16 research outputs found
Experiencing the armed struggle : the Soweto generation and after
No full textIncludes bibliographical references (p. 354-369).This study explores the experiences of the rank-and-file soldiers of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Anny. Extensive interviews by the author and other researchers reveal the voices of the soldiers themselves. The African National Congress and Pan African Congress archives at the University of the Western Cape and the University of Fort Hare supplement and verify these oral testimonies, as do some published sources. Most previously published materials about the armed struggle against apartheid have already focused on diplomacy, strategy and tactics, operations, leadership, and human rights abuses to the neglect of the soldiers' actual experiences. This study complements these with significant new oral history materials from the Soweto generation of soldiers and their successors. When dealing with MK, many authors have documented issues of the camp structure in Angola, and operations inside South Africa, so much of this detail is only addressed briefly, leaving space to explore the soldiers' experiences. In the case of APLA, very little has been written on its history, and more detail is provided on these subjects. This study therefore deals with the soldiers' politicisation and motivation for joining the armed struggle, their experiences in leaving South Africa and training in exile, the crises in exile which limited their effectiveness for a time, their return to fight in South Africa, and their difficulties in the "new" South Africa. These materials reveal that vast problems remain facing these veterans of the struggle against apartheid, and that they have the potential, if properly supported and employed, to contribute substantially to the development of present day South Africa. Conversely, if their neglect continues, they also have the potential to bring vast harm to the country. Further use of the investigative tools of oral history, especially if extended to the former soldiers' vernacular languages, is necessary to augment the history of South Africa, and these soldiers' contributions
Unveiling Educational Frontiers: An Exploration of Innovative Pedagogical Approaches and Learning Outcomes in Remote Mountain Communities
No full textThis study delves into the complex dynamics of educational outcomes in remote mountain communities, examining the impact of innovative pedagogical approaches, community engagement, and cultural considerations. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and statistical analyses, the research uncovers significant correlations between the perceived effectiveness of pedagogies, community engagement, and positive learning outcomes. Cultural considerations emerge as a pivotal factor, emphasizing the importance of tailoring educational strategies to local contexts. Regional and community size variations further underscore the need for targeted interventions. The study provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers, advocating for the integration of technology, collaborative community initiatives, and culturally sensitive curriculum design. This holistic approach aims to bridge educational gaps, fostering inclusivity and adaptability in remote mountain communities
The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the cultural legitimacy of children’s rights in Africa: Some reflections
No full textThe Convention on the Rights of the Child has been almost universally ratified. The author argues that its implementation depends to a large extent on the level of cultural legitimacy accorded to children's rights norms in a society. In Africa, children are seen as a valuable part of society. Despite this, cultural practices that are detrimental to children exist, such as female genital mutilation and inappropriate initiation rites. The Convention is underpinned by four principles: non-discrimination, participation, survival and development and the best interests of the child. Each of these principles can come into conflict with cultural practices. However, culture is not static and harmful practices can be overcome. This requires that the reasons for the existence of a practice are clearly understood, that solutions are found in consultation with practising communities and that adequate social support is given to individuals who choose to abandon the practice
The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the cultural legitimacy of children’s rights in Africa : Some reflections
No full textThe Convention on the Rights of the Child has been almost universally ratified. The author argues that its implementation depends to a large extent on the level of cultural legitimacy accorded to children's rights norms in a society. In Africa, children are seen as a valuable part of society. Despite this, cultural practices that are detrimental to children exist, such as female genital mutilation and inappropriate initiation rites. The Convention is underpinned by four principles: non-discrimination, participation, survival and development and the best interests of the child. Each of these principles can come into conflict with cultural practices. However, culture is not static and harmful practices can be overcome. This requires that the reasons for the existence of a practice are clearly understood, that solutions are found in consultation with practising communities and that adequate social support is given to individuals who choose to abandon the practice
Podiumsdiskussion "Europäischer Integrationsrat" : 17.02.2008; ZAK, Zentrum für Angewandte Kulturwissenschaft und Studium Generale, Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
No full textby a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in cattle samples collected during routine abattoir examination in Malawi
No full textThe lack of quick, accurate, and low-cost detection methods has hindered the active control strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in resource-limited countries with a high burden of disease. We developed a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium bovis, the principal causative agent of bTB, and evaluated the efficacy of the assay using suspected bTB samples collected during routine meat inspection at major regional abattoirs in Malawi. Template genomic DNA was extracted directly from the granulomatous bTB-like lesion (crude extracted DNA), as well as growth from the incubated mycobacterial growth indicator tubes (MGIT). Field results were visualized by the naked eye within 40 min following a color change of the amplified products. The sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay while using 152 DNA samples extracted from MGIT with confirmed M. bovis results were 98% and 88%, respectively. When 43 randomly selected crude DNA samples from lesions were used, the sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay were 100% and 75%, respectively. Our LAMP assay offers the potential to meet the demands for a low-cost and rapid field detection tool for bTB in resource-limited countries in which bTB is endemic
Interaction of the plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance protein QnrB19 with Salmonella Typhimurium DNA gyrase
No full textBackground: Plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance protein Qnr is an important factor in bacterial resistance to quinolones. Qnr interacts with DNA gyrase and reduces susceptibility to quinolones. The gene qnr likely spreads rapidly among Enterobacteriaceae via horizontal gene transfer. Though the vast amounts of epidemiological data are available, molecular details of the contribution of QnrB19, the predominant Qnr in Salmonella spp., to the acquisition of quinolone resistance has not yet been understood well. Objective: We aimed to examine the role of QnrB19 in quinolone resistance acquisition using recombinant Salmonella Typhimurium DNA gyrases and QnrB19. Materials and methods: Recombinant QnrB19 was expressed in E. coli and purified by Ni-NTA agarose column chromatography. DNA supercoiling activities of recombinant Salmonella Typhimurium DNA gyrase were assessed with or without QnrB19 under the existence of three quinolones to measure IC(50)s, the concentration of each quinolone required for 50% inhibition in vitro. Results: The IC(50)s of norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid against DNA gyrases were measured to be 0.30, 0.16 and 17.7 mu g/mL, respectively. The addition of QnrB19 increased the IC(50)s of norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin to be 0.81 and 0.48 mu g/mL, respectively, where no effect of QnrB19 was observed on the IC50 of nalidixic acid. Conclusion: QnrB19 was shown for the first time in vitro to have ability to grant non-classical quinolone resistance to S. Typhimurium DNA gyrase. Structural insight on quinolones in this study may contribute to investigate drugs useful for preventing the spread of plasmid carrying PMQR along with other factors associating with antimicrobial resistance in S. Typhimurium and other bacteria. (C) 2020 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Effectiveness of Fluoroquinolones with Difluoropyridine Derivatives as R1 Groups on the Salmonella DNA Gyrase in the Presence and Absence of Plasmid-Encoded Quinolone Resistance Protein QnrB19
No full textAims: WQ-3810 has strong inhibitory activity against Salmonella and other fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens. The unique potentiality of this is attributed to 6-amino-3,5-difluoropyridine-2-yl at R1 group. The aim of this study was to examine WQ-3810 and its derivatives WQ-3334 and WQ-4065 as the new drug candidate for wild-type Salmonella and that carrying QnrB19. Materials and Methods: The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) of WQ-3810, WQ-3334 (Br atom in place of methyl group at R8), and WQ-4065 (6-ethylamino-3,5-difluoropyridine-2-yl in place of 6-amino-3,5-difluoropyridine-2-yl group at R1) in the presence or absence of QnrB19 were assessed by in vitro DNA supercoiling assay utilizing recombinant DNA gyrase and QnrB19. Results: IC(50)s of WQ-3810, WQ-3334, and WQ-4065 against Salmonella DNA gyrase were 0.031 +/- 0.003, 0.068 +/- 0.016, and 0.72 +/- 0.39 mu g/mL, respectively, while QnrB19 increased IC(50)s of WQ-3810, WQ-3334, and WQ-4065 to 0.44 +/- 0.05, 0.92 +/- 0.34, and 9.16 +/- 2.21 mu g/mL, respectively. Conclusion: WQ-3810 and WQ-3334 showed stronger inhibitory activity against Salmonella Typhimurium DNA gyrases than WQ-4065 even in the presence of QnrB19. The results suggest that 6-amino-3,5-difluoropyridine-2-yl group at R1 is playing an important role and WQ-3810 and WQ-3334 to be good candidates for Salmonella carrying QnrB19
