Curriculum Studies in the posthuman condition/posthuman curriculum (studies)

In this article we discuss the difference between curriculum studies (as a field of inquiry) in the posthuman condition and posthuman curriculum (studies). The posthuman condition is characterised by both posthumanism and post-anthropocentrism and relates respectively, to how we now define human given humans’ entanglement with new technologies, and the ethical response-ability of humans in intra-action with the more-than-human-world in a context of impending ecological disaster. In this article we shall argue that although Enlightenment humanism has been challenged philosophically/conceptually both in discourses on anti-humanism and posthumanism, humanist approaches to curriculum studies remain with us in the posthuman condition – the ghosts of Dewey, Tyler, Freire, etc., imbue much of curriculum work. However, the posthuman condition also produces posthuman thought that makes it possible to reimagine curriculum studies, that we shall call posthuman curriculum (studies). We shall review different approaches to curriculum studies in the posthuman condition, and then turn our attention to posthuman curriculum (studies). We argue that curriculum (as a vital concept) in posthumanist terms is intelligible and manifests through intra-actions, processes of becoming and experimenting. Set against sedentary states of being that mark curriculum studies in the posthuman condition; becoming, intra-acting and experimenting in posthuman curriculum (studies) are acts, doings in and of this world. The acts and doings in posthuman curriculum (studies) that are mostly written about include: improvisation, theorisation and diffraction. To these we add and specifically discuss quantum tunnelling, tracing, and desiring. Other forms of curriculum experimentation worthy of consideration in posthuman curriculum (studies) but not discussed in the article are queering, imagining, and writing. Towards the end we make the point that although some connections with the past (such as those that haunt curriculum discourses) can be threatening to life, connections of the thick now hold potential and radical openness for newness

ASSESSMENT OF MANUFACTURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF POLYURETHANE HEART VALVES PRODUCED THROUGH A LOCALLY DEVELOPED DIP MOULDING PROCESS

Conference ProceedingsPolyurethane heart valves have been widely studied as possible replacement for mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valves. The development of an inexpensive routine production technique for manufacturing of polyurethane valves will greatly benefit a very large number of patients in developing and emerging countries. A polymer heart valve shows favourable physical properties and flow dynamics compared to human heart valves, however, the outcome of producing a polymer heart valve with the required flexibility, durability and hemodynamic function is often difficult to predict. The design of the mould, the selection of the material and the fabrication method used are the key factors that influence the achievement of an acceptable heart valve for use in the human body. From their previous work on developing a repeatable, semi-automated dip moulding process for producing tri-leaflet polyurethane heart valves, the authors have shown that the selection of an appropriate set of dip moulding process parameters and mould material properties could result in achieving polyurethane valve leaflets with the required physical and mechanical properties. This paper reports on the progress made with application of the developed dip moulding process to produce polyurethane heart valves suitable for use in human body. The mould, frame and sewing ring were manufactured in Ti6Al4V(ELI) by using a Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process and the valve leaflets were moulded directly onto the sewing ring. The heart valve properties obtained are presented and assessed. Conclusions are drawn regarding the prospects of these valves surviving the extensive in vitro simulation trials required to qualify them for subsequent clinical trials

Serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in heart valve disease

Serum levels of natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT- proBNP) are known to increase in cardiac failure, and aid in the diagnosis and management of such patients. BNP and NT-proBNP also increase in patients with heart valve lesions, and may contribute to the assessment and management of these patients. There appears to be a general trend towards higher BNP values in more severe heart valve lesions, but the exact implication of a raised BNP or NTproBNP appears to be different for each specific valve lesion. In aortic valve stenosis increased levels of BNP/NT-proBNP correlate with the degree of stenosis, symptoms and prognosis. In addition, the increased natriuretic peptide levels seem to reflect left ventricular dysfunction, as high levels predict poor long-term outcomes in conservatively treated patients as well as post-operative death and poor functional recovery in those who survive the valve replacement procedure. In mitral regurgitation natriuretic peptide levels correlate with the degree of valvular regurgitation, and seem to reflect subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. Serum natriuretic peptide levels are elevated in patients with mitral stenosis, and correlate with the degree of valvular stenosis and increased pulmonary pressure. Serum levels of natriuretic peptides are elevated in other heart valve lesions, such as aortic valve regurgitation, as well as different forms of mixed valvular disease, but very little is known about the relationship between the serum levels of natriuretic peptides and the latter valve lesions. The practical application of our knowledge concerning serum natriuretic peptides and heart valve disease is limited at this stage, and no specific cut-off values to guide patient management have been incorporated into any official guidelines as yet. This review aims to summarise current knowledge on serum BNP and NT–proBNP levels in patients with heart valve disease. The impact of this information on current clinical decision making in patients with different heart valve lesions, as well as evolving concepts concerning its potential future use, will be discussed

Mesoscale movement and recursion behaviors of Namibian black rhinos.

Background:Understanding rhino movement behavior, especially their recursive movements, holds significant promise for enhancing rhino conservation efforts, and protecting their habitats and the biodiversity they support. Here we investigate the daily, biweekly, and seasonal recursion behavior of rhinos, to aid conservation applications and increase our foundational knowledge about these important ecosystem engineers. Methods:Using relocation data from 59 rhinos across northern Namibia and 8 years of sampling efforts, we investigated patterns in 24-h displacement at dawn, dusk, midday, and midnight to examine movement behaviors at an intermediate scale and across daily behavioral modes of foraging and resting. To understand recursion patterns across animals' short and long-term ranges, we built T-LoCoH time use grids to estimate recursive movement by each individual. Comparing these grids to contemporaneous MODIS imagery, we investigated productivity's influence on short-term space use and recursion. Finally, we investigated patterns of recursion within a year's home range, measuring the time to return to the most intensively used patches. Results:Twenty four-hour displacements at dawn were frequently smaller than 24-h displacements at dusk or at midday and midnight resting periods. Recursion analyses demonstrated that short-term recursion was most common in areas of median rather than maximum NDVI values. Investigated across a full year, recursion analysis showed rhinos most frequently returned to areas within 8-21 days, though visits were also seen separated by months likely suggesting seasonality in range use. Conclusions:Our results indicate that rhinos may frequently stay within the same area of their home ranges for days at a time, and possibly return to the same general area days in a row especially during morning foraging bouts. Recursion across larger time scales is also evident, and likely a contributing mechanism for maintaining open landscapes and browsing lawns of the savanna

Assessing a portable, real-time display handheld meter with UV-A and UV-B sensors for potential application in personal sun exposure studies

BACKGROUND : Observing accurate real-time measurements of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels is important since personal excess sun exposure is associated with skin cancers. Handheld measurement devices may be helpful but their accuracy is unknown. We compare a portable, science-grade solar UVR monitoring device against two fixed, science-grade solar UVR instruments. METHODS : Instruments were (1) a fixed Solar Light 501 UV-B biometer to measure UV-B; (2) a fixed Kipp and Zonen radiometer used to measure UV-A and UV-B; and (3) Goldilux ultraviolet probes which are commercially available portable devices. Two different probes were used, one measured UV-A and the other UV-B radiation. The Goldilux probes were levelled and secured next to the UV-B biometer. Between 10:00 and 14:40 UTC+2, the UV-B biometer was set to record at 10-minute intervals and measurements by the Goldilux probes were manually taken simultaneously. Results were compared for all data and by solar zenith angle (SZA) ranges. RESULTS : The Goldilux UV-B probe measured UV-B relatively well in its diurnal pattern, however, its readings were ~77% higher than those made by the UV-B biometer. While UV-A measurements from the Goldilux UV-A probe and those from the radiometer were in relatively good agreement in pattern, the radiometer read ~47% higher than the Goldilux UV-A probe. UV-B data from Goldilux UV-B probe had a moderately strong correlation with UV-B biometer data for small SZAs; conversely, for UV-A, the Goldilux UV-A probe had a strong correlation with the UV-A radiometer data for large SZAs. CONCLUSION : Handheld devices may be useful to provide real-time readings of solar UVR patterns, however, to achieve synchronicity in the magnitude of readings to those made by science-grade fixed instruments, devices may need to be used during certain times of the day and in clear-sky conditions which may not be practical in personal exposure studies.Dr Wright receives funding support from the South African Medical Research Council and the National Research Foundation of South Africa.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1600-08462019-11-01hj2019Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorolog

The role of early childhood development and education (ECDE) in supporting learning and well-being in rural early childhood and primary schools in South Africa

This paper examines how early childhood and primary schools can be constructed as enabling spaces to improve the learning and well-being of children aged six to nine who live in multidimensionally poor, low-resourced rural communities in South Africa. Quality early childhood development and education (ECDE) can be the catalyst to break the cycle of poverty for many young children in rural areas. A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart. A comprehensive search strategy using electronic databases and hand searches systematically whittled down an initial database of 30,080 articles to 16 articles for this study. A thematic analysis identified enablers and constraints for supporting children’s learning and well-being across three themes: (1) infrastructure, educational resources and child agency (2) initial teacher education (ITE) and (3) socioeconomic status. The findings and discussion highlight child agency as an enabler to learning and well-being and the structural and pedagogical challenges of implementing ITE curricula specific to rural educational contexts

A guiding framework for the development of a trans-disciplinary community mental health student teaching and learning platform

Establishing a trans-disciplinary mental health platform could contribute to outreach and service training agendas in a higher educational context. The purpose of the platform described in the article provides an opportunity for students to learn from each other, with each other and about each other, across a variety of disciplines in one university, while also effectively addressing the needs of the surrounding community. This article records the background to the establishment of a unique multi-disciplinary university-community collaborative initiative in South Africa by using a self-reflective, action research approach. It also identifies lessons learnt and creates a guiding framework for the establishment of similar projects in other communities. It contributes firstly, to provide a framework to guide and encourage future establishments of similar university-community collaborative engagement endeavors and, secondly, to highlight the requirements for sustaining services to communities when senior students exit their university programmes, while new students enter

Examining Personality and Performance in Extreme Environments

The military is a multifaceted organisation consisting of an extremely diverse workforce where multiple individual differences are found among personnel. Therefore, possessing knowledge of personality characteristics that are adaptive along with those that are maladaptive in training and combat situations would be very advantageous for the military, especially when recruiting and training new recruits. The present thesis contains five chapters with the intent to first explore individual differences that could account for recruits who pass or fail military basic training (MTB). A second purpose of the thesis was to develop a deeper understanding of the personality profiles of courageous actors who have been decorated for their acts of bravery. Chapter 1 offers brief empirical reviews on personalities and their relationship with performance in the military environment and identify certain gaps in the literature that needs to be addressed. In particular: (i) limited current empirical research is available on the effect that military basic training (MBT) may have on the personality of recruits under training; (ii) limited empirical evidence is available exploring the positive adaptation and functioning of psychoticism and psychopathy personality types within the military environment; (iii) limited research is available that explore the relationship between courageous soldiers and psychopathy; and (iv) limited empirical evidence is available on the positive effect of psychological attributes (i.e., punishment and reward sensitivity, mental toughness, effortful control, internalisation of core values) on performance of military recruits under training. The chapter concludes by proposing that the military creates an environment where individuals with some measure of psychoticism (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1976) and psychopathy (Lilienfeld & Widows, 2005) may flourish, provided that they are given appropriate training. The focus of Chapter 2 falls on psychological attributes and behaviours that British male Infantry recruits bring to the start of MBT and how those attributes influence retention and performance outcomes. Results indicated that at that start of MBT, high levels of psychoticism, mental toughness (MT), activation control and attention control, and low levels of neuroticism and punishment sensitivity successfully differentiated between recruits who successfully completed MBT first time from recruits who did not complete MBT first time. The results and theoretical implications are discussed in terms of what the Army may do to improve recruitment and retention. Chapter 3 is longitudinal in nature and explored the effect MBT has on the psychological attributes of military recruits during a 26 week MBT training programme. The same psychological attributes that were explored within Chapter 2 were investigated in Chapter 3. With relevance to personality, results indicated a significant increase in extraversion across training, whereas neuroticism and punishment sensitivity significantly decreased during MBT. With relation cognitive variables, only external regulation levels significantly decreased during MBT. The results and theoretical implications are discussed in terms of how training may (or may not) influence some deep-rooted characteristics of the recruit. Chapter 4 examines the ultimate expression of military performance; namely, the decorated courageous soldier. The chapter followed a multi-methodological approach involving qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the personality of courageous soldiers with specific reference, but not limited to: psychopathy, cognitive processes, motivation and behaviours. Findings indicated that decorated courageous soldiers are not psychopathic; however, decorated courageous soldiers share certain characteristics with psychopaths. The findings from Chapter 4 further suggest that courageous acts were performed as a result of the right person, with the right genetic-makeup, being in the right situation when it mattered. The results and theoretical implications are discussed in terms of individual differences in personality, behaviour, cognitions and motivation. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by providing a summary of the empirical chapters, followed by a discussion of theoretical points of interest and applied implications. Some limitations and strengths of the thesis are highlighted; whereafter the thesis is concluded by forwarding future research questions in order to further understand personalities and their performance within the military environment

Burden, spectrum and outcomes of children with tuberculosis diagnosed at a district-level hospital in South Africa

CITATION: Du Preez, K., et al. 2018. Burden, spectrum and outcomes of children with tuberculosis diagnosed at a district-level hospital in South Africa. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 22(9):1037-1043, doi:10.5588/ijtld.17.0893.The original publication is available at https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtldSETTING: The Khayelitsha subdistrict has the highest burden of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa. OBJECTIVES: To characterise the TB burden, spectrum and treatment outcomes among children managed at a district-level hospital, the Khayelitsha District Hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review of all children (age <13 years) diagnosed with TB in January–July 2014. A lay health care worker completed daily surveillance and supported linkage to TB care. Symptoms and investigations at presentation, TB disease spectrum, referral pathways and outcomes were reported. RESULTS: Most children were aged ≤2 years (84/99, 85%), 18/96 (19%) were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, 31/91 (34%) were malnourished and 80/99 (81%) had pulmonary TB only. The majority of the children (63/80, 79%) presented with cough of acute onset (<2 weeks). Only 5/36 (14%) eligible child contacts had documentation of receiving isoniazid preventive therapy. Twelve (13%) children had bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB. Overall, 93/97 (96%) children successfully continued TB care after hospital discharge. Favourable TB treatment outcomes were recorded in only 77 (78%) children. CONCLUSIONS: Children with TB managed at this district-level hospital were young, and frequently had acute symptoms and substantial comorbidities. Missed opportunities for TB prevention were identified. Linkage to care support resulted in excellent continuation of TB care; however, treatment outcomes could be further improved.https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld/2018/00000022/00000009/art00012Publisher's versio

Rapid Global Expansion of the Fungal Disease Chytridiomycosis into Declining and Healthy Amphibian Populations

Published versio