A comparative study of wild yam starch from Dioscorea schimperiana

A JASSA comparative study of wild yam starch.Starch was extracted from the tubers of Dioscorea schimperiana and the following physicochemical properties were determined: viscosity, gelation temperature, solubility, water-binding capacity, grain size and refractive index. Elemental, phosphorus, protein, amylase, oil and ash contents were also determined. The analyses results of the above parameters were compared to those of the starch derived from Dioscorea dumetorum which had been the subject of an earlier investigation

Whose language is it anyway? Students’ sense of belonging and role of English for Higher Education in the multilingual, South African context

The current decolonial commitments in Higher Education necessitate a need to deepen our understanding of the relationship between English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and students’ sense of belonging, their identity, and epistemological access. This article investigates how EMI influences students’ personal and academic identities as well as their sense of belonging to the higher education space. Using student focus groups, this study is exploratory in nature and informed by the voices of undergraduate and postgraduate Humanities students at a South African university in the Free State. The responses were mixed, but there was general consensus that although English does have a place in higher education and can contribute to their sense of belonging, it also has an adverse effect on their identity; the use of indigenous languages provides them with greater epistemological access. A differentiated approach to multilingualism is a possible way forward

Evaluating an antimicrobial stewardship programme implemented in an intensive care unit of a large academic hospital, using the RE-AIM framework

Background. The threat of antimicrobial resistance driven by inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobials is a global issue of great concern. Evidence-based approaches to optimising antimicrobial prescribing to improve patient care while reducing the rate of antimicrobial resistance continue to be implemented worldwide. However, the successes or failures of implementation of such approaches are seldom evaluated.Objectives. To evaluate the impact of an implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in reducing the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a large academic hospital using the RE-AIM framework.Methods. A descriptive quasi-experimental study was conducted with adult patients who had been admitted to the ICU of an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were extracted from patients’ records using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of four RE-AIM dimensions (reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation) and the overall impact of the implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme were calculated.Results. From the 59 participant records, 21 patients (35.6%) developed hospital-acquired infections and all were prescribed antimicrobials during their stay in the ICU. Twenty-seven pathogens (bacterial species) were isolated from samples acquired from the patients, including Staphylococcus aureus (n=6; 22.2%), Escherichia coli (n=4; 14.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=4; 14.8%) and Streptococcus pnuemoniae (n=3; 11.11%), as well as 10 other bacterial species (37.0%) including Corynebacterium species, Enterococcus faecium, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, Clostridium difficile and Salmonella species. Of the 27 pathogens isolated, 19 (70.4 %) were resistant to the prescribed antimicrobials. The overall impact of the ASP implemented in the studied facility was 67.2%.Conclusions. An ASP requires both thorough implementation and leadership support to have an impact in the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. Lack of leadership support poses a significant challenge to sustainability. There is an urgent need for behavioural change in hospital leadership

Chronic Serratiaodorifera Infra-vesical, Extra-peritoneal Pelvic Abscess: an Unexpected Finding in a Healthy 18 year Old Girl

Background: Serratiaodorifera (S. odorifera), a rare nosocomial human pathogen, is responsible for a few cases and outbreaks of sepsis in very sick hospitalized patients.Case Report: We report the case of an 18 year old healthy female patient with a chronic, deep, extra-peritoneal pelvic infection by S. odorifera in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) endemic region. She had no  constitutional symptoms. In the Serratia genus, Serratiamarcescens is the most pathogenic, infecting virtually all human organ systems, where-as S. odoriferararely infects healthy patients. Our patient presented with chronicmild pelvic pain. Radiological evaluation revealed a cystic mass lesion of 80mm diameter which was thought to be an ovarian cyst. The mass could not be found at laparotomy. Repeat radiological evaluation revealed that the mass was extra-peritoneal with very thick walls. It was located para-vaginally, below and in front of the urinary bladder. Laparoscopic exploration nine months after laparotomy revealed an abscess with 200ml of pus. She was treated with antibiotics. Anaerobic culture yielded a profuse growth of S.odorifera. Histopathological tissue review confirmed a chronic suppurative abscess. We believe this was a community acquired S.  odorifera infection affecting an otherwise healthy patient. The patient was discharged home well eight days later.Key words: chronic pelvic abscess, community acquired, HIV infection, immunodeficiency, Serratiaodorifer

Quantifying the azimuthal plasmaspheric density structure and dynamics inferred from IMAGE EUV

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/95221/1/jgra22185.pd

Lost in translation? Standardising the terminology used in marine invasion biology and updating South African alien species lists

Confusion between terms and ambiguities among definitions have long plagued the field of invasion biology. One result is disruption in flow of information from researchers to policy-makers and managers who rely on science to inform regulatory frameworks and management actions. We reviewed the South African marine biology literature to quantify the current usage of terminology describing marine invasions and found a variety of terms in use, few of which are defined when used. In response, we propose standard terminology that aligns with international practice. We then interpreted the Blackburn unified framework for biological invasions within the marine context and used this as a transparent way to apply the standardised terms to an updated list of marine alien species for the country. This resulted in the recognition of 36 alien and 53 invasive species within South Africa. Most notably, follow-up research is required to confirm the status of at least 11 listed species, the majority of which have been recorded only once, or not in the past 25 years. It is hoped that by standardising terminology, marine science in South Africa will better support authorities charged with managing the threat posed by marine alien species

Lack of knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine the main reason for poor vaccine uptake among healthcare workers caring for the South African elderly

Introduction: A 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) series is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) who continue to be at risk of nosocomial hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to poor vaccination rates. Data on reasons for HepB decision-making amongst HCWs caring for the elderly are limited. Consequently, a need to investigate and provide future guidance. Objectives: To investigate HepB uptake and reasons for vaccination decision-making amongst HCWs caring for the South African elderly. Method: Descriptive study using a self-administered structured questionnaire, conducted among 360 HCWs present on the day of data collection at 18 community health centres and 44 public and private sector old age homes. Data were captured using Microsoft Excel® and imported to Epi InfoTM 7 for descriptive statistical analysis. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained. All participants provided informed consent. Results: The response rate was 76.7% (276/360). Only 29.7% (82/276) were fully vaccinated while 70.3% (194/276) of the respondents were not vaccinated at all against HBV. The main reason for accepting HepB (90.2% [74/82]) was to protect themselves. For those who did not receive HepB, the main reason was lack of knowledge about HepB (63.4% [123/194]), while 35.1% (68/194) reported HepB stock-outs at their facilities. Conclusions: HepB uptake by HCWs caring for the elderly was sub-optimal. Lack of knowledge about HepB and the non-availability of the vaccine were the main reasons for non-vaccination. Training for HCWs should underscore the importance, safety, effectiveness and acceptance of HepB

THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM AS A MEASUREMENT TOOL FOR PROVIDING RELIABLE INFORMATION ON QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SKILLS-BASED SUBJECTS: A REVIEW

Educational systems world-over rely on examination systems and any actions undermining examinations pose a great threat to validity and reliability of examination results and certification. Factors such as teacher competency and suitability, availability of funds, quality of management and supervision of schools and changes in examinations are inter-linked and key to success of any educational reforms and curriculum changes. Teacher skills and knowledge are important considerations, together with the level of support from school administrators, supervisors and the availability of resources. The examination process in many countries, unfortunately, has become a “contemporary shame” because of the examination malpractice that has become endemic in educational systems to the extent of undermining the validity, reliability, and authenticity of examinations and ultimately the integrity of certificates issued. This paper therefore, attempted to review studies done on examinations and assessment techniques used, and the challenges faced in attempts to ensuring that examinations remain valid and reliable measurement tools of competencies attained in skill-based subjects. Portfolio assessment is recommended as providing alternative and authentic mode of assessment for skill-based subjects. Introducing its use would add to examination techniques currently used and thus help as a better measure tool of skills and competencies achieved for quality education

Transnational communities for dismantling detention: From Manus Island to the UK

Behrouz Boochani published No Friend but the Mountains: Writing From Manus Prison in 2018 which went on to win the 2019 Victorian Prize for Literature while he was still incarcerated in Manus Prison. Since its publication the book has attracted a great deal of worldwide attention, particualrly from UK academics – it was released in the UK in 2019. Prior to winning Australia’s richest literary award his film Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time had its world premiere at the Sydney Film Festival and its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. The feature-length film has also been screened at numerous UK universities. In February 2020 Behrouz and translator Omid Tofighian engaged with academics and activists in the UK over a series of events; this article is an edited version of various conversations that emerged from these collaborations and critically discusses the global nature of border violence and the colonial ideology at the heart of immigration detention