Browsing by Title
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Frantz, Jose; Rowe, Michael (Health and Medical Publications Group, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: Background. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the process by which a clinician evaluates the quality of evidence before applying it in the management of a patient. Many practitioners struggle to integrate this research-based evidence into their professional practice. Blogs have been identified as useful pedagogical tools that can facilitate the sharing of ideas and clinical experiences among peers to reflect on diverse learning experiences. Objectives. A qualitative research design was used to examine the use of reflective blogging to teach the process of EBP in physiotherapy. Methods. A conveniently selected group of postgraduate students who were registered for an EBP module participated in the study. Blogging was used to teach the process of EBP in physiotherapy using Kolb's cycle as a guiding and an evaluative framework. Students reflected on and shared their learning experiences in ways that exposed the limits of their understanding around certain concepts. Results. The results reflect how students moved from assisted to independent performance by identifying gaps in their own understanding and finding the answers themselves. Conclusion. Reflective blogging was found to be a valuable tool for promoting meaningful learning activities among participants and assisted students in making sense of their shared experiences. It was also an effective tool to be used in teaching the process of EBP. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/615 Files in this item: 1
FrantzBloggingPhysiotheraphy2013.pdf (1.131Mb) -
Florence, Maria; Koch, Elize (Psychological Society of South Africa, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This research aimed to explore the differences between adolescents from a low socio-economic Cape Town community who use addictive substances and those who do not, with regard to subjective wellbeing. The Kidscreen52 was used to measure subjective wellbeing in a sample of 179 Grade 10 and 11 learners; 41.3% of the sample was male. Thirty-five percent of the adolescents reported to be substance users, with significantly more males reporting substance use than females in both grades. Scores on four of the sub-scales were significantly different for the substance users and non-users (namely Feelings, General mood, Family and home life, School and learning). A post hoc analysis indicated that males and females differed significantly on General mood, but that this difference did not interact with substance use. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/403 Files in this item: 1
FlorenceAddictiveSubstances2011.pdf (278.0Kb) -
Lalu, Premesh; Isaacman, Allen; Nygren, Tom (Indiana University Press, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes the history of an initiative to digitize a postcolonial archive on the struggle for freedom in Southern Africa. The authors outline the intellectual architecture of the project and the complex epistemological, political, and technical challenges that they confronted in their endeavor to construct a digital archive that might help reorient scholarly debates on the struggle for liberation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/299 Files in this item: 1
Lalu_Digitization2005.pdf (566.8Kb) -
Ah Tow, Lemese; Cowan, Donald A. (Springer Verlag, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Continental Antarctic is perceived as a largely pristine environment, although certain localized regions (e.g., parts of the Ross Dependency Dry Valleys) are relatively heavy impacted by human activities. The procedures imposed on Antarctic field parties for the handling and disposal of both solid and liquid wastes are designed to minimise eutrofication and contamination (particularly by human enteric bacteria). However, little consideration has been given to the significance, if any, of less obvious forms of microbial contamination resulting from periodic human activities in Antarctica. The predominant commensal microorganism on human skin, Staphylococcus epidermidis, could be detected by PCR, in Dry Valley mineral soils collected from heavily impacted areas, but could not be detected in Dry Valley mineral soils collected from low impact and pristine areas. Cell viability of this non-enteric human commensal is rapidly lost in Dry Valley mineral soil. However, S. epidermidis can persist for long periods in Dry Valley mineral soil as non-viable cells and/or naked DNA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/146 Files in this item: 1
AhTowDissemination2005.pdf (393.6Kb) -
Pirie, Gordon (Elsevier, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The English language has long acknowledged and required some preconception of distance, but it has only been considered explicitly as a key element of human geography for half a century. The distances of greatest consequence in human geography are those between public places on the earth’s surface. Measures of physical distance have become increasingly standardized, but anomalous practices persist. Straight-line distance in nature has less applicability to human geography than route distance on a transport network. Even circuitous distance measures may be less useful measures of the separation of places than the time, expense and effort of traversing distances. Cognitive and compound distance also measure relative distance. In human geography distance is treated mainly as an organizing principle in location decision making and travel behavior, as a deterrent to spatial interaction and diffusion, and as a differentiator. Advances in rapid, long-range transport and communication have mediated sheer physical distance and rendered it less significant. Yet even while the world shrinks metaphorically, distances measured in relative terms are being reconfigured unevenly and imaginatively. Even where distance has ceased to be a material concern, the idea and discourse of distance survives. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/44 Files in this item: 1
PirieDistance.pdf (347.4Kb) -
Sloth-Nielsen, Julia; Wakefield, Lorenzo; Murungi, Nkatha L. (Cambridge University Press, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The right to non-discrimination for all children is established in international human rights law. International children’s rights law further provides for the common responsibility of parents for the maintenance of their children. African customary law and common law have always made a distinction between children born in and out of wedlock so far as the duty to maintain them is concerned. The resilience of this customary and common law approach is evident in statutory provisions of the countries discussed in this article. This is despite international obligations under children’s rights treaties ratified by these countries. On the face of it, the distinction of responsibility based on marital status seems harmless. However, in view of gender inequities and resource distribution between men and women in society, such a distinction has serious implications for the rights of affected children. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/577 Files in this item: 1
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Wakefield, Lorenzo; Murungi, Nkatha L. (Pretoria University Law Press, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: International law approaches the right to education for children with disabilities in a rather generic way. This means that the rights of children with intellectual disabilities have to be gleaned from the general provisions of the conventions. In view of the centrality of intellectual capacity in the context of education, it is imperative to decipher the import of the right to education for children with intellectual disabilities. For this purpose, this chapter explores the content of international law on the right to education of children with intellectual disabilities. It uses two case studies to assess the approach of African states to the domestication of the obligations in this regard. Kenya and South Africa have both ratified the CRC, ACRWC and the CRPD. Further, Kenya has ratified and South Africa signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/545 Files in this item: 1
WakefieldIntellectualDisability2011.pdf (134.2Kb) -
Hart, Genevieve (International Association of School Librarianship, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper comes out of a month-long case study of information literacy education in two public libraries in a small South African town in the rural province of Mpumalanga, undertaken in October 2004. The participant observation study is the second phase of a two-phase mixed methods study, which explores the capacity of public libraries in South Africa for information literacy education – in the context of the dire shortage of school libraries. The focus in the second phase is on the connections between public libraries and schools. However, the relations between the two libraries and their staff members are found to impact on these relations with the study finding that historical context and the conflicts arising from unequal positions of power impact significantly on information literacy education in the town. The paper concentrates, however, on just two threads of enquiry: the views of teachers and principals in the seven schools of the town on the educational role of libraries as revealed in interviews; and pupils’ use of the two public libraries in seeking information for their school assignments. The study reveals a lack of cognizance of the high level demands of information-seeking in libraries among the teachers. They tend to see the library as a warehouse from which things are “fetched”. The study finds a paradox – a gulf certainly exists between the public libraries and schools but the gulf comes from shared limited conceptions of the educational role of public libraries and of information literacy. The intense gaze of the participant observation contributes a nuanced understanding of the challenges for information literacy education in South Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/471 Files in this item: 1
HartIASL2006.pdf (266.4Kb) -
Hudson, Athol; Harris, Angela; Mohamed, Nadia (South African Dental Association, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Mandibular canine impaction and transmigration have serious consequences for the patient, as removal of the tooth or teeth in question is often the only solution. The loss of one or both mandibular canines complicates orthodontic treatment. Early warning signs of mandibular canine ectopia are explored in this paper as well as how to assess the potential for displacement, impaction and/or transmigration. This paper highlights the value of interceptive treatment once the early signs of an aberrant mandibular canine have been detected. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/422 Files in this item: 1
HudsonMandibularCanine2011.pdf (475.8Kb) -
Groenewald, Gerald (Univ. of Johannesburg) (Published by History Department, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This article uses the career of Hendrik Oostwald Eksteen at the Cape between 1702 and 1741 to illustrate the mechanisms free burghers could use to create wealth in an economically restrictive environment. By making use of the concept of entrepreneurship and its attendant issues, the article describes Eksteenʼs rise to fortune and prestige through his exploitation of a combination of economic opportunities afforded by Cape Townʼs position as a port servicing passing ships. Crucial to Eksteenʼs later success was his successful use of the opportunities provided by the monopolistic alcohol retail market at the Cape. Eksteenʼs initial success in this arena provided him with a capital base to pursue other opportunities in agriculture, fishing and meat provision, making him the wealthiest man at the Cape by the 1730s. The article also illustrates how Eksteenʼs upward mobility was linked to his use of social capital and the cultivation of large social networks through kinship. It demonstrates, furthermore, that economic success was wound up with social power and prestige. In using the biography of Eksteen, the article argues for the importance of economic history in the study of the early modern Cape, but calls also for a study which links economic developments with social and cultural ones through a focus on individual entrepreneurs. Shown, too, is the fact that the existing conception of the rise of a Cape gentry in the eighteenth century needs to be revised to take into account the role of entrepreneurship, the urban foundations of wealth creation, as well as the role of the free black community in this process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/99 Files in this item: 1
GroenewaldEntrepreneur2009.pdf (260.7Kb) -
Conradie, Ernst (Stellenbosch University, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This essay is an abbreviated version of an inaugural lecture, read on 24 October 2007 at the University of the Western Cape. It investigates the role of cosmological narratives that help people to understand where they come from, who they are, how they can cope with the demands of life and with evil, and where they are going to. It focuses on one such a narrative, namely the Christian story of God’s work of creation, evolution, the emergence of human beings and human culture, the distortions resulting from human sin, God’s providence, redemption, the formation of the church, its ministries and missions and the consummation of all things. These themes have traditionally been captured under the notion of ‘God’s economy’. This term is derived from the Greek word oikos which is understood in the Christian tradition as ‘the whole household of God’. In contemporary ecumenical theology this term provides a clue as to how the moral of this story may be understood to address ecological degradation, economic injustices and ecumenical fellowship. The argument of the essay is that a retrieval of the underlying narrative structure of the story of God’s work can help to avoid the ways in which one ‘chapter’ of the story tends to be subsumed under another. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/362 Files in this item: 1
ConradieGodsWork2008.pdf (194.6Kb) -
Zinn, Sandy; Langdown, Natasha (Library & Information Association of South Africa, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this study completed in 2010 was to investigate the use of e-books amongst academic librarians; in particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on librarians’ professional practice and what the usage patterns of e-books are amongst academic librarians. A web-based questionnaire was distributed on the LIASA mailing list. The results reflect a more gradual trend towards e-book adoption. There is still a preference for print or a “bit of both” – print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject fields. E-books are used for “browsing for information” and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are: the cost of the equipment to read e-book formats; the cost of the e-books, especially if the subscription purchasing model is used; the lack of reliability of the Internet; and the lack of training in the use of e-books. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/527 Files in this item: 1
ZinnEbooks2011.pdf (398.3Kb) -
Lowther, Mickey; McMillan, Wendy; Venter, Francisca (Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is located in the field of actuarial professional education. It draws on current literature and empirical evidence to argue the need for developing generic ‘normative’ capabilities and values in the actuarial profession. The paper examines three themes of normative education for actuaries—the intended purpose of an education programme, the range of capabilities and values to be developed and educational ‘best practice’. A literature review of normative education in various professions provided a theoretical framework for data analysis, and for making recommendations. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with stakeholders; documentary evidence regarding current education of actuaries and accountants; and advertisements for employment of nearly or newly qualified actuaries. The paper draws on the literature and the empirical evidence to argue that the purpose of an actuarial education programme is to ensure the delivery of a service of quality. For this delivery to be achieved, attention must be given to technical, normative and organisational learning. The paper then reviews normative capabilities and values for actuaries. Thereafter, educational considerations for the development of normative capabilities and values are discussed. The paper concludes by drawing on the study to outline principles to guide curriculum planning for the normative component of the new South African actuarial qualification. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/91 Files in this item: 1
McMillan_actuarial-quality(2009).pdf (177.8Kb) -
Hart, Genevieve (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The article details a study which examined the capacity of public libraries to offer information literacy education in South Africa. It investigates the perceptions of public library staff on their role in information literacy education. It provides a background on public libraries and literacy programs in the country. Findings of the research are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/438 Files in this item: 1
HartInformationLiteracy2006.pdf (120.5Kb) -
Majeed, Abdul; Grobler, Sias; Moola, Mohamad H.; Rossouw, Roelof; Van Wyk Kotze, Theuns (South African Dental Association, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of various Opalescence tooth-whitening products on enamel. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Enamel blocks were exposed to Opalescence PF 10% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10), Opalescence PF 20% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10), Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme 10% Hydrogen Peroxide (n = 10) and Opalescence Quick PF 45% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The control group was enamel blocks (n = 10) kept in artificial saliva. The values were obtained before exposure and after the 14-days treatment period. Enamel blocks were kept in saliva between treatments. Indent marks on enamel blocks were examined using the scanning electron microscope for treatment effects. RESULTS: All four different Opalescence products damaged enamel. The most damage was done when treated for a long period (112 hours). SEM images also showed damage to enamel by all 4 products. Opalescence with 10% and with 20% Carbamide Peroxide showed the highest damage, which also differed significantly (p < 0.05) from the saliva control group (p < 0.05; Tukey-Kramer Multiple comparison test). CONCLUSION: All 4 Opalescence products damaged enamel. Higher damage was done by the 10% carbamide peroxide and 20% carbamide peroxide products because of the much longer exposure period (112 hours in comparison to 7 hours). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/581 Files in this item: 1
MajeeddifferentOpalescence2008.pdf (1.805Mb) -
Majeed, Abdul; Grobler, Sias; Moola, Mohamed; Oberholzer, Theuns (South African Dental Association, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of four over-the-counter tooth-whitening products on enamel microhardness. METHODS: Fifty enamel blocks were prepared from extracted human molar teeth. The enamel surfaces were polished up to 1200 grit fineness and the specimens randomly divided into five groups. Enamel blocks were exposed to: Rapid White (n=10); Absolute White (n=10); Speed White (n=10) and White Glo (n=10) whitening products, according to the manufacturers' instructions. As control, ten enamel blocks were kept in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C without any treatment. Microhardness values were obtained before exposure (baseline) and after 1, 7 and 14-day treatment periods using a digital hardness tester with a Vickers diamond indenter. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Sum Test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Both Rapid White and Absolute White reduced enamel microhardness. Speed White increased the microhardness of enamel, while White Glo and artificial saliva had no effect on hardness. CONCLUSIONS: Over-the-counter tooth-whitening products might decrease enamel microhardness depending on the type of product. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/616 Files in this item: 1
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Grobler, Sias; Majeed, Abdul; Moola, Mohamad H. (South African Dental Association, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Objectives: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of various tooth-whitening products on the South African market, containing carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP), on enamel microhardness. Methods: Enamel blocks were exposed to: Nite White® ACP 10% CP (group 2, n=10); Yotuel® Patient 10% CP (group 3, n=10); Opalescence® PF 10% CP (group 4, n=10); Opalescence® PF 20% CP (group 5, n=10); Opalescence® Treswhite Supreme 10% HP (group 6, n=10); Yotuel® 10 Minutes 30% CP (group 7, n=10); Opalescence® Quick 45% CP (group 8, n=10), Yotuel® Special 35% HP (group 9, n=10), Opalescence® Boost 38% HP (group 10, n=10) according to the instructions of the manufacturers. The control group (1) was enamel blocks (n=10) kept in artificial saliva at 37˚C without any treatment. The microhardness values were obtained before exposure and after a 14-day treatment period. Specimens were kept in artificial saliva at 37˚C between treatments. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test. Indent marks on the enamel blocks were also examined under the scanning electron microscope. Results: All whitening products decreased enamel microhardness except group 10. Only Groups 2,3,4,5 and 7 showed significant decrease in enamel microhardness as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Groups 2, 3 and 7 differed significantly from all the other groups (p<0.05). The highest damage was recorded for group 2 (Nite White® ACP 10% CP), which differed significantly from groups 3 and 7. SEM images also showed damage to enamel. Conclusions: All products damaged enamel except Opalescence® Boost 38% HP. In general, the products containing carbamide peroxide were more damaging while longer treatment periods influenced the microhardness values negatively. Nite White® ACP without fluoride showed relatively more damage than all the other products containing fluoride. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/590 Files in this item: 1
GroblerEnamelMicrohardness2009.pdf (1.648Mb) -
Pillay, Tanushree; Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Introduction: The increase in physical inactivity is thought to be one of the main risk factors for the development of diseases of lifestyle. This has highlighted the need for prevention and intervention programmes that are thought to assist in influencing the modifiable risk factors. Physical activity programmes have been proven to positively influence risk factors such us blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Interventions by health professionals can assist in combating the problem. This study aimed to determine the effects of a short term physical activity programme on the BMI, body fat and blood pressure of high school learners in a local community in the Western Cape. Methods: The total number of learners who volunteered to participate in the study was 106. The study used a pre-test post-test design. The intervention programme was a 6 week programme run for 3 days per week for a period of 40 – 60 minutes per session. The intervention consisted of moderate to vigorous activities. Data was analysed by comparing learners who participated in the intervention and those who did not. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this study. Results: Prior to the intervention it was found that 18% were found to be obese and at least 10% were hypertensive. Following the intervention it was reported that blood pressure as well as BMI and percentage body fat was influenced in positive way. Conclusion: One can conclude that, a short term physical activity intervention programme conducted three times a week with moderate activities can affect the BMI and blood pressure levels of adolescents. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/119 Files in this item: 1
PillayEffects2009.pdf (71.62Kb) -
Valisi, Andiswa; Maiyalagan, Thandavarayan; Khotseng, Lindiwe; Linkov, Vladimir; Pasupathi, Sivakumar (Springer, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This work studies the effect of heat treatment of carbon-dispersed platinum and platinum alloys on its methanol tolerance and catalytic activity as gas diffusion electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid medium. The catalyst powders were subjected to heat treatments at three different temperatures for a fixed period at controlled atmospheres. Differences in catalyst morphology were characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscope techniques. The electrochemical characteristics and activity of the electro-catalysts were evaluated for ORR and methanol tolerance using cyclic voltammetry, in the form of gas diffusion electrodes. The optimum heat-treatment temperature is found to be strongly dependent on the individual catalyst. The maximum ORR activity and better methanol tolerance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was observed in Pt-Fe/C and Pt-Cu/C catalysts subjected to heat treatment at 350 °C.A trend of catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was obtained: Pt-Cu/C (350°C)>Pt-Fe/C (350°C) > Pt-Ni/C (350°C) > Pt-Co/C (250°C) > Pt/C (350°C), showing that Pt-Cu/C-type catalysts had a higher catalytic activity with reasonable methanol tolerance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/343 Files in this item: 1
ValisiHeatTreatment2012.pdf (10.92Mb) -
Mugabo, Pierre; Khan, Fatima; Burger, Andries (Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The use the aqueous decoction of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) (Ll) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) in the treatment of hypertension (HPT) in traditional medicine is well documented. The effect of the aqueous extract of LI on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) has been investigated in normotensive rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ll aqueous extract on the in isolated perfused rat heart (IPRH). Hearts were excised from male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-350g, aged less than 6 months. They were perfused at constant flow using the modified Langendorff perfused model of the heart. Effects of adrenaline on the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), heart rate (HR), cardiac work (CW) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were compared to that of Ll. Adrenaline (1µM) significantly (p<0.05) increased the LVSP by 40.6%, the LVDP by 43.9%, the HR by 22.5% and the CW by 89.4%. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml respectively and significantly (p<0.01) increased the LVSP by 25.36 and 14.91, the LVDP by 29.40 and 14.88. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml) significantly produced a negative chronotropic effect. Both adrenaline and Ll aqueous extract did not have any significant effect on the LVEDP. Adrenaline resulted in positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. At low concentrations Ll produced a positive inotropic and a negative chronotropic effect. At the concentration of 2.0mg/ml Ll decreased all parameters to zero. At higher concentrations higher than 2.0mg/ml, Ll seemed to have toxic effects on the heart. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/400 Files in this item: 1
MugaboLeonotisLeonurus2012.pdf (362.4Kb)