Walter Sisulu University
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Commercial Banana and Macadamia Plantations in a Savanna Matrix Support High Levels of Arthropod Diversity
Get PDFExpansiona nd intensification of agroecosystems is one of the major causes of habitat loss in the savanna biome in South Africa. As such, this study sought to determine the influence of commercial subtropical fruit plantations (banana and macadamia) on species richness, abundance, and composition of surface-active arthropods compared to the savanna biome. Given that pesticides and herbicides are applied from spring to early autumn in banana and macadamia plantations, we sampled in winter to reduce the potential impact of pesticides and herbicides. Surface-active arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps. Habitat type did not affect species richness and abundance of ants and spiders, as well as species richness of beetles. However, significantly greater abundance of beetles was recorded in the macadamia plantation compared to the banana and savanna. This could have been due to greater abundance of herbivorous beetles and other insects, which would have increased the diversity of predatory beetles. Furthermore, unlike the banana plantation, the macadamia plantation was characterised by a deep leaf litter layer and the presence of weeds and grasses, which probably increased abundance of beetles. Species composition indicated that the studied arthropod taxa associate with specific habitats, as demonstrated by the three habitats supporting different species composition. Despite savanna habitat not supporting high species richness or abundance of surface-active arthropods, we recorded the highest number of unique species of ants and spiders in the savanna rather than in the plantation. These results highlight the importance of natural landscapes in conservation of surface-active arthropods
Fixed Point Theorems in Fuzzy b-Metric Spaces Using Two Different t-Norms
Get PDFThe primary objective of this study is to derive some theorems in fuzzyb-metric spaces under some assumptions on norms satisfying rational contractions. Some consequences of our main finding are also given. At last, to validate our main results, two examples with graphical representation are also presented
Mann-Dotson's Algorithm for a Countable Family of Non-Self Strict Pseudo-Contractive Mappings
Get PDFThe aim of this paper to present some weak and strong convergence results for countablefamily of non-self mappings. More precisely, we employ the Mann–Dotson’s algorithm toapproximatecommonfixedpointsofacountablefamilyofnon-selfk-strictPseudocontractivemappings inq-uniformly smooth Banach spaces
Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Services and Associated Risk Factors by Health Workers in the Eastern Cape Province
Get PDFGlobally, cancer is a leading cause of death, with cervical cancer ranking second among all cancers. Its adversity impacts not only individuals but also families, societies, and governments. The quality of services, as informed by the knowledge and adequacy of the health workers, plays an important role in both prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease. A cross-sectional study among 108 purposively selected health workers in rural health facilities in the Eastern Cape province was conducted to assess knowledge on cervical cancer and associated risk factors through the use of validated structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for analysis, with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 considered significant. A total of 91.7% of the 108 participants were female, and 25% were over the age of 50. A total of 88% and 85.2% indicated sexually transmitted disease and human immunodeficiency virus as major risk factors, respectively. The HPV, pap smear, and vaccination age were known by 64.8%, and vaccine availability was known by 71.3%. Only 40.7% of workers were trained on cervical screening, and 35.2% were trained on the interpretation of pap smear results. An overall knowledge score of 53% was obtained, with more experienced clinicians scoring lower grades. This study identified inadequacies in essential knowledge for successful implementation of cervical cancer services and found that extensive training was needed
Voices from the Patients: A Qualitative Study of the Integration of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Primary Healthcare Services in O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Get PDFTuberculosis (TB), a disease of poverty and inequality, is a leading cause of severe illness and death among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In South Africa, both TB and HIV epidemics have been closely related and persistent, posing a significant burden for healthcare provision. Studies have observed that TB-HIV integration reduces mortality. The operational implementation of integrated services is still challenging. This study aimed to describe patients’ perceptions on barriers to scaling up of TB-HIV integration services at selected health facilities (study sites) in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo Municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. We purposely recruited twenty-nine (29) patients accessing TB and HIV services at the study sites. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and presented as emerging themes. Barriers identified included a lack of health education about TB and HIV; an inadequate counselling for HIV and the antiretroviral drugs (ARVs); and poor quality of services provided by the healthcare facilities. These findings suggest that the O.R. Tambo district needs to strengthen its TB-HIV integration immediately
Inkqinelo
No full textAround the neck, a vibrant neckband is adorned with an exquisite arrangement of loose strings that intertwine orange, navy blue, deep red, and turquoise beads. These colourful beads are elegantly held in place by delicate narrow strips of white beads, creating a striking contrast. Interspersed within this colourful display are lustrous pearl buttons that add a touch of sophistication. This neckband is traditionally worn by the boys of the AbaThembu community from Qebe, especially during the lively and spirited umtshotsho traditional dance, where it complements their cultural attire and adds to the festive atmosphere.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Iphoco
No full textThis exquisite symbolic necklace features four intricately designed flat beaded tabs, each exuding a unique character. Crafted by Mahbubani, these necklaces are more than mere accessories; they are meaningful artefacts. The collector fortunate enough to acquire them received beads delicately stained with rich ochre, a hue that adds depth and warmth, enhancing the necklace's overall beauty and significance.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Breaking Bad News Among Paediatric Doctors in a South African Hospital
Get PDFBreaking bad news to patients is a difficult but regular task for doctors in clinical practice (Alshami et al. 2020). In paediatrics, doctors have the additional complexity of communicating difficult information with their young patients and their families (Mǎrginean et al. 2017). Despite this essential skill, clinicians are inadequately prepared, which can contribute to poor patient satisfaction and outcomes, litigation and negatively impact the treating clinician (Brown et al. 2009; Alshami et al. 2020). Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding breaking bad news, as well as the attitude and perceptions towards breaking bad news among doctors working in the paediatric department at Dora Nginza Hospital, a regional teaching hospital in Gqeberha, South Africa, and compare the findings to the international literature. Approach: A mixed methods knowledge, attitudes and perceptions study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted at the paediatric department at Dora Nginza Hospital. The survey population ranged from junior doctors to senior specialist paediatricians in the department. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and compared to literature available from similar international studies. Impact of study: Despite the importance of this topic, there are limited studies based in South Africa and specifically in paediatrics, which creates a unique context for this study. The setting of Dora Nginza Hospital, with its diverse cultural background of both doctors and patients, provides vital insight into the local 3 challenges of breaking bad news in this context. The further impact of the predominantly junior staff in an overburdened system and the strategies implemented to break bad news in this context provided useful information to adapt protocols to be utilised in this setting.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 202
Health capital and labour productivity in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) Countries
Get PDFHealth plays a critical role in economic development, as it directly affects productivity and ultimately leads to higher per capita income. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, health capital has immense significance for labour productivity, serving as a catalyst for growth. This study investigated the relationship between health capital and labour productivity in selected SADC countries from 2000 to 2020, with the chosen period primarily based on data availability and coverage for the selected countries during this timeframe. To accomplish this, the study employed the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models and techniques, which leverage the advantages of panel data and ARDL models, enabling the analysis of both short-run and long-run relationships, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between variables over time. The data for the study period was obtained from a single reliable source, The Global Economy, ensuring credibility. The primary finding from the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator indicates a positive and significant relationship between health capital and labour productivity in the short run, suggesting that investments in healthcare can boost productivity. However, contrary to the expected theory and prior assumptions, the long-run findings reveal a negative and significant relationship. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the health-productivity relationship and necessitates further investigation to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and design effective policy interventions. Policymakers must carefully consider these mixed findings and tailor their strategies accordingly to promote both health and productivity in the long term. It is crucial to strike a balance between immediate gains and sustainable long-term outcomes.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 202
An audit of patients with new onset stroke and associated barriers to thrombolysis of hyperacute strokesat a tertiary level hospital in the Eastern Cape
Get PDFGlobally and in South Africa stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In 2006, the Joint World Congress of Stroke declared stroke a ‘catastrophic illness’ in South Africa. This declaration aims to focus the attention of policymakers on the impact of stroke and engage with them to intervene. Local stroke data is needed to make informed and relevant policy changes. Data is also required to start multi-level initiatives regarding stroke prevention and care. This study aims to analyse the demographic profile of stroke and assess the quality of stroke care using time-based performance measures at Livingstone Tertiary Hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methodology The study is a descriptive, retrospective chart review of patients presenting with an acute stroke to Livingstone Tertiary Hospital Emergency Department over a 12 month period. Demographic data, stroke risk factors, patient comorbidities and mode of transport were collated and analysed. Time parameters were used to ascertain delays within the stroke care pathway of patients and factors precluding patients from thrombolysis were identified. Results The study included 403 eligible patients, 54% of the patients of whom were female. The majority of those were of Mixed-race ethnicity (49%) and aged between 50 and 79 years. Hypertension (71%) was the most common comorbidity followed by smoking (31%) and diabetes mellitus (24%). The median time from onset of symptoms to presentation to hospital was 12 hours 23 minutes (I.Q 20hrs 34min). The average time from arrival to being III seen by a doctor was 1 hour 57 minutes (I.Q 1hr 59min) and the time from arrival to radiological imaging was 17 hours 6 minutes (I.Q. 8hrs 28min). 375 patients had radiological imaging, 58% (n=217) had evidence of an ischaemic stroke compared to 21% (n=80) who had signs of an intracranial haemorrhage. Of the study cohort, 99 (25%) of all stroke patients presented within the 4.5hr thrombolytic window, 68 (32%) of which were ischaemic strokes. However, in-hospital time delays precluded 35% of these patients from thrombolysis. A further 33% of patients had other contraindications to thrombolysis and 32% were not offered thrombolysis based on the clinical discretion of the doctor. Conclusion This study highlights the burden of stroke within Port Elizabeth, located in the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. Risk factor modification and disease control is imperative in reducing the prevalence and impact of stroke. The major precluding factor in stroke patients not being offered thrombolysis is a delay in arrival to hospital. Public education and awareness initiatives need to focus on addressing this issue. The clinical discretion of the treating physician significantly influences the decision to thrombolyse patients with an acute stroke. In-service training can address physicians’ perceptions regarding the benefits of thrombolysis as a treatment option.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in brach of emergency medicine, 202