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Determining immunological correlates of protection against group B streptococcus colonization in pregnant women
(2016) Kwatra, Gaurav
Introduction: Maternal recto-vaginal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the major risk factor for invasive GBS disease in newborn’s. Maternal vaccination against GBS during pregnancy may prevent or reduce subsequent recto-vaginal colonization in women, which could lower fetal/newborn exposure to GBS and contribute to reducing GBS associated infections during early infancy. In this study we determined the immunological correlates of protection against GBS colonization in black African pregnant women. Methods: We compared GBS serotype-specific serum IgG, mucosal IgG, mucosal IgA and cellular immune responses in relation to GBS rectovaginal acquisition and clearance in pregnant women from 20 to 37+ weeks of gestational age. Furthermore, we also evaluated different media for isolation of GBS from vaginal and rectal swabs. Results: The prevalence of recto-vaginal GBS colonization was 33.0%, 32.7%, 28.7% and 28.4% at 20-25 weeks, 26-30 weeks, 31-35 weeks and 37+ weeks of gestational age, respectively. The most common identified serotypes were Ia (39.2%), III (32.8%) and V (12.4%). The cumulative overall recto-vaginal acquisition rate of new serotypes during the study was 27.9%, including 11.2%, 8.2% and 4.3% for serotypes Ia, III and V, respectively. The recovery of GBS from rectal swabs was significantly higher from direct plating on chromogenic medium (p<0.0001) than from selective broth method. New-acquisition of GBS was inversely correlated with serotype-specific serum IgG concentration for serotype III (p=0.009) and OPA titer for serotype Ia and III (p<0.001 for both) at time of enrolment. Serum IgG concentration significantly associated with protection against recto-vaginal acquisition of the homotypic serotype was ≥1 μg/ml for serotype V (p=0.039), ≥3 μg/ml for serotype Ia (p=0.043) and III (p=0.023). Mucosal IgG correlated significantly with serum IgG with Rho values of 0.839, 0.621 and 0.426 (all p<0.001) for serotype Ia, III and V, respectively. The clearance of serotype-specific GBS recto-vaginal colonization during pregnancy was positively associated with presence of homotypic capsular ELISpot IFN-γ positivity for serotype III (p=0.008) Conclusion: Maternal GBS colonization could be used as end point to evaluate efficacy of GBS vaccine. A serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide based GBS vaccine able to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated capsular immune responses could confer protection against EOD by reducing the exposure of the newborn’s to GBS colonization during the peri-partum period.
Migration and Muslim identities: Malawians and Senegalese Muslims in Durban South Africa
(2017) Vawda, Shahid
This paper is about foreign African Muslims, particularly Malawian and Senegalese Muslim migrants in Durban, South Africa. Modern 21st century migration processes are a global phenomenon deeply embedded in a complex interaction of social, economic and political patterns and processes, often leading to concentrations and enclaves people in large urban centers, such as Durban, along lines of religious, ethnic or national origins. Durban itself is also a major urban area in Southern Africa with a significant Muslim population and a centre of Islamic influence reaching out across the sub-continent, and may serve as a point of attraction for African Muslim migrants. Religious identity is an important factor that is imbricated in Malawian and Senegalese Muslims attempts to search for new solutions to their problems of adaptation, integration and assimilation into a new place. A key issue addressed in this paper is whether their identities, particularly religious, ethnic and national identities, rather than the normative values, provide a set of resources to accommodate themselves and pursue their aims of being gainfully employed as entrepreneurs and workers in a different country. De Certeau's conceptual distinction between strategy and tactics is used as a framework to evaluate the way in which Malawian and Senegalese migrants use religion and associated values towards making a life for themselves in Durban.
The impact of antiretroviral therapy on symptom burden among HIV outpatients with low CD4 count in rural Uganda: nested longitudinal cohort study
(Springer Nature, 2017-07-13) Wakeham, Katie; Harding, Richard; Levin, Jonathan; Parkes-Ratanshi, Rosalind; Kamali, Anatoli; Lalloo, David G
Individuals with HIV have a high prevalence of physical and psychological symptoms throughout their disease course. Despite the clinical and public health implications of unresolved pain and symptoms, little is known about the effect of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) on these outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact on symptom burden for the year after ART initiation in individuals with a CD4 count <200 cells/uL in Uganda.
Youth protest and the 2014 national elections: The case of Zamdela Sasolberg
(Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, 2017-10) Rampedi, Mahlatse
There is a general perception that youth are apathetic to local politics and national elections. At the same time, young people are often at the forefront of protest. Both electoral politics and protest are forms of political participation; however, the relationship between the two is under-explored. In Zamdela, young people were politicised by two events: the January 2013 protest, and the formation of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in mid-2014. In addition, many youth are simply conflicted by the lack of service delivery by the ruling party and the lack of viable alternatives in elections. Using qualitative data, this article traces and thematically analyses the political attitudes of youth in Zamdela between the demarcation protest of January 2013 and the May 2014 national elections. Quantitatively, the article provides practical data describing the way in which young people engaged with the 2014 national elections, given the fluctuating perspectives throughout 2013 and 2014. Against this background the article analyses the notion of youth apathy towards politics and elections, as well as Booysen’s (2007) ‘ballot and the brick’ analysis of political engagement, protest and elections. The article demonstrates that a high proportion of young people are politically aware, participated in the protest, voted in elections, and evinced an increased likelihood of voting for parties other than the ANC.
The institution of marriage: a case study on social pressures surrounding marriage in Muslim Indian communities in Johannesburg
(Centre for the Study of Southern African Literature and Languages, 2017-11-20) Mukaddam, Fatima
There is an undoubted societal focus on marriage in many, if not all, communities. This is manifested in social media, television, almost every movie, novels, children’s storybooks, conversations and the internet in forms of online articles and blogs, which emphasize a pressure on women to get married or have a companion. This paper discusses the institution of marriage and the societal pressures surrounding matrimony amongst members of the Muslim Indian community in Johannesburg. In this paper,I illustrate that marriage is a necessary condition, especially for a Muslim Indian woman’s constructive and participatory role/identity in society. The significance of marriage can be seen to be embedded within Islamic practices. However, this dogmatic view of marriage does notexplain the pressures placed on individuals to get married. Islam advocates for fate and trust in God, therefore it can be argued these pressures are socially constructed as opposed to religiously inflicted. This article uses feminist methodological toolsand theories in an attempt to debunk the role of patriarchy in modern society. The paper is set as a case study that conducted semi-structured interviews. It concludes that unmarried women feel ‘judged’and ‘scrutinized’because of their marital status.
Edible backyards: climate change and urban food insecurity in Africa
(BioMed Central, 2018) Nkrumah, Bright
Background: Food insecurity is continuously seen as a major problem in Africa, and as a challenge confronting millions of Africa’s urban population. Although some city residents produce their own food and, therefore, are food secured, others continuously fnd it difcult to access arable land in order to keep animals or cultivate crops. Climate change, in addition, seems to worsen the food insecurity situation of the region’s urban population, especially in the face of drought and fooding waters. To this end, this study recommends that urban agriculture (UA) is well positioned to mitigate the adverse efect of climate change and improve food security. Results: The study found that the current problem posed by climate change to Africa’s urban food security is expected to worsen. Many urban populations are at risk of becoming victims of climate change through severe food supply problems caused by foods, droughts and hailstorms that afect food production in the hinterlands. African urban population has a role to play in fnding appropriate solution to sustain food security, especially through UA. Conclusion: The study concludes that African governments should endeavour to create the necessary conducive environment to encourage urban residents to engage in animal husbandry and food production.
Review of available data for a South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems SAIIAE
(Water Research Commission, 2018) Van Deventer, Heidi; Petersen, Chantel; Mbona, Namhla; Smith-Adao, Lindie; Skowno, Andrew; Nel, Jeanne L
The National Biodiversity Assessment of 2011 found freshwater ecosystems to be highly threatened and poorly protected. However, a number of studies have shown that the National Wetland Map (NWM) Version 4 represents less than 54% of wetlands mapped at a fine scale. A more comprehensive South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE) would greatly improve the assessment of wetland ecosystem types and their condition and conservation status, and is crucial for monitoring trends to inform decision making and planning. In preparation for the third National Biodiversity Assessment of 2018, a review was undertaken to identify possible data sources that could contribute to the SAIIAE. The objectives of the study were to (i) assess which type of information is available for developing a SAIIAE; and (ii) list and understand the availability of fine-scale wetland data for updating the NWM. A variety of data related to species occurrence and distribution, extent and type of inland wetlands and rivers, as well as datasets which describe regional settings of inland aquatic ecosystems, were found across a number of institutions. Fine-scale spatial data amounted to more than double the extent of inland wetlands mapped by remote sensing at a country-wide scale. Nearly 5 million ha of fine-scale data were collected from a diverse number of institutions, with the majority (73%) of these data mapped by Government (3 681 503 ha or 3% of South Africa). It is estimated that < 8% of the sub-quaternary catchments of South Africa had complete wetland data sets, primarily in the Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Western Cape Provinces. Accuracy assessment reports and confidence ratings were however not consistently available for the wetland datasets. Inland wetlands in the majority of South Africa (84%) therefore remain poorly represented. We recommend future steps to improve the SAIIAE, including improving the representation of inland wetland ecosystem types and focusing on accuracy assessment.
Epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures at two maxillofacial units in South Africa
(South African Dental Association, 2018-04) Mogajane, Brampie; Mabongo, Mzubanzi
This article compares epidemiologic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures seen in patients presenting at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) with those seen at Polokwane – Mankweng Hospital Complex (PMHC).
Does expanding fiscal space lead to improved funding of the health sector in developing countries?: lessons from Kenya, Lagos State (Nigeria) and South Africa
(Taylor & Francis, 2018-05-16) Doherty, Jane Tanya; Kirigia, Doris; Okoli, Chijioke; Chuma, Jane; Ezumah, N; Ichoku, Hyacinth; Hanson, Kara; McIntyre, Diane
This article examines whether increased tax revenue in the three territories of Kenya, Lagos State (Nigeria) and South Africa was accompanied by improved resource allocation to their public health sectors, and explores the reasons underlying the observed trends.
Talent measurement: a holistic model and routes forward
(AOSIS Publishing, 2018-07-16) Lee, Gregory
This article reviews and integrates the practice of talent measurement, including developing a model of talent measurement, rooting the practice in theory and suggesting several relatively unexplored aspects of talent measurement that may have potential for improvement or controversy. A holistic model for talent measurement is presented, including elements that have not received much prior attention such as theoretical foundations, the practicalities of including a role element, the advisability of using talent pools, the question of whether talent measures or status should be revealed to employees, the integration of talent pools with diversity or transformation imperatives, and others.
Implementation process and quality of a primary health care system improvement initiative in a decentralized context A retrospective appraisal using the quality implementation framework
(2018-09-14) Eboreime E; Eyles J; Nxumalo N
Summary Background Effective implementation processes are essential in achieving desired outcomes of health initiatives. Whereas many approaches to implementation may seem straightforward, careful advanced planning, multiple stakeholder involvements, and addressing other contextual constraints needed for quality implementation are complex. Consequently, there have been recent calls for more theory‐informed implementation science in health systems strengthening. This study applies the quality implementation framework (QIF) developed by Meyers, Durlak, and Wandersman to identify and explain observed implementation gaps in a primary health care system improvement intervention in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a retrospective process appraisal by analyzing contents of 39 policy document and 15 key informant interviews. Using the QIF, we assessed challenges in the implementation processes and quality of an improvement model across the tiers of Nigeria's decentralized health system. Results Significant process gaps were identified that may have affected subnational implementation quality. Key challenges observed include inadequate stakeholder engagements and poor fidelity to planned implementation processes. Although needs and fit assessments, organizational capacity building, and development of implementation plans at national level were relatively well carried out, these were not effective in ensuring quality and sustainability at the subnational level. Conclusions Implementing initiatives between levels of governance is more complex than within a tier. Adequate preintervention planning, understanding, and engaging the various interests across the governance spectrum are key to improving quality.
Modelling and experimental investigation of effects of moisture and operating parameters during the adsorption of Co2 onto polyaspartamide
(Springer Singapore, 2018-09-17) Yoro, Kelvin O.; Amosa, Mutiu K.; Sekoai, Patrick T.; Daramola, Michael O.
Parametric effect of moisture and influence of operating variables on the adsorption behaviour of polyaspartamide during CO2 capture was investigated in this study using experimental and modelling approach. Individual effects of operating conditions (e.g. pressure, temperature and gas flow rates) as well as the effect of moisture on the adsorption capacity of polyaspartamide were methodically investigated using Dubinin–Raduskevich model. Results from the investigations reveal that the presence of moisture in the flue gas had an incremental effect on the adsorption capacity of polyaspartamide; thereby showcasing the potential of polyaspartamide as a suitable hydrophilic material for CO2 capture in power plants. In addition, pressure, temperature and gas flow rates at 200 kPa, 403 K, and 1.5 mL/s, respectively, significantly influenced the CO2 adsorption capacity of polyaspartamide. Physisorption and chemisorption both governed the adsorption process while equilibrium studies at different temperatures showed that Langmuir isotherm could adequately describe the adsorption behaviour of the material with best fit with R2 > 0.95.
The protective role of family structure for adolescent development in sub-Saharan Africa
(Public Library of Science, 2018-10-29) Somefun, Oluwaseyi Dolapo; Odimegwu, Clifford
Several studies have focused on the risk factors associated with adolescent developmental outcomes, but the literature on the role of protective factors at the family and community level for positive adolescent development is scarce, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We hypothesize that ensuring a supportive environment for adolescents may result in delayed sexual debut for adolescents in SSA. The relationship between family structure and positive adolescent sexual behaviour, measured as delay in sexual debut, was examined using the bioecological theory framed by a risk and resilience perspective. We used nationally representative data on female and male adolescents (aged 15-17 years) from 12 countries in SSA. We modelled logistic regressions to test for associations between family structure and delayed sexual debut while controlling for other covariates in SSA. The majority (90%) of the young adults delayed sexual debut, and this delay varied by family structure. After controlling for other covariates, adolescents living with neither parent had lower odds of delaying sexual debut although results were only significant for males. Interaction terms with community socio-economic status showed an interaction between community education and males living with neither parent. Future studies must investigate the gender differentials in the relationship between family structure and delayed sexual debut among adolescents in SSA.
Magnitude and correlates of intimate partner violence against female garment workers from selected factories in Bangladesh
(Public Library of Science, 2018-11-07) Naved, Ruchira Tabassum; Mamum, Mahfuz Al; Willan, Samantha; Gibbs, Andrew; Yu, Marat; Jewkes, Rachel; Parvin, Kausar
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a huge public health, development and human rights issue worldwide. Despite the fact that working women in patriarchal contexts commonly report higher level of IPV, literature on this subject is still scanty. This paper assessed the magnitude of different types of IPV against female garment workers and identified its correlates using cross-sectional survey data collected during September-December, 2016 from 800 female garment workers randomly selected from lists provided by eight garment factories in and around Dhaka, Bangladesh. The results reveal high levels of IPV experienced by the workers (physical = 34%; sexual = 43%; economic = 35%, last 12 months). Logistic regression results were nuanced. While the worker’s ability to mobilize resources in crises reduced IPV, her savings beyond a threshold increased its likelihood. Moreover, her ownership of jewellery/ large household assets increased the likelihood of IPV. Having moderately or highly controlling husband, substance abuse by husband and his involvement in extramarital sex predicted IPV. Although the worker’s education up to 6 years or more was protective, education more than the husband increased the likelihood of IPV. Young age, having two or more children, experience of non-partner sexual violence and high acceptance of IPV increased the likelihood of IPV. Middle income group protected against IPV, while household food insecurity increased its likelihood. Work at a factory in the Export Processing Zone protected against IPV. The findings indicate that financial empowerment alone is not sufficient to protect the workers from IPV; interventions that combine gender empowerment training for workers in the context of better factory working conditions may be useful in reducing IPV; working with men is essential in this endeavour.
The pathways between female garment workers experience of violence and development of depressive symptoms
(Public Library of Science, 2018-11-15) Parvin, Kausar; Al Mamum, Mahfuz; Gibbs, Andrew; Jewkes, Rachel; Tabassum Naved, Ruchira
The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is high (54%) in Bangladesh. Moreover, female garment workers report higher rates of IPV and are also vulnerable to workplace violence (WPV). Experience of violence puts women at increased risk of developing depressive symptoms, which are related with low self-esteem, lower life satisfaction and lower productivity. To our knowledge, there has been no previous research on depression among female garment workers and its connections to IPV and WPV in Bangladesh. This paper aims to address this gap by studying the relationship of IPV, WPV and depression among female garment workers.
Does village chickenkeeping contribute to young childrens diets and growth A longitudinal observational study in rural Tanzania
(MDPI, 2018-11-19) J de Bruyn; PC Thomson; I Darnton-Hill; Brigitte Bagnol; W Maulaga; RG Alders
There is substantial current interest in linkages between livestock-keeping and human nutrition in resource-poor settings. These may include benefits of improved diet quality, through animal-source food consumption and nutritious food purchases using livestock-derived income, and hazards of infectious disease or environmental enteric dysfunction associated with exposure to livestock feces. Particular concerns center on free-roaming chickens, given their proximity to children in rural settings, but findings to date have been inconclusive. This longitudinal study of 503 households with a child under 24 months at enrolment was conducted in villages of Manyoni District, Tanzania between May 2014, and May 2016. Questionnaires encompassed demographic characteristics, assets, livestock ownership, chicken housing practices, maternal education, water and sanitation, and dietary diversity. Twice-monthly household visits provided information on chicken numbers, breastfeeding and child diarrhea, and anthropometry was collected six-monthly. Multivariable mixed model analyses evaluated associations between demographic, socioeconomic and livestock-associated variables and (a) maternal and child diets, (b) children’s height-for-age and (c) children’s diarrhea frequency. Alongside modest contributions of chicken-keeping to some improved dietary outcomes, this study importantly (and of substantial practical significance if confirmed) found no indication of a heightened risk of stunting or greater frequency of diarrhea being associated with chicken-keeping or the practice of keeping chickens within human dwellings overnight.
Integrating community health workers into the formal health system to improve performance A qualitative study on the role of onsite supervision in the South African programme
(2019) Tseng m; Grifiths f; De dadt j
Abstract Objectives To explore the role of on-site supervision in community health worker (CHW) programmes and CHW integration into the health system. We compared the functioning of CHW teams reporting to a clinic-based nurse with teams supervised by a community-based nurse. We also consider whether a junior nurse can provide adequate supervision, given the shortage of senior nurses. Design A case study approach to study six CHW teams with different configurations of supervision and location. We used a range of qualitative methods: observation of CHW and their supervisors (126 days), focus group discussions (12) and interviews (117). Setting South Africa where a national CHW programme is being implemented with on-site supervision. Participants CHWs, their supervisors, clinic managers and staff, district managers, key informants from the community and CHW clients. Results Effective supervisors supported CHWs through household visits, on-the-job training, debriefing, reviewing CHWs’ daily logs and assistance with compiling reports. CHWs led by senior nurses were motivated and performed a greater range of tasks; junior nurses in these teams could better fulfil their role. Clinic-based teams with senior supervisors were better integrated and more able to ensure continuity of care. In contrast, teams with only junior supervisors, or based in the community, had less engagement with clinic staff, and were less able to ensure necessary care for patients, resulting in lower levels of trust from clients. Conclusion Senior supervisors raised CHW skills, and successfully negotiated a place for CHWs in the health system. Collaboration with clinic staff reduced CHWs’ marginalisation and increased motivation. Despite being clinic-based, teams without senior supervisors had lower skill levels and were less integrated into the health system. This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon this work for any purpose, provided the original work is properly cited, a link to the licence is given, and indication of whether changes were made. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
An Investigation into the Factors Influencing the Purchase Intentions of Smart Wearable Technology by Students
(International Association of Online Engineering, 2019) Nkonko, E.K.; Chiliya, N; Chuchu, T; Ndoro, T
The purpose of this study was to examine the factors which influence the purchase intentions of Smart wearable technology by students in South Africa. The researchers, guided by literature developed a conceptual framework with five constructs, namely, product quality, design, price, consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. The study followed a quantitative research design. Data was collected from 416 registered students at a selected higher education institution in South Africa who were older than 18 years. Data analysis techniques comprised of structural equation modelling which focused on confirmatory factory analysis to confirm conceptual relations and causal relations between the factors. SPSS 23 and AMOS 23 software were used to perform the data analysis. The results revealed that product quality and product design had a significant positive effect on purchase intentions. Price and attitudes were found to be mediating the effect of product quality and product design on purchase intentions. The paper contributes to existing literature on the purchase intentions of Smart wearable technology. Furthermore, it provides technology organisations with adequate insight into the factors which influence the purchase of Smart wearable technology. © 2019 International Association of Online Engineering.
Genetic data and radiocarbon dating question Plovers Lake as a Middle Stone Age hominin-bearing site
(Elsevier, 2019) Lombard, Marlize; Malmstrom, Helena; Schlebusch, Carina Maria; Svensson, Emma M.; Gunther, Torsten; Coutinho, Alexandra; Edlund, Hanna; Zipfel, Bernhard; Jakobsson, Mattias
We have sampled five out of the eleven previously identified human specimens and some faunal remains from the Plovers Lake site in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, for ancient DNA. We were successful in obtaining positive results for three of the human individuals and three ‘buffalo’ teeth. Based on ages obtained for flowstone and one bovid tooth, the site was interpreted previously as a hominin-bearing Middle Stone Age site of more than 60 000 years old. Our work, however, revealed that not all the material accumulated during the Pleistocene. Instead, the sampled humans and bovids most likely represent a Bantu-speaking Iron Age population (mtDNA haplogroup L3d) and their Nguni cattle. Newly obtained radiocarbon dates confirmed that these remains are probably no older than the last 500 years bp. This study demonstrates the usefulness of inter-disciplinary investigation into the human past, and the depositional and stratigraphic complexities that researchers in the Cradle of Humankind need to contend with before interpreting their assemblages.
An Emperical Study on the Predictors of the Perceived Quality of Learning at Institutions of Higher Education 2D Model Approach
(2019) Mmatlou Matlakala; Norman Chiliya; Tinashe Chuchu; Tinashe Ndoro
The purpose of the present study was to conduct an empirical investigation into the predictors of the perceived quality of learning at institutions of higher education from the student’s perspective. The research was based on a conceptual model consisting of six proposed hypotheses. A quantitative study that utilised the survey methodology was adopted is it was imperative to obtain objective findings that would be later used for statistical purposes. In terms of selection of suit-able participants for the study, non-probability sampling, a form of convenience sampling was adopted. Perceptions of students regarding the quality of education were tested empirically. The 2 D Model approach was adopted to investigate this phenomenon. Data was collected from a total of 300 students from a selected university in South Africa. To analyse the data SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 were utilised for descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing respectively. A university’s reputation and the geographic region a student originated from were observed as having the greatest influence on those students’ perception of quality of education that a higher education institution provided.

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