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Employee reward system in the corporate and investment banking sector of Standard Lesotho Bank in Maseru region
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2020Banks today are faced with intense competition for talent as the banking industry evolves and certain skills become more critical. One of the most significant ways to attract, motivate and retain the talent is through the strategic use of rewards. However, looking at the disruption that has been brought by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the presence of all four generations in the workplace at the same time for the first time, organisations are faced with a challenge to rethink their entire reward systems and align them with the future demands. Despite the apparent need to transform the reward systems, very few organisations have taken the necessary steps towards the transformation of the reward systems.
This study evaluated the reward system at Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) for Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) employees in Maseru, Lesotho. The study did this by establishing the views and perceptions of CIB employees regarding the reward system and investigated whether the SLB CIB reward system will still be effective in the fourth industrial revolution and in meeting the demands and preferences of the younger generation of the workforce. A qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted was employed.
The research findings mainly revealed that the SLB reward system is still very traditional and CIB employees do not perceive it as one of the best in terms of attracting, motivating and retaining the bank’s workforce. Participants cited lack of transparency, fairness and innovation in the reward system as the major problems. The employees expressed great desire to have reward strategies tailored to their needs. The results further revealed that the reward system is not on par with the 4IR demands and not lucrative enough to attract the younger generation to choose SLB as their preferred employer.
The study concluded that there is a need for SLB to re-imagine the reward system and come up with refreshed ways of rewarding people aligned with individual preferences to facilitate the retention and attraction of talented employees. This paper recommended the adoption of transparent personalised rewards that accommodate individual employee needs, are appealing to the young generation and relevant to the workplace and workforce of the fourth industrial revolution
The milk and serum NMR-based metabolic profiles of the South African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) and their relation to other milk nutrients
No full textThere is little information available on the milk nutrients of wild mammals and none on their milk and serum metabolomes. The giraffe is the largest ruminant and this study compares the information obtained from giraffe with the most common domesticated ruminant, the cow. This is because a lot of information on the cow is available in literature. What makes this study interesting is that the pregnancy status of the female giraffes could be investigated as a variable. The giraffe is one of very few species that can fall pregnant while simultaneously caring for a calf. The current study is part of a larger project regarding behaviour, ecology and biology of giraffes in the Rooipoort Nature Reserve near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Giraffes were sedated to fit radio transmitters in 2017, and again in 2018 for the removal. Simultaneously, biological samples were collected, inter alia blood and milk. Blood and milk was collected from eleven female giraffes and blood from nine male giraffes. Blood and milk was also obtained from two females in the Sandveld Nature Reserve, Hoopstad district, Free State Province. The metabolites in serum and milk were analysed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and the milk nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids, and minerals) were analysed according to standard procedures. This study presents a baseline metabolome of serum and milk for giraffes. The results showed differences in serum metabolite concentrations between the 2017 and 2018 samples which could be due to a variation in rainfall and the related availability of browse at the time of collection. The 2018 giraffe group milk metabolite concentrations, particularly lactose, suggest that they were on a lower plain of nutrition when compared to the 2017 giraffe group. The results showed a variation in milk nutrient concentrations between giraffes of different locations and this may be due to different browse being available at these locations because the nutrient content of the browse influences the milk nutrient concentrations. Statistical analysis of milk and serum metabolites showed the greatest differences were between the years of sampling rather than pregnancy status. Pregnancy status was not a significant contribution to the differences in milk nutrients and metabolites. A correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between serum and milk metabolites of female giraffes and their milk nutrients. Milk metabolites were more strongly correlated with milk nutrients than serum metabolites. The serum amino acids isoleucine and valine were positively correlated with milk total protein and casein protein. The milk metabolites alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine were positively correlated with milk whey protein. The serum amino acids isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and valine are all negatively correlated with milk lactose. The concentrations of these amino acids are higher for the 2018 group and the milk lactose concentration is lower for the 2018 group. The lower energy intake for the 2018 group is responsible for the lower lactose concentration and this is correlated with the higher concentrations of serum amino acids because serum amino acids, specifically branched chain amino acids increase in concentrations during starvation. Diet is likely responsible for the positive correlations of milk creatine and creatinine with calcium, iron, lactose, butyric acid, caproic acid, and linoleic acid. Diet affects the concentrations of metabolites and nutrients in milk. Milk citric acid cycle metabolites are positively correlated with lactose. A more energy dense diet, as proposed for the 2017 giraffe group, would lead to an increase in glucose production making more glucose available for lactose production as well as more glucose available to enter the citric acid cycle.National Research Foundation (NRF)University of the Free Stat
Teachers’ perspectives on the integration of information and communication technology into the teaching and learning of Sesotho
No full textThe use of information and communication technology (ICT) devices has increased drastically in the past few years even in developing countries such as South Africa. As the relevance of ICTs increases across various areas of life, an understanding of its use by teachers for subject teaching becomes urgent. It is for these reasons that the study explored teachers’ views and understanding on the use of ICTs to teach a language in schools. The study sought to unpack teachers’ views and understanding of teaching one South African language, Sesotho, as a home language in secondary schools (Grade 8-12) within a district. Twelve teachers from a cohort of two Sesotho clusters of secondary schools in a selected district were recruited to take part in the study as participants by providing their first semester (January to May 2019) lesson plans. From these twelve, four were further selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. The views elicited in the course of the interviews were categorised into themes. The constructivism and theoretical pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) frameworks provided the theoretical foundation and guided the study. Five main findings were attained. Firstly, regarding the contextual settings, the findings of the study revealed that the availability of ICT tools determined the level at which participants integrated ICTs in teaching. In addition, lack of ICT tools available in schools limits teachers from exploring and practising different methods of teaching. Secondly, teachers possess poor technological knowledge (TK) and due to this, they experience technological problems with integrating ICTs into the teaching of Sesotho. Thirdly, teachers use the ICT resources available at school to ensure that teaching does not solely depend on traditional methods. Fourthly, the use of mobile devices benefits both teachers and learners as they are able to share information and ensure that the teaching and learning process does not end in the classroom but continues to take place even outside of the school premises. Finally, lack of information on operating technological devices hinders the process of integrating ICTs into the teaching of their subject, Sesotho. The perspectives of Sesotho teachers in using ICTs in their practices may be addressed and recognised. The study may also inspire pedagogical practices that encourage learners to understand the value of Sesotho. Furthermore, the study may influence policy makers in considering addressing the issue of guidelines on ICT integration for the teaching of Sesotho. Lastly, through this study, the issue of the digital divide and its effects on schools may be addressed by the Department of Basic Education
Processed pulmonary homografts in the right ventricle outflow tract: an experimental study in the juvenile ovine model
No full textThe availability of pulmonary homografts with improved biomechanical properties, tissue stability, reduced calcification and improved durability for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is desired. In paediatric patients, a valve with growth potential will be advantageous. Extending the post-mortem ischaemic time will enlarge the donor pool. Cryopreservation of homografts remains the gold standard, but it damages the extracellular matrix (ECM) and reduces the cellularity, contributing to early valve degeneration. Decellularization of homografts might reduce immunogenicity, promote recellularization and tissue remodeling, maintain mechanical stability and improve clinical outcomes. The decellularization process should not compromise the durability and strength of the homograft, and alternative stabilization of the scaffold might be required. The current study evaluated the effect of the further processing of pulmonary homografts, following a 48 h cold ischaemic postmortem harvesting time, on the structural integrity and function when implanted in the RVOT position in the juvenile ovine model. Sheep pulmonary homografts (n = 30) were subjected to 48 h cold ischaemia to simulate the clinical homograft donor circumstances, and equally divided into three groups. Homografts in group 1 were cryopreserved, decellularized in group 2 and decellularized, GA-fixed and detoxified in group 3. Decellularization consists of a multi-detergent and enzymatic protocol with numerous washout steps, and additional fixation and detoxification were done with EnCap technology. The study was divided into three parts. In study 1, the histological (DAPI, H&E, von Kossa, Modified von Gieson, SEM, TEM) and mechanical (TS and YM) properties of the processed homografts (n = 15, 5 per group) were compared. Study 2 involved implantation of cryopreserved and decellularized pulmonary homografts (n = 5 per group) in the RVOT of juvenile sheep for 180 days, monitored with echocardiography and compared on histology, mechanical properties and calcification after explantation. Study 3 involved the same parameters, however, decellularized and decellularized plus EnCap treated homografts (n = 5 per group) were implanted and compared. Cryopreserved homografts demonstrated collapsed and disrupted/fractured collagen with cells and cellular remnants. Homografts in the decellularized group were acellular with large interfibrillar spaces and a loosely arranged collagen network, while decellularized plus EnCap treated homograft were acellular with a compacted collagen network. Decellularization did not reduce tensile strength and tissue stiffness, but EnCap treatment did increase tissue stiffness. Implanted cryopreserved homografts demonstrated significant regurgitation due to leaflet thickening and retraction, loss of interstitial cells, calcification and increased tissue stiffness. Decellularized homografts showed increased annulus diameter with trivial regurgitation, excellent haemodynamics, remained soft and pliable, recellularized extensively with young fibroblasts exhibiting rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitigated calcification. Decellularized and EnCap treated homografts became rigid and stenotic, showed poor haemodynamic characteristics, development of bacterial endocarditis and premature death, no leaflet recellularization, and fibrous encapsulation. Cryopreserved homografts remain the valve of choice for RVOT reconstruction surgery, however, cryopreservation causes cell death and collagen disruption, and loss of cellularity and calcification during implantation, which will result in early valve degeneration. Our proprietary decellularization protocol proved to be effective for complete decellularization of pulmonary homografts with a post-mortem ischaemic time of 48 h, while maintaining a well-organized collagen matrix and tissue strength and stiffness. Implanted decellularized homografts repopulated extensively without signs of inflammation, maintained structural integrity and strength, calcification was mitigated, and the potential for remodeling and growth in size with somatic growth was observed. Additional fixation of the decellularized homograft scaffold will be counterproductive in growing individuals, and should only be performed on adult size homografts where valve growth is not required. GA-fixation restricts valve repopulation with host cells and tissue remodeling, and defies the purposes and advantages of decellularization. Additional fixation may not be necessary when using decellularization methods that achieve complete acellularity without altering the ECM structure and mechanical properties of homografts. Successful decellularization of donor homograft heart valves and other collagenous tissues holds exciting new prospects and possibilities for tissue processing, and can open a new era in supply of substitution valves and tissues with improved properties and advantages to medical patients in South Africa
Demographic and genetic features of gestational trophoblastic disease in the public sector of the Free State province, South Africa
No full textGestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of disorders derived from the placenta and includes hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT). As they are related to pregnancy, they predominantly occur in the reproductive years. These disorders are uncommon and choriocarcinoma, PSTT and ETT are very rare. Choriocarcinoma, PSTT and ETT can arise many years after a previous pregnancy and can therefore be difficult to diagnose. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important as patients have a very good prognosis if appropriate treatment is provided timeously. Data from South Africa (SA) are lacking, and the aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the local demographic and genetic features of patients with GTD seen in public health care facilities in the Free State Province to determine whether they conform to the available African and international literature. The demographic features were evaluated by performing a retrospective review of all cases of GTD diagnosed by the Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Free State over a 10-year period. The department provides Anatomical Pathology services to all public sector health care facilities in the Free State Province of South Africa. In addition, all patients with GTD referred to the Department of Oncology, National District Hospital for clinical management were evaluated to determine whether a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive status is a poor prognostic factor. Two hundred and twenty-six patients were diagnosed in the 10 year period, 200 with hydatidiform moles (88.5%) and 26 with choriocarcinomas (11.5%). No PSTT or ETT were identified. The age of the patients and the presenting features were similar to that reported in available literature. The incidence of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma was 0.4/1000 deliveries and 0.05/1000 deliveries respectively. This is extremely low and additional studies are required to determine whether this is a true reflection of the incidence or whether it may be due to non-referral of products of conception for histopathological confirmation. This study confirmed that HIV positive patients with a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μl have a statistically significantly worse prognosis than HIV positive patients with a CD4 count of more than 200 cells/μl and HIV negative patients (p=0.03). This is of clinical significance as the Free State Province has the second highest HIV prevalence in SA and 25.5% of adults between the ages of 15 and 49 years are HIV positive. To evaluate the genetic features of GTD, next generation sequencing for NLRP7 and KHDC3L was performed on patients with a history of a previous hydatidiform mole and one or more additional episodes of reproductive wastage. These genes are maternal-effect genes and are associated with recurrent hydatidiform moles. One novel pathogenic NLRP7 variant and two novel NLRP7 variants of unknown clinical significance were identified. This is the first report of a pathogenic NLRP7 variant in a South African patient. In the second part of the study, microsatellite genotyping was performed on 20 patients with choriocarcinoma as was successful in 18 cases. Microsatellite genotyping indicated the majority to be gestational choriocarcinomas (17/18), with only a single case being non-gestational (1/18). Sixteen of the gestational choriocarcinomas were secondary to a prior complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) while one was due to a previous normal pregnancy. Their origin proved to be critical as choriocarcinomas secondary to a prior CHM have the best prognosis and primary choriocarcinoma requires different chemotherapy. The data obtained from this study will improve patient care for women with GTD and both the molecular techniques will be implemented onto the diagnostic platform after validation.National Health Laboratory Service Research Trust Fun
The influence of teachers’ and learners’ attitudes on mathematics performance in selected rural secondary schools in Vhembe West District
No full textThe study investigated the influence of teachers’ and learners’ attitudes in Mathematics performance. The researcher used a mixed methods research approach in this study, which means that both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The study’s design was a sequential explanatory mixed method design. The following instruments were used to collect data for this study; a closed-ended questionnaire for teachers, a semi-structured interview schedule for teachers as well as a closed-ended questionnaire for learners. The questionnaires were tested for reliability using the Cronbach coefficient while a pilot study was conducted for validity. Convenience sampling was used to select the five schools that participated. The one hundred and thirty (130) learners and thirty (30) educators who participated in the quantitative stage were randomly sampled, while the fifteen (15) educators for the qualitative stage were conveniently sampled. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 was used to analyse the responses from the quantitative data, and was presented in frequencies and percentages generated to explain all variables under study. Qualitative data analysis was through content analysis. For the qualitative analysis, the researcher studied the data to become familiar with it in order to identify the themes. Using this analysis method enabled the researcher to identify key words and ideas raised repeatedly by participants. The findings helped to unfold the influence of teachers and learners attitudes in Mathematics performance. The study found that learners’ attitudes are triggered by various factors that range from teacher-centred to learner-centred, and teacher’s understanding of learners thinking in Mathematics has an effect on developing learner attitude. It also emerged that nearly three quarters of teachers were learning how to use inquiry-oriented teaching strategies and around 90% were learning how to assess learners in Mathematics. In addition, lack of material for learning Mathematics generates a negative attitude, while poor learner performance in Mathematics leads to dislike for the subjects. The study concluded that teaching style and learners’ motivation to learn affected attitude towards Mathematics. Though educators taught the subject very well, some learners did not have interest. The study also concluded that while teachers indicated that they received support from other Mathematics teachers and the management of the schools, and that the Department of Basic Education was putting effort through Mathematics workshop for teachers, the majority of teachers indicated that they were either not getting support from the parents of the learners or the support was minimal. Furthermore, most teachers responded that they did not have a good foundation in Mathematics, and that there were different ways through which learners’ attitudes influenced their performance in Mathematics including interest or aversion due to lack of understanding. Most learners believed that Mathematics was difficult, and it took a long time to understand the concepts. The study recommends that the Department of Education (DoE) must support Mathematics by building enough classrooms and hiring more Mathematics teachers. This will make the classrooms conducive for learning. In addition, the DoE should ensure that a manageable number of learners are in one classroom to minimise overcrowding. Overcrowding makes it difficult for teachers to be effective as they may not be able to mark work for every learner or monitor each learner’s performance. The study recommends that the DoE should also provide enough learning materials and consider utilisation of electronic materials to save paper, money and the environment. Ultimately, parents should support the teachers by being involved in their children’s education, they should buy their children Mathematics materials, assist them with homework and arrange extra classes for them. If teachers and parents work together to assist these learners, the learners’ performance can improve
The use of a thromboelastogram (TEG®) protocol to decrease the usage of blood products in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
No full textBackground: Blood transfusion during cardiac surgery carries potential complications like transfusion reactions, increased length of hospital stays and financial costs1-4. Efforts through research of Point of Care (POC) strategies like the Thromboelastogram (TEG®) that provide health care practitioners with rapid, predictive and outcome based POC coagulation testing algorithms5,6 to guide perioperative blood transfusions are underway. Objectives: There is currently no POC protocol to guide blood product use at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Aim: The primary aim of the study was to establish whether the use of a TEG® protocol versus physician decision will reduce blood product usage in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, Free State, RSA. Methods: A comparative, descriptive study using: A. The physician decision group consisting of a retrospective file review of the usual clinical practice, using clinical notes from Meditech® (an integrated software system that provides solutions to healthcare organisations throughout Africa) and the National Health Laboratory System (NHLS) Lab Trak® (an inter-systems results portal), 25 June to 30 September 2019, and B. The TEG® protocol group consisting of a prospective cohort of patients using the usual clinical practice with the addition of TEG®-based protocol, 25 June to September 2020. Results: The COVID pandemic markedly reduced elective theatre lists owing to the small prospective study population. Average cell saver volume (276ml, p < 0.0001) and FFP (2 units, p = 0.05) were statistically significant. There was no statistical significance in the average volume of RCC (1 unit, p = 0.6679), Platelets (1 unit, p = 0.2329) or Cryoprecipitate (1 unit, p = 0.6382) saved between the two groups. Conclusion: Cell saved blood and FFP transfusion were statistically and clinically significantly reduced in the TEG® protocol group. While red blood cell, platelet, cryoprecipitate, and total blood product transfusion had reduced trends in the TEG® protocol group though not of statistical significance. We suggest that this preliminary report be considered for future MMed or PhD research because it was a first in our institution and there is great potential to improve patient outcomes and contribute to best practice regarding patient blood management in the perioperative period
Promoting quality education by addressing ethical challenges in high school football at circuit level in Durban, South Africa
No full textThe sport of football, also commonly referred to as soccer in South Africa, has become a socio-cultural phenomenon and its popularity manifests itself in school football. The study aimed to identify ethical challenges in high school football at circuit level in Durban, South Africa, in order to promote quality education. A phenomenological paradigm, drawing on a qualitative research approach, was used. A purposive sample of 16 high school football coaches and administrators from a particular region, or circuit, were selected to participate in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis, and an inductive approach was used to identify patterns in the collected data by employing thematic analysis. Age cheating and identity document fraud were perceived as the leading ways unethical leadership in the circuit facilitates cheating. The study also found that the environment in which school football operates in the circuit is not conducive to promoting ethical leadership. This study highlighted that governmental structures should focus on ethics and leadership in school football, thereby ensuring quality education. This study has shown that ethical leadership is a key contributor to the holistic development and socialisation of learners.Publisher's versio
Diagnostic methods for detection and characterisation of dimorphic fungi causing invasive disease in Africa: development and evaluation
No full textEmergomyces, Histoplasma, Blastomyces and Sporothrix species complex are thermally
dimorphic fungi that have emerged as the causative agents of invasive fungal infections among
immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients for the past 12 years. Accurate
diagnoses of the mycoses caused by these fungi are challenging, not only because as there is a
lack of clinical awareness globally, but also because these thermally dimorphic fungi are
difficult to identify in the laboratory by conventional methods (i.e. culture, histology). In
addition, cultured isolates require specialised biosafety facilities, which pose a tremendous
challenge to resource-limited, diagnostic laboratories. As a result, estimates of the prevalence
and burden of disease are poor. In addition, the lack of standardised antifungal susceptibility
testing methods for these pathogens makes it difficult to determine the minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC), which may jeopardise patient treatment. These challenges indicate the
need for alternative laboratory methods for identification. Furthermore, molecular methods are
required for the correct identification of these pathogens in clinical settings, so that efficient
antifungal agents may be used appropriately.
We conducted several studies to address these challenges. In the first study, 50 Emergomyces
africanus isolates from AIDS patients presenting with disseminated emergomycosis, from both
public and private laboratories in South Africa during a nine-year period (2008 to 2016), were
described and analysed. The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guideline (M27-A4 for
yeast phase and M38-A2 for mould phase) was used to determine the MICs for the yeast and
mould phase. Amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole were more potent
in vitro, while fluconazole, echinocandins and flucytosine were less potent agents.
In the second study, we tested and analysed 212 urine samples from patients with suspected
invasive fungal disease submitted to the mycology reference laboratory from August 2014 to
December 2018 by public and private sector laboratories in South Africa. Corresponding fungal
culture and histopathology results from several electronic laboratory information systems were
obtained. Thirty-seven cultured fungal isolates were sent in parallel with the urine specimen
for species-level identification (confirmed by phenotypic and molecular identification
methods). The IMMY monoclonal Histoplasma capsulatum galactomannan enzyme
immunoassay (EIA) had a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 88% and 72% when
compared to culture-confirmed histoplasmosis. In contrast, the EIA showed a sensitivity and
specificity of 83% and 93% when compared to histologically confirmed histoplasmosis/
emergomycosis.
In the third study, we re-evaluated 20 cases of blastomycosis diagnosed among South African
patients between 1967 and 2014. All isolates, initially identified as Blastomyces dermatitidis
by histopathological and/or culture-based methods, were characterised phenotypically,
genotypically and by whole genome sequencing. Morphological characteristics and
phylogenetic analyses of multilocus sequence typing and whole genome sequences revealed
two groups, both of which were closely related to but distinct from B. dermatitidis, and other
related species. One group corresponded to the recently described Blastomyces percursus and
the other group was described as Blastomyces emzantsi sp. nov. Whole genome sequencing
confirmed distinct species identities and the absence of a full ortholog of the BAD-1 gene.
Clinically, extrapulmonary disease was more common than lung involvement.
In the fourth study, 156 dimorphic isolates from immunocompromised patients presenting with
systemic endemic mycoses, from both public and private laboratories in South Africa during
an 11-year period (2008 to 2019), were sent to the mycology reference laboratory for species-
level identification. All isolates were initially identified by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and those which failed sequencing
were identified by sequencing of the large subunit (LSU) gene. The identity of the Sporothrix
isolates was confirmed by sequencing the calmodulin gene. Only 63% of the dimorphic
pathogens were correctly identified to genus level by culture-based methods at the diagnostic
laboratories when compared to DNA sequencing methods. At the reference laboratory, culturebased methods correctly identified 95% of the dimorphic isolates. ITS sequencing correctly
identified Emergomyces africanus, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces percursus,
Emergomyces pasteurianus and Talaromyces marneffei. Calmodulin sequencing confirmed
Sporothrix species and these clinical isolates belonged to Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto.
There was an increase in the number of cases of emergomycosis, sporotrichosis,
histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and talaromycosis above what was previously reported. Skin
lesions and pulmonary involvement were common.
In conclusion, the in vitro susceptibility data for E. africanus supported the management of
disseminated emergomycosis with amphotericin B, followed by itraconazole, voriconazole, or
posaconazole. Fluconazole was a relatively less potent agent. The Histoplasma EIA provided
a rapid alternative for diagnosis of histoplasmosis in an endemic setting. However, it should be
noted that it may cross-react with patients infected with Emergomyces africanus. We observed
that South African blastomycosis cases were caused by species that are distinct from B.
dermatitidis, B. gilchristii and B. parvus, which might account for clinical differences between
sub-Saharan and North American blastomycosis. Lastly, DNA sequencing was a valuable tool
for accurate identification of dimorphic fungi to species level when compared to culture in the
current setting, which could facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of proper treatment.
However, in settings where DNA sequencing is not available, training of laboratory staff is
necessary for the improvement of diagnosis of these pathogens in South Africa
Mapping and modelling above ground biomass in a mountainous terrain using multi-source remote sensing and environmental data
No full textSouth African grasslands involve a diverse plant species that makes up the ecosystem but due the disturbances by human alteration, it is very hard to recover from those severe disturbances. In South Africa, the disturbance of grasslands is degradation through the cumulative influence of overgrazing and cultivation of crop in grasslands. In the Free State province, the degradation of grasslands is of vital concern due to the evolving negligence of proper monitoring and maintenance of the environmental and natural resource utilisation. Furthermore, within the mountain environments, grasslands are sources of carbon pool that require careful monitoring and evaluation. Globally, there is a lack of knowledge on the amount of carbon stock in mountainous grasslands. This alone creates huge gaps in knowledge in global carbon cycling. Therefore, the emphasis of this study was to model and map the above-ground grass biomass using a multi-source data in the montane region for the broader and better management of grassland in a protected mountainous park. The study used Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI to model and enhance biomass prediction in a mountain. Field-based data points were created to measure biomass on the field across defined plots. Sampling points (based on field-based data points) were used to extract reflectance data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 before and after fire. The regression model used to estimate herbaceous biomass was the random forest (RF), while ANOVA and Spearman Rank correlation was employed to understand variations across two data sets and correlation between environmental drivers and biomass. RF regression model with polynomial pre-processing was adopted, because it is robust and non-parametric. The results show that the R² before fire value differs slightly for the two data sets (Sentinel-2 0.92 and Landsat-8 0.87) whilst the R² af ter the fire for the two data sets is equal (0.88). The p-value for the two data sets (Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI) of before and after the fire is 0.05) when tested with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Finally, sentinel-2 MSI (RF model) and environmental variables is significant and have an operational potential for the estimation of the AGB of herbaceous grass in the mountain region.National Research Foundation (NRF