Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/121

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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Cassava production in South Africa : understanding smallholder farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cassava production
Light, Ngobeni; Nakedi, Makhura Moraka; Petronella, Chaminuka; Manana, Mamabolo; Kenneth, Nhundu (Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-12)
Cassava is widely recognised for its resilience to climate change and its ability to thrive under drought conditions. However, despite these advantages, cassava remains unpopular in the South African food market. This study examines the socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to cassava production and their implications. Data were collected from 117 farmers across three provinces in South Africa and analysed using a multinomial logistic regression model and the KAP framework. The results indicate significant knowledge gaps, with only 12% of respondents demonstrating adequate knowledge of cassava cultivation. Moreover, negative attitudes toward cassava production were more prevalent than positive ones, and most farmers were not adhering to recommended cultivation practices. Socio-demographic factors such as organisational membership, age, gender, marital status, education level, and farming experience were found to have mixed effects on cassava production. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as farmer training programmes, awareness campaigns on the benefits of cassava, educational workshops and seminars, and the provision of incentives, particularly for youth and female farmers.
Investigating gender differences in English comprehension skills among South African Sesotho learners
Thibedi, Tshepiso Promise; Roux, Karen; Graham, Marien Alet (Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-12)
This study explores the relationship between reading comprehension (RC) and listening comprehension (LC) among Grade 4 Sesotho home language (HL) learners in South African primary schools, with a specific focus on gender differences across these two skills. As English serves as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) from Grade 4 in many South African schools, learners face the challenge of acquiring academic content in a second language. Using the Simple View of Reading model as the theoretical framework, the study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative comparative correlational design, analysing data from 84 learners (38 boys and 46 girls) in Gauteng Province. Data were collected using the Annual National Assessments and analysed using Spearman correlations and Mann-Whitney tests. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between RC and LC, but gender differences in these skills were statistically insignificant. These findings fill a gap in the existing literature by examining the comprehension skills of South African Sesotho learners and suggest that while gender does not play a significant role in RC and LC, further research should explore the developmental trajectory of these skills over time. The study recommends longitudinal research to better understand the causal factors influencing comprehension skills in multilingual learning environments.
Ethical dilemmas concerning the management of the shared accommodation industry : the case of Cape Town and Ethekwini municipalities
Ramawela, Mmatšatši Emmah; Holtzhausen, Natasja (Association of Southern African Schools and Departments of Public Administration and Management, 2025-12)
Municipalities face a variety of issues in a sharing economy where the Internet, smartphones and technological applications are changing the global economic dynamic, including the need to reconcile the competing interests of many stakeholders as their jurisdictions expand. Municipalities have emerged as fertile spaces for digital platforms and the growing popularity of the sharing economy around the world. Platform enterprises in the shared accommodation industry (SAI) have changed how people share paid accommodation, affecting municipalities where some of these changes have had mixed results, posing ethical challenges for municipalities. The governance of the SAI and the ethical dilemmas confronting municipalities have been studied, although from a developed country viewpoint. The ethical dilemmas in the economic, social and environmental spheres include gentrification, densification, increased inequality; overpopulation, home-lessness, loss of neighbour-lines; environmental degradation, and water and energy scarcity. Using a qualitative multiple case study in the Cape Town and eThekwini municipalities, the article investigates how the two municipalities manage the ethical dilemmas arising from the competing multi-stakeholder interests in governing the SAI. Semi-structured interviews and field observations were used to collect data supplemented with secondary data from case study records. The article finds that the municipalities of Cape Town and eThekwini are failing to manage the competing interests of their multiple stakeholders. This failure concerning the ethical dilemmas that confront municipalities is attributed to the lack of skills and knowledge to manage the internet-driven SAI and SAEs.
Box-Jenkins modelling of inflation rates in Ghana : a data-driven approach
Essel-Mensah, Kojo A.; Ofori, Michael K.; Brocke, Naa N. J.; Ashiagbor, Albert Ayi (Pushpa Publishing House, 2025-11)
Inflation is a pivotal economic indicator that influences business activities and livelihoods. The escalating trend of inflation rates globally has led to business closures and widespread economic hardship. This study employs the Box-Jenkins methodology to develop predictive SARIMA and SARIMAX models for Ghana’s monthly inflation rates. The models capture both seasonal and non-seasonal inflation rate components, as well as the impact of external factors such as the Ghana-US exchange rates. Our findings indicate that the SARIMA model provides more accurate inflation rate predictions. The results have significant implications for monetary policy and inflation targeting in Ghana. Furthermore, the methodology is universally applicable to macroeconomic forecasting problems.
Catalysts of inclusive innovation : a multi-theoretical study of digital innovation hubs in Africa
Gumbo, Edwell; Moos, Menisha (AOSIS, 2025-12-10)
ORIENTATION : Africa continues to face structural challenges, including youth unemployment, digital exclusion and fragmented innovation ecosystems. Digital innovation hubs (DIHs) have emerged as strategic platforms that bridge these gaps by supporting entrepreneurship and digital transformation. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This study investigated how DIHs act as catalysts of inclusive innovation and economic development in Africa using a multitheoretical framework. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Despite their expanding presence, limited scholarly work explores the role of DIHs within African innovation systems. This study addresses that gap by assessing their ecosystemic, institutional and developmental contributions across diverse contexts. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD : A qualitative, exploratory research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with DIH managers and startup founders across 12 African DIHs affiliated with the African European Digital Innovation Bridge Network initiative. Thematic analysis was used to derive insights into their structure, function and influence. MAIN FINDINGS : The study identified six thematic impact areas, namely startup empowerment, inclusive participation, ecosystem integration, transformative education, sustainability orientation and policy alignment. Digital innovation hubs serve not only as startup enablers but also as institutional anchors that facilitate knowledge exchange, derisk entrepreneurship, and expand access to digital tools and markets. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : The DIHs should be supported through sustained investment, policy integration and inclusive programming. Their role as conveners of public–private collaboration positions them as key agents of development. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : By applying the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship, Institutional Theory and Cluster Theory, this study offers a novel conceptual framing of DIHs in African contexts. It contributes empirical evidence and strategic insights for designing scalable and context-sensitive innovation ecosystems.
South-African students’ experiences of and reactions to online victimisation : a gender analysis
Parsons, Sarah; Steyn, Francois; Sadiki, Lufuno (Criminological Society of Africa, 2025-12)
Technological advances continually shape the world, and technology has become an integral part of everyday life. University students rely on the internet for their academic and social lives, making them vulnerable to online harassment and victimisation. Although there has been a growing interest in cybercrime and online victimisation, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the phenomenon among South African university students. The present study set out to describe undergraduate students’ access to and use of social media and other electronic platforms, their experiences of online victimisation, and how students respond to such events. A total of 1,001 students participated in a correlational survey, using a group-administered questionnaire developed from existing instruments and literature. Since a non-probability sampling strategy was followed, the gender analysis relied on non-parametric procedures, and effect sizes were calculated where significant differences were found. Meaningful differences (p < 0.05) were noted in students’ sources of the internet and their reasons for its use. Female students were significantly more likely to experience online harassment from strangers and to receive unwanted sexual images or messages. Male students, on the other hand, were more likely to fall victim to electronic viruses or malicious software. Not surprisingly, the total online victimisation scores showed meaningful differences between male and female respondents. Gender differences further emerged in how students responded to online victimisation, particularly in reporting incidents to authorities and confronting the harasser.
Adolescent sexting policy analysis : paper tigers to practical solutions
Harris, Tara Farrer (Criminological Society of Africa, 2025-12)
Adolescence as a developmental phase is characterised by physical, emotional, and sexual maturation, as well as sexual exploration. Adolescents use technology to explore their sexuality and forge their identities. Some adolescents engage in this behaviour through the practice of sexting, which is defined as the exchange of sexually explicit messages, texts, images, or videos across a range of technological devices. Adolescent sexting is problematic because it falls within the ambit of child pornography laws in South Africa and, as such, constitutes illegal behaviour. Internationally, various policies have been implemented to address adolescent sexting, but there is little consensus on the best practices for managing such incidents, especially at the school level. The present article draws on data from a policy analysis of school-based sexting policies and on insights from expert and parent interviews to develop a sexting policy framework for South African schools. The objective is to support South African schools in maximising risk management and reducing sexting. A school-based policy cannot be gendered in nature regarding its response; however, the gendered dialogue surrounding adolescent sexting must be considered when educating young people about the possible negative repercussions of sexting, as well as the gendered motivations for, experiences of, and expectations surrounding sexting.
An occupational therapy programme for a psychiatric day hospital : voice of occupational therapy practitioners and patients
Masango, July; Van der Merwe, Tania Rauch; Casteleijn, Daleen; Adams, Fasloen (Wiley, 2025-09)
Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners play a critical role in supporting recovery from disruptions in occupational performance caused by mental illness, particularly within psychiatric day hospital settings. Despite this, there remains a notable absence of published evidence-based guidelines to inform the development and implementation of OT programmes in private psychiatric day hospitals in South Africa. This study aimed to evaluate an existing OT programme in such a setting, with the goal of informing the development of context-specific, evidence-based practice guidelines. A qualitative research design was employed to explore the perspectives of both OT practitioners and patients who participated in the programme. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) the competent facilitator with expertise in group dynamics; (2) the therapeutic group as a cohesive and healing entity; (3) the patient as a unique individual within the recovery process; and (4) the integration of evaluation, intervention and outcomes within a coherent therapeutic process. Findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of group-based OT led by skilled facilitators, underscoring the importance of integrating clinical reasoning, patient-centred care and group dynamics expertise into programme delivery. The study contributes to the body of knowledge advocating for structured, evidence-based OT programmes in psychiatric day hospitals, tailored to both the therapeutic goals of practitioners and the recovery needs of patients. This research provides a foundation for the formulation of evidence-based guidelines that can strengthen OT practice in private psychiatric day hospital contexts, thereby promoting mental health recovery through structured and purposeful occupation.
Ten practical guidelines for microclimate research in terrestrial ecosystems
De Frenne, Pieter; Beugnon, Rémy; Klinges, David; Lenoir, Jonathan; Niittynen, Pekka; Pincebourde, Sylvain; Senior, Rebecca A.; Aalto, Juha; Chytrý, Kryštof; Gillingham, Phillipa K.; Greiser, Caroline; Gril, Eva; Haesen, Stef; Kearney, Michael; Kopecký, Martin; Le Roux, Peter Christiaan; Luoto, Miska; Maclean, Ilya; Man, Matěj; Penczykowski, Rachel; Van den Brink, Liesbeth; Van de Vondel, Stijn; De Pauw, Karen; Lembrechts, Jonas J.; Kemppinen, Julia; Van Meerbeek, Koenraad (Wiley, 2025-02)
1. Most biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem processes on land take place in microclimates that are decoupled from the climate as measured by standardised weather stations in open, unshaded locations. As a result, microclimate monitoring is increasingly being integrated in many studies in ecology and evolution. 2. Overviews of the protocols and measurement methods related to micro climate are needed, especially for those starting in the field and to achieve more generality and standardisation in microclimate studies. 3. Here, we present 10 practical guidelines for ground-based research of terrestrial microclimates, covering methods and best practices from initial conceptualisation of the study to data analyses. 4. Our guidelines encompass the significance of microclimates; the specifics of what, where, when and how to measure them; the design of microclimate studies; and the optimal approaches for analysing and sharing data for future use and collaborations. The paper is structured as a chronological guide, leading the reader through each step necessary to conduct a comprehensive microclimate study. At the end, we also discuss further research avenues and development in this field. 5. With these 10 guidelines for microclimate monitoring, we hope to stimulate and advance microclimate research in ecology and evolution, especially under the pressing need to account for buffering or amplifying abilities of contrasting microhabitats in the context of global climate change.
The implementation of small molecule agonists and antagonists to elucidate gonadotropin receptor structure, function and physiology
Dias, James A.; Newton, Claire Louise; Ulloa-Aguirre, Alfredo (Elsevier, 2026-05)
Pursuant to patient desires of alternatives to injectable gonadotropins, a plethora of attempts have identified, characterized, and demonstrated efficacy of small molecules that activate (agonists) gonadotropin receptors. Discoveries have also been made of small molecule gonadotropin receptor inhibitors (antagonists), which have potential as useful alternatives to steroid hormone-based contraception. Implementation of these small molecules in advanced testing systems not necessarily used in screening, which identified lead compounds, has yielded a bounty of wonders. It is likely that a richer understanding of the role of signaling platforms and conformation-dependent molecular assemblies are likely to emerge. Several small molecule agonists have been observed to function as conformational boosters that can rescue receptor trafficking defects, or initiate internalization of receptors without bound hormone. Still others have revealed insights into the role of molecular platforms in persistent signaling. Unexpectedly, such antagonists, like molecular scalpels, can ablate certain signaling pathways and not others leading to discovery of biased signaling in gonadotropin receptors. That seminal observation has led to studies of nuanced signaling and, consequently, nuanced gene expression. Gonadotropin receptor structure-based design for better specificity and potency of agonists and antagonists has been provided by new cryo-EM structures of the gonadotropin receptors, demonstrating proof of concept. Structural determination of downstream supramolecular assemblies will be necessary to validate and fully understand these complicated receptors and how their interaction with other proteins and when occupied by hormone and allosteric modulators, nuances their actions and, ultimately, fertility. HIGHLIGHTS • Small molecules that bind to gonadotropin receptors may activate or inhibit receptor function. • The majority of small molecules for the gonadotropin receptors are allosteric compounds. • Some agonists and antagonists exhibit biased signaling and/or promote correct folding and trafficking defects. • Though not in clinical use, they have helped decode receptor structure and function. • Gonadotropin receptor small molecules offer alternatives for more precise and nuanced fertility modulation.
In the beginning was the work : Donald MacKinnon's metaphysics after Lenin
Delport, Khegan M.; Demjaha, Dritero (Wiley, 2026-01)
Donald MacKinnon expressed a distinctly realist and actualist metaphysic. One aspect of his metaphysics that is less frequently commented upon, however, is his reception of Vladimir Lenin. While not an unqualified admirer of Bolshevism, it is readily apparent that MacKinnon incorporated elements of Lenin’s philosophy and theories regarding practice into his critique of idealism and his Christology also. Beginning with the writings of Lenin himself, and tracing this influence throughout MacKinnon’s oeuvre, we give the most expansive treatment to date of MacKinnon’s reception of Lenin, showing that there is a coherency in his reception of Lenin with his philosophical realism and actualist metaphysics more generally. This can be seen especially in the way that he reads Leninist philosophical tactics as a variety of metaphysical actualism, insofar as revolutionary agency and freedom may exceed reductionist accounts of historical causality or spiritual idealisation. The burgeoning forth of new options and circumstances as a result of revolutionary action, coupled with his belief in the primacy of resurrection, hereby undermines any pseudo-tragic or culturally pessimistic reading of MacKinnon’s trajectory.
Breaking the informal cycle : integrating artisanal and small-scale mining into the formal economy
Tingini, Tinotenda Lionel; Eniowo, Olushola Daniel (Springer, 2026)
Illegality and informality persist in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, despite the increasing drive by various stakeholders on the African continent to formalise the sector. This paper applies five categories of barriers to formalisation, identified in the literature, to analyse the factors hindering the formalisation of the sector, namely: absence of formalisation frameworks, inappropriate frameworks, weak enforcement, exclusionary policies, and broader structural challenges. A narrative literature review reveals that the absence of tailored frameworks leaves ASM operations criminalised and unsupported, while poorly designed or overly rigid regulations fail to align with the sector’s diverse socio-economic realities. Weak enforcement, compounded by corruption and limited institutional capacity, sustains illicit practices and undermines regulatory effectiveness. Exclusionary policies, characterised by costly and complex licensing requirements, marginalise ASM operators and drive them further into illegality. In addition, structural issues, including limited access to finance, technology, and markets, entrench reliance on informal networks and perpetuate cycles of poverty and environmental harm. The study found that successful governance of ASM requires context-sensitive policies that balance regulatory interventions with socio-economic realities. The study recommends enhancing institutional capacity and establishing inclusive pathways that enable ASM operators to integrate into the formal economy.
Gaussian process modelling of an industrial flotation bank
Lindqvist, Johan; Atta, Khalid; Le Roux, Johan Derik; Johansson, Andreas (Elsevier, 2026-05)
A control-oriented Gaussian process regression (GPR) model of froth flotation is developed and compared to a previously developed parametric model. The model aims to predict the behaviour of froth flotation, taking into consideration which state variables are available from measurements: air recovery, top of froth bubble size, and pulp level. The framework encodes prior knowledge of a published flotation model. Each state is modelled using a separate GP, with a custom covariance function whose form is given by the flotation model. These kernels capture the interaction between the relevant state variables and manipulated variables. The model aims to balance the complexity required to explain such a complex process with the uncertainty of its instrumentation. To evaluate the ability of the GPR model to capture the process dynamics, the GP model is assessed using an industrial data set, demonstrating its capacity to improve the performance of state prediction. The purpose of the GPR model is to enable supervisory and advanced model-based control. HIGHLIGHTS • A Gaussian process regression (GPR) model is developed using industrial online froth flotation data. • The kernels for the GPR model are based on modelling insights. • The predictive capacity of the GPR model is better than that of a dynamic semi-mechanistic model. • The GPR model shows potential for use in model predictive process control.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii at a hospital in Botswana: detecting a protracted outbreak using whole genome sequencing
Strysko, Jonathan; Thela, Tefelo; Feder, Andries; Thubuka, Janet; Machiya, Tichaona; Mkubwa, Jack; Mochankana, Kagiso; Tiroyakgosi, Celda; Kgomanyane, Kgomotso; Ntereke, Tlhalefo Dudu; Zankere, Tshiamo; Lechiile, Kwana; Gatonye, Teresia; Tembo, Chimwemwe Viola; Vurayai, Moses; Mannathoko, Naledi; Mokomane, Margaret; Moustafa, Ahmed M.; Goldfarb, David M.; Richard-Greenblatt, Melissa; Mcgann, Carolyn; Coffin, Susan E.; Nakstad, Britt; Cancedda, Corrado; Lautenbach, Ebbing; Bogoshi, Dineo; Smith, Anthony Marius; Planet, Paul J. (American Society for Microbiology, 2026-01)
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) has emerged as a major and often fatal cause of bloodstream infections among hospitalized patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CRAb outbreaks are hypothesized to arise from reservoirs in the hospital environment, but outbreak investigations in LMICs are often limited in scope due to lack of access to whole genome sequencing (WGS). We performed WGS on 43 stored isolates (blood cultures [n = 23] and environmental swabs [n = 20]) presumptively identified as A. baumannii collected during 2021–2022 from a 530-bed referral hospital in Gaborone, Botswana, where CRAb infection incidence was rising. Taxonomic assignment, multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial resistance gene identification, K and O locus typing, and phylogenetic analyses were performed using publicly accessible analysis pipelines. All 23 blood and 25% (5/20) of environmental isolates were confirmed as A. baumannii, 79% (n = 22) of which were sequence type 1 (ST1). All ST1 isolates harbored genes encoding carbapenemases (blaNDM-1, blaOXA-23). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that nearly identical ST1 isolates spanned wide ranges in time (>1 year), suggesting ongoing transmission from environmental sources. One highly similar clade (average difference of 2.3 single nucleotide polymorphisms) contained all eight neonatal blood isolates and three environmental isolates from the neonatal unit. Environmental isolates included a sample from a sink drain, which is likely a major reservoir in this setting and highlights the need for targeted environmental remediation. Using a phylogenetically informed approach, we also identified diagnostic genes that distinguish this outbreak clone. These markers hold the potential to provide a low-cost method for tracking future CRAb isolates related to this outbreak. IMPORTANCE : Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an increasingly significant cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where limited resources often prevent the use of advanced outbreak investigation methods. This study leveraged whole genome sequencing to uncover transmission patterns of these antibiotic-resistant infections which were occurring more frequently in a referral hospital in Botswana. By linking clinical and environmental samples collected over an 18-month period, we identified a cluster of infections genetically linked to samples collected from the environment, including a sample taken from a sink drain in the neonatal unit. Furthermore, the study identified key genes specific to outbreak strains that could be used as diagnostic markers to track future outbreaks, even in the absence of genomic sequencing. These findings demonstrate how combining genomic sequencing with targeted gene identification can guide infection prevention and control efforts, helping to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance in resource-limited settings.
Measurement approaches for corporate impacts on ecosystem condition : current landscape and future priorities
Bedford, Jacob; Houdet, Joel Robert Auguste; Berger, Joshua; Grigg, Annelisa; Harrison, Michelle; Calhoun, Emma; Brooks, Sharon (Wiley, 2026)
1. Ecosystem condition is an important concept for understanding the impacts and dependencies of business on biodiversity and consideration of it is recommended by assessment and disclosure frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). 2. Approaches for measuring corporate impacts on ecosystem condition vary in their underlying methods and metrics. This creates uncertainty in their use by business. Here, we discuss the appropriateness of different approaches in different decision-making contexts, including the selection of appropriate reference conditions and granularity of metrics. 3. The assessment of company impacts on ecosystem condition should be seen as an iterative process with flexibility to continually improve approaches over time as new methods and data emerge to fill key knowledge gaps.
Structural insights into WY domain SLiM-containing conserved RxLR effectors : a case study of five important Phytophthora species
Salasini, Brenda Chisanga; Chepsergon, Jane; Nxumalo, Celiwe Innocentia; Moleleki, Lucy Novungayo (American Phytopathological Society, 2026)
Pathogenicity in Phytophthora species is in part underpinned by a sophisticated arsenal of RxLR effectors, which function as molecular determinants of host immune manipulation. Among these, conserved RxLR effectors (CREs) represent an evolutionarily conserved subset that is indispensable for virulence. However, the structural basis of their function remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted in silico analysis of CREs across five agriculturally significant Phytophthora species, revealing a conserved subset that integrates WY domains with embedded short linear motifs (SLiMs), a previously recognized architectural feature with functional implications. Notably, our findings indicate that despite the canonical association of SLiMs with intrinsically disordered regions, their incorporation within the structured WY domain preserves domain integrity while potentially expanding the effector's interactome within host cells. To explore the functional relevance of this domain organization, we characterized Phytophthora nicotianae RxLR6 (PpRxLR6), a representative WY-SLiM CRE identified in this study. Using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assays, we demonstrate that PpRxLR6 activates key immune defense networks in Nicotiana and Solanum species, suggesting a role in modulating host immune signaling. Structural predictions further reveal that PpRxLR6 harbors its SLiM within a well-ordered WY-like helical core region, suggesting that SLiM-mediated interactions may occur within structured effector domains rather than being confined to intrinsically disordered regions. These findings enhance our understanding of the effector domain architecture of PpRxLR6, illustrating how structured domains in CREs may serve as scaffolds for SLiM-mediated interactions. This structural arrangement may represent an adaptive strategy in Phytophthora evolution, potentially enhancing effector versatility in host interactions and immune modulation.
Discovery of a z ∼ 0.8 ultra steep spectrum radio halo in the MeerKAT-South Pole Telescope Survey
Magolego, Isaac; Deane, Roger; Thorat, Kshitij; Heywood, Ian; Rasakanya, William; Aravena, Manuel; Bleem, Lindsey E.; Campitiello, Maria Giulia; Phadke, Kedar A.; Spilker, Justin S.; Vieira, Joaquin D.; Zhou, Dazhi; Benson, Bradford A.; Chapman, Scott C.; Posses, Ana C.; Schrabback, Tim; Stark, Anthony A.; Vizgan, David (Oxford University Press, 2026-01)
Please read abstract in the article.
Efficient statistical inference of turning points in animal movement data
Alharbi, Abdulmajeed F.; Blackwell, Paul G.; Alagaili, Abdulaziz; Bennett, Nigel Charles; Scantlebury, David Michael; Potts, Jonathan R. (Wiley, 2026)
Recent years have seen a proliferation of high-frequency animal movement data, often at greater than 1 Hz, allowing us to gain much greater insight into behaviour than with lower frequency data. In particular, it is becoming possible to detect the precise points at which animals are making decisions to turn, thus placing the idea that the animals move in ‘steps and turns’ onto rigorous grounding. 2. Despite this, current efforts to ascertain the points at which animals turn tend to rely on the user making pre-determined choices of certain model parameter values. Furthermore, whilst they may give good results, there is often no theory explaining why the inferred turning points are most likely to be correct, for example by maximising a likelihood function. 3. Here, we propose a theoretically grounded statistical technique to find turning points in high-frequency movement data that does not require any a priori choices of parameter values. By testing our algorithm on simulated data, we show that our technique is both fast (e.g. 3 s to parse data points) and accurate. For example, when the standard deviation of the noise is less than around radians then our algorithm correctly identifies nearly of the turning points, providing the noise is not heavily autocorrelated. Additionally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique on magnetometer data from free-ranging Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). 4. Overall, our work gives a fast, accurate and statistically grounded algorithm for turning point detection in high-frequency data. The resulting model of straight-line steps and turns provides a biologically meaningful summary of the animal's movement behaviour, which has potential to be used as an input to the wide range of step-and-turn techniques used in movement ecology, such as step selection analysis and hidden Markov models of behavioural states.
Editorial overview : Fish, fishers and the future
Mann, B.Q.; Farthing, M.W.; Winkler, A.C.; Henriques, Romina (NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited (trading as Taylor and Francis Group), 2025-12-22)
Embracing living customary law : rethinking the teaching of African customary law : the case of Mgenge v Mokoena
Radebe, Martha Keneilwe (University of Fort Hare, 2025-12)
Promoting living customary law in the teaching of African customary law is crucial, as it recognises the dynamic and evolving character of the legal system. Traditional approaches to teaching have often relied on codified or “official” versions of customary law, which tend to be static, outdated, or shaped by colonial influences. In contrast, living customary law reflects the actual practices, beliefs, and norms as they develop within communities themselves. South African courts are frequently confronted with cases that demand a nuanced understanding of and sensitivity to the realities of African customary law. This underlines the need to critically assess whether current methods of teaching African customary law are adequate for preparing future legal practitioners to handle such intricate disputes. The judgment in Mgenge v Mokoena exemplifies the evolving nature of living customary law and demonstrates the progress made by South African courts in engaging with it. Notably, the court in Mgenge went beyond merely accepting documentary evidence, such as a marriage certificate, and undertook its own investigation to determine the substance of living customary law regarding the existence of a customary marriage. This reflects a commitment to ensuring that the genuine practices and requirements of customary law are understood and applied, rather than relying exclusively on formal documents. Given these advances in the judiciary, legal academia must reform its teaching methods. This case note draws on lessons from Mgenge v Mokoena and proposes a framework for teaching African customary law which places emphasis on contextual analysis when establishing the realities of living customary law.

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