Walter Sisulu University
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Iguza
No full textThe calabash is elegantly adorned with a multitude of small white beads that create a stunning contrast against the deep navy lines, stars, and diamond patterns meticulously etched onto its surface. Its base is artfully fringed with cascading streamers in complementary shades of white and navy, interspersed with glimmering black pearls that add a touch of sophistication. A long, beautifully braided shoulder strap in matching white and navy hues drapes gracefully from the sides. Traditionally, diviners and herbalists use this exquisite vessel to carry finely powdered medicines, making it not only a striking piece of art but also a vital tool in their practices.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Isitsikili samaMpondo
No full textA stunning necklace consisting of 17 strands of yellow and orange, red and white, green and white, pink and white, blue and white, and green and white strings, all varying in length and overlapping to form captivating circles. The red and white strands are adorned with delicate pearls and fastened at the back with buttons. This unique piece is traditionally worn by middle-aged men of amaMpondo subcultural group within the isiXhosa-speaking community.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
An assessment of the cost effectiveness and impact of introducing a laboratory electronic gatekeeping system at an academic hospital in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Full text linkMonitoring laboratory expenditure is crucial to ensure that laboratory services remain sustainable and affordable. In South Africa, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and its partner, the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) collaborated to introduce Electronic Gate Keeping (EGK) systems across the country. Countries across the globe report an increase in expenditure associated with medical laboratory testing. In 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services reported that laboratory test expenditures increased by 7.1 billion in 2018. In South Africa, laboratory testing expenditure in the public sector increased from 723 million (R10.7 billion) in 2021. Many countries, including South Africa, are developing, and testing new methods to reduce the excessive demand for medical laboratory tests for patient investigations to reduce the burden of rising laboratory costs on national budgets. The aim of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness and impact of introducing a laboratory electronic gate keeping system at an academic hospital in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Objectives: This study addressed four goals which are: (i) Evaluated the impact of the EGK intervention by obtaining the number of inappropriately requested test investigations averted and cost associated (cost savings) at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH), Eastern Cape, between 1st June 2015 to 31st May 2017. (ii) Determined the costs associated with inappropriately requested test investigations analysed prior to the implementation of EGK at NMAH, Eastern Cape, from 1st June 2013 to 31st May 2015. (iii) Determined the costs associated with inappropriately xxxiii requested test investigations analysed during the implementation of EGK at NMAH, Eastern Cape, from 1st June 2015 to 31st May 2017. (iv) Evaluated the costs and cost effectiveness analysis of introducing and implementing EGK at NMAH, Eastern Cape, between 1st June 2015 to 31st May 2017. Methods: In addressing the four objectives, this study was undergone in four phases, making use of secondary data on laboratory expenditure, primarily collected electronically by the NHLS and supplied to NMAH on monthly basis. In objective 1 and phase 1 of the study, a cross sectional study design to retrospectively audit EGK subjected tests at the NHLS in Mthatha by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital over 24 months was employed. In objective 2 and 3 and phase 2 of the study, a cross-sectional study using an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to determine the impact of the EGK intervention was employed. In this phase, two periods comparing laboratory expenditure before and during the EGK intervention were analysed over a period of 24 months. In objective 4 and phase 3 of the study, a cross-sectional study that used cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) to evaluate a cost effectiveness of EGK intervention over 24 months was done. Results: In the first phase, we found that out of 448 028 tests requested, 17,480 (3.9%) were rejected after being identified as unnecessary through the EGK system. This rejection rate of 3.9% generated cost savings of 6,077.68 (R94,393.59), free thyroxine with 3,813.61 (R59,229.98). In the second phase, our results demonstrated that xxxiv there was a significant reduction (211,928 fewer tests) in the number of tests performed during the intervention (434,790) compared to before the intervention (646,718). Laboratory test expenditure was 1,105,036.88 (R1,567,150.25) during the intervention period, demonstrating a cost savings of 515,114.96 (R7,685,515.20) and 212 fewer tests, resulting in an Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of USD 2,430.00 (R36,255.60) which is evidence is needed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of EGK in South Africa from a societal perspective.Thesis Phd -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 202
Our Hypotheses about the Role of Cuproferropanoptosis in Neurocysticercosis and a Comprehensive Review
Full text linkNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease secondary to a cestode infection by the larva form of pig tapeworm Taenia solium (Ts). In this study, we look for publications related to the role played by cuproptosis, ferroptosis and PANoptosis in the pathogenesis of NCC. After reviewing this issue, we formulate some hypotheses regarding their role in this zoonotic and neglected parasitic disease..
Power Supply Rationing in an Era of E-Learning Evidence from the Rural University
Full text linkIn a world, driven by technology, South Africa’s battle with power supply rationing, commonly known as load shed-ding, is sending shockwaves through the education landscape. This study investigates the intricate relationship between load shedding and e-learning, focusing on a rural university in South Africa. It explores how the disruption of the power supply affects the quest for digital education and sheds light on the hidden challenges, faced by both students and lecturers. The en-ergy crisis loomed large, posing a unique threat to the country’s academic advancement. This study was carried out at Walter Sisulu University, meticulously dissects the impacts of load shedding on e-learning, providing valuable insights into how these unforeseen challenges are altering the educational landscape. The research blends quantitative data analysis with a qualitative perspective, capturing the real-life experiences of educators and learners navigating a world where power supply can change the course of a digital classroom. The research elucidated the dominance of e-learning during lockdown regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus and a hybrid learning pedagogy that combines both e-learning and physical classes in the post-covid era. The research revealed that e-learning is significantly affected by Loadshedding
Human Capital and Environmental Sustainability Nexus in Selected SADC Countries
Full text linkThis paper sought to examine the nexus between human capital and environmental sustainability in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This contemporary topic has not received much attention in the region, hence the need to investigate the nexus between human capital and environmental sustainability. The paper used one of the most recent methodologies, namely, the pooled mean group (PMG) estimation technique, to assess this relationship from 1980to 2021. The findings of the study are that human capital increases environmental sustainability in the long run in SADC countries. This implies that as human capital increases, countries will see an increase in technological innovations and research and development, enabling the mitigation of environmental degradation in the region. Therefore, it is imperative for the region to embark on human capital programs that improve environmental sustainability
Evaluating the Impacts of Change in Accounting Regulation on Financial Performance: A Univariate Testing and the Implications for the Nigerian Capital Market
Full text linkThere is evidence that a change in accounting regulation can stimulate global access to a country’s capital market, thereby increasing the financial performance of firms. Corresponding to the change from the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to the mandatory adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Nigeria, this paper examines available information in order to confirm whether the change has created desired improvement in the firm's performance after the adoption in 2012. Three financial performance indicators related to productivity (asset turnover, ATO) and profitability (returns on assets, ROA, and return on equity, ROE) are examined on univariate tests of significance differences in the mean, median and variance of sample for the ‘prior to’IFRS adoption period (2003‐2011) and the post‐IFRS adoption period (2012‐2020). Accordingly, the Satterthwaite-Welch t-test, Wilcoxon/Mann-Whitney t-test and ANOVA-F-test are applied for the mean, median and variance, to verify the conjectured hypotheses. The results find that a slight increase was perceived after adoption for the average value of the ATO and ROA, but the considered tests are unable to indicate sufficient evidence to identify the improvement as significant. On the contrary, the evidence supposes an undesired significant decline in the ROE. The evidence finds the change in the variability, due to the transition to IFRS, for the indicators as significant. The findings have implications for the capital market and regulation; hence, the paper suggests that regulators should monitor firms’compliance to the standards and extend the use of IFRS to other non-listed companies in Nigeria
Hydrofen Peroxide Bladder Irrigation: a Simple, Safe and Effective Management Option for Clot Retention
Full text linkWhile the historical benefits of hydrogen peroxide on wounds and wound healing have recently been questioned, physicians have started to explore its other potential medicinal benefits. We present a case of a 14-year-old girl who presented to our urology unit with macroscopic haematuria and clot retention. Ultrasonography confirmed a large, organised intravesical blood clot. Despite numerous attempts, manual bladder irrigation was unsuccessful and caused significant discomfort to the patient. Her clot retention was relieved after 4 irrigation cycles with a 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution. She experienced no complications or side effects post-intravesical instillation of hydrogen peroxide
Exploring Challenges Hindering Teachers’ Implementation of Classroom Management Strategies in Gauteng High Schools, South Africa
Full text linkThis study explores challenges hindering teachers’ implementation of classroom management strategies in schools and suggests solutions thereafter. This study adopts the behaviourism theory, which aims to help learners unpack and emulate desirable behaviour, arguing that learning should lead to the adoption of constructive, observable conduct, such as what individuals say or do. The study is located within a qualitative approach using a case study design. The study consisted of purposively sampled participants, comprised of twelve Grade 10 (FET Phase) educators from the three chosen high schools in Gauteng Province in the Ekurhuleni North District, South Africa. The collected data was analysed using content analysis. The findings highlighted large class sizes and insufficient parental involvement as key obstacles to effective classroom management. Setting clear expectations and fostering a positive environment were noted as crucial solutions. Recommendations include schools and educators actively promoting a supportive classroom atmosphere, establishing clear expectations, and encouraging parental participation in the learning process to overcome classroom management challenges and enhance high school teaching and learning experiences
Enhancing Virtual Teaching and Learning through Connectivism in University Classrooms
Full text linkIt is argued that teaching and learning in the 21st century rely heavily on technology, especially in university classrooms. This theoretical paper contends that for students to be successful in university classrooms in the 21st century, both lecturers and students should effectively resonate with technology. This paradigm shift is not without one or two challenges which must be addressed since teaching and learning through technology has come to stay. Therefore, this study presents the proponent of connectivism theory to enhance virtual teaching and learning in university classrooms. The study is located within a transformative worldview and derives its argument from a theoretical viewpoint by positioning connectivism as a tool to enhance teaching and learning in 21st-century university classrooms. Conceptual analysis was employed to argue the place of connectivism as a tool to enhance virtual classrooms in universities. The connectivism theory was presented, and its assumptions were argued in relation to how it could be integrated into university classrooms. The study concludes that the diversity of nodes' interconnections, coherence of things and adaptation to constant change are dimensions that could enhance virtual classrooms. Therefore, concerted efforts of both lecturers and students in universities to improve these dimensions to transform virtual space in university classrooms