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Development of in house assays for detection of Sindbis virus infections
No full textSindbis virus is a mosquito-borne virus associated with chronic arthritis and is
endemic in South Africa. It is the prototype virus for the genus Alphavirus in the
family Togaviridae. Sporadic outbreaks occur naturally, often related to heavy
rainfall and an increase in mosquito populations. The virus causes a mild
disease and hence the exact prevalence in South Africa is not known. In
addition, the association of Sindbis virus disease and arthritis is not well
documented in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate Sindbis
virus prevalence and develop serological assays for detection of Sindbis virus
infection. An in-house ELISA was developed and optimized. The ELISA was
used to screen a total of 165 stored serum samples collected from patients
attending a local arthritis clinic in Universitas Hospital, 266 stored serum
samples from patients with acute febrile illness, suspected of tickbite fever and
with no diagnosis, as well as 136 serum samples from high risk populations
(horse and stable workers in Bainsvlei). Production of a recombinant antigen of
the Sindbis virus E2 protein for use in immunofluourescence assays (IFA) was
attempted. An in-house IFA, prepared with Sindbis virus infected cells, was
developed. The positive samples were tested using a commercial
immunofluorescence assay (IFA), a neutralisation assay and the in-house IFA.
The results indicated that 31/165 samples from patients attending arthritis
clinic, 13/136 samples from high risk populations, and 25/266 samples from
acute febrile illness patients with no diagnosis tested positive for
immunoglobulin G (IgG) Sindbis virus antibodies using the in-house ELISA.
Commercial IFA results were as follows: 46/69 samples tested positive, 15/69 samples tested negative and 8/69 samples were indeterminate. A total of 65/69
samples tested positive using the neutralisation assay. Sensitivity for the
ELISA and commercial IFA was determined and found to be 100% for the
ELISA and 70.7% for the commercial IFA. Unfortunately, the recombinant
protein could not be transiently expressed in mammalian cells and used to
develop an in-house IFA. In-house antigen slides were prepared for in-house
IFA tests. Using the in-house slides, a total of 50/68 samples tested positive for
anti-Sindbis virus IgG antibodies and 8/56 samples tested positive for
anti-Sindbis virus IgM antibodies. The ELISA and in house IFA were shown to
be more sensitive than the commercial IFA. The prevalence of IgG antibody in
targeted populations suggests a higher occurrence of Sindbis virus infections
and that Sindbis virus infection should be considered in patients with joint pain.National Research Foundation (NRF)Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF
Feeding practices of mothers with infants and children attending preschools in a high socioeconomic area in Johannesburg
No full textBreastfeeding is the preferred feeding method, as it is not only nutritionally complete for the
first four to six months but will also provide immunological, psychological, physiological, and
developmental benefits for the infant. In recognition of the benefits of breastfeeding, the
World Health Assembly has set a target of 50% for all infants to be breastfed exclusively
from birth up to six months. Despite the well-known benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
(EBF), the exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months was 32% in South Africa (ZA) in 2016.
The EBF rates mentioned above, published by the South African Department of Health, are
said to be representative of the country, but do not distinguish between feeding practices of
mothers of different socioeconomic levels.
The aim of this study was to determine breastfeeding practices and associations between
breastfeeding practices and demographics of mothers in a high socioeconomic area in
Johannesburg. To achieve the aim, the following factors were assessed: mother and
infant/child’s socio-demographic information, mothers’ feeding practices, and factors
affecting feeding practices.
The majority of mothers were younger than 35 years of age (58.9%), were married or
cohabiting (83.5%), and had an education level higher than Grade 12 (88.8%). Although most
of the mothers initiated breastfeeding at birth (n=102, 94%); however, the duration of EBF
was short. Thirty-four mothers (31.3%) breastfed their infants at four months, and 64
mothers (58.7%) breastfed their infants at six months. Only two mothers (1.8%) exclusively
breastfed their infants at six months. A statistically significant difference was not found
between breastfeeding duration at six months and the mothers’ age (p=1.0000), highest
level of education (p=1.0000), gross household income (p=0.3368), marital status
(p=0.2825), and type of delivery (p=1.0000).
In an effort to guide researchers in describing factors affecting breastfeeding practices,
Hector and co-workers developed a conceptual framework of factors affecting breastfeeding
practices. They categorised these factors as individual-level, group-level and society-level
factors. The most common factor (on group level) why mothers with a high socioeconomic
status in this study decided not to breastfeed was that formula milk was more convenient
when working and less time consuming (63%). The misperception of insufficient milk supply was a common individual-level factor (37%) why mothers in this study decided not to
breastfeed. The most common society-level factor why mothers did not breastfeed was that
it was culturally unacceptable to breastfeed in public or in front of others (29%).
The majority of mothers (60.4%) based their choice of formula on the advice of
paediatricians. The most common property that influenced the choice of infant formula used
by mothers was the brand name of the infant formula (42.5%). It is evident that advertising
of infant formula did not significantly affect mothers’ decisions of formula to use. Rather,
17.6% of mothers indicated that their own research on infant formula influenced their
decision of which formula to use.
This study supports the literature published that the feeding practices of mothers with
different demographics differ from one another. To compare feeding practices among
different demographic statuses best, it is recommended that a validated screening tool be
developed. Future research should investigate the options to make breastfeeding more
convenient and implement interventions for modifiable factors such as breastfeeding
intention, social support (including work environment), and expression of breast milk
confidently. More research should be conducted on the infant formula information given on
websites to determine if manufacturers comply with Article 4.1 of the World Health
Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes
The role and experiences of deputy principals with instructional leadership in Zimbabwe
No full textScholars across the globe agree that instructional leadership plays second fiddle only to teaching in improving students’ achievement. Extant literature heralds the instructional leadership of the principal as the major determinant of students’ outcome. School reform efforts have focused on the principal as the agent of change, at school, who leads teachers to levels of achievement. Although some principals strive, as much as they can, to discharge their instructional leadership role effectively, many are constrained by a retinue of other duties they are to perform. This study is inspired by the realisation of the distributed leadership construct which has gained currency. The distributed leadership construct advocates more actors in instructional leadership. Deputy principals are second to the principals on the schools’ hierarchical structure. The aim of the study was to unpack the role and experiences of deputy principals with instructional leadership. Specifically, the study focused on gaining insights into how deputy principals experience the practice of instructional leadership in selected schools of Zimbabwe. The study also focused on the challenges faced by deputy principals in enacting the instructional leadership role. The debate on the role and experiences of deputy principals with instructional leadership is inconclusive. This study is an instalment that adds new knowledge to the discourse. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a case study research design to investigate the role and experiences of deputy principals with instructional leadership. A sample of three deputy principals was purposively sampled for observations and multiple interviews. Overall, the study concludes that deputy principals are instructional leaders who play a critical role towards teaching and learning and, above all, students’ achievement. The study established that deputy principals contribute towards visioning of the school through vision formulation, marketing and implementation. Visioning compels deputy principals to prioritise their activities and allocate resources accordingly. Another finding of the study is that deputy principals enact the instructional leadership role of managing teaching and learning through supervision of lessons, monitoring students’ progress, modelling good teaching behaviours, building a reading culture in the school and incentivising teachers. Challenges faced by deputy principals in enacting the instructional leadership role include role ambiguity and lack of uniformity in their duties. Largely, the duties are dependent upon the principal one deputises. It is recommended, for practice, that a collective approach to vision development be adopted. All stakeholders of the school should be mobilised in visioning the school to secure their commitment to it. As a way of protecting instructional time, it is recommended for practice, that deputy principals introduce block scheduling that allows fewer classes each day for longer periods to offset loss of instructional time due to motions. In view of the nature and varied duties at boarding schools, it is recommended to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that two deputy principals, one responsible for operations and the other for instructional leadership be appointed. It is further recommended to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that there is urgent need to enact a policy that allows for the formation of an association of deputy principals to facilitate sharing of practices. Further research about the role of deputy principals with professional communities is required
Zoo Park Aquifer Recharge Pavilion
No full textThis design dissertation proposes Aquifer Recharge Pavilion on the site currently known as Zoo Park. Situated in the central business district and heart of Windhoek, Namibia. Located on the corner of Independence avenue and Fidel Castro street, it is surrounded by several German colonial era structures and contemporary major financial institutions. Zoo Park hosts a history spanning 130 years and was found around the natural spring and wetlands which lies on a fault line exposing the underlying aquifer to the surface. The water source has been closed off and the park has become dilapidated and under used. The project aims to achieve several objectives, with ancillary goals resulting from their implementation- On a functional level the project aims to rejuvenate the natural spring and underlying aquifer, through the ‘Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme’. (A process of storing excess water in the underground aquifers). To use the spring as the source for the park’s rejuvenation and bring the recreational element back into the city, while exposing the subterranean spaces through the scarring of the landscape to become the anchor that facilitates the connection of other nearby public spaces with one another, as the pavilion is ideally located to branch out into the surrounding public circulation walkways. Encouraging pedestrian movement in the city and towards the park. To act as an educational space for the public, with the focus on water use and storage which also provides the necessities for public occupation of the pavilion, such as ablutions, seating and resting spaces with water outlets and dining points:Establish the technicality behind changing the aquifers to into storage units for surface and dam water, to assist in alleviating the persistent water crisis faced by the city. These elements culminate in a hybrid expression of functional, recreational, educational and landscape designs tied to-gether around the premise of preservation and expression of water which drives the typology, mor-phology and tectonics of the pavilion
Comparison of soil phosphorus fractions after 37 years of wheat production management practices in a semi-arid climate
No full textWheat production management practices are essential for optimum crop growth and the attainment of higher yields. However, these management practices have an impact on the sustainability of soil fertility and productivity. Therefore, it was important to investigate the impact of these residue management options on some soil fertility indicators such as phosphorus (P) fractions under a semi-arid climate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of wheat residue management practices on soil P fractions in a long-term trial near Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State. The trial was established in 1979 and consisted of two methods of straw disposal (burned and unburned), three primary tillage methods (no-tillage, stubble mulch and ploughing) and two methods of weed control (chemical and mechanical). Representative soil samples were collected in 2016 at various soil depth intervals of 0-50, 50-100, 100-150 and 150-250 mm and analysed for soil P fractions. A sequential extraction procedure was used to differentiate between labile (0.5 M NaHCO3 extractable), moderately labile (0.1 M NaOH extractable), stable (1 M HCl extractable) and residual (concentrated HCl) fractions. Except for the residual P fraction, the total P (Pt) of the other fractions was separated into inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P.
The straw disposal methods had variable influence on soil P fractions. Burning of wheat residues increased the labile Pi and hence Pt fractions when compared to the unburned residues across all four soil layers. However, the unburned plots had a slightly higher labile Po fraction than the burned plots except in the deepest soil layer (150-250 mm). In the moderately labile P fraction, burned residues resulted in a slightly higher Pi, Po and Pt compared to the unburned residues, except in the 0-50 mm (Pi) and 50-100 mm (Pi, Po and Pt) soil layers. Furthermore, burning of wheat residues increased the stable Pi, Po and Pt fractions when the unburned residues served as a reference. Conversely, the unburned plots had a slightly higher residual Pt fraction in the 0-50 and 50-100 mm soil layers.
The tillage methods had a larger influence on soil P fractions than either straw disposal or weed control methods. No-tilled plots had higher labile Pi and Pt fractions, followed by stubble mulched plots and then by ploughed plots to a soil depth of 250 mm. On the other hand, ploughing increased the labile Po fraction followed by stubble mulch and then by no-tilled plots in all four soil layers. The no-tilled plots had higher moderately labile Pi and Pt, and residual Pt contents than either the stubble mulched or ploughed plots, particularly in the 0-50 mm soil layer.
The chemical weeding method enhanced the labile and stable P fractions more than the mechanical weeding method to a soil depth of 250 mm. However, a reverse pattern was noted that the mechanical weeded plots had a slightly higher moderately labile Po, Pt and residual Pt. The combination of the no-tillage with chemical weeding had a significantly higher labile Pi than either stubble mulch or plough combined with mechanical weeding to a depth of 250 mm. No-tillage combined with either burning of wheat residues or chemical weeding increased the stable Pi fraction, particularly in the 50-150 mm soil layer. Burning of wheat residues combined with chemical weeding resulted to a higher moderately labile Pi compared to burned wheat residues combined with mechanical weeding in all four soil layers. Similarly, chemical weeding combined with burning of wheat residues enhanced the stable Pi fraction compared to mechanical weeding combined with burning of residues.National Research Foundation (NRF
Evaluating the applicability of the UK domestic violence disclosure scheme in a South African context: practicalities and constitutional implications
No full textFemicide and other domestic violence-related offences have reached disastrous proportions in South Africa, with the country having been reported as having five times more than the global rate of domestic violence incidences. As does the rest of the world, the United Kingdom also grapples with the scourge of domestic violence. This research is aimed at evaluating a law applied in the United Kingdom, termed the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), or “Clare’s law”. In terms of this law, potential victims of domestic violence are allowed to apply for disclosure of their partners’ previous records. This is meant to afford the applicant a chance to make a decision whether to remain in the relationship, seek help, or to leave the relationship. The study focuses on explaining how the DVDS originated, and what effect it has had in the United Kingdom as well as in other jurisdictions that have since adopted similar laws, such as Australia, Scotland, and New Zealand. Since in the South African setting the Constitution is the supreme law of the country, this study looks into the constitutional implications of introducing legislation similar to the DVDS in South Africa. Furthermore, the effect on the Promotion of Access to Information Act 02 of 2000 (PAIA), together with an applicant’s constitutional rights to life, dignity and access to information, are weighed against the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act 04 of 2013 (POPI) and the subject’s constitutional rights, such as the right to privacy, and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The research unpacks various efforts by both the State and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to eradicate domestic violence in South Africa. Endeavours such as 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the Kopanong Declaration, National Action Plan to End Domestic Violence, and the Establishment of Thuthuzela Care Centres are likewise examined. The strengths and weaknesses of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 (DVA) and the viability of legislation similar to the DVDS are expounded by looking into factors such as personnel and infrastructure availability, and other factors that may affect the applicability of the law. The conclusion of the study recognises the need for the introduction of a law similar to the DVDS in South Africa. Legislative amendments to both the PAIA and the DVA are recommended to allow for disclosure of information about a person’s previous records in deserving cases
The use of information and communication technology to enhance professional learning communities of Setswana home language
No full textThis study aimed to design a framework for using information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance professional learning communities (PLCs) of the subject Setswana home language. The 21st century requires that learners master new knowledge and skills if they are to proceed to the next level and meet the challenges presented by living in this century. Educational reforms related to the new knowledge and skills also affect teachers, as they also have to know what to teach and how to teach it. In order to keep abreast of these changes, teachers have to engage in intensive and continuous professional development. Communication and collaboration amongst subject teachers is crucial for both teacher development and learner attainment. Establishing PLCs is a collaborative approach to teaching, which involves teachers collaborating in order to empower each other, and sharing their best practices, with the aim of improving learner achievement. The functionality of face-to-face PLCs is, however, affected by a variety of factors, which, in turn, hinder the PLCs from achieving their goals. It is against this background that this research study emerged. This study investigated the challenges that led to the need to design a framework for using ICT to enhance PLCs of Setswana home language, and proposes solutions for the challenges. Furthermore, the conditions under which such a framework could be implemented, and the threats that could impede the implementation process, are reflected upon. The study also reveals evidence of the successful implementation of the framework. Critical emancipatory research was the theoretical framework that drove the study to achieve its aim and objectives, and to address the research question. This study was operationalised by applying the learning theory of connectivism, which takes into account trends in learning about the use of technology and networks. Participatory action research was the research approach used to generate data. The following members formed a team of co-researchers: district ICT coordinator, subject advisors, senior phase teachers, heads of departments, principals, a school governing body member and an administration clerk. Data generated through discussions during meetings and Whatsapp groups was analysed using Van Dijk’s critical discourse analysis, which uses three levels of data analysis: textual, social and discursive levels. The co-researchers found that ICT enhanced the assistance provided by PLCs to teachers, by helping them to communicate and collaborate and meet the curriculum needs of the 21st century. Teachers are able to reflect on their practices via ICT resources, they can participate in their own learning in a free environment, and they can elevate Setswana home language as a subject by developing their own, current multimedia texts and other materials, which they can share amongst themselves via ICTs. Lastly, the study recommends that ICT integration in curriculum practice should be supported fully by school leaders
Environmental factors enabling occupational well-being of adolescents living in Groendal community
No full textIntroduction: The occupational well-being of people is directly influenced by their physical- and social environments. Adolescents living in communities with limited resources are exposed to environmental factors that can cause occupational injustice due to limited occupational possibilities. However, within each community there are resources that can be utilised to enable occupational well-being, despite the effects of poverty. The community of Groendal, in the Western Cape of South Africa, is such a community whose adolescents’ occupational well-being can be enabled through their environment, despite the occupational restrictions presented by limited resources.
Purpose: The main problem that motivated this study was that despite the known realities of occupational restrictions facing adolescents in the community of Groendal due to limited resources, no contextually situated information was found about environmental factors that the adolescents viewed as enabling to their occupational well-being. This is problematic in the light of the ‘community-built practice’ approach, which states that a strength-based approach is necessary when occupational therapists want to contribute to community development in a way that is authentic and inclusive and emphasise the importance of hearing the subjective voices of community members. In response to this problem, this study aimed to describe which physical- and social environmental factors adolescents living in Groendal viewed as enabling to their occupational well-being.
Methodology: Q methodology, a mixed methods study design, was chosen as the most suitable methodology for this study. Q methodology has a specific focus on studying the subjective viewpoints of participants. Thirty-three adolescents from the community of Groendal, aged 13 to 17 years, participated in this study. Participants of this study were provided with 39 cards of typed environmental factors from the Groendal community. The participants were asked to sort these cards onto a grid, indicating which environmental factors enabled their occupational well-being the most, and which ones enabled it the least. After sorting the cards, participants answered open-ended questions to clarify why they sorted their cards in a specific manner. Hence, after data analysis, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted for interpretation.
Findings: The results from the quantitative and qualitative data were holistically interpreted which presented four environmental enablers to occupational well-being according to adolescents from Groendal. These four environmental enablers were: 1) Immediate families, 2) Educational resources, 3) Recreational resources and 4) Basic resources. The data from the open-ended questions provided a deeper understanding of why the participants viewed these four environmental factors as enablers to their occupational well-being. Immediate families were described as enablers to occupational well-being, because they: contributed to forming moral values, provided educational opportunities, met physical needs and provided social support. Educational resources were described as enablers to occupational well-being, because they provided opportunities for a better future, knowledge and emotional support. Recreational resources were described as enablers to occupational well-being, because they provided broader occupational choices and provided opportunities for a better future. Lastly, basic resources were described as enablers to occupational well-being, because they formed a baseline from which occupational well-being could be achieved.
Conclusions: The main value of this study was that it provided contextually situated information about adolescents’ (living in Groendal) subjective views on which environmental factors enabled their occupational well-being. This information could be helpful, since it provides a point of departure for a community-built practice approach in the community of Groendal, with limited occupational therapy involvement to date. The information is strength-based, which aligns with the community-built practice approach
Female secondary school heads’ experiences of leadership in the Gweru District of Zimbabwe
No full textFor us to understand women issues better, we need to listen to their stories and redefine their meanings in order to generate new perspectives, which was the focus of this study. The study provided space for women to articulate their experiences and perceptions in their leadership. This research was grounded on the radical, liberal and post-structuralist feminists’ views. Feminist knowledge can come from examining the unique experiences of women especially where they experience different social lives from those of men. Career path model was also used to analyse women school leaders’ experiences. This model posits that leaders pass through the anticipation, acquisition and performance stages in their development. This study was pinned on interpretive philosophical orientation based on individual stories and case study design was used. To collect data interviews, observation and document analysis were utilised. Female headed secondary schools were far apart hence the choice of only three participants who represented three categories of secondary schools in Zimbabwe, which are, rural, urban day and boarding schools. Themes and sub themes which emerged from the collected data were used to analyse the findings. This research may contribute to the existing debates concerning women rather than an endeavour to find consensus. Findings from this study revealed that a good leader involves others in her leadership. Hard work and commitment were identified as virtues of a good leader. Also pain-taking, frustration, disappointment and depression were recognized as part of women leadership. They all agreed that leadership styles depend on the head’s situation. The findings revealed that middle leadership was essential for anyone who aspired to be a leader and also that leadership training was necessary for all those who got leadership posts. The findings showed that leaders lacked instruction in their leadership because of other overwhelming duties which were within their jobs
Windhoek hub of arrival: a long-distance transport hub that explores the embodiment and nostalgia of travel through architectural layering
No full textThis dissertation proposes a long-distance transport hub on the periphery of the Windhoek Central Business District. It will function as a hub of arrival for local and international travellers with the intention to travel through the rest of Namibia. The project is designed adjacent to the existing railway station and re-adapts an historic building in the centre of the site. The project consists of three main components: 1) The extension of the commuter railway station facilities adjacent to the existing historic station building while retaining the existing one as a luxury train railway station facility. 2) The re-purpose of the adjacent historic building to accommodate retail space and an over-night/ transit hotel component. 3) The design an additional long-distance bus terminal and 4x4 rental facilities as well as a tourist information centre. The proposal aims to be pedestrian focused to be seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric of the city, in order for the traveller’s experience to be the focus of the urban and architectural experience. The proposal stems from my own experience travelling through the country as a Namibian and encountering the frustrations that international tourists experience as they arrive in Windhoek. The research in this document explores how architecture can create a unique experience on arrival in the city. This experience can create a future-oriented nostalgia that stems from the character of the urban and natural environment of Windhoek. The exploration also engages with the practicalities linked to the efficient experience of a traveller. By identifying the fundamental challenges and goals of the proposal associated with the typology, topology, morphology and tectonics, the conceptual and theoretical underpinning of the scheme can be determined. The qualitative and quantitative research explored can be used to synthesize a design methodology. The final design process will be illustrated in order to understand the final proposal that remains in the form of architectural drawings as a means of expression of the outcome of the research proposal. The document is concluded with a critical evaluation and reflection of the research and design process