UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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The in-vivo dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum HRP2: Implications for the use of rapid diagnostic tests in malaria elimination
No full textAbstract
Background: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that rely on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) have become key tools for diagnosing P. falciparum infection. The utility of RDTs can be limited by PfHRP2 persistence, however it can be a potential benefit in low transmission settings where detection of persistent PfHRP2 using newer ultra-sensitive PfHRP2 based RDTs can serve as a surveillance tool to identify recent exposure. Better understanding of the dynamics of PfHRP2 over the course of a malaria infection can inform optimal use of RDTs.
Methods: A previously published mathematical model was refined to mimic the production and decay of PfHRP2 during a malaria infection. Data from 15 individuals from volunteer infection studies were used to update the original model and estimate key model parameters. The refined model was applied to a cohort of patients from Namibia who received treatment for clinical malaria infection for whom longitudinal PfHRP2 concentrations were measured.
et al. Malaria Journal (2022) 21:233 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04245-z Malaria Journal
Results: The refinement of the PfHRP2 dynamic model indicated that in malaria naïve hosts, P. falciparum parasites of the 3D7 strain produce 33.6 × 10−15 g (95% CI 25.0–42.1 × 10−15 g) of PfHRP2 in vivo per parasite replication cycle, with an elimination half-life of 1.67 days (95% CI 1.11–3.40 days). The refined model included these updated parameters and incorporated individualized body fluid volume calculations, which improved predictive accuracy when compared to the original model. The performance of the model in predicting clearance of PfHRP2 post treatment in clinical samples from six adults with P. falciparum infection in Namibia improved when using a longer elimination halflife of 4.5 days, with 14% to 67% of observations for each individual within the predicted range.
Conclusions: The updated mathematical model can predict the growth and clearance of PfHRP2 during the production and decay of a mono-infection with P. falciparum, increasing the understanding of PfHRP2 antigen dynamics. This model can guide the optimal use of PfHRP2-based RDTs for reliable diagnosis of P. falciparum infection and re-infection in endemic settings, but also for malaria surveillance and elimination programmes in low transmission areas. Keywords: Rapid diagnostic tests, Plasmodium falciparum, Histidine rich protein, Antigen dynamics, Elimination and surveillanc
A functional stylistics analysis of David Smuts’ death, detention and disappearance: A lawyer’s battle to hold power to account in 1980s Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fufilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English Studies)The study examined the thematic concerns in Smuts’s Death, Detention and Disappearance: A Lawyer’s Battle to Hold Power to Account in 1980s Namibia as evinced through the author’s utilisation of the three different metafunctions of language – the interpersonal, textual and ideational, as explicated by Halliday (1975). Adopting a two thronged approach, the thesis attempted a theoretical appreciation of the text from a Functional Stylistics perspective (Halliday & Hasan, 1995), while also explicating how the usage of the three meta-functions of language represents for us an avenue to better understand and appreciate the Smuts’ concerns with regards to this historical epoch within Namibia. The study probes Smuts’s use of the interpersonal function of language (in line with mood, modality and person) as well assessing the manner and purposes of use of the ideational function of language (in connection with modification, apposition and coordination) within the text and how these contribute towards a better understanding and appreciation of the text. Furthermore, the enquiry observed and acknowledges the practice of the detailed elements of different meta-functions, and explored how the specific elements produce a multiplicity of meanings centred on how different readers will evaluate and interpret the text. Adopting a qualitative design, the analysis conducted herein drew largely on the desire to understand the meanings that the writer creates in the text, and which the reader negotiates. Through content analysis, the study observed that Smuts’s use of the stipulated elements of the two meta-functions of language was to chiefly articulate his intents throughout the text. The study notes that ideational elements are used to postulate more information and to develop relations in the narrative. Smuts’s use of the interpersonal features are to communicate his personal opinions of things and how he perceives experiences. The study concludes that one is only able to fully comprehend narratives when meanings are taken into account, valued and absorbed completely by making use of the specified elements of the two out of three meta-functions of language as utilised by an author
Examining the impact of land application procedures on municipality land allocation goals in Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Public Sector Management)The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of land application procedures on municipality land allocation goals in Namibia. The main problem is the lengthy bureaucratic process required for land application approval by the Council. The specific questions of the study were: how can municipal councils improve on land allocation procedures in order to attain land allocation goals? where are the bottlenecks within the land allocation process? what is the impact of land allocation procedures on the Council’s ability to attain land allocation goals? to what extent is municipal council revenue collection affected by slow land allocation? what are the perspectives of customer satisfaction levels with land allocation procedures on service quality delivered by municipal councils? The significance of study contributed to the creation of awareness among municipal councils on the need to develop a land application system to expedite the allocation process. The study will also useful to municipal councils in order to improve land application procedures and enhance quality service delivery on land allocation to customers. The study applied a quantitative approach with an explanatory sequential research design. A stratified random sample of 186 was derived from the target population of 360 employees and customers of the designated municipal councils. The study used a questionnaire with structured and non-structured questions and a focus group discussion guide to collect primary data, while secondary data was collected from the articles, books and reports. Focus group discussions were used to allow respondents to express their views on the study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 was used to statistically analyse the data. The data from the focus group discussions was analysed using content analysis. For the frequencies, descriptive statistics were utilized, while inferential statistics were used to test the hypotheses. Pearson’s Chi-square, was also used to assess the association between the variables.
The findings of the study revealed that the application processing system, the strict legal requirements of the Local Authorities Act, 23 of 1992 and the hierarchical organisational structure are the main bottlenecks influencing the slow land application process. It is asserted that these issues can be addressed by implementing an integrated land management system, delegated authority to councillors on the final approval as well as coming up with a responsive structure capable of handling applications on time. The implication of the study demonstrated a knowledge gab in developing a framework on the business land allocation by a way of private treaty, whereon it can support the decision making at various land management levels. The study recommends that the municipal councils should develop strategies that would shorten the land allocation process by a way of private treaty and be adopted by stakeholders in order to achieve land allocation goals
Investigating the impact of financial deepening on economic growth in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Economics)The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of financial deepening on economic growth with specific reference to the Namibian economy. The study utilized quarterly time series data from 2004 to 2019. The paper used the ratio of money supply as percentage of gross domestic product, domestic credit to private sector as percentage of gross domestic product, and bank liquid reserves to asset ratio as proxies for financial deepening, whereas gross domestic product represented economic growth. The data were tested for unit root, where stationarity outcomes indicate that the variables were integrated of order zero (I(0)) and order one (I(1)). In that light, the study conducted a cointegration test using Wald test to determine the long-run relationship between financial deepening and economic growth. The Wald test results reveal the presence of long-run relationship between the financial deepening variables and real gross domestic product. Further, the study employed autoregressive distributed lag error correction model to estimate the dynamics of the financial deepening variable to the study. Additionally, pairwise Granger causality test was applied to determine the direction of causality among financial proxies and gross domestic product. From the error correction model, the results show that the ratio of money supply as percentage of gross domestic product was significant to the model, although the impact is very minimal. Lastly, the findings did not indicate any Granger causality among financial deepening variables and economic growth in Namibia. Hence, apart from money supply, the study recommends policy makers to focus more on other indicators to boost economic growth in Namibia
An exploratory study on the success factors influencing the adoption of an e-service system at NAMFISA in Windhoek Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration (Finance)One of the ways that public sector organisations can improve efficiency and
effectiveness in service delivery is through the use of e-services. The study
was triggered by the fact that NAMFISA has acquired an Enterprise resource
planning (ERP) system for the benefit of both the customers and NAMFISA
but the ease of access to view debtors' account statements online had remained
a challenge to NAMFISA customers. The purpose of this study was to
identify the factors that influence e-service adoption at NAMFISA.
The research was conducted using a quantitative method and exploratory survey
design. 49 NAMFISA employees were administered questionnaires using a
5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for descriptive
statistics and exploratory factor analysis. The extraction method used was
Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings were presented in graphs
for demographics analysis, and tables for descriptive and factor analysis. The
findings of the study show that the most important key factors influencing e service adoption at NAMFISA include; perceived improved service delivery, design of content and usability, behavioural intention and effort, and performance expectancy. These factors can be summarised as, “organisational”, “technological” and lastly the third factor is “customer satisfaction”. The study shows that the main barriers hindering the adoption of e-service at NAMFISA include: privacy and security, digital divide, and lack of top management support by NAMFISA staff, which can be
summarised as “technical” and lastly, the second factor is “technology”.
Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that management should
pay special attention to perceived improved service delivery, effort and performance expectancy, design of content and usability, and behavioural intention factors, and should ensure that these factors are met, in order to increase e-service automation of a modern electronic system for clients to view debtor account statements online. Similarly, e-service project teams should think about these obstacles and how to overcome them before implementing e-service systems
A neo-aristotelian and visual rhetorical analysis of SWAPO’s people’s liberation army of Namibia’s the combatant
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English studies)This study offers a neo-Aristotelian and visual rhetoric analysis of two purposively selected volumes of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN)’s revolutionary magazine, The Combatant. The aim of the study was to examine how the magazine employed rhetoric devices in its advocacy for exposing the evil tactics of the apartheid regime in Namibia. The study thus investigated how the magazine employed the three canons of rhetoric: invention, arrangement and style, as well as visual patterns to convey its intended communicative and rhetorical potential. Moreover, the study sought to find out the extent at which The Combatant incorporated other rhetoric al devices in its quest to function as a tool that exposes colonialism. Couched within the theoretical foundations of Neo-Aristotelian Rhetorical Theory and Visual Rhetorical Analysis, the study examined the rhetorical and communicative potentials of the magazine in the context of the Namibian liberations war. The study adopted a qualitative research approach - which was explorative in nature and also utilising content analysis in analysing the collected data which was purposively sampled. The major findings of the study revealed that the magazine integrated invention, arrangement and style in assembling the magazine, which confirms that The Combatant was an intentional and intelligent rhetorician. The findings of the study further revealed that The Combatant used visual images as means of persuasion and poems were incorporated as rhetorical devices. The study concludes that the faculty of rhetoric is of utmost importance in political discourse and it is a skill every Politian must possess in order to persuade and impose ideologies on an intended audience
Experiences of patients diagnosed with drug susceptible tuberculosis regarding lost to follow-up in Engela district, Ohangwena region
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master (Nursing science)Lost to Follow-Up (LTFU) amongst Tuberculosis (TB) patients is referred to as a patient diagnosed with TB who interrupts treatment for two consecutive months or more. LTFU has been cited as a major risk factor for the re-emergence of TB strains resistant to first line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Namibia has been reporting increasing levels of patients LTFU over time, with some districts such as Engela reporting a 10% LTFU in quarter 4 of 2017 and 11% in quarter 1 of 2018 and constantly failing to attain the WHO recommended LTFU of below 5%. Patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible TB and registered for treatment after lost to follow up might have different experiences that can lead to them defaulting on treatment and being lost to follow up. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible and registered patients LFTU in Engela District, Ohangwena Region. Qualitative research with exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs were used in this study. The data was collected through in-depth interviews conducted at different sites in Ohangwena Region. A sample of 11 patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible TB and registered as patients LFTU were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample size was determined by saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. Interviews were recorded and field notes were taken during the interview to ensure that all experiences of the participants were captured. The data was analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of coding. The results showed that patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible TB had different experiences that led to the patients being lost to follow up on TB treatment. Some patients experienced physical malaise prior to being diagnosed with TB, while others experienced chest pain. The participants iii became lost to follow up to their TB treatment for various reasons such as a lack of adequate information upon commencement of TB treatment and the importance of adherence to therapy, stigma at work and in the community, alcohol indulgence, a lack of proper nutrition and having travelled far away from the area where they initiated treatment. The study recommends the development of holistic LTFU mitigation strategies/interventions aimed at improving organisational and administrative health system challenges impeding health education delivery to patients and the communities and provision of patient-centred care by health care workers. Further, it is important to look into addressing stigma issues and changing labour policies and laws that disadvantage sick people in the workplace and lead them to default therapy
Learning from the past in moving to the future: Invest in communication and response to weather early warnings to reduce death and damage
No full textAs climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, governments and civil society organizations are making large investments in early warning systems (EWS) with the aim to avoid death and destruction from hydro-meteorological events. Early warning systems have four components: (1) risk knowledge, (2) monitoring and warning, (3) warning dissemination and communication, and (4) response capability. While there is room to improve all four of these components, we argue that the largest gaps in early warning systems fall in the latter two categories: warning dissemination/communication and response capability. We illustrate this by examining the four components of early warning systems for the deadliest and costliest meteorological disasters of this century, demonstrating that the lack of EWS protection is not a lack of
forecasts or warnings, but rather a lack of adequate communication and lack of response capability. Improving the accuracy of weather forecasts is unlikely to offer major benefits without resolving these gaps in communication and response capability. To protect vulnerable groups around the world, we provide recommendations for investments that would close such gaps, such as improved communication channels, impact forecasts, early action policies and infrastructure. It
is our hope that further investment to close these gaps can better deliver on the goal of reducing deaths and damages with EWS
Safeguarding patient safety in healthcare settings in Namibia: An appraisal of the regulatory framework governing healthcare professionals’ conduct and practice
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Law)Patient safety refers to a framework of organised activities that creates cultures, processes, procedures, behaviours, technologies, and environments in healthcare, which consistently and sustainably lowers risks, reduces the occurrence of avoidable harm, makes error less likely, and reduces its impact when it does occur. The overall aim of the study was to evaluate the appropriateness of the Namibian regulatory framework for healthcare professions to contribute to the improvement of patient safety and, if not, how it can be enhanced. A mixed method approach was used in this study as quantitative, qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research methods were employed. The necessary data were collected through literature review and analysis of relevant legislations, case law as well as government and regulatory authorities’ reports. The finding of this study is that Namibia has adopted a hybrid form of a traditional model of professional self-regulation, which is predominantly person-centred and premised on individual accountability with little or no regard for systemic and organisational factors such as bad policies and procedures, lack of resources and poor organisational culture that may compromise patient safety. In this respect, the Namibian regulatory framework for healthcare professions may be regarded as appropriate, but inadequate to improve patient safety. The study recommends a shift from the traditional way of regulating healthcare professions that focuses exclusively on individual healthcare practitioners to one that includes systemic and organisational determinants of patient safety, and simultaneously ensures that both individuals and systems can be held accountable when appropriate
An exploration of government financial support towards the sustainability of accommodation facilities during COVID-19 in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration FinanceThis study was conducted to explore government financial support towards
the sustainability of accommodation facilities during Covid-19 in Namibia.
The objectives of the study were to ascertain measures that the government
has put in place to improve cash flows of accommodation facilities, identify
challenges towards obtaining suitable financial support for accommodation
facilities during the pandemic from the government and to evaluate the factors
government takes into account in deciding to support the accommodation
sector. The study used an exploratory research design utilising a qualitative
research approach for data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from
30 participants (26 B & B and Lodges and 4 officials from the Ministry of
Environment and Tourism). Data was collected using a semi-structured
interview guide and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study
found that there was a drastic decrease in both room occupancy and annual
turnover for the year ended 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, hence
the need for government financial support to sustain the hospitality industry.
The results revealed that the available financial support and stimulus
packages are not effective for the tourism sector. The available funding
programs include government guaranteed loans, facilitated through the
Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and other commercial banks, and are
meant to boost production. However, the B & B and Lodges rely on local and
international visitors who may require accommodation, hence these loans
cannot do much to boost production but rather leave the owners in more debt.
Therefore, this study recommends for the government to provide financial
suppo1i suitable for the tourism industry. Also, currently grants are
recommended to sustain the industry. The government is also encouraged to
promote domestic tourism. It is recommended for the B & B and lodge owners
to diversify their businesses in this current environmen