Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

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This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.

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Testing the sentinel method : live and artificial prey display contrasting patterns of predation across an urban gradient
Zeng, Yu; Yang, Haolin; Pan, Yiheng; Li, Yuxuan; Kim, Dohee; Wang, Haokun; Feng, Jing; Huang, Yuechen; Yin, Yingjie; Zhao, Hanqing; Wu, Yuyang; Barnett, Craig R.A.; Parr, Catherine Lucy; Patrick, Samantha C.; Zou, Yi; Pagani-Núñez, Emilio (Wiley, 2025-12)
Assessing changes in the intensity of biotic interactions across environmental gradients is a central issue in ecology. The sentinel method has been widely adopted to study predator–prey interactions by establishing patches of prey under different conditions that predators can attack. Sentinels, proxies for prey, are frequently worm‐shaped prey resembling caterpillars and are commonly used to assess predation by arthropod‐feeding predators, with predation measured as the rate of disappearance or evidence of predation after a certain period of exposure. While it has been suggested that artificial sentinel prey might produce divergent results from live prey, previous studies showed mixed results in the difference between these two prey types. Results are likely to vary with context, and the assessment of different prey types along urban gradients is still lacking. Here, we performed an experiment at 10 sites across a natural‐to‐urban gradient in Suzhou (East China) combining live prey and artificial prey to determine differences in predation intensity between these prey types. We released 2575 artificial prey and 3825 live prey, either separately (artificial or live prey alone) or combined, in a randomized sequence. We found a positive relationship between our index of predation and the level of urbanization using both types of prey. However, the predation rate using artificial prey was lower than with live prey and showed a different pattern with urbanization. The predation rate using live prey was higher for avian predators and lower for insect predators with increasing urbanization. Our results show that artificial and live prey can produce divergent estimates of predation intensity. Thus, while artificial prey may be used as a rapid‐screening tool, live prey could be favored in comprehensive studies to assess this fundamental ecosystem service.
Context matters : urban typology and pandemic-related mental health decline in low-income South African settings
Visser, Maretha; Delport, Rhena; Neethling, Ariane; Madela-Mntla, Edith; Everatt, David; Palanee-Phillips, Thesla; Barnard, Tobias; Hugo, Jannie F.M. (Wiley, 2026-01)
AIM : We explored the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported mental health and perceived social and economic challenges in very-low- to low- to middle-income households in four urban typologies in South Africa: formal township dwellings, backyard dwellings, inner-city high-density apartments, and informal settlement dwellings. The purpose was to inform urban policy and crisis-response planning. METHODS : Structured interviews were conducted with 1330 adults from a stratified random sample from each urban typology during the third SARS-CoV-2 wave. RESULTS : Respondents reported increases in anxiety (28.5%), depression (23.9%), and decreased social connectedness (20.0%). Conversely, some respondents reported improved mental health, with decreases in anxiety (16.3%), depression (18.4%), and increased social connectedness (17.5%). Anxiety and depression were more prevalent in formal township dwellings and high-density apartments than in informal settlements. Financial concerns, worries about isolation, crime, and community violence, and fear of COVID-19 infection and stigma were mostly associated with decreased mental health. CONCLUSIONS : Our findings suggest that residents from different urban typologies were affected differently by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research demonstrates the impact of environmental disasters on mental health in urban communities, which is mediated by social and economic problems.
Chlorinated paraffins in global air : first results from the GAPS and GAPS-megacities networks
Saini, Amandeep; Kutarna, Selene; Niu, Shan; Mohindra, Meera; Schuster, Jasmin K.; Mastin, Jacob; Eng, Anita; Harner, Tom; Yates, Alan; Sweetman, Andrew J.; Jiménez, Begoña; Manzano, Carlos A.; Gaga, Eftade O.; Stevenson, Gavin; Alharbi, Hattan A.; Falandysz, Jerzy; Lee, Ji Eun; Miglioranza, Karina S.B.; Tominaga, Maria; Jariyasopit, Narumol; Rojas, Néstor Y.; Amador-Muñoz, Omar; Forbes, Patricia B.C.; Alani, Rose; Iyer, Suresh Ramasubramanya; Lee, Seung Bok; Nishino, Takahiro; Shoeib, Tamer; Jans, Urs; Qiu, Xinghua; Cheng, Zhen (American Chemical Society, 2026-02-13)
This study presents the first global data set of measured chlorinated paraffins (CPs), including short-chain (SCCPs), medium-chain (MCCPs), and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in ambient air, derived from a single coordinated sampling network, i.e., the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAPS) network, using a passive sampling approach. Concentrations exhibited pronounced regional disparities, with the combined levels in two megacities─Lagos, Nigeria (512,000 pg/m3) and Beijing, China (258,000 pg/m3) exceeding by more than 1.5-fold the combined total levels observed across the rest of the world (∼459,000 pg/m3). Evidence of long-range atmospheric transport was observed at remote sites in western Canada (Little Fox Lake and Whistler), influenced by trans-Pacific air trajectories during the sampling period. These findings underscore the substantial global heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of CPs and the heavily disproportionate contributions of a few regions. Notably, the major producers/emitters, such as China, had several years of delay in ratifying the SCCP listing under the Stockholm Convention (Annex A, elimination since 2017 for congeners with > 48% chlorine content), and some countries have yet to ratify. Without the timely implementation of regulatory measures in these jurisdictions, global concentrations are expected to remain stagnant or even increase if emissions persist at current levels. These results further suggest that substantial time lags are likely before measurable declines in SCCP concentrations, and potentially in recently listed MCCPs, are observed even in regions where control measures are already in place. Hence, this global data set serves as a baseline for future assessments of temporal and spatial trends.
Therapeutic switching of metformin using heteroleptic Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes : a combined experimental and computational study
Alem, Mamaru B.; Koobotse, Moses O.; Demissie, Taye B.; Desalegn, Tegene; Kruger, T.P.J. (Tjaart); Damena, Tadewos; Mmereki, Baagi T.; Ngwira, Kennedy J.; Zachariah, Matshediso (American Chemical Society, 2026-02-02)
Please read abstract in the article.
Reconciliation as mission : a classical Pentecostal reading of Isak Burger’s leadership in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa
Mundhluri, Zephania (AOSIS, 2026-01-21)
BACKGROUND : The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa, although rooted in early classical Pentecostal revivalism, developed within a context marked by apartheid, segregation and theological polarisation. As a result, the church faced deep structural fragmentation and racial separation that mirrored national socio-political inequality. The presidency of Dr Isak Burger (1988–2016) marked a decisive turning point in which the AFM entered a process of reconciliation, cultural integration and ecclesial restructuring. This study examines how Burger’s leadership reflects a classical Pentecostal ecclesiology where spiritual empowerment, relational leadership and cultural plurality are understood as integral to the church’s mission. OBJECTIVES : The article analyses Burger’s ‘missiology of life’ and its role in transforming the AFM from a racially divided institution into a unified, diverse Pentecostal community shaped by reconciliation and shared identity in Christ. METHOD : A historical-theological and missiological research design is used. Primary sources – including AFM synod reports and Burger’s publications – are analysed alongside secondary scholarship to trace how his ecclesial reforms emerged and were implemented within post-apartheid realities and classical Pentecostal theological commitments. RESULTS : Findings of this study reveal that Burger’s leadership facilitated structural unification, intercultural leadership development and participatory worship grounded in Spirit-led relationality and the missio Dei. CONCLUSION : Burger’s presidency demonstrates that classical Pentecostal mission is not solely evangelistic but also deeply reconciling, communal and transformational. Contribution: This study offers a framework for leadership and mission in historically divided African Pentecostal churches, contributing to Practical Theology and global Pentecostal scholarship.
Spirit-empowered preaching : Nicholas Bhekinkosi Hepworth Bhengu’s power for impact
Resane, Kelebogile Thomas; Lephoko, Daniel Simon Billy (AOSIS, 2026-01-21)
BACKGROUND : This year, 2025, is the 40th anniversary of Nicholas Bhengu’s passing. The legacy he left behind continues to impact the lives of thousands of people both nationally and internationally. The problem addressed here is that Pentecostal preaching should make an impact on people’s lives, and can do so if it is biblical, Christocentric, pneumatological and culturally relevant. OBJECTIVES : This presentation shows that Bhengu’s narrative preaching was Spirit-empowered, and in humility one can communicate the oracles of God and make an impact in peoples’ lives. The presentation aims to show how one fully yielded to God can become a giant of faith in simple terms without even a formal education, as is always thought by some people. It is demonstrated here that gospel presentation done in and through cultural relevance can change the dynamics within the context in which it is communicated. METHOD : This presentation on ‘Spirit-empowered preaching – Bhengu’s power for impact’ is based on a literature review and some experiences from those who walked and worked with Bhengu. RESULTS : It is discovered that for the gospel to make an impact, it must be Spirit-empowered. The Spirit-empowered preaching is biblical, Christocentric, pneumatological and culturally relevant. The preacher should demonstrate humility when ministering to people. CONCLUSION : Bhengu’s way of life and commitment to the Missio Dei, Ecclesia and Missio Spiritus should be an example to all Pentecostals and Charismatic preachers. CONTRIBUTION : This article contributes towards understanding of the life of the African man who stood on par with international preachers yet remained African with the zeal to serve his people. Church historians, missiologists and Pentecostal or Charismatics learn pastoral ethics of caring in the face of adversities such as racism, poverty and disease.
A catch-22 situation : bringing an interim application to have a high court tax dispute heard behind closed doors
Meyer, Carolina (Nelson Mandela University, 2025-10-01)
The phrase “a catch-22” situation was coined in the popular novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller to illustrate the absurd constraints put on soldiers during World War II. The character, Doc Daneeka, invokes the phrase to explain that pilots who request mental evaluations in order to be declared unfit (not sane enough) to fly an aircraft (to escape dangerous missions) are paradoxical, as the pilots had the rationality of mind to make the request for the medical evaluation in the first place (Heller Catch-22 (1961) ch 5). The phrase typically refers to a contradictory situation where one cannot escape the relevant rules or regulations.
The issue of "tax bracket creep" in South Africa : potential solutions
Meyer, Carolina (University of the Free State, 2025-06-30)
The majority of South Africans felt relieved when Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, did not announce any noticeable tax hikes during his annual National Budget Speech on 21 February 2024. Nevertheless, the same South Africans were probably in a worse financial situation after the fact, due to a lesser-known tax principle called “tax bracket creep”. This hidden tax increase in the 2024 Budget Speech was the absence of any changes to the progressive tax rate table for individuals to account for inflation. Furthermore, the Minister did not increase the tax rebates for individual taxpayers from the rates set in the previous year – South African taxpayers were thus doubly pressed. If a person received a salary increase tied to inflation, they may have ended up worse off, because their higher taxable income may have pushed them into a higher tax bracket and resulted in them being taxed at a higher rate due to tax bracket creep. Simultaneously, the taxpayer’s tax rebate was also not adjusted upward to account for inflation. The phenomenon of tax bracket creep is recognised globally but remains unregulated in numerous countries. I believe it presents a simple way for governments to collect more taxes subtly. It is solely the government’s decision whether or not to adjust the South African progressive tax rate table for inflation, as there is no automatic link between the tax rate table and inflation. In my paper, I analyse the principle of tax bracket creep, and also consider the global situation regarding the regulations required to address such a tax bracket creep (such as automatic tax indexation of the personal income tax table). I further consider if regulations or relief can be put into place in South Africa to address the detriment of the tax bracket creep to the South African individual taxpayer.
Natural hydrogen : a mini‐review unveiling its potential as a key to sustainable future for energy
Gao, Yuanming; Liu, Silin; Chen, Rong; Li, Zongyi; Wu, Xuezhen; Ma, Wen; Luo, Yuzhuo; Wang, Yanhe; Ding, Xi; Li, Xiaoxin; Langmi, Henrietta Wakuna; Musyoka, Nicholas M.; Jiang, Lei; Christiansen, Rodolfo; Weng, Guo‐Ming (Wiley, 2025-12)
As the global energy shortage challenge and transition continues, greater attention is being drawn to natural hydrogen, a clean and high‐potential energy source. This review aims to provide an overview about the formation mechanism, exploration technology, research status of revolutionary natural hydrogen, as well as its key role and potential impact in achieving a sustainable future for energy. Natural hydrogen is produced primarily through serpentinization, a process in which water reacts with iron‐rich ultrabasic rocks and is hypothesized to have the potential for forming gas accumulations in certain suitable regions of the world. Although natural hydrogen reserves are presently unclear, it is a promising solution to accelerate the decarbonization of energy‐intensive As the global energy shortage challenge and transition continues, greater attention is being drawn to natural hydrogen, a clean and high‐potential energy source. This review aims to provide an overview about the formation mechanism, exploration technology, research status of revolutionary natural hydrogen, as well as its key role and potential impact in achieving a sustainable future for energy. Natural hydrogen is produced primarily through serpentinization, a process in which water reacts with iron‐rich ultrabasic rocks and is hypothesized to have the potential for forming gas accumulations in certain suitable regions of the world. Although natural hydrogen reserves are presently unclear, it is a promising solution to accelerate the decarbonization of energy‐intensive industries. Until now, numerous studies have been conducted in many countries and regions, leading to multiple ambitious projects (currently under construction or implementation) and demonstrating the feasibility of using existing technologies for the safe exploration of natural hydrogen. With the development of natural hydrogen, it is believed that more resources will be certainly found and the remaining issues could be resolved in the future. This work could offer important insights for the development of natural hydrogen that is a key toward a sustainable future of energy.. Until now, numerous studies have been conducted in many countries and regions, leading to multiple ambitious projects (currently under construction or implementation) and demonstrating the feasibility of using existing technologies for the safe exploration of natural hydrogen. With the development of natural hydrogen, it is believed that more resources will be certainly found and the remaining issues could be resolved in the future. This work could offer important insights for the development of natural hydrogen that is a key toward a sustainable future of energy.
Advancements in maize yield estimation : a comprehensive review of methods and models
Hove, Kudakwashe; Nyamugure, Philimon; Mdlongwa, Precious; Dube, Timothy; Nyathi, Thambo; Awala, Simon Kamwele (Springer, 2025-12-23)
Accurate and timely estimation of maize yield is crucial for ensuring food security, optimizing resource utilization, and informing agricultural policy. However, current yield estimation methods often encounter significant limitations, such as low spatial resolution, dependence on sparse ground-truth data, poor model generalizability across diverse agroecological zones, and challenges in integrating heterogeneous data sources. Although numerous techniques have been developed, ranging from traditional field-based measurements to advanced remote sensing and machine learning methods, a comprehensive synthesis that critically evaluates these approaches and explores their convergence is still lacking. This review addresses this gap by providing a systematic overview of recent advances in maize yield estimation, with a focus on remote sensing technologies, machine learning algorithms, and hybrid crop modeling frameworks. It examines the strengths and limitations of various methodologies, including UAV- and satellite-based imaging, hyperspectral and LiDAR sensing, regression and ensemble learning, and long-read sequencing. Additionally, the review explores the role of emerging technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain in enhancing data collection, processing, and traceability. By identifying key challenges such as environmental variability, data scarcity, and model interpretability, and highlighting opportunities for methodological integration, this review offers a roadmap for future research and development. It argues that the convergence of digital agriculture tools and robust modeling strategies holds significant promise for improving maize yield estimation accuracy, scalability, and applicability. These advancements have far-reaching implications for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and global food security.
The evolution of the right to freedom of association
Le Roux, Rochelle; Newaj, Kamalesh (Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd., 2025-04)
Although individual jurisdictions have since developed their own nuances, the right to freedom of association in the labour context in jurisdictions acknowledging such a right stem from the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention 87, adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1948. In South Africa, this right is emphasised in ss 18 and 23 of the Constitution, with further regulation provided by the Labour Relations Act (LRA). Many of the provisions in the LRA can potentially raise issues, but this article focuses on its explicit expression in chapter II of the LRA. The article examines several contentious aspects of this chapter: the lack of a registration requirement for trade unions, the definition of ‘lawful activities’ for unions, an employee’s right to join a union ‘subject to its constitution,’ and whether a right not to associate can be inferred. It further considers the interface between the right to freedom of association and closed and agency shop agreements. The conclusion is that, despite South African courts generally adopting a liberal understanding of the right to freedom of association, their approach regarding employees’ rights to be represented by chosen trade unions has been surprisingly conservative.
Making a case for the establishment of African investment court under the AfCFTA
Qumba, Mmiselo Freedom (Koninklijke Brill, 2025-09)
This contribution presents a proposal for the establishment of Permanent African Investment Court as a reformative alternative to the traditional Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism. The paper is motivated by the widely criticised ISDS mechanism from a broad spectrum of stakeholders and constituencies. It observes that African states have historically been disadvantaged within international investment arbitration landscape. The argument is then advanced that for the AfCFTA to succeed, it must be supported by a dispute settlement mechanism that provides for the adequate balance between investor and state interests. After exploring the current context for dispute settlement on the continent, this paper emphasises the importance of establishing a sound dispute settlement procedure on the continent and argues that a Permanent Investment Court that protects the ability of African nations to promote sustainable development, and public interests should be established under the AfCFTA’s Investment Protocol.
The reasonableness of the insurer’s repudiation of permanent disability claim caused by trauma : PWR v Discovery Life Ltd [2023] ZAGPJHC 282
Padayachy, Thiruneson (Nelson Mandela University, 2025-08)
The recent High Court judgment in PWR v Discovery Life Ltd ([2023] ZAGPJHC 282) (PWR) is of considerable interest. First, and most obviously, it addresses the vexed question of whether the insured, who had suffered a string of deeply traumatic events that left him with a combination of post-traumatic stress disorder and unspecified bipolar mood disorder, was totally and permanently unable to carry on his profession as a stockbroker when the cover expired on 30 November 2015. The answer to the first-tier question depends on two key issues. The initial issue concerns whether the insured’s condition, and the incapacity it triggered, had become permanent by 30 November 2015. The second is whether, if the insured’s condition had become permanent on 30 November 2015, the insurer was nevertheless justified in repudiating the claim. That question invites consideration of the appropriate test to be applied in assessing a life-insurance company’s repudiation of a claim. It cannot be gainsaid that in cases of mental illness brought on by trauma, there will inevitably be a lag between the advent of the permanent incapacity and the point at which anybody can say that the incapacity is enduring. The nature, causes and consequences of the insured’s condition, coupled with an assessment of the insurer’s reaction to the insured’s claim, call for academic comment.
Judicial review of trade remedies in Egypt
Ramatabane, Tshepo; Brink, Gustav Francois (Kluwer Law International, 2025-09)
Since 1997, Egypt has become one of the biggest users of trade remedies in Africa, which raises the possibility of judicial review. Despite the establishment of specialized Economics Courts, the Administrative Court, Cairo division – commonly known as State Council – has exclusive jurisdiction in trade remedies matters. All judicial reviews must be lodged with the competent court by a lawyer whose name appears on the roll list of the lawyers admitted to Administrative Court within sixty days of the publication of the investigating authority’s final decision. The state Commissioner, which mostly consists of magistrates and retired judges, will assess the merits of the review and prepare a case for the judges. Judges do not have access to confidential information submitted in investigations and typically only consider administrative procedures to the exclusion of substantive issues. The Courts tend to rely on the use of outside experts, which cause significant delays in finalization of reviews. The Administrative Court may either find in favour of the applicant or the respondent and to date has never referred a decision back for reconsideration by the investigating authority or the Minister. Any Administrative Court decision may be appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court as the apex of the Administrative Courts may be appealed within sixty days from the date the Administrative Court hands down its decision. If appealed, the whole judicial review process could take as long as five years.
The role of consumer courts and the motor industry ombudsman of South Africa in the realisation of rights for consumers : a critical analysis of Kwazulu-Natal Consumer Protector V Jatru Trading (Pty) Ltd T/A Trucking Traders [2023] Zanct 14
Scott-Ngoepe, Tshepiso (Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd, 2024-12)
Disputes permeate all transactions and agreements, and consumer transactions are no exception. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (‘CPA’) introduced a dispute resolution framework that is intended to apply to the resolution of consumer disputes (see s 69 of the CPA). The objectives of the CPA are, amongst other things, to ensure that consumers have access to speedy and efficient systems of redress in general; and to afford consumers and suppliers the opportunity to subject their disputes to consensual dispute resolution processes (see s 3(1)(g) and (h) of the CPA). Provincial consumer courts and accredited industry ombuds are components of the CPA’s dispute resolution process and play an important role in giving consumers access to redress. However, it is necessary to consider the extent to which these bodies are effective and, at times, whether they are acting within their powers. Where these consumer protection bodies are found to be lacking in light of these considerations, possible solutions should be tabled with the intention of improving access to redress for consumers. Accordingly, the purpose of this case note is to examine the role played by the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (‘MIOSA’) and the KwaZulu-Natal Consumer Tribunal (‘KZN Tribunal’) in the resolution of a consumer dispute in the matter of KwaZulu Natal Consumer Protector v Jatru Trading (Pty) Ltd t/a Trucking Traders [2023] ZANCT 14 (‘Jatru Trading’).
The impact of voidable disposition laws on companies placed in liquidation after business rescue
Van Wyk, Jani Sita; Boraine, A. (Andre), 1957- (LexisNexis, 2025)
Please read abstract in article.
Fending for thyself : honey bees from Ethiopia inflict physical damage on varroa destructor
Wanore, Walellign Wotro; Pirk, Christian Walter Werner; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Ayalew, Workneh; Nganso, Beatrice T. (Wiley, 2025-12)
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor and its associated viruses threaten the health of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). Yet, African populations survive mite infestations without miticide treatment largely due to social immunity behaviors. However, little is known about these defense mechanisms in A. m. simensis populations from the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study investigated grooming and hygienic behaviors across lowland, midland, and highland areas during the wet and dry seasons in this region. Grooming behavior was quantified by measuring adult mite infestation rates, daily natural mite fall, and the proportion of mites showing physical damage per colony. Hygienic behavior was evaluated via the removal of pin-killed brood cells. Results were compared with Kenya's resistant A. m. scutellata and susceptible European hybrids in the USA. Honey bees in the Amhara region maintained low mite infestations (< 3.5 mites/100 honey bees) and exhibited higher grooming rates, ranging between 15% to 43% and inflicted more frequently damage to legs and gnathosoma comparable to Kenya's resistant honey bees. In addition to the 10 previously known damage categories inflicted on the mites by honey bees, two new mite damage combinations were identified. Their hygienic behavior was also high, ranging between 79.9% to 98.6% within 24 h and reached 98.8% to 100% after 48 h. While adult grooming and hygienic behaviors significantly varied with landscape and/or season, neither significantly correlated with mite infestation loads, suggesting these traits confer tolerance rather than resistance. Other resistance mechanisms, such as suppressed mite reproduction in worker brood cells, may further reduce colony mite infestations and should be evaluated in future studies.
The nature of interprofessional collaboration between radiation therapists and radiation oncologists in the South African setting
Coetzee, Marlene; Lovric, Germaine T.; Thambura, Julius Muchui (University of Toronto Press, 2026-02)
This study aims to explore the nature of interprofessional collaboration between radiation therapists (RTTs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) during radiation therapy (RT), with the shared goal of treating patients with radiation. Generally, there seems to be a lack of studies describing the nature of interprofessional collaboration between RTTs and ROs. The present study adopts an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. The setting is the private and public RT departments situated in the Tshwane municipal area, Gauteng, South Africa. A variation is noted between the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) scope of practice for RTTs, published in 1979, and the new scope circulated for comment in 2021. Practising RTTs and ROs have been invited to take part in semi-structured interviews by using expert purposive sampling. Ten radiation therapists and seven radiation oncologists were interviewed, and data analysis included content and thematic analysis. Two main themes emerging from the data were the dual purpose of collaborative communication and grappling with the collaborative communication divide. The findings indicate team structure issues, the fact that the two disciplines mostly work in separate locations, and the status of current communication being dominated by intermediaries are perceived by the participants to hinder collaborative communication between the two professional groups.
Lateral extra-articular tenodesis provides similar anterior stability but is superior to anterolateral ligament reconstruction for internal rotation resistance when combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hohmann, Erik; Molepo, Maketo; Keough, Natalie (Sage, 2026)
BACKGROUND : While both lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) address rotational knee instability, their techniques and targeted anatomy differ, potentially leading to variations in effectiveness and stability. PURPOSE : To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of basic science laboratory-based cadaveric studies comparing anterior tibial translation (ATT) and resistance to internal tibial rotation between ALLR and LET, both in combination with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). STUDY DESIGN : Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS : A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including all biomechanical studies comparing ALLR with LET in conjunction with ACLR published between 2000 and 2024, was conducted. Study quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative research and the Biomechanics Objective Basic Science Quality Assessment Tool (BOBQAT). The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity within and between studies. The mean effect size was calculated, and a prediction interval was established to determine whether 95% of comparable populations would fall within the true effect size range. Publication bias was analyzed through funnel plots and the Egger test. RESULTS : The CASP checklist determined that all 7 studies were valuable. Based on the BOBQAT, 5 studies were classified as moderate quality, while 2 were rated as fair quality. The Egger regression intercept was −0.681 (P = .81), and the funnel plot displayed symmetry, indicating no publication bias. Comparisons of ATT between ALLR and LET across all flexion angles revealed no significant differences. Comparisons of internal tibial rotation resistance demonstrated significant differences at all flexion angles, favoring LET. When compared with the ACL-intact state, ALLR effectively restored knee stability for both ATT and internal tibial rotation resistance, close to the native state. In contrast, LET also restored knee stability for ATT and internal tibial rotation resistance but resulted in significant overconstraint of internal tibial rotation resistance at 30° and 60° of flexion. CONCLUSION : This meta-analysis demonstrated that LET provided superior resistance to internal rotation but was associated with a degree of overconstraint. No significant biomechanical differences in ATT were observed between LET and ALLR when combined with ACLR. ALLR effectively restored both ATT and internal tibial rotation resistance to near-native knee levels.
Shipwrecks of the United Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Table Bay, South Africa during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
Werz, Bruno E.J.S. (Routledge, 2025-12)
During the nearly two centuries of its existence from 1602 to 1799, the United Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC) used hundreds of vessels for its intercontinental trade. A considerable number of these foundered along South African shores. Table Bay, near the Cape of Good Hope, saw many marine incidents mainly due to its role as a halfway station on the long and dangerous voyages. This article describes the potential of VOC shipwrecks in the bay, which is an important resource for maritime archaeological studies.

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