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Item The importance of data integrity to ensure the quality of address information in the master health facility list(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Maremi, Keneilwe J; Thulare, Tumiso; Botha, Adèle; Herselman , Martha e; Rousseau, PThe address information in the Master Health Facility List (MHFL) is key in identifying the location of facilities. The primary responsibility for adding, editing, and deactivating facilities in the MHFL is handled by many health facility representatives from various facilities in various organisations. Facility Representatives must solely ensure the address information they add to the MHFL is valid and the geocode identifies the correct location of the facility; however, this is not always the case. The address information is often inaccurate, which compelled the creation of a data cleaning team to verify these addresses. Thus, this chapter aims to discuss the importance of data integrity to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and quality of address information in the MHFL.Item Food loss in the sweet potato value chain: A food and nutrition security threat in South Africa(2025-05) Motsa, NM; Laurie, SM; Finiza, Tabisa N; Makhuvha, MC; Mashitoa, MFSouth Africa is food secure at national level, but not at household level. Some communities experience food shortages for a certain period during the month or for a period during the year. This is a food security threat to the community, as long as food loss and waste is not given the attention it deserves. Food loss mostly takes place at post-harvest and throughout the value chain until it reaches the consumer. Sweet potatoes are not spared from such losses. These losses tend to undermine the impact of sweet potato as a food security crop. This study was conducted to determine sweet potato food loss experienced at different stages of the value chain. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a number of entities that are involved in the sweet potato food value chain and have purchased sweet potato material from the Agricultural Research Council. These entities were located in four provinces of the country where sweet potato is mostly produced and processed. Moreover, these entities were involved in at least one post-harvest (value chain) activity. The results indicated that small-scale sweet potato producers sold sweet potato to the local informal market while commercial producers with washing facilities, pack-houses and distributor licenses were supplying established formal markets. Sweet potato processing was done by commercial entities only, not smallscale entities. Sweet potato food loss was experienced throughout the food value chain beginning from crop growth where poor weed management and pest attack was observed. Sweet potato breakages and skinning were predominantly experienced during the post-harvest stage. “Out of specification” losses were experienced at packing and distribution stage while at processing stage, losses were through peeling and removal of insect bites/lesions. No losses were reported at the storage of processed sweet potato stage because entities had well established infrastructure to prevent losses. Processing of sweet potato and other crops reduces food loss and further strengthens the agrifood system and extends shelf-life of food crops to provide food and nutrition security.Item Polymer-Based Smart Packaging for Agriculture and Food Industry(Elsevier, 2025-04) Kera, Nazia H; Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani, Kesavan P; Ray, Suprakas SSustainable agriculture and food waste reduction are key strategies toward achieving global food safety and security. Due to their advantageous properties, versatility and tunability, polymers have found application in smart packaging for the food and agricultural industry, with enhanced performances attributed to improved properties and additional functionalities. Modified polymers and polymer composites have been employed in enhanced passive, active (scavenging and emitting), and intelligent food packaging, encompassing indicators, sensors, and data carriers. Stimuli-responsive polymers have been investigated for use in smart packaging for agricultural applications, in controlled release systems for agrochemical delivery and management of soil moisture levels, and in sensors for monitoring soil health.Item Detection and attribution of climate change impacts in Africa(Elsevier, 2025) Nangombe, Shingirai S; Mateyisi, Mohau J; Khumalo, KN; Akinsola, AA; Adebiyi, AA; Williams, PDThe rising magnitude, intensity, and frequency of extreme rainfall events, including floods and droughts in various monsoon regions, have impacted the livelihoods of more than two-thirds of the global population (Nicholson et al., 2022; Biasutti, 2019; Hwang et al., 2013). In Africa, the impact of these extremes is compounded by high poverty levels in many countries, exacerbating the vulnerability to climate change extremes and posing significant challenges for adaptation and resilience efforts (IPCC Report, 2022).Item Stakeholders and their roles in the net zero carbon construction industry(Springer, 2025-05) Van Reenen, Coralie A; Gibberd, Jeremy T; Van Reenen, Tobias H; Surridge, AKJ; Reynolds, L; Van der Merwe, L; Hugo, J; Euston-Brown, M; Oellermann, Bernd R; Domingo, N; Senarathne, S; Wilkinson, S; Perera, SThis chapter investigates the role of stakeholder collaboration and engagement in achieving net zero carbon (NZC) buildings, which are essential to mitigate climate change. Barriers to the effective implementation of NZC buildings are identified, and the contribution of stakeholders in overcoming these is discussed, specifically with reference to engaging local communities and environmental groups, preparing the workforce, and education and training. The chapter draws on the insights of stakeholders collected through a survey and presents success stories that showcase effective collaboration in achieving sustainable construction goals. It applies stakeholder theory to the construction industry, identifying four categories of stakeholders in the value chain to achieve NZC buildings, namely policy makers, industry actors, end users, and civil society. The roles of these stakeholders and the importance of coordination and collaboration at an industry-wide level are discussed. The chapter identifies key factors that are necessary for successful industry transformation and recommends that strong leadership and clear objectives are necessary to facilitate a coordinated effort that produces change.Item The FHIR Based Master Household Index(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Sibiya, Mhlupheki G; Sibiya, Mhlupheki G; Tolmay, James P; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PThe Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise advocates for integrating distributed and heterogeneous health information systems. This is achieved by developing standards specifying protocols for the integrated systems to communicate as profiles. Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) through its Information Technology Infrastructure Technical Framework Volume 2b Transaction B provides a Patient Identification Segment, which allows a patient's demographic details to be exchanged among the information systems within a Health Information Exchange ecosystem. In South Africa, however, healthcare services are extended to communities through Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs) who visit households. Therefore, there is a need to manage households similarly to patients in a Health Information Exchange (HIE) system. The IHE profiles currently do not have explicit profiles in their profiles catalogue that can be utilised to manage households in HIE systems. As opposed to patients being treated as subjects of care, community healthcare workers treat households as subjects of care. The COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics highlighted the importance of associating information inside health systems with corresponding household information. This would assist health workers to efficiently conduct contact tracing to minimise the spread of contractable diseases. In this chapter, we present a format that can be used to represent household information in a standard that follows the Health Level Seven (HL7) standard. We also present an implementation of an Enterprise Master Household Index equivalent to an Enterprise Master Patient Index that utilises our proposed profile. In this chapter, a further evaluation of the management of household of care following a FHIR standard will be provided.Item Towards National Health Information System use cases(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PPurpose: The study aims to identify and prioritise National Interoperability Use Cases aligned with national health objectives to guide the development of a robust National Health Information System (NHIS). The primary objective is to produce a list of National Interoperability Use Cases, categorised by their importance and feasibility, to inform the development of a shared NHIS. The study aims to align these use cases with national health priorities, ensuring they are practical, interoperable, and adaptable to evolving technological environments. Study Design: A modified Delphi methodology was employed, engaging stakeholders across various health sectors through iterative rounds of engagement and feedback. The study employed clustering methodologies, specifically K-means clustering, to categorise the use cases by priority. Additionally, the Kemeny-Young Method was used for ranking, and consensus among stakeholders was measured using Kendall's W for validation. Findings: The study generated a prioritised list of use cases divided into four clusters based on their "Must have," "Should have," and "Could have" attributes. The clustering provided clarity on foundational and optional use cases, allowing for the strategic planning of the NHIS. The findings suggest a strong consensus on the importance of use cases related to Electronic Health Records, alignment between health information systems, and emergency responses. Value: The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop an interoperable NHIS. While the research emphasises a systematic approach to use case prioritisation, it acknowledges the need for adaptability to emerging health technologies and continual reassessment. The framework presented aims to facilitate stakeholder collaboration and informed decision-making in developing the NHIS.Item The transformative impact of electronic prescriptions: Enhancing patient care and healthcare efficiency(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Munsamy, S; Underwood, S; Labadarios, G; Ramsundar, Preshen P; Sha, M; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PPurpose: This chapter provides an overview of what constitutes the transformative impact of ePrescribing in enhancing patient care and healthcare efficiency by defining the concept and providing its value chain and ecosystem. It aims to synthesise key findings and insights to offer meaningful suggestions further to form the groundwork for a National South African Implementation. Study design/methodology/approach: This chapter applied a qualitative exploratory approach to study relevant literature on the phenomena of ePrescribing. Using this method, one can map the existing knowledge of the phenomena and identify gaps the studies address. Document and thematic analysis were used to examine and interpret data from the selected articles to uncover meaning, gain understanding, and conclude. Understanding this concept's challenges, building blocks, design elements, and realities will add to its applicability within an African context. Originality/value: By leveraging digital technology, ePrescribing systems can give clinicians real-time access to patient medication histories, drug interactions, and formulary information, enabling them to make more informed and safer prescribing decisions. It conceptualises ePrescription, highlighting possible challenges and opportunities within the emerging South African Health Information system. Findings: Electronic prescribing, or ePrescribing, has gained significant traction in recent years, potentially improving the efficiency and accuracy of the prescribing process in ambulatory care settings.Item Master Health Facility List training as an educational tool to reduce the number of organisational-based support Tickets(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Maremi, Keneilwe J; Thulare, Tumiso; Nunu, Vuyisa; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PPurpose: This chapter explores the necessity of Master Health Facility List (MHFL) training to educate users who joined the system before the introduction of the nomination form. These users face issues associating themselves with their organisations within the MHFL system. The chapter addresses this gap by proposing targeted onboarding training designed to introduce the nomination form to these users and resolve organisational association problems, ultimately reducing MHFL support tickets in South Africa. Study design/methodology/approach: An exploratory qualitative approach was used, adopting a phenomenology design to understand how and why users experience difficulties with the nomination form. The study focuses on the lived experiences of previous MHFL users, providing a comprehensive account of these challenges and their potential solutions through training. Findings: The findings indicated that targeted MHFL training effectively resolves organisational association issues linked to the nomination form. Additionally, the training improves users' technical skills, enhances their engagement with the system, and reduces the number of support tickets logged. Originality/value: This research emphasises the importance of building technical skills in digital health and a capable workforce. This study emphasises the importance of building digital health skills and a capable workforce. The proposed training improves the functionality of the MHFL system, leading to more accurate data management, higher data quality, and better reporting outcomes.Item Conceptualising heuristics for patient matching through an integration of insights from data alignment with the HPRS and DHA(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Du Toit, Kirsten; Fogwill, Thomas A; Viviers, Margaretha I; Montja, Motshidisi; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PPurpose: The chapter explores heuristic approaches to enhance patient matching within the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS) in South Africa, focusing on integrating insights from data alignment with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The aim is to improve the accuracy and reliability of the national patient registry by addressing challenges related to data inconsistencies, cultural naming conventions, and the use of shared identifiers. Study design/methodology/approach: This research adopts an interpretative deductive approach grounded in the principles of ecological rationality. The study systematically analyzes patient matching within the HPRS, examining purposefully selected samples from the over 68 million registered patients, focusing on those verified by the DHA. The chapter proposes a conceptual framework for enhancing patient matching, integrating both deterministic and probabilistic record linkage methodologies. Findings: The findings suggest that employing a combination of key identifiers, implementing referential matching techniques, and developing algorithms that account for cultural and linguistic diversity can significantly improve patient matching accuracy within the HPRS. The research also highlights the importance of addressing data quality issues in both the HPRS and DHA reference datasets to ensure reliable patient identification across health systems. Originality/value: This study underscores the critical role of heuristic approaches in improving patient matching within national health information systems. It contributes to the broader discourse on digital health by offering practical strategies to enhance the integrity of patient registries, ultimately supporting the goals of equitable healthcare delivery under South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.Item The importance of skills-based set in solving support queries and providing input in improving the Health Patient Registration System(National Department of Health and CSIR, 2024-11) Thulare, Tumiso; Maremi, Keneilwe J; Nthatheni, Ronewa G; Mthethwa, Siyabonga; Mahwai, Nare; Botha, Adèle; Herselman, Martha E; Rousseau, PPurpose: HPRS is based on a Linux/Ubuntu platform and individuals are not familiar with the environment. Training in the language and environment is required to understand how the system functions, how to improve the system, and how to solve client-based queries. Therefore, the chapter aims to improve the maintenance and support by enhancing the skillsbase set to minimise the daily queries. Getting the skills will ensure that the different tier levels are adequately equipped to troubleshoot the issues encountered. It will also allow the various tiers to identify innovative ways to improve the system functionality and reduce the impact of system downtime. There is a lack of skills at the different tier levels required to assist in the effective operations of the support and maintenance environment. This research is being conducted to obtain insights regarding the importance of a skills-based set-in solving support queries. This research aims to provide recommendations to improve the performance of the Support and Maintenance ServiceDesk team in the HPRS environment. Study design/methodology/approach: This study took an exploratory qualitative approach and tried to explain how and why a certain phenomenon or behaviour behaves in a certain way in a certain situation. Inductive reasoning was used, which involves moving from the specific to the more general and from cause to effect by moving from effect to cause. Additionally, an online open-ended questionnaire was employed. The Lime Survey software was used to facilitate the online survey. Purposive, convenience, and snowballing sampling techniques were used for this investigation. Findings: The findings show that the support and maintenance team must have analytical, communication, time management, interpersonal, basic developer, adaptability, problemsolving, stress management, people skills, Ubuntu/Linux server basics, and technological skills-based sets. These skills-based sets - will solve support queries effectively and efficiently and ensure the continuous improvement of HPRS. Originality/value: The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the existing body of knowledge. With the continuous evolution of technology and the imperative for organisations to ensure that their workforce strategy is in sync with dynamic business priorities, adopting a skills-based approach has emerged as a highly effective organisational strategy. This approach optimises operational efficiency while enabling organisations to stay competitive in an ever-changing business landscape.Item Smart Cities in South Africa - Can they contribute to spatial transformation and support territorial governance?(Springer Nature, 2025-06) Petzer, Engela; Kruger, Daniel M; Sebake, Tandi N; Cooper, Antony K; Ragoasha, Matšubu; Napier, Mark; Du Plessis, DThe undoing of the inherited segregated spatial settlement form has proved to be a major challenge, despite the implementation of numerous, deliberate interventions by the South African government over close to three decades. Municipalities, the territorial governance structures closest to citizens and mandated to lead local development, have employed various planning concepts with the aim of effecting spatial transformation. This chapter reflects on the concept of smart cities, including its international origins in the early 1990s and the lack of a collective understanding and varied definitions of the term. The chapter further reflects on what a smart approach to spatial transformation could look like. Lessons that can be learned from local South African smart initiatives are discussed. The chapter concludes that the impact of current South African municipal smart city initiatives on spatial transformation is not immediately apparent; however, when integrated into the system of territorial governance—which aims to unify a place-based approach and multi-level governance—the smart city concept may contribute to spatial transformation over the long term, given an appropriate implementation approach.Item Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning based biosensing technologies(Intec, 2025) Mpofu, Kelvin T; Mthunzi-Kufa, Patience; Karakuş, S; Küçükdeniz, T; Evran, SAdvancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have transformed biosensing technologies, enhancing data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation in biomedical diagnostics. This chapter explores AI integration into biosensing, focusing on natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), data augmentation, and various learning paradigms. These technologies improve biosensor sensitivity, precision, and real-time adaptability. NLP automates biomedical text extraction, while LLMs facilitate complex decision-making using vast datasets. Data augmentation mitigates dataset limitations, strengthening ML model training and reducing overfitting. Supervised learning drives predictive models for disease detection, whereas unsupervised learning uncovers hidden biomarker patterns. Reinforcement learning optimizes sensor operations, calibration, and autonomous control in dynamic environments. The chapter discusses case studies, emerging trends, and challenges in AI-driven biosensing. AI’s convergence with edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled biosensors enhances real-time data processing, reducing latency and expanding accessibility in resource-limited settings. Ethical concerns, including data privacy, model interpretability, and regulatory compliance, must be addressed for responsible AI applications in biosensing. Future research should focus on developing AI models resilient to bias, capable of continuous learning, and optimized for low-power, portable biosensors. Addressing these challenges will enable AI-powered biosensing to advance precision medicine and improve global healthcare outcomes. Through interdisciplinary approaches, AI and ML will continue to drive the evolution of next-generation diagnostic solutions.Item Starches-blended ionotropically cross-linked biopolymeric matrices for sustained drug release(Elsevier, 2024) Mokhena , TC; Mochane , MJ; Matabola, KP; Ray, Suprakas S; Mtibe, Asanda; Bambo, MF; Modise, SA; Motsoeneng, TEStarches drew more attention to drug delivery systems. This results from their distinctive characteristics, which include inexpressiveness, abundant availability, renewability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. For some time now, many sources have been investigated to isolate starch to formulate sustained drug-release systems. In this respect, starch is blended with other ionic polymeric materials with or without a cross-linking agent through the ionotropic gelation method. This chapter discusses the use of starch-based formulations prepared via the ionotropic gelation technique as sustained and prolonged drug delivery systems.Item Analysis of land use and land cover change dynamics and its impacts on WEF Nexus Resources over a 30-Year Period (1990–2020) in Mpumalanga, South Africa(Springer, 2024-10) Ramoelo, A; Tsele, P; Mantlana, Khanyisa B; Mokotedi, Mompe EODeveloping countries face a difficult challenge in ensuring secure and sustainable water, energy, and food (WEF), which is further exacerbated by the rapidly land use and land cover changes (LULCC). This study used Land use and Land cover (LULC) derived from the South African National Land Cover Data repository for 1990 and 2020 datasets in deepening an understanding of the impact of LULCC on WEF nexus resources. Between 1990 and 2020, mines&quarries and built-up areas increased by 30.19% and 40.89%, respectively. The transition matrix based on post-classification comparisons shows that 12.42% of grasslands in 1990 were converted into agriculture in 2020. The observed LULCC dynamics were attributed to socio-economic growth and extreme climate events. This approach had various advantages (e.g., understanding WEF nexus change dynamics in a spatial-explicit manner), and providing a novel methodology that enables collaborative assessment of nexus resources with respect to the environment.Item Introduction to hybrid piezoelectric materials(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-04) Dhlamini, Khanyisile S; Orasugh, Jonathan T; Ray, Suprakas S; Chattopadhyay, DIn response to the global energy crisis and pollution resulting primarily from nonrenewable energy sources, researchers are exploring alternative energy machinery capable of harvesting energy under ambient environmental conditions. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is rapidly becoming a preferred technique for powering devices on a mesoscale to microscale. Piezoelectric materials can produce electricity as a result of mechanical stress; these materials can also exhibit the inverse piezoelectric effect, known as the converse effect. Certain materials possess piezoelectric properties, such as bone, proteins, crystals (quartz), and ceramics (lead zirconate titanate). The combination of piezoelectric materials with two or more other materials leads to the development of hybrid materials that have improved properties and can be applied to novel applications. With hybrid piezoelectric materials, existing technologies can be enhanced, and new devices and systems can be developed, ranging from healthcare, ultrasonic transducers, energy storage, smart fabrics, sensors and actuators, energy-harvesting systems, and robotics.Item Advances in β-titanium Alloys for Applications in the Biomedical Fields(Springer, 2025-01) Bolokang, Amogelang S; Mathabathe, Maria NThe advances in biocompatibility, structural properties, application and processing techniques of beta (β)-titanium alloys are presented. These alloys are promising future biomedical alloys due to their low modulus of elasticity (MOE), and non-toxic elements. The biocompatibility of these alloys exhibits a low modulus of elastic (MOE) closer to that of human bone ~ 30 GPa. On one hand, the best mechanical properties and performance of the alloys is found in porous materials. Particularly, porous Ti-24Nb, Ti-35Nb and Ti-42Nb alloys exhibit reduced hardness with elastic modulus values of 11, 18.0 and 11.2 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, advanced processes such as additive manufacturing including selective laser manufacturing (SLM) and directed energy deposition (DED) are gaining traction in the manufacturing industry.Item Advanced of Starch-Based Bioplastics(Elsevier, 2024) Mtibe, Asanda; Nomadolo, Elizabeth N; Hlekelele, Lerato; Mokhena, TC; Ofosu, Osei; John, Maya J; Ojijo, Vincent OThe potential of starch-based plastics is well-known and well-researched. In recent years, starch-based materials have been used in both commercial and industrial applications to develop biodegradable and sustainable products and address the negative impacts caused by synthetic plastic products. Synthetic plastics are derived from petroleum-based resources and are non-biodegradable, causing plastic waste pollution. Starch-based bioplastics are selected as an alternative to synthetic plastics due to their availability, renewability, sustainability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The conversion of starch into thermoplastic starch (TPS) will be discussed in this study. In addition, the development of starch-based bioplastics using different processing techniques such as melt extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blown film extruder as well as 3D and 4Dprinting will be also discussed. The market analysis of starch and starch-based materials, their properties, and applications, as well as prospects to determine if starch-based bioplastics are economically and practically feasible, will be thoroughly discussed.Item Plant molecular pharming to overcome the global impact of neglected tropical diseases(Springer, 2024-04) Moralo, Maabo; Singh, Advaita A; Pillay, Priyen; Kwezi, Lusisizwe; Tsekoa, Tsepo LNeglected tropical diseases (NTD) include a broad group of diseases that affect close to two billion people mainly from low and lower-middle income countries. NTD’s account for 12% of the global disease burden and approximately 200,000 deaths annually. The updated 2017 World Health Organisation’s NTD list recognises 20 major NTDs, 19 of these are infectious diseases caused by helminths, protozoa, bacteria or viruses. Snakebite envenoming is the only non-infectious disease on the list, and it has been included due to its high disease burden and impact, especially on young people and children. Global interventions for achieving 90% reduction in NTD treatment by 2030 NTD include prevention, control, elimination and eradication strategies. However, there are still gaps in the research and development of therapeutics and vaccines and limited access to therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics. This chapter broadly discusses NTDs, progress made and the insufficiencies in the landscape of therapeutics and vaccines and the critical role of plant molecular farming in response to the global disease burden of NTDs. Plant molecular farming presents an opportunity to develop new cost-effective NTD-targeting therapeutics and vaccines and cost-effective NTD diagnostic tools for increased equitable access by vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.Item Evaluating Sodium-Ion Batteries (SiB) and its Applications(IEEE, 2025-01) Grobler, Inus; Banderker, Muhammad H; Reesen GovindsamyThe Sodium Ion Battery (SiB) technology started to appear in production quantities in 2023. Sample SiB cells were purchased from different suppliers with various form factors and capacities. These cells were tested to verify their capabilities. Like Lithium Titanite Oxide (LTO) cells, the SiB cells can also be drained to zero volts without any damage or degradation of capacity, due to the aluminium cathode. Furthermore, our controlled environmental tests have shown that SiB cells can handle high temperatures and could function at higher C-rates than the popular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells, but not as high as LTO. Unfortunately, the sample SiBs exhibited poor low temperature characteristics, resulting in a permanent 20% capacity loss after 1C discharges at low temperatures. A second batch of sample SiB cells were supplied with more complex temperature specifications, which when followed, resulted in no noticeable degradation. SiBs exhibit a large variation in operating voltage, which can simplify State of Charge (SOC) estimation. On the contrary, the large voltage variation can also be a negative depending on the electronics being powered by the SiB and must be accounted for in the design. SiBs have shown benefits in cost, environmental impact and sustainability, which lends itself to further development and improvements in energy density and performance as we have witnessed occur with other cell technologies.