An evaluation of appreciative inquiry as an alternative organisation development approach

The research provides an insight into the main challenges of previous Organisation Development processes, and Appreciative Inquiry is explored to establish the value it can offer as an alternative which minimises these challenges in today’s organisations. Organisation Development originated during the early 1950s and has evolved, adapted and changed dramatically since then. Two classical Organisation Development processes, Lewin’s 3-Step model and the Action Research spiral, are described, and typical challenges of applying them in today’s organisations are outlined. To remain competitive, organisations need to identify, adjust, and adapt to changing circumstances. These changing circumstances are constant and are due to increasingly complex demands from technological, economic, managerial, and cultural needs. Appreciative Inquiry as an approach is explored as an alternative Organisation Development process: it shifts the question from ‘what is going wrong’ to ‘what is going right in the organisation’. Appreciative Inquiry consists of the Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny stages, and searches for the best in people and their organisations. In accordance with the constructionist paradigm, the research offers conclusions through the confirmation of past practices, conversations and relationships combined with creative new methods or experimentation of a positive intended future. The One- Group Pretest-Posttest, as a design, was selected to explore the effect of the variable (the Appreciative Inquiry intervention) in relation to the pre- and post-experimental evaluation. The design consists of an initial engagement (Pretest), the influencing variable (an Appreciative Inquiry intervention) and final engagement (Posttest) with the same group. The research was supported by a mixed method approach, with qualitative data supported by quantitative data. The quantitative data provided a general understanding of how participants experienced the change interventions. The qualitative data provided the information on how respondents experienced Organisation Development before an Appreciative Inquiry intervention and their views after an Appreciative Inquiry intervention. A South African secondary school was selected as a research site. Limited research is available regarding the application of Organisation Development and especially Appreciative Inquiry as a process in schools in general, and in South African schools in particular. A survey questionnaire was the instrument for collecting the quantitative data regarding the participants’ biographical information and change process perceptions. For the collection of qualitative data, interview questionnaires were used. The findings indicate that whereas previous change processes appear to have regarded the various staff levels of the school as separate entities, during the Appreciative Inquiry approach all staff were included as being an integral part of the organisation. The main finding after completion of the Appreciative Inquiry intervention was that collectively discussing and defining issues in a positive light instead of a problem to be solved changes the perspective of participants. Through the application of the Appreciative Inquiry’s four stages, participants were invited to think in a new way by applying innovation, enhancing participation, maintaining a positive core, and providing practical solutions through provocative statements. Conclusions reached from the research are that Appreciative Inquiry is a viable alternative for minimising Organisation Development challenges in contemporary organisations. The conclusions are based on factors such as understanding the reason for change; strong leadership; defining what is a successful intervention; understanding the Appreciative Inquiry process, the value of provocative statements; and the sustainability of change

A MEMS based valveless micropump for biomedical applications

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The valveless micropump holds great potential for the biomedical community in applications such as drug delivery systems, blood glucose monitoring and many others. It is also a critical component in many a lab-on-a-chip device, which in turn promises to improve our treatment and diagnosis capabilities for diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The valveless micropump has attracted attention from researchers on the grounds of its simple design, easy manufacturability and sensitive fluid handling characteristics, which are all important in biomedical applications. The pump consists of a pump chamber with a diffuser and nozzle on opposing sides of the pump chamber. The flow into the diffuser and nozzle is induced by an oscillating piezoelectric disc located on top of the pump chamber. The nozzle and diffuser rectify the flow in one direction, due to different pressure loss coefficients. The design process however is complex. In this study, we investigate the characteristics of a diffuser / nozzle based micropump using detailed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. Significant parameters are derived using the Buckingham-Pi theorem. In part based on this, the respective shapes of the diffuser and of the nozzle of the micropump are selected for numerical investigation. Hence the influence of the selected parameters on the flow rate of the micropump is studied using three-dimensional transient CFD analyses. Velocity profiles from the CFD simulations are also compared to the Jeffery-Hamel solution for flow in a wedge shaped channel. Significant similarities exist between the data and the predicted Jeffery-Hamel velocity profiles near the exit of the diffuser. Three different diffuser geometries were simulated at three frequencies. The flow rate and direction of flow are shown to be highly sensitive to inlet and outlet diffuser shapes, with the absolute flow rate varying by as much as 200% for the geometrical perturbations studied. Entrance losses at both the diffuser inlet and nozzle inlet appear to dominate the flow resistance at extremely laminar flow conditions with the average Reynolds number of Reave ≈ 500.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kleplosemikropomp hou groot potensiaal in vir die biomediese gemeenskap in toepassings soos medisyne dosering sisteme, bloed glukose monitering en baie ander. Dit is ook ’n kritiese komponent in “lab-on-chip” sisteme, wat beloof om die behandeling en diagnose van siektes soos suikersiekte, tuberkulose enMIV/VIGS te verbeter. Die kleplose mikropomp het tot dusver die aandag van navorsers geniet as gevolg van sy eenvoudige ontwerp, maklike vervaardiging en sensitiewe vloeistof hantering. Hierdie kenmerke is krities inmenige biomediese toepassings. Die pomp bestaan uit ’n pompkamer met ’n diffusor en ’n mondstuk aan teenoorstaande kante van die pompkamer. Vloei in die diffusor en mondstuk in word geinduseer deur ’n ossillerende piëso-elektiese skyf wat bo-op die pompkamer geleë is. Weens verskillende druk verlies koëffisinëte van die diffusor en diemondstuk word die vloei in een rigting gerig. Die ontwerp-proses is egter kompleks. In hierdie studie word die eienskappe van die diffusor /mondstuk ondersoek deur gebruik temaak van gedetailleerde numeriese vloei-dinamiese analises. Belangrike parameters word afgelei deur gebruik te maak van die Buckingham-Pi teorema. Gedeeltelik gebaseer hierop word die onderskeidelike vorms van die diffusor en die mondstuk van die mikropomp geselekteer vir numeriese ondersoek. Gevlolglik word die invloed van die geselekteerde parameters op die vloei tempo van diemikropomp ondersoek deur gebruik temaak van drie-dimensionele tyd afhanklike numeriese vloei-dinamiese analises. Snelheids profiele van hierdie simulasiesword vergelykmet die Jeffrey-Hamel oplossing vir die vloei in ’n wigvormige kanaal. Daar is oorwegende ooreenkomstighede tussen hierdie data en die voorspelde Jeffrey-Hamel snelheids profiele veral by die uitgang van die diffusor. Drie verskillende diffusor vorms is by drie frekwensies gesimuleer. Daar is bewys dat die vloei tempo en vloeirigting baie sensitief is vir inlaat- en uitlaat diffusor vorms en dat die absolute vloei tempo kan varieermet soveel as 200%vir die geometriese versteuringswat ondersoek is. Inlaat verliese by beide die diffusor inlaat en die mondstuk inlaat, blyk om die vloei weerstand te domineer waar die vloei uiters laminêr ismet ’n gemiddelde Reynolds getal van Regem ≈ 50

Comparative study into occupant support concepts with respect to crash response

It is argued that together with improved protection structures and energy dissipation systems, a favourable pilot position with sufficient support and restraint could reduce fatalities in aviation accidents. In this document the crash response of three different pilot positions are compared to justify the proposal of supporting a pilot in the rather unusual prone position. The normal seated and supine pilot positions have already been adopted and implemented in various aircraft. The occupant’s response to specified crash scenarios in these two positions was compared to that of a pilot in the prone position. To obtain the best prone pilot support configuration, different concepts were considered during the analysis. A dynamic event simulation program called ADAMS was used to perform the analysis and existing injury criteria and a study of common causes of aviation fatalities and human body tolerance limits were used to compare the results. Additionally, methods to improve survivability of a pilot in the prone position during likely accidents were investigated with ADAMS. Concepts for the Exulans fuselage layout and energy absorption systems were proposed and recommendations for the pilot support system were derived from the results.Dissertation (MEng (Aeronautical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineeringunrestricte

Non-toxicity of IV injected perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier in an animal model of liver regeneration following surgical injury

Lethal dose experiments in animals have demonstrated that second-generation perfluorocarbon oxygen carriers are remarkably non-toxic. However, this non-toxicity has not previously been demonstrated in a liver failure scenario. A surgical liver damage and regeneration model in rats was selected using a well-controlled cross tabulated study design. A large number of physiological, biochemical, and hematological parameters were measured. No indications were found that intravenously injected perfluorooctyl bromide emulsion was toxic at the concentrations employed, in either healthy or severe liver injury scenarios. Neither was there any significant impact on the rate of liver regeneration following the injuries. Bearing in mind prior human clinical studies, it is therefore safe to assume that perfluorocarbon emulsions are also non-toxic in bioartificial liver treatments

The effects of production system and sex on the sensory quality characteristics of dorperb lamb

The effect of production systems on the sensory quality characteristics of Dorper lambs was investigated. Sixty lambs (ewes, rams, castrates) were allocated into two production groups (feedlot or free-range) at weaning with equal numbers of each sex represented in each group. The lambs were fed for five (slaughter group 1) or six (slaughter group 2) weeks. Feedlot lambs were fed a commercial pelleted diet while free-range lambs utilized natural shrub pastures. Samples of the Longissimus thoracis muscle were used for sensory evaluation. Feedlot lambs produced meat that was juicier and more tender than meat from free-range lambs

Rituximab and improved nodular regenerative hyperplasia-associated non-cirrhotic liver disease in common variable immunodeficiency: a case report and literature study

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) associated liver disease is an underrecognized and poorly studied non-infectious complication that lacks an established treatment. We describe a CVID patient with severe multiorgan complications, including non-cirrhotic portal hypertension secondary to nodular regenerative hyperplasia leading to diuretic-refractory ascites. Remarkably, treatment with rituximab, administered for concomitant immune thrombocytopenia, resulted in the complete and sustained resolution of portal hypertension and ascites. Our case, complemented with a literature review, suggests a beneficial effect of rituximab that warrants further research

Meat quality, skin damage and reproductive performance of ostriches exposed to extensive human presence and interactions at an early age

The effect human presence and interactions performed after hatch to 3 months of age has on ostrich meat quality, skin damage and reproductive performance at a later age was investigated in 416-day-old ostrich chicks. The chicks were allocated to one of the three treatments, which varied with regard to exposure to human presence and care for 3 months post-hatch: HP1—extensive human presence with physical contact (touch, stroking), gentle human voice and visual contact; HP2—extensive human presence with gentle human voice and visual contact without physical contact; S—standard control treatment, where human presence and visual contact were limited to routine management, feed and water supply only. Carcass attributes (carcass weight, dressing percentage and drumstick weight), meat quality traits (pH, colour and tenderness) and skin traits (skin size, skin grading and number of lesions) were evaluated on twenty-four 1-year-old South African Black (SAB) ostriches

Polymerase chain reaction amplifying mycobacterial DNA from aspirates obtained by endoscopic ultrasound allows accurate diagnosis of mycobacterial disease in HIV-positive patients with abdominal lymphadenopathy

Abdominal lymphadopathy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a diagnostic challenge. We performed a prospective cohort study recruiting thirty-one symptomatic HIV+ patients with abdominal lymphadenopathy assessing diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) fine needle aspiration (FNA). Mean age was 38 years, 52% were female, mean CD4 count and viral load were 124 cells/pl, and 4 log respectively. EUS confirmed additional mediastinal nodes in 26 %. Porta- hepatis was the most common abdominal site. EUS FNA was subjected to cytology, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Mycobacterial infections were confirmed in 67.7% and 31% had reactive lymphadenopathy. Cytology and culture had low sensitivity whereas PCR identified 90% of mycobacterial infections. Combining appearance of EUS FNA and cytology a diagnostic algorithm was developed to indicate when analysis with PCR would be useful. PCR performed on an EUS guided aspirate was highly accurate in confirming mycobacterial disease and determining genotypic drug resistance.South African Gastroenterological Society (SAGES)/ Astra Zeneca Fellowship in Gastroenterology awarded to Schalk van der Merwehttp://www.journals.elsevier.com/ultrasound-in-medicine-and-biology/hb201

Age of the association between Helicobacter pylori and man

When modern humans left Africa ca. 60,000 years ago (60 kya), they were already infected with Helicobacter pylori, and these bacteria have subsequently diversified in parallel with their human hosts. But how long were humans infected by H. pylori prior to the out-of-Africa event? Did this co-evolution predate the emergence of modern humans, spanning the species divide? To answer these questions, we investigated the diversity of H. pylori in Africa, where both humans and H. pylori originated. Three distinct H. pylori populations are native to Africa: hpNEAfrica in Afro-Asiatic and Nilo-Saharan speakers, hpAfrica1 in Niger-Congo speakers and hpAfrica2 in South Africa. Rather than representing a sustained co-evolution over millions of years, we find that the coalescent for all H. pylori plus its closest relative H. acinonychis dates to 88–116 kya. At that time the phylogeny split into two primary super-lineages, one of which is associated with the former hunter-gatherers in southern Africa known as the San. H. acinonychis, which infects large felines, resulted from a later host jump from the San, 43–56 kya. These dating estimates, together with striking phylogenetic and quantitative human-bacterial similarities show that H. pylori is approximately as old as are anatomically modern humans. They also suggest that H. pylori may have been acquired via a single host jump from an unknown, non-human host. We also find evidence for a second Out of Africa migration in the last 52,000 years, because hpEurope is a hybrid population between hpAsia2 and hpNEAfrica, the latter of which arose in northeast Africa 36–52 kya, after the Out of Africa migrations around 60 kya.Table S1 Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, number of H. pylori cultures and unique H. pylori haplotypes per individual.Table S2 Primers designed from a whole genome alignment and used to amplify and sequence the 7 homologous housekeeping gene (MLST) fragments in Helicobacter cetorum.Table S3 H. pylori sequences used in Mantel regressions.Table S4 Source of human mitochondrial DNA sequences used in Mantel regressions.Text S1 Treefinder script to generate confidence limits from the spread of posterior IMA t values.The Max-Planck Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften, the ERA-NET PathoGenoMics, the Science Foundation of Ireland, the South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES), and the German Research Foundation (DFG).http://www.plospathogens.orgam2022Immunolog

CD14+ macrophages that accumulate in the colon of African AIDS patients express pro-inflammatory cytokines and are responsive to lipopolysaccharide

BACKGROUND : Intestinal macrophages are key regulators of inflammatory responses to the gut microbiome and play a central role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and epithelial integrity. However, little is known about the role of these cells in HIV infection, a disease fuelled by intestinal inflammation, a loss of epithelial barrier function and increased microbial translocation (MT). METHODS : Phenotypic and functional characterization of intestinal macrophages was performed for 23 African AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea and/or weight loss and 11 HIV-negative Africans with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIDS patients were treated with cotrimoxazole for the prevention of opportunistic infections (OIs). Macrophage phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry and immuno-histochemistry (IHC); production of proinflammatory mediators by IHC and Qiagen PCR Arrays; in vitro secretion of cytokines by the Bio-Plex Suspension Array System. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman’s correlation and Wilcoxon matched-pair tests. Results between groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn’s post-test and the Mann–Whitney U tests. RESULTS : None of the study participants had evidence of enteric co-infections as assessed by stool analysis and histology. Compared to healthy HIV-negative controls, the colon of AIDS patients was highly inflamed with increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-18), chemokines (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)2 and chemokine (C-X-C) motif ligand (CXCL)10) and transcription factors (TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6 and T-box (TXB)21). IHC revealed significant co-localization of TNF-α and IL-1β with CD68+ cells. As in IBD, HIV was associated with a marked increase in macrophages expressing innate response receptors including CD14, the co-receptor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The frequency of CD14+ macrophages correlated positively with plasma LPS, a marker of MT. Total unfractionated mucosal mononuclear cells (MMC) isolated from the colon of AIDS patients, but not MMC depleted of CD14+ cells, secreted increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines ex vivo in response to LPS CONCLUSIONS : Intestinal macrophages, in the absence of overt OIs, play an important role in driving persistentinflammation in HIV patients with late-stage disease and diarrhea. These results suggest intensified treatmentstrategies that target inflammatory processes in intestinal macrophages may be highly beneficial in restoringthe epithelial barrier and limiting MT in HIV-infected patients.This research and selected researchers (EC, TR, PM, SM and CS) were funded in part by a grant from the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa: “Drug Resistance Surveillance and Treatment Monitoring Network for the Public Sector HIV Antiretroviral Treatment Programme in the Free State – Sante 2007/147-790” and by a grant from the National Research Council of South Africa, Unlocking the Future 61509.http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcinfectdisam201