Résumé Il y a toujours un scepticisme quant à savoir si un membre élu peut exercer une influence au Conseil de Sécurité des Nations Unies (CSNU). Cet article réévalue comment le Brésil, l’Inde et l’Afrique du Sud ont tenté d’influencer le processus de prise de décision du CSNU en tant que membres pendant la période 2010-2012. Il aborde la dynamique et les pratiques du Conseil, la centralité des cinq membres permanents (P5) et les moyens utilisés par les trois pays pour atteindre leurs objectifs de politique étrangère. À travers ces cas spécifiques, cet article montre que bien qu’il y ait de la place pour un membre élu pour influencer le Conseil, il est difficile de défier la prédominance du P5 même en profitant des opportunités et en s’engageant avec les principaux acteurs du CSNU. . (CSNU) Brésil lInde l Inde lAfrique Afrique dinfluencer d 20102012. 20102012 2010 2012. 2012 2010-2012 P (P5 étrangère spécifiques quil qu sengageant s engageant (CSNU 2010201 201 2010-201 (P 201020 20 2010-20 20102 2 2010-2 2010-

Abstract There is always scepticism about the extent to which an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) can meaningfully exert influence. This article reassesses how, between 2010 and 2012, Brazil, India, and South Africa tried to leverage their membership to influence UNSC decision-making processes. It addresses the Council’s dynamics and practices, the centrality of its five permanent members (P5), and the ways these countries achieve their foreign policy objectives. Through country-specific cases, this article shows that although there is space for an elected member to influence the Council, challenging the predominance of the P5 remains difficult, even by seizing opportunities and engaging with key UNSC players. (UNSC how 201 2012 Brazil India decisionmaking decision making processes Councils s practices P5, P , (P5) objectives countryspecific country specific cases difficult players 20 (P5 2 (P

Resumen Siempre existe escepticismo sobre si un miembro electo puede ejercer influencia en el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas (CSNU). Este artículo reevalúa cómo Brasil, India y Sudáfrica intentaron influir en el proceso de toma de decisiones del CSNU como miembros en el periodo 2010-2012. Examina la dinámica y las prácticas del Consejo, la centralidad de los cinco miembros permanentes (P5) y las formas en que los tres países alcanzan sus objetivos de política exterior. A través de estos casos concretos, este artículo muestra que, aunque un miembro electo tiene margen para influir en el Consejo, es difícil desafiar el predominio de los P5 incluso aprovechando las oportunidades y comprometiéndose con los actores clave del CSNU. . (CSNU) Brasil 20102012. 20102012 2010 2012. 2012 2010-2012 P (P5 exterior concretos (CSNU 2010201 201 2010-201 (P 201020 20 2010-20 20102 2 2010-2 2010-

Resumo Há sempre ceticismo sobre se um membro eleito pode exercer influência no Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas (CSNU). Este artigo reavalia como Brasil, Índia e África do Sul tentaram influenciar o processo de tomada de decisão do CSNU como membros no período 2010-2012. Aborda a dinâmica e as práticas do Conselho, a centralidade dos cinco membros permanentes (P5) e as formas utilizadas pelos três países para atingir seus objetivos de política externa. Por meio desses casos específicos, este artigo mostra que, embora haja espaço para um membro eleito influenciar o Conselho, é difícil desafiar a predominância do P5 mesmo aproveitando oportunidades e engajando-se com os principais atores do CSNU. . (CSNU) Brasil 20102012. 20102012 2010 2012. 2012 2010-2012 P (P5 externa específicos que engajandose engajando (CSNU 2010201 201 2010-201 (P 201020 20 2010-20 20102 2 2010-2 2010-

Die prosesse wat gebruik word om onroerende eiendom van verkoper na koper in Suid-Afrika oor te dra, is verouderd en nie outomaties nie. Dokumente in papierformaat verhoog die risiko vir bedrog en wanvoorstellings. Hierdie artikel oorweeg die implementering van 'n wolkgebaseerde, gesentraliseerde databasis met eiendomsaanvoerkettingvennote, om deursigtigheid, omkeertyd en sekuriteit te verbeter, terwyl die risiko en koste geminimaliseer word. Die digitalisering van eiendomsprosesse sou lei tot die dematerialisering van die titelbewys, en nie bloot outomatisering van die papiergebaseerde stelsel nie. Die kwalitatiewe navorsing was verkennend, en halfgestruktureerde onderhoude is gevoer met rolspelers betrokke by eiendomsoordragte in Suid-Afrika. Dit het die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank, die Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling, die Prokureursorde van Suid-Afrika, verbandopstellers, Die Bankvereniging, die Departement van Binnelandse Sake, die registrateur van die aktekantoor, die landmeter-generaal, munisipaliteite, sagtewaremaatskappye, die Nasionale Tesourie, Suid-Afrika se Sentrale Sekuriteitebewaarplek, sowel as die Tshwane Munisipaliteit se Raad, ingesluit.

The processes used to transfer immovable property from a seller to a buyer in South Africa are outdated and not digitised. Paper-based documents increase the risk of fraud and misrepresentation. This study considered the implementation of a cloud-based centralised database for property supply chain partners to enhance transparency, turnaround times, and security while minimising risks and costs. Digitalised property processes would result in title deeds' dematerialisation and not merely the automation of the paper-based system. This qualitative study was exploratory, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with role-players involved with property transfers in South Africa. These included the South African Reserve Bank, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the Law Society of South Africa, mortgage originators, The Banking Association, the Department of Home Affairs, the Registrar of each Deeds Office, the Surveyor General's office, municipalities, software companies, National Treasury, South Africa's Central Securities Depository (Strate Ltd), and the Tshwane Mettropolitan Municipal Council.

Abstract Introduction: The Aedes vittatus mosquito is an important vector of yellow fever in Africa, with vectorial competence for dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Its presence has been reported in some places in Africa, Asia, Europe, and -recently- America. However, information on its distribution is fragmented, with limited descriptions of the specific characteristics of its habitats. Objective: To compile records of its occurrence, describe the ecological characteristics of its habitat and estimate its current and future global potential invasion. Methods: We employed both first-record data and global occurrence records to describe its habitat. Additionally, we used an ecological niche model, specifically the MaxEnt algorithm, with bioclimatic variable layers to estimate potential invasion areas. Since the native range of A. vittatus is unknown, we calibrated accessible areas using two hypotheses, Africa and Asia, based on available genetic information. Results: Regardless of its native area, A. vittatus appears to be distributed in tropical and subtropical areas in all continents with potential to reach even currently colder climates as global climate change. It is found mainly in tropical and urban areas, likely through transcontinental and terrestrial passive transport. Conclusions: The mosquito can be found on all continents, ranging from sea level to 2 500 m.a.s.l., at temperatures between 15 and 30 °C, and has the potential for further expansion.

Resumen Introducción: El mosquito Aedes vittatus es un importante vector de la fiebre amarilla en África, con competencia vectorial para el dengue, la chikungunya y el Zika. Se ha informado de su presencia en algunas áreas de África, Asia, Europa y, recientemente, América. Sin embargo, la información sobre su distribución es fragmentada, con descripciones limitadas de las características específicas de sus hábitats. Objetivo: Recopilar registros de su presencia, describir las características ecológicas de su hábitat y estimar su potencial de invasión actual y futuro a nivel mundial. Métodos: Utilizamos datos de primeros registros y registros de presencia a nivel global para describir su hábitat. Además, empleamos un modelo de nicho ecológico, específicamente el algoritmo MaxEnt, con capas de variables bioclimáticas para estimar las áreas de potencial invasión. Dado que se desconoce el área nativa de A. vittatus, calibramos áreas accesibles bajo dos hipótesis, África y Asia, basadas en la información genética disponible. Resultados: Independientemente de su área nativa, A. vittatus parece distribuirse en regiones tropicales y subtropicales en todos los continentes, con el potencial de expandirse incluso hacia climas actualmente más fríos debido al cambio climático global. Se encuentra principalmente en áreas tropicales y urbanas, posiblemente a través del transporte pasivo transcontinental y terrestre. Conclusiones: El mosquito se puede encontrar en todos los continentes, desde el nivel del mar hasta altitudes de 2 500 m.s.n.m., a temperaturas que oscilan entre 15 y 30 °C, y presenta el potencial para una mayor expansión geográfica.

Direct current flow through power transformers in HVDC systems can lead to significant half-cycle saturation issues, putting the power system at risk. The HVDC system can function in monopolar ground return and unbalanced bipolar without earth return conductors. During these two HVDC modes of operation, a substantial direct current flows through the HVDC ground terminals, creating a ground DC potential difference between the neutrally grounded transformers. As a result, DC flows through the neutrals into the transformer windings. The study presents a transformer-neutral DC compensating device incorporating a novel control to solve the issue. Using a proper control strategy, injecting reverse DC into the grounding grid can compensate for direct current flow in transformer windings to mitigate the biased operating flux of power transformers. In this article, an in-depth analysis of transformer response to DC bias was investigated. Then, an Interval type-II fuzzy logic control (IT2FLC) was proposed as an effective control strategy for managing the neutral DC compensating system. Its robustness was assessed and analysed by comparing it with type-I fuzzy logic-based (T1FLC) and a PI-based compensation system. The control performance is examined using MATLAB/Simulink models and validated with rapid control prototype tests conducted with a SpeedgoatTM real-time target machine, assessing the transient response, oscillations, and settling time of the compensation device under DC bias voltage variations. The outcomes indicate that the IT2FLC controls the compensation device more effectively than other controllers to mitigate half-cycle saturation. This approach introduces a novel strategy to prevent transformer half-cycle saturation.

Livestock farms in Kenya face pressure to increase productivity amid rising global population. Cattle farming dominates, but small to medium-sized farms struggle with cattle insemination. Currently, visual observation is used for heat detection, with farmers maintaining farm journals. Modern methods utilizing sensors to improve estrus prediction are time-consuming, costly and need constant internet connection. This research proposes a novel approach-the use of an on-controller machine learning algorithm- for estrus prediction in cattle. Motion and temperature data was collected from two zero-grazed multiparous Holstein Friesian cows in Kiambu County, Kenya for 11 months. The data was cleaned and stored. Movement intensity profiles were derived by root-mean-squaring directional accelerometer values and averaging this over time. Validation was performed by observing cow behavior for indicators such as restlessness, mounting, and vulva swelling, with farmer predictions documented in their records. The collected data was then used to train a machine learning algorithm, with several models tested, and a neural network emerged as the best fit. The TensorFlow library facilitated the implementation of the algorithm on a microcontroller, allowing for the development of an animal tag featuring the ML algorithm. Results demonstrated 83.9% sensitivity, 89.0% specificity and 89.5% accuracy in detecting estrus, compared to farmer's visual observation, which had only 37% sensitivity. These findings underscore the potential to integrate machine learning into Precision Livestock Farming for estrus prediction, with prediction occurring directly on the animal tag offline. This integration holds promise for farmers, notably heightened insemination success rates, without necessitating significant financial investment.

Golfers often face challenges in refining their swings, seeking cost-effective ways to enhance their techniques. Traditional coaching methods are costly and since they rely on the human eye, these techniques often miss important golf swing movements owing to the rapid pace of a golf swing. To address this shortcoming, an investigation into the potential of IMU sensors for the mapping of golf swings to aid both instructors and golfers was undertaken. Focusing on the leading shoulder's horizontal position relative to the club head, the study addresses two questions: determining whether IMUs can map a golf swing as well as determining the minimum IMU sensors required to track a golf swing. Thus, the goal of this pilot study was to identify if there are optimal placements for IMUs on the body. The premise is that by performing a consistent golf swing, golfers could improve their handicap. Thus, by tracking and visually displaying the phases of the golf swing, such data could aid in increased golf swing consistency by analysing not only the phases of the golf swing, but also the bodily movements. This pilot study relied on six participants who each repeatedly performed golf swings. IMUs were positioned in eight positions around the body from ankle to shoulder and several trials were conducted for each position. The results showed that IMUs were useful in tracking a golf swing; however, certain bodily positions, such as the hip, leading knee, and leading foot, did not yield meaningful data as compared to the other positions. The IMU data from the back and front of the wrist and the leading shoulder provided useful mappings of the golf swing, including the timing and intensity. Analysis of body posture angles, especially wrist flexion, hip, and shoulder rotation angles, offered valuable data that may be useful to both coaches and players. By discerning patterns in successful and unsuccessful swings, coaches could provide informed feedback to golfers, aiding golfers in refining their techniques. These findings demonstrate the potential of IMU sensors in golf instruction, offering a data-driven approach to enhance golfers' performance and consistency on the golf course.

Abstract Prince João assumed some protagonism in the life of the kingdom of Portugal from 1471 onwards, when he was part of the army that conquered Arzila (North Africa), and successively increased his preponderance in governance until the end of the life of his father, King Afonso V. This article describes, analyses and seeks to interpret João's “escalation” in the political leadership of the kingdom with a focus on his participation in diplomatic activities. The preponderance he achieved during the war with Castile (1475-1479) and the establishment of peace (1479-1480) stands out. This was a period in which he often acted autonomously and led political lines different from those defended by his father.

Resumo O príncipe João assumiu algum protagonismo na vida do reino de Portugal a partir de 1471, quando integrou o exército que conquistou Arzila (Norte de África), e aumentou sucessivamente a sua preponderância na governação até ao final da vida do seu pai, o rei Afonso V. Este artigo descreve, analisa e procura interpretar essa “escalada” de João na condução política do reino com foco na sua participação em atividades diplomáticas. Destaca-se a preponderância que alcançou durante a guerra com Castela (1475-1479) e o estabelecimento da paz (1479-1480), um período em que muitas vezes atuou autonomamente e protagonizando linhas políticas diferentes das que eram defendidas pelo seu pai.

SIGNIFICANCE: Surfacing the connections between science engagement, engaged science, and sustainability sciences, we urge a re-evaluation of sustainability science's beneficiaries and goals, by advocating a transdisciplinary approach to address sustainability challenges, based on a relational ontology. Thinking with posthumanist, feminist new materialist and Black feminist theories, we consider the importance of multispecies attention and empathy in scientific research. We propose a concept of evolving new perceptual organs in humans to enhance collective responsiveness, inspired by the lateral line organ in fish and their collaborative intelligence for navigating contemporary social and ecological crises and injustices in 'hot messes'.

There is widespread agreement that skills development is a vital dimension of the just energy transition (JET). Skills development for JET is rapidly emerging and involves complex inter-sectoral systems of skills development and new methods for demand analysis. Currently in South Africa, learning pathways into green jobs, enterprise development and more sustainable job options, including those required for JET at entry and technical levels, are unclear, ad hoc and fragmented. At best, we have fragmented offerings of courses and qualifications and few systemic approaches to skills analysis and development. There is also a narrow reliance on supply and demand discourses that are ill-fitting for the type of skills that need to be developed. Drawing on a group of regional and local studies focusing on skills supply and demand for JET, the paper analyses the responsiveness of skills systems, with specific focus on institutions and institutional arrangements that underpin skills planning and anticipation. The paper critiques the metaphor of 'supply' and 'demand', which, it argues, is the wrong lens, as it focuses attention on certain parts of the skills system dislocated from the broader conditions that they are imbedded in. We pose new methodological questions for engaged skills research that can enable a green and just future, and the systemic transformations that are needed to catalyse a low-carbon transition. SIGNIFICANCE: The research findings offer a critical reflection on the current approach to research focused on skills for the just energy transition. The review highlights the limitations of the dominant supply-demand approach of skills analysis, and we argue that it promotes a neoliberal, market-led discourse on skills that privileges industry and excludes the voices of communities and workers.

SIGNIFICANCE: Given the extractive nature of many Western-led scientific activities in Africa, it is important to design research programmes that have long-term investments for (and on) the continent. These programmes must engage communities from local to regional levels to be sustainable, especially if they aim to achieve the sustainability of life systems continentally. In this regard, I propose and illustrate the value of using systemic approaches that focus primarily on the historicity and evolutionary nature of human-to-land relationships, which stem from shared identities, values, etc., to conduct engaged socio-economic-land studies as a subset of social-ecological systems.

Research that directs the way stakeholders act and how they collaborate is essential when addressing complex environmental challenges in the field of sustainability science. For example, researchers attempting to manage Prosopis invasions through biological control in South Africa have historically faced challenges from stakeholders. In this study we illustrate the importance of stakeholder engagement and social learning by outlining the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to promote effective, integrative and sustainable management of Prosopis invasions in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Through a community of practice approach, stakeholders worked together over the past half-decade in an attempt to develop a National Strategy for Prosopis management and improve its control. This strategy aimed not only to emphasise the need for integration of biomass use (aimed at offsetting the costs of mechanical clearing and necessary herbicide use) but also to underscore the significance of biocontrol alongside other management approaches. Stakeholders also identified that adequate farm-scale planning is necessary to provide a sense of purpose and assist in monitoring of progress. We worked alongside land managers and experts to develop such plans. The engagement of local champions played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and learning among stakeholders, emphasising the significance of inclusive approaches in addressing complex sustainability challenges. In addition, we gained an understanding of how to develop the community of practice to enhance collaboration that ensures the implementation of plans to better manage Prosopis. Our findings underscore the necessity of meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in effective invasive species management. By promoting understanding and involvement of diverse stakeholders, initiatives can have a greater impact in addressing broader sustainability issues. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight the fundamental role of stakeholder collaboration in addressing environmental challenges (e.g. biological invasions), promoting sustainability and fostering social learning. Collaboration facilitates exchange of knowledge, promotes social learning and allows stakeholders to make informed decisions when addressing sustainability issues. Collaborative approaches promote the effectiveness of a community of practice in managing Prosopis invasions in South Africa. Local champions played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusive approaches. Sustained stakeholder engagement, transdisciplinary collaborations, effective biological control and market development for biomass products will be essential to improve the sustainable management Prosopis.

The water resources within the lower section of the Upper Vaal catchment, where the Vaal Barrage is situated, are highly utilised and developed, and water quality regulation has become a contested space between resource users and the regulators. The credibility and scientific defensibility of discharge standards in water-use licences (WULs), the relationship between upstream and downstream waste loads, the relationship between flows and water quality standards in WUL, and the water quality components of the resource quality objectives (RQOs) are being contested. This study explores the perceptions and motivations underlying these contestations as a contribution to scientific understanding of water quality management in a highly developed system. Perceived unrealistic RQOs, perceived lack of scientific credibility of the methods for deriving water quality standards in WUL, data inadequacy, as well as poor institutional capacity were identified as the top motivations for contesting applicable regulatory instruments in the catchment. Punitive measures, incentives, and education and awareness-raising were identified as key to accelerating compliance. Overall, this paper contributes to our general understanding of the intricacies of water quality management within a contested space. SIGNIFICANCE: Water quality management in South Africa is increasingly becoming a contested space, particularly in catchments that are highly developed and utilised. The findings in this study imply that (1) there is a need for a multi-pronged approach to increase water quality compliance, (2) there is a need for trust within the regulatory system to foster confidence among actors and stakeholders, and (3) transparent, open processes and scientifically credible and defensible methods, and data are needed for deriving standards in water-use licences (WULs).

Evaluative research can advance sustainability education through the learning it can enable, at micro and systems levels. This proposition is explored by examining evaluation practice in a 6-year international programme entitled Transdisciplinary Education Collaboration for Transformations in Sustainability involving universities and biosphere reserves/regions in Germany, South Africa and Canada. A Transdisciplinary International Learning Lab (TILL) was evaluated using a theory-based evaluation approach and interviews, focus groups and questionnaires that yielded qualitative data. Through meta-reflection, we concluded that our TILL had elements of a Field School, rather than a Learning Lab, and that our curriculum required more explicit deliberation among programme developers and implementers towards a deeper and shared understanding of pedagogical assumptions and more congruent practice of transdisciplinary and transformative sustainability education. The reflective, theory-based approach enabled learning from evaluation and was captured in a shared refinement of the theory of change, which makes it explicit that learning from pedagogical innovations is not only for students but also for academics. The paper is an invitation to other innovators in sustainability science, education and evaluation in higher education, to share related findings. SIGNIFICANCE: Through evaluative research, educators gained insight into how transformative sustainability education and transdisciplinarity play out in practice, and how theory-based evaluation can inform more transformative programme design. As higher education practitioners collaborating across continents and disciplines for systemic change, we noted that transformative concepts do not immediately translate into transformative practices, unless we critically and collectively reflect on practice and outcomes. Such (meta) reflection requires data and purposefully designed evaluation frameworks-in-use. This idea is not new, but its manifestation in practice was illuminative and could also be of scholarly interest to other curriculum and evaluation designers.

Remote areas that lack conventional water-provisioning infrastructure often rely on rainwater harvesting, rivers, pans, reservoirs and borehole-extracted water to meet domestic water requirements. These water sources often have poor microbial quality and chemical composition, the quality of which is not routinely monitored. This study explored citizen science as a tool for Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, detailing the co-creation of a sustained community-based water quality monitoring program in collaboration with communities in villages in Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Without access to other water sources, participants predominantly used rainwater for drinking and cooking (80%), while borehole water was mainly used for cleaning and gardening due to its salty or bitter taste. A hydrogen sulfide (H2S) water testing kit was used by the citizen scientists to monitor the water quality. The H2S kits were effective in estimating bacterial contamination, showing a proportional relationship with Colilert® test results conducted in a laboratory. The alignment observed between community-based monitoring results and those derived from scientist-led testing underscores the value of data produced through citizen science initiatives. Sustained participant engagement throughout this research reflected a sense of community empowerment through access to tools that inform their decision-making around water use and treatment as well as investment in the research, indicative of the perceived relevance of the research to community interests. This integration of transdisciplinary data sources holds promise for informing evidence-based decision-making processes, facilitating more effective and contextually informed water management strategies that value and integrate community perspectives alongside scientific insights. SIGNIFICANCE: Drawing on the principles of Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, we applied citizen science tools to engage researchers and communities in the co-development of a water quality monitoring program. In addressing a specific area of concern, raised by the remotely situated community around the need for knowing their water quality, the project successfully trained communities in applying water testing tools and fostered agency in decision-making around water treatment. Combined with continuous feedback and communication loops, a high rate of continuity was sustained among the participants.

SIGNIFICANCE: To address water challenges, several strategic water source areas (SWSAs) have been defined as important for water security in South Africa. The governance of SWSAs is faced with a series of interconnected tensions. The Living Catchments Project was implemented in four SWSAs, and provides an example of how social processes and learning projects can be funded, designed and implemented at different levels. At all of these levels, conceptualisation and evaluation of social learning processes are important for capturing the lessons learnt and advocating investment in community-engaged governance of SWSAs. Ongoing research is required for observing, examining and improving social learning processes in the governance of SWSAs.