Do skills development and training promote professional and organisational development in the broadcasting information technology (BIT) unit of a broadcasting company?

The information technology (IT) industry in South Africa has undergone major technological changes, and continues to do so. These changes are dynamic and demand significant interventions on the part of the workforce. If an organisation is to change, then systemic and sustainable changes are essential. Hence, a prerequisite is that employees within this industry need constantly to improve their knowledge and skills. The study was conducted within the broadcasting information technology (BIT) unit of a broadcasting company in South Africa. The aim of the research was to determine if skills development and training promotes professional and organisational development. A case study methodology within the qualitative paradigm was employed. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews, observations and document analysis. The research explored crucial issues in training and development in relation to professional and organisational development. The research findings indicated that perceptions of the success of skills development programmes far outweighed perceptions of failure. The research concluded that skills development and training programmes promote professional development. Organisational development, however, was promoted only to the extent that employees remained in the employ of the organisation. In addition, this research suggests that there is scope for future research in this field

Theory and evidence-based development and feasibility testing of a weight loss intervention (Health4LIFE) for overweight and obese primary school educators employed at public schools in low-income settings, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Background: Bearing in mind the prevalence of overweight/obesity found among educators (teachers) and their role modelling function, it is imperative that appropriate weight loss interventions are developed and implemented to control obesity in this target population, while ensuring that they model a healthy body size and lifestyle behaviours in their teaching environment. The United Kingdom (UK) Medical Research Council (MRC) state that best intervention development practice involves a systematic approach where best published research evidence and most suitable theories are combined, referred to as the ‘theory and evidence-based approach'. Intervention development should inherently consider behaviour change theories to assist researchers in deciding which theoretical constructs to target to achieve behaviour change. The MRC guidance recommends that following the development of an intervention, the next step should focus on feasibility testing to advise full-scale evaluation and implementation in real world settings. A feasibility study allows an intervention to be refined by either making incremental or simultaneous adaptations throughout the feasibility study, as well as during all phases of the development of the intervention. Aim: The aims of this research were to 1) conduct a theory and evidenced-based process to develop a weight loss intervention for overweight and obese primary school educators employed at public schools in low-income settings in the Western Cape Province, South Africa and 2) to test the feasibility of the developed intervention in a mixed methods study design. Intervention development Methods: This research firstly involved identification of an appropriate intervention development framework and then behaviour change theories for integration in the framework. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) integrated with the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to gain insight in educator beliefs regarding dietary and physical activity behaviours and the Health Belief Model (HBM) to address the concept of health awareness (first step to behaviour change) were selected. The Step approach to Message Design and Testing (SatMDT) tool was chosen to underpin intervention message development. The systematic process approach applied in the development of the weight loss intervention in this research included five overarching stages, namely 1) identifying the target behaviours for weight loss, 2) understanding the behaviour, 3) identifying the intervention options, 4) identifying the content and implementation options, and 5) testing and refinement of the intervention materials. Key considerations that emerged in various steps that determined decisions regarding delivery format, are as follows: target population specific factors, setting, affordability, access to electronic devices and internet, limited or no professional contact and preference regarding weight loss intervention delivery mode. Outcome: Step by step application of the BCW framework combined with the TPB, the HBM and the SatMDT resulted in the development of the self-help Health4LIFE weight loss intervention consisting of three elements: 1) a wellness day, 2) a hard copy self-help manual and 3) 80 text messages sent over a 16-week period. The discussion of this section of the thesis focuses on critiquing the use of a theorybased approach (BCW combined with the TPB, HBM and SatMDT) in intervention development. Feasibility testing/assessment Methods: Feasibility outcomes that were identified for the purposes of this research included reach, applicability, acceptability, implementation integrity (primary outcomes), and signals of effect in terms of belief patterns (diet and physical activity beliefs), stage of change for dietary and physical activity behaviours, lifestyle behaviours (diet and physical activity) and weight (secondary outcomes). A cluster sampling method was used to randomly select public schools within the Metro North District in the Western Cape Province. These schools were contacted and educators were invited to participate in the wellness day and the subsequent intervention. Random sampling of schools was repeated until the target of 20 schools was achieved. Ten of these schools were then randomly assigned to the control and 10 to the intervention group. Three sub-studies were conducted to assess the feasibility outcomes. Sub-study 1 involved testing the intervention in a pilot randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received the Health4LIFE weight loss intervention, and the control group received a hard copy of the Department of Health's ‘Choose a Healthy Lifestyle' booklet. Analysis to assess within group change and differences between groups for within group change over the 16- week period were done by protocol, thus using data for completers only. Sub-study 2 investigated the perceptions of educators who participated in the intervention arm and sub-study 3 the perceptions of principals of participating schools regarding reach, acceptability, applicability and implementation integrity. Results: Recruitment (n= 137) and drop-out (n=52) statistics indicated that reach was acceptable, with the exception of male educators who were underrepresented, and black African educators and educators who had attempted weight loss before who were more likely to drop-out. Barriers that may compromise school participation include interruption of teaching time, prior commitments by schools/educators, an already full school program and need to obtain permission from the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) for deviations from the normal school day. Qualitative inputs from principals and educators supported acceptability and applicability of the intervention They were positive about the wellness day, approved of implementation in the school setting, found the hard copy manual useful, enjoyable and easy to understand, and considered the text messages to be helpful and motivational for the day. It was evident that aspects that may need refinement include self monitoring activities, low frequency of contact with interventionists and arrangement of visits to the school. The planned implementation procedure (wellness day, engagement with most sections in the manual and sending of text messages) went as intended, reflecting good implementation integrity, with the exception of the drop-out of three entire schools due to scheduling challenges. Clear signals of effect were evident. The Health4LIFE intervention resulted in favourable shifts in belief patterns regarding dietary intake and physical activity; favourable shifts in stage of change for “increase fruit intake” and “decrease sugar intake”, significant changes in some lifestyle behaviours (increased intake of low fat food items, increased intake of vegetables, decreased intake of sugary food items, decreased frequency of adding fat and sugar to food, increase in physical activity and decreased time spent being sedentary) and a trend towards weight loss in the intervention group. The only significant changes in the control group related to dietary intake (increased intake of vegetables and increased intake of low-fat foods). Overarching conclusions and recommendations: Although the time and effort required to follow a systematic process using the BCW cannot be denied, at the end of this process a very clear understanding of the determinants of a specific behaviour and the mechanisms of action required to affect behaviour change is achieved. These insights are imperative for identification of the most appropriate intervention delivery mode and development of the intervention content. This research provides a comprehensive and systematic guide to using the BCW in a theory and evidence-based process for the development of a self-help weight loss intervention. Results reflecting reach, acceptability, applicability, implementation integrity and potential effectiveness of the Health4LIFE intervention support feasibility of the intervention. Material signals of effect in terms of shifts in belief patterns and stage of change, as well as improvements in lifestyle behaviours were evident. It is plausible that these shifts and changes could collectively result in weight loss, as a trend towards weight loss were found. These signals of effect warrant further evaluation of the intervention in a full-scale study and/or consideration for implementation by the DoBE. Based on the feasibility outcomes it is recommended that the following minor refinements of the Health4LIFE intervention receive attention before next steps are taken: recruitment of male educators, drop-out of black African educators and those who have attempted weight loss before, lack of DoBE policies to address educator health and wellbeing, educator suggestions to improve the intervention manual and poor completion of self-monitoring activities. Major intervention refinements that emerged from the feasibility testing for consideration include more frequent in-person contact between educators and interventionists, extending intervention duration, and making use of eHealth options for contact sessions and self-monitoring. However, the feasibility of major refinements would require additional investigation, further extending the already lengthy intervention development process. Bearing this in mind, implementation of the Health4Life intervention in public schools in low-income settings in its current format, but with minor changes to the hard copy manual as recommended by educators, should be considered

The benefits of combining geometric attributes from labyrinth and piano key weirs

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering Johannesburg, 2017South Africa is a water scarce country and dams play a large role in the infrastructure of our country by providing water for many purposes. With the growth of the country, new dams are needed and existing dams require rehabilitation. Often, increasing a spillways capacity forms part of the rehabilitation required at dams. Therefore, one of the main aims of this study is to look at an option for increasing a spillways discharge capacity. The labyrinth and Piano key weirs (PKW) were investigated together with a combination of the two spillway types. Different geometric attributes were combined and varied to develop a new design that would assist in improving discharge capacity while reducing the cost, producing an economically viable option. Thirty five physical models were built and tested in this regard. Comparison was made with the standard PKW design in terms of discharge capacity, hydraulic efficiency, length ratio (L/W) and cost related to concrete volume required. It was concluded that efficiency, discharge capacity and cost can be improved with this new combined design however more geometric variations need to be studied to ascertain these results.MT 201

Interventions for Improving Adherence and Retention in HIV-Infected Women on ART During Antenatal and Postnatal Care: A Systematic Review

Introduction Universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding has implications for retention in HIV care and adherence to ART. Retention and adherence may be especially challenging during antenatal and postnatal periods, where women living with HIV have competing responsibilities between infant care, self-care and personal responsibilities. Lifelong ART also highlights the role interconception care (ICC) and preconception care (PCC) interventions can play in improving maternal outcomes. While the latter exist for other health topics, ICC and PCC interventions targeting women living with HIV has the potential to maintain retention in care and adherence to ART during, after, and in between pregnancies. This systematic review evaluates interventions that aim to improve retention and adherence in pregnant and postpartum women. Methods The Cochrane Library; MEDLINE via PubMed; Web of Science; and EBSCOHOST (Africa Wide, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, PsychArticles, Health Source Nursing Academic, PsychInfo) and conference databases were searched for articles in English published between 1990 to 2020. All study designs, intervention types and geographic locations were included. Data were extracted using a standardized tool, and effect sizes recalculated for all studies. Risk of bias was conducted using tools suited to specific study designs, and the PRECIS-2 tool assessed intervention applicability in real-world settings. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020185196). Results Thirty-one studies were identified, of which 31 and 16 provided retention and adherence data, respectively. No interconception or preconception care interventions were found. Interventions were predominantly from Sub-Saharan Africa, except one from the USA. Intervention types varied and included integration of services, peer support, mhealth and multicomponent interventions. The definitions of retention and adherence used for outcome assessment varied widely across studies, but almost all were scored as pragmatic in real-world settings. Due to high heterogeneity, a narrative approach was used based on study reported data and the effect sizes. Conclusion Overall, heterogeneity of identified studies make definitive recommendations for interventions scale up difficult. Future interventions will benefit from consistent study designs, outcome definitions, outcome measurements, validated tools, and longer retention time points will strengthen the evidence base. Ongoing studies being conducted show promise in addressing some of these points

Management of vaginal discharge

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Identification of MAMP-responsive plasma membrane proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana following challenge by mutant LPS chemotypes

Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract.M.Sc. (Biochemistry

Identification and characterisation of micrornas involved in the pathogenesis of HIV–associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Background: Since its discovery about three decades ago, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has claimed over millions of lives globally. Although our understanding of the mode of transmission and action of this causative agent for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has increased through research, and treatment regimens developed and improved, in certain parts of the world the pandemic continues to expand. Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the epicentre of this global health concern, accounts for approximately 66% of the total number of individuals affected, with South Africa enduring the heaviest burden. South Africa has the world's largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme and as such, HIV infected people are living longer, and consequently the incidence of HIV co-morbidities has increased dramatically. HIV/AIDS defining cancers are such co-morbidities with Non- Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) being the second most common HIV-associated cancer. Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) are the main subtypes and both present aggressively in HIV positive patients with rapid progression. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence of DLBCL in HIV positive patients, however the prevalence of these cancers still remain high in some settings. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of these cancers in HIV infected individuals is complex and different to that in HIV uninfected individuals, with the possibility that the virus may have an oncogenic role. This has already been demonstrated in the case of the HIV/AIDSdefining cancer Kaposi Sarcoma. However, the same has not been unequivocally demonstrated in HIV-associated NHL. In light of this, the mechanisms through which viruses and viral components promote cellular transformation is an area of active research. One of these mechanisms manipulated by viruses is through the dysregulation of cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) which are small non-coding RNA molecules that are key regulators of gene expression. While they are essential for normal cellular functioning, their expression has been found to be deregulated in diseases including cancer. Several studies have described specific miRNA signatures for NHLs including for DLBCL and BL but none have been described for the HIV-association of these cancers. Aim: The aim of this project was to identify and characterise miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated NHLs. This thesis reports on the changes in expression of miRNAs in B-cells exposed to an attenuated form (structurally intact but non-infectious) of HIV. Methods: We designed a custom miRNA microarray to identify deregulated miRNAs in the BL cell line Ramos that were exposed to HIV compared to microvesicle treated cells. It was initially planned to use both normal B-cells (L1439A) and BL cells for analysis but Ramos was selected due to technical reasons for this step. Thereafter we validated selected miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) using single-tube TaqMan® Assays which was predominantly performed in the lymphoblastoid cell line L1439A, which is derived from a healthy donor. We then focused on further characterising the role of one miRNA in the development of HIV-associated NHL by using prediction programmes to predict its putative gene targets and then confirmed its target by using qPCR and western blot analyses. Results: Extensive and comprehensive analysis of the array data led to the identification of a large number of miRNAs which were differentially expressed, with 32 being selected for further studies. These 32 miRNAs include 16 upregulated and 16 downregulated miRNAs, and were selected because they displayed changes in expression by two or more folds. Thereafter, four miRNAs, namely miR-363-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-200c-3p and miR-575, were chosen for validation based on their reported involvement in cancer for validation. The results of two miRNAs (miR-575 (upregulated) (p<0.05) and miR-200c-3p (downregulated) (p<0.05)) were found to be consistent with the results obtained from the miRNA microarray whilst the other two were opposite to that result (both downregulated) (p<0.05). Using online tools as well as the published literature, several potential target genes of miR-575 were identified, namely DENND5A, CDK1, CSTA and ATAD5. One particular target, the BH3- like motif containing inducer of cell death (BLID), which is involved in apoptosis, has previously been confirmed as a gene target in non small cell lung cancer. Using qPCR, we found that BLID messenger RNA (mRNA) was downregulated in normal B-cells when exposed to HIV-1 AT-2. Unfortunately, the BLID protein could not be detected using western blot analysis despite several attempts at detecting varying concentrations of the protein and using two different positive control cell lines. Conclusion: The reverse correlation, between miR-575 and BLID mRNA expression in the same cell line and under the same treatment conditions, supports the notion that the downregulation of miR-575 may be physiologically relevant. However, this could not be further verified as the BLID protein could not be detected in the L1439A cells, even in the microvesicle treated control cells. Future studies should look at further characterisation of miR- 575 in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated NHLs by investigating other predicted gene targets of the miRNA. This will then be followed by loss and gain of function assays to confirm the miRNA:mRNA relationship. Furthermore, functional analyses, such as measure of apoptosis, expression of key regulators of the cell cycle, and other cellular events characteristic of cancer should be carried out to define the role of the miR-575 in the development of HIV-associated lymphoma

The short and one-year outcome of transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus closure at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa: A Descriptive retrospective chart review

Background: Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus is a common intervention worldwide. A review of the outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure was undertaken at a central hospital in Durban, South Africa.Methods: Retrospective observational descriptive study of the short (&lt;1 year) and long-term (&gt;1 year) efficacy and safety of patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA from January 2010 - December 2015 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.Results: Over the 5 years, 181 patients underwent cardiac catheterisation for PDA closure: 170 (93.9%) had successful percutaneous closure, and 11 (6.07%) required surgical ligation. Mean age was 30.2 ± 9.7 months, weight 11.2kg ± 3.6kg, PDA diameter on echocardiography was 3.64mm (SD ± 0.97mm), fluoroscopy time 13.66 minutes (SD ± 4.37min) and radiation dose 468.61 microGrays (SD ± 149.9microGrays). Devices used included the Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) I, ADO II, ADO II AS, Cera, Occlutech, detachable coils and vascular plugs. Twenty-five patients (15%) had complications (6 major: 2 device embolisation, 1 blood loss and 3 pulse loss).Conclusion: Percutaneous PDA closure at IALCH, South Africa, had a comparable level of safety and efficacy to reports from other centres

The African Health OER Network: Advancing health education in Africa through open educational resources

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