Reflecting Upon Ethical Imperatives for Scholarly Research and The Case of a South African University

A university’s reputation is built on the quality of its research and teaching output. Often a university with an established track record on research and teaching output can more easily access external funding and further improve on its ranking and standing amongst peers.  This enables it to attract and retain better quality students, academics and researchers.  Ideally, these staff and students in turn increase the quality of its research and thus a virtuous circle is created.  Therefore, it is understandable that universities in South Africa, as in most parts of the world, are constantly scrambling to increase their research output and enhance their research quality.  However, whenever issues of compromised academic integrity and unethical research practices arise, university management has often been unable to deal adequately with these issues.  This article concurs with the emerging argument among research scholars that it is insufficient to focus on ethical policies and guidelines without considering the culture of the institution. It argues that the ethical researcher needs to be supported by a dominant culture of academic integrity. The article then uses the case of South African university to illustrate this argument.

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

University Students, Academic Structures and the Processes of Integration

This special issue on Finding a Place to Belong: University Students, Academic Structures and the Processes of Integration contains nine papers on opportunities of belonging and highlights the cultivation of belonging as a fundamental for addressing inequality and inequity in a linguistically and culturally diverse higher education context. Here, belonging challenges the dominant university ideology, which can elude the marginalised or underserved student and staff groups of learning communities. The combination of individual/group agency and identity negotiation for developing and implementing enablers of belonging reveals the challenges and complexity of deconstructing belonging. The papers focus on the barriers and opportunities of belonging and the interaction of agency and enablers of belonging, such as equitable vision, policy, programmes and commitment, as a product of belonging

The impact of a modified World Health Organization surgical safety checklist on maternal outcomes in a South African setting: A stratified cluster-randomised controlled trial

Background. In South Africa (SA), the Saving Mothers Reports have shown an alarming increase in deaths during or after caesarean delivery.Objective. To improve maternal surgical safety in KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA, by implementing the modified World Health Organization surgical safety checklist for maternity care (MSSCL) in maternity operating theatres.Methods. The study was a stratified cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted from March to November 2013. Study sites were 18 hospitals offering maternal surgical services in the public health sector. Patients requiring maternal surgical intervention at the study sites were included. Pre-intervention surgical outcomes were assessed. Training of healthcare personnel took place over 1 month, after which the MSSCL was implemented. Post-intervention surgical outcomes were assessed and compared with the pre-intervention findings and the control arm. The main outcome measure was the mean incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of adverse incidents associated with surgery.Results. Significant improvements in the adverse incident rate per 1 000 procedures occurred with combined outcomes (IRR 0.805, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.706 - 0.917), postoperative sepsis (IRR 0.619, 95% CI 0.451 - 0.849), referral to higher levels of care (IRR 1.409, 95% CI 1.066 - 1.862) and unscheduled return to the operating theatre (IRR 0.719, 95% CI 0.574 - 0.899) in the intervention arm. Subgroup analysis based on the quality of implementation demonstrated greater reductions in maternal mortality in hospitals that were good implementers of the MSSCL.Conclusions. Incorporation of the MSSCL into routine surgical practice has now been recommended for all public sector hospitals in SA, and emphasis should be placed on improving the quality of implementation

The effects of HIV/AIDS on the clinical profile and outcomes post pericardiectomy of patients with constrictive pericarditis: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical profile and surgical outcomes of patients with constrictive pericarditis were compared in HIV-positive and -negative individuals. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, over a 10-year period (2004-2014). RESULTS: Of 83 patients with constrictive pericarditis, 32 (38.1%) were HIV positive. Except for pericardial calcification, which was more common in HIV-negative subjects (n = 15, 29.4% vs n = 2, 6.3%; p = 0.011), the clinical profile was similar in the two groups. Fourteen patients died preoperatively (16.9%) and three died peri-operatively (5.8%). On multivariable analysis, age (OR 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34; p = 0.02), serum albumin level (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.92; p = 0.016), gamma glutamyl transferase level (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-0.1.0; p = 0.034) and pulmonary artery pressure (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07-2.08; p = 0.018) emerged as independent predictors of pre-operative mortality rate. Peri-operative complications occurred more frequently in HIV-positive patients [9 (45%) vs 6 (17.6%); p = 0.030]. CONCLUSIONS: Without surgery, tuberculous constrictive pericarditis was associated with a high mortality rate. Although peri-operative complications occurred more frequently, surgery was not associated with increased mortality rates in HIV-positive subjects

Maternal serum fructosamine values after delivery of macrosomic babies and unexplained stillbirths

Measurement of serum fructosamine and haemoglobin A, levels and glucose tolerance tests were performed in 75 women in the immediate postpartum period. None had predisposing factors to gestational diabetes. They were divided into three groups: group I consisted of 15 women who delivered an unexplained stillbirth; group 11 of 30 women who gave birth to babies weighing between 2500 g and 3900 g at term; and group III of 30 women who delivered babies weighing≥ 4000 g. There was a significant difference in the mean level of serum fructosamine between the unexplained stillbirth and control groups (P < 0,001). Although the HbA, values varied in the three groups, there was a significant difference between the unexplained stillbirth group and the macrosomic infant group (P < 0,05). All patients had normal glucose tolerance tests

Mastering your Fellowship

The series, “Mastering your Fellowship”, provides examples of the question format encountered in the written examination, Part A  of the FCFP(SA) examination. The series aims to help Family Medicine registrars prepare for this examination. Model answers are available online.Keywords: FCFP(SA) examination, Family Medicine registrar

Mastering your fellowship

The series, “Mastering your Fellowship”, provides examples of the question format encountered in the written examination, Part A of the FCFP(SA) examination. The series aims to help Family Medicine registrars prepare for this examination. Model answers are available online.Keywords: FCFP(SA) examination, Family Medicine registrar

The supramolecular chemistry of novel synthetic biomacromolecular assemblies

Dissertation (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2004ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the past decade peptide bola-amphiphiles have been the subject of much attention because of their role as potential models of functionalised membranes and as new generation surfactants. In the quest for new surfactants a peptidomimetic-based approach was used to design a library of novel 'hybrid' bola-amphiphilic peptide surfactants derived from sapecin B and a model symmetrical oligo-glycine bola-amphiphile. The library was divided into different series, each one purpose-built; first, to investigate hierarchal supramolecular architecture and, second, to investigate potential antimicrobial activity. The bola-amphiphiles were synthesised using Fmoc-polyamide based solid phase peptide synthesis and purified via high performance liquid chromatography. The peptide hybrids were characterised using electro spray mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, different modes of electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and, in some cases, further studies were done using circular dichroism and bioactivity tests. The model bola-amphiphile suberamide(GGh was synthesised using peptide fragment condensation based on solid phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis is bi-directional (N~C and C~N) and versatile, making it possible to synthesis new dicarboxylic oligopeptide bola-amphiphiles and other analogous compounds. The product, suberarnide(GG)2, was purified using its inherent ability to self-assemble in an acidic solution. Novel asymmetrical bola-amphiphiles composed of dipeptide head groups linked via an aliphatic (I)-amino acid, serving as a hydrocarbon spacer, were also synthesized. Two small libraries of bola-amphiphiles were established - the first involved variation in to-amino acid length and the other variation in the C-terminal amino acid. The bolaamphiphiles were self-assembled in either 0.1% trif1uoroacetic acid or 0.1% triethylamine. Electron microscopy revealed the formation of a variety of higher order supramolecular architectures based on ~-sheet self-assembly. FT-IR spectrometry indicated that interlayer and intralayer hydrogen bond networks, together with strong selfassociation, promoted by the hydrophobic effect and, in certain instances, electrostatic interactions, are responsible for the variety of supramolecular architectures. Variations in the higher order structures can be attributed to amino acid composition, specifically length of m-amino acid, nature of the C-terminal amino acid and the optimised solvent conditions used for the self-assembly process. A third library of novel 'hybrid' bola-amphiphilic peptide surfactants, in which a cationic tripeptide motif from antimicrobial peptides was combined in a hybrid molecule containing a oi-amino acid residue, was established. These bola-amphiphiles displayed potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; the analogues were as active or more active than the leader peptides yet, remarkably, displayed little or no appreciable haemolytic activity. These organopeptide bolaamphiphiles thus demonstrated selective toxicity towards bacteria. The hydrophobicity imparted by the co-amino acid has contrasting effects on haemolysis and antimicrobial activity of the peptide analogues. The other unique feature of these peptides and their analogues is the fact they self-assembled into complex supramolecular architectures, composed primarily of ~-sheets. Their self-assembly is primarily governed by hydrophobic interactions together with inter and intralayer hydrogen bonding. Electron microscopy clearly revealed higher order structures for both peptides and analogues. The generation of higher order supramolecular architecture is dependent on optimisation of ~- sheet self-assembly whereas antimicrobial activity is dependent on the balance between net positive charge and optimum hydrophobicity of the peptide hybrids. This study has demonstrated that it is possible to design hybrid peptide surfactants capable of producing higher order supramolecular architecture and improving the antimicrobial activity whilst reducing the haemolytic effect. The study and design of these versatile 'purpose-built' bio-inspired surfactants heralds a novel approach, one that shows tremendous potential.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die afgelope dekade het bola-amfifiliese peptiede baie aandag geniet weens hulle rolle as potensiële modelle van gefunksionaliseerde membrane en as 'n nuwe generasie surfaktante. In die soeke na nuwe surfaktante is 'n peptiedornimetiese benadering gevolg om 'n biblioteek van nuwe "hibried" bola-amfifiliese peptiedsurfaktante van sapesien B en 'n simmetriese oligoglisien bola-amfifil af te lei. Die biblioteek is in verskillende reekse onderverdeel. Elke reeks is doelmatig vervaardig om ondersoek in te stel na twee aspekte, nl. die rangorde van die supramolekulêre strukture en die potensiële antirnikrobiese aktiwiteit. Fmoc-poliamied gebaseerde soliedefase-peptied-sin-tese is aangewend vir die sintese van die bola-amfifile en hulle is met behulp van hoë doeltreffendheid vloeistofchromatografie gesuiwer. Die peptiedhibriede is gekarakteriseer met behulp van elekrosproei massaspektrometrie, kern-magnetiese resonansie, verskillende modusse elektronrnikroskopie, Fourier-transform infrarooispektrometrie en, in sommige gevalle is verdere studies met sirkulêre dichroïsme en bioaktiwiteitstoetsing uitgevoer. Die bola-amfifilsuberamiedtflfij--model is met behulp van peptiedfragment-konden-sasie gesintetiseer gegrond op soliedefase-peptiedsintese. Dit sintese vind in twee rigtings plaas (N~C en C~N) en is veelsydig aangesien dit die sintese van sowel nuwe dikar-boksielbola- amfifile as ander analoë verbindings moontlik maak. Die produk, suber-arnied(GG)2, is gesuiwer met behulp van die verbinding se inherente vermoë tot self-montering in suur oplossings. Nuwe assimetriese bola-amfifile, saamgestel uit dipeptiedkopgroepe, gekoppel via 'n alifatiese ro-aminosuur, wat as koolwaterstofspasieerder dien, is ook gesintetiseer. Twee klein bola-amfifilbiblioteke is saamgestel - die een het variasies in die ro-aminosuur se lengte omvat en die ander een variasies in die C-terrninale aminosuur. Selfmontering van die bola-amfifile het plaasgevind in of 0,1 % trifluorasynsuur Of 0,1 % trietielamien. Elektronrnikroskopie het die bestaan van 'n verskeidenheid hoërorde supramolekulêre strukture, gegrond op p-plaatselfmontering, aangetoon. Uit FT-IR-spektrometrie blyk dit dat inter - en intralaag waterstofbinbdingsnetwerke en sterk selfassosiasie, 19. word bevorder deur die hidrofobiese effek en, in sekere gevalle, elektrostatiese interaksies, is verantwoordelik vir die verskeidenheid supramolekulêre strukture. Variasies in die hoërorde strukture kan toegeskryf word aan aminosuursamestelling, in besonder die lengte van die ro-aminosuur, die aard van die C-terminale aminosuur en die geoptimiseerde oplosmiddelkondisies wat gebruik is vir die selfmonteringsproses. 'n Derde biblioteek nuwe "hibried" bola-amfifiliese peptiedsurfaktante, waarin 'n kationiese tripeptiedmotief uit antimikrobiale peptiede gekombineer is met 'n m-aminosuurresidu, is geskep. Sommige van hierdie bola-amfifile het 'n kragtige antimikrobiese aktiwiteit teenoor sowel Gram-positiewe as Gram-negatiewe bakterieë gertoon. Die analoë strukture was aktief, of selfs meer aktief as die voorste peptiede maar het, verbasend genoeg, nie 'n beduidende hemolitiese aktiwiteit vertoon nie. Hierdie organopeptied bola-amfifil het dus 'n selektiewe toksisiteit teenoor bakterieë vertoon. Die hidrofo-bisiteit, as gevolg van die ui-aminosuur, het 'n resiproke effek op hemolise en die antimikrobiese aktiwiteit van die peptiedanaloë. Die ander uitstaande kenmerk van die peptiede en hulle analoë is die vermoë om te selfmonteer en komplekse supramolekulêre strukture, bestaande hoofsaaklik uit ~-plate, te vorm. Hierdie selfmontering word in hoofsaak beheer deur hidrofobiese interaksies asook inter - en intralaagwaterstofbinding. Elektronmikroskopie het duidelik hoërorde strukture getoon by sowel dié peptiede as hulle analoë. Die ontwikkeling van hoërorde supramolekulêre struktuurvorms is afhanklik van die optimalisering van die ~-plaatselfmontering. Daarteenoor is die antimikro-biese aktiwiteit afhanklik van die balans tussen die netto positiewe lading en die opti-male hidrofobisiteit van die peptiedhibriede. Hierdie studie het getoon dat dit moontlik is om hibriedsurfaktante te ontwerp wat hoërorde supramolekulêre strukture te produseer en om die antimikrobiese aktiwiteit te verbeter terwyl die hemolitiese effek verminder word. Die studie en ontwerp van hier-die veeldoelige, "doelmatig-gesintetiseerde" biogeïnspireerde surfakante stel 'n unieke benadering daar, wat oor groot potensiaal beskik

The variant course of the suprascapular artery

The suprascapular artery (SSA) has been identified to be of clinical relevance in surgical intervention and fracture healing of the shoulder. Despite the classic description of its course and relation to the superior transverse scapular ligament, it is subject to much variation. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe the course of the SSA in relation to the superior transverse scapular ligament, (ii) tob determine the prevalence of the course of the SSA in relation to the superior transverse scapular ligament, (iii) to determine the prevalence of the variant origin of the SSA in cases presenting with variant course of the latter, and (iv) to establish a difference in laterality and that between adults and foetuses. The course of the SSA was investigated through the macro- and micro dissection of the antero-andpostero-superior shoulder regions of 31 adult and 19 foetal cadaveric specimens (n = 100). The SSA was observed to pass inferior to the superior transverse scapular ligament accompanied by the suprascapular nerve (20%), which corroborated the findings of previous studies. Subsequently, this variant course of the SSA also appeared to present with the variant origin of it in many instances (13%): from the 3rd part of the subclavian artery (4%), 1st part of the axillary artery (2%), 2nd part of the axillary artery (5%) and SSA (2%). Injury to the SSA may cause more serious trauma than that of arteries which are isolated from the great vessels, therefore the recognition and knowledge of variation in the origin and course of the SSA is significant in the treatment of diseases in the shoulder and cervical regions. Furthermore, the accompaniment of the suprascapular nerve with the SSA at the suprascapular notch inferior to the superior transverse scapular ligament may lead to neuropathy syndromes due to the pulsation of the artery against the nerve within the confined notch