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Online learning in higher education during COVID-19 : challenges in a digitally divided society
(Unisa Press, 2024-08) Mututwa, Wishes Tendayi; Matsilele, Trust
The COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on all aspects of social life. The pandemic has not spared the education fraternity with methods of teaching and learning being altered, pushing higher education institutions to adopt online or mediated education. Although online education is regarded as the future of education in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) digital age, the global health pandemic has fast-tracked the pace of digitalisation. The digital divide has highlighted the rapid shift in African societies. In this study, we explored the South African tertiary education landscape using the theory of the digital divide to understand the challenges of implementing full-time online learning among tertiary students. Data for this qualitative study were gathered from a sample of tertiary students at a university of technology from different economic and social backgrounds to find the connections between their situations and their ability to have access to digital learning tools. Semi-structured interviews were employed to extract the perceptions of students regarding online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Population status of the range-restricted Red Lark Calendulauda burra in a conservation area stronghold
(Taylor and Francis, 2024) Kemp, Ryno; Colyn, R.; Freeman, Marc Trevor; McKechnie, Andrew E.; andrew.mckechnie@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : Many desert birds are vulnerable to anthropogenic global warming and landscape transformation, particularly in the case of range-restricted species. We quantified suitable habitat and the current population of Red Larks Calendulauda burra (family Alaudidae), a range-restricted southern African species, in a conservation area thought to be one of the species’ strongholds — the Black Mountain Mine Conservation Area (BMMCA) in the Northern Cape, South Africa. We modelled habitat suitability and estimated home range sizes using telemetry data and kernel density estimates. Home range sizes did not differ between males (42.4 ± 28.3 ha; n = 5) and females (41.9 ± 31.3 ha; n = 5). Transect data and home range density models indicated densities of 0.086–0.127 individuals·ha-1 for adults in suitable habitat. An estimated 33.2% (30.2 km2) of the BMMCA is suitable habitat for Red Larks, suggesting a population of 232–382 individuals. This population estimate is equivalent to <50% of the population estimated for the BMMCA in 1989. Our findings here, combined with a recent analysis showing that much of the species’ range will become thermally unsuitable for its persistence by the end of the 21st century, suggest that urgent conservation action is needed to ensure the Red Lark’s future in coming decades.
The cardiovascular response to exercise in athletes recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection : a prospective cohort study with repeated measures over 16 weeks - AWARE IX
(Routledge, 2023) Kaulback, Kelly; Schwellnus, Martin Peter; Sewry, Nicola Ann; Lombard, Carl; Jordaan, Esme; Wood, Paola Silvia
Higher exercise heart rate (HR) and prolonged return-to-sport in athletes with SARS-CoV-2 infection are described, but the cardiovascular response to exercise during recovery is not understood. This prospective, cohort, experimental study with repeated measures evaluated the cardiovascular response to exercise over 16 weeks in athletes recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Athletes (n = 82) completed 2–5 repeat assessments at regulated intervals over 16 weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data from 287 assessments (submaximal exercise tests; Modified Bruce protocol) are included. HR (bpm), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mmHg) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (Borg scale 6–20) were measured. Rates of change in HR, SBP and RPE over time are reported. Submaximal exercise HR, SBP and RPE decreased significantly over 16 weeks (p < 0.01). There was a steeper rate of decline for HR and RPE ≤30 days compared to >30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection: HR at Stage 3: ≤30 days −0.53 (0.01); >30 days −0.06 (0.02) and Stage 5: ≤30 days −0.77 (0.12); >30 days −0.12 (0.02); RPE at Stage 3: ≤30 days −0.09 (0.02); >30 days −0.01 (0.0002) and Stage 5: ≤30 days −0.13 (0.02); >30 days −0.02 (0.004). The findings provide clinical recommendation for exercise prescription and monitoring RPE in response to exercise post-SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to the clinical understanding of recovery which can help manage athlete expectations.
Functional characterization of full fat and defatted Brachystegia eurycoma, Mucuna sloanei and Detarium microcarpum seed flours
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Njoku, Njideka E.; Emmambux, Mohammad Naushad; Alagbaoso, Serah O.; Uvere, Peter O.
Please read abstract in the article.
A one health assessment of a “Herding for Health” project at the wildlife-livestock interface in western Ngamiland, Botswana
(University of Pretoria, 2021-10) Quan, Melvyn; Van Rooyen, Jacques; McNutt, John W.; bheermans@yahoo.com; Heermans, Ben Cooper
This PhD thesis titled, ‘A One Health assessment of a Herding for Health project at the wildlife-livestock interface in western Ngamiland, Botswana’, analyzed data collected from an applied Herding for Health (H4H) project implemented in western Ngamiland, Botswana. The H4H model was first established at the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases at the University of Pretoria to apply One Health principles that acknowledge the interconnectedness of human, animal and ecosystem health. The model aims to assist agropastoral communities in the transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) of southern Africa with the dual objectives of poverty eradication and biodiversity conservation. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate some of the key assumptions of the H4H model. The thesis is comprised of five chapters: Chapter 1, an introduction to the H4H model and a literary review of the methodology of subsequent chapters; Chapter 2, ‘One Health profile and farmer’s perceived risk analysis for an agropastoral community in the Khaudum-Ngamiland Wildlife Dispersal Area of the Kavango–Zambezi TFCA’, that used a qualitative and quantitative survey approach to investigate community sentiments on animal and rangeland health, regional constraints to livestock husbandry and human-wildlife conflict; Chapter 3, ‘An environmental template and drivers of functional heterogeneity in communal rangelands of the western Okavango Delta’, which used community survey and rangeland sampling techniques to explore how H4H can address the piospheric nature of rangeland degradation; Chapter 4, ‘Husbandry and Herding: a community-based approach to address illegal wildlife trade’, which used a Theory of Change approach developed with input from relevant stakeholders to guide how H4H could address the current trend of diminishing wildlife populations around the Okavango Delta and Chapter 5, ‘Conclusions’, which summarizes the major findings of the dissertation and provides recommendations for H4H project interventions and for further research. Some of the key results from this thesis illustrate the importance of cattle rearing in western Ngamiland, Botswana which was the main source of household income for 97% of respondents. While most residents were satisfied with the advice supplied by local veterinary extension services, animal diseases continue to be a major challenge to farming, surpassed only by the related factor of constraints to market access due to Foot and Mouth Disease control policies. While diseases account for 7.7% of total cattle losses, the greater loss reported is due to straying animals which account for 60.3% of total losses whereas predation accounts for 22.9%. The herding and kraaling activities promoted by H4H are ideal interventions to address losses to disease, livestock-wildlife conflict as well as stray animals. Stray cattle are a likely threat to animal disease control and may explain regional FMD outbreaks outside of buffalo (Syncerus caffer) ranges, which is a topic outlined for further research. The potential for planned grazing and kraaling to address rangeland health is exemplified in the environmental template which demonstrates higher wildlife utilization in abandoned kraal sites and the effect that high-density grazing has on rangeland species composition including functional attributes such as stem height, tuft basal width, the distance between tufts and grass abundance which are significantly influenced along the grazing gradient. Lastly, the H4H Theory of Change identifies three pathways based on community-level actions to address illegal wildlife trade in the region which include: increasing institutions for local enforcement, developing incentives for ecosystem stewardship and decreasing the costs of living alongside wildlife. The success of the pathways depends on underlying enabling actions related to supporting the development of institutional frameworks, building community capacity and strengthening a Conservation Agreement model to facilitate informed best farming practices targeted to increase community and ecosystem resilience to economic shocks.