periods of life in line with Bernheim’s Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment, and indicated whether going into nature had contributed to their Best life experience and helped them to cope during their Worst one. Being in nature typically contributed to well-being across many of the Best social domains of life, such as celebrations with family, personal achievements and milestones in life, including traditional rites of passage to adulthood. Deaths in the family represented by far the most common Worst experience in life when going into nature often provided comfort and solace. Findings suggest that experience of the multiple benefits of being in nature may be universal across cultures and that many traditional Xhosa religious beliefs and cultural practices go hand in hand with access and exposure to nature that enhances well-being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Møller, Valerie , Cocks, Michelle L , Vetter, Susanne M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426516 , vital:72359 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-023-03063-3"
- Description: South Africa boasts some of the richest diversity of fauna and flora in the world; it also claims to be a world in one country given its cultural diversity. In a time of climate change, rapid population growth and urbanisation, the country’s natural resources as well as its cultural diversity are under threat. We report a multi-dimensional survey conducted among Xhosa-speaking people in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, that collected detailed information on indigenous knowledge of nature and its impact on cultural practices and well-being. Survey respondents included both rural and urban dwellers, a majority of whom professed to be Christians who also held traditional religious beliefs and acknowledged the ancestors. Survey respondents described their Best and Worst periods of life in line with Bernheim’s Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment, and indicated whether going into nature had contributed to their Best life experience and helped them to cope during their Worst one. Being in nature typically contributed to well-being across many of the Best social domains of life, such as celebrations with family, personal achievements and milestones in life, including traditional rites of passage to adulthood. Deaths in the family represented by far the most common Worst experience in life when going into nature often provided comfort and solace. Findings suggest that experience of the multiple benefits of being in nature may be universal across cultures and that many traditional Xhosa religious beliefs and cultural practices go hand in hand with access and exposure to nature that enhances well-being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Performance and field host range of the life stages of Cornops aquaticum, a biological control agent of water hyacinth
- Franceschini, M Celeste, Hill, Martin P, Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela, Gervazoni, Paula B, Sabater, Lara M, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: Franceschini, M Celeste , Hill, Martin P , Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela , Gervazoni, Paula B , Sabater, Lara M , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424814 , vital:72186 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13354"
- Description: Host specificity determination of weed biocontrol agents has historically relied on evidence generated through quarantine trials in the region of introduction. These trials could give ‘false positive’ results due to a maximum type I error probability, and where possible, more research under field conditions should be conducted in the region of origin. The oligophagous, semiaquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tetrataeniini), was released in South Africa for the biological control of Pontederia crassipes Pellegrini and Horn (Pontederiaceae). The aim of this study was to assess how the performance and field host range of C. aquaticum varies according to its stages of development, and how this contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the fundamental (laboratory-based) and the ecological (field-based) host range of this grasshopper, and its implications for water hyacinth biocontrol. We conducted post-release laboratory no-choice trials, confining early instars (instars 1 and 2), later instars (instars 3–6), and adult females and males in mesh cages, to determine insect performance on wetland plants growing in sympatry with P. crassipes. Also, gut analysis from field-collected C. aquaticum was done to determine the ecological host range of this insect, identifying epidermal tissue of consumed plants. In no-choice trials, survival rates of the later instars and adult C. aquaticum were similar on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. and Kunth) Lye (Cyperaceae), and P. crassipes. However, under field conditions, P. crassipes and the congeneric Pontederia azurea Sw. were the only plant contents in the guts of early instars and the most abundant species in later instars and adults. The results support the hypothesis that C. aquaticum is an oligophagous insect on the genus Pontederia, and that different life stages should be considered when conducting host-specificity trials in externally feeding mobile herbivore species. Diet composition of field-collected insects thus could help detect false positives in laboratory trials, being an additional and realistic approach in understanding and predicting the selection processes of the insect in the new environment. Retrospective analysis of potential agents that were rejected due to lack of host-specificity, using the methods from this study, could add a suite of additional agents to programs where invasive weeds remain unmanaged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Franceschini, M Celeste , Hill, Martin P , Fuentes-Rodríguez, Daniela , Gervazoni, Paula B , Sabater, Lara M , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424814 , vital:72186 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13354"
- Description: Host specificity determination of weed biocontrol agents has historically relied on evidence generated through quarantine trials in the region of introduction. These trials could give ‘false positive’ results due to a maximum type I error probability, and where possible, more research under field conditions should be conducted in the region of origin. The oligophagous, semiaquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tetrataeniini), was released in South Africa for the biological control of Pontederia crassipes Pellegrini and Horn (Pontederiaceae). The aim of this study was to assess how the performance and field host range of C. aquaticum varies according to its stages of development, and how this contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the fundamental (laboratory-based) and the ecological (field-based) host range of this grasshopper, and its implications for water hyacinth biocontrol. We conducted post-release laboratory no-choice trials, confining early instars (instars 1 and 2), later instars (instars 3–6), and adult females and males in mesh cages, to determine insect performance on wetland plants growing in sympatry with P. crassipes. Also, gut analysis from field-collected C. aquaticum was done to determine the ecological host range of this insect, identifying epidermal tissue of consumed plants. In no-choice trials, survival rates of the later instars and adult C. aquaticum were similar on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. and Kunth) Lye (Cyperaceae), and P. crassipes. However, under field conditions, P. crassipes and the congeneric Pontederia azurea Sw. were the only plant contents in the guts of early instars and the most abundant species in later instars and adults. The results support the hypothesis that C. aquaticum is an oligophagous insect on the genus Pontederia, and that different life stages should be considered when conducting host-specificity trials in externally feeding mobile herbivore species. Diet composition of field-collected insects thus could help detect false positives in laboratory trials, being an additional and realistic approach in understanding and predicting the selection processes of the insect in the new environment. Retrospective analysis of potential agents that were rejected due to lack of host-specificity, using the methods from this study, could add a suite of additional agents to programs where invasive weeds remain unmanaged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Photoantimicrobial activity of Schiff-base morpholino phthalocyanines against drug resistant micro-organisms in their planktonic and biofilm forms
- Sindelo, Azole, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360437 , vital:65088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103519"
- Description: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a treatment for the eradication of drug-resistant micro-organisms. One of the advantages of this technique, is that there is minimal possibility of microbial resistance. Hence, herein, the preparation and characterization of novel neutral and cationic morpholine containing Schiff base phthalocyanines are reported. The cationic complexes gave moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of ∼0.2 in aqueous media. Conversely, the neutral complexes generated very low ΦΔ values making them very poor candidates for antimicrobial studies. The cationic phthalocyanines showed excellent photodynamic activity against planktonic cells of all micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Choleraesuis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The efficiency of aPDI was shown to be both concentration and light-dose-dependent. Mono biofilms were susceptible when treated with 200 µM of cationic Pcs at 108 J/cm2. However, ∼10% of the mixed biofilm survived after treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360437 , vital:65088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103519"
- Description: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a treatment for the eradication of drug-resistant micro-organisms. One of the advantages of this technique, is that there is minimal possibility of microbial resistance. Hence, herein, the preparation and characterization of novel neutral and cationic morpholine containing Schiff base phthalocyanines are reported. The cationic complexes gave moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of ∼0.2 in aqueous media. Conversely, the neutral complexes generated very low ΦΔ values making them very poor candidates for antimicrobial studies. The cationic phthalocyanines showed excellent photodynamic activity against planktonic cells of all micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Choleraesuis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The efficiency of aPDI was shown to be both concentration and light-dose-dependent. Mono biofilms were susceptible when treated with 200 µM of cationic Pcs at 108 J/cm2. However, ∼10% of the mixed biofilm survived after treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Photodynamic inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using pyrrolidinium containing Schiff base phthalocyanines
- Sindelo, Azole, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360449 , vital:65089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114535"
- Description: New tetra-substituted zinc and indium Schiff base phthalocyanines (ZnPc and InPc, respectively) are synthesized and characterized herein. The ethyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-2, InPc-2) and propyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-3, InPc-3) substituted Schiff base Pcs were reacted with methyl iodide to form their cationic derivatives (ZnPc-2Q, InPc-2Q, ZnPc-3Q, and InPc-3Q, respectively). The photophysical and photochemical properties of the Pcs were studied. The cationic Pcs generated higher singlet oxygen quantum yield in aqueous media than the neutral Pcs. The photoinactivation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains was evaluated. 5 µM ZnPc-3Q and InPc-3Q inactivated 100 % of the MSSA and MRSA while 5 µM ZnPc-2Q and InPc-2Q eradicated 100 % for MSSA and 97.2 % and 98.7 % (respectively) of the MRSA. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy studies depended on singlet oxygen ability, the charges, and the extension of the alkyl groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360449 , vital:65089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114535"
- Description: New tetra-substituted zinc and indium Schiff base phthalocyanines (ZnPc and InPc, respectively) are synthesized and characterized herein. The ethyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-2, InPc-2) and propyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-3, InPc-3) substituted Schiff base Pcs were reacted with methyl iodide to form their cationic derivatives (ZnPc-2Q, InPc-2Q, ZnPc-3Q, and InPc-3Q, respectively). The photophysical and photochemical properties of the Pcs were studied. The cationic Pcs generated higher singlet oxygen quantum yield in aqueous media than the neutral Pcs. The photoinactivation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains was evaluated. 5 µM ZnPc-3Q and InPc-3Q inactivated 100 % of the MSSA and MRSA while 5 µM ZnPc-2Q and InPc-2Q eradicated 100 % for MSSA and 97.2 % and 98.7 % (respectively) of the MRSA. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy studies depended on singlet oxygen ability, the charges, and the extension of the alkyl groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Plant Disease Detection using Vision Transformers on Multispectral Natural Environment Images
- De Silva, Malitha, Brown, Dane L
- Authors: De Silva, Malitha , Brown, Dane L
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463456 , vital:76410 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220517"
- Description: Enhancing agricultural practices has become essential in mitigating global hunger. Over the years, significant technological advancements have been introduced to improve the quality and quantity of harvests by effectively managing weeds, pests, and diseases. Many studies have focused on identifying plant diseases, as this information aids in making informed decisions about applying fungicides and fertilizers. Advanced systems often employ a combination of image processing and deep learning techniques to identify diseases based on visible symptoms. However, these systems typically rely on pre-existing datasets or images captured in controlled environments. This study showcases the efficacy of utilizing multispectral images captured in visible and Near Infrared (NIR) ranges for identifying plant diseases in real-world environmental conditions. The collected datasets were classified using popular Vision Transformer (ViT) models, including ViT- S16, ViT-BI6, ViT-LI6 and ViT-B32. The results showed impressive training and test accuracies for all the data collected using diverse Kolari vision lenses with 93.71 % and 90.02 %, respectively. This work highlights the potential of utilizing advanced imaging techniques for accurate and reliable plant disease identification in practical field conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: De Silva, Malitha , Brown, Dane L
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463456 , vital:76410 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220517"
- Description: Enhancing agricultural practices has become essential in mitigating global hunger. Over the years, significant technological advancements have been introduced to improve the quality and quantity of harvests by effectively managing weeds, pests, and diseases. Many studies have focused on identifying plant diseases, as this information aids in making informed decisions about applying fungicides and fertilizers. Advanced systems often employ a combination of image processing and deep learning techniques to identify diseases based on visible symptoms. However, these systems typically rely on pre-existing datasets or images captured in controlled environments. This study showcases the efficacy of utilizing multispectral images captured in visible and Near Infrared (NIR) ranges for identifying plant diseases in real-world environmental conditions. The collected datasets were classified using popular Vision Transformer (ViT) models, including ViT- S16, ViT-BI6, ViT-LI6 and ViT-B32. The results showed impressive training and test accuracies for all the data collected using diverse Kolari vision lenses with 93.71 % and 90.02 %, respectively. This work highlights the potential of utilizing advanced imaging techniques for accurate and reliable plant disease identification in practical field conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Prevalence and seasonal changes of gastro-intestinal parasites of ovine on three different veld types in communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Jansen, Mlungisi Selby https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6735-1054
- Authors: Jansen, Mlungisi Selby https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6735-1054
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Gastrointestinal system , Parasites , Traditional farming
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28233 , vital:73956
- Description: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and seasonal changes of gastro-intestinal parasites GIP of ovine grazed don three different veld types in the communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape Province. A total of 1242 sheep faecal samples were collected monthly between January 2012 and December 2015 to investigate the prevalence and season occurrence of internal parasites. From September to November 2018, a semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted in three agro-ecological zones, humid Wartburg, semi-humid Allen waters, and arid region Cradock commonages to investigate farmers’ knowledge of the prevalence and occurrence of GIP in sheep. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was significantly higher in the humid zone roundworms 81 percent and coccidia 37 percent, followed by the semi-humid zone roundworms 75 percent and coccidia 22 percent and the arid zone was the lowest roundworms 71 percent and coccidia 14 percent. Roundworms had significantly higher counts P 0.05 mostly in hot-wet seasons of the year spring and summer and low during dry cold months of the year autumn and winter across all veld types. The humid zone had significantly higher counts P 0.05 in the seasonal occurrence of roundworms and coccidia, followed by humid zone, and very low counts were encountered in the arid zone during the study period. Seasonal occurrence of roundworm species was significant across all veld types, 64 percent of farmers were males and 36 percent were females. The study reveals that helminths and coccidia are major causative agents causing parasitic infections in livestock production, and therefore, good animal health practices management practices including proper hygiene should be followed to prevent parasitic infection in small ruminants. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Jansen, Mlungisi Selby https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6735-1054
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Gastrointestinal system , Parasites , Traditional farming
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28233 , vital:73956
- Description: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and seasonal changes of gastro-intestinal parasites GIP of ovine grazed don three different veld types in the communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape Province. A total of 1242 sheep faecal samples were collected monthly between January 2012 and December 2015 to investigate the prevalence and season occurrence of internal parasites. From September to November 2018, a semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted in three agro-ecological zones, humid Wartburg, semi-humid Allen waters, and arid region Cradock commonages to investigate farmers’ knowledge of the prevalence and occurrence of GIP in sheep. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was significantly higher in the humid zone roundworms 81 percent and coccidia 37 percent, followed by the semi-humid zone roundworms 75 percent and coccidia 22 percent and the arid zone was the lowest roundworms 71 percent and coccidia 14 percent. Roundworms had significantly higher counts P 0.05 mostly in hot-wet seasons of the year spring and summer and low during dry cold months of the year autumn and winter across all veld types. The humid zone had significantly higher counts P 0.05 in the seasonal occurrence of roundworms and coccidia, followed by humid zone, and very low counts were encountered in the arid zone during the study period. Seasonal occurrence of roundworm species was significant across all veld types, 64 percent of farmers were males and 36 percent were females. The study reveals that helminths and coccidia are major causative agents causing parasitic infections in livestock production, and therefore, good animal health practices management practices including proper hygiene should be followed to prevent parasitic infection in small ruminants. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Puma (Puma concolor) sex influences diet in southwest New Mexico
- Bernard, Kelly M T, Perry, Travis W, Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly M T , Perry, Travis W , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462647 , vital:76322 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3398/064.083.0201"
- Description: Puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging, large felid species, and site-specific research on its diet is important for local management. Like the diets of other large felids, puma diets may differ between sex due to size dimorphism and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. We investigated the influence of sex and season on puma diet in southwest New Mexico in terms of prey species and size categories. Pumas (10 males, 6 females) were tracked with GPS collars for an average of one year per individual between February 2008 and July 2020. Puma location was recorded every 2 hours between 19:00 and 7:00, and kill sites were identified by a minimum of 2 GPS fixes occurring within 100 m and 100 hours of the first fix. Pumas specialized on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus elaphus) but also preyed upon a range of other species of different sizes. The probability of making a medium-sized kill such as a mule deer was higher for females than for males, while the probability of making an extra-large kill, such as an elk, was considerably greater for males than for females. There was substantial variation in prey species and size categories killed by individual pumas, particularly of smaller-sized prey like collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) and skunks (e.g., Spilogale gracilis, Mephitis mephitis). Our findings concur with previous research on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, demonstrate individual variation in prey killed, and may have management implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly M T , Perry, Travis W , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462647 , vital:76322 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3398/064.083.0201"
- Description: Puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging, large felid species, and site-specific research on its diet is important for local management. Like the diets of other large felids, puma diets may differ between sex due to size dimorphism and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. We investigated the influence of sex and season on puma diet in southwest New Mexico in terms of prey species and size categories. Pumas (10 males, 6 females) were tracked with GPS collars for an average of one year per individual between February 2008 and July 2020. Puma location was recorded every 2 hours between 19:00 and 7:00, and kill sites were identified by a minimum of 2 GPS fixes occurring within 100 m and 100 hours of the first fix. Pumas specialized on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus elaphus) but also preyed upon a range of other species of different sizes. The probability of making a medium-sized kill such as a mule deer was higher for females than for males, while the probability of making an extra-large kill, such as an elk, was considerably greater for males than for females. There was substantial variation in prey species and size categories killed by individual pumas, particularly of smaller-sized prey like collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) and skunks (e.g., Spilogale gracilis, Mephitis mephitis). Our findings concur with previous research on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, demonstrate individual variation in prey killed, and may have management implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Quantitative microbial risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples collected from selected wastewater treatment plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ntlati, Piwe Athi
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: SARS coronavirus 2 disease , SARS-CoV-2 disease , COVID-19 (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29900 , vital:79185
- Description: The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infection which is the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 took the world off-guard. The unprecedented pandemic which thought to have originated in Wuhan, China and spread to over 230 countries to date caused more than 690 million positive cases and more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 vary from mild to severe symptoms which includes coughing, pneumonia, respiratory difficulties, and can lead to death. The inhalation of aerosols or respiratory droplets from a COVID-19 infected person are the major transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater influent samples and estimated the potential health risks of wastewater treatment plants WWTPs workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. WWTPs influent samples were collected by grab sampling from six WWTPs for a period of 12 months. Viral RNA was extracted using QIAGEN RNeasy PowerSoil Total RNA extraction Kit, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and NanodropTM spectrophotometer was used to measure the respective concentrations and ascertain the purity of the total viral RNA. The extracted viral RNA was profiled for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. Our results showed the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in influent samples collected from both the urban and peri-urban communities located WWTPs with viral loads ranging from 2.34 × 101 genome copies/ml to 1.08 × 105 genome copies/ml in 220 89.4 percent of the 246 wastewater-influent samples. In addition, quantitative microbial risk assessment QMRA model was applied to assess the probability of infection to WWTP operators. Three different exposure scenarios were employed for the model and results indicated that the probability of infection was significantly different P<0.05 with respect to the different volumetric scenarios 2mL, 10mL, and 20mL and with respect to the four seasons across the plants. In conclusion, this study highlights the public health concern that WWTPs pose as channels for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 into the environment and suggests the need for regular wastewater surveillance and frequent microbial water quality monitoring through relevant wastewater-based epidemiology models for the prompt detection of potential SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens and assist in predicting future outbreaks in the communities. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ntlati, Piwe Athi
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: SARS coronavirus 2 disease , SARS-CoV-2 disease , COVID-19 (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29900 , vital:79185
- Description: The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infection which is the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 took the world off-guard. The unprecedented pandemic which thought to have originated in Wuhan, China and spread to over 230 countries to date caused more than 690 million positive cases and more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 vary from mild to severe symptoms which includes coughing, pneumonia, respiratory difficulties, and can lead to death. The inhalation of aerosols or respiratory droplets from a COVID-19 infected person are the major transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater influent samples and estimated the potential health risks of wastewater treatment plants WWTPs workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. WWTPs influent samples were collected by grab sampling from six WWTPs for a period of 12 months. Viral RNA was extracted using QIAGEN RNeasy PowerSoil Total RNA extraction Kit, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and NanodropTM spectrophotometer was used to measure the respective concentrations and ascertain the purity of the total viral RNA. The extracted viral RNA was profiled for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. Our results showed the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in influent samples collected from both the urban and peri-urban communities located WWTPs with viral loads ranging from 2.34 × 101 genome copies/ml to 1.08 × 105 genome copies/ml in 220 89.4 percent of the 246 wastewater-influent samples. In addition, quantitative microbial risk assessment QMRA model was applied to assess the probability of infection to WWTP operators. Three different exposure scenarios were employed for the model and results indicated that the probability of infection was significantly different P<0.05 with respect to the different volumetric scenarios 2mL, 10mL, and 20mL and with respect to the four seasons across the plants. In conclusion, this study highlights the public health concern that WWTPs pose as channels for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 into the environment and suggests the need for regular wastewater surveillance and frequent microbial water quality monitoring through relevant wastewater-based epidemiology models for the prompt detection of potential SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens and assist in predicting future outbreaks in the communities. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Rationalising the retro-Diels-Alder fragmentation pattern of viscutins using electrospray interface-tandem mass spectrometry coupled to theoretical modelling
- Moyo, Babra, Novokoza, Yolanda, Tavengwa, Nikita T, Kuhnert, Nikolai, Lobb, Kevin A, Madala, Ntakadzeni E
- Authors: Moyo, Babra , Novokoza, Yolanda , Tavengwa, Nikita T , Kuhnert, Nikolai , Lobb, Kevin A , Madala, Ntakadzeni E
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452786 , vital:75170 , xlink:href="https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/rcm.9592"
- Description: Although mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool in structural elucidation of unknown flavonoids based on their unique fragmentation patterns, proposing the correct fragmentation mechanism is still a challenge from tandem mass spectrometry data only. In recent years, computational tools such as molecular networking and MS2LDA have played a major role in the identification of structurally related compounds through an in-depth survey of their fragmentation patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Moyo, Babra , Novokoza, Yolanda , Tavengwa, Nikita T , Kuhnert, Nikolai , Lobb, Kevin A , Madala, Ntakadzeni E
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452786 , vital:75170 , xlink:href="https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/rcm.9592"
- Description: Although mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool in structural elucidation of unknown flavonoids based on their unique fragmentation patterns, proposing the correct fragmentation mechanism is still a challenge from tandem mass spectrometry data only. In recent years, computational tools such as molecular networking and MS2LDA have played a major role in the identification of structurally related compounds through an in-depth survey of their fragmentation patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Real-Time Detecting and Tracking of Squids Using YOLOv5
- Kuhlane, Luxolo L, Brown, Dane L, Marais, Marc
- Authors: Kuhlane, Luxolo L , Brown, Dane L , Marais, Marc
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463467 , vital:76411 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220521"
- Description: This paper proposes a real-time system for detecting and tracking squids using the YOLOv5 object detection algorithm. The system utilizes a large dataset of annotated squid images and videos to train a YOLOv5 model optimized for detecting and tracking squids. The model is fine-tuned to minimize false positives and optimize detection accuracy. The system is deployed on a GPU-enabled device for real-time processing of video streams and tracking of detected squids across frames. The accuracy and speed of the system make it a valuable tool for marine scientists, conservationists, and fishermen to better understand the behavior and distribution of these elusive creatures. Future work includes incorporating additional computer vision techniques and sensor data to improve tracking accuracy and robustness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Kuhlane, Luxolo L , Brown, Dane L , Marais, Marc
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463467 , vital:76411 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220521"
- Description: This paper proposes a real-time system for detecting and tracking squids using the YOLOv5 object detection algorithm. The system utilizes a large dataset of annotated squid images and videos to train a YOLOv5 model optimized for detecting and tracking squids. The model is fine-tuned to minimize false positives and optimize detection accuracy. The system is deployed on a GPU-enabled device for real-time processing of video streams and tracking of detected squids across frames. The accuracy and speed of the system make it a valuable tool for marine scientists, conservationists, and fishermen to better understand the behavior and distribution of these elusive creatures. Future work includes incorporating additional computer vision techniques and sensor data to improve tracking accuracy and robustness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Rhodes University Calender 2023
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: University Calendar , Rhodes University Regulations , Rhodes University History , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Serial publications , University Calendar , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455167 , vital:75409
- Description: Rhodes University Calendar for the academic year 2023.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: University Calendar , Rhodes University Regulations , Rhodes University History , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Serial publications , University Calendar , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455167 , vital:75409
- Description: Rhodes University Calendar for the academic year 2023.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Second-year students’ perceptions of e-learning during the Covid-19 era: a survey of social sciences and humanities Students at Fort Hare University
- Nkonyeni, Sixolile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6765-6459
- Authors: Nkonyeni, Sixolile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6765-6459
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29780 , vital:78913
- Description: Higher education institutions worldwide were significantly affected by the COVID nineteen epidemic. Lockdown measures were implemented all around the globe to control the infection forcing universities to swiftly adapt alternative measures to ensure uninterrupted academic progress. Students had to adapt to a new educational setting due to the rapid move to remote learning sometimes without the necessary preparation for online education. Their participation in distance learning systems and technologies suffered as a consequence. This research aimed to examine how students perceived remote education in the pandemic phase. The study aimed to understand their perspectives identify the platforms they used ascertain their level of readiness and explore the difficulties they encountered. This research offers important insights about the pandemics influence on the students by exploring the experiences of students transitioning from high school to university in an online setting. The Technology Acceptance Model TAM commonly known as TAM was utilised in the study to investigate the effect of modern technologys perceived ease of use PEOU and perceived usefulness PU on behavioural intention to use BI and ultimate system utilisation. The post positivist principle guided the research. A sixteen item questionnaire was used to gather data at the University of Fort Hares Alice campus. A sample size of two hundred second year students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities was determined using Raosofts Sample Size Calculator. SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data which included statistical analysis and frequency distributions. The studys results showed that the students had a positive perception of online education. Blackboard was used for sharing information and assessments while emails were used for communication. Microsoft Teams was utilised for lectures and assessments and WhatsApp was used for information sharing. Students demonstrated moderate to high self efficacy in online learning and had basic skills necessary for implementation however their readiness in terms of technological skills such as presentations screen sharing and other advanced skills was low. The most common difficulties students experienced when learning online included inadequate internet access unreliable power supplies a lack of focus insufficient ICT skills and expensive data plans. After the COVID nineteen epidemic the research suggested hybrid learning to address these issues and support the universitys mission of change and rejuvenation. The study also suggested continuing the rollout of laptops and zero rated data packages for students while establishing training sessions aimed at bridging the digital skills gap among first year students. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Nkonyeni, Sixolile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6765-6459
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29780 , vital:78913
- Description: Higher education institutions worldwide were significantly affected by the COVID nineteen epidemic. Lockdown measures were implemented all around the globe to control the infection forcing universities to swiftly adapt alternative measures to ensure uninterrupted academic progress. Students had to adapt to a new educational setting due to the rapid move to remote learning sometimes without the necessary preparation for online education. Their participation in distance learning systems and technologies suffered as a consequence. This research aimed to examine how students perceived remote education in the pandemic phase. The study aimed to understand their perspectives identify the platforms they used ascertain their level of readiness and explore the difficulties they encountered. This research offers important insights about the pandemics influence on the students by exploring the experiences of students transitioning from high school to university in an online setting. The Technology Acceptance Model TAM commonly known as TAM was utilised in the study to investigate the effect of modern technologys perceived ease of use PEOU and perceived usefulness PU on behavioural intention to use BI and ultimate system utilisation. The post positivist principle guided the research. A sixteen item questionnaire was used to gather data at the University of Fort Hares Alice campus. A sample size of two hundred second year students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities was determined using Raosofts Sample Size Calculator. SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data which included statistical analysis and frequency distributions. The studys results showed that the students had a positive perception of online education. Blackboard was used for sharing information and assessments while emails were used for communication. Microsoft Teams was utilised for lectures and assessments and WhatsApp was used for information sharing. Students demonstrated moderate to high self efficacy in online learning and had basic skills necessary for implementation however their readiness in terms of technological skills such as presentations screen sharing and other advanced skills was low. The most common difficulties students experienced when learning online included inadequate internet access unreliable power supplies a lack of focus insufficient ICT skills and expensive data plans. After the COVID nineteen epidemic the research suggested hybrid learning to address these issues and support the universitys mission of change and rejuvenation. The study also suggested continuing the rollout of laptops and zero rated data packages for students while establishing training sessions aimed at bridging the digital skills gap among first year students. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Sense of Community: Perceptions of "Inter-Intra" Collaborations in an Academic Environment through the Lenses of Botho Principles and the Field of industrial Psychology
- Authors: Diale, Dineo
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450715 , vital:74976 , xlink:href="https://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/ijhe/article/download/21745/13462"
- Description: In the current study, I explored the concept of collaboration from Botho principles and the industrial psychology perspective in the specific higher learning institution. Using a qualitative approach, 13 participants performing academic and nonacademic roles formed part of the study. Overall, the participants experience regarding collaboration in an academic environment are reported to be in the form of shared goals, sense of unity, diversity, and solution-driven teams. Further participants experience in relation to collaboration is African culture [Botho principles]. The latter were perceived   contributors to collaboration within departments (intra); and few barriers to collaboration were discovered, such as criteria, lack of shared leadership, lack of collaboration champions or ambassadors. The concept of Botho is defined as a social contract of mutual respect, humanity, and responsibility that members have with one another often referred to as bringing in humanity onto a set environment. Although there are commonalities between Botho and Ubuntu, they however have dissimilarities and are underpinned by different cultures and traditions. Ubuntu is seen often used by a slogan, "I am because you are". Botho is Setswana or Sesotho concept while Ubuntu forms part of Nguni languages.  I then further conceptualize collaboration through the lens of industrial psychology from the results and offer future research recommendations in the current paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Diale, Dineo
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450715 , vital:74976 , xlink:href="https://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/ijhe/article/download/21745/13462"
- Description: In the current study, I explored the concept of collaboration from Botho principles and the industrial psychology perspective in the specific higher learning institution. Using a qualitative approach, 13 participants performing academic and nonacademic roles formed part of the study. Overall, the participants experience regarding collaboration in an academic environment are reported to be in the form of shared goals, sense of unity, diversity, and solution-driven teams. Further participants experience in relation to collaboration is African culture [Botho principles]. The latter were perceived   contributors to collaboration within departments (intra); and few barriers to collaboration were discovered, such as criteria, lack of shared leadership, lack of collaboration champions or ambassadors. The concept of Botho is defined as a social contract of mutual respect, humanity, and responsibility that members have with one another often referred to as bringing in humanity onto a set environment. Although there are commonalities between Botho and Ubuntu, they however have dissimilarities and are underpinned by different cultures and traditions. Ubuntu is seen often used by a slogan, "I am because you are". Botho is Setswana or Sesotho concept while Ubuntu forms part of Nguni languages.  I then further conceptualize collaboration through the lens of industrial psychology from the results and offer future research recommendations in the current paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Signposts on the road toward transformative governance: how a stronger focus on diverse values can enhance environmental policies
- Keleman, Eszter, Subramanian, Suneetha M, de Vos, Alta, Amaruzaman, Sacha, Porter-Bolland, Luciana, Islar, Mine, Kosmus, Marina, Nakangu, Barbara, Nuesiri, Emmanuel, Robles, Gabriela A, Yiu, Evonne, Emerton, Lucy, Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Authors: Keleman, Eszter , Subramanian, Suneetha M , de Vos, Alta , Amaruzaman, Sacha , Porter-Bolland, Luciana , Islar, Mine , Kosmus, Marina , Nakangu, Barbara , Nuesiri, Emmanuel , Robles, Gabriela A , Yiu, Evonne , Emerton, Lucy , Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415927 , vital:71301 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2023.101351"
- Description: Transformative change toward sustainability is increasingly recognized as inevitable to avoid the collapse of socioecological systems. However, for a deep and system-wide transformation, governance approaches and policymaking need to be changed too. This paper discusses how a diverse value approach in environmental policymaking could be undertaken to foster transformative governance that can further lead to system-wide transitions. Based on the analysis of different policy options’ transformative potential, we argue that the more diverse values addressed by a policy instrument, the bigger its transformative potential. Weaving values into policy decision-making is possible at several junctures of the policy process, but context-specificities should always be considered, and capacities must be enhanced at all levels, both for public and private actors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Keleman, Eszter , Subramanian, Suneetha M , de Vos, Alta , Amaruzaman, Sacha , Porter-Bolland, Luciana , Islar, Mine , Kosmus, Marina , Nakangu, Barbara , Nuesiri, Emmanuel , Robles, Gabriela A , Yiu, Evonne , Emerton, Lucy , Zólyomi, Ágnes
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415927 , vital:71301 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2023.101351"
- Description: Transformative change toward sustainability is increasingly recognized as inevitable to avoid the collapse of socioecological systems. However, for a deep and system-wide transformation, governance approaches and policymaking need to be changed too. This paper discusses how a diverse value approach in environmental policymaking could be undertaken to foster transformative governance that can further lead to system-wide transitions. Based on the analysis of different policy options’ transformative potential, we argue that the more diverse values addressed by a policy instrument, the bigger its transformative potential. Weaving values into policy decision-making is possible at several junctures of the policy process, but context-specificities should always be considered, and capacities must be enhanced at all levels, both for public and private actors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Social innovation that connects people to coasts in the Anthropocene
- Celliers, Louis, Costa, Maria M, Rölfer, Lena, Aswani, Shankar, Ferse, Sebastian C A
- Authors: Celliers, Louis , Costa, Maria M , Rölfer, Lena , Aswani, Shankar , Ferse, Sebastian C A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391410 , vital:68649 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/cft.2023.12"
- Description: Post-industrial society is driving global environmental change, which is a challenge for all generations, current and future. The Anthropocene is the geological epoch in which humans dominate and it is rooted in the past, present, and future. Future sustainability is building on the momentum of the fundamental importance of studying human dynamics and governance of coupled social and ecological systems. In the Anthropocene, social innovation may play a critical role in achieving new pathways to sustainability. This conventional narrative review uses a qualitative analysis anchored in the Grounded Theory Method and a systematic collection and analysis of papers to identify broad types of social innovations. Scientific journal articles published since 2018 were prioritised for inclusion. The six types of social innovation proposed are (a) authentic engagement; (b) artful and engaging communication; (c) urging and compelling change; (d) governance for social-ecological systems; (e) anticipation in governance; and (f) lived experiences and values. The six innovations proposed in this paper can be embedded within, and form part of, social action using a science–society compact for the sustainable development of coasts in the Anthropocene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Celliers, Louis , Costa, Maria M , Rölfer, Lena , Aswani, Shankar , Ferse, Sebastian C A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391410 , vital:68649 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/cft.2023.12"
- Description: Post-industrial society is driving global environmental change, which is a challenge for all generations, current and future. The Anthropocene is the geological epoch in which humans dominate and it is rooted in the past, present, and future. Future sustainability is building on the momentum of the fundamental importance of studying human dynamics and governance of coupled social and ecological systems. In the Anthropocene, social innovation may play a critical role in achieving new pathways to sustainability. This conventional narrative review uses a qualitative analysis anchored in the Grounded Theory Method and a systematic collection and analysis of papers to identify broad types of social innovations. Scientific journal articles published since 2018 were prioritised for inclusion. The six types of social innovation proposed are (a) authentic engagement; (b) artful and engaging communication; (c) urging and compelling change; (d) governance for social-ecological systems; (e) anticipation in governance; and (f) lived experiences and values. The six innovations proposed in this paper can be embedded within, and form part of, social action using a science–society compact for the sustainable development of coasts in the Anthropocene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Socio-Economic and Environmental Challenges of Small-Scale Fisheries: Prognosis for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Lake Kariba, Zambia
- Imbwae, Imikendu, Aswani, Shankar, Sauer, Warwick H H
- Authors: Imbwae, Imikendu , Aswani, Shankar , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391422 , vital:68650 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043179"
- Description: The Lake Kariba fishery is of regional importance; it accounts for 35% of the total Zambian fish production. However, emerging evidence in the recent decades suggests that the fishery is facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, we examined the social, economic, and environmental problems faced by the fishing communities in Lake Kariba. The framework links various social, economic, and ecological factors to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. A combination of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and key informant interviews were used to assess this sustainability challenge. The data collected were subjected to bivariate and descriptive analysis. The results obtained did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years (R2 Linear = 0.119, p = 0.248). However, the experts and the fishers have reported declining trends in valuable fish species such as Oreochromis mortimeri, compounded by the increased fishing efforts (X2 = 180.14, p value = ˂ 0.00001). The key threats identified include: overfishing, weak institutions, and the introduction of invasive fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus. This situation has raised fears of fish depletion among the stakeholders. Based on these results, we recommend stronger institutional collaboration among the stakeholders in the riparian states and education that illustrates the global value of fisheries for food security and biodiversity conservation in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Imbwae, Imikendu , Aswani, Shankar , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391422 , vital:68650 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043179"
- Description: The Lake Kariba fishery is of regional importance; it accounts for 35% of the total Zambian fish production. However, emerging evidence in the recent decades suggests that the fishery is facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, we examined the social, economic, and environmental problems faced by the fishing communities in Lake Kariba. The framework links various social, economic, and ecological factors to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. A combination of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and key informant interviews were used to assess this sustainability challenge. The data collected were subjected to bivariate and descriptive analysis. The results obtained did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years (R2 Linear = 0.119, p = 0.248). However, the experts and the fishers have reported declining trends in valuable fish species such as Oreochromis mortimeri, compounded by the increased fishing efforts (X2 = 180.14, p value = ˂ 0.00001). The key threats identified include: overfishing, weak institutions, and the introduction of invasive fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus. This situation has raised fears of fish depletion among the stakeholders. Based on these results, we recommend stronger institutional collaboration among the stakeholders in the riparian states and education that illustrates the global value of fisheries for food security and biodiversity conservation in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Socioeconomic and geographic variations in antenatal care coverage in Angola: further analysis of the 2015 demographic and health survey
- Shibre, Gebretsadik, Zegeye, Betregiorgis, Idriss-Wheeler, Dina, Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku, Oladimeji, Olanrewaju, Yaya, Sanni
- Authors: Shibre, Gebretsadik , Zegeye, Betregiorgis , Idriss-Wheeler, Dina , Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku , Oladimeji, Olanrewaju , Yaya, Sanni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Prenatal care , Mothers -- Mortality , Health surveys
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4489 , vital:44125 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09320-1
- Description: In African countries, including Angola, antenatal care (ANC) coverage is suboptimal and maternal mortality is still high due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. There is evidence of disparities in the uptake of ANC services, however, little is known about both the socio-economic and geographic-based disparity in the use of ANC services in Angola. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of socio-economic, urban-rural and subnational inequality in ANC coverage in Angola. We analyzed data from the 2015 Angola Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) using the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. The analysis consisted of disaggregated ANC coverage rates using four equity stratifiers (economic status, education, residence, and region) and four summary measures (Difference, Population Attributable Risk, Ratio and Population Attributable Fraction). To measure statistical significance, an uncertainty interval (UI) of 95% was constructed around point estimates. The study showed both absolute and relative inequalities in coverage of ANC services in Angola. More specifically, inequality favored women who were rich (D = 54.2, 95% UI; 49.59, 58.70, PAF = 43.5, 95% UI; 40.12, 46.92), educated (PAR = 19.9, 95% UI; 18.14, 21.64, R = 2.14, 95% UI; 1.96, 2.32), living in regions such as Luanda (D = 51.7, 95% UI; 43.56, 59.85, R = 2.64, 95% UI; 2.01, 3.26) and residing in urban dwellings (PAF = 20, 95% UI; 17.70, 22.38, PAR = 12.3, 95% UI; 10.88, 13.75). The uptake of ANC services were lower among poor, uneducated, and rural residents as well as women from the Cuanza Sul region. Government policy makers must consider vulnerable subpopulations when designing needed interventions to improve ANC coverage in Angola to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing global maternal mortality ratio to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Shibre, Gebretsadik , Zegeye, Betregiorgis , Idriss-Wheeler, Dina , Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku , Oladimeji, Olanrewaju , Yaya, Sanni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Prenatal care , Mothers -- Mortality , Health surveys
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4489 , vital:44125 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09320-1
- Description: In African countries, including Angola, antenatal care (ANC) coverage is suboptimal and maternal mortality is still high due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. There is evidence of disparities in the uptake of ANC services, however, little is known about both the socio-economic and geographic-based disparity in the use of ANC services in Angola. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of socio-economic, urban-rural and subnational inequality in ANC coverage in Angola. We analyzed data from the 2015 Angola Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) using the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. The analysis consisted of disaggregated ANC coverage rates using four equity stratifiers (economic status, education, residence, and region) and four summary measures (Difference, Population Attributable Risk, Ratio and Population Attributable Fraction). To measure statistical significance, an uncertainty interval (UI) of 95% was constructed around point estimates. The study showed both absolute and relative inequalities in coverage of ANC services in Angola. More specifically, inequality favored women who were rich (D = 54.2, 95% UI; 49.59, 58.70, PAF = 43.5, 95% UI; 40.12, 46.92), educated (PAR = 19.9, 95% UI; 18.14, 21.64, R = 2.14, 95% UI; 1.96, 2.32), living in regions such as Luanda (D = 51.7, 95% UI; 43.56, 59.85, R = 2.64, 95% UI; 2.01, 3.26) and residing in urban dwellings (PAF = 20, 95% UI; 17.70, 22.38, PAR = 12.3, 95% UI; 10.88, 13.75). The uptake of ANC services were lower among poor, uneducated, and rural residents as well as women from the Cuanza Sul region. Government policy makers must consider vulnerable subpopulations when designing needed interventions to improve ANC coverage in Angola to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing global maternal mortality ratio to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Spatiotemporal Convolutions and Video Vision Transformers for Signer-Independent Sign Language Recognition
- Marais, Marc, Brown, Dane L, Connan, James, Boby, Alden
- Authors: Marais, Marc , Brown, Dane L , Connan, James , Boby, Alden
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463478 , vital:76412 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220534"
- Description: Sign language is a vital tool of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language recognition (SLR) technology can assist in bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals. However, existing SLR systems are typically signer-dependent, requiring training data from the specific signer for accurate recognition. This presents a significant challenge for practical use, as collecting data from every possible signer is not feasible. This research focuses on developing a signer-independent isolated SLR system to address this challenge. The system implements two model variants on the signer-independent datasets: an R(2+ I)D spatiotemporal convolutional block and a Video Vision transformer. These models learn to extract features from raw sign language videos from the LSA64 dataset and classify signs without needing handcrafted features, explicit segmentation or pose estimation. Overall, the R(2+1)D model architecture significantly outperformed the ViViT architecture for signer-independent SLR on the LSA64 dataset. The R(2+1)D model achieved a near-perfect accuracy of 99.53% on the unseen test set, with the ViViT model yielding an accuracy of 72.19 %. Proving that spatiotemporal convolutions are effective at signer-independent SLR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Marais, Marc , Brown, Dane L , Connan, James , Boby, Alden
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463478 , vital:76412 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10220534"
- Description: Sign language is a vital tool of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language recognition (SLR) technology can assist in bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals. However, existing SLR systems are typically signer-dependent, requiring training data from the specific signer for accurate recognition. This presents a significant challenge for practical use, as collecting data from every possible signer is not feasible. This research focuses on developing a signer-independent isolated SLR system to address this challenge. The system implements two model variants on the signer-independent datasets: an R(2+ I)D spatiotemporal convolutional block and a Video Vision transformer. These models learn to extract features from raw sign language videos from the LSA64 dataset and classify signs without needing handcrafted features, explicit segmentation or pose estimation. Overall, the R(2+1)D model architecture significantly outperformed the ViViT architecture for signer-independent SLR on the LSA64 dataset. The R(2+1)D model achieved a near-perfect accuracy of 99.53% on the unseen test set, with the ViViT model yielding an accuracy of 72.19 %. Proving that spatiotemporal convolutions are effective at signer-independent SLR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The binary order of things: A discursive study of nursing students’ talk on providing, and learning about, LGBT patient care
- Pinto, Pedro, Macleod, Catriona I, Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Authors: Pinto, Pedro , Macleod, Catriona I , Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441343 , vital:73878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2022.2048163"
- Description: Against the backdrop of the healthcare inequities and maltreatment facing LGBT patients, recommendations have been made for the inclusion of LGBT health topics in nursing curricula. Based on data collected in focus group discussions with South African nursing students, we complicate the assumption that training focused on health-specific knowledge will effectively reform providers’ prejudicial practices. Findings reveal ambivalence: silence and discrimination versus inclusive humanism. Participants drew on discourses of ignorance, religion, and egalitarian treatment to justify their inadequacy regarding LGBT patients; while doing so, however, they deployed othering discourses in which homophobic and transphobic disregard is rendered acceptable, and “scientifically” supported through binary, deterministic views of sexuality and gender. Such “expert” views accord with Foucault’s notion of “grotesque discourse.” We conclude with a discussion of the findings’ implications for nursing education; we call for the recognition and teaching of binary ideology as a form of discursive violence over LGBT lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Pinto, Pedro , Macleod, Catriona I , Nhamo-Murire, Mercy
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441343 , vital:73878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2022.2048163"
- Description: Against the backdrop of the healthcare inequities and maltreatment facing LGBT patients, recommendations have been made for the inclusion of LGBT health topics in nursing curricula. Based on data collected in focus group discussions with South African nursing students, we complicate the assumption that training focused on health-specific knowledge will effectively reform providers’ prejudicial practices. Findings reveal ambivalence: silence and discrimination versus inclusive humanism. Participants drew on discourses of ignorance, religion, and egalitarian treatment to justify their inadequacy regarding LGBT patients; while doing so, however, they deployed othering discourses in which homophobic and transphobic disregard is rendered acceptable, and “scientifically” supported through binary, deterministic views of sexuality and gender. Such “expert” views accord with Foucault’s notion of “grotesque discourse.” We conclude with a discussion of the findings’ implications for nursing education; we call for the recognition and teaching of binary ideology as a form of discursive violence over LGBT lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023