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Prevalence and associations of anaemia among patients on chronic haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.Med. (Internal Medicine)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Background: Anaemia is a very common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients
with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on chronic haemodialysis7. The main aetiology of
anaemia in CKD among patients on chronic haemodialysis is erythropoietin deficiency
Aim: To determine the prevalence and associations of anaemia among patients on
chronic haemodialysis at the PKDC in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was
performed at a single dialysis centre (PKDC) and included all patients on chronic
haemodialysis over a one-year period (01/01/2019 to 31/12/2019). A standardized
data collection form created on Epi Info Version 7 was used to collect data from 121
study participants’ hospital files. There was no sampling performed as all patients
meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The collected data was
analysed using the SPSS Version 25.
Results: A total of 121 patients were included in the study. In the final data analysis,
55.5%(n=66) were males and 45.4%(n=55) were females. The overall mean age was
41.9 ± 11.7 years. Using the WHO definition of anaemia (Hb< 13g/dl in males and
Hb<12g/dl in females), prevalence of anaemia was 89.3% and 85% in male and
female patients, respectively. All 121 (100%) patients were on erythropoietin (EPO).
According to the 2012 KDIGO guidelines, the target Hemoglobin (Hb) in haemodialysis
patients on EPO is between 10g/dl and 12g/dl. Using a Hb level < 10 g/dl to define
anaemia, the overall prevalence of anaemia was 23.1%(n=28). The Chi-square test
indicated that there were no associations between anaemia (Hb<10g/dl) and any of
the clinical characteristics that were analyzed (all p-values > 0.05). Comparison of the
means of two groups (Anaemia: No and Anaemia: Yes) using the t-test it was observed
that the p-values were <0.001 and 0.007 for Hb and Albumin respectively. The null
hypothesis was rejected, and we concluded that there was a difference between the
Hb and albumin levels of patients who have anaemia (Anaemia Yes) and patients who
do not have anaemia (Anaemia No), with a 5% significance level. There was no
significant mean difference for the other laboratory variables.
Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a low prevalence of anaemia
(Hb<10g/dl) among the study population (23%) due to the high rates of EPO use
(100%). There was no association between any of the clinical characteristics and
anaemia. There was a difference between the Hb and albumin levels of patients who
have anaemia (Anaemia Yes) and patients who do not have anaemia (Anaemia No),
with a 5% significance level. There was no significant mean difference for the other
laboratory variables
An amazon image versus patriarchal constructs : representations of women in selected works of Matlwa and Mda
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (English Literary Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023The “images of women” school of feminist critics is particularly concerned with how women are represented in fictional texts. Feminists are generally not satisfied with stereotyping of women as done in traditional fictional texts as a way of sustaining patriarchy. In their fight for women emancipation, feminists have taken up an “Amazon image” to construct female characters that resemble the ancient Amazons. The Amazonian characters are constructed for women empowerment as a means of achieving the feminist goal of gender equality.
The present study locates itself within the “images of women” school to determine from which perspective female characters are portrayed in selected texts. It employs a corpus of feminist theories that include Amazon feminism, to critically analyse purposively sampled texts by two South African writers, Kopano Matlwa and Zakes Mda. The aim of the study is to determine if female characters in selected texts are constructed from an Amazonian perspective or from a patriarchal view which dominates androcentric texts. The study thus juxtaposes stereotypically constructed female characters with female characters constructed from an Amazonian perspective. Amazonian characters are constructed as subjects, and are empowered while patriarchal constructs are objectified, and are negatively portrayed. A major finding is that Matlwa has constructed female characters from an Amazonian perspective and that Mda has constructed female characters from a patriarchal view. The conclusion is that the Amazonian character is an alternative representation of women than the traditional patriarchal view of women
Factors contributing to the failure of community income generating projects in the Mankweng Cluster of Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M. Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023The prevalence of poverty, unemployment and low economic growth are some of the reasons programmes for poverty alleviation have been introduced. The study sought to examine the factors that contribute to the failure of community income generating projects in the Mankweng area of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The main objectives for the study were to examine the nature and operations of the community projects, to determine the factors which have contributed to the failure of the projects and to find out what participants propose as solutions. The research questions which were answered addressed the nature and operations of the community projects, factors which have contributed to the failure of the projects as well as the solutions for sustainability of community projects. The methodological approach was a mixed method research approach where both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized. The cumulative number of participants in these projects is 290. The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling to select participants since it was mixed methods research. Data in the qualitative component was collected through interview guides whereas on the quantitative part, questionnaires were utilized. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics for the quantitative phase whilst manual coding was utilized for the qualitative data. Key findings revealed that different projects are implemented in the study area and categorized as farming, material and poverty alleviation projects. There are also challenges which affect the income generation projects such as electricity, politics, interference, financial constraints and monitoring and evaluation. The study concluded that community income generation projects have a positive impact on the livelihoods of people in rural areas. Recommendations for further research include financial management in the implementation of income generation projects in rural communities
African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL) Vol 7 (1) (2023)
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The adoption of blended learning by rural-based institutions of higher learning in South Africa amid Covid-19 : experiences and challenges
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning Journal (APORTAL) Vol 7 (1) (2023)Many institutions of higher learning were forced to adopt blended learning since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The adoption of blended learning amid Covid-19 has delayed learning processes in most rural-based institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Thus, the study has adopted a non-empirical research design: a systematic review, and it was conducted to establish solutions to blended learning challenges faced by rural-based institutions of higher learning in South Africa amid Covid-19. Conversation theory was adopted in this study because it advocates that students should get the opportunity to interact with the lecturers, which could help to amend the digital divide and promote advanced blended learning in rural-based institutions of higher learning. Therefore, the data for the study was obtained by using scientific search engines for articles and books. The study's articles were obtained from the computer-based scientific search engines Google Scholar, EbscoHost, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Thus, purposive sampling was used to select relevant articles rather than using any articles that had no bearing on the study. The secondary data was then analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that the delay in advanced blended learning was caused by the digital divide and barriers to digital transformation in rural-based institutions, among other challenges. It was recommended that the government should provide digital equipment to rural-based institutions of higher learning and provide training to all students and lecturers on how to use different technologies to ensure the accessibility of blended learning
An autoethnography of the feminist pedagogical strategies used in teaching and learning to promote inclusive classrooms
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL) Vol 7 (2) (2023)Although institutions of higher learning in South Africa have made progress in policies and programming that curb the ideological hegemonic positions inflicted by the Apartheid education system, higher education is still grappling with gender inequalities and inequities in the classroom context. This article reflects on my journey and pedagogical experiences as a student and later a feminist lecturer. Feminist pedagogues are promising approaches for social transformation in institutions of higher learning. I focused on my experiences, exploring the tensions that have shaped my praxis. I employed an auto-ethnographic research approach through an autobiography research method to illustrate my experiences as I transitioned from being a student to a tutor and a feminist lecturer within institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Findings from this paper show that to disrupt normative classrooms, lecturers need to harness classroom strategies that can enhance inclusion, equity, social justice, and equality. These might include but are not limited to reflexive journaling, negotiating, and listening, dialogue, mutual vulnerability to challenge conventional power relations in institutions of higher learning. The article recommends that feminist pedagogy can work towards solving potentially unequal relations and discriminatory learning environments. This can be done by disrupting normative power hierarchies in the classroom by allowing both lecturers and learners to negotiate the process of ‘being listened to and ‘being heard in the teaching and learning environments and thus creating room for plural voices and more inclusive learning spaces
Open distance e-learning system in the institutions of higher learning in South Africa
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL) Vol 7 (2) (2023)The purpose of the study was to investigate the application of open-distance e-learning systems in the institutions of higher learning to encounter pandemic and student population increase in South Africa. The in-class contact teaching and learning system can have very serious negative effects on students when it comes to a limitation of intake to universities and lockdowns in relation to outbreaks like Covid-19. This study applies the literature to develop a framework for using the open-distance electronic learning system (Open Distance e-learning – ODeL). The study discovered that institutions of higher learning, especially contact institutions, could face risks and disruptions that may result in the suspension of academic programmes. The study provides a framework for the possible adoption of the Open Distance e-learning (ODeL) system by institutions of higher learning. The results of this study will provide alert and guidance to institutions of higher learning about the adoption of open-distance e-learning to accommodate all interested students and ensure continuity of learning during a pandemic like COVID-19. The framework provided will assist institutions of higher learning with the how-to in terms of implementation of Open Distance e-learning in case they decide to adopt it. Learners will be able to get admitted and enjoy learning in any institution of their choice without any limitation due to space shortage and institutions may ensure continuity in teaching and learning for their educational business even during the pandemic
The defense of Rejneesh’s idea of inconsistency in scholars: the rejection of rigidity in academia
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL) Vol 7 (2) (2023)Although it is the nature of the world that things always change except the change itself, some scholars have become ideological in the strife for consistency. Some scholars take their ideas as sacred to the effect of sticking by them even when they are no longer sufficiently defensible. This fear of being inconsistent has crept even into the minds of scholars. Bagwan Rejneesh, an Indian philosopher who was always comfortable with changing and embracing change became vital as an advocate of thought development. This defense presents the necessity of being not resistant to change due to what one has held before. There has been a contradiction within the academic thoughts projected by some scholars. The center of the contradiction stems from scholars’ arguments for evolution and transformation while at the same time, they worry about being always consistent. Therefore, this paper does not advocate thought anarchy, but it is set forth to logically defend the rejection of consistency when it no longer holds or is even defensible. This attitude of academics with sacred thoughts/ ideas happens to be utterly destructive within the academic sphere where progressive teaching and learning pedagogies must be taken into consideration. Not only that the academics themselves will benefit if they embrace a necessary change but also the students will benefit from the progressiveness and non-ideological teaching of their teachers/ lecturers. In my view, it seems very important that at some time academics rationally accept the change of times and accept that their ideas lack sacredness and universal eternity. Having this understanding of academic rationality, I wish to put forth some skeptical views of Bagwan Rejneesh with regard to ideological ideas that claim sacredness even when they have become obsolete
Factors influencing customers' satisfaction with health-care services: a case of private medical practices in Thulamela Local Municipality
Get PDFThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Health care services are vital to the nation, and the improved quality of care is the foundation of every progressive country. In particular, the private health care industry in South Africa has become more competitive, making customers to have a wide range of selection of providers to choose from when seeking for medical health services. It is thus important that private medical care service providers be more responsive to their patients’ needs and preferences for creating satisfied loyal customers. The purpose of this article is to understand factors that affect quality service delivery and customer perceptions in the private medical sector and thereby propose strategic intervention that private medical practitioners can adopt to improve services level provision for customers’ satisfaction. The research study focuses on determining factors that influence customers' satisfaction with private healthcare services in the Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa; and also, to investigate the relationship between patient attributes and the factors that influence customer satisfaction. Analysis of the quality health care services from the patients’ viewpoint has beneficial implications for private health care services sector.
In the study conducted, a philosophical approach adopted was positivism perspective in line with the quantitative method. The target population included all patients visiting the private health care service providers in the Thulamela district municipality of Limpopo, South Africa. A total of 242 customers (patients) were selected using a convenience sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and the analytical tools included the descriptive analysis method. The study concludes that quality service and customer satisfaction are influenced by various determining primary factors including medical practice surrounding, receptionist’s conduct and medical doctor competencies. Further, the private medical practitioners operating in the rural areas in particular need to take cognisant of those factors that affect customer satisfaction in order to effect required changes for customer service improvement and satisfactio
Evolutionary algorithm simulation study of MnO2 nanoclusters
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D.(Physics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Transition metal-oxides have garnered significant attention due to their different allotropic polymorphs with unique structural and electronic properties necessary for the creation of new and improved rechargeable battery systems. The increasing demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy densities has fuelled interest in the research, development and manufacturing of new battery systems capable of powering high-powered machinery as well as portable household appliances. These demands have led to the heavy reliance on renewable fossil
Consequentially, these have resulted in the unavoidable environmental pollution, which has in turn led to dangerous climatic conditions and unwanted health threats to human beings hence the need for renewable energy.
Manganese dioxide is one of the most promising materials in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, pyrolusite (β-MnO2) as the most stable and abundant polymorph of MnO2 is selected for this purpose. In this study, evolutionary algorithm and first principle methods were used to generate (MnO2)n=2-20 nanoclusters. Firstly, the β-MnO2 bulk structure was optimised using existing interatomic potentials (IP). The selected IP parameters successfully reproduced the β-MnO2 bulk structure to within 0.43 % of experimental data.
The XRD patterns of the β-MnO2 bulk structure were compatible to experimental data displaying similar peak intensities, 2θ positioning and Miller indexes such as the (110), (101), (200) and (211) peaks. The verified IP parameters were then used in conjunction with the Buckingham potential and the 12-6 Lennard-Jones potential to generate subsets of stable nanoclusters using the Knowledge Led Master Code (KLMC) software.
A combination of global search techniques and density functional theory (DFT) based codes such as FHI-aims, CASTEP and VASP were used to refine the energy ordering of the generated nanoclusters in an effort to determine the global minima of the nanoclusters for all the concerned atomic sizes i.e., n = 2 to n = 20. The predicted order of stability for the nanoclusters was found to be similar to those predicted for isostructural ZrO2, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoclusters. Furthermore, the larger stable nanoclusters adopted compact ring configurations as they grew larger in atomic size. Additionally, they displayed improved stability and electrical conductivity as seen by the shorter band-gap energy of 0.113 eV for the stable n20 nanocluster.
Secondly, the effect of temperature changes on the stability of the nanoclusters was investigated using the NVE ensemble in CASTEP and the molecular dynamics code DMol3. The nanoclusters showed a preference towards compact circular bonding configurations at higher temperatures as seen by the decreased bond lengths and inward bending of the exterior terminal oxygen atoms. An indirect relationship were the binding energy decreased with increasing temperatures was observed showing that high temperatures weakened the bonds in the n3-01 nanocluster.
The results also predicted that the nanoclusters have metallic characteristics with the density of states (DOS) curves being continuous at the Fermi level with minimal band-gaps between the valence and conduction bands indicating a good conductive nature. The XRD patterns for the most stable n3 nanoclusters revealed common peaks such as the (001), (101) and (200) indicative of the tetragonal phase signifying the stable rutile β-MnO2. Moreover, the stable nanoclusters showed a prevalence towards a cubic bonding configuration composed of two manganese atoms bonded to two oxygen atoms.
The atomistic substitutional doping technique proved to be a better strategy as compared to the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) technique using Fe, Co and Ni. The doping was preferential on the central manganese atom with the highest coordination denoted as Mn2. Nickel was the most favourable dopant due to its better binding energy with smaller bond lengths. However, the cobalt-doped nanoclusters were shown to be the better electrical conductors even though they were not as stable as the nickel-doped nanoclusters. Dual doping with nickel and cobalt did not sufficiently improve the stability and conductivity of the smaller nanoclusters. However, the simultaneous doping using Fe, Co and Ni may succeed in improving the stability of the larger nanoclusters as compared to singular doping.
Lastly, the electronic charge density differences of the Ni-doped n3-01 nanoclusters displayed considerable occurrences of covalent bonding. However, the weaker ionic bonding was observed with singular Fe-doping and Co-doping. The Ni-doped nanoclusters on the Mn2 atomic position with the highest coordination had the highest voltage potential of 3.038 V showing that nickel is indeed the most preferable dopant. Fe-doped nanoclusters had the lowest potential below the Co-doped nanoclusters. Furthermore, all the doped nanoclusters had an operational voltage range between 2.7 V and 3.9 V showing their efficacy for energy storage.
The aims of the study were achieved hence the study can be considered a success. Recommendations are made to continue the work towards improving future rechargeable batteries.NRF (National Research Foundation