Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Intensive lifestyle intervention in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with weight loss, significant reductions in HbA1c% and a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors. Small towns unfortunately experience a deficit of dieticians, thus limiting access to lifestyle intervention. Furthermore, a limited number of South African studies have evaluated the effect of dietary habits, anthropometric status, activity level (AL) and dietician-led medical nutrition therapy (MNT) on glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. This study thus aimed to identify the association between glycaemic control and lifestyle habits in adults with T2DM living in Thabazimbi. The role of the dietician with regard to optimal glycaemic control was also investigated with great interest. Methods: Individuals (>18 years) with T2DM who had a recent HbA1c test result and no acute infection/illness were included in the study over a 7 month recruitment period. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured, AL and dietetic contact evaluated, and dietary habits assessed by means of a structured questionnaire. Six home-measured post-prandial glucose (PPG) measurements and HbA1c% were used to evaluate glycaemic control. Results: A total of 62 (59.7% males) patients were included. The mean age was 60.13 ±10.85 years and mean T2DM disease duration was 121 ±96.56 months. Only 6.45% of participants had a normal Body Mass Index classification. Most (90.32%) participants had a substantially increased waist circumference (WC). Half of the participants had a sedentary/low AL, whilst 48.39% had an active/moderately active AL. Almost all (95%) participants indicated it was necessary for persons with DM to consult a dietician for MNT, however only 63% of participants actually consulted one. Mean dietary compliance was 74.53 ±10.93%. The average HbA1c% and PPG of participants were respectively 7.50 ±1.62% and 8.90 ±3.21mmol/l. A significant negative association (r=-0.31; p=0.02) was found between HbA1c% and percentage dietary compliance. The number of dietetic sessions completed and average PPG were also significantly [(r=0.40; p=0.001), (r=-0.34; p=0.01)] associated with percentage dietary compliance. In turn PPG had a significant positive (r=0.30; p=0.02) association with DM disease duration. Both the good HbA1c and good PPG control groups had significantly (p=0.01, p=0.04) better dietary habits than the poor HbA1c and PPG control groups. When compared to the poor PPG group, the good PPG group made significantly (p=0.04) better dietary decisions with regard to the main meal’s carbohydrate quality and quantity. Body Mass Index, WC, AL and extent of dietetic contact didn’t play a significant role in the glycaemic classification (good vs. poor) of participants. Conclusion: The longer T2DM is present, the worse PPG control becomes. Optimal dietary habits play a significant positive role in both the long- and short term glycaemic control of people with T2DM in Thabazimbi. The choice and portion size of the main meal’s carbohydrates has been identified to be the most important dietary role-player in the glycaemic control of this study population. This study also shows that if individuals with DM spend enough time with a dietician, it could potentially contribute to better dietary compliance and subsequent better glycaemic control. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Intensiewe leefstyl intervensie onder diegene met Tipe 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) word geassosieer met gewigsverlies, beduidende verlaging in HbA1c% asook ’n vermindering in verskeie kardiovaskulêre-siekte risiko faktore. Plattelandse dorpies beleef egter ’n tekort aan dieetkundiges, wat gevolglik toegang tot leefstyl intervensie beperk. Daar is ook ’n beperkte hoeveelheid Suid-Afrikaanse studies wat die impak van eetgewoontes, antropometriese status, aktiwiteitsvlak en dieetkundige-begeleide dieetterapie op glisemiese beheer in T2DM pasiënte evalueer. Die doel van die studie was dus om die verband tussen glisemiese beheer en leefstyl gewoontes in volwassenes met T2DM in Thabazimbi te bepaal. Die rol van die dieetkundige met betrekking tot optimale glisemiese beheer was ook met groot belangstelling nagevors. Metodes: Diegene (>18 jaar) met T2DM wat oor ’n onlangse HbA1c toets uitslag beskik het en nie enige akute siektes/infeksie gehad het nie, is oor ’n 7 maande werwingsperiode ingesluit. Gewig, lengte en middel-omtrek was gemeet, aktiwiteitsvlak en dieetkundig-kontak bepaal, en eetgewoontes geassesseer m.b.v. ’n gestruktueerde vraelys. Ses tuis-bepaalde na-ete bloedsuiker lesings en HbA1c% was gebruik om glisemiese beheer te evalueer. Resultate: Twee-en-sestig (59.7% mans) pasiënte het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die gemiddelde ouderdom was 60.13 ±10.85 jaar en die gemiddelde T2DM duurte 121 ±96.56 maande. Slegs 6.45% van die deelnemers het ’n gesonde Liggaam-Massa-Indeks gehad. Meeste (90.32%) deelnemers se middel-omtrek was ook ruimskoots verhoog. Die helfte van die deelnemers het ’n passiewe/lae aktiwiteitsvlak gehad, terwyl 48.39% ’n aktief/matig-aktiewe aktiwiteitsvlak gerapporteer het. Amper al (95%) die deelnemers het aangedui dat mense met T2DM ’n dieetkundige moet raadpleeg vir dieetterapie. Slegs 63% van die deelnemers het egter werklik ’n dieetkundige vir diabetes dieetterapie geraadpleeg. Gemiddelde dieet-gehoorsaamheid was 74.53 ±10.93% en die gemiddelde HbA1c % en na-ete bloedsuiker vlakke van deelnemers was onderskeidelik 7.50 ±1.62% en 8.90 ±3.21mmol/l. Daar was ’n beduidende negatiewe verband (r=-0.31; p=0.02) tussen HbA1c % en persentasie dieet-gehoorsaamheid. ’n Beduidende verband was ook tussen persentasie dieet-gehoorsaamheid en die hoeveelheid voltooide dieetterapie sessies (r=0.40; p=0.001) asook die gemiddelde na-ete bloedglukose vlak (r=-0.34; p=0.01) geïdentifiseer. Na-ete bloedglukose het ook ’n beduidende positiewe (r=0.30; p=0.02) verband met die duurte van diabetes getoon. Beide die goeie HbA1c en goeie na-ete glukose groepe het beduidend (p=0.01, p=0.04) beter eetgewoontes as die swak HbA1c en swak na-ete glukose groepe gehad. Die goeie na-ete glukose groep het veral beduidend (p=0.04) beter dieet keuses m.b.t die hoofmaal se koolhidraat kwaliteit en kwantiteit gemaak. Lengte-Massa-Indeks, middel-omtrek, aktiwiteitsvlak en die mate van dieetkundige kontak het nie ’n beduidende rol in die glisemiese klassifikasie (goed teenoor swak) van deelnemers gespeel nie. Gevolgtrekking: Na-ete bloedsuiker beheer word al hoe slegter hoe langer T2DM teenwoordig is. Optimale eetgewoontes speel ’n beduidende positiewe rol in beide die lang- en kort-termyn glisemiese beheer van mense met T2DM in Thabazimbi. Die keuse en porsie grootte van die hoofmaal se koolhidrate blyk die belangrikste dieet rolspeler in die glisemiese beheer van die studie populasie te wees. Die studie dui ook aan dat as mense met T2DM genoeg tyd saam met ’n dieetkundige deurbring, dit moontlik kan bydra tot beter dieet-gehoorsaamheid en gevolglik beter glisemiese beheer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the database system used at the South African Radiation Control Authority and compare it with RAIS (Regulatory Authority Information System). A radiation regulatory authority requires an adequate and effective data management system in order to carry out its regulatory control program efficiently and effectively. RAIS is a comprehensive system that includes all of the main functionality required to support a regulatory framework. A mixed methods approach, including a quantitative descriptive comparative evaluation research study was conducted to determine if the database system currently used by the South African Radiation Control Authority is effective as a data management tool for a regulatory body. Two analyses were conducted. Firstly, the specification records of the South African database system were compared with that of RAIS. Secondly, current database users were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Both analyses reveal that RAIS performs better than the Radiation Control database in the main areas of the regulatory framework. The study results also highlight some of the shortcomings and strengths of the Radiation Control database / Medical Informatics / M.A. (Public Health)

Introduction Run-off from Johannesburg mine dumps is a source of environmental pollution and a public health concern. This study focussed on assessing and developing remediation strategies for Manuel Street Park (MSP) that has been affected by run-off from the Princess Mine dump. Study objectives were threefold: to use a survey involving residents living around MSP to determine community use and perception of rehabilitation of the Park; to determine the impact of the addition of a preparation known as “Effective Micro-organisms” (EM®) to polluted Park soil and; to prepare a remediation plan for this Park. Methodology A qualitative survey was conducted amongst users of the park as to their use and perceptions of rehabilitation of the park and their understanding of mine-related pollution and acid mine drainage. Controlled greenhouse trials were conducted to determine optimal germination and growth of Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) in Park soil, with and without EM® or compost. A landscaper was consulted to collate research results to facilitate park rehabilitation. Results Survey participants understood the risks of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and other mine pollution and gave valuable information which assisted in understanding local issues concerning the park. Tests with soil polluted with AMD showed that it promoted seed germination while treatment of park soil with fertiliser, compost and enhanced microorganisms improved plant development and growth. Practically, it was determined that the use of EM1 at the park would be difficult because of on-going flooding of the park with contaminated water. For this reason, an improved drainage plan was suggested, along with raised walkways. Conclusion A remediation plan can be implemented on site involving installation of French drains, raised walkways, and soil remediation involving EM® / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Environmental Management Ornamental Horticulture)

CAPES / O alto nível de ruído ocupacional é um problema presente em todas as regiões do mundo. O ruído é um agente ambiental que afeta diariamente uma grande parte de trabalhadores em indústrias e geram inúmeras consequências negativas. Pesquisas sobre o ruído ocupacional e os efeitos na saúde do trabalhador são publicados, porém, a análise da percepção individual do trabalhador sobre o seu comportamento constitui ainda um tema pouco abordado. Esta pesquisa buscou avaliar a influência do nível de maturidade dos Programas de Conservação Auditiva sobre a percepção de risco pelos trabalhadores. O presente estudo avaliou cinco empresas metalúrgicas com uma amostra de 243 trabalhadores expostos a níveis de pressão sonora superiores ao nível de ação na legislação nacional 85 dB (A). Tendo como base a revisão bibliográfica, foram aplicados dois questionários para avaliação das variáveis de natureza qualitativa. O primeiro questionário foi desenvolvido e aplicado às empresas para avaliar os níveis de maturidade em programas de conservação auditiva. Posteriormente foi aplicado um questionário para o trabalhador considerando a percepção individual do risco, a percepção dos efeitos do ruído, cultura de segurança e o comportamento de risco. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente, onde foram utilizadas ferramentas de análise de confiabilidade, análise de variância – ANOVA, Teste de Tukey e estatística descritiva para relacionar os dados. Concluiu-se que os diferentes níveis de maturidade não apresentam diferenças significativas na percepção do trabalhador, entretanto, foi possível constatar um maior percepção de risco nos diferentes níveis de exposição ao ruído. / The high level of occupational noise is a problem present in all regions of the world. Noise is an environmental agent that daily affects a large number of workers in industries and generate countless negative consequences. Research on occupational noise and the health effects of the worker is published, however, the analysis of individual perception of the worker on his behavior is still a subject little addressed. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of the level of maturity of the Hearing Conservation Programs on the perception of risk by the workers. The present study evaluated five metallurgical companies with a sample of 243 workers exposed to sound pressure levels above the action level in national legislation 85 dB (A). Based on the bibliographic review, two questionnaires were used to evaluate qualitative variables. The first questionnaire was developed and applied to companies to evaluate maturity levels in auditory conservation programs. Subsequently a questionnaire was applied to the worker considering the individual perception of risk, perception of the effects of noise, safety culture and risk behavior. The data were analyzed statistically, where tools of reliability analysis, analysis of variance - ANOVA, Tukey test and descriptive statistics were used to relate the data. It was concluded that the different levels of maturity do not present significant differences in the perception of the worker, however, it was possible to verify a greater perception of risk in the different levels of exposure to noise.

The construction workforce in South Africa is one that is ageing. This is a global phenomenon and necessitates research into how the older cohort of the construction work force can be optimally engaged. Optimum worker productivity, high quality products that meet the specifications required, and high levels of occupational safety and health are integral factors in achieving a sustainable workforce. The purpose of the research was to quantify the injury rates among older construction workers as well as to determine the events leading to these injuries, the nature of the injuries and the bodily locations affected. The costs associated with these injuries were investigated to understand whether there were any discernable differences between injuries to older and younger workers. Apart from the literature review, two statistical construction injury databases were analysed. Qualitative questionnaire based interviews were designed to gather information related to older construction workers. Questionnaires were sent to construction site managers to gauge their perceptions of older construction workers. The statistical data was collected from the Western Cape region and was for the period 1998 through 2005 while the interviews and questionnaire data were collected during 2008. xv The potential benefits to industry are a consolidation of injury information relating to older construction workers. This should assist construction managers with developing policies and implementing strategies to prevent or at least minimise injuries and minimise the related costs, with the aim of more effectively utilising their older workers and ultimately achieving a more sustainable construction industry. The study found that older workers sustained less injuries in total compared with younger workers. No discernable variances occurred between younger and older workers when it came to events leading to injuries (causes) and the type/nature of injuries. It was, however, found that for the body parts affected, older workers were more prone to certain injuries. Older workers sustained less severe injuries compared with their younger counterparts but the injuries were more costly. The research findings supported the notion that older workers receive less training than younger workers.

Thesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2003 / The monitoring of pesticide contamination in surface and groundwater is an essential aspect of an assessment of the potential environmental and health impacts of widespread pesticide use. Previous research in three Western Cape farming areas found consistent (37% to 69% of samples) pesticide contamination of rural water sources. However, despite the need, monitoring of pesticides in water is not done due to lack of analytical capacity and the cost of analysis in South Africa. The Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) sampling method has been developed over the last decade as a replacement for solvent-based analyte extraction procedures. The method utilizes a short, thin, solid rod of fused silica coated with an absorbent polymer. The fibre is exposed to the pesticide contaminated water sample under vigorous agitation. The pesticide is absorbed into the polymer coating; the mass absorbed depends on the partition coefficient of the pesticide between the sample phase and the polymeric coating, the exposure time and factors such as agitation rate, the diffusivity of the analyte in water and the polymeric coating, and the volume and thickness of the coating. After absorption, the fibre is directly inserted into the Gas Chromatograph (GC) injection port for analysis. For extraction from a stirred solution a fibre will have a boundary region where the solution moves slowly near the fibre surface and faster further away until the analyte is practically perfectly mixed in the bulk solution by convection. The boundary region may be modelled as a layer of stationary solution surrounded by perfectly mixed solution.

Thesis (MTech (Surface Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007 / This thesis focuses on an educational Surface Design Intervention (SDI) for inmates. It covers the present day situation, from 2006 to 2007, in a Western Cape correctional facility, regarding the needs of a selected group of inmates. This group of 20 inmates consists of 10 HIV/Aids positive and 10 HIV/Aids negative participants. The thesis argues that there is potential to plan, design and implement an educational SDI, in a group-work situation, with these participants in order to establish the SDI as a skills-development programme and a therapeutic-intervention and income-generating resource. In addition, this research study aims to understand and interpret how the various inmate participants, in a social setting, construct the world around them and what effect and impact the SDI has on them. This intervention is facilitated by two qualified art therapists and involves the use of different art materials through which the prison inmates express and explore their thoughts, feelings and concerns in a safe, contained and supportive space. The health and wellness literature provided the conceptual scaffolding against which to frame the SDI. The literature indicated that a holistic approach to rehabilitation and instruction is vital to help inmates function optimally in daily life. Ultimately, the SDI process indicates the value of identity formation, emotional expression and ethical development. The thesis concludes that oppositional discourses present in the lives of these prisoners can, and indeed should be reconciled in order for them to achieve a positive affirmation of their status. These polarities, once bridged, offer a moderating influence on these prisoners' lives, which contribute to their wellbeing and success both inside and potentially outside of prison.

Thesis (MTech (Human Resources Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / Many people work shifts because of socio-economic considerations and for them stopping shift work is not a realistic option. Shift work can have a negative impact on the health and well being of workers. The reason for this is that in every individual's body there are many rhythms/cycles, which are designed for daytime work. When these rhythms are disrupted as in nightime work, they need time to adjust so that they may all function as one. These rhythms do not adjust instantaneously; therefore the impact on the body is negative. This in turn, leads to a reduction in performance attentiveness, as well as an increase in the risk of accidents and injuries. Most shift workers do not know how to adjust their lifestyle to minimise the negative effects of working around the clock as companies do not provide the required programmes for their well being, thus increasing the chance of suffering from stress. If this is so, then, not only will the well being of the individual or employee be disrupted, but so too will productivity, as well as the profits of the business. This therefore means that shift work could in the end diminish the economic gain it was designed to create. "A tailor-made shift system should be a compromise between the employer's goals, the wishes of employees, and ergonomic recommendations for the design of shift systems" (Knauth, 1997:21). According to Ahasan (2002:09): "Currently there is little information available in the literature that supports the effective design of shift schedules, which offer effective productivity levels, while maintaining the health and safety of shift workers", It therefore has to be realised that there is no ideal shift system, which is going to fully meet an organisations needs, as well as the well being, social and family needs of each and every single employee within the organisation. Employers and employees can work together in order to learn how to identify and control shift work hazards. Also, employees need to learn how to cope better with the demands of their work schedule. Due to the many disruptions encountered in their personal life, social life and physical well being, the existence of stressrelated illnesses is increased in shift workers. Employers may pick up signs of stress when the following factors are monitored on a regular basis, as well as investigated if and when variances occur:

Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to be one of the greatest global public health threats. Statistics of the fertility status of modern society has linked increased DM to a decrease in fertility rates. Hyperglycaemia is characteristic of DM that results in a disturbance of proteins, lipids and carbohydrate metabolism leading to an increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the case where ROS overwhelms antioxidant mechanisms, the body goes into state of oxidative stress (OS). OS plays a vital role in the progression of DM which leads to dysfunction and damage of various organs including that of the reproductive system. Os has shown to cause damage to the sperm membraneby oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) as the sperm membrane are rich in PUFA’s. This damage contributes to reduced sperm motility, concentration, morphological abnormalities and the sperms ability to fuse with the ZP of the oocyte. DM has been observed to cause testicular degeneration by interrupting sertoli cell production and maintenance thus resulting in a disturbance of the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Experimental studies have targeted more natural sources for treating DM and its complications of the reproductive system. Plants and natural dietary substances have shown to have high antioxidant contents that combat DM induced oxidative stress. This study explored the effect the Hypoxis hemerocallidea (H. hemerocallidea) supplementation on testicular and epididymal tissue, sperm motility and reproductive hormones in male wistar rats. The experiment were conducted for 6 weeks and the rats (230-260 grams) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=12 per group). Diabetes was induced in 3 of the 5 groups. The first group was the normal control group (A), second the diabetic control group (B), third was the diabetic group treated with 800mg/kg H. hemerocallidea (group C), fourth the diabetic group treated with 200mg/kg H. hemerocallidea (group D) and fifth the non-diabetic group supplemented with 800mg/kg H. hemerocallidea (group E). Blood glucose showed a significant increase in the diabetic group when compared to the normal control and treated groups. H. hemerocallidea showed improvement in sperm motility and sperm morphology more at 800mg/kg when compared to diabetic group and diabetic group treated with 200mg/kg. Body, testicular and epipidymal weights of diabetic control were significantly lower when compared to the other groups. Testicular and epididymal Malondialdehyde levels were decreased in normal control, diabetic groups treated with different doses of H. hemerocallidea and the non-diabetic group supplemented with H. hemerocallideaon comparing with the diabetic control group. Antioxidants such as Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and total Glutathione activity was observed to be dosage dependent in certin groups but most showed a significant increase when compared to the diabetic control group. The total antioxidant capacity was measured using Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); increase was observed when normal control group and treated groups were compared to the diabetic group. Testosterone and estradiol levels were also increased when the normal control group and treated groups were compared to the diabetic control group. Based on our findings it can be concluded that H. hemerocallidea supplementation can potentially be used to counteract deleterious effects of DM on the male reproductive system.

Doctorat en Sciences de la santé publique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished