11613 research outputs found
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Characteristics and outcomes of infants with cytomegalovirus infection in Bloemfontein
No full textBackground: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted from mother to child and can be congenital or postnatally acquired. Emerging evidence has shown that CMV and other congenital and neonatal infections, are under-appreciated causes of morbidity and mortality in African children. Research regarding the mortality rate and characteristics of CMV infected infants, specifically in a population with high HIV prevalence, is limited. Objective: The primary objectives of the study were to establish the mortality rate and final outcomes of inpatients with a positive CMV test. Secondary objectives were to determine the demographical, clinical and laboratory characteristics of these infants, as well as maternal characteristics. Tertiary objectives were to describe the special investigations, morbidity, complications and management of these infants. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted by reviewing hospital records of infants younger than 12 months, who had a positive CMV test and were admitted to the academic hospitals in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Results: Inpatient mortality for CMV infected infants was 13.3% (18 of 135 patients). 66.6% (12/18) of patients who died were HIV exposed and 33.3% (6/18) had CMV/HIV co-infection. The most common causes of death were sepsis (38.9%), pneumonia/pneumonitis (33.3%) and multi-organ failure (11.2%). 60.7% (82/135) of all CMV positive infants were HIV exposed and 20.7% (28/135) were HIV infected. 55.6% had a birth weight of less than 2,5 kg and were preterm, and 33.3% were small for gestational age. 5.9% were classified as congenital CMV and 94.1% as postnatally acquired. The most common clinical presentations were CMV pneumonia/pneumonitis (60%) and hepatomegaly (50.4%). Thrombocytopenia was a common finding (41.5%). 33.3% of infants had intra-uterine growth restriction and postnatal growth was suboptimal in 62.2%; 25.2% were underweight, and 37% of infants had failure to thrive. Microcephaly was present at birth in 25.2%, but poor brain growth led to postnatal microcephaly in 46.6%. Infants that were untreated for CMV infection were more likely to have developmental delay (P-value <0.05). 50% (9/18) of the infants that demised were not treated for CMV. Conclusion: CMV infection in infancy is under-appreciated in South Africa. It contributes to morbidity and mortality, particularly in preterm and low birth weight infants, and HIV exposed or infected infants. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for CMV infection in infants who have postnatal growth failure and postnatal microcephaly
Fictional representations of ethnicity, nationhood, and identity in Kwani? Journal and other Kwani trust publications
No full textThis study examines the representation of ethnicity, nationhood, and identity in Kwani? Journal, founded by the late Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina in 2002 through the sponsorship of the American Ford Foundation and other Western donors. The study specifically unpacks how ethnicity seems to influence the representation of Kenyan nationhood in some of the journal’s issues. The study engages in a close reading of the selected journal issues focusing on the Kenyan socio-political space between 2003 and 2015. It considers Kwani? Journal as a popular space where Kenyan politics and competing national ideologies regarding the history of the struggle for independence, statehood and ethnicity are mediated. In this regard, the study relies on relevant formulations on nationhood to investigate how specific Kwani? texts, such as short stories, poems, reportage, and contemporary paratexts, narrate the role of the Mungiki Cult during Kenya’s electoral contestations. Furthermore, the study examines how these texts use characterisation to represent different Kenyan ethnicities and discusses the ways in which the issue of ethnicity influences the journal’s treatment of the nature of Kenya’s different regimes. The study posits that ethnicity determines how Kwani? Journal represents ethnic and national violence, and thus, shows that the journal aligns with the Kenyan State metanarrative on ethnicity and political leadership. The study draws on relevant theorists of nationhood such as Anderson (1983), Bhabha (1990), and Renan (1990). It is also anchored on popular culture theory, specifically Barber (1987), Fabian (1997), and Mbembe’s (2001) theorisation of the subversive relationship between popular texts and State metanarratives. Moreover, the study incorporates varied scholarship on Kenyan nationhood, as represented by Ogot (2003), Ochieng (2009), Atieno-Odhiambo (2003), Anderson (2005), Elkins (2005), Hornsby (2013), and Kanyinga (2014). The study concludes that Kwani? Journal is not unique in its adoption of State metanarratives on ethnicity, nationhood, and national identity. The research notes further that the journal’s adoption of the narratives created by the ruling Kikuyu elite alludes to the ethnicised nature of the Kenyan socio-political space and re-enacts the popular cultures of different Kenyan communities along an ethnic interpretation of Kenya’s nationhood.National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA
Multi-generational conflict experienced by employees at Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2020The purpose of the research was to assess multi-generational conflict experienced by employees at Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. This was assessed by focusing on the definition of multi-generational conflict according to literature; identifying the causes of multi-generational conflict; determining how these conflicts manifest in the workplace and determining whether any strategies are used by employees to manage multi-generational conflict. The researcher adopted an interpretive paradigm as a philosophy and the study was qualitative in nature. The non-probability, purposive sampling strategy was used. The population consisted of employees working at Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and representative of three generational cohorts, namely baby boomers, Generation X, and millennials (Generation Y). Findings indicate that multi-generational conflict was defined as tensions or conflicts which cause uneasiness as different generations interact in the workplace. Multi-generational conflict at Mangaung Municipality is caused by identity-based, value-based, and behaviour-based conflict. Identity-based conflict manifests at Mangaung Local Municipality as the younger generation is perceived to be idiocentric, meaning caring about their own selfish interests, needs, views, and goals; whereas the older generation is generally perceived generally as caring about the needs and views of others. Behaviour-based multi-generational conflict manifested when the younger generation was perceived as having an entitlement mentality, not having a work ethic, not going the extra mile at work, having a problem with late-coming; however, expecting a promotion, overtime pay, acting in a higher position when a vacancy becomes available. The older generation is perceived as being disciplined, hardworking, and dedicated to their work; consequently, causing a conflict in the workplace classified as earned vs entitled. Value-based multi-generation conflict manifested in the older generation being perceived as trying to maintain the status quo by sticking to old ways of doing things instead of being open to innovation and change like the younger generation. The conclusion reached was in line with the social identity theory and generational cohort theory, which seeks to explain how the individual develops their value system and how the era in which they grew up affects how they view the world
Quality assurance of post-school engineering education and training programmes for adult learners
No full textThis study investigated quality assurance in engineering education and training in TVET colleges in South Africa against an appropriate background of the continuous changes in higher education and training, as well as the labour market. There is a significant impact on the expectations placed on higher education due to global and national labour market requirements, movements and challenges that refer to economic pressure, the knowledge economy, as well as unemployment rates. A further impact on the higher education and training arena is the rapid expansion of and access by a diverse student population. In both private and public TVET education and training providers, quality assurance is a problematic and troublesome journey, because of the complex and burdensome education and training environment. Public and private TVET providers are substantial role players in TVET education and training provision. The stated intention is to create a regulating framework that is more enabling. The focus of this thesis was on public and private TVET providers at post-school level, where quality assurance in the current regime was analysed and contextualised to establish what is required and its impact on the operations public and private providers by regulatory frameworks. A mixed-methods research approach was used to investigate the experience of public and private TVET providers’ management, Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) or Quality Assurance (QA) Managers, ETD practitioners lecturers/instructors and current students. This followed a document analysis on teaching and study aids. In conclusion, there is a call for a centralised oversight body with a far more streamlined system, better stakeholder consultation, less political interference with a deeper appreciation of the contributions both public and private TVET providers make to education and training of learners in South Africa
Transfusion practices in very low birth weight neonates and the development of necrotising enterocolitis in two neonatal units in Bloemfontein, Free State
No full textBackground: Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) places a massive burden on neonatal units and the healthcare system. Not only does it significantly prolong the hospital stay of neonates, it also causes detrimental long-term sequelae, such as neurodevelopmental delay, growth retardation and chronic gastrointestinal complications. However, despite it being a well-documented disease, with the first reports of clinical findings indicative of NEC being made as early as the early 1800’s, it continues to elude neonatologists in terms of risk factors, prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to help identify possible contributing factors, to improve treatment, as well as to develop preventative strategies for this difficult condition. One possible contributing factor that has been identified by researchers, is the transfusion of blood products in the neonatal period, especially in preterm neonates. Since there are currently no standardised Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion protocols in either of the two Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU’s) in Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital (PTH), and Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH), patients receive RBC transfusions at a great variety of different clinical stages. Objectives: By retrospectively evaluating the RBC transfusion practices in these units, specifically in those patients who developed NEC, we hoped to gain better insight into the possible causative relationship between RBC transfusions, and the development of NEC in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates. Method: Data was collected on a total of 1585 VLBW neonates who were treated at PTH, and UAH, during a retrospective 5-year period. Data collected included gestational age, birth weight, RBC transfusion data, and data regarding the development of NEC. The RBC transfusion data included their pre-transfusion haematocrit, post-transfusion haematocrit, recorded clinical state during transfusion, ventilatory state during transfusion, and whether they were kept nil per os (NPO) during, and for at least 120minutes after the transfusion. Regarding NEC: for all VLBW neonates who developed NEC the following data was recorded: The Modified Bell’s Staging grade, whether they developed NEC before an RBC transfusion, or within 48-hours after an RBC transfusion. Results: This study showed that the incidence of NEC in VLBW neonates in these two academic hospitals was higher than the expected international number. There was a definite decrease in the number of VLBW neonates who received RBC transfusions over the 5-year period, with an improvement in feeding practices during transfusions. This decrease in RBC transfusions correlated with a decrease in the incidence of Transfusion Associate Necrotising Enterocolitis (TANEC), but no statistical significance between feeding practices during RBC transfusion and the development of TANEC, could be demonstrated
A regional gin distillery for the Eastern Free-State, Clarens
No full textDistilling Meaning In Contemporary Architecture. Through the development of architecture from being culturally significant to a globally accepted style, the user has become more disconnected as architecture has developed into sculptural objects. Removable from a specific location and placeable anywhere, global style architecture often neglects to consider specific climate and context which might influence the experience of place. Some questions which arise through the application of the global style are the following: Can a critical regionalist approach to architecture allow the user to connect with each aspect thereof and truly enhance the phenomenological experience of place and function? Can the meaning which is given to architecture be more relatable to the user, instead of being relatable primarily to the architectural industry? Has the focus on the individual instead of the community also impacted the architectural industry, creating egocentric [star]architects who design buildings that celebrate themselves instead of the user within a specific place? The understanding of historical society compared to current society is in a large way integral to understanding current architectural trends. This dissertation investigates how a gin distillery in Clarens, Eastern Free-State can answer these questions, by allowing the user to experience the entire function and process of the building whilst emphasizing the phenomenological experience of place. The history and development of Clarens, as well as the surrounding context becomes the main design-generators instead of personal design preference. The influence of Christian Norberg-Schulz’s explanation of “Genius Loci Towards Phenomenology of Architecture” will be used as a foundation to phenomenological experience through architecture (Genius Loci,1980). The contemporary applications thereof are investigated and used as precedents for the development of critical regionalism which is seen as an approach that counteracts globalism in architecture. The experience of the user becomes the primary objective, allowing the understanding of place, process and being within a specific setting, all enhanced by the architectural intervention
Exploring household behaviour contributing to food waste in Mangaung, Free State
No full textFood waste is a challenge related to food security and the sustainability of food supply chains. It is estimated that approximately 1,3 billion tons of food, produced for human consumption, is wasted every year. In South Africa, 27 million tons of food is lost and wasted yearly, amounting to approximately ZAR505 million lost per annum. In a country where 26% of the population experience hunger regularly and 28.3% are at risk of starvation, wasting this much food seems unfortunate. Food loss and waste occur during all stages of the food supply chain, namely: production, processing, transport, retail and consumption. Minimising household food waste could potentially assist in reducing overall food waste and contribute to food security. Reducing food waste can assist with conserving valuable resources like water and land, reduce environmental risks and avoid financial losses. To reduce food waste, it is essential to be aware of potential drivers and practices, which influence consumers to waste food. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the food purchasing practices, food storing practices, eating habits and discarding practices of consumers and identify possible drivers of household generated food waste. In addition, the researcher set out to determine the food items purchased, consumed and wasted by consumers in their households. A quantitative, descriptive approach was adopted for the research, conducted through a survey. A structured questionnaire was distributed among 400 Mangaung households, of which a total of 376 questionnaires could be used for analysis. Consumers who completed the questionnaire were selected on the premise that he/she is above 18 years of age and is the person responsible for food purchasing and/or food preparation. Participation was entirely voluntary and none of the participating consumers received incentives. The results indicate that Mangaung consumers are unsure about the safety of food after its use-by, sell-by or best-before date is reached, and deem it necessary to discard food items that are past this date. Many indicated that they would become sick if this food (expired use-by date) is consumed. The majority of Mangaung consumers do not discard excess ingredients, leftovers on a plate or food still in a pot/serving dish, as it is kept to be consumed later. Leftover food is not a significant concern among Mangaung consumers and is not considered a major driver towards food waste. Many of the consumers strongly agree that leftovers are still good to eat after it is made. Also, more than half of the consumers mentioned that they do not cook more than necessary. Furthermore, they are aware of correct storage practices that may reduce food waste. Vegetable or fruit peels are also not discarded, although the reasons why they do not discard it is not clear. A concern is that only 20,4% of Mangaung consumers separate their waste, indicating a probable lack of knowledge concerning alternative and more sustainable disposal methods. Another socially contested challenge that needs to be addressed, is the fact that leftovers are given to domestic animals, although it could still be consumed by a human. Mangaung consumers mostly use convenience supermarkets to make grocery purchases and visit stores monthly. Time constraints are not the reason, but possibly personal transport. Moreover, few people always use a shopping list when doing grocery shopping. Consequently, food items are purchased before all food that is currently in the kitchen, is used or eaten. Assistance in planning meals is necessary, which will positively affect purchases. The vegetables, which are mostly consumed and discarded by consumers are tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage and onions. Most purchased fruits are apples and bananas, which are the most consumed and discarded fruit items. Chicken is the most bought and consumed meat product, but not the most discarded. Milk is the most bought, consumed and discarded dairy food item. The comprehensive data obtained, will contribute to a better understanding of consumption patterns, purchasing behaviour and disposal practices of Mangaung consumers, enabling the development of suitable intervention and communication campaigns
A face-to-face peer support model for patients with type 2 diabetes
No full textBackground: Prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has reached pandemic proportions globally. New and effective ways are needed to improve diabetes self-management. However, many barriers to self-management exist, such as lack of support, lack of resources, geographical constraints and lack of knowledge, which may be fuelling the increase of Type 2 diabetes. Face-to-face peer support may have the potential to improve self-management in Type 2 diabetes. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the feasibility of a face-to-face peer support model for patients with Type 2 diabetes in a sub-district in the Free State province of South Africa. Methods: Multiple research methods, guided by the integrated model of behaviour prediction, were used to establish the feasibility of a developed face-to-face peer support model developed for patients with Type 2 diabetes. In the first stage of the study, a systematic review, guided by the steps of the Cochrane Collaboration (2006), was conducted to critically synthesise the best available evidence on face-to-face peer support models for adults with Type 2 diabetes in low and middle-income countries. Multiple data sources were consulted for the period January 2000 to December 2017. Screening and selection of papers followed, as well as critical appraisal and data extraction, by at least two reviewers and, finally, narrative synthesis was done. The synthesised data of the systematic review informed the pilot of the face-to-face peer support model. The second stage of the study established the impact of the implemented face-to-face peer support intervention on adults with Type 2 diabetes in South Africa. A cluster randomised control trial was conducted involving adults with Type 2 diabetes from six communities in a semi-urban rural area in the Free State province. Three communities were randomly allocated to the intervention group and three to the control group. Trained community health workers provided monthly group sessions and home visits to the intervention group. The control group received their usual care. The primary outcome of the study was taken as glycated haemoglobin measured by the BioHermes Automatic Glycohemglobin Analyzer; secondary outcomes were blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after four months. Descriptive statistics was determined per group. The last stage of the study determined the experiences of the patients with Type 2 diabetes who took part in the face-to-face peer support intervention. Sesotho-speaking women who participated in the face-to-face peer support intervention were purposively sampled, and took part in this visual-based narrative inquiry. Textual and visual data was collected using the Mmogo-method® and data was analysed thematically. Results: In the systematic review, Stage 1 of the study, two common models of face-to-face peer support were identified for low and middle-income countries, namely, diabetic patients and community health workers. Essential components were highlighted for the planning and implementation of these models, such as recruitment, selection, training and supervision of peer supporters, as well as the nature of the peer intervention. The cluster randomised controlled trial study, Stage 2 of the study, resulted in a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure of individuals (P=0.02) in the intervention group. No differences were, however, found from baseline between groups regarding the variables glycated haemoglobin (P=0.87), systolic blood pressure (P=0.13), body mass index (P=0.21) and waist circumference (P=0.24). The Mmogo-method®, Stage 3 of the study, showed that the participants valued the face-to-face peer support intervention and acknowledged community health workers as an important source of support to them. Participants expressed that the intervention helped them to make positive lifestyle changes, and because they were exposed to the support continuously, their confidence in the self-management of diabetes improved. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that, despite modest results, a face-to-face peer support model for patients with Type 2 diabetes that involves community health workers is feasible and valuable in low and middle-income countries like South Africa.University of the Free State Postgraduate SchoolSchool of Nursin
Exploring the QwaQwa water crisis for effective planning in post-apartheid South Africa
No full textWater scarcity in the twenty-first century is an issue that affects both the developed and developing world. This study focused on exploring the water crisis in QwaQwa, Free State. On 1 January 2016, the community of QwaQwa experienced water access challenges with no water accessible from taps. The Fika Patso Dam, which supplies 85% of water in QwaQwa, had water levels below 10%. This sparked interest to explore the QwaQwa water crisis because the study area is a water source of the Tugela, Caledon and Elands rivers that provide water to major parts of South Africa. Two other dams, the Metsi Matsho and Sterkfontein dams, supply the remaining 15% of QwaQwa with water. The Metsi Matsho Dam is situated in QwaQwa, while the Sterkfontein Dam lies 20 km outside of QwaQwa. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach by using exploratory qualitative and survey quantitative components to collect data. Primary qualitative data were collected through 26 interview schedules, 10 informal encounters and observations, while primary quantitative data was collected using a validated questionnaire from 571 households. Literature and archival data review, GIS, Google Maps and census were secondary data sources. Qualitative data were analysed using discourse and thematic data analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe and make inferences from the quantitative data. The study found that when QwaQwa was established as a homeland in 1974, there was a water crisis that was caused by predatory form of planning that led to the forceful removal of Basotho from farms and towns around the Free State and beyond. The Basotho were settled in the Phuthaditjhaba Township and villages with the aim of creating class segregation between these two groups. Upon being settled in QwaQwa, water was provided through water tankers, rivers and streams that signified a water crisis. In 1968 the Sterkfontein was planned and developed as a water reservoir for the Vaal River system to address urbanisation and drought in Johannesburg, using water drawn from QwaQwa. In 1976 the Metsi Matsho dam became operational in QwaQwa but did not sufficiently cater for population increase from 24 000 people in 1970 to 248 000 people in 1980. In 1986, the Fika Patso Dam became operational in QwaQwa but was reported with inconsistent river perennial flow of the Namahadi River. After 1994, the democratic dispensation aimed to address the injustices of water access for previously disadvantaged communities such as QwaQwa that were marginalised. The Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality was established in 2000, and the Maluti-a-Phofung Water in 2005 as the primary supplier of water in QwaQwa. In 2008, one out of four phases of a water pipeline from QwaQwa was constructed to supply two out of 103 areas. On 1 January 2016, QwaQwa experienced severe water shortages and Maluti-a-Phofung cited drought as the cause. Water tankers were appointed to deliver water to the community. Participants however indicated that they accessed less water, incurred unbudgeted costs and time and travelled longer distances to access low quality water. Participants believed that climate change, corruption, dam crises, negligence of infrastructure and ecological factors caused the QwaQwa water crisis. The community of QwaQwa accessed water from water tankers, rivers and streams, purchasing water, rainwater harvesting, greywater, from the taps occasionally and boreholes. The study made seven recommendations. Firstly, Maluti-a-Phofung should perform its primary functions according to the Constitution; the Water Services Act and Municipal Systems Act and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Second, ensuring that infrastructure is resilient to climate change conditions. Third, maintain, upgrade and construct new water infrastructure to sufficiently provide water in QwaQwa. Fourth, employ water use education for the community to use water as a limited natural resource. Fifth, effective planning for water to meet the demand in QwaQwa. Sixth, exploration of alternative water sources such as boreholes, rainwater harvesting and waterless infrastructure sanitation systems. Lastly, the reinstatement of the services tax for the villages in QwaQwa and efficient collection of rates and services in Phuthaditjhaba.National Research Foundation (NRF
Accountability within the governance of intergovernmental relations in South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D. (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2020This study intended to investigate accountability, as advanced by public officials, elected officials, public and private sectors, stakeholders and the citizenry within the framework of governance and intergovernmental relations (IGR) in South Africa. In the process of the investigation, the study as guide solely by addressing the indicators outlined in its problem statement, and the aims and objectives as the frame of reference for the investigation. Accordingly, the study was of the view that there were basic and key concepts of accountability within the governance of intergovernmental Relations (IGR) that needed to develop the public officials, elected officials, stakeholders and the citizenry in order to deliver an accountable state and governance to the electorate. These basic and key concepts of accountability as indicated in paragraph designed and simplified user-friendly integrated governance model (IGM) to guide the intended users. In order to attain the maximum targets set by the study, the abovementioned indicators were adopted for the implementation and monitoring by the intended users to ensure optimum accountability measures within the governance of intergovernmental Relations (IGR). The study set out four indicators to guide the investigation as the means of the frame of reference, and they (i) Demonstrated accountable governance perspectives, which included the intensity of relations, governmental distance, power dependence and bargaining power within the three spheres of government,
(ii) Conducted the analysis on the intergovernmental governance and determined the outcomes to live up to the standards, as well as expectations for executed functions, as outlined by the Constitution (1996),
(iii) Developed the new integrated governance model (IGM) as an instrument, to guide the intended users towards ensuring the maximum implementation of the accountability measures within the intergovernmental governance, and
(iv) Developed the set of practical enforceable findings, conclusions and recommendations for public officials, elected officials, stakeholders and the citizenry within the intergovernmental governance. The outcomes of the findings and recommendations supplemented the intended integrated governance model IGM) for ease of reference to the users. Therefore, the findings, conclusions, recommendations, as well as the integrated governance model (IGM) are the profound solution and the pillar of the study. Hence, the integrated governance model (IGM) of the study made the unique contribution and significance of this investigation