11613 research outputs found
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Performance indicators in (ATP) tournaments
No full textIntroduction: Key performance indicators (KPI’s) are vitally important in the context of sport. Being able to analyse and adapt accordingly to the KPI’s, would be of great benefit to the athletes as well as the coaches. Aim: To differentiate between the KPI’s of winning and losing players of matches played and the surface types and their influence on the outcome of matches. (Player height and age, number of aces hit, 1st and 2nd serve accuracy, points won off the 1st and 2nd serves, number of breakpoints faced, and number of breakpoints saved.) Methods: The current study was conducted in a retrospective manner as a quantitative design. The data was collected from a public domain, GitHub, and consisted of the 2018 ATP Tour. The data collected varied across three surfaces played on, namely Clay, Grass, and Hard Courts. The outcome of the current study was to determine the effects of the KPI’s on the final result of the tennis matches. Results: The current study found significant differences between the winning and losing players with regards to Aces, Service Points, 1st Serves Won, 2nd Serves Won, Breakpoints Faced, as well as Breakpoints Saved, however, no significant difference was found between the 1st Serves In (p=1.368). The current study also find a significant difference with regards to Aces struck (p=0.0006) between Hard and Clay Courts. No other significant differences (p<0.05) were reported across the KPI’s. Conclusion: It is important for coaches and players to note that age and height do not discriminate between winner and losers in men’s tennis as well as 1st Serves. However, all the other KPI’s show significant differences between winner and losers. This information may assist players and coaches in preparing themselves or their athletes to achieve success
Assessing the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought: a case study of Frances Baard District, South Africa
No full textThe main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of drought hazards on smallholder female farmers of Frances Baard District Municipality district and to assess their coping, adaptation, and resilience to droughts as compared to smallholder male farmers in the rural communities. The study also sought to assess the vulnerability of smallholder female farmers regarding drought hazards in Frances Baard District Municipality. In addition, the study sought to investigate drought resiliency of smallholder male farmers as compared to smallholder female farmers. Furthermore, the study investigated drought coping and adaptation mechanisms of smallholder female farmers use as compared to the male farmers. Lastly, the research assessed the communication strategies employed by male and female smallholder farmers to foster drought resilience. This paved way for the provision of recommendations to address drought challenges for smallholder female farmers. The Harvard Framework guided this study for gender analysis; it was applicable and relevant in a variety of ways for this research. The study adopted a qualitative single case study. It also applied an interpretivist philosophy to understand how female smallholder farmers are affected by drought, and to what extent are they resilient compared to their male counterparts. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Primary data was collected using a Focus Group Discussion Interview Guide. This research followed Terre Blanche, Durrheim, and Kelly’s (2006) guidelines for data analysis. The study found that drought has various economic, environmental, and social consequences in Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Magareng, and Phokwane farming communities. Even though the study sought to investigate the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought, it concluded that both male and female smallholder farmers are vulnerable to drought. The study also found that both smallholder male and female farmers are resilient, but male farmers are more resilient since they have access to and control farming resources and agricultural benefits. This study concluded that both smallholder farmers preserve agricultural income for future use, as well as harvest and keep livestock for future use. The study recommends the preservation of biodiversity, open space, and trees, and reduction of land degradation, diversification of crop varieties, crop insurance, and maintenance of soil health and continued use of communication strategies. Further research may cover other antecedents of the resilience of female smallholder farms to drought
Knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of South African physiotherapists regarding the management of tension-type headaches
No full textDissertation (M.Sc. Physiotherapy))--University of the Free State, 2021Background: Tension-type headaches (TTH) are primary headaches that have been indicated by the Global Burden of Disease study as the third most common pain condition worldwide and are more prevalent than migraines. People living with TTH may experience significant decreases in their ability to participate in work, social or leisure activities and housework. Often persons living with TTH are managed by physiotherapists, and therefore physiotherapists should be knowledgeable regarding the therapeutic management of the condition. Currently, there is a paucity of literature in South Africa regarding the knowledge, attitude and beliefs, and practices of South African physiotherapists concerning the management of TTH. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of South African physiotherapists regarding the management of persons living with tension-type headaches. Methodology: A cross-sectional research study was performed using a self-developed questionnaire sent via an electronic survey platform. All ethical considerations were taken into account during this process. Privacy and confidentiality were strictly maintained throughout the research process. Results: One hundred and thirty-four physiotherapists provided electronic consent and completed the questionnaire. The participants were mostly female (89.5%) with a mean age of 36.5 and the median number of years of practice was 13 years. The majority of the participants were working in the private sector and most participants had an interest in Musculoskeletal and Pain management conditions. For the knowledge section, 79 participants (58.96%) obtained a median score of 60%, which indicated that they had average knowledge regarding TTH. The majority of participants enjoyed providing treatment for TTH, favoured the multi-disciplinary team approach and agreed that evidence-based outcome measures should be utilized. In the belief section once again the majority favoured the multi-disciplinary team approach and believed that patients should be provided with alternative pain management strategies. The frequency of treatment varied from one to three times per week in the practice section and the participants preferred a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in the management approach. Discussion and conclusion: This KABP study regarding the management of persons living with TTH among South African physiotherapists demonstrated that the majority of the participants in this study had average knowledge regarding TTH. Many of the participants were not able to identify all of the muscles involved in the symptoms of TTH, which is a concern in the physiotherapy profession since the anatomy of the body is a fundamental part of the understanding of presenting conditions and the development of treatment strategies. Intervention programmes in the form of accredited professional development training to address this shortcoming through online discussions or webinars could be undertaken. This study found that the participants were in favour of a multi-disciplinary team and an evidence-based practice approach in the management of persons living with TTH. It is recommended that further research should be done around this topic within the South African context.University of the Free State Post Graduate Schoo
Synthesis of aromatic monopyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene derivatives with variable degree of π‐conjugation
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Chemistry))--University of the Free State, 2021Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF, 1) and its derivatives have attracted much interest and found widespread applications in molecular, supramolecular and materials chemistry.⁽¹⁾ Monopyrrolo‐tetrathiafulvalenes (MPTTF, 59) possess more extended π–system in comparison to the parent TTF 1, better π–stacking capability and, therefore, they are capable of forming stronger charge‐transfer complexes with molecular acceptors.⁽²
Incorporating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems into the Basic Education curriculum: Experiences from two schools in the Gauteng and kwazulu-Natal Provinces, South Africa
No full textSouth Africa is a proudly and richly diverse country with several indigenous groups across its nine provinces. Indigenous people have a vast array of knowledge by which they have lived and sustained their livelihoods for ages. The impacts of colonisation and globalisation have meant that over time, this knowledge has been lost and not imparted to younger generations. This challenge has intensified efforts towards preserving African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS). After 1994, one of the important goals that need to be achieved is social justice and this can be attained through inclusive education. Education needs to foster the diversity of our country and continent from the foundation face by placing value on AIKS. One of the ways in which this can be done is through its inclusion in the curriculum. There has been an increasing focus on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and its value globally, with organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations recognising the importance of this knowledge in achieving sustainable development for indigenous communities. The current educational system in South Africa and many other African countries is still westernised and there have been many calls to decolonise the local curriculum. At the same time, there have been efforts to align the curriculum with constitutional principles and values through the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Grades R-12 and the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). These principles and values include human rights, inclusivity, environmental focus, social justice and valuing of indigenous knowledge systems. Through CAPS, educators are encouraged to make innovative use of various knowledge systems including indigenous knowledge to achieve inclusive education. There is, however, little mention of how educators should make use of IKS when teaching the different subjects that are in the curriculum. The focus of this study was, therefore, to find out how AIKS can be incorporated into the basic education curriculum in South African schools. The study also aimed to find out whether AIKS implementation at the classroom level is being realised. This was done by studying the educators’ experiences with the incorporation of AIKS into the current curriculum. To achieve the research’s objectives, a qualitative study was conducted using the case study design, informed by the systems and symbolic interactionism theories. Two schools were selected, one from Gauteng and the other from KwaZulu-Natal. Both primary and secondary data sources were useful in reaching the findings. Focus groups were held with the educators from the schools. The semi-structured interview approach with a representative from the DBE broadened the scope of the study. Results were organised thematically in accordance with the research questions and objectives. The findings revealed that although there is the requirement to include IKS in the curriculum, there is no clear indication of how this should to be done. Educators require more support from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in terms of direction on how to implement AIKS into their lessons. Educators also require training and material support. It was also evident that educators have an idea through their lived experiences of what AIKS is and were able to provide examples. Some have attempted minimally to use AIKS in their lessons. Mostly, the educators agreed that there is value in incorporating indigenous knowledge into the curriculum. There are however challenges that are experienced by educators in trying to include AIKS in their lessons, such as time constraints during lessons, lack of clear support and limited content and materials to achieve this goal. The themes that emerged during the study were AIKS and the rural context, indigenous games, folklore/storytelling, traditional medicines, restoration of pride and Ubuntu and sustainable livelihoods. Some of the recommendations that came out of the study were the development of AIKS content for teaching, the introduction of AIKS campaigns and drives in schools and communities, the inclusion of different role players in the AIKS development process and the development of monitoring and evaluation systems to track AIKS development progress. Further research can focus on learners’ perspectives of AIKS and the development of different models that could form the basis of AIKS implementation in the curriculum. Further research is also suggested on the use of AIKS to improve the livelihoods of learners and their households
The prevalence of patients with undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis, undergoing surgery at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital
No full textIntroduction: Tuberculosis (is a significant cause of death in South Africa (resulting in a massive financial burden on the economy of the country. Delayed diagnosis is a problem in low and middle income countries and can unintentionally cause other patients and personnel exposure, especially in enclosed areas such as theatres. The short and long term consequences of occupational acquired TB affect the health care worker s physical, physiological, and financial health. This might put much strain on the health care workers themselves, their families and the health care system. Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study done in May 2020, investigating all patients over the age of thirteen years that underwent surgery at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital for one month (from 1 November 2019 till 30 November 2019) to evaluate how many of these patients might have had active tuberculosis (known or unknown) on the day that they underwent surgery. All available laboratory TB test results of the patients were included from three months before the documented surgery date and up to three months post the surgery date. Any patient with a documented positive TB laboratory test result during this period and not on TB treatment for at least two weeks, was considered potentially infectious. Results: A total of 583 patients underwent surgery in November 2019. Of these 583 patients, 21 had a TB test done during the mentioned period, and results were captured on the Natio nal Health Laboratory Service database. Only one patient of the total 21 who was tested for tuberculosis had a positive TB test, which was done on the day of surgery. On admission, the patient presented with a lower respiratory tract infection before receiving his open L4 biopsy for possible infective spondylolysis surgery. The staff screened the patient for pulmonary TB (and an Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert ® Ultra) test was done on 12/11/2019. The Xpert ® Ultra results reported on 13/11/2019 were positive and sensitive to Rifampicin, and the patient was subsequently started on treatment. On the day of surgery, the patient was assumed to only have a bacterial lower respiratory tract infection and was not managed a s a TB infected patient, and the necessary precautions were not taken, leading to exposure of the theatre staff and other patients to PTB. Conclusion: The proportion of undiagnosed TB infection under patients who were perioperatively tested was 4,8%. However, since only patients who were expected to be admitted to ICU after surgery or who had respiratory symptoms before surgery were tested for TB, this study could not determine the prevalence of TB in patients receiving surgery
A governance perspective on policies and practices combating youth unemployment in South Africa
No full textThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of South African youth development policies in ensuring the development and empowerment, especially regarding employment, of young people in the country. The research is based on policies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, the National Youth Policy 2015-2020, and the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, which is a policy that ensures effective service delivery in a cost-effective manner, while ensuring that the rights of all citizens of South Africa are protected. The study observed that unemployment is high amongst youth in South Africa and that this has a direct bearing on poverty levels and standards of living. The impact and effects of the strategies that are adopted to prevent youth unemployment are not reported in a manner that outlines their effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with youth development and employment. This scenario posed a problem for the research. Hence, the study focused on these policies to address the challenges facing youth and to attempt to synergise the policy implementation process for efficiency and accountability in governance. The study utilised qualitative research and the critical approach, as this is social studies research. Phenomenology was used to grasp the situation. The approach is meant to make an objective judgement and ensure an emancipation agenda, which exposed the needs and struggles of the youth. To achieve its objectives, the study introduced and defined concepts such as policy, policy process, policy analysis and policy theory, which were key in the analysis of policy. Within the policy process, the study focused on policy stages, such as problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, policy analysis, and policy implementation. Furthermore, the study defined the concept governance and its theories because these theories were later used in the application to decide on the relevant theory, which could work in addressing the youth development issues and challenges discussed in the study. Amongst the theories was the rational choice theory, the elite theory, the interpretive theory, the network systems theory and the developmental theory. The governance principles and modes were brought in as part of the discussion because modes are critical for decision-making and failure to adhere to the principles results in government’s inability to provide for and protect the basic human rights of the youth. The study outlined the challenges faced by youth in South Africa to justify the investigation because young people are drowning in problems that seem to mushroom into greater socio-economic and political problems, which the government is unable to handle. Then, content gathered through the policy and governance theory was applied to determine the relevant theory that could be applied to remedy the dire situation through theory application challenges. This includes the deployment of unskilled implementers; the role of the NYDA as an implementing agency; the supply-side approach of the government; the government’s consultation and engagement processes; poor monitoring systems; the centralised education curriculum; and poor planning versus the implementation of government programmes. The process enabled the research to conclude that network governance should be applied in South Africa and the theory is in line with the District Development Model (DDM), adopted by the government in 2019. The motivation for network governance stems from the findings of the study that youth development challenges are related to policy process, specifically implementation. The failure in implementation can be traced back to NYDA’s capacity to influence process. Government possess inadequate monitoring and evaluation strategies. The education system which is central to development and capacity building of youth requires review and realignment. Despite acknowledgement of the importance of good governance principles, government failed in application of these principles. The confusion related to the definition of the concept youth by various policies impedes service to youth. Hence, the view that network system of governance is relevant and necessary to tackle youth unemployment from a collective worldview. Network governance is promoted because it promotes a collaborative, collective, and inclusive approach to youth development. It calls for collective decision-making and allows transparency and openness in the implementation of youth programmes. The study acknowledges the strength of network governance because stakeholders share responsibilities, expertise, skills, institutional capacity and planning sessions. Communication and consultations are key in network governance. Through the findings, the study made various recommendations in relation to governance, leadership, capacity building for the NYDA, and the review and realignment of the education system. The outline of the effectiveness of network governance is highlighted through the Youth Development Framework, which was developed to guide the implementation of network governance in addressing youth unemployment. The Framework highlights the role of stakeholders from the key sectors, such as the social, public, academic and private sector, as youth development problems cannot be resolved by the public sector singlehandedly. Collaboration is key to youth development and empowerment. Finally, it can be deduced that youth unemployment is the result of poor governance and poor policy implementation. The government must strive towards collaborative governance to succeed in empowering young people
Necrotising enterocolitis in the Bloemfontein academic complex
No full textBackground: Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious acquired gastrointestinal emergency affecting predominantly premature neonates, especially those with a birthweight of 1500g categories. Fifty-six infants (30.4%) died [23 (41.1%) were 1500g], 106 (57.6%) were discharged and 22 (12%) were transferred to their base hospital. Mortality rates were higher in NEC grade 3A [11 (19.7%), RR 3.22 (95% CL 2.23 ; 4.52), P<. 001] and NEC grade 3B [ 28 (50%), RR 3.09 (95% CL 2.07 ; 4.61), P< .001]. Significant risk factors per weight category were maternal pre-eclampsia, RDS, mechanical ventilation and blood transfusion. Conclusion: NEC remains a formidable challenge to clinicians caring for neonates with prevalence and mortality rates comparable to other tertiary neonatal units
Discursive analysis of YouTube mediated reactions to filmic depictions of campus sexual assault
No full textThis dissertation examines the manner in which the rape of women by men is constructed in online user-generated content. The study utilises the comments section of the YouTube video trailer for the documentary film The Hunting Ground (2015), as well as the comments sections of several YouTube video clips concerning the #RUReferenceList. Through a comparative analysis of comments to South African and United States YouTube videos, feminist discursive psychology (FDP) is employed to investigate linguistic patterns and trends which potentially construct permissive attitudes towards campus sexual assault. The study found that respondents for both the South African and US contexts engage in mitigating discourse strategies when discussing campus sexual assault. However, while this dissertation concludes that both South African and US online communities potentially constitute rape-prone environments, these strategies manifest in unique and distinct ways. Furthermore, common rape myths are largely eschewed in favour of new forms of victim blaming and myth making. Respondents largely employ three repertoires in their discussion of campus sexual assault: The false rape repertoire, the feminazi repertoire and the modesty repertoire
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers related to breastfeeding in the Motheo District, Free State
No full textBreastfeeding is widely recognised as the ideal method of infant feeding. Despite this, the percentage of South African mothers that breastfeed (especially exclusively for the first six months of life) remains alarmingly low. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a key role in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. A lack of knowledge, negative attitudes and unfavourable practices of HCWs have a major impact on the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Evidence-based recommendations for infants are continuously summarised by a number of organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The current study aimed to assess the breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HCWs whose responsibilities include supporting breastfeeding in the Motheo district, Free State. These findings were compared to the 2016 WHO and UNICEF guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and 2018 Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative (MBFI) guidelines. A cross-sectional study design was applied in a total population of 117 HCWs, including paediatricians, obstetricians, general practitioners (GPs) and midwives working in the private and public healthcare sectors. Participants were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and South African Nursing Council (SANC). A self-developed questionnaire was used to obtain information related to sociodemographics (age, years practicing in current position, current place of employment and gender) and KAP related to breastfeeding. The questionnaire was selfadministered and available in paper and online format. The median age of participants was 34.0 years and the median years practicing in current profession was 7.0 years. The majority of GPs (85.9%) and midwives (82.1%) worked in public hospitals, while the majority of paediatricians (60%) and half of the obstetricians (50%) were in private practice. More than half of the participants were female (65.8%). In terms of knowledge related to breastfeeding, a significantly higher percentage of GPs (60.6%) than paediatricians (30%), obstetricians (25%), and midwives (50%) were able to list three benefits of breastfeeding for the baby (p=0.0180). Although the percentage of HCWs that could list three benefits of breastfeeding for the mother was low (26.7%), a higher percentage of GPs (33.8%) than paediatricians (20%), obstetricians (25%), and midwives (10.7%) were able to list three benefits of breastfeeding for the mother (p=0.0016). Almost ninety percent of HCWs (89.7%) knew that formula milk does not have the same nutrient composition as breast milk. Although the majority of the total group of HCWs (70%) knew that a breastfeed should not be time limited, a significantly higher percentage of obstetricians (100%) and midwives (82.1%) were aware of this compared to 40% of paediatricians and 66.2% of GPs (p=0.0015). Most HCWs (92.3%) knew that placing a baby in skinto-skin contact can contribute to the stabilisation of newborn blood glucose levels. Less than fifteen percent of the total group of HCWs (14.5%) were able to name at least one step of the MBFI 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. In terms of knowledge pertaining to breastfeeding in the context of human immunodeficiency (HIV), only 6% of the total group of HCWs knew that breastfeeding is recommended for an HIV infected mother if the mother is from a lower socioeconomic background and does not meet the AFASS (Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable and Safe) criteria. Less than fifty percent (46.1%) of the total group of HCWs were aware of the newest 2017 WHO guideline pertaining to HIV and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond while being fully supported for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The majority of GPs (76.1%) and midwives (78.6%) recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to the age 6 months, compared to only 10% of paediatricians and 25% of obstetricians, who recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 4 - 6 months. Fewer than 30% of the total group of HCWs (28.3%) recommended continued breastfeeding together with complementary feeding up to 24 months and beyond.Half of the obstetricians and more than half of paediatricians (60%) en courage mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour after birth, compared to the majority of GPs (64.8%) and midwives (71.4%) who encourage mothers to initiate breastfeeding within half an hour after birth, a difference that was statistically significant (p=0.0137). If a mother and baby are separated after birth due to an inadvertent situation and the mother is still able to express enough breast milk, 60% of paediatricians and 50% of obstetricians would recommend using formula milk with a cup, compared to 80.3% GPs and 89.3% midwives who recommend breastmilk with a cup as feeding method (p<0001). Less than half the paediatricians (40%) and obstetricians (37.5%) recommended rooming in for 24 hours a day, compared to the majority of GPs (80.3%) and midwives (78.6%) (p=0.0152). If a baby did not regain birth weight before 2 weeks of age and the medical examination results are normal, 60% of paediatricians would recommend supplementing with formula, the majority obstetricians (100%), GPs (60.6%) and midwives (78.6%) would recommend the mother to breastfeed more often and only a quarter of HCW (15.4%) would refer the mother to a lactation specialist (p=0.0096).In terms of attitude toward breastfeeding, a significantly higher percentage of midwives than other HCWs felt highly confident to successfully show a new mother how to correctly position and attach the baby to the breast for breastfeeding a nd to give her breastfeeding advice (p=0.0004 and p=0.0050 respectively). Fewer than half of paediatricians (41%), GPs (40.8%) and 50% of midwives felt highly confident to give mothers advice on how to treat breastfeeding complications e.g. mastitis, bleeding nipples, breast abscess, engorgement, nipple bleb and blocked duct. Fifty percent of paediatricians and 37.5% of obstetricians believed that there is no harm in using pacifiers and/or bottles, compared to the majority of 71.8% GPs and 85.7% midwives who would not recommend the use of bottles and pacifiers, a difference that was statistically significant (p=0.0007). In terms of practices related to breastfeeding, more than half of the total group of HCWs (56%) had not previously completed the 20 hour WHO Lactation Management Training. Seventy percent of the paediatricians, 100% obstetricians and 56.3% GPs felt that the breastfeeding training that they received during their studies was not adequate and did not equip them to support and educate breastfeeding mothers, compared to more than half of midwives (57.1%) that felt that their breastfeeding training was adequate (p=0.0481).In conclusion, in-depth knowledge pertaining to certain important aspects of breastfeeding were lacking in all HCWs. In addition, a large percentage of HCWs were not confident to support mothers to breastfeed and their practices did not comply with the 2016 WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding guidelines and with the 2018 MBFI 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. In order to successfully promote, protect and support breastfeeding, the 20 hour WHO Lactation Management Training should be implemented universally and regularly to ensure that HCWs stay updated with the most recent IYCF guidelines and MBFI 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding