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Institutional repositories as tools to enhance research visibility and leverage SDGs
(Department of Library Services (UPDLS), 2025-07) Mathiba, Tlou
Institutional repositories are digital platforms in which institutions archive, manage and
disseminate scholarly outputs within and beyond. The repositories leverage the knowledge to
advance research and development (R&D), and innovation. The 2015 National Research
Foundation (NRF) statement on Open Access states that, “the data supporting the publication
should be deposited in a trusted open access repository, with the provision of a Digital Object
Identifier (DOI) for future citation and referencing.” In supporting the NRF open access
mandate, the South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and research institutions
implemented the repositories such as open source and/or proprietary. Academic libraries as
knowledge hubs are well positioned to ensure discoverability and retrieval of information,
scholarly outputs and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Researchers need to expose
their work by publishing in a repository and use appropriate tools to enhance research
visibility and impact for wider audience. When the research is discoverable, it has societal
impact such as advancing knowledge, informing policy, or solving real-world problems.
Therefore, the visibility makes libraries one of the key partners and contributors in achieving
United Nations SDGs. This also shows that libraries are also contributors to the global
knowledge economy and the advocators of the Open Science movement and knowledge
equity.
Integrating Research Data Repository with Altmetric, Dimensions and ORCID: increasing research visibility and impact voltage
(UPDLS, 2025-07-02) Ramokgola, Mankaleme; Mathiba, Tlou
Research data repositories are powerful and enable the management of research activities and services. Research data repositories facilitate data publishing, sharing, and collaboration of academic research, allowing
institutions to manage and showcase their data to the wider spectrum. Integrating research data repositories
with scholarly identity and impact tracking tools such as Altmetric, Dimensions, and ORCID presents a transformative opportunity to enhance the visibility, discoverability, and societal impact of academic outputs. By
aligning persistent identifiers (ORCID IDs) with real-time metrics and citation networks, researchers and institutions can track engagement, showcase the impact of their work beyond traditional citations, and strengthen
academic profiles. The paper will demonstrate how such integration synergy can increase “impact voltage”
when visibility tools are interlinked. The paper will also validate the notion that holistic integration is essential in the evolving scholarly communication ecosystem, driving both researcher recognition and institutional
prestige.
Feasibility of implementing a non-invasive self-sampling method for saliva specimens that can be used for the diagnosis of respiratory infections among paediatric patients in the Tshwane District, South Africa : a study protocol
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-10) Nxele, Siphesihle Robin; Dlangalala, Thobeka Nomzamo; Gxekwa, Nobuhle Vanessa; Ramatsokotla, Sebueng; Musekiwa, Alfred; Kgatle, Mankgopo Magdalene; Hatchett, Daniel B.; Shin, Albert; Tu, Wan-chen; Robertson, Ingrid H.; Su, Xiaojing; Berthier, Erwin; Thongpang, Sanitta; Theberge, Ashleigh B.; Mashamba-Thompson, Tivani Phosa; sr.nxele@up.ac.za
INTRODUCTION : Effective community-based disease management is essential for public health. In low- and middle-income countries, sustainable strategies for timely diagnosis and treatment are a research priority. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a non-invasive saliva self-sampling method, paired with digitally linked molecular point-of-care diagnostics, for detecting respiratory infections among paediatric patients in the Tshwane District, South Africa.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS : A field study will be conducted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital to compare saliva collection using the CandyCollect lollipop device and standard mouth swabs. The spiral groove of the lollipop device captures pathogens, which are stored in DNA/RNA preservation media and later analysed using quantitative PCR and commercially available rapid antigen tests. The multiplex respiratory pathogen panel, based on TaqMan real-time PCR technology, targets key paediatric pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A/B. Nucleic acids will be extracted using standard viral extraction kits and analysed following manufacturer protocols. Internal controls will be included in each qPCR run, and samples with CT values below defined thresholds will be considered positive. Rapid antigen tests will detect common pathogens such as influenza A/B, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 for comparative analysis. User experience and acceptability will be assessed via child-friendly and caregiver surveys following sample collection. The study will be implemented in two phases: diagnostic performance evaluation and user feedback assessment. The protocol is aligned with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 checklist.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION : Ethical approval has been granted by the University of Pretoria (509/2023) and the Gauteng Department of Health (GP_202406_032). The study is registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and stakeholder briefings. The study complies with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. Data collection is scheduled from November 2024 to February 2025, with project completion expected within 1 year.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER : Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783).
Understanding stakeholder perspectives on integrating and sustaining a vertical HIV prevention programme into routine health services in Zimbabwe : a qualitative study
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-08-11) Chung , Amanda Marr; Murungu, Joseph; Case, Peter; Chitapi, Precious; Chikodzore, Rudo; Gosling, Jonathan; Xaba, Sinokuthemba; Ncube, Getrude; Mugurungi, Owen; Kunaka, Patience; Prata, Ndola; Gosling, Roly Daniel; Bertozzi, Stefano M.; Auerswald, Colette
INTRODUCTION : The transition of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), an HIV prevention service, in Zimbabwe from a donor-funded to a government-owned programme involves the collective efforts and alignment of national and subnational government leaders, managers, healthcare providers, village health workers, community members, donors and implementing partners. We sought to understand stakeholders' perspectives on barriers, facilitators and recommendations as a vertical HIV prevention programme transitioned to an integrated, government-led model.
METHODS : We conducted 54 semistructured stakeholder interviews at the national and subnational levels. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.
RESULTS : Participants highlighted a range of psychological and structural barriers and facilitators to integrating and sustaining the VMMC programme. Respondents mentioned financing and staffing barriers to integration, particularly a lack of domestic resources, the transition from a fee-for-service to a facility-based performance model and staff attrition. Notably, resistance to changing the VMMC programme's operations was a significant barrier that may be tied to individual psychological barriers such as loss of power and job security. Donors and partners continued to control the funding for VMMC. Ideally, the Ministry of Health and Child Care should have more autonomy over these decisions. At the subnational level, there is an opportunity for increased responsibility and a greater sense of ownership through the decentralisation of governance.
CONCLUSIONS : To ensure successful integration and local ownership of VMMC as an HIV prevention programme, stakeholders must address both psychological and structural barriers while aligning their perspectives on the transition. Individual providers have valid concerns about their financial security and the burden of additional responsibilities without adequate compensation. It is crucial for donors and partners to reduce their involvement and oversight. Additionally, resolving the financial barriers that prevent the government from having complete control of the programme will require empowering local government stakeholders to fully take ownership.
Using sputum and tongue swab specimens for in-home point-of- care targeted universal testing for tuberculosis of household contacts : an acceptability and feasibility analysis
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-08-21) Bezuidenhout , Charl; Long, Lawrence; Nichols, Brooke; Meyer-Rath, Gesine; Fox, Matthew P.; Olifant, Sharon; Theron, Grant; Fiphaza, Kuhle; Pieruccini, Maria; Ruhwald, Morten; Penn-Nicholson, Adam; Fourie, Bernard P.; Medina-Marino, Andrew
INTRODUCTION : Effective strategies are essential for early tuberculosis (TB) detection. Reliance on passive case detection, symptom screening and collection of sputum results in delayed or undiagnosed TB, contributing to on-going TB transmission. This study assessed the acceptability of in-home targeted universal TB testing (TUTT) using GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra at point-of-care (POC) during household contact investigations (HCIs) and the feasibility of using sputum and tongue swab specimens.
METHODS : The TB Home Study sought to evaluate the predictive value of different specimen types for use as a household-level triage test for TB. Household contacts of people with TB residing in the Buffalo City Metro Health District (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) who received in-home POC TUTT through the TB Home Study were asked to complete a post-test acceptability survey. The survey assessed the level of comfort, confidence in the test results and perceived appropriateness of in-home POC TUTT. A feasibility framework was used to assess the feasibility of using sputum and tongue swab specimens for testing.
RESULTS : Of the 325 eligible household contacts, 281/325 (86.5%) provided consent. Of those contacts, 278/281 (98.9%) provided a tongue swab, and 50/281 (17.8%) could expectorate sputum. All specimens were successfully prepared for immediate in-home testing. Of the 172 tongue swab-based tests performed, 169 (98.3%) produced a valid result, whereas 47 of 49 (95.9%) sputum-based tests had a valid result. An immediate tongue swab-based test result was available for 274/278 (98.6%) clients compared with 47/49 (95.9%) sputum-based test results. The mean in-home POC TUTT acceptability score (5=highly acceptable) was 4.2/5 (SD=0.4).
CONCLUSION : In-homePOC TUTT using sputum and tongue swab specimens was highly acceptable and feasible. Tongue swabs greatly increased the testing rates owing to the high sample collection yield. Combining sputum and tongue swabs for in-home POC testing offers a promising strategy to improve TB case detection and reduce diagnostic delays.