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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Later-working-life social entrepreneurial identities : a dynamic self-categorisation framework
(Emerald, 2025) Djebali, Zeineb; Di Domenico, MariaLaura; Saunders, Mark N.K.
PURPOSE : This study examines self-defined interpretations of age by later-working-life (LWL) social entrepreneurs and how these influence constructions of their social entrepreneurial identities (SEIs). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Adopting a social constructivist ontology and inductive, interpretive, theory elaboration qualitative methodology, a sample of 28 social entrepreneurs based in England were interviewed, data being analysed thematically using the Gioia method. FINDINGS : Using social identity theory and its linked self-categorisation lens, this study reveals three types of LWL social entrepreneurs. First, LWL Strategic Social Business Scalers embrace both social and business identities in support of their social mission. Second, LWL Social Value Creators identify with their social identity as making a difference to the local community, income generation being perceived as incompatible with their social mission. Finally, LWL Syncretic Social Entrepreneurs demonstrate shifting identities, evolving from purely social value creation to balancing hybridised social and commercial identities. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study reveals social entrepreneurs’ age has a positive role in forming LWL SEIs, associated experience, skills, knowledge and sense of urgency acting as a catalyst, facilitating rather than hindering social and economic participation. It contributes to the social entrepreneurship literature by advancing current theorisation of age’s role in constructing over-50s’ SEIs.
Literatur als Kulturpolitisches Medium : Länderschwerpunkte der Frankfurter Buchmesse und das Auswärtige Amt
(Routledge, 2024) Zajas, Pawel
The article focuses on the Federal Foreign Office’s participation in the conceptual preparation and implementation of the foci of interest of the Frankfurt International Book Fair. The argument proceeds in three steps. First, it is claimed that the very first focus of interest on Latin American literature (1976) goes back to the 1960s when in originated in long-term goals of German development policy. Secondly, the article documents the conflicts between the Foreign Office and the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (IfA) during the preparation of the Latin America Colloquium (1976). Thirdly, the connection between the federal government’s development policy and the focal topic ‘Africa asserts its identity’ is put under scrutiny.
Distributive tax justice in the global economy
(NISC Pty (Ltd) and Informa Limited (trading as Taylor & Francis Group), 2024-11) Du Preez, Hanneke; hanneke.dupreez@up.ac.za
The economic, political and social frameworks that support society, differ in the distribution of benefits and liabilities and thus/ therefore in its effect on people’s lives. The principles of distributive justice should stand as the moral compass when the social contract between government and its citizens is at play. Equality, proportionality, and fairness are some examples of distributive justice that this moral compass should center around. This special edition aims to connect diverse disciplines including government, law, economics, accounting, business, psychology, and sociology, to explore how tax and tax policy may serve as a tool to promote distributive justice.
Compliance with goodwill impairment disclosure and reasons provided by management : evidence from South Africa
(NISC Pty (Ltd) and Informa Limited (trading as Taylor & Francis Group), 2024-01) Louw, Elmarie; Hall, J.H. (John Henry); Brummer, Leon Marx; elmarie.louw@up.ac.za
PURPOSE : The aim of this article is to investigate compliance with the IFRS disclosure requirements regarding goodwill impairment testing in the South African setting, using JSE-listed firms as a sample. The article considers the explanatory strategies used by management to provide reasons for goodwill impairment. MOTIVATION : Goodwill and its impairment are continually debated in accounting because of the nature of this intangible asset, and changes in the accounting standards regarding disclosure of goodwill and goodwill impairment. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Panel least squares regressions and a cluster analysis were used to analyse JSE-listed firms for the period from 2006 to 2017. MAIN FINDINGS : The findings show that firms with material goodwill balances and an independent audit committee are associated with higher compliance with goodwill impairment disclosure. Firms that provided an excuse for impairing goodwill without taking responsibility for that impairment tended to have higher compliance regarding goodwill impairment disclosure than firms that did not provide any reason for goodwill impairment at all. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS/MANAGERIAL IMPACT : Managers exhibiting compliance with goodwill impairment disclosure standards are inclined to furnish more comprehensive elucidation regarding the underlying reasons for the initiation of goodwill impairment. Investors, in turn, might find it useful to study and question the reasons provided as part of the goodwill impairment disclosure recognizing its potential significance in their decision-making processes. NOVELTY/CONTRIBUTION : The findings of the study provide evidence that aids understanding of goodwill impairments and the compliance with its disclosures, thereby enhancing knowledge of the effectiveness of the implementation of IFRS 3.
The ragged girl doll (the dea(f)th of feminism)
(Routledge, 2024-03) Genis, Gerhard; gerhard.genis@up.ac.za
No abstract available.
Uncovering cryptic species diversity of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae) associated with Coleoptera from Thailand
(Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2024-12) Mongkolsamrit, S.; Noisripoom, W.; Tasanathai, K.; Khonsanit, A.; Thanakitpipattana, D.; Lamlertthon, S.; Himaman, W.; Crous, Pedro W.; Stadler, M.; Luangsa-ard, J.J.
This study advances our understanding of Ophiocordyceps, an extensively studied entomopathogenic fungus within the Ophiocordycipitaceae, particularly in Thailand. We introduce seven novel species associated with Coleoptera - O. albostroma, O. brunnea, O. capilliformis, O. kohchangensis, O. phitsanulokensis, O. pseudovariabilis, and O. ratchaburiensis. Remarkably, O. brunnea, O. kohchangensis, and O. ratchaburiensis exhibit ascomata on the subterminal region of the stromata, with the asexual form appearing at the apex of the stipe, reminiscent of O. brunneipunctata. In contrast, O. phitsanulokensis produces its ascomata in the upper region of the stipe. Shared traits include immersed perithecia and part-spores production. Ophiocordyceps albostroma and O. pseudovariabilis produce pseudo-immersed perithecia, with the former producing ascospores breaking into four part-spores, and the latter displaying 32 part-spores. Ophiocordyceps capilliformis is also introduced due to morphological distinctions from closely related species. Phylogenetic analyses based on multigene loci (LSU, TEF1, RPB1, RPB2) robustly confirm the placement of these new species within Ophiocordyceps. Additionally, we report a new record of O. clavata in Thailand.
A phylogenetic assessment of Akanthomyces sensu lato in Cordycipitaceae (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes) : introduction of new genera, and the resurrection of Lecanicillium
(Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2024-12) Khonsanit, A.; Thanakitpipattana, D.; Mongkolsamrit, S.; Kobmoo, N.; Phosrithong, N.; Samson, R.A.; Crous, Pedro W.; Luangsa-ard, J.J.
During entomopathogenic fungal surveys conducted in Thailand, 15 specimens tentatively classified under Akanthomyces sensu lato were identified. To gain a comprehensive understanding of their taxonomy, molecular phylogenies using combined LSU, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2 sequence data, together with morphological examination of several Akanthomyces spp. from previous studies were conducted. The analyses revealed distinct clades representing independent lineages within the Cordycipitaceae. These clades were further characterized by different asexual morph types and the respective hosts they parasitize. In this context, we resurrected the genus Lecanicillium to accommodate 12 known species previously classified under Akanthomyces sensu lato, found on diverse hosts. We propose four new genera - Corniculantispora, Corpulentispora, Zarea, and Zouia - from species previously identified as Lecanicillium. Notably, certain Akanthomyces species associated with spiders and parasitic on Ophiocordyceps sinensis were reclassified into the new genera Arachnidicola and Kanoksria, respectively. Moreover, we introduce four novel species in Akanthomyces sensu stricto found across a diverse range of moth families: Ak. buriramensis, Ak. fusiformis, Ak. niveus, and Ak. phariformis. Additionally, we provide descriptions and illustrations of the sexual morph linked to Ak. laosensis and Ak. pseudonoctuidarum, along with a second type of synnemata seen in Ak. noctuidarum and Ak. pseudonoctuidarum. To assist with their identification, keys to the genera Akanthomyces, Arachnidicola, and Lecanicillium are provided, but should not be used to replace molecular identification
Endophytic diaporthe species from Brazil
(Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2024-12) Ferro, L.O.; Bezerra, J.D.P.; Da Silva, T.M.; De Oliveira, C.S.; Nascimento, S.dosS.; Paiva, L.M.; Fan, x.; Crous, Pedro W.; Souza-Motta, C.M.
Diaporthe species can inhabit various hosts with different lifestyles and live as endophytes, pathogens, and saprobes. Our study analysed 180 endophytic Diaporthe isolates from Miconia sp. in the Atlantic Forest, Brosimum gaudichaudii in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), and Anacardium occidentale in the Caatinga forest and Cerrado in Brazil. Based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses [β-tubulin (tub2), internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S rRNA (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), calmodulin (cmdA), and histone (his3)] and morphological features, we are introducing seven new species (D. azevedoi, D. catimbauensis, D. coracoralinae, D. luizorum, D. pedratalhadensis, D. samambaiaensis, and D. vargemgrandensis) and reporting seven known species (D. fructicola, D. inconspicua, D. infertilis, D. paranensis, D. raonikayaporum, D. schini, and D. ueckeri). We also included a morphological description of D. infertilis and synonymised D. lutescens, D. pseudoinconspicua, and D. samaneae under D. inconspicua; D. neoraonikayoporum under D. raonikayaporum; and D. passifloricola, D. rosae, and D. vochysiae under D. ueckeri, based on limited nucleotide differences among DNA sequence data and overlapping morphological features. Our results highlight the importance of including endophytic isolates in the phylogeny of Diaporthe, and show how these data expand the geographic distribution and host relationships of known species.
Diagnosis of female genital schistosomiasis and other genital infections in young South African women : challenges in the syndromic approach
(Frontiers Media, 2024-04-09) Søfteland, Solrun; Sebitloane, Motshedisi; Galappaththi-Arachchige, Hashini Nilushika; Kleppa, Elisabeth; Holmen, Sigve; Pillay, Pavitra; Ndhlovu, Patrica Doris; Taylor, Myra; Vennervald, Birgitte Jyding; Naidoo, Saloshni; Staff, Anne Cathrine; Makua, Manala; Gundersen, Svein Gunnar; Kjetland, Eyrun Floerecke
INTRODUCTION : Female genital schistosomiasis is a common but neglected disease, which results in symptoms similar to sexually transmitted infections in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas of Africa and Middle East. In primary healthcare of low-income countries, healthcare professionals use syndromic management protocols for guidance when treating symptoms of genital infection, due to lack of laboratory resources. These protocols do not include treatment for female genital schistosomiasis, despite the overlap of symptoms. Women are at risk of not receiving the appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate challenges and missed opportunities when using syndromic management protocols for sexually transmitted infections in female genital schistosomiasis-endemic areas. METHODS : This is a secondary analysis of data from a large cross-sectional prevalence study conducted in 2011 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Young women in schistosomiasis-endemic areas were asked about genital symptoms and underwent laboratory testing and gynecological examinations to look for common genital infections including female genital schistosomiasis. We used the current South African syndromic management protocols as the basis and analyzed the associations between the reported genital symptoms and the differential diagnoses with logistic regression. RESULTS : By use of the syndromic approach the conditions gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and herpes could be identified. The symptom “lower abdominal pain” was significantly associated with documented female genital schistosomiasis. However, the same association was not found with gonorrhea or chlamydia. We found no significant association between reported vaginal discharge syndrome and female genital schistosomiasis or between genital ulcer syndrome and female genital schistosomiasis. DISCUSSION : Female genital schistosomiasis frequently co-exists with, and mimics other genital infections in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The management protocols in schistosomiasis endemic countries should include advice on how to diagnose and manage this chronic, waterborne genital condition. There is an urgent need to upscale laboratory and diagnostic resources in low-and middle-income countries and specifically schistosomiasis-endemic areas, to diagnose these common genital infections more accurately and to treat affected women accordingly.
Editorial : Comparative cranial morpho-physiology applied to domestic and wild animals
(Frontiers Media, 2024-06-24) Magalhaes , Henrique Inhauser Riceti; De Assis Ribeiro, Lucas; Steenkamp, Gerhardus; Verstraete, Frank J.M.
No abstract available.
Inter-state complaints under the African human rights system : a breeze of change?
(Koninklijke Brill BV, 2024-06) Viljoen, Frans
An inter-state procedure is provided for explicitly in the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on which the African regional human rights system is based, but the mechanism remains underused. Exploring the question why such a small number of inter-state cases have been submitted under the Africa system, the article points to the influence of a general culture of non-intervention and a preference for non-confrontational dispute mechanisms among African States; the existence of alternative channels to resolve cases involving massive or widespread violations cases; African States have over the years placed growing confidence in the ICJ; the delays associated with the DRC decision; and a pervasive ignorance of inter-state complaints processes under the African system. To overcome some of these impediments, the article notes, inter-states cases may be masked as cases brought by individuals or NGO s whose interests overlap with those of States.
The law of obligations, tax debts, in-solvency, and the dissipation of assets to the prejudice of the fiscus
(LexisNexis, 2024-02) Van Zyl, Stephanus Phillipus; Keulder, Carike
Section 183 of the Tax Administration Act (“TAA”) provides that any person who knowingly assists a taxpayer in dissipating that taxpayer’s assets in order to obstruct the collection of a tax debt of that taxpayer, is jointly and severally liable with that taxpayer for the tax debt to the extent that the person’s assistance in dissipating the assets reduces the assets available to be sold in execution to pay for the tax debt. Considering this provision, the following pertinent question arise: What constitutes a tax debt that triggers the liability of a person who knowingly dissipates the assets of a taxpayer? To answer this question, we consider the definition of a “tax debt” and whether the “tax debt” needs to be due or payable and if so, when does it need to be due or payable? For the evaluation pertaining to “due or payable,” we consider the law of obligations, the position regarding a tax-payer being held liable for his/her own tax debt and third-party liabilities as regard to tax debts. This article is further enriched by a discussion of the impeachable transaction provisions in the Insolvency Act 24 of 1936 as well the scope and application of the actio Pauliana (the common law action for setting aside impeachable transactions). The purpose of the insolvency component is to draw an analogy between the rights of a common creditor in civil proceedings and that of SARS where the debtor (the taxpayer in this case) entered into transactions for the dissipation of assets (or transactions which has the effect that the debtor can no longer pay their debt) which prefers one creditor above another or which is to the detriment of the creditor(s).
Historical constraints and heterospecific interference lead to maladaptive sex ratio changes in a pollinating fig wasp
(Royal Society, 2025-07) Greeff, Jacobus Maree; Mnguni, Simiso Polite; Warren, Marie
Natural selection’s power is beautifully illustrated by sex ratio variation that seems near-perfectly adapted. However, the fit of sex ratios to optimal predictions is usually tested in oversimplified ecological settings. This creates a one-sided view of evolution, where details are ignored, and evolution appears to produce optimal solutions. Entertaining maladaptation as a potential explanation allows consideration of historical contingencies and trade-offs. These become important in realistic settings where traits may need to be multifunctional, and historical contingencies may channel evolution to suboptimal phenotypes. Evaluating traits’ adaptive/maladaptive nature requires understanding the underlying mechanisms (the proximate causes). We studied clutch composition in a pollinating fig wasp where heterospecific females potentially interfere with sex ratio production and adjustment. Using an information-theoretic approach, we compared hypotheses and confirmed that heterospecific females disrupt Ceratosolen arabicus females’ sex ratios. Given the high fitness costs of failing to adjust optimally, we argue this maladaptation stems from rudimentary mechanisms that fail in realistic conditions and are thus forced to be multifunctional, creating fitness trade-offs. Our findings highlight how historical constraints and ecological interactions may limit adaptation, challenging the assumption that selection always produces optimal traits. Furthermore, they emphasize the need to incorporate ecological complexity when testing evolutionary predictions.
Ehrlichia ruminantium (Ehrlichiaceae) infection rates and genotyping in Amblyomma species from southern Africa
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Smit, Andeliza; Mulandane, Fernando C.; Wojcik, Stephane H; Malabwa, Choolwe; Sili, Gourgelia; Mandara, Stephen; Pineau, Kaissa Plaisir; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Exbrayat, Antoni; Rodrigues, Valerie; Vineer, Hannah Rose; Dlamkile, Zinathi; Stoltsz, Wilhelm Heinrich; Meyer, Damien F.; Morar-Leather, Darshan; Makepeace, Benjamin L.; Neves, L.C.B.G.D. (Luís); u14023190@tuks.co.za
Ticks are haematophagous ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals. With their vast geographical distribution and aptitude as vectors of a large variety of pathogens, they are ranked amongst the top two arthropod families of veterinary and medical concern. Amblyomma, the third largest genus in the Ixodidae, is important in southern Africa due to its vector competence for Ehrlichia ruminantium and other pathogens. Ehrlichia ruminantium, the causative agent of heartwater, a potentially lethal disease in ruminants, is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Amblyomma species ticks were collected in five southern African countries from livestock and wildlife. They were morphologically identified to species level with taxonomic keys, and species identity was confirmed with molecular assays. Preliminary screening for E. ruminantium was conducted by targeting the pCS20 gene fragment. Genotyping of 39 E. ruminantium positives was obtained using Ampliseq technology. In total, 7,734 Amblyomma ticks were collected and identified as belonging to four species: Amblyomma eburneum, Amblyomma hebraeum, Amblyomma pomposum and Amblyomma variegatum. Ehrlichia ruminantium infection rates per country ranged from 7.1 % to 34.1 %. The genotyping analysis indicated the clustering of our sequences with strains Gardel, Welgevonden, Um Banein, Springbokfontein 4 and 2, Kwanyanga, and Blaauwkrans. The Ampliseq analysis was not effective in differentiating between strains found in southern Africa. This large study documents the genetic diversity and prevalence of E. ruminantium in ticks across southern Africa, highlighting implications for disease control and vaccine development.
Efficacy, safety and interval from end of treatment to estrus in cats treated with an ultra-low dose megestrol acetate protocol for suppression of reproductive activity
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Pereira, Maria; Grassi, Anna; Pipan, Maja Zakosek; Contato, Giulia; Dal Ponte, Giada; Ghezzo, Anna; De Cramer, Kurt Guido Mireille; Romagnoli, Stefano
Cat breeders need safe, predictable and fully reversible temporary control of reproduction in queens. Megestrol acetate (MA), a short-acting progestogen was investigated in this study designed to determine whether low-dose treatment is both effective and safe in cats for periods up to 6 months. Twenty-eight queens were treated orally with 11.5 μg/kg/day of MA for one to six months. A physical examination, vaginal cytology, and reproductive ultrasound were performed before, during and after treatment, whilst urinalysis and hematological/biochemical tests, including progesterone assay, were performed before and after treatment. MA suppressed reproductive function effectively in 27/28 queens. Transient mammary and uterine hyperplasia were detected in four (14 %) and three (11 %) queens, respectively, treated for more than four months, without associated clinical signs. Pyometra was observed in only one queen following her first estrus cycle post-treatment. Significant but reversible weight gain was observed in 85 % of the animals. The resumption of cyclicity occurred on average 6 weeks after the end of treatment but was influenced by the duration of treatment and seasonality. An ultra-low dose MA treatment was effective in suppressing estrus in queens treated up to 6 months. Close monitoring should be paid to queens treated for longer than 4 months as the incidence of side effects, albeit minor and manageable, increases thereafter. Mammary gland assessment and progesterone assay are indispensable before treatment. Fertility is preserved, making MA a valuable option for temporary control of reproductive activity in queens, who otherwise cycle continuously leading to both unwanted behavior and pregnancies. HIGHLIGHTS • Megestrol acetate (11.5 μg/kg/day) is safe and effective for suppression of reproductive activity in queens up to 4 months. • Mammary gland health assessment and a progesterone assay < 2 ng/ml are necessary before initiating treatment. • Queens increase body weight during treatment, but return to pre-treatment weight shortly after the end treatment. • Reproductive activity resumes on average in 6 weeks but is influenced by the duration of treatment and seasonality.
Optimizing theranostics chatbots with context-augmented large language models
(Ivyspring International Publisher, 2025-04) Koller, Pia; Clement, Christoph; Van Eijk, Albert; Seifert, Robert; Zhang, Jingjing; Prenosil, George; Sathekge, Mike Machaba; Herrmann, Ken; Baum, Richard; Weber, Wolfgang A.; Rominger, Axel; Shi, Kuangyu
IINTRODUCTION : Nuclear medicine theranostics is rapidly emerging, as an interdisciplinary therapy option with multi-dimensional considerations. Healthcare Professionals do not have the time to do in depth research on every therapy option. Personalized Chatbots might help to educate them. Chatbots using Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, are gaining interest addressing these challenges. However, chatbot performances often fall short in specific domains, which is critical in healthcare applications. METHODS : This study develops a framework to examine the use of contextual augmentation to improve the performance of medical theranostic chatbots to create the first theranostic chatbot. Contextual augmentation involves providing additional relevant information to LLMs to improve their responses. We evaluate five state-of-the-art LLMs on questions translated into English and German. We compare answers generated with and without contextual augmentation, where the LLMs access pre-selected research papers via Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). We are using two RAG techniques: Naïve RAG and Advanced RAG. RESULTS : A user study and LLM-based evaluation assess answer quality across different metrics. Results show that Advanced RAG techniques considerably enhance LLM performance. Among the models, the best-performing variants are CLAUDE 3 OPUS and GPT-4O. These models consistently achieve the highest scores, indicating robust integration and utilization of contextual information. The most notable improvements between Naive RAG and Advanced RAG are observed in the GEMINI 1.5 and COMMAND R+ variants. CONCLUSION : This study demonstrates that contextual augmentation addresses the complexities inherent in theranostics. Despite promising results, key limitations include the biased selection of questions focusing primarily on PRRT, the need for comprehensive context documents. Future research should include a broader range of theranostics questions, explore additional RAG methods and aim to compare human and LLM evaluations more directly to enhance LLM performance further.
Rational purpose requirement and sustainability reporting assurance
(Emerald, 2025-05) Conradie, Pieter; Barac, Karin; pieter.conradie@up.ac.za
PURPOSE : This paper aims to investigate views of sustainable reporting (SR) stakeholders on the purpose of sustainability reporting assurance (SRA) and on the potential of the rational purpose requirement (RPR) to promote SRA as an accountability mechanism. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The study adopts a multiphase research approach. Data collection methods comprise a Q-methodology survey, roundtable discussions and semistructured interviews. Four stakeholder groups were involved in the study: report preparers, assurance providers (APs), investor users and social/environmental users. FINDINGS : The authors found that stakeholders hold diverse ideologically-based views on the purpose of SRA and lack critical reflection regarding SRA. By positioning APs as traditional intellectuals, four indicators (compliance with established norms, reinforcement of established practices, prioritization of own and corporate interests over broader interests and upholding of existing power structures) showed that the potential of the RPR to promote SRA as an accountability mechanism is limited. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The findings point to the need for stronger mandatory regulation, increased involvement of a wider range of stakeholders and improved professional education and training. Professional training should promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of SRA, rather than mere compliance with standards. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : The study makes regulators and professional bodies more aware of the influence practical and commercial realities have on regulation, and the paradoxical effect of regulation on their public interest objectives. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The study investigates the RPR in the mostly unregulated SRA environment and illuminates public interest considerations in SRA through insights into the potential of the RPR to promote SRA as an accountability mechanism.
Suitable sites for fog water collection in Cape Town, South Africa
(Springer, 2025-04) Adeleke, Adedayo; Mnikathi, Sandile; adedayo.adeleke@up.ac.za
The worldwide shortage of fresh water is a critical issue, with two-thirds of the world’s freshwater being inaccessible, as it is locked up in frozen glaciers. Additionally, arid areas such as South Africa are experiencing increased water scarcity, with regions such as Cape Town having already announced “day zero”, the day when the city’s dams will run out of water. Fog water collection provides a sustainable and alternative source of fresh water. Nevertheless, existing methods for identifying suitable locations rely on manual and trial-based approaches. This study focuses on finding suitable locations for fog harvesting in Cape Town via geographic information system (GIS)-based multicriteria decision analysis. To accomplish this, relevant factors for fog harvesting were identified in the literature and then transformed into spatial data layers. Next, weights were assigned to criteria layers via the analytical hierarchy process method, ultimately creating a final suitability map through a weighted overlay of these criteria layers. The findings of this study indicated that regions near coastlines, with low temperatures and strong winds, elevations above 1000 m or below 200 m, and steep slopes facing the ocean are the most favourable locations for harvesting fog water. This approach could be replicated in other regions, but caution is necessary when determining criteria and thresholds because of the localised nature of fog.
Life cycle sustainability assessment of staple food processing : a double and dynamic materiality approach
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Mwape, Mwewa Chikonkolo; Parmar, Aditya; Roman, Franz; Emmambux, Mohammad Naushad; Azouma, Yaovi Ouezou; Hensel, Oliver
Globally, 70 % of people are fed through peasant food systems that are responsible for growing 50 % of the world's food calories on 30 % of the land. In the global south, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, small-scale farming serves as a crucial lifeline for the food and income needs of local populations. Yet, it remains underfunded and under-researched in the context of sustainable development. Even if the traditional Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment offers a holistic approach to evaluating the impacts of staple food processing across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, its inability to track dynamic materiality limits its application in evaluating future impacts. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework for staple food processing, using cassava to produce gari, a staple food for more than 300 million West Africans, as a case study. This framework integrates Material and Energy Flow Analysis techniques to trace resource use and emissions. The research incorporated Environmental, Social and Governance pillars; double materiality, evaluating both the direct and indirect impacts of processing activities, alongside dynamic materiality to capture evolving environmental, financial, and social factors through scenarios. Python computational modeling was used to perform these complex analyses, ensuring accuracy and adaptability. The findings highlight significant energy inefficiencies (6.67 kWh kg-1) coupled with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 9.02 kgCO2eq kg-1 and production costs of $0.56 kg-1. The most significant opportunities for improvement were identified in optimizing energy consumption and transforming waste into biogas. The dynamic model revealed that integrating renewable energy sources could substantially reduce environmental impacts and increase the Net Profit Margin from 34.43 to 52.52 %, as proposed in the energy transition from woodfuel and gasoline to a Hybrid Solar and Biogas energy system. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment by applying a comprehensive framework to staple food processing. The findings offer valuable insights into the environmental, social, and economic trade-offs in food processing systems, providing practical recommendations for improving sustainability throughout the food supply chain. Extended studies using these methods on other staples are highly recommended.
Modeling sustainable earned value management (EVM) under grey uncertain conditions
(MDPI, 2025-06) Fan, Lei; Mohseni Nejad, Shima; Bagherpour, Morteza; Feylizadeh, Mohammad Reza; Karimi, Negar
The EVM method is an essential project management technique that compares the work done to the planned values (PVs) to identify project variances. However, the inherent uncertainties and possibilities in the project introduce uncertainty in the input data. Despite this importance, the input data for this method is often considered deterministic in most research, and several researchers have modeled it under fuzzy information. In this research, we developed a novel approach using a combined model of fuzzy numbers and grey numbers called interval grey triangular fuzzy (IGTF) numbers. This model is designed to manage the project’s fuzzy grey value, addressing the two pillars of fuzzy and grey uncertainty. The findings of the study indicate that by combining the grey degree of confidence with the triangular fuzzy number (TFN), the results are closer to the real world and more lenient. Finally, based on the estimation of the actual final cost of the project, managers are encouraged to use certainty in lowering costs concerning the value obtained by using the Z-number for the phases of the project. This research provides practical insights and a new model for managing sustainable project uncertainties using fuzzy and grey theories, offering a potential solution to this challenge.

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