bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priorities in 21st century career counselling: Implications for counselling psychology training
Authors: Rawatlal Kamilla V.
Published: October 2022

Background: The call to decolonise and transform the curriculum for social responsiveness in South African higher education is seen as a priority.Objectives: This study explores revising the career assessment and counselling curriculum on the professional masters (MA Counselling Psychology) programme.Method: Utilising a qualitative design and exploratory approach, the research aimed to address the objectives through gauging master’s students’ perceptions of the applicability of the course, through thematically analysing evaluation transcripts received during and 2021, were thematically analysed. Patterns and themes that emerged indicate how the revised curriculum can support intervention at the individual and systemic levels.Results: Themes identified were the influence of traditional career counselling theory, accessibility to assessments, a need to expand theory to include social constructivism and post modernism at the individual level. At the systems level, engaging trainees as socio-ecological advocates, integration of mental health to intervene with ‘at risk’ groups, post the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic intervention and the 4th industrial revolution (IR) highlighted a need to adopt a public health agenda.Conclusion: Critical consciousness raising at the systems was highlighted as paramount to informing intervention and to strengthening Counselling Psychologist trainees’ identity to develop a sense of agency in promoting social responsiveness.Contribution: The role of the training course to address transformation priorities, intervene with post-modern realities, such as the unstable job market in the 4th IR, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and assert the uniqueness of career counselling and assessment as a specialisation area of Counselling Psychology forms the basis of the study contribution.
‘Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili’: Using indigenous knowledge practices to support first-year first-generation African students in their career transition to higher education
Authors: Diale Boitumelo M.
Published: October 2022

Background: The study explored indigenous knowledge systems’ role in tutoring first-year first-generation African students (FYFGAS) transitioning from high school to higher education. During this process, tutors and students implicitly engage in indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) that allow for enculturation and holistic support for FYFGAS.Objectives: Drawing on Schlossberg’s Career Transitioning Theory as an underpinning framework, the researcher explored how FYFGAS experienced tutoring sessions as a positive conduit towards their successful transition into their first year at university, embedded in the tutor’s use of IKS processes.Method: This article adopted a phenomenological qualitative design within an interpretive paradigm. Data were collected using a semi-structured individual interview schedule with six participants who were first years and the first generation to attend universities in their families. These included four females and two males between the ages of 19 and 21 years. Five of the participants were black South Africans, and one was originally from Zimbabwe but a naturalised resident of South Africa. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis.Results: The findings revealed that tutors were role models to FYFGAS as they transitioned. Tutors further acted as agents of empowerment, thus fulfilling the role of change agents. Students believed that tutoring sessions promoted active learning. Through their active engagement, students developed problem-solving and knowledge-acquisition skills.Conclusion: There is a need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to build systems that embrace the diverse IKS in supporting the FYFGAS. Developing a holistic understanding of IKS and using these practices during the tutor sessions of FYFGAS will help transform HEI spaces and fully embrace diversity. This will allow these students’ career transitioning to be inclusive.Contribution: The study contributes towards guiding higher education institutions on how to embrace and support students who are the first generation in their families to attend university. It brings further insight to the university leadership on the lived experiences of these students and h ow universities can adapt their first year experience programs to be more inclusive of these students
The regulatory framework for enterprise risk management in South African local government
Authors: Whittle Christopher E. , Nel-Sanders Danielle
Published: October 2022

Background: Enterprise risk management (ERM) entails the processes and procedures applied to mitigate uncertainties that could impact the achievement of objectives. New public management introduced business practices such as ERM to the public sector, which was adopted by the South African government across all three spheres of government including municipalities. Local government is obliged to implement ERM because of legislative requirements, National Treasury prescripts and the adoption of the King IV Code of Corporate Governance.Aim: To discuss ERM within the public sector and provides the contextualisation of ERM. It sets out the ERM structure, roles and responsibilities required by legislation and good corporate governance. Recommendations to improve ERM are provided.Setting: Within the South African local government.Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach and applied a research method based on desktop analysis of literature and secondary data sources using unobtrusive research techniques.Results: Reference is only made to risk in relation to financial management in municipal legislation. National Treasury has guided ERM through the Public Sector Risk Management Framework. The King IV Code provides guidance to local government councils regarding risk governance.Conclusion: The current legislative framework does not provide adequate guidance for effective ERM. Focus is placed on controls and compliance, which undermines ERM’s potential contribution to value creation. ERM within local government has little predictive value and has limited contribution in ensuring objectives are achieved.
Prevalence and patterns of refractive error among adults in Sagamu, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Ajibode Haroun A. , Fakolujo Victoria O. , Bodunde Olubunmi T.
Published: October 2022

Background: The study was part of community-based research towards strengthening the provision of optical services within a local governmental area in Nigeria.Aim: To describe the prevalence of refractive errors in the southwestern Nigerian adult population.Setting: Adults of age 30 years and above who were regular residents of the local governmental area.Methods: A multistage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select the subjects. The sampling unit was the different households. A random sample of them were refracted and then refractive errors were analysed. Analyses excluded participants with history of cataract surgery. Associations with myopia (−0.50 dioptres [D] or more) and hyperopia (≥ 0.50 D) were evaluated in logistic regression analyses.Results: The prevalence of refractive error in the study sample was 33.8% (95% confidence level [CI]: 27.1–34.4) using study participants with 6/9 presenting visual acuity but improvement by at least a line with pin hole. The prevalence of hyperopia was 46.9% and higher in women (51.8%), while that of myopia was 21.9% but higher in men (25.0%). The prevalence of hyperopia increased from 29% for 40–49 years of age to 65% for 50–59 years of age and tended to decline thereafter. Prevalence of myopia decreased from 17% in persons 40–49 years of age to 11% in those 50–59 years of age but increased after 60 years of age. A higher prevalence of myopia was positively associated (p  0.05) with lifetime occupations requiring near work, nuclear opacities, posterior subcapsular opacities and glaucoma. Factors associated with hyperopia were the same as for myopia, except for occupation, and in the opposite direction.Conclusion: The high prevalence of refractive errors strongly supports the need for an affordable and accessible optical service in the local government.
An illustration of ocular toxoplasmosis with consequent lenticular opacities and asteroid hyalosis
Authors: Mashala Dimakatso G.
Published: October 2022

Inactive ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is not confined to immunocompromised patients but is also common in immunocompetent patients. It could result in a loss of vision, asteroid hyalosis, lenticular opacity and peripheral chorioretinal scar. More often than not, misdiagnosing the lesion may occur because of the lack of presenting symptoms. Therefore, this article aims to highlight OT and its consequences, emphasising the approach that must be followed to diagnose and manage the disease optimally. This case report is about a 24-year-old woman who had blurred vision in her left eye from the age of 9 years. After dilation for fundus examination and taking the patient for retinal imaging, the fundus showed a clearly defined pigmented chorioretinal scar on the temporal side of the macula.Contribution: As the disease has the ability for retinal complications, documenting any progressive developments of the disease is essential to manage the patient better.
Viral suppression among adolescents on HIV treatment in the Sedibeng District, Gauteng province
Authors: Mabizela Sibongile , Van Wyk Brian
Published: October 2022

Background: Progress has been made to increase access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) to improve their survival, but ALHIV still have worse treatment adherence and viral suppression compared to adults and children.Objective: To determine the prevalence of viral suppression and the associated factors among adolescents aged 10–19 years on ART at an urban public primary healthcare facility in the Sedibeng district, Gauteng.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 192 adolescents who were on ART for at least six months between 2015 and 2018. A self-developed data extraction tool was used to collect data from the Tier.Net electronic database and clinical folders. Data were captured on Microsoft Excel, and descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS 27 statistical software.Results: The median age at ART initiation of adolescents was 9.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.0–12.0), and the median duration on ART was 70.5 (IQR: 30.25–105.5) months. The prevalence of viral suppression ( 1000 copies/mL) among adolescents on ART was 74%, with 41% achieving full suppression ( 50 copies/mL). Those adolescents who reported optimal ART adherence were more likely to be virally suppressed compared to those who reported poor adherence (98.1% vs 25.0%; p ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: Adolescent viral suppression of 74% is higher than in comparable sites, but still way too short of the UNAIDS target of 90%. We recommend adherence support for adolescents to achieve viral suppression.Contribution: The study highlights the urgent need for targeted adherence support interventions for adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy to improve rates of viral suppression to meet UNAIDS target of 95%.
Narratives of hospital health care professionals during the pandemic in the Northern Philippines: A phenomenological study
Authors: Capili Julius T. , Luis Lara Melissa G. , Asuncion Jay Emanuel L. , Luyun Jennifer L. , Canapi Jake B. , Rimban Erwin L.
Published: October 2022

Hospital health care professionals (HCPs) play a vital and crucial role in saving the lives of patients afflicted with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the incidence of the disease keeps increasing, health care workers in hospitals face difficulties in discharging their duties. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of HCPs. Particularly, it determined their challenges, motivations and coping strategies to craft grassroots policies for the enhancement of health care delivery in the Northern Philippines. Employing a phenomenological study design, 24 study participants were purposively selected and their narratives were elicited through focus group discussion. Responses were transcribed verbatim. After data analyses, the challenges, coping strategies and motivations of HCPs were identified. Results revealed that HCPs experienced a lot of challenges. Some of these were brought by the rapid changes in their environment as HCPs. Moreover, there was lack of comprehensive strategies that made them unprepared along with a lack of human and material resources. Furthermore, they experienced physical fatigue because of overwhelming workload, anxiety, fear and discrimination that led to depression. Despite these difficulties, they remain resilient because of religious coping, being true to their duty as HCPs and the support they receive from their fellows. Thus, the study recommends that protocols to ensue should centre on adequate pandemic preparedness and capacitation of HCPs.
Flood vulnerability and economic valuation of small and medium-sized enterprise owners to enhance sustainability
Authors: Isa Muzakar , Mardalis Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in supporting Indonesia’s economic growth and provide employment for people. Nevertheless, SMEs are most vulnerable when there is a flood. Small and medium sized enterprises are worse off especially after the flood, because they are relatively limited in resources and less resilient. The study aimed at identifying the vulnerability level to floods and analysing the economic valuation of flood mitigation. The population in this study were SMEs located in flood-prone areas in Klaten Regency, Central Java province, Indonesia. This research used a purposive sampling technique with 152 respondents. Data collection was carried out using a direct interview method to business actors with the help of a questionnaire. There were two analytical tools used in this research, including vulnerability index and economic valuation. The results showed that Klaten Regency is located in the upper area vulnerability category of moderate flood. The economic valuation of flood mitigation is IDR 100 000 (USD6.99) to IDR 149 999 (USD10.49). Most SMEs perceive that flood mitigation is the responsibility of the government.
A qualitative exploration of the bidding processes used in business rescue
Authors: Conradie Shaneen , Lamprecht Christiaan
Published: October 2022

Orientation: In business rescue, when pursuing the sale of the business to a third party, the business rescue practitioner (BRP) may use different bidding processes to interact with and select buyers.Research purpose: This study aimed to provide a framework to classify and describe the various bidding processes, including identifying the factors that would preserve value to the benefit of creditors and shareholders.Motivation for the study: Chapter 6 of the Companies Act is silent on the requirements regarding bidding processes. Therefore, the industry and legislator may benefit from guidance from industry experts.Research approach/design and method: Qualitative exploratory, using semi-structured interviews with 11 South African senior business rescue practitioners.Main findings: Three types of bidding processes were identified. In a sophisticated bidding process, information is communicated to buyers using a virtual data room. The second bidding process is less sophisticated; printed document packs are provided to bidders, and bids are submitted in tender boxes. Thirdly, the private bid-out process, where preferred bidders compete against each other in a closed envelope boardroom auction. The findings also revealed that deal certainty is more important in business rescue than ordinary mergers and acquisitions. Moreover, an equitable value, rather than a general market value, is often applied because of the bidding process. Lastly, the study identified a need for the pre-involvement of the BRP before a company files for business rescue, an aspect not currently allowed by the Companies Act.Practical/managerial implications: BRPs can benefit from the explication of the types and detailed steps of bidding processes. Moreover, the findings fill the void of limited guidance in the Companies Act.Contribution/value-add: The classification and description of the various bidding processes and key considerations in the context of a business rescue will assist BRPs in South Africa in preserving value under business rescue and guide the legislator in amending the Companies Act.
Low carbohydrate diet for diabetic cardiomyopathy: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kleissl-Muir Sabine , Zinn Caryn , Rasmussen Bodil , Owen Alice , Driscoll Andrea
Published: October 2022

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) promote myocardial dysfunction in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or coronary heart disease. Termed diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCM), this type of cardiomyopathy often evolves to heart failure (HF), therefore worsening outcomes for people living with T2DM. Low-fat diets (LF) have been recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease but have provided limited symptom relief.Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet compared with usual care (UC) in patients with DMCM. This study hypothesises that the LC diet will improve symptoms of HF and quality of life (QoL) in patients with DMCM.Setting: For this 16-week randomised controlled trial 80 adult patients ( 18 years of age) with T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 6.5) or IR (triglyceride glucose index value [TyG] 4.49) and HF from an outpatient HF clinic in Victoria, Australia were recruited.Methods: Participants will be randomised to a LC or a LF diet (UC) group. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of changes in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, hospital admissions, thirst distress and QoL. The secondary endpoint is a 2% change in HbA1c from baseline. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 6 and week 16.Results: This article describes a protocol for a radomised controlled trial (RCT). The results of this trial will be published at the completion of the study.Conclusion: The results from this trial will provide an insight into the future dietary management of DMCM for both patients and healthcare practitioners.
People Parks Win-Win Framework: Integrating components that can influence people-park relationships
Authors: Queiros Dorothy R.
Published: October 2022

Protected areas are often surrounded by impoverished communities. Biodiversity must be conserved while improving community well-being. Greater insight is required into what influences pro-conservation attitudes and behaviour in these communities. Much appears to rest on the relationships between protected area staff and local communities surrounding the parks, yet there is limited understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions and how to pragmatically achieve win-win solutions. With the current lack of a multidimensional framework to enhance understanding of this complex and dynamic relationships, this research aimed to construct a comprehensive integrated framework representing the components that can influence people-park relationships. The framework was constructed via a threefold approach, namely a broader literature review, a focused study of existing schemata and primary research regarding the attitudes and behaviour of three local communities bordering three different protected areas in South Africa. The resultant People Parks Win-Win Framework consists of four layers (each with its own components): ‘External context’, ‘Stakeholders’, ‘Community beneficiation’ and ‘Outputs’. Its unique arrangement focuses on beneficiation, inclusion of more stakeholders and their characteristics, the centrality of relationships and demonstration of outputs (how preceding layers can culminate in win-wins and how pro-conservation attitudes and behaviour fit into this). A simplified framework is also provided, for stakeholders to superimpose their own characteristics, benefits, influences and beneficiation principles. This research draws on the work of others as well as primary research to produce this multidimensional framework capturing the influences on people-park relationships with a focus on achieving both community well-being and biodiversity conservation.Conservation implications: Win-wins for community well-being and biodiversity conservation are complex. Yet potential exists for tangible and intangible beneficiation, which can foster positive attitudes resulting in pro-conservation behaviour and robust reciprocate relationships between parks and neighbouring communities. To this end, the framework serves as a practical tool for protected area managers and stakeholders involved in the people-park relationships, which can be customised to particular contexts.
Knowledge, attitude and perception towards lower limb amputation amongst persons living with diabetes in rural South Africa: A qualitative study
Authors: Owolabi Eyitayo O. , Chu Kathryn M.
Published: October 2022

Background: South Africa has a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), a leading risk factor for lower limb amputation (LLA). Lower limb amputation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Lower limb amputation incidence can be mitigated through prompt identification and treatment of individuals at risk and engagement in self-management practices. Also, when LLA is inevitable, outcomes or prognosis can be improved with timely surgery.Aim: This study explored the knowledge, attitude and perception of persons living with diabetes towards LLA and its prevention.Setting: Nqamakwe, a rural community in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.Method: This was a descriptive, qualitative study involving persons living with DM, with and without LLA, and community leaders. Fifteen participants were recruited purposively and conveniently from a rural community in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data collection took place through semistructured interviews, in English and a local language, Xhosa. Interviews were transcribed and translated, and an inductive approach was used for thematic analysis.Results: A total of 15 individual interviews were conducted. Of those, 13 were persons with DM, five with LLA, including one with bilateral LLA. There was a gap in knowledge on foot self-examination as a measure of preventing LLA amongst persons with DM. The attitude of persons without LLA was mostly fearful and their fears centred around perioperative death, risk for contralateral amputation, loss of limb and independence. Consent to LLA procedure was a last resort and only when pain levels were unbearable. Family support and information on rehabilitation services and assistive devices also fostered consent to LLA surgery.Conclusion: There is a need for awareness creation and adequate health education for persons living with DM on LLA and its prevention measures, especially foot care practices. Also, health education programmes for persons living with DM in rural areas should address the various misperceptions of LLA to reduce delays.Contribution: The article revealed gaps in knowledge on LLA and its prevention among individuals living with diabetes as well as areas of concerns that may potentially delay acceptance when LLA is inevitable. Findings from our study may assist primary health care providers to determine important issues to be addressed during routine and pre-operative patient education.
Person–organisation fit, job satisfaction and intention to leave in the South African social development sector
Authors: Maloba Manare N. , Pillay-Naidoo Daphne
Published: October 2022

Background: The South African public service sector continues to lose employees due to more favourable working conditions offered by organisations in the private sector. Understanding intention to leave (ITL) can help public service mangers and leaders retain their highly skilled and high performing staff.Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the direct and indirect relationships between person–organisation fit (POF), job satisfaction (JS) and ITL in the South African social development sector (SDS).Setting: The sample used in this study was drawn from the SDS in South Africa (n = 100).Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27. Hayes PROCESS macro was used to test the mediating effect of JS in the relationship between POF and ITL.Results: Results indicated that POF shared a negative relationship with ITL, independent of the indirect relationship via JS, suggesting a partial mediation effect. The size of the indirect effect of POF on ITL, through JS, was larger than the direct effect of POF on ITL.Conclusion: The study provides support for understanding the relationships between ITL, POF and JS. The findings of this study have managerial implications as it provides insights on how to retain employees and decrease turnover intention in the South African SDS.
Rifampicin resistance and mortality in patients hospitalised with HIV-associated tuberculosis
Authors: Spies Ruan , Schutz Charlotte , Ward Amy , Balfour Avuyonke , Shey Muki , Nicol Mark , Burton Rosie , Sossen Bianca , Wilkinson Robert , Barr David , Meintjes Graeme
Published: October 2022

Background: Patients with HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are at high risk of death.Objectives: We investigated the association between rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) and mortality in a cohort of patients who were admitted to hospital at the time of TB diagnosis.Method: Adults hospitalised at Khayelitsha Hospital and diagnosed with HIV-associated TB during admission, were enrolled between 2013 and 2016. Clinical, biochemical and microbiological data were prospectively collected and participants were followed up for 12 weeks.Results: Participants with microbiologically confirmed TB (n = 482) were enrolled a median of two days (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–3 days) following admission. Fifty-three participants (11.0%) had RR-TB. Participants with rifampicin-susceptible TB (RS-TB) received appropriate treatment a median of one day (IQR: 1–2 days) following enrolment compared to three days (IQR: 1–9 days) in participants with RR-TB. Eight participants with RS-TB (1.9%) and six participants with RR-TB (11.3%) died prior to the initiation of appropriate treatment. Mortality at 12 weeks was 87/429 (20.3%) in the RS-TB group and 21/53 (39.6%) in the RR-TB group. RR-TB was a significant predictor of 12-week mortality (hazard ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–3.29; P = 0.03).Conclusion: Mortality at 12 weeks in participants with RR-TB was high compared to participants with RS-TB. Delays in the initiation of appropriate treatment and poorer regimen efficacy are proposed as contributors to higher mortality in hospitalised patients with HIV and RR-TB.
Southern African HIV Clinicians Society 2022 guideline for the management of sexually transmitted infections: Moving towards best practice
Authors: Peters Remco P.H. , Garrett Nigel , Chandiwana Nomathemba , Kularatne Ranmini , Brink Adrian J. , Cohen Karen , Gill Katherine , Chidarikire Thato , Wattrus Camilla , Nel Jeremy S. , Moosa Mahomed Y.S. , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
An exploration of factors influencing the retention of senior female employees in a financial services organisation
Authors: Hammond Lucy-Skye , Coetzee Melinde
Published: October 2022

Orientation: High turnover rates have negative repercussions for organisations, such as increases in costs related to the orientation, hiring and training of new employees. Insight into the factors that contribute to employees’ retention therefore remains a critical concern for organisations.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to gain in-depth insights into senior female employees’ views of the factors that either enable or impede their retention.Motivation for the study: Presently, there seems to be a dearth of retention studies among women in the financial services sector.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative approach was utilised to obtain semi-structured interview data from a purposive sample of senior female employees in a South African financial services organisation. The Atlas.tiTM Version 8 data analysis programme assisted in inductively eliciting the higher-order themes that emerged from the interviews.Main findings: The qualitative thematic data analysis revealed rich insight into (1) senior female employees’ employment experiences in the organisation; (2) the objective and subjective factors that enable their retention and (3) the objective and subjective factors that impede their retention.Practical/managerial implications: The findings highlighted formalised consistency in the application of human resource policies and procedures, fair, competitive compensation and benefits, training and development, managerial support, opportunities for career development, as well as work–life balance in workload and deadlines as core factors to address in a retention strategy.Contribution/value-add: The insights gained regarding female staff members’ parameters for their retention may inform retention practices and prevent staff turnover among valuable talents.
A framework for the labour market integration of female accompanying spouses in South Africa
Authors: Zinatsa Farirai , Saurombe Musawenkosi D.
Published: October 2022

Orientation: The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda highlights that migration is key to inclusive growth and economic development. For economic development to be realised, the full integration of skilled migrants into the labour market is essential.Research purpose: This research aimed at exploring the labour market experiences and self-initiated strategies of accompanying spouses, also referred to as tied migrants, in their attempt to achieve labour market integration (LMI) in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Skilled migration of tied migrants remains understudied in the Global South context. Thus, this study sought to fill this gap.Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative research approach to interrogate the experiences of accompanying spouses in South Africa. Thirteen one-on-one interviews were conducted, each lasting for 1.5 h on average. Thematic analysis was applied to the data.Main findings: Self-initiated strategies that reflect agency and a pushback on governing technologies by accompanying spouses can facilitate integration into the South African labour market. However, these strategies do not guarantee full LMI. The broad exclusionary context, premised on ethnicised rationalities that characterise the South African labour market, makes full LMI difficult to achieve, particularly in the absence of support for integration.Practical/managerial implications: This study makes practical contributions by making policy recommendations which consider the global agenda for women, especially concerning gender equality and empowerment.Contribution/value-add: Skilled migration in the global south remains significantly under-researched and there is evidence of significant gaps in literature particularly pertaining to migration by skilled women migrants. This research contributes to bridging this gap.
Bibliometric visualisation of industrial and organisational psychology during COVID-19 pandemic: Insight for future research
Authors: Fatuhrahmah Ufi , Widiana Herlina Siwi
Published: October 2022

Orientation: Industrial and organisational psychology (IOP) researchers have shown their contribution to solving COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace through the enormous number of studies.Research purpose: This study intended to map IOP research related to the COVID-19 crisis to provide the research issues that have emerged and potential for future research.Motivation for the study: All the IOP levels (worker, team and organisation) were impacted by COVID-19, and they continuously change. Researchers must be careful in directing their research and avoid focusing on certain levels or problems.Research approach/design and method: A bibliometric visualisation analysis method was adopted in this study.Main findings: The bibliometric results showed that the prominent keywords in IOP research-related COVID-19 are ‘human(s)’, ‘COVID-19’, keywords related to subject characteristics and mental health. Six clusters on the map showed the prominent themes: mental health, health care workers as the research subject, specific workplace issues, digital technology, methodologies used, and country. Furthermore, in every cluster, the depth overview of study results is presented. The top issues were at the worker-level, while the organisational-level issues gained limited attention.Practical/managerial implications: For practitioners and managers, this study provides a complete picture of emerging issues during COVID-19 crisis ranging from causes, risk factors and solutions. For researchers, this study can provide insight for further research.Contribution/value-add: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the IOP issues related-COVID-19 that will be beneficial as the basis for policymaking and recommendations for future potential areas.
The necessity of bilateral staging bone marrow examinations for paediatric solid tumours
Authors: Van Marle Anne-Cecilia , Coetzee Ilse , Britz Wynand , Eichbauer Jade , Smith Marguerité , Van Gend Marli , Van der Westhuizen Helen , Vorster Rièlle , Haupt Leriska
Published: October 2022

Background: Bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsies (BMATs) form an important part of staging to detect bone marrow metastases of both haematological and nonhaematological neoplasms.Aim: The study’s primary aim was to determine whether it is necessary to perform bilateral BMATs on paediatric cancer patients as opposed to unilateral BMATs for the staging of solid tumours.Setting: The Paediatric Oncology Unit at Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH) in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed using laboratory reports from 01 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. Data were collected and reported on regarding the total number of staging BMATs performed, the average length of the trephine biopsies, the number of BMATs used for primary diagnosis, the number of bone marrow specimens where metastases were detected (left, right or both), the type of primary cancer and demographic information.Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were included for interpretation. Bone marrow metastases were detected in 28 patients, of which five patients had discrepant left and right results. These five cases included nephroblastoma (n = 2), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 2) and a germ cell tumour (n = 1).Conclusion: Discrepant results were found in five cases (n = 28; 17.8%). Ultimately, the clinical implication of incorrectly staging solid tumours outweighs the small risks and discomfort of a bilateral bone marrow biopsy.
Measurement of hand grip strength: A cross-sectional study of two dynamometry devices
Authors: Lupton-Smith Alison , Fourie Kyla , Mazinyo Anele , Mokone Molebogeng , Nxaba Siwelile , Morrow Brenda
Published: October 2022

Background: Grip strength has been identified as an important indicator of health status and predictor of clinical outcomes. The gold standard for measuring grip strength is the JAMAR® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Less expensive dynamometers are available but have not been validated within a hospital setting.Objectives: To validate the Camry Digital Handgrip Dynamometer (Model EH101) against the validated JAMAR® Dynamometer (Model J00105) in a hospital population.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with a randomised single-blind cross-over component was conducted on consenting adult patients admitted to general hospital wards. The best of three measurements taken using the dominant hand was used for analysis.Results: Fifty-one participants (median [interquartile range] age 42 [30–58] years; n = 27 [52.9%] female) were included. The mean difference between the Jamar® and Camry measurements was 1.9 kg ± 3.6 kg (t-value 0.9; p = 0.4). There was a strong positive correlation between the Jamar® and the Camry devices (R = 0.94; r² = 0.88; p 0.0001). Excellent agreement was found between Jamar® and Camry measurements (interclass correlational coefficient 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p 0.0001). Hand dominance significantly affected the agreement between devices (p = 0.002).Conclusions: The Camry Digital Handgrip Dynamometer is a valid tool for assessing grip strength in hospitalised adult patients.Clinical implications: The Camry Digital Handgrip Dynamometer could be used as an inexpensive tool to measure grip strength.
Diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of deep organ tumours
Authors: Bondera Tichayedza , Schubert Pawel , Van Zyl Anel , Pitcher Richard , Bagadia Asif
Published: October 2022

Background: Paediatric tumour cytological diagnosis by image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has not gained wide acceptance despite increasing publications advocating the procedure.Objective: The primary aim was an audit of the diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE at a single institution. Evaluation of safety was a secondary aim.Method: Details of consecutive cases of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE for suspected non-benign deep-seated lesions performed from 01 January 2014 to 30 April 2020 were retrieved from the institutional radiology and laboratory databases. Diagnostic yield and accuracy were evaluated using clinico-pathological-radiological correlation and/or subsequent histological specimen diagnosis correlation. Complications and the frequency of key radiological features potentially affecting yield and accuracy were described.Results: Of 65 cases retrieved, cytology showed malignancy in 52, benign features in five and one indeterminate diagnosis; seven samples were insufficient for cytological assessment. Of the 65 cases, 58 had subsequent formal histological diagnosis. The overall diagnostic yield was 98.5%, with 94.5% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, 75.0% negative predictive value and 95.3% diagnostic accuracy. All cases (n = 26) demonstrating restricted diffusion on MRI yielded adequate samples and cyto-histopathological correlation.Conclusion: Paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE has a relatively high diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy in the diagnosis of deep-seated tumours. The relatively low negative predictive value may reflect insufficient samples obtained from cystic and/or benign lesions. Sampling from areas of restricted MRI diffusion may enhance diagnostic yield.
Radiation induced cataracts in interventionalists occupationally exposed to ionising radiation
Authors: Rose André , Rae William I.D. , Sweetlove Margaret A. , Ngetu Lumko , Benadjaoud Mohamed A. , Marais Wayne
Published: October 2022

Background: Occupational exposure to ionising radiation may have detrimental health effects. Longer and more complex fluoroscopic procedures have placed interventionalists at increased occupational health risks especially for developing cataracts in the radiosensitive lenses of the eyes.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational related cataracts and describe the risk factors for cataracts in occupationally exposed interventionalists compared with unexposed doctors.Method: A cross-sectional study using multiple methods. A survey was conducted. The radiation workload was determined based on a self-administered questionnaire and dose area product values determined in previous studies. Both groups had slit lamp examinations. The data were analysed analytically using R software version 9.3.Results: The study included 98 interventionalists. The combined prevalence of posterior sub-capsular (PSC) and cortical cataracts was 18.8% in the exposed and 13.9% in the unexposed group. The prevalence of PSC cataracts in the exposed group was 5.9% and 2.8% in the unexposed group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58; 8.61). Posterior sub-capsular cataracts were more common in the left eye. The increase in cataracts was not statistically significant in the exposed group but is of clinical significance.Conclusion: The findings are important as they highlight the need for greater vigilance for protecting the radiation healthcare workforce in a developing country setting.Contribution: The research is the first of its kind in South Africa and Africa and contributes to determining the prevalence in this highly skilled and occupationally vulnerable group.
Editorial: Theologia Viatorum
Authors: Moripe Simon
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
Transformasie in die diverse Afrikanergemeenskap in die postapartheidera: Vier gevallestudies
Authors: Van Rooyen Almarie , Van der Merwe Johan M. , Van Wyk Tanya
Published: October 2022

Transformation in the diverse Afrikaner society in the postapartheid era: Four case studies. Since the end of apartheid in South Africa, Afrikaner people have been faced with disentangling their culture from Afrikaner nationalism. This article argues that the transformation of the Afrikaner people, or the lack thereof, will influence the future and place of Afrikaners in postapartheid South Africa. This article investigates the transformation within the Afrikaner community, considering four case studies: The aftermath of the death of Matlhomola Moshoeu in Coligny, the aftermath of Brendin Horner’s death near Paul Roux, in the court at Senekal, the inequality in SA highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the organisation and movement called Betereinders. Unresolved racial tension was a driving force in Coligny and Senekal. In Coligny, Afrikaner individuals and other community members helped to transform the destruction left by the protests and addressed some burning issues of inequality. In the Senekal protest, some Afrikaners were responsible for most of the destruction. None of the big Afrikaner organisations or churches openly condemned these actions. The pandemic exposed how little economic transformation actually happened on ground level. The Betereinders movement is driven by Afrikaners who believe in a better future for all South Africans. They act, are hands-on, and won’t give up. Unwillingness to face the postapartheid SA and turning a blind eye, have prevented Afrikaners from being part of transformational efforts. However, Afrikaners can, with intentional effort, disentangle their culture from Afrikaner nationalism and are capable of being part of the transformation needed in SA.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The interdisciplinary implications of this article involved the subjects of church history, general history, and a dogmatic approach.
Deploying the theology of maggots on the excess manna (Ex 16:20) in the fight against corruption in Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Collins I. , Eze Uchenna V.
Published: October 2022

Corruption has undoubtedly become a familiar concept that has almost paralysed the whole gamut of our private and cooperative lives. The rate at which it occurs is described as unprecedented. There is no gainsaying that corruption is one of the severest social threats to society, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. In this article, the authors appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian government in curbing corruption but note the prevalence of this menace despite all efforts. The authors wish to provide a model with which the trend of corruption can be reduced to the barest minimum, if not entirely eradicated. This model was styled out of the theology of maggots on the excess manna amassed by some misguided Israelites during their wilderness journey into the promised land in Exodus 16:20. The method adopted was a secondary method of data collection, which was a library source. Also, as this was a biblical study, hermeneutical tools were employed to interpret the concepts and analyse the text properly. It was discovered that corrupt people are not people in need; rather, they are driven by greed. In addition, the authors discovered that when this model was employed, corruption was reduced drastically, at least within the period of the wilderness journey of the Israelites. This model comes from a biblical background and will go a long way in redirecting the Nigerian populace towards shunning corruption and the people perpetrating it. This is because a great percentage of the Nigerian population adheres to this biblical faith or religion.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article contributes to theology and ethics. It investigates the pericope found in Exodus 16:20 and directly deploys its approach in solving the menace of corruption bedevilling Nigerian society. The article is apt because the pericope of Exodus 16:20 provides a lucid response to the problem of corruption.
ADAMTS13 levels in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Kingsley Akaba , Ofonime Essien , Edakabasi Akaba
Published: October 2022

Background

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hypercoaguable state characterized by a significant alternation in haemostatic parameters which may predispose to increased risk of vas-occlusive crisis (VOC). The role of ADAMTS13 in the pathogenesis of VOC has not been fully investigated in our environment.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of ADAMTS13 in SCD subject in Calabar and to determine their role in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusive crisis.

Materials and methods

This is a comparative study carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar. In all, 60 SCA patients were evaluated in VOC and steady states well are 50 apparently healthy controls. ADAMTS13 Ag was evaluated using Assaypro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits with LOT Nos 04222167 R. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Chicago software version 21. The study was approved by the UCTH Institution Ethical Review Board.

Results

The mean ages of the SCA subjects and controls were 23.5 + 7.2 yrs and 26.5 + 5.6 years respectively (P=0.706). There were 23 (38.3%) males in the SCA group and 21 (42.0%) females in the controls. There was no significant difference in their sex distribution (P=0.063). The mean (SD) of ADAMTS13 in VOC, steady-state, and controls were 0.61 + 0.10 ug/l, 0.44 + 0.06 ug/l, and 0.62 + 0.10 ug/l respectively. ADAMTS13 levels did not differ significantly across the groups (P=0.270).

Conclusion

ADAMTS13 level is not elevated both in steady-state and vaso-occlusive crisis