16918 research outputs found
Sort by
Community- and species-level responses of reptiles to an avian ecosystem engineer
No full textEcosystem engineers can alter the distribution and abundance of resources in a landscape, thereby impacting the distribution of other species that use those resources. Although reptiles are known to respond to the ecosystem engineering of birds, case studies are surprisingly rare. Here, we sampled reptile abundance and diversity underneath pairs of trees that do, or do not, contain the thatched colonies of sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) in the Kalahari. We conducted our systematic sampling both when the weavers were breeding, and again at the beginning of summer before the onset of breeding. We test the hypotheses that (1) reptile species richness and (2) overall abundance are higher under trees with weaver colonies, and whether differences in those measures vary with season. We additionally explicitly test whether colony trees hosted greater abundances of (3) Kalahari tree skinks (Trachylepis spilogaster), and (4) cape thick-toed geckos (Pachydactylus capensis)—the two most frequently detected species in our study. We find robust support for all four hypotheses. Trees with colonies had approximately twice the richness of trees without colonies when weavers were breeding but showed no difference in richness outside of the breeding period. Trees with colonies also yielded approximately twice the number of captures (from all reptile species) than did trees without colonies, but this effect was present in both seasons. We found strong support for trees with colonies hosting larger populations of Kalahari tree skinks than noncolony trees in both seasons. We also found strong support for cape thick-toed geckos occurring at higher abundances under colony trees. Taken together, our results indicate that multiple species of reptiles are responding to the presence of sociable weaver colonies in the Kalahari, and that those species effects are summing up to detectable community-wide effects
BioSoundSCape: a bioacoustic dataset for the fynbos biome
No full textMost biodiversity data are collected at fine spatial scales, but threats to species and ecosystems occur at broad spatial scales. Remote sensing allows broad-scale assessment of biodiversity but these data need to be ground-truthed with contemporaneous in situ datasets. Various faunal groups produce sounds or vocalizations which can then be related to remotely-sensed data. As part of the NASA-led BioSCape project, the BioSoundSCape project deployed Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), which record sounds in an approximately 50 m radius, at 521 sites spread across an area of approximately 119,058 km2 in the Greater Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, during the wet and dry seasons of 2023. The ARUs recorded sounds one in every ten minutes, over 4–10 days, producing 825,832 minutes of recordings (approximately 400,000 minutes of recording in each season). These sound data are georeferenced to within 20 m, with time and date information, so may be useful for relating biodiversity patterns in soundscapes to vegetation structure, fire history, plant phenology, distance to roads and other human infrastructure
Sesotho immigrant minority group and language rights in South Africa: a case study
No full textIn post-democratic South Africa, there has been – and continues to be – a dramatic increase of immigrants who pursue better standards of living and education in the country. There are many challenges with immigrants, with some being labelled as drug sellers, human traffickers, and so on. These individuals emerged in communities where sometimes they are perceived negatively; some view them as breaking the law by crossing the borders without proper documents. This research focuses on the Sesotho immigrant minority group and language rights in South Africa. The research is based on a case study. It explores the country’s language usage in selected courtroom cases. The focus is on immigrant minority groups and their language rights in relation to the role of South African courtroom interpreters who are hired with the aim of improving the branch of justice and constitutional development through language. This study was located at the Worcester Magistrates’ Court and is situated against the backdrop of human rights, as contained in the Bill of Rights in relation to section35(3)(k) of the Constitution which confers on an accused person a right to have a trial conducted in the language of their choice. The goal of this study was to examine the position of interpreters through courtroom docket instances of immigrant minority groups, having an overview of the challenges they come upon and the way forensic linguistics can assist during demanding situations. This research looked at the necessity of qualifications for interpreters and how they are trained in translating immigrant minority groups’ languages. The methodology involved qualitative insights derived from interviews conducted with three interpreters. Additionally, a review of South African constitutional provisions and legal framework regarding language rights provides a foundational backdrop for analysis. The preliminary findings indicated that, even though the legislative framework appears to support the linguistic rights of minority groups, their actual implementation may be inconsistent. The accessibility of qualified Sesotho mediators is irregular, and their capability levels change, influencing the constancy of interpretation and levels of understanding during court procedures. The study's recommendations for policy enhancements include strict quality control measures, increased recruitment of proficient Sesotho speakers, and standardized training for interpreters. To safeguard the Sesotho immigrant minority group's language rights and guarantee their fair access to the Worcester Magistrates’ Court, these actions are absolutely necessary
Epidemiological characteristics and temporal trends of male infertility in Egypt (2012–2022): analysis of 3,037 consecutive cases
No full textBackground: Male factors contribute to about half of global infertility cases, yet regional data are limited, particularly in Egypt. Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic, clinical, seminal, and hormonal profiles of infertile Egyptian men and investigate their correlations. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of infertile men presented to a single busy andrology/infertility center in Egypt between June 2012 and May 2022. Demographic, clinical, seminal, and hormonal data were reviewed, and trends and correlations were assessed. Results: Of 3,037 men, primary infertility accounted for 76.13%, with a median infertility duration of 4 years. Varicocele was observed in 66.47% of cases, predominantly second-degree. Asthenozoospermia (31.74%), oligoasthenozoospermia (20.78%), and azoospermia (9.12%) were the most frequent semen abnormalities. Median sperm concentration was 24 million/ml, progressive motility 25%, and normal morphology 10%. From 2012 to 2022, median sperm concentration declined from 24 million/ml to 18 million/ml (p = 0.2), progressive motility declined from 25% to 17% (p < 0.001), and normal sperm morphology declined from 10% to 5% (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–2022) exhibited the most prominent reduction in sperm progressive motility (from 21% to 17%; p < 0.001). Smoking negatively correlated with all sperm parameters. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels correlated negatively with semen quality and testicular volume but positively with infertility duration. Neither varicocele grade nor total testosterone levels correlated significantly with sperm parameters. Conclusion: This study identified primary infertility, varicocele diagnosis and asthenozoospermia as predominant findings among infertile Egyptian men. Over a decade, temporal declines in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were observed, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Smoking and elevated gonadotropins negatively influenced semen quality and testicular volume, whereas testosterone levels and varicocele grade showed no significant correlation. These findings highlight the importance of developing integrated, region-specific strategies to address male infertility
“I-we-I”: visualizing adolescents’ perceptions and apprehension to transition to adult hiv care at a supportive transition facility in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa
No full textAdolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) (10–19 years) make up approximately 4.2% (320,000) of people living with HIV in South Africa. Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by pervasive biological, social and psychological changes, which challenges adherence and retention in care for ALHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Further, as ALHIV grow “older”, they are expected to transition to the adult HIV treatment programme, where they should assume greater responsibility for managing their chronic condition and healthcare pathway. Whereas it is imperative that ALHIV are transitioned when they are ready, little is known about the challenges and experiences of ALHIV before and during transition. The aim of this paper was to report on the experiences and challenges of transition for ALHIV who received ART at an adolescent-friendly service that is adjunct to a public primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Methods: Photovoice methods were employed to explore the transition experiences of ALHIV on ART at a “supportive transition” public health facility in the Cape Town Metro in South Africa. Participants took pictures that depict their experience pre- and during transition to adult care and discussed these in groups with peers. Audio data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis using Atlas.Ti version 24. Results: The emergent themes described their apprehension to transitioning to adult care; self-management; challenges to adherence; the need for psychosocial support; and how adolescent-friendly services were filling the gap. Conclusions: We illuminate the “I-We-I” configuration, to reflect (the first “I”) individual ALHIV experiences as isolated before being transferred to the supportive facility; how they experience a sense of belonging and family (“we”) in the supportive facility; but face apprehension about transitioning to adult care in the local clinic, where they have to self-manage (final “I”)
Exploring the intended and achieved outcomes of the Life Orientation curriculum: A Case study of TVET college graduates in the Western Cape
No full textIn South Africa, one of the mandatory subjects in public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offered across all the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programmes is Life Orientation (LO), which forms part of the compulsory fundamental component of the qualification at levels 2, 3 and 4. The LO curriculum intends to support learners in addressing personal and social issues relevant to their lives as South African citizens by effectively assisting their navigation through youth and, eventually, adulthood. Policymakers expect the LO subject to impact students' lives after college, affecting their professional and social interactions. However, limited research exists regarding the translation of LO curriculum objectives into lived experiences, an interest that underpins the study presented here. Using a case study and narrative life history approach, this research investigated TVET college graduate students' impressions of the LO programme they had been exposed to. Twelve recent college graduates were recruited using snowball sampling and were interviewed about their trajectories after graduation
Gender-based violence in higher education and research performing organisations: three steps in critique and reconceptualisation
No full textThe critique and conceptualisation of current policy and research on gender-based violence in higher education institutions (HEIs) and research performing organisations (RPOs) are matters of central importance. Building critically on recent European research and policy experience, and conceptual reflections arising from a large European multi-country research and innovation project, three key steps in critique and reconceptualising of gender-based violence in HEIs and RPOs are explicated. These are: first, clarification of differential definitions of and inclusions in gender-based violence in HEIs and RPOs; second, drawing on the recent European UniSAFE project survey and analysis of 42,000 university staff and student respondents in 46 institutions within 15 countries, differential contextualisations of prevalence and consequences, especially the need for multi-level and intersectional analysis of prevalence and consequences; and, third, engagement with ongoing theoretical and practical contestations in conceptualisation. The article concludes with discussion of further key issues for research and policy. These include how gender and gender-based violence are understood across national, organisational contexts, and the need for more focus on perpetrators, and the organisational relations between perpetrators and victims. In working towards violence-free and safe HEIs and RPOs, the connections between violence and organisational structures, processes and dynamics must be confronted proactively
Crafting wellness: Mediation of job crafting on the relationship between workplace social support and employee mental health
No full textObjective: The study investigates the mediating role of job crafting on the relationship between workplace social support and employee mental health.
Method: The research utilized a survey method to obtain data from respondents in selected government departments operating within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A total of 289 usable responses were obtained for analysis with the ordinary least squares regression-based path analysis being conducted using the Hayes Process Macro to quantify the direct effects of the hypothesized relationships.
Results: The direct relationships show support for the relationships between (a) workplace social support and job crafting and (b) workplace social support and employee mental health. In terms of the mediation results, job crafting was observed to partially mediate the association between workplace social support and employee mental health.
Conclusions: The study establishes that job crafting is the preeminent antecedent of employee mental health compared to workplace social support. This suggests that employees who take proactive steps to modify their work environment tend to experience greater mental well-being. The findings call for an urgent need to promote organizations that not only encourage job crafting but supportive workplace behaviors in promoting mental health
Early childhood caries: exploring the ethical implications for dental neglect in South Africa
No full textBackground: Dental neglect is defined as the ‘wilful’ failure of a parent and/or guardian to provide optimal oral healthcare, leading to pain and infection. Child abuse and neglect, including dental neglect, are significant public health issues with long-term consequences for victims. Aim: Given the early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence and socio-economic circumstances of South Africa’s (SA) population, the aim of this review is to explore whether ECC constitutes child neglect in SA. Method: This study explored existing literature on ECC prevalence in SA and its association with dental neglect. It examined SA’s child protection policies and considered the socioeconomic context contributing to dental neglect. Results: Evidence suggests that dental neglect, including untreated caries, may indicate broader neglect. However, SA’s historical injustices, poverty, unemployment and lack of access to quality healthcare and education have resulted in high economic disparity among its population, perpetuating ill-health. Early childhood caries in SA is a broader social problem shaped by political, social and economic forces. Societal neglect shifts focus away from parents and towards examination of harmful government policies and actions which impose constraints on families, leading to diseases such as ECC. Conclusion: Child safety, optimum healthcare and prevention of neglect should be priorities of SA’s health and government systems as the country works towards universal health coverage and health system reform. Contribution: This study raises awareness about dental neglect as a child health issue, addresses the root causes of ECC within a societal context, advocates for policy changes and aligns with national and global health priorities
Amorous materialism: jousting with courtly love in Wole Soyinka’s the interpreters
No full textWole Soyinka’s first novel, The Interpreters (1965), presents a critique of European conceptions of romantic love, influenced by courtly love, that have not yet been considered in scholarship of this important novel. Through the animist materialist treatment of an ornate, heart-shaped wardrobe, inspirited by Sir Derinola, a parody of a medieval knight, The Interpreters presents trenchant criticism of the dominant courtly-romantic love complex. Soyinka’s materially embodied critique of an imposed idea of love constitutes a Yoruba-informed amorous materialism, where complex feelings in relation to love and reflections on love may be seen to re-enchant the physical world. Amorous materialism is Soyinka’s iteration of a postcolonial model of love, which is presented mainly in the relationship of Sagoe, one of the key interpreter figures in the novel, and Dehinwa, a female character often regarded as marginal in scholarship of the novel. This relationship is marked by the conventionally conceived features of romantic love, like exclusivity, loyalty and endurance, but the sentimentality, formality, courtesies and niceties of European models of courtly-romantic love are roundly rejected. Postcolonial paradigms of love, variations of which may also be seen in a range of other postcolonial literature, are conceptions of love that challenge colonially normalized ideas about love and romance. Soyinka’s representation of postcolonial love in its vitriolic, exuberant, masculinist disavowal of the European courtly-romantic love complex, however, inadvertently risks the charge of misogyny