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Misinformation detection : a review for high and low resource languages
Get PDFJournal Article, Computer Science Department, North-West University, Mafikeng,The rapid spread of misinformation on platforms like Twitter, and Facebook, and in news headlines highlights the urgent need for effective ways to detect it. Currently, researchers are increasingly using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to tackle misinformation detection (MID) because of their proven success. However, this task is still challenging due to the complexity of deceptive language, digital editing tools, and the lack of reliable linguistic resources for non-English languages. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of relevant research, providing insights into advanced techniques
for MID. It covers dataset assessments, the importance of using multiple forms of data (multimodality), and different language representations. By applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology, the study identified and analyzed literature from 2019 to 2024 across five databases: Google Scholar, Springer, Elsevier, ACM, and IEEE Xplore. The study selected thirty-one papers and examined the effectiveness of various ML and DL approaches with a focal point on performance metrics, datasets, and false or misleading information detection challenges. The findings indicate that most current MID models are heavily dependent on DL techniques, with approximately 81% of studies preferring these over traditional ML methods. In addition, most studies are text-based, with much less attention given to audio, speech, images, and videos. The most effective models are mainly designed for high resource languages, with English datasets being the most used (67%), followed by Arabic (14%), Chinese (11%), and others. Less than 10% of the studies focus on low-resource languages (LRLs). Therefore, the study highlighted the need for robust datasets and interpretable, scalable MID models for LRLs. It emphasizes the critical need to prioritize and advance MID research for LRLs across all data types, including text, audio, speech, images, videos, and multimodal approaches. This study aims to support ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and promote a more informed understanding of under resourced African languages
A Toeplitz-like operator with rational matrix symbol having poles on the unit circle: Invertibility and Riccati equations. Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications Volume 532, Issue 2, 15 April 2024, 127925. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmaa.2023.127925]
No full textJournal Article, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North--West University-PotchefstroomThis paper is a continuation of the work on unbounded Toeplitz-like operators TΩ with rational matrix symbol Ω initiated in Groenewald et al. (2021) [11], where a Wiener-Hopf type factorization of Ω is obtained and used to determine when TΩ is Fredholm and to compute the Fredholm index in case TΩ is Fredholm. Due to the high level of non-uniqueness and complicated form of the Wiener-Hopf typ factorization, it does not appear useful in determining when TΩ is invertible. In the present paper we use state space methods to characterize invertibility of TΩ in terms of the existence of a stabilizing solution of an associated nonsymmetric discrete algebraic Riccati equation, which in turn leads to a pseudo-canonical factorization
of Ω and concrete formulas of T −
Twenty-four-hour ambulatory, but not clinic blood pressure associates with leptin in young adults with overweight or obesity: The African-PREDICT study
Get PDFJournal Article, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physical Activity Sport and Recreation (PhASRec)-- Potchefstroom CampusHypertension and obesity are known pro-inflammatory conditions, and limited studies explored various blood pressure modalities and inflammatory markers in young adults with overweight or obesity (OW/OB). We assessed the relationship of clinic and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure with an array of inflammatory markers in young adults with OW/OB. This cross-sectional study included women and men of Black and White ethnicity (n = 1194) with a median age of 24.5 ± 3.12 years. Participants were divided into normal weight and OW/OB groups according to body mass index. Clinic and 24 h ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Inflammatory markers included leptin, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, interleukin-10, and C-reactive protein. After adjustments for age, sex, and ethnicity, the OW/OB group had higher blood pressure and an overall worse inflammatory profile compared to the normal weight group (all p ≤ 0.024). In the OW/OB group, 24 h systolic (r = 0.22; p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.28; p < 0.001) correlated with leptin, independent of age, sex, and ethnicity. In fully adjusted regression models, 24 h systolic blood pressure (adj.R2 = 0.25; β = 0.28; p = 0.035) and diastolic blood pressure (adj.R2 = 0.10; β = 0.32; p = 0.034), associated with leptin in the OW/OB group and significance remained with additional adjustments for visceral adiposity index. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory, but not clinic blood pressure, is related to leptin in young adults with OW/OB. Leptin shows a stronger relationship with adiposity when compared to other inflammatory markers and may play a role in subcutaneous adiposity-related increased blood pressure.Open Access
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Water conservation by managers at the workplace: Examination of attitudes and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour
No full textJournal Article, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North--West University-PotchefstroomUnderstanding the behavioural drivers of water conservation in public spaces is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of water resources management and water use especially in water scarce environments. This study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour to determine the contributing factors of water conservation attitude and behaviour among managers at work. Data were collected from 72 managers at North-West University – Mahikeng, South Africa through self-administered survey questionnaire. Results showed that behaviour practices of reporting water leakages and closing taps were prevalent among the managers. Furthermore, positive correlations including length of service (r = 0.791); training on water issues (r = 0.542); gender (r = 0.509) and speaking about water conservation (r = 0.091) emerged as significant predictors of a water conservation attitude and behaviour. Promotion of water conservation attitude and behaviour through education and training would have a greater tendency among managers to conserve water at work
Dataset of 16S ribosomal DNA sequence-based identification of bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented food samples
Get PDFJournal Article, Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, MmabathoThe dataset profiled in this research is built on sequencing of lactic acid bacteria 16S rDNA mined from Nono (N4 and N5), Kunu (K4 and K1) and Garri. The 16S rDNA sequences files are accessible under the data identification numbers: OK017047, OK017046, OK017044, OK017043, OK017045 at the GenBank database, NCBI. Taxonomic identification and phylogenetic tree analysis were done using the online BLAST (blastn) and MEGA11 software, respectively. The effect of the bacteriocin produced by these organisms on spoilage bacteria associated with salad was evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay. Limosilactobacillus pontis strain EOINONO, Limosilactobacillus pontis strain OGENONO, Limosilactobacillus pontis strain SEOGARI, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain MJIKUNU and Limosilactobacillus pontis strain EEIKUNU were the identified bacteriocinogenic organisms while Bacillus tequilensis strain SEOABACHA, Bacillus tequilensis strain EEIABACHA, Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain IMABACHA and Achromobacter insolitus strain MJIABACHA were the identified spoilage organisms
Pro-environmental behaviour through the lens of the Mini-IPIP6 Consumer Personality Scale in South Africa
Get PDFConference Contribution, Faculty of Health Sciences, Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHER)-- Potchefstroom CampusDaily habits and various antecedents play crucial roles in consumers' pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). Personality traits are significant for environmental engagement since they manifest in habitual green activities and infrequent high-cost decisions motivated by reflective thinking. Personality is also determined by complex interactions between physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental contexts in which individuals function. Hence, personality traits could be a key determinant of PEB. This research analyses the relationship of consumer personalities with PEB as daily green habits in the South African emerging economy context, which may differ from high-income countries. We used an online survey with convenience and snowball sampling to recruit South African respondents (N = 478) aged 18 years and older. The International Personality Item Pool six factors (Mini-IPIP6) scale was used to determine associations between specific traits and daily PEB, especially the honesty-humility (H-H) dimension, which is concluded to be the strongest predictor for PEB. The other five personality dimensions are agreeableness (A), extraversion (E), conscientiousness (C), neuroticism (N) and openness to experience (O). Descriptive data analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and correlational methods were performed. Respondents generally show personality traits conducive to PEB (mA = 4.02; mO = 3.83; CC = 3.78; mH-H = 3.65). Correlations were shown between “C” and “conservation habits” (r = .261; p < 0.05) and “O” and “wasteful habits” (r = -.221; p < 0). s “H-H” correlated with “personal effort habits” (r = .230; p < 0.05) and “wasteful habits” (r = -.252; p < 0.05). Consequently, respondents who tested higher on these three personality dimensions (C; H-H; O) may perform more habitual PEB, thus revealing the utility of personality dimensions in understanding consumers’ PEB in an emerging economy
The African Pastor as a Public Figure in Response to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Public Pastoral Intervention
Get PDFJournal Article, The Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, PotchefstroomThe burgeoning field of public theology has garnered significant scholarly attention. Amidst its multifaceted discussions, a recurring theme asserts that theology plays a vital and irreplaceable role in public discourse. This perspective contends that engaging with matters of public concern from a theological standpoint not only contributes meaningfully to public discourse but also shapes our understanding of the world, human existence, and the divine. Within the African context, particularly in South Africa, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing societal issue despite government and organizational efforts. This article delves into the potential role of pastors as public figures in addressing the persistent challenge of GBV. It explores the implications of pastors assuming public roles within an African context and how this engagement can be instrumental in combating GBV. By drawing on literature related to public practical theology, pastoral care, and GBV in South Africa, the article advocates for proactive public interventions by pastoral ministries. Through synthesizing insights from existing scholarship, it contributes to ongoing discussions at the intersection of theology, pastoral practice, and societal issues, with a specific focus on addressing GBV in the unique South African context
Personality, job burnout, and somatic complaints: A structural model in a South African samplec
Get PDFJournal Article, Faculty of Economoc management Science, North--West University- PotchefstroomOrientation: Research indicates that personality strengths and weaknesses can be a good starting point in reducing burnout risk and the resulting somatic symptoms that lower employee health and organisational outcomes. Research purpose: The current study investigated the relationship between burnout,personality traits, and somatic symptoms in a South African sample. Motivation for the study: Despite burnout’s influence on employee health and organisational outcomes, no study has been conducted within the South African context investigating these phenomena together. Knowledge of the specific personality traits that increase burnout risk and somatic symptoms is essential, as it can help create interventions to prevent and lower burnout risk for South African employees. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional design was followed by a purposive sample (N = 249) of South African employees who were at least 18 years old. They completed a short form Big Five personality traits and the Burnout Assessment Tool. Main findings: The results indicate a strong link between burnout and somatic symptoms, but that increased emotional stability and openness lowered burnout risk. Extraversion and emotional stability also lowered employees’ experiences of somatic symptoms, whereas conscientiousness increased somatic symptoms. Practical/managerial implications: The results inform South African organisations on possible
personality traits that increase burnout risk and can inform practice and create interventions and training for employees. Contribution/value-add: The results contribute to burnout research in South Africa and create a basis for future research
The Development and Validation of the Psychological Empowerment Scale for Older People
Get PDFJournal Article, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Workwell: Research Unit for Economic; Management Sciences-- Potchefstroom CampusEmpowerment is a central paradigm in the care for older people. Social work requires measuring instruments to be able to meaningfully justify its efforts and interventions. This study aims at the validation of the Psychological Empowerment Scale for Older People, a measuring instrument build on this operationalization. The PESOP was administered to a large sample and completed by 398 older people in the Netherlands. The results provided evidence for a single-factor scale consisting of 17 items, with strong reliability and validity scores. The PESOP provides social work with a tool by which to measure the empowerment of older service users
Optimization of ethanol yield from cassava
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Science in Chemical Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe energy crisis and worldwide economic depression has highlighted the production of biofuels from agricultural materials as an important national policy. Cassava, a root plant indigenous to Africa, is not cultivated commercially in South Africa because it is not a staple food source and contains some cyanide components in its raw form. Cassava is mostly grown as a food supplement by informal households. Cassava roots are rich in starch (approximately 80%) and are therefore an excellent candidate for the production of bio-ethanol in South Africa. In this research, Cassava roots, which consist mostly of starch, as well as the peels, which consist of cellulose, were converted to bio-ethanol. As a baseline, the Cassava starch and the peels were converted to ethanol separately by using traditional pretreatment methods and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as yeast. The hydrolysis process for starch was optimized with respect to substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, enzyme combination, treatment temperature and pH of the different process steps. The best fermentation step was determined through fermentation of the optimized starch hydrolysate using the separated hydrolysis and fermentation process (SHF), the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process (SSF) as well as a direct fermentation (DF) process from the raw starch using Schwanniomyces occidentalis (ATCC 26076). Cassava roots (starch) and peels (cellulose) were then pretreated and fermented simultaneously using different combinations of enzymes. A substrate concentration of 20 wt% biomass gave the highest glucose concentration in the final hydrolysate, while the best enzyme concentration was found to be 0.2% for Termamyl SC, 0.25% for Spirizyme fuel and 0.1% for Celluclast 1.5L. The liquefaction and saccharification treatment temperature that gave the highest ethanol yield were 95°C and 55°C respectively. The best pH for the two hydrolysis steps was found to be 6 and 4.5 for the liquefaction and saccharification steps respectively. The optimum pretreatment conditions with a substrate concentration of 20wt% yielded a final glucose concentration of 141 g.L-1 (Yp/s = 0.7 g.g-1) for Cassava starch, 109 g.L-1 (Yp/s =0.55g.g-1) for Cassava cellulose (peels) and for the simultaneous conversion of both the starch and cellulose, a final glucose concentration of 184 g.L-1 (Yp/s = 0.9 g.g-1) was obtained. It can be concluded from these results that unpeeled Cassava roots (starch and cellulose) yield a higher final glucose concentration in the final hydrolysate than converting the cellulose (peels) and starch (peeled roots) separately. This means that it is more productive and economical to use unpeeled Cassava roots with the correct combination of starch and cellulose enzymes to produce a glucose rich hydrolysate for ethanol production through fermentation. The direct fermentation (DF) process yielded the lowest final ethanol concentration (0.14%) resulting in a yield coefficient (Yp/s) of just 1 %. The SHF process yielded 9.6 % (v/v) (Yp/s = 0.38 g.g-1) ethanol for Cassava starch and 10.6 % (v/v) (Yp/s = 0.42 g.g-1) for both roots and peels (starch and cellulose) after 48 hours fermentation. The SSF process resulted in a final ethanol yield of 7 % (v/v) (Yp/s = 0.3g.g-1) for Cassava starch, 4% (v/v) (Yp/s = 0.16 g.g-1) for Cassava peels (cellulose) and 10.6% (v/v) (Yp/s = 0.42 g.g-1) for unpeeled Cassava roots (starch and cellulose). These results demonstrate that Cassava waste (peels) can be used as an alternative biomass for bio-ethanol production. However, the SSF process for unpeeled Cassava roots results in a higher ethanol yield than processing the peels and starch separately and then combining the hydrolysates only for the fermentation step. It also became evident that Cassava containing approximately 85% (g/g) starch is a good feedstock for bio-ethanol production in South Africa.-SANERI (CRSES)Master