UPSpace
Institutional Repository
Faculty Research Collections
UP Research Output Collections
Featured
Recent Submissions
High human presence is correlated with lower faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in an urban bird population
(Elsevier, 2025-04) Nhlapo, Kagiso B.; Cunningham, Susan J.; Sumasgutner, Petra; Ganswindt, Andre; McKechnie, Andrew E.; Ngcamphalala, Celiwe A.
Urban wildlife must cope with diverse challenges and stressors, including human presence. However, in addition to being a disturbance, humans can provide energy-rich food and protection from predators. We evaluated the impact of human presence on red-winged starlings (Onychognathus morio) in a highly urbanised environment using faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations as a stress-related biomarker. We performed an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge to validate a non-invasive method for quantifying glucocorticoids in red-winged starlings. Using this method, we quantified fGCMs in excreta collected from free-living starlings during weekdays (high human presence) and weekends (low human presence) to determine the birds' responses to fluctuating human numbers. Following the ACTH challenge, starlings' circulating glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations increased by 127 % within 30 min and the corresponding fGCM concentrations increased within 1 h of injection. Of the four enzyme immunoassays (EIA) tested, an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA, performed best, detecting a 310 % increase in fGCM concentrations post-ACTH challenge and suggested a 1-h lag between injection and peak fGCM excretion in this species. Human foot-traffic was significantly higher on weekdays compared to weekends, yet free-living red-winged starlings showed overall 30.4 % lower fGCM concentrations on weekdays compared to weekends. Red-winged starlings consume a higher proportion of anthropogenic food on weekdays than weekends and we cannot rule out the possibility that diet-related alteration in gut passage time affect fGCM concentrations. However, the correlation between fGCMs and human foot traffic may also suggest urban red-winged starlings benefit from human presence. Our results raise the possibility that, under certain conditions, the benefits associated with human presence outweigh potential negative effects associated with human activity, at least during the non-breeding season.
Steering conservation biocontrol at the frontlines : a fuzzy logic approach unleashing potentials of climate-smart intercropping as a component within the integrated management of fall armyworm in Africa
(Elsevier, 2025-02) Agboka, Komi Mensah; Tonnang, Henri E.Z.; Kimathi, Emily; Abdel-Rahman, Elfatih M.; Odindi, John; Mutanga, Onisimo; Niassy, Saliou
This study introduces a computational index that employs fuzzy sets theory to identify potential deployment sites for push-pull as a component in the integrated management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Africa. The index, validated through known push-pull testing sites and informed by insights from field data and practical observations, is primarily based on companion plants (Desmodium intortum and Brachiaria brizantha), livestock, and maize as covariates. The study developed a set of rules linking each selected covariate to the output as membership functions, which are later combined using an algebraic operator. It identifies extensive maize farms across Africa potentially suitable for push-pull technology, although the suitability varies by region. Farms in the eastern and southern regions are predicted to be highly suitable, while the suitability of farms in West Africa is expected to improve over time due to the perennial nature and agronomic benefits of companion plants. The index is proposed as a metric for deploying push-pull technology, providing a roadmap for effective agronomic practices in Africa, and assisting farmers and decision-makers in the integrated management of FAW. Overall, our results indicate that the fuzzy-based computational index is an effective tool for identifying potential areas to maximise the benefits of push-pull technology as a key component of integrated FAW management. Our study identifies appropriate areas for application, allowing for the careful use of resources and increasing the likelihood of effective pest management. This approach will ultimately safeguard cereal crops, boost agricultural productivity, and aid in ensuring food security in Africa.
Preliminary mechanistic insights into the detection of ethanol vapour using MnO2 NRs-CNPs-poly-4-(vinylpyridine) based solid-state sensor operating at room temperature
(Elsevier, 2025-01) Malepe, Lesego; Ndinteh, Derek Tantoh; Ndungu, Patrick Gathura; Mamo, Messai Adenew
Please read abstract in the article.
High burden of abnormal cervical smears in South African primary health care : health programmes implications
(Oxford University Press, 2025-02) Omole, Olufemi B.; Francis, Joel M.; Musonda, John M.; Sodo, Pumla P.; Reji, Elizabeth; Phukuta, Nyundu S.J.; Mabuza, Honey L.M.; Musonda, Joyce Sikwese; Akii, Jimmy; Ndimande, John V.; Ayo-Yusuf, Olalekan Abdulwahab
Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among South African women and the load of abnormal cervical smears has clinical, programmatic and policy implications. This cross-sectional study of women who presented for cervical cancer screening aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears and associated factors in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Gauteng—the most densely populated province in South Africa. A questionnaire collected data on socio-demography, tobacco use, sexual behaviours, HIV status, past treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer screening in the past 10 years. Cytology reports were extracted from the laboratory reports. Of 749 participants, most were black (89.7%), aged 30–49 years (62.2%), single (57.5%) and attained high school education (76.8%). About 43.9% were HIV positive with almost all (97.2%) on antiretroviral therapy. Cytology results were available for 612 (81.9%) participants. Of these, 25.8% (159) were abnormal: 13.2% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; 5.7% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 4.9% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. In bivariate and multivariable analysis, abnormal cervical cytology was not associated with any sociodemographic characteristics, HIV status, tobacco use status, sexual behaviours or past treatment for STI. In conclusion, the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears is high across all demographic groups and irrespective of HIV status and highlights the need to increase screening uptake, including advocacy for self-sampling. It also calls for capacity building to allow for the devolution of some downstream clinical care from specialist to district hospitals and large PHC facilities.
An interdisciplinary team's experiences of a university-led community engagement intervention in the Tshwane district
(AOSIS, 2025-04) Essop, Hafsa; Machimana, Eugene Gabriel; Kekana, Mable; hafsa.essop@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : The Bags of Hope (BoH) intervention is an interdisciplinary community engagement intervention bringing health professionals and students together towards uplifting the community. Through the project, abandoned newborn babies and mothers in need are provided with care packages. The project entails collecting, creating and distributing care packages within training hospitals.
AIM : The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of the interdisciplinary team as to how the BoH intervention impacted their working relationships and care towards the beneficiaries.
SETTING : The study was conducted in three training hospitals within the Tshwane district of South Africa and University of Pretoria.
METHODS : This was a qualitative, exploratory study. The study population included radiography students (three), qualified radiographers (three), nurses (two) and social workers (two) involved in the BoH intervention. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS : From the data analysis, four themes were generated: (1) The BoH intervention as a potential abandonment prevention strategy for hospital born infants, (2) psychological impact of the BoH intervention on the interdisciplinary team, (3) strengthening of interdisciplinary collaboration and service delivery through the BoH intervention, (4) sustainability strategies for the BoH intervention.
CONCLUSION : The BoH intervention provided immediate relief to abandoned babies and mothers in need. The interdisciplinary team was emotionally impacted, experiencing a ‘warm glow’ effect. To sustain the intervention, increased public awareness, along with ensuring all healthcare professionals are well informed, is crucial for its long-term success.
CONTRIBUTION : The research highlights the value that interdisciplinary collaborations can have towards uplifting communities, improving working relations and bridging resources gaps.