Walter Sisulu University
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Modification of Flexible Electrodes for P-Type (Nickel Oxide) Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance Based on the Cellulose Nanofiber Film
Get PDFThe preparation of flexible electrode, including working electrode (WE) and counter electrode (CE), for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) utilizing metal oxides using environmentally friendly sustainable TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) is reported in this work. A new type of flexible electrode for the DSSCs, which were made of cellulose nanofiber composites with nickel hydroxide [CNF/Ni(OH)2] substrate films and cellulose nanofiber composites with polypyrrole (CNF/PPY). Nickel hydroxide, Ni(OH)2, has been prepared hydrothermally in the presence of TOCNFs, [TOCNF@Ni(OH)2]. Similarly, the conductive polymer substrate has also been prepared from a composite consisting of TOCNF and PPY, TOCNF@ PPY film, by means of polymerization for the CE. Overall, the prepared electrodes both WE from CNF/Ni(OH)2 substrates and CE from the TOCNF@PPY substrate film were revealed as the novelty of this work and which no one has introduced previously. Although NiO nanoparticles (NPs) coated on the Ni(OH)2/TOCNF electrode also produced a good power conversion efficiency, PCE (0.75%); nevertheless, the NiO NP treatment with carbon dots boosted the efficiency up to 1.3%
Green Synthesis of Nickel Oxide NPs Incorporating Carbon Dots for Antimicrobial Activities
Get PDFA biosynthesis composite using the green synthesis of titled metal nanoparticles (nickel oxide nanoparticles, NiO NPs, and carbon dots, C-dots) was produced, characterized, and then applied for antimicrobial activities. NiO NPs were produced using the Croton macrostachyus (Bakkannisa) plant leaf extract and nickel nitrate (III) hexahydrate [Ni(NO3)2·2H2O] as precursors, while C-dots were produced using citric acid and o-phenylenediamine (o-OPD). The distribution of the average particle size of the NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C-dots was 25.34 ± 0.12 and 24.95 ± 0.22 nm, respectively. The antimicrobial effects of the prepared materials were tested against the selected bacterial and fungal strains. Based on the outcomes of the bioassay, it was realized that both the bare and composite materials were effective against all bacterial strains. The composite’s high surface area with strong inhibitive effective antimicrobial effects against bacterial and fungal strains were observed. Therefore, strong inhibitive effects of 21−24 and 22−26 mm were observed with NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C-dots, respectively
Prolongation of Acid-Fast Bacilli Sputum Smear Positivity in Patients with Multidrug Pulmonary Tuberculosis
No full textThe study sought to determine factors associated with prolonged smear positivity in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients following appropriate management. Newly diagnosed patients were enrolled between June 2017 and May 2018. Sputum samples were collected for Xpert® MTB/RIF and line probe assays (LiPAs). Microscopic tests were performed at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-anti-TB therapy. Of the 200 patients, 114 (57%) were HIV-positive. After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a significant microscopy conversion rate among DS-TB patients compared to MDR-TB patients irrespective of their HIV status (p = 0.0013). All MDR-TB patients who had a baseline smear grade ranging from scanty to +1 converted negative, while 25% ranging from +2 to +3 remained positive until the end of 12 weeks (p = 0.014)
Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiency among People Living with HIV in Selected Rural Districts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Get PDFHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) leads to immune suppression, and micronutrients play vital roles in human immune responses. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of viral load suppression in adult HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) on micronutrient deficiency and its prevalence in selected rural districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2019 to February 2021 among 50 consenting HIV-infected patients attending community health centers within the three selected districts. The data were analysed with ArcGIS v.10.8 to create geospatial maps; the Global Positioning System (GPS) for analysis and presentation, and SPSS version 25 for inferential statistics involving the t-test and Fisher's exact test..
Prevalence and Causes of Elective Surgical Cancellations: Findings from a Rural Tertiary Hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Get PDFBackground: Cancellations of elective surgeries adversely affect the patient, hospital staff, facility, and health system. Cancellations potentially result in hospital financial losses, theatre inefficiency, and substandard patient care. A common benchmark for the cancellation rate of elective surgeries is less than five percent, and most operating rooms fall short of this standard. There is a paucity of data on the rates and causes of elective surgical cancellations in rural, resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of elective surgery cancellations, the causes for such cancellations, and the surgical disciplines most affected at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH). Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional review of operating theatre records from January 2019 to July 2019. The prevalence and main causes of elective case cancellations were determined. The causes were classified, and the most affected surgical departments and patient characteristics were identified. Results: The prevalence of elective surgical case cancellations was 14.4% in our hospital, higher than the international benchmark of 5%. Patient-, facility-, and surgical-related factors were the leading causes of cancellations, and avoidable cancellations were mostly surgical- and anaesthetic-related. Ophthalmology was the most affected, followed by gynaecology and general surgery, with plastic surgery being the least affected. The most common patient-related factors were nonattendance and uncontrolled medical conditions, while overbooking was the most common surgical reason. Abnormal investigatory results and unfit status were the most common anaesthetic reasons. Facility-related issues included the lack of theatre time, equipment scarcity or malfunction, and staff unavailability. Most cancellations were unavoidable, but with careful planning, could be avoided. Conclusion and recommendations: This study identified challenges with theatre efficiency in a rural, resource-limited setting that call for the cooperation of multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing staff, and health care policymakers
Umgangxo wamakhehla
No full textThe body harness adorning the elderly gentleman is a testament to his wisdom and the rich tapestry of his life experiences. Crafted from flat bead strips and delicate chains, it serves as a tangible expression of his journey through time. The choice of pink and navy beads intricately woven into the harness symbolizes the depth of his maturity and the wisdom that comes with age. Each bead holds a story, representing the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped his character and enriched his soul. As he wears this harness, he carries with him the weight of his years, as well as the resilience and grace that have carried him through. It becomes more than just an accessory; it symbolises his resilience, strength, and enduring spirit. With each step, he moves forward with dignity and purpose, embodying the wisdom and legacy of generations past and paving the way for those who will follow in his footsteps.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Critical analysis of the role played by izidlalo zabafazi in amaXhosa women’s psycho-socio health
Get PDFAfrican tribes have found that traditional songs are one of the most crucial factors in fostering cohesion, solidarity and communication between physical and non-physical entities as well as knowledge of culture and cultural activities. Traditional women's songs, or izidlalo zabafazi, are amongst the most potent tools utilized by the AmaXhosa tribe. Women mostly use these songs to communicate their emotions about various situations. Before Westernization had an impact, women used izidlalo zabafazi to talk about and deal with terrible times and challenging circumstances, such as verbal, emotional, physical and all other forms of abuse experienced by them. This indicates that these songs were especially important in providing a platform for women to express themselves by singing, acting and reacting to their many struggles. Since women today also experience many difficulties, particularly those that have an emotional impact on them, this prompted the researcher to investigate whether the significance of these songs can be exposed as a traditional platform where women can express themselves about their marital matters and be viewed as traditional therapeutic systems to be used by AmaXhosa women even in our day and age. The study employs two theoretical frameworks to accomplish this investigation: the psychoanalytic theory, which examines the psychological effects of izidlalo zabafazi on amaXhosa women; and the African feminism theory, which emphasizes the equalization of power and authority between the sexes and asserts that women should not be subservient to men and that they have a voice, even in patriarchal societies. Using a textual analysis approach, a selection of songs from various available sources, including books, papers, YouTube, tik-tok and Facebook, have been examined. Their therapeutic effect has unraveled the influence on the psychological well-being of women. The study indicates that it is highly effective in promoting mental recuperation, especially for adherents of izidlalo zabafazi. This has led to the notion that izidlalo zabafazi have an impact on the psychological well-being of amaXhosa women.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Science, 202
Factors leading to Complications following Traditional Male Circumcision among Initiates reporting at Mthatha Regional Hospital, South Africa
Get PDFTraditional male circumcision, a prestigious practice, and pathway to a sense of belonging and manhood among AmaXhosa has left unforgettable pains in the same society that admires it. The pains are due to the irreversible aftermaths such as death and loss of the penis that often accompanies it. Anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of AmaXhosa males though still prefer TMC, only partakes in the cultural lessons at the initiation schools then go for medical male circumcision. But, who is to be blamed? The news reports of the deaths following traditional male circumcision (TMC) are heard and the fears for sure are real. This study was carried out to provide evidence-based knowledge on the prevalence of complications following TMC and factors that lead to such complications. Aim: To find out the types of complications and medical outcomes following TMC among initiates reporting at Mthatha Regional Hospital. Method: A retrospective study design was used. The study population included 23 initiates who sought medical intervention at Mthatha Regional Hospital from June to December 2018. The variables of interest were collected from the admission records and analysed. Results: The mean age of participants was 18.5 years (standard deviation = 1.4 years). The majority (65.2%) of the participants were in the age group 18-21 year, were circumcised in summer (52.2%), waited for 10-20 days before seeking medical intervention (47.8%), and were admitted in the male surgical ward (69.6%). xiv The mean and standard deviation of length of hospital stay was 22.2±20.3 days. During hospitalisation, antibiotics were given to 33.3% and wound dressing to 60.5%. Other medico-surgical interventions wee rehydration therapy (28.1%), analgesics (26.3%), penile reconstruction with a skin graft (23.7%), re-circumcised (5.3%) or had a dorsal slit (5.3%). Grade 3 septic circumcision was the most prevalent (43.5%) among the initiates and 26.1% had Grade 4 septic circumcision. The three main factors leading to TMC-related complications were wound sepsis (32.4%), dehydration (21.1%), and septic shock (12.7%). No variables were associated with TMC complications in the study population. Most (78.3%) of them were treated and discharged. Two (8.7%) participants died, one from septic shock and the other from severe dehydration. Though 82.6% were alive with no deformity at discharge, 4.8% had an artificial penis and another 4.8 percent loss of the penis. Conclusion: Complications following TMC are real. Severe septic complications were common following TMC. There is a need to explore how to transform the harmful aspects of the initiation ritual while promoting the positive ones. There is a need to also determine possible ways of interaction and partnership between traditional leadership and the Department of Health.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 202
The Right to a Speedy Trial for Crime Victims in South Africa
Get PDFDelays in criminal proceedings have characterised South Africa’s criminal justice system. This claim is substantiated by cases that take too long to commence or to be finalised. This study notes that the delays in criminal proceedings result in secondary victimisation of crime victims. Thus, the study argues that alleged crime victims should have a right to speedy trial too. The study further submits that the Constitution is silent about the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. This silence has raised a perception among crime victims and the society at large that the Constitution favors the accused person only when dealing with delays. The studies that zoom into the problem of the delays in criminal proceedings have been mostly based on the criminological point of view. Such a topic of scholarly inquiry has been barely investigated from a legal point of view. The study investigates the delays, causes and negative effect that the delayed trials have on crime victims as the background of the study in order to evaluate the realisation of the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. The main objective of the study is to propose the realisation and implementation of the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. The study submits that most researchers exclusively focused on the accused’s speedy trial right in criminal proceedings and did not tackle this angle, thus leaving a gap in the literature that the study intends to fill. The study submits that the implementation of this right will protect crime victims from undue delays. It will also promote equality in the criminal justice system and eradicate future undue delays in criminal proceedings. Keywords: Accused person, crime victims, speedy trial, the criminal justice system, Constitution, undue delays, and secondary victimisation. his study sought to evaluate factors affecting the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District. This was a qualitative study in the form of case study research design. Two (2) schools were conveniently selected and from these, 2 principals, 2 school nutrition coordinators, 4 food handlers and 10 learners were purposefully selected to form the sample. Thus, 18 participants were selected in total. Interviews were used to collect data. A review of literature demonstrated that the school nutrition programme was valuable and played an important role towards addressing some of challenges prevalent in South Africa due to the history of the country. The literature reviewed also highlighted challenges faced by the school nutrition programme despite its tremendous success. These are some of the findings: the school nutrition programme was successful towards improving learner punctuality and engaging in the classroom. This had the potential to improve learner health overall; however, it was observed that lack of training around food preparation and hygiene could reduce the effectiveness of the programme. The provision for appropriate storage facilities was also noted as an issue that placed the programme at risk. These are some of the recommendations: the government should provide appropriate training and proper storage facilities in schools with nutrition programme; this could contribute meaningfully towards improving the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, 202
Strategies to improve implementation of curriculum and assessment policy statement (CAPS) in Secondary Schools in Eastern Cape Province
Get PDFThe study was conducted in one education district of the Eastern Cape Province. The study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by teachers and learners concerning the implementation of CAPS in secondary schools of the Eastern Cape Province. The study reviewed to improve the implementation of CAPS in secondary schools. The cognitive constructivist theory was used in this study. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through which a case study design was chosen. In-depth individual interviews were conducted to attain rich and accurate data from ten teachers, five principals, five heads of departments and five learners who participated in this study: from five secondary schools of Chris Hani West district. A total of nine themes became observable in this study through the analysis of the interviews. One of the key findings was that the Department of Basic Education did not involve teachers when changing the curriculum. The study concludes that issues such as learner-teacher ratio, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, promotion and progression policy, syllabus coverage, lack of teachers with inclusive education, lack of parental involvement in learners’ work and Language of Learning and Teaching hinder the quality of teaching and learning processes. It was suggested that the Department of Basic Education, parents, principals and learners should collaborate to address the hindrances to effective teaching and learning.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 202