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Adolescent refugee potential traumatic experience and mental health in Gambella region in Ethiopia: a model examining mediating effects of coping and resilience
No full textBackground: Refugees often experience multiple traumatic events due to persecution, conflict, and displacement, which can result in poor mental health outcomes. Objective: The current study examined whether coping and resilience mediate the relationship between traumatic experience(s) and mental health outcomes and whether these indirect effects were moderated by age, gender, and refugee camp duration. Method: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was employed. Data were collected from 14 July 2019 to 28 August 2019. A sample of 414 adolescent refugees from two refugee camps in the Gambella regional state of Ethiopia were selected using proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling for hypotheses testing causal models. Results: Coping and resilience fully mediated the relationship between traumatic experience and mental health among adolescent refugees. Refugee camp duration as a moderator factor weakens the positive relationship between traumatic experiences and mental health outcomes. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical importance of comprehensive intervention strategies that strengthen adolescent refugee personal, family, social, and community level coping and resilience abilities within refugee camps setting. The findings also strongly suggested that early intervention in refugee camps could protect adolescent refugees from possible psychological distress and maintain adolescents’ mental health and well-being within refugee camps
Probing diffuse galactic synchrotron emission using meerkat single dish data
No full textIn recent experiments, the 21 cm neutral hydrogen (HI) line has been measured using the intensity mapping (IM) method. Measuring this HI line is a complex process because it is faint and easily contaminated by radio frequency interference (RFI) and the foregrounds. Using the MeerKLASS experiment, from the L-band (900-1670 MHz) data the 21 cm signal was probed using the single dish mode. However, initially the RFI and the most dominant foreground in our Galaxy which is the synchrotron emission had to be investigated, so they could be removed. This process also provided another validation for the existing data pipeline. As synchrotron emission is modeled using a power law, one way to probe said emission is to measure the spectral index of this power law. From the various results available in the literature, the average spectral index for frequencies that are between 0.408 and 3.8 GHz is ∼ −2.7. In this study, the MeerKLASS UHF-data (544-1087 MHz) was used alongside various ancillary experiments to probe the temperature spectral index of the synchrotron emission using the Temperature-Temperature (T-T) analysis method, as well as probing the flux density spectral index using the Spectral Energy Distribution method. From the T-T analysis, the average spectral index calculated between 45 and 923 MHz is −2.71 < β < −2.66; these results are in good agreement (within 1σ) with the existing results from Irfan et al. (2022) and Platania et al. (1998). T-T analysis between MeerKLASS and Haslam data conducted towards the lower end of the UHF-band, however, revealed a sharp and physically unlikely change in the synchrotron spectral index never before seen. This coupled with the Spectral Energy Distribution analysis revealed that further work needs to be conducted on the UHF data reduction pipeline with regards to both calibration and RFI removal. There appears to be a systematic bias in the data at a level of around 15% at the beginning of the UHF-band, decreasing to only around 5% by the end of the UHF-band when comparing these data to MeerKLASS L-Band, Haslam and OVRO-LWA data
Perceived accuracy and utilisation of DHIS2 data for health decision making and advocacy in Kenya: a qualitative study
No full textReliable health information systems (HIS) are critical for effective decision-making in the delivery of Primary Health Care and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (PHC/RMNCAH+N) services. In Kenya, the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) platform serves as the primary HIS for tracking health indicators. This qualitative study explored perceptions of DHIS2 data accuracy and use for decision-making among PHC/RMNCAH+N stakeholders across 15 counties in Kenya. 89 Key Informant Interviews were conducted with PHC/ RMNCAH+N stakeholders, to explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators of DHIS2 data use. Thematic network analysis was employed to identify recurrent themes and generate insights into the utility of DHIS2-generated information. Sociotechnical challenges included limited technical capacity among health staff, inadequate analytical skills, and reliance on a small pool of Health Records Information Officers (HRIOs). However, positive practices emerged, such as the use of DHIS2 dashboards and user-friendly outputs, which were valued for supporting evidence-based decision-making and advocacy, particularly at higher levels of health management. In some counties, visual displays of data, including scorecards and performance trends, facilitated budget advocacy and community engagement. Contextual challenges and constraints, such as use of inconsistent data collection tools across counties post-devolution, human resource shortages, and limited integration of private sector data, contributed to incomplete reporting. These challenges underpinned perceived inaccuracy of DHIS2 data, arguably, hindering the complete reliance on DHIS2 data for planning and decision making. The study highlights the need for targeted investments to improve DHIS2 data accuracy and use through stronger stakeholder coordination, enhanced data synthesis skills, and fostering a culture of data ownership among a wide range of stakeholders in health, including political actors.. Addressing these gaps will contribute to improvement in DHIS2 data quality, enhanced ownership and reliance on DHIS2 data by PHC/RMNCAH+N stakeholders for decision making in Kenya
Earth observation technologies for improved agricultural decision support systems in South Africa
No full textThis work investigates the application of remotely sensed data and advanced machine learning techniques in enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in South Africa, focusing on crop monitoring, water use efficiency, and land management. Firstly, a systematic review of remote sensing applications in Southern African agriculture, evaluating key advancements, challenges, and opportunities was conducted to document the key scientific knowledge gaps that then informed the focus of this study. The findings of the review revealed that the adoption of remotely sensed data and machine learning algorithms in agriculture remains in its infancy. Building on these insights, this study proposed a methodological framework for delineating irrigated and rainfed croplands in South Africa. By leveraging high-resolution Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and advanced machine learning techniques—including Deep Learning Neural Networks (DNN) and Random Forest (RF)—the study demonstrated the effectiveness of these models in generating accurate, large-scale agricultural land-use maps, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 0.71. Further, a novel approach for crop classification was also introduced by integrating unsupervised learning techniques and spectral matching algorithms, enabling accurate identification (OA = 0.84, p-value = 0.01) of major crop species across South Africa’s diverse agricultural landscapes. Additionally, the study employed multi-temporal MODIS satellite imagery to quantify annual crop water use (CWU) and crop water productivity (CWP), revealing substantial spatiotemporal variations between irrigated and rainfed croplands. Irrigated croplands generally had higher annual CWP (>0.002 kg/mm3/yr), while rainfed croplands consistently showed low CWP in forestry (0.001 kg/mm3/yr) and sugar (0.0012 kg/mm3/yr) agricultural regions
Aspects relevant for nucleosynthesis in novae and 136Xe neutrinoless double beta decay, probed via 32S(d; t) and 137Ba(3He; ) reactions
No full textThis work uses two independent neutron removal reactions to investigate nuclear states relevant for two contexts: the 30P(p; )31S resonance reaction, which plays a crucial role in nucleosynthesis pathways in novae, and the neutrinoless double beta decay (0 ) of 136Xe ! 136Ba. To achieve these objectives, high-resolution measurements using the 32S(d; t) and the 137Ba(3He; ) reactions were employed to probe excitation energies of interest in 31S and 136Ba, respectively. Both experiments were performed using the Q3D spectrograph at the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory (MLL) in Garching, Germany. A rigorous statistical analysis of the 32S(d; t) data was used to resolve a discrepancy concerning the existence of an astrophysically relevant state in 31S at around 6.4 MeV. The analysis of the second dataset provided valuable spectroscopic information to test calculated matrix elements for 136Xe 0
Brain resting state functional connectivity changes with aerobic exercise, and mindfulness: a narrative review
No full textPurpose: Neuroimaging studies show that the functional connectivity of the brain changes with age. Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the brain appears to decrease with aging in key networks associated with higher order thinking and effective emotional regulation. Interventions that potentially preserversFC in the brain include 1) physical activity and 2) contemplative practice commonly referred to as mindfulness. The present narrative review aims to summarize the literature concerning the effect of interventions involving exercise, mindful movement, and purely mindfulness-based training on rsFC. Methods: Search terms focused on identifying multi-day exercise, mindfulness, or mindful-movement interventions in non-clinical adult populations that included a control group and both pre- and post-assessment of brain rsFC. Results: Thirty studies were reviewed. Assessed methodological factors that potentially impact findings included subject sample size, scan time length, brain regions targeted for analyses, intervention length and intensity, population characteristics, and differences in sleep quantity/quality. Most studies reported changes in rsFC related to interventions with most observed changes found within the default mode, executive control and salience networks of the brain. However, the largest and most methodologically rigorous study found minimal associations between rsFC and either exercise or mindfulness. Conclusion: Given the inconsistent results found in this review, caution is warranted in the interpretation of changes in rsFC attributable to exercise and mindfulness. This review highlights key factors likely to contribute to differences in reported outcomes. Methodological consistency in fMRI acquisition, data preparation, and analytical approaches are crucial to improve reproducibility and allow for comparison and aggregation
Family dynamics in a sample South African family: a systems theory analysis of cultural adaptation and contemporary challenges
No full textFamily dynamics shape interactions and relationships within households, influencing mental health, academic achievement, and social adaptation across the lifespan. While extensive research has explored these dynamics in Western contexts, less is known about how South African families navigate cultural traditions alongside rapid societal changes. This study uses qualitative methods to explore urban South African family dynamics through the lens of Family Systems Theory. Data were gathered through focus group interviews conducted with seven diverse families (30 individuals) and semi-structured interviews with nine stakeholders. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: family structure, parental roles and support, power dynamics, family activities and bonding, and the impact of technology. Findings reveal that South African families function as interconnected emotional units, continuously adapting to evolving social landscapes while maintaining cultural values. The study sheds light on how families negotiate power, redefine parental roles, foster bonding through shared activities, and manage technological shifts across generations. These insights inform the development of culturally responsive family support strategies that acknowledge the systemic and dynamic nature of family life in South Africa
A capability analysis of teacher professional development and professional teaching standards for Grade 12 History teaching in four districts in the Western Cape
No full textThis study examined the impact of Teacher Professional Development (TPD) and Professional Teaching Standards (PTS) on enhancing the quality of Grade 12 History teaching and improving learner achievement in selected districts of the Western Cape, South Africa. Against a backdrop of persistent educational inequality and inconsistent History results, the research aimed to evaluate how context-responsive TPD initiatives, aligned with PTS frameworks, could support teacher growth and address learner needs. Guided by Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach and Etienne Wenger’s theory of Communities of Practice, the study positioned teachers as active agents capable of transforming classroom practice through shared inquiry and thoughtful engagement in professional learning. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 history teachers and four curriculum advisors from both urban and rural education districts. The findings revealed that well-supported TPD interventions, particularly those embedded in professional learning communities (PLCs), contributed to increased teacher confidence, content knowledge, and the development of learner-specific teaching strategies. Rural teachers identified a lack of resources and sustained mentorship as barriers, while urban teachers highlighted the need for continued subject-specific development. Participants unanimously supported the integration of PTS as a tool for reflective practice and professional accountability. The study proposed a sustainable, teacher-centred support model that integrated TPD, PLCs, and PTS to foster teacher agency and improve historical thinking in classrooms. It contributed to current debates on professional development by offering practical recommendations for policy and practice in the South African context. It advocated for a shift from compliance based training to capability-driven teacher development that is responsive to both professional standards and the lived realities of educators
H I intensity mapping with the MIGHTEE Survey: first results of the H I power spectrum
No full textWe present the first results of the H I intensity mapping power spectrum analysis with the MeerKAT International GigaHertz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey. We use data covering ∼ 4 square degrees in the COSMOS field using a frequency range of 962.5–1008.42 MHz, equivalent to H I emission in 0.4 < z < 0.48. The data consist of 15 pointings with a total of 94.2 h on-source. We verify the suitability of the MIGHTEE data for H I intensity mapping by testing for residual systematics across frequency, baselines, and pointings. We also vary the window used for H I signal measurements and find no significant improvement using stringent Fourier mode cuts. We compute the H I power spectrum at scales 0.5 Mpc−1 ≾ k ≾ 10 Mpc−1 in autocorrelation as well as cross-correlation between observational scans using power spectrum domain averaging for pointings. We report consistent upper limits of 29.8 mK2 Mpc3 from the 2σ cross-correlation measurements and 25.82 mK2 Mpc3 from autocorrelation at k ∼2 Mpc−1.The low signal-to-noise ratio in this data potentially limits our ability to identify residual systematics, which will be addressed in the future by incorporating more data in the analysis
Editorial – ‘asking for the moon’: a special issue on Drucilla Cornell
No full textSeveral tributes and publications have appeared since Drucilla Cornell’s untimely passing on the 22 December 2022. The birth of this special issue commemorating her was a stream organised at the Critical Legal Conference that took place at the University of Durham in September 2023. Not all of the papers delivered at the conference were submitted for this issue and one of the articles published here was not delivered at the conference but the issue nevertheless reflects the spirit and gist of a gathering of people who worked closely with Drucilla, her ideas, politics and theories honouring her memory and legacy