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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The Ukraine War and Russia's soft power in Africa
Ogunnoiki, Adeleke O.; Ekpo, Charles E.; Oyewole, Samuel (Sage, 2026)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has attracted widespread international attention and condemnation, especially from Western countries. While Ukraine has received waves of assistance, Russia has been sanctioned and isolated by Western countries and their allies. Nevertheless, most countries in Africa have neither supported nor condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine. A growing number of literatures has explained the drivers of this and other related behaviours by African countries, but such attempts remain inadequate and incoherent. This article examines the influence of Russia in Africa within the analytical framework of soft power and employs some enduring historical bounds and contemporary dynamics to explain the dispositions of many African states towards Russia, sometimes against Western pressure on the Ukraine War, especially at the United Nations (UN). Embedded in these complex historical and emerging relationships are variables that qualify as ingredients of soft power, which keeps Russia attractive to some African countries, thereby influencing their positions on issues concerning the country in the international arena.
The temporal course of third molar mineralization in a black South African population
Wirtz, Julian; Smit, Chane; Robinson, Liam; Bernitz, Herman; Timme, Maximilian; Schmidt, Sven; Schmeling, Andreas (Springer, 2026-03)
There are only a few studies available on the temporal course of third molar mineralization in sub-Saharan Africans. In the present study, 904 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of self-classified black South Africans aged 12-26 years with confirmed dates of birth were examined. 748 OPGs showed at least one evaluable mandibular third molar. The stages of mineralization for teeth 38 and 48 were determined by consensus according to the stage classification by Demirjian et al. (Hum Biol 45:221-227, 1). For stages D to H, the minimum age, maximum age, mean age with standard deviation, and median age with lower and upper quartiles are presented separately for each sex. The mean ages for both sexes for both teeth are above 18 years of age from stage G onwards. The minimum ages in stage H are 17.9 years (tooth 38) and 18.0 years (tooth 48) for males. For females, these values are 18.1 and 17.2 years, respectively. Since the minimum ages are above the values reported in other studies, they cannot be recommended for age assessment practice. In order to avoid stage misclassifications, which are particularly problematic when applying the minimum age principle, experienced examiners should make stage classifications in future studies consensually by.
The subterranean niche provides protection against predators : a review of predation on members of the family Bathyergidae
Finn, Kyle T. (Springer, 2026)
African mole-rats (family Bathyergidae) are subterranean rodents endemic to sub-Saharan Africa which spend nearly their entire lives in complex underground burrows. The subterranean niche provides a drastically decreased predation risk compared to epigeous rodents. The underground burrows of mole-rats have been compared to hidden and well defended fortresses, nigh impossible for predators to locate and assail. Predation rates of mole-rats while in their burrows may be incredibly low, but the frequencies of predation have not been quantified. This review collates observations of predation in African mole-rats primarily from diet studies conducted on mammalian, avian, and reptilian species which may be predators of African mole-rats. This review also includes new observations obtained from citizen science platforms (iNaturalist), social media, and personal interviews. The results indicate that African mole-rats are rarely predated upon and comprise less than 10% of the diet of most potential predators. However, the frequent above-ground foraging by the large Cape dune mole-rat, may result in increased predation pressure from Verreaux’s eagles.
Transdisciplinary reflections for assessing the mental well-being of university undergraduates within the African context for sustainable problem-solving
Oladele, Jumoke Iyabode; Omotoso, Ayotunde Bolatito O.; Victor-Aigbodion, Vera; Onyishi, Charity Neejide; Adeosun, Oluwatosin Adebowale; Amaeze, Eze Fidelis; Otu, Mkpoikanke Sunday; Sowunmi, Emmanuel Tolulope (Springer Nature, 2026-02)
Collaboration is the currency of the 21st century. It is becoming increasingly obvious that collective efforts are required for addressing contemporary problems. This is especially underscored for multifactorial problems like mental health problems. The heart of research is problem-solving. A transdisciplinary approach is a sine qua non for sustainable problem-solving in mental health research. The aim of this study was to understand the concept of mental well-being through the lens of experts in the field and to explore how it can be effectively measured in the African context, particularly among university undergraduates. The study was designed as action research and carefully deployed using a transdisciplinary research model. Experts in behavioural psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, medical research, educational sociology, and educational measurement were contacted, and a one-on-one interview session was scheduled with 13 consultants who consented to participate in the study via Doodle. The collected data were subjected to the analytical framework approach, which falls within a broad family of analysis methods also termed thematic analysis or qualitative content analysis. Through this approach, the data were systematically reduced to a meaningful form using jointly agreed-upon codes and quotes on mental health assessment, as supported by the literature and the World Health Organisation. Findings from the exercise unanimously revealed that the mental well-being of university undergraduates is a multidimensional construct comprising coping strategies, potential realisation, academic productivity, social interaction, school-life balance, emotional stability, healthy living, and belief systems, all of which must be considered for effective measurement. This transdisciplinary method is hoped to create a novel path for researchers by merging various forms of knowledge and closing gaps in school mental health constructs. Understanding how experts view mental health is a relevant step for sustainable problem-solving among undergraduates in Africa.
Translational human and equine regenerative medicine in musculoskeletal conditions
Bosman, Lisa Marie; Logan, Murray Glen; Miszewski, A.; Pepper, Michael Sean (Elsevier, 2026-03)
Translational regenerative medicine, integrating human and veterinary approaches within the “One Health” framework, increasingly uses horses as models for human musculoskeletal conditions due to shared anatomical and functional features. Osteoarthritis and tendon disorders affect both species, often resulting from high-impact or repetitive strain activities. Regenerative medicine offers therapeutic opportunities by promoting tissue repair and modulating inflammation. Cellular orthobiologics such as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating osteoarthritis and tendon injuries in humans and horses, while non-cellular orthobiologics—including platelet-rich plasma, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, and alpha-2 macroglobulin—provide growth factors and anti-inflammatory molecules that support tissue regeneration. However, challenges remain, including variable product manufacture, inconsistent MSC isolation and characterization protocols (particularly in equine applications), and regulatory or public scepticism toward these therapies. Standardized production methods and improved clinical integration are needed. Combinatory use of cellular and non-cellular orthobiologics offers strong translational potential to improve musculoskeletal repair across species. HIGHLIGHTS • Equine–human musculoskeletal research aligns with One Health principles. • Cost, lifespan, and ethics limit horses as human translational models. • Standardized orthobiologic production protocols are needed to improve reliability. • Regulatory and public scepticism continue to hinder adoption of cell therapies. • New technologies and combined therapies may improve clinical outcomes.
Towards scientific machine learning for granular material simulations : challenges and opportunities
Fransen, Marc; Furst, Andreas; Tunuguntla, Deepak; Wilke, Daniel Nicolas; Alkin, Benedikt; Barreto, Daniel; Brandstetter, Johannes; Cabrera, Miguel Angel; Fan, Xinyan; Guo, Mengwu; Kieskamp, Bram; Kumar, Krishna; Morrissey, John; Nuttall, Jonathan; Ooi, Jin; Orozco, Luisa; Papanicolopulos, Stefanos-Aldo; Qu, Tongming; Schott, Dingena; Shuku, Takayuki; Sun, Waiching; Weinhart, Thomas; Ye, Dongwei; Cheng, Hongyang (Springer, 2026-01)
Micro-scale mechanisms, such as inter-particle and particle-fluid interactions, govern the behaviour of granular systems. While particle-scale simulations provide detailed insights into these interactions, their computational cost is often prohibitive. At a recent Lorentz Center Workshop on “Machine Learning for Discrete Granular Media”, researchers explored how machine learning approaches can aid the development of constitutive laws and efficient data-driven surrogates for granular materials while also addressing uncertainty quantification. Attended by researchers from both the granular materials (GM) and machine learning (ML) communities, the workshop brought the ML community up to date with GM challenges. This position paper emerged from the workshop discussions. In this position paper, we define granular materials and identify seven key challenges that characterise their distinctive behaviour across various scales and regimes–ranging from gas-like to fluid-like and solid-like. Addressing these challenges is essential for developing robust and efficient models for the digital twinning of granular systems in various industrial applications. To showcase the potential of ML to the GM community, we present classical and emerging machine/deep learning techniques that have been, or could be, applied to granular materials. We reviewed sequence-based learning models for path-dependent constitutive behaviour, followed by encoder-decoder type models for representing high-dimensional data in reduced spaces. We then explore graph neural networks and recent advances in neural operator learning. The latter captures the emerging field evolution of interacting particles via efficient latent space representation. Lastly, we discuss model-order reduction and probabilistic learning techniques for high-dimensional parameterised systems, both of which are crucial for quantifying and incorporating uncertainties arising from physics-based and data-driven models. We present a typical workflow aimed at unifying data structures and modelling pipelines and guiding readers through the selection, training, and deployment of ML surrogates for granular material simulations. Finally, we illustrate the workflow’s practical use with two representative examples, focusing on granular materials in solid-like and fluid-like regimes.
The lived experiences of individuals with Tourette syndrome following anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation : an interpretive phenomenological analysis
Cassimjee, Nafisa; Muller, Jacomien; Van Coller, Riaan (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
PURPOSE : Tourette syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite the recent increase in the use of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of refractory Tourette syndrome, few qualitative studies have explored the post-surgical experiences of individuals. This research aimed to explore the lived experience of individuals who underwent deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome. METHOD : This qualitative study was informed by the phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the first cohort of five individuals to have undergone anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation in South Africa. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to analyse the data. RESULTS : Four key themes were identified: (1) Battle with Tourette syndrome; (2) Temporal journey with deep brain stimulation; (3) Transformation: (Re)constructing the self in context after deep brain stimulation; and (4) Fusion: brain, technology and me. CONCLUSION: Living with Tourette syndrome was described by the participants as a fight for control, with symptoms having profound effects on family and social relationships. Identity reconstruction following surgery was complex, but treatment led to a change in social interactions and personal growth. Improvement was not immediate but rather a gradual process to find optimal settings. Most participants managed to integrate the device successfully into their identity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • Tourette syndrome is a complex disorder impacting physical, psychological and social functioning. • Deep brain stimulation is a neurotherapeutic treatment option for refractory Tourette syndrome, yet limited research is available on the lived experiences of individuals following deep brain stimulation. • Clinicians should provide comprehensive pre-operative counselling and neuropsychoeducation to patients and their families regarding the expectations, risks and psychosocial implications of deep brain stimulation. • They should provide continuous multidisciplinary patient management and psychological support to address adjustment challenges, optimise outcomes and monitor psychosocial well-being after surgery. • In addition, they need to adopt an integrated and individualised rehabilitation approach informed by multidisciplinary perspectives.
The lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa
Shube, Sekelo Atalia; Davids, Eugene Lee (Sage, 2026)
Complex trauma is experiencing a traumatic event, in the form of abuse, which is chronic, interpersonal, and begins in childhood. Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of complex trauma on parenting. The current study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, the study included 10 biological mothers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data tell the story of how mothers with a history of complex trauma prioritise the well-being of their children while neglecting their own needs. In addition, their experiences of complex trauma result in protecting their children from potential traumas, leading to overprotective parenting. The findings highlight the role of complex trauma on parenting, particularly among biological mothers in South Africa, and provide recommendations for society, practice, and research.
The journey into the ecology and distribution of the genus Amblyomma in southern Africa
Smit, Andeliza; Morar-Leather, Darshana; Neves, Luís C.B.G. (Elsevier, 2026-04)
The genus Amblyomma represents a fascinating and ecologically diverse group of hard ticks, widely distributed across southern Africa. Despite their importance as vectors of numerous pathogens, many species remain poorly studied, with limited ecological, seasonal, and distributional records. In this review we discuss observed patterns of sympatry and parapatry, noting that reproductive interference mediated by species-specific attraction-aggregation-attachment (AAA) pheromones may play a key role in shaping species boundaries. Molecular analyses using mitochondrial markers (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, coi, and cytb) reveal high intraspecific variation within A. variegatum. The limited differentiation between A. pomposum and A. variegatum suggests recent divergence, motivating further genome-wide investigations. Additionally, we document the introduction of A. hebraeum and A. lepidum into established ranges of other species, emphasising the need for ongoing surveillance to assess the ecological consequences of such events. Finally, we outline an integrated, multi-pronged approach for advancing the understanding of Amblyomma ecology, species boundaries, and distribution, combining extensive field sampling, genome-wide molecular tools, pheromone studies, biological compatibility experiments, and curated voucher-linked data. This holistic framework aims to resolve taxonomic ambiguities, clarify evolutionary relationships, and guide future research on this medically and veterinary significant genus. HIGHLIGHTS • Identifies gaps in pheromone and reproductive data for understudied species. • Highlights unresolved distributions and taxonomic ambiguities in Amblyomma. • Emphasises the lack of set standards for species delineation. • Underlines an approach to address current gaps in Amblyomma ecology, distribution and phylogenetics in southern Africa.
The incidence and role of EBV and HIV in head and neck lymphomas : an institutional study
Xoki, Buntu; Masenge, Andries; Kungoane, Tsholofelo (Elsevier, 2026-01)
OBJECTIVES : To determine the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphomas in a cohort of patients with head and neck lymphomas and to correlate these lymphomas with HIV status, CD4+ cell count, clinical stage, and overall survival. STUDY DESIGN : This retrospective descriptive study sourced data from pathology reports and clinical records. Data collected included lymphoma type, HIV status, and medical information related to immunosuppression, CD4+ T-cell counts, HIV viral load, Ann Arbor clinical stage, and follow-up data. RESULTS : We reviewed 228 lymphomas, comprising 9 Hodgkin lymphomas and 219 non-Hodgkin lymphomas (HIV-positive: 133; HIV-negative: 23, and unknown HIV status: 72). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) were common and associated with HIV immune suppression, male sex, and middle age. Seventy-four lymphomas were Epstein-Barr encoded RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) positive. PBL was the most common EBV-driven lymphoma (median CD4+ count = 147 cells/mm3), with the highest Ann Arbor staging. CONCLUSION : These findings suggest that EBV infection is among the primary factors contributing to PBL oncogenesis in HIV-positive patients. Patients with PBL presented with CD4+ T-cell counts of <400 cells/mm3. Patients with HIV infection had a lower overall survival rate compared to HIV-negative patients, irrespective of lymphoma type. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE : This study highlights the significant correlation between HIV infection and EBV-positive lymphomas in the head and neck regions, underscoring the need for vigilant screening and management strategies for lymphoma in HIV-positive patients to improve clinical outcomes.
The impact of mobile-based digital technology adoption on livelihood diversification : evidence from Ethiopia
Bule, Degineh Lagiso; Ntuli, Herbert; Gandidzanwa, Colleta (Routledge, 2026)
The integration of mobile phones and associated services into the diversification of livelihoods has the potential for rural transformation in developing nations. However, mobile-based technology adoption for livelihood activities in the Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia, remains inadequate. This study aims to investigate the impact of mobile-based technology adoption on livelihood diversification in the study area. The results of the instrumental variable Tobit show that mobile-based digital technology adoption positively and significantly influences livelihood diversification. This is evident particularly among the educated, men, remittance recipients, active labourers, landowners, urban residents, and traders. This underscores that the adoption of mobile-based technologies for livelihood activities is uneven, particularly among marginalised populations. Therefore, government, telecom companies, and development agencies should prioritise expanding network coverage, implement inclusive digital policies, and foster skills development. Additionally, promoting mobile money services and addressing affordability barriers are crucial to encouraging the adoption of mobile-based digital services for livelihood activities.
The history of human rights education in Africa and its implications for social work education in Africa
Giliomee, Cornelia Magrietha (Routledge, 2026)
This article provides a critical overview of the history of the development of human rights education in Africa and the influence it has on social work education and human rights. The research is based on an in-depth integrative literature review and provides a context for an understanding of human rights education in social work in Africa. This history is part of the history and development of human rights on the continent. The discussion will indicate that Africa was at a disadvantage regarding human rights education from the beginning, as most African countries had adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) only by 2019. In Africa, human rights education has focused on curriculum initiatives, particularly ones incorporating human rights concepts into local schools; by contrast, human rights education for professional groups has been infrequent. As social workers interact with marginalized groups and populations, the profession is very well positioned to advance human rights in Africa, provided that social work education incorporates human rights in the curricula. This article will indicate how the history of human rights education in Africa creates the backdrop of understanding the need for advancing human rights education in social work in Africa.
The global burden of Cholesteatoma : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Melariri, Herbert; Balakrishna, Yusentha; Mukhtar, Abdiwahab; Joseph, Elizabeth; Labuschagne, Simone; Hapunda-Chibanga, Racheal; Finestone, Sara; Bosman, Allison; Ukaegbe, Onyinyechi; Werkineh, Haben Birhane; Merven, Marc; Seguya, Amina; Melariri, Blessing; Mokoh, Lillian; Els, Timothy; Tharratt, Daniel; Murtaza, Amir; Moosajee, Mohamed; Harris, Tashneem; Onotai, Lucky; Amir, Ida; Melariri, Paula (Wiley, 2026-01)
OBJECTIVE : This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to estimate the global and World Health Organization (WHO) regional prevalence and burden of cholesteatoma. DATA SOURCES : PubMed, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) from 2010 to 2025. REVIEW METHODS : Teams of independent reviewers assessed each study for inclusion. Studies reporting primary data on cholesteatoma prevalence, recurrence, or its impact were included. The primary outcome was the global prevalence, whereas secondary outcomes were regional prevalence and recidivism rates, treatment, and complications. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data, and study quality and publication bias were assessed. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024533132). RESULTS : Forty-six eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of cholesteatoma was estimated at 4.02 per 1000 persons (95% CI 1.79-7.10). By the WHO regions, the pooled prevalence of cholesteatoma in the Western Pacific Region, European Region, South East Asian Region, Region of the Americas, and African Region was estimated at 5.73 per 1000 persons (95% CI 1.00-13.87), 2.32 per 1000 persons (95% CI 2.23-2.42), 3.30 per 1000 persons (95% CI 2.65-4.11), 0.06 per 1000 persons (95% CI 0.00-0.00), and 7.32 per 1000 persons (95% CI 2.77-13.96), respectively. The prevalence of hearing loss in cholesteatoma was estimated at 75.68 per 100 cases (95% CI 59.02-89.24). CONCLUSION : This meta-analysis is the first to systematically quantify global and regional cholesteatoma prevalence, complications, and treatment approaches, highlighting regional disparities and informing public health strategies and policy globally.
The limits of legal and material implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in light of a comparative analysis of measures ensuring digital political participation
Weerts, Sophie; Valli Buttow, Clarissa; Grobbelaar-du Plessis, Ilze; De Menezes Soares, Fabiana; Silva Kaitel, Cristiane; Filizola Costa, Thabata (Oxford University Press, 2026-02-11)
From a legal perspective, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) mandates states to create inclusive political environments, recognizing that participation extends beyond voting procedures to broader engagement in democratic processes. For persons with disabilities, political participation remains a complex challenge. Emerging digital technologies, particularly AI-driven assistive tools, can assist people in their daily lives and foster political participation. However, digital technologies also raise concerns related to surveillance and disinformation, and they contribute to the digital divide. Through a comparative analysis of South Africa, Brazil, and Switzerland, this paper explores how different state actors incorporate CRPD provisions and leverage technology to promote political inclusiveness. Analysing comparatively legislative frameworks, public policies, and administrative and material measures, the paper argues that there are advancements and persistent barriers to the discussion on the use of and access to technologies for fostering political participation of persons with disabilities. PRACTIONER POINTS • The comparative analysis of data shows that the states struggle to ensure political participation for persons with disabilities. • The fulfilment of the right to political participation entails opening up opportunities for persons with disabilities to have meaningful involvement not only in the voting procedures but also in the broader political debate. • Leveraging inclusive technologies can bridge participation gaps and empower persons with disabilities to participate in both the political process and the creation of enabling tools.
The meaning of פרק in Nahum 3:1. Study of ancient texts
Chia, Philip Suciadi (Routledge, 2026)
The Hebrew term פרק found in Nahum 3:1 poses a considerable challenge, as ancient texts exhibit discrepancies in their rendering of פרק. Consequently, this article aims to clarify the ambiguous Hebrew word פרק in Nahum 3:1 by employing textual criticism as its main approach. It will analyze manuscript evidence, assess the likelihood of transcription and translation variations, and take into account contextual and linguistic considerations.
Two decades of tracking femicide in South Africa : an analysis of four national surveys from 1999 to 2020/2021
Abrahams, Naeemah; Chirwa, Esnat; Mhlongo, Shibe; Dekel, Bianca; Ketelo, Asiphe; Lombard, Carl; Shai, Nwabisa; Ramsoomar, Leane; Mathews, Shanaaz; Labuschagne, Gérard; Matzopoulos, Richard; Prinsloo, Megan; Martin, Lorna J.; Jewkesa , Rachel (Taylor & Francis Group, 2025-12)
The absence of reliable administrative data from many countries means that there is little global surveillance of femicide. We conducted femicide surveillance with four dedicated national retrospective mortuary-based surveys to understand its magnitude among women 14 years and older in South Africa from 1999 to 2020/21, including the first year of COVID-19. The surveys included data from police on the investigation to ascertain who perpetrated the femicide (i.e. an intimate partner or someone else). We found overall femicides declined between 1999 and 2009, but the rate of decline slowed in subsequent years. Intimate partner femicide increased during the first year of COVID-19, unlike non-intimate partner femicide. Firearm-related femicides also increased in parallel with the increased availability of firearms in the country during the same period. The data show that South Africa remains one of the countries with the highest recorded rate of intimate partner femicide globally (5.5/100,000 female population), almost five times the global average. We have shown that femicide is prevent-able, but the conditions of the COVID-19 response likely increased the risk for women in abusive relations. We have also shown the value of dedicated surveys in the absence of reliable information systems.
Community-based hearing aid fitting model for adults in low-income communities facilitated by community health workers : a feasibility study
Mothemela, Bopane; Frisby, Caitlin; Mahomed-Asmail, Faheema; De Kock, Tersia; Moore, David R.; Manchaiah, Vinaya; Swanepoel, De Wet (Taylor and Francis, 2025)
BACKGROUND : Hearing loss affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, yet fewer than 10% of those who could benefit from hearing aids are able to access them. Barriers such as high costs, limited availability, and a critical shortage of trained professionals in low- and middle-income countries contribute to this gap, while emerging models of care-such as task-shifting to community healthcare workers (CHWs) supported by mHealth technologies-show promise in improving access, affordability, and outcomes in underserved communities. OBJECTIVE : To determine the feasibility and outcomes of a community-based hearing aid fitting model designed for low-income communities facilitated by community health workers (CHWs). METHOD : Using Bowen's framework, feasibility was evaluated according to service delivery and patient outcomes. A total of 25 (six male) participants were fitted with bilateral Go Prime preset, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids by CHWs in Khayelitsha, a low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa. Benefit and satisfaction were measured using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA). An open-ended survey used to obtain their perceptions on the impact of the hearing aids on communication, the mHealth program, and willingness to purchase the hearing aids was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS : Pure Tone Average across participants was 57.3 dB HL (11.5 SD) in the left ear and 54 dB HL (14.2 SD) int he right ear. The majority of participants self-reported positive outcomes while using hearing aids, including good hearing in background noise. IOI-HA showed above standardized average scores of 3.91 for daily use, 4.46 for benefit, and 4.58 for satisfaction. 92% of the participants reported the hearing aids as extremely helpful, with 87.5% recommending hearing aids for others with hearing loss. Additionally, participants reported positive experiences with them Health support program and described the program as clear and helpful. CONCLUSION : The community-based hearing aid fitting model is feasible and demonstrated positive hearing aid outcomes in a low-income community. This approach, supported by mHealth technologies and CHWs, presents a promising solution to address the hearing care gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Tracking the traffickers : unmasking the illegal trade demographics of Temminck's pangolin in South Africa (2016–2024)
Jansen, Raymond; Meyer, Francois; Nethavhani, Zwannda (Elsevier, 2025-12)
Pangolins (Order: Pholidota) are considered a very rare and threatened group of mammal taxa, and are widely recognized as the most trafficked mammals globally. In recent years, Africa has become an increasingly important source to supply demand, particularly from Asian markets. However, the extent and scale of the trade within South Africa remains poorly documented. Our study aimed to investigate the extent of the illicit trade in the Temminck’s pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa between 2016 and 2024. We investigate the category of pangolin commodity in the form of live animals, whole carcasses, skins or only scales. We further attempt to find an association of this trade with suspects nationality, asking price and, for those cases heard, the court outcome of sentences. We recorded a total of 302 pangolin retrieved from the trade, the large majority still alive (81.4 %), followed by dead carcasses (8 %), skins (7.6 %) and scales only (3 %). Pangolins were retrieved in eight of the nine South African provinces, primarily in Limpopo (n = 120, 39.7 %) and Gauteng (n = 91, 30.1 %), with an annual average spike in the austral spring month of October. A total of 679 individual suspects were arrested in 276 separate police operations, of which 51 % were known nationalities; predominantly South African (n = 170) followed by Zimbabwean (n = 119). Fifty-seven (52.9 %) of the total cases that proceeded to court were finalized. Victim impact statements (endangered species status and law governing the species in South Africa) compiled by a species specialist were added to the docket in 63 % of cases and contributed to more jail sentences imposed, longer jail terms and, in cases of a fine imposed, heftier fines. We propose the appointment of dedicated public prosecutors within specific provinces who specialize in wildlife crime, along with the development of national guidelines for cases involving particular taxa, such as pangolins. This would assist regional magistrates’ courts better navigate the complexities of wildlife law enforcement.
Soft range limits shape sensitivity to forest cover more strongly than hard range limits
Granville, Natasha R.; Pigot, Alex L.; Howes, Benjamin; Anjos, Luiz dos; Arroyo-Rodriguez, Victor; Barbaro, Luc; Barlow, Jos; Betts, Matthew G.; Cerezo, Alexis; Develey, Pedro F.; Hatfield, Jack H.; Jactel, Hervé; Karubian, Jordan; Kormann, Urs G.; Lasky, Jesse R.; Marsh, Charles J.; Mestre, Luiz A.M.; Morante-Filho, José Carlos; Olivier, Pieter Ignatius; Pidgeon, Anna M.; Possingham, Hugh; Proença, Vânia; Terraube, Julien; Uezu, Alexandre; Wood, Eric M.; Banks-Leite, Cristina (Wiley, 2025-11)
AIM : Land-use change is a major threat to biodiversity, yet there remains considerable unexplained variation in how it affects different populations of the same species. Here, we examine how sensitivity to forest cover changes depending on proximity to different limits of a species' range. By comparing responses as species approach their coastal (‘hard’) and inland (‘soft’) range limits, we aim to provide insight into the relative influence of mass effects, as compared to abiotic and biotic environmental suitability in shaping population sensitivity. Location: Global. TIME PERIOD : 1996–2019. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED : Birds. METHODS : We combined data from several large databases to obtain a dataset of 2543 bird species surveyed across 116 studies, spanning six continents. Using expert-verified range maps, we calculated the position of populations relative to their species' nearest inland (‘soft’) and coastal (‘hard’) range limits and categorised the inland limits as equatorward-or poleward-facing. We investigated how distance to range limits and forest cover, derived from a 30 m-resolution global dataset, affect the probability of species' incidence. RESULTS : We found that bird populations are more sensitive to forest cover when located closer to their species' inland (‘soft’) range limits, whereas this was not the case at coastal (‘hard’) range limits. The heightened sensitivity to forest cover at soft range limits was similar regardless of whether the range limit faced equatorward or poleward. MAIN CONCLUSIONS : These results highlight how populations close to the soft limits of their species' ranges are at higher risk of extirpation resulting from loss of forest cover. This suggests that environmental conditions (e.g., climate), which become more challenging away from the core of the species' range, drive variability in sensitivity to forest cover.
Fungal diversity as a key driver of soil multifunctionality along a European latitudinal gradient
Han, Xingguo; Domenech-Pascual, Anna; Donhauser, Jonathan; Zohner, Constantin M.; Mo, Lidong; Crowther, Thomas W.; Casas-Ruiz, Joan Pere; Jordaan, Karen; Ramond, Jean-Baptiste; Romaní, Anna M.; Prieme, Anders; Frossard, Aline (Elsevier, 2025-12)
Soils harbor a vast diversity of microorganisms and play a crucial role in global carbon and nutrients cycles. Yet, the extent and drivers of variations in soil microbial diversity and functioning across environmental gradients at continental scales remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the diversity and network complexity of prokaryotic and fungal communities and their relationships with soil multifunctionality (SMF) – an integrative index for C-, N- and P-cycling functions – along a 3,000-km latitudinal transect across Europe (37° to 62°N), spanning biomes from Mediterranean drylands, temperate to boreal forests. We found that SMF followed a hump-shaped latitudinal pattern, peaking at mid-latitude temperate forests and declining toward the southern Mediterranean drylands and northern boreal forests. Fungal alpha-diversity, together with mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT), and soil pH and C/N ratio, were key contributors to SMF across latitudes, while prokaryotic alpha-diversity had little effect. Both prokaryotic and fungal communities were predominantly structured by dispersal limitation, land cover, climate and soil properties, with fungal communities more strongly limited by spatial dispersion. Our study highlights the significant role of fungal diversity in sustaining SMF along the European latitudinal gradient and demonstrates the importance of both large-scale climatic and biogeographical factors and local edaphic and land cover variables in shaping microbial diversity. Our findings offer valuable insights for the conservation of ecosystem functions.

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