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Exploring capability sets for educators for the implementation of the (2021)
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Policy Studies in Education))--University of the Free State, 2024Teenage pregnancy is viewed as a global challenge. However, this study focusses on the challenge of teenage pregnancy, particularly in South Africa. Most countries have procedures in place to address teenage pregnancies, although it remains a problem. South Africa has a policy in place, namely the () (2021). This policy aims to manage and prevent learner pregnancies that may occur. Although there are procedures and policies in place to address this problem, this study seeks to identify the capabilities educators need to implement (2021). Therefore, this study uses the Amartya Sen capabilities sets to guide this study and answer research questions.
The gap in research is that there is limited research done on (2021). and there is a lack of research done on what sets of skills are needed by educators to implement the (2021). In this study, I used a qualitative approach and generated data through semi-structured interviews in which two educators, two head of departments (HODs)and two deputy principals participated. I also employed critical policy analysis to analyse (2021). To generate themes, I used Amartya Sen's capability sets to guide this study in answering the primary research question. The findings indicated challenges with the implementation of (2021). namely lack of training, lack of support, and lack of ability to create an inclusive environment. Despite these challenges, it was clear that one of the schools, although under-resourced, had considerable experience in dealing with teenage pregnancy, even with limited resources. The Department of Basic Education needs to take further steps to create training and awareness within the school environment
Establishing a cisplatin-resistant triple negative breast cancer spheroid model
No full textDissertation(M.Med.Sc.(Pharmacology))--University of the Free State, 2024In cancer research, conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal studies are often used in studying the disease and efficacy of anticancer agents despite their failure to accurately replicate the complex tumour microenvironment. 2D cultures lack the extracellular matrix production critical for -like cell behaviour, thereby jeopardizing data accuracy when developing effective cancer therapies and understanding mechanisms underlying drug resistance and cancer relapse. There is, therefore, a pressing need for models that accurately recapitulate systems and enhance researchers’ accuracy in predicting disease mechanisms. This study aimed to establish a cisplatin-resistant three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model using the scaffold-free technique of rotating wall bioreactors in the CelVivo ClinoStar™ system, to facilitate efficient recapitulation of -like conditions and higher throughput.
The MDA-MB-231 cell line is classified as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to the absence of the oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, as well as the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. As a result, the MDA-MB-231 cell line is characterized as a highly metastatic and aggressive cell line with a poor prognosis. Cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells were generated by exposing the cell line to IC10-IC50 (0.01μM, 0.1μM, 1μM, 5μM and 10μM) concentrations of cisplatin for nine months. The cells acquired resistance; these resistant cells were then used to develop a 3D spheroid model. Characterization of the cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 spheroids over 28 days included assessing spheroid growth and viability, and identifying the optimal experimental window between days 12 and 22. The model's reactivity to cisplatin and doxorubicin treatment was evaluated for 96 hour (h) to qualify the model for treatment screening. Treatment with the clinical cisplatin dose (4,435 x 10⁻⁶ μg cisplatin/μg protein) showed pronounced reactivity after 48 h, with decreased cell viability and increased cell death. However, spheroids recovered after 72-96 h, displaying moderate to high metabolic activity, typical of resistance. The IC₅₀ (8.06 x 10⁻² μg cisplatin/μg protein) dose of cisplatin demonstrated immediate effects on the model after 48 h, however, increase in spheroid size and decrease in cell death was observed with increased metabolic activity after apparent recovery at 72-96 h suggesting resistance. Treatment with doxorubicin clinical dose (1.064 x 10⁻⁵ μg dox/μg protein) had the most pronounced effect on the model throughout the 96 h and resulted in decreased spheroid size. It was apparent that the model was not as resistant to the doxorubicin treatment as it was to the cisplatin treatment. This model has potential for preclinical research studies as it displays reactivity to commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs and could be valuable in understanding drug-resistant cancer. In conclusion, the established cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 3D spheroid model offers a robust platform for studying drug effects in TNBC research
A collaborative self-study exploring the experiences of Creative Arts teacher educators to inform professional practice
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024This thesis represents a living assemblage of my personal development as a Creative Arts teacher educator and the collective experiences of other educators in this field. By intertwining my educational journey with a broader focus on Creative Arts teacher education, the study reflects how my background in Art Education informs and shapes my current practices. Using self-study and Arts-Based Research (ABR) methods, I explore the interplay between personal memories, past experiences, and the evolving identity of Creative Arts teacher educators. Central to this inquiry is the concept of rhizomatic pockets, which are repositories of knowledge and memories that shape individual pedagogical practices, and the collective understanding of how past experiences influence present and future teaching.
Drawing on the narrative of the Avengers' journey in this study illustrates the process of revisiting and reinterpreting significant moments in teaching and learning, allowing educators to shed biases and inform future practice. It emphasises the importance of reflexive and collaborative learning, highlighting the transformative potential of engaging with colleagues, mentors, and students to create a richer, more nuanced understanding of teaching and learning within Creative Arts Teacher Education.
The study advocates for positioning Creative Arts classrooms as dynamic research sites where teacher educators engage in inquiry to understand how collective experiences and contextual factors shape pedagogy. Recognising classrooms as spaces where social and physical environments intersect, I argue for acknowledging the lived experiences of both students and educators as rhizomatic pockets that inform practice. Educators can foster meaningful student engagement, cultivate confidence, and promote artistic expression by creating safe and supportive environments.
Further, this research highlights the value of collaboration and communities of practice. It suggests that through collaborative self-study and reflexive practices, Creative Arts teacher educators can co-construct knowledge, mentor each other, and engage in continuous professional growth. Collaborative research in this context enhances individual pedagogical practices and the collective development of evidence-based best practices for Creative Arts Teacher Education.
Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability for Creative Arts teacher educators. By embracing a research-oriented, reflexive approach, teacher educators can innovate within their classrooms, contribute to the advancement of Creative Arts Teacher Education, and better prepare future educators. The concept of rhizomatic pockets emerges as a guiding framework for understanding how personal and collective experiences can transform teaching and learning within this field
The impact of virtual reality on the psychological well-being of hospitalised patients: A critical review
No full textImproving hospitalised patients’ psychological well-being (PWB) is relevant to their recovery and overall quality of life. Virtual Reality (VR) holds the potential to emerge as a novel tool for increasing the PWB of hospitalised patients. This study critically reviewed existing research concerning the use and impact of VR on the PWB of hospitalised patients with serious illnesses. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and practical applicability of VR in enhancing the PWB for hospitalised patients dealing with serious illnesses.
In the initial search, the authors identified 106 sources that provided valuable insights into the broader field of VR, PWB, and the influence of VR on the psychological functioning of hospitalised patients. However, only eight articles were selected for the critical review, following the SALSA method. The SALSA method comprises the following steps: (S) Search, (AL) Appraisal, (S) Synthesis and (A) Analysis. Data extracted from these eight articles were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis, through which patterns were identified to examine the use and impact of VR on the PWB of hospitalised patients with serious illnesses. The thematic analysis process involves data gathering and familiarisation, code identification, and formulating and refining various themes to produce a thematic analysis report.
The themes that emerged from the analysis were (i) positive psychological effects (with sub-themes including the effectiveness of VR in improving psychological symptoms, its role as an equivalent or adjunctive treatment, and symptom reduction), (ii) perceptions and the adoption of novel technology, (iii) characteristics that influence the effectiveness of VR, and (iv) statistical and practical applicability and diversity of VR.
The use of VR to increase the PWB of hospitalised patients is a relatively recent innovation. Nevertheless, the themes identified in this study indicate that the use of VR within the context of hospitalised patients can benefit their psychological functioning, ultimately contributing to an improvement in their overall PWB. Further in-depth studies are needed to provide a comprehensive conclusion on the potential benefits of VR on the PWB of hospitalised patients dealing with serious illnesses.Publisher's versio
Economic inclusion: green finance and the SDGs
No full textPersistent economic exclusion and the high levels of natural resource depletion are alarming. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are among a few global initiatives aimed at bringing a turnaround in both of these areas of concern. Giving action to productive economic inclusion and transitioning towards a circular, regenerative economy is challenging for countries, particularly because of a lack of economic incentives. Green finance has emerged in the last few decades as a valuable mechanism that has the potential to meet this challenge. In answering the question of how to facilitate the necessary transition to a green, inclusive economy, the paper attempts to bring green finance and economic inclusion together as a possible means (like a bridge) to address economic exclusion and resource degeneration. That is the primary aim of the study, and it is investigated through an analysis of theoretical literature. The key findings include: a strong synergy exists between green finance and economic inclusion; different forms of green finance are able to facilitate economic inclusion; and green finance can be instrumental in attracting investors to fast-track SDG attainment. A key conclusion is that green finance can play a vital role in activating and prolonging broad-based benefit sharing in an eco-conscious way.Publisher's versio
Barriers to and facilitators of male uptake of HIV testing services in Orange Farm Township, Gauteng Province: user and provider perspectives
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Health Systems Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024: South Africa remains heavily burdened by the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic, with devastating effects among men. Unlike women, men are increasingly unlikely to access HIV testing services (HTS) at primary health care (PHC) facilities. Male uptake of HTS is very low with high rates of HIV-related deaths among men. The 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey found that although 94% of men aged 15 to 49 were aware of HIV testing locations, only 29% had undergone an HIV test. The study draws on the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) to explore, from the perspective of both users and providers, barriers to and facilitators of men’s uptake of HTS at three PHC facilities in the Orange Farm township. The SEM illustrates how multiple factors influence an individual’s health behaviour. The SEM comprises five levels which include the individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy levels.
: The researcher adopted a constructivist paradigm for this study as it is believed that individuals give meaning to their experiences through interactions with their environments. A case study design was employed, and qualitative semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection tool. The semi-structured interviews were conducted among a total of 23 conveniently selected participants including, 12 male patients, six lay counsellors and five Nurse-initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (NIMART) trained professional nurses. The purpose of these sample sizes was to reach saturation as opposed to the generalisability of findings. Data were analysed thematically using the SEM constructs as a priori themes with subsequent development of subthemes. The process involved the grouping of key barriers to and facilitators of HTS perceived by male patients, lay counsellors, and professional nurses according to the SEM constructs.
:. Both users and healthcare providers perceived similar barriers to male uptake of HTS. These included, at the (1) individual level – lack of knowledge; (2) interpersonal level – negative peer and family influence; (3) organisational level – discomfort when attended by female healthcare providers; (4) community level – lack of education and awareness within the community; and (5) policy level – non-adherence to policy and privacy concerns. Again, perceived similarly by both patients and healthcare providers, facilitators of HTS included at the (1) individual-level – overcoming fear; (2) interpersonal level – fostering supportive family and friend networks; (3) organisational level – initiation of ‘male-friendly services’ in PHC facilities; (4) community level – initiating community health education and awareness tailored for men; and (5) policy level – reinforcement of policy adherence.
: The findings indicate that barriers to and facilitators of male HTS uptake vary across the SEM levels. Both users and providers’ views highlighted a multifactorial influence on male uptake of HTS at PHC facilities, necessitating a multifaceted intervention strategy, encompassing all five SEM levels. Such efforts can result in more men accessing HIV testing at PHC facilities, enrolling in treatment, and most importantly, adopting preventative measures to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS
Identification and determination of virulence factors of invasive sensu lato in paediatric patients at Universitas Academic Hospital
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Medical Microbiology))--University of the Free State, 2024: Invasive fungal infections contribute to a rise in morbidity and mortality, extended stay in hospital and higher health care cost. Due to the increased risk factors among the neonates, this population continues to bear the brunt as the morbidity and mortality due to remains high. This is further complicated by the rising predominance of azole-resistant strains.
: This study aimed to identify the specific strains of C. cultured from neonatal and paediatric patients at Universitas Academic Hospital and to determine their virulence potential. The clinical outcome data of the patients were correlated with the strains’ data.
: The study was conducted at the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. This was a retrospective cross-sectional laboratory-based study. as
identified on Vitek®2 (bioMérieux Inc, Marcy l’Etoile, France), from invasive clinical samples sent for routine laboratory diagnosis to the Medical Microbiology laboratory from Universitas Hospital’s neonatal and paediatric wards, were used.
A sample size of approximately 30 was estimated based on the numbers from the previous year’s however, only 21 strains were obtained, with one of the patients having two isolates. Therefore, 20 patients’ strains were obtained. The strains used for the study were those already stored in the laboratory at -80°C from the year 2018 to 2020. Data obtained from Vitek®2 (bioMérieux Inc, Marcy l’Etoile, France) as well as patients’ demographic data and clinical information from patient clinical files were recorded on an Excel
sheet for analysis. No patient names were recorded. Only study numbers were used.
D1/D2 sequencing was performed for species differentiation. Clinical records were reviewed, time to positivity, species identification, antifungal susceptibility testing results and patients’ demographics were also retrieved from TrackCare. The QualiClean (QualiPharm, New Germany) used in the hospital setting at 1000 ppm for surface disinfection was tested against all the 20 strains to determine their susceptibility to the disinfectant. A crystal violet assay was conducted to determine biomasses of respective biofilms. For hydrolytic enzymes secretion, tributyrin agar was used for lipase activity, yeast carbon base bovine serum albumin agar for protease activity and the sabauraud dextrose agar supplemented with 8% egg yolk for phospholipase activity. Prostaglandin E2 production was evaluated by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Cayman Chemicals, Ann Arbour, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The biological method described by Brenner (Brenner, 1974) was followed for relative virulence in In addition, whole genome sequencing was conducted to study the ploidy of the study strains, genetic relatedness as well as the common antifungal resistance genes.
: The strains were all . Ninety percent of blood cultures had a time to positivity of 48 hours with 80% of the strains showing resistance to fluconazole and the intermediate resistance to voriconazole. For 70% of the strains, resistance to fluconazole and intermediate resistance to voriconazole was observed. In addition, the QualiClean disinfectant did not effectively inhibit any of the strains. Fifty-five percent of the patients were from neonatal intensive care unit followed by 35% from neonatal high care and 10% from paediatric wards. Eighty percent of the patients were males. Forty-one percent of the patients were categorized as very low birth weight and 55% delivered via caesarian section. The study population had multiple risk factors including the presence of invasive devices, total parenteral nutrition, gastrointestinal pathology, and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Deaths were recorded for 47% of the patients. The strains produced biofilms, proteases, phospholipases, and prostaglandin E₂ in varying quantities. The three C. strains tested for their virulence in C. , killed the nematodes rapidly when compared to the C. ATCC SC5314 strain.
All strains were haploid and were found to group into four related Clades, with majority of the strains in Clade 4. Clade 4 also housed 94% of the fluconazoleresistant strains. The 1, 1 and 11 genes were highly conserved between strains with none of the mutations previously associated with resistance patterns.
: is circulating with majority of strains resistant to fluconazole, suggesting that fluconazole should be avoided as the empiric therapy among this population. All strains were virulent and resisted the action of the disinfectant. The contact time will need to be increased or a different disinfectant used. Multiple infection prevention and control interventions including hand hygiene are also to be intensified. Further studies are required to identify the resistance mutations or novel mutations prevalent at the study site, including those outside the common regions
Exploring health research priority setting in a South African Province: a nominal group technique approach
No full textIn August 2022, the Free State Provincial Health Research Committee used the online nominal group technique (NGT) for Health Research Priority Setting (HRPS) for the Free State Department of Health (FSDoH) and the research community, considering various stakeholders’ perspectives. This paper explores and describes the identified health research priorities. It also assesses their alignment with the National Health Research Strategy. Additionally, it provides an opinion on the feasibility of using the online NGT for collaborative co-creation of provincial-level health research priorities. Most of the identified health research priorities resonate with the national health research priorities identified by the National Health Research Committee. However, research to “ ” was uniquely perceived to be a priority by the participants in the Free State HRPS exercise. A plausible reason for this might be their heightened awareness of the vital role optimal surveillance systems play in coordinating intersectoral responses to pandemics, particularly considering the serious challenges emerging during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.Publisher's versio
What’s in a Name?
No full textIn his well-known play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare wrote: ‘a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’ This line questions the importance of a name and attempts to illustrate that a name is only a name. Well, with all due respect to Bill, I do not agree—a name is important.
Names are crucial to our identity. They convey deep personal, cultural, familial and historical connections and give the bearer a sense of self, their community, and their place in the world. Names can shape the destiny and future of the bearer, affect how others perceive them, can be a source of strength or comfort, have positive meaning or symbolism. Names can make the bearer stand out from the crowd or build relationships and connections. Names can be a part of the bearer’s legacy and a source of pride. In fact, names are so important that having one is a protected right as seen in the African Union’s African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of a Child, and in our own Constitution.
So why then is it that 30 years after the dawning of constitutional democracy in South Africa, the instrument that made it all possible, the cornerstone of our democracy, the Constitution, is still being misnamed? As a law lecturer, I have seen too many times how the Constitution is still, to this day, referred to as “Act 108 of 1996.” I have seen this so often in undergraduate and postgraduate work and in the media and even at times in peer-reviewed academic articles, that it has become a sore point. One, I hope to remedy here.
The Constitution is not a normal, everyday Act of Parliament and so, naming it in the same fashion as a common Act is unacceptable. The Constitution was not created in the same manner as other pieces of legislation. It is founded on principles that include fundamental rights, negotiated first by the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), constituting a number of people who probably never in their wildest dreams thought that they would have to work together, and when these negotiations stalled, by the Multi-Party Negotiating Forum (MPNF). Once the Constitution had been drafted it was not adopted by Parliament but by the Constitutional Assembly, led by Roelf Meyer of the National Party (NP) and Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress (ANC) and after adoption thereof in May 1996, it was sent, not once but twice, to the Constitutional Court for certification.
The certification process started on 1 July 1996 in a court in Braampark, opposite the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein since the Constitutional Court building on Constitution Hill had not yet been built. During this process, members of the public could make submissions to the bench of legendary Justices, dressed in green robes, on whether the text before the court adhered to the 34 constitutional principles. Other issues were also brought before the court such as black economic empowerment, the right to life and the death penalty, discrimination based on sexual orientation, the termination of pregnancy, gun control, the legalisation of marijuana and pornography under the right to association which was also countered with submissions on the right not to associate. A Bill of Responsibilities to balance the Bill of Rights was even suggested.
After a long process, the first constitutional text went under consideration of the Constitutional Court in October 1996 and although the structural requirements were met, it was rejected. New hearings began on 18 November 1996 and on 4 December 1996, the amended constitutional text was certified. Only then, on 10 December 1996 in Sharpeville, a place haunted with tragedy, was it signed into law by President Nelson Mandela and did it come into effect on 4 February 1997.
The Constitution has also been, almost poetically, described in ways that no normal Act could be described: a bridge, a monument, a memorial, the birth certificate of a new South Africa and the mother of the South African democracy. Normal Acts do not stimulated discussions on equality phrased as that of the grapevine versus that of the graveyard. The interpretation and application of a normal Act also does, and did not inspire the construction of an architectural wonder of a court complex with dreamy design features such as treelike structures to symbolise an indaba or Nguni cow print judicial benches. What normal Act can be lauded worldwide as an example of the positive power of the law as a force for good in the same way as our Constitution?
If all this history, philosophy and art surrounding the Constitution is not convincing of the fact that it is not just “Act 108 of 1996,” perhaps hard law will. Section 2 of the Constitution itself establishes its place as our supreme law. And if this self-determination of the Constitution is not argument enough, keep in mind that an Act was enacted to specifically and expressly name the Constitution. The Citation of Constitutional Laws Act 5 of 2005 states in no uncertain terms that the Constitution has no Act number. Our Constitution is the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
The creation and consequences of the Constitution are epic and deserving of respect and reverence and yet, we have seen incredible disregard of the Constitution which is brought to unavoidably sharp attention as we celebrate 30 years of constitutional democracy in South Africa in 2024.
On a micro-level this disregard, in my mind at least and to the point of this writing, is seen in the chipping away of the grandeur and status of the Constitution by not correctly citing it and each time it is referred to as “Act 108 of 1996” is akin to a bully, taunting another person with cruel nicknames.
Meso-level contempt for the Constitution andour constitutional democracy has also become more prevalent over recent years. Some have stated that the Constitution is whitewashed and Western or alien. Although I do not agree with all of these points of contention, unfortunately, some of this criticism is justified as it cannot be denied that we have many problems in South Africa such as gender-based violence, extreme poverty and poor levels of socio-economic equality. Indeed, our 30-year-old democracy has seen its fair share of growing pains.
At a macro-level, South Africa and our democracy have seen disregard for the Constitution and all it stands for verging on violence against us, the people. This has taken place to such an extent that our democracy has been described as a failure. We have seen grave disregard for the Constitution in the outright flaunting of not only ignorance but downright breaking of the law by those in the highest positions of power. When a pillar of constitutional democracy as manifested in the Rule of Law is so easily swept aside, the other pillars will surely also crumble.
The situation seems dire and dark. Yet, it is not too late and we are still able to find our way back to the light. To do so, however, we must re-embrace our Constitution and establish a newfound respect for this living document, this text which has protected and guided us, and which has codified humaneness and kindness. Although this may still be a long, uphill walk I am sure that we can take the first small step, and do so by correctly referring to our Constitution, a Constitution by South Africans and for South Africans, a democratic Constitution, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.Publisher's versio
Doing fieldwork among hard-to-reach populations: an account of local female researchers studying foreign migrants in downtown Bloemfontein, South Africa
No full textFieldwork challenges involving hard-to-reach populations and with which many novice researchers grapple are apparent. However, literature on the issues related to female researchers’ experiences with hard-to-reach populations like undocumented foreign migrants is scarce. This article reflects on local female researchers’ fieldwork experiences during a study on the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign migrants operating informal businesses in the downtown area of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Our findings highlight unique challenges confronted by local female researchers compared to their male counterparts, including the risk of physical and emotional harm. Despite these challenges, female researchers play a vital role in accessing and understanding hard-to-reach populations, contributing immensely to the fieldwork research process. We also recognize the influence of contextual factors, such as xenophobia, on fieldwork dynamics, emphasizing the need to consider broader socio-political factors during fieldwork. To foster more inclusive research practices, we advocate for the involvement of members from hard-to-reach populations as integral members of the research team, offering their invaluable insider perspectives, knowledge and cultural milieu. Looking ahead, we call for greater support for women in research, including gender-sensitive training, and increased awareness of gender-based risks during fieldwork.Publisher's versio