In-service education and training to improve professionalism amongst educators.

D.Ed.This research study focuses on the status of educators and aims at determining whether In-Service Education and Training (INSET) will assist in enhancing their professional status. From the researcher’s personal experiences, discussions with fellow educators and review of literature and media reports, it appears that there are a plethora of problems experienced by educators. Awareness of a crisis in education is of great concern, as is the low morale of educators. Credibility of educators needs to be restored. Some educators are unqualified, under-qualified, display poor attitude and mediocre behaviour. It is essential that these educators should be encouraged to improve their teaching skills and performance, build confidence, adopt a positive outlook towards education and perform as professionals. The research design and methodology followed generally, the qualitative, descriptive and exploratory principles. The survey method using structured questionnaires was employed to collect the primary data for the study. The data was collected on the Microsoft Windows 2000 Excel programme and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). During the last decade, a number of countries have addressed reform measures and refocused on educators’ professionalism. A historico-comparative study of various models of INSET was undertaken of the following countries: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Hungary, Hong Kong and Zambia. INSET initiatives undertaken abroad, to improve the quality of educators, is crucial to this study. INSET structures, provided by various stakeholders in South Africa are discussed. The Code of Professional Ethics, compiled by the “guardian of the profession”, the South African Council for Educators (SACE), was outlined. The study also highlights SACE’s role of monitoring educators who are guilty of transgressions and misbehaviour. The findings of this research, conducted in the Umlazi District of the eThekwini Region within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), based on the questionnaires, are twofold. Firstly, officials are of the opinion that a reduction of staff, increase in iii workloads and a lack of incentives and promotional opportunities have led to educators’ poor performance. Secondly, educators believe that implementing quality INSET programmes would assist them to perform as improved professionals. Educators in the study acknowledge that teaching is stressful and are of the opinion that they are accountable for their behaviour and should be au fait with the Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics. Following on from the analysis of the questionnaires, three training programmes were identified and conducted at a public, secondary school. The programmes were entitled: Coping with Stress, Compiling an Educator’s Portfolio and Code of Conduct for Educators. The study concludes with recommendations and implications for future research

Development of microelectrode techniques for analytical measurements

This thesis describes the development and application of hydrodynamic modulation voltammetric (HMV) techniques coupled to ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) that possess intrinsically high mass transport rates in quiescent solutions. This study demonstrates that the well defined convective-diffusive conditions of the microjet electrode (MJE) arrangement allows mass transport to be enhanced by almost two orders of magnitude compared to a 25 mm diameter disc-shaped UME. The MJE comprises a nozzle which is used to deliver solution to a UME surface at high velocity. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with small UMEs has been used to image the hydrodynamics of the jet system with high precision. Variations in local mass transport for both IrCl63- and Fe(CN)64- oxidation at a range of flow rates has been observed at various positions within the impinging jet and the stagnation zone has been thoroughly characterised under a variety of experimental conditions. Agreement has been found between experiment and theory for voltammetric data recorded with the nozzle and UME aligned in the stagnation zone, for a range of viscous solutions examined. By modulating the mass transport rate to the surface of an UME, in the MJE arrangement, by the introduction of a rotating blade between the end of the nozzle and the UME, it was possible to enhance the current sensitivity of the system. Trace level detection, to 2 x 10-7 mol dm-3 IrCl63- solution, was readily facilitated. This type of HMV experiment has utilised two methods to provide the reference signal for phase-sensitive detection of the current signal, involving either a dual-disc electrode or a single UME coupled to an LED detection system. Both HMV methods have been shown to work well

Colonoscopic features of early intestinal tuberculosis - Report of 11 cases

The colonoscopic findings in 11 patients with early tuberculous colitis included erythema alone in 1 patient (9,1%), mucosal nodules indistinguishable from small adenoma in 8 (72,7%), aphthous ulcers in 3 (27,3%), and a deformed ileocaecal valve in 3 (27,3%). The caecum was the principal site of disease and the ileum was found to be normal in the 4 patients in whom it was entered. In 3 patients (27,3%), skip lesions were present. Acid-fast bacilli were present on histological examination in all cases - in the mucosa of 4 patients and the submucosa or lamina propria in 7 patients

Development of microelectrode techniques for analytical measurements

This thesis describes the development and application of hydrodynamic modulation voltammetric (HMV) techniques coupled to ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) that possess intrinsically high mass transport rates in quiescent solutions. This study demonstrates that the well defined convective-diffusive conditions of the microjet electrode (MJE) arrangement allows mass transport to be enhanced by almost two orders of magnitude compared to a 25 mm diameter disc-shaped UME. The MJE comprises a nozzle which is used to deliver solution to a UME surface at high velocity. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with small UMEs has been used to image the hydrodynamics of the jet system with high precision. Variations in local mass transport for both IrCl63- and Fe(CN)64- oxidation at a range of flow rates has been observed at various positions within the impinging jet and the stagnation zone has been thoroughly characterised under a variety of experimental conditions. Agreement has been found between experiment and theory for voltammetric data recorded with the nozzle and UME aligned in the stagnation zone, for a range of viscous solutions examined. By modulating the mass transport rate to the surface of an UME, in the MJE arrangement, by the introduction of a rotating blade between the end of the nozzle and the UME, it was possible to enhance the current sensitivity of the system. Trace level detection, to 2 x 10-7 mol dm-3 IrCl63- solution, was readily facilitated. This type of HMV experiment has utilised two methods to provide the reference signal for phase-sensitive detection of the current signal, involving either a dual-disc electrode or a single UME coupled to an LED detection system. Both HMV methods have been shown to work well.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Quantitative gait analysis as a method to assess mechanical hyperalgesia modulated by disease-modifying antirheumatoid drugs in the adjuvant-induced arthritic rat

In the present study, azothioprine, chloroquine, D-penicillamine, methotrexate and sodium aurothiomalate (gold salt) were evaluated for possible disease-modifying effects in the adjuvant-induced arthritis model of human rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Gait analysis was used to examine the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the development of pain. Body weights were also measured to monitor the progression of disease and the systemic antiarthritic effects of the test compounds used in this study, as well as their systemic toxicity. Our results showed that azothioprine (5 mg/kg/day), chloroquine (12.5 mg/kg/day), sodium aurothiomalate (2.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/week) not only inhibited the macroscopic changes such as erythema and swelling of limbs, but also exhibited significant reversal of gait deficits seen in the untreated or saline-treated arthritic rats. No reduction in the body weights were observed in the arthritic rats treated with azothioprine, chloroquine, sodium aurothiomalate and methotrexate. D-Penicillamine (12.5 mg/kg/day), however, showed a significant reduction (P < 0.03) in the body weights of the arthritic rats over a period of 22 days; furthermore, it was unable to show any reduction in arthritic score (P < 0.1). In earlier experiments, chloroquine and methotrexate failed to suppress carageenan-induced edema, suggesting that the mode of antiarthritic action may be different from those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Since these disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are reported to have an immunomodulatory role, especially the gold salt, which influences the monocyte–macrophage system, it is suggested that the observed antiarthritic effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may be partly attributed to their immunomodulatory activity

Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Proteins from Black Seeds (\u3cem\u3eNigella sativa\u3c/em\u3e) on Human Breast MCF-7 Cancer Cell Line

Background Nigella sativa (NS), a member of family Ranunculaceae is commonly known as black seed or kalonji. It has been well studied for its therapeutic role in various diseases, particularly cancer. Literature is full of bioactive compounds from NS seed. However, fewer studies have been reported on the pharmacological activity of proteins. The current study was designed to evaluate the anticancer property of NS seed proteins on the MCF-7 cell line. Methods NS seed extract was prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and proteins were precipitated using 80% ammonium sulfate. The crude seed proteins were partially purified using gel filtration chromatography, and peaks were resolved by SDS-PAGE. MTT assay was used to screen the crude proteins and peaks for their cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cell line. Active Peaks (P1 and P4) were further studied for their role in modulating the expression of genes associated with apoptosis by real-time reverse transcription PCR. For protein identification, proteins were digested, separated, and analyzed with LC-MS/MS. Data analysis was performed using online Mascot, ExPASy ProtParam, and UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) gene ontology (GO) bioinformatics tools. Results Gel filtration chromatography separated seed proteins into seven peaks, and SDS-PAGE profile revealed the presence of multiple protein bands. Among all test samples, P1 and P4 depicted potent dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells exhibiting IC50 values of 14.25 ± 0.84 and 8.05 ± 0.22 μg/ml, respectively. Gene expression analysis demonstrated apoptosis as a possible cell killing mechanism. A total of 11 and 24 proteins were identified in P1 and P4, respectively. The majority of the proteins identified are located in the cytosol, associate with biological metabolic processes, and their molecular functions are binding and catalysis. Hydropathicity values were mostly in the hydrophilic range. Conclusion Our findings suggest NS seed proteins as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. To our knowledge, it is the first study to report the anticancer property of NS seed proteins

Hepatitis C virus infection in chronic liver disease in Natal

No Abstract

Phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal activities of aerial parts of Polygonatum verticillatum

The aim of the present study was to explore the aerial parts of the Polygonatum verticillatum for variousbiological activities such as phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal properties. Outstandingphytotoxicity was observed for the crude extract and its subsequent solvent fractions against Lemnaacquinoctialis Welv at tested doses of 5, 50 and 500 &#236;g/ml. Complete growth inhibition (100%) wasdemonstrated by the crude extract and aqueous fraction at maximum tested dose (500 &#236;g/ml). Amongthe tested insects, moderate insecticidal activity was recorded against Rhyzopertha dominica. However,neither crude extract nor its solvent fraction registered any significant (&gt; 100 &#236;g/ml) leishmanicidalactivity against Leishmania major. Based on the phytotoxicity, the aerial parts of the plant could be asignificant source of natural herbicidal for sustainable weed control

Evaluation of micronutrients level and antinociceptive property of Eremostachys laciniata (L) Bunge

Eremostachys laciniata (Lamiaceae) a rich source of structurally different flavonoids is ignored for its micronutrients level and many biological activities. In this study, the plant was investigated for different micronutrients including, phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), boron (B), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) and compared with adequate level of micronutrients for orchid crops. The crude methanol extract and different fractions of E. laciniata were also investigated for in vivo antinociceptive activity using Tailflick model. Except for boron, all other micronutrients investigated were well in the limits recommended for orchid crops. Crude extract and different fraction thereof showed excellent increase in latency time along with certain central effect of causing sedation, ataxia and hind limb extension. This increase in latency time is not only due to analgesia but may be a combined effect of sedation, ataxia and analgesia. The plant may be a useful source in future for the isolation of natural product with analgesic propert

Antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolated from seven European countries during 2015-2016

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia, a chronic respiratory disease, causing significant economic losses. Results from the 2015-2016 MycoPath pan-European antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring survey of M. hyopneumoniae are presented. In total, 147 M. hyopneumoniae porcine isolates from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, and Spain were tested. One isolate per farm was retained from pigs that had not been recently treated with antimicrobial agents. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 13 antimicrobial agents was determined in a central laboratory using a broth microdilution method, with Friis Medium, incubated at 35 +/- 1 degrees C for 5-12 days. M. hyopneumoniae NCTC 10110 was used as Quality Control. MIC50/MIC90 (mg/L) values were: enrofloxacin 0.06/1; marbofloxacin 0.06/2; spiramycin 0.06/0.25; tulathromycin <= 0.001/0.004; gamithromycin 0.06/0.5; tylosin 0.016/0.06; tilmicosin 0.06/0.5; florfenicol 0.5/1; doxycycline 0.25/1; oxytetracycline 0.25/2; lincomycin 0.06/0.25; tiamulin 0.016/0.06 and valnemulin <= 0.001/0.004. Compared with the data from 2010 to 2012 MycoPath study (50 isolates), MIC50/90 results were similar and the majority were within +/- two dilution steps, except for the MIC50 of oxytetracycline which is more than two dilution steps higher in the present study. Between-country comparisons show some differences in the MIC values for the fluoroquinolones, tulathromycin and tylosin, but the limited sample size per country precludes performing meaningful country comparisons for several countries. Standardized laboratory methods and interpretive criteria for MIC testing of veterinary mycoplasmas are clearly needed; there are currently no clinical breakpoints available to facilitate data interpretation and correlation of MICs with in vivo efficacy