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Tele-intervention for adults with tinnitus in Ghana, a low- and middle-income country : a feasibility study
Boateng, Joseph Omane; Soer, Maggi E. (Magdalena Elizabeth); Biagio-de Jager, Leigh (Springer, 2026-03-12)
BACKGROUND : Tinnitus may be associated with anxiety and depression which can affect quality of life. In low- and middle-income countries like Ghana, a shortage of specialized clinicians suggests online interventions could alleviate clinician caseloads, but the feasibility of online intervention is yet to be explored. This study assessed the feasibility of providing tele-intervention in the form of online educational counselling (OEC) for adults with tinnitus in Ghana. METHODS : This single-arm trial included 53 Ghanaian adults (female = 21, median age = 34 years) with significant tinnitus severity, internet access, email, and English literacy. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression levels pre- and post-intervention. Online educational counselling was provided using a free downloadable tinnitus self-help resource over three weeks. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared and participant perceptions were recorded. RESULTS : Significant reductions in tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression levels occurred post-intervention. Over half (54.7%) of the participants reported significant reductions in tinnitus severity post-intervention. Bivariate comparisons showed the reduction was associated with baseline tinnitus severity and depression level but not with sex (p = 0.400), hearing status (p = 0.530), or anxiety levels (p = 0.058). Participants demonstrated high adherence (93%) and provided positive feedback on the tele-intervention. CONCLUSION : Online educational counselling for tinnitus is feasible in Ghana based on adherence and feedback. These findings support integrating OEC into tinnitus care in low-resource settings as an initial, scalable option or within a multi-faceted program.
The climate opportunities and risks of contrail avoidance
Smith, Jessie R.; Grobler, Carla; Hodgson, Paul J.; Mukhopadhaya, Jayant; Shapiro, Marc L.; Mirolo, Matteo; Stettler, Marc E.J.; Eastham, Sebastian D.; Barrett, Steven R.H. (Nature Research, 2026-03)
Navigational contrail avoidance presents an opportunity for rapid reduction in aviation-attributable warming. Here, we use the Aviation Climate and Air Quality Impacts model to evaluate the global temperature changes associated with contrail avoidance towards 2050. If no avoidance is adopted, aviation is projected to contribute 0.040 K of CO2 warming and 0.054 K of contrail warming by 2050. The combined warming from aviation CO2 and contrails is 19% of the difference between current temperatures and the +2 °C limit above pre-Industrial levels, i.e. 19% of our remaining temperature budget. An avoidance strategy phased in over 2035-2045 may recover 9% of this budget, but a 10-year delay may reduce this to 2%. The warming due to additional CO2 emitted during avoidance is two orders of magnitude lower than the expected contrail warming reduction. For every year of delay, the world will be on average 0.003 K hotter in 2050. The most significant climate risk associated with contrail avoidance is therefore inaction.
The COVID-19 vaccine procurement and supply chain in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Lobukulu Lolimo, Genèse; Kabadi, Yannick Musawu; Beshah, Senait Alemayehu; Khonde, Rodrigue; Beia, Aurore; Makongote, Héritier; Sumaili, Généros; Kabuya, Samue; Bongutu, Joél; Achala, Daniel Malik; Muriithi, Grace Njeri; Adote, Elizabeth Naa Adukwei; Zegeye, Elias Asfaw; Mbachu, Chinyere Ojiugo; Ataguba, John Ele-Ojo; Yaya Bocoum, Fadima Inna Kamina; Mayaka, Serge Manitu; Mafuta Musalu, et Éric (Frontiers Media, 2026-02)
The COVID-19 vaccine has been classified as an ‘essential medicine’, yet shortages and unequal distribution during the pandemic have reignited concerns about vaccine self-sufficiency in Africa. This study examined the mechanisms for acquiring, distributing, and administering existing COVID-19 vaccines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A qualitative case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 23 key informants selected using reasoned choice, based on their professional roles in vaccine policy, logistics, and implementation. Participants were recruited from public institutions, with most being medical doctors and having experience in vaccination. Data were transcribed and analyzed were transcribed and analysis thematically using Atlas-ti 7.0. The study found that vaccine acquisition in the DRC relied heavily on international donations and multilateral initiatives, with limited national financial contribution. Distribution followed a five-tier supply chain managed by the Expanded Program on Immunization, moving vaccines from Kinshasa to provincial and field offices, then to selected health facilities. The Cold chain limitations, transport issues, and inconsistent vaccine availability challenged the administration. To improve vaccine access and coverage, stakeholders emphasized the need to strengthen logistical infrastructure and promote regional vaccine production. Honoring government commitments to co-finance procurement was also identified as a critical step toward sustainable vaccine supply.
Taphonomy patterns at Ratho Kroonkop, a rain-control Site in the Limpopo Valley, South Africa
Croll, Kathryn Deirdre; Reynard, J.R.; Badenhorst, S.; Schoeman, M.H. (Springer, 2025-12)
Abstract : Excavations at Ratho Kroonkop, a rain-control site in the Limpopo Valley, South Africa, yielded a large faunal assemblage consisting of both wild and domestic taxa. This paper reports the results of a detailed taphonomic analysis of the entire faunal assemblage from Ratho Kroonkop. By utilizing standardized zooarchaeological identification methods, combined with established taphonomic indicators of anthropogenic, zoogenic, and natural bone modifiers examined macro- and microscopically, our study determined that there are spatial differences in the frequency of anthropogenic modifications and in carcass dismemberment patterns between two distinct areas of the site. Additionally, we established that the central areas of Ratho Kroonkop were likely used for additional carcass dismemberment, particularly in the case of large and very large mammals, and bones were exposed to heat, natural elements, and carnivore activity in these areas. The taphonomic data also indicates that Ratho Kroonkop was not utilized as a domestic space but rather as a ritual one. Résumé : Les fouilles de Ratho Kroonkop, un site de régulation des précipitations situé dans la vallée du Limpopo en Afrique du Sud, ont mis au jour un important assemblage faunique composé d'espèces sauvages et domestiques. Cet article présente les résultats d'une analyse taphonomique détaillée de l'ensemble de cet assemblage. Grâce à l'utilisation de méthodes d'identification zooarchéologiques standardisées, combinées à des indicateurs taphonomiques établis de modifications osseuses anthropiques, zoogéniques et naturelles, examinés macroscopiquement et microscopiquement, notre étude a permis de déterminer l'existence de différences spatiales dans la fréquence des modifications anthropiques et dans les schémas de démembrement des carcasses entre deux zones distinctes du site. De plus, nous avons établi que les zones centrales de Ratho Kroonkop étaient probablement utilisées pour le démembrement supplémentaire des carcasses, en particulier dans le cas des grands et très grands mammifères, et que les os y étaient exposés à la chaleur, aux intempéries et à l'activité des carnivores. Les données taphonomiques indiquent également que Ratho Kroonkop n'était pas utilisé comme un espace domestique, mais plutôt comme un lieu rituel.
Perceptions of language service technologies and reference works by Chinese users in the era of generative AI
Han, Wanjing; De Schryver, Gilles-Maurice (Oxford University Press, 2026-02-11)
As paper dictionaries, digital reference works, machine-translation systems, and emerging AI-based language tools increasingly coexist, there is a need to reassess how users evaluate these resources and what kinds of lexicographic support they now require. Drawing on user reviews and questionnaire data from over one thousand Chinese learners of advanced English, this study shows that, for most of these users, traditional paper and digital dictionaries are no longer perceived as sufficient for many of their real-world tasks. Instead, they express a growing demand for more adaptive and context-sensitive forms of lexical assistance. Beyond definitions, they expect support with authentic usage, genre- and domain-related terminology, and culturally-rich language needs. The findings also suggest that recent AI technologies may reshape lexicographic practice, raising questions about the future scope of lexicography and the role of lexicographers.