The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
A Feasibility Study on the Efficacy of Functional Near-Infrared Spectrometry (fNIRS) to Measure Prefrontal Activation in Paediatric HIV
- Zondo, Sizwe, Ferreira-Correia, Aline, Cockcroft, Kate
- Authors: Zondo, Sizwe , Ferreira-Correia, Aline , Cockcroft, Kate
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450556 , vital:74960 , xlink:href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/js/2024/4970794/"
- Description: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with disturbed neurotransmission and aberrant cortical networks. Although advances in the imaging of brain microarchitecture following neuroHIV has added to our knowledge of structural and functional changes associated with HIV, no data exists on paediatric HIV using optical neuroimaging techniques. This study investigated the feasibility of optical neuroimaging in paediatric HIV using functional near-infrared spectrometry (fNIRS). We measured prefrontal brain activation while participants executed a sustained attention task. We specifically tested whether patients living with HIV and study controls could perform the study protocol and whether we could measure the typical fNIRS haemodynamic response associated with neuronal activity. Eighteen participants (10 HIV participants, mean age: 13.9, SD = 1.66 years; 8 controls, mean age: 14.8, SD = 1.28 years), matched for sex, grade, and socio-economic status, were included in the study. All participants completed the Stroop colour word test (SCWT). Oxygenated haemoglobin concentration and the deoxygenated haemoglobin signal were recorded from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the frontopolar area (FA) using fNIRS. The control group performed significantly better in terms of reaction time on the congruent and incongruent condition (congruent: t (16) = −3.36, : incongruent: ). A pooled group analysis of the sample indicated significant activation in the DLPF and FA to the congruent condition of the SCWT (). Although cortical activation was noted in the DLPF and the FA in each of the groups when analysed independently, this neural activation did not reach statistical significance. The results show promise that fNIRS techniques are feasible for assessing prefrontal cortical activity in paediatric HIV. Future studies should seek to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio and consider inter-individual variability when measuring prefrontal activation in paediatric samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Zondo, Sizwe , Ferreira-Correia, Aline , Cockcroft, Kate
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450556 , vital:74960 , xlink:href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/js/2024/4970794/"
- Description: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with disturbed neurotransmission and aberrant cortical networks. Although advances in the imaging of brain microarchitecture following neuroHIV has added to our knowledge of structural and functional changes associated with HIV, no data exists on paediatric HIV using optical neuroimaging techniques. This study investigated the feasibility of optical neuroimaging in paediatric HIV using functional near-infrared spectrometry (fNIRS). We measured prefrontal brain activation while participants executed a sustained attention task. We specifically tested whether patients living with HIV and study controls could perform the study protocol and whether we could measure the typical fNIRS haemodynamic response associated with neuronal activity. Eighteen participants (10 HIV participants, mean age: 13.9, SD = 1.66 years; 8 controls, mean age: 14.8, SD = 1.28 years), matched for sex, grade, and socio-economic status, were included in the study. All participants completed the Stroop colour word test (SCWT). Oxygenated haemoglobin concentration and the deoxygenated haemoglobin signal were recorded from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the frontopolar area (FA) using fNIRS. The control group performed significantly better in terms of reaction time on the congruent and incongruent condition (congruent: t (16) = −3.36, : incongruent: ). A pooled group analysis of the sample indicated significant activation in the DLPF and FA to the congruent condition of the SCWT (). Although cortical activation was noted in the DLPF and the FA in each of the groups when analysed independently, this neural activation did not reach statistical significance. The results show promise that fNIRS techniques are feasible for assessing prefrontal cortical activity in paediatric HIV. Future studies should seek to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio and consider inter-individual variability when measuring prefrontal activation in paediatric samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
A Socio-Historical Approach to Regional Organizational Relations? NGOs in Gender Security in the SADC Region
- Authors: Nedziwe, Cecilia L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445278 , vital:74370 , https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.57.1
- Description: The extant academic literature in the field of regional International Relations has paid little attention to non-state actors’ organizational relations in building region-ness. Yet, the region offers sets of organizational relations outside, alongside, and as part of the formal regional state structures to do with gender, which offer insights into non-state regional relations and thus help to fill the lacunae in the field and facilitate understanding of the regional dynamic of international relations. This article examines how organizational relations of non-state actors in gender security play out in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It highlights the shortcomings of the inter-governmental approach to international relations pursued by various scholars. Drawing on interviews with representatives of NGOs, governments, the SADC, and annual reports, as well as the academic literature, it argues for a socio-historical approach to understanding regional organization and transnationalism, which considers African agency in building region-ness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Nedziwe, Cecilia L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445278 , vital:74370 , https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.57.1
- Description: The extant academic literature in the field of regional International Relations has paid little attention to non-state actors’ organizational relations in building region-ness. Yet, the region offers sets of organizational relations outside, alongside, and as part of the formal regional state structures to do with gender, which offer insights into non-state regional relations and thus help to fill the lacunae in the field and facilitate understanding of the regional dynamic of international relations. This article examines how organizational relations of non-state actors in gender security play out in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It highlights the shortcomings of the inter-governmental approach to international relations pursued by various scholars. Drawing on interviews with representatives of NGOs, governments, the SADC, and annual reports, as well as the academic literature, it argues for a socio-historical approach to understanding regional organization and transnationalism, which considers African agency in building region-ness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Biotic resistance towards Hydrellia egeriae, a biological control agent for the aquatic weed Egeria densa, in South Africa
- Moffat, Rosali, van Noort, Simon, Coetzee, Julie A, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Moffat, Rosali , van Noort, Simon , Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451299 , vital:75038 , http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2254-8854/2024/a15718
- Description: Egeria densa is a submerged aquatic weed that can grow into dense monocultures in rivers and dams in South Africa, which negatively affects ecosystem functioning and services. The biological control agent Hydrellia egeriae Rodrigues-Júnior (Diptera: Ephydridae) was first released against Egeria densa Planchon (Hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa in 2018. Biotic resistance in an introduced range can have negative impacts on the ability of a biological control agent to establish and exert top-down pressure. Dipteran and lepidopteran species that are used as biological control agents are often susceptible to higher levels of parasitism in their introduced range than biological control agents from other insect orders. In addition, ecological analogues that are present in South Africa, make H. egeriae particularly vulnerable to biotic resistance. Considering this, post-release surveys were conducted to investigate if native parasitoids will extend their host range to include H. egeriae. Chaenusa seminervata van Achterberg, C. anervata van Achterberg (Braconidae: Alysiinae: Dacnusini) and Ademon lagarosiphonae van Achterberg (Braconidae: Opiinae) were reared from field-collected H. egeriae pupae, within a year of its release. These braconid parasitoids were previously recorded from a native herbivore, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Moffat, Rosali , van Noort, Simon , Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451299 , vital:75038 , http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2254-8854/2024/a15718
- Description: Egeria densa is a submerged aquatic weed that can grow into dense monocultures in rivers and dams in South Africa, which negatively affects ecosystem functioning and services. The biological control agent Hydrellia egeriae Rodrigues-Júnior (Diptera: Ephydridae) was first released against Egeria densa Planchon (Hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa in 2018. Biotic resistance in an introduced range can have negative impacts on the ability of a biological control agent to establish and exert top-down pressure. Dipteran and lepidopteran species that are used as biological control agents are often susceptible to higher levels of parasitism in their introduced range than biological control agents from other insect orders. In addition, ecological analogues that are present in South Africa, make H. egeriae particularly vulnerable to biotic resistance. Considering this, post-release surveys were conducted to investigate if native parasitoids will extend their host range to include H. egeriae. Chaenusa seminervata van Achterberg, C. anervata van Achterberg (Braconidae: Alysiinae: Dacnusini) and Ademon lagarosiphonae van Achterberg (Braconidae: Opiinae) were reared from field-collected H. egeriae pupae, within a year of its release. These braconid parasitoids were previously recorded from a native herbivore, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Black Twitter and Digital Counterpublics in South Africa
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455188 , vital:75411 , https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v12i2.6540
- Description: The growth of technology has made the Internet an essential tool in so-ciety. Scholars have argued that the Internet supports a more delibera-tive democracy. However, scholars have also raised concerns about the role of the Internet in political matters. While scholars agree that the Internet has facilitated broader public discussion, in many regards, its ‘virtual public sphere’still mirrors existing social structures. Twitter has become a common social media platform for many South Africans. This has led to a virtual community of Twitter users engaged in real-time dis-courses primarily related to Black South Africans. Black Twitter in South Africa is used for social, political, and economic motivations. This study argues for the practice of Black Twitter as a digital counterpublic in South Africa. The aim is to spotlight how black people in South Africa have used Black Twitter as a digital counterpublic for the marginalized groups within South Africa. The research will investigate the potential challenges and opportunities associated with Black Twitter functioning as a digital counterpublic. Utilizing digital ethnography, the study gath-ered a dataset of tweets from Black Twitter in 2022, focusing on those addressing social, political, and economic issues. More than 700,000 tweets were identified under these specific thematic hashtags.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455188 , vital:75411 , https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v12i2.6540
- Description: The growth of technology has made the Internet an essential tool in so-ciety. Scholars have argued that the Internet supports a more delibera-tive democracy. However, scholars have also raised concerns about the role of the Internet in political matters. While scholars agree that the Internet has facilitated broader public discussion, in many regards, its ‘virtual public sphere’still mirrors existing social structures. Twitter has become a common social media platform for many South Africans. This has led to a virtual community of Twitter users engaged in real-time dis-courses primarily related to Black South Africans. Black Twitter in South Africa is used for social, political, and economic motivations. This study argues for the practice of Black Twitter as a digital counterpublic in South Africa. The aim is to spotlight how black people in South Africa have used Black Twitter as a digital counterpublic for the marginalized groups within South Africa. The research will investigate the potential challenges and opportunities associated with Black Twitter functioning as a digital counterpublic. Utilizing digital ethnography, the study gath-ered a dataset of tweets from Black Twitter in 2022, focusing on those addressing social, political, and economic issues. More than 700,000 tweets were identified under these specific thematic hashtags.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Challenges and opportunities of Facebook during bereavement
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455200 , vital:75412 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2024.1292961
- Description: Bereavement is something that we experience in one way or another. It involves many steps from one culture to the other. Many scholars have documented the role of social media tools in bereavement processes. In this study, I look at the challenges and opportunities offered by Fa-cebook during bereavement, especially in a community that is still tradi-tional and has yet to fully comprehend the importance of social media, particularly in matters considered sacred. The study used interviews with residents from Taung to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data from the interviews. The study findings indicate some challenges associated with bereavement on Facebook: emotional shock, lack of sensitivity, misinformation, and cultural dilution. There are also opportunities: fast news sharing, ongoing emotional support, and sharing of memories. The study argues that the findings should expand our understanding and knowledge of bereavement in some African cultures and use social media tools to complement and not destroy African beliefs and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455200 , vital:75412 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2024.1292961
- Description: Bereavement is something that we experience in one way or another. It involves many steps from one culture to the other. Many scholars have documented the role of social media tools in bereavement processes. In this study, I look at the challenges and opportunities offered by Fa-cebook during bereavement, especially in a community that is still tradi-tional and has yet to fully comprehend the importance of social media, particularly in matters considered sacred. The study used interviews with residents from Taung to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data from the interviews. The study findings indicate some challenges associated with bereavement on Facebook: emotional shock, lack of sensitivity, misinformation, and cultural dilution. There are also opportunities: fast news sharing, ongoing emotional support, and sharing of memories. The study argues that the findings should expand our understanding and knowledge of bereavement in some African cultures and use social media tools to complement and not destroy African beliefs and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species associating with Zea mays
- Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia, Dames, Joanna F
- Authors: Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440339 , vital:73775 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1345229
- Description: Taxonomic identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores extracted directly from the field is sometimes difficult because spores are often degraded or parasitized by other organisms. Single-spore inoculation of a suitable host plant allows for establishing monosporic cultures of AM fungi. This study aimed to propagate AM fungal spores isolated from maize soil using single spores for morphological characterization. First, trap cultures were established to trigger the sporulation of AM fungal species. Second, trap cultures were established with individual morphotypes by picking up only one spore under a dissecting microscope and transferring it to a small triangle of sterilized filter paper, which was then carefully inoculated below a root from germinated sorghum seeds in each pot and covered with a sterile substrate. All pots were placed in sunbags and maintained in a plant growth room for 120 days.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440339 , vital:73775 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1345229
- Description: Taxonomic identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores extracted directly from the field is sometimes difficult because spores are often degraded or parasitized by other organisms. Single-spore inoculation of a suitable host plant allows for establishing monosporic cultures of AM fungi. This study aimed to propagate AM fungal spores isolated from maize soil using single spores for morphological characterization. First, trap cultures were established to trigger the sporulation of AM fungal species. Second, trap cultures were established with individual morphotypes by picking up only one spore under a dissecting microscope and transferring it to a small triangle of sterilized filter paper, which was then carefully inoculated below a root from germinated sorghum seeds in each pot and covered with a sterile substrate. All pots were placed in sunbags and maintained in a plant growth room for 120 days.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Computer Science Education in Selected Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Bainomugisha, Engineer, Bradshaw, Karen L, Ujakpa, Martin Mabeifam, Nakatumba-Nabende, Joyce, Nderu, Lawrence, Mduma, Neema, Kihoza, Patrick, Irungu, Annette
- Authors: Bainomugisha, Engineer , Bradshaw, Karen L , Ujakpa, Martin Mabeifam , Nakatumba-Nabende, Joyce , Nderu, Lawrence , Mduma, Neema , Kihoza, Patrick , Irungu, Annette
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440223 , vital:73758 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3643037"
- Description: Computer Science education in sub-Saharan Africa has evolved over the past decades. The number of institutions offering distinct undergraduate programs has grown, thus increasing the number of students enrolling in the computer science discipline. Several computer science degree programs have emerged with one of the objectives being to satisfy the growing demand for local talent and skills. In this paper, we provide a snapshot of the evolution of undergraduate computer science education in selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past 20+ years and an overview of the developments in computer science education and observed trends. The setup of educational institutions in Africa and the operational context requires unique modalities for the design and delivery of computer science education that meets the demands of the industry, amongst others. This paper provides insights into the best practices in the computer science curricula in the selected countries, as well as an overview of the pedagogical and delivery approaches to computer science education. The paper highlights case studies from institutions in the selected countries, namely Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya with a consolidated summary of the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in all these countries. The paper concludes by providing persectives on the future landscape of computer science in Sub-Saharan Africa.Computer Science Education in Selected Countries from Sub-Saharan AfricaBy Engineer Bainomugisha, Makerere University, Uganda, Karen Bradshaw, Rhodes University, South Africa, Martin Mabeifam Ujakpa, Ghana Communication Technology University, Ghana, Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende, Makerere University, Uganda, Lawrence Nderu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, Neema Mduma, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania, Patrick Kihoza, Mzumbe University, Tanzania and Annette Irungu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Bainomugisha, Engineer , Bradshaw, Karen L , Ujakpa, Martin Mabeifam , Nakatumba-Nabende, Joyce , Nderu, Lawrence , Mduma, Neema , Kihoza, Patrick , Irungu, Annette
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440223 , vital:73758 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3643037"
- Description: Computer Science education in sub-Saharan Africa has evolved over the past decades. The number of institutions offering distinct undergraduate programs has grown, thus increasing the number of students enrolling in the computer science discipline. Several computer science degree programs have emerged with one of the objectives being to satisfy the growing demand for local talent and skills. In this paper, we provide a snapshot of the evolution of undergraduate computer science education in selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past 20+ years and an overview of the developments in computer science education and observed trends. The setup of educational institutions in Africa and the operational context requires unique modalities for the design and delivery of computer science education that meets the demands of the industry, amongst others. This paper provides insights into the best practices in the computer science curricula in the selected countries, as well as an overview of the pedagogical and delivery approaches to computer science education. The paper highlights case studies from institutions in the selected countries, namely Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya with a consolidated summary of the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in all these countries. The paper concludes by providing persectives on the future landscape of computer science in Sub-Saharan Africa.Computer Science Education in Selected Countries from Sub-Saharan AfricaBy Engineer Bainomugisha, Makerere University, Uganda, Karen Bradshaw, Rhodes University, South Africa, Martin Mabeifam Ujakpa, Ghana Communication Technology University, Ghana, Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende, Makerere University, Uganda, Lawrence Nderu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, Neema Mduma, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania, Patrick Kihoza, Mzumbe University, Tanzania and Annette Irungu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Counting Common Starlings: is Sturnus vulgaris invasive in rural South Africa?
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Edwards, Shelley
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Edwards, Shelley
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449344 , vital:74813 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2024.2304359
- Description: The numbers of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and indigenous starling species, as well as a subset of other common birds, were recorded from October 2006 to January 2020 at 72 point-count sites along four routes (two urban and two rural) in the Eastern Cape Province of South African. In the rural habitat, Common Starlings were localised at buildings; in the urban habitat, there was no clear indication that their presence influenced the occurrence or abundance of the Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio, a native species which has colonised towns and nests on buildings. In this region there is little evidence that Common Starlings invade areas that have not been heavily modified by human activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Edwards, Shelley
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449344 , vital:74813 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2024.2304359
- Description: The numbers of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and indigenous starling species, as well as a subset of other common birds, were recorded from October 2006 to January 2020 at 72 point-count sites along four routes (two urban and two rural) in the Eastern Cape Province of South African. In the rural habitat, Common Starlings were localised at buildings; in the urban habitat, there was no clear indication that their presence influenced the occurrence or abundance of the Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio, a native species which has colonised towns and nests on buildings. In this region there is little evidence that Common Starlings invade areas that have not been heavily modified by human activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Data Visualization of Budgeting Assumptions: An Illustrative Case of Trans-disciplinary Applied Knowledge
- Cuthbert, Carol E, Pearse, Noel J, Bradshaw, Karen L
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol E , Pearse, Noel J , Bradshaw, Karen L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440236 , vital:73759 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.54808/JSCI.22.01.130"
- Description: Trans-disciplinary research combines different fields into new conceptual and methodological frameworks. In this study, the SECI model of knowledge creation, which consists of Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization conversion modes, is used to analyze the implementation of a structured budgeting visualization system by a trans-disciplinary team. Through applied research in implementing a global budgeting system, budgeting assumptions are made explicit through visualization, transforming the approach to the budgeting process and its accuracy. This visualization, in turn, is enabled by assumptions underlying revenue planning, business services and employee compensation, and a visual process. The system displays a stepped approach, indicated by icons, representing the tasks involved in the budget process. For example, the system requires uploading the previous year’s information, setting the assumptions, calculating the suggested figures based on assumptions, and amending the proposed outcome. As adapted by Rice and Rice (2005), SECI is applied as the socialization of tacit-to-tacit budgeting assumption knowledge is solidified during the design phase of this transformation exercise. The externalization phase, in which budgeting assumptions are transformed from tacit to explicit, is evidenced during the configuration phase of the new system. The systemic collaboration results in the explicit assumptions being collectively leveraged across the regions during and after the “go-live” phase of system development. Finally, the internalization phase involves the explicit assumptions being transformed into new tacit knowledge as the experts evolve new assumptions derived from the transformation process. Semiotics provides variance information through hue, with, for example, darker colours indicating higher variances. This trans-disciplinary communication provides the means for increased efficiency and effectiveness. The resulting budget framework is visually validated through a heatmap by comparing the budgeting accuracy and assumption complexity between the different regions where it was implemented. In summary, value is added in developing a new data visualization process, focusing on the role of budgeting assumptions and using planning process visualizations. This approach improves communication efficiency, effectiveness, and understanding of budgeting while enhancing accuracy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol E , Pearse, Noel J , Bradshaw, Karen L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440236 , vital:73759 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.54808/JSCI.22.01.130"
- Description: Trans-disciplinary research combines different fields into new conceptual and methodological frameworks. In this study, the SECI model of knowledge creation, which consists of Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization conversion modes, is used to analyze the implementation of a structured budgeting visualization system by a trans-disciplinary team. Through applied research in implementing a global budgeting system, budgeting assumptions are made explicit through visualization, transforming the approach to the budgeting process and its accuracy. This visualization, in turn, is enabled by assumptions underlying revenue planning, business services and employee compensation, and a visual process. The system displays a stepped approach, indicated by icons, representing the tasks involved in the budget process. For example, the system requires uploading the previous year’s information, setting the assumptions, calculating the suggested figures based on assumptions, and amending the proposed outcome. As adapted by Rice and Rice (2005), SECI is applied as the socialization of tacit-to-tacit budgeting assumption knowledge is solidified during the design phase of this transformation exercise. The externalization phase, in which budgeting assumptions are transformed from tacit to explicit, is evidenced during the configuration phase of the new system. The systemic collaboration results in the explicit assumptions being collectively leveraged across the regions during and after the “go-live” phase of system development. Finally, the internalization phase involves the explicit assumptions being transformed into new tacit knowledge as the experts evolve new assumptions derived from the transformation process. Semiotics provides variance information through hue, with, for example, darker colours indicating higher variances. This trans-disciplinary communication provides the means for increased efficiency and effectiveness. The resulting budget framework is visually validated through a heatmap by comparing the budgeting accuracy and assumption complexity between the different regions where it was implemented. In summary, value is added in developing a new data visualization process, focusing on the role of budgeting assumptions and using planning process visualizations. This approach improves communication efficiency, effectiveness, and understanding of budgeting while enhancing accuracy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Demographic correlates of indices of psychological well-being and COVID-19 related distress among South African university students
- Coetzee, Bronwyn, Booysen, Duane D, Padmanabhanunni, Anita, Kagee, Ashraf
- Authors: Coetzee, Bronwyn , Booysen, Duane D , Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Kagee, Ashraf
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454082 , vital:75308 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2024.2324403"
- Description: Following the COVID-19 pandemic we sought to determine the relationships between anxiety, hopelessness, alcohol use, perceived vulnerability to infection, resilience, traumatic stress, and satisfaction with life amongst university students at three tertiary higher education institutions in South Africa. Our participants were a convenience sample (N = 803) of South African students attending three universities. Participants completed an online survey that contained a battery of psychological measures that measured fear of COVID-19, Perceived Vulnerability to Disease, Resilience, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Hopelessness, Anxiety, PTSD, Alcohol Use, Traumatic Stress, and worry about infection with COVID-19. The mean age of participants was 25 (SD = 8.22), most of whom were female (51%). An increase in age amongst respondents was significantly positively correlated with hopelessness and life satisfaction, but also significantly negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use. Multivariate analysis showed that women reported significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, PTSD, and COVID-19 related worries compared to men and those identifying as “other.” Students at the urban university reported higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, and COVID-19 related worries but lower levels of anxiety compared to those at the peri-urban and rural university. Students at the rural institution reported greater levels of alcohol use compared to those at the other institutions. Psychological distress among students was exacerbated during the pandemic. It may be useful to identify students in the first term who are struggling academically and to direct them to both academic and counseling support services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Coetzee, Bronwyn , Booysen, Duane D , Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Kagee, Ashraf
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454082 , vital:75308 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2024.2324403"
- Description: Following the COVID-19 pandemic we sought to determine the relationships between anxiety, hopelessness, alcohol use, perceived vulnerability to infection, resilience, traumatic stress, and satisfaction with life amongst university students at three tertiary higher education institutions in South Africa. Our participants were a convenience sample (N = 803) of South African students attending three universities. Participants completed an online survey that contained a battery of psychological measures that measured fear of COVID-19, Perceived Vulnerability to Disease, Resilience, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Hopelessness, Anxiety, PTSD, Alcohol Use, Traumatic Stress, and worry about infection with COVID-19. The mean age of participants was 25 (SD = 8.22), most of whom were female (51%). An increase in age amongst respondents was significantly positively correlated with hopelessness and life satisfaction, but also significantly negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use. Multivariate analysis showed that women reported significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, PTSD, and COVID-19 related worries compared to men and those identifying as “other.” Students at the urban university reported higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, and COVID-19 related worries but lower levels of anxiety compared to those at the peri-urban and rural university. Students at the rural institution reported greater levels of alcohol use compared to those at the other institutions. Psychological distress among students was exacerbated during the pandemic. It may be useful to identify students in the first term who are struggling academically and to direct them to both academic and counseling support services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Garden bird ringing at 3 Florence Street, Oatlands, Mkhanda (Grahamstown): the closing chapter
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449836 , vital:74856 , https://doi.org/10.15641/bo.1500
- Description: This is the third and final report summarizing 42 years of bird ringing in a garden in Mkhanda. In total, 2036 birds of 59 species were ringed, of which 217 individuals (27 species) were recaptured at least once, and 34 birds (17 species) were recovered dead.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449836 , vital:74856 , https://doi.org/10.15641/bo.1500
- Description: This is the third and final report summarizing 42 years of bird ringing in a garden in Mkhanda. In total, 2036 birds of 59 species were ringed, of which 217 individuals (27 species) were recaptured at least once, and 34 birds (17 species) were recovered dead.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Holding a mirror up to Academic Development through the HELTASA (un) conferencing methodology
- Williams, Sandra, Adams, Anthea, Geduld-van Wyk, Charlene, Muhuro, Patricia
- Authors: Williams, Sandra , Adams, Anthea , Geduld-van Wyk, Charlene , Muhuro, Patricia
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425705 , vital:72277 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.14426/cristal.v12iSI1.2117"
- Description: We, Academic Development (AD) practitioners, question whether AD's objective in South Africa (SA) as a'liberatory educational and social movement'to enhance educational quality for all students, is effectively pursued. AD practitioners often work on the fringes of the academy, fighting for relevance and legitimacy within an increasingly performative and managerialist academic culture. Despite innovative AD initiatives AD work is criticised for being unresponsive, unreflexive, conformist, and lacking theoretical, scholarly, and critical engagement. We use critical pedagogical praxis, particularly the constructs of critique, reflexivity, power, and self-reflection, to interrogate the continuous tension between AD intention and practice. Through (un) conference methodology, this auto-ethnographic account of individual and collective engagements, using the" holding the mirror up" metaphor, critically questioned the tension and misalignments between the AD mandate and practices. Although in a SA higher education context, this research could be beneficial to HE contexts globally, given the ubiquity of AD work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Williams, Sandra , Adams, Anthea , Geduld-van Wyk, Charlene , Muhuro, Patricia
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425705 , vital:72277 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.14426/cristal.v12iSI1.2117"
- Description: We, Academic Development (AD) practitioners, question whether AD's objective in South Africa (SA) as a'liberatory educational and social movement'to enhance educational quality for all students, is effectively pursued. AD practitioners often work on the fringes of the academy, fighting for relevance and legitimacy within an increasingly performative and managerialist academic culture. Despite innovative AD initiatives AD work is criticised for being unresponsive, unreflexive, conformist, and lacking theoretical, scholarly, and critical engagement. We use critical pedagogical praxis, particularly the constructs of critique, reflexivity, power, and self-reflection, to interrogate the continuous tension between AD intention and practice. Through (un) conference methodology, this auto-ethnographic account of individual and collective engagements, using the" holding the mirror up" metaphor, critically questioned the tension and misalignments between the AD mandate and practices. Although in a SA higher education context, this research could be beneficial to HE contexts globally, given the ubiquity of AD work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Human–crocodile interactions in the western Solomon Islands: the importance of local data for reducing attacks on people
- Shankar, Aswani, Matanzima, Joshua
- Authors: Shankar, Aswani , Matanzima, Joshua
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439922 , vital:73720 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S003060532300176X"
- Description: Interactions between people and the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus frequently occur on islands and in coastal regions. Saltwater crocodiles impact people's lives and livelihoods by attacking them, resulting in minor or serious injuries, and by interfering in people's foraging activities. Retaliation may include killing the crocodiles involved. To reduce such human–crocodile interactions, data about the occurrence of incidents are required. We present data on encounters with crocodiles and attacks on people in the Roviana Lagoon, Solomon Islands. Data includes time of incident, gender, age and activity of the victim, water conditions and what happened to the crocodile after the incident. We used a questionnaire to capture the details of incidents that occurred during 2000–2020 in the villages of Dunde, Baraulu, Nusa Hope and Kozou. Most incidents were in the evening, mostly involving women, and most victims were aged 20–39 years or ≥ 60 years. In all cases people were attacked while gleaning for shellfish in the mangroves. Attacks occurred irrespective of whether the water was clear or murky, and in all cases the crocodiles were not killed. Such site-specific data will facilitate the formulation of strategies for reducing negative interactions between people and crocodiles in this particular location. Although the saltwater crocodile is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, research such as this provides data that can be used for promoting coexistence with and conservation of this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Shankar, Aswani , Matanzima, Joshua
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439922 , vital:73720 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S003060532300176X"
- Description: Interactions between people and the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus frequently occur on islands and in coastal regions. Saltwater crocodiles impact people's lives and livelihoods by attacking them, resulting in minor or serious injuries, and by interfering in people's foraging activities. Retaliation may include killing the crocodiles involved. To reduce such human–crocodile interactions, data about the occurrence of incidents are required. We present data on encounters with crocodiles and attacks on people in the Roviana Lagoon, Solomon Islands. Data includes time of incident, gender, age and activity of the victim, water conditions and what happened to the crocodile after the incident. We used a questionnaire to capture the details of incidents that occurred during 2000–2020 in the villages of Dunde, Baraulu, Nusa Hope and Kozou. Most incidents were in the evening, mostly involving women, and most victims were aged 20–39 years or ≥ 60 years. In all cases people were attacked while gleaning for shellfish in the mangroves. Attacks occurred irrespective of whether the water was clear or murky, and in all cases the crocodiles were not killed. Such site-specific data will facilitate the formulation of strategies for reducing negative interactions between people and crocodiles in this particular location. Although the saltwater crocodile is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, research such as this provides data that can be used for promoting coexistence with and conservation of this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Improving access to evidence-based interventions for trauma-exposed adults in low-and middle-income countries
- Kaminer, Debra, Booysen, Duane D, Ellis, Kate, Kristensen, Christian H, Patel, Anushka R, Robjant, Katy, Sardana, Srishti
- Authors: Kaminer, Debra , Booysen, Duane D , Ellis, Kate , Kristensen, Christian H , Patel, Anushka R , Robjant, Katy , Sardana, Srishti
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454095 , vital:75309 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23031"
- Description: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the mental health consequences of trauma exposure pose a substantial personal, societal, and economic burden. Yet, the significant need for evidence-based mental health treatment remains largely unmet. To unlock the potential for mental health care for trauma survivors in lower-resource contexts, it is critical to map treatment barriers and identify strategies to improve access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions. This review, based on an International Society for Traumatic Stress (ISTSS) briefing paper, describes the treatment gap facing adults with traumatic stress in LMICs and identifies the barriers that contribute to this gap. We then highlight strategies for enhancing access to effective treatments for these populations, including task-sharing, the use of culturally adapted and multiproblem interventions, and digital tools to scale access to appropriate care. Finally, we offer recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and service providers to guide an agenda for action to close the treatment gap for trauma survivors in LMICs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Kaminer, Debra , Booysen, Duane D , Ellis, Kate , Kristensen, Christian H , Patel, Anushka R , Robjant, Katy , Sardana, Srishti
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454095 , vital:75309 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23031"
- Description: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the mental health consequences of trauma exposure pose a substantial personal, societal, and economic burden. Yet, the significant need for evidence-based mental health treatment remains largely unmet. To unlock the potential for mental health care for trauma survivors in lower-resource contexts, it is critical to map treatment barriers and identify strategies to improve access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions. This review, based on an International Society for Traumatic Stress (ISTSS) briefing paper, describes the treatment gap facing adults with traumatic stress in LMICs and identifies the barriers that contribute to this gap. We then highlight strategies for enhancing access to effective treatments for these populations, including task-sharing, the use of culturally adapted and multiproblem interventions, and digital tools to scale access to appropriate care. Finally, we offer recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and service providers to guide an agenda for action to close the treatment gap for trauma survivors in LMICs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Indigenous African language media: practices and processes: Phillip Mpofu, Israel Ayinla Fadipe and Thulani Tshabangu (eds). 2023: Book review
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455257 , vital:75416 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2024.2324032
- Description: Research on indigenous African language media is ongoing (see Chibuwe and Salawu, 2020; Chikaipa and Gunde, 2020; Aiseng, 2022). Scholars constantly embark on this fascinating journey encompassing various topics, including lan-guage preservation, cultural representation, media policy and audience reception. Research has proven that media products in indigenous African languages are growing exponentially, with media creatives continuing to see the need to produce content in these languages. Films, songs, soap operas and digital media tools increasingly endorse African indigenous languages as their primary mode of de-livery, challenging and unsettling the monopoly that Indo-european languages have enjoyed in these spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455257 , vital:75416 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2024.2324032
- Description: Research on indigenous African language media is ongoing (see Chibuwe and Salawu, 2020; Chikaipa and Gunde, 2020; Aiseng, 2022). Scholars constantly embark on this fascinating journey encompassing various topics, including lan-guage preservation, cultural representation, media policy and audience reception. Research has proven that media products in indigenous African languages are growing exponentially, with media creatives continuing to see the need to produce content in these languages. Films, songs, soap operas and digital media tools increasingly endorse African indigenous languages as their primary mode of de-livery, challenging and unsettling the monopoly that Indo-european languages have enjoyed in these spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Inhibitory effects of selected cannabinoids against dipeptidyl peptidase IV, an enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes
- Mkabayi, Lithalethu, Viljoen, Zenobia, Krause, Rui W M, Lobb, Kevin A, Pletschke, Brett I, Frost, Carminita L
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu , Viljoen, Zenobia , Krause, Rui W M , Lobb, Kevin A , Pletschke, Brett I , Frost, Carminita L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452760 , vital:75168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23289"
- Description: Ethnopharmacological relevance: In recent times the decriminalisation of cannabis globally has increased its use as an alternative medication. Where it has been used in modern medicinal practises since the 1800s, there is limited scientific investigation to understand the biological activities of this plant. Aim of the study: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) plays a key role in regulating glucose homeostasis, and inhibition of this enzyme has been used as a therapeutic approach to treat type 2 diabetes. However, some of the synthetic inhibitors for this enzyme available on the market may cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, it is important to identify new inhibitors of DPP-IV and to understand their interaction with this enzyme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu , Viljoen, Zenobia , Krause, Rui W M , Lobb, Kevin A , Pletschke, Brett I , Frost, Carminita L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452760 , vital:75168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23289"
- Description: Ethnopharmacological relevance: In recent times the decriminalisation of cannabis globally has increased its use as an alternative medication. Where it has been used in modern medicinal practises since the 1800s, there is limited scientific investigation to understand the biological activities of this plant. Aim of the study: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) plays a key role in regulating glucose homeostasis, and inhibition of this enzyme has been used as a therapeutic approach to treat type 2 diabetes. However, some of the synthetic inhibitors for this enzyme available on the market may cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, it is important to identify new inhibitors of DPP-IV and to understand their interaction with this enzyme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Maize seed variety identification model using image processing and deep learning
- Gebeyehu, Seffi, Shibeshi, Zelalem S
- Authors: Gebeyehu, Seffi , Shibeshi, Zelalem S
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429191 , vital:72566 , DOI: 10.11591/ijeecs.v33.i2.pp990-9985
- Description: Maize is Ethiopia’s dominant cereal crop regarding area coverage and production level. There are different varieties of maize in Ethiopia. Maize varieties are classified based on morphological features such as shape and size. Due to the nature of maize seed and its rotation variant, studies are still needed to identify Ethiopian maize seed varieties. With expert eyes, identification of maize seed varieties is difficult due to their similar morphological features and visual similarities. We proposed a hybrid feature-based maize variety identification model to solve this problem. For training and testing the model, images of each maize variety were collected from the adet agriculture and research center (AARC), Ethiopia. A multi-class support vector machine (MCSVM) classifier was employed on a hybrid of handcrafted (ie, gabor and histogram of oriented gradients) and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based feature selection techniques and achieved an overall classification accuracy of 99%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Gebeyehu, Seffi , Shibeshi, Zelalem S
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429191 , vital:72566 , DOI: 10.11591/ijeecs.v33.i2.pp990-9985
- Description: Maize is Ethiopia’s dominant cereal crop regarding area coverage and production level. There are different varieties of maize in Ethiopia. Maize varieties are classified based on morphological features such as shape and size. Due to the nature of maize seed and its rotation variant, studies are still needed to identify Ethiopian maize seed varieties. With expert eyes, identification of maize seed varieties is difficult due to their similar morphological features and visual similarities. We proposed a hybrid feature-based maize variety identification model to solve this problem. For training and testing the model, images of each maize variety were collected from the adet agriculture and research center (AARC), Ethiopia. A multi-class support vector machine (MCSVM) classifier was employed on a hybrid of handcrafted (ie, gabor and histogram of oriented gradients) and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based feature selection techniques and achieved an overall classification accuracy of 99%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
South African birds in a Canadian museum: the legacy of colonial service by Lionel E Taylor
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Dean, W R J
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Dean, W R J
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449550 , vital:74829 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2024.232
- Description: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, holds a collection of 498 specimens of 275 bird species presented by Lionel E Taylor, who worked in South Africa for the Department of Forestry from 1902 to 1911. Most specimens are in very good condition, and many have date and locality information; about one-third were collected around Irene, outside Pretoria, in Gauteng province, where Taylor lived before relocating to Canada. Full details can be accessed from the museum’s website. The history and composition of this collection is described here briefly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Dean, W R J
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449550 , vital:74829 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2024.232
- Description: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, holds a collection of 498 specimens of 275 bird species presented by Lionel E Taylor, who worked in South Africa for the Department of Forestry from 1902 to 1911. Most specimens are in very good condition, and many have date and locality information; about one-third were collected around Irene, outside Pretoria, in Gauteng province, where Taylor lived before relocating to Canada. Full details can be accessed from the museum’s website. The history and composition of this collection is described here briefly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
South African government responses to Trump's Global Gag Rule: Silence, ignorance, and avoidance
- Ndabula, Yanela, Macleod, Catriona I, du Plessis, Ulandi, Moore, Sarah-Ann
- Authors: Ndabula, Yanela , Macleod, Catriona I , du Plessis, Ulandi , Moore, Sarah-Ann
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441299 , vital:73875 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/02610183241229046"
- Description: In 2017, Donald Trump signed the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA), thereby reinstating the Global Gag Rule. The policy restricted all United States foreign funding from abortion-related activities. Little research reports the responses of recipients of this bilateral assistance. The study documents the South African government's responses to the PLGHA. We accessed Hansard parliamentary debates, interviewed four parliamentarians alongside one government official, and reviewed a USAID-funded initiative developed while the policy was in effect. We analysed the data using interpretive content analysis through a global social policy and gendered coloniality lens. Our research documents silence, ignorance, avoidance, and possible over-interpretation of the PLGHA within the South African government. The colonialist politics of global redistribution created the grounds for gendered regulation, resulting in a fundamental undermining of reproductive rights. Ironically, the solution – advocacy and parliamentarian briefing regarding sexual and reproductive issues – is generally led by civil society, the bodies weakened by the PLGHA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Ndabula, Yanela , Macleod, Catriona I , du Plessis, Ulandi , Moore, Sarah-Ann
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441299 , vital:73875 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/02610183241229046"
- Description: In 2017, Donald Trump signed the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA), thereby reinstating the Global Gag Rule. The policy restricted all United States foreign funding from abortion-related activities. Little research reports the responses of recipients of this bilateral assistance. The study documents the South African government's responses to the PLGHA. We accessed Hansard parliamentary debates, interviewed four parliamentarians alongside one government official, and reviewed a USAID-funded initiative developed while the policy was in effect. We analysed the data using interpretive content analysis through a global social policy and gendered coloniality lens. Our research documents silence, ignorance, avoidance, and possible over-interpretation of the PLGHA within the South African government. The colonialist politics of global redistribution created the grounds for gendered regulation, resulting in a fundamental undermining of reproductive rights. Ironically, the solution – advocacy and parliamentarian briefing regarding sexual and reproductive issues – is generally led by civil society, the bodies weakened by the PLGHA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024