bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical studies on sunflower oil blended with cold pressed tiger nut oil during deep frying process
Authors: Ali Rehab F. M. , El Anany A. M.
Published: November 2012

Sunflower oils were blended with different levels of cold pressed tiger nut oil. Blended oils were obtained by mixing tiger nut oil with sunflower oil at the volume ratios of 0:100, 10: 90, 20: 80, 30: 70, 40: 60, 50:50 and 100: 0. The effects of deep frying on physico-chemical parameters (Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Peroxide Value (PV), thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), iodine value, Total Polar Compounds (TPC), color and viscosity) were evaluated over 30 hours of the frying process. The total phenolic content of native oils was determined. GLC analysis was performed to illustrate the fatty acid composition of sunflower oil, tiger nut oil and binary mixtures of them as well as their oxidation rates. The pure and blended oils were heated at 180 °C ± 5 °C, then frozen French fried potatoes were fried every 30 min. Oil samples were taken every 5 h and the entire continuous frying period was 30 h. The results showed that fresh sunflower oil had significantly the highest value of COX (7.25); while tiger nut oil had significantly the lowest (2.24). Mixing sunflower oil with different levels of tiger nut oil led to an increase in its stability against oxidation. The phenolic content of cold pressed tiger nut oil was about 3.3 times as high as that of sunflower oil. The analytical data showed that the lowest deterioration during the frying process occurred in tiger nut oil and the highest in sunflower. The changes in the physico-chemical parameters were controlled and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased when tiger nut /sunflower oil (W/W) proportions were varied between 20/80 to 50/50. The obtained results indicate that mixing sunflower oil with cold pressed tiger nut oil increased the stability and hence improved the quality of sunflower oil during the frying process.
Real time continuous oxygen concentration monitoring system during malaxation for the production of Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Aiello G. , Catania P. , Enea M. , La Scalia G. , Pipitone F. , Vallone M.
Published: November 2012

During the mechanical extraction process of Virgin Olive Oil (VOO) some important physical phenomena and enzymatic transformations occur which influence the quality of the final product. The control of process parameters is crucial to ensure the quality of VOO, therefore process monitoring and control is a fundamental requirement in the modern VOO processing industry. The present work proposes an innovative Real-Time Monitoring System (RTMS) aimed at continuously measuring the oxygen concentration during the malaxation process in order to establish a correlation with the quality of the final product obtained. This monitoring system is based on an oxygen concentration sensor directly connected to the malaxation chamber and a data acquisition system to analyze and store the measured values in a process database. The experimental results obtained show that the use of oxygen during malaxation improves some qualitative parameters of VOO such as free fatty acids and total polyphenols while others (peroxide values and spectrophotometric indexes) worsen. These results are similar to those obtained by employing nitrogen, which is the traditional technique to avoid the wellknown oxidation processes studied by several researchers, thus demonstrating that the presence of oxygen during the malaxation process can have beneficial effects on the quality of VOO when its concentration is properly controlled.
Analysis of volatile compounds from Iberian hams: a review
Authors: Narváez-Rivas M. , Gallardo E. , León-Camacho M.
Published: November 2012

This article provides information on the study of the volatile compounds in raw and dry-cured Iberian hams. Different volatile compounds are identified and studies carried out by different authors are presented. This article reviews the analytical methods that have been used to determine the different volatiles of these samples. Furthermore, all volatile compounds identified (a total of 411 volatiles) have been collected in several tables according to different series of compounds: hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters and ethers, lactones, terpenes and chloride compounds, nitrogenous compounds, sulfur compounds and carboxylic acids. This review can be useful in subsequent research due to the complexity of the study.
Impact factors for learner motivation in Blended Learning environments
Authors: Schober Alexander , Keller Lars
Published: November 2012

Literature on the use of New Media and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in problem based learning settings suggests positive effects on learner motivation. In a two year study by the Institute for Geography at Innsbruck University, 176 pupils aged between 15 and 19 years from four schools in four countries were surveyed and questioned regarding their motivation. Their task was to do a comparative regional study on the Quality of Life (QOL) of youths in their respective region. To facilitate communication and collaboration, the LMS Moodle was used. The current findings suggest that their average motivation was high during certain periods but lower than could be expected on a long term scale. Amongst the factors that influenced the learners' motivation, the most important ones were: Features and usability of the LMS in use, local parameters at school and the general workload that the students were exposed to. While the latter cannot be directly influenced and is not a specific problem of Blended Learning, it is possible to improve the performance of LMS and the local parameters. It can therefore be expected that the average learner motivation will improve with the further development of LMS in the near future.
A Semantic Approach to Cross-Disciplinary Research Collaboration
Authors: De Vocht Laurens , Van Deursen Davy , Mannens Erik , Van de Walle Rik
Published: November 2012

The latest developments in ICT, more specifically Social Media and Web 2.0 tools, facilitate the use of online services in research and education. This is also known as Research 2.0 and Technology Enhanced Learning. Web 2.0 tools are especially useful in cases where experts from different disciplines want to collaborate. We suggest an integrated method that embeds these services in research and learning processes, because it is a laborious task for researchers and learners to check and use all varying types of tools and services. We explain a flexible model that uses state-of-the-art semantic technologies to model both structured and unstructured research data. The research data is extracted from many online resources and Social Media. We implement learning objects as an abstraction of the semantically modeled research data. We propose an environment that improves the scientific research and learning process by allowing researchers to efficiently browse the information and concepts represented as learning objects.
La flottille du Grand Canal de Versailles à l’époque de Louis XIV : diversité, technicité et prestige
Authors: Halna du Fretay Amélie
Published: November 2012

Si l’on a souvent parlé à Versailles, et à juste titre, de l’éclat et de la grandeur du Grand Canal, on a plus rarement évoqué l’impressionnante flottille qui y évoluait dès 1669, et l’importance du personnel qui y était affecté. Il ne fait nul doute que la réunion de ces différents bâtiments participait à la manifestation de la grandeur du roi. Cependant, elle ne saurait être étudiée sous ses seuls aspects esthétique, ludique, et festif, mais elle mérite d’être appréhendée également dans sa dimension scientifique. En effet, la flottille de Louis XIV n’était pas uniquement constituée de bâtiments de plaisance de type chaloupes, gondoles et canots, mais réunissait aussi des vaisseaux de hauts bords (marine de guerre et marchande) avec des frégates, des galères, des heux, des brigantins… Elle était, en cela, intimement liée à l’histoire de la Marine française. D’autre part, pour répondre à une démarche encyclopédique, on fit venir des bâtiments typiques d’une région ou d’un pays donné (gondole, piote de Venise, yachts d’Angleterre…). De plus, le Grand Canal servit de prétexte à des expérimentations techniques : des inventeurs proposèrent à la surintendance des Bâtiments du roi d’y tester leurs machines. Enfin, la construction de ces prestigieux bâtiments suivait un processus bien défini. Commandés dans les ports de France, ils étaient pour la plupart acheminés par voie fluviale et en pièces détachées. Des correspondants surveillaient le transport et l’approvisionnement des pièces pour le remontage.
Changing fashions in the conservation and restoration of gardens in Great-Britain
Authors: Elliott Brent
Published: November 2012

The restoration of historic gardens to their presumed condition in some previous century began on a small scale in the nineteenth century, but the choice of century was determined by the current fashion in revivalism. In England, in the 1950s and 1960s, the National Trust began to restore the gardens of some of the houses it had acquired. Its Garden Advisor, Graham Stuart Thomas, developed a policy of historically eclectic restoration: each house was to have a garden that reflected the most important period in the house’s history. This example was followed by other organisations, and today has become a norm for dealing with historic buildings. Various conflicts have revealed themselves in the last half century, as standards of knowledge and historic accuracy have become progressively more demanding.
Dans l’ombre de la cour impériale : les palais aristocratiques viennois. Distribution, ameublements intérieurs et collections, 1683-1750
Authors: Hassler Éric
Published: November 2012

Les demeures de la noblesse résidant à Vienne sont globalement encore assez mal connues pour la période moderne en raison du manque de sources. En conjuguant les quelques sources iconographiques, les descriptions de la résidence impériale et les inventaires mobiliers, il est cependant possible de se faire une idée plus précise des aménagements intérieurs de ces palais. Cette étude retiendra plus particulièrement trois exemples bien documentés : les palais Questenberg, Collalto et Harrach. La configuration du palais répond à des contraintes liées au parcellaire urbain, mais aussi à un modèle cérémoniel qui diverge fondamentalement de la distribution française, notamment par la dissociation entre enfilade publique et appartements privés. En plus de leur fonction résidentielle, il faut en effet penser ces palais comme des espaces auliques périphériques. Leur ameublement se caractérise par un certain encombrement et une volonté d’ostentation qui traduit la fonction des pièces. La très faible utilisation des boiseries au profit de l’usage systématique des tapisseries nous éloigne encore du modèle français. Ces grandes demeures sont enfin le lieu de présentation de collections qui procurent un surcroît de prestige à leur propriétaire.
Les cours aristocratiques et leur rôle dans le système curial princier
Authors: Schick Sébastien
Published: November 2012

Cet article analyse la fonction politique des palais aristocratiques berlinois dans le système curial prussien sous Frédéric-Guillaume Ier (1713-1740). La cour de ce roi est en effet présentée par l’historiographie comme inexistante ou sans aucune importance politique : un constat que la prise en compte des palais aristocratiques permet largement de nuancer. Il apparaît en effet que le roi ne sacrifie pas sa cour au profit d’une armée gigantesque, mais qu’il transfère en partie aux grands la fonction de représentation de son pouvoir, dans le cadre plus général de sa ville de résidence. Dès lors, on assiste à un partage des tâches au sommet de l’État, la vie de cour berlinoise se réorganisant pour une large part autour de ces palais. En 1728, lorsque le roi de Pologne, Auguste le Fort, est en visite à Berlin, les palais aristocratiques contribuent largement à l’apparat des festivités données en son honneur et ainsi au prestige de son hôte. Ces principaux ministres, grands absents de l’historiographie prussienne du xviiie siècle, retrouvent ainsi un rôle politique, leurs palais devenant l’espace politique de leur action informelle, en matière de diplomatie surtout. Au-delà de cet enjeu prussien, les conclusions de cette analyse invitent donc à prendre en considération les palais aristocratiques dans le cadre des systèmes curiaux princiers en général.
An Anti-Nucleic Acid Antibody Delivers Antigen to the Cross-Presentation Pathway in Dendritic Cells and Potentiates Therapeutic Antitumor Effects
Authors: Pham Chuong D. , Woo Min-Yeong , Kim Yong-Sung , Park Sun , Kwon Myung-Hee
Published: November 2012

Cross-presentation is important for initiating CTL responses against tumors. Delivery of exogenous Ags to the cross-presentation pathway in dendritic cells (DCs), using a number of different carriers, has been attempted to further understand the mechanisms underlying cross-presentation and to develop therapeutic tumor vaccines. The present study reports a new antigenic carrier molecule: a single-chain V region fragment (scFv) of a nucleic acid–hydrolyzing Ab, 3D8. A fusion protein comprising 3D8 scFv and the CTL epitope OVA250–264 (chicken OVA aa 250–264) was internalized by DC2.4 DCs and processed via a proteasome-dependent, brefeldin- and cycloheximide-sensitive, chloroquine- and primaquine-insensitive pathway, resulting in loading of the CTL epitope onto H-2Kb. In vivo cross-presentation and cross-priming were efficient, even without adjuvant; injection of mice with 3D8 scFv-OVA250–264 induced cross-presentation of the CTL epitope by draining lymph node CD11c+ B7.1+ MHC class IIhigh DCs, elicited a CTL response, and suppressed the growth of tumors expressing the OVA epitope. This report shows that an anti-nucleic acid Ab is used to deliver exogenous Ag to the cross-presentation pathway and inhibit in vivo tumor growth.
Plasmablasts Generated during Repeated Dengue Infection Are Virus Glycoprotein–Specific and Bind to Multiple Virus Serotypes
Authors: Xu MeiHui , Hadinoto Vey , Appanna Ramapraba , Joensson Klas , Toh Ying Xiu , Balakrishnan Thavamalar , Ong Swee Hoe , Warter Lucile , Leo Yee Sin , Wang Cheng-I , Fink Katja
Published: November 2012

Dengue virus immune protection is specific to the serotype encountered and is thought to persist throughout one’s lifetime. Many serotype cross-reactive memory B cells isolated from humans with previous dengue infection are specific for the nonstructural and the prM structural viral proteins, and they can enhance infection in vitro. However, plasmablasts circulating in enormous numbers during acute secondary infection have not been studied. In this study, we analyzed single plasmablasts from two patients by sorting the cells for Ig sequence analysis and for recombinant expression of Abs. In contrast to memory B cells, most plasmablast-derived Abs bound to the structural E protein of dengue, and protection experiments in mice revealed that virus serotypes encountered during past infections were neutralized more efficiently than were the serotypes of the current infection. Together with genetic analyses, we show evidence that plasmablasts in dengue patients are a polyclonal pool of activated E protein–specific memory B cells and that their specificity is not representative of the serum Abs secreted by long-lived plasma cells in the memory phase. These results contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon of original antigenic sin in dengue.
The contribution to medical work and nursing by the pioneer missionaries of the D.R.C. mission in Nyasaland (Malawi) from 1889-1900
Authors: Smit J.
Published: November 2012

Although the first, pioneer missionaries of the D. R. C. Mission were not fully qualified medical doctors, they played a big role in introducing western medicine among the indigenous population and in this way countered the practice of the witch-doctors. With their limited knowledge of medicine, they knew enough to treat the indigenous people, their fellow missionaries as well as other people like government officials, planters and hunters in the central province, where they were stationed. They managed to save lives and started with health education to motivate the people to think and live more hygienic lives and thus uplift the standard of health of the country. One cannot but have admiration for their courageous perseverance and faith and the skilful way in which they applied their medical knowledge in the absence of a fully qualified medical doctor.
A profile of professional nursing practice in the private sector in the R.S.A.
Authors: Pera S.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of professional nursing practice in private enterprise health care services in the Republic of South Africa. In the light of the future health care needs and the relationship between the private and public sector health care establishments, information about the role and task of the I professional nurse was needed. Information would provide a data base about the registered nurse and so facilitate future health care planning. An exploratory field study was undertaken to locate the various work environments of the registered nurse in four statistical urban regions. Questionnaires were handed out and collected from a proportional stratified sample of professional nurses who were working in thirteen types of health care environments in the period between I June 1983 and 30 September 1983. A return rate of 68 percent yielded 340 completed questionnaires from 501 registered nurses. The study revealed that the majority of nurses in the private sector were relatively young. White, female, English-speaking professionals who were practising in four broad areas of health care: • Custodial care environments such as residential homes for the aged, institutions for the chronic sick and frail aged, homes for children and homes for the adult handicapped. • Hospitals and related special health centres catering for drug addicts, alcoholics and patients suffering from psychiatric/nervous disorders. • Institutions for child and adult education which included crèches/nursery schools, primary and secondary hoarding schools, special schools for the handicapped, and university based student health centres. • Medical and dental consulting room practices. • Other entrepreneurial employment settings such as business and industrial occupational health care services, nursing service agencies, and mobile emergency care units.
The training and use of research assistants for a survey in a third world setting
Authors: Hildebrandt E.F.
Published: November 2012

This article describes an approach to gathering data in a black township. It emphasizes the importance of using indigenous interviewers and offers suggestions for their training. Innovative techniques were used to help the field workers to understand and apply the concept of randomization to the streets and houses of their Township. It emphasizes the need to supervise and reinforce the research standards throughout the data collection process.
Die bydrae van eenheidsbestuurders in die opleiding van studentverpleegkundiges
Authors: Lees A. , Muller M. , Van Huyssteen M.C.
Published: November 2012

The contribution o f a group of unit managers towards student education, as well as the problems related thereto, has been investigated contextually by means of an explorative descriptive study, utilising structured interviews. The results indicate that, although unit managers have a positive attitude towards student education, they lack insight regarding the programme content, as well as their own informal educational Junction in the clinical situation. Lack of time and inadequate liaison between the college and unit managers seem to aggravate this problem. The recommendations include the design and implementation of in service programmes for unit managers, improved liaison between educational and unit staff, as well as role clarification concerning their informal education responsibilities.
Management of intravenous therapy in general wards of a large teaching hospital
Authors: Brinkcate U. , Lee D.
Published: November 2012

The monitoring of intravenous therapy by nursing staff in medical wards over an 18 hour period was studied. The study focused on the measuring Or flow rates, the technique used for unblocking intravenous lines and how recording was managed. Only intravenous therapy which was likely to be in situ for longer than a 24 hour period was studied in randomly selected medical wards. Procedures were carried out by all categories of staff. Although timing devices were used for flow rates they were still incorrect... A need for improved recording wets established and no clearly defined methods for unblocking intravenous tines were found.
A model for clinical evaluation
Authors: Mulder M.
Published: November 2012

After grappling for years with the problems associated with clinical evaluation In nursing, and becoming increasingly am re of the importance of this aspect of the clinical teaching process, the researcher resolved to make an indepth study of the state of clinical evaluation in nursing. The study was undertaken in the second semester of1990.
Problem-Orientated Antenatal Notekeeping: A Useful Primary Health Care Tool
Authors: Larsen J.V.
Published: November 2012

It has recently been demonstrated that about 56 percent of patients delivering in a rural obstetric unit had significant risk factors, and that 85 percent of these could have been detected by meticulous antenatal screening before the onset of labour. These figures show that the average rural obstetric unit in South Africa is dealing with a large percentage of high risk patients. In this work, it is hampered by: 1. Communications problems: i.e. bad roads, long distances. and unpredictable telephones. 2. A serious shortage of medical staff resulting in primary obstetric care being delivered by midwives with minimal medical supervision.
Legal limitations for nurse prescribers in Primary Health Care
Authors: Geyer N.
Published: November 2012

The nurse plays an important role in the delivery of primary health care services in South Africa. The primary purpose is to provide the public with access to safe competent basic health care and to achieve this, the nurse should be empowered to practice within legal and ethical boundaries. This paper explores and describes the limitations imposed by legislation on the nurse’s ability to prescribe treatment in the primary health care field. The focus is mainly on the Nursing Act, the Pharmacy Act and the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act which highlights a number of limitations. It is concluded that empowerment of the nurse should not only include addressing the legal boundaries for practice, but also education and training opportunities to equip them with the expert knowledge and skills that they need to render a quality health care service.
Student nurses' experience of interaction with culturally diverse psychiatric patients
Authors: Zwane S , Poggenpoel M
Published: November 2012

A study of Baccalaureate nursing students was conducted to explore and describe undergraduate nursing students’ experience of interaction with culturally diverse psychiatric patients. Thirty-seven nursing students participated in this research project. Sixteen of the students came from a predominantly black university and the other twentyone students came from a predominantly white university. Both universities are situated in the same city and allocate their nursing students to the same psychiatric hospital for practical experience. The student nurses reported having experienced both positive and negative aspects of interacting with culturally diverse psychiatric patients. Positive aspects included inter alia, optimism, racial unity, equality of facilities, enrichment and challenge, whereas negative experience included inter alia, discrimination, superiority complex, cultural ignorance, ineffectiveness of patient care, hostility and general unhappiness. The undergraduate program should therefore begin to include cultural content in the curriculum so as to enable future nurse practitioners to utilize a culture-sensitive approach in rendering care to their patients.
The quality of nursing service management in South African hospitals
Authors: Muller Marie
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study is to determine - explore and describe - the quality of nursing service management in South African hospitals. A combined qualitative and quantitative pre- and post-test research strategy, in accordance with the COHSASA programme, was utilised. The hospitals implement the national standards during the preparatory phase, after having entered into an agreement with COHSASA. They determine their baseline status by means of an assisted self-evaluation. This is followed by an external survey phase where the hospital’s compliance with the standards is evaluated. The nursing service is one of the professional services included in the accreditation programme. Their performance is compared with selected other professional services and their compliance with the core elements is also evaluated. The nursing services in South Africa are compliant with the national standards. The deficiencies are mainly within the quality improvement programmes that require further development and refinement.
Recognition of prior learning: its relevance to the proposed unified model o f education and training for South African nurses.
Authors: Khanyile T
Published: November 2012

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a fairly new concept in South Africa, and hence different people have different views about RPL . Through this paper, an attempt is made to shed some light on the historical background as well as the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of RPL . It is hoped that this information will help those nurse educators wishing to experiment with RPL to have a better understanding of how the concept came about. The relevance of RPL to the Unified model of nurse training proposed by the South African Nursing Council is also discussed.
Problems encountered by BA Cur graduates and recommendations for enhancing learner support
Authors: Ehlers V
Published: November 2012

Distance education is becoming ever more important in providing continuing post basic, and especially postgraduate, education to practising professional persons, including nurses. As more and more institutions in the Republic of South Africa offer distance education courses to nurses, it is essential to take note of the positive and negative experiences of successful graduates of these programmes, in order to enhance the learning opportunities, and the success rate of nurses pursuing such distance education courses. A brief historical overview is provided about the University of South Africa (Unisa) and about the Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences at this distance education university. This background information should assist the reader in contextualising the research findings. Questionnaires were posted to all Unisa’s 1998 BA Cur graduates. The research report focuses on the 1998 BA Cur (nursing) graduates’ biographic data, their experiences of pursuing distance education post basic nursing courses, their positive and negative perceptions of these experiences and their recommendations for enhancing other students’ success.
Knowledge and practice of condom use among first year students at University of the North, South Africa
Authors: Peltzer K
Published: November 2012

The aim of the study is to investigate knowledge and sexual practices with reference to correct use of condoms among first year South African University students. The sample consisted of 206 participants, 146 female and 60 male, the mean age was 20.9 years (SD=3.4), with a range from 17 to 34 years. Results indicated that one third (29.2%) of the sample reported never using condoms, 35.4% always, 19.8% regularly and 8.5% irregularly in the past three months. About 90% levels of correct answers for condom use were found for the items of ‘condoms as protection against STD and AIDS’, ‘expiry date of condoms’, and ‘re-using condoms’. More than 15% were not aware that a condom should be put on before any contact with the vagina. The most common mistakes with respect to condom use were ignorance about the correct moment to put on a condom (56%), and when to take off a condom (55%). Male sex and especially increasing recent sexual encounters was associated with correct condom knowledge. The most common reasons for not using a condom were ‘I do not have the AIDS virus’ and ‘I thought I was safe’ seems to indicate a low perceived susceptibility. Findings are discussed in view of condom promotion programmes.
Concepts and treatment for diabetes among traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province, South Africa
Authors: Peltzer K , Khoza LB , Lekhuleni ME , Madu SN , Cherian VI , Cherian L
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the study was to assess the concepts and treatment modalities for diabetes among traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province in South Africa. The sample consisted of 50 traditional healers (13 females and 37 males) and 50 faith healers (12 females and 38 males). They were interviewed on local terminology, clinical manifestations, causes, curability, and treatment for diabetes, help-seeking behaviour of diabetes patients, and the healers’ sources of information about diabetes. Results indicate that all healers were familiar with “diabetes”, however, not all of them had seen patients suffering from diabetes. The perceived causes of diabetes by both traditional and faith healers could be divided into (1) diet (especially too much of sugar), (2) heredity, (3) supernatural, and (4) psychological causes. Most traditional healers (92%) and faith healers (90%) indicated that diabetes is curable. Treatments used by the healers in this study included the use of prayer, diet, and herbs. The authors conclude that the concepts and treatment modalities for diabetes among traditional and faith healers should be taken note of by health workers while developing health education programmes in the Province.
A formative evaluation of a web-based tutorial
Authors: Meyer SM
Published: November 2012

Lecturers of the Department of Nursing Science of the University of Pretoria (UP) were requested to participate in an informal evaluation of a software program. The software evaluated were developed as a tutorial by the author of this article. The content of the tutorial concerns the current issues of the new education and training dispensation in South Africa, and specifically how to compile unit standards to meet the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the quality of the software. Participants were provided with a questionnaire, as well as criteria for the evaluation of software as presented in literature and information on the Web. The feedback has been useful and suggestions made by the participants have been used to improve and add to the product.
Employees’ perceptions of the implementation of affirmative action in the health sector in the Standerton District in South Africa
Authors: Rankhumse E , Netswera G , Meyer M
Published: November 2012

Since the inception of a fully democratic government in South Africa in 1994, government and trade unions have been placing increasing pressure on government departments and public institutions to introduce steps to correct racial discrimination through the implementation of affirmative action (AA). This study, which was carried out in the Standerton Health District, assesses employees’ perceptions of and attitudes towards the implementation of AA. A quantitative design was used. Data was gathered from a total population of 360 employees by means of a questionnaire. The study revealed the following major themes: • Respondents feel that if AA were effectively implemented, there would be an increase in productivity. • There is strong support for the implementation of AA appointments. • The implementation of AA will fail if the goals of AA are not properly and effectively communicated to all employees.
Attitudes towards and beliefs about schizophrenia in Xhosa families with affected probands
Authors: Mbanga N.I. , Niehaus D.J.H. , Mzamo N.C. , Wessels C.J. , Allen A. , Emsley R.A. , Stein D.J.
Published: November 2012

Objective: The development of effective psychoeducational programs for the management of schizophrenia requires an understanding of attitudes towards and beliefs about the disorder in families of affected probands. In order to establish the need for adaptation of Western psychoeducational programs, these variables were investigated in Xhosa speaking families in South Africa. Design: Xhosa speaking family members of patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia were recruited on a voluntary basis, and interviewed with a structured belief and attitudes questionnaire adapted from previous studies in the West. Setting: The study population was drawn from both urban and rural Xhosa communities in South Africa. Subjects: 100 Xhosa speaking family members participated in the study. Results: Family members most often recommended treatment with psychotropic medications (88%) and traditional healers (32%), and least often recommended psychotherapy (4%) and meditation (1%). Of the respondents who recommended traditional healing methods, 92% also recommended simultaneous use of allopathic treatment. Conclusion: Attitudes towards and beliefs about schizophrenia in family members of patients with schizophrenia may differ substantially from those described in previous work in the West. An understanding of local attitudes and beliefs is crucial for the successful development of local psychoeducational programs.
Patient satisfaction at haematology and oncology clinics in the Free State & Northern Cape
Authors: Davies W.R. , Hepburn D.P. , Coetzee M.J. , Badenhorst P.N. , Goedhals L. , Nel M.
Published: November 2012

The Free State and Northern Cape make up some 40% of the land area of South Africa, while being home to only 10% of the total population. Haematology and Oncotherapy outreach clinics were established in Kimberley, Bethlehem and Welkom to provide a more accessible service to the thinly spread population. A previous study showed these clinics to be cost-effective, but we had no idea how the patients experience them. Our aim was to obtain information about the demographics of the patients, the logistical support of the clinics, the medical needs of the patients and how they experience the clinics. This can help us to improve the service. A questionnaire was tested in a pilot study. The demographic questions covered age, sex and ethnicity. The logistical questions dealt with distance travelled to the clinic, mode of transport, length of time as a patient and cost. The medical need questions dealt with type of disease, treatment received, type of doctor seen and origin of referral. The questions about experience covered satisfaction with the service, staff, waiting times and involvement of non-governmental organizations. Of the 95 patients interviewed 42% were from the haematology clinics. The mean age was 59.5 and the male: female ratio was 0.6:1. Forty-six percent of the patients spoke Afrikaans and 31 % spoke South Sotho. The black:white ratio was 1:1. Twenty-eight percent used the government ambulances (of whom 80% were satisfied) and 56% used their own cars. The median payment at a clinic was R20 (R0 to R200). Only 19% of patients were paying privately. Ninety-five percent of the patients were follow-ups, with the median length of follow-up being 24 months (1 to 468). The patients were mainly referred by local hospitals. Twentytwo percent of the patients had chronic haematological malignancies, while 68% had solid tumours. Thirty-seven percent of the patients received drugs to take home and only 6% got intravenous chemotherapy. Consultants saw 44% of the patients. The median waiting time to be seen was 1.5 hours (0 to 5). Consultation time averaged 10 minutes and most patients were satisfied with this. Despite the study’s small size the system of outreach clinics seems to be delivering a satisfactory service. Criticisms were few. However there were suggestions to create better clinic facilities and to shorten the waiting times at the clinic.
Factors at first diagnosis of tuberculosis associated with compliance with the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Peltzer K. , Onya H. , Seoka P. , Tladi F.M.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study is to compare and contrast health beliefs, demographic and socio-economic variables, causative beliefs, knowledge, health-seeking behaviour and health provider-patient interaction of compliant and non-compliant tuberculosis patients. The sample included 219 consecutive new sputum-smear and/or culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered between October 1999 and March 2000 in three hospitals in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The patients were 144 (65.8%) men and 75 (34.2%) women in the age range of 18 to 79 years (M age 35.9 yr., SD= 12.6). The consultation at first diagnosis was observed and tape-recorded. Thereafter an interview was conducted and a questionnaire was face-to-face administered with the patient including knowledge, causative beliefs, health seeking, and Health Belief Model items. Discriminant analysis between compliant and non-compliant groups after six months follow-up showed that the quality of the health practitioner-patient interaction and causative belief were associated with compliance behaviour whereas knowledge, onset of TB, sociodemographic variables, health care seeking, and health beliefs were not associated.
Strategies for community participation in developing countries
Authors: Chitambo B.R. , Smith J.E. , Ehlers V.J.
Published: November 2012

Community participation has been hailed as the panacea for most community programmes. Community participation at high levels empowers communities, increases selfreliance, self-awareness and confidence in self-examination of problems and seeking solutions for them. Behavioural changes are promoted and utilisation and support of services is facilitated, which are of great importance to all community health efforts, especially in areas where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is high or increasing. The purpose of this article is to explore community participation strategies adopted in different countries for providing community health care services. Recommendations are provided for enhancing community participation in developing countries.
An exploratory survey of undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of group work within a Problem-Based Curriculum
Authors: Brysiewicz P. , Cassimjee R. , Mclnerney P.
Published: November 2012

Problem-based Learning is a learner-centered approach to education which encourages student participation and group work in the learning process. This method of selfdirected learning is facilitated by the use of small-group discussions. This being the case, it is important for groups to function effectively in order for this learning to occur. These small groups are guided by a facilitator and utilize real-life problems from the clinical settings.
Witnessed resuscitation - exploring the attitudes and practices of the emergency staff working in Level I Emergency Departments in the province of KwaZulu- Natal
Authors: Goodenough TJ
Published: November 2012

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and practices of witnessed resuscitation by the staff working in Level I Emergency Departments in the province of KwaZulu- Natal. Witnessed resuscitation involves the ‘medical’ resuscitation of the patient with their relatives or loved ones present in the resuscitation room (Boyd, 2000:171).
The prevention of intrapartum HIV/Aids transmission from mother to child
Authors: Roets L
Published: November 2012

The transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child is the main cause of HIV/AIDS in children and child mortality. Two-thirds of children with HIV/AIDS are infected in the intrapartum period (Farley, 2000:1-2). Midwives, through effective practices, can lower the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child in the intrapartum period. The aim of the study was to determine which preventive practices registered midwives in provincial labour wards in Bloemfontein, implement to lower the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and in doing so to lower child mortality.
A needs assessment of persons suffering from Schizophrenia
Authors: Manamela KE
Published: November 2012

This quantitative exploratory descriptive survey attempted to identify the needs of persons suffering from schizophrenia who live in the Mogoto Village, Zebediela District, Limpopo Province. Data obtained from 60 completed questionnaires indicated that these persons continued to be regarded as valued community members by their care-givers. Despite the apparent lack of community mental health services, the vast majority of the respondents reportedly took their medications regularly and would know when to seek help in case their symptoms deteriorated. Their greatest need related to a lack of employment opportunities. They could also benefit from counselling services for themselves and their families.
Spirituality in nursing: An analysis of the concept
Authors: Mahlungulu S.N. , Uys L.R.
Published: November 2012

There is scientific evidence that the spiritual well being of a person can affect quality of life and the response to illness, pain, suffering and even death. In spite of this evidence, spirituality in nursing has not been examined within a South African context. The purpose of this study was to describe the phenomenon of spirituality from the perspective of nurses and patients/clients with the aim of generating a middle range theory of spiritual care in nursing. A qualitative mode of inquiry using a grounded theory method was applied. A sample of 56 participants composed of 40 nurses, 14 patients and 2 relatives of patients was recruited by theoretical sampling procedure from one public hospital, one private hospital and one hospice setting. Focus group interviews and one on one in depth interviews were conducted. An audio tape recorder was used to record the interviews. Field notes and memos were also kept.
Perceptions of the clinical competence of newly registered nurses in the North West province
Authors: Moeti M.R. , Van Niekerk S.E. , Van Velden C.E.
Published: November 2012

The clinical competence of newly registered nurses relating to the care of individual Clients, depends on their ability to correlate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with practice and the development of clinical skills. Its foundation lies in the ability to identify and solve problems that emanate from critical thinking, analytical reasoning and reflective practice. It is clear that the quality of clinical exposure plays a leading role in the development of nursing professionals. Nursing skills alone cannot ensure quality care of clients without the application of theory. Facilitation of this theory to practice therefore remains an essential component of nursing education. This study was aimed at identifying areas of incompetence of newly registered nurses (1998- 2001) in the clinical area by determining the newly registered nurses1 and professional nurses1 perceptions of the competence of the newly registered nurses. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive survey was used to collect the data regarding the clinical competence of newly registered nurses (1998-2001).
Contributing to the ICNP®: validating the term cultural diversity
Authors: Geyer N , Peu MD , Roussouw S , Morudi J , Uys E
Published: November 2012

The specific aims of this study were to: • Propose a definition of the term cultural diversity; • Validate the term cultural diversity; and • Submit a term and definition for international utilisation to the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for consideration for inclusion in the ICNP®. Background South Africa was one of four African countries (Botswana, South Africa. Swaziland, and Zimbabwe) funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation to participate in the ICNP® project. South Africa had 2 research groups. One of the research groups identified the term cultural diversity to define. Method This was a qualitative study where a philosophical perspective was used to explore, explain and describe nursing practice. The combined method proposed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) was utilised to define and validate the term cultural diversity. Findings Validation and literature review provided sufficient support for the defined characteristics and the term was finally defined and submitted to ICN in November 2002 as: CULTURAL DIVERSITY is a type of CULTURE with the specific characteristics: co-existence of different groups, e.g. ethnic, religious, linguistic and other groups each with their own values and belief systems, traditions and different lifestyles. Conclusion The research group was informed in December 2003 of the ICNP® Evaluation Committee recommendation that the term cultural diversity will be included in the ICNP®.
The effect of curricula approaches to the development of the student’s clinical reasoning ability
Authors: Khanyile T , Mfidi F
Published: November 2012

A comparative analysis was undertaken using descriptive and cross sectional survey design, to explore the effect of Problem Based Learning and Traditional approach on the development of clinical reasoning abilities of nursing students. Using quota sampling, a sample of 87 subjects was used from two University Nursing Departments, each using these curricula approaches. Students from their first, second and fourth year were interviewed, using the Triple Jump Exercise as an instrument to collect data. Data analysis using the SAS computer software package was employed to obtain both descriptive and statistical summarizations. Though descriptive analysis of the scores of clinical reasoning showed a slight difference between the two curricular approaches, this was not confirmed statistically as the two factor ANOVA and Tukey’s methods revealed no significant differences by approaches. The only significant difference was revealed between the students’ levels of study with senior levels (4th years) outperforming their juniors. These findings therefore conclude that, students using Problem Based Learning and Traditional approach perform on a similar level in clinical reasoning.