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Mathematical modelling of the transmission dynamics of cholera
Get PDFIn the present research, analysis of a mathematical model of cholera which includes vaccinated individuals was performed. It is proved that if control reproduction number RC 1, there exists a unique endemic equilibrium which is globally asymptotically stable. Sensitivity analysis of parameters indicates that the ingestion rate of Vibrio cholerae by humans due to contact with contaminated sources greatly influences RC followed by rate of natural loss of Vibrio cholerae, B. An extension of the model to include possible optimal control strategies targeting to reduce such as hygiene and improved sanitation are considered. Numerical simulations indicate that the number of infected individuals reduces when controls are in place to reduce ingestion of cholera pathogens, which shows that control measures are effective.M. Sc. (Applied Mathematics)Mathematical Science
Covid-19’s Emotional Toll on Students: Experiences during Online Assessments in an Open and Distance Learning Programme
No full textThe Covid-19 pandemic had an immense effect on teaching and learning during 2020. The fast shift to online examinations in reaction to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown underlines the significance of motivationally enriched and emotionally supportive instruction through this stressful time. It cannot be assumed that all students had the same access to online assets or internet-equipped devices such as laptops or tablets. Not all students coped well, as an analysis of student remarks in a qualitative study indicates. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to analyse student reports on emotions experienced during the first fully online assessments in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in order to develop an understanding of the motivating and supportive learning environments in online teaching. A total of 20 students from an open and distance learning university were purposefully selected to answer 15 questions related to their learning needs and, in particular, emotional challenges during lockdown. The study drew on a theoretical framing of five motivational design principles, which link emotions to academic performance. The 17 participants all had access to mobile phones and 12 to laptops for participation in online academic activities. The emotions experienced most by the students varied from anxiousness to restlessness, associated with technology access, and the trend was that emotions were shared mostly with family and friends. The findings are discussed in terms of the need to support student emotions in a fully online university course during these stressful times.Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats of North West Province, South Africa
No full textAbstract
Background
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic diseases with significant economic and public health implications worldwide. Infection with the parasite has a significant adverse effect on sheep and goat production and can frequently go undetected in the herd, resulting in abortions and weak or dead offspring. Although there are few studies on seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infections in livestock in other provinces of South Africa, there is no data in the North West province. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors associated with exposure in sheep and goats of the North West province of South Africa. Sera from 439 livestock (164 sheep and 285 goats) were collected and analysed for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies using indirect ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). An assessment of potential risk factors in farms associated with seropositivity was also conducted using a structured questionnaire.
Results
Out of the 439 tested sheep and goats, 13.9% (61/439) were positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Sheep and goats had seroprevalences of 19.5% (32/164) and 10.5% (29/275) respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the risk of acquiring T. gondii was significantly higher in the mixed breed [Odds ratio (OR) = 71.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 266.8-1893.1; p < 0.011)] animals than white dorper sheep and in farms that burn or bury aborted material (OR = 42.04; CI: 179.9-982.5; p = 0.020) compared to those that only burn aborted material. The risk was lower for the farms in Kagisano-Molopo (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-25.4; p = 0.015) and Mahikeng (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-4.9; p < 0.001) local municipalities than Greater Taung local municipality, and for the animals that drink water from dams (OR = 0.03; CI: 0.2–58.8; p = 0.021) than those that drink from boreholes.
Conclusion
The seroprevalence and risk factors associated with transmission observed show that T. gondii infection is widespread in sheep and goats of the North West province
The nutrition transition in urban Ethiopia during rapid economic growth (2000-2016)
Get PDFSummaries in English, Tshivenda and AfrikaansThis study sought to examine the patterns and drivers of the nutrition transition in urban Ethiopia between 2000 and 2016, which coincided with a period of rapid economic expansion and urbanisation. A mixed-methods research approach combined quantitative data from nationally representative, repeated, cross-sectional surveys with qualitative data gathered through focus-group discussions. It revealed that during the last two decades, urban Ethiopia has been through a nuanced nutrition transition. The transition is underpinned by factors, such as a demographic transition (the composition of the population in terms of age, gender, household size, marital status, and level of education), an economic transition (income, real price, and affordability of food), an epidemiologic transition (perceived causes and consequences of diseases), food-market changes (government subsidy and supply), and an agricultural transformation. The past two decades saw the double burden of malnutrition (with decreasing levels of undernutrition) and growing levels of overnutrition. Despite the overall average calories derived from cereals increasing, their share in total consumption plummeted because of the rapid increase in the contribution of other food categories. The consumption of pulses remained stable, but the share of dietary energy derived from fats and oils continued to rise, replacing the share of starchy staples. The increased consumption of refined cereals and vegetable oil is a feature of the nutrition transition in urban Ethiopia. The gradual but steady increase in the adaptation of "Western diets" largely applies to higher-income groups and the younger generation. This impending nutrition transition, although at an early stage still, has ramifications for nutrition and food security, environmental, social, and economic sustainability, food sovereignty, and public health. Policy interventions are recommended to delay or reverse the detrimental course and to address the exigencies associated with a nutrition transition.Hierdie studie het die patrone en aandrywers van die voedingsoorgang in stedelike Ethiopië tussen 2000 en 2016 ondersoek, wat met ’n tydperk van vinnige ekonomiese uitbreiding en verstedeliking saamgeval het. ’n gemengdemetode-navorsingsbenadering, bestaande uit kwantitatiewe data uit nasionale verteenwoordigende, herhaalde deursneeondersoeke en kwalitatiewe data uit fokusgroepbesprekings is gevolg Dit het aan die lig gebring dat stedelike Ethiopië die afgelope twee dekades ’n genuanseerde voedingsoorgang beleef het. Die oorgang is ondersteun deur faktore soos demografiese oorgang (die samestelling van die bevolking ten opsigte van ouderdom, geslag, die grootte van huishoudings, huwelikstatus en vlak van opvoeding), ekonomiese oorgang (inkomste, werklike pryse en die bekostigbaarheid van kos), epidemiologiese oorgang (waargenome oorsake en gevolge van siektes), voedsel-markveranderinge (staatsubsidie en voorsiening), en landboutransformasie. Gedurende die afgelope twee dekades is die dubbele las van wanvoeding (met dalende vlakke van ondervoeding) en toenemende vlakke van oorvoeding waargeneem. Al het die algehele gemiddelde kalorieë afkomstig van graan toegeneem, het hulle aandeel aan totale verbruik skerp gedaal as gevolg van die vinnige toename in die bydrae wat ander voedselkategorieë gelewer het. Die verbruik van peulvrugte het stabiel gebly maar die gedeelte van energie verkry uit dieet afkomstig van vette en olies het aanhou styg en styselstapelvoedsel se gedeelte vervang. Die toenemende verbruik van verfynde graan en plantaardige olie is ’n kenmerk van die voedingsoorgang in stedelike Ethiopië. Die geleidelike maar bestendige neiging om “Westerse diëte” aan te neem, word hoofsaaklik by hoër inkomstegroepe en die jonger generasie opgemerk. Hoewel hierdie naderende voedingsoorgang in ’n vroeë stadium is, kan dit gevolge vir voeding en voedselsekuriteit, omgewings-, maatskaplike en ekonomiese volhoubaarheid, voedselsoewereiniteit en openbare gesondheid hê. Beleidsingrypings word aanbeveel om die nadelige verloop van sake te vertraag of om te keer, en aandag moet aan die eise wat met ’n voedingsoorgang geassosieer word, gegee word.D. Phil. (Development Studies)Development Studie
Alternative use of various plant parts of vachellia nilotica as fodder for small ruminants: implications for woody plant encroachment
Get PDFText in EnglishWoody plant encroachment is regard as a common problem in South African rangelands, however edible twigs and seed pods from these plants are generally regarded as an important source of protein to livestock during the dry season. Livestock, especially small ruminants feed more on the seed pods of these woody plant, which, in turn, results in the dispersal of scarified seeds back in the rangelands through their feces. This, in turn, results in further woody plant encroachment and bush thickening. The current study aimed to explore the use of Vachellia nilotica plant parts (seed pods and edible twigs) as fodder for small ruminants to fill the dry season feed shortage. To achieve this aim, the study examined the possibility of reducing the dispersal of viable seeds in rangelands and controlling bush encroachment by including Vachellia nilotica seeds into livestock feeds. The seed pods and edible shoots of Vachellia nilotica were harvested separately, and analyzed for mineral, protein and fibre contents at different seed pod inclusion rates, with or without the addition of feed additive. Based on the chemical analysis, six diets (1) 100% V. nilotica seed pods (un-chipped), 2) 100% V. nilotica seed pods (chipped), 3) 100% V. nilotica seed pods (un-chipped) + feed additive, 4) 100% V. nilotica seed pods (chipped) + feed additive, 5) 4:4 (V. nilotica shoots: V. nilotica chipped seed pods) and 6) 4:4 (V. nilotica shoots: V. nilotica chipped seed pods) + feed additive) were selected to feed 24 goats and measure the number of seeds that was recovered and germinated after ingestion. Results from the study showed significant differences (p < 0.05) with higher concentrations of CP, TDN, K, Mg, P and Zn in the 100% V. nilotica seed pods compared to the 100% V. nilotica shoots. Furthermore, a relatively high (p < 0.05) digestible dry matter (DDM), digestible organic matter (DOM), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for lactation (NEL), and net energy for growth (NEG) were observed in the 100% V. nilotica seed pods, shoots + seed pods and 100% V. nilotica seed pods. The concentrations of N, P, K, and CP from the 100% shoots fodder significantly increased (p < 0.05) upon the addition of feed additives (i.e.Voermol LS33). The highest seed pod inclusion of 100% shoot fodder, the content level of DDM, TDN, DOM, ME, NEL, and NEG significantly increased (p < 0.05). No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) were observed in mineral content between the 100% shoot and the shoots + seed pod fodders, irrespective of the seed pod inclusion levels. In the feeding trial, no differences (p ≥ 0.05) were observed in feeds consumed (58- 83%) and remained (17-35%) among the six experimental diets. However, seeds ingested were significantly higher (p < 0.05) when the seed pods were chipped, and this also influenced significantly (p < 0.05) the number of seed recovered in the diets compared to the control. Less than 2% of the chipped seed pods diet were recovered after ingestion, while 3% and 6% of seeds in the diets containing whole seed pods with or without Voermol LS33. The study found that chipping seed pods before incorporating them into livestock diets led to a significant decrease in the number of seeds recovered. Therefore, chipping the seed pods prior to adding to the shoot material in diets significantly reduces the number of seeds that could potentially be dispersed through endozoochory, thereby reducing bush encroachment. However, it should be taken into consideration that the majority of the 2% of seeds recovered were dormant but still viable. Another aim of the study was to explore the possibility of whether V. nilotica edible shoots (chipped) can be preserved in the form of silage. The ensiling lasted for 60 days, and fermentation characteristics, dry matter, mineral nutrients and aerobic stability were analysed within 4 treatments: 1) control (shoots only without molasses), 2) shoots + seed pods (without molasses), 3) shoots + molasses (without seed pods), and 4) shoots + molasses + seed pods. The study found that dry matter content of V. nilotica materials in all treatments significantly differ (p < 0.05) at ensiling, but they all fall within the recommended DM range of 45-55% for high DM legume silages. The same was true for CP (7-8%), ADF, NDF and ash content. Although significant differences were also observed in pH level between days and treatments, it was within the recommended level of 4.3-5.0. Therefore, results from this work show that all parameters measured fall within the recommended range of well-fermented and preserved legume silage. These findings demonstrate that V. nilotica can be effectively preserved as silage in the wet season in order to feed during dry season or to counter the feed shortage during dry season. However, more research is necessary to determine whether the addition of inoculants will likely affect the nutritional quality of the silage produced.M. Sc. (Agriculture)Agriculture and Animal Healt
Digital health : a live healthcare console for public health in Gauteng, South Africa
No full textText in EnglishAccess to quality, real-time information can enable a healthcare system to achieve tactical objectives, such as providing quality patient care, and strategic objectives, such as allocating scarce resources. Digital health systems can be used to connect disparate information-rich sources, combine appropriate information, and communicate information to key decision-makers. Even though digital health interventions, such as Gauteng’s new health information system, have been implemented, stakeholders like hospital managers and emergency medical services do not have access to shared real-time information. A Live Healthcare Console was conceptualised during this research as a system that could be used to combine appropriate information and make it available to healthcare stakeholders. New digital health systems must first be designed based on the objectives of the healthcare system to achieve this concept. Therefore, this research aims to propose a new practical design model along with a supporting theoretical model to design the Live Healthcare Console.
A literature review was conducted in three phases using elements of a systematic literature review. The merits and constraints of the public healthcare system were first determined, which led to an understanding that digital health interventions could support the Department of Health’s objectives. The second phase established that the public healthcare technology architecture does not adequately accommodate combining and communicating information to key stakeholders. This resulted in a need to identify a model that could be used to design the Live Healthcare Console. The third phase of the literature review established that none of the five evaluated digital health design models were contextually relevant to the South African public healthcare system. This resulted in the construction of the Design Model for a Live Healthcare Console version 0.1.
The researcher conducted thirty-one semi-structured interviews with participants, such as technology managers, hospital managers and emergency department personnel from the public healthcare system. The interviews were qualitatively analysed using an interpretive approach comprising three cycles of coding. Codes were associated with each other to form networks, which led to the identification of six themes (Combine Information, Connect Systems, Communicate with People, Contain Threats, Collaborate with Healthcare Teams, and Cooperate to Achieve Strategic Objectives). This process fuelled the creation of the Design Model for a Live Healthcare Console version 0.2. Version 0.2 was then tested with a subset of the original participant group to formulate version 1.0.
This research contributes a practical design model which could be used or further refined by the Department of Health to implement a Live Healthcare Console to assist with the management of scarce healthcare resources. This research also produced a theoretical conjecture supported by a theoretical model, which describes how the six themes could leverage existing technology resources to optimise public healthcare system management.D. Phil. (Information Systems)Computin
Music Pedagogy: Discussion forum questions
No full textWhen reflecting on personal beliefs around teaching music, the goal is to help educators discover their “WHY”: Why do they teach music? In the context for which these questions were designed, many educators did not volunteer to teach music; they were assigned to do so. Therefore, I encourage them to be honest in their reflections, avoiding answers they believe are proper or acceptable. By being truthful about their attitudes without judgment, they stand a better chance of managing those attitudes and minimizing any negative impact on their learners. Ideally, they may even use their unmediated relationship with music as a phenomenon to positively adjust their view of music as a subject.
By understanding their relationship with music-as-phenomenon first, and music-as-subject second, the questions then explore educators' perceptions of their learners' attitudes toward music.This OER is based on a workshop designed for educators teaching music as part of the CAPS Life Skills/Creative Arts syllabus. The questions can be used as a guide for open class discussions or as prompts for online discussion forum activities.
The theoretical foundation behind these questions is that success in any classroom is informed by two loves: love for the subject and love for the learners. These questions aim to guide music educators-in-training in reflecting on their own pedagogical attitudes in their music classrooms. They first focus on their personal relationship with music (the phenomenon, not just the subject) and then transfer these attitudes to the music classroom.Art and Musi
Examining the determinants of poor performance in South African state-owned entities : a qualitative analysis
No full textSouth African State-Owned Entities (SOEs) play a critical role in economic and social transformation, especially post-1994. However, instead of being at the forefront of social and economic transformation, most SOEs have been associated with financial mismanagement, state capture, and major governance failures due to inefficiency and weak accountability and inefficiency. This research addresses why SOEs, which should drive public service and economic development, consistently perform poorly.
Since SOEs performances continue to deteriorate, it is important to investigate the main determinants/causes of this deterioration. This ensures that the government develops and employs up-to-date and effective methods in dealing with current challenges contributing to the poor performance of SOEs.
The study employs a qualitative research design to explore the factors contributing to poor performance in selected South African state-owned entities (SOEs). The study uses a case study approach to gather data from selected SOEs, focusing on in-depth interviews, document analysis, and review of existing SOE performance reports. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, identifying patterns and key themes in governance, financial performance, and operational challenges that impact SOE efficiency and effectiveness. While ethical considerations employed ethical standards to ensure confidentiality and managing any sensitivities related to public sector critique. Key performance metrics include financial stability, service delivery, and governance practices.
The main findings of the study reflect, amongst others, Operational and Financial Challenges: SOEs face significant governance issues due to political interference, poor internal controls, and lack of strategic alignment with their public mandate and Systemic Issues: The bureaucratic structure, political patronage in appointments, and complex regulatory environment hamper performance, leading to inefficiency and poor financial outcomes.
The study concludes that while South African SOEs are essential for public service and economic goals, they are compromised by political interference, misaligned objectives, and governance challenges. Recommendations are provided for policy reforms, governance improvements, and performance management updates to address these issues.M. Phil. (Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting))Management Accountin
An evaluation of policing participation of communities in informal settlements in Mamelodi, Gauteng
No full textText in EnglishThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the participation of informal settlements residents in sector policing in Mamelodi East, situated in the CoT, this was used as the guiding study aim. Whereas, the objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To assess the nature of participation of informal settlements residents of Mamelodi East in sector policing, (2) To describe the participation of informal settlements residents of Mamelodi East in sector policing, (3) To offer successful implementation of sector policing in informal settlements in Mamelodi East, (4) To describe factors hindering participations of informal settlement residents of Mamelodi East in sector policing practices, and; (5) To offer recommendations on improvement of the participation of informal settlements in sector policing in the Mamelodi East.
This qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design, aided by the evaluative research objective to achieve the stated study aim, objectives and a research question. The non-probability: Purposive sampling was employed to select Twelve (12) participants for this study. Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews, supported by the review of documentary and literature studies, guided by the Interview Schedule Guide. The collected data was presented, analysed and discussed by means of the inductive TCA.
This study shows that the residents of the informal settlements of Mamelodi East of CoT continue facing serious crimes which are reportedly affecting their daily lives and wellbeing largely, for example; crimes such as the assault with the intent to inflict Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault, robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property, and burglary at residential premises, as well as all theft not mentioned elsewhere, drug-related crime and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are some of the most prevalent crimes in the selected study locations. It is also revealed that this negatively dent the image of informal settlements, adding to their unfavourable living conditions and lack of service delivery. The local SAPS are doing all they can to ensure the safety and security of informal settlements residents, but they are facing an impossible mandate in this regard. The informal settlements in Mamelodi East passively get involved in sector policing commitments.
The implementation processes of sector policing, as well as training of informal settlements residents and SAPS officials on the importance of sector policing remain a worrying factor in the selected study locations. Moreover, the lack of support from the SAPS Provincial Office, resources to implement sector policing objectives, unintended consequences of sector policing, mobilisation of informal settlements in Mamelodi East and unclear selection requirements of sector managers.
It is recommended that the SAPS management and informal settlements residents should realise that the implementation of sector policing is not the sole responsibility of crime prevention units, but all the components should get involved in the process to ensure its success. The SAPS members, including former SAPS member who was part of the sector policing should act as sector policing experts, working closely with the implementation committee, Visible Policing (VISPOL) officials, communication officers, relief commanders in charge of members doing patrol duties and attending to complaints in the sectors and SAPS sector commanders, as well as the informal settlements leaders should get involved to ensure that a trust relationship between them through the application of the inter-sector collaboration initiatives and the affected settlements be urgently restored.
The sector policing be established and to be promoted with the mandate of attempting to accomplish the SAPS objectives and keeping the selected settlements safe, with the help of the crime intelligence unit at the police station level, by rendering support services in accordance with the needs specified by different sectors where informal settlements are situated and their respective performance indicators should reflect the key performance indicators of sector policing, coupled with clear coordination, consultation, resources and training priorities to effectively implement sector policing in the Mamelodi East police station.M.A. (Criminal Justice)Police Scienc
Same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation and its association with viral suppression and retention in HIV care in Ethiopia
No full textSame-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance treatment outcomes by reducing the time between HIV diagnosis and the commencement of ART. However, the impact of same-day ART initiation on viral suppression and patient retention in HIV care in Ethiopia has not been thoroughly evaluated.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate same-day ART initiation regarding viral suppression and retention in HIV care at selected healthcare facilities in Ethiopia This research aims to fill the existing knowledge gap by examining the status of same-day ART initiation and its impact on viral suppression and retention in HIV care in Ethiopia. Furthermore, based on the findings and results of the study, the researcher intended to develop strategies for same-day ART initiation, tracing HIV patients lost to follow-up, and viral suppression monitoring mechanisms.
The setting was two specific health care facilities in Adama and Bishoftu towns in the East Shewa zone of Ethiopia. A three-phased exploratory sequential mixed methods design was adopted by integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies in a sequential process. Phase 1 was qualitative and its target population were patients started on same-day ART from the 1st of October 2017 until the 30th of October 2019, physicians, nurses, case managers, and adherence supporters working in the ART clinics of two selected healthcare facilities. Sampling was non-probability purposive. The sample comprised of 30 participants and was further determined by data saturation. The semi-structured interview guides and a cell phone were used as data collection instruments. Phase 1 was employed to explore details on the benefits and challenges associated with same-day ART initiation. The insights gleaned from this phase were subsequently utilised to refine the data collection tools for Phase 2. Phase 2 was quantitative, and data was collected from patients’ clinical records in the smart care database of the selected healthcare facilities' ART clinic by means of a checklist. Simple random sampling was used. The sample consisted of 332 clinical records. Phase 3 focused on strategies development, which was validated by health experts. In Phase 1, data was analysed thematically, and verbatim transcriptions were conducted by using Tesch’s eight-step analytic approach. The quantitative data in Phase 2 were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 28.
The findings identified the benefits of same-day ART initiation, the challenges, current approaches, and future strategies to be implemented for quality service provision and meeting global targets in HIV care and treatment programmes. Twenty-one themes emerged from the analysis of the data from Phase 1. The quantitative results showed that the retention rate in HIV care and treatment was 59%. Viral suppression rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 93%, 95%, and 86%, respectively, indicating progress towards the global target of 95% by 2030. In Phase 3, a modified Delphi Technique was used. The strategies produced three thematic areas and sixteen strategic key areas. After validation, the strategies were modified, and a total of fifteen strategies were adopted as the final outcomes. This study contributed to enhancing the understanding of same-day ART initiation, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and implications for HIV care in Ethiopia.
The recommendations were aimed at emphasising a multifaceted and patient-centric approach to optimising the implementation of same-day ART initiation for sustained improvements in HIV care outcomes in pursuance of the 2030 global targets. The researcher intends to share the recommendations for future research with the Ministry of Health, regional health bureaus, town/zonal health departments, healthcare facility heads, healthcare providers, patients, and the communities in EthiopiaD. Phil (Public Health)Health Studie