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Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease in South African HIV-Positive Surgical Patients – A Pilot Survey
Get PDFPublished ArticleBackground: Medical and surgical HIV-positive patients
are at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Surgical
patients are admitted to hospital for a few days around
the time of their surgeries, allowing suffi cient opportunity
for health promotion interventions. Health promotion
could improve CVD knowledge and encourage
lifelong healthy behaviours. However, this approach
requires that baseline CVD knowledge fi rst be established.
This study sought to determine the knowledge
of CVD in HIV-positive South African (SA) surgical
patients.
Methods: This was a prospective pilot survey of HIVpositive
surgical patients who attended a tertiary hospital
in Durban, South Africa, between 1 October 2016
and 31 March 2017. Patients completed 2 questionnaires:
(1) a demographic characteristics questionnaire,
and (2) a CVD knowledge questionnaire (identifying risk
factors and signs/symptoms of myocardial infarction
and stroke). All data were analysed using descriptive
statistical methods.
Results: The study sample consisted of 39 HIV-positive
surgical patients. Correct responses for the items on
the CVD knowledge questionnaire ranged between
0.0% and 61.5% for risk factors, and between 0.0% and
89.7% for signs/symptoms.
Conclusion: Knowledge of CVD risk factors and signs/
symptoms in this study was less than desirable. Levels
of CVD knowledge are likely a function of educational
attainment
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Screening of Novel Hydrazide Ligand & It’s Transition Metal Complexes
Get PDFPublished ArticleDifferent transition metal complexes were synthesized from novel 3-bromo-2-[1-(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-
yl)ethylidene]hydrazide ligand (H2L) and characterized by spectral techniques. The synthesized ligand was found to act mono as well as
di deprotonated (OH, NH) manner and stoichiometry of the ligand to metal ions was confirmed to be 1:1 in case of complex using metal
chloride salts, whereas 1:2 in case of metal(II) complexes using metal acetate(II) salt. Structures of metal complexes were confirmed by
IR, 1H NMR, TGA, XRD, elemental analysis and UV technique which revealed that Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) complexes were
octahedral geometry and those of Cu(II), Zn(II) showed square planner and tetrahedral geometry around metal ion respectively. Furthermore
H2L and its metal complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity which showed that ligand enhanced its biological activity after
coordination with metal ions. In particular, Cd(II) and Mn(II) complexes exhibited excellent antifungal activity
Base and Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Nitrobenzodiazepines via a Cascade NNitroallylation- Intramolecular Aza-Michael Addition involving o-Phenylenediamines and Nitroallylic Acetates
Get PDFPublished ArticleA [4+3] annulation of o-phenylenediamines with primary nitroallylic acetates affords
nitrobenzodiazepines (NBDZs) in good to excellent yield. The reaction which proceeds in
MeOH at room temperature in the absence of any base or catalyst involves a cascade SN2 Nnitroallylation-
intramolecular aza-Michael addition sequence. In the case of mono-N-arylated ophenylenediamines
and o-aminobenzamides, the reaction stops at the SN2 stage affording
nitroallylic amines. On the other hand, reaction of o-aminobenzamides with secondary
nitroallylic acetates delivers SN2’ products. Formation of stable SN2 and SN2’ products provides
insights into the reactivity of primary and secondary nitroallylic acetates and also the mechanism
of formation of nitrobenzodiazepines
Estimation of Time Parameter Proportionality Ratios in Large Catchments: Case Study of the Modder-Riet River Catchment, South Africa
Get PDFDissertationCatchment response time parameters such as the time of concentration (TC),
lag time (TL) and time to peak (TP) are fundamental to design flood estimation in
ungauged catchments; hence, errors in time parameter estimates directly impact on
design flood estimates. As much as 75% of the total error in design peak discharge
estimates in ungauged catchments could be ascribed to errors in the estimation of
catchment response time. The seven different time parameter definitions available
in hydrological literature are interchangeably used when time parameters are
obtained from observed rainfall and streamflow data, respectively. As a result, time
intervals from various points during a storm extracted from a hyetograph
(e.g. effective rainfall centroid, end of effective rainfall, and/or maximum rainfall
intensity) to various points on the resultant hydrograph (e.g. peak discharge,
inflection point on recession limb, and centroid of direct runoff) are often
misinterpreted as TC, TL and/or TP. Due to the difficulty in estimating the centroid values from above-mentioned
hyetographs and hydrographs, other TL estimation techniques have been proposed
in literature. Instead of using TL as an input for design flood estimation methods, it
is rather used as input to the computation of TC. In using TL defined as the time from
the centroid of effective rainfall to the centroid of direct runoff, TC and TL are normally
related by TC = 1.417TL. In TL defined as the time from the centroid of effective
rainfall to the time of the peak discharge, the proportionality ratio increases to 1.667.
However, in contradiction, Schultz (1964) established that for small catchments in
Lesotho and South Africa, TL TC. In addition, Gericke and Smithers (2016; 2017)
also showed that TP TC at medium to large catchment scales in South Africa, but
the relevance of the TL proportionality ratio (x = 1.667), i.e. TL = 0.6TC, was not
established. The overall purpose of this study is thus to investigate and establish the suitability
of the currently recommended time parameter definitions and proportionality ratios
for small catchments in larger sub-catchment areas (exceeding 50 km²) of the
Modder-Riet River Catchment in South Africa. The focus is on the estimation of time
parameter proportionality ratios from observed rainfall and streamflow data using a simplified convolution process and the seven different time parameter definitions
currently recognised in hydrological literature.
The time parameters TC, TL and TP were individually estimated using the various
time variables obtained from observed hyetographs and hydrographs to establish
average time parameter proportionality ratios at a catchment level. The time
parameter estimates proved to be highly variable due to the spatial and temporal
distribution of rainfall events, variation in peak discharges and the distance of the
rainfall events from the catchment outlet. However, the variability in the average
estimated time parameter proportionality ratios proved to be less significant. In this
study, where TL is defined as the time from the centroid of effective rainfall to the
peak discharge, TC and TL proved to be related by TC = 1.003TL and where TL is
defined as the time from the centroid of effective rainfall to the centroid of direct
runoff, the proportionality ratio reduced to 0.992. In all the sub-catchments under
consideration, the preliminary findings of Gericke and Smithers (2014; 2016; 2017),
i.e. TP TC TL, were confirmed. In other words, it highlighted that the
proportionality ratios currently proposed for small catchments, i.e. TC = 1.417TL and
TC = 1.667TL, are not applicable at larger catchment levels.
Building upon the critical assessment of the available time parameter definitions and
proportionality ratios, it is envisaged that the implementation and expansion of both
the identified research values and adopted methodology to other catchments in
South Africa and internationally, will ultimately contribute towards improved time
parameter estimations at a catchment level. Consequently, the improved time
parameter estimations will also result in improved design flood estimations
Radiation Protection Practice In Digital Radiography In Eastern Cape Government Hospitals
Get PDFDissertationRadiation protection plays a vital role in radiography and it is necessary to ensure the
safety of all patients and staff when exposed to ionising radiation.
An understanding of ionising radiation and its effects are therefore of high importance in
protecting the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure, a professional issue every
radiographer should be conscientious of (Carroll, 2011: 699). The basis of radiation
protection revolves around ensuring that exposures to ionising radiation should be kept
As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). Radiographers are required by law to
provide effective and adequate radiation protection measures to all patients at all times.
The aim of the research study was to investigate radiation protection practices in digital
radiography during chest and lumbar spine radiographic examinations in two Eastern
Cape government hospitals and to address possible gaps in the radiographers‟
awareness of radiation protection using digital x-ray equipment by making
recommendations.
The objectives were: to establish the awareness of diagnostic radiographers regarding
effective radiation protection through a survey; to determine whether effective radiation
protection was applied by diagnostic radiographers through a checklist compiled from
literature completed by patients; and to determine whether the technical aspects of
effective radiation protection were applied by diagnostic radiographers through a
radiographic image checklist completed by three reviewers. Results showed that professionalism, poor communication, and poor radiation
protection practice, were the identified key issues. The key issues showed that: LMP
was not thoroughly performed thus revealing unethical and unprofessional behaviour;
patient identification was not thoroughly performed hence pointing to poor
communication; and poor radiation protection practice was evident through insufficient
collimation, incorrect selection of exposure factors, incorrect positioning, and insufficient
usage of lead anatomical markers
Sexual Diversity Management By Smmes Owners/Managers In The Mangaung Metropolitan Area, Free State
Get PDFDissertationHuman resource practitioners have recently developed interest in the diverse nature of the work place, specifically the sexual orientation of employees and how it has been managed by different employers in different sectors. While much has been written on this subject in the small business sector in the developed economies, little investigation has been conducted about sexual orientation as a form of diversity, especially among small, micro and medium enterprises in developing countries, where they are now regarded as key contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To close some of this gap, this study sought to determine the extent to which small medium micro enterprises owners/managers in Mangaung Metropolitan area consider/regard sexual orientation as a form of diversity. Using a phenomenology design, a qualitative research approach was used, where a sample of 20 small medium micro enterprises owner/managers, conveniently selected, were interviewed by the researcher over a period of approximately two months. Data obtained was analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Findings show that, generally, small medium micro enterprises owners/managers understand sexual diversity and diversity management but have negative attitudes towards sexual orientation as a form of diversity. The results also revealed that, the small medium micro enterprises owners/managers’ personal skills in running a business, nature of the business, type of business and availability of diverse workforce have an influence on these small medium micro enterprises owners/managers attitudes towards sexual orientation as a form of diversity. Lastly, the study shows that, small medium micro enterprises in the area do not have policies, programmes and practices specifically meant for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender employees
An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Monitoring And Evaluation Systems In The Office Of The Premier, Free State Provincial Government
Get PDFDissertationThe study examines the current implementation challenges with respect to monitoring and
evaluation systems in the Office of the Premier, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Directorate
of the Free State Province. M&E systems are indispensable for ensuring the effective
functioning of the spheres of government in such a way that policy objectives and effective
service delivery are achieved. Since the inception of the Government Wide Monitoring and
Evaluations System (GWM&ES) in 2007, provinces are at varying levels of institutionalizing
M&E. M&E is an imperative tool for the Office of the Premier to achieve its objectives by
providing strategic leadership and to coordinate provincial policy formulation and reviews,
planning as well as overseeing effective service delivery. Furthermore, the Office of the
Premier is mandated with monitoring the performance of the various departments and ensure
that they achieve the government’s 12 priority outcomes as set out in the Medium-Term
Strategic Framework (MTSF). Lastly provincial governments are tasked with the monitoring
of basic municipal services.
For the realization of the aim and objectives of this study, qualitative research methodology is
adopted. A semi structured, and structured interview was utilized as a tool that contains the
predetermined questions prepared to acquire insight, knowledge and application of the people
who are involved and familiar with M&E systems, its implementation challenges as well as
best practices that can be replicated across the various provinces.
The literature study is based extensive literature, legislation, policy documents, journal articles,
books, conference papers, internet and government reports about, requirements, purpose,
principles, objectives, components, and systems of monitoring and evaluation with specific
reference to the introduction of the South African Government-Wide Monitoring and
Evaluation System. Furthermore, the study investigated the role of the Offices of the Premier
M&E Directorate concerning the effective implementation of M&E systems including the
GWM&ES as well as identify current monitoring and evaluation processes, practices,
challenges as well as best practices. An empirical study, by a process of semi-structured
questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with selected public officials in the Office of the
Premier, M&E Directorate and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(CoGTA) of the Free State province. The study found that there is a lack of M&E culture
within the Free State Provincial government (FSPG). The FSPG should clearly, establish a
culture of M&E across all provincial government institutions
A Tool To Assess The Success Of Business Intelligence Implementation Within Free State Government Departments: Task Technology Fit Perspective
Get PDFDissertationThis study employed an information systems (IS) framework development based on a case study. Data collected using a questionnaire was analysed using factor analysis technique to examine the effectiveness of the widely used Vulindela System (VS) – a business intelligence (BI) technology – in the public sector, with special focus on three service-delivery-oriented government departments, namely the Treasury, Health and CoGTA in the Free State Province, South Africa. Two principal component analysis (PCA) models were built to extract latent factors capturing the weakness and strength of the VS, with the first model assessing the internal consistency and adequacy of the survey questions to measure the VS as an observable construct, and the second model is estimated based on the 12-Task Technology Fit (TTF) evaluation theoretical framework proposed by Goodhue (1995). Firstly, the evidence from the survey reveals that sizeable number of main users (about 70%) of the VS perceived the system as a: user-friendly-web-based IT system, an easily accessible, problem-solving and flexible BI tool capable of executing analytical (financial) and decision-making related tasks, amongst others. The effectiveness of the System is, however, constrained by lack of technical-know-how among most users, for instance to extract and disseminate complex information produced by the system and limited technical support to resolve network issues. Secondly, the results of the PCA models confirm that the strength of VS as a decision-making BI tool can be ascribed to its ability to perform unstructured tasks, collate quality information, enhance total productivity, whereas the operational capacity and functionality of the system is hampered by the System’s inflexibility to be integrated with other IT systems, inability to facilitate new/non-routine/unstructured tasks. Finally, the results of the TTF-based PCA model show that the VS is mostly (in) directly influenced by its operational capacity and functionality features, and its shortcomings is attributable to the System’s incompatibility to meet user’s task profile and inflexibility to execute new task demanded. Based on these findings, the efficiency gain derived by the main users in the focal provincial departments is relatively low vis-à-vis the high cost of implementing the system. The functionality features of the existing VS technology need to be upgraded to allow, for instance, easy accessibility of reports/information with short turn-around time, performance of (un-)structured and non-routine tasks that meet the users’ task profiles. Despite significant inferences produced by the two-pronged quantitative analysis by making use of a small sample, however, the robustness of the inferred results and statistical power of the structural framework will significantly improve by using a larger sample size
Designing A Modern Substation To Minimise Cost And Time During Future Upgrades
Get PDFThe Northern Cape Operating Unit in South Africa is experiencing load growth, due to residential developments, high electrification growth, agriculture and mining. The rural areas were previously not given sufficient attention, a result of slow developmental growth. The current 66 kV network experiences low voltages, under n-1 contingencies. The existing 66 kV network has no spare capacity to supply new customers. For additional capacity, Eskom should upgrade its distribution network from 66 kV to 132 kV. Eskom further upgrades their substations, due to equipment reaching their functional lifespans. The cost to maintain equipment regularly is high. Old apparatus interrupts security and continuity of supply to customers regularly.
The challenge with substation upgrades, on existing substations, is the cost involved to upgrade the 66 kV substations to 132 kV. Before substation, upgrades may take place. New and existing consumers who require additional capacity are not connected, due to capacity constraints in existing substations. Older protection schemes do not possess any data storage facilities, to be utilised during fault investigations. Phase one protection schemes solely retain the flag of the previous incident, which is not adequate when investigating faults for extended periods. During substation upgrades, continuity of supply to existing customers is necessary to improve customer satisfaction and network performance.
Electricity is generated and distributed instantaneously, by electricity utilities. There is occasionally an enormous amount of wasted capacity in electricity utilities. Illegal connections contribute to overloads and trips, as the network is carrying more users than initially designed. It is particularly critical to assess the economic practicability of BESS for diverse applications. The costs of energy storage systems, depend on the type of technology, the planned operation, and the hours of storage required.
This dissertation further proposed a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design, which leads to a costly network upgrade deferral and increased self-consumption. BESS reduces environmental pollution (Environmentally friendly), reduces consumer electricity prices (Creating value for customers), provides reliable back up supply, improve network performance and create sufficient capacity on the medium voltage network.
This dissertation compared different substation designs and the most cost-effective design, when upgrading modern substations, were preferred. The modern substation design reduced the complexity of substation upgrades, reduced substation upgrade expenses and improved network performance. Furthermore, the preferred modern substation upgrade designs had the lowest influence on network performance, during construction. The high voltage and medium voltage systems were reliable for n-1 contingencies. Finally, the same Control Plant schemes and cabling were re-used during substation upgrades.
Design, apparatus and construction expenses of a standard 66/22 kV, 40 MVA substation, were approximately R 39,946,427. The decommissioning cost of an existing 66/22 kV substation was approximately R18,540,602, per substation. The decommissioning cost escalated the cost to upgrade an existing 66/22 kV substation to R 58,487,029. The minimum energy storage system cost was approximately R4,931,500 for a 1 MW power conversion system and R4,931,500, for a 1 MWh battery system. The modern substation designs, including upgrade costs, reduced capital expenditure and operational expenditure to R 43,169,816, during substation upgrades. Substation upgrade cost comparison was to calculate the most cost-effective design for substation upgrades, when upgrading high voltage networks or deferring substation upgrades
Enhancing Learner Involvement In Sgbs: A Case Study Of One School In Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
Get PDFDissertationThis study focuses on the enhancement of learner participation in school governance. South African School’s Act 84 of 1996 stipulates that learners should legally form part of School Governing Bodies (SGBs). However, members in the SGB have opted to ignore such stipulations. Learners are excluded from participating in school governance because of individual perceptions that other members in the SGB have about them. They are left behind when training for the entire SGB is conducted, thus making it difficult for them to take part in meetings that are filled with riddling jargon and engagements of policies. This study revealed that attitudes of elderly governors towards learners are the center of challenges faced by learners. Concomitantly, the insufficient participatory chances given to learners and lack of capacity building made the cut to prime challenges faced by learners. I took a stance, as a researcher that learners are excluded from SGBs and indeed the outcomes proved my notion right.
In an attempt to stick to its own objectives, the study addressed the research question: How do we enhance learner participation in the SGB? Critical Emancipatory Research (CER) was adopted as the theoretical framework and Participatory Action Research (PAR) as a methodology. To analyze the data gathered, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was utilized. During the initial stages of the research, a forum was developed to deal with challenges facing learners in the SGB and subsequently come up with strategies to remedy that. The forum engaged as equal partners in the research as they embarked into discourse in an attempt to eliminate a socially unjust situation that was facing them. As a community, co-researchers were able to cooperatively work towards a common goal. They were able to identify problems that were facing them and ultimately remedied them on their own. It is through the same forum that this study can promulgate its strategies that will aid in enhancing learner participation in SGBs