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Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose; Bozalek, Vivienne (BioMed Central, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: While there is evidence to suggest that teaching practices in clinical education should include activities that more accurately reflect the real world, many educators base their teaching on transmission models that encourage the rote learning of knowledge and technical skills. Technology-mediated instruction may facilitate the development of professional attributes that go beyond “having” knowledge and skills, but there is limited evidence for how to integrate technology into these innovative teaching approaches. Methods: This study used a modified Delphi method to help identify the professional attributes of capable practitioners, the approaches to teaching that may facilitate the development of these attributes, and finally, how technology could be integrated with those teaching strategies in order to develop capable practitioners. Open-ended questions were used to gather data from three different expert panels, and results were thematically analysed. Results: Clinical educators should not view knowledge, skills and attitudes as a set of products of learning, but rather as a set of attributes that are developed during a learning process. Participants highlighted the importance of continuing personal and professional development that emphasised the role of values and emotional response to the clinical context. To develop these attributes, clinical educators should use teaching activities that are learner-centred, interactive, integrated, reflective and that promote engagement. When technology-mediated teaching activities are considered, they should promote the discussion of clinical encounters, facilitate the sharing of resources and experiences, encourage reflection on the learning process and be used to access content outside the classroom. In addition, educational outcomes must drive the integration of technology into teaching practice, rather than the features of the technology. Conclusions: There is a need for a cultural change in clinical education, in which those involved with the professional training of healthcare professionals perceive teaching as more than the transmission of knowledge and technical skills. Process-oriented teaching practices that integrate technology as part of a carefully designed curriculum may have the potential to facilitate the development of capable healthcare graduates who are able to navigate the complexity of health systems and patient management in ways that go beyond the application of knowledge and skills. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/595 Files in this item: 1
RoweTeachnology-MediatedTeaching2013.pdf (185.7Kb) -
Igumbor, Ehimario U.; Sanders, David; Puoane, Thandi; Tsolekile, Lungiswa; Schwarz, Cassandra; Purdy, Christopher; Swart, Rina; Durao, Solange; Hawkes, Corinna (Public Library of Science, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Summary Points: * In South Africa, as in other jurisdictions, ‘‘Big Food’’ (large commercial entities that dominate the food and beverage environment) is becoming more widespread and is implicated in unhealthy eating. * ‘‘Small food’’ remains significant in the food environment in South Africa, and it is both linked with, and threatened by, Big Food. * Big Food in South Africa involves South African companies, some of which have invested in other (mainly, but not only, African) nations, as well as companies headquartered in North America and Europe. * These companies have developed strategies to increase the availability, affordability, and acceptability of their foods in South Africa; they have also developed a range of ‘‘health and wellness’’ initiatives. Whether these initiatives have had a net positive or net negative impact is not clear. The South African government should act urgently to mitigate the adverse health effects in the food environment in South Africa through education about the health risks of unhealthy diets, regulation of Big Food, and support for healthy foods. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/431 Files in this item: 1
IgumborFoodEnvironment2012.pdf (197.3Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Fourie, JM; Shapiro, M; Rosling, L; Tshaka, N C; Oelefse, A (South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To explore perceptions about factors associated with body weight and body image among black female community health workers (CHWs) living and working in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Setting. Khayelitsha, a black township in Cape Town, South Africa. SUBJECTS: Forty-four black, female, Xhosa-speaking CHWs working in Khayelitsha. Outcome measures. Anthropometric measures (height, weight, and waist circumference) were taken. Body mass index (BMI) was computed as a measure to estimate total body fat. Waist circumference was used as a measure of abdominal obesity. Focus groups were employed to explore beliefs and attitudes about body size. Information from the focus group discussions was used to develop a semi-structured questionnaire for individual interviews, which were conducted to validate the data from the focus groups, and to assess knowledge on causes and risk factors associated with obesity. A body satisfaction question was also included in the questionnaire. Body image was measured using body shape drawings (pictograms). RESULTS: Of the 44 women measured, 2 had normal weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2), 2 were overweight (BMI 25 - 30 kg/m2), 25 were obese (BMI 30 - 40 kg/m2) and 15 were extremely obese (BMI ≥ ( 40 kg/m2). A moderately overweight shape (BMI 27 kg/m2) was preferred; this was associated with dignity, respect, confidence, beauty, and wealth. Perceived causes of obesity were eating the wrong food, skipping breakfast and worries about debts, husbands/partners and teenage children. Negative aspects of obesity included body aches and tiredness. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises the prevalence of obesity among urban black women in South Africa, particularly among CHWs. Socio-cultural, behavioural and environmental factors seem to influence the development of obesity in this population. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/256 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneBig2005.pdf (302.9Kb) -
Bustard, Mark T.; Whiting, Samantha; Cowan, Donald A.; Wright, Phillip C. (Springer Verlag, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: The aerobic biodegradation of high-concentration, to 24 g l –1 , 2-propanol (IPA) by a thermophilic isolate ST3, identified as Bacillus pallidus , was successfully carried out for the first time. This solvent-tolerant B. pallidus utilized IPA as the sole carbon source within a minimal salts medium. Cultivation was carried out in 100-ml shake flasks at 60°C and compared with cultivation within a 1-l stirred tank reactor (STR). Specific growth rate () was about 0.2 h–1 for both systems, with a maximum cell density of 2.4 x 10 8 cells ml–1 obtained with STR cultivation. During exponential growth and stationary phase, IPA biodegradation rates were found to be 0.14 and 0.02 g l –1h–1, respectively, in shake-flask experiments, whereas corresponding values of 0.09 and 0.018 g l –1h–1 were achievable in the STR. Generation of acetone, the major intermediate in aerobic IPA biodegradation, was also monitored as an indicator of microbial IPA utilization. Acetone levels reached a maximum of 2.2–2.3 g l–1 after 72 and 58 h for 100-ml and 1-l systems, respectively. Both IPA and acetone were completely removed from the medium following 160 and 175 h, respectively, during STR growth, although this was not demonstrated within shake-flask reactions. Growth of B. pallidus on acetone or IPA alone demonstrated that the maximum growth rate () obtainable was 0.247 h–1 at 4 g l–1 acetone and 0.202 h–1 at 8 g l–1 IPA within shake-flask cultivation. These results indicate the potential of the solvent-tolerant thermophile B. pallidus ST3 in the bioremediation of hot solvent-containing industrial waste streams. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/154 Files in this item: 1
BustardBiodegradation2002.pdf (453.9Kb) -
Tilley, Susan; Lahiff, Edward (PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This report focuses on the restitution case of the Bjatladi Communal Property Association (CPA) and the development and use of the land that has been restored to it in terms of the restitution programme. It examines the nature and content of the post-settlement support which they have received, and draws lessons from their experience of a strategic partnership arrangement URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/89 Files in this item: 1
Tilley_Bjatladi2007.pdf (1.652Mb) -
Moolla, Fiona F. (Sage Publications, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The scarification in Aké is invested with major significance apropos Soyinka’s ideas on African subjectivity. Scarification among the Yoruba is one of the rites of passage associated with personal development. Scarification literally and metaphorically “opens” the person up socially and cosmically. Personal formation and self-realization are enabled by the Yoruba social code brought into being by its mythology. The meaning of the scarification incident in Aké is profoundly different. Determined by the form of autobiography which creates a self-constituting subject, the enabling Yoruba sociocultural context is elided. The story of Soyinka’s personal development is allegorical of the story of the development of the modern African subject. For Soyinka, the African subject is a rational subject whose constitution precludes the splitting of the scientific and spiritual which is a consequence of the Cartesian rupture. The African subject should be open to other subjects and the object world. Subjectivity constituted by the autobiographical mode closes off the opening up symbolically signalled by scarification. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/604 Files in this item: 2
Moolla2012The body unbound.pdf (424.1Kb)MoollaBodyUnbound2012.pdf (216.8Kb) -
Moolla, Fiona F. (Taylor & Francis, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This article compares the representation of African borders in the 14th-century travelogue of Ibn Battuta, the 19th-century travel narrative of Richard Burton and the 21st-century travel writing of Paul Theroux. It examines the mutually constitutive relationship between conceptions of literal territorial boundaries and the figurative boundaries of the subject that ventures across borders in Africa. The border is seen as a liminal zone which paradoxically separates and joins spaces. Accounts of border crossings in travel writing from different periods suggest the historicity and cultural specificity of conceptions of geographical borders, and the way they index the “boundaries” of the subjects who cross them. Tracing the transformations in these conceptions of literal and metaphorical borders allows one to chart the emergence of the dominant contemporary idea of “Africa” as the inscrutable, savage continent. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/605 Files in this item: 2
Moolla2013BorderCrossing.pdf (120.5Kb)MoollaBordercrossings 2013.pdf (165.4Kb) -
Blake, Edwin H.; Tucker, William D. (CTIT, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Connecting people across the Digital Divide is as much a social effort as a technological one. We are developing a community-centered approach to learn how interaction techniques can compensate for poor communication across the Digital Divide. We have incorporated the lessons learnt regarding Social Intelligence Design in an (abstract) device called the SoftBridge. The device allows information to flow from endpoints through adapters (getting converted if necessary), and out to destination endpoints. Field trials are underway with two communities in South Africa, disadvantaged deaf users and an isolated rural community. First lessons learned show that we have to design user interfaces that allow users to understand and cope with delay (latency) as a necessary consequence of our approach. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/617 Files in this item: 1
BlakeTucker-SID2004.pdf (158.2Kb) -
Wang, Yuan Yuan; Tucker, William D. (Telkom, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes work in progress to to provide browser-based sign language communication for Deaf users. The paper introduces the communication requirements for a disadvantaged Deaf community in Cape Town, describes related work of generic open source browser-based video and video systems targeted specifically to Deaf users. We posit an experimental design to test if Adobe Flash can help provide an acceptable video system for Deaf users. We wish to learn if the transport and video quality of browser-based Adobe Flash video can provide an effective platform for sign language communication. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/622 Files in this item: 1
WangTucker-SATNAC2009.pdf (141.2Kb) -
Lahiff, Edward (PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the types of business models, or landuse models, being implemented in land reform projects involving the transfer of rural land to communities and other groups in South Africa, under both the restitution and redistribution programmes. It draws heavily on the series of Diagnostic Studies prepared as part of the Sustainable Development Consortium’s (SDC) work on post-settlement support, but also draws from other studies on restitution, notably that conducted by the Community Agency for Social Enquiry (CASE) in 2005, and the wider literature on redistributive land reform in South Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/78 Files in this item: 1
Lahiff_Business2007.pdf (3.615Mb) -
Zulu, Docas Dudu; Tucker, William D. (Telkom, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes work in progress on call capacity optimization for voice over Internet Protocol on wireless mesh networks. In a developing country such as South Africa, evidence has shown that rural inhabitants find it difficult to afford the voice services offered by cellular networks. Voice over Internet Protocol is known for its affordability relative to cellular voice services, therefore deploying such services for rural communities will not only benefit rural inhabitants but also offer economic advantages to service providers. We are interested in the provision of voice services with rural wireless mesh networks. Unfortunately voice on mesh networks can experience packet loss and delays that cause reduction in voice quality. Transmission of small voice packets over wireless mesh networks imposes high overhead that leads to a tremendous decrease in call capacity. Therefore, we aim to study the performance of voice over 802.11 wireless mesh networks and evaluate packet aggregation mechanisms that merge small voice packets into a single large packet, in order to preserve voice quality with more calls. We will implement and evaluate packet aggregations mechanisms on a 'mesh potato' network with iterative cycles of laboratory experiments using a network simulator to collect data for performance evaluation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/618 Files in this item: 1
ZuluTucker-SATNAC2010.pdf (138.4Kb) -
Mugabo, Pierre; Obikezea, Kenechukwu; Njagi, Angela; Burger, Andries; Dietrich, Danielle; Green, Ivan (Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Crinum macowanii has been used extensively in traditional medicines for treatment of various illnesses such as oedema and ‘heart disease’. Previous studies of the crude bulb extracts on Langendorff perfused isolated rat hearts indicated a positive inotropic effect. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize compound(s) from C. macowanii with cardiovascular effects similar to that observed with the crude extracts of the plant. The methanol extract of dried bulbs was extracted for alkaloids, and structural elucidation of the isolated alkaloid identified it as hippadine. The cardiovascular effects of hippadine was evaluated in vitro in isolated perfused rat hearts using the “double sided” working heart system. Perfusion with 0.5 μg/ml and 5.0 μg/ml hippadine in Krebs-Hanseleit buffer led to significant decreases in coronary flow, aortic output, cardiac output, systolic pressure, and heart rate, accompanied by increases in diastolic pressure. Hippadine exhibited a negative chronotropic and inotropic effect on the isolated rat heart and is responsible either partly or fully for the cardiovascular effects of C. macowanii. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/401 Files in this item: 1
MugaboHippadine2012.pdf (63.78Kb) -
Gershwin, Lisa-Ann; Gibbons, Mark J. (Magnolia Press, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: A common and conspicuous member of the medusan fauna of South Africa has been the subject of repeated taxonomic confusion. After having been mistakenly identified by earlier workers as either Carybdea alata or Tamoya haplonema, this large and colourful carybdeid is described herein as Carybdea branchi, sp. nov. It is distinguished from its congeners on numerous characters: body to about 8cm in life, densely scattered with nematocyst warts over the whole body and abaxial keels of the pedalia; a bulge or lateral thorn on the pedalial canal bend; with 2 dendritic velarial canals per octant, highly diverticulated; with a long manubrium; with greatly bushy epaulette-like phacellae, comprising 20 or more roots tightly clustered; with well developed mesenteries; and with conspicuous brownish pigmented areas over the proximal and distal regions of the pedalia and over the phacellae. A comparative table of the primary diagnostic characters of species in the genus Carybdea is given. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/369 Files in this item: 1
GershwinCarybdeida2009.pdf (1.003Mb) -
Mutemwa, Muyowa; Tucker, William D.; Norman, Michael (Telkom, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper discusses how an Instant Messaging application on a computer can use Bluetooth in order to provide vibration notification on a mobile phone. The initial motivation was to aid Deaf1 office workers to know when events happened on the computer on their desks. Deaf people with access to modern technology have become accustomed to using Instant Messaging, email and video conferencing. However, most of these applications are designed for hearing users and often use audible notification. Cell phone vibration offers a way to convey similar notifications because many Deaf users have a cell phone. The use of SMS has also become widespread among Deaf users because they cannot hear or speak, even though they might be somewhat text illiterate. Vibration notification in addition to aural notification is common on most cell phones and Deaf users can use the former. This paper describes a Bluetooth notification system to notify a Deaf user with vibration on a cell phone whenever a new Instant Message is received on a given computer. A design goal was to provide an application programming interface to the notification system so that it can be used with any form of Web 2.0 desktop communication tool. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/530 Files in this item: 1
MutemwaNormanTuckerBluetooth2009.pdf (343.6Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Tsolekile, Lungiswa (Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper was conducted to describe some of the circumstances that increases the risk factors for non-communicable diseases amongst the previously disadvantaged South African population. The work presented here is based on an action research in an urban black township of Cape Town. The goal was to develop a Non- Communicable Disease model, which can be used to benefit an urban township community. Using a participatory process data was collected during each stage of the development and implenting interventions. Interviews, observations and situational assessment of resources available for promoting healthy lifestyle in the township were used to collect data. Although urbanisation seems to be a driving force in nutrition transition, there are underlying factors that influence lifestyle changes. These includes the environment in which people find themselves. The city provides variety of cheap unhealthy food at a lower price. Due to poverty and lack of knowledge, healthy foods become of less important. People tend to indulge in food rich in fat and sugars due to the belief that they have missed opportunities of enjoying these foods due to deprivation. This has lead to the increase in the prevalence of NCDs among poor South Africans. In conclusion, this work provided important information regarding the challenges faced by the urbanised poor population in South Africa. Although Khayelitsha was used to illustrate these challenges, the situation is similar to other urban townships of in South Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/242 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneChallenges2008.pdf (28.29Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Nova Southeastern University, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Health care is changing and the demands put on health professionals are increasing. Physiotherapy education should reflect the health and social priorities of the nation. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) is committed to assisting physiotherapy associations in developing educational standards. Physiotherapy education in Africa however, seems to have a real need for assistance from the WCPT. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain information from key informants involved in the area of physiotherapy education from a variety of African countries. The majority of the participants were people who have experienced physiotherapy education in Africa either as graduates or current teachers. Data were analyzed into themes and sent back to respondents for confirmation. The most important challenges highlighted were: lack of undergraduate training opportunities, limited number of therapists, upgrading of physiotherapy educators, research as a major component of physiotherapy education, and recognition of physiotherapy as an essential service. It is concluded that assistance is needed for physiotherapists from Africa to take their rightful place in the health team and higher education institutions should look at improving diploma qualifications of physiotherapists in African countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/189 Files in this item: 1
FrantzChallenges2007.pdf (221.5Kb) -
Hart, Genevieve; Davids, Marion (University of Kwazulu Natal, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The article reports on an action research project to investigate the effectiveness of an information literacy intervention for first year engineering students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The intervention consisted of two workshops which aimed to teach the students to find information relevant to their essays via the university’s OPAC and engineering databases and to reference and cite their sources. The project assessed students’ information skills before and after the two workshops with the use of a questionnaire consisting of a set of questions based on some of the American College and Research Library (ACRL) standards. The research provides insight into how information literacy education at CPUT library can be improved. Its major recommendations are that more time in the timetable must be allocated to information literacy education and that lecturers should recognise the educational role of librarians. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/440 Files in this item: 1
HartInformationLiteracyEducation2010.pdf (241.9Kb) -
Meyers, Tammy; Dramowski, Angela; Schneider, Helen; Gardiner, Nicolene; Kuhn, Louise; Moore, David (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: With widespread availability of pediatric antiretro- viral therapy and improved access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), it is important to monitor the impact on pediatric HIV-related hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality in South Africa. Methods: Over a 15-year period, 4 independent surveillance studies were conducted in the pediatric wards at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa (1996, 2005, 2007, and late 2010 to early 2011). Trends in HIV prevalence and HIV-related mortality were evaluated. Results: HIV prevalence was similar during the first 3 periods: 26.2% (1996), 31.7% (2005), and 29.5% (2007) P > 0.10, but was lower in 2010-2011 (19.3%; P = 0.0005). Median age of the children admitted with HIV increased in the latter periods from 9.13 (interquartile range 3.6-28.8) months to 10.0 (3.0-44.5) months (P > 0.10) and 18.0 (6.2-69.8) months (P = 0.048). Median admis¬sion weight-for-age z-scores were similar (< -3 SD) for the latter 3 periods. Admission CD4 percentage increased from 0.0% (0.0-9.4) in 2005 to 15.0% (8.2-22.8) in 2007 (P < 0.0001) and was 18.7% (9.6-24.7) in 2010-2011 (P > 0.10). Mortality among all vs. HIV- infected admissions was 63 of 565 (11.2%) and 43 of 179 (24.0%) in 2005, 91 of 1510 (6.0%) and 53 of 440 (12.0%) in 2007, and 18 of 429 (4.2%) and 9 of 73 (12.3%) in 2010-2011. Conclusions: HIV prevalence and mortality among pediatric admissions is decreasing. This is likely a result of improved PMTCT and wider antiretroviral therapy coverage. Continued effort to improve PMTCT coverage and identify and treat younger and older HIV-infected children is required to further reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/507 Files in this item: 1
MeyersPediatricHIV2012.pdf (1.017Mb) -
Kerfoot, Caroline (Centre for Bilingual Research, Stockholm University, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the circumstances under which adult education, in particular adult basic education, can support and occasionally initiate participatory development, social action and the realisation of citizenship rights. It traces developments in adult basic education in South Africa, and more specifically literacy and language learning, over the years 1981 to 2001, with reference to specific multilingual contexts in the Northern and Western Cape. The thesis is based on four individual studies, documenting an arc from grassroots work to national policy development and back. Study I, written in the early 1990s, critically examines approaches to teaching English to adults in South Africa at the time and proposes a participatory curriculum model for the additional language component of a future adult education policy. Study II is an account of attempts to implement this model and explores the implications of going to scale with such an approach. Studies III and IV draw on a qualitative study of an educator development programme after the transition to democracy. Study III uses Bourdieu's theory of practice and the concept of reflexivity to illuminate some of the connections between local discursive practices, self-formation, and broader relations of power. Study IV uses Iedema's (1999) concept of resemiotisation to trace the ways in which individuals re-shaped available representational resources to mobilise collective agency in community-based workshops. The summary provides a framework for these studies by locating and critiquing each within shifts in the political economy of South Africa. It reflects on a history of research and practice, raising questions to do with voice, justice, power, agency, and desire. Overall, this thesis argues for a reconceptualisation of ABET that is more strongly aligned with development goals and promotes engagement with new forms of state/society/economy relations. Description: Printed copies of this publication are available from the Centre for Research on Bilingualism, http://www.biling.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=13478&a=69198 URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/215 Files in this item: 1
KerfootChangingConceptions2009.pdf (429.9Kb) -
Genis, Amelia (PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The privileged position of white commercial farmers in South Africa came to an end by the early 1990s, when political and policy changes removed the certainty provided by controlled marketing, protective tariffs and weak legislation regulating resource use and labour relations on farms and transformed agriculture into a sector that is highly sensitive to events on world markets. Despite their dwindling numbers and disarticulation from political power commercial farmers represent a dominant group in the countryside, retaining a near monopoly of resources and considerable power. Yet, the dynamics of change in the sector are not properly understood or well-researched. This paper presents data from a recent survey of 141 commercial farmers in the Limpopo, Western and Northern Cape Provinces that shows that they consider input costs, climate, labour matters, uncertainty about government policies and producer prices as the major pressures bearing down upon them. The adoption of farming methods which are less labour-intensive and the extension of labour legislation and minimum wages to farm workers, together have led to the decline of on-farm employment. Declining profit margins have resulted in a ‘shake-out’ in which only the most competitive enterprises can survive, leading to increased concentration in agricultural landholding and production. These processes imply that new entrants to agriculture with limited capital face daunting challenges, which policy needs to address. The paper explores these wider implications. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/570 Files in this item: 1
PLAAS_WorkingPaper24Genis.pdf (1.302Mb)