124,762 research outputs found

    Prishani Naidoo

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    Dr Prishani Naidoo is director of the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), a research institute of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She has held this position since January 2019. In 2008, she joined the sociology department at Wits in a lecturing position. Her contribution to knowledge production includes research, writing and teaching across a number of academic fields and disciplines and across the academic���activist divide, addressing primarily questions related to poverty, protest and social movements, political subjectivity, in South Africa and the global South. Prior to rejoining Wits, Naidoo worked in and with social movements and organisations, including Indymedia and the Anti-Privatisation Forum in Johannesburg. Naidoo holds a BA in English and sociology and a BA(Hons) in comparative literature from Wits, and a PhD in development studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). This chapter is based on an interview conducted by Ntokozo Bhengu, Thierry Luescher and Nkululeko Makhubu on 19 February 2019.

    Jazz Concert: Nishlyn Ramanna (piano) and Mageshen Naidoo (guitar)

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    Framing document: Concert: Prof Mageshen Naidoo (UP), guitar and Dr Nishlyn Ramanna (Rhodes), piano Venue: University of South Africa (Unisa), Miriam Makeba Concert Hall Date and Time: Friday, 20 May 2016 @ 19h30 Concert recorded by SAFM for broadcast. This duo performed two suites of darkly reflective compositions by Nishlyn Ramanna. The works were composed in response to recent bereavements and the spirits that endure with Ramanna’s compositions, evoking the grooves of African Jazz the lyricism of European Jazz and snapshots of Indian classical music. Conceptually and musically, the pieces draw from a vast palette of musical influences and technical proficiency from the musicians. The ability to negotiate through the compositions requires a thorough grasp of improvisation covering a gamut of stylistics approaches in jazz (modern, funk and traditional), as well as other genres such as Indian classical music and South African jazz. The performance exhibits sensitive and sympathetic duo-ensemble performance while celebrating individual input and character. The performers seek to convey the intent of each composition, in part and in the context of the suites. See attached scores

    sj-docx-1-new-10.1177_10482911221150237 - Supplemental material for Strengthening Social Compact and Innovative Health Sector Collaborations in Addressing COVID-19 in South African Workplaces

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    Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-new-10.1177_10482911221150237 for Strengthening Social Compact and Innovative Health Sector Collaborations in Addressing COVID-19 in South African Workplaces by Mohamed F. Jeebhay, Rajen N. Naidoo, Saloshni Naidoo, Shahieda Adams, Muzimkhulu Zungu, Spo Kgalomono, Nisha Naicker and Barry Kistnasamy in NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy</p

    Using Blended Learning To Facilitate The Mathematical Thought Processes Of Primary School Learners In A Computer Laboratory: A Case Study In Calculating Simple Areas

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    Primary school learners&rsquo; first encounters with mathematics in a traditional learning environment often create lifelong &lsquo;math phobia.&rsquo;(Papert 1980) The situation in a country emerging from an oppressive education system designed to educationally disempower the majority of the population is much worse. The typical scenario in a previously disadvantaged South African primary school is a classroom filled beyond capacity with the educator struggling to establish an effective learning environment. Thus the educator resorts to rote learning, drill and practice and &lsquo;chalk and talk&rsquo; methods of teaching.&nbsp; The individual needs and levels of learners are disregarded and blanket assessment methods are employed (Naidoo and Naidoo 2006b). Collaborative learning is minimal or non-existent. These traditional teaching strategies often disregard cultural and social factors, and pre-knowledge frames of learners.&nbsp; Furthermore there is a dire shortage of qualified mathematics educators in the South African schooling system. Therefore there is an urgent need for alternative teaching and learning strategies to address the teaching of mathematics in primary schools. The introduction of networked computer laboratories to previously disadvantaged South African primary schools enables the use of computers as powerful tools to analyze the thought processes of learners during their early encounters with mathematics. A blended learning approach using a networked computing environment and LOGO mathematics to facilitate the teaching and learning of area in a Grade 5 class produced significantly higher grades and an enhanced learning experience, both for learners and the educator, as compared to a second Grade 5 class utilizing traditional teaching and learning methods only. This study entailed the use of software to promote collaborative learning encompassing both learner-learner and learner-educator interaction. Apart from the educator using the computer as a medium of instruction via the software, learners were allowed to actively provide input. Furthermore the software allowed the educator to view learners&rsquo; progress during activities and provide real-time input via the computer

    Hyperbilirubinemia in atazanavir-treated human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: the impact of the UGT1A1*28 allele

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    Anushka Naidoo,1 Kogieleum Naidoo,1,2 Veron Ramsuran,3 Millidhashni Reddy,1 Nesri Padayatchi1,2 1Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, 2MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, 3School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa&nbsp;Panagopoulos et al1 reviewed the effects of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on Reyataz&reg; (atazanavir)-related hyperbilirubinemia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients that may result in increased severity and drug discontinuation in some patients. The effects of the UGT1A1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of other antiretroviral drugs such as Isentress&reg; (raltegravir) and Edurant&reg; (rilpivirine) are also discussed. We respond here on the relevance of the study findings in the South African context.&nbsp;&nbsp;View the original paper by Panagopoulos and colleagues.&nbsp

    The design of an intervention programme to address the prevalence of obesity and physical fitness of adolescents attending high school

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    Background: South Africa has the highest prevalence rate (8.3%) of childhood obesity in sub-Saharan Africa. Obesity is a complex condition to control as it has environmental, as well as genetic factors that influence its prevalence. Childhood obesity, a rising problem worldwide and within South Africa, has been negatively linked with both physical fitness and physical activity. PA and school-based nutrition intervention programmes have been shown to have positive effects on diet and PA behaviours in children. However, there is minimal literature reporting on the effectiveness of school-based interventions in a South African setting. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity, levels of physical fitness and physical activity in adolescents attending school in an urban setting. Together with the literature, an intervention programme was designed addressing key outcome measures identified from the sample. Methodology: The study was conducted in two phases. Ten schools were randomly selected from the school education district in KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) for phase one. A total of 400 eligible students were identified by the respective school teachers and parental consent was obtained, with assent obtained from the participants. A sample of 278 (girls n = 150, boys n = 128) participants with a mean age of 15yrs 1 month (CI 95% 12,1 – 17.1 and SD 1.14), was measured for height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference and physical fitness (standing broad jump, sit-ups in 30s, hand grip strength, sit-and-reach and 20m shuttle run). BMI and WHR were calculated using anthropometric measurements. Physical activity (PA) was self-reported using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) demographic form were completed by the participants' guardians/parents. Phase two involved the design of a PA intervention programme using evidence-based outcome measures from previous studies and problem areas identified in this study. Results: The mean BMI z-score was 0.30 (CI 95% 0.12 to 0.49) with boys displaying a mean of 0.19 (CI 95% -0.89 to 0.46) and girls 0.39 (CI 95% 0.15 to 0.65). There was a 16.2% prevalence of overweight (1 < BMI-z score ≤ 2), 13.3% prevalence of obesity (2 < BMI-z score ≤ 3) and 2.9% prevalence of morbid obesity (3 < BMI-z score ≤ 4). Mean WHR for the sample was 0.82 (CI 95% 0.81 – 0.83). Low levels of PA were reported by 45% (girls n = 83, boys n = 42) of the sample and 53.6% (girls n = 66, boys n = 83) reported moderate levels of PA. Girls in the sample had a higher mean sit-and-reach (t = 4.68, p < 0.05) and hand grip strength (t = 5.49, p < 0.05) than the normative values. Boys in the sample had higher mean (t = 13.2, p < 0.05) sit-and-reach than normative values. Multiple regression models were applied and BMI was found to be an inverse predictor for sit-ups ß = -0.07 (p < 0.05, CI 95% -1.0 to -0.03) and broad jump ß = -0.01 (p < 0.05, CI 95% -0.01 to -0.005). BMI was also a direct predictor for hand grip strength ß = -0.07 (p < 0.05, CI 95% 0.05 to 0.09). Discussion: The 16.2% prevalence of obesity was higher than the reported 8.5% in another South African study on adolescent scholars and the national reported level of 5.5%. The waist-hip ratio (WHR) was lower than the national reference level of 0.84 and higher compared to values obtained from adolescents in Europe (comparisons were made to age and gender specific normative values obtained in Europe, as there are no national reference physical fitness values for adolescents). Girls displayed lower values in three of the five physical tests (standing broad jump, sit-ups and 20m shuttle run), while boys displayed lower values for four (standing broad jump, hand grip strength, sit-ups and 20m shuttle run) of the five physical fitness tests. PA is indirectly correlated with BMI, and with BMI being a predictor for physical fitness, the promotion of PA amongst adolescents is imperative and urgent to curb the growing prevalence of obesity. Using evidence from previous research an intervention programme was designed to address the problems areas identified. These were high prevalence of obesity and overweight, low PA levels, poor cardiovascular function , low muscular power and poor muscular endurance across the sample. Boys also exhibited low levels of muscular strength than the normal population mean. PA programmes must be 60 minutes of duration implemented at least three times per week over 12 weeks minimum in order to have a reduction in BMI. Programmes should incorporate aerobic and anaerobic training as concurrent training has shown best results for decreasing BMI. The aerobic component of the programme must include a high intensity interval training (HIIT) as this has positive benefits on cardiovascular markers. The anaerobic component must include free weights as this showed better improvements than using resisted exercise devices in body composition, increases in upper and lower limb muscle strength in boys and improved lower limb muscle power especially in girls. Programmes should be implemented in schools with trained instructors and incorporate the family as a combination of these showed favourable compliance and overall better outcome measures. PA programmes that have a circuit formation and that incorporate a fun element has also shown to have better outcome measures and compliance. Conclusion: Physical activity levels are on the decline and obesity prevalence is on a rapid upward trajectory amongst South African adolescents. These trends could be ominous for the next workforce generation as these have been linked to numerous non-communicable diseases where the already constrained health system is placed under added pressure. PA programmes should be incorporated into schools' curricula as this may be a viable way to implement successful interventions to address obesity, physical fitness and physical activity

    The effects of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination on selected intertidal macrophytes and meiofauna.

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    Doctor of Philosophy in Biology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2015.The effects of bunker fuel oil on the growth of A. marina, B. gymnorrhiza and R. mucronata were investigated in glasshouse and field experiments. The effects of oil on community structure in micro-organisms were also investigated in microcosm glasshouse experiments. The differences in oil tolerance of the three mangroves were compared in propagule and sediment oiled treatments and growth monitored for 13 months under glasshouse conditions. In propagule oiled treatments, various portions of the propagule were coated with oil. In the sediment oiled treatments, 50ml oil were added to the sediment in each pot. In oiled treatments, plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll content were significantly reduced in all species compared to the control. In A. marina and R. mucronata, oiling resulted in growth malformations such as abnormal phyllotaxy and deformity of leaves and stems. The effects of oil on root growth were investigated in rhizotrons for 245 and 409 days respectively. In oiled treatments, root growth rate, length and volume were significantly reduced in all species. In A. marina and B. gymnorrhiza oil increased root diameter. In another series of experiments, PAH accumulation in roots and leaves of the three species were determined in one year old seedlings subjected to oiling for 21 days. The concentrations of 15 PAHs in roots and leaves were determined by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. The highest total concentration of PAHs was accumulated in oiled roots of A. marina (44,045.9μg/kg), followed by B. gymnorrhiza (10,280.4μg/kg) and R. mucronata (6,979.1μg/kg). In oiled treatments, the most common PAHs in roots of all species were fluorene and acenaphthene (two rings), phenanthrene and anthracene (three rings), pyrene and chrysene (four rings) and benzo[a]pyrene (five rings). In the leaves of all species in oiled treatments, the common PAHs were naphthalene and acenapthene (two rings) and phenanthrene (three rings). To test for living and dead root tip cells and to compare the effects of oil on cell ultrastructure in roots and leaves of the three species, one year old seedlings were subjected to a control and sediment oiled treatments for seven days. Control root tips, stained with fluorescein diacetate, exhibited green fluorescence in living cells of the meristematic and conducting tissue in all species. Oiled root tips, stained with propidium iodide, exhibited red fluorescence, indicating cell death or dead cells. Transmission electron micrographs revealed that oil damaged cell ultrastructure in root tips and leaves in all species. Anatomical changes induced by oil included, disorganization of cells in the root cap, epidermis and meristem. Oil also induced loss of cell contents and destruction of organelles in root tissue. Oil damaged chloroplasts and cell organelles in spongy mesophyll and palisade cells of leaves. To compare the effects of oil on the ability of the three species to tolerate salinity, healthy one year old seedlings were subjected to 10% and 50% seawater in control and sediment oiled treatments for 12 months. In the oiled treatments, 200ml oil were added to the soil in each pot. Oil significantly reduced growth in the 50% seawater treatment in all species. Results suggested that oil reduces salt tolerance in the three species. The effects of oil on salt secretion in A. marina were investigated by subjecting one year old seedlings to sediment oiling treatments at 0%, 10% and 50% seawater for three weeks. Sodium accumulated in the leaves of oiled seedlings at 10% and 50% seawater. The effects of oil on salt secretion in A. marina in the light and dark were compared in one year old seedlings subjected to oiling treatments for seven days. Sodium accumulated in the leaves of oiled seedlings in the light and dark within 11 hours. Oil reduced secretion rates of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in all treatments. The effects of oil on species abundance, richness and community structure of soil micro-organisms were determined by subjecting microcosms to oiling treatments with or without fertiliser for four weeks. In the oiled treatments, 15ml oil and 5ml/L fertiliser were added to 200g soil. Fertiliser consisted of 4% N, 2% P and 5% K. Nematodes were extracted after the experimental period and identified to genus or species level. Oil significantly reduced species abundance and richness. Oil also eliminated sensitive species and altered the abundance of dominant species thereby altering the free living nematode community structure. Addition of fertiliser increased richness and dominant species in oiled treatments. The effects of oil coating on leaves and internodes on growth of the three mangroves were investigated in field experiments for 48 weeks. Oiling of the leaves resulted in leaf abscission and decreased leaf production in all species. The effects of sediment oiling (at a dose of 5Lmˉ²) on the three species were also investigated in a field study for 53 weeks. In A. marina, oil caused adventitious roots to develop on the stem, about 10-15 cm above the soil surface after 38 weeks of treatment. In oiled treatments, plant mortality occurred after 53 weeks in all three species. The ability of B. gymnorrhiza and R. mucronata to exclude PAHs from sensitive root tissues probably accounted for the higher oil tolerance than A. marina. The capacity of the species to adapt to residual oil contamination by increasing root diameter (A. marina and B. gymnorrhiza), producing adventitious roots (A. marina), increasing root/shoot ratio (R. mucronata) and abscising oiled leaves (all species) probably contributed to oil tolerance

    Sport - mobilisation and transformation

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    Address by comrade Jay Naidoo to the NACOS Conference held at the V N NAIK school in Durban. The role of sport, sport s and politics. From the premise that sport is part of culture and culture education, we need as NACOS and SACOS to be ready to open up new democratic trenches and practices in peoples sports and thus place progressive sports in the hands of the majority so that sport can begin to play a meaningful role in rebuilding and leading our fragmented S.A. society into a new and free democratic South Afric

    A Multi-Language Comparison of Influences on Author Verification using Character N-Grams

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    We create a new multi-language corpus for author verification based on Wikipedia talkpages, and evaluate the influence that differences in topic and time have on character n-gram author profiles. Topic alignment between two texts is found to increase author verification precision, and an authors writing style is found to change over time, but not more significantly after 3 years than after 1 year.Information ArchitectureWISElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc

    Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis

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    We provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
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