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Climate change and potential impacts on birth outcome: A correlational study in Musina Hospital at Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textM.CurDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceIntroduction: Climate change continues to pose a life-threatening risk to human health, particularly affecting pregnant mothers and the elderly. As a result, these groups are experiencing heightened harm. Climate change impacts both foetal and maternal health, leading to complications such as prematurity, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal jaundice, and hearing loss. On the maternal side, climate change contributes to pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. These are some of the complications that many studies dwell on regarding climate change and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.
Objectives: To determine climate change and its potential impact on birth outcomes in Musina Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, and to investigate the seasonal temperature changes and birth weight of infants.
Methods: Data were collected on patient medical records from 2019 to 2022 in the Musina Hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, using a checklist book to tick all information related to the study.
Results
Article 1: The study revealed that climate change significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes. Ambient temperature exposure was found to be associated with adverse pregnancy effects such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and stillborn. However, on the maternal side, pregnant mothers were found to be affected by various conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, pré-eclampsia, and eclampsia. Neonates experience neonatal jaundice, cardiovascular diseases, developmental problems, hearing loss, etc.
Article 2: The study revealed a negative correlation with successive years. Throughout successive years, the results showed that the majority of mothers are suffering from pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to other maternal conditions. On the neonatal side, the high premature rate was noted compared to other neonatal conditions.
Article 3: The results show a negative and positive correlation between ambient seasonal temperature and birth weight. Birth weight was less affected in milder temperatures compared to harsher temperatures. Seasonal ambient temperature
showed an impact on pregnant women and the weight of their babies growing inside the uterus.
Recommendations and Conclusion: An awareness campaign should be launched that gathers all community members and educates them about the health risks associated with ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should ensure that every healthcare facility has cooling resilience, such as air conditioners and fans. The Department of Health should ensure that expectant mothers receive education on the risks of high ambient temperatures on pregnancy outcomes and the strategies to mitigate these risks.
Climate change puts pregnant women at risk of experiencing heat-related illness, which in turn affects their pregnancy and unborn babies. Strategies that mitigate high temperature exposure will help the next generation of expectant mothers to carry their pregnancies to term without facing any complications
Probing the Liability of Company Directors Against Claims by Shareholders Under Section 218(2) of the Companies Act 71 Of 2008
No full textM.A. (Company Law)The principle of separate legal personality is fundamental in company law, facilitating the formation of companies, the appointment of directors, and capital raising. Directors, as outlined in section 66 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, are central to a company and responsible for financial decisions. Consequently, they owe fiduciary duties and a duty of care to the company rather than directly to shareholders. However, section 218(2) introduces a remedy allowing any interested party, including shareholders, to hold directors liable for losses due to breaches of the Act. This provision's implications are heightened by section 22(1), which prohibits reckless trading by directors. While it does not explicitly target directors, it allows for their personal liability when the company operates carelessly or recklessly. The statutory restriction against reckless trading, coupled with a solvency and liquidity test in section 4, emphasises directors' responsibilities towards shareholders. This test mandates that directors ensure the company can meet its debts as they arise and remain solvent. The question then arises whether section 218(2) offers an effective remedy for shareholders to hold directors accountable for fiduciary breaches. This study employed a doctrinal approach to analyse the scope of section 218(2), examining directors' liability and shareholder protection. It concludes that while section 218(2) presents a new remedy, its enforceability is hampered by interpretive challenges and policy considerations. Thus, existing remedies like derivative actions may be more effective for holding directors personally liable for breaches of fiduciary duties
Synthesis, Characterization and Corrosion Inhibition Investigation of substituted triazines on aluminium and mild steel in 1M HCl: Experimental and Theoretical approach
No full textMNPDPCDepartment of ChemistryCorrosion is the natural process through which refined metals are gradually converted to more chemically stable forms such as oxides, hydroxides, or sulphides. This process occurs because metals tend to return to their natural states. Proper selection and use of corrosion inhibitors can greatly extend the lifespan of metal components and reduce maintenance costs. This current study investigates the synthesized substituted triazines, namely 4,6-dichloro-2-morpholine-1,3,5-triazine (DMT), 4.6-dichloro-2-anilino-1,3,5-triazine (DPT), and 4,6-dichloro-N-methylanilino-1,3,5-triazine (DNT) as corrosion inhibitor on aluminium (Al) and mild steel (MS) in 1M hydrochloric acid (HCl). The substituted triazines were successfully synthesized and characterized using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on the DMT, DPT, and DNT inhibitors to determine the degradation temperature. It was observed that the mass loss of DMT, DPT, and DNT begins when the temperature reaches 85.91˚C, 181.007˚C, and 253.82˚C, respectively. Their anti-corrosive effect on Al and MS in 1M HCl was studied at a lower temperature using gravimetric analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curve (PDP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and density functional theory approach (DFT). The weight loss measurement was carried out at different temperatures (303 to 323 K) and concentrations from 0.001M to 0.005M of the DMT, DPT, and DNT. The results obtained from the weight loss analysis revealed that the %IE of all the inhibitors is directly proportional to concentration on Al and MS. The highest inhibition efficiency of DMT, DPT, and DNT was observed at a concentration of 0.005M. On Al surface, the %IE of DMT and DPT decreased with increasing temperature, reaching 83.02% and 82.39% at 303 K, respectively. In contrast, DNT showed improved performance with rising temperature, achieving a maximum %IE of 95.02% at 313 K, making it the most effective inhibitor for Al under these conditions. On the MS surface, all three inhibitors exhibited a decrease in %IE with increasing temperature, with values of 93.87% (DMT), 90.20% (DPT), and 87.95% (DNT) at 303 K. The inhibitor adsorption on the Al and MS surface for all the inhibitors obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption isotherm indicates the reaction is spontaneous, and inhibitor molecules adsorb onto Al and MS surface through weak force (Physisorption) and chemical bond (Chemisorption).
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Based on EIS results, the Al impedance spectra consist of capacitive loops at a higher frequency and inductive loops at a lower frequency. In contrast, MS consists of a high-frequency capacitive loop. The capacitive loops represent the charge transfer resistance of the corrosion process and double layer. The inductive loops are attributed to the relaxation process in the oxide film covered on the metal surface. The PDP results revealed an increase in Ecorr (a less negative value) was observed with a sustained rise in the DMT, DPT, and DNT concentration. For Al, all inhibitors are either anodic or cathodic inhibitors according to changes in Ecorr and mild steel PDP, revealed that all the inhibitors are mixed typer inhibitors, implying that DMT, DPT, and DNT interfere with both the dissolution of the metal (anodic reaction) and the reduction of oxygen (cathodic reaction). The SEM/EDX confirms that DMT, DPT, and DNT inhibitors formed a protective film on the Al and MS surfaces, protecting them from a corrosive environment. From a water contact angle, the hydrophobicity of the Al and MS surfaces is enhanced in the presence of DMT, DPT, and DNT. The effect of graphene oxide (GO) into DMT, DPT, and DNT inhibitor in 1M HCl solution on MS as corrosion inhibitor was done using EIS and PDP. The modification of GO indicates an increase in the diameter of the Nyquist plot semi-circle and a shift in Ecorr to more negative on the Tafel plot. DFT using the perdew-burke-ernzehof (PBE) in the DMol3 program was used to perform inhibitorAl interactions to estimate the binding energies of the inhibitors on the Al(111) surface. The calculated binding energies value indicates that all inhibitor molecules physically bind on the Al(111) metal surface. For MS, the Perdew–Wang exchange (PW91) was used to perform inhibitorFe interaction. The binding energy calculation values indicate that all inhibitor molecules are chemically adsorbed onto the Fe(100) surface.National Research Foundation (NRF
Family and Nation in Crises: Female characters in Selected Recent South African Novels
No full textM.A. in English LiteratureDepartment of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsStudies have shown that representations of young women are articulated through masculine perceptions, especially in recent South African novels. This is evident in
many South African literary texts where black female characters are dependent on the writer’s knowledge and views about black women. As a result, many scholars have grappled with the phenomenon of black female representation where authors represent female characters in a biased manner. These representations are contested by many female writers with the call for balanced representations in literary texts. As a result, several female writers have taken to writing fiction in order to address these stereotypes in representation. The urge for balanced representation is an important aspect of novels by female black South African writers. This study examines representations of black female characters by three black female South African writers. The selected novels provide readers with insights into the contested representations of female characters as these intersect with the recent post-apartheid South African moment. The selected novels are Kopano Matlwa’s Coconut (2009) & Period Pain (2017), Angela Makholwa's Blessed Girl (2017) and Cynthia Jele’s The Ones with Purpose (2018)
Performance assessment of rural water supply system: A case study of Matatani Village, Musina Local Municipality, South Africa
No full textESMMESDepartment of Earth SciencesAssessment of the performance of a water supply system is essential to ensure its effectiveness in supplying water to households. The study assessed the performance of rural water supply system using Matatani Village as a case study. Field observations were conducted to identify existing water supply sources. These were mapped in Quantum Geographical Information Systems to determine the spatial distribution of the water sources and their proximity to households. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather community perceptions of the water supply system. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyse questionnaire survey data. Water quality sampling was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024, covering both dry and wet seasons. Sampling locations included Borehole 1 (BH1), Borehole 2 (BH2), River Upstream (RU), River Downstream (RD), the Municipal Tap (MT), and Spring water. Water samples were analysed for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Extech EC500 Pocket Meter and Extech TB400 Turbidity Meter were used to measure physical parameters. Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and DR3900 Spectrophotometer were used to analyse metals and non-metals ions, respectively. Metals and non-metals which were analysed include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), sulphate (SO4), chlorine (Cl), phosphate (PO4) and fluoride (F). Microbiological parameters including Escherichia coliform (E. coli) and total coliform were analysed using membrane filtration method. Groundwater yield and water requirements were estimated for the months of December 2023 to May 2024. These were compared to the estimated water requirements at basic, intermediate and optimal service levels. Key performance indicators on reliability and accessibility were compared to benchmarks to assess the performance status of the water supply system. The socioeconomic profile of Matatani Village is dominated by young population, with 31.4% aged 18–29 years. The high proportion of youth suggests that water demand and usage patterns are influenced by an active population engaged in both domestic and economic activities. Matatani Village faces economic vulnerabilities, with 68.6% of the population relying on grants and a high unemployment rate, with 75.7% of the population unemployed. The high unemployment status indicates significant economic hardship, which can limit the community’s ability to contribute financially to water system maintenance. The findings from field observations and a questionnaire survey indicated that the community relies on diverse sources, including rivers, springs, boreholes, communal taps, rainwater, and municipal water tankers. BH3 and BH4 are non-functional, while BH1 remains operational but is situated far from the households, making access challenging for residents. BH2 was initially designed to support both Mbodi and Matatani residents, but supplying water consistently to Matatani Village has proven challenging. The Mutale River and springs are vulnerable to contamination, while water from municipal taps is infrequently available. The results indicated that only 15.7% of households use 1400 liters per household per week. About 37.1% use between 350–700 liters, 24.3% access 175–350 liters, and 7.1% receive less than 175 liters per week, all of which were below the benchmark of 1500 liters per household per week. The residents of Matatani face challenges in accessing water from their preferred main source. The travelling distances to BH1 varied from 536 m to 1.73 km while the river varied from 3.80 km to 6.56 km to households and were above the benchmark of 100 m. Majority of the respondents (81.4%) experience frequent water supply disruptions indicating poor reliability of the water sources. Groundwater yields varied from 61714.29 to 77142.86 L/d and were adequate to meet the water requirements of 7000, 14000 and 28000 L/d for basic, intermediate and optimal access levels. While most physical water quality parameters complied with water quality guidelines, turbidity for groundwater from BH1 did not meet the compliance standard. Most of the microbial and chemical parameters did not meet the compliance standards for water quality guidelines. Some of the microbial and chemical water quality parameters that exceeded the guidelines include E. coli, total coliform, Al, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd and Fe in all water sources. Failure to comply with water quality guidelines for chemical and microbial water quality parameters compromised the safety of the water for domestic use. Although half of the population perceive community engagement in water supply management as beneficial, only 1.4% actively participate in paying for these services, which may affect the sustainability of the water supply system. The performance assessment of the Matatani Village water supply system highlighted challenges related to accessibility and reliability, thereby limiting its effectiveness in meeting community needs resulting in poor performance. The study recommends implementation of improved water distribution systems and rehabilitation of BH3, which will increase the water supply and alleviate pressure on other sources. Strengthening community participation through new water management committees and training programs is also recommended for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system
Strategies to promote safety of staff members in a selected Forenscic Psychiatric Ward, Limpopo Province
No full textPhD (in Nursing)Department of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground: Staff members in Forensic Psychiatric Wards (FPW) around the world are faced with serious risk of physical injuries, psychological and emotional harm inflicted by Mental Health Care Users (MHCU) during their call of duty. The risk of working in these units are experienced on daily basis to an extent that even death can occur. Efforts have been implemented to minimize these risks, but violence continue to occur. In developed countries, body worn cameras have been used but this did not reduce the occurrences of incidences. Staff members of different categories remain unsafe in the FPW. Objectives: To develop strategies to promote safety of staff members in a selected Forensic Psychiatric ward in Limpopo Province. Method: The study was conducted in the selected FPW of a specialized hospital. An explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed in a qualitative manner. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one of the study consisted of exploration of the experiences of staff members regarding their safety and the kind of security measures that can be developed to promote their safety. In phase two the strategies were developed and validated. Data collection: The data collection process was piloted using two staff members who met the inclusion requirement but were not part of the study. Techs’ eight steps of analysis were applied as the data analysis method. Results: Seven main themes emerged from the analyzed data that is: MHCUs are aggressive, MHCUs’ behavior, environmental factors, effective teamwork, criminal history of patients, insufficient resources and support needed by staff members. Conclusion: More studies can be conducted in future to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the developed strategies from this study.
Ethics approval was granted by the Higher Degrees Committee of the University of Venda
Students academic performance of the bridging mathematics modules at a rural university
No full textD. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)Department of Professional and Curriculum StudiesMany degrees at the university require a pass in Grade 12 Mathematics as part of their entry requirements. Due to low achievement in Grade 12 Mathematics, students are compelled to start by bridging Mathematics at the university level, which provides a pathway to qualify for specific study programmes and work toward their ideal careers. The study aimed to explore factors that influence students’ academic performance in Mathematics bridging modules. This research utilized a qualitative design and was guided by interpretivist ideology. The study's population consisted of all students, lecturers, and heads of departments involved in the two bridging Mathematics modules. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants for the study. A purposive sample of six students (three from each bridging module), two lecturers (one from each bridging module), two heads of departments (one from each bridging module), and two focus groups (one from each group) was used in this study. Data were collected through individual face-to-face and focus group interviews, as well as classroom observations, and were analysed thematically. Time management, attitudes, overcrowding, group work, workload, timetable clashes, and unstable venues were found to influence students’ academic performance. The study recommended strategies that can be used to improve bridging mathematics modules academic performance, such as bridging the modules that students have failed only, dividing large groups into two or three groups, and a change of module contents.University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG
Identification and characterization of enterobacter species causing decay of onions and their antimicrobial susceptibility
Full text linkMSC in MicrobiologyDepartment of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Plants are susceptible to a range of health problems, and onions are no exception. While onions are relatively resilient, they are not immune to diseases and pathogens. Onions that are packed before being fully dried are prone to rapid decay. Research has shown that water can facilitate the transmission of pathogens and contribute to microbial contamination of fresh produce, including Salmonella and E. coli. Salmonella can enter the soil through agricultural practices such as pesticide application, the use of fertilizers derived from animal manure, and irrigation with contaminated water. Since irrigation water can come from various sources—such as municipal supplies, treated wastewater, rivers, or groundwater—farmers are advised to safeguard their water sources to reduce the risk of contamination.
Objective: To identify and characterize Enterobacter species causing decay of bulb onions and their antimicrobial susceptibility.
Methods: This study was carried out in the Vhembe district in the Limpopo province. The focus was on farms in various municipalities, including both commercial and subsistence farms, as well as the rivers surrounding these farms. Water, soil, and onion samples were collected. The presence of total coliform and E. coli was determined using the Colilert Quanti tray method. Collected samples were further analyzed for Enterobacteriaceae using membrane filtration and culture-based methods. Biochemical tests (Vitek-2-system) were used to identify and confirm the isolates. E. coli pathotypes were characterized using multiplex PCR. The characterization of strains from Enterobacter species was done using Sanger Sequencing.
Results: Measured temperatures ranged from 19.8°C to 25°C, with Farm 2 showing slightly elevated values. Electrical conductivity (EC) values were within acceptable limits (<540 μS/cm) across all farms, though Farm 3 exhibited higher total dissolved solids (TDS) levels, reaching up to 450 mg/L. The pH values across farms ranged from 5.0 to 6.4, lower than the recommended 6.5–8.5 for agricultural water. Elevated TDS and acidic pH in Farm 3 was observed. High levels of total coliforms (up to 2419.6 MPN/100 mL) and the presence of E. coli were detected in water and onion samples, particularly from Farms 2 and 3. PCR analysis identified multiple E. coli pathotypes, including EPEC, ETEC, EAEC, and EIEC, with greater diversity in Farms 2 and 3. Membrane filtration and culture methods confirmed the presence of gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in most samples. Pathogens such as Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated and confirmed with the Vitek 2 system. Enterobacter cloacae was consistently detected in onion samples, Antimicrobial Resistance: Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance among Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance to ampicillin, colistin was noted. Most of the strains identified as Enterobacter cloacae by phenotypic methods were identified as Enterobacter Ludwigii.
These findings highlight the potential risks of waterborne pathogen transmission and the need for stringent water treatment and management practices to safeguard agricultural and public health
Enhancing learners performance in Geographic Information System: a case study of selected schools in Sekhukhune East District
No full textD. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)Department of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThe learners’ failure rate in Further Education and Training is attributed to different factors, including but not limited to the introduction of the Geographical Information System, changes in assessment, redeployment of teachers, and insufficient knowledge of the content by teachers. The purpose of the study was to explore the strategies to enhance the learners’ performance in the Geographical Information System in the Further Education and Training Phase in Sekhukhune East District. The study adopted an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative research design using case studies, and data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The population of the study included all learners, Geography curriculum advisors, and all teachers of Geography in Sekhukhune East District. A purposive sample, which consisted of 15 respondents, namely, three curriculum advisors, six learners doing Geography and six Geography teachers, was used. The study adopted qualitative research methods and case study research design. The findings indicated how a particular strategy impacts learners’ performance, such as The Dinaledi Project, incubation, twinning of schools, training teachers on using ICT to enhance GIS lessons, and workshops and seminars for Geography subject advisors and teachers on GIS teaching. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommends that the Department of Basic Education and its stakeholders should collaborate with the private sector so that schools can benefit from GIS data and GIS awareness campaigns and access data easily. Schools should also purchase GIS-compliant Learner Teacher Support Materials to provide guidance and explain GIS easily
Dikosa tsa Sepedi versus Dikosa tsa Zion Christian Church: A Comparative Study
No full textM.A. in Arts and Social SciencesDepartment of Arts and Social SciencesThis comparative study investigates the functions, similarities, and differences between dikoša tša Sepedi and Sione's religious attachments, originating from a typical music genre. The emergence of African Initiated Churches gave refuge to the traditional black African who was discouraged by Western civilisation from worshipping God in his way and understanding. These Churches accommodated Black African traditions, rituals, and culture, making it easier to espouse Christianity and African cultural systems, hence their overwhelming growth in the last century. This study compares dikoša tša Sepedi with those of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) (star and dove). St Engenas’ acceptance of many cultural activities of the Bapedi of GaSekhukhune, including dikoša, led to the rapid growth of his church following his acceptance as a “man of God” rather than an enemy, as was the case with other missionaries. This study will show the similarities and differences regarding the functions and performance of dikoša tša Sepedi and dikoša tša Sione. Although various research methods were considered, the study employed a qualitative, ethnographic research approach. Through the analysis of music performances in both spaces, it is envisaged that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between black African religions and culture. By doing so, the present Christian mindset that God hears only those who worship in Western ways will be dispelled. It will also show that God has long had messengers through whom prayers are transmitted, as typified in black African cultural practices regarding access to KgoŠi, through bakgoma (councillors