Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf): Open Journal Systems
Not a member yet
8651 research outputs found
Sort by
Comment on Havenga et al. (2022): Standard heat stress indices may not be appropriate for assessing marathons
No full textOpen data set: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.834833
An assessment of the economic impact of South Africa’s public universities
No full textWith the understanding that universities play multiple social purposes, we aimed to provide an estimation of the economic impact of the public universities in South Africa. Using models described in the literature, we estimated economic benefits from four university activities – university exports, research at universities, the production of graduates and universities as business entities. Comparative analysis shows that, as an economic sector, Higher Education contributes more to South Africa’s gross value added than other economic sectors such as Wood and Wood Products, Textiles, Clothing and Leather Goods, or Paper and Paper Products. It is comparable to sectors such as Gold Mining, and Beverages and Tobacco. Taking into account a number of assumptions, which are explained in the text, for 2018 the total economic impact was estimated at about ZAR513 billion. Governmental expenditure on higher education in that year was ZAR66 billion. These figures produce a cost–benefit ratio for the sector of 1 : 7.7, considering only these four university activities.
Significance:
The South African public higher education institutions form a very significant economic sector within the national economy. In terms of the gross value added, it is very similar in size to the gold mining industry. Taking into account four activities of universities, this sector contributes about ZAR500 billion annually to the economy, which is likely to be an underestimate of the actual contribution. This finding opens the way for policymakers to understand the importance of the sector as an area of investment. Recognising the potential limitations of the use of the modelling developed for other economies, our study indicates the importance of further work to indigenise the economic modelling for local conditions
What’s new for the clinician – summaries of recently published papers (June 2023)
Full text linkThere has been a huge increase in the number of adolescents and young adults on fixed orthodontic treatment for periods longer than 1 year. Often the desired outcome of having a perfectly aligned set of teeth has been marred by the significant increase in the presence of white spot lesions (WSLs). These lesions are commonly observed on the labial surfaces of the maxillary incisors adjacent to the brackets, thus jeopardising the final aesthetic result of the treatment and having limited chances of improvement even after the orthodontic appliances are removed.1 The incidence and prevalence of WSLs during multibracketed fixed orthodontic treatment are relatively high with a wide range, and the problem is quite alarming for the orthodontists and patients.1 Patients with multibracketed fixed orthodontic appliances have been considered to be at moderate to high risk for caries and various preventive strategies have been examined to prevent the development of WSLs, among which topical fluorides have been studied widely and found to be efficacious in reducing the incidence of WSLs around the brackets.1 Among the various forms of topical fluorides studied, varnishes are deemed critical for preventing the WSL formation. The efficacy of topical fluoride varnishes has been established through multiple systematic reviews1 with a preventive fraction of about 43% and 37% in permanent and primary dentitions respectively, compared with that in the placebo or no treatment
Professional virtues: illuminating the path to ethical research in oral health
Full text linkEthical research is vital in pursuit of advancing scientific knowledge as well as promoting and improving oral health outcomes that are in accordance with the needs of communities. Guidelines, principles and duties outlined in various international and national professional associations serve to guide ethical research in healthcare, including oral health
Effect of Indian clubbell exercises on cricket fast bowlers’ shoulder kinematics
Full text linkBackground: The glenohumeral joint’s rotational range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength are essential to execute the cricket bowling action. Performing shoulder rotation exercises may increase the rotator cuff muscle strength and rotational ROM.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the effect of a six-week exercise programme on shoulder rotational ROM and muscle strength.
Methods: Twenty-one healthy male cricket fast bowlers were recruited, ranked and pair-matched on initial shoulder rotator muscle strength and assigned to either a shoulder exercise (SE) group or cricket training (CT) only group. The SE group incorporated Indian clubbell exercises in addition to their cricket training.
Results: Bowlers in both groups displayed a large increase on the dominant shoulder’s internal rotation (IR) ROM, but only the SE group’s bowlers displayed ROM improvements (p<0.001) bilaterally for both internal and external rotation. The CT group’s fast bowler’s non-dominant shoulder IR ROM significantly decreased (p=0.02) during the six weeks. Between groups, only the SE group’s bowler’s internal rotator muscle strength improved (p<0.001) bilaterally. The observed kinematic changes were statistically significantly greater at a 5% level for the SE group’s bowlers (bilateral internal rotators muscle strength, non-dominant shoulder IR ROM and horizontal adduction ROM).
Conclusion: Maintenance of the shoulder’s rotational ROM and muscle strength is vital for a fast bowler. Cricket bowlers who perform regular clubbell exercises might increase their shoulder’s ROM and internal rotator cuffs’ muscle strength, which may aid in stabilising their glenohumeral joint while bowling.
Environmental sustainability in dentistry: A call for ethical and eco-conscious practices
Full text linkDentistry is no exception to the global paradigm shift towards environmental sustainability. Dental professionals, as guardians of oral health and wellness, have a moral obligation to combat environmentally unfriendly practices that have long been part of the industry. In this editorial I will examine ineffective and environmentally harmful dental treatment, make an argument for needed reform, and highlight the ethical need to implement greener processes. A healthier world is essential to overall health, which is why the dental community must rise to this challenge
Exploring the Challenges Faced by the Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality in North-West Province, South Africa
No full textIn developing countries, livestock in the form of small-scale dairy farming is often a primary source of food security and revenue for rural communities. Despite this, decreasing dairy production in rural areas is a great concern. This study explored the challenges of small-scale dairy farmers (SSDFs) in the Bojanala Platinum District of the North West Province, South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling techniques among SSDFs in the district to uncover the challenges confronting them. Twenty‑four in‑depth interviews were conducted with farmers, and data were analysed using the thematic content analysis technique (TCA). Eight themes emerged from the data analysis: the high cost of feed and fertiliser, diseases and the high cost of medication, unpredictable weather patterns, power failure, high cost of electricity, cattle theft, lack of machinery and equipment and lack of support. SSDFs should be made aware and trained on identifying and managing livestock diseases, and prevention strategies for livestock theft should be developed and implemented. The study also recommends that local governments subsidise and support SSDFs to manage and sustain their businesses. Furthermore, the SSDFs should be exposed to agricultural funders in their localities, and access to educational services should be made available for local farmers to receive training towards proposal writing to apply for funds. In future, studies can look at the knowledge and literacy of farmers in sourcing funds to support their dairy farming business
Undergraduate Agricultural Extension Qualifications in South Africa: Comparing Available Curricula to Desired Skills and Competencies
No full textGlobally, the need for the agricultural extension profession to change from a top-down, production-focused approach to a more participatory and holistic approach has been reiterated. Different stakeholders in South Africa have criticised the public sector service delivery efficiency. To enhance the standard of service, the South African government has specified that every person employed as an agricultural extension worker in the public sector should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. The department has made much progress. Currently, 73% of all extension professionals in the public sector have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Despite this, the department still highlights training as inadequate regarding the profession's needs. A proficient agricultural extension sector is vital in assisting farmers in dealing with challenges and enhancing food security. This article examines the available undergraduate bachelor qualifications in agricultural extension in South Africa to determine their relevance in the competencies and skills required by the profession. The curriculum evaluation and improvement model is used as methodology, and coding is used as an analytical tool. The results show that available curricula are still excessively focused on technical subject matter and expertise, and there is an urgent need for updating curricula to be more relevant to the profession's needs
Measuring Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture in the Gauteng Province of South Africa
No full textCommercial restrictions limit the extent of women's participation in the South African economy despite gender equality being valued. Since the implementation of The Women Empowerment Project in 1999, the agricultural sector's contribution has not yet been fully quantified. Women’s opportunities, challenges, and roles in agriculture must be explored further by evaluating resource management strategies and policies. This study aimed to quantify women's empowerment in agriculture using descriptive research methodology. Data were collected and statistically analysed using the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) to identify the origin and extent of female farmers' difficulties. Satisfactory outcomes in production, leadership, assets, income, and time usage were more strongly associated with empowerment than demographic variables, and time available contributed the most to women feeling disempowered. Overall, women reported feeling more empowered compared to men. Disempowerment in male respondents as the control group was attributed to time, workload, and resources. In future studies, gender policies should be further developed to incorporate gender dimension, gender budgeting and sex-disaggregated data administration.