Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Oligochitosan conjugates of the antimalarialsdihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine: Synthesis, stability, cell viability, and antiplasmodial studies(2025-10) Matshe, William MR; Mvango, Sindisiwe; Malabi, Rudzani; Tantoh, Asongwe LA; Andraos, C; Famuyide, I; McGaw, L; Baijnath, S; Pilcher, L; Balogun, Mohammed OMalaria is treatable with several combinations of drugs, the most well-known and currently most effective being artemisinin-based therapies. Gastrointestinal absorption of these drugs can be poor and erratic if not taken with a fatty meal. Nausea and the loss of appetite, common symptoms of even mild malaria, can therefore jeopardize the effectiveness of the treatment. To enhance the bioavailability of artemisinin-based combination therapies, several lipid-based formulations and delivery systems have been investigated. In this study, we synthesized oligochitosan conjugates of the antimalarial drugs dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine and examined their physical stability and biological activities. The hydrodynamic properties of both conjugates varied unpredictably under pH conditions like those found at different stages along the gastrointestinal tract and in plasma. The viability of Caco-2 cells exposed to the conjugates was also investigated in comparison to the free drugs. Both conjugates demonstrated significantly lower cytotoxicity compared to the free drugs at concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL, particularly during the first 24 h of exposure. Despite this, they retained their antiplasmodial effect against Plasmodium falciparum in an in vitro assay at 1 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL. These new chitosan biomaterials hold great potential for further development into oral therapeutics that would not require fatty meal intake due to the intrinsic mucoadhesiveness of chitosan.Item A new dawn: Vitalising translational oncology research in Africa with the help of advanced cell culture model(2025) Klima, S; Hurrell, Tracey; Goolam, M; Gouws, C; Engelbrecht, A-M; Kaur, M; Van den Bout, IThe advent of in vitro models such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and patient derived (disease) organoids is supporting the development of population and patient specific model systems reflecting human physiology and disease. However, there remains a significant underrepresentation of non-European, especially African model systems. The development of such models should be enthusiastically embraced by Sub-Saharan African countries (SSAC) and middle-income countries (LIMC) to direct their own research focused on the improvement of health of their own populations at a sustainable cost within their respective funding environments. Great care needs to be taken to develop national frameworks to direct, sustainably fund and support such efforts in a way that maximises the output of such models for the investment required. Here, we highlight how advanced culture models can play a role in vitalising local healthcare research by focusing on locally relevant health care questions using appropriate cell culture models. We also provide a potential national platform example that could maximise such output at the lowest cost. This framework presents an opportunity for SSAC and LMIC to base their healthcare research on locally relevant models to ensure that developed health care initiatives and interventions are best suited for the populations they serve and thus represent a reset in global health care research at large.Item Biogenic silica derived from sugarcane bagasse as a precursor material for unmodified SBA-15: Physicochemical properties and their use in biodiesel production from spent oil(2025) Matthews, T; Seroka, Ntalane S; Khotseng, LSustainable energy production requires innovative approaches to decrease the dependence on nonrenewable resources and reduce environmental impacts. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated green Santa Barbara Amorphous 15 (SBA-15) catalysts using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a silica source and incorporating organic acids and bases to create an eco-friendly synthesis pathway. These catalysts were applied in the transesterification of waste sunflower oil (WSO) to produce biodiesel. Although the overall biodiesel yields were relatively low, peaking at 5.603% FAME with the L-cysteine-modified SBA-15 catalyst (Lcys-500), the main objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of employing green SBA-15 materials as effective catalysts, rather than to optimise reaction parameters or maximise yield. Catalyst characterisation was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming that the green SBA-15 retained key structural properties of conventional SBA-15, including ordered mesoporosity (p6mm symmetry) and spherical morphology with some variation in pore structure and thermal behaviour. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed solely for biodiesel product analysis. FTIR spectra of the biodiesel confirmed successful transesterification, as indicated by characteristic C=O and C–O stretching bands. However, issues such as solidification of the CA-500-derived biodiesel and the low yield from the OP-after calcination sample (0.178%) underscore the need for further refinement. Importantly, catalyst modification strategies, such as surface functionalisation or metal doping, were beyond the scope of this initial study. Overall, the results support the feasibility of producing functional mesoporous SBA-15 catalysts from agricultural waste through green chemistry approaches. This study lays the groundwork for the development of environmentally friendly silica-based catalysts, with future research focussed on surface functionalisation to improve catalytic performance ecologically.Item BIOPERIANT12: A mesoscale-resolving coupled physics–biogeochemical model for the Southern Ocean(2025) Chang, Nicolette; Nicholson, Sarah-Anne; Du Plessis, M; Lebehot, Alice D; Mashifane, Thulwaneng B; Moalusi, Tumelo C; Mongwe, Precious; Monteiro, PMSWe present BIOPERIANT12, a regional ° ocean–ice–biogeochemical model configuration of the Southern Ocean (SO) based on the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean platform. It is designed to investigate mean state, seasonal cycle, and upper ocean (< 500 m) dynamics, with a particular focus on processes influencing carbon, heat exchange, biogeochemical mechanisms, and the assumptions underlying physical–biogeochemical model parameterisations within the SO. Over the analysis period 2000–2009, the model demonstrates a stable and realistic upper ocean mean state compared to observation-based products. We use ocean biomes to delineate the major subregions and evaluate the biogeochemical properties of the model, including surface chlorophyll and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. BIOPERIANT12 captures key spatial and temporal features of SO biogeochemistry (BGC), though it tends to overestimate biological biomass and underrepresents high-frequency variability. The model shows skill in reproducing large-scale patterns and seasonal cycles across biomes, offering insights into regional dynamics that are often obscured in coarser models. Despite its limitations, BIOPERIANT12 provides a valuable high-resolution framework for process studies, model–data intercomparisons, and future investigations into mesoscale influences on carbon and heat dynamics. It offers a useful tool for addressing long-standing uncertainties in air–sea exchange and ecosystem variability in the SO.Item The impact of processing conditions on PGSS micronisation of Fischer-Tropsch waxes(2025) Swanepoel, Andri; Labuschagne, Philip W; Schwarz, CEMicronisation of two Fischer-Tropsch waxes with differing melting temperatures (Wax 1Item At scale synthesis and granulation of water-based aluminium fumarate metal-organic framework - crystallinity, textural properties, and structural integrity(2025-10) Muluvhu, MK; Eterigho-Ikelegbe, O; Mehlo, Thembelihle; Musyoka, N; Daramola, MOThe large-scale synthesis and shaping of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for industrial applications is a growing research focus and preserving the intrinsic properties of MOF powder during shaping is crucial for practical implementation. Herein, aluminium fumarate (Al-fum) MOF granules were produced with a 95 wt% MOF powder to 5 wt% binder ratio and the impacts of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binders on the properties of the shaped MOF granules were compared. The shaped granules were characterized for crystallinity, morphology, thermal stability, functional groups, textural properties, and mechanical strength. XRD confirmed that Al-fum MOF retained its crystallinity after granulation with PVA. MOF powder BET surface area of 952.23 m2/g was obtained using tap water, and 1117.95 m2/g with deionized water (DIW) as the solvent for synthesis. The binder additives resulted in 6.8 % loss in BET surface area upon granulation. Specifically, the PVA binder confers better mechanical strength, withstanding a load of 20 N, whereas Al-fum MOF/PVDF granules endured only 11 N. This study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of producing water-based Al-fum MOF powder at scale and industrial shaping it into granules while maintaining crystallinity, porosity, functionality, and sufficient mechanical stability.Item A review on electrochemical performance of Mxene/carbon-based materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries(2025-10) Mashele, Andile; Seroka, Ntalane S; Khotseng, LOwing to their high conductivity, hydrophilicity, and layered structures, MXenes have recently emerged as promising electrode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, issues such as restacking, surface oxidation, and limited long-term stability restrict their practical performance. Carbon materials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, activated carbon, and porous carbons, provide ideal counterparts for MXenes due to their excellent conductivity, structural tunability, and mechanical robustness. The integration of MXenes with carbon not only prevents sheet restacking and enhances ion/electron transport but also improves electrode stability and cycling reversibility. In this review, recent progress in MXene/carbon composites for ZIBs is summarized, focusing on their synthesis strategies, structural engineering, and electrochemical behavior. Particular attention is given to the synergistic storage mechanisms, dimensional matching, and the influence of heteroatom doping or porous architectures on charge storage kinetics. Beyond laboratory-scale studies, the scalability of composite fabrication, electrolyte optimization, and full-cell demonstrations are highlighted as crucial steps toward practical implementation. Finally, existing challenges such as green synthesis routes, interfacial regulation, and long-term cycling stability are discussed, and future perspectives are proposed to guide the rational design of MXene/carbon hybrids as next-generation high-performance ZIB electrodes.Item Life cycle assessment of green ammonia production at a coastal facility in South Africa(2025-06) Stafford, William HL Chaba, Kolobe J Russo, Valentina Goga, Taahira Roos, Thomas H Sharp, M Nahman, Anton; Chaba, Kolobe J; Russo, Valentina; Goga, Taahira; Roos, Thomas H; Sharp, M; Nahman, AntonA just energy transition (JET) to low-carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen, is critical for mitigating climate change. Countries with abundant renewable energy resources are well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for green hydrogen. However, to improve the volumetric energy density and facilitate transport and distribution over long distances, green hydrogen needs to be converted into an energy carrier such as green ammonia. This study conducted a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of green ammonia production, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The boundary of the study was from cradle-to-production gate, and the design was based on a coastal production facility in South Africa, which uses renewable energy to desalinate seawater, produce hydrogen, and synthesise ammonia. The carbon intensity of production was 0.79 kg CO2-eq per kg of ammonia. However, if co-products of oxygen, argon and excess electricity are sold to market and allocated a portion of GHG emissions, the carbon intensity was 0.28 kg CO2-eq per kg of ammonia. Further, without the sale of co-products but excluding the embodied emissions of the energy supply system, as defined in the recent international standard (ISO/TS 19870), the carbon intensity was 0.11 kg CO2-eq per kg of ammonia. Based on the hydrogen content of ammonia, this is equivalent to 0.60 kg CO2-eq per kg of hydrogen, which is well below the current threshold for certification as a low-carbon fuel. The process contributing most to the overall environmental impacts was electrolysis (68%), with particulate matter (55%) and global warming potential (33%) as the dominant impact categories. This reflects the energy intensity of electrolysis and the carbon intensity of the energy used to manufacture the infrastructure and capital goods required for green ammonia production. These findings support the adoption of green ammonia as a low-carbon fuel to mitigate climate change and help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, achieving this goal requires the rapid decarbonisation of energy supply systems to reduce embodied emissions from manufacturing infrastructure.Item Life cycle assessment and economic analysis of carbon sequestration through biochar produced from invasive alien plants(2025-12) Van Schoor, AU; Stander, AJ; Petersen, A; Teke, GM; Stafford, William HL; Görgens, JFInvasive alien plants (IAPs) are a prevalent issue in many parts of the world, negatively impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources, land productivity, and substantial financial costs required for clearing and maintenance activities. However, utilising the cleared biomass to produce biochar as a soil amendment in agriculture can add value and enable carbon sequestration. Hence, this study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of various pyrolysis technologies to determine their technical and financial feasibility of producing biochar from IAPs and the carbon sequestration potential through the soil application of biochar. The production of biochar was assessed using process simulations and published experimental data for three industrial pyrolysis technologies (semi-batch retort (SBR), vertical retort (VR) and indirect retort (IR)), and compared to conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofitted to a coal-fired power station. Key findings show that the pyrolysis systems were energy self-sufficient by burning all the pyrolysis vapours, although significant energy losses occurred; the net energy efficiencies were 94.9 %, 73.8 % and 80.7 % for the SBR, VR and IR systems, respectively, while retrofitting carbon capture reduced the power plant efficiency by 10 %. For the life cycle assessment, the global warming potentials for sequestering 1 kg of carbon were 3.48 kg CO2eq for SBR, 3.35 kg CO2eq for VR, 3.41 kg CO2eq for IR, and 3.08 kg CO2eq for power station-CC. The cost of sequestering carbon was higher for coal power station with CCS (US$678/Mg CO2eq), compared to biochar production by IR (US$471/Mg CO2eq) and SBR (US$556/Mg CO2eq) pyrolysis technologies, while the VR pyrolysis technology had the highest cost (US$1084/Mg CO2eq). These findings show that soil application of biochar produced by preferred pyrolysis technologies had similar carbon sequestration benefits and lower economic costs than CCS applied at a coal power station.Item Microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-phase TiAl alloy matrix composites consolidated via field-assisted sintering technique(2025-08) Rominiyi, AL; Mashinini, PM; Masina, Bathusile N; Shongwe, MBIn this study, fully densified Si3N4/TiAl composites were fabricated using the field-assisted sintering technique (FAST). Microstructural analysis showed the evolution of a continuous network structure consisting of minor fractions of in-situ formed Ti2AlN, unreacted Si3N4 ceramic particles and dominant Ti5Si3 intermetallic phases within the TiAl matrix at Si3N4 content above 1.5 wt%. The hardness of the developed composites increases with increasing Si3N4 content, with 7Si3N4/TiAl composite exhibiting the highest hardness of approximately 487 HV1.0, which was about 57% higher than that of the sintered pure TiAl alloy. Among the sintered samples, 1.5Si3N4/TiAl composite displayed the highest flexural strength of 832.65 ± 12.88 MPa (34.3% higher than pure TiAl matrix) with a deflection of 0.14 mm. In contrast, the lowest flexural strength and deflection of 535.44 ± 21.14 MPa and 0.09 mm were obtained in composite reinforced with 7 wt% Si3N4 ceramic content. The fractured surface of the sintered samples displayed predominantly cleavage fracture mode.Item Toxic impact of aluminium on the natural phytoplankton community during spring in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean(2025-10) Demasy, C; Singh, A; Samanta, S; Ryan-Keogh, Thomas J; Roychoudhury, ANThe natural Southern Ocean phytoplankton community plays a pivotal role in both the marine trophic chain and global climate regulation. Previous studies and models have primarily focused on the individual effects of iron (Fe) on phytoplankton, often overlooking the potential toxic impact of aluminium (Al) and its interactive effects with Fe and cobalt (Co). Here, a series of controlled incubations involving the addition of trace metals (Al, Fe, and Co) were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of these elements in the Polar Frontal Zone and the Marginal Ice Zone. The findings revealed that the introduction of 1 nM of Al prompted a reduction in biomass of the entire natural community, coupled with a decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and an increase of the absorption cross-section of photosystem II (σPSII). A similar toxic impact of Al addition was observed at both sites, however, the level of cell activity and presence of other micronutrients (Fe, Co) attenuated the toxicity to some extent. Despite its connotations, Al toxicity is not considered an immediate threat to the sub-Antarctic phytoplankton community, however, the scenario could differ in regions where increased lithogenic input is likely.Item Monitoring coastal estuarine habitats for biodiversity along the temperate bioregion of South Africa(2025-10) Campbell, A; Adam, E; Adams, JB; Barrenblitt, A; Fatoyinbo, T; Jensen, D; Naidoo, L; Riddin, T; Van Deventer, Heidi; Van Niekerk, LaraCoastal wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including the enhancement of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and flood protection. Although these ecosystems have been mapped for country-level biodiversity typing, improved extent mapping is necessary to account for estuarine dynamics and improved reporting to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) by 2030. We achieved an overall coastal wetland accuracy of 90.7% (95% confidence interval: 90.2%–91.4%) utilizing a dense time series of very high spatial resolution (3 m) PlanetScope satellite imagery to map coastal wetlands with a combination of Random Forest to develop training data, U-Net convolutional neural networks, and a final decision tree to determine discrete ecosystem extents. Across the 84 mapped estuaries totaling 67,452 ha and 2,135 images, we mapped 9,131.1 ± 1,596.9 ha (13.5% of total estuarine functional zone extent) of salt marsh & reed beds and 1,718.6 ± 234.3 ha (2.5%) of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV). In addition to our earth observation analysis, we calculated tidal amplitudes and water level trends for 20 water level gauges across the region. We found tidal amplitude was a significant driver of salt marsh extent, explaining 33.6% of the variation (F (1,19) = 9.62, p = 0.005). We demonstrate a repeatable methodology for improved mapping of ecosystem zonation and utilize water level data to explore potential drivers of ecosystem distribution. Our method could be incorporated into a robust earth observation approach for reporting progress toward the goals of the/reporting to the GBF and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Item Performance analysis of multi-OEM TV white space radios in outdoor environments(2025-09) Vilakazi, Mlamuli C; Makaleng, Koketso F; Ngcama, Lwando; Mofolo, Raarone OM; Mfupe, Luzango PThe television white space (TVWS) spectrum presents a promising opportunity to extend wireless broadband access, particularly in rural, underserved, and hard-to-reach communities. To leverage this potential, low-power radio communication equipment must efficiently utilise the TVWS spectrum on a secondary basis while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements to prevent harmful interference to primary services. This paper presents a comparative performance analysis of TVWS radio equipment from three original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The equipment under test was identified to reflect each OEM, as follows: OEM 1 and OEM 2 from South Korea and OEM 3 from the USA. We evaluated their performance in two real-world field scenarios, namely outdoor short-distance and outdoor long-distance. The evaluation was based on the following key metrics: (i) spectrum utilisation efficiency (SUE), (ii) received signal strength (RSS), (iii) downlink throughput, and (iv) connectivity to the Geo-Location Spectrum Database (GLSD) in compliance with the South African TVWS regulatory framework. The overall preliminary experimental results indicate that in both scenarios, white space devices (WSDs) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11af Standard demonstrated better performance than those based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long-Term Evolution-Advanced (3GPP LTE-A) Standard in terms of the SUE, downlink throughput, and RSS metrics. All WSDs under test demonstrated sufficient compliance with the regulatory requirement metric.Item Exploring the potential of remote sensing to detect marine plastic debris in the South African Ocean region(2025-04) Pretorius, J; Haupt, Shelley A; Sibolla, Bolelang HThe ocean provides various economic, environmental, and social benefits for society. In recent years there has been a threat to the ocean through the millions of tonnes of marine pollution that has been disposed into the ocean. Due to these detrimental consequences of plastic pollution on the marine environment, several governments and international governing bodies are proposing solutions to this global issue. It is therefore important to develop methods for the detection of marine plastics for more informed and targeted clean-up or prevention operations for the oceans. However, this can be challenging due to the vastness of the ocean. Remote sensing techniques such as optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar offer a unique opportunity to detect marine debris and a larger extent. In this study, we present a method to use both optical and SAR data to detect marine debris in the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The use of spectral indices, Plastics Index (PI), Floating Debris Index (FDI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was derived from Sentinel-2 and RapidEye imagery. The results indicated that the higher resolution RapidEye imagery was more sensitive in detecting potential floating plastics than Sentinel-2 due to the higher resolution. Positive NDVI and PI values indicate potential floating vegetation and associated plastics. The results revealed that18% and 30% of the pixels in the NDVI and PI images respectively were positive. A threshold of 1 standard deviation showed few outliers that were confined to the edges of the study area and in the harbour, with only 0.12 % of the study area being classified as an outlier in the FDI image. Sentinel-1A GRD data was used to derive backscatter in VV, VH and VV/VH polarisations. The results showed that the VV polarisation highlighted the potential floating more significantly than the other polarisations. The integration of these two methods could provide an enhanced approach to monitoring marine plastic debris.Item Potential application of nanotechnology in Type-3 diabetes: Bridging insulin resistance and neurodegeneration(2025-09) Ghosh, A; Sarkar, S; Mandal, D; Orasugh, JT; Ray, Suprakas S; Chattopadhyay, DThis review explores the emerging concept of Type-3 diabetes (T3D), an unconventional classification linking insulin resistance with neurodegenerative processes. It explores the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this association and highlights the importance of early diagnosis for effective intervention. The tale emphasizes the central role of nanomaterials (NMTs) in transforming diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for T3D. Nanoparticles (NPs), nanosensors, and quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as effective tools enabling the precise detection of relevant biomarkers and facilitating early disease identification. Additionally, the multifunctionality of NMTs opens avenues for targeted drug delivery (DD) and imaging modalities, promising a holistic approach to treatment. The integration of nanotechnology enhances diagnostic accuracy and presents innovative therapeutic modalities, ushering in T3D management, which is entering a new era. This comprehensive exploration underscores the potential of NMTs in reshaping our understanding and clinical approaches to this intricate intersection of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.Item Appraising waste from fed aquaculture animals as a food source for sea cucumbers(2025-09) Onomu, Abigail J; Suleman, EssaNutrient-rich solid waste and effluent water from aquaculture remain a major problem for aquaculture in terms of environmental impact. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), where lower trophic level species consume the waste of fed animals, has been proposed as an alternative for sustainable aquaculture. The use of deposit-feeding sea cucumbers as extractive species in IMTA has attracted research and commercial interest in recent times, due to their low trophic level, high commercial value as food for humans, and ability to ingest sediment containing organic matter, bacteria, protozoa, diatoms, and detritus. Still, the suitability of using faecal waste from fed aquaculture animals as a potential feed requires further studies to ensure not only palatability but also nutritional value, health, and immune responses of the cultured organism. This review discusses various performance indices, such as palatability, ingestion rate, assimilation rate, faecal production rate, feed conversion ratio, growth, and survival of sea cucumber species fed various faecal wastes from different aquaculture animal sources. It further discusses various IMTA applications of sea cucumbers with selected animals. The compatibility, viability and efficacy of sea cucumbers and some aquatic animals in IMTA are summarised.Item Dynamic spectrum allocation in the C-Band: An overview(2025) Salani, W; Mfupe, Luzango P; Oyerinde, OOThe rapid growth of wireless communication demands has led to heightened competition for limited spectrum resources, with traditional allocation methods proving insufficient to meet evolving needs. In response, DSA has emerged as a promising strategy, allowing secondary users to access underutilised portions of the spectrum, particularly in bands primarily allocated for satellite communication, such as the 3.4–4.2 GHz range. DSA offers a flexible solution by enabling the secondary use of the underutilised spectrum while protecting primary users like terrestrial FSS/SS. This paper surveys state-of-the-art DSA techniques and introduces the concept of DSUE to quantify real-time spectrum reuse effectiveness under coexistence constraints. Emphasis is placed on integrating FSS ground station parameters—such as location, antenna orientation, and sensitivity—into intelligent spectrum management frameworks. The review also evaluates ML/AI-driven resource allocation and interference mitigation approaches that enhance coexistence performance. By structuring a DSUE-aware environment, this study provides technical direction for harmonising terrestrial wireless mobile broadband and satellite systems, enabling more efficient, adaptive, and interference-aware spectrum sharing.Item Under the scales: Identification of ticks in rehabilitated African pangolins and confiscated scales(2025-12) Nethavhani, Z; Radebe, T; Dzerefos, CM; Suleman, Essa; Jansen, RPangolins are the most trafficked mammals globally. Beyond zoonotic concerns related to coronavirus, pangolins serve as hosts for ectoparasites such as ticks, which can be inadvertently transported through illegal wildlife trade and rehabilitation efforts. The transcontinental trafficking of pangolins and their derivatives poses a potential risk of pathogen spillover affecting humans, wildlife, and livestock. Despite these concerns, data on tick infestations in confiscated African pangolins and scales remain scarce. This study aims to identify tick species associated with confiscated pangolins and scales using morphological and molecular approaches. A total of 275 ticks were collected from 17 rehabilitated African pangolins (Smutsia temminckii, Phataginus tricuspis, Phataginus tetradactylus) and nine bags of seized scales. Representative specimens (n = 53) were genetically analyzed by amplifying the 16S rRNA fragment and comparing sequences with publicly available data. Morphological identification revealed five tick species: Amblyomma compressum, A. hebraeum, Ornithodoros compactus, Rhipicephalus theileri, and R. simus. Taxonomic assignments conformed with the DNA-based identification for all species except for ‘O. compactus’ which resulted in O. moubata. These discrepancies may be due to overlapping morphological characters between the two Ornithodoros species. Notably, ticks from the three identified genera are known vectors of pathogens causing diseases such as heartwater, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, African swine fever, and human relapsing fever. We provide the first record of A. hebraeum in Phataginus species, and A. compressum in P. tetradactyla, expanding their host range. This study also establishes a baseline for tick diversity in confiscated African pangolins and scales trafficked within Africa and out of Africa. The findings highlight the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches in tick identification and emphasize the need for further research incorporating additional genetic markers and morphometric analyses to enhance species resolution.Item Arduino‑based devices in healthcare and environmental monitoring(2025-04) Tsebesebe, Nkgaphe T; Mpofu, Kelvin T; Sivarasu, S; Mthunzi‑Kufa, PatienceRapid increases in diseases and pandemics over the past years have led to the development of more affordable and accessible biosensing equipment, especially in underdeveloped regions. One of the open-source hardware that has the potential to develop advanced health equipment is the Arduino platform. This review emphasizes the importance of open-source technology, specifically the Atmel family of microcontrollers used in the Arduino development board, and the applications of the Arduino platform in biosensing technologies to advance PoC devices. Furthermore, the review highlights the use of machine learning algorithms to enhance the functionality of user-defined prototypes, aiming to realize PoC devices. It also addresses the successes and limitations of microcontrollers and machine learning in the development of PoC devices using open-source technology. The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate how the Arduino platform can be leveraged to create effective and affordable biosensing solutions, by examining the integration of Arduino with various types of biosensors. The review showcases the potential of Arduino to democratize and innovate biosensor technology. Lastly, this paper extends the investigation of applications of Arduino to general health care and environmental monitoring.Item Aquaculture and biodiversity in global food systems(2025) Bremner, J; Stentiford, G; Suleman, Essa; Warham, EA One Health approach will be essential to ensure future food systems can address the trade-offs between interventions needed to produce more food of higher nutritional value, with a smaller ecosystem footprint. This will involve consideration of hazards that link or spread between different supply chains, taking a whole-systems approach. Here, we consider how biodiversity maps to aquaculture across the One Health space. Aquaculture poses ecosystem health risks through the biodiversity impacts of disease spread, non-native introductions, farm-level pollution and habitat damage. Less well recognised, biodiversity also links strongly to animal/plant health, through increased risk of hazards (pathogen and pest diversity can create significant stock health challenges) but also by providing opportunities – genetic diversity underpins stock fitness and mixed-species farming improves resilience. Application of One Health principles will allow aquaculture to grow sustainably, but this needs the buy-in of policymakers, farmers and the scientific community.