Barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of combating the spread of HIV and AIDS: the case of the University of Zululand and Mangosuthu University of Technology

This article explores and identifies the barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in tertiary institutions in KwaZulu Natal, namely, University of Zululand and Mangosuthu University of Technology. This article is informed by the Satisfaction Theory which emphasises the importance of product or service marketing as it determines whether a customer will continue using a product or service or not. The theory indicates that if a customer is satisfied with the service offered by an organisation or a company, then the client may continue using the company’s product or service. However, if a client is dissatisfied with the service offered, he or she may decide to discontinue using the particular product or service. The research problem of this study is articulated through the following research questions: why is the pregnancy rate high in tertiary institutions, whereas condoms are freely available? Why is the spread of HIV escalating in tertiary institutions, whereas information on HIV and AIDS is available? And why are precautionary measures to scale down HIV and AIDS less effective? The study targeted only students in two purposively selected tertiary institutions. The quantitative method and stratified random sampling was used. Data was analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel. The study established that there are many barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in these tertiary institutions. The study further established that precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS such as condoms are freely available in these tertiary institutions. However, they are not easily accessible as they are only distributed at the clinics. This article recommends that condoms be distributed all over campus, more especially in students’ residences because that is where students spend most of their time. In addition, the clinics are not always opened as compared to students’ residences. Keywords: HIV; AIDS; University of Zululand; Mangosuthu University of Technolog

New media and self-directed learning : enhancing pedagogical transformation in an open distance learning landscape

Modern technological innovations are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life, and higher education is no exception. To this end, this article sheds some light on the types of and pedagogical value of new media adopted by academics to promote self-directed learning at the University of South Africa. The study answers the following questions: Which new media approaches have been adopted by academics to enhance self-directed learning? What is the pedagogical value of new media in an ODL environment? A qualitative approach was employed and data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 30 purposively selected Unisa academics. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was found relevant to this study. Thematic categorisation was employed for data analysis. The findings depict that a variety of new media have been adopted to promote self-directed learning at Unisa. The study also found that new media are playing a pivotal role in promoting self-directed learning in an ODL landscape. It is therefore important to note that new media have emerged as strong catalysts in fostering pedagogical transformation.College of EducationM. Ed (Open and Distance Learning

Bridging the transactional gap in Open Distance Learning (ODL): The case of the University of South Africa (Unisa)

The aim of this paper is to map and audit the availability and use of e-learning resources by Communication Science students at the University of South Africa (UNISA), in order to ensure that they provide a seamless learning experience to bridge the transactional distance in its Open Distance Learning (ODL) context. The Communication Science students targeted were COMSA executives and Unisa Radio employees. To serve the goal of the paper the following specific objectives were formulated: to establish types of e-learning resources available at Unisa, and to identify the benefits of elearning at Unisa. This study is informed by Michael Moore’s Transactional Distance theory. This theory, which focuses on dialogue, transactional distance and telecommunication systems, has been widely applied in many similar studies. A survey research design was used whereby questionnaires were administered to all COMSA executives and 50% of Unisa Radio student employees who were chosen using simple random sampling. The data gathered was analysed using thematic categorisation and tabulation and the findings were presented descriptively. The findings indicate that Unisa provides a variety of e-learning resources for its students. In addition, computers and the internet are most useful to students’ studies. It should be mentioned that e-learning facilitates and opens avenues for effective teaching. This study focused only on the availability and use of e-learning by Communication Science students at Unisa. Therefore, it will be necessary for a broader study to be undertaken which will focus on academic and ICT staff as well as students chosen across the Unisa community. Keywords: Open Distance Learning; E-learning; Online education; ICTs in teaching and learning, University of South Afric

Problems hampering the collapse of distance in ODL

This article examines e-learning as a transformational educational tool in collapsing the transactional distance among communication science students at Unisa. The problem that was investigated pertains to students' inadequate engagement in the e-learning arena. The study targeted executive members of the Communication Science Association (COMSA), and Unisa Radio employees. The COMSA executives which consist of ten Communications Science students, and employees at Unisa Radio comprise 200 Communication Science Students. A survey research design was used, whereby questionnaires were administered to all COMSA executives and 50 per cent of Unisa Radio student employees, chosen using simple random sampling. The data gathered were analysed through thematic categorisation and tabulation and the findings were presented descriptively. An examination of the data indicates that students do not engage actively in e-learning. They use myUnisa for basic educational needs, but not for the purpose for which it is intended, namely to bridge the transactional distance in order to ensure increased engagement among all stakeholders. In light of the above, we recommend that an in-depth study be conducted to ascertain core issues in respect of why students do not engage actively in what is meant to promote a deep learning experience

LiDAR for Atmosphere Research over Africa (LARA)

International audienceThis paper describes the LIDAR for atmosphere research over Africa and current initiatives being undertaken in South Africa. A mobile LIDAR system is being developed at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Laser Centre (NLC), Pretoria (25°5 ′ S;28°2 ′ E), South Africa, for remote sensing the atmosphere. The initial results conclude that the system is capable of providing aerosol/cloud backscatter measurements for the height region from ground to 40 km with a 10 m vertical height resolution

CD8 lymphocytes mitigate HIV-1 persistence in lymph node follicular helper T cells during hyperacute-treated infection

HIV persistence in tissue sites despite ART is a major barrier to HIV cure. Detailed studies of HIV-infected cells and immune responses in native lymph node tissue environment is critical for gaining insight into immune mechanisms impacting HIV persistence and clearance in tissue sanctuary sites. We compared HIV persistence and HIV-specific T cell responses in lymph node biopsies obtained from 14 individuals who initiated therapy in Fiebig stages I/II, 5 persons treated in Fiebig stages III-V and 17 late treated individuals who initiated ART in Fiebig VI and beyond. Using multicolor immunofluorescence staining and in situ hybridization, we detect HIV RNA and/or protein in 12 of 14 Fiebig I/II treated persons on suppressive therapy for 1 to 55 months, and in late treated persons with persistent antigens. CXCR3(+) T follicular helper cells harbor the greatest amounts of gag mRNA transcripts. Notably, HIV-specific CD8(+) T cells responses are associated with lower HIV antigen burden, suggesting that these responses may contribute to HIV suppression in lymph nodes during therapy. These results reveal HIV persistence despite the initiation of ART in hyperacute infection and highlight the contribution of virus-specific responses to HIV suppression in tissue sanctuaries during suppressive ART

PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN LIVESTOCK AND INCIDENCES IN HUMANS IN EAST AFRICA

Brucellosis is an emerging zoonotic disease that poses a threat to both livestock and public health in east Africa. There are several reports of occurrence of the disease in livestock populations especially in Tanzania and Kenya, suggesting chances of increased spread to humans, and the disease being misdiagnosed for malaria. The objective of this study was to determine brucellosis prevalence in livestock and incidence in humans among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists communities in some areas of Kenya and Tanzania. A total of 2349 ruminants were screened using different serological techniques, in the selected areas. Serum samples from the Southern Highlands Zone (SHZ), Northern zone (NZ) and Eastern Zone (EZ) were screened using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) antigen, and later positive samples were confirmed using competitive enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (c-ELISA). Results showed prevalence of 11.4% in the SHZ (n=799), 2.4% in the EZ (n=169) and 1% in the NZ (n= 408). Milk ring test was used to test milk samples from Migori, West Pokot and Mwingi, and the prevalences recorded in cattle were 17.9% (n=56) in 2012 and 11.7 (n=77) in 2014. Within the same period, West Pokot recorded prevalence of up to 21.9% (n=96) in cattle and 16.7% (n=6) in goats. Generally, Migori had lower prevalence in Kenya, but being the third lower in Tanzania and Kenya with the prevalence being 4.3% (n=70) in goats and 2.2% (n=45) in goats. Serum from cattle and goats were tested using compliment fixation test (CFT); showing 0.9% (n=212) prevalence in Migori. In West Pokot, the prevalence was 4.0% (n=101) in cattle, 20% (n=100) in goats and 13.8% (=29) in sheep; whereas in Mwingi prevalence was 4.75% (n=43) and 9.5% (n=21) in cattle and goats respectively. A total of 1,140 human cases were followed up in selected study areas where livestock samples were collected, and an overall incidence of 22.7% (n=1140) was confirmed. Selected areas in Tanzania had an incidence of 28.2% (n=578) and in Kenya 17.1% (n=562). Brucellosis is endemic in many areas of Tanzania and Kenya and pose a high risk to human health.La brucellose est une zoonose qui constitue une menace pour la sante animale et humaine dans l\u2018 Afrique de l\u2018Est. Il existe beaucoup de rapports signalant la pr\ue9sence de cette maladie dans les populations d\u2019animaux, specialement en \ue9levage dans la Tanzanie et au Kenya. Ces rapports font aussi \ue9tat de ce qu\u2019il y ait des chances de contamination humaine, et la maladie est en train d\u2019\ueatre mal diagnostiqu\ue9e parce qu\u2019elle est confondue au paludisme. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait de d\ue9terminer la pr\ue9valence de brucellose en \ue9levage et son incidence dans les humains, dans les communaut\ue9s de pastoralistes et agro-pastoralistes en Tanzanie et au Kenya. Un ensemble de 1,702 ruminant ont \ue9t\ue9 d\ue9pist\ue9s dans les zones d\u2019\ue9tude en se servant de techniques s\ue9rologiques diff\ue9rentes. Des \ue9chantillons de s\ue9rum venant de la zone Sud (SHZ), de la zone Nord (NZ) et de la zone Est (EZ) ont \ue9t\ue9 analyses par des tests de d\ue9tection d\u2019antig\ue8ne au Rose Bengale sur plaque (RBPT), et plus tard, les \ue9chantillons positifs ont \ue9t\ue9 confirmes par des \ue9preuves immuno-enzymatiques (c-ELISA). Les resultats montrait une pr\ue9valence de 11,4% dans la SHZ (n=799)\ua0; 2\ua0,4% dans l\u2019EZ (n=169) et 1% dans la NZ (n= 408). Des \ue9preuves de l\u2019anneau sur le lait ont permis de tester les \ue9chantillons de lait de Migori, West Pokot et Mwingi, et de pr\ue9valence enregistr\ue9e chez le bovin \ue9taient de 17,9% (n=56) en 2012 et 11,7 (n=77) en 2014. Dans la m\ueame p\ue9riode, West Pokot a enregistr\ue9 un taux de pr\ue9valence de 21.9% (n=96) chez le bovin et 16,7% (n=6) chez les caprins. De fa\ue7on g\ue9n\ue9rale, Migori exhibait de faibles taux de pr\ue9valence au Kenya, mais s\u2019est classe troisi\ue8me faible taux en Tanzanie et au Kenya avec une pr\ue9valence de 4,3% (n=70) chez les caprins 2,2% (n=45) chez les caprins. Du s\ue9rum pr\ue9lev\ue9 chez les bovins et caprins ont \ue9t\ue9 testes gr\ue2ce au test de fixation de compl\ue9ments (CFT)\ua0; montrait 0.9% (n=212) de pr\ue9valence en Migori. A West Pokot, la pr\ue9valence \ue9tait de 4,0% (n=101) chez les bovins, 20% (n=100) chez les caprins et 13,8% (=29) chez les ovins; tandis qu\u2019en Mwingi la pr\ue9valence \ue9tait de 4,75% (n=43) et 9,5% (n=21) respectivement chez les bovins et caprins. Un ensemble de 1,140 cas humains ont \ue9t\ue9 suivis dans la zone d\u2019\ue9tude ou les animaux ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9chantillonn\ue9s. Une incidence globale de 22,7% (n=1140) a \ue9t\ue9 confirm\ue9e. Les zones s\ue9lectionn\ue9es en Tanzanie avaient une incidence de 28,2% (n=578) et 17,1% (n=562) au Kenya. Cet \ue9tude a montr\ue9 que la brucellose continue d\u2019\ueatre end\ue9mique dans plusieurs zones de la Tanzanie et du Kenya, et ceci constitue un grand risqu\ue9 pour la sant\ue9 humaine

Preparing isiXhosa home language teachers for the 21st century classroom: Student teachers' experiences, challenges and reflections

The aim of the article is to identify the gaps between theory and practice in pre-service teacher training with special reference to the teaching of isiXhosa as a home language in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase (Grades 10–12) in some Western Cape high schools. The article is based on data that was collected from Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students taking isiXhosa (home language) as one of their teaching method subjects as part of their pre-service training. The data were collected by means of an open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and an analysis of student teachers’ reflective journals. The article provides an analysis of PGCE students’ experiences and reflections on the teaching of isiXhosa as a home language in schools. It argues that if there is a gap between theory underpinning initial pre-service training and actual practice in schools, there will be no significant improvement in the teaching of isiXhosa as a home language. It concludes by proposing ways of improving both pre-service and in-service teacher education practice to develop African languages as academic or intellectual languages at school level

Quantifying long-term health and economic outcomes for survivors of group B Streptococcus invasive disease in infancy: protocol of a multi-country study in Argentina, India, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

Sepsis and meningitis due to invasive group B Streptococcus (iGBS) disease during early infancy is a leading cause of child mortality. Recent systematic estimates of the worldwide burden of GBS suggested that there are 319,000 cases of infant iGBS disease each year, and an estimated 147,000 stillbirths and young-infant deaths, with the highest burden occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa.  The following priority data gaps were highlighted: (1) long-term outcome data after infant iGBS, including mild disability, to calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) or disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and (2) economic burden for iGBS survivors and their families. Geographic data gaps were also noted with few studies from low- and middle- income countries (LMIC), where the GBS burden is estimated to be the highest. In this paper we present the protocol for a multi-country matched cohort study designed to estimate the risk of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), socioemotional behaviors, and economic outcomes for children who survive invasive GBS disease in Argentina, India, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Children will be identified from health demographic surveillance systems, hospital records, and among participants of previous epidemiological studies. The children will be aged between 18 months to 17 years. A tablet-based custom-designed application will be used to capture data from direct assessment of the child and interviews with the main caregiver. In addition, a parallel sub-study will prospectively measure the acute costs of hospitalization due to neonatal sepsis or meningitis, irrespective of underlying etiology. In summary, these data are necessary to characterize the consequences of iGBS disease and enable the advancement of effective strategies for survivors to reach their developmental and economic potential. In particular, our study will inform the development of a full public health value proposition on maternal GBS immunization that is being coordinated by the World Health Organization

Track D Social Science, Human Rights and Political Science

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138414/1/jia218442.pd