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Molecular Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Nonclinical Environment: Public Health Implications in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Mojisola Clara Hosu, Sandeep Vasaikar, Grace Emily Okuthe, Teke Apalata
- Authors: Mojisola Clara Hosu , Sandeep Vasaikar , Grace Emily Okuthe , Teke Apalata
- Date: 5 January 2021
- Subjects: Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2417 , vital:41877
- Description: Evaluation of resistant profiles and detection of antimicrobial-resistant genes of bacterial pathogens in the nonclinical milieu is imperative to assess the probable risk of dissemination of resistant genes in the environment. .is paper sought to identify antibiotic-resistant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonclinical sources in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, and evaluate its public health implications. Samples collected from abattoir wastewater and aquatic environment were processed by membrane filtration and cultured on CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL). Molecular characterization of the isolates was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) and selected isolates were further screened for the possibility of harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Fifty-one Pseudomonas species were recovered from abattoir wastewater and surface water samples, out of which thirty-six strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.6%). .e P. aeruginosa isolates demonstrated resistance to aztreonam (86.1%), ceftazidime (63.9%), piperacillin (58.3%), cefepime (55.6%), imipenem (50%), piperacillin/tazobactam (47.2%), meropenem (41.7%), and levofloxacin (30.6%). Twenty out of thirty-six P. aeruginosa displayed multidrug resistance profiles and were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (55.6%). Most of the bacterial isolates exhibited a high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index ranging from 0.08 to 0.69 with a mean MAR index of 0.38. In the rPCR analysis of fifteen P. aeruginosa isolates, 14 isolates (93.3%) were detected harboring blaSHV, six isolates (40%) harbored blaTEM, and three isolates (20%) harbored blaCTX-M, being the least occurring ESBL. Results of the current study revealed that P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from nonclinical milieu are resistant to frontline clinically relevant antipseudomonal drugs. .is is concerning as it poses a risk to the environment and constitutes a public health threat. Given the public health relevance, the paper recommends monitoring of multidrug-resistant pathogens in effluent environments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mojisola Clara Hosu , Sandeep Vasaikar , Grace Emily Okuthe , Teke Apalata
- Date: 5 January 2021
- Subjects: Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2417 , vital:41877
- Description: Evaluation of resistant profiles and detection of antimicrobial-resistant genes of bacterial pathogens in the nonclinical milieu is imperative to assess the probable risk of dissemination of resistant genes in the environment. .is paper sought to identify antibiotic-resistant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonclinical sources in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, and evaluate its public health implications. Samples collected from abattoir wastewater and aquatic environment were processed by membrane filtration and cultured on CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL). Molecular characterization of the isolates was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) and selected isolates were further screened for the possibility of harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Fifty-one Pseudomonas species were recovered from abattoir wastewater and surface water samples, out of which thirty-six strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.6%). .e P. aeruginosa isolates demonstrated resistance to aztreonam (86.1%), ceftazidime (63.9%), piperacillin (58.3%), cefepime (55.6%), imipenem (50%), piperacillin/tazobactam (47.2%), meropenem (41.7%), and levofloxacin (30.6%). Twenty out of thirty-six P. aeruginosa displayed multidrug resistance profiles and were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (55.6%). Most of the bacterial isolates exhibited a high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index ranging from 0.08 to 0.69 with a mean MAR index of 0.38. In the rPCR analysis of fifteen P. aeruginosa isolates, 14 isolates (93.3%) were detected harboring blaSHV, six isolates (40%) harbored blaTEM, and three isolates (20%) harbored blaCTX-M, being the least occurring ESBL. Results of the current study revealed that P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from nonclinical milieu are resistant to frontline clinically relevant antipseudomonal drugs. .is is concerning as it poses a risk to the environment and constitutes a public health threat. Given the public health relevance, the paper recommends monitoring of multidrug-resistant pathogens in effluent environments.
- Full Text:
VIVA Comrade Moss
- NUMSA
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
Morphology, histology and histochemistry of the digestive tract of the Banded tilapia, Tilapia sparrmanii (Perciformes: Cichlidae)
- Grace E. Okuthe, Bongile Bhomela
- Authors: Grace E. Okuthe , Bongile Bhomela
- Date: December 23, 2020
- Subjects: Fish, gastrointestinal tract, histo-architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2425 , vital:41881
- Description: ABSTRACT. This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grace E. Okuthe , Bongile Bhomela
- Date: December 23, 2020
- Subjects: Fish, gastrointestinal tract, histo-architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2425 , vital:41881
- Description: ABSTRACT. This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.
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Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Spilanthes filicaulis Whole Plant Extracts for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Authors: Adebola O. Oyedeji
- Date: July 23, 2019
- Language: English
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1488 , vital:37602
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adebola O. Oyedeji
- Date: July 23, 2019
- Language: English
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1488 , vital:37602
- Full Text:
Erythrina caffra - kaffirboom
- Authors: Skead, C J (Cuthbert John)
- Date: 23-08-1959
- Subjects: Erythrina caffra - South Africa -- Photographs , Trees -- South Africa -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: mixed material , photographs , landscape photographs
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/119690 , vital:34772
- Description: Caption "In Woodlands forest between King Williams Town and Stutterheim. 23-09-1959.”
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Skead, C J (Cuthbert John)
- Date: 23-08-1959
- Subjects: Erythrina caffra - South Africa -- Photographs , Trees -- South Africa -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: mixed material , photographs , landscape photographs
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/119690 , vital:34772
- Description: Caption "In Woodlands forest between King Williams Town and Stutterheim. 23-09-1959.”
- Full Text: false
An exploratory study of psychologists’ perceptions of the phenomenon currently understook as ‘borderline personality disorder’
- Authors: Daya, Lekha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder , Psychologists =- Attitudes -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171139 , vital:42023
- Description: The phenomenon currently understood as ‘borderline personality disorder’ (BPD) has been complex and multifaceted since its inception. Previous studies have focused on the validity of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualisation of BPD, aetiologies of BPD, the psychologies of persons diagnosed with BPD, and the gendered nature of BPD. This study aimed to specifically explore South African practising psychologists’ perceptions of BPD. Through thematic analysis from a constructivist, post-modern paradigm, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of practising psychologists on BPD, as well as the usefulness of the DSM in working with BPD in a non-western society such as South Africa (SA). The study sampled two Counselling and two Clinical psychologists practising in the South African context, with exposure to and experience in working with BPD. Collectively, results in this study identified psychologists’ perceptions of shortcomings in the usefulness of the DSM’s approach to categorising phenomena associated with BPD, and brought attention to a need for further research and attention into the role of psychologists’ in the construction of BPD. This study seeks to represent psychologists’ practical experiences and perceptions, in an attempt to add contextually relevant findings on the DSM’s construction of BPD, and to contribute to challenging the stigma and misunderstanding associated with BPD. Specific practice implications and recommendations for future research are discussed within.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Daya, Lekha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder , Psychologists =- Attitudes -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171139 , vital:42023
- Description: The phenomenon currently understood as ‘borderline personality disorder’ (BPD) has been complex and multifaceted since its inception. Previous studies have focused on the validity of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualisation of BPD, aetiologies of BPD, the psychologies of persons diagnosed with BPD, and the gendered nature of BPD. This study aimed to specifically explore South African practising psychologists’ perceptions of BPD. Through thematic analysis from a constructivist, post-modern paradigm, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of practising psychologists on BPD, as well as the usefulness of the DSM in working with BPD in a non-western society such as South Africa (SA). The study sampled two Counselling and two Clinical psychologists practising in the South African context, with exposure to and experience in working with BPD. Collectively, results in this study identified psychologists’ perceptions of shortcomings in the usefulness of the DSM’s approach to categorising phenomena associated with BPD, and brought attention to a need for further research and attention into the role of psychologists’ in the construction of BPD. This study seeks to represent psychologists’ practical experiences and perceptions, in an attempt to add contextually relevant findings on the DSM’s construction of BPD, and to contribute to challenging the stigma and misunderstanding associated with BPD. Specific practice implications and recommendations for future research are discussed within.
- Full Text:
Defended subjectivity in service-learning:a psychosocial analysis of students’ talk about service-learning in psychology
- Authors: Haselau, Tracey Laura
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Service learning -- Case studies -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Psychology students -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170810 , vital:41962
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyse students’ talk about their service-learning experiences in psychology, in South Africa, from a psychosocial perspective. The research aims to identify dominant and subjugated discourses about service-learning in psychology, and to explore why students invest in particular discourses over others. Furthermore, the research aims to explore the intersubjective contexts that mediate students’ talk about their service-learning and their emotional investments in the discourses employed in their talk, drawing on the concept of mentalization. Eight psychology students were interviewed toward the end of their participation in a service-learning psychology honours course. Transcripts from the interviews as well as entries from students’ reflective journals were analysed using a psychosocial methodology. The key findings from this research point to the ways in which students oscillate between employing two competing sets of discourses about their servicelearning. At times, students drew on what I have referred to as a ‘discourse of rapture’, characterised by fascination with the ‘other’ and the maintenance of power imbalances. This discourse draws on a liberal traditional discourse of learning and a charity discourse of service-learning. In other parts of their talk, students draw on what I have called a ‘discourse of ruptura’, characterised by an inward curiosity about the outward fascination with the ‘other’. This discourse draws on constructivist accounts of service-learning. Findings suggest that students’ emotional investments in discourses of service-learning are mediated by defensive positions caused by the anxieties incurred in service-learning contexts. An important consideration to take forward from this research is the way in which anxieties in service-learning experiences may be contained (or not), and to be aware of the problematic outcomes that may arise from not containing anxieties, such as the perpetuation of prejudicial attitudes and othering. The intersectionality of ‘race’ and disability in the specific servicelearning programme under investigation in this study is an important consideration in implementing careful supervision of programmes such as this one, so that students’ rapture with the ‘other’ is not compounded and reinforced by the service-learning experience.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Haselau, Tracey Laura
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Service learning -- Case studies -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Psychology students -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170810 , vital:41962
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyse students’ talk about their service-learning experiences in psychology, in South Africa, from a psychosocial perspective. The research aims to identify dominant and subjugated discourses about service-learning in psychology, and to explore why students invest in particular discourses over others. Furthermore, the research aims to explore the intersubjective contexts that mediate students’ talk about their service-learning and their emotional investments in the discourses employed in their talk, drawing on the concept of mentalization. Eight psychology students were interviewed toward the end of their participation in a service-learning psychology honours course. Transcripts from the interviews as well as entries from students’ reflective journals were analysed using a psychosocial methodology. The key findings from this research point to the ways in which students oscillate between employing two competing sets of discourses about their servicelearning. At times, students drew on what I have referred to as a ‘discourse of rapture’, characterised by fascination with the ‘other’ and the maintenance of power imbalances. This discourse draws on a liberal traditional discourse of learning and a charity discourse of service-learning. In other parts of their talk, students draw on what I have called a ‘discourse of ruptura’, characterised by an inward curiosity about the outward fascination with the ‘other’. This discourse draws on constructivist accounts of service-learning. Findings suggest that students’ emotional investments in discourses of service-learning are mediated by defensive positions caused by the anxieties incurred in service-learning contexts. An important consideration to take forward from this research is the way in which anxieties in service-learning experiences may be contained (or not), and to be aware of the problematic outcomes that may arise from not containing anxieties, such as the perpetuation of prejudicial attitudes and othering. The intersectionality of ‘race’ and disability in the specific servicelearning programme under investigation in this study is an important consideration in implementing careful supervision of programmes such as this one, so that students’ rapture with the ‘other’ is not compounded and reinforced by the service-learning experience.
- Full Text:
Elucidating Tuta absoluta(Meyrick) invasion and enhancing its management in Eastern Africa: spread, socio-ecological impacts, andpotential of a newly importedlarval parasitoid for classical biological control Eastern in Africa
- Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal Osabhahiemen
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal Osabhahiemen
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Tuta absoluta -- Biological control , Tomatoes -- Diseases and pests -- Africa, East , Braconidae , Gelechiidae -- Biological control -- Africa, East , Insects as biological pest control agents -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170421 , vital:41920
- Description: Agriculture is a fundamental source of sustainable livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa and millions of people in the region rely solely on small-scale farming for their food security. However, the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on crop production are serious, and there is no sign of this abating. Among the recent IAS that have invaded Africa in the last decade, the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has been one of the most damaging. Following its first record in the Maghrebregion of Africa in 2008, T. absoluta rapidly spread throughout Africa with substantial impacts on tomato production, often causing 100% yield loss. Management options adopted against T. absoluta by tomato growers in Africa have been based on the use of synthetic insecticides. While chemical insecticide applications arean important component of an integrated pest management programme, misuse and over-reliance often exacerbates the impacts of T. absolutadue to the development of resistance to commonly used active substances, increasing the fitness of the pest. This thesis sought to understand the socio-economic impacts of the spread of T. absolutain Eastern Africa and provide effective sustainable pest managementstrategies to reduce its impacts below economic thresholds. Mapping surveys of T. absoluta were conducted in 226 tomato agro-ecosystemsacross four eastern countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) Eastern Africafrom 2016 to 2018 to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of the pest. The impacts of T. absolutaon the livelihoods of tomato growers were also assessed. Here, 200 tomato growers in Kenya were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Although T. absoluta, a recent invader,was distributed at high infestation levels throughout the subregion (all four countries) and was considered as the the most damaging invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods. The arrival of T. absolutain the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased the cost of tomato production and price of the fruit, and the frequency of pesticide applications. The impact of this pest and the and the absence of effective indigenous natural enemies of the pest in Eastern Africa, was the rationale for the importation of a larval parasitoid, Dolichogenidea gelechiidivorisMarsh Syn.:Apanteles gelechiidivoris Marsh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), of T. absoluta from Peru into the quarantine facility of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and ecologyz(icipe), in Kenya. Pre-release assessments on the parasitzation potentia of D. gelechiidivoris, encompassing host larval preference and the host suitability, and its reproductive strategy, for classical biological control of T. absolutain Africa were conducted. Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris females preferentially oviposited in early (1st and 2nd) larval instars of T. absolutabut parasitized and completed development in all four instars of the host. Host instar did not affect D. gelechiidivorissex-ratio but females reared on the first instar had significantly fewer eggs than when reared in late larval instars (3rd and 4th). Females of the parasitoid emerged with a high mature egg load which peaked 2 d post-eclosion. The females of D. gelechiidivoris survived 8.51±0.65 d and produced 103±8 offspring per female at 26±4°C (range: 24 to 29°C) and 50–70% relative humidity (RH) in the presence of malesand fed honey-water (80% honey). Increasing maternal age decreased the proportion of female offspring. Under th aforementioned laboratory conditions, the Gross and Net reproductive rates were 72 and 39.5 respectively, while the mean generation time was 20 d. The estimated intrinsic rate of natural increase was 0.18. These findings indicate that D. gelechiidivorisis a potential biological control agent of T. absoluta and should be considered for augmentative/inundative release in Kenya and across Africa following host specificity testing and risk assessments.The nature of the interaction between D. gelechidivorisand the predatory mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis(Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), an important and widespread natural enemy of T. absolutain Africa was evaluated because N. tenuis, although being a voracious predator of T. absolutaeggs, it can also prey on the early host larval instars (1st and 2nd) which are the preferred oviposition host stages of D. gelechiidivoris. Here, the impact of N. tenuisfeeding on T. absolutaand the effects on D. gelechiidivorisperformance was tested.Regardless of the order of introductions (i.e. the sequence of combination with D. gelechiidivoris) and densities (i.e. number of N. tenuiscombined with D. gelechiidivoris), there was no intraguild predation by N. tenuis on D. gelechiidivorisas there was little host larval feeding behaviour. Also, the presence of N. tenuisdid not affect the oviposition performance of D. gelechiidivoris. Further investigations revealed that the combined efficacy of N. tenuisand D. gelechiidivorison T. absoluta population was significantly higher than either natural enemy alone, thus contributes to the data supporting the release of D. gelechiidivoris in Africa. In concluding, integrating D. gelechiidivoris and N. tenuisin the management of T. absolut could potentially reduce yield losses in tomato in Eastern Africa where the socio-economic impacts of the pest are very serious.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal Osabhahiemen
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Tuta absoluta -- Biological control , Tomatoes -- Diseases and pests -- Africa, East , Braconidae , Gelechiidae -- Biological control -- Africa, East , Insects as biological pest control agents -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170421 , vital:41920
- Description: Agriculture is a fundamental source of sustainable livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa and millions of people in the region rely solely on small-scale farming for their food security. However, the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on crop production are serious, and there is no sign of this abating. Among the recent IAS that have invaded Africa in the last decade, the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has been one of the most damaging. Following its first record in the Maghrebregion of Africa in 2008, T. absoluta rapidly spread throughout Africa with substantial impacts on tomato production, often causing 100% yield loss. Management options adopted against T. absoluta by tomato growers in Africa have been based on the use of synthetic insecticides. While chemical insecticide applications arean important component of an integrated pest management programme, misuse and over-reliance often exacerbates the impacts of T. absolutadue to the development of resistance to commonly used active substances, increasing the fitness of the pest. This thesis sought to understand the socio-economic impacts of the spread of T. absolutain Eastern Africa and provide effective sustainable pest managementstrategies to reduce its impacts below economic thresholds. Mapping surveys of T. absoluta were conducted in 226 tomato agro-ecosystemsacross four eastern countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) Eastern Africafrom 2016 to 2018 to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of the pest. The impacts of T. absolutaon the livelihoods of tomato growers were also assessed. Here, 200 tomato growers in Kenya were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Although T. absoluta, a recent invader,was distributed at high infestation levels throughout the subregion (all four countries) and was considered as the the most damaging invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods. The arrival of T. absolutain the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased the cost of tomato production and price of the fruit, and the frequency of pesticide applications. The impact of this pest and the and the absence of effective indigenous natural enemies of the pest in Eastern Africa, was the rationale for the importation of a larval parasitoid, Dolichogenidea gelechiidivorisMarsh Syn.:Apanteles gelechiidivoris Marsh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), of T. absoluta from Peru into the quarantine facility of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and ecologyz(icipe), in Kenya. Pre-release assessments on the parasitzation potentia of D. gelechiidivoris, encompassing host larval preference and the host suitability, and its reproductive strategy, for classical biological control of T. absolutain Africa were conducted. Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris females preferentially oviposited in early (1st and 2nd) larval instars of T. absolutabut parasitized and completed development in all four instars of the host. Host instar did not affect D. gelechiidivorissex-ratio but females reared on the first instar had significantly fewer eggs than when reared in late larval instars (3rd and 4th). Females of the parasitoid emerged with a high mature egg load which peaked 2 d post-eclosion. The females of D. gelechiidivoris survived 8.51±0.65 d and produced 103±8 offspring per female at 26±4°C (range: 24 to 29°C) and 50–70% relative humidity (RH) in the presence of malesand fed honey-water (80% honey). Increasing maternal age decreased the proportion of female offspring. Under th aforementioned laboratory conditions, the Gross and Net reproductive rates were 72 and 39.5 respectively, while the mean generation time was 20 d. The estimated intrinsic rate of natural increase was 0.18. These findings indicate that D. gelechiidivorisis a potential biological control agent of T. absoluta and should be considered for augmentative/inundative release in Kenya and across Africa following host specificity testing and risk assessments.The nature of the interaction between D. gelechidivorisand the predatory mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis(Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), an important and widespread natural enemy of T. absolutain Africa was evaluated because N. tenuis, although being a voracious predator of T. absolutaeggs, it can also prey on the early host larval instars (1st and 2nd) which are the preferred oviposition host stages of D. gelechiidivoris. Here, the impact of N. tenuisfeeding on T. absolutaand the effects on D. gelechiidivorisperformance was tested.Regardless of the order of introductions (i.e. the sequence of combination with D. gelechiidivoris) and densities (i.e. number of N. tenuiscombined with D. gelechiidivoris), there was no intraguild predation by N. tenuis on D. gelechiidivorisas there was little host larval feeding behaviour. Also, the presence of N. tenuisdid not affect the oviposition performance of D. gelechiidivoris. Further investigations revealed that the combined efficacy of N. tenuisand D. gelechiidivorison T. absoluta population was significantly higher than either natural enemy alone, thus contributes to the data supporting the release of D. gelechiidivoris in Africa. In concluding, integrating D. gelechiidivoris and N. tenuisin the management of T. absolut could potentially reduce yield losses in tomato in Eastern Africa where the socio-economic impacts of the pest are very serious.
- Full Text:
Evaluating the cyber security skills gap relating to penetration testing
- Authors: Beukes, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Computer networks -- Management , Data protection , Information technology -- Security measures , Professionals -- Supply and demand , Electronic data personnel -- Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171120 , vital:42021
- Description: Information Technology (IT) is growing rapidly and has become an integral part of daily life. It provides a boundless list of services and opportunities, generating boundless sources of information, which could be abused or exploited. Due to this growth, there are thousands of new users added to the grid using computer systems in a static and mobile environment; this fact alone creates endless volumes of data to be exploited and hardware devices to be abused by the wrong people. The growth in the IT environment adds challenges that may affect users in their personal, professional, and business lives. There are constant threats on corporate and private computer networks and computer systems. In the corporate environment companies try to eliminate the threat by testing networks making use of penetration tests and by implementing cyber awareness programs to make employees more aware of the cyber threat. Penetration tests and vulnerability assessments are undervalued; are seen as a formality and are not used to increase system security. If used regularly the computer system will be more secure and attacks minimized. With the growth in technology, industries all over the globe become fully dependent on information systems in doing their day-to-day business. As technology evolves and new technology becomes available, the bigger the risk becomes to protect against the dangers which come with this new technology. For industry to protect itself against this growth in technology, personnel with a certain skill set is needed. This is where cyber security plays a very important role in the protection of information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information system itself and the data on the system. Due to this drive to secure information systems, the need for cyber security by professionals is on the rise as well. It is estimated that there is a shortage of one million cyber security professionals globally. What is the reason for this skills shortage? Will it be possible to close this skills shortage gap? This study is about identifying the skills gap and identifying possible ways to close this skills gap. In this study, research was conducted on the cyber security international standards, cyber security training at universities and international certification focusing specifically on penetration testing, the evaluation of the need of industry while recruiting new penetration testers, finishing with suggestions on how to fill possible gaps in the skills market with a conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Beukes, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Computer networks -- Management , Data protection , Information technology -- Security measures , Professionals -- Supply and demand , Electronic data personnel -- Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171120 , vital:42021
- Description: Information Technology (IT) is growing rapidly and has become an integral part of daily life. It provides a boundless list of services and opportunities, generating boundless sources of information, which could be abused or exploited. Due to this growth, there are thousands of new users added to the grid using computer systems in a static and mobile environment; this fact alone creates endless volumes of data to be exploited and hardware devices to be abused by the wrong people. The growth in the IT environment adds challenges that may affect users in their personal, professional, and business lives. There are constant threats on corporate and private computer networks and computer systems. In the corporate environment companies try to eliminate the threat by testing networks making use of penetration tests and by implementing cyber awareness programs to make employees more aware of the cyber threat. Penetration tests and vulnerability assessments are undervalued; are seen as a formality and are not used to increase system security. If used regularly the computer system will be more secure and attacks minimized. With the growth in technology, industries all over the globe become fully dependent on information systems in doing their day-to-day business. As technology evolves and new technology becomes available, the bigger the risk becomes to protect against the dangers which come with this new technology. For industry to protect itself against this growth in technology, personnel with a certain skill set is needed. This is where cyber security plays a very important role in the protection of information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information system itself and the data on the system. Due to this drive to secure information systems, the need for cyber security by professionals is on the rise as well. It is estimated that there is a shortage of one million cyber security professionals globally. What is the reason for this skills shortage? Will it be possible to close this skills shortage gap? This study is about identifying the skills gap and identifying possible ways to close this skills gap. In this study, research was conducted on the cyber security international standards, cyber security training at universities and international certification focusing specifically on penetration testing, the evaluation of the need of industry while recruiting new penetration testers, finishing with suggestions on how to fill possible gaps in the skills market with a conclusion.
- Full Text:
Exploring the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Institution from the subordinates’ perspective
- Authors: Daniel, Anna
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Supervisors -- Namibia -- Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee motivation -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee loyalty -- Namibia -- Case studies , Supervision -- Namibia -- Case studies , Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170770 , vital:41958
- Description: i ABSTRACT Over the years, scholars have noted the importance of organisations managing the performance of their employees by effectively maintaining their commitment. Hence, l ite rature highlighted that employee s have the potential to be recognised as a source of competitive advantage for an organisation and not a resource of an organisation. The main aim of the study was to explore the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Ins titution from the subordinates’ perspective. The focus of this research was to understand how subordinates were included in decision making and were supported by their supervisors , and on how subordinates received feed b ack on role fulfilment and performance from their supervisors. Furthermore, the study described how subordinates viewed the leadership behaviour of their supervisors and how this i nfluenced employee commitment. The data was collected using qualitative me t hods through semi - structured face - to - face interview s with the subordinates of the selected institution. During this study, a sample of 15 subordinates taken from a population of 266 within the institution’s structure was inte rviewed . The interview quest ion s were based on how supervisors included subordinates in decision making, developed subordinates ’ support and delivered feedback on role and performance. The study used secondary data to determine the level of performance against set targets of the inst itu tion, using the annual performance report of the institution. In addition , the study used the staff access control syste m to determine the work time s of employees Lastly, the study analysed the data regarding staff resignation for the last five years to a ssess the level of staff turnover rate of the institution. The study f ound that the subordinates felt the re should be greater subordinate inclusion in decision making, increased levels of re gular feedback and higher levels of support shown by supervis ors t o subordinates when e xecuting their jobs. The study further highlighted the importance of supervisors to develop the ability of shifting from one leadership style to another depending on the situation at hand. The study reviewed six leadership style s that could influence commitment . Therefore, the study recommend s th at the institution direct its attention towards developing the situational leadership skills of their supervisors and developing their skills to enable them to better harmonise teamwork, increas e regular communication and give regular feedback to their subordinates . The results from this research will be beneficial to public institutions within the region and will, in add ition, enhance the academic body of literature in this field . The s tudy will draw the attention of supervisors to the importance of their behaviour, conduct, and their subsequent impact on employee commitment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Daniel, Anna
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Supervisors -- Namibia -- Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee motivation -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee loyalty -- Namibia -- Case studies , Supervision -- Namibia -- Case studies , Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170770 , vital:41958
- Description: i ABSTRACT Over the years, scholars have noted the importance of organisations managing the performance of their employees by effectively maintaining their commitment. Hence, l ite rature highlighted that employee s have the potential to be recognised as a source of competitive advantage for an organisation and not a resource of an organisation. The main aim of the study was to explore the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Ins titution from the subordinates’ perspective. The focus of this research was to understand how subordinates were included in decision making and were supported by their supervisors , and on how subordinates received feed b ack on role fulfilment and performance from their supervisors. Furthermore, the study described how subordinates viewed the leadership behaviour of their supervisors and how this i nfluenced employee commitment. The data was collected using qualitative me t hods through semi - structured face - to - face interview s with the subordinates of the selected institution. During this study, a sample of 15 subordinates taken from a population of 266 within the institution’s structure was inte rviewed . The interview quest ion s were based on how supervisors included subordinates in decision making, developed subordinates ’ support and delivered feedback on role and performance. The study used secondary data to determine the level of performance against set targets of the inst itu tion, using the annual performance report of the institution. In addition , the study used the staff access control syste m to determine the work time s of employees Lastly, the study analysed the data regarding staff resignation for the last five years to a ssess the level of staff turnover rate of the institution. The study f ound that the subordinates felt the re should be greater subordinate inclusion in decision making, increased levels of re gular feedback and higher levels of support shown by supervis ors t o subordinates when e xecuting their jobs. The study further highlighted the importance of supervisors to develop the ability of shifting from one leadership style to another depending on the situation at hand. The study reviewed six leadership style s that could influence commitment . Therefore, the study recommend s th at the institution direct its attention towards developing the situational leadership skills of their supervisors and developing their skills to enable them to better harmonise teamwork, increas e regular communication and give regular feedback to their subordinates . The results from this research will be beneficial to public institutions within the region and will, in add ition, enhance the academic body of literature in this field . The s tudy will draw the attention of supervisors to the importance of their behaviour, conduct, and their subsequent impact on employee commitment.
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Infant health: a community-based assessment and educational intervention in two rural communities in the Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Kuzeeko, Faith
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Angus Gillis Foundation (South Africa) , Infants -- Mortality -- South Africa , Infants -- Health and hygiene -- South Africa , Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infants -- Care -- Equipment and supplies , Infants -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Children -- Mortality -- South Africa , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170837 , vital:41964
- Description: South Africa is on track to attaining the 2030 Agenda on reducing under-five deaths to 25 deaths per 1000 live births at its current momentum, however an unacceptable amount of infants are still at risk from preventable illnesses. Malnutrition is the major underlined cause of infant mortality rates in South Africa. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low nationwide due to low exposure to breastfeeding information, some mothers having other commitments and others having breastfeeding difficulties. Implementation and expansion of simple, cost-effective interventions, such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months to reduce and/or prevent infant mortality rates, remains low in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine one infant health issue of major concern to participants in two rural villages in the Eastern Cape, namely Glenmore and Ndwayana. The identified infant health issue was used to design an educational intervention in the villages. This was the second phase of this study. A community-based participatory approach was utilized in which the Angus Gillis Foundation, a non-profit organization that works in these communities, was one of the stakeholders. Stock status of WHO priority medicines for infants, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out during the baseline study. The intervention phase contained pre-2 intervention semi-structured interviews with ten pregnant women followed by an educational intervention with nine out of the ten; and finally, a post-intervention with seven out of the ten women. A questionnaire was completed by members of the Angus Gillis Foundation to provide feedback on the sustainability of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews revealed that medicines stocked at the clinic parallel those indicated in the WHO priority medicines list for infants. The results from the focus group discussions indicated that mothers do not exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months. Pre- and post-intervention results on exclusive breastfeeding illustrated a positive change in participants’ knowledge and intent to breastfeed exclusively for six months. They showed a better understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and indicated a more focussed intention and confidence to carry out optimal breastfeeding practices. In the questionnaire the members of the Angus Gillis Foundation stated that the intervention is sustainable as it was linked with the existing networks. These include educational programs carried out in the villages by the foundation together with positive health champions, community health workers and women self-help groups; which will be able to build on the present knowledge base. Finally, the study also included the design of a booklet on the identified infant health issue. In conclusion, participants highlighted lack of understanding regarding breastfeeding as an issue of concern during the baseline phase of the study. This community-based educational intervention improved the understanding of breastfeeding among the participants, resulting in a positive change in perception with regards to exclusive breastfeeding practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kuzeeko, Faith
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Angus Gillis Foundation (South Africa) , Infants -- Mortality -- South Africa , Infants -- Health and hygiene -- South Africa , Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infants -- Care -- Equipment and supplies , Infants -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Children -- Mortality -- South Africa , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170837 , vital:41964
- Description: South Africa is on track to attaining the 2030 Agenda on reducing under-five deaths to 25 deaths per 1000 live births at its current momentum, however an unacceptable amount of infants are still at risk from preventable illnesses. Malnutrition is the major underlined cause of infant mortality rates in South Africa. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low nationwide due to low exposure to breastfeeding information, some mothers having other commitments and others having breastfeeding difficulties. Implementation and expansion of simple, cost-effective interventions, such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months to reduce and/or prevent infant mortality rates, remains low in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine one infant health issue of major concern to participants in two rural villages in the Eastern Cape, namely Glenmore and Ndwayana. The identified infant health issue was used to design an educational intervention in the villages. This was the second phase of this study. A community-based participatory approach was utilized in which the Angus Gillis Foundation, a non-profit organization that works in these communities, was one of the stakeholders. Stock status of WHO priority medicines for infants, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out during the baseline study. The intervention phase contained pre-2 intervention semi-structured interviews with ten pregnant women followed by an educational intervention with nine out of the ten; and finally, a post-intervention with seven out of the ten women. A questionnaire was completed by members of the Angus Gillis Foundation to provide feedback on the sustainability of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews revealed that medicines stocked at the clinic parallel those indicated in the WHO priority medicines list for infants. The results from the focus group discussions indicated that mothers do not exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months. Pre- and post-intervention results on exclusive breastfeeding illustrated a positive change in participants’ knowledge and intent to breastfeed exclusively for six months. They showed a better understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and indicated a more focussed intention and confidence to carry out optimal breastfeeding practices. In the questionnaire the members of the Angus Gillis Foundation stated that the intervention is sustainable as it was linked with the existing networks. These include educational programs carried out in the villages by the foundation together with positive health champions, community health workers and women self-help groups; which will be able to build on the present knowledge base. Finally, the study also included the design of a booklet on the identified infant health issue. In conclusion, participants highlighted lack of understanding regarding breastfeeding as an issue of concern during the baseline phase of the study. This community-based educational intervention improved the understanding of breastfeeding among the participants, resulting in a positive change in perception with regards to exclusive breastfeeding practices.
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News for action: a critical case study of Yes! magazine
- Authors: Hosford-Israel, Carly
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Yes! (Bainbridge Island, WA) , Magazines -- United States -- History and criticism , Journalistic ethics , Journalism -- Social aspects -- United States , Journalism -- Objectivity , Mass media -- Ownership -- United STates , Publishers and publishing -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170822 , vital:41963
- Description: Coming out of more than a century of concern over the commercialization and monopolization of media ownership, this study highlights some areas of opportunity for alternative media in the United States. Holding an ideal of participatory democracy, driven by an educated electorate, the research considers an example of US media action, Ye s ! magazine, from the perspective of alternative media and social movement theories. As alternative media are most generally a response to the mainstream model which acts in the interests of profit rather than public participation in politics, this thesis will cover not only democratic responsibility, but also mainstream media ownership and organization when considering the current manifestation of Ye s ! magazine. Inspired by a frustration with the concentration of mainstream media ownership, and consequently journalistic homogenization, this research explores opportunities for democratic media divergence and contestation. After 18 years of publication, Ye s ! was chosen as an ideal candidate for research due to its sustainability and longevity as one such critical media organization. Through in-depth interviews with Yes! personnel, and ideological analysis of Yes! articles, the following case study research explores the complexities that construct Ye s ! magazine, a corporately independent publication from Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hosford-Israel, Carly
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Yes! (Bainbridge Island, WA) , Magazines -- United States -- History and criticism , Journalistic ethics , Journalism -- Social aspects -- United States , Journalism -- Objectivity , Mass media -- Ownership -- United STates , Publishers and publishing -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170822 , vital:41963
- Description: Coming out of more than a century of concern over the commercialization and monopolization of media ownership, this study highlights some areas of opportunity for alternative media in the United States. Holding an ideal of participatory democracy, driven by an educated electorate, the research considers an example of US media action, Ye s ! magazine, from the perspective of alternative media and social movement theories. As alternative media are most generally a response to the mainstream model which acts in the interests of profit rather than public participation in politics, this thesis will cover not only democratic responsibility, but also mainstream media ownership and organization when considering the current manifestation of Ye s ! magazine. Inspired by a frustration with the concentration of mainstream media ownership, and consequently journalistic homogenization, this research explores opportunities for democratic media divergence and contestation. After 18 years of publication, Ye s ! was chosen as an ideal candidate for research due to its sustainability and longevity as one such critical media organization. Through in-depth interviews with Yes! personnel, and ideological analysis of Yes! articles, the following case study research explores the complexities that construct Ye s ! magazine, a corporately independent publication from Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- Full Text:
The impact of labour legislation on selected small firms in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
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The relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction of three generational age groups in a school context
- Haasbroek, Juan Gert Diedericks
- Authors: Haasbroek, Juan Gert Diedericks
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa , High Schools -- Administration -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Management , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Case studies , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Job satisfaction , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170802 , vital:41961
- Description: With multiple generations in education, there are different leadership styles preferred by schoolteachers that affect their job satisfaction (Cufaude and Riemersma, 1999:1-3). Schools should ensure that leadership works toward satisfied teachers to reach sustainable organisational performance. The resource-based view argues that organisations should look within the organisation, particularly human resources, to find sources that lead to improved organisational performance (Jurevicius, 2013:1). Therefore, organisations should equip themselves with the required leadership style(s) to meet employee expectations. Furthermore, it is imperative to look at different generations within the school’s context, as it will strengthen or weaken the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using the Multiple Leadership Questionnaire and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire as instruments for collecting primary data. The population consists of high school teachers in the Eden District, Western Cape that work at affluent schools, which are declared as quantile 4 and 5 model schools. There is a total of 13 high schools that fall within this specification with a total population of 220 teachers. In total, 111 questionnaires were distributed, of which 73 were returned. Sixty-eight were considered usable. Both sample parameters specified by the research instruments were met. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership within the organisation (referring to transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant organisational leadership styles) and employee job satisfaction of high school teachers in the Eden District. Different generations, from the age group perspective, is composed as a moderating variable in the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. The empirical study established that the independent variables, the leadership styles employed by the organisation, are directly related to employee job satisfaction. Of the three independent variables, transformational leadership and, to a lesser extent, transactional leadership proved to have a positive association with job satisfaction. In contrast, passive-avoidant leadership has a negative relationship with job satisfaction. It is also established that the relationship is stronger or weaker based on generations, positioning generations from the age group perspective as satisfactory moderator. It was found that Millennials prefer the transactional leadership style as this will strengthen the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. Baby Boomers prefer transformational leadership for the greatest positivity. To a lesser extent, transactional leadership will also contribute to the relationship’s strength between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. Generation X is indifferent to transactional or transformational leadership.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Haasbroek, Juan Gert Diedericks
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa , High Schools -- Administration -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Management , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Case studies , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Job satisfaction , High school teachers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170802 , vital:41961
- Description: With multiple generations in education, there are different leadership styles preferred by schoolteachers that affect their job satisfaction (Cufaude and Riemersma, 1999:1-3). Schools should ensure that leadership works toward satisfied teachers to reach sustainable organisational performance. The resource-based view argues that organisations should look within the organisation, particularly human resources, to find sources that lead to improved organisational performance (Jurevicius, 2013:1). Therefore, organisations should equip themselves with the required leadership style(s) to meet employee expectations. Furthermore, it is imperative to look at different generations within the school’s context, as it will strengthen or weaken the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using the Multiple Leadership Questionnaire and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire as instruments for collecting primary data. The population consists of high school teachers in the Eden District, Western Cape that work at affluent schools, which are declared as quantile 4 and 5 model schools. There is a total of 13 high schools that fall within this specification with a total population of 220 teachers. In total, 111 questionnaires were distributed, of which 73 were returned. Sixty-eight were considered usable. Both sample parameters specified by the research instruments were met. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership within the organisation (referring to transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant organisational leadership styles) and employee job satisfaction of high school teachers in the Eden District. Different generations, from the age group perspective, is composed as a moderating variable in the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. The empirical study established that the independent variables, the leadership styles employed by the organisation, are directly related to employee job satisfaction. Of the three independent variables, transformational leadership and, to a lesser extent, transactional leadership proved to have a positive association with job satisfaction. In contrast, passive-avoidant leadership has a negative relationship with job satisfaction. It is also established that the relationship is stronger or weaker based on generations, positioning generations from the age group perspective as satisfactory moderator. It was found that Millennials prefer the transactional leadership style as this will strengthen the relationship between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. Baby Boomers prefer transformational leadership for the greatest positivity. To a lesser extent, transactional leadership will also contribute to the relationship’s strength between organisational leadership and job satisfaction. Generation X is indifferent to transactional or transformational leadership.
- Full Text:
“Munhu wese ihama yako (everyone is your relative)”: Ubuntu and the social inclusion of students with disabilities at South African universities
- Authors: Chiwandire, Desire
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: College students with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170578 , vital:41938
- Description: Background: During apartheid, South African students with disabilities (SWDs) were educated in special schools and taught an inferior curriculum. Black learners with disabilities were discriminated against on grounds of bothrace and disability. Following South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) government put in place arange of new laws to address the educational and other needs of those disadvantaged under apartheid, including persons with disabilities (PWDs). The South African government is a signatory of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which has resulted in the country assuming obligations to promote inclusive education forSWDs. However, research (see,for instance,Chiwandire & Vincent 2019; Chiwandire 2019; Mutanga 2019; Majoko & Phasha 2018; Mutanga et al. 2018; Mutanga 2017a; Chiwandire 2017; Israel 2017) has shown that SWDs continue to fare differently in comparison totheir non-disabled peers in terms of participation in education with the likelihood of success. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have thusbeen urged to create conducive environments for the academic inclusion of SWDs with particular attention being paid to lecturers employing inclusive instructional strategies as well as flexible curricula,if they are to ensure the equal opportunity for academic success of SWDs in the regular classroom setting. The focus, to date, on academic inclusion, while important, has meantthat issues relating to the social inclusion of SWDs have received minimal attention. Purpose: To date, there is a dearth of South African studies which have investigated the social inclusion needs of SWDs on South African campuses. Althougha number ofstudies have given voice to the perspectives of SWDs and lecturers,with respect to their experiences in relation to matters of academic inclusion in South African higher education (HE), few have focused on Disability Unit Staff Members(DUSMs) who are pivotal to ensuring fair and equitable policies and practices for SWDs in HEIs. Disability Studies (DS) as a field has been criticised for being dominated by voices from the Global North,which fail to consideror effectively theorise Global South disabilityexperiences in a contextually relevant way. The thesis argues that the failure to recognise the value of diversity and to treat SWDs as valued and welcomed participants in South vAfrican HEIs partly stems from policy, practice and relationships being informed by the Western individualist paradigm that prizes individual achievement and success rather than cooperation and mutuality. The African philosophy of Ubuntu,which stresses values of communalism, hospitality and respect for human dignity is offered here as an alternative starting point for achieving genuinely inclusive campuses. Methods: In-depth face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 participants, most of whom were,at the time of being interviewed, Heads of Disability Units and DUSMs based at 10 different universities in four of South Africa’s nine provinces. Data were coded and analysed using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) method of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: The findings of this study indicate that South African campuses are ableist spaces in which the social needs of SWDs are not prioritised. The thesis argues that in order for campuses to become genuinely inclusive, South African campuses ought to seek to inculcate in their members the values ofthe African worldview Ubuntu, in contrast to the dominant Western individualist orthodoxy. SWDs are being excluded anddenied a sense of belonging and equal participation despite universities giving lip service to embracing such inclusive education-oriented values as co-operative learning.Non-disabled students steeped in Western individualism,which affirms the solitary pursuit of individual success rather than the value of interdependence and diversity,end up marginalising SWDs who are seen as less capable. DUSMs addressing the needs of SWDs through an ableist/Western individualist lens are not challenging unfair practices which are impairing the dignity of SWDs,particularly students with physical disabilities who are being forced to “fit into” oppressive inaccessible built environments on campuses. These DUSMs may unwittingly re-inscribe ableist assumptions that normalise discrimination against SWDs. Conclusions and Recommendations: Ubuntu values offer a starting point for building mutual respectand interdependence between SWDs and their non-disabled peers. The thesis finds however that as was the case in traditional African communities,which embraced the values of Ubuntu, acts of leadership are required if Ubuntu’s values of human dignity, mutual respect and acceptance are to be fostered on campuses. In a range of important ways,the dignity of SWDs is not respected at HEIs in South Africa.This includes,for example,such practical matters as the inaccessibility of toilets to wheelchair users and the lack of appropriate signage for blind students. Disrespectful attitudes and assumptions about SWDs on the part of non-disabled university members also result in SWDs’ human dignity being impaired. Ubuntu’s value of hospitality stresses the importance of promoting relations of group solidarity and interdependence between SWDs and their non-disabled peers. Both academic inclusion-oriented programmes and the promotion of a wide range of social activities,involving both SWDs and non-disabled students,can play an important role in cultivating the formation of long-term fruitful and respectful friendships between SWDs and non-disabled students. An enabling classroom environment alone is not enough to holistically address the social inclusion needs of SWDs. South African HEIs that embrace the Ubuntu values of communalism, human dignity and hospitality will be in a position to respect the needs of SWDs as “whole persons”. Amongst other things, this requires DUSMs to be fully empowered to make important decisions regarding vitalmatters such as disability inclusion, and it necessitates university management to relinquish their power, so that they maywork collaboratively with DUSMs and SWDs, all on equal footing, to ensure that HE funding allocation, policy andplanning alsoprioritises the social needs of SWDs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chiwandire, Desire
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: College students with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170578 , vital:41938
- Description: Background: During apartheid, South African students with disabilities (SWDs) were educated in special schools and taught an inferior curriculum. Black learners with disabilities were discriminated against on grounds of bothrace and disability. Following South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) government put in place arange of new laws to address the educational and other needs of those disadvantaged under apartheid, including persons with disabilities (PWDs). The South African government is a signatory of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which has resulted in the country assuming obligations to promote inclusive education forSWDs. However, research (see,for instance,Chiwandire & Vincent 2019; Chiwandire 2019; Mutanga 2019; Majoko & Phasha 2018; Mutanga et al. 2018; Mutanga 2017a; Chiwandire 2017; Israel 2017) has shown that SWDs continue to fare differently in comparison totheir non-disabled peers in terms of participation in education with the likelihood of success. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have thusbeen urged to create conducive environments for the academic inclusion of SWDs with particular attention being paid to lecturers employing inclusive instructional strategies as well as flexible curricula,if they are to ensure the equal opportunity for academic success of SWDs in the regular classroom setting. The focus, to date, on academic inclusion, while important, has meantthat issues relating to the social inclusion of SWDs have received minimal attention. Purpose: To date, there is a dearth of South African studies which have investigated the social inclusion needs of SWDs on South African campuses. Althougha number ofstudies have given voice to the perspectives of SWDs and lecturers,with respect to their experiences in relation to matters of academic inclusion in South African higher education (HE), few have focused on Disability Unit Staff Members(DUSMs) who are pivotal to ensuring fair and equitable policies and practices for SWDs in HEIs. Disability Studies (DS) as a field has been criticised for being dominated by voices from the Global North,which fail to consideror effectively theorise Global South disabilityexperiences in a contextually relevant way. The thesis argues that the failure to recognise the value of diversity and to treat SWDs as valued and welcomed participants in South vAfrican HEIs partly stems from policy, practice and relationships being informed by the Western individualist paradigm that prizes individual achievement and success rather than cooperation and mutuality. The African philosophy of Ubuntu,which stresses values of communalism, hospitality and respect for human dignity is offered here as an alternative starting point for achieving genuinely inclusive campuses. Methods: In-depth face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 participants, most of whom were,at the time of being interviewed, Heads of Disability Units and DUSMs based at 10 different universities in four of South Africa’s nine provinces. Data were coded and analysed using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) method of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: The findings of this study indicate that South African campuses are ableist spaces in which the social needs of SWDs are not prioritised. The thesis argues that in order for campuses to become genuinely inclusive, South African campuses ought to seek to inculcate in their members the values ofthe African worldview Ubuntu, in contrast to the dominant Western individualist orthodoxy. SWDs are being excluded anddenied a sense of belonging and equal participation despite universities giving lip service to embracing such inclusive education-oriented values as co-operative learning.Non-disabled students steeped in Western individualism,which affirms the solitary pursuit of individual success rather than the value of interdependence and diversity,end up marginalising SWDs who are seen as less capable. DUSMs addressing the needs of SWDs through an ableist/Western individualist lens are not challenging unfair practices which are impairing the dignity of SWDs,particularly students with physical disabilities who are being forced to “fit into” oppressive inaccessible built environments on campuses. These DUSMs may unwittingly re-inscribe ableist assumptions that normalise discrimination against SWDs. Conclusions and Recommendations: Ubuntu values offer a starting point for building mutual respectand interdependence between SWDs and their non-disabled peers. The thesis finds however that as was the case in traditional African communities,which embraced the values of Ubuntu, acts of leadership are required if Ubuntu’s values of human dignity, mutual respect and acceptance are to be fostered on campuses. In a range of important ways,the dignity of SWDs is not respected at HEIs in South Africa.This includes,for example,such practical matters as the inaccessibility of toilets to wheelchair users and the lack of appropriate signage for blind students. Disrespectful attitudes and assumptions about SWDs on the part of non-disabled university members also result in SWDs’ human dignity being impaired. Ubuntu’s value of hospitality stresses the importance of promoting relations of group solidarity and interdependence between SWDs and their non-disabled peers. Both academic inclusion-oriented programmes and the promotion of a wide range of social activities,involving both SWDs and non-disabled students,can play an important role in cultivating the formation of long-term fruitful and respectful friendships between SWDs and non-disabled students. An enabling classroom environment alone is not enough to holistically address the social inclusion needs of SWDs. South African HEIs that embrace the Ubuntu values of communalism, human dignity and hospitality will be in a position to respect the needs of SWDs as “whole persons”. Amongst other things, this requires DUSMs to be fully empowered to make important decisions regarding vitalmatters such as disability inclusion, and it necessitates university management to relinquish their power, so that they maywork collaboratively with DUSMs and SWDs, all on equal footing, to ensure that HE funding allocation, policy andplanning alsoprioritises the social needs of SWDs.
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The design of a modal interchange in Korsten, Port Elizabeth: santuary for the urban nomad
- Authors: Magwabeni, Mpho
- Date: 202015
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41258 , vital:36424
- Description: The inception of this treatise is derived simply from the identification of the current inefficient public transportation facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is especially experienced in the Korsten precinct as there is a scattering of transport nodes and none of them can be particularly identified as the key transport node in the fabric. With the 2010 World Cup behind us and many infrastructures such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium working as urban anchor of activity, the question still at hand is how the issue of integration between commuters and transportation can be addressed. This sets the scene for the application of an architectural resolution through the design of a transport interchange of the Korsten region. At present there are two functional informal taxi ranks that service the commuters of Korsten; the primary informal taxi node located on Attwell Street and the secondary informal taxi node on Cottrell Street. Currently they operate independently providing a service to people from different destinations, for instance Kleiner and Kempton Park. The first concern that arises is the proximity of the two taxi ranks in respect of the surrounding urban landscape. For these taxi nodes to be of service to the urban nomad they must be positioned in a more concentrated location to integrate efficiently with the urban fabric. Secondly, a thorough investigation into the informal trade is necessary to ascertain how it can enhance the street life and keep the edges activated and integrated. This treatise proposes the integration of the two independent taxi nodes with the proposed BRT system that has been implemented by the NMBM. This amalgamation would strengthen the urban landscape and create a place for the urban nomad. According to an article by Ian Ollis (2013) there is a dire need for accessible, affordable mass transport across South Africa .The bus rapid transit system was supposed to cure this woe, but implementation has been slow and mismanaged, especially in municipalities like Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magwabeni, Mpho
- Date: 202015
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41258 , vital:36424
- Description: The inception of this treatise is derived simply from the identification of the current inefficient public transportation facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is especially experienced in the Korsten precinct as there is a scattering of transport nodes and none of them can be particularly identified as the key transport node in the fabric. With the 2010 World Cup behind us and many infrastructures such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium working as urban anchor of activity, the question still at hand is how the issue of integration between commuters and transportation can be addressed. This sets the scene for the application of an architectural resolution through the design of a transport interchange of the Korsten region. At present there are two functional informal taxi ranks that service the commuters of Korsten; the primary informal taxi node located on Attwell Street and the secondary informal taxi node on Cottrell Street. Currently they operate independently providing a service to people from different destinations, for instance Kleiner and Kempton Park. The first concern that arises is the proximity of the two taxi ranks in respect of the surrounding urban landscape. For these taxi nodes to be of service to the urban nomad they must be positioned in a more concentrated location to integrate efficiently with the urban fabric. Secondly, a thorough investigation into the informal trade is necessary to ascertain how it can enhance the street life and keep the edges activated and integrated. This treatise proposes the integration of the two independent taxi nodes with the proposed BRT system that has been implemented by the NMBM. This amalgamation would strengthen the urban landscape and create a place for the urban nomad. According to an article by Ian Ollis (2013) there is a dire need for accessible, affordable mass transport across South Africa .The bus rapid transit system was supposed to cure this woe, but implementation has been slow and mismanaged, especially in municipalities like Nelson Mandela Bay.
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A drug utilisation review of lithium at a public sector psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Mapfumo, Charlotte
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Lithium -- Therapeutic use , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Drug utilization , Psychiatric hospital care , Manic-depressive illness , Lithium -- Toxicology , Drug monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150541 , vital:38983
- Description: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common mental condition that affects about 60 million people globally. Lithium is among the drugs of choice used to treat BD and other affective disorders such as schizoaffective disorder (SD). Lithium is a mood stabiliser with antimanic, antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties. Lithium has complex mechanisms of action and a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a vital component of lithium therapy due to its NTI. Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic levels and is characterised by symptoms such as blurred vision and convulsions. Lithium interacts with a number of drugs resulting in lithium toxicity or diminished effects of lithium. Symptoms of lithium toxicity range from abdominal pain, convulsions and death. Lithium use is associated with serious adverse effects on renal and thyroid function. Other adverse effects include tremor and weight gain. Monitoring of lithium serum levels, renal and thyroid function are therefore recommended for patients on lithium therapy. Monitoring of these parameters assists in the early detection of any problems associated with lithium use. The metabolic monitoring of lithium is vital due to the adverse effect profile of lithium and the current South African Standard Treatment Guidelines Hospital level: Adults, do not have any recommendations for the monitoring of metabolic parameters. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) may be used and adapted for the South African setting. Aim and Objectives: The general aim of the study was to conduct a drug utilisation review (DUR) on lithium through investigating its prescribing and monitoring patterns in both inpatients and outpatients at Fort England Hospital. Methodology: The study was in the form of a retrospective DUR. Data was collected from 40 files (n=40) of patients who were on treatment with lithium between 1 January 2017-31 December 2017 at Fort England Hospital. The data was collected retrospectively for both in- and outpatients. Compliance of the monitoring requirements with both South African and international guidelines was analysed. Results and Discussion: In 87.50% (n=37) of the cases, patients had been on lithium therapy before 2017 with most patients (n=13; 37.50%) being maintained on 500 mg of lithium. Non-compliance with the South African and NICE guidelines for renal baseline monitoring was 65.00% (n=26) in both guidelines. Non-compliance for baseline thyroid monitoring was 70.00% (n=28) for both guidelines. There was non-compliance in 45.00% (n=18) of the cases for lithium serum level monitoring for both guidelines. Non-compliance with follow-up renal monitoring was 47.50% (n=19) for both guidelines. Compliance with the NICE guidelines for follow-up metabolic monitoring was 67.50% (n=27). Conclusion: There was non-compliance in most cases leaving room for clinical improvement in the monitoring of lithium. Healthcare professionals should be educated on the recommended monitoring guidelines to promote the rational use of lithium in South Africa. Pharmacists should be more involved in the TDM of lithium to promote its safe and effective use.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mapfumo, Charlotte
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Lithium -- Therapeutic use , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Drug utilization , Psychiatric hospital care , Manic-depressive illness , Lithium -- Toxicology , Drug monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150541 , vital:38983
- Description: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common mental condition that affects about 60 million people globally. Lithium is among the drugs of choice used to treat BD and other affective disorders such as schizoaffective disorder (SD). Lithium is a mood stabiliser with antimanic, antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties. Lithium has complex mechanisms of action and a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a vital component of lithium therapy due to its NTI. Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic levels and is characterised by symptoms such as blurred vision and convulsions. Lithium interacts with a number of drugs resulting in lithium toxicity or diminished effects of lithium. Symptoms of lithium toxicity range from abdominal pain, convulsions and death. Lithium use is associated with serious adverse effects on renal and thyroid function. Other adverse effects include tremor and weight gain. Monitoring of lithium serum levels, renal and thyroid function are therefore recommended for patients on lithium therapy. Monitoring of these parameters assists in the early detection of any problems associated with lithium use. The metabolic monitoring of lithium is vital due to the adverse effect profile of lithium and the current South African Standard Treatment Guidelines Hospital level: Adults, do not have any recommendations for the monitoring of metabolic parameters. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) may be used and adapted for the South African setting. Aim and Objectives: The general aim of the study was to conduct a drug utilisation review (DUR) on lithium through investigating its prescribing and monitoring patterns in both inpatients and outpatients at Fort England Hospital. Methodology: The study was in the form of a retrospective DUR. Data was collected from 40 files (n=40) of patients who were on treatment with lithium between 1 January 2017-31 December 2017 at Fort England Hospital. The data was collected retrospectively for both in- and outpatients. Compliance of the monitoring requirements with both South African and international guidelines was analysed. Results and Discussion: In 87.50% (n=37) of the cases, patients had been on lithium therapy before 2017 with most patients (n=13; 37.50%) being maintained on 500 mg of lithium. Non-compliance with the South African and NICE guidelines for renal baseline monitoring was 65.00% (n=26) in both guidelines. Non-compliance for baseline thyroid monitoring was 70.00% (n=28) for both guidelines. There was non-compliance in 45.00% (n=18) of the cases for lithium serum level monitoring for both guidelines. Non-compliance with follow-up renal monitoring was 47.50% (n=19) for both guidelines. Compliance with the NICE guidelines for follow-up metabolic monitoring was 67.50% (n=27). Conclusion: There was non-compliance in most cases leaving room for clinical improvement in the monitoring of lithium. Healthcare professionals should be educated on the recommended monitoring guidelines to promote the rational use of lithium in South Africa. Pharmacists should be more involved in the TDM of lithium to promote its safe and effective use.
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Application of quality by design to the manufacture of a multiparticulate prednisone dosage form
- Authors: Manda, Arthur
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Drugs -- Quality control , Drugs -- Design -- Quality control , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drug development -- Quality control , Pharmaceutical industry -- Quality control , Prednisone , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117986 , vital:34583
- Description: For many years, quality by testing was the only approach to guarantee quality of drug products before the Food and Drug Administration launched the concept of current Good Manufacturing Practice. In order to gain more knowledge of the manufacturing process, a new system known as Quality by Design was introduced into the pharmaceutical industry. Quality by Design is based on thorough understanding of how materials, process parameters and interaction thereof impact final product quality. Quality by Design is a systematic approach to product development which ensures that quality is built into a product during product development and not just tested into it. The aim of Quality by Design is to achieve optimum product quality with consistent dosage form performance and minimal risk of failure in patients. The objective of these studies was to implement a Quality by Design approach to establish a design space for the development and manufacture of a safe, effective and stable multi-partite solid oral dosage form for prednisone as an alternative to currently marketed prednisone formulations. Multi-particulate dosage forms offer significant advantages over conventional technologies. In addition to lowering the incidence of gastrointestinal irritation they exhibit a reduced risk of dose dumping and a large surface area which favours dissolution. Furthermore, their free flowing nature facilitates reproducible capsule filling and consequently uniformity of dosing. Different multi-particulate dosage forms exist however a multiple-unit pellet system was investigated during these studies. Quality by Design principles were used to develop and establish a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantifying prednisone from solid oral dosage forms. A Central Composite Design was used to generate multivariate experiments and to investigate the impact of input variables on the quality and performance of the analytical method. The optimized method was validated according to International Council for Harmonization guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate and specific for the quantitation of prednisone. Pre-formulation studies were conducted and included the assessment of particle size, particle shape, powder flow properties and compatibility studies. Carr’s index, Hausner ratio and the Angle of Repose were used to evaluate powder flow properties and results generated from all studies suggest the need for adding a glidant and lubricant to improve pellet flow. The images generated from Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to analyze particle shape and size. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to evaluate API-excipient compatibility. All excipients investigated were found to be compatible with prednisone and suitable for formulation development studies. Extrusion-spheronization was used to manufacture prednisone pellets. Extrusion-spheronization is a multi-step process involving many factors. Quality risk management tools particularly an Ishikawa Fishbone (cause and effect) diagram and failure mode and effects analysis were used to narrow down potentially significant factors to a reasonable number that could be investigated experimentally. Risk priority numbers were used to quantify risk and factors above a set threshold value were considered to be of high risk. A total of eleven risk factors were identified as high. A Plackett-Burman study was conducted to narrow down the eleven high risk factors to identify the most impactful factors viz., microcrystalline cellulose content, sodium starch glycolate content, extrusion speed and spheronization time. Evaluation of four factors was carried over to optimization studies using a Box-Behnken Design and following identifaction of the optimum process settings and excipient content a design space for the manufacture of a multi-partite dosage form containing prednisone was established.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manda, Arthur
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Drugs -- Quality control , Drugs -- Design -- Quality control , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drug development -- Quality control , Pharmaceutical industry -- Quality control , Prednisone , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117986 , vital:34583
- Description: For many years, quality by testing was the only approach to guarantee quality of drug products before the Food and Drug Administration launched the concept of current Good Manufacturing Practice. In order to gain more knowledge of the manufacturing process, a new system known as Quality by Design was introduced into the pharmaceutical industry. Quality by Design is based on thorough understanding of how materials, process parameters and interaction thereof impact final product quality. Quality by Design is a systematic approach to product development which ensures that quality is built into a product during product development and not just tested into it. The aim of Quality by Design is to achieve optimum product quality with consistent dosage form performance and minimal risk of failure in patients. The objective of these studies was to implement a Quality by Design approach to establish a design space for the development and manufacture of a safe, effective and stable multi-partite solid oral dosage form for prednisone as an alternative to currently marketed prednisone formulations. Multi-particulate dosage forms offer significant advantages over conventional technologies. In addition to lowering the incidence of gastrointestinal irritation they exhibit a reduced risk of dose dumping and a large surface area which favours dissolution. Furthermore, their free flowing nature facilitates reproducible capsule filling and consequently uniformity of dosing. Different multi-particulate dosage forms exist however a multiple-unit pellet system was investigated during these studies. Quality by Design principles were used to develop and establish a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantifying prednisone from solid oral dosage forms. A Central Composite Design was used to generate multivariate experiments and to investigate the impact of input variables on the quality and performance of the analytical method. The optimized method was validated according to International Council for Harmonization guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate and specific for the quantitation of prednisone. Pre-formulation studies were conducted and included the assessment of particle size, particle shape, powder flow properties and compatibility studies. Carr’s index, Hausner ratio and the Angle of Repose were used to evaluate powder flow properties and results generated from all studies suggest the need for adding a glidant and lubricant to improve pellet flow. The images generated from Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to analyze particle shape and size. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to evaluate API-excipient compatibility. All excipients investigated were found to be compatible with prednisone and suitable for formulation development studies. Extrusion-spheronization was used to manufacture prednisone pellets. Extrusion-spheronization is a multi-step process involving many factors. Quality risk management tools particularly an Ishikawa Fishbone (cause and effect) diagram and failure mode and effects analysis were used to narrow down potentially significant factors to a reasonable number that could be investigated experimentally. Risk priority numbers were used to quantify risk and factors above a set threshold value were considered to be of high risk. A total of eleven risk factors were identified as high. A Plackett-Burman study was conducted to narrow down the eleven high risk factors to identify the most impactful factors viz., microcrystalline cellulose content, sodium starch glycolate content, extrusion speed and spheronization time. Evaluation of four factors was carried over to optimization studies using a Box-Behnken Design and following identifaction of the optimum process settings and excipient content a design space for the manufacture of a multi-partite dosage form containing prednisone was established.
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Effects of organic and inorganic pollutants on the quality of river water and evaluation of possible negative effects on human health in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Vumazonke, Sesethu
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164727 , vital:41158
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, 2020
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- Authors: Vumazonke, Sesethu
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164727 , vital:41158
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, 2020
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Evaluating the prescribing and management practices of clozapine at a public sector psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Mukoko, Vimbisai Millicent
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Clozapine , Schizophrenia -- Chemotherapy , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123266 , vital:35422
- Description: Approximately one percent (1%) of the South African population suffers from schizophrenia. Clozapine has proven to be more effective than conventional antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly in alleviating positive symptoms. Clozapine is primarily indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to its severe adverse effect profile. The prescribing guidelines recommend a trial of at least two different antipsychotic drugs before the initiation of clozapine. At least one should be a non-clozapine second generation antipsychotic. Compared to other atypical antipsychotics, clozapine poses the greatest risk of causing a haematological event, such as neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis (estimated prevalence of 1.3%) is a life-threatening adverse effect. Common adverse effects include weight gain and metabolic syndrome, hypersalivation and constipation. These can also predispose the patient to co-morbid diseases which further complicate their current diagnosis. Haematological and metabolic monitoring is paramount throughout the duration of clozapine therapy. International (NICE guidelines, Clozapine REMS, and Maudsley prescribing guidelines) and national (South African STGs, SASOP treatment guidelines and the SAMF) guidelines recommend these monitoring patterns to assist with the prevention and management of the adverse effects of clozapine.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mukoko, Vimbisai Millicent
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Clozapine , Schizophrenia -- Chemotherapy , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123266 , vital:35422
- Description: Approximately one percent (1%) of the South African population suffers from schizophrenia. Clozapine has proven to be more effective than conventional antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly in alleviating positive symptoms. Clozapine is primarily indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to its severe adverse effect profile. The prescribing guidelines recommend a trial of at least two different antipsychotic drugs before the initiation of clozapine. At least one should be a non-clozapine second generation antipsychotic. Compared to other atypical antipsychotics, clozapine poses the greatest risk of causing a haematological event, such as neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis (estimated prevalence of 1.3%) is a life-threatening adverse effect. Common adverse effects include weight gain and metabolic syndrome, hypersalivation and constipation. These can also predispose the patient to co-morbid diseases which further complicate their current diagnosis. Haematological and metabolic monitoring is paramount throughout the duration of clozapine therapy. International (NICE guidelines, Clozapine REMS, and Maudsley prescribing guidelines) and national (South African STGs, SASOP treatment guidelines and the SAMF) guidelines recommend these monitoring patterns to assist with the prevention and management of the adverse effects of clozapine.
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