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“I thought I was going to pass”: Learners’ experiences of grade retention
No full textGrade retention is the practice of holding back learners who have failed to meet specific promotional requirements as stipulated by policy, in the same grade. The main objective of the research reported on here was to determine Foundation Phase (Grades 1–3) learners’ experiences and perceptions of grade retention. The theoretical framework used was Messiou’s (2006) conceptualisation of marginalisation. In this study we employed a phenomenographic, qualitative research approach. Twelve participants who had repeated grades in the Foundation Phase at a school in Johannesburg, South Africa, were purposively selected. Data were collected by means of one-on-one interviews, “blob trees”, drawings, and collages from participants about their views and experiences of retention. The findings of this study reveal that learners were not psychologically prepared to be retained. Most learners experienced being bullied by their peers and teachers due to being retained, which led to them feeling excluded and marginalised. A correlation was found between parents’ and teachers’ views of retention and learners’ experiences. Future research should focus on learners’ experiences of retention at different schools and in different school phases in South Africa
A case study of Northern Cyprus: The voice of senior academic administrators on education
No full textThe purpose of the study reported on here was to introduce the perceptions of senior academic administrators in the Northern CyprusMinistry of Education on the structure of the current education system as a whole. In order to carry out this case study, the views of 14 senior academic administrators were obtained through semi-structured interviews. There is no doubt that in qualitative research semi-structured interviewing is a flexible and powerful tool to capture the voices and the ways in which people make meaning of their experiences (Kvale, 2007). As Yin (2009:18) states: “An empirical inquiry about contemporary phenomena (e.g., ‘case’), set within its own real-world context – especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident.” Therefore, by reflecting on the current education system in Northern Cyprus as a case, we tried to show the real context of the education system itself. The data collected from the semi-structured interviews were analysed through content analysis. According to the findings of this research study, the current education system must be reconstructed considering the curriculum, strategies in teaching and learning approaches, developing of collaborative and student-centred classrooms, applying active learning strategies and voicing the voices of the senior academic administrators during the decision-making process
An Afrocentric Critique of World Systems Analysis as a Critical Theory in International Relations
No full textIn this research paper, authors provide a comprehensive overview and critique of the World System Analysis (also read as World System theory). This central focus is driven by the need to bring about a fair and justifiable explanation of the theory and appreciation by examining the work critically as the most persuasive theory in international relations. The aim of this paper is to bring about world system analysis as the best tool in analysing the world politics, understanding world history and key reasons for imperialism, and why core countries such as the United States of America (USA), China and etc., often intervene in world crises through grants and other forms of aid. The authors argue that the world system theory, unlike the dependency theory, is broader in perspective and place the world as a centre of attention in the analysis of the world economic distribution instead of the nation-state. Equally, it can also be deployed in understanding global inequality, dependency and power. The above argument which is achieved through the use of a qualitative approach that has taken the form of the adoption of secondary materials and the Afrocentric paradigm.
In this research paper, authors provide a comprehensive overview and critique of the World System Analysis (also read as World System theory). This central focus is driven by the need to bring about a fair and justifiable explanation of the theory and appreciation by examining the work critically as the most persuasive theory in international relations. The aim of this paper is to bring about world system analysis as the best tool in analysing the world politics, understanding world history and key reasons for imperialism, and why core countries such as the United States of America (USA), China and etc., often intervene in world crises through grants and other forms of aid. The authors argue that the world system theory, unlike the dependency theory, is broader in perspective and place the world as a centre of attention in the analysis of the world economic distribution instead of the nation-state. Equally, it can also be deployed in understanding global inequality, dependency and power. The above argument which is achieved through the use of a qualitative approach that has taken the form of the adoption of secondary materials and the Afrocentric paradigm
Attitude and Practices on Onchocerciasis among Rural Dwellers in Ayedaade Local Government of Osun State, Nigeria
No full textOnchocerciasis is one of the neglected diseases globally that requires drugs use and preventive measures. The study assessed attitude and practices of Wakajaye rural dwellers in Osun state. Of the one hundred questionnaires distributed randomly, male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Ages of participants were mainly between 23 and 32 years. Awareness of onchocerciasis was claimed by 89(89%) respondents and 75(84.3%) agreed that it was an important health problem. The information source was mainly through radio. Causative agent was not known by 52(58.6%) respondents, 23(25.8%) agreed that dirty water was a mode of transmission. Awareness of symptoms was claimed by 69(77.5%) and 42(47.4%) agreed that the vector was black fly. Body itching was most common symptom claimed by 58(84.1%) participants. Most affected part was skin as claimed by 67(74.1%) participants. Eighty percent of the participants had knowledge of treatment and 40(44.9%) received ivermectin from Community Directed Treatment (CDT) programme and 24(27%) used herbs. During medication use, 57(64.0%) respondents stopped itching. Preventive method was adopted by 74(83.1%) and 36(40.4%) visited health centre. Endemicity in Nigeria was claimed by 61(61%) respondents and 83(83%) agreed it was curable and preventable and 78(78%) knew it could by black fly bite transmission. Personal hygiene was adopted by 73(73%) respondents. When family members had the disease, 53(53%) respondents used ivermectin, 25(25%) used traditional medicines, 29(32.6) visited the hospital and 74(83.1%) adopted preventive method. There was a significant relationship in knowledge, attitude and practices (P<0.05). The study recommends intensified efforts among health authorities to campaign, educate and create awareness in the prevention and control of onchocerciasis
Oropharyngeal fetus in fetu at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Revisited.
No full textBackground: Fetus in fetu is a rare malformation in which a parasitic twin is within a more mature twin. Most of thefetus in fetu are located in the retroperitoneum and are acardiac and anencephalic.Case report: Oropharyngeal fetus in fetu, referral from Rustenburg hospital with suspected gastroschisis, preeclampsia,preterm labour at 28 weeks gestation.Conclusion: Prenatal ultrasound remains the cornerstone of diagnosis of fetus in fetu in providing essential informationfor management and parental guidance
Iron Defi ciency in Women’s Health: An understated burden with serious health consequences
No full textThe importance of iron for overall health in humans cannotbe overstated and its extremely widespread biological functionsinclude electron transfer, intercellular signalling, catalysis,and oxygen binding and transport. Iron is found in all cellsand is required for the synthesis of iron-sulphur clusters andheme proteins like cytochromes c, b5, and P450, myoglobin,neuroglobin and heme-based sensor proteins. It is also anenzyme cofactor that is essential for many important biologicalprocesses, and studies have shown that up to 6.5% of all humanenzymes are iron-dependant
A retrospective analysis of fetuses diagnosed with anterior abdominal wall defects in a Tertiary Referral South African Hospital Setting
No full textBackground: Gastroschisis and omphalocoele are the two most common congenital anterior abdominal wall defects.Complications of these defects can be minimised if a prenatal diagnosis is made by allowing for the opportunity to alterthe mode, location, and timing of delivery and to plan postnatal intervention.Objectives: A retrospective analysis of fetuses diagnosed with anterior abdominal wall defects in a tertiary referral SouthAfrican hospital setting.Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study performed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban fromJanuary 2010 to December 2018. After exclusion criteria, electronic chart review of 59 live born babies diagnosed witheither gastroschisis or omphalocoele was undertaken.Results: Fifty six singleton pregnancies and 3 twin pregnancies were reviewed comprising 25 cases of omphalocoeleand 34 cases of gastroschisis. In the gastroschisis set liquor abnormalities (38%) and bowel dilatation (50%) were notedbut were not predictive of an adverse outcome. In the omphalocoele group, liquor abnormalities were found in 36% ofcases, of which 44% resulted in mortality. Neonates with gastroschisis remained hospitalised longer than neonateswith an omphalocoele (12 vs 4 days). Although the mortality rate was higher in the omphalocoele compared to thegastroschisis group, this was not statistically signifi cant (32% vs 14.7%; p value=0.11).Conclusion: The overall survival of neonates born with gastroschisis was 85% despite longer hospitalisation andparenteral nutrition compared to infants with omphalocoele (68% survival). With regards to gastroschisis, bowel dilatationand liquor volume abnormalities were not predictive of adverse outcomes in this study
The ameliorative effects of graded intensities of exercise training on anthropometrical parameters on high fat diet and sucrose-induced obesity in Wistar rats
No full textObesity is a condition characterised by the expansion of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) depots, leading to its abnormal function, which is associated with the development of insulin insensitivity, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. This study aims to evaluate the effects of graded intensities of exercise training on visceral adipose tissue weight in the various depots and anthropometrical parameters in Wistar rats with a high-fat diet and sucrose (HFDS)- induced obesity. The study had two phases: the induction of obesity and the intervention phase. In the induction phase, 25 male Wistar rats, 7 weeks old, were randomly grouped into the control group (c) of five rats and the experimental group of 20 rats. The control group was given free access to a normal rodent diet containing 5% fat. The experimental group received a high-fat diet containing 30% fat and drank 60% sucrose ad libitum (HFDS) for 12 weeks. In the second phase, the HFDS-induced rats were randomly grouped into four groups, as follows (n = 5 per group): sedentary, low, medium, and high- intensity exercise training groups. The exercise training was done by swimming in modified pools of 50 cm in height and 30 cm in diameter as follows: low intensity 20 to 59 min/day with a 0% to 3% overload, moderate intensity 60 to 89 min/day with a 0% to 5% overload, and high intensity 90 min/day with more than 10% overload for five days/week for eight weeks. The terminal body weight, body mass gain, and body mass index (BMI) were lower in all training and exercise group rats than in the sedentary group. In addition, the training groups significantly decreased the VAT weights in the perigonadol, mesenteric, and retroperitoneal depots. Exercise training at medium-to-high intensities ameliorates the weight of visceral tissue and attenuates anthropometrical parameters. 
The business management training needs of South African Biokineticists to ensure business sustainability
No full textBackground: Business management training is essential for success in the modern era. Health and medical professionals are exposed to knowledge that allows them to treat pathologies. However, their training does not prepare them to manage their practices as businesses and in a sustainable, effective, and efficient manner.
Objectives: To investigate the business management training needs of registered South African Biokineticists.
Methods: A quantitative and descriptive research design was used. Sixty-nine registered Biokineticists answered the emailed survey. The survey was sent out on two separate days, two weeks apart. Participants could only answer the survey once. The survey was sent out by the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA). The sample in this study consisted of both male and female participants who graduated between the years of 1985-2019. The survey consisted of demographic questions about their study methods. It also included a 5-point Likert Scale where a score of 1 indicated an exceptionally low need and a score of 5 indicated a very high need for corresponding business processes. The business processes included accounting, business sustainability, corporate social responsibility, ethics, financial management, human resource management, leadership and managerial decision-making, marketing, operational management, and strategic management. A final open-ended question on what other business management training the participant needed was asked at the end of the survey.
Results: Combined high to very high needs (X≥4 on the Likert Scale) for the business management processes explored were: accounting: 28%, business sustainability: 33%, corporate social responsibility: 23%, ethics: 55%, financial management: 35%, human resource management: 29%, leadership and managerial decision-making: 43%, marketing: 41%, operational management: 39%, and strategic management: 33%. Seventy-one percent of the participants who took part in the study suggested that they needed other business management training needs, providing suggestions in the final question. Of the 71% of participants who answered this question, the most important requests identified included information technology (17%), taxrelated management and knowledge (19%) and medical aid training for ICD-10 coding (13%). The other 51% of the participants that answered the final question provided suggestions that could be categorised into the areas of business already reported on in the Likert Scale. Sixty-nine out of a possible ±1600 registered Biokineticists who were BASA members completed the survey. This represents a response rate of about 4%.
Conclusion: Business management training needs exist for South African Biokineticists. By addressing these needs, it may lead to improvements in overall patient care, practice management and small business growth which in return can lead to the socioeconomic stimulation of the country.  
Sport supplement use among high school rugby players in South Africa: A scoping review
No full textBackground: The use of sport supplements has increased for all types and levels of sport, with an estimated increase of 5.8% annually. Sport supplement usage and doping among high school athletes has increased over the years to meet the demands of the sports.
Objective: This scoping review identifies the trends and gaps in current literature regarding sport supplement use among high school rugby players in South Africa.
Methods: A search was conducted using six electronic databases, namely Oxford Academic, Emerald Publishing, ResearchGate, SABINET, PubMed and Google Scholar. The eligibility of the articles was determined by means of a PRISMA flow diagram with the following inclusion criteria: (1) research concerning supplement use among rugby players, (2) research concerning supplement use among high school rugby players. Five articles all comprising of cross-sectional study designs were included in this scoping review.
Results: The prevalence of sport supplement use among adolescent rugby players ranged from 30% to 45%. Protein supplements (31% – 79%) were the most commonly identified supplement used among adolescent rugby players with the aim to improve sport performance as the most common reason for use. The internet (74%) and magazines (72%), followed by coaches comments (28% to 30%), were given as the most common sources of information.
Conclusion: The use of sport supplements is increasing among high school athletes due to the belief that these substances will provide sporting performance benefits or enhance the competitive ‘edge’ of these athletes. Additional education regarding the safety of supplements is necessary to lower the incidences of doping among young athletes and avoid the adverse health effects that uncontrolled supplement use can cause