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Photobiomodulation, originally used red and near-infrared lasers, can alter cellular metabolism. It has been demonstrated that the visible spectrum at 451–540 nm does not necessarily increase cell proliferation, near-infrared light promotes adipose stem cell proliferation and affects adipose stem cell migration, which is necessary for the cells homing to the site of injury. In this in vitro study, we explored the potential of adipose-derived stem cells to differentiate into neurons for future translational regenerative treatments in neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries. We investigated the effects of various biological and chemical inducers on trans-differentiation and evaluated the impact of photobiomodulation using 825 nm near-infrared and 525 nm green laser light at 5 J/cm2. As adipose-derived stem cells can be used in autologous grafting and photobiomodulation has been shown to have biostimulatory effects. Our findings reveal that adipose-derived stem cells can indeed trans-differentiate into neuronal cells when exposed to inducers, with pre-induced cells exhibiting higher rates of proliferation and trans-differentiation compared with the control group. Interestingly, green laser light stimulation led to notable morphological changes indicative of enhanced trans-differentiation, while near-infrared photobiomodulation notably increased the expression of neuronal markers. Through biochemical analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we observed marked improvements in viability, proliferation, membrane permeability, and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as increased protein levels of neuron-specific enolase and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Overall, our results demonstrate the efficacy of photobiomodulation in enhancing the trans-differentiation ability of adipose-derived stem cells, offering promising prospects for their use in regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries.

In South Africa, there is an ongoing increase in the migration of foreign nationals seeking economic opportunities due to instability in neighbouring African nations. While offering prospects for advancement, some of these foreign nationals face vulnerability to victimisation and criminality. Despite growing research interest, studies addressing the link between vulnerability and criminality among foreign nationals in South Africa are lacking. The potential ramifications of neglecting this nexus can result in community conflict, diplomatic strains, and economic and regional turbulence. Thus, this paper explores the nexus between vulnerability and criminality experienced by low-income foreign nationals living in South Africa. The paper’s findings are informed by a qualitative inquiry into the experiences of 15 foreign nationals living in South Africa. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews and were analysed thematically. The findings detail how vulnerability and criminal behaviour intersect among low-income foreign nationals regarding bribery, corruption and illegal survival strategies. Through the participants’ voices, their unique challenges and risks are illuminated. Additionally, peacekeeping strategies in South Africa and Africa are informed by understanding the socio-economic factors contributing to their vulnerability. These include community engagement initiatives, specialised training for government officials, stricter proctoring measures, legal support and advocacy and sophisticated cross-border cooperation.

Background: Lifestyle factors of medical doctors are essential to their health and well-being. Previous studies omitted factors that constituted a healthy lifestyle and did not differentiate between various medical specialties or level of seniority which may expose doctors to different stress levels, workload and responsibility. The study assessed the lifestyle factors of medical doctors and compared them between departments, levels of seniority, years of experience and gender according to globally recognised health standards. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study collected data using a questionnaire created by the researchers based on healthy lifestyle factors and was administered online. Access was given to all doctors from four large departments, employed at two academic hospitals in Bloemfontein, Free State who agreed to participate in the study. Results: Consultants from paediatrics, with 6+ years in medical practice, had the healthiest lifestyles. Registrars and interns from surgical disciplines such as obstetrics and gynaecology and surgery, with 1–5 years of medical practice, showed unhealthy lifestyles with inadequate sleep and exercise. Conclusion: The challenge remains how medical doctors can live a healthy lifestyle while managing a demanding schedule. This may impact on the management of their patients and the doctors’ overall health and well-being. We recommend improving the working conditions by providing healthy meals on-site at hospitals with adequate breaks, reducing the heavy workload and providing exercise facilities. Contribution: The findings from this article may help improve the lifestyles of the identified groups of at-risk doctors and assist them in seeking ways to improve upon this.

Background: Smart cities leverage advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), fifth generation (5G) networks, and data analytics to enhance citizens’ quality of life, focussing on creating efficient, functional, and eco-friendly urban environments. While these initiatives offer significant benefits, there are ongoing concerns about data security and privacy. Objectives: This article investigates the data security and privacy risks and challenges in emerging South African smart cities. The objectives are to identify these risks, assess the effectiveness of current security measures, and contextualise these vulnerabilities within the South African and global contexts. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, involving virtual interviews with 20 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) through purposive and snowball sampling. The raw data were thematically analysed, revealing significant themes. Results: Emerging South African smart cities face several risks and challenges, including poor governance, a shortage of skills, a lack of awareness and training, insufficient funding, and a combination of these factors. Conclusion: The research highlights the importance of safeguarding individuals’ data and privacy in the context of smart cities, advocating the need for proactive measures to address these concerns. Contribution: This article promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, leading to more comprehensive solutions. In addition, exploring data security and privacy in emerging smart cities aids in understanding the implications of information management practices. Although the article focuses on emerging South African smart cities, the challenges discussed have global relevance.

Little is known about the experience of nurses caring for cancer patients. This study was undertaken to provide a straightforward description of the experiences of South African nurses caring for patients in acute cancer care settings. Purposive sampling selected 20 nurses with whom there were in-depth interviews. The participants were mostly female registered oncology nurses with more than 5 years’ experience. Three themes were identified: defining the cancer nursing experience, the challenges experienced in caring for cancer patients, and challenges imposed by the healthcare system. Most of the participants believed they were called by God to care for cancer patients. However, the challenges they experienced led to guilt feelings and believing the care they provided was insufficient. They were subjected to workplace violence, missed the support from senior nursing management and displayed signs of burnout. Addressing these challenges could limit their emotional distress and prevent burnout.

On sait peu de choses de l’expérience des infirmières et infirmiers d’Afrique du Sud qui soignent les patients atteints de cancer. La présente étude avait pour but de décrire en termes simples l’expérience du personnel infirmier travaillant dans les milieux de soins aigus. Par échantillonnage dirigé, on a sélectionné 20 infirmières et infirmiers qui ont ensuite passé des entrevues détaillées. Il s’agissait pour la plupart de femmes, infirmières autorisées en oncologie, ayant plus de 5 ans d’expérience. Trois thèmes sont ressortis des discussions : la définition de l’expérience des soins infirmiers oncologiques, les difficultés de la prestation de soins aux patients atteints de cancer, et les problèmes attribuables au système de santé. Pour la plupart, les personnes ayant participé à l’étude croyaient que Dieu les avait appelées à travailler auprès des patients atteints de cancer. Toutefois, à cause des difficultés vécues, elles se sentaient coupables et n’avaient pas l’impression de donner des soins adéquats. En outre, elles étaient victimes de violence dans leur milieu de travail, ne bénéficiaient pas du soutien des cadres de gestion des soins infirmiers, et montraient des signes d’épuisement professionnel. Pour réduire la détresse émotionnelle et prévenir l’épuisement, il faudra trouver une solution à ces problèmes.

To begin formulating broiler diets on a digestible calcium (Ca) basis, robust Ca digestibility values for ingredients and factors affecting this digestibility are needed. This study had three main objectives: (1) determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ca and phosphorus (P) for seven plant-based feed ingredients in broilers, (2) assess the impact of phytate source on SID Ca from limestone (LS), and (3) evaluate the effect of phytase on SID Ca and P for the different ingredients. Two experiments were conducted to satisfy these objectives. In Experiment 1, a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial design was used, with four plant-based feed ingredients (corn, wheat, sorghum, and full-fat soybean meal (FFS)), two LS inclusions in the diet (absence of LS and the inclusion of LS required to achieve 0.65% Ca in the final diet), and two phytase doses (0 and 1000 FTU/kg diet). Experiment 2 utilized a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design with three plant-based ingredients (soybean meal (SBM), rapeseed meal (RSM), and sunflower meal (SFM)), two LS inclusions in the diet (absence of LS and the inclusion of LS required to achieve 0.65% Ca in the final diet), and two phytase doses (0 and 1000 FTU/kg diet). The trial had eight replicate pens (6 broilers/replicate) per treatment. Data were analyzed using a factorial analysis in JMP Pro 16.0 with means separation performed when p < 0.05, using Tukey HSD. The SID Ca in the absence of phytase for wheat (72.9%) and FFS (69.9%) was higher (p < 0.05) than for sorghum (54.5%) and corn (46.3%). In Experiment 2, the SID Ca in the absence of phytase from SFM (61.0%) was higher (p < 0.01) than RSM (42.7%) and SBM (46.8%). The SID Ca from added LS was affected by the ingredient, with diets containing wheat and FFS resulting in the lowest (p < 0.05) SID Ca versus those containing corn and sorghum irrespective of phytase dose in Experiment 1, and the lowest (p < 0.05) for SBM and RSM vs. SFM in the absence of phytase in Experiment 2. Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.01) SID Ca and SID P across all feed ingredients compared to non-supplemented diets. There was a two-way interaction (p < 0.01) of LS addition and ingredient on SID P in both experiments. The results of this study provide SID Ca and SID P values from the selected ingredients and show that phytate from different ingredients reacts differently with Ca from LS and should be considered when developing SID coefficients of Ca and P for use in commercial broiler feed formulation. The SID coefficients of Ca and P for the individual feed ingredients evaluated in this study will allow for the further development and transition towards dCa and dP in commercial feed formulation.

The global rise in population has led to an increased demand for food production, necessitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Traditional methods often rely on synthetic chemicals that negatively impact both human health and the environment. This study aimed to screen soil fungal strains for plant-growth-promoting traits, specifically focusing on their ability to solubilize phosphates, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and synthesize siderophores. Fungal strains were identified using rDNA sequencing of the ITS regions, and their growth-promoting abilities were assessed in vitro. Aspergillus flavus JKJ7, Talaromyces purpureogenus JKJ12, and Trichoderma koningiopsis JKJ18 exhibited varying degrees of phosphate solubilization, with T. purpureogenus JKJ12 solubilizing the highest amount of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), while A. flavus JKJ7 was the most effective in solubilizing phytic acid calcium salt (PCS). In terms of IAA production, A. flavus JKJ7 produced the highest auxin concentration (68.51 mg/L), followed by T. koningiopsis JKJ18 and T. purpureogenus JKJ12. Additionally, A. flavus JKJ7 produced the highest amount of siderophores (83.7%), indicating its potential for improving iron uptake in plants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct functional capabilities among the strains, particularly in phosphate solubilization and IAA production, suggesting their complementary use in consortium formulations. These results indicate that these fungal strains possess significant plant-growth-promoting traits and could be used as bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture, either as single strains or in combination

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can lead to progressive joint damage. Early identification of synovitis is key in the management of patients with RA. The aim of this study was to assess synovitis in patients with RA using 99mTc-glucosamine single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and compare this radiopharmaceutical's diagnostic performance with ultrasound (US) imaging. This prospective study included 22 participants with active RA and 380 joints were assessed with SPECT/CT and US imaging. SPECT/CT imaging of the joints of interest was performed in each participant three hours after injection of 99mTc-glucosamine, with US imaging of the same joints performed on the same day. The affected joints were qualitatively assessed for 99mTc-glucosamine uptake and compared with the findings on US imaging. Results Abnormal increased uptake of 99mTc-glucosamine, localized specifically to the synovial space, was noted in the affected joints. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-glucosamine SPECT/CT imaging were 86%, 60%, 61%, 85% and 73%, respectively. A sensitivity of 100% was noted in the identification of synovitis in the carpal and knee joints. Disease activity in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was not observed with either SPECT/CT or US. Conclusions SPECT/CT imaging with 99mTc-glucosamine is a valuable tool for assessing disease activity in the joints of patients with RA. It has a very high sensitivity in detecting synovitis and it correlates very well with US imaging in this regard.

Abstract Objectives To compare an ormocer with a first generation ormocer‐based composite and a nanocomposite in terms of surface roughness, surface hardness, and microleakage. Materials and Methods An ormocer (Admira Fusion), a first generation ormocer‐based composite (Admira) and a nanocomposite (Filtek Z350 XT) were prepared strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction and recommendation to provide optimal material properties. Twelve disk samples of each material were evaluated to assess both surface roughness and surface hardness. For surface roughness, all samples were finished, polished, and Ra values measured with a profilometer. For surface hardness, samples were stored in an incubator, polished and a Vickers diamond indenter was used to record values. For microleakage, 36 standardized, Class V cavities were prepared and randomly divided into three groups. Restored teeth were thermally fatigued, immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 48 h, sectioned, and scored for occlusal and gingival microleakage. Results Statistical significance was set at p .05). A significantly higher surface hardness was identified for the nanocomposite compared to both the ormocer (p

Approximately 3.5 million Persons With Disabilities (PWD), comprising 6.6% of the population live in South Africa. In South Africa, PWDs are confronted with challenges rooted in historical power imbalances and amplified by social and economic inequalities. Among these issues, the barriers to learning for learners with special educational needs (LSEN) are of particular concern. The purpose of the paper is to provide mitigation strategies for learning barriers encountered by LSEN in South Africa. The paper was guided by a qualitative integrative review (IR) research methodology. The findings highlighted various obstacles identified in research conducted at both global and national levels, including insufficient educator training, resource deficiencies, limited policy implementation, and challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, South Africa’s educational framework, adapted from similar contexts, presents unique hurdles. By elucidating these findings, recommendations are made to mitigate these challenges through special educational needs, social context, and technology training, transformed curriculum and the introduction of class assistants. Moreover, specialised support from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is advocated for and increased psychosocial and parental support is encouraged. The findings also propose the reinstatement of vocational-related school subjects for LSEN. This paper makes a meaningful contribution to the field of special education in South Africa by identifying the challenges encountered by LSEN and proposing viable solutions to address them.

Background: Participation by less-assertive groups is critical to enhancing evaluations. The participation of children is mostly seen in data collection activities. Engagement with children should take place during all the phases of the evaluation process for true transformation of child rights and protection. Objectives: This article reflects on the process of developing child-friendly materials by engaging with children throughout the process. This article intends to describe the engagement process so that it can be adapted and applied to the development of other materials such as evaluation reports. Method: The process involved iterative steps from deciding on the content, developing activities to convey the information, creating images and visual elements, editing the information for age-appropriateness and relevance and, finally, testing the activities and disseminating the end product. Results: The children enjoyed the development of the documents. The documents were more user-friendly for a child audience, which ensured that the information shared was more likely to be understood and used and contribute to child rights work. Flexibility in timing the activities and roles played by children and a celebratory event that acknowledged the contributions of every child contributed to the success. Conclusion: This process can easily be replicated for the development of evaluation products. This will enhance the likelihood of children claiming their rights and holding programmes accountable. Contribution: The process as described could be adapted further to enhance child participation throughout the evaluation cycle.

South Africa hosts millions of foreign nationals who are often blamed for the country’s high crime rate, despite their victimisation being under-reported. Foreign nationals often settle for low-income jobs regardless of their qualifications or work experience. Consequently, these minority groups are vulnerable to victimisation due to their environment and circumstances. Thus, this study reflects on the victimisation of low-income earning foreign nationals living in Gauteng, South Africa. Through qualitative interviews, fifteen foreign nationals shared their experiences concerning their victimisation. Data were analysed thematically and interpreted through a radical victimological lens. The findings suggest that the participants’ origin stories set the context for their willingness to endure victimisation in South Africa. Moreover, some participants experienced xenophobia and crime victimisation such as robbery, sexual assault, and witnessing a xenophobic-motivated murder.

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Zimbabwe. However, screening for prostate cancer is opportunistic as population-based screening is not available. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men living in Harare, Zimbabwe relating to prostate cancer. Method: A door-to-door survey took place in Mufakose, Harare. Each household was included, and men, 40 years and older, were convenience sampled until realisation of the calculated sample size of 269 (n = 269). A researcher-administered questionnaire collected the data, analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, and Chi-square tested statistically significant differences between the variables. Results: The majority of the sample (53.2; n = 143) was between 40 years old and 49 years old. Most (74.5%; n = 201) did not know what prostate cancer was, but the total sample (100%; n = 269) indicated that prostate cancer could lead to death. Only 50.6% (n = 136) were of the opinion that men should be screened; most (87.7%; n = 236) had never been screened. A Chi-square test of independence found a statistically significant difference between educational level and having had prostate cancer screening, χ2 (1) = 47.881, p 0.000. Conclusion: As confirmed by other studies, the respondents had limited knowledge of prostate cancer, but had a positive attitude towards the disease, as most were willing to go for screening. There had been only a small percentage screened previously, and less than half returned to learn the results. Contribution: The study emphasises the role of primary health clinics as it could be an ideal setting to teach men about prostate cancer and its screening, and provide screening services in Zimbabwe.

Rectus femoris (RF) injury is a concern in sports. The management RF strains/tears and avulsion injuries need to be clearly outlined. A systematic review of literature on current management strategies for RF injuries, and to ascertain the efficacy thereof by the return to sport (RTS) time and re-injury rates. Literature search using Medline via PubMed, WorldCat, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus. Eligible studies were reviewed. Thirty-eight studies involving hundred and fifty-two participants were included. Majority (n = 138; 91%) were males, 80% (n = 121) sustained RF injury from kicking and 20% (n = 31) during sprinting. The myotendinous (MT), (n = 27); free tendon (FT), (n = 34), and anterior-inferior iliac spine (AIIS), (n = 91) were involved. Treatment was conservative (n = 115) or surgical (n = 37) across the subgroups. 73% (n = 27) of surgical treatments followed failed conservative treatment. The mean RTS was shorter with successful conservative treatment (MT: 1, FT: 4, AIIS avulsion: 2.9 months). Surgical RTS ranged from 2–9 months and 18 months with labral involvement. With either group, there was no re-injury within 24 months follow-up. With low certainty of evidence RF injury occurs mostly from kicking, resulting in a tear or avulsion at the FT and AIIS regions with or without a labral tear. With low certainty, findings suggest that successful conservative treatment provides a shortened RTS. Surgical treatment remains an option for failed conservative treatment of RF injuries across all subgroups. High-level studies are recommended to improve the evidence base for the treatment of this significant injury

Abalone is a gourmet seafood with a high commercial value, particularly when obtained as a live product. During live transportation, abalone encounter stressors causing biochemical modifications to tolerate the changes. Using semi-targeted metabolomics, this study characterised the left and right gill metabolite profiles of Blackfoot abalone, Haliotis iris, following transportation (48 h) and recovery (48 h). This study reports the association between left and right gill metabolites, to enhance our physiological understanding of the interplay between gills. The left gill metabolites are mainly active following transportation, while both gills partake in the metabolite response following recovery. Transportation necessitated increased metabolites linked to the glycolysis pathway, the Krebs cycle, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism, for energy production, achieved via aerobic and anaerobic pathways. The recovery phase supported the replenishing of glycogen, triglycerides, and protein stores, albeit metabolic homeostasis was not achieved following two-days of water immersion recovery. This study showcases the well-adapted metabolic mechanisms implemented by H. iris in response to transportation stress and show that metabolites are in the process of returning to the same concentrations as measured pre-transport stress. The findings herein can be applied to improve animal health during transport and subsequent survival, which in-effect supports profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Trail running is a popular off-road sport involving running in natural environments over various terrains, often in remote locations. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of injuries and illnesses, i.e. medical encounters, on race day among trail runners in a high-altitude ultra trail race. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study on an ultra trail race (38 km, 65 km and 100 km) in South Africa, included participants 18 years or older. Of the 331 race participants, 285(86.1%) consented to participate in the study. Data collection included demographic details, injuries (body region, specific body area, tissue type, pathology) and illnesses (organ system, symptom cluster, etiology). Risk factor analysis includes sex, age, weight, height, race distance, illness and injury history, training and running experience. Frequency (n, %), prevalence (%) and odds ratios (OR; 95%CI) are reported. Results: Eighty-nine (31.2%) individuals reported 131 medical encounters [49 injuries (37.4%); 82 illnesses (62.6%)]. Injuries were sustained by 14.7% of athletes, and 22.5% reported illnesses. For injuries, the lower limb was mainly involved (n = 41; 83.7%). Most injuries affected the foot (n = 18; 36.7%), ankle (n = 10; 20.4%) and knee (n = 7; 14.3%). Tissue types mainly involved skin (n = 21; 42.8%), ligament (n = 7; 14.3%) and muscle (n = 7; 14.3%). Multiple (n = 45; 54.9%) and gastrointestinal (n = 17; 20.7%) organ systems were mainly involved in illnesses. Only 100 km runners reported dehydration (n = 28; 31.5%), and one in every six of these runners (n = 5; 17.9%) did not finish. Runners reporting fatigue (n = 21; 23.6%) had a high (n = 8; 38.1%) did not finish rate. Two in every five participants (n = 36; 40.4%) with a medical encounter, did not finish. No medical encounter-associated risk factors were identified. Conclusions: Illnesses were more common than injuries during the mountainous ultra trail race. Sustaining a medical encounter increased the chance of not completing the race. Further research on the epidemiology of race day medical encounters in trail running is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The amount of calcium and phosphorus in the empty, feather-free bodies of Cobb 700 breed males and females was measured from hatch to 15 weeks of age. 2. A four-phase ad libitum feeding programme was used to feed 400 chicks of each sex. Feeds contained commercial levels of calcium and phosphorus which met or exceeded the requirements for energy, protein and amino acids. All birds were weighed weekly. Ten birds per sex were sampled at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 105 d of age. Defeathered birds were minced, freeze-dried and then analysed for protein, ash, calcium and phosphorus content. 3. Amounts of Ca in males and females at 105 d averaged 54 and 37 g, respectively, and 105 d P content in males and females averaged 35 and 27 g, respectively. The allometry of ash, Ca and P with empty, feather-free body protein was assessed. Ash was isometric with body protein, while an allometric exponent greater than 1 was established for Ca and P with body protein. 4. The allometric models and means for Ca and P relative to body protein were compared with models and means found in the literature. Comparison of the Ca/protein ratios with previous data suggested that modern broilers may not reach their potential bone mineral deposition with current dietary guidelines, even when growth rates were maximised. 5. Theoretical allometric relationships between Ca and P in bone and bone-free body and body protein have now been proposed. The allometric relationship between Ca and P and empty, feather-free body protein offers a suitable way to model the growth of these minerals in the broiler body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on renewable biotechnology for renewable biofuel applications has reached new heights. This is highlighted by extensive biomining for novel enzymes to reduce the production costs from animal and insect gut microbiomes. This study explored the diversity and composition of hemicellulolytic fungi in the gut microbiota from dung beetles of the family Scarabaeidae (Pachylomerus femoralis, Anachalcos convexus and Euoniticellus intermedius). Two hundred and twenty-two filamentous fungi were isolated, purified and identified using rDNA sequencing of the ITS and D1/D2 regions. The fungal isolates were assigned to 12 genera and 25 species. Fungi associated with the genus Aspergillus was in abundance, with Hypocrea lixii predominantly isolated. Isolates that produced more than 3 U/mL of xylanase activity were evaluated further. The highest xylanase activity was of 23.6 and 23.5 U/mL for L1XYL9 (E. intermedius larvae) and Hypocrea lixii AB2A3 (A. convexus), respectively. Phylogeny of the fungal strains with xylanolytic activity was analysed using ITS rDNA sequences and revealed close genetic relatedness between isolates from the different dung beetle species. Fungal genera commonly found in the gut of both adult beetles and larvae included Aspergillus, Hypocrea, Talaromyces and Penicillium. The results obtained in this study suggest that the gut of Scarabaeidae dung beetles in South Africa is a rich source of xylanolytic fungi.

3D objects have come to play an essential role in industry. They can also be very large, sometimes containing millions of vertices, and therefore it is vital that they are compressed, particularly when it comes to uploading them to the web and during real time rendering. The Draco 3D object compression system, proposed by Google, is becoming an industry standard for the compression of 3D objects structured as geometric meshes or point clouds. These 3D objects are important assets which also need to be secured. In this paper, we propose the first 3D object crypto-compression method, which integrates an encryption step into Google’s Draco compression scheme, by adding an AES encryption step during Draco’s entropy encoding step. Our proposed Draco 3D object crypto-compression scheme is format compliant, has no size expansion and does not require additional information such as an auxiliary file. After the entire decoding process (joint decryption and decompression), the reconstructed 3D object obtained is identical to the one after a standard compression by Draco. Experimental results on real 3D objects and a security analysis show our proposed method is efficient.

Background: In rugby, the shoulder contributes to attack/defence during collisions, tackling, falling, scrummaging, and mauling. We investigated the frequency, tissue, and pathology type of shoulder injuries per player position among professional South African rugby players, and compared injury severity in the context of momentum, intensity, and collision variables. Methods: A prospective study collecting shoulder injury data of 80 male Super Rugby players (>18 years) over 4 seasons (2018–2021). Players wore a Catapult Evo GPS unit during training and match-play, recording performance variables and collision forces during injury. We collected tissue and pathology types of injury from players’ medical files, clinical examinations, and special investigations. Results: Shoulder injuries contributed to 17% of all injuries, ranging from 2 to 34% per year. Forwards (63%) sustained most shoulder injuries, specifically locks (30%). Acromioclavicular (AC) joint (47%) was mostly involved, and ligament/joint capsule (65%) was the most common tissue type injured. Injuries with the highest average momentum resulted in players suffering minimal to mild severity injuries (1–7 days time-loss). Backs (631.15 kg·m/s) required less momentum than forwards (816.00 kg·m/s) to suffer injuries resulting in >28 days time-loss (p = 0.008). Backs encountered higher match intensity (67.76 m/min, p = 0.031) and highest average collisions (0.28/min) without suffering more severe (>28 days time-loss) injuries. Match intensity of >60 m/min resulted in more than 55% of shoulder injuries. Conclusion: One in six injuries in this cohort was shoulder-related. Forwards, specifically locks, sustained most shoulder injuries. The AC joint was the tissue type that mainly contributed. Backline players were involved in higher velocity contact, game intensity, and collision frequency but suffered fewer injuries. However, they required less momentum to sustain more severe injuries.

Abstract The high mountain ranges of Western Europe had a profound effect on the biotic recolonization of Europe from glacial refugia. The Alps present a particularly interesting case because they form an absolute barrier to dispersal for most taxa, obstructing recolonization from multiple refugia in northern Italy. Here, we investigate the effect of the European Alps on the phylogeographic history of the European common frog Rana temporaria. Based on partial cytochrome b and COXI sequences from Switzerland, we find two mitochondrial lineages roughly north and south of the Alpine ridge, with contact zones between them in eastern and western Switzerland. The northern haplogroup falls within the previously identified Western European haplogroup, while the southern haplogroup is unique to Switzerland. We find that the lineages diverged ~110 kya, at approximately the onset of the last glacial glaciation; this indicates that they are from different glacial refugia. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the northern and southern haplogroups colonized Switzerland via trans‐ and circum‐Alpine routes from at least two separate refugia in northern Italy. Our results illustrate how a complex recolonization history of the central European Alps can arise from the semi‐permeable barrier created by high mountains.

We present a genome assembly from an individual Aricia artaxerxes (the northern brown argus; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The genome sequence is 458 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.99%) is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.8 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 12,688 protein coding genes.

The principal goals of the study are to implement an adjusted.ersion of the well known Bogardus scale of social distance and also to orientate senior undergraduates regarding research techniques. The scope of the project is limited and stress is laid on the qualitative aspects of the sample. In discussing the results certain comparisons are made with the work of Lever (1968; 1979) and the most important variable correlated with interethnic attitude is the respondent's school. The results of the study indicate that Afrikaans respondents are the most exclusive group, whilst Coloured respondents are the most inclusive in attitude. In comparing the material with that of Lever, a tendency to narrow their distance regarding other population groups is indicated for the former group Differences between the attitudes of English speaking and Afrikaans speaking respondents indicate the exclusion of a simple relationship between inter-ethnic communication on the one hand and pronounced attitudes on the other hand

Background: The sustainable development goal (SDG) 4.2 calls to ‘ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education’. It is then important to identify early childhood literacy drivers for better decision-making in education. Objectives: This research investigates the impact of pre-schooling and home environment effect on children’s literacy in sub-Saharan Africa francophone countries. Method: A total of 21 933 Grade 2 children participated in the regional assessment of literacy in 14 countries. Items on cognitive skills were used to assess children’s literacy skill. A contextual questionnaire was used to collect data on the home environment and children’s characteristics. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment were used to estimate the impact of pre-schooling and home environment on children’s literacy skill. Results: At least 57% of children in Grade 2 did not have the literacy skill required to pursue their learning without difficulty. Only 28% of children attended preschool. Home-language and reading at home have the highest effect size on children’s literacy skill. Attending preschool improves the percentage of children capable to pursue their learning without difficulty by 10%. Furthermore, that improvement is 15.7% for children who attended preschool. Impact of pre-schooling varies between countries and slightly across gender. Conclusion: Findings of this research call for better access to pre-schooling and better home environment to improve children’s literacy skill. The research will contribute to efforts of the sub-Saharan Africa francophone countries to achieve the SDG 4.2. Contribution: This research contributed to fill the knowledge gaps on Early Childhood literacy in the Global South. It highlighted home environment drivers and the impact of preschooling on children’s literacy skills in the Global South.

The measurement of a stocks return over a time period is analysed for several reasons. The most obvious and most important one is to inform investors’ expectations regarding future earnings potential. Therefore, the study made a comparison using the financial performance of single-listed shares versus dual-listed shares that trade primarily on the South African stock market (JSE). The time-period for the comparison of financial performance of single- and dual-listed shares was from 2005 to 2020 to confirm or refute the general perception surrounding superior returns of dual-listed companies as opposed to single-listed companies. Utilising financial ratios can be imperative when making informed judgments about investment portfolios. Seven of the most important financial ratios were used to measure the performance of company shares within nine specified industry sectors in South Africa. These included the earnings per share ratio (EPS), price-earnings ratio (P/E), market to book value ratio (M/B), current ratio (CR), debt to equity ratio (DER), and the return on equity ratio (ROE). The nine identified industries included the transport, consumer staples, printing, pharmaceutical, mining and manufacturing, technology, luxury goods and services, financial services, and real estate industries. The results indicate that the dual-listed companies do indeed outperform single-listed companies on the JSE for the majority of the financial ratios over the specified period. This study contributes to portfolio management by informing equity allocation in the short-term and long-term.

Investors are constantly searching for methods to generate value above passive investment techniques. Therefore, analysing the performance of hedge funds as compared to mutual funds, particularly in the wake of Covid-19, can aid investors in their investment decision-making process. Those investors who desire above-average returns, particularly in volatile market conditions place an expectation on hedge funds to be able to achieve higher performance during economic downturns, given that they are designed to mitigate risk and to take advantage of harsh financial market conditions. Monthly, secondary data were collected from 30 September 2018 to 31 August 2021 to analyse and compare the risk-adjusted performance of five hedge funds and five mutual funds in South Africa. Both hedge and mutual funds indicated higher risk-adjusted returns from the pre-Covid-19 period compared to during the pandemic. Hedge funds were found to have higher risk-adjusted returns than mutual funds during the Covid-19 period. The novelty of these results indicated that hedge fund managers can achieve higher returns for investors during extreme market events.