Die betekenis van die Moedertaalskool vir die nasionale vorming van ons jeug

Dit is van besondere betekenis vir die Afrikaner dat in die afgelope twee of drie jaar daar kort-kort ’n Afrikaansmediuniskool sy mondigwording gevier het. So het bv. die Hoër Voortrekkerskool op Boksburg twee jaar gelede reeds so’n fees gehad. So het die Hoër Monumentskool op Krugersdorp en die Helpmekaarskool op Johannesburg ook reeds hulle 21-jarige bestaan gevier. Van uit die Kaap-Provinsie kom die berig dat daar op Graaff-Reinet die mondigwording gevier word van die eerste skool met Afrikaans as voertaal in Kaapland, nl. die Hoër Volkskool

Sacrocolpopexy - a report on 262 consecutive operations

Objectives. This report analyses the outcome and complications of 262 consecutive sacrocolpopexy procedures for the repair of vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele. Methods. From March 1994 to February 2001, 262 patients underwent surgical repair using a standardised retroperitoneal technique. Initially dura mater strips were used and from the 19th patient onwards, Gore-tex soft tissue patch was used to suspend the vaginal apex to the anterior sacral ligament. Halban-type occluding sutures were placed in the pouch of Douglas. All patients were followed up and the minimum duration of follow-up was 16 months. Results. Vaginal vault prolapse was successfully managed in 259 of 262 patients giving a success rate of 98.8%. In addition, 4 patients had a repeat enterocele that required surgical repair. The overall surgical complication rate was low. Erosion of the patch through the vaginal vault occurred in 10 patients, necessitating removal of the patch. Prolapse did not recur in any of these patients. Conclusion. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a very successful and safe surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse. (South African Medical Journal: 2002 92(12): 982-985

Non-invasive identification of polymers in cultural heritage collections: evaluation, optimisation and application of portable FTIR (ATR and external reflectance) spectroscopy to three-dimensional polymer-based objects

© 2019, The Author(s). The conservation of polymer-based cultural heritage is a major concern for collecting institutions internationally. Collections include a range of different polymers, each with its own degradation processes and preservation needs, however, they are frequently unidentified in collection catalogues. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for identifying polymers, which is vital for determining storage, exhibition, loan and treatment conditions. Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), and External Reflection (ER) are proven effective FTIR sampling techniques for polymer identification and are beginning to appear in conservation labs. This paper evaluates and optimises the application of these two FTIR techniques to three-dimensional plastic objects in the museum context. Elements of the FTIR measurement process are investigated for 15 common polymers found in museum collections using both authentic reference sheets, and case study objects to model for surface characteristics. Including: use of the ATR and ER modules, the difference between clamping and manually holding objects in contact with the ATR crystal, use of the Kramers–Kronig Transformation, signal-to-noise ratios for increasing number of co-added scans, resultant time taken to collect each measurement, associated professional, health and safety considerations, and the use and availability of reference materials for polymer identify verification. Utilising this information, a flowchart for applying FTIR spectroscopy to three-dimensional historic plastic objects during museum collection surveys is proposed to guide the conservation profession

An Instrument to Assess Neonatal Chest Image Quality

Published ArticleDepending on their condition, most neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit require multiple diagnostic imaging examinations. Therefore, radiographers who perform these diagnostic imaging examinations should use optimal imaging techniques, to limit radiation dose and to ensure optimal image quality. The study wished to determine if radiographers were producing consistent optimal chest images and limiting radiation doses for neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit. A descriptive quantitative study was done by utilising a checklist compiled from literature to evaluate 450 neonatal chest images. Evaluation of the images indicates that radiographers seem unable to adhere to radiation control regulations. The authors propose including the checklist as part of a radiation safety improvement process, as it proved to be an assessment tool for identifying areas in image quality that require improvement

Developing training and assessment of radiation safety regulations

Published ArticleThe absence of standardised training and assessment for radiation safety requirements at tertiary training institutions offering the radiography qualification in South-Africa, necessitated investigation. The methods included a literature review to contextualise and develop the outcomes for the training and assessment; a Delphi survey to establish a set of criteria suitable for a basic or advanced component of the training and assessment; and a questionnaire for radiography students to determine the knowledge of the radiation worker before and after training. The findings of this study can be a guide in the process to determine content and assessment criteria for other learning areas

Analysis and comparison of Scalextric, SCX, and Carrera Digital slot car systems: A mechatronic engineering design case study

Digital slot cars operate by transmitting both power and data over a single pair of wires much like DCC-controlled model railways and some home automation systems. In this manuscript we analyse and compare the cars, track, controllers, and electronic data transmission protocols of the three popular digital slot car systems

The first fossil Perilestidae (Odonata: Zygoptera) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

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The prevention of intrapartum HIV/Aids transmission from mother to child

The transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child is the main cause of HIV/AIDS in children and child mortality. Two-thirds of children with HIV/AIDS are infected in the intrapartum period (Farley, 2000:1 -2). Midwives, through effective practices, can lower the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child in the intrapartum period. The aim of the study was to determine which preventive practices registered midwives in provincial labour wards in Bloemfontein, implement to lower the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and in doing so to lower child mortality. A descriptive research design was used. Fifty-one midwives completed questionnaires to determine what preventive practices are used. The study showed that most of the midwives did not implement the interventions that could lower the chances of HI V/Aids transmission from mother to child during the intrapartum period. Midwives therefore may not have a positive impact on child mortality. The researchers concluded that midwives do not implement the interventions mentioned in the study because of a lack of knowledge and skills. Of the midwives who completed questionnaires, 67% completed their training between 1990 and 2000. This lack of knowledge may be due to a lack in the curriculum of training institutions and of an up-to-date policy concerning the transmission o f HIV/Aids in p ro v in c ia l in s titu tio n s in Bloemfontein. It is recommended that all affordable interventions should be incorporated in the policy.Health Studie

An analysis of business continuity risks and related business continuity plans at companies in South Africa

Published ArticleThis study investigated the different business continuity risks organisations face and the existence of business continuity plans to address and manage these risks. The study found that although the majority of organisations are aware of the business continuity risks that they are faced with, not all fully understand the impact thereof on their organisations, and accordingly do not have effective and adequate business continuity plans in place to address and manage these risks. Also, not all organisations are placing enough emphasis on the establishment of a business continuity culture within their organisations to support their business continuity philosophy and plan