Engaging communities as partners: policing strategies in Johannesburg

PURPOSE : This paper aims to explore police perspectives on community engagement strategies within the context of crime prevention in South Africa, focusing on Johannesburg metropolitan police stations. The study’s objective is to scrutinise the effectiveness and challenges of community policing strategies. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Through a qualitative research approach, this study conducted unstructured interviews with station commanders and visible policing officers across 10 Johannesburg metropolitan police stations. FINDINGS : The findings reveal that community policing strategies, such as community–policing forums, sector policing, street patrollers and social media utilisation, can effectively engage communities as partners in crime prevention. However, certain challenges such as resource limitations and difficulties in policing-specific regions, were also identified. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study contributes to the broader understanding of community–policing partnerships and the practical implications of community–policing strategies in South Africa, suggesting areas for improvement and adaptation to the unique South African context. This knowledge can help optimise efforts to foster stronger relationships between police and communities, bolster public trust and ultimately improve crime prevention outcomes.The National Research Foundation (NRF).https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1757-8043hj2024School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA)SDG-11:Sustainable cities and communitie

2023 MASCC and ESMO guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are still considered to be two of the most troublesome adverse events (AEs) for patients treated with antineoplastic therapy. To optimise the utility of available antiemetic prophylaxis, updated reviews of the relevant literature and evidence-based guideline recommendations are crucial. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) completed the fourth Consensus Conference on Antiemetics for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer in Copenhagen in June 2015. This article is an update of the 2015 guidelines.Meeting and production costs have been covered by MASCC and ESMO from central funds.https://www.esmoopen.comhj2024ImmunologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness in first year medical students at a South African University

The personal health behaviours, including physical activity, of healthcare professionals influence their counselling practices as they relate to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, despite the importance of producing healthy, physically active graduates, there are limited data on the physical fitness of future healthcare professionals. This cross-sectional observational study determined the prevalence of below-average fitness in the four components of fitness in first-year university medical students. 152 participants (46 male, 106 female, 20.16 ± 2.69 years) completed cardiorespiratory fitness tests (submaximal step test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscle strength (handgrip), and muscle endurance tests (sit-ups, push-ups). Sex differences were reported using one-way ANOVA or Chi square test and significance was set at p < 0.05. The prevalence (%) of below-average fitness was 69.54% for cardiorespiratory, 25.66% for handgrip strength, 65.79% for sit-ups, 23.03% for push-ups and 7.24% for flexibility. Physical fitness parameters (mean±standard deviation (SD)) were compared between sexes, where it was found that females were more flexible than males (40.61 ± 8.40 cm vs 36.70 ± 9.31 cm, p = 0.012). Males had better handgrip strength (88.96 ± 12.04 kg vs 59.34 ± 10.36 kg, p < 0.001), muscle endurance sit-ups (33.46 ± 9.04 vs 24.48 ± 12.18, p < 0.001) and push-ups (30.28 ± 13.95 vs 24.27 ± 12.35, p = 0.009). First-year medical students have poor physical fitness, notably cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, which are important markers for NCD risk assessment. Tertiary institutions training healthcare professionals should consider developing interventions to improve students’ physical fitness thereby influencing their health, wellbeing, academic performance and future counselling practices.The International Olympic Committee.https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rhpe202024-10-18hj2023Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure SciencesFamily MedicinePhysiologySchool of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)Sports MedicineSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

Beliefs and preferences as predictors of prophylactic adherence and lockdown compliance in South Africa

Much of the research on behavioural preferences as predictors of compliance with regulations aimed at reducing the transmission of COVID-19 has focused on developed countries, with very little consideration of African countries. We conduct an online survey (n = 1503) considering beliefs, and individual and social preferences as predictors of compliance with prophylactic measures and lockdown regulations in South Africa. We use incentivized experimental measures of individual (risk and time) preferences and social preferences (cooperativeness and altruism). We also consider survey measures of risk tolerance, patience and trust. We find that beliefs about others’ behaviour are highly predictive of reported behaviour. We also find that greater patience and cooperativeness are predictive of high compliance with prophylactic measures and lockdown regulations. Encouragingly, respondents report higher compliance at higher lockdown levels, suggesting responsiveness of behaviour to the level of risk of infection.African Academy of Sciences.https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cdsa202025-03-05hj2023Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural DevelopmentSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

Developing breakthrough innovation capabilities in university ecosystems : a case study from South Africa

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) paradigm, whilst posing challenges, also presents significant opportunities to bolster research capabilities and pioneer breakthrough innovations that can stimulate economic growth across various sectors. However, the realisation of these benefits relies heavily on the ability of countries and their constituents to innovate effectively in this new landscape. The purpose of this study is to explore how innovation mechanisms can be employed to foster stronger innovation capabilities within a university ecosystem, particularly in the African context. To do so a case study methodology is used, where cross-sectional data gathered over six months is assessed using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) as a theoretical lens. The findings reveal that such innovation mechanisms, like a makerspace within a university ecosystem, provide critical support for design phase innovation and collaboration. We illustrate this by employing a conceptual framework that explains the process by which innovations evolve from ideas into valuable outcomes.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/techforehj2023InformaticsSDG-08:Decent work and economic growt

A transdisciplinary multiscaled approach to engage with green infrastructure planning, restoration and use in sub-Saharan Africa

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL : Data can be made available upon request from the first and corresponding author.The systematic integration of green infrastructure (GI) concepts in urban planning shows promise to reduce environmental hazards; while creating sociocultural benefits. However, cities in sub-Saharan Africa face rapid urbanisation and are challenged by the degradation of existing GI, increasing their vulnerability to climatic risks. This paper presents the findings of a transdisciplinary research project that investigated GI planning in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, over two years. The researchers conducted a community survey, an on-the-ground rapid assessment of multifunctional benefit provisions, first-hand observations of local stormwater systems, reviewed policy documents and conducted semi-structured interviews with metro officials. To integrate the above findings, four design studios and eight co-creation workshops were held that explored GI spatial planning in the city. The researchers examined the uptake of GI planning principles, and the challenges, opportunities and local proposals for GI applications, and here synthesised some main conclusions. Despite many well-known challenges, GI opportunities include creating socioeconomic incentives for stronger human-nature relations, providing for multifunctional benefits and anchoring GI in local communities. Interactive research can facilitate increased local awareness and engagement, but access to GI benefits is physically constrained and socially determined by knowledge, networks and safety factors. Based on the above findings, the researchers propose locally adapted planning strategies to enhance GI: creating opportunities for GI access and co-ownership, encouraging multifunctional, safe and flexible GI, supporting multiscale GI integration, and strengthening collaborative governance. A joint GI vision can reinforce city ownership along with flexible and creative design alternatives that are rooted in local communities.Open access funding provided by University of Pretoria. This research was funded by the Danish Funding Agency under the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Integrative Green Infrastructure Project (GRIP).https://link.springer.com/journal/11252hj2023ArchitectureSDG-11:Sustainable cities and communitie

How will AI text generation and processing impact sustainability reporting? Critical analysis, a conceptual framework and avenues for future research

PURPOSE : The ability of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to produce convincing, human-like text has major implications for the future of corporate reporting, including sustainability reporting. As the importance of sustainability reporting continues to grow, this study aims to critically analyse the benefits and pitfalls of automated text generation and processing. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : This study develops a conceptual framework to delineate the field, assess the implications and form the basis for the generation of research questions. This study uses Alvesson and Deetz’s critical framework, considering insight (a review of literature and practice in the field), critique (consideration of the influences on the production and use of non-financial information and the implications for assurers of such information) and transformative redefinition (considering the implications of generative AI for sustainability reporting and proposing a research agenda). FINDINGS : This study highlights the implications of generative AI for sustainability accounting, reporting, assurance and report usage, including the risk of AI facilitating greenwashing, and the importance of more research on the use of AI for these matters. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The paper highlights to stakeholders the implications of AI for all aspects of sustainability reporting, including accounting, reporting, assurance and usage of reports. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : The implications of AI need to be understood in society, which this paper facilitates. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study critically analyses the potential use of AI for sustainability reporting, construct a conceptual framework to delineate the field and develop a research agenda.https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/2040-8021hj2024AccountingSDG-17:Partnerships for the goal

Effect of vanadium implantation on the chemical bonding structure of glassy carbon

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.Please read abstract in the article.The Bilateral relationships between South Africa and Hungary in science and technology (S&T). The XPS and SNMS measurements were financed by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology, Hungary.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/vacuum2024-11-30hj2023PhysicsNon

Demain n’arrive jamais, mais cela (l’éducation) donne de l’espoir: expériences narrées par des femmes d’Afrique du Sud ayant fait des études supérieures en ligne pendant leur incarcération

Higher education in the correctional environment is endorsed globally as the most effective tool for rehabilitation. Studies from the Global North have researched correctional education and its accessibility, but few of those have focused specifically on incarcerated women’s access to tertiary education online. Even fewer consider this topic within the context of the Global South. This study aimed to address that gap by providing a holistic perspective of South African women’s experiences of e-learning and distance higher education while incarcerated. As a qualitative research study utilising feminist narrative inquiry, the lived experiences of seven women incarcerated in the largest correctional facility in South Africa are uncovered through narrative analysis. The findings describe women’s pathways towards obtaining an education online, the challenges they encountered, and the role support played in their completing a tertiary degree through distance education. Ultimately, the findings reveal that online higher education moves beyond student rehabilitation, to enhance the overall well-being of these students and enable them to cultivate empathic relationships with their peers, which in turn fosters further education opportunities for incarcerated women in South Africa.L'enseignement supérieur en milieu carcéral est mondialement reconnu comme l'outil le plus efficace pour la réadaptation. Des études réalisées dans les pays du Nord ont porté sur l'enseignement correctionnel et son accessibilité, mais peu d'entre elles se sont intéressées en particulier à l'accès des femmes incarcérées à l'enseignement supérieur en ligne. Elles sont encore moins nombreuses à se pencher sur ce sujet dans le contexte des pays du Sud. Cette étude vise à combler cette lacune en offrant une perspective holistique des expériences des femmes sud-africaines en matière d'apprentissage en ligne et d'enseignement supérieur à distance pendant leur incarcération. Dans le cadre d'une étude qualitative utilisant une enquête narrative féministe, les expériences vécues par sept femmes incarcérées dans le plus grand établissement pénitentiaire d'Afrique du Sud sont dévoilées par le biais d'une analyse narrative. Les résultats décrivent le cheminement des femmes vers l'obtention d'une éducation en ligne, les défis qu'elles ont rencontrés et le rôle que le soutien a joué dans l'obtention d'un diplôme d'études supérieures par l'intermédiaire de l'éducation à distance. En somme, les résultats révèlent que l'enseignement supérieur en ligne va au-delà de la réadaptation des étudiants, pour améliorer leur bien-être général et leur permettre de cultiver des relations empathiques avec leurs pairs, ce qui, à son tour, favorise les possibilités de formation continue pour les femmes incarcérées en Afrique du Sud.The National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences.http://www.ijede.ca/index.phphj2024Political SciencesSDG-04:Quality EducationSDG-05:Gender equalit

An explorative study: Necessity, motivation and uncertainty – Enacting entrepreneurial hustle

Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2023Day labourers are a marginalised category of worker operating in the unregulated informal sector, which is characterised by high levels of competition and uncertainty. Day labourers are so-called necessity entrepreneurs who have largely been pushed into the informal sector due to structural economic factors. This qualitative study delved into the day labourer phenomenon in South Africa with a view of understanding why these individuals have chosen the entrepreneurial path, what opportunities and hurdles they face in looking for work and plying their respective trades. Drawing on data collected, the study revealed how these individuals employed various entrepreneurial strategies and tactics to make a living. From the analysis of the findings, three constructs emerged: the uncertain environment to which day labourers are constantly exposed; the motivational factors driving day labourers’ decision to become necessity entrepreneurs; and the pervasiveness of the entrepreneurial hustle as a catalyst for success. In many ways, the entrepreneurial hustle is the key to transitioning away from ‘push’ factors, which necessity entrepreneurs know only too well, towards ‘pull’ factors, which are more readily associated with opportunity-driven entrepreneurs. The study also enabled the formulation of a conceptual model showing how the economy (both formal and informal) and the environment (with its certainties and uncertainties) impact necessity entrepreneurs and how the entrepreneurial hustle assists to navigate the challenges that surround it.pagibs202