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An investigation of student engagement, learning strategies, and challenges in anatomy learning within the context of South African higher education: insights from Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) Science
No full textBackground: Human anatomy forms the basis of all undergraduate medical and health science degrees; however, the content-heavy nature of the discipline is often a challenge. Therefore, it is imperative that higher education institutions understand how students prefer to assimilate new information and adapt content delivery approaches to their unique experiences and needs in order to support academic success. Hence, in an effort to enhance the teaching and learning process, this research study aimed to investigate how student engagement, learning strategies, and challenges influenced the anatomy learning experience of first-year students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) Science theoretical framework was used to inform the study aims and objectives. Study design: Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach by means of an online Google Form questionnaire, qualitative and quantitative data were simultaneously collected and then analysed to draw comprehensive conclusions. The study examined independent variables including age, home language (HL), method of payment (MOP) for tuition fees, and degree programme in relation to the dependent variables including student engagement (access, use and preference) with pedagogical approaches, perceived effectiveness of pedagogical approaches, perceived benefits of pedagogical approaches, learning strategies, and perceived influences that affect the anatomy learning experience. Data was obtained from 126 participants (during 2022 - 2023) who were randomly assigned to the pilot study group (n = 20) and main study group (n = 106). All procedures were approved by the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HS21/10/38) at UWC. Main study results: Participants predominantly accessed and used the face-to-face theory lecture teaching method and the teaching slides (ppt/pdf) resources. They also preferred face-to-face teaching methods (theory lectures, 29.2%; practicals, 16.0%), and also found it to be more effective learning measures (theory lectures, 91.5%; practicals, 98.1%) than the alternative live online methods. In terms of teaching resources, the majority of participants preferred teaching slides (ppt/pdf) (10.4%) and found it to be an effective learning measure (92.5%). When studying anatomy, participants commonly made use of teaching slides (92.5%), narrated pre-recorded lectures (69.8%), and textbooks or e-textbooks (55.7%). Learning strategies such as spaced practice (27.4%, 3.70 ± 1.91) and elaboration (19.8%, 4.13 ± 1.40) were strongly preferred among participants
Exploring the lived experiences of selected grade 9 teachers’ integration of indigenous knowledge in their science lessons in the Western Cape province.
No full textThis study investigated the lived experiences of Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers with the infusing of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in their teaching. Anchored in a
phenomenological research design and drawing from Giorgi’s analytic approach to data analysis, the study sought to gain insight on how teachers conceptualise, make sense of and
work with the inclusion of IKS in a knowledge world that is predominantly constructed and constituted by Western scientific knowledge. Unstructured interviews were conducted with six
teachers who were purposively selected, and their stories were analysed in detail to find the central themes and connections. The findings indicate that teachers recognise the cultural
significance and the educational relevance of IKS but experience some challenges to integrate Indigenous Knowledge System effectively. The challenges include limited time (due to
curriculum pace), lack of clear teaching approaches, lack of support by the Department of Education and the non-existence of a professional development focusing on Indigenous
Knowledge System. Because of these constraints, some teachers integrate Indigenous Knowledge System informally and at times conduct oral conversations with traditional
knowledge holders on Indigenous Knowledge System for personal experiences. The findings of this can study contribute to proactive integration of KIS in the science curriculum as it argues for more cultural and contextually relevant pedagogical approaches. The study recommends focused curriculum revision, ongoing professional development of teachers, and shared partnerships with Indigenous Knowledge System holders for effective integration of IKS in Natural Sciences education. These are the efforts necessary to establish equitable and
cultural-responsive science education in South Africa. At the end, the research contributes to transformation of science education, and demands attention to more holistic, contextualised
teaching practices
Navigating perinatal loss: Exploring cultural perspectives of Swati parents in South Africa
No full textPerinatal loss is a prevalent issue worldwide, and it is characterised by physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Literature reports that perinatal loss is associated with cultural stigma, resulting in isolation, depression, long-term grieving, etc. There is however, a dearth of scholarly literature that explicates Swati experiences of perinatal loss. This study aimed to explore the cultural perspectives of perinatal loss in Swati culture, South Africa. It adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, with 12 participants who engaged in an individual semi-structured interview conducted in English and SiSwati. Non-probability sampling methods were employed, as Swati parents who experienced perinatal loss were purposively selected for the study. Snowball sampling was used to include participants who were referred to the study and data saturation was monitored. The data was analysed using reflective thematic data analysis. To ensure there’s no harm to participants, the researcher employed and adhered to the ethics guidelines of confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, and the right to withdraw. Ethics clearance was sought from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HS24/9/40) before data collection commenced. The analysis culminated into several themes which referred to traditional and religious beliefs; Swati constructions of fertility; subjective experiences of perinatal loss (e.g. pain; blame etc.); and specific cultural beliefs and coping. Swati parents navigated their loss through spiritual and cultural beliefs, associating perinatal loss to witchcraft, bad luck, darkness, ancestral anger, and God’s will. In response, participants referred to two types of cleansing (i.e., traditional and spiritual). The study calls for future research on the intersection of modernity and traditional beliefs following perinatal loss in a Swati culture as well as interventions that assist in processing of grief through a particular focus on cultural (in this case Swati) beliefs and practices. The salience of communal identity is foregrounded and the impact on the family unit is critical for intervention development in response to perinatal loss
Preparation and characterization of tio2-mwcnt hybrid and tio2-fe2o3-mwcnt trihybrid nanofluids
No full textOver the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted by the research community on the investigation of the cooling properties of nanofluids compared to those of the conventional heat transfer fluids, such as mineral oil, water, engine oil, and ethylene glycol. The literature indicates that many studies have been conducted on mononanofluids and hybrid nanofluids, but studies on trihybrid nanofluids remain limited. Recently, trihybrid nanofluids have emerged as a new class of nanofluids with enhanced thermophysical properties relative to mono and hybrid nanofluids. The aim of this study was to formulate stable hybrid and trihybrid nanofluids and perform a comparative analysis of their stability and thermophysical properties. Prior to nanofluids preparation, the nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to study the structural properties, morphology, particle size distribution, and the elemental composition of nanoparticles. Ternary (TiO2-α-Fe2O3-MWCNT) and binary (TiO2-MWCNT) nanoparticles were suspended in deionized water (DIW) at a constant volume concentration of 0.1 vol.% with composition ratios of 15:80:5, 10:80:10, and 5:80:15 for trihybrid and 80:20 and 20:80 for hybrid nanofluids. The stability of THNFs and HNFs was improved by optimizing critical formulation parameters such as nanoparticle composition ratio, dispersion fraction, and sonication time. The stability of nanofluids was assessed via visual inspection, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pH measurements. The thermophysical properties of THNFs and HNFs(thermal conductivity (κ), viscosity (µ), and electrical conductivity (λ)) were measured using standard instruments. THNFs exhibited enhanced colloidal stability compared to HNFs, indicating improved nanoparticle dispersion and reduced sedimentation. Among THNFs, sample C (TiO2α-Fe2O3-MWCNT) 5:80:15 demonstrated the highest performance, with κ enhanced by 8.97%, λ increased by a factor of 5.2, and µ increased by 37.7%. In the case of HNFs, sample E (TiO2-MWCNT) 20:80 showed the best results, with κ improved by 6.66%, λ enhanced by a factor of 4.83, and µ increased by 34.99%. Conclusively, the κ, λ, and µ values of THNFs were found to be elevated to those of HNFs, showing that hybridization of different nanoparticles enhances the thermophysical performance of nanofluids
Transforming African food systems: perspectives from the food systems network for Africa (FSNet-Africa)
No full textAfrican food systems face significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and unsustainable practices. To ensure access to safe and nutritious food while addressing socio-economic and environmental issues, fundamental changes are necessary. A collaborative and inclusive research agenda that engages diverse stakeholders through case-study research, aligning with continent-wide frameworks such as Agenda 2063, the CAADP, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is vital. There are few cross-case analyses that bring together empirical case study research to evaluate and provide holistic appraisals of African food systems. This perspectives paper aims to provide such a synthesis from the empirical case studies generated under the Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa) project. 19 case study projects in six African countries, were conducted by 83 researchers. Five key focus areas were identified: food system governance, indigenous crops and African foods, innovations for sustainable production among small-scale farmers, consumer preferences, and food loss and waste. The findings emphasise an urgent need for collaboration to address food security and nutrition challenges in Africa. Major priorities for transforming African food systems include inclusive engagement and the integration of indigenous knowledge to improve local food choices and resilience, and reducing food loss through capacity-building efforts and changing perceptions of waste. Future research should focus on governance, indigenous crops, and innovations in sustainable production to drive a transformative shift in African food systems. These priority areas will be critical for the next global and regional development agenda, reflecting the needs and aspirations of underrepresented communities across Africa
Risk factors of dental fluorosis and fluoride content in drinking water in the far north region of Cameroon
No full textIntroduction: Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of enamel that results from ingesting high amounts of fluoride during tooth mineralization. Consumption of untreated fluoridated groundwater remains the leading cause of dental fluorosis.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between January and September 2021 on individuals who have lived for at least 6 years in the Far North Region of Cameroon using structured questionnaires and oral examination. The Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI) was used to evaluate the severity of dental fluorosis. Fluoride contents of drinking water were analyzed using fluoride electrodes.
Results and Discussion: A total of 1971 persons, with a mean age of 17.15 years ± 16.18 standard deviation [SD], were recruited, with 85.64% born in the study area. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 89.1%. Fluorosis was first observed between the ages of 1 and 10 years; 1781 (90.01%) perceived dental fluorosis as normal, and 1772 (89.90%) did not know the cause of it in their community. A TFI score of 0 was recorded by 10.9% of the population, with higher scores of 3.04 (±2.3 SD) in females and 3.31 (±2.45) among illiterates. 3.49 (±2.3 SD) among farmers and 3.06 (±2.31 SD) for those who lived in their own homes. Sources of drinking water included boreholes 61.6%, 47.4% wells, 2.2% bottled water, while 80% used toothpaste for brushing. One out of five commercial bottled water brands had higher than normal fluoride content (1.60 mgF/L), pipe borne water 1.7 mgF/L, wells 1.90 mgF/L, boreholes 2.80 mgF/L whereas 51.2% of the population presented with mild fluorosis and 23.7% severe fluorosis.
Conclusion: The prevalence of dental fluorosis was extremely high. Consumption of groundwater, which is water from boreholes and wells, was the major risk factor for dental fluorosis
The prevalence and determinants of HIV testing among pregnant women during antenatal healthcare visit in Tanzania: insight from DHS 2022 of Tanzania
No full textBackground: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for 2030, aim to reduce the transmission of HIV. Tanzania is one of 22 countries with the highest prevalence of HIV positive pregnant women, accounting for 90% of all pregnant women living with HIV globally. Tanzania also accounts for one of the highest transmission rates of HIV from the mother-to-child. To prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HIV testing is the primary step. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and determinants of HIV testing among pregnant women in Tanzania by assessing the type of healthcare facilities pregnant women use as part of their antenatal visits. Moreover, the study also aims to explore whether HIV-positive pregnant women who tested for HIV have knowledge on antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could prevent HIV from infecting the child during pregnancy. Methods: This study used secondary data from the Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey (2022). The data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS software, and included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. To assess the strength of the relationship between variables, Cramer’s V and Phi tests were used
Deep uGMRT observations for enhanced calibration of 21cm arrays – I. First image and source catalogue
No full textRadio-interferometric arrays require very precise calibration to detect the Epoch of Reionization 21-cm signal. A remarkably complete and accurate sky model is therefore needed in the patches of the sky used to perform the calibration. Instruments such as Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA), which use a redundant calibration strategy, also require a reference sky model to fix degenerate gain solutions. We have carried out a deep (20h) observation using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to make a high-fidelity sky model of one of the HERA calibration fields GLEAM 02H (J0200–3053). Here, we present the results from a 16.7, MHz bandwidth data centred at 147.4, MHz. Using multiple GMRT pointings, we have made a 6.9° x 6.9° mosaic, which yields a median rms of 3.9+3.7-1.4 mJybeam−1 that reduces to ~ 2mJy beam−1 at source-free regions. In the overlapping patch, this rms is deeper than the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky MWA Survey (GLEAM) catalogue, which is used for HERA calibration. We produce a catalogue of 640 sources (26 percent extended) in the flux range 0.01 - 19.08Jy. The catalogue has a sub-arcsec positional accuracy, and the estimated fluxes are consistent with existing catalogues. The differential source counts are found to be deeper than GLEAM and consistent with LOw Frequency ARray Two Meter Sky Survey. Preliminary simulations of the sky models from GLEAM and our catalogue show ~ 10 - 25 per cent difference in the visibility amplitude, with relatively small phase difference (≈ 2°). Future work is planned for larger survey areas and wider bandwidth to reduce the rms and measure the in-band source spectral indices, which are expected to enhance the fidelity of the HERA calibration model
Assessing the performance of local pharmaceutical systems: an analytical approach to improve access to medicine
No full textWell-functioning pharmaceutical systems are crucial for ensuring universal access to medicines and their appropriate use. While existing frameworks for analysing pharmaceutical systems generally focus on the national level, in many countries, the core functions are often managed locally within a broader national framework. Despite this local focus, there has been no effort to conceptualize a ‘local pharmaceutical system’ as a distinct entity with its own goals, functions and operational components. A method for analysing and comparing the performance of local pharmaceutical systems (LOPHAS) within a country is still lacking. We aim to develop an analytical approach and framework to assess the performance of LOPHAS and guide improvements in access to essential medicines. We conducted an integrative literature review and consulted with purposively selected experts. We systematically searched for existing approaches for conceptualizing or assessing pharmaceutical systems and empirical studies in which these were applied and combined this with insights from 23 reviews and guidebooks suggested by experts to develop the LOPHAS approach and framework. We identified 13 existing frameworks and 16 studies that had applied these frameworks to analyse pharmaceutical systems. Building on these findings, we propose that a LOPHAS has six core functions: (1) local governance, (2) managing product supply, (3) financing, (4) developing human and physical resources, (5) appropriate dispensing and use of medicines and (6) monitoring performance. For each function, we defined operational components and indicators. The primary outcomes of a LOPHAS are access to medicine and appropriate use of medicine. The LOPHAS framework provides a practical tool for assessing and comparing the performance of LOPHAS. By identifying areas for improvement, it can guide policymakers, healthcare providers and local administrators in strengthening systems to ensure that essential medicines are accessible and used appropriately, supporting broader health goals
The role of ion beams in the propagation of linear and nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in space plasmas
No full textA detailed theoretical investigation of ion beam effects on linear and nonlinear ion-acoustic waves is conducted for a model with two adiabatic ion components and Boltzmann electrons for plasma models with a single ion beam and two counterstreaming ion beams. The linear analysis confirms that the slow ion-acoustic modes, which emerge in models with at least one ion beam, coexist with the fast modes, which occur in both beam and beamless plasma models. For increasing beam speed in the model with single or asymmetric counterstreaming beams, the backward propagating slow mode changes direction and couples with the forward propagating slow mode. One mode becomes unstable to the ion beam instability, and the other is damped for intermediate values of the beam speed. Both slow mode waves change propagation directions in the model with symmetric counterstreaming beams. There are two groups of beam ion-acoustic solitons, which are supported above a minimum threshold value of the beam speed of which one or both are subsonic for plasma beam configurations, which are, respectively, asymmetric or symmetric. While the propagation of the beam ion-acoustic solitons is continuous over the entire range of speeds between the pair of critical acoustic speeds for small deviations of the beam speed above a minimum threshold value, soliton propagation is discontinuous for higher beam speeds yielding a stopband region in soliton speed. Our results could be applied to various regions in the terrestrial magnetosphere where electrostatic solitary waves have been observed in conjunction with ion beams