Implementing a human rights approach to food security

"The premise of a rights-based approach to ensuring adequate food is empowering poor people and those who are food insecure. Empowerment is integral to any strategy that moves away from the benevolence model of food aid and instead emphasizes enabling environments that support people in feeding themselves. Empowerment also removes the full burden of providing food from states. Nevertheless... in the event that people are unable to feed themselves (because of household shocks or other circumstances), the state must accept the responsibility to assist, whether through social safety nets or other programs and policies that protect vulnerable people from hunger." from TextSafety nets ,Empowerment ,Poor Government policy Developing countries ,Hunger Prevention Africa ,Malnutrition Africa ,

Including people with disabilities in actions to reduce poverty and hunger:

Poverty reduction, Disabilities, Vulnerability, Poverty, Hunger,

Hygiene and nutritional content of the National School Nutrition Programme in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013Malnutrition and concomitant infections are major contributing factors to child morbidity and mortality in developing countries such as South Africa. Globally, children benefiting from school feeding programmes are generally from communities with low socio-economic statuses. The meals provided through feeding schemes, such as the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa, are aimed at significantly supplementing the beneficiaries’ daily energy and nutrient requirements. The possible nutrient deficiency of meals provided through such programmes compromises the nutritional well-being of children, promotes malnutrition and renders children more susceptible to infectious diseases. Furthermore, illness, particularly caused by diarrhoeal and infectious diseases, is a major factor contributing to child malnutrition as the human body is unable to efficiently digest foods and absorb nutrients during illness. Therefore, the microbiological safety of the foods served to children via feeding schemes is essential. In an effort to contribute towards the safety and wholesomeness of foodstuffs served through the NSNP, the present study was conducted with a view to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the foodstuffs. The knowledge, attitudes and practises (KAP) of food handlers and NSNP representatives/committee members at the schools were also investigated in order to assess origins of potential food contamination. Data collected via nutritional analyses of meals served to school children were compared to the nutrient-based standards set by the United Kingdom as guidelines for an average school lunch. The carbohydrate, energy, calcium and zinc contents of the school meals were below the standards, the majority of the meals met the protein and iron standards and all meals complied with the standards for lipid and vitamin C contents. During the microbiological analysis study, preparation surfaces yielded higher counts of all detected organisms (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and moulds) compared to the hands of food handlers. Therefore possible sources of contamination may be foodstuffs, animal pests and environmental elements such as dust. However, significant differences of surface microbial counts could not be established (P > 0.05) and thus cross-contamination may have resulted among surfaces, possibly augmented by shortfalls in cleaning regimes. The majority of the participants of the questionnaire survey reportedly washed their hands and cleaned all surfaces several times during the day with water and detergent. In addition, a disinfectant was used by some of the food preparers during cleaning. Furthermore, participants stated that their aprons were washed daily. These claims were in agreement with the findings of the surface microbial study with regards to the hands, however, they did not match the findings of the preparation surfaces which contained the highest counts of total coliforms, E. coli and S. aureus of the three surfaces analysed, and aprons responsible for the highest yeast and mould counts. Improper storage and food preparation methods, such as the application of high temperatures, excessive exposure to UV light and oxygen, and high moisture conditions, may result in the deterioration of nutrients. Storage conditions which may permit pest infestation may also increase the risk of food-related illnesses and risk could be further elevated by application of improper cleaning and sanitation practices. In order for the NSNP to operate effectively, it is essential that the national and provincial Departments of Basic Education, which are responsible for the overall administration of the NSNP, and schools’ personnel function in an integrated manner through support structures and effective communication. Infrastructural limitations (lack of proper kitchen facilities and ventilation) and shortage of resources while administering the NSNP were the main challenges observed during the present study. Due to these hurdles, adhering to food safety practices and maintaining nutritional quality of foods may be a challenge. Continuous training in personal and general hygiene is also a necessity in preserving food safety. Furthermore, nutritional quality of foodstuffs may be preserved through proper storage practices and application of preparation methods which minimize loss of nutrients

The effects of idealised images on an individual's aspirations to their ideal self

A Masters dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of the Master of Commerce (Marketing) in The School of Economic and Business Sciences, the University of the Witwatersrand. 30 November 2017The instigation of the dissertation was prompted by the heightened prevalence of idealised images portrayed on social media platforms. It has therefore undertaken a theoretical framework necessary in comprehending the consequential effects idealised images may have on South African millennials. Five research constructs have been developed to form part of the empirical framework, comprising exposure to idealised images, self-esteem, social comparison, self-congruency and aspiration to the ideal self. The use of prior literature relating to the constructs facilitated the formation of a comprehensive review, forming a foundation upon which empirical evidence could be supported. The employment of a quantitative approach necessitated the data be collected through the dissemination of self-administered questionnaires. The sample comprised 500 students from the University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein Campus, aged between 18 and 36. Respondents of the study were selected in accordance to a probability sampling technique, upon which the relationship between variables identified in the conceptual model were tested through the adoption of measurement scales. The use of SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software packages, and structural equation modelling were utilised for the analyses of the data set. The empirical findings derived from the hypothetical tests suggested positive relationships between exposure to idealised images and self-congruency, and self-congruency and aspiration to the ideal self respectively. The relationship between exposure to idealised images and self-congruency was rejected due to the lack of significance and support. Despite the limitations encountered in the study, a blueprint has been provided to future researchers seeking to engage in research bearing similar concepts and segments, leading to the extension of literature and the modification of conceptual constructs. The examination of South African millennials and their constant exposure to idealised images on social media platforms provided an overview of the effects it may have on their behavioural motives. The findings obtained in the study enable brand managers, marketers and academics to comprehend the millennials’ uses and gratifications of social media in a South African context, inclusive of the varying factors that influence the formations of aspiring to their ideal self-concepts.MT 201

Generation of Anti-HIV-1 envelope monoclonal antibodies using B-cells from HIV-1 sub-type C infected individuals with high levels of neutralizing antibodies

Student Number : 9000987E - PhD thesis - School of Medicine - Faculty of Health SciencesThe generation of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are able to block HIV-1 infection in vitro would be useful reagents for studying virus neutralization, and assist in identifying neutralizing antibody (NAb) epitopes of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. This may provide important information for designing HIV-1 vaccine that aim to induce NAbs. HIV-1 subtype C individuals with high levels of NAb titres were identified, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from these individuals were isolated and B-cells transformed with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Clones specific to HIV-1 gp120 using cell lysate preparations derived from HIV-1 subtype C infected cell lines were generated by performing limiting dilutions. Transformation efficiencies were estimated at over 80% by evaluating EBV-transformation cultures by microscopic visualization. Of these approximately 5% were HIV-1-specific. Five clones derived from the Du23 (1) sample secreting anti-HIV-1 antibodies were generated: 2.3C, 2.9D, 3.2C, 4.12E, and 1.5D. The 1.5D mAb could not be confirmed as anti-HIV-1 clone and it was probably lost during the process of subculturing. The remaining four Du23 mAbs were determined to be of IgG1 isotype lambda (λ) light chain. These mAbs bind to gp120, and 2.9D is probably a polyreactive clone. Clones 2.3C, 3.2C and 4.12E appear to be A32-like, but do not share the same epitope. We have determined that the binding sites for all four Du23 mAbs require at least the C1 region, and they also showed binding sites overlapping with F91 and 1.5E. All four Du23 mAbs required intact gp120 proteins for their binding, and soluble CD4 enhance their binding. Thus, their binding site is discontinuous and conformational. These mAbs are non-neutralizing as they showed limited activity of 30-59% when tested using T-cell line grown viruses or 0-30% when tested against pseudovirions. This activity is rather low when compared to over 80% shown by broadly neutralizing mAbs that have been described in the literature. The challenge in generating mAbs, in particular subtype C-derived, is to find those antibodies capable of suppressing viral replication in vivo and be capable of preventing infection. These reagents could be used to identify epitopes to guiding the design of HIV-1 subtype C envelope immunogens or vaccines. It is also envisaged that neutralizing antibodies used in therapeutic setting or in combination with antiviral drug therapy could reduce viral load and retard disease progression in infected people

Student organisations and university experiences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

The legacy of apartheid with regards to a poor education system continues to have negative effects on today’s students. Students in university, due to a number of reasons, continue to experience stress as in many other parts of the world. At the same time, sense of community conveys itself as a concept that is very influential and shows some positive characteristics when it comes to wellbeing. This study makes an effort to understand the experiences of students in student organisations with regards to their experiences of stress and sense of community. This is given the peculiarity of their experience and their involvement and participation in the university. Amongst other things, the study shows the benefits that are associated with active membership in student organisations, factors that contribute to stress amongst these students, their experiences of strain, their ways of dealing with stress and their sense of community towards the university community at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. This is an exploratory (non-experimental) study. As such, there are some inferences and generalisations that cannot be made. It is further recommended that more efforts be made to understand the student community and what contributes to student success, failure and wellbeing over and above the factors that are well known and well researched

The synthesis of Benzo[C]carbazoles

Student Number : 9201775F - MSc dissertation - School of Chemistry - Faculty of ScienceThe base/light-induced cyclisation (condensation) reaction between alkyl and carbonyl substituents on biaryl compounds discovered in the University of the Witwatersrand laboratories was used to synthesise benzo[c]carbazoles. Specifically, 5,7-dimethyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazole was synthesised from 2-methyl-1H-indole in 79 % yield over four steps. The reaction sequence involved bromination of 2-methyl-1H-indole at C-3 to give 3-bromo-2-methyl-1H-indole. The subsequent methylation of the amino group to give 3-bromo-1,2-dimethyl-1H-indole was followed by Suzuki coupling with acetophenone-2-boronic acid under non-aqueous reaction conditions to give 1-[2-(1,2-dimethyl-1H-indol-3-yl)phenyl]. Lastly, tBuOK/hν–induced cyclisation of the product yielded the desired benzo[c]carbazole. 10-Methoxy-5,7-dimethyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazole was synthesized analogously in 75% yield from 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole

The impact of Chinese investment in resource-rich economies: a case study of Zambia and Nigeria

A research report submitted in fulfilment to the degree of Master of Arts in Political Studies to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, 2018This research examines the impact of Chinese investment in resource-rich economies in Africa. In order to deal with this issue, I have selected Zambia and Nigeria because they provide a platform methodologically for comparison and evaluation on how China is engaging with resource-rich countries. Zambia and Nigeria have become increasingly important to China. Zambia’s copper and Nigeria’s oil reserves are some of the vital resources that are scarce and economically significant toward China’s global economic ambitions. Similarly both these African countries offer China a market for their manufacturing goods, on the other hand, Zambia and Nigeria have benefited from capital inflow, political stature, infrastructure development, an alternative trade partner, human development and security assistance. China’s manufacturing capacity has gained considerable shares in most markets globally, moreover in developing markets by providing low-income consumers with affordable goods, although concerns over their quality is still a major problem. Since becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001, the Asian giant has the greatest number of anti-dumping cases globally, with the largest cases from many African countries. I employ manufacturing as a case study, as it is an effective contributor towards industrial and economic transformation. It boosts technological skills, promotes entrepreneurial activities, and enables entrepreneurs to participate in the global market. However, the influx of Chinese manufactured goods in Zambia and Nigeria has shown to be detrimental towards industrial transformation and competitiveness by crowding out non-Chinese goods, discouraging entrepreneurial activities and strain intra-continental trade. This research has found that Chinese investment has deterred significant economic growth; it further made these economies more resource-reliant, weakened institutions, strengthened political patronage, heightened corruption in resource deals and undermined local manufacturing by crippling local businesses and further strain intra-African trade.GR201

Temperature variability and change at various altitudes across Lesotho and adjoining areas: implications for agriculture

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2017.Lesotho, being a mountainous area and due to the level of poverty and the dependency of its economy largely on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study examined maximum, minimum and mean temperature trends at various altitudes in Lesotho so as to determine possible implications of recent (70 - 80 years) altitudinal climate trends on the agricultural sector. Using seven stations at various altitudes across Lesotho, trends in maximum, minimum and mean temperatures were analyzed at monthly, annual and seasonal scales. The significant warming of minimum temperatures (Mokhotlong (p=0.000), Oxbow (p=0.013) and Qachasnek (p=0.002)) and maximum temperatures (Mokhotlong (p<0.0001), Oxbow (p=0.007) and Qachasnek (p=0.000)), were observed at the highland stations, located on the eastern side of Lesotho, while at the lowland stations as well as in the foothills, located on the western side of Lesotho, significant increases were only observed with minimum temperatures (Maseru (p<0.0001) and Mejametalana (p=0.000), Butha Buthe (p=0.017), located on the western side of Lesotho. In Mohaleshoek, located in the Senqu river valley, no significant trends were observed. In addition, a significant decrease in the number of days with frost was observed in both the highlands and the lowlands. With significant increases in maximum and minimum temperatures, a decline in agricultural production can be expected in the lowlands while a potential increase in areas suitable for agricultural production can be expected in the highlands.LG201