Essential medicine selection during the COVID-19 pandemic: Enabling access in uncharted territory
- Authors: A G Parrish
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3364 , vital:43319 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13086
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic requires urgent decisions regarding treatment policy in the face of rapidly evolving evidence. In response, the South African Essential Medicines List Committee established a subcommittee to systematically review and appraise emerging evidence, within very short timelines, in order to inform the National Department of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines. To date, the subcommittee has reviewed 14 potential treatments, and made recommendations based on local context, feasibility, resource requirements and equity. Here we describe the rapid review and evidence-to-decision process, using remdesivir and dexamethasone as examples. Our experience is that conducting rapid reviews is a practical and efficient way to address medicine policy questions under pandemic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: A G Parrish
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3364 , vital:43319 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13086
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic requires urgent decisions regarding treatment policy in the face of rapidly evolving evidence. In response, the South African Essential Medicines List Committee established a subcommittee to systematically review and appraise emerging evidence, within very short timelines, in order to inform the National Department of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines. To date, the subcommittee has reviewed 14 potential treatments, and made recommendations based on local context, feasibility, resource requirements and equity. Here we describe the rapid review and evidence-to-decision process, using remdesivir and dexamethasone as examples. Our experience is that conducting rapid reviews is a practical and efficient way to address medicine policy questions under pandemic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Effects of an eight-week lumbar stabilization exercise programme on selected variables of patients with chronic low back pain:
- Abass, Ademola O, Alli, Abiola R, Olagbegi, Oladapo M, Christie, Candice J, Bolarinde, Olufemi S
- Authors: Abass, Ademola O , Alli, Abiola R , Olagbegi, Oladapo M , Christie, Candice J , Bolarinde, Olufemi S
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150307 , vital:38966 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v19i3.45864
- Description: Lumbar stabilisation exercise has been shown to reduce pain and disability in patients with low back pain but information on its potential benefits in term of back muscle endurance is scarce. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of augmenting conventional physiotherapy with lumbar stabilization exercises on selected variables of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abass, Ademola O , Alli, Abiola R , Olagbegi, Oladapo M , Christie, Candice J , Bolarinde, Olufemi S
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150307 , vital:38966 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v19i3.45864
- Description: Lumbar stabilisation exercise has been shown to reduce pain and disability in patients with low back pain but information on its potential benefits in term of back muscle endurance is scarce. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of augmenting conventional physiotherapy with lumbar stabilization exercises on selected variables of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical applications
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Understanding of biological teleology from a naturalistic perspective
- Authors: Abrahams, Sanaa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teleology , Biology -- Philosophy , Evolution (Biology) -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140534 , vital:37896
- Description: To the extent that teleological thinking is metaphysically suspect, many theorists attempt to shift the stigma of functional explanations by reducing function ascriptions, and aim thus to de-legitimise an appeal to teleological causal relations in an analysis of function. The point is to dispel the mystery which envelops the application of function concepts by reformulating biological functional explanations so as to dispense with teleology. My project is to interrogate the success with which teleological explanations have thus been eliminated in the biological sciences, and, over the course of this thesis, I conclude that a kind of teleological causation nevertheless remains the most adequate explanatory ground of natural products. My proposal is that functional explanations are causal explanations for the presence and maintenance of self-reproducing systems. I contend that, insofar as the attribution of function presupposes the valuation of a function-bearing system as a causal necessity for its constituent parts, functional explanation references distinct and irreducible holistic properties. Using Kantian metaphysics to frame the discussion, this thesis aims first to explore critically the subject of functional characterisations of biological phenomena, and second, the metaphysical basis of modern science. Its chief contributions to the philosophical function debate reside in proposing novel arguments in justification of what I consider is an improved formulation of an attempted definition of biological function, in which teleological causal powers are explicitly recognised and accommodated in functional explanation. Moreover, this thesis attempts a naturalistic reconstruction of the metaphysical entailments of the real causality of a whole
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abrahams, Sanaa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teleology , Biology -- Philosophy , Evolution (Biology) -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140534 , vital:37896
- Description: To the extent that teleological thinking is metaphysically suspect, many theorists attempt to shift the stigma of functional explanations by reducing function ascriptions, and aim thus to de-legitimise an appeal to teleological causal relations in an analysis of function. The point is to dispel the mystery which envelops the application of function concepts by reformulating biological functional explanations so as to dispense with teleology. My project is to interrogate the success with which teleological explanations have thus been eliminated in the biological sciences, and, over the course of this thesis, I conclude that a kind of teleological causation nevertheless remains the most adequate explanatory ground of natural products. My proposal is that functional explanations are causal explanations for the presence and maintenance of self-reproducing systems. I contend that, insofar as the attribution of function presupposes the valuation of a function-bearing system as a causal necessity for its constituent parts, functional explanation references distinct and irreducible holistic properties. Using Kantian metaphysics to frame the discussion, this thesis aims first to explore critically the subject of functional characterisations of biological phenomena, and second, the metaphysical basis of modern science. Its chief contributions to the philosophical function debate reside in proposing novel arguments in justification of what I consider is an improved formulation of an attempted definition of biological function, in which teleological causal powers are explicitly recognised and accommodated in functional explanation. Moreover, this thesis attempts a naturalistic reconstruction of the metaphysical entailments of the real causality of a whole
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Temperature tolerance and humidity requirements of select entomopathogenic fungal isolates for future use in citrus IPM programmes
- Acheampong, M A, Coombes, Candice A, Moore, Sean D, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Acheampong, M A , Coombes, Candice A , Moore, Sean D , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419399 , vital:71641 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2020.107436"
- Description: Several isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitacae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitacae) have been investigated as possible microbial control agents of key citrus pests in South Africa. Although laboratory results have been promising, field trials against foliar pests have shown limited success. These findings highlighted the need to investigate other biological attributes of these fungal isolates besides virulence in order to select candidates that may be better suited for the foliar environment. Thus, this study investigated the influence of temperature on the in vitro growth of seven indigenous local isolates and the humidity requirements necessary to promote successful infection, in comparison with two commercial isolates (B. bassiana PPRI 5339 and M. anisopliae ICIPE 69). All the fungal isolates grew across a range of temperatures (8–34 °C) and optimally between 26 and 28 °C. Similarly, fungal infection of Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) fifth instars occurred across a range of humidity levels (12%, 43%, 75%, 98%) regardless of fungal concentration, although external sporulation was restricted to treatments exposed to 98% relative humidity. It was concluded that neither temperature nor humidity, when considered alone, is likely to significantly influence the efficacy of any of the isolates in the field, given that they are active within temperature and humidity ranges experienced in South African citrus orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Acheampong, M A , Coombes, Candice A , Moore, Sean D , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419399 , vital:71641 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2020.107436"
- Description: Several isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitacae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitacae) have been investigated as possible microbial control agents of key citrus pests in South Africa. Although laboratory results have been promising, field trials against foliar pests have shown limited success. These findings highlighted the need to investigate other biological attributes of these fungal isolates besides virulence in order to select candidates that may be better suited for the foliar environment. Thus, this study investigated the influence of temperature on the in vitro growth of seven indigenous local isolates and the humidity requirements necessary to promote successful infection, in comparison with two commercial isolates (B. bassiana PPRI 5339 and M. anisopliae ICIPE 69). All the fungal isolates grew across a range of temperatures (8–34 °C) and optimally between 26 and 28 °C. Similarly, fungal infection of Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) fifth instars occurred across a range of humidity levels (12%, 43%, 75%, 98%) regardless of fungal concentration, although external sporulation was restricted to treatments exposed to 98% relative humidity. It was concluded that neither temperature nor humidity, when considered alone, is likely to significantly influence the efficacy of any of the isolates in the field, given that they are active within temperature and humidity ranges experienced in South African citrus orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Policies to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in West Africa:
- Adam, Issahaku, Walker, Tony R, Bezerra, Joana Carlos, Clayton, Andrea
- Authors: Adam, Issahaku , Walker, Tony R , Bezerra, Joana Carlos , Clayton, Andrea
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150196 , vital:38948 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103928
- Description: Countries in Africa are increasingly adopting policies to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) pollution, yet there has been limited analysis of policies adopted by African countries. This paper reviews SUP reduction policies, specifically in West Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adam, Issahaku , Walker, Tony R , Bezerra, Joana Carlos , Clayton, Andrea
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150196 , vital:38948 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103928
- Description: Countries in Africa are increasingly adopting policies to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) pollution, yet there has been limited analysis of policies adopted by African countries. This paper reviews SUP reduction policies, specifically in West Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of the expanded public works programme in reducing unemployment in Grahamstown
- Authors: Adam, Zanele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49583 , vital:41738
- Description: Unemployment is a global threat and has been identified as a crucial factor affecting South Africa s economy. Unemployment rate is one of the key indicators of South Africa s economy and reports by Statistics South Africa have indicated an increase in the unemployment rate. Studies done by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has ranked South Africa amongst the worst in the world for unemployment and that poverty manifests not as a financial indicator but as a result of lack of employment opportunities. In response to the challenge of unemployment, South Africa has introduced numerous policies and strategies to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The vision of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is to assist South Africa with its challenge of poverty eradication and to ease the unemployment statistics while simultaneously promoting skills development for its participants and the main focus of this policy is to provide income relief for the unemployment. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of EPWP in alleviating unemployment in Grahamstown, by assessing whether or not the EPWP has had any significant influence on job creation and skills development. This study focused on programmes implemented during the period 2014-2017 which is under phase 3 of the EPWP. This study adopted a qualitative research method and followed a descriptive approach. The research method did not seek to prove a true cause-effect relationship between the variables but rather demonstrate the correlation by means of case studies, archival research and content analysis. The research results revealed the potential of the EPWP projects in job creation in the area, and that there are areas of development and challenges in order to achieve the overall purpose of the EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adam, Zanele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49583 , vital:41738
- Description: Unemployment is a global threat and has been identified as a crucial factor affecting South Africa s economy. Unemployment rate is one of the key indicators of South Africa s economy and reports by Statistics South Africa have indicated an increase in the unemployment rate. Studies done by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has ranked South Africa amongst the worst in the world for unemployment and that poverty manifests not as a financial indicator but as a result of lack of employment opportunities. In response to the challenge of unemployment, South Africa has introduced numerous policies and strategies to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The vision of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is to assist South Africa with its challenge of poverty eradication and to ease the unemployment statistics while simultaneously promoting skills development for its participants and the main focus of this policy is to provide income relief for the unemployment. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of EPWP in alleviating unemployment in Grahamstown, by assessing whether or not the EPWP has had any significant influence on job creation and skills development. This study focused on programmes implemented during the period 2014-2017 which is under phase 3 of the EPWP. This study adopted a qualitative research method and followed a descriptive approach. The research method did not seek to prove a true cause-effect relationship between the variables but rather demonstrate the correlation by means of case studies, archival research and content analysis. The research results revealed the potential of the EPWP projects in job creation in the area, and that there are areas of development and challenges in order to achieve the overall purpose of the EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Household food insecurity and its association with psychological well-being of pregnant women in Ghana: the role of selected psychosocial factors
- Authors: Addai, Prince
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food security -- Ghana Households -- Ghana Self-reliance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12547 , vital:39286
- Description: The inability to get enough food has contributed immensely to dangers confronting pregnant women, especially in the developing countries. Food insecurity has been associated with a variety of negative consequences such as poor health and wellbeing. However, the impact of food insecurity on well-being has not received the needed attention by researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa where the state of food insecurity and its consequence is very pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of food insecurity on psychological well-being and its components among pregnant women in Northern Ghana and to assess the roles of self-esteem, locus of control, proactivity, and social support on the underlying relationship. The cross-sectional survey was adopted where 386 pregnant women were recruited to complete questionnaires on demographic, some psychological factors, psychological well-being and food insecurity. Dimensionality and Item analyses were conducted to detect complex and poor items and also to ensure unidimensionality. Regression analysis, MANOVA, Baron and Kenney Model of moderation and mediation, the multivariate ANOVA and the Two-way ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that the measurement and the structural models showed a good fit with the observed data. Results showed that about 37.5% (n=144) out of the 384 pregnant women experienced severe food insecurity. Food insecurity was negatively significantly related with psychological well-being and all its components among pregnant women. Food insecurity elucidated 48.5% of the observed variance of food insecurity. Food insecurity correlated highly to personal growth (β = -.327) element of psychological well-being compared to autonomy (β = -.227), interpersonal relationship (β = -.207), environmental mastery (β = -.168), self-acceptance (β = -.117), and of purpose in life (β = -.107). Self-esteem and locus of control mediated the relationship between food insecurity and psychological well-being. Proactivity and social support also moderated the nexus between food insecurity and psychological well-being. 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper Having higher income status and being employed were associated positively with higher psychological well-being. Support was not found for the nexus between marital status and age with psychological well-being. Recommendations are made for pregnant mothers to be supported and empowered to boost their self-esteem and make them proactive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Addai, Prince
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food security -- Ghana Households -- Ghana Self-reliance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12547 , vital:39286
- Description: The inability to get enough food has contributed immensely to dangers confronting pregnant women, especially in the developing countries. Food insecurity has been associated with a variety of negative consequences such as poor health and wellbeing. However, the impact of food insecurity on well-being has not received the needed attention by researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa where the state of food insecurity and its consequence is very pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of food insecurity on psychological well-being and its components among pregnant women in Northern Ghana and to assess the roles of self-esteem, locus of control, proactivity, and social support on the underlying relationship. The cross-sectional survey was adopted where 386 pregnant women were recruited to complete questionnaires on demographic, some psychological factors, psychological well-being and food insecurity. Dimensionality and Item analyses were conducted to detect complex and poor items and also to ensure unidimensionality. Regression analysis, MANOVA, Baron and Kenney Model of moderation and mediation, the multivariate ANOVA and the Two-way ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that the measurement and the structural models showed a good fit with the observed data. Results showed that about 37.5% (n=144) out of the 384 pregnant women experienced severe food insecurity. Food insecurity was negatively significantly related with psychological well-being and all its components among pregnant women. Food insecurity elucidated 48.5% of the observed variance of food insecurity. Food insecurity correlated highly to personal growth (β = -.327) element of psychological well-being compared to autonomy (β = -.227), interpersonal relationship (β = -.207), environmental mastery (β = -.168), self-acceptance (β = -.117), and of purpose in life (β = -.107). Self-esteem and locus of control mediated the relationship between food insecurity and psychological well-being. Proactivity and social support also moderated the nexus between food insecurity and psychological well-being. 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper Having higher income status and being employed were associated positively with higher psychological well-being. Support was not found for the nexus between marital status and age with psychological well-being. Recommendations are made for pregnant mothers to be supported and empowered to boost their self-esteem and make them proactive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring socialities on Black Twitter: an ethnographic study of everyday concerns of South African users in 2018 and 2019
- Authors: Adebayo, Binwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Twitter (Firm) , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Black people and mass media South Africa , Language and the Internet South Africa , Mass media and culture South Africa , Race in mass media , Ethnicity in mass media , Mass media and minorities South Africa , Mass media Social aspects South Africa , Sex differences in mass media , Social media Political aspects South Africa , South Africa Social conditions , Finance In mass media , Intersectionality (Sociology) South Africa , Black Twitter
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140575 , vital:37900
- Description: In this thesis, I examine the phenomenon of Black Twitter, as it exists in South Africa. Drawing on its socio-cultural and linguistic elements, I analyse the kinds of socialities which are constituted on the platform. In the study, I do this by focusing on the key issues which drive the space by evaluating the key everyday concerns as expressed by its users. As such, the overarching lens focuses on three elements: Firstly, the idea of socialities and the way in which they manifest in online spaces; a focus on the everyday as an important site for social inquiry; and lastly the issue of ‘blackness’, in terms of the way it is used and understood in the South African Black Twitter context. Historically, the Black Twitter space has been linked almost exclusively to its broad base of African American users, who are significant both in terms of their numbers, and their impact on online social culture. However, in this study I engage with the ways in which Black Twitter has been adopted, co-opted and used by young South Africans. As a bona fide ‘member’ of South African Black Twitter, my approach to the study was cyberethnographic. Drawing on my access to the space, my knowledge of many of its members and dynamics, I engaged in participant observation as my primary methodology. My discussion focuses on three areas of everyday concerns, namely: gender and sexuality; race and politics; finances and the economy. These three areas emerge both as prominent sites of discussion, but also give the best insight into the ways in which young South Africans are grappling with these issues. My analysis focuses on how everyday concerns are handled on the platform, and I focus on the deployment of solidarity, formal language, platform-based language and the invocation of blackness. I argue in my conclusion that while the structure of the broad Black Twitter space reflects a leaning towards a digital public sphere, that the process and construction of Black Twitter’s ideas and content are approached via an incomplete, fluid convivial approach.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adebayo, Binwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Twitter (Firm) , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Black people and mass media South Africa , Language and the Internet South Africa , Mass media and culture South Africa , Race in mass media , Ethnicity in mass media , Mass media and minorities South Africa , Mass media Social aspects South Africa , Sex differences in mass media , Social media Political aspects South Africa , South Africa Social conditions , Finance In mass media , Intersectionality (Sociology) South Africa , Black Twitter
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140575 , vital:37900
- Description: In this thesis, I examine the phenomenon of Black Twitter, as it exists in South Africa. Drawing on its socio-cultural and linguistic elements, I analyse the kinds of socialities which are constituted on the platform. In the study, I do this by focusing on the key issues which drive the space by evaluating the key everyday concerns as expressed by its users. As such, the overarching lens focuses on three elements: Firstly, the idea of socialities and the way in which they manifest in online spaces; a focus on the everyday as an important site for social inquiry; and lastly the issue of ‘blackness’, in terms of the way it is used and understood in the South African Black Twitter context. Historically, the Black Twitter space has been linked almost exclusively to its broad base of African American users, who are significant both in terms of their numbers, and their impact on online social culture. However, in this study I engage with the ways in which Black Twitter has been adopted, co-opted and used by young South Africans. As a bona fide ‘member’ of South African Black Twitter, my approach to the study was cyberethnographic. Drawing on my access to the space, my knowledge of many of its members and dynamics, I engaged in participant observation as my primary methodology. My discussion focuses on three areas of everyday concerns, namely: gender and sexuality; race and politics; finances and the economy. These three areas emerge both as prominent sites of discussion, but also give the best insight into the ways in which young South Africans are grappling with these issues. My analysis focuses on how everyday concerns are handled on the platform, and I focus on the deployment of solidarity, formal language, platform-based language and the invocation of blackness. I argue in my conclusion that while the structure of the broad Black Twitter space reflects a leaning towards a digital public sphere, that the process and construction of Black Twitter’s ideas and content are approached via an incomplete, fluid convivial approach.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of custodial grandparents in psychosocial well-being of adolescents from single parents in Buffalo City Municipality of Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Adenike,Folorunsho Fausat
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Grandparents as parents Grandparent and child Grandparenting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Social Work)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17943 , vital:41994
- Description: It has been a historical norm in African societies for children to leave in the homes of caregivers. Among these caregivers are the grandparents, who are from time immemorial, being a pillar of support to their children in caring for their grandchildren. Against this background, the study assesses custodial the role of grandparents in the psychosocial well-being of adolescent children from single parents' homes in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study was guided theoretically by Role and Ryff's psychosocial well-being theories. Four sets of participants totaling 323 gathered using a mixed-method approach comprised of 150 adolescents and 136 custodial grandparents through questionnaires, 30 single parents, through in-depth interviews, and seven social workers through focus group discussions. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling technique to select adolescents and their grandparents, a purposive sampling technique for single parents, and a convenient sampling technique for social workers. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, while the qualitative data were categorized manually into themes and subthemes. Findings indicated a correlation between the attainment of the adolescent children's psychosocial well-being and the effectiveness of the custodial grandparents' role. More also, the challenges encountered by custodial grandparents do affect the attainment of the psychosocial well-being of adolescent children. Furthermore, finding from the study revealed that non-governmental organizations in the municipality were not rendering social support for the custodial grandparents. Finally, the child-support grant received by poor grandparents is grossly inadequate to meet up with the astronomical needs of the adolescent children. The study concluded that custodial grandparents' social support is an effective mechanism in meeting adolescent children's psychosocial well-being. Several recommendations were made from the conclusions to various stakeholders and proposed a responsive conceptual grand-parenting model to cater for effective parenting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adenike,Folorunsho Fausat
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Grandparents as parents Grandparent and child Grandparenting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Social Work)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17943 , vital:41994
- Description: It has been a historical norm in African societies for children to leave in the homes of caregivers. Among these caregivers are the grandparents, who are from time immemorial, being a pillar of support to their children in caring for their grandchildren. Against this background, the study assesses custodial the role of grandparents in the psychosocial well-being of adolescent children from single parents' homes in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study was guided theoretically by Role and Ryff's psychosocial well-being theories. Four sets of participants totaling 323 gathered using a mixed-method approach comprised of 150 adolescents and 136 custodial grandparents through questionnaires, 30 single parents, through in-depth interviews, and seven social workers through focus group discussions. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling technique to select adolescents and their grandparents, a purposive sampling technique for single parents, and a convenient sampling technique for social workers. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, while the qualitative data were categorized manually into themes and subthemes. Findings indicated a correlation between the attainment of the adolescent children's psychosocial well-being and the effectiveness of the custodial grandparents' role. More also, the challenges encountered by custodial grandparents do affect the attainment of the psychosocial well-being of adolescent children. Furthermore, finding from the study revealed that non-governmental organizations in the municipality were not rendering social support for the custodial grandparents. Finally, the child-support grant received by poor grandparents is grossly inadequate to meet up with the astronomical needs of the adolescent children. The study concluded that custodial grandparents' social support is an effective mechanism in meeting adolescent children's psychosocial well-being. Several recommendations were made from the conclusions to various stakeholders and proposed a responsive conceptual grand-parenting model to cater for effective parenting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A management model for human settlements: a case study of Nigeria and South Africa
- Authors: Adeniran, Adeleye Ayoade
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements -- Nigeria , Human settlements -- South Africa Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45985 , vital:39403
- Description: Persistent depreciating human settlements is a global challenge, particularly in developing countries and this challenge contributes to the continuously increasing housing gap, despite several novel policies and programmes. Although there is a dearth of research-based literature on human settlements management, studies show that property management, Facility Management, housing management and urban management impact the sustainability of all these built environment milieus which form part of the human settlements’ sub-components. This research aimed at altering the afore-said challenge by exploring the management of human settlements in Nigeria and in South Africa. Philosophically, the research is pragmatic, and it rests on positivist deductive reasoning. The methods used for data collection include a review of literature, collection of archival records, and empirical studies of purposively selected professionals and stakeholders involved in human settlements’ management in Nigeria and in South Africa. The findings indicate that existing human settlements in the case studies are “good” and “acceptable” with the majority adopting an outsourced method of management. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance records, the deficiency in policy monitoring and the training of management and maintenance personnel were the three highest ranking factors indicated to be affecting human settlements management. Moreover, an inhabitant’s income, the time available for management, professional expertise and technology employed for management are recognised as the critical sustainability sub-factors affecting human settlement management. The factor analysis established ownership, human resource and capital, social, legal, technology, economic, physical and environmental factors as vital and very significant in achieving sustainable management of human settlements. The study recommends the professionalisation of the field of human settlements as well as a formulation of management policy among others. The study developed a management model for human settlements, and it advocates that human settlements managers, owners and organisations should apply the model in this study, to improve their human settlement management practices, so as to achieve sustainability, and in essence, Sustainable Development Goal 11. It is hoped that the suggested management model will influence human settlement policy development and review, the designing of human settlement management programmes including the framework for their ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The study furthermore contributes to the development of housing and human settlement curricula and evolving human settlement research in both developed and developing countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adeniran, Adeleye Ayoade
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements -- Nigeria , Human settlements -- South Africa Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45985 , vital:39403
- Description: Persistent depreciating human settlements is a global challenge, particularly in developing countries and this challenge contributes to the continuously increasing housing gap, despite several novel policies and programmes. Although there is a dearth of research-based literature on human settlements management, studies show that property management, Facility Management, housing management and urban management impact the sustainability of all these built environment milieus which form part of the human settlements’ sub-components. This research aimed at altering the afore-said challenge by exploring the management of human settlements in Nigeria and in South Africa. Philosophically, the research is pragmatic, and it rests on positivist deductive reasoning. The methods used for data collection include a review of literature, collection of archival records, and empirical studies of purposively selected professionals and stakeholders involved in human settlements’ management in Nigeria and in South Africa. The findings indicate that existing human settlements in the case studies are “good” and “acceptable” with the majority adopting an outsourced method of management. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance records, the deficiency in policy monitoring and the training of management and maintenance personnel were the three highest ranking factors indicated to be affecting human settlements management. Moreover, an inhabitant’s income, the time available for management, professional expertise and technology employed for management are recognised as the critical sustainability sub-factors affecting human settlement management. The factor analysis established ownership, human resource and capital, social, legal, technology, economic, physical and environmental factors as vital and very significant in achieving sustainable management of human settlements. The study recommends the professionalisation of the field of human settlements as well as a formulation of management policy among others. The study developed a management model for human settlements, and it advocates that human settlements managers, owners and organisations should apply the model in this study, to improve their human settlement management practices, so as to achieve sustainability, and in essence, Sustainable Development Goal 11. It is hoped that the suggested management model will influence human settlement policy development and review, the designing of human settlement management programmes including the framework for their ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The study furthermore contributes to the development of housing and human settlement curricula and evolving human settlement research in both developed and developing countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Design of Immunobiosensors for Detection of Tumor-Associated Anti-P53 Autoantibodies: Method Development
- Authors: Adeniyi, Omotayo Kayode
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162988 , vital:41002 , 10.21504/10962/162988
- Description: Introduction -- Experimental -- Label-Free Impedimetric Sensing of Anti-P53ab... -- Fluorescent detection of Anti-P53ab -- Peroxidase-like activity of Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd... -- Colorimetric detection of Anti-P53ab , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, 2020. , Detection and profiling of circulating tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) are useful for screening and early-stage diagnosis of asymptomatic lung cancer. Immunobiosensor technologies aimed to accomplish the highly sensitive, rapid and low-cost detection of TAAbs can improve the early-stage detection of lung cancer. Immunobiosensors for the detection of anti-P53-tumour associated autoantibodies have been developed in this work. The design of sensing interfaces with immobilized P53 protein (P53ag) as a sensing element layer on a solid interface was investigated. Several methods of detecting anti-P53-antibodies (anti-P53ab) were investigated. These methods are label-free detection using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and two label techniques. The label-free electrochemical techniques utilize gold electrode pre-modified with a conducting layer of electrochemically grafted phenylethylamine for covalent immobilization of P53ag. The limit of anti-P53ab detection with the label-free EIS was 103.0 pg.ml-1. The labeled technique developed utilizes fluorescent, and peroxidase-like nanomaterial labeled antibody as a detection probe. For the fluorescence detection, fluorescent silica nanoparticles were synthesized by overloading FITC into the silica matrix and conjugated to detection antibody (anti-IgG). The detection of the anti-P53ab was based on the dissolution of the silica nanoparticles to release the loaded dye as a signal amplification strategy. The fluorescence detection was carried out on a microplate, and magnetic bead modified P53-antigen platforms and limit of detection (LoD) were 42.0 fg.ml-1 and 3.3 fg.ml-1 for anti-P53ab; respectively. Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized, and their peroxidase-like activity and colorimetric detection were evaluated. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd exhibited comparable activity to HRP. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd was conjugated to protein-G-anti-IgG for the detection of anti-P53ab on a microplate and cellulose paper platforms. The LoD was 20.0 fg.ml-1 and 63.0 fg.ml-1 for the microplate and cellulose paper platform; respectively. The potential application of the designed immunobiosensor was evaluated in simulated serum samples. The developed sensors showed higher detection sensitivity, stability and had a lower detection limit for anti-P53ab when compared with the ELISA based detection. The results have provided alternative and effective quantification approaches to ELISA and a promising future for multiplexed detection of tumor-associated autoantibodies. The developed methodologies in this thesis could be applied for the detection of other autoantibodies in other cancer types and auto-immune diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adeniyi, Omotayo Kayode
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162988 , vital:41002 , 10.21504/10962/162988
- Description: Introduction -- Experimental -- Label-Free Impedimetric Sensing of Anti-P53ab... -- Fluorescent detection of Anti-P53ab -- Peroxidase-like activity of Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd... -- Colorimetric detection of Anti-P53ab , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, 2020. , Detection and profiling of circulating tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) are useful for screening and early-stage diagnosis of asymptomatic lung cancer. Immunobiosensor technologies aimed to accomplish the highly sensitive, rapid and low-cost detection of TAAbs can improve the early-stage detection of lung cancer. Immunobiosensors for the detection of anti-P53-tumour associated autoantibodies have been developed in this work. The design of sensing interfaces with immobilized P53 protein (P53ag) as a sensing element layer on a solid interface was investigated. Several methods of detecting anti-P53-antibodies (anti-P53ab) were investigated. These methods are label-free detection using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and two label techniques. The label-free electrochemical techniques utilize gold electrode pre-modified with a conducting layer of electrochemically grafted phenylethylamine for covalent immobilization of P53ag. The limit of anti-P53ab detection with the label-free EIS was 103.0 pg.ml-1. The labeled technique developed utilizes fluorescent, and peroxidase-like nanomaterial labeled antibody as a detection probe. For the fluorescence detection, fluorescent silica nanoparticles were synthesized by overloading FITC into the silica matrix and conjugated to detection antibody (anti-IgG). The detection of the anti-P53ab was based on the dissolution of the silica nanoparticles to release the loaded dye as a signal amplification strategy. The fluorescence detection was carried out on a microplate, and magnetic bead modified P53-antigen platforms and limit of detection (LoD) were 42.0 fg.ml-1 and 3.3 fg.ml-1 for anti-P53ab; respectively. Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized, and their peroxidase-like activity and colorimetric detection were evaluated. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd exhibited comparable activity to HRP. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd was conjugated to protein-G-anti-IgG for the detection of anti-P53ab on a microplate and cellulose paper platforms. The LoD was 20.0 fg.ml-1 and 63.0 fg.ml-1 for the microplate and cellulose paper platform; respectively. The potential application of the designed immunobiosensor was evaluated in simulated serum samples. The developed sensors showed higher detection sensitivity, stability and had a lower detection limit for anti-P53ab when compared with the ELISA based detection. The results have provided alternative and effective quantification approaches to ELISA and a promising future for multiplexed detection of tumor-associated autoantibodies. The developed methodologies in this thesis could be applied for the detection of other autoantibodies in other cancer types and auto-immune diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Design of immunosensor for the detection of C-reactive protein using oriented antibody immobilization
- Authors: Adesina, Abiola Olanike
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163080 , vital:41010 , https://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/163080
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, 2020.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adesina, Abiola Olanike
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163080 , vital:41010 , https://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/163080
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, 2020.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Patient acceptance of HIV testing services in rural emergency departments in South Africa
- Aditi Rao, Caitlin Kennedy, Pamela Mda, Thomas C. Quinn, David Stead, Bhakti Hansoti
- Authors: Aditi Rao , Caitlin Kennedy , Pamela Mda , Thomas C. Quinn , David Stead , Bhakti Hansoti
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3270 , vital:43287 , https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1105
- Description: Background: South Africa faces the highest burden of HIV infection globally. The National Strategic Plan on HIV recommends provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing (HCT) in all healthcare facilities. However, HIV continues to overwhelm the healthcare system. Emergency department (ED)-based HCT could address unmet testing needs. Objectives: This study examines the reasons for accepting or declining HCT in South African EDs to inform the development of HCT implementation strategies. Method: We conducted a prospective observational study in two rural EDs, from June to September 2017. Patients presenting to the ED were systematically approached and offered a point-of-care test in accordance with national guidelines. Patients demographics, presenting compaint, medical history and reasons for accepting/declining testing, were recorded. A pooled analysis is presented. Results: Across sites, 2074 adult, non-critical patients in the ED were approached; 1880 were enrolled in the study. Of those enrolled, 19.7% had a previously known positive diagnosis, and 80.3% were unaware of their HIV status. Of those unaware, 90% patients accepted and 10% declined testing. The primary reasons for declining testing were ‘does not want to know status’ (37.6%), ‘in too much pain’ (34%) and ‘does not believe they are at risk’ (19.9%). Conclusions: Despite national guidelines, a high proportion of individuals remain undiagnosed, of which a majority are young men. Our study demonstrated high patient acceptance of ED-based HCT. There is a need for investment and innovation regarding effective pain management and confidential service delivery to address patient barriers. Findings support a routine, non-targeted HCT strategy in EDs. Keywords: HIV counselling and testing; South Africa; emergency department; patient acceptance; implementation research; linkage to care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aditi Rao , Caitlin Kennedy , Pamela Mda , Thomas C. Quinn , David Stead , Bhakti Hansoti
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3270 , vital:43287 , https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1105
- Description: Background: South Africa faces the highest burden of HIV infection globally. The National Strategic Plan on HIV recommends provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing (HCT) in all healthcare facilities. However, HIV continues to overwhelm the healthcare system. Emergency department (ED)-based HCT could address unmet testing needs. Objectives: This study examines the reasons for accepting or declining HCT in South African EDs to inform the development of HCT implementation strategies. Method: We conducted a prospective observational study in two rural EDs, from June to September 2017. Patients presenting to the ED were systematically approached and offered a point-of-care test in accordance with national guidelines. Patients demographics, presenting compaint, medical history and reasons for accepting/declining testing, were recorded. A pooled analysis is presented. Results: Across sites, 2074 adult, non-critical patients in the ED were approached; 1880 were enrolled in the study. Of those enrolled, 19.7% had a previously known positive diagnosis, and 80.3% were unaware of their HIV status. Of those unaware, 90% patients accepted and 10% declined testing. The primary reasons for declining testing were ‘does not want to know status’ (37.6%), ‘in too much pain’ (34%) and ‘does not believe they are at risk’ (19.9%). Conclusions: Despite national guidelines, a high proportion of individuals remain undiagnosed, of which a majority are young men. Our study demonstrated high patient acceptance of ED-based HCT. There is a need for investment and innovation regarding effective pain management and confidential service delivery to address patient barriers. Findings support a routine, non-targeted HCT strategy in EDs. Keywords: HIV counselling and testing; South Africa; emergency department; patient acceptance; implementation research; linkage to care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Applying blockchain technology to aspects of electronic health records in South Africa: lessons learnt
- Authors: Adlam, Ryno
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Database security Data protection Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45996 , vital:39405
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of blockchain technology as a viable alternative for the secure storage and distribution of electronic health records in a South African context. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has grown over recent years. Electronic health records (EHRs) can be seen as electronic versions of patients’ medical history. EHRs promise benefits such as improving the quality of care, reducing medical errors, reducing costs, saving time, and enhancing the availability and sharing of medical records. Blockchain, in simple terms, could be seen as a distributed database controlled by a group of individuals. Blockchain technology differs from other distributed ledger technology by bundling unrelated data into blocks that are chained together in a linked-list manner, hence the name blockchain. Blockchain technology strives to provide desirable features, such as decentralization, immutability, audibility, and transparency. EHRs are traditionally constructed with a cloud-based infrastructure to promote the storing and distribution of medical records. These medical records are commonly stored in a centralized architecture, such as a relational database. The centralized architecture employed by EHRs may present a single point of failure. These kinds of failures may lead to data-breaches. The cloud-based infrastructure is effective and efficient from an availability standpoint. The increased availability of electronic health records has brought forth challenges related to the security and privacy of the patient’s medical records. The sensitive nature of EHRs attracts the attention of cyber-criminals. There has been a rise in the number of data breaches related to electronic health records. The traditional infrastructure used by electronic health records can no longer ensure the privacy and security of patient’s medical records. To determine whether blockchain is a viable alternative to these approaches, the main objective of this study was to compile a technical report on the applicability of aspects of blockchain technology to the secure storage and distribution of electronic health records. The study first conducted a literature review to gather background on the current state of electronic health records and blockchain technology. The results of the literature review were used to compile an initial report. Experiments were conducted with various aspects of blockchain technology to build a technical baseline and to ultimately validate the initial report. The insights gained from the experiments served to refine the initial report into a final technical report. The final deliverable of this study was to devise a technical report. The technical report serves as a generalized overview of the applicability of blockchain technology as a secure storage and distribution mechanism for electronic health records. The main topics covered by the technical report to outline the applicability of blockchain technology to EHRs are as follows: authentication, authorization, audit log, storage and transactions. The insights gained from the study illustrate that permissioned blockchain technology can enhance the traditional AAA security scheme employed by traditional EHRs. The AAA security scheme entails the use of certificate-based authentication and attributebased access control for authorization. Audit logs can be stored in a semi-decentralized architecture that can enhance the security and privacy of audit logs. Using blockchain technology for storing electronic health records might not be a viable alternative to traditional EHRs architecture. Blockchain technology violates certain privacy regulations as information is stored in a permanent manner. Furthermore, blockchain technology is not optimized for dealing with large volumes of data. However, blockchain technology could be used to store a cryptographic hash of electronic health records to ensure the integrity of records. Permissioned blockchain technology can enhance the EHRs transaction process by transacting health records in a peer-to-peer infrastructure. In doing so, the above-mentioned AAA security scheme can enhance the security, confidentiality, and integrity of electronic health records shared across organizational bounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adlam, Ryno
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Database security Data protection Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45996 , vital:39405
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of blockchain technology as a viable alternative for the secure storage and distribution of electronic health records in a South African context. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has grown over recent years. Electronic health records (EHRs) can be seen as electronic versions of patients’ medical history. EHRs promise benefits such as improving the quality of care, reducing medical errors, reducing costs, saving time, and enhancing the availability and sharing of medical records. Blockchain, in simple terms, could be seen as a distributed database controlled by a group of individuals. Blockchain technology differs from other distributed ledger technology by bundling unrelated data into blocks that are chained together in a linked-list manner, hence the name blockchain. Blockchain technology strives to provide desirable features, such as decentralization, immutability, audibility, and transparency. EHRs are traditionally constructed with a cloud-based infrastructure to promote the storing and distribution of medical records. These medical records are commonly stored in a centralized architecture, such as a relational database. The centralized architecture employed by EHRs may present a single point of failure. These kinds of failures may lead to data-breaches. The cloud-based infrastructure is effective and efficient from an availability standpoint. The increased availability of electronic health records has brought forth challenges related to the security and privacy of the patient’s medical records. The sensitive nature of EHRs attracts the attention of cyber-criminals. There has been a rise in the number of data breaches related to electronic health records. The traditional infrastructure used by electronic health records can no longer ensure the privacy and security of patient’s medical records. To determine whether blockchain is a viable alternative to these approaches, the main objective of this study was to compile a technical report on the applicability of aspects of blockchain technology to the secure storage and distribution of electronic health records. The study first conducted a literature review to gather background on the current state of electronic health records and blockchain technology. The results of the literature review were used to compile an initial report. Experiments were conducted with various aspects of blockchain technology to build a technical baseline and to ultimately validate the initial report. The insights gained from the experiments served to refine the initial report into a final technical report. The final deliverable of this study was to devise a technical report. The technical report serves as a generalized overview of the applicability of blockchain technology as a secure storage and distribution mechanism for electronic health records. The main topics covered by the technical report to outline the applicability of blockchain technology to EHRs are as follows: authentication, authorization, audit log, storage and transactions. The insights gained from the study illustrate that permissioned blockchain technology can enhance the traditional AAA security scheme employed by traditional EHRs. The AAA security scheme entails the use of certificate-based authentication and attributebased access control for authorization. Audit logs can be stored in a semi-decentralized architecture that can enhance the security and privacy of audit logs. Using blockchain technology for storing electronic health records might not be a viable alternative to traditional EHRs architecture. Blockchain technology violates certain privacy regulations as information is stored in a permanent manner. Furthermore, blockchain technology is not optimized for dealing with large volumes of data. However, blockchain technology could be used to store a cryptographic hash of electronic health records to ensure the integrity of records. Permissioned blockchain technology can enhance the EHRs transaction process by transacting health records in a peer-to-peer infrastructure. In doing so, the above-mentioned AAA security scheme can enhance the security, confidentiality, and integrity of electronic health records shared across organizational bounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Learning styles, availability, and utilization of instructional materials as correlates of grade 6 learners’ mathematics performance in Buffalo city
- Authors: Adu, Kemi Olajumoke
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Learning ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11374 , vital:39066
- Description: Mathematics is the foundation for the economic and technological development of any nation. It has been asserted that Mathematics is expected to help in accelerating social, economic and technological progress of any society. Performance of this subject is very important and there are different types of learners; such auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Auditory learners appreciate listening to the teachers and sit down close to the teachers in class. Visual learners like to see things physically during teaching. They learn by materials like charts, graphs, and pictures. Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. Students can prefer one, two, or three learning styles; all these are subject to the availability of instructional materials. The Primary school level is very important in any educational system and any lack at this level would permeate to other levels of the educational system. Hence, this thesis examines the Learning Styles, Availability, and Utilization of Instructional Materials as Correlates of Grade 6 Learners’ Mathematics Performance in Buffalo City. The study adopted the positivist paradigm and employed the quantitative approach in investigating the phenomenon. The thesis made use of correlational research design as it attempted to find out the effects of learning styles and instructional materials on learners’ performance in Mathematics. Stratified sampling was used to select participants. Stratified sampling is a process of dividing the sample frame into strata to obtain relatively homogenous subgroups; this gave us 1225 Grade 6 learners selected across 35 schools in Buffalo City as the sample of the study. Three instruments which are Students’ Learning Styles Scale (SLSS), Availability and Utilization of Instructional Materials Inventory (AUIMI), and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) whose reliability co-efficient are; 0.87, 0.78 and 0.89 respectively. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed among others; students learning style (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) have a significant relationship on Grade 6 learners Mathematics performance (B=-.113, t=-3.886, p<0.05). Students learning style (∆R2=.012, ∆F (1, 1223) = 5.047, p < 0.05) emerged as the best predictor of Grade 6 learners Mathematics performance in Buffalo City, while the availability and utilization of instructional materials (∆R2 = .000), ∆F (1,223) = .018, P > 0.05), and gender (∆R2 = .000, ∆F (1,1223) = .036, p>0.05) emerged as better predictors. The study further iv revealed that, Grade six learners with visual learning style ( = 13.242, SD = 5.565) had the best performance in Mathematics at Buffalo City, followed by learners with auditory learning style ( = 12.996, SD = 3.883), and learners with Kinaesthetic learning style ( = 11.525, SD =3.800). The study concluded that one of the most fundamental issues to consider in improving Mathematics performance is the understanding of the learners’ learning styles and effective use of appropriate instructional materials for teaching Mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adu, Kemi Olajumoke
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Learning ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11374 , vital:39066
- Description: Mathematics is the foundation for the economic and technological development of any nation. It has been asserted that Mathematics is expected to help in accelerating social, economic and technological progress of any society. Performance of this subject is very important and there are different types of learners; such auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Auditory learners appreciate listening to the teachers and sit down close to the teachers in class. Visual learners like to see things physically during teaching. They learn by materials like charts, graphs, and pictures. Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. Students can prefer one, two, or three learning styles; all these are subject to the availability of instructional materials. The Primary school level is very important in any educational system and any lack at this level would permeate to other levels of the educational system. Hence, this thesis examines the Learning Styles, Availability, and Utilization of Instructional Materials as Correlates of Grade 6 Learners’ Mathematics Performance in Buffalo City. The study adopted the positivist paradigm and employed the quantitative approach in investigating the phenomenon. The thesis made use of correlational research design as it attempted to find out the effects of learning styles and instructional materials on learners’ performance in Mathematics. Stratified sampling was used to select participants. Stratified sampling is a process of dividing the sample frame into strata to obtain relatively homogenous subgroups; this gave us 1225 Grade 6 learners selected across 35 schools in Buffalo City as the sample of the study. Three instruments which are Students’ Learning Styles Scale (SLSS), Availability and Utilization of Instructional Materials Inventory (AUIMI), and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) whose reliability co-efficient are; 0.87, 0.78 and 0.89 respectively. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed among others; students learning style (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) have a significant relationship on Grade 6 learners Mathematics performance (B=-.113, t=-3.886, p<0.05). Students learning style (∆R2=.012, ∆F (1, 1223) = 5.047, p < 0.05) emerged as the best predictor of Grade 6 learners Mathematics performance in Buffalo City, while the availability and utilization of instructional materials (∆R2 = .000), ∆F (1,223) = .018, P > 0.05), and gender (∆R2 = .000, ∆F (1,1223) = .036, p>0.05) emerged as better predictors. The study further iv revealed that, Grade six learners with visual learning style ( = 13.242, SD = 5.565) had the best performance in Mathematics at Buffalo City, followed by learners with auditory learning style ( = 12.996, SD = 3.883), and learners with Kinaesthetic learning style ( = 11.525, SD =3.800). The study concluded that one of the most fundamental issues to consider in improving Mathematics performance is the understanding of the learners’ learning styles and effective use of appropriate instructional materials for teaching Mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Best practices to address medical identity theft awareness : the case of South African medical aid members
- Authors: Ah Why, Brandon Lawrence
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical records -- Access control -- South Africa Identity theft -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49396 , vital:41708
- Description: The prevalence of medical identity theft continues to increase. This is a concern for medical aid members within the South African private healthcare sector. Medical identity theft can be caused by various individuals, including internal and external role players. The deceptions involved in medical identity theft can affect medical aid members, the healthcare industry, and medical aids. Medical aid members remain unaware that they are victims of medical identity theft until they receive high medical bills or are notified by their healthcare providers. This research study focused on the lack of awareness of medical identity theft among medical aid members. The main objective of this research study was to propose best practices that can be used to address medical aid members’ awareness of medical identity theft in the South African private healthcare sector. Sub-objectives were used to achieve the main objective. The first sub-objective was to identify the parties causing and the parties affected by medical identity theft. The second sub-objective was to determine the level of medical identity theft awareness among medical aid members in the South African private healthcare sector. The third sub-objective was to identify best practices to address medical identity theft awareness. The methodology used by this exploratory research study included a convergent mixed method design, which was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection was completed using a literature review and a questionnaire. Data analysis and reporting made use of a qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics, and logical argumentation. Respondents’ answers to a questionnaire about their experiences with medical identity theft provided insight into South African medical aid members’ awareness of medical identity theft. The data gathered from the respondents was analysed, and themes emerged that emphasised a lack of awareness of medical identity theft among South African medical aid members. Twenty-six pre-emptive and nine retroactive best practices to address medical identity theft awareness were identified from existing literature. These best practices were cross-referenced to determine their relevance to the list of concerns about medical identity theft that emanated from the survey completed by South African medical aid members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ah Why, Brandon Lawrence
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical records -- Access control -- South Africa Identity theft -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49396 , vital:41708
- Description: The prevalence of medical identity theft continues to increase. This is a concern for medical aid members within the South African private healthcare sector. Medical identity theft can be caused by various individuals, including internal and external role players. The deceptions involved in medical identity theft can affect medical aid members, the healthcare industry, and medical aids. Medical aid members remain unaware that they are victims of medical identity theft until they receive high medical bills or are notified by their healthcare providers. This research study focused on the lack of awareness of medical identity theft among medical aid members. The main objective of this research study was to propose best practices that can be used to address medical aid members’ awareness of medical identity theft in the South African private healthcare sector. Sub-objectives were used to achieve the main objective. The first sub-objective was to identify the parties causing and the parties affected by medical identity theft. The second sub-objective was to determine the level of medical identity theft awareness among medical aid members in the South African private healthcare sector. The third sub-objective was to identify best practices to address medical identity theft awareness. The methodology used by this exploratory research study included a convergent mixed method design, which was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection was completed using a literature review and a questionnaire. Data analysis and reporting made use of a qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics, and logical argumentation. Respondents’ answers to a questionnaire about their experiences with medical identity theft provided insight into South African medical aid members’ awareness of medical identity theft. The data gathered from the respondents was analysed, and themes emerged that emphasised a lack of awareness of medical identity theft among South African medical aid members. Twenty-six pre-emptive and nine retroactive best practices to address medical identity theft awareness were identified from existing literature. These best practices were cross-referenced to determine their relevance to the list of concerns about medical identity theft that emanated from the survey completed by South African medical aid members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring the career aspirations of youths from a rural secondary school in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ahmed, Leila
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Career education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45963 , vital:39395
- Description: Many inequalities still exist among those living in both rural and urban areas despite the abolishment of apartheid in 1994. Addressing these inequalities has been deemed important and require urgent attention, especially career education among rural youth, as this is a social justice issue (Watson, 2010). There also appears to be a lack of qualitative research pertaining to the aspirations of rural youth. During sessions with the research team, the teachers and school governing board (SGB) members, it was indicated that the youth in the community seem to be without hope for the future and that career aspirations were lacking. Based on the background and problem identified, the main research question of this study aimed to explore how youths in a rural secondary school perceive how they might actualise their future career aspirations. This research was set within the interpretivist and critical paradigm. Qualitative data was gathered to gain an understanding of how the participants constructed meaning with regard to ways in which they might actualise their career aspirations, the challenges they faced and pathways to overcome these challenges. This study began with nine secondary school rural youths as participants but this number decreased to four as the research progressed. Four data sets were generated, namely photovoice, participant PowerPoint artefact creation, focus group interviews and PowerPoint presentations by participants to the community, learners and school. The data was generated using a qualitative thematic analysis guided by the utilisation of Creswell’s application of Tesch’s (1990) framework. Measures were employed to ensure trustworthiness, credibility, transferability and dependability (Ary, Jacobs, Razavieh & Sorensen, 2010). Both the primary and secondary researchers had access to identical files that contained all the data that was generated and stored by the primary researcher. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the ethics committee at the university and consent was obtained in writing from all relevant parties participating. This research found that the research participants had future career aspirations that included careers in the medical field, law enforcement, business, IT as well as the music industry. The participants envisaged a hopeful future for themselves, their families, their school and the community. Their aspirations focused on transcending their current lived experiences and attaining financial stability. They wished to give back to their communities and schools to ensure a better future for all. The participants aspired to be instruments of social change. The participants were aware that they would encounter various challenges along their path to actualise their dreams. The anticipated challenges included peer-pressure and negative influences, being confronted by various social ills such as violence, drugs and alcohol, abuse and gangsterism. They understood that a lack of self-belief would lead to hopelessness. The participants were concerned that if they did not succeed at school they would not be promoted to the next grade. They also indicated that parental involvement was a challenge and that they did not receive adequate support from their parents. The participants also mentioned that underperforming teachers and conflict with the SGB could derail their career aspirations. They were also concerned about their lack of financial means, as they did not have the necessary funding to gain access to a university but were aware of ways to overcome these challenges. They indicated that drawing on the spiritual domain is important to them and this included the church and their faith in God as a means to overcome their challenges. Education was also key to actualise their aspirations and the participants mentioned that being focused at school and knowing that education has the potential to open doors served as a form of motivation. They were prepared to work hard to succeed at school. It was important for their teachers to be committed, as this would assist in ensuring their success. They indicated the importance of having access to social capital through networking. This included guidance, support and mentoring, as well as using social media to inform society of their plight in order to receive encouragement and support. It was also noted that the aspirations project of which they were part, afforded the participants with transformative possibilities, as they began to critically reflect on the future. They shared their vision, hope and goals with those around them, which further motivated them to aspire to achieving their goals. The participants became selfconfident as a result of their new abilities. They were open to exploring alternative career opportunities and developed a sense of self-belief that they can realise their goals. The participants began to take a stand, as they were aware that agency begins with them. The findings revealed that the rural youth, their parents, the school as a whole, the life orientation teacher(s), the school principal, the school governing body, the community as well as the Department of Basic Education could guide them and assist rural secondary youths to actualise their aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ahmed, Leila
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Career education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45963 , vital:39395
- Description: Many inequalities still exist among those living in both rural and urban areas despite the abolishment of apartheid in 1994. Addressing these inequalities has been deemed important and require urgent attention, especially career education among rural youth, as this is a social justice issue (Watson, 2010). There also appears to be a lack of qualitative research pertaining to the aspirations of rural youth. During sessions with the research team, the teachers and school governing board (SGB) members, it was indicated that the youth in the community seem to be without hope for the future and that career aspirations were lacking. Based on the background and problem identified, the main research question of this study aimed to explore how youths in a rural secondary school perceive how they might actualise their future career aspirations. This research was set within the interpretivist and critical paradigm. Qualitative data was gathered to gain an understanding of how the participants constructed meaning with regard to ways in which they might actualise their career aspirations, the challenges they faced and pathways to overcome these challenges. This study began with nine secondary school rural youths as participants but this number decreased to four as the research progressed. Four data sets were generated, namely photovoice, participant PowerPoint artefact creation, focus group interviews and PowerPoint presentations by participants to the community, learners and school. The data was generated using a qualitative thematic analysis guided by the utilisation of Creswell’s application of Tesch’s (1990) framework. Measures were employed to ensure trustworthiness, credibility, transferability and dependability (Ary, Jacobs, Razavieh & Sorensen, 2010). Both the primary and secondary researchers had access to identical files that contained all the data that was generated and stored by the primary researcher. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the ethics committee at the university and consent was obtained in writing from all relevant parties participating. This research found that the research participants had future career aspirations that included careers in the medical field, law enforcement, business, IT as well as the music industry. The participants envisaged a hopeful future for themselves, their families, their school and the community. Their aspirations focused on transcending their current lived experiences and attaining financial stability. They wished to give back to their communities and schools to ensure a better future for all. The participants aspired to be instruments of social change. The participants were aware that they would encounter various challenges along their path to actualise their dreams. The anticipated challenges included peer-pressure and negative influences, being confronted by various social ills such as violence, drugs and alcohol, abuse and gangsterism. They understood that a lack of self-belief would lead to hopelessness. The participants were concerned that if they did not succeed at school they would not be promoted to the next grade. They also indicated that parental involvement was a challenge and that they did not receive adequate support from their parents. The participants also mentioned that underperforming teachers and conflict with the SGB could derail their career aspirations. They were also concerned about their lack of financial means, as they did not have the necessary funding to gain access to a university but were aware of ways to overcome these challenges. They indicated that drawing on the spiritual domain is important to them and this included the church and their faith in God as a means to overcome their challenges. Education was also key to actualise their aspirations and the participants mentioned that being focused at school and knowing that education has the potential to open doors served as a form of motivation. They were prepared to work hard to succeed at school. It was important for their teachers to be committed, as this would assist in ensuring their success. They indicated the importance of having access to social capital through networking. This included guidance, support and mentoring, as well as using social media to inform society of their plight in order to receive encouragement and support. It was also noted that the aspirations project of which they were part, afforded the participants with transformative possibilities, as they began to critically reflect on the future. They shared their vision, hope and goals with those around them, which further motivated them to aspire to achieving their goals. The participants became selfconfident as a result of their new abilities. They were open to exploring alternative career opportunities and developed a sense of self-belief that they can realise their goals. The participants began to take a stand, as they were aware that agency begins with them. The findings revealed that the rural youth, their parents, the school as a whole, the life orientation teacher(s), the school principal, the school governing body, the community as well as the Department of Basic Education could guide them and assist rural secondary youths to actualise their aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Enhanced Light-Driven Antimicrobial Activity of Cationic Poly (oxanorbornene) s by Phthalocyanine Incorporation into Polymer as Pendants
- Ahmetali, Erem, Sen, Pinar, Süer, N Ceren, Aksu, Burak, Nyokong, Tebello, Eren, Tarik, Sener, Kasim M
- Authors: Ahmetali, Erem , Sen, Pinar , Süer, N Ceren , Aksu, Burak , Nyokong, Tebello , Eren, Tarik , Sener, Kasim M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185976 , vital:44453 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.202000386"
- Description: Amphiphilic poly(oxanorbornene)s are promising synthetic polymers that mimic the structural properties and antimicrobial functions of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Here, poly(oxanorbornene)s bearing pendant zinc(II) phthalocyanine and triphenyl(ethyl) phosphonium functionalities are synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Fluorescence, singlet oxygen and triplet quantum yields of polymers are measured in dimethyl sulfoxide and aqueous medium. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of copolymers with the highest triphenyl and triethyl phosphonium content are found to be 0.29 and 0.41, respectively. Then, antimicrobial activities of polymers against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are investigated under both dark and light conditions. Synergistic effect of zinc(II) phthalocyanine and phosphonium-containing poly(oxanorbornene) is observed that the conjugate possessing the most triphenyl phosphonium side chains has the highest activity under light against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains after 80 min irradiation, reducing the survival of E. coli or S. aureus by 99.9999%. Hemolytic concentrations of the copolymers are found between 8 and 512 µg mL−1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proves that the bacteria membrane deforms after contacting with the biocidal polymer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ahmetali, Erem , Sen, Pinar , Süer, N Ceren , Aksu, Burak , Nyokong, Tebello , Eren, Tarik , Sener, Kasim M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185976 , vital:44453 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.202000386"
- Description: Amphiphilic poly(oxanorbornene)s are promising synthetic polymers that mimic the structural properties and antimicrobial functions of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Here, poly(oxanorbornene)s bearing pendant zinc(II) phthalocyanine and triphenyl(ethyl) phosphonium functionalities are synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Fluorescence, singlet oxygen and triplet quantum yields of polymers are measured in dimethyl sulfoxide and aqueous medium. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of copolymers with the highest triphenyl and triethyl phosphonium content are found to be 0.29 and 0.41, respectively. Then, antimicrobial activities of polymers against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are investigated under both dark and light conditions. Synergistic effect of zinc(II) phthalocyanine and phosphonium-containing poly(oxanorbornene) is observed that the conjugate possessing the most triphenyl phosphonium side chains has the highest activity under light against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains after 80 min irradiation, reducing the survival of E. coli or S. aureus by 99.9999%. Hemolytic concentrations of the copolymers are found between 8 and 512 µg mL−1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proves that the bacteria membrane deforms after contacting with the biocidal polymer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020