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The effect of high flow nasal cannula vs continuous positive airway pressure oxygen support in COVID-19 pneumonia in central South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Med.(Cardiothoracic Surgery))--University of the Free State, 2023: The sudden escalation of COVID-19 pneumonia proved to be a great challenge for an already taxed health system in Central South Africa. With minimal ICU beds and in resource limited hospitals, the use of non -invasive ventilation was soon identified as the attractive alternative. Thus, high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were important forms of supplementary oxygen therapy for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Due to the limited data at the time on the pathophysiology of the disease with regards to the types of pneumonia as well as the concept of patient self-induced lung injury, it was difficult to formulate treatment guidelines as well as ventilation strategies. There existed no clear point for the escalation of management or for the prognostications of patients. In order to properly utilize resources and to ensure adequate treatment this study was conducted.
The aims of the study were to compare the outcomes of patients on HFNO to those receiving CPAP and to investigate the limitations of HFNO and CPAP therapy and modes of failure leading to death needs to be identified. The study also aimed to evaluate the practices in both high flow nasal oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure to explore the optimal point for escalation or failure.
: This retrospective observational single centre study was conducted in a field hospital , House Idahlia in the Free State. A total of 146 adult patients with respiratory failure due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia were treated with either HFNO or CPAP as initial treatment. Respiratory failure due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia was defined as a respiratory rate of more than 30 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation of less than 93% despite oxygen flow of 15l/min via reservoir bag or an SpO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 150. Due to the severe lack of resources there was no access to radiology. Automated monitoring systems recorded observations and minimized the number of nursing staff required.
Demographics , infective markers, APACHE scores and length of stays were analyzed for all patients. Outcomes and survival related to the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) scores were analyzed and compared. The oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, flow rate, CPAP and respiratory swings were recorded in all patients who received CPAP. The respiratory swing was used as a surrogate for the transpulmonary pressure to assess the presence of patient self-induced lung injury These endpoints were used in a multivariate analysis to explore possible endpoints predicting death or discharge.
: The overall survival was 45,3%. Both groups were comparable with regards to demographics, baseline bloods and APACHE scores. All patients presented with severe respiratory failure as depicted with an SpO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 150. All patients with a ROX score > 3.85 survived. With a ROX score 30 breaths/min, respiratory swings >10 cmH2O, CPAP >10 cmH2O for more than 2-days and flow rates of more than 60 l/min were associated with increased mortality.
: Non-invasive ventilation supplementary oxygen is a cost effective and reasonable strategy to manage patients with severe COVID- 19 pneumonia. Patients with sustained hyperventilation, high O₂-flows, and CPAP >10 cmH2O combined with a sustained respiratory swing of >10 cmH2O have poor outcomes on HFNO and CPAP. These patients must be considered for early intubation and mechanical ventilation to prevent further P-SILI, an important contributor to poor outcomes in COVID-19 pneumonia. One of the main limitations of this study was the relatively small study population and we recommend that further studies be conducted to further explore these findings
Through the cracks: a new home for Seahenge
No full textMuseum architecture acts as medium between the viewer and exhibition, influencing the interpretation thereof. The preserved remains of Seahenge are currently housed in a manner not conducive to productive interaction with the structure. Existing museum typologies often mediate social context, landscape, artefact, and user, but not to the degree of sensitivity required to house Seahenge in an appropriate setting within its nuanced landscape and history. The museum is viewed, not as podium to present on or shelter against elements, but as a revelation of the truth set to work in Seahenge. A design for a new museum to house Seahenge stemmed out of various precedent studies, conceptual and theoretical explorations. The resultant design challenges the standard typology of the museum and showcases the relevance of Martin Heidegger’s concept of ‘the clearing’ within architecture engaging with landscape and artefact
Identifying and classifying different approaches to acting in selected devised theatre productions
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Drama and Theatre Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023From a ‘postmodern theatre’¹ perspective, the tendency among most when creating theatre on stage is often more toward devised theatre than a conventional theatre product. This study will focus on identifying and classifying different approaches to acting in selected devised theatre productions. This research’s primary point of departure was to determine the autogenous characteristics of each method of acting and to discover which acting style/styles work best or are most applicable to the devised theatre. ‘Conventional theatre’ follows a set number of acts. Generally, it adheres to Aristotle's theory of plot structure from the fourth century BC (335 BC), with actors reading dialogue on a thrust or proscenium stage. The genre and style of where the text originated are predetermined or suggested in the playwright's mind. Therefore, the director, as well as the actors, have a blueprint of what the play is intended to look like and how it played out during the process of creation by the playwright. This intent is reflected in various ways. Firstly, it is reflected in the dramatist's notes on acting, writing, characters, costumes, locality, stage lighting, and stage directions (Oddey, 1996:16). Horace approaches poetry from a practical standpoint instead of Aristotle's theoretical approach. Around 19 BC, ‘Ars Poetica’ of Horace is considered a core component of rhetoric literacy through his use of satires, epistles, and odes. ‘Ars Poetica’ attempts to create a sense of probability and coherence regarding artistic representation, including diction, dramatic characterisation, meter, poetic inventiveness, and the intended impact (Hajdu, 2014:28-42). In 1863, Freytag's technique allowed studies to visually examine a narrative and acknowledge the plot drama, similar to Aristotle's Poetics (335 BC). His plot is divided into five sections: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. (Hajdu, 2014:28-42). In contrast to conventional theatre, ‘devised theatre’ (frequently labelled as ‘collective theatre’) is an approach to theatre-making in which the text or (if it is a predominantly physical theatre-based work) performance outcome develops from collaboration, often through a performing group's improvisatory work (Oddey, 1996:1-4). The study of devised theatre and the exploration of various acting approaches can be linked by examining how postmodernism, a movement that questions established norms and cultural values, has influenced the evolution of theatre practices.
Devised theatre, emphasising collaborative and improvisatory work, embodies the postmodern ethos of deconstructing and reconstructing traditional theatrical elements, including acting techniques. This intersection between postmodernism and devised theatre highlights the dynamic nature of contemporary theatre-making, where a diverse range of acting methods, from Stanislavski's realism to Brecht's epic theatre, can be adapted and integrated into this innovative and collaborative approach to creating performances. The approaches to acting, which will form the basis of the theoretical conceptualisation of this study, are based on the writings of Konstantin Stanislavski (1863-1938), Sanford Meisner (1905-1997), and Michel Saint-Denis (1897-1971) on classical acting, (between the late 1800s and early 1900s), David Mamet (1947) and William H. Macy (1950-1984) on practical aesthetics, Lee Strasberg (1901-1982) on method acting and Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956), specifically on the Brechtian method (1964). Three analytical case studies will be undertaken to analyse the applied acting methods to construct a reasonably mapped process that suits devised theatre best. The study contributes to the academic discussions concerning devised theatre and approaches to acting methods. The study also constructs an analytical framework for case study analysis, which could be employed by future studies that embark on similar studies or practitioners who aim to produce devised theatre productions within a contemporary, postmodern context. The research aims to identify and classify different approaches to acting in selected devised theatre productions. This study's fundamental starting point is to identify each acting technique's autogenous traits and ascertain which acting style(s) or styles operate best in or are most appropriate for improvised theatre. The study believes that devised theatre uses a combination of different acting approaches. By conducting three analytical case studies, the study proposes to evaluate the hypothesis to arrive at a conclusion either in favour or opposed to this statement
Exploring reading attitudes and habits of pre-service teachers responsible for early literacy development
No full textDissertation(M.A.(English Language Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Reading is a crucial part of academic study and scholastic performance. Strong reading skills, which entail positive reading attitudes and robust reading habits, are needed to facilitate learning. Teachers, in particular, need to have a love for reading and regular reading habits themselves to be influential role models for their learners. However, studies show that, although pre-service teachers believe reading is important and/or beneficial, they do not maintain strong reading habits themselves, and they do not see reading as pleasurable. Such teachers may struggle to impart to their future learners positive reading attitudes that they themselves do not have. This study focused on pre-service teachers because they are uniquely positioned to reveal current reading attitudes cultivated by South African schools, and because they still have the opportunity to develop positive reading attitudes during their teacher training. The cohort includes pre-service teachers who are training to become Foundation or Intermediate Phase teachers; thus, the title of the study refers to pre-service teachers who will be responsible for early literacy development. The study aimed to learn about pre-service teachers’ reading attitudes and habits, and underlying reasons for them. To do this, insights were gained from a thorough literature study on reading as a cognitive process, the development of reading attitudes and habits, reader-text transaction types, and instructional approaches for meaningful reading practices within a Humanist and Social Reformist curricular philosophy. For the purposes of exploring the reading attitudes and habits of pre-service teachers responsible for teaching young learners, the English Reading Attitude Survey (ERAS) was developed as the data collection instrument. Key findings were that although most of the pre-service teachers expressed positive reading attitudes, their reading attitudes do not align with their reading practices, and they do not engage in extensive or pleasure reading.
The cohort’s reading habits can be described as efferent rather than aesthetic; they seem not to focus on a love for reading and a regular reading habit for its own sake — rather, many think of reading as a necessary obstacle that must be overcome for academic purposes such as completing assignments. They read texts associated with their course work rather than literary works that could provide educational and personal benefits. Although many mentioned the value of literature in education to acquire knowledge and develop language proficiency, very few mentioned the need for teachers to read often or have a love for reading. Moreover, most were not encouraged to engage in meaningful ways with literature at school. They were taught with rote learning techniques in which learners were expected to memorise teachers’ notes instead of generating their own ideas and interpretations. It is possible that the lack of personal and meaningful engagement with literature texts is a cause for their lack of extensive and pleasure reading. The results of the survey also revealed a concerning prevalence of reading anxiety amongst the cohort of pre-service teachers. Participants indicated that they struggle to understand what they read, which may affect their studies negatively, given the amount of reading students are expected to do at university. Interestingly, participants showed a strong preference for printed texts. The fact that much of their academic reading is done through digital modes, via the Internet or through online learning management systems, may be a contributing factor to reading anxiety. Responsible design principles in applied linguistics remind us that the efficacy of our solutions is more important than their trendiness. If we wish to establish healthy reading attitudes and habits, digital reading modes may not always be the best tool to facilitate engagement with literature in classrooms. Recommendations based on the findings include prioritising reading literacy education in teacher training programs, as well as foregrounding the literature component of language curricula. Pre-service teachers need to be made aware of their example as reading role models, and they should also be given opportunities to nurture their own reading attitudes and habits during their training. They need to be equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to teach their future learners important reading skills, while encouraging a love for reading and the development of robust reading habits
Into the Blue: a hand-painting ceramics studio for re-interpreted blue china in the V&A Waterfront, CPT.
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront) Development in Cape Town is transforming the port into a playground. With the notion of globalisation and replicating international waterfront-scapes, the V&AW is at risk of becoming a creative destruction. , , ? The project proposes a hand-painting, blue china studio as an adaptive reuse of the ensemble of heritage and existing synchrolift buildings within the Marina District of the V&AW. Viewing craft as a method of purposeful play, the project will aim to condense the artistic potential within the ceramics-making process while preserving elements of its local habitual and material engagement. These phenomenological theories will be used to support the design decisions and contextual orientation to arrive at an appropriate architectural response to the historically rich environment of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Consequently, the theoretical lens will add layers of complexity to the heritage site and the proposed design becomes inseparably moulded into the cultural fabric, regenerating the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The document explores contextual analysis, precedent analysis, and theoretical framework to inform the design development and technical resolution. Ultimately, the thesis dissertation will present a contemporary interpretation of craft in urban manufacturing and adaptive reuse projects
Women’s economic empowerment programmes in reducing intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023This study sought to explore Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) programmes implemented in Zimbabwe with the key objective of reducing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The study established that WEE programmes are increasingly being used as a tool for reducing IPV and could thus serve as a framework within which WEE programmes can be improved with the goal of reducing IPV in Zimbabwe. This novel single-embedded case study on WEE and IPV was underpinned by empowerment, capability, and liberal feminist and modernity theories.
Zimbabwe was purposively selected to provide a better understanding of why IPV cases are increasing in the wake of the implementation of WEE interventions embedding IPV reduction across the country. Methodologically, the sample included women who had been or were participating in WEE programmes at the time of the study, WEE implementing agencies, WEE programme funders, and government departments. Primary and secondary data were gathered using a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Multinomial Logistic Regression Model (MLRM) and thematic analysis.
The study established that the root cause of IPV in Zimbabwe is linked to household finances, leading to financial tension between intimate partners. However, this root cause is sometimes, exacerbated by socio-cultural and religious factors within the participants’ context. In practice, access to finances is the key factor that the livelihood component of WEE interventions has been trying to strengthen and the relationship between the variables has been found to be statistically significant and contributing positively towards the reduction of IPV.
Sustainable livelihoods are believed to be critical in the reduction of IPV if coupled with relevant training, adequate funding, and well-structured partnerships between implementing agencies. The sustainability of livelihoods has however, remained a pipedream in Zimbabwe as is the case in most developing countries in Africa. The study recommends refinement of existing national policies, statutes, and instruments taking into account the local context relative to the causes of IPV.
In addition, innovation towards improving sustainability of financial and technical support to existing WEE programmes must also be prioritised. Funding agencies are further encouraged to avail more funding towards research as well as WEE-related Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) to ensure challenges are timely identified. Then, partnerships among agencies implementing WEE programmes with IPV reduction objectives must be strengthened to avoid duplicating certain activities whilst neglecting other important activities and actions. Beneficiaries are encouraged to identify champions among themselves who can lead in re-examining and strengthening women's associations, networks, and movements at every level of society. In conclusion, the study theoretically contributes to a WEE-strengthening framework that can be used in practice to reduce incidences of IPV
Protecting the rights of employees in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of national human rights institutions (NHRIs)
No full textDissertation (LL.M.(Interdisciplinary Human Rights))--University of the Free State, 2023The relationship between employees and employers is built on mutual trust and both the employees and employers have rights that are outlined by common law and legislation. Workers' rights are outlined by South Africa’s Constitution as well as various acts that include the Labour Relations Act. The government established National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) so they could be the independent organisations responsible for ensuring that there is an integration of the protection of human rights. This study focused on whether the National Human Rights Institutions succeeded in protecting the rights of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
To achieve this the qualitative research methodology was applied. Secondary data was collected and analysed through the use of methods and techniques of an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design. The provisions of the legislation associated with the protection of employees’ rights such as the Bill of Rights, and the responsibilities of the NHRIs were analysed in the context of how they were practised during the lockdown. The focus was on whether the rights of workers were not compromised because of the sudden changes that were made by the government to protect its citizens from becoming sick or dying due to the Coronavirus.
The findings show that the rights of employees were compromised and violated in various ways including employers unilaterally changing work contracts, leading to a reduction in the salaries of workers. Some employees were also retrenched because they did not agree to the mandatory vaccination requirement. Others who provided essential services were not provided with the needed protective apparel, such as front-line health workers who performed community work with personal protection equipment.
This shows that NHRIs failed to ensure that the rights of employees were protected during the COVID-19 era. The recommendation is that there is a need for a nationwide collaboration led by the government and NHRIs to develop strategic plans on how this failure can be prevented in future, should South Africa be faced with another state of emergency
Pharmacological screening and isolation of bioactive compounds from plants used against elephantiasis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Botany))--University of the Free State, 2023Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a medical condition brought on by parasitic worms that invade the lymphatic system causing obstructions of lymph fluid in the passaged that is associated with excessive swelling of the lower and upper limbs resulting in disability, swelling of genitalia and breasts. The condition is also associated with non-filarial causes including certain sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, leprosy and podoconsiasis. The World Health Organization lists the illness as one of the neglected tropical diseases that primarily affects developing nations. Although no precise figures have been provided, South Africa is one of the African nations where incidences of the illness have been reported. Plants are reported in treating several medical conditions that affect human kind. Traditional medicine has been considered as an alternative to Western medicine as it is easily accessible and the latter being more expansive. The continued use of plant medicine creates the need to identify those substances that are responsible for the biological activity or the healing properties found in plant extracts through scientific validation. Plants are used by indigenous people and traditional healers in different areas to treat the similar or different conditions. South Africa has a wide variety of plants, and traditional plant studies is reported in literature. In three municipalities of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, an ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used in the management and treatment of lymphatic filariasis was carried out. A total of 29 therapeutic plants from 25 different Angiosperm families were recorded. Acokanthera oblongifolia Curtisia dentata, Dioscorea sylvatica, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Gunnera perpensa, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Pentanisia prunellloides and R. melanophloeos were reported as the most used plants in the study to treat elephantiasis and various ailments. The roots followed by the leaves and stem bark were the most used plant parts with infusions and decoctions being reported as the most frequently methods of administration. In vitro studies such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, phytochemical analysis, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity activity on mammalian cells were investigated. Bioactive compounds were also isolated and identified from K. drepanophylla
Enhancing the academic performance of Grade 12 progressed learners in English first additional language
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023The objective of the study was to design a transformatory-bricolage strategy that aims to respond to the challenges faced by Grade 12 progressed learners in English First Additional Language (ENGFAL) in Gert Sibande district secondary schools. The strategy arose against the background of numerous challenges with the current progression policy referred to as National Policy Pertaining to the Program and Promotion Requirements (NPPPPR), which informs the promotion and progression of learners. This study was equally aimed at finding the impact of using bricolage through a transformative paradigm as a scheme to enhance the academic performance of progressed learners in teaching and learning ENGFAL in Grade 12. Learner progression corroborates a challenge facing the South African education system. This qualitative Participatory Action Research furthermore aimed to find possible solutions through bricolage for ENGFAL learners to employ as an intermediation tool to help learners who are progressed through to Grade 12. Data collection tactics used in this study were Focus Group Discussions, semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, data were collected from records such as support policies used at selected schools. The study population was eight Grade 12 learners doing ENGFAL and four educators from two Gert Sibande district schools. Participants were sampled through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis by Laws et al. (2003). Findings from this study showed that transformatory-bricolage could assist in enhancing the academic performance of Grade 12 progressed learners in ENGFAL. The findings additionally indicated that transformatory-bricolage is likely to lessen failure rate which eventually decreases the number of learners who need to be progressed short of meeting promotional requirements. The discoveries also revealed some challenges teachers face in teaching progressed learners, such as a lack of basic understanding of the subject in both grammar and literature, especially the elements of literature. One common feeling was the need for much improved foundations in the lower grades, which prepares learners for the tougher content in the FET phase. Further, findings from this study suggested the need for specialised training and support for teachers in order to assist progressed learners
Electronic hacking and subversion as tools of foreign policy: a neoclassical realist analysis of cyber power
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Political Science)))--University of the Free State, 2023This study develops a new theory of cyber power as a tool of foreign policy, focusing on sovereign states as the unit of analysis and drawing from the theoretical assumptions that are inherent in the realist paradigm of International Relations. This theory describes and classifies the nature of cyber power in international politics, and seeks to explain why different states make differing choices about which cyber strategy to adopt. The study introduces a conceptualisation of cyber power that incorporates both computer hacking and social media disinformation campaigns within a single framework, in which both types of cyber operations are understood as methods for degrading and destroying trust. It then analyses the utility, limitations, and costs associated with technical and persuasive of cyber power, and argues that both forms require the attacking state to accept significant trade-offs. This suggests that states are unlikely to use these tools unless they have pressing reasons to do so. Building upon on this insight, the study then develops a new typology of four cyber strategies: “restrained”, “technical-aggressive”, “persuasive-aggressive”, and “combined-aggressive”.
It hypothesises that cyber strategy selection by states is primarily determined by two independent variables: their external security requirements and their institutional preferences. States with high external security requirements are more likely to make aggressive use of technical cyber power, while states with negative institutional preferences are more likely to make aggressive use of persuasive cyber power. This theory provides a parsimonious and compelling explanation for cyber strategy selection. To test and apply the theory, three empirical case studies are conducted on Brazil, the United States of America, and the Russian Federation. The findings reveal that Brazil has adopted a restrained strategy, while the United States has chosen a technical-aggressive strategy, and Russia has selected a combined-aggressive strategy. These empirical findings are congruent with the expectations of the theory. Lastly, the theory is applied to predict how the cyber strategies of these states might evolve if their associated independent variables were to change. The resulting analysis suggests that the emergence of multipolarity in the international system is likely to be associated with the increased use of both technical and persuasive cyber power by state actors.
___________________________________________________________________Hierdie studie ontwikkel ’n nuwe teorie van kubermag as ’n instrument van buitelandse beleid, deur te fokus op soewereine state as die eenheid van ontleding en die teoretiese aannames te benut wat inherent is aan die realistiese paradigma van Internasionale Betrekkinge. Hierdie teorie beskryf en klassifiseer die aard van kubermag in internasionale politiek en poog om te verduidelik waarom verskillende state verskillende keuses maak oor watter kuberstrategie om te aanvaar. Die studie stel ’n konseptualisering van kubermag bekend wat beide rekenaarkrakery en sosiale media-disinformasieveldtogte binne ’n enkele raamwerk insluit, waarin beide tipes kuberbedrywighede verstaan word as metodes om vertroue te verminder en te vernietig. Dit ontleed dan die nut, beperkings en koste van tegnologie en oortuiging van kubermag, en voer aan dat beide vorme vereis dat die aanvallende staat beduidende afwykings aanvaar. Dit dui daarop dat dit onwaarskynlik is dat state hierdie instrumente sal gebruik, tensy hulle dwingende redes het om dit te doen. Voortbouend op hierdie insig, ontwikkel die studie dan ’n nuwe tipologie van vier kuberstrategieë: “beperk”, “tegnies-aggressief”, “oorredend-aggressief” en “gekombineerd-aggressief”.
Dit veronderstel dat state se keuse van ’n kuberstrategie hoofsaaklik deur twee onafhanklike veranderlikes bepaal word: hul eksterne sekuriteitsvereistes en hul institusionele voorkeure. State met hoë eksterne veiligheidsvereistes is meer geneig om van tegnies-aggressiewe kubermag gebruik te maak, terwyl state met negatiewe institusionele voorkeure meer geneig is om van oorredend-aggressiewe kubermag gebruik te maak. Hierdie teorie verskaf ’n skraapsugtige en oortuigende verduideliking vir kuberstrategie-keuses. Om die teorie te toets en toe te pas, word drie empiriese gevallestudies oor Brasilië, die Verenigde State van Amerika en die Russiese Federasie gebruik. Die bevindinge toon dat Brasilië ’n beperkte strategie aangeneem het, terwyl die VSA ’n tegnies-aggressiewe strategie gekies het, en Rusland ’n gekombineerde-aggressiewe strategie gekies het. Hierdie empiriese bevindinge stem ooreen met die verwagtinge van die teorie. Laastens word die teorie toegepas om te voorspel hoe die kuberstrategieë van hierdie state kan ontwikkel indien hul geassosieerde onafhanklike veranderlikes sou verander. Die gevolglike ontleding dui daarop dat die ontstaan van veelvuldige-polariteit in die internasionale stelsel waarskynlik geassosieer sal word met die verhoogde gebruik van beide tegniese en oorredende kubermag deur regeringsmagrolspelers.
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