11613 research outputs found
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Curbside book pick-up services during a time of crisis in South African University Libraries
No full textPurpose: This paper sought to determine the implementation of curbside pick-up services within South African University libraries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative approach where informetrics has been used as the primary data collection method to analyse the implementation of curbside/book pick-up services on the web pages of 26 South African University Libraries. Findings: This study indicates that only a few South African university libraries have implemented curbside pick-up services. The study further reveals that those libraries that have implemented this type of service have utilised various methods to facilitate book requests. Practical implications: This study recommends the development of contingency plans for libraries to stay abreast of changes in their environments. The implementation of enhanced and innovative lending services for printed materials. Social implications The paper sheds light on a strategic method for enhancing lending services in academic libraries. It can also be used as a benchmarking tool for those libraries planning on implementing this type of service. The usage of curbside pick-up services can be essential during times of crisis in enhancing lending endeavors and meeting the needs of the users. Originality/value: This study adds value to the innovative lending services in libraries, especially during times of crisis. As there is no evidence of previously conducted studies on this phenomenon, this paper can be used to initiate further research on curbside book pick-up services in libraries.https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5808
Six week exercise and education programme for weight-bearing joint pain at primary health care facilities
No full textBackground: Joint pain is a common cause of functional limitation and increased health expenditure among older people. The ageing population is increasing the prevalence of joint pain and the demand for care. Joint pain is prevalent globally, one in three individuals experience joint pain, and in South Africa, 24.48% of primary health care clinics patients experience joint pain. In adults over 65 years old in a rural context, 29.7% reported experiencing joint pain. Physiotherapists working in a primary health care context are required to treat many patients with joint pain in the absence of clear guidelines. In urban and peri-urban contexts, health education and exercise programmes have been shown to improve pain, quality of life and self-efficacy of individuals with joint pain. The study aimed to determine and compare the impact of six-week education and exercise intervention programme on female patients 50 - 70 years old living with weight-bearing joint pain for three months or longer in the Maluti-a-Phofung health sub-district receiving care at PHC Clinics. Method: A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted using convenience sampling. Following baseline measurement, participants were randomised into the intervention, workbook, and usual care groups. Data was collected using interviewer administered outcome measures and physical performance task battery. Demographic data was collected using a self-developed demographics questionnaire. Pain severity and pain interference data were collected using the brief pain Inventory short from. Self-efficacy data was collected using the chronic diseases self-efficacy scale. Quality of life data was collected using the EQ-5D-3L, and physical function data was collected using Physical Performance Task Battery. Data was collected at baseline and six weeks. A self-developed acceptability questionnaire to collect acceptability data for the intervention group was used at six weeks. Results: Forty-seven participants enrolled in the study with a median of three painful joints. The majority of the participants were obese and presented with hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain severity scores between the groups at baseline or six weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain interference score at baseline, but there was a statistically significant change within the intervention group for pain severity (p=0.00) and workbook group for pain severity (p=0.02). There was a statistically significant change in the pain severity and pain inference score for the intervention and workbook group for change within groups. The was not statistically significant difference in self-efficacy at baseline but there was statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy for the intervention (p=0.02) group and workbook group (p=0.04) at six weeks. The was no statistically significant difference in quality of life at baseline but there was a statically significant change in the quality-of-life (p=0.00) VAS=90 IQR (85-9) perception in the intervention group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the physical performance task battery at baseline nor at six weeks but there was a statistically significant improvement in the physical performance task battery within the intervention and workbook groups. There was a statically significant change of the timed-six-minute walk test with an improvement of 66 meters in the intervention group. Conclusion: The impact of the intervention on the intervention group was to decrease pain severity and pain interference, improve quality of life, improve self-efficacy and to improve physical function. In the workbook group the programme improved pain severity and interference, improved self-efficacy, and improved physical function. The six-week intervention can be used to manage joint pain in primary health care clinics and the workbook group should be investigated further but provides a bases for the use of a short formats in remote primary health care clinics
Genetic analysis of 27 Y-STR loci in different population groups from South Africa for forensic purposes
No full textSouth Africa has one of the highest rape statistics in the world, with an average of 117 rapes reported daily. Y-STR genotyping is becoming a popular tool in the analysis of DNA evidence collected after a crime of a sexual nature has been committed. Although there are some exceptions, most rape cases involve a male perpetrator and a female victim. By targeting male-specific (perpetrator) DNA, any female (victim) DNA is excluded from analysis, resulting in clear Y-STR profiles that could be used to obtain a match with a male suspect. A reduced genetic diversity at some core Y-STR loci, a limited number of markers investigated, and lack of haplotype frequency data present a challenge in the implementation of Y-STRs in South Africa’s forensic laboratories. This dissertation represents a study aimed at investigating the forensic value of commercial Y-STR PCR Amplification kits in the South African population, as well as provide haplotype frequency data. A total of 308 samples were collected from the African, Asian/Indian, Coloured, and Caucasian populations at the University of the Free State. These samples were amplified using ThermoFisher Scientific’s Y-Filer® Plus PCR Amplification kit, and analysed using the GeneMapperTM ID-X Software. Statistical analysis was performed to estimate several forensic parameters to evaluate the performance of this kit. This set of markers was able to identify 261 unique haplotypes, with an overall discrimination capacity of 98.15%. Discrimination capacities ranged from 91.67% for the Asian/Indian population to 100% for the Coloured population. The haplotype diversity across the four populations is 0.9999, with an average gene diversity across all loci of 0.684. The Coloured population exhibited the highest gene and haplotype diversities, as well as the highest discrimination capacity, most likely due to the high levels of admixture in this population. These values are comparable to those of other populations around the world and are increased from those reported in previous South African studies. This study also used the Y-Filer® Plus kit to genetically characterise the South African population through the use of allelic patterns, genetic distances, AMOVAs, and P-CoAs using the GenAlEx software. The Coloured population exhibited the highest number of different alleles, contributing to the high gene diversity in this population, while, interestingly, the African population was shown to have the highest number of private alleles. It was shown that the most genetic differences occurred between the African and Caucasian populations, while the Coloured population showed a closer affinity to the Caucasian population. The African and Caucasian populations formed two distinct clusters during P-CoA, with the Coloured population distributed across both clusters, albeit closer to the Caucasian cluster. These results are consistent with the history of the South African population. Several profile variations were detected and analysed, including null alleles at DYS390 and DYS448, duplications at DYS458 and DYS449, triplications at DYF387S1, and several intermediate alleles at DYS389II, DYS458, and DYF387S1. Although these variations could introduce some challenges when used in forensic DNA analysis, additional knowledge gained through sequencing regarding the nature of these variations may circumvent these challenges. The forensic parameters estimated in this study provide evidence for the potential use of commercial Y-STR PCR kits in a forensic application in South Africa. Even though this study does provide some haplotype frequency data, it is highly recommended that more haplotypic data is obtained for a more accurate estimation of match probabilities. Future studies should also focus on the performance of the Y-Filer® Plus kit when analysing DNA from closely related males in the South African population.ThermoFisher Scientifi
Comparative analysis of representations in natural sciences textbooks and senior phase curriculum and assessment policy statement
No full textTextbooks are known to be primary resources for teaching and learning in most classrooms. Many inexperienced teachers rely on textbooks for content, lesson planning and guidance when teaching natural sciences. Several studies have been conducted globally over the years regarding representations in natural sciences textbooks and national curriculum documents. In studies on natural sciences textbooks, multiple representations of matter and materials in natural sciences textbooks have been found to be particularly challenging, more so for Grade 9 learners in South Africa. This study sought to explore verbal and visual representations of matter and materials on multiple levels of chemistry representation in Grade 9 natural sciences textbooks when compared to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). By employing an exploratory research design through a deductive qualitative approach, a comparison was made between each of three preferred Grade 9 natural sciences textbooks and the senior phase CAPS document. Nonprobability sampling was employed through purposive sampling of data sources (textbooks and CAPS). Primary data collected from the three textbooks and the CAPS document were analysed using Yin’s analysis framework stages. The findings revealed that all three natural sciences textbooks had limitations in representing the CAPS document. Most limitations were found in visual representations on the sub-microscopic level than in verbal and verbal-and-visual representations on the macroscopic and symbolic levels, respectively. The conclusion was that preferred textbooks have limitations, which may negatively impact the performance of natural sciences leaners taught by novice teachers that are dependent on the textbook
Factors that determine construction health and safety agent collaboration on construction projects: a Delphi study
No full textThe construction industry (CI) continues to be the cause of injuries and illnesses to many workers worldwide. Collaboration between the construction health and safety agent (CHSA) and other built environment professionals may improve the impact of the CHSA on health and safety (H&S) performance. However, no study has identified the factors that determine CHSA collaboration on construction sites. A three rounds Delphi study was conducted to identify the factors that determine CHSA collaboration. A panel of 14 experts serving the CI were selected from four continents and were asked to identify additional factors and validate the factors identified from literature. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to analyse the data; group medians were calculated to reach consensus, and open question responses were summarised qualitatively. The experts confirmed the existence of the factors identified in the literature. The factors that determine CHSA collaboration on construction projects include mutuality, trust, enabling environment, personal characteristics, common purpose, institutional support, and project context. Drawing from the findings, the study suggests that these seven factors can influence CHSA collaboration. The study is limited to 14 experts and more experts could have provided more information. The factors that determine CHSA collaboration identified in this study may not be exhaustive and another study may provide different factors. Further research could adopt other research methods such as the quantitative method, in order to determine the impact of these factors on CHSA collaboration. Factors that determine CHSA collaboration on construction projects should be identified, implemented, and monitored, in order to increase the influence of CHSA on H&S performance.Publisher's versio
Cosmic perspectives: an astronomical narratoscope at boyden observatory used to interpret borrowed moments from indigenous cosmology
No full textAbstract not availabl
Feeding practices of mothers with children attending early childhood development centres in the Xhariep District
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Nutrition and Dietetics))--University of the Free State, 2021Background and motivation: The nutritional status and health of under five year olds are considered indicators of social progress, development and access to resources within communities. In developing countries, undernutrition is a major contributing factor to children failing to achieve their developmental potential. The prevention of malnutrition requires, among others, safe, nutritious, and diverse foods in early childhood. Young children become vulnerable to malnutrition when complementary foods are introduced, and breastfeeding is discontinued. The 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey reported that 27% of children younger than five years were stunted. Complementary feeding practices are, therefore, a priority matter that needs to be addressed in South Africa. The Assuring Health For All in the Free State (AHA-FS) study in 2007 already identified malnutrition in the Xhariep District. Also, while rendering health services during community-based education and interprofessional training to the communities in the Xhariep District, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the University of the Free State identified that mothers face many barriers to feeding their young children an appropriate diet. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of mothers of children who attend ECD centres in the Xhariep District to gain a nuanced understanding of the driving factors of malnutrition in the area. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory study in which the researcher had a constructive paradigm. Twelve participants who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled. Semi-structured interviews were used to determine the mothers' choices and motivation for foods they fed their children until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded after informed consent was obtained. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and identify themes, while descriptive statistics described the participants. Results: The participants had a median age of 31 years (IQR: 26.8-41.8; range: 20-71 years), with 1-3 children in their care. Five of the participants finished grade 11 or 12, while six only had some primary school education, and one never went to school. Nine of the participants relied on social grants as a source of income, 11 were unemployed, and only two had a spouse or partner who was employed. The following themes were identified from the interviews: infant and young child feeding practices, social support for child feeding practices, financial restraints to feeding practices, concern for the nutrition wellbeing of the children and household amenities. The participants mostly fed their children cooked maize meal porridge (pap), milk, cordial mixed with water, and vegetables and meat were mostly fed only once a week. When the participants had no meat, they fed the children pap with oil. Fruits were fed to the children only at the beginning of the month and were considered as treats. All the participants reported that they skipped meals so that their young children could have food to eat. Other coping strategies included borrowing money, mostly from loan sharks, and using store credit to purchase electricity and food when they had none. However, these practices, in turn, were detrimental to the overall available household funds because of the interest incurred. The availability of water, and the amount of money spent on electricity, also influenced food choices. The participants reported that they did not have vegetable gardens because they lacked seeds, space, and water. Participants reported that they had received nutrition advice from neighbours, nearby grandmothers, and the staff at their local clinics. They reported that they tend to implement the advice from grandmothers and neighbours because they had raised children before. However, they did not always implement the advice from the clinic staff due to lack of access to the foods they recommended. Conclusion and recommendations: The participants experienced similar challenges that contributed to household food insecurity. The main challenge identified was the lack of employment opportunities in their communities. In conclusion, the effects of unemployment and the level of education of mothers should be acknowledged when policymakers recommend feeding practices for young children. The staff at the local clinics were unaware of the mothers' lived experiences, so the nutritional advice was not adapted to the circumstances of the mothers. Although the mothers received support from the government through social care grants, they still experienced frequent periods of insufficient funds to purchase food and electricity for their households. Thus, it would be worthwhile to teach recipients of social grants to budget their money and thus discourage the use of loan sharks and store credit as coping strategies. Furthermore, empowering women to generate an income through communal agricultural practices, cooking, and sewing skills could help improve their food access.The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygien
Development of a construction quality assessment tool for houses in South Africa
No full textHousing is a critical socio-economic driver in the vast majority of developing countries, including South Africa. It involves many aspects such as construction quality, affordability, geographic location, long-term financing, and the environment. A key research concern is the quantification of the construction quality of houses and how this may be used to assist in the delivery of better quality houses. This article is based on studies undertaken on housing construction sites in South Africa. A construction assessment tool is developed using principles similar to those used by CONQUAS in Singapore and Malaysia. The tool thus developed is capable of measuring the quality of ‘as-built’ construction elements of a house against national technical standards and specifications, within reasonable time and cost. Studies on the quality of houses were then conducted on 700 houses (two low-income projects and one middle-income project). The results showed that the two low-income projects had average quality scores of 58% and 64%, while the middle-income project scored 80%. Details of the sub-elements of the scores indicated the developmental needs of the contractors involved in the projects. Using the construction quality assessment tool, the government and other authorities can make better informed decisions when awarding contracts. If introduced and implemented correctly, the quality of the houses delivered across the entire housing spectrum can be measured and monitored, and improvement measures put in place. The data collected through this quality assessment tool will be invaluable for national authorities, regulators, and Statistics South Africa to evaluate and report if the housing stock being delivered is consistently improving. Risk assessment studies will assist the regulators in developing proper quality management strategies.Publisher's versio
Missio hominum as the compassionate response to socio-economic and vaccine challenges during COVID-19 in South Africa
No full textIt is likely that the storm of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Africa will calm only when the country attains herd immunity. In South Africa, the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan will first prioritise key frontline forces, the elderly and those with comorbidities. Although there is some new academic insight on COVID-19 within the context of churches, not much has been written on the role that churches can play in partnership with government towards procuring vaccines for the poor people of South Africa. The contribution towards vaccine procurement by churches is juxtaposed with the proclamation of the year of the Lord’s favour in Luke 4:18–19 and the feeding of 5000 men (excluding women and children) in Matthew
14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, John 6:1–14 and Luke 9:10–17. This is done against an environment where corruption in the procurement of personal protective equipment, unjust food parcel distribution and subverted relief packages occurred during the hard lockdown of 2020. This article makes use of both missio Dei and missio hominum as its missiological theory in conformity with calls for public health restoration during and after COVID-19. It employs a literature review to support missio Dei and missio hominum as compassion and fundraising for the poor in the face of COVID-19, as exemplified by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1–4 and Jesus in Mark 6:8 and Luke 8:1–3.Publisher's versio