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Determination of spatial distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors at the Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Medical Sciences)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Determination of spatial distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors at the Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba health and demographic surveillance site, Limpopo province, South Africa.
*Makgobatlou MD, *Choma SSR, *Satekge T
Department of Pathology, University of Limpopo
Background: For proper management and control of diseases, epidemiological studies focused on the spatial distribution of communicable diseases. Little attention has been given to non-communicable diseases, especially amongst the black population.
Aim: To determine the spatial distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, smoking) among adults residing in the Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothapo health and demographic surveillance site (DIMAMO HDSS), Limpopo province, South Africa.
Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative research. The study used data collected from the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen) phase 1. A total sample size of 791 (women-549 and men-242) was used. Data extraction tool was used to obtain variables such as demographic status, socio-economic status, lifestyle, substance use, laboratory measurements, Geographic Information System (GIS) coordinates as well as the general health of the participants. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software for statistical analysis and the local Moran I statistic for the spatial analysis.
Results: Most of the biomedical risk factors were more common among women compared to men, hypertension (51.7% vs 37.6%), obesity (49.5% vs 3.3%), dyslipidaemia (22.6% vs 15.0%) and diabetes mellitus (7.4% vs 4.6%). In contrast, most of the behavioural risk factors were more common among men compared to women, alcohol consumption (57.4% vs 13.8%) and smoking (82.6% vs 7.5%). Metabolic syndrome was more common in women (15.7%) compared to men (2.1%). In the total population, the proportions of metabolic syndrome and high Framingham score were 11.5% and 9.9% respectively. Binary and multivariate regression analysis
showed that diabetes and central obesity may have contributed to hypertension, high waist circumference may have contributed to the distribution of diabetes mellitus, obesity was found to be a determinant for the distribution of dyslipidaemia and there was no association between both alcohol consumption and smoking with social determinants.
Conclusion: Biomedical cardiovascular disease risk factors were more common among women and in clusters A and B whilst behavioural cardiovascular risk factors were more common among men and in cluster D. Most of the cardiovascular disease risk factors were more common in village clusters A and B. The reason for this may be attributed to age, gender and behavioural risk factors.DHET, NES
On strongly paracompact and uniformly paracompact locales
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Mathematics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study investigates the properties of strongly paracompact and uniformly paracompact
spaces into locales. The research builds on the work of Rice [31], Frolik [15], and Borubaev [3], who expanded the concept of paracompact spaces, making it applicable to a wider range of topological situations and allowing for the use of more ideas. The main interest lies in exploring the strongly uniformly paracompact property. The dissertation looks into how recently introduced paracompactness concepts such as R paracompactness Rice [31], can be adapted into locales. In the context of a uniform space (X, U), the study defines a space as uniformly R-paracompact if every open covering has an open, uniformly locally finite refinement.. The research aims to provide a thorough exploration of these concepts, contributing to a deeper understanding of their implications within the context of uniform spaces
Exploring creative teaching strategies for teaching mechanical systems and control to grade 9 learners with special learning needs
Get PDFThesis (M. (Technology Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024To improve the learning of learners with exceptional needs, teachers are increasingly using creative teaching tactics. Teachers that use creative teaching tactics assist learners grasp the application of basic scientific abilities as well as the acquisition of conceptual information in difficult areas such as Technology. To teach a topic like Mechanical Systems and Control, which aims to equip learners with building facility knowledge and skills using various machines including gears, belts, chains, elevators, and escalators, amongst others, it is crucial that Technology teachers know creative strategies to use to teach learners with poor
concentration span and autism.
The purpose of this study was to explore creative teaching strategies for teaching Mechanical Systems and Control to Grade 9 learners with special needs in the Capricorn district of Limpopo. This study used a qualitative exploratory case study design. A homogenous purposive sampling was used to select two Technology teachers from two special schools in the Capricorn district. Data was collected through non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews. This study used Shulman’s (1987) Content and Pedagogical Knowledge theory as its framework. The present research found that Technology teachers had major hurdles in identifying and use adequate creative teaching strategies to deliver Mechanical Systems and Control content
to learners with special needs. These teachers could not activate their Pedagogical Content
Knowledge to keep learners engaged in the lessons as some of them were learners with
autism and needed creative strategies from teachers to increase their concentration span.
The research revealed that even though Technology teachers used PowerPoint presentation slides, narrative discourses, textbooks, and artefacts during instruction, these strategies were
not always effective for learners with special needs. This study recommended that teachers
undergo a robust training on how to teach learners with special needs, focusing on the
different pedagogies and methods such as the guided exploration method, technology
integration, visualisation, and technological artefacts to better teach Mechanical Systems and Control concepts. These methods are learner centred and allow teachers to cater for learners’ individual learning needs
An analysis of the intergenerational family economic support expectations and responsibilities amongts black South African employed graduates : implications for social work practice
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The practice of providing support to kin is an activity which has been passed down through generations amongst black people. This was done to ensure that the needs of individual members and those of a family as a whole are catered for by the family.
This current study sought to explore and describe the socio-economic merits and limitations of economic support provision in black families. These are the objectives which made it possible for the study aim to be achieved: to identify determinants of economic intergenerational support provision; to determine how economic support is utilised in the family; to appraise benefactors’ experiences with regards to providing economic support to family members; to assess the impact of economic intergenerational support on family dynamics; and lastly to formulate strategies to ease the burden experienced by graduates who provide economic support to their intergenerational families. The study was done so that the phenomenon of intergenerational economic support provision could be analysed with social work lenses as it has social implications on the lives of both benefactors and their beneficiaries. The social work profession is committed to alleviating human suffering in all its forms. As such, this study was able to illuminate socio-economical burdens and benefits associated with intergenerational economic support and recommended ways to mitigate discomforts brought by this phenomenon. This study employed a phenomenological approach to study the essence of intergenerational economic support in black families and to find out what this phenomenon means to the participants. This was a qualitative, exploratory descriptive study in which data was collected by means of individual interviews. Interviews were held with ten employed black South African University graduates who were providing economic support to their extended family members. these participants were from the following provinces: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Free State. Data was presented according to the themes which emerged during the data analysis process. The study findings revealed that intergenerational economic support is a complex and multi-layered issue. It was found to be a personal, family, and structural problem which could persist for generations to come if the family and environmental circumstances do not change. This proposed study therefore proposes a family centred programme on the intergenerational family economic support provision to help ease the burden of support provision.University of Limpop
Incorporation of social media use in agricultural information dissemination by extension officers for farmers in Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Agricultural Extension)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The use of social media in agriculture has become essential due to its ability to promote dialogue, mass communication, marketing, and information dissemination. Social media platforms such as Twitter (now called X), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok enable farmers to interact with influential people in the agricultural industry, access information from several sources online, and connect with consumers. However, the traditional methods of disseminating information physically to farmers are no longer effective and only reach a small portion of farmers at a given time.
To address this issue, a survey was carried out in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, which focused on developing a model for extension officers to use when incorporating social media for information dissemination. The study utilised a convergent parallel research design and mixed-methods approach, including qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The sample size was determined using a multi-stage sampling procedure, and data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis, and thematic content analysis.
The study utilised Multistage Sampling and Proportional Random Sampling as its model processes for the selection of extension officers and farmers. In the first stage, the population of Limpopo Province was divided into five strata, which were Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Capricorn, Mopani and Vhembe districts. In the second stage, Multistage Sampling and Simple Random Sampling was used to select farmers and extension officers. The sample size calculated for extension officers was 194 and for farmers, it was 400 at a 0.05 margin of error.
The findings revealed the importance of considering socio-economic factors such as marital status, age, gender, and education in designing interventions for farmers. WhatsApp emerged as the most widely used platform among farmers, followed by Facebook, while Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, which had varying degrees of usage. For extension officers, WhatsApp emerged as the most widely used platform, followed by Facebook and YouTube. The study highlights the efficiency of
WhatsApp for communication in remote areas and the ability of Facebook to create online communities.
The model developed from this study considers the socio-economic features of farmers in the Limpopo Province, as well as their use of social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, for agricultural purposes.
The study recommends that extension officers develop and implement training programmes that focus on teaching farmers how to effectively use social media platforms for accessing agricultural information, marketing their products, and collaborating with other farmers. Additionally, policymakers need to enhance the accessibility of traditional sources of agricultural information and improve internet infrastructure in rural areas. Overall, the study provides insights into the use of social media in agricultural communication and offers recommendations for effective information dissemination between extension officers and farmers in the context of agricultural extension services.
Incorporating social media in agriculture is a relatively new phenomenon that has the potential to revolutionise the industry. Social media platforms have the ability to provide farmers with real-time information on weather patterns, market trends, and other relevant data, allowing them to make informed decisions about their farming practices. Additionally, social media can be used to promote products and services, connect with other farmers, and exchange ideas and knowledge.
The study conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa sheds light on the potential of social media in agriculture and highlights the importance of considering socio-economic factors in designing interventions for farmers. The study also emphasises the need for training programmes that focus on teaching farmers how to effectively use social media platforms for accessing agricultural information, marketing their products, and collaborating with other farmers. By implementing these recommendations, extension officers can help farmers improve their agricultural practices and enhance their livelihoods.AgriSet
Perceptions of performing arts graduates, lecturers, and employers on the role of internship programmes in enhancing employability in South Africa
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 4, Volume 8, 2024Framed within Human Capital Theory, this article explores the role of internships in improving the employability of performing arts graduates in South Africa. Although collaboration between the performing arts industry and higher education institutions is crucial for addressing the issue of graduate unemployment, there has been limited collaboration between these two entities. This lack of engagement results in a significant disconnect between the skills taught in academic settings and the skills demanded by the industry. Like fields of higher education, the South African performing arts sector faces a
significant challenge in graduate unemployment, which can be largely attributed to the lack of collaboration between universities, the industry, and government. This article explores the perceptions of performing arts graduates, lecturers, and employers on the role of internship programmes in enhancing employability in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was employed, using purposive sampling to select ten performing arts graduates, five employers, and five lecturers with substantial knowledge of the South African performing arts industry and its challenges. A review of existing scholarly literature
was also conducted to complement the findings from interviews. The study finds that internships provide essential practical experience, which is critical for career development and improving the employability of graduates. It further reveals that the absence of strong collaboration between universities, the performing arts industry, and government limits the opportunities for graduates. The article concludes by emphasising the need for partnerships that foster knowledge and skill sharing, joint projects, and enhanced
funding for the performing arts sector. Such collaborations can benefit both educational institutions and the industry by creating a more integrated approach to graduate development
Enhancing physical sciences performance through formative assessment strategies
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 4, Volume 8, 2024This study explored the impact of integrating formative assessment practices on improving academic performance among learners in Physical Sciences classrooms. Simple random sampling was utilised in the UMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, to select participants. A quasiexperimental design employing pretest and post-test comparisons was employed, with five secondary schools involved, three comprising an experimental group and two forming a control group. A total of 175 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners from the selected schools participated in the study. Three teachers from experimental schools underwent training in utilising formative assessment practices, while two teachers from the control group continued with their regular instructional methods without exposure to formative assessment practices. The study was guided by the Assessment for Formative Purpose Cycle as a conceptual framework to explore how formative assessment practices could enhance academic achievement. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 26, employing a 2-way ANOVA statistical technique. Results indicated that students from experimental schools, where the intervention was implemented, demonstrated significantly higher performance compared to those from control schools following standard classroom instruction. The findings suggest the importance of integrating formative assessment practices into the teaching of Physical Sciences within the South African education system to improve learners' conceptual understanding and foster independent learning in the subject
Managing the suffocation of education sector during the COVID-19 pandemic : a critique of human migration
Get PDFJournal article published in African Journal of Development Studies (AJDS) Published consistently since 2012 Special Issue, October 2024 pp 147-171This paper investigated the coping mechanisms of the higher education sector during the COVID-19 pandemic from the point of view of the restricted human migration. This paper is conceptual and empirical in nature within the qualitative research paradigm. Interviewing technique and narrative enquiry were employed to generate data pertaining to the restricted human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of the population of 26 public higher education institutions, in South Africa, only two were conveniently sampled for intensive study on restricted human migration of their employees during the COVID-19 lockdown. This paper is therefore, a case study of two public higher education institutions. Research findings revealed that firstly, organisational efficacy took a nosedive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, there was a controversy of the mandatory immunisations within the migrants. Thirdly, the application of migration segregation aggravated the
state of affairs. Fourthly, the inhibition of the already planned face-toface conference attendance crippled the education sector. Lastly, compromising of quality assessment practices particularly at institutions of higher learning was a disservice and disruptions to the education sector. The study recommended the exemption of the education sector
from the suffocation of restrictive health protocols in case of similar COVID-19 pandemics in future
The role of information technology systems (IT) on the development of effective internal controls. desktop study
Get PDFJournal of Economic and Social Development (JESD) – Resilient Society
Vol. 11, No.2, September 2024Research Question: What is the role of Information Technology on the development of effective internal controls of companies? Motivation: Companies can now support operations with IT systems to improve operating performance. As a
result, companies must adapt their technique and method of internal control in accordance with
computerization (AIS) to exercise effective control because the adaptation of quality internal control has an impact on operations and the achievement of operations
Idea: The purpose of the study was to establish the role of Information Technology Systems (IT) on the development of effective internal controls.
Data: A literature review methodology drawing on grey literature and published work elicited data for the
study
Tools: it can be denoted that despite the importance of information systems, challenges are imminent when adopting and implementing them. Staff should have the ability to embrace the system as well as finding the best
system to use Findings: The findings indicated that information systems pose challenges when trying to adopt them. The major challenge was finding the best compatible information system and having the staff that portray
familiarity and knowledge of the information systems.
Contribution: Companies should support operations with IT systems to improve operating performance. As a result, companies must adapt their technique and method of internal control in accordance with computerization (AIS) to exercise effective control because the adaptation of quality internal control has an impact on operations and the achievement of operations
Management of Meloidogyne incognita associated with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Get PDFJournal article published in Tropical Agriculture Journal (Trinidad) Vol 101 No. 1 January 2024Okra is one of the important vegetable crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide. Different parts of the crop, including fresh leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems, and seeds, are usable. Okra contains various benefits for humans, including fibre and vitamins. One of the critical pests for okra is root-knot nematode which causes crop yield loss. Therefore, an investigation was conducted in 2022 at the Aquaculture Research Unit laboratory at the University of Limpopo to evaluate the effectiveness of moringa (Moringa oleifera) application in controlling root-knot nematode in okra. During a survey of an okra field, Meloidogyne incognita was identified from the root samples. Leaf and fruit powder of moringa, along with positive control (fenamiphos) and a negative control (tap water), were used to study their efficacy against M. incognita. In pot trials, seedlings of okra were inoculated with 3000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita; with treatments comprising leaf and fruit powder of moringa; 56 days after inoculation, the moringa leaf and fruit powder treatments compared to the negative control had, respectively, 69.2 and 56.4% fewer eggs and J2 in soil; 84.2 and 74.5% lower gall number; and 69.6 and 36.6% lower gall index. by 56.4 – 69.2%. The percentage improvements for the positive
control were not significantly different from those for moringa leaf powder (P > 0.05). These results showed that moringa leaf powder is promising for controlling root-knot nematode in okra