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Possible link between ethnicity, smoking status and coffee consumption with early onset of Parkinson's disease
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Atkinson, Katherine; Esterhuizen, Tonya M.; Van Coller, Riaan; Carr, Jonathan; Bardien, Soraya
No abstract available.
Assessment of Moringa accessions performance for adaptability, growth and leaf yield under the subtropical climate of Pretoria, South Africa
(MDPI, 2025-10) Zeru, Addisu Endalew; Hassen, Abubeker; Muller, Francuois; Tjelele, Julius; Bairu, Michael; abubeker.hassen@up.ac.za
Despite the extensive cultivation of Moringa trees in tropical regions, understanding of accession-specific performance across diverse agroecological zones remains inadequate. Thus, this study evaluated the growth, adaptability, and leaf yield performance of 12 Moringa accessions (11 M. oleifera and 1 M. stenopetala) over three years in a subtropical climate (Pretoria, South Africa). Seeds were planted in seedling trays in the glasshouse at the University of Pretoria’s experimental farm. Vigorous seedlings were transplanted to the field at the Roodeplaat experimental site of the Agricultural Research Council two months after establishment, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data were measured on establishment (emergence, survival), growth and yield parameters, and monitored plant health via leaf greenness, vigour, chlorosis, and pest and disease incidence. Accessions exhibited substantial variation for most traits, except for stem diameter. Moringa stenopetala showed the highest initial emergence rate but later displayed lower survival rates than most M. oleifera accessions. Survival rates, morphological features (plant height, canopy diameter, and branching), visual scores for leaf greenness and plant vigour, and leaf yield (fresh and dry) varied considerably among the accessions. Moringa oleifera A2 consistently performed well, exhibiting vigorous growth, the maximum survival rate (78%), and fresh leaf production (6206 kg ha−1). Accessions A3 and A8 showed intermediate yield and longevity, indicating potential for cultivation or breeding. Conversely, M. oleifera A10 and M. stenopetala markedly underperformed in most traits, limiting their cultivation potential. Based on multi-year performance, A2 is suggested for large-scale cultivation due to its vigour, yield, and stress tolerance, while A3 and A8 hold breeding potential. The study emphasizes the critical role of genetic variation and selection in enhancing Moringa productivity under subtropical environments. Future work should focus on genetic characterization and agronomic practices optimization of superior accessions.
Unlocking Potential: Human-Centred Design in Higher Education
(2025-10-29) Rama, Kishan; Nel, Marguerite A.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, digital tools like learning management systems and student portals are pivotal to student success, faculty efficiency, and administrative excellence; yet they often frustrate more than they inspire.
In this dynamic talk, UX expert Kishan Rama, drawing from his extensive experience in television, sports, banking, and e-commerce, unveils the art and science of crafting user-centred digital experiences tailored for academia.
Through compelling case studies, such as simplifying student portals and co-designing inclusive learning platforms, Kishan reveals how understanding human behaviour and applying behavioural science principles can transform clunky interfaces into intuitive, engaging, and accessible systems. Attendees will discover low-resource UX techniques, debunk common usability myths, and learn how to leverage empathy and inclusivity to boost engagement for diverse students and staff.
Packed with humour, practical insights, and actionable strategies, this session will empower professionals in academia, technologists, and designers to spark a UX revolution in higher education, creating digital experiences that not only work but also enchant.
Designing for Humanity in the Age of Automation
(2025-10-30) Selebi, Olebogeng
As automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems reshape the nature of work, the urgency for human-centred design has never been greater. In this session, we'll explore how UX practitioners can position human values, needs, and agency at the core of rapidly evolving technological ecosystems. Drawing on research from across Africa and global trends, the talk will explore how inclusive, empathetic design can bridge the growing gap between digital systems and human users—particularly those at risk of being left behind. From reimagining workplace interfaces to designing for equity in algorithmic decision-making, this session will provide practical insights on how to ensure that digital transformation enhances, rather than erodes, human dignity, creativity, and connection. In the age of automation, design is not just about usability - it is about shaping the future of work itself.
Reinventing Engagement: Application of Cloud Tech to Transform Customer Experience
(2025-10-30) Nel, Bianca; Nel, Marguerite A.
King Price Insurance, a South African short-term insurer known for its quirky brand and decreasing car insurance premiums, has embarked on a transformative digital journey to reimagine customer experience (CX) across all touchpoints. By shifting from an on-premises system to Genesys Cloud, the company introduced a true omni-channel communication strategy—integrating WhatsApp, chatbots, and a self-service portal with smart backend automation.
This empowered King Price to triage client interactions, streamline agent workflows, and boost self-service capabilities without compromising quality. AI-driven tools such as SmartIVR, claims progress tracking, and reusable digital bot flows enable faster resolutions, tailored support, and proactive client routing. Since its implementation, WhatsApp usage has increased by 250%, with 70% of queries now being resolved without requiring agent intervention. Average handling time has halved, while support overheads have dropped by 70%, and infrastructure costs have fallen by 48%.
This presentation will explore how leveraging cloud infrastructure, custom plug-ins, and conversational AI transformed a traditional call centre into a smart, scalable, multi-channel engagement hub—delivering measurable CX gains and operational efficiency. It highlights key phases, practical challenges, and the strategic mindset that continues to drive continuous improvement at King Price.