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Variation in object marking of Biblical Hebrew verbs: a preliminary syntactic analysis
No full textBiblical Hebrew exhibits considerable variation in the syntax of how object/complements appear with verbs. For example, a writer could use a direct object without any additional particles or prepositions, a direct object marked with the particle ’et, or a direct object marked with a pronominal suffix, either on a verb or on the particle ’et. A writer could also mark indirect objects with prepositions, but prepositions may also introduce the direct objects of some verbs. Biblical Hebrew grammars have offered a variety of explanations for these various constructions, but there is little agreement on the terms of reference, syntactic pattern, or semantic purpose for the variation. Recent studies have allowed for advancements in this field of study, including Muraoka’s contribution to understanding verb complementation (1979), Khan’s work on the particle ’et (1984), Bekins’ extensive treatment of object marking within Biblical Hebrew from the perspective of differential object marking (2014), and Garr’s discussion of bound and free pronominal objects that serve as direct objects (2015). Differential object marking is a promising paradigm to process variation in how object/complements appear with Biblical Hebrew verbs. However, none of these studies has examined comprehensively from a linguistic viewpoint all the issues in the variation as described here; each study has focused only on specific lexical verbs, the particle ’et or the use of pronominal suffixes. In addition, there has not been a comprehensive linguistic examination of variation in how object/complements appear with verbs in a specific section of the Biblical Hebrew corpus. This study utilises linguistic theory, specifically generative grammar, linguistic typology, and complexity thinking, to analyse the syntax of how object/complements appear with verbs within the Torah (Pentateuch) of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Within this limited but extensive corpus, the study analyses a small set of roots within Biblical Hebrew that express variation in how the object/complement appears, namely, ’kl “to eat,” nkh “to strike,” škb “to lie down,” and šm‛ “to hear.” The study examines each root for patterns of variation in connection with crosslinguistic typologies of differential object marking, including uses of the root in varying conjugations. The linguistic analysis encompasses syntax, grammatical information, definiteness, word order, the textual source, and factors that influence information structure. The study examines asymmetric differential object marking, both for the object/complement without any particles or prepositions and the object/complement with the particle ’et and for the object/ complement pronominal suffix connected to a verb and the object/complement pronominal suffix connected to the particle ’et. It concludes that there is a direct correlation between high
information structure and the presence of the particle ’et on an object/complement. While the identifying elements of high information structure are different for pronominal suffixes, the correlation remains for both the object/complement and the object/complement pronominal suffix. The study also analyses symmetric differential object marking in Biblical Hebrew, noting the variation between the presence and absence of the preposition. It concludes that this variation is attributable to a combination of factors that are different for each root. Finally, this study analyses the Late Biblical Hebrew texts of Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah to compare the differential object marking in this corpus with the differential object marking of the Torah. A better understanding of the patterns and purposes for variation in how object/complements appear in Biblical Hebrew can provide important information across the spectrum of Hebrew studies. The connection to high information structure can allow for a more consistent and linguistically-grounded basis for discussions in Hebrew grammars of the variation with how object/complements appear. It also can provide biblical exegetes and translators with a means to interpret and translate complex texts, constructions, and idioms
Livelihood strategies of unemployed youth: the case of Cradock, Eastern Cape
No full textThe development of youth depends severely on employment and the employability of the youth
(Mlatsheni & Leibbrandt, 2011). Youth unemployment as a phenomenon has become normalized
in developing countries such as South Africa, where unemployment, poverty and inequality were
identified as the main socio-economic issues that deter development and economic growth (Masipa
& Jideani, 2014). The magnitude of unemployment and poverty is due to historical events such as
apartheid, which has led to the prevalence of high levels of inequality and poverty (Rodney, 1973).
Livelihoods within rural parts of South Africa have long been a topic of interest (Francis, 2002;
Masunungure & Shackleton, 2017; Hajdu, Neves & Granlund, 2020). Livelihoods are effective
systems that consist of the assets, both material and social resources and strategies (activities) used
to make a living, which does not only emphasize income and consumption, but it also emphasises
the means through which a living is secured (Shen, 2009). The Eastern Cape Planning Commission
(2014) states that unemployment is worse in rural areas, where most of the province’s population
resides. This study postulates that rural unemployment is inherited through historical events like
apartheid. A long tradition of inquiry and development initiatives have failed in addressing the
historical legacies of apartheid, poverty and inequality (Hajdu et al., 2020). Towns like Cradock,
which has an apartheid spatial distribution, are feeling the combined effects of reduced economic
growth and increasing youth unemployment (Eastern Cape Planning Commission, 2014
Analysis of tries scored during the 2018 and 2019 super rugby tournaments
No full textIntroduction: The last few years, the professional rugby union defensive system improved and lead to teams scoring fewer tries. The growth of professionalism in sport has aided this with many teams now having a performance analysis staff to support the coaching process. Part of their job is to analyse performances of their teams and conduct analysis on opposition teams to then share this information with the management and support team. Analysing and understanding the performance indicators pertaining to tries can assist coaching staff with information to develop and rethink attacking strategies. Aim of the study: The primary aim of the study is to analyse the try scoring profile of the 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby competition. Methods: The current study included all the Super Rugby matches that was played during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Video footage of all Super Rugby matches were supplied by the South African Rugby Union technical department. All videos was then analysed according to set performance indicators using Nacsport Scout+ video analysis software. All data was captured using data Microsoft Excel software. Results: The current study revealed that tries were responsible for most of the modes of scoring and points for both the 2018 and 2019 rugby seasons. The results indicated that during 2018 the percentage points contribution of tries was 65% (4,570 out of 7,069) and during 2019 it was 46% (811 out of 1,779). When looking at zonal locations where the tries orginated from the results revealed that 75% of the tries for the 2018 and 2019 seasons originated from the attacking half of the field (Zone A & B) and 64% Channel 1. Lineouts were the set piece origin for 37% and 39% of the tries for 2018 and 2019. Turnovers won were the general play origin for 22% of the tries for both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Conclusions: In summary, tries were scored originating from all over the field, but more tries were scored in Zone A and B. Tries originated from several different possession platforms, where set pieces: lineouts and general play: turnovers won were the main ones platforms in both 2018 and 2019 seasons. Fundamentally, coaches and specialist attacking coaches will be able to use these try scoring profiles to improve technical and tactical skills and develop a framework to plan and execute effective plays and tactics in training to score more tries and concede less tries in matches. The results found in this study can be used to guide further research around this topip. Future studies should compare the findings with that of other professional rugby tournaments for the example the United Rugby Championships, Top14 and the newly formed Super Rugby tournament. Lastly, research should focus on the try scoring profile in women’s rugby to see if similar trends are evident
Accuracy of patient-specific dosimetry using hybrid planar-SPECT/CT imaging: a Monte Carlo study
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Medical Physics))--University of the Free State, 2021Introduction: Theragnostics is a precision medical discipline aiming to individualise patient targeted treatment. It aims at treating cancer by the systemic administration of a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical, which targets specific cells based on the labelling molecule. With the renewed interest in radiopharmaceutical therapy, the importance of accurate image quantification using iodine-123 (I-123) and iodine-131 (I-131), for dosimetry purposes, has been re-emphasised. Monte Carlo (MC) modelling techniques have been used extensively in Nuclear Medicine (NM), playing an essential role in modelling gamma cameras for the assessment of activity quantification accuracy, which is vital for accurate dosimetry. This thesis aimed to assess the accuracy of patient-specific I-131 dosimetry using hybrid whole-body (WB) planar-SPECT/CT imaging. The study was based on MC simulations of voxel-based digital phantoms, using the SIMIND MC code emulating the Siemens SymbiaTM T16 gamma camera. To achieve the aim, the thesis was divided into four objectives, (i) validating the accuracy of an energy resolution (ER) model, (ii) verifying the SIMIND setup for simulation of static, WB planar and SPECT images for I-123 with a low energy high resolution (LEHR) and a medium energy (ME) collimator and for I-131 with a high energy (HE) collimator, (iii) evaluating SPECT quantification accuracy for the three radionuclide- collimator combinations and (iv) assessing the accuracy of I-131 absorbed dose calculations for tumours and organs at risk, based on hybrid WB planar-SPECT/CT imaging. Methodology: The proposed ER model was fit to measured ER values (between 27.0 and 637.0 keV) as a function of photon energy. Measured and simulated energy spectra (in-air, in-scatter and a voxel-based digital patient phantom) were compared. The SIMIND setup was validated by comparing measured and simulated static and WB planar (extrinsic energy spectra, system sensitivity and system spatial resolution in-air and in-scatter), as well as SPECT (simple geometry sensitivity) results. Quantification accuracy was assessed in voxel- based digital simple and patient phantoms, using optimised OS-EM iterative reconstruction updates, calibration factor and recovery curves. Finally, using the true and quantitative activity data from I-123 and I-131 voxel-based digital patient phantoms, full MC radiation transport was performed, to determine the accuracy of the absorbed dose for I-131-mIBG radiopharmaceutical therapy. Results: The fitted ER model better simulated the energy response of the gamma camera, especially for high energy photopeaks, (I-123: 528.9 keV and I-131: 636.9 keV). The measured and simulated system energy spectra (differences ≤ 4.6 keV), system sensitivity (differences ≤ 6.9%), system spatial resolution (differences ≤ 6.4%) and SPECT validation results (difference ≤ 3.6%) compared well. Quantification errors less than 6.0% were obtained when appropriate corrections were applied. I-123 LEHR and I-123 ME quantification accuracies compared well (when corrections for septal scatter and penetration are applied), which can be useful in departments that perform I-123 studies and may not have access to ME collimators. Average I-131 absorbed doses of 2.0 ± 0.4 mGy/MBq (liver), 20.1 ± 4.0 mGy/MBq (3.0 cm tumour) and 22.6 ± 4.2 mGy/MBq (5.0 cm tumour) were obtained in simulated patient studies. When using a novel method of replacing the reconstructed activity distribution with a uniform activity distribution, eliminating the Gibbs artefact, the dosimetry accuracy was within 10.5%. Conclusion: Using the proposed fitted ER model, SIMIND could be used to accurately simulate static and WB planar and SPECT projection images of the Siemens SymbiaTM T16 SPECT/CT for both I-123 and I-131 with their respective collimators. Accurate quantification resulted in absorbed dose accuracies within 10.5%. The hybrid WB planar-SPECT/CT dosimetry method proved effective for personalised treatment planning of I-131 radiopharmaceutical therapy, with either I-123 or I-131 diagnostic imaging
Developing a breeding strategy for butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) in South Africa
No full textKnowledge about inheritance mechanisms of economically important traits and the influence of environmental factors on their expression are crucial for the formulation of an appropriate breeding strategy in any crop. Currently limited information is available on this subject in butternut and even more so with regard to internal fruit quality characteristics. The aim of this study was to design an effective breeding approach to improve butternut internal fruit quality, without sacrificing yield. The aim was extended with the objectives to quantify phenotypic and genotypic variability in 42 genotypes for characteristics across environments and confirm stability in high-performing individuals, and to identify characteristics showing the greatest potential for improvement through estimating the genetic parameters and interrelations between these characteristics. From heterosis studies, it could be confirmed which characteristics should be improved through hybridisation. From the combined analysis of variance on 15 morpho-agronomic and internal fruit quality characteristics over three locations and two seasons, highly significant differences (p≤0.001) were observed between genotypes for all traits including leaf chlorophyll content (CHL), green-red (Leaf a*) and yellow-blue colour contribution in the leaf canopy (Leaf b*), leaf width (LW), petiole length (PL), average fruit mass (AFM), dry matter yield (DMY), fruit number (FN), uniformity, yield, total soluble solids (TSS), dry matter content (DMC), green-red colour contribution in the fruit mesocarp (Fruit a*), internal fruit breakdown (IBD) and penetrometer readings as an indication of mesocarp firmness (PEN). With the exception of CHL and LW, all characteristics displayed significant mean square differences for genotype x location x season interactions, suggesting differential ranking of genotypes across environments. Phenotypic variability attributed to genetic variation ranged from 14% to 33% in plant morphological characteristics, 16% to 62% in yield and yield-dependent traits and 50% to 67% in fruit quality characteristics, supporting the existence of immense inherent variability within the population. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analyses across six environments indicated internal fruit quality characteristics to be more stable across environments than AFM, FN and yield. None of the genotypes was stable for all characteristics. Based on stability and performance, G11 and G13 were identified as the most desirable genotypes for the processing and small-fruited market segments respectively. Similarly, both G16 and G17 were most desirable for the fresh market segment. Based on the genetic components estimated using 27 F1 genotypes, AFM, FN, TSS, DMC, Fruit a* and PEN were observed to be under additive genetic control, implying selection in early generations would be effective for their improvement. In contrast, heterosis breeding could be more effective for the improvement of Leaf a*, DMY, uniformity and yield. Moderately high broad-sense heritability with lower genetic gain as a percentage of the mean was recorded for CHL, Leaf b*, LW, PL and IBD, suggesting additive genetic control although the environment plays a larger role in the expression of the phenotypes. A strong negative association was observed between AFM and FN as well as a strong positive correlation between DMC and TSS. CHL had moderate correlations with AFM and FN. Weak negative correlations were also estimated between yield and internal fruit quality characteristics and more specifically TSS, DMC and Fruit a*. Findings from the line x tester analysis, involving four lines and four testers, showed none of the parents to be consistently good general combiners for all characteristics. Leaf a*, Leaf b*, FN, TSS, DMC and PEN revealed nonsignificant line x tester interaction mean squares. LW, PL, AFM, Fruit a* and IBD were found to be predominantly under additive genetic control. CHL, DMY, uniformity and yield were demonstrated to be mostly under non-additive genetic control. Significant mid-parent heterosis was estimated for all characteristics with heterosis percentages above 45% for AFM, DMY, FN and yield. Using the current germplasm collection, the most feasible strategy for the improvement of butternut genotypes would be through selection in early segregating generations. For yield, uniformity and DMY more desirable results will be achieved through heterosis breeding. Focussing on yield, FN and AFM, in combination with DMC and TSS, will be the most effective approach to develop high-performing, stable and desirable hybrids
Misuse of Religious titles by self-proclaimed spiritual leaders: Prophets, apostles, and popes in South Africa
No full textIn the world of religions, different religious officials are given different titles. Christianity as a religion in the world and in South Africa particularly, has been severely attacked by self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who perform false miracles and abuse titles that have been respected by traditional mainstream churches for decades. These self-appointed spiritual leaders make utilization of these titles either through self-propagating or by accepting them when utilized upon them by their followers. This paper argues that self-appointed spiritual leaders' mere use of these revered religious titles cannot be justified within Christianity's framework. This paper offers a closer look at the literature regarding the use of religious titles such as Prophet, Apostle, and Pope. These religious titles remain very respectable within the Christian religion and are used to honour the role played by both biblical and contemporary Christian leaders. This paper makes three arguments; First, the age of the prophets was washed away by God's written Word in the Holy Bible, so those given this title should be pressed to prove the truthfulness of their prophecies beyond doubt. Second, apostles were those who were eye and ear witnesses to the teachings and resurrection of Jesus. Contemporary apostles must be compelled to defend their apostleship, as is the case in 2 Corinthians 11.Lastly, the title of Pope is traditionally bestowed upon the Catholic Bishop of Rome, the head bishop of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and other leaders of traditional ecclesial communities. In its entirety, this paper deals with the scientifically neglected aspect within the larger question of the regulation of religions in South Africa.Publisher's versio
Development and application of molecular assays for mosquito-borne alphaviruses in South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Sc. (Medical Microbiology and Virology))--University of the Free State, 2021Surveillance of mosquito-borne alphaviruses is critical for the prevention of diseases and the control of outbreaks caused by these viruses, especially with the absence of approved vaccines and antiviral treatments available. Hence, the continual development of rapid and reliable tools for the surveillance of alphaviruses is important. This will aid in the understanding of which viruses are currently circulating with the potential to cause outbreaks. Molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), particularly conventional and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are typically employed in epidemiological surveys. In this study, a conventional nested RT-PCR assay was developed to detect alphaviruses in South Africa. In addition, an isothermal amplification technique, specifically a RT-helicase dependent amplification (HDA) assay, which only requires a simple heating device, for instance a heating block, and lateral flow dipsticks/ cassettes for end point detection, was developed to detect alphaviruses currently circulating in South Africa, as an alternative to the RT-PCR assay for application in low resource settings or for field application. The conventional nested RT-PCR assay was able to detect ≥620 copies of RNA compared to the RT-HDA assay which had a minimum limit of detection of 4.8 x 105 copies of RNA. Both assays were tested for theoretical cross-reactivity with other alphaviruses, which include Sindbis virus (SINV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) isolates from other regions and genotypes, and isolates from alphaviruses such as Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Mayaro virus (MAYV), eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) that are endemic to other parts of world. Alignment of the primers with the sequences of these isolates shows that both assays in theory would be able to detect SINV isolates from northern Europe, taking into account the transcontinental transmission of the virus between South Africa and northern Europe by migratory birds. The conventional nested RT-PCR assay may be able to detect most alphaviruses due to minimal mismatches (0 – 1) detected between the primers and the partial nsP4 sequences of the alphavirus isolates, while the RT-HDA assay may not be well suited to detect other alphaviruses due to the many mismatches (>4) detected between the primers and the partial nsP4 sequences of the alphavirus isolates. Nevertheless, this shows that the RT-HDA is theoretically more specific that the conventional nested RT-PCR assay. The RT-HDA however failed to detect any alphaviruses in the 42 mosquito pools tested, which was not unexpected as the assay could only detect up to 4.8 x 105 copies of RNA. In contrast, the conventional nested RT-PCR assay was able to detect alphaviral RNA in five out of the 42 mosquito pools tested, and the nucleotide sequences were determined to identify the alphavirus species. SINV RNA was detected in three mosquito pools and Middelburg virus (MIDV) was detected in two pools. Phylogenetic analysis was subsequently performed to determine the genetic relationship of these isolates from the Free State with previously published/ reported SINV and MIDV isolates in South Africa, Africa, and around the world. The conventional nested RT-PCR assay developed in this study has shown to be a useful surveillance tool for the detection of mosquito-borne alphavirus infections. Given the low sensitivity determined for the RT-HDA assay, improvements, or alternative rapid and fieldable NAATs should be considered in the future for alphavirus surveillance applications in low resource settings.National Research Foundation (NRF)Department of Science and Technology (DST)South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI)Poliomyelitis Research Foundatio
Lung perfusion findings on perfusion SPEC T/CT imaging in non-hospitalized deisolated patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection
No full textBackground:
The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the incidence and type of lung perfusion abnormalities in non-hospitalized patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection after de-isolation. Data from 56 non-hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection referred to our nuclear medicine department from July–December 2020 for a perfusion only SPECT/CT study or a ventilation perfusion SPECT/CT study were collected. Images were assessed for the presence and type of perfusion defects. The CT component of the study was also assessed for the presence of mosaic attenuation and COVID pneumonia changes.
Results:
Thirty-two (57.1%) cases had perfusion defects. There were 20 (35.7%) cases with defects in keeping with pulmonary embolism, 17 (30.4%) cases with defects associated with mosaic attenuation but not due to pulmonary embolism, and 6 (10.7%) of cases with defects due to pulmonary infiltrates from COVID pneumonia. A total of 24 (42.9%) cases had mosaic attenuation on CT, with 10 (17.9%) of them showing a pattern likely consistent with shunting on the perfusion images.
Conclusion:
Lung perfusion abnormalities are a common finding in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients with mild disease. They are usually either due to pulmonary embolism, parenchymal infiltrates, or other causes of mosaic attenuation related to, but not specific to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. The value of VQ SPECT/CT imaging is also shown in this study, in detecting and differentiating the various types of perfusion abnormalities.Publisher's versio
Emotional intelligence, adjustment, media and technology usage, and sex as predictors of psychological well-being amongst undergraduate university students
No full textDissertation (M.Soc.Sc.(Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2021Abstract not availabl
Infective endocarditis in central South Africa in the HIV era- a surgical perspective
No full textDissertation (M.Med.(Cardiothoracic Surgery))--University of the Free State, 2021Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains an evolving disease with a persistently high mortality and morbidity. In Africa, it is predominantly a disease of the young in contrast to the developed world. South Africa represents a very high prevalence of HIV at 21.67% of global HIV infections. Other factors in South Africa include the high prevalence of rheumatic valvular heart disease, low socio-economic status and poverty makes the patient population completely different from the developed world. The primary aim was to determine the influence of HIV infection on infective endocarditis patients in central South Africa. The secondary aim was to compare the HIV positive patients and HIV negative patients in the context of this disease. Objectives: To determine the demographics, presentation, indication for surgery, microorganisms, and outcomes of HIV positive versus HIV negative patients presenting with Infective endocarditis. Methods: Retrospective, analytical cohort study that reviewed the records of adult patients who were tested for HIV and treated surgically for infective endocarditis between 2009 to 2019. Data was compared between the two groups using chi-square or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Median and interquartile ranges were used for continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: From the 141 IE patients who underwent surgery for IE, 105 patients were tested for HIV, 31% (n=33) tested positive. The mean age for both groups was comparable 38.87 versus 39.51 years. Eighty-eight percent (n=29) of positive patients were on HAART. In both groups, there was a male preponderance, 55% vs 46% and 56% vs 44% respectively. The majority of HIV positive (91%) and negative patients (71%) were of African descent, more than 50% of both groups presented with NYHA III&IV, both groups had a medium-high risk of developing IE (HIV (+) 72%; HIV (-) 62%). Prevention of embolization was the main indication for surgery in HIV (+) group and heart failure in the negative group. In both groups a greater proportion of patients had left sided native valve endocarditis 95% and RHD was predominantly the underlying pathology 60%, requiring mechanical prostheses mainly in the mitral 46% and aortic 33% position. Right sided endocarditis represents <5% and only 2 out 105 patients confirmed IVDA’s, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus dominated cultured organisms with staphylococcus species being more frequent, culture negative endocarditis remains high in both groups, with 47% HIV (-) group vs 33%. Morbidity was limited in both groups 12% vs 11% with no major difference. The overall mortality was higher in the HIV (+) group (39% vs 34%); however, the in-hospital mortality was higher in the HIV (-) group (17% vs 12%). Conclusion: Infective endocarditis remains a deadly disease with high short- and long-term mortality. HIV infection has minimal to no impact on perioperative and in- hospital morbidity and mortality, left heart endocarditis is the dominant disease within the HIV patients due to the rheumatic valvular heart disease as opposed to right heart endocarditis. The high prevalence of culture negative endocarditis warrants further investigation. Given the low number of patients in this cohort study, further prospective studies need to be conducted to establish a statistical significance between the HIV (+) and (-) groups