Research Articles (University of Pretoria)
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This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.
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Item The effects of in‑plane strains on the electrochemical properties of Li adatoms on the ZrS2 monolayer : a first-principles studyMahapane, B.D.; Fwalo, Chewe; Bekeur, Craig Arthur; Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin (Springer, 2025-12)In this study, we use density functional theory (DFT) with a Hubbard (U) parameter, implemented in the Quantum Espresso code, to investigate the interactions between Li-ions and the ZrS2 monolayer under the influence of in-plane uniaxial and biaxial strains, specifically within the context of lithium-ion batteries. This is to ensure the ZrS2 monolayer is more robust against the Coulomb forces arising from interactions between multiple lithium ions. This study objectively examines the impact of tensile and compressive strains ranging from − 5% to 5% on the energetic stability and electrochemical properties of the lithiated ZrS2 electrode monolayer. For a single Li adatom on a 3 × 3 ZrS2 monolayer, the compressed structure (at − 5% strain) becomes more energetically favorable, exhibiting a low adsorption energy of − 1.41 eV. In contrast, the stretched structure (at + 5% strain) has a higher adsorption energy of − 0.95 eV compared to the unstrained structure (− 1.16 eV), although exothermic interaction is maintained. The ZrS2 electrode monolayer has a shallow energy barrier of 0.23 eV for Li-ion diffusion, indicating greater mobility, which is slightly enhanced by compressive strain. The application of − 5% (compressive strain) resulted in an average OCV of 0.93 V, and 0.78 V for unstrained, while + 5% (tensile strain) yielded an OCV of 0.69 V, which is in the range of commercial anode materials. The tensile strain on a ZrS2 electrode monolayer would be more effective in mitigating the dendrite formation. The introduction of a Li adatom rearranged the conduction band minimum, leading to the hybridized Zr d orbital states crossing the Fermi level and becoming more populated as the number of Li adatoms increases, leading to a more conductive electrode. Additionally, the strain reduced the band gap, causing the induced electronic states to be continuous from the VBM to the CBM edges, which enhances the electronic conductivity of the material, ensuring the excellent LIBs operation during the charge and discharge processes.Item Expansion and deepening of social support systems for female caregivers who attended a group-based HIV prevention programme in Soweto, South AfricaGunda, Sabastian; Sibanda, Sipho (Taylor and Francis, 2025-06-05)The steady rise of family-based interventions to prevent HIV infections among adolescent girls has necessitated the need for empirical evidence to gauge their acceptability and impact. This qualitative study explored the experiences of female caregivers who attended the “Let’s Talk,” HIV prevention Programme. The study used semi-structured interviews with caregivers who participated in the Let’s Talk Programme. Twelve caregivers were purposively sampled to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, which entailed manual categorization and coding the data into themes and subthemes using a deductive approach. The findings indicate that through attending Let’s Talk sessions, the caregivers’ social support networks widened and deepened, ultimately leading to sharing and transference of problem solving and parenting skills. The conclusion is that the expansion and deepening of the caregivers’ social networks provide empirical evidence of Let’s Talk’s efficacy in facilitating desired outcomes. It is recommended that the Let’s Talk Programme needs to be up scaled in its current format within South Africa and other resource limited settings of Africa. This study only covered a small geographic area of Soweto, there is therefore scope for further research incorporating a bigger sample of participants drawn from a larger geographic area.Item Improving post-award grant management efficiency through process mapping and activity-based costingKotzee, Ninette; Du Toit, Elda (Society of Research Administrators International, 2025)This case study details how the University of Pretoria’s Grant Management Unit improved post-award grant management efficiency and compliance. Using process mapping and Activity-Based Costing, the Unit identified and addressed inefficiencies, high compliance costs, and process bottlenecks. Activity-Based Costing provides valuable insights into resource allocation and cost optimization. This integrated approach offers a practical model for enhancing efficiency and compliance in resource constrained universities.Item Evaluation of phosphite to protect a South African Proteaceae from Phytophthora root rotMsweli, Dumsani; Geerts, Sjirk; Nndanduleni, Mashudu; Paap, Trudy (Springer, 2025-11)Phytophthora cinnamomi is a globally recognised invasive plant pathogen, affecting approximately 5000 host species. In South Africa, previous research has linked P. cinnamomi to root rot in endemic Proteaceae, including Leucadendron argenteum. Recent observations have noted high mortality rates in L. argenteum, with P. cinnamomi readily isolated from the roots and collars of dying trees. Phosphite is commonly used to control Phytophthora diseases, but its efficacy in protecting native South African flora remains uncertain. To address this, trials were conducted to evaluate phosphite’s effectiveness against P. cinnamomi infection in L. argenteum. In the glasshouse trial, four-month-old seedlings were treated with 5 g/L phosphite and then inoculated with P. cinnamomi. Non-treated inoculated seedlings exhibited rapid wilting within three weeks, while treated seedlings showed significant disease reduction, with no difference in root weight and seedling height compared to non-inoculated controls. In the field trial, L. argenteum trees treated with 40 g/L and 50 g/L phosphite injections over 30 months showed no significant difference in survival rates compared to untreated controls. The lack of phosphite efficacy in the field trial was attributed to the presence of Armillaria spp. The study underscores the threat P. cinnamomi poses to L. argenteum populations and highlights the additional risk from Armillaria. While phosphite has demonstrated effectiveness against Phytophthora root rot, further investigation is needed to determine if P. cinnamomi and Armillaria spp. have synergistic effects on L. argenteum mortality. Additionally, exploring phosphite’s potential to protect plants from A. mellea at the seedling stage is warranted.Item Crafting teacher-time for tea and art : the participatory development of a social connectedness intervention with teachers in an unequal spaceVersfeld, Jessica; Ferreira, Ronel; Ebersohn, L. (Liesel) (University of Cincinnati Office of Innovation and Community Engagement, 2025)This study explores the development and evaluation of the Isithebe Social Connectedness intervention, an expressive arts-based initiative co-created with teachers in resource-constrained primary schools in South Africa. Using Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) principles, the intervention was designed to be culturally relevant, contextually responsive, and aligned with Afrocentric values such as Ubuntu. By involving teachers as active co-creators of the intervention, rather than mere recipients, the intervention fosters relevant science by fitting the unique contextual and conceptual needs of the educational space, responsive science by addressing challenges with local resources, and responsible science by empowering participants as agents of change within their communities. This study highlights the participatory processes and adaptive strategies that underpinned the intervention’s development. Findings underscore the potential of community-driven, culturally resonant interventions to enhance teacher resilience and well-being in resource-limited settings.Item Why certain narratives do not belong in the classroom : difficult and dangerous history in South SudanSkaras, Merethe; Bentrovato, Denise (Taylor and Francis, 2025-09-23)There is a scholarly consensus that addressing past conflicts within education is an essential ingredient in justice and reconciliation processes. In newly independent South Sudan, an unstable political context ravaged by protracted civil war, it is debatable whether and how difficult history could or should be addressed. Against the backdrop of introducing the country’s first history textbooks, this article explores students’ perspectives on recent and ongoing conflicts in South Sudan at the time of their publication. Drawing on student essays and theories of difficult history, our analysis examines the nature of difficult histories circulating among young people. It uncovers the multiple perspectives deriving from unofficial histories that may be at teachers’ disposal in the classroom, centering on those that relate to internal divisions and mutual victimization in the past and the present. We argue that these sensitive topics have the potential to challenge the official history of ‘unity in resistance,’ dominating both textbooks and classroom teaching. In uncovering difficult and often dangerous history, we contribute to a theorization of why such narratives do not belong in the classroom in a politically fragile environment.Item The ear in subterranean rodents revisited : cochlear hair‐cell populations in African molerats (Bathyergidae)Svacinova, Lucie; Lange, Simone; Lövy, Matej; Konopova, Barbora; Bennett, Nigel Charles; Hart, Daniel William; Sumbera, Radim; Burda, Hynek (Wiley, 2025-12)Based on von Békésy's premise that “The physical laws served as guidelines for the evolution of the structures and functions of the middle and inner ear,” we aimed to understand how the unique subterranean acoustic environment, which promotes the propagation of low‐frequency sounds and thereby selects for enhanced low‐frequency hearing, influences functional adaptations reflected in the morphological convergence of the cochlea in subterranean African mole‐rats (Bathyergidae). We conducted a morphometric analysis of the cochlea in 12 species representing all six genera of African mole‐rats, spanning a body mass range of 30–2000 g. Cochlear partitions were examined using light microscopy following the standard surface specimen technique. The mole‐rat cochleae has 3–4.3 coils. The length of the basilar membrane (BM) varies from 6.5 to 15.6 mm. Mean densities of inner hair cells (IHC) range from 104 to 122, whereas outer hair cells (OHC) range from 390 to 480 per 1 mm. Hair cell density increased slightly from the base towards the apex in all species studied. The radial width of the cuticular plates of the three rows (triad) of OHC, shown in previous studies to mirror BM width, increased continuously from, on average, 22 ± 3 µm at the base to 35 ± 6 μm at the apex. Length of BM, width of the OHC triad and total number of hair cells (and thus hearing resolution capabilities) are related to body size. When compared to other mammals, the cochleae of bathyergids exhibit quantitative characteristics that closely resemble the apical regions of the cochleae in other species—specifically, those segments tuned to low frequencies. Moreover, the width of OHC triads was strongly correlated with the tonotopic organization of frequencies along the organ of Corti, confirming its value as a structural predictor of auditory capability.Item A guidance for diagnosis, control measures, and surveillance of leptospirosis in non-human primates from a veterinary perspective in a one-health approachMaaskant, Annemiek; Morel, Margot; Jean, Sherrie; Koo, Bon-sang; Noor, Siavash; Pereira da Silva, Luiz Cesar Cavalcanti; Chipangura, John Kudakwashe; Vercammen, Francis; Nederlof, Remco A.; Bakker, Jaco (Wiley, 2025-11)Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., affecting a wide range of domestic and wild mammals including nonhuman primates (NHPs). Despite rising incidence rates in both NHPs and humans, there is a lack of comprehensive resources addressing leptospirosis in NHPs from a veterinary perspective in a One Health approach. The close phylogenetic relationship between NHPs, humans and the similarities in disease progression may reveal valuable insights into the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, control measures, and surveillance of leptospirosis. This review synthesizes existing literature on leptospirosis in NHPs, focusing on diagnosis, control measures, and surveillance. It offers insights into the prevalence among NHPs, environmental and civilization factors affecting Leptospira spp. dynamics, and recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of leptospirosis. The findings highlight the need for coordinated research efforts and integrated surveillance systems to reduce leptospirosis risk in NHPs.Item Factors associated with mortality in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Manzini Region, Eswatini, 2020-2021Mavundla, Sincobile Victory; Lokotfwako, Vusie; Kuonza, Lazarus; Musekiwa, Alfred; Makamu, Masingita; Ravhuhali, Khuliso (African Field Epidemiology Network, 2025-12-08)INTRODUCTION : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019 and rapidly evolved into a global public health crisis. After more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 mortalities were reported, the WHO declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic on 11 March 2020. This study aims to determine demographic and clinical factors associated with COVID-19 case fatality among patients diagnosed in the Manzini Region, Eswatini, between March 2020 and August 2021. METHODS : This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on an analysis of secondary data for patients with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 in the Manzini region who had an outcome of either recovery or death. It then excluded all suspected cases that were not confirmed by laboratory results. A COVID-19 mortality was defined as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness in a confirmed COVID-19 case. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise demographic, clinical characteristics. The Pearson chi-square test was used to assess differences in categorical variables, and finally used logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. RESULTS : After excluding 189 medical records, 15,124 cases and 336 COVID-19 mortalities were analyzed. Most of the participants were Females (54.5%), and the mortality rate in patients with SARS due to COVID-19 was 2.2%. Multivariate logistic regression identified the Year 2021 as the strongest independent predictor of mortality, increasing the odds of death over 15 times compared to 2020 (AOR 15.26, 95% CI: 6.60–35.24). Advanced age was also strongly associated with fatality, with patients aged ≥60 years (AOR 9.27, 95% CI: 3.12–25.92) and 50–59 years (AOR 8.12, 95% CI: 2.81–23.49) showing markedly higher odds of death compared with younger adults. Risk increased significantly with disease severity, ranging from mild (AOR 5.89, 95% CI: 2.94–11.80) and moderate (AOR 12.67, 95% CI: 5.54–29.01) to severe disease (AOR 123.71, 95% CI: 53.44–286.38). Hypertension also remained a significant risk factor (AOR 3.57, 95% CI: 2.01–6.36). Notably, Diabetes Mellitus appeared to be a protective factor (AOR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18–0.71). CONCLUSION : Age, severity, and hypertension were confirmed risks. Crucially, the protective factor of diabetes suggests effective local prioritization and early management of high-risk patients during the pandemic.Item 'Scientific salvation' and development : Britain, South Africa and the African regional scientific conference, October 1949Chetty, Suryakanthie (Taylor and Francis, 2025-08-22)The African Regional Scientific Conference took place in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 1949. With delegates drawn from South Africa, Britain, France, Portugal and Belgium, the Conference was an attempt to chart a way forward for development in Africa. This article draws upon the voluminous correspondence and reports held at The National Archives Kew, supplemented with other primary and secondary material, to consider the workings of the Conference from its inception with its commitment to delineate a distinction between science and politics to its culmination and the subsequent formation of the Scientific Council for Africa South of the Sahara. The Conference was contextualised by development policies predicated upon colonial and South African expertise and leadership which created a sense of tension and contradiction related to the racial exclusions of the apartheid state, the attempt to maintain colonial hegemony through science and impending decolonisation. This paper therefore uses the Conference as a lens to explore the changing relationship between Britain and the apartheid state and nevertheless shows that, while Britain and South Africa held opposing views regarding African development, the shared assumptions of western ‘civilisation’ led to the maintenance of hierarchies of power and knowledge that excluded those at whom development was aimed – indigenous Africans.Item Policy analysis in school meals program : regulation impacts on in-school food fortificationSari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama; Mazenda, Adrino; Katiyatiya, Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith; Nguyen, Minh-Hoang; Vuong, Quan- Hoang (Taylor and Francis, 2025-05-16)This study aims to analyze how various national policies are associated with the implementation of in-school food fortification among countries with school meal programs. The Bayesian Mindsponge Framework was employed on a dataset of government representatives managing large-scale school meal programs in 126 countries. Findings showed that food safety policy and agriculture policy were positively and significantly associated with the in-school food fortification practices. In contrast, school feeding policy and private sector policy had ambiguous relationships with these practices. Nutrition and health policies had a significant negative association with food fortification practices among countries implementing school meal programs.Item Leveraging principal component analysis of crime trends to drive innovation in industry, policy, and societyKhanyile, Thabiso; Adeliyi, Timothy; Aroba, Oluwasegun J. (EnPress Publisher, 2025-01-08)Given the multifaceted nature of crime trends shaped by a range of social, economic, and demographic variables, grasping the fundamental drivers behind crime patterns is pivotal for crafting effective crime deterrence methodologies. This investigation adopted a systematic literature review technique to distill thirty key factors from a corpus of one hundred scholarly articles. Utilizing the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for diminishing dimensionality facilitated a nuanced understanding of the determinants deemed essential in influencing crime trends. The findings highlight the necessity of tackling issues such as inequality, educational deficits, poverty, unemployment, insufficient parental guidance, and peer influence in the realm of crime prevention efforts. Such knowledge empowers policymakers and law enforcement bodies to optimize resource allocation and roll out interventions grounded in empirical evidence, thereby fostering a safer and more secure societal environment.Item Descriptive evaluation of ready-to-wear clothing textilesSchoeman, Wenette; De Kock, Henrietta Letitia; Diedericks, Lizette (Wiley, 2026-02)Tactile properties of clothing textiles influence consumers' decision-making during clothing selection, buying, and consumption (wear). A descriptive hand evaluation of the tactile properties of ready-to-wear clothing textiles was conducted. Textile students developed descriptors and definitions to describe tactile attributes of 27 ready-to-wear textiles. Principal component analysis revealed three components explaining 83.36% of the tactile variation among the textiles. The tactile attributes explained significant differences (p < 0.01; stickiness, p = 0.09) among textiles. Using the descriptive clothing textile tactile attribute (DCTTA) lexicon, rigid, rough textiles (Denim, Wool Melton) were contrasted to flowy, smooth textiles (Lycra Knit, Viscose Plain Weave). Heavier and warmer textiles (Wool Melton, Felt) were contrasted to lightweight and cool textiles (Chiffon). Insights on the descriptive tactile attributes of a broad range of ready-to-wear clothing textiles, using the lexicon developed, could enable clothing manufacturers and designers to create products with specifically defined sensory attributes. The study contributes to advancing methods for tactile evaluation of clothing textiles. For practicality, the three components revealed by the PCA were simplified for consumer communication to three dimensions, namely (1) soft/flowy versus rough/rigid, (2) crisp/light versus hairy/thick, and (3) smooth/flat versus irregular/bouncy. This study developed a “Hand-Feel Meter” to visually communicate fabric hand in online retail by portraying a specific textile's hand using these three dimensions on slider scales.Item Efficacy of single-session intervention of tinnitus educational counseling : a systematic reviewPandey, Preeti; Knoetze, Megan Clarissa; Sharma, Anu; Swanepoel, De Wet; Manchaiah, Vinaya (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2026-03)PURPOSE : This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of single-session interventions of tinnitus educational counseling (SSI-TEDs) in the management of tinnitus. METHOD : A systematic literature search was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five studies met the inclusion criteria: three were two-arm randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and two employed a pretest–posttest design. Two studies compared SSI-TED with other interventions—neuro-music therapy (n = 1) and hypnosis (n = 1). One study included a homework component for 50% of the participants, and another combined SSI-TED with mindfulness and relaxation training. RESULTS : Across five studies, a total of 307 participants received SSI-TED, while 190 were given alternative interventions. At 1–3 months follow-up, one RCT demonstrated a small-to-medium effect of SSI-TED on reducing tinnitus severity and distress. Pretest–posttest studies reported large effects of SSI-TED on these outcomes. Improvements were also observed in negative emotions, frustration, rumination, and social life. The long-term effect of SSI-TED was noted in one study. No significant effects were found for anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS : SSI-TED appears to be a promising intervention for reducing tinnitus-related distress and improving emotional well-being in the short term. The evidence suggests moderate benefits in control conditions and larger effects when evaluated in uncontrolled settings. However, its impact on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. Further high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish the sustained efficacy, effectiveness, and broader psychological benefits of SSI-TED.Item Optimizing the knowledge work environment : strategies for enhancing knowledge worker productivityMare, Annie; Smuts, Hanlie (IGI Global, 2026-01)The built environment has a significant impact on knowledge workers' productivity. Work environments should be designed to address the needs of the workers who inhabit the space to ensure optimal effectiveness in executing their work tasks, thereby increasing their productivity. This paper proposes a user-centered process for workspace design that would allow organizations to improve the capabilities of their work environment continually and address the needs of knowledge workers. A structured literature review was conducted to identify principles for effective workplace design as well as dimensions for testing workplace usability. A focus group was facilitated to enrich the findings emanating from the literature review, where the love and breakup letter method (LBM) was implemented to elicit the needs of office workers. The findings determined that the most significant negative impact on knowledge worker productivity was the implementation of a hot-desk system, and suggested a move towards activity-based workspaces.Item Optimizing the distributed telecoms asset maintenance practice using blockchain and digital twin technologiesOkeyia, Charles; De Almeida, Nuno Marques; Amad-Echendu, Joe; Asongu, Simplice A. (Sage, 2026-02)This article explores the potential of blockchain technology (BCT) and digital twins (DTs) to revolutionize the management of distributed telecom infrastructure assets in developing countries. By addressing the electricity supply challenge and enhancing asset maintenance, these technologies provide opportunities for the future of telecom infrastructure in these regions. Based on an empirical review using data from quantitative and qualitative approaches, including semi-structured interviews and survey questions, the results show that blockchain and DT technologies are not only promising but also significantly enhance the efficiency of optimizing distributed telecoms asset maintenance practices. These technologies enable predictive maintenance activities, real-time visibility, and escalation of asset functionality and faults, providing reassurance about their effectiveness.Item Orthostatic blood pressure changes among adults in Ekiti state, Nigeria :impact of socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biophysical factorsFabunmi, Oyesanmi A.; Adeniyi, Mayowa J.; Lenting, Andrea; Masilela, Thulani; Janse van Rensburg, Dina Christina (Wiley, 2026-02)Orthostatic intolerance is the inability to maintain upright posture, a key manifestation of autonomic dysfunction that can lead to orthostatic hypotension (OH). We aimed to investigate orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes among cohorts living in Ekiti State and to explore plausible underlying factors. We encompassed 140 participants (28% male; 72% female; age range: 18–70 years) in our preliminary study. Socio-demographic and anthropometric indices were collected using appropriate tools. Orthostatic responses were assessed at baseline, standing, and sitting following standardized protocols. Systolic (BP) decreased significantly by 4% after 1-min standing (130 ± 22 mmHg) compared to baseline (137 ± 20 mmHg). Diastolic (BP) increased significantly by 6.1% at 3 min (87 ± 13 mmHg) and 4.8% at 5 min (86 ± 12 mmHg) compared to baseline (82 ± 11 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Occupation (traders) and education level (secondary) are positively associated with mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 1- and 3-min standing times (p < 0.05). Orthostatic MAP at 1, 3, and 5 min correlated negatively with height but positively with body mass index (BMI), hip, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for body composition and lifestyle in regulating autonomic cardiovascular function in response to postural changes.Item Out of Africa comes no support for global biodiversity catastrophesPimm, Stuart L.; Davies, T. Jonathan; Gittleman, John L. (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2026-02)The Living Planet Index and the ever-changing iterations of planetary boundaries for biodiversity integrity or health are inappropriate, misleading, and will harm on-the-ground conservation efforts.Item Optimization FTO/c-TiO2 capped with m-TiO2 electron transport layer for efficient interfacial charge carriers' extraction and transport prepared by spray pyrolysisSibiya, Sizwe Bhekithemba; Diale, M. (Mmantsae Moche) (Wiley, 2026-01)Please read abstract in the article.Item Ophiostoma ipsi-confusi sp. nov. six, Marinc. & Duong, a consistent symbiotic fungus of the pinyon ips bark beetle, ips confusus LeConteSix, Diana L.; Marincowitz, Seonju; Duong, Tuan A. (Springer, 2026)Several tree-killing bark beetle species have nutritional mutualisms with specific fungi. However, few secondary bark beetles (those that colonize weak or dying trees) have been investigated for symbiotic fungi and most are thought to have only incidental fungal associates and no dependence on fungi for nutritional or other benefits. In contrast to this supposition, we consistently isolated (> 97%) a fungus from adult Ips confusus (pinyon ips) collected from Pinus edulis (two-needle pinyon pine) from Arizona and New Mexico, USA. Using morphology and DNA sequences for three gene regions, we found the fungus is most closely related to an obligate mutualist fungus of Dendroctonus ponderosae (mountain pine beetle), Ophiostoma montium (Ascomycota: Ophiostomatales), but is morphologically and genetically distinct from it and other known species in Ophiostoma. It is also capable of growth at relatively high temperatures compared with other Ophiostoma, reflective of its southwestern USA distribution. The high frequency of its association with the beetle indicates it is symbiotic and suggests it may be a mutualist.
