Computer-mediated communication in undergraduate mathematics courses

Computers afford an environment in which use of communication tools can promote deep learning. This may be ascribed to the creation of a varied learning environment, and to the induction of active, collaborative and self-directed learning. A quantitative study was performed based on the results of a questionnaire developed to evaluate the students experience of web-supported learning. The association between presumed active use of communication tools, and perceptions concerning learning principles (varied and challenging learning environment, application of higher order thinking skills, and lecturer feedback and encouragement to interact frequently), was evaluated. The results indicate that in general, learners associated a varied and challenging learning environment with the lecturer’s feedback and encouragement to interact frequently (e.g. with discussions; e-mail contact etc.) and with perceived active communication via the bulletin board and e-mail facility. It appears that CMC using all communication tools, excluding the calendar, was dependent on encouragement by the lecturer to interact frequently. Perceived active use of e-mail and the chat facility was significantly associated with recognition of the need to apply higher-order thinking skills in order to do well in the course. These findings support previous reports that CMC promotes deep learning. It is recommended that · The e-mail facility is used for deeper problem analysis and where alternate solutions and strategies are to be generated. · The bulletin board is used for application, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. · The chat facility is used to build attitudes, beliefs, confidence and motivation. · The challenge of an environment should be created in which communities of learners are formed. Opportunity should be provided for socialising as well, as this promotes interdependence and collaboration. · Feedback to individuals and groups and encouragement is provided timely and continually via e-mail and the bulletin board.Dissertation (MEd (CIE))--University of Pretoria, 2005.Curriculum Studiesunrestricte

Referral pathways for reperfusion of STEMI – developing strategies for appropriate intervention

The SA Heart Association seeks to to improve the early management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in South Africa. This pilot study was undertaken to establish the current time intervals present in the referral pathways to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities in the Tshwane Metropole and to further identify the barriers to appropriatemanagement of STEMI. Method: Cardiologists from 5 PCI-capable hospitals recruited the patients in the catheterisation laboratory and captured the data. Interviews were conducted with three emergency medical services (EMS) to assess paramedics’ scope of practice and identify hindrances to the effective management of STEMI patients. Results: Median system delays were longer in patients requiring inter-facility transport (IFT; n=29) compared to patients with direct access to a PCI facility (DA) patients (median 3.7 vs. 30.4 hours; p<0.001). Door-toballoontimes of ≤90 minutes were achieved in only 22% DA and 33% IFT patients. Fibrinolysis within ≤30 minutes was achieved in 50% DA and 20% IFT patients. Reperfusion was attempted in <12 hours of symptom onset in signifi cantly more DA than IFT patients (70% vs. 34%; p=0.012 respectively). Paramedics were suitably trained and ambulances reasonably equipped to manage STEMI patients. However, members of the public do not routinely summon EMS. Conclusion: Education initiatives and improved systems of care have the potential to improve STEMI patient outcome in South-Africa

Towards developing guidelines and systems of care to facilitate early reperfusion for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Africa

No abstract available.http://www.cvja.co.za/am201

Review of current evidence for folate in the prevention of neural tube defects

The incidence of neural tube defects (NTD) among black South Africans living in urban areas is low compared with reports of NTD incidence in rural areas  A NTD incidence of 0.95 per 1000 live births was reported in Cape Town,l while an incidence of 0.99 per 1 000 live births was reported in a study performed at Kalafong Academic Hospital, Pretoria.' In contrast, the prevalence of NTD in the black population in rural Transkei was 6.13 per 1 000 live births,' and in rural Northern Province it was 3.55 per 1 000 live births.' In view of the association between folic acid status and NiD, we  performed a study in rural and urban communities to determine whether folate or vitamin B12 status and/or abnormal homocyst(e)ine metabolism could explain why the incidence of NTD in rural areas is so high. (Homocyst(e)me (tHcy) refers to the sum of concentrations of free homocysteine, protein-bound homocysteine, the disulphide homocystine, and the mixed disulphide homocysteine-cysteine.

Mobile learning – a new paradigm shift in distance education?

During recent years, many distance teaching as well as residential institutions have started to experiment with mobile learning through pilot projects as part of their e-learning and technology enhanced learning environments. Mobile learning should not be regarded as a medium for distance learning. However, because of the similar affordances of distance learning technologies and online and mobile learning, the established field of distance education can provide valuable insight into strategies, approaches and practical experiences with regard to the conception and organization of this new medium for learning. Distance teaching institutions have a long history and much experience with media-based instruction. This affords them an advantage in the development and application of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) for teaching and learning. Student support systems have existed in traditional distance education for decades. ICTs – especially mobile devices – open up new paths for learning support and opportunities to reach a wider audience for (higher) education. However, will mobile learning bring about a paradigm shift in distance education? Or is it perhaps a new generation of distance education? Does it afford new opportunities for teaching and learning in terms of access and flexibility? This paper reports on an international survey that was conducted amongst distance educators in order to explore these questions

Referral pathways for reperfusion of STEMI - developing strategies for appropriate intervention : the SA heart STEMI early intervention project

The SA Heart Association seeks to to improve the early management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in South Africa. This pilot study was undertaken to establish the current time intervals present in the referral pathways to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities in the Tshwane Metropole and to further identify the barriers to appropriate management of STEMI. Method: Cardiologists from 5 PCI-capable hospitals recruited the patients in the catheterisation laboratory and captured the data. Interviews were conducted with three emergency medical services (EMS) to assess paramedics’ scope of practice and identify hindrances to the effective management of STEMI patients. Results: Median system delays were longer in patients requiring inter-facility transport (IFT; n=29) compared to patients with direct access to a PCI facility (DA) patients (median 3.7 vs. 30.4 hours; p<0.001). Door-toballoon times of ≤90 minutes were achieved in only 22% DA and 33% IFT patients. Fibrinolysis within ≤30 minutes was achieved in 50% DA and 20% IFT patients. Reperfusion was attempted in <12 hours of symptom onset in signifi cantly more DA than IFT patients (70% vs. 34%; p=0.012 respectively). Paramedics were suitably trained and ambulances reasonably equipped to manage STEMI patients. However, members of the public do not routinely summon EMS. Conclusion: Education initiatives and improved systems of care have the potential to improve STEMI patient outcome in South-Africa.http://journal.saheart.org/index.php?journal=SAHJam201

Measurement of cardiac troponins to detect myocardial infarction using high-sensitivity assays : South African guidelines

With the use of specific cardiac markers with higher sensitivity, new perspectives have emerged on the nature of myocardial necrosis and injury, which are associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The third universal definition of myocardial infarction1 now classifies myocardial infarction (MI), based on the relevant pathology, clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment strategy, as spontaneous MI (type 1), MI secondary to an ischaemic imbalance (type 2), cardiac death due to sudden fatal MI (type 3), and MI associated with revascularisation procedures (types 4 and 5). What has also become evident is the extent of necrosis and injury that is associated with pathologies of other organs and conditions.http://www.cvjsa.co.z

Children’s ability to consent to medical management in South Africa

BACKGROUND : The South African Children's Act No. 38 of 2005 requires paediatric medical consent from 12 years of age. OBJECTIVE : To determine children's ability to provide informed consent for medical treatment. METHODS : Assessment used hypothetical treatment storyboards and structured interviews for assessment of 100 children (aged 10 - 17 years), and 25 adult controls, using a standardised scoring tool to test understanding, ability to deliberate treatment choices, and provide rational reasons. Statistical analysis involved multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS : The female:male ratios for children and adults were 1:0.92 and 1:0.98, respectively. Children⩾12 years were competent with regard to treatment choices (p<0.001), while 10-year-olds could deliberate reasonable outcomes, similar to adults (p<0.001). However, only children 12 years and older could provide rational reasons, where abstract concepts were not involved, whereas children who were⩾14 years old were able to provide rational reasons involving abstract concepts. The actual understanding of choices, compared with adults, was only observed in children older than 14 years (p<0.001). Gender was not a statistically significant denominator. CONCLUSION : Children of 12 years and older are competent to make medical decisions, but the understanding of medical treatment choices under the age of 14 years is not clear.http://www.sajch.org.za/index.php/SAJCHhj2020Family Medicin

Revealing the value of geospatial information with isochrone maps for improving the management of heart attacks in South Africa

No abstract available.http://http://tandfonline.com/toc/tica20hj2022Family MedicineGeography, Geoinformatics and Meteorolog

Analysis of two mutations in the MTHFR gene associated with mild hyperhomocysteinaemia – heterogeneous distribution in the South African population

Objective, The frequencies of mutations 677C→T and 1298A→C in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, previously shown to be associated with decreased enzyme activity that may lead to hyperhomocysteinaemia and consequently increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), were determined in the South African population.Methods, Hinfi (677C→T) and MbolI (1298A→C) restriction enzyme analyses were performed on amplified DNA samples of 76 white, 73 coloured and 60 black subjects.Results, The mutant alleles of mutations 677C→T and 1298A..-+C were more common in the white (allele frequencies 0.36 and 0.37, respectively) than in the black population (0.04 and 0.09), while intermediate frequencies were detected in the coloured population (0,18 and 0.30); Homozygosity for mutation 677C → T was not detected in the black cohort, while this genotype was detected in 1 coloured (1.4%) and 8 white (105%) subjects, In the black population, 5% of the 60 subjects analysed were homozygous for mutation 1298A→C, compared with approximately 12% in both the white and coloured populations,Conclusions. Since hyperhomocysteinaemia is a risk factor for premature CVD, the heterogeneous distribution of the 677C→T and 1298A→C mutations across ethnic groups may partly explain ethnic differences in heart disease risk through decreased enzyme activity and hence increased homocysteine levels