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Copper Acyl Salicylate Has Potential as an Anti-Cryptococcus Antifungal Agent
No full textPublished ArticleThe in vitro antifungal activity of aspirin against cryptococcal cells has been reported. However, the unwanted effects of aspirin may limit its clinical application. Conceivably, a derivative of aspirin could overcome this challenge. Toward this end, this study considered the usage of an aspirinate-metal complex, namely, copper acyl salicylate (CAS), as an anti-Cryptococcus antifungal agent. Additionally, the study examined the effects of this compound on macrophage function. The in vitro susceptibility results revealed that cryptococcal cells were vulnerable (in a dose-dependent manner) to CAS, which might have effected growth inhibition by damaging cryptococcal cell membranes. Interestingly, when CAS was used in combination with fluconazole or amphotericin B, synergism was observed. Furthermore, CAS did not negatively affect the growth or metabolic activity of macrophages; rather, it sensitized those immune cells to produce interferon gamma and interleukin 6, which, in turn, might have aided in the phagocytosis of cryptococcal cells. Compared to our aspirin data, CAS was noted to be more effective in killing cryptococcal cells (based on susceptibility results) and less toxic toward macrophages (based on growth inhibition results). Taking these findings together, it is reasonable to conclude that CAS may be a better anti-Cryptococcus drug that could deliver better therapeutic outcomes, compared to aspirin
Incidence and need of advanced aesthetic somatology in South Africa
Get PDFPublished ThesisRapid advancements in technology have resulted in a growing trend of aesthetic beauty treatments. Internationally, the beauty profession has adapted to include aesthetic treatments through the offering of non-surgical aesthetic qualifications as an additional career choice for qualified beauty therapists. The merging of beauty and aesthetics treatments has created a skills gap and an opportunity for career development in the beauty industry. Although somatologists in South Africa are currently practicing aesthetic treatments, there is no qualification which focuses solely on this skill. This has created the need for somatology in South Africa to move towards a more medical approach within the skin care sector and align itself with international benchmarks being set by other countries in the industry. The aim of this study was to assess the requirements and needs for the development of advanced aesthetic somatology as an education programme in the South African context.
A quantitative research design was implemented with qualitative elements. The mixed method approach gathered qualitative and quantitative data which provided a broader context to respondents’ perceptions on the use of advanced aesthetics within the somatology industry. Three questionnaires were developed, targeting each respondent group: somatology students, qualified somatologists and medical professionals. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was applied for the purpose of the study.
Results indicated the need for the development and standardisation of aesthetics education in the field of somatology. Somatology respondents recognised the consumer need for aesthetic treatments and agreed there is a need to keep abreast of new technologies and aesthetic treatments being offered in the industry. A skills gap was further highlighted when somatology respondents confirmed they were currently incorporating advanced skin care treatments into their scope of practice, but required further training and education in aesthetic somatology. A common sentiment among the three respondent groups was the need to revisit the current somatology curricula to include advanced aesthetic modalities. Similarly, somatology students recognised the need to expand somatology education to include aesthetics in order to prepare them for current industry trends. Students displayed great interest in obtaining future employment in medical settings and in performing aesthetical treatments. Similar responses from the three stakeholder groups found dermal science, permanent hair removal techniques, wound care, resurfacing science and pre/post-operative techniques to be important subjects included in the advanced aesthetic somatology curriculum. A generally positive outlook was displayed by all stakeholders with regards to interdisciplinary practices. Both students and somatologists indicated it would be beneficial for the profession and clients to work under the supervision of medical professionals. Likewise, medical professionals agreed they would feel comfortable hiring an advanced aesthetic somatologist to assist in medical practices provided the correct education and training was in place.
The South African beauty profession has recognised the benefits of diversifying services in order to meet industry needs. Due to a rapidly evolving beauty industry, the need to develop and standardise aesthetics education in somatology was highlighted. Finally, this study identified the importance for the somatology industry to bridge an imperative training and education deficit
Development of an effective feeding regimen using dry chocory (cichorium intybus) roots to eradicate zoonotic helminths in pigs
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Phenotypic and reproductive characterisation of kolbroek pigs
Get PDFPublished ThesisIndigenous pigs are considered as a valuable component of rural livelihood farming systems in South Africa. However, the population of rural pigs such as Kolbroek are considered stagnated due to the absence of a comprehensive improvement and conservation strategy. Therefore, in domestic pigs (Sus Scrofa domestica), phenotypic and reproductive characterisation are some of the most important characteristics for improved pig production. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of Kolbroek males and female pigs, to correlate the testicular size with semen parameters and to detect the onset of puberty by hormonal assays in Kolbroek boars and sows then evaluate the reproductive characteristics of the sows following natural mating. A total of 57 Kolbroek pigs (34 sows and 23 boars) were used for phenotypic characterisation. Data for various phenotypic characteristics were evaluated by visual appraisal. Morphometric characteristics such as body weight, body length, chest girth, head length, width of head, ear length, hair length, tail length and number of teats were recorded using a measuring tape. The scrotal measurements were done using a vanier calliper. A total of fifteen ejaculates from three boars were collected using a gloved hand technique method. Semen parameters were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Blood was collected randomly from thirteen Kolbroek pigs from the jugular vein every two weeks for 5 months using a 10ml syringe. Blood was then centrifuged at 2400rpm for 14 minutes and the serum was stored at -200C. The serum profile of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol (E2) of the gilts were determined using Elisa kits. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The predominant coat colour pattern of the pigs was a patchy black and white colour type. All the pigs had straight long and dense hair and tusks were present only in boars. In all the descriptive characteristics, majority of the sows had a rough skin and ears which projected forward (57.9%). Moreover, majority of boars had erect ears (69.7%). All the pigs had concave heads with a short and cylindrical snout, a straight tail and sows had an average of 10 teats. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) for morphometric characteristics, irrespective of the gender. However, sows (123kg) had a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight compared to boars (114kg).
There was a significantly positive correlation (P0.05) were found between semen pH and sperm concentration (r= 0.18) and semen volume (r= 0.18), although not significant. Furthermore, a weak positive correlation was observed between body weight and sperm motility (r= 0.30). There was strong positive correlation (P0.05) for hormonal serum concentrations in Kolbroek sows. There was a significant increase (0.22-0.35ng/ml) in serum concentrations of LH, FSH and E2 in all sows from 3 to 7 months of age. In conclusion, Kolbroek pigs have a patchy black and white coat colour. The head was concave in form and the ears were erect and projected forward. It was also found that the effect of gender was not significant on all body weights and measurements in Kolbroek pigs, except for body length. It was indicated that the measurements of testicular size and bodyweight of Kolbroek boars was positively correlated with semen volume. The age of attainment of puberty of Kolbroek sows was found to be 3 months. The study showed that phenotypic and reproductive characteristics are useful in selection, identification and conservation of South African Kolbroek pigs
Strategies used by teachers for supporting mathematically gifted learners in ten selected high schools around Bloemfontein
Get PDFThesis (Master of Education) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2018Most gifted learners in mathematics fall through the cracks of inclusive classrooms as they are taught by the same methods used to teach both average and slow learners. The needs of the gifted learners are often ignored as teachers believe that they can learn on their own without special programmes. Yet results from many longitudinal studies have confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt that mathematically gifted males and females become the critical human capital needed for driving modern day, conceptual economies. Teachers’ strategy is a key element for educators to provide proper learning instructions to gifted learners. However, in South Africa, teachers lamented that they had never received any training on how to deal with gifted learners.
The purpose of this study was to investigate strategies which teachers in ten selected high schools around Bloemfontein, South Africa use when they support mathematically gifted learners in their inclusive classrooms. The researcher used mixed methods to collect information. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Nineteen teachers participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected by providing teachers with questionnaires followed by the collection of the qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. Further, ten teachers of these teachers were interviewed. The interviews focused on identifying gifted learners and strategies they used in their classrooms to support mathematically gifted learners. Teachers’ responses, from the questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were analysed and compared to establish patterns and themes.
The study found that the prevalent strategy used by teachers to identify gifted learners has been that of tests associated with academic performance. The results also revealed that the most favoured strategy to group learners was the mixed-ability grouping. Though teachers felt they were adequately supporting gifted learners in their classrooms, the study revealed that gifted learners were not given activities that differ from their peers. The results acknowledged both teachers’ confidence and frustrations to teach mathematically gifted learners. Teachers felt that having gifted learners gives the opportunity to use them to help struggling learners. Obstacles preventing their efforts to support gifted learners in their classrooms include inadequate personal knowledge about gifted learners, departmental priorities of catering the needs of other learners and insufficient time to spend with gifted learners.
The study concluded that even though teachers believed that offering gifted learners with challenging activities is important, they struggled to provide gifted learners in their classrooms with suitable challenging work. The researcher recommends that teachers be trained and developed in gifted education
Extent of inaccuracy in the hydrometer test
Get PDFThesis (Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2018Assessment of particle size distribution is a fundamental aspect of any soil characterization and is commonly used for soil classification. While it is relatively easy to classify the coarse fraction, classification of the soil fines remains problematic, particularly the fraction less than 2μm. Hydrometer analysis has been an international standard tool for fines assessment for many years but there may be serious flaws. A number of shortcomings facing the hydrometer have been alluded to by many researchers. Some of these have been addressed by laser scattering techniques. Others, including completeness of dispersion and the amount of clay carried down with coarser fractions, remain problematic.
Hydrometer analysis appears to underestimate clay content when compared to microscopic analysis and tends to overestimate clay fraction when compared to laser diffraction method. The analysis is based on Stoke’s law which estimates the rate at which particles settle in a suspension. The accuracy of hydrometer analysis depends critically on all of the clay present being dispersed into the suspension. Microscopic analysis, however, showed that, with the various types of dispersant specified in the hydrometer method, some samples experienced good dispersion while some were poorly dispersed.
Most of the commonly used methods of heave prediction in South Africa rely on an estimate of the clay fraction. Hydrometer analysis is not sufficiently reliable for a critical test such as heave prediction unless a means can be found of identifying which soils do not disperse effectively in the specified deflocculant.
Hydrometer and pipette analysis measures only the particle size distribution of the fine soil fraction, but some important aspects of soil behavior such as a change in volume depend on the clay mineral content. An assessment of clay mineral contents is therefore also required.
The necessity for a better method of estimating the clay fraction is illustrated by the many buildings and roads that have failed due to heave movements. A good example of this is a government subsidy housing site at Kimberley, where hydrometer analysis showed only 6% clay fraction. Van der Merwe’s method therefore predicted zero heave and houses were built on that assumption. Heave did in fact occur and one house became structurally unsound while still under construction, whilst many others became unsound shortly after construction.
This investigation assessed some aspects of the reliability of the hydrometer by separating the sand, silt and clay fraction of selected soil samples by sedimentation and the conducting tests on these fractions. Microscopic examination using a methylene blue staining technique was used to compare the composition of sediment layers with that expected from hydrometer theory
Achieving social value through construction frameworks: the effect of client attributes
Get PDFThe UK Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 mandates public sector construction clients to prioritise the resolution
of social challenges through procurement. Accordingly, clients are increasingly committing to delivering on social
value through capital expenditure. Construction frameworks have been identified as a means of delivering social
value, hence their relatively sudden attractiveness. Yet evidence suggests clients are experiencing varied social value
benefits from projects procured through frameworks. The study reported in this paper sought to ascertain the
causes of such inconsistency. It investigated the influence of client attributes on the ability of frameworks to deliver
on social value. A qualitative case study design was adopted. Interactions between a regional framework and
two clients were studied from a project procurement perspective using a viable infrastructure delivery model.
Findings revealed that certain client attributes influenced a framework’s ability to achieve optimal social value. Of
significance was the ability of the client to express their latent values and their ability to appoint a project manager
who will serve as a social value champion. Findings from this study will enlighten clients on their contributions
towards successful social value implementation when engaging with a construction framework
School Management Teams’ Impact On Educators’ Job Satisfaction In The Free State Province
Get PDFThesisA school's learning environment depends on educators because they are directly involved in knowledge transfer. The School Management Team (SMT) has a duty to create a school atmosphere and a conducive learning environment to positively affect educators' job satisfaction. Educators will generally be satisfied in their work environment if a positive relationship with their SMT exists, and when they are included in decision-making processes. The researcher used the explanatory sequential mixed method approach. Phase one included quantitative data collection through questionnaires. Qualitative data collection, using focus group interviews, followed after the quantitative method of phase one. The study was confined to schools in the Free State Province. The questionnaire sample included 60 secondary schools and 313 respondents, while the qualitative sample for focus group interviews consisted of 34 educators and 34 SMT Members (20 HOD’s, 6 Deputy Principals and 8 School Principals). This research study addresses a gap in research regarding the impact of SMTs on educators' job satisfaction in the Free State province. The pragmatic results indicated that participants experienced substantial job dissatisfaction that discouraged them and prohibited quality education in schools under certain circumstances. The research revealed numerous decisive dynamics that SMTs could use to develop strategies to promote educators’ satisfaction. It is therefore essential that SMTs identify support tactics in order to improve educators' job satisfaction. The results of the research could be used by the Free State Department of Basic Education to organize an educator management training programme plan for SMTs. The researcher developed a toolkit for in-service SMT training, and is intended primarily for facilitators (such as principals) to enable them to conduct workshops for fellow SMT members. The toolkit offers an overview of some of the main issues related to management and leadership, and how such issues influence educator job satisfaction
Strategies And Practices For Effective Talent Management In The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Get PDFDissertationThe aim of this study was to positively contribute to the improvement of the human resource management, talent management strategies and practices in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in particular.
For the realisation of the aim and objectives of this study, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. A semi-structured questionnaire with predetermined closed and open-ended questions was utilised to acquire as much insight as possible into the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s human resource management practises and, particularly, their talent management strategies and practices. A semi-structured interview was another tool used to obtain a better perspective on if and how talent management is practiced within the municipality and their knowledge and familiarity with such practices and strategies.
The literature study, which was qualitative, included extensive literature, legislation, policy documents, journal articles, books, conference papers, the internet, and government reports about human resource functions and tasks, which includes strategies and plans, recruitment, selection, career management, human resource development and practices in the South African public sector, talent management, development and retention, and the human resource functions and practices in a municipality
Performance Management Implementation Challenges In The Lesotho Ministry Of Social Development
No full textPublished ArticleAn Integrated Performance Management System was introduced in the
Public Service of Lesotho, in the Ministry of Social Development, to enhance
public officers' performance and ultimately service delivery. The study
identified challenges that impeded the implementation of the Integrated
Performance Management System within the Lesotho Ministry of Social
Development. The purpose of the study was to promote effective service
delivery based on the implementation of the Integrated Performance
Management System within the thirteen departments of this Ministry. The
research established that several legislative directives and policies have been
introduced to support the implementation of the Integrated Performance
Management System in the Ministry of Social Development. However,
challenges still seemed eminent. A case study was conducted within the
thirteen departments of the Lesotho Ministry of Social Development. A
quantitative approach, using self-administered questionnaires, was used to
collect data. The analysis was done through the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences version 23. The research showed that challenges in the
implementation of the Integrated Performance Management System revolve
around (i) a lack of training on performance management (i.e. a lack of
orientation on performance management, monitoring and evaluation, and
laws and policies supporting the implementation of the Integrated
Performance Management System); (ii) limited management involvement in
the implementation of the Integrated Performance Management System; and
(iii) poor communication in performance planning, reviews, feedback, and
monitoring and evaluation of performance. The article highlights the need for
support and leadership from managers when it comes to the successful
implementation of performance management in the public service. The
findings provide preliminary insight that adds to the body of knowledge
concerned with the implementation of performance management in the
Lesotho public service context as well as the broader service delivery
environment