Concept mapping as a strategy to scaffold concept literacy in accounting for extended programmes

While great strides have been made to improve accessibility to higher education in South Africa, successful completion of bachelor's degrees within the prescribed time remains a challenge.  Research suggests that a lack of conceptual understanding by students might be at the heart of the problem. This study, which is grounded in Ausubel's Assimilation Theory as applied by Joseph Novak and his colleagues, investigates the value of concept mapping as a scaffolding technique to improve conceptual understanding. The research involved a quasi-experiment with a test and a control group. It was hypothesised that accounting students in an extended programme who had been introduced to the concept mapping technique would demonstrate an improved grasp of accounting concepts, indicated by an improvement in their marks when composing an explanatory paragraph of accounting concepts after a teaching intervention. However, the post-intervention marks of the test group showed no improvement, and therefore no proof can be offered to support the claim that concept mapping improves conceptual understanding. Pre-and post-intervention questionnaires were used to collect data on confounding variables and also to assess student experiences of concept mapping. An analysis of student experiences indicated enthusiasm for the technique. Limitations of the study included the absence of a pilot study and insufficient time to become familiar with concept mapping. An unforeseen constraint on the study was low student participation

The choleretic action of genebile in a dog

A procedure for cannulating the bile duct of the dog is described. An intramuscular injection of Genebile increased the bile flow rate. A possible mechanism for this increase is suggested.http://www.jsava.co.zaam2020Anatomy and Physiolog

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective. To acknowledge the dinical syndrome chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and outline the diagnostic criteria and reasonable management.Outcomes. Attempt at containment of treatment cost and improvement of the quality of care of patients with CFS.Evidence. Delphi-type commentary from 20 expert clinicians and appropriate organisations. Limited literature survey.Values. To clarify the reasonable management of CFS amid conflicting clinical opinion on a condition qf concern to patients, funders and doctors, An adaptation:of an existing guideline was sent to organisations and individuals for comment. Comments received were included in this guideline where possible.Benefits, harms and costs. To acknowledge a clinical syndrome with a reasonable approach to management considering the cost implications. No cost analysis was done.Recommendations. To recommend the following: (I) diagnostic criteria for CFS; (il) potential differential diagnoses and possible investigations; and (iil) management protocol.Validation. The draft guidelines were subjected to external review by individual doctors who are acknowledged CFS treaters, doctor groups and the patient support group. There were major disputes about the content, with the responses falling into two groups: thosewho do not believe CFS is a distinguishable illness, and those who do.Developer and funding. The Committee for Science and Education, Medical Association of South Africa, Endorsements. Medical Association of South Africa and national health care organisations (see list at the end of the document)

The elimination of albumin, polyvinylpyrrolidone and dextran from the circulation in sheep

The rates of elimination of iodinated human serum albumin (ALBUMIN-125I), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-125I); and tritiated dextran (DEXTRAN - METHOXY-3H) (mol masses of 69 000 - 72 000, 30 000 - 40 000 and 60 000 - 90 000 respectively) from the circulation of sheep were studied; albumin and PVP initially disappeared from the circulation rapidly having half-life times (t 1/2) of 10,5 +/- 3,7 and 43 +/- 45 hours respectively. This phase is regarded as being due to equilibration within the initial volume of distribution, the rate being determined primarily by the relative mol. mass of the molecule. Hereafter PVP-125I was eliminated considerably faster (t 1/2 = 176 +/- 39 h) principally via the kidneys. The limited data available for dextran-3 H suggests that this particular substance is rapidly excreted via the kidneys (t 1/2 = 9 h).The Atomic Energy Boardhttp://www.jsava.co.zaam2020Anatomy and Physiolog

The role of increased gastrointestinal alcohol production in patients with the metabolic syndrome: Implications for the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Aim. Explore the possibility that increased gastrointestinal alcohol production may play a role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Methods. Blood, urine and breath levels of alcohol measured in 20 patients with the metabolic syndrome were compared with those of 20 matched healthy controls. Results. Eighty per cent of the patients had dyslipidaemia, 60% systemic ypertension and 70% type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seventy five per cent had ultrasonographic features of fatty liver disease, with mean serum aminotransferase activities being significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 57.4±44.79 U/l versus 17.4±4.60 U/l (95% CI 18.02 - 61.42,