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Diatom colonisation and biofilm metal bioaccumulation: can indigenous knowledge systems aid the ecological engineering of urban coastlines?
(Elsevier B.V, 2025) Cotiyane-Pondo, Phumlile; Ndaba, Jabulani; Human, Lucienne
Marine engineered structures alter the coastal ecosystems' functionality, replacing natural substrates with flat surfaces, often negatively impacting biodiversity. While providing coastal protection, artificial structures can hinder the initial colonisation by biofilm and the recruitment of coastal species. Greening the grey infrastructure through nature-based interventions is increasingly used to enhance biodiversity in artificial structures. This study explores the potential of the sedge Cyperus textilis and its Indigenous Knowledge applications as a substrate for coastal eco-engineering at an urbanised site on the southeast coast of South Africa. Diatom succession and metal bioaccumulation on the deployed trial-version designs (imizi structures) were monitored for a month, with samples collected at six, twelve, twenty-four, seventy-two hours, one and two weeks, and one month after deployment. Water quality, including dissolved nutrients and metal concentrations, were assessed near the substrates. Findings indicated that diatom colonisation occurred within twelve hours, with initial species including Fragilaria pulchella, Neofragilaria nicobarica, Navicula sp. and Grammatophora undulata, followed by a significant increase (4.6 times) in species diversity from 5 to 23 diatoms after one week. Metal bioaccumulation of aluminium, iron, zinc, manganese and arsenic was higher in the biofilm developing on the substrate compared to its surrounding environment (imizi substrate and water), suggesting the potential bioremediating capabilities of the biofilm on the nature-based material. These findings indicate the potential suitability of using Indigenous Knowledge-based materials for coastal eco-engineering practices as promoters of primary productivity, with the added potential of the plant C. textilis for bioremediation of toxic metals such as arsenic.
A meta-analysis of the relationship between problem-solving appraisal as assessed by the problem solving inventory and suicide ideation
(Routledge, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone
Suicide is a significant public health concern globally, and deficits in problem-solving ability have been identified as an important risk factor for suicide. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, this study aims to quantitatively synthesize the relationship between self-appraised problem-solving ability as measured by the Problem-solving Inventory (PSI) and suicidal ideation as indicated by measures of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The heterogeneity metrics suggested that the PSI and its subscales relate to suicide-related variables, though the strength and direction of these relationships vary across studies and populations. Despite this variability, the total PSI scale demonstrated the strongest combined effect, indicating its potential utility in suicide risk assessment. There were no significant moderating effects of age or gender composition across the studies, indicating that the relationship between perceived problem-solving abilities and suicide-related outcomes is consistent across age and gender groups. The strong association between perceived problem-solving competencies and reduced hopelessness highlights the potential of targeted interventions to enhance these skills. Such interventions could form a vital component of suicide-prevention strategies, aimed at bolstering the ability to cope with stress and adversity.
The major and minor aedes mosquitoes from southern Nigeria exhibit low resistance towards public health insecticides
(GigaScience Press, 2025) Ikeakor, Ijeoma U; Nwangwu, Udoka C; Ubachukwu, Patience O
Insecticide-based interventions continue to serve as the cornerstone of aedes mosquito control, the primary vectors of arboviruses. This study assessed the insecticide resistance profiles of four aedes mosquitoes in three rural areas in southern Nigeria, where arbovirus outbreaks recently occurred. Using who tube tests and cdc bottle bioassays, four aedes species (aedes aegypti, ae. Albopictus, ae. Simpsoni complex and ae. Luteocephalus) were evaluated for susceptibility to commonly used public health insecticides, including deltamethrin, alphacypermethrin, permethrin, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorfenapyr and clothianidin. Biochemical assays were conducted using ae. Albopictus to establish the role of metabolic resistance mechanism. Amplification and sequencing of fragment of ae. Luteocephalus its1 gene molecularly confirmed its species identity. Aedes aegypti exhibited possible resistance to pirimiphos-methyl but remained susceptible to all other insecticides across study sites. Aedes albopictus showed resistance to ddt and possible resistance to pirimiphos-methyl, while remaining susceptible to pyrethroids. Aedes luteocephalus was resistant to pirimiphos-methyl but susceptible to all other insecticides. Aedes simpsoni complex was fully susceptible to all insecticides. Biochemical assays revealed elevated a-esterase and monooxygenase activities (3.4-fold and 2.54-fold, respectively) in exposed females of ae. Albopictus compared to the unexposed cohort. Overall, the low resistance levels observed underscore the need for sustained insecticide resistance monitoring and management to maintain the effectiveness of insecticide-based vector control strategies in Nigeria.
Evaluating the perceived effectiveness of face-to-face versus technology-based training on employee performance
(Scielo, 2026) Naidoo-Chetty, Mineshree; Meyer, Shandre K
Orientation: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated global adoption of technology-based training (TBT), compelling organisations to embrace digital learning solutions. While this transition offered flexibility, effectiveness depends on employee perceptions, with many preferring face-to-face training (F2FT). This study investigates whether South African organisations can transition to TBT while maintaining performance. Research purpose: This research evaluates the perceived effectiveness of TBT compared to traditional F2FT approaches in South African organisational contexts. By identifying optimal training methods across employee segments, it provides evidence-based guidance for organisations transitioning from conventional to technology-based delivery. Motivation for the study: Following COVID-19’s enforced digital transition, organisations have invested heavily in learning technologies without a robust evidence base. Evidence on performance outcomes and employee acceptance is vital for HR decision-makers navigating South Africa’s distinctive socio-economic context, characterised by unequal digital access and a diverse workforce. Research approach/design and method: This qualitative study employed thematic analysis to examine training preferences in the financial industry. Using purposive sampling, 12 financial sales advisers from the Western Cape participated in semi-structured interviews exploring experiences across different training modalities. Main findings: Analysis revealed perceived benefits across both delivery methods; however, F2FT emerged as the predominantly preferred approach, valued for its interactivity, real-time feedback and structured learning environment.
The orthodontic treatment needs of high school students within the buffalo city metropolitan municipality – a cross-sectional study
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Jeram, Chetan-Kumar Rama; Kimmie-Dhansay, Faheema; Nyakale, Mandla Dominic
Background: this was a cross-sectional study of high school students aged 13 to 15 years within the buffalo city metropolitan municipality. A total of 391 participants were examined using the index of orthodontic treatment need. Data was analysed using descriptive methods primarily. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to test associations between variables (subjective need, objective need, sex). Methods: sampling was performed using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. A self-administered questionnaire and clinical examination were used to collect data. The orthodontic treatment need was measured using the index of orthodontic treatment need. Objective and subjective need for orthodontic treatment was measured using the dental health component and aesthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need, respectively. The data was analysed using descriptive methods primarily. The associations between subjective orthodontic treatment need and sex, objective orthodontic treatment need and sex, and subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need were determined using a pearson’s chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 5% and all results were deemed statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: a total of 391 participants were examined, of which 66.8% (n = 261) were female and 33.3% (n = 130) were male. A definite subjective need of 13.3% (n = 52) and a definite objective need of 36.8% (n = 144) were observed in this study. Sex was associated with both subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need (p < 0.05). An association between subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need was also observed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: the findings of this study identified an objective and subjective orthodontic need in this sample, which can assist in the development of a public orthodontic service plan. The prevalence of malocclusions in need of orthodontic treatment can be used to determine the resources required for such a service. Additionally, this data can be used as baseline data from which other research projects may be planned.