Social innovation, gendered resilience, and informal food traders in Windhoek, Namibia

Informal food trading is a cornerstone of urban livelihoods and food security in Namibia, yet traders operate under fragile conditions marked by limited capital, policy exclusion, and exposure to shocks such as COVID-19. Despite this vulnerability, traders exhibit resilience through everyday forms of social innovation. This study investigates how adaptive pricing, customer credit, and digital communication and e-payment practices function as pathways of resilience among 470 informal food traders in Windhoek, using Structural Equation Modelling to assess gender-differentiated determinants and outcomes. The analysis reveals that women’s adoption of adaptive pricing and digital tools is driven primarily by education and startup capital, while men’s innovation practices are shaped by vendor type and access to financing. Social innovations mediate the effects of these structural factors on enterprise growth, demonstrating that innovation acts as a critical mechanism linking resources and resilience. The study concludes that enhancing informal traders’ resilience requires policies that strengthen human and financial capital, improve digital inclusion, and recognize gendered differences in access to opportunity. It recommends targeted support for women’s entrepreneurial training, affordable credit, and digital infrastructure to transform the informal food sector into a more equitable and sustainable component of Namibia’s urban economy

MIGHTEE/COSMOS-3D: the discovery of three spectroscopically confirmed radio-selected star-forming galaxies at z = 4.9–5.6

Radio observations offer a dust-independent probe of star formation and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity, but sufficiently deep data are required to access the cross-over luminosity between these processes at high redshift ((Formula presented)). We present three spectroscopically confirmed high-redshift radio sources (HzRSs) detected at 1.3 GHz at (Formula presented) –5.6, with radio luminosities spanning (Formula presented) –(Formula presented). These sources were first identified as high-redshift candidates through spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting of archival Hubble, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRCam + MIRI, and ground-based photometry, and then spectroscopically confirmed via the (Formula presented) emission line using wide-field slitless spectroscopy from JWST COSMOS-3D. The star formation rates (SFRs) measured from SED fitting, the (Formula presented) flux, and the 1.3 GHz luminosity, span (Formula presented) –(Formula presented), demonstrating broad agreement between these SFR tracers. We find that these three sources lie either on or 0.5–1.0 dex above the star-forming main sequence at (Formula presented) –6 and have undergone a recent burst of star formation. The sources have extended rest-ultraviolet (UV)/optical morphologies with no evidence for a dominant point source component, indicating that an AGN is unlikely to dominate their rest-UV and optical emission. Two of the sources have complex, multicomponent rest-frame UV/optical morphologies, suggesting that their starbursts may be triggered by merging activity. These HzRSs open up a new window towards probing radio emission powered by star formation alone at (Formula presented), representing a remarkable opportunity to begin tracing star formation, independent of dust, in the early Universe

A conductive metal-organic framework-modified electrode for sensitive electrochemiluminescent detection of cardiac Troponin I

The design of a sensitive and accurate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for the early detection of cardiac biomarkers at low concentrations is essential to improve patient outcomes. In this study, a conductive metal-organic framework (c-MOF), Cu3(HHTP)2, was drop-coated onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to produce an ultra-efficient electrochemical sensing platform which was subsequently functionalized with cTnI antibodies (Ab) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) for selective detection of the cardiac Troponin I. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed the successful stepwise fabrication of the immunosensor. We investigated the ECL behaviour of the Cu3(HHTP)2-modified SPCE using [Ru(bpy)3]2+ as the luminophore and found that a significant increase in ECL intensity was achieved compared to that of the unmodified SPCE. This enhancement was attributed to the high conductivity, porous structure, the increased surface area of the c-MOF and crucially the HHTP ligand plays a critical role in enabling ECL generation in this system. The analytical performance of the immunosensor was evaluated by monitoring the ECL responses at varying cTnI concentrations. The immunosensor achieved a detection limit of 10.23 ± 1.06 pg/mL in vitro, well below the clinically relevant cTnI thresholds, highlighting its potential for rapid and early-stage cardiac biomarker detection. These findings suggest the Cu3(HHTP)2-based ECL immunosensor represents a viable sensing platform that significantly increases conductivity and ECL efficiency without the need of additional coreactant species

Sexual sanctions and solidarity: Heterosexual schoolgirls’ negotiations of cisheteronormativity in two South African high schools

This paper examines how female heterosexual learners negotiate cisheteronormativity within South African school contexts. Using a qualitative design, we draw on two single-sex focus groups with girls aged 15–17 in two KwaZulu-Natal high schools. Cisheteronormativity is utilised as a conceptual lens to show how gendered norms naturalise a sex/gender binary and privilege heterosexuality while also opening avenues for contestation. The findings illustrate how support for gender and sexual diversity is produced in the context of girls’ reference to constitutional equality, religious and moral frames, as well as through school rituals like the matric dance. However, inclusion coexists with the reproduction of cisheteronormative binaries suggesting that acceptance of sexual diversity is partial and precarious. The paper also draws attention to the policing of boys’ masculinity and sexuality through peer surveillance, showing how masculinity is especially under pressure in the context of gender-nonconforming conduct. Despite these constraints, participants propose strategies that deal with cisheteronormativity through learner-led support groups, school counsellors, comprehensive sexuality education, and partnerships with community organisations. We conclude the paper with implications for advancing sexual diversity and justice in South African schools

Nilpotent locally compact groups with small topological entropy

We characterize the finiteness of the topological entropy of continuous automorphisms of locally compact nilpotent p-groups (p prime) via the notion of p-rank. Considering upper unitriangular matrices over the p-adic integers and p-adic rationals, we present an algorithmic criterion in order to produce nilpotent locally compact p-groups of large nilpotency class and with continuous automorphisms of finite topological entropy. The procedure allows us to generalize the construction of large families of totally disconnected locally compact Heisenberg p-groups. It should be also mentioned that alternative arguments have been proposed, in order to avoid the use of the p-rank for the finiteness of the topological entropy of the continuous automorphisms, but these arguments involve the notion of topologically capable group, which wasn't explored for locally compact groups (except for the discrete case)

Assessing the variations of the available flood storage capacity in a flood retention basin due to the changing environment

Flood retention basin (FRB) is an important measure for the flood control. As the available flood storage capacity of FRB reflects the maximum amount of flood that can be stored, it is often varied due to the changing environment, which impacts on the its flood control function. Based on the principle of allowing only specific areas to be inundated for flood control, a systematic framework is proposed to quantify the variations of the available flood storage capacity of an FRB due to the combined effects of human activities and climate change. The Variable Infiltration Capacity hydrological model is a tool of simulation of flood flow in the framework. A Geodetector model is applied to figure out the contributions of human activities and climate change. Applying the framework to 42 FRBs in the middle reaches of the Changjiang River Basin, the results show a significant 9.6% decrease in total available flood storage capacity from 2000 to 2020, with human activities contributing more than climate change. The decrease of available flood storage capacities in the FRBs bring the increases of frequencies (i.e., the decrease of the standard of flood control) of the flood inflows that represents the maximum preventing flood for FRBs from 0.111%, 0.167%, 0.100% to 0.143%, 0.250% and 0.167%, respectively. Our study will not only help assess variations of the available flood storage capacity, but also contribute to the protection of the FRBs

Antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial resistance: an evaluation of clinical teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practices at a South African dental school

Introduction Indiscriminate antibiotic prescribing in healthcare continues to make a significant contribution to increasing global antimicrobial resistance rates. This public health threat has the potential to cause 10 million deaths per year, if no action is taken to address this phenomenon. In light of escalating AMR rates, the World Health Organization recommended a Global Action Plan against AMR in 2015, which highlighted global attention to AMR. One of the objectives of the Global Action Plan is to improve knowledge of antimicrobial resistance through effective education and training. Studies have suggested gaps in the knowledge and practice of antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and undergraduate students, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacology and veterinary science. The dental profession has been identified as being a major contributor of excessive antibiotic prescribing, accounting for approximately 10% of systemic antibiotic prescriptions globally. Clinical knowledge, skills and practice gained during undergraduate dental programs can influence the clinical practice and competency of future prescribers. Clinical teachers thus play a critical role in shaping undergraduate dental students’ prescribing behaviours. This translates to effective undergraduate healthcare programs which offer adequate education on antimicrobial resistance and rational antibiotic prescribing practices to ensure that students are well prepared prior to entering clinical practice. Aim To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial prescribing and AMR awareness among clinical teachers at a dental faculty in South Africa. Methodology A quantitative, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among clinical teachers at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape in South Africa during the period of 28 September 2024 till 24 March 2025. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Responses were captured on a Google spreadsheet and exported to IBM SPSS Version 30 for descriptive and chi-square analyses. Results Sixty-one clinical teachers participated in the study (75% female and 25% male), with an 87.1% response rate. Participants’ work experience ranged from less than 5 years (2%), 5–10 years (11%), 11–15 years (18%), to more than 15 years (69%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic regimen was a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole. Majority of respondents (90%) prescribed a 5-day course of antibiotics, suggesting consistency with recommended short-course therapy. In cases of penicillin allergy, clindamycin (62%) was the most favoured alternative, which is concerning, as clindamycin is associated with numerous adverse effects

Engineering biomass-derived porous carbon via pyrolysis for high-performance supercapacitors

In the present study, pistachio shells, an abundant bio-waste, were used for the development of activated carbon (AC) using pyrolysis process. Biochar of shells was prepared at varying pyrolysis temperatures in the range 300–750 °C and then activated using KOH. The structural, functional, and morphological properties were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM, along with detailed textural properties (BET surface area and pore size distribution). The electrochemical performance of working electrode was evaluated using 1 M KOH and the highest specific capacitance was obtained for the AC synthesized from biochar optimized at 600 °C (AC60), which was 304.1 F g⁻¹ at 20 mV s⁻¹ (CV) and 284.8 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ (GCD). The EDLC and diffusive contributions, as defined by the Trasatti method, were 79.1% and 20.9%, respectively. The fabricated symmetric device (AC//AC) offers 103 F g− 1 of specific capacitance at 0.5 A g− 1 with a maximum 14.36 W Kg−1energy density and 2500 Wh Kg− 1 power density with 80% capacitive retention after 10,000 charging-discharging cycles. The results demonstrate that AC derived from pistachio shells is a favourable electrode material for green and efficient high-performance supercapacitors

The Expulsion of Igbo People from Equatorial Guinea: 1950-1979

This study presents a historical exposition on the expulsion of the Igbo people from Equatorial Guinea between 1950 and 1979. The research begins in 1950 because by the mid-1950s, many labourers migrated from Nigeria to Fernando Po Island. Most of these Nigerian migrants were Igbo people. The study ends in 1979, the year that marked the end of the first native and tyrannic ruler, Francisco Macías Nguema. He maltreated many autochthonous groups and alien ethnic groups in Equatorial Guinea, the Igbo people included. The available literature on the history of Equatorial Guinea discloses the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial governments, with an emphasis on the economic and socio-political history. Nonetheless, most literature has scant information about the main and minor ethnic groups in Equatorial Guinea, such as the Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, Bujeba, Benga, Kombe, Fernandino, and Creole. Still, little or nothing is specifically written about the Igbo of Equatorial Guinea. The study examines the rationale for the migration of Igbo to Fernando Po, Equatorial Guinea. This study examines Igbo activities and how Spanish colonial rulers mandated the Igbo to build the colonial economy. Also, the study focuses on the colonial legacies of brutality, extortion, and underdevelopment of both human and infrastructures that Macías inherited from his Spanish predecessors, and how these led to the expulsion of the Igbo from Equatorial Guinea. The study identifies the paradigm shifts in the policies of the first native president, Macías Nguema, whose leadership were synonymous with what he inherited from the Spaniard colonial administrator. The study examines the struggles between the Igbo and the host government; it understands the factors that led to the expulsion of the Igbo from Equatorial Guinea, cum outcome of the expulsion on the Igbo and Equatorial Guinea. This thesis relies more on archival records on the rationale for the migration of the Igbo to Equatorial Guinea, and the reasons for their expulsion from Equatorial Guinea cum the colonial relationships with the Igbo in this study

Assessing neglected and underutilised taro crop water status using physiological indicators and UAV multi-modal thermal-multispectral data

Purpose: Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L)), a neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS), holds great potential as a future smart crop that can thrive under climate variability and change, hence sustaining food security. While taro exhibits tolerance to drought conditions, variations in physiological attributes such as leaf temperature that rises under water stress and the associated stomatal closure that is initiated to conserve water, compromise crop productivity and overall yield. Therefore, monitoring taro crop physiological indicators of water status allows for the implementation of timely interventions and targeted adaption strategies to mitigate the effects of water deficit on taro crop productivity. Methods: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), integrated with high-resolution thermal sensors, provide valuable platform for generating near-real-time spatially explicit information suitable for assessing taro crop water status physiological indicators at farm scale. Hence, this study sought to evaluate the utility of UAV multi-modal thermal remote sensing and deep neural network techniques to estimate the equivalent water thickness, fuel moisture content, stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, and the chlorophyll content of smallholder taro crops. Results: Findings showed that the multi-modal variable method achieves higher estimation accuracies in comparison to a single-modal technique, achieving R2 values greater than 0.91 and rRSME values less than 14.15% of equivalent water thickness, fuel moisture content, stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, and chlorophyll content. Additionally, the results illustrated that the thermal wavebands and derived thermal indices are the most influential variables in estimating stomatal conductance and leaf temperature, yielding R2 of 0.96 and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: These research findings underscore the applicability of UAV-acquired thermal remote sensing in providing rapid and robust spatially explicit information on smallholder taro crop water status for ensuring crop productivity and developing early warning systems of water stress. These findings serve as a stepping stone towards advancing agricultural monitoring frameworks and integrating NUS, such as taro, into traditional farming