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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Harnessing benzamides as plant stress inhibitors, growth promoters and in management of crop resilience-a review
Koetle, M.J.; Motaung, Thabiso Eric; Amoo, S.O. (Wiley, 2026)
Benzamides have emerged as potent stress inhibitors and growth promoters in plant biotechnology, particularly in the management of crop resilience. This review delves into the mechanisms of action, applications, and potential benefits of benzamides, especially focusing on their role as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Benzamides modulate stress responses by inhibiting PARP activity, which is crucial for DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. This inhibition prevents excessive poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, conserving cellular energy and enhancing stress tolerance. Additionally, benzamides promote alternative DNA repair pathways, contributing to the timely repair of DNA lesions and reducing mutation accumulation. In plant stress management, classical PARP inhibitors like 3-methoxybenzamide (3-MBA) and 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing resistance to abiotic stresses, improving plant growth, and increasing transformation efficiency. This review also highlights the antimicrobial, herbicidal, and insecticidal properties of benzamides, which enhance plant defence mechanisms against various pests and diseases. In summary, benzamides offer multiple approaches to enhancing crop resilience and stress management, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture.
Hearing loss and hearing aid stigma in low- and middle-income settings : a scoping review
Frisby, Caitlin; Manchaiah, Vinaya; Dawood, Nausheen; Nieman, Carrie; Swanepoel, De Wet (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
PURPOSE : Stigma has been reported as a key barrier to hearing aid uptake. This scoping review explores evidence of reported stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids in low- and middle-income (LMI) settings. METHODS : Four databases were searched to identify studies published up to 6 November 2024. Studies mentioning stigma in relation to hearing loss or hearing aids in LMI countries or LMI settings within high-income countries were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS : Twenty-nine studies were included, with 26 conducted in LMI countries and three in LMI settings within high-income countries. Two main domains were identified: (a) stigma experienced by individuals with hearing loss, ear disease, or hearing aids and (b) experiences of stigma reported by direct communication partners. Four themes emerged from affected individuals, including (a) internalized stigma, (b) social stigma, (c) cultural beliefs, and (d) barriers to help-seeking. Communication partners’ themes included (a) perception of individuals with hearing loss, (b) impact on relationships, and (c) cultural beliefs. Unique theme in LMIs is cultural beliefs that hearing loss is associated with witchcraft and curses. CONCLUSIONS : A limited number of studies were identified but emphasized cultural and religious beliefs as important contributing factors to stigma in LMIs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • Stigma related to hearing loss and hearing aids in low- and middle-income (LMI) settings presents a significant barrier to help-seeking and device adoption. • Community-based education and culturally sensitive interventions are essential to addressing stigma and promoting hearing healthcare uptake. • Targeting both individuals with hearing loss and their communication partners can help reduce negative perceptions. • Rehabilitation strategies should incorporate cultural and religious beliefs to effectively address stigma unique to LMI settings, such as associations with witchcraft and curses.
Hearing stakeholder voices in the design of a non-electronic sepedi graphic symbol-based AAC resource
Mothapo, Ngwanamashiane Rahab Blondie; Tonsing, Kerstin Monika; Soto, Gloria (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
The design of non-English Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) resources is an urgent necessity. Human centered design (HCD) may be a useful framework for involving stakeholders in establishing design requirements for a non-electronic Sepedi graphic symbol-based AAC resource. This framework foregrounds the voice of stakeholders in the design process to counter the hegemony of Western Anglo-centric methodologies and approaches. This study aimed to obtain initial input on the need for and design requirements of a non-electronic Sepedi GS-based AAC resource from the stakeholders. A qualitative descriptive design was used. The perspectives of 21 stakeholders including special school teachers, speech-language therapists, parents of participants in need of AAC, Sepedi linguists and adults using AAC were obtained via focus groups and interviews. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants highlighted a need for a culturally and linguistically appropriate AAC resource. They furthermore indicated that the resource should promote communication access, social inclusion and the development of various communication and language skills. The school and the home environment were identified as primary contexts of use. Specific suggestions regarding the vocabulary, the graphic symbols, the lay-out and organization of the vocabulary as well as the physical properties of the resource were obtained. The participants highlighted a need for a team to design and develop the resource. The study showed that diverse stakeholders could contribute meaningfully to the design process of an AAC resource for young individuals from a Sepedi language background.
Hidden diversity behind the Lecanicillium-like white colony-forming mycoparasites on Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust)
Colman, A.A.; Araujo, J.P.M.; Evans, H.C.; Mansur, P.S. Correa; Salcedo-Sarmiento, S.; Silva, A.L.; Kapeua-Ndacnou, M.; Belachew-Bekele, B.K.; Pereira, C.M.; Crous, Pedro W.; Barreto, R.W. (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2025-12)
During surveys for fungal natural enemies of Hemileia vastatrix - the causal agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR) - in its African centre of origin (Cameroon, Ethiopia), as well as in its exotic South American range (Brazil, Paraguay), an eclectic and species-rich mycobiota was encountered. Here, we provide a comprehensive report on an assemblage of "white colony-forming fungi" (WCF), often treated in the earlier literature under the inadequate "label" Verticillium lecanii (=Lecanicillium lecanii). A total of 265 isolates of WCF were provisionally placed in this arbitrary group. We clarified the identity of our assemblage of Lecanicillium-like fungi using a combination of morphological characteristics and sequence data for the large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) and the largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2) regions. Fifteen WCF species belonging to eight genera across three hypocrealean families (Bionectriaceae, Clavicipitaceae and Cordycipitaceae) were found parasitizing pustules of CLR. Significantly, Lecanicillium lecanii was not found to be present amongst these taxa. Six species belonged to the known genera - Corniculantispora, Gamszarella, Lecanicillium, Ovicillium, Pleurodesmospora and Simplicillium. Two new genera are described, Bettiolomyces and Hemileiophthora, as well as seven new species, Bettiolomyces urediniophagus, Gamszarella uredinophila, Hemileiophthora denticulata, H. nodosa, Lecanicillium hemileiae, Pleurodesmospora hemileiae and Simplicillium hemileiae. The following known WCF species are recorded here for the first time on pustules of H. vastatrix: Corniculantispora dimorpha, Gamszarella buffelskloofina, Lecanicillium uredinophilum, Ovicillium attenuatum, Pleurodesmospora coccorum and Simplicillium subtropicum. Additionally, the new combination Bettiolomyces epiphytus is introduced for Verticillium epiphytum.
Hierarchical model predictive control of greenhouse energy systems considering energy-water-carbon-food nexus
Lin, Dong; Hu, Minjie; Ren, Zhiling; Dong, Yun; Ye, Xianming; Fan, Yuling; Zhang, Lijun (Elsevier, 2026-03-15)
Greenhouse cultivation plays a vital role in ensuring food security but is often associated with high energy consumption, water usage, and carbon emissions. Integrating renewable energy systems for power supply and utilizing rainwater harvesting for irrigation can help address these challenges. However, balancing these interconnected factors requires advanced control strategies. In this study, we propose a hierarchical model predictive control (MPC) framework to optimize the management of grid-connected photovoltaic-battery systems in greenhouses, accounting for the interactions among energy use, water consumption, carbon emissions, and food production (EWCF nexus). The hierarchical MPC is structured in three layers: the first optimizes greenhouse operations to minimize total costs (MTC); the second manages the scheduling of the hybrid energy system to minimize operational cost (MOC); and the third designs an MPC controller to handle photovoltaic generation and load demand disturbances. Results show that the proposed MTC strategy reduces the total cost by 81.01% compared with the minimizing energy consumption strategy. Moreover, the MOC strategy reduces operational costs by 20.68% compared to the maximizing self-consumption strategy. In addition, the proposed MPC achieves superior performance in tracking the reference trajectory under varying disturbance levels compared to commonly used open loop controllers. This study provides practical guidance for greenhouse management by addressing key resource and environmental challenges, contributing to the sustainable development of controlled-environment agriculture. HIGHLIGHTS • Grid-connected PV–battery system powers greenhouses and reduces emissions. • Three-layer hierarchical control improves efficiency and operational flexibility. • Total cost optimization considers the energy–water–carbon–food nexus. • MPC-based energy management improves economy and robustness.
HIV and ART status at baseline are associated longitudinally with increased pulse wave velocity : findings from the Ndlovu cohort study
Shilabye, Patane S.; Scheuermaier, Karine; Umunnakwe, Chijioke N.; Barth, Roos E.; Deville, Walter; Coutinho, Roel A.; Grobbee, Diederick E.; Venter, Willem Daniel Francois; Tempelman, Hugo; Vos-Seda, Alinda G.; Klipstein-Grobusch, Kerstin (Wolters Kluwer Health, 2026-05)
OBJECTIVES: People with HIV (PWH) have an increased risk of (CVD), but longitudinal data from middle-income settings remain limited. This study examined the association between HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of arterial stiffness and CVD risk. DESIGN : A longitudinal analysis from the Ndlovu Cohort Study, South Africa. METHODS : The study included 705 participants (325 PWH, 81% on ART at baseline, 19% initiating ART at baseline, and 380 HIV-negative people. Demographic data, HIV/ART status, and covariates were collected at baseline, while PWV was measured at 12 and 36 months. Mixed-effects models were used to analyze PWV changes over time, adjusting for age, sex, and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Results were reported as beta coefficients ( β ) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS : At baseline, PWH were older and predominantly female (67%) compared to HIV-negative people. At 12 months, median PWV was higher in PWH (7.3 m/s) than in HIV-negative people (7.0 m/s, P = 0.001). Over 36 months, PWV increased by 0.30 m/s in PWH and 0.20 m/s in HIV-negative people ( P = 0.002). ART-naïve individuals had the largest PWV increase after starting ART (6.8 m/s at 12 months to 7.4 m/s at 36 months, P = 0.001). HIV ( β = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.24-1.06, P = 0.002) and time ( β = 0.31 m/s per year, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher PWV. CONCLUSIONS : PWV increased over time, particularly in PWH, with ART initiation linked to rapid increases. These findings highlight the need for early CVD risk monitoring, especially post-ART initiation, in resource-limited settings.
Housing market variables and predictability of state-level stock market volatility of the United States : fundamentals versus sentiments in a mixed-frequency framework
Salisu, Afees A.; Gupta, Rangan; Cepni, Oguzhan (Elsevier, 2026-01)
This paper utilizes the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity–mixed data sampling (GARCH‑MIDAS) approach to predict the daily volatility of state‑level stock returns in the United States (US) from monthly state and national housing price returns. We find that housing price returns generally have a negative effect on state‑level volatility. More importantly, the GARCH‑MIDAS model augmented with these predictors significantly outperforms the benchmark GARCH‑MIDAS model with realized volatility (GARCH‑MIDAS‑RV) over short‑, medium‑, and long‑term forecasting horizons for 90 % of the states; the performance of state and national housing returns is virtually indistinguishable. These superior forecasting results persist when housing price returns are replaced with housing permits and housing‑market media‑attention indexes, suggesting an overwhelming role for housing‑market variables—both traditional and behavioral—in forecasting state‑level stock‑return volatility. Our findings have important implications for investors and policymakers. HIGHLIGHTS • Housing price returns predict state-level stock volatility in the US. • GARCH-MIDAS-HPR outperforms benchmark models across most states. • Predictive gains hold for short, medium, and long forecasting horizons. • Housing permits and media indexes also forecast volatility effectively. • Findings inform investor strategies and guide state-level policy action.
Housing search activity and quantiles-based predictability of housing price movements in the USA
Gupta, Rangan; Moodley, Damien (Emerald, 2026-12)
PURPOSE : Recent evidence from a linear econometric framework infers that housing search activity, captured from Google Trends data, can predict housing returns for the USA at a national and regional (metropolitan statistical area [MSA]) level. Based on search theory, the authors, however, postulate that search activity can also predict housing returns volatility. This study aims to explore the possibility of using online search activity to predict both housing returns and volatility. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Using a k-th order non-parametric causality-in-quantiles test allows us to test for predictability in a robust manner over the entire conditional distribution of both housing price returns and its volatility (i.e. squared returns) by controlling for nonlinearity and structural breaks that exist in the data. FINDINGS : The analysis over the monthly period of 2004:01 to 2021:01 produces results indicating that while housing search activity continues to predict aggregate US house price returns, barring the extreme ends of the conditional distribution, volatility is relatively strongly predicted over the entire quantile range considered. The results carry over to an alternative (the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity-based) metric of volatility, higher (weekly)-frequency data (over January 2018–March 2021) and to over 84% of the 77 MSAs considered. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study regarding predictability of overall and regional US housing price returns and volatility using search activity, based on a non-parametric higher-order causality-in-quantiles framework, which is insightful to investors, policymakers and academics.
How is climate science used to inform national-level adaptation planning in southern Africa?
Craig, Ailish; James, Rachel A.; Archer, Emma Rosa Mary; Daron, Joseph; Jack, Christopher D.; Jones, Richard G.; Kennedy-Asser, Alan T.; Lee, Jessica; McClure, Alice; Shaw, Christopher; Steynor, Anna; Taylor, Andrea; Vincent, Katharine (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
Climate model projections are increasingly being included within adaptation planning across sectors but there is limited understanding of how they are being used, and to what extent they improve adaptation planning. This article investigates how climate projections inform adaptation planning processes in the National Communications (NCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 16 southern African countries through a document analysis together with 18 key informant interviews. The study found that all the NCs include future climate model projections for the mid and/or late twenty-first century and focus on average changes in temperature and precipitation; meanwhile, the models, scenarios and time periods used vary between countries. The climate analysis is often detached from the adaptation planning section of the NC. The impacts and adaptation sections focus on key risks, such as flooding and drought and have limited recognition of uncertainties, suggesting plans are made without considering the full range of plausible futures. The role of climate science in the adaptation planning process varies, with some evidence of highly collaborative processes, resulting in evidence-based adaptation options across sectors and scales. In many cases, boundary agents play a key role in interpreting and communicating climate projections. We suggest that providing additional climate projections is unlikely to improve national adaptation planning, despite their scientific benefits. Instead, the focus should be on developing approaches and collaborative processes to distil and interpret climate information in different contexts, to enable decision-makers to understand the range of plausible futures, including changes in climate alongside growing populations, urbanization and changing economies. KEY POLICY INSIGHTS • Climate data analysis in policy documents is often limited to average temperature and rainfall, and the average of many models, which may underestimate emerging risks, for example, from heat and sea level rise. • Climate data analysis is sometimes detached from impact assessment and adaptation options; a potential barrier to rigorous decision-making. • Collaborative processes can integrate climate science into risk assessment and adaptation planning, with a key role for boundary agents. • Improving evidence-informed adaptation planning requires the interpretation of information through a collaborative process.
Hot deformation characteristics and constitutive modeling of Si-Doped γ-TiAl intermetallic alloy
Ellard, John Jimmy M.; Mathabathe, Maria Ntsoaki; Siyasiya, Charles Witness; Bolokang, Amogelang Sylvester (Springer, 2026-03)
Please read abstract in the article.
High treatment success among individuals with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Botswana : a retrospective cohort study
Mogashoa, Tuelo; Ngom, Justice T.; Choga, Ontlametse T.; Loubser, Johannes; Sabone, Phenyo; Molefi, Tuduetso; Makhondo, Topo; Stephen, One; Makhema, Joseph M.; Musonda, Rosemary M.; Fane, Keabetswe; Gaseitsiwe, Simani; Warren, Rob M.; Moyo, Sikhulile; Dippenaar, Anzaan; Streicher, Elizabeth M. (Elsevier, 2026-04)
BACKGROUND : Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) remains a global health challenge, which is often characterized by limited treatment options and increased morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnostics and the introduction of new drug regimens, treatment success for drug-resistant TB remains low. There is limited data on clinical, sociodemographic, and microbiological factors that influence patient outcomes. The aim of the study is to evaluate TB treatment outcomes among individuals diagnosed with RR-TB and to identify predictors of favourable and unfavourable treatment outcomes. METHODS : We conducted a retrospective study to analyse treatment outcomes of 162 individuals diagnosed with RR-TB using GeneXpert MTB/RIF and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) from 2016 to 2023. Treatment outcome proportions were estimated using the binomial exact method with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Predictors associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes were assessed using logistic regression models. RESULTS : Of the 162 individuals, 102(62.7 %) were male with a median age of 39 (interquartile range (IQR): 29–50). Most individuals, 78(48.1 %), were from the Greater Gaborone health district, and 88(54.3 %) were people living with HIV (PLWH). Among included individuals, 137(84.6 %, 95 % CI: 78.2–89.7) were successfully treated. Males had higher odds of unfavourable treatment outcomes compared to females (OR = 1.70; 95 % CI: 0.73–3.98). Among those cured, a slightly higher proportion was observed among PLWH (71.8 %, 95 % CI: 62.1–80.3) compared to people not living with HIV (PNLWH) (69.2 %, 95 % CI: 58.7–78.5). However, the mortality rate was higher among PLWH (10.7 %; 95 % CI: 5.5–18.3) than among PNLWH (6.6 %; 95 % CI: 2.5–13.8). Those with a history of TB treatment had 1.03 odds of unfavourable treatment outcomes (95 % CI: 0.40–2.73); however, this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION : Our study shows a high rate of successful treatment outcomes among individuals with RR-TB, with no significant difference based on sex, TB treatment history, or HIV status. Higher mortality among PLWH highlights the need for targeted interventions among high-risk groups.
Guanidinium pseudo-halide salt vapor post-treatment of 3D/2D Sn-based perovskite heterostructure thin films prepared by sequential physical vapor deposition for solar cell applications
Sembito, Alex; Mwabora, Julius M.; Nyongesa, Francis W.; Diale, M. (Mmantsae Moche) (Elsevier, 2026-01)
Please read abstract in the article.
Herbal remedies in global health care : classification, toxicology, and clinical management
Steenkamp, Vanessa; Parkar, Hafiza; Raphiri, Boitumelo Metse; Neuman, Manuela G.; Dasgupta, Amitava (Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2026-04)
PURPOSE : Traditional herbal medicines are crucial in the health care system worldwide, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses. These remedies are commonly classified by purpose, composition, mechanism of action, and origin, with the World Health Organization outlining 4 main categories: indigenous herbal medicines, those used in traditional systems, modified herbal medicines, and imported herbal products. The authors explored the toxicology of commonly used herbal remedies, including their mechanisms, signs and symptoms of toxicity, and treatment strategies. METHODS : Literature was searched using different published resources and databases, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The searched terms included “herbal medicine,” “herbal remedies,” “traditional medicine systems,” “herbal toxicity,” “herbal toxicity mechanism of action/toxicity,” among others. The searches were limited to the English language, with no restrictions on publication date. RESULTS : The perception that herbal medicines are inherently safe is misleading. Herbal remedies can be toxic due to the plant's intrinsic properties or through contamination and adulteration. Moreover, 15%–20% of individuals on prescription drugs concurrently use herbal supplements, increasing the risk of harmful interactions. Incidence of herb-induced toxicities, particularly hepatotoxicity, is related to the use of Kava, Chaparral, Comfrey, Germander, and green tea extract. Moreover, cardiovascular toxicity due to Chan Su and oleander-containing herbal remedy use is detected by assessing serum digoxin concentration and is treated with Digibind. Although advances in modern formulations and increased regulatory oversight have improved safety, shortcomings remain, particularly in public awareness and standardized regulations. CONCLUSIONS : Comprehensive clinical management, patient education, and integration of traditional medicine into mainstream health care ensures safe, effective, and responsible use of herbal products.
Use of virtual clinical education in emergency nursing care : a scoping review
Smit, Liesel; Heyns, Tanya; Cochrane, Maria Elizabeth; Kuhn, Marlize (Elsevier, 2026-03)
BACKGROUND : Head-mounted devices (HMDs), such as smart glasses, are being implemented to deliver virtual clinical education (VCE) in emergency care, yet their value and practical limitations remain unclear. OBJECTIVE : To synthesise evidence on HMDs enabled VCE usage by healthcare professionals and students in emergency care, and to identify reported benefits and challenges. METHODS : A Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guided scoping review was conducted. Five databases and grey literature sources were searched, without date restrictions, for English-language studies describing HMD use for VCE in emergency care. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Data were charted and summarised descriptively. RESULTS : Most studies (50%) were published after 2021, originating from high-income countries. Reported advantages included enhanced two-way communication, faster clinical decision-making, hands-free documentation and remote supervision. Recurrent barriers were short battery life, unstable connectivity, restricted field-of-view, hygiene concerns and medicolegal uncertainty. Small sample sizes, heavy reliability of simulated environments and varied use of outcome measures limits generalisability of the findings. CONCLUSION : Early evidence suggests that VCE using HMDs, can enrich emergency care, workflow and teaching, but technical, human-factors and regulatory obstacles persist. Larger, multi-centre studies using standardised metrics and real-world deployment are required before routine adoption can be recommended. HIGHLIGHTS • Enhanced Real-Time Learning: VCE via HMDs enabled observation and guidance during emergency scenarios. • Improved communication and decision-making: VCE is using HDMs can facilitate rapid information transfer and remote consultations. • Feasibility: Despite technical limitations, HMDs are feasible and practical in emergency care environments. • Global Relevance with Local Adaptation: Global interest was evident, but region-specific trials are needed. • Future Innovation: Findings emphasised the need to refine technology, validate outcomes, and support adoption.
Using Floquet theory to unravel far-from equilibrium dynamics in reaction-diffusion systems
Juma, Victor Ogesa; Mapfumo, Kudzanayi Zebedia; Portet, Stephanie; Madzvamuse, Anotida (Oxford University Press, 2026-03)
The interplay between reaction kinetics and diffusion leads to a wide range of spatiotemporal behaviors in reaction–diffusion (RD) systems. This article presents a theoretical and computational study of a RD system inspired by experimental observations of the Rho-GEF-Myosin signaling network controlling cell contraction dynamics. The temporal reaction system dynamics range from periodicity to bistability. By employing a dual hybrid dynamical systems approach of numerical bifurcation analysis and Floquet theory, we characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics when stable limit-cycle oscillators or homogeneous time-periodic solutions undergo the process of Floquet–Turing-diffusion-driven-instability (FTDDI). FTDDI refers to the emergence of spatially nonuniform patterns when diffusion destabilizes an otherwise temporally stable limit cycle of the underlying reaction kinetics. For the temporal reaction system, numerical bifurcation allows us to identify regions in a two-parameter space defining the stability of the uniform steady states and regions where the system exhibits limit cycles, which are characterized by employing the Floquet theory. In the presence of spatial variations, Floquet theory classifies regions where diffusion destabilizes the limit cycle or maintains their homogeneous stability and the emerging spatiotemporal dynamics of the full system, far from equilibrium. In the bistable regime, diffusion differentiates regions into those that exhibit classical Turing diffusion-driven instability, leading to pattern formation; and those that exhibit FTDDI, leading to space-time periodic patterns, spatially inhomogeneous patterns, oscillatory pulses, and wave propagation, and those that remain unaffected by diffusion. These findings provide theoretical insights into understanding complex spatiotemporal dynamics relevant to biological, chemical, and ecological spatiotemporal systems.
Using data science to identify climate change and health adverse impacts and solutions in Africa : a scoping review
Wright, Caradee Yael; Jaca, Anelisa; Kapwata, Thandi; Naidoo, Natasha; Awokola, Babatunde; Bainomugisha, Engineer; Berhane, Kiros; Blesic, Suzana; Kehbila, Anderson Gwanyebit; Naidoo, Rajen N.; Nemukula, Bono; Nyarko, Benjamin Kofi; Okekunle, Akinkunmi Paul; Oni, Tolu; Qunasah, Reginald; Thiam, Sokhna; Zakari, Ibrahim Sidi; Beyene, Negussie; Chimusa, Emile R.; Webster, Candice (Nature Research, 2026-02)
Africa is experiencing the impacts of climate change. While global epidemiological studies using traditional analytical methods to study the relations between climate change and health exist, studies using data science to tackle these topics are increasing. The aim of this study was to identify how data science is being used to understand climate change impacts on health in Africa. We carried out a scoping review to synthesize the evidence of data science applied to understand health outcomes associated with climate change in Africa. Among 100 included articles, several temporal and spatial analytical tools and models were applied to determine the relationships between climate change factors and health outcomes for morbidity and mortality. For example, early warning systems for malaria were the most studied adaptation intervention. Africa has a wealth of evidence for addressing the health impacts of climate change to inform solutions for Africa and other countries around the world.
Urban household uptake of water-sensitive urban design measures in the context of an applied water demand management study
Du Toit, Jacques Louis (Routledge, 2026)
Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) requires widespread household participation to achieve resilient urban water systems. Yet, surveys on de facto and intended uptake of WSUD measures are limited in developing countries. This article determines uptake and predictors of rainwater harvesting, permeable paving and greywater reuse systems across different settlement types in the Gauteng city region of South Africa. Data were collected as part of an applied water demand management study, in which uptake was conceptualised as a form of conservation using an integrated model of household water consumption. Current and intended uptake of especially rainwater harvesting was noticeable among water-saving suburban households with tertiary education, but less so among township households. Predictors of conservation intention otherwise explained intended uptake to a limited extent. Three directions for more systematic research were identified to help integrate a growing, but as yet fragmented, body of research on both the nature and facilitation of uptake.
Urban climate adaptation planning in Windhoek, Namibia : gaps, challenges, and opportunities for nature based solutions
Hansen, Gaby Bianca; Breed, Christina A. (Elsevier, 2026-03)
Nature based Solutions (NbS) for urban climate adaptation remain underexplored in arid Sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities such as Windhoek, Namibia. This study investigates how national climate adaptation policies translate into local action, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for embedding NbS in urban planning. A qualitative case study combined a review of policy documents with semi-structured stakeholder interviews. Findings reveal that while national policies and the Windhoek Integrated Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (WICCSAP) set ambitious goals, they lack contextually derived measures and practical NbS targets, such as community-driven resilience or integrated locally tailored dryland strategies, or ecosystem-based water management, leaving the city reliant on grey infrastructure and short-term disaster risk responses. This omission exacerbates urban heat islands, flood risks, and constrains socio-ecological resilience. At the same time, both community-driven practices and municipal champions illustrate alternative pathways. Such initiatives signal early steps toward transformative adaptation where long-term systemic shifts in governance and practice are required. Locally grounded initiatives, including permaculture dryland gardens, rainfall monitoring, and the “Brown is Beautiful” campaign, demonstrate how culturally resonant NbS can integrate water conservation, ecological design, and social cohesion in Windhoek’s deprived, arid context. Within the municipality, individual planners and officials also advocate for NbS, seeking to move beyond grey solutions despite institutional barriers. Realising these opportunities requires capacity building, cross-sectoral coordination, and partnerships to institutionalise NbS in urban governance. The study makes two key contributions: first, it identifies the systemic neglect of NbS in Windhoek and Namibia’s climate policy frameworks; second, it highlights both bottom-up innovations and emerging top-down drivers that can bridge the policy implementation gap. Windhoek’s experience could offer transferable lessons for other rapidly urbanising, water-scarce cities across Sub-Saharan Africa. HIGHLIGHTS • National policies must better reflect local realities to effectively drive climate adaptation. • Integrating climate adaptation with socio-economic goals leads to practical outcomes. • Co-creation workshops help bridge governance gaps and promote shared climate learning. • “Brown is Beautiful” campaigns promote pride in arid landscapes and support adaptation. • Citizen science and cultural outreach improve data access and raise climate awareness.
Urban and power plant NOx emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa inferred from TROPOMI
Marais, Eloise Ann; Wei, Nana; Tan, Eric Y.P.; Lu, Gongda; Keita, Sekou; Naidoo, Mogesh; Garland, Rebecca M. (Wiley, 2026-02)
Please read abstract in the article.
Upper limits on radio emission from the K2-18 system
Wandia, Kelvin; Tremblay, Chenoa; Garrett, Michael A.; Andersson, Alex; Li, Megan G.; Gajjar, Vishal; Beswick, Robert J.; Radcliffe, Jack Frederick; Czech, Daniel; Deboer, David R.; Demorest, P.B.; Farah, Wael; Heywood, Ian; Siemion, Andrew (Oxford University Press, 2026-03)
Please read abstract in the article.

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