Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / INTRODUCTION: The renal effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes remain under-reported in African settings. The study sought to assess immunological outcomes and to compare renal function outcomes between patients exposed to TDF and unexposed patient group. METHODS: Phase 1 of the study was a retrospective case control analysis of serum creatinine data for 312 ART naïve adult patients exposed to TDF and 173 unexposed patients enrolled on ART between Dec 2006 and Jan 2011 at Roma Health Service Area in Lesotho. Sub-optimal renal function outcomes were serum creatinine clearance values <50 ml/min calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Phase 2 was based on re-sampling of the study population and analysis of CD4 counts of 516 adult naïve HIV-positive patients. Univariate logistic regression (p<0.1) and multivariate analyses (p<0.05) were performed using STATA® version 11 software. RESULTS: Overall, 153 (31.5%) patients had moderate baseline (30-60 ml/min) renal insufficiency. Renal function improved by +2 ml/min at 24 months. Almost 18% (n=312) of the patients on TDF were erroneously put on TDF. The use of TDF was a marginally significant factor (p=0.054) associated with CrCl<50 ml/min outcomes in univariate analysis but was insignificant (p=0.122) in multivariate analysis. Female gender (p=0.016), high blood pressure (p=0.009), ages over 60 (p=0.004), and underweight (p<0.001) were significantly associated with CrCl<50 ml/min outcomes. The proportion of patients who developed immunological failure in this study was low (6.8%, n=516). The mean CD4 count increased significantly after treatment (p<0.001). Baseline CD4 count below 50 cells/mm3 (p=0.049) and male gender (p=0.005) were significantly associated with sub-optimal immunological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: TDF is a weak contributing factor associated with renal impairment outcomes compared to other variables such as hypertension, older age, underweight and female gender. More research on long term effects of TDF is recommended. Baseline renal function screening should be improved to minimise leakages of patients contraindicated of TDF. Although the patients’ immunological status generally improved, males and patients with low baseline CD4 counts should be monitored closely while on ART.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical Technology)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, [2013] / Introduction: Geophagia, a subcategory of pica, is the practice of persistently and deliberately eating earthy or soil like substances. A definite cause for the practice of geophagia is yet to be established, but some theories claim that the soil holds nutritional value to the geophagist. Method: Geophagic woman in the QwaQwa area between the ages of 18 and 45 years were identified by means of a questionnaire. A test group, consisting of 48 women in the habit of consuming soil, and a control group, consisting of 35 non geophagous women, were identified. Subjects in the control group were chosen from the same household or in the same area as the test subjects. On each subject, of both the test group and the control group, the following tests were done: total serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and albumin. The results obtained were statistically analysed and compared. Biochemical results were compared with haematology results obtained by another researcher, using the same test group and control group subjects. Results: In the test group, 75% of the individuals had results indicative of iron deficiency, compared to only 26% in the control group. The haematology results also indicate anaemia in the test group, most probably brought on by iron deficiency. There was no significant difference in mineral results between the test- and control group. Thus no association could be established between soil consumption and mineral status. Conclusion: In relation to non-geophagous women, people who consume soil have a tendency toward iron deficiency. It is impossible to ascertain whether the iron deficiency caused the craving for soil, or whether the consumption of soil caused the iron deficiency. No definite association could be made between soil consumption and mineral status.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical Technology)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and also to assess the general hygiene of fresh milk in the Maseru area, Lesotho. A total of 200 milk samples (40 pasteurised and 160 raw milk samples) were used for the research. Raw milk samples were collected from the local farmers at the Dairy reception as they bring it for selling. Pasteurised milk samples were bought from different milk selling points in the Maseru area. The total aerobic plate count, total coliform count and total E. coli count for 160 raw milk samples and 40 pasteurised samples were performed to determine the quality of milk. Milk was enriched in selective broths to increase detection sensitivity and was directly plated on selective agars for direct bacterial enumeration. About 54.4% of the of the raw milk samples had total aerobic plate counts greater that 200 000 cfu/ml while 55.6% (89/160) of the raw samples had high counts of greater than 20 cfu/ml for total coliforms, and 21.9% (35/160) of the samples had higher than expected total E. coli counts. High total coliform count was detected in 17.5% (7/40) of the pasteurised milk samples and about 67.5% (27/40) of these samples exceeded the limit for total aerobic plate counts. The counts exceeded the milk standards for pasteurised milk. Phosphatase activity was detected in seven pasteurised milk samples, whereas 33 tested negative for phosphatase activity. Some pasteurised milk samples tested positive for coliform counts which exceeded the maximum limits according to national standards for pasteurised milk. However, most of the pasteurised samples (82.5%) had acceptable counts of less than 20 cfu/ml. API and PCR were used for confirmation and amplification of the isolated Listeria strains. The prevalence of Listeria was found to be (3.75%). Listeria species were found in 6 out of 200 samples tested (160 raw milk samples and 40 pasteurised milk), and were only detected in the raw milk samples. Five species belonged to Listeria monocytogenes and one was Listeria innocua. None of the Listeria was detected in the pasteurised milk samples. Serotyping was done through multiplex PCR with D1, D2, FlaA and GLT primers to determine the serovar groups of L. monocytogenes. All six isolates revealed 214 bp gene which identifies the serotypes in Lineages I or III. The genetic fingerprinting of the isolated Listeria was also determined. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) sequence-based PCR was used to generate DNA fingerprints with ERIC specific primers. On the basis of ERIC-PCR fingerprints, three different DNA patterns could be discriminated among the analysed isolates. Three L. monocytogenes isolates showed similar DNA banding patterns, while two isolates both had different profiles. A questionnaire was used to determine consumption of raw (unpasteurised) milk or pasteurised milk and its products and it was completed by 300 households from the community. Although there was no indicated prevalence of raw (unpasteurised) milk consumption from the community, participants indicated symptoms alleged to consumption of pasteurised milk and/or milk products. According to community perception some of the dairy products consumed were allegedly implicated in food poisoning illnesses experienced. Participants indicated more symptoms with both fresh and sour milk consumption than in cheese and yogurt consumption.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical Technology)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Electromagnetic fields are present wherever electricity is created. The frequency range of these electromagnetic fields is from extremely low to extremely high. The fields present in domestic areas fall within the extremely low frequency range. These fields are created by domestic electrical appliances and telecommunication. There has been much debate on the effect of exposure to these fields on human health. Research has not yet been able to prove adverse effect of these fields on human health. In fact, the benefits of magneto therapy has been recognized and used for several decades. Recently a specific electromagnetic signal has been under investigation for its ability to stimulate the immune response. This signal is produced by a patented generator, called Immunent Activator. Studies performed with the Immunent Activator signal on farm animals revealed increased feed conversion and decreased intestinal lesions of animals with intestinal infections. Most of the research was performed on fish and fowls and evidence of similar findings in mammals is lacking. In the current study, mice were exposed to the Immunent BV signal for seven days, after which immune cell counts were performed and compared to the immune cell counts of a control group of mice which received no electromagnetic exposure. It was found that the T-lymphocyte population of immune cells in the exposed group of mice was statistically significantly higher than that of the control group. The neutrophil count was statistically significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the control group. These findings revealed evidence of immune stimulation in the mice which were exposed to the Immunent Activator signal. Suggestions for further research could be made with regard to specific mechanisms of immune stimulation. The findings of this and other related studies hold benefits for the farming and health industry.

Thesis (M. Ed. (Educ. Psych.)) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / ABSTRACT The aim in doing this study was to consider what research reports about efficacious teachers and the extent of their locus of control. Teacher Efficacy and Locus of Control was evaluated as part of the teacher’s personal characteristics. Specifically, individuals with a high self-efficacy and internal locus of control believe that outcomes are a result of their own actions. Individuals possessing low self-efficacy and an external locus of control will conclude that external factors of which they had no control, such as luck, contributed to the specific outcome. Research shows that efficacious teachers are capable of changing learners’ attitudes about school, increasing their motivation to learn, and boosting academic achievement. Teachers provide school education and teacher efficiency is reflected in the teaching process and practice. Teacher effectiveness ultimately determines the success of long lasting learning in the classroom. Teachers’ successes are also displayed in learner outcomes. The role of the teacher is to teach his or her learners through interacting with them and to provide an ultimate learning climate. During this interaction, there are various factors that affect the effectiveness of the teacher. Some of these factors, amongst others, include influences of the environment, learner attitudes, the status of the teaching profession and utmost the teacher’s personal characteristics. Combined with teacher personal qualities, teaching will pursue an educational perspective for the development of such learners that will perform to societal expectations, demonstrating comprehensive academic skills for the promotion of quality education. The study ascertained the perceived levels of Teacher Efficacy and Locus of Control with regard to classroom teaching among Further Education and Training (FET) teachers in the Lejweleputswa district inclusive of the underlying reasons for the latter. As a result, this study attempted to outline the challenges facing education in South Africa today. Applied Teacher Efficacy and Locus of Control will enhance teaching and learning in our schools and; simultaneously, elevate our schools to a status of our education system in South Africa to a competitive edge internationally. This study followed a concurrent explanatory approach whereby a quantitative analysis was followed by a qualitative approach. The data was thus integrated to lend itself to reliability and validity. Various tests were done in this regard complimented by tests of normality and homoscedasticity. The analysis of results was taken on a ‘step-down’ approach where the researcher conducted Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) tests, Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, t-tests and item analysis for the purpose of further explanation. Statistical significance was substantiated by practical significance through item analysis and qualitative analysis of results. Although levels of Teacher Efficacy and Locus of Control statistically satisfied the desired outcome, item analysis indicated that extraneous variables were present, impinging on these levels. These variables, inclusive of job satisfaction, training programmes, parental involvement and leaving the teaching profession, amongst others, were discussed as part of the results of the study. Significant variations were found in the different age groups of teachers whereby the researcher in addition analysed ‘age’ as an independent variable to the study. This study recommends revisiting of essential aspects pertaining to the teacher and the educational environment that will facilitate effective functioning of the teacher workforce, complimenting levels of teacher efficacy and locus of control.

Thesis ( PhD. (Educational Management )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014? / The aim of the study was to determine the need for capacity building among student affairs practitioners with regards to student governance. As cited in the literature review chapter, minimal progress has been made in South Africa towards capacitating student affairs practitioners and this reality has led to the conception of this study. Pertinent questions were formulated and expressed for the qualitative section of the study. For the quantitative section of the study hypotheses were formulated to determine the relationship(s) between and amongst the independent variables of the study: which are male and female student affairs practitioners, senior and junior student affairs practitioners, and professionally trained and non-professionally trained practitioners. Finally, the researcher examined the views of student affairs practitioners regarding the professionalization of student affairs practice. In the light of the foregoing assertions the researcher sought to solicit views of the different student affairs practitioners on the need to professionalize student affairs practice, with special reference to student governance. The qualitative design allowed the researcher a more interactive experience with the interviewees and thereby facilitated more in-depth and meaningful responses in pursuit of the goals of the study. The phenomenological method was identified as the most suitable research method for this study. The quantitative research design allowed the researcher to specify phenomena being studied and to quantify the relationships between and within variables of the study namely: Gender (Male versus Female student affairs practitioners), Experience (Senior versus Junior student affairs practitioners), and Professional training (Professionally trained versus Non-Professionally trained student affairs practitioners) as Independent Variables (IV) and Student Governance as a Dependent Variable (DV). The research method best suited for this research design was found to be the descriptive method. This study used Sequential Exploratory Triangulation, where interviews were conducted first with a sample of convenience; and the adapted questionnaire was then administered to a wider pool of 150 student affairs practitioners conveniently sampled from the membership databases of both SAASSAP and NASDEV. The approved questionnaire was further subjected to tests of statistical validity. In this manner factor analyses was conducted by subjecting the forty two items of the questionnaire to principal component analyses using varimax rotation of one (1) criterion to extract the categories or components of the questionnaire. Twenty seven (27) items which had an Eigenvalue of above .50 were extracted and dispersed into two factors namely Personal Capability and Professional Competence. Fifteen items below the Eigenvalue of .50 were, therefore, discarded from the final questionnaire which the researcher named Student Affairs Professional Competency Scale (SAPCS). The SAPCS that was administered to the sample of 150 participants; yielded a 74,6% response rate for analysis. The results of the study supported current research that there is a need for capacity building for student affairs practitioners responsible for student governance. However, the main limitation of this study is that the findings and results are not applicable to the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, who have since become part of higher education administration, and consequently student affairs practitioners from this sector have recently been accepted as members of NASDEV. Their exclusion from this study is mainly due to the fact that the conception of this study preceded these recent developments in the sector. More inclusive research needs to be pursued in future and it is envisaged that future research in the field of student affairs in South Africa should be more representative and therefore include both qualitative and quantitative presentation.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / Newly appointed principals are facing enormous challenges as managers of their schools today. When they are first appointed, many begin their work with a lot of uncertainty, anxiety and frustration due to lack of assistance, guidance and support. As principals of schools, newly appointed principals are expected to perform to the best of their ability in order to ensure that their schools succeed and achieve the best possible results. The constant changes in education require the newly appointed principal to adapt to these changes and to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in order to implement the policies, regulations and procedures. Without proper guidance and support most newly appointed principals are unlikely to succeed. It is therefore necessary that these principals are exposed to induction and mentoring opportunities in order to capacitate them and enhance their performance and their competencies. Newly appointed principals should first be exposed to an induction programme after their arrival at work. The induction programme should subsequently be followed by a mentoring programme whereby a mentor is assigned to the newly appointed principal. The purpose of this study is to develop an induction and mentoring programme to assist newly appointed principals in selected education districts in the Free State province. The qualitative approach is used in this study as it seeks to represent reality from the perspectives of the participant, without interfering with or biasing that perspective, in their own words and using their own concepts. To analyse data for this study the researcher used coding in order to categorise data into themes. The findings of this study reveal that all the schools do not have a policy for the induction and mentoring of newly appointed principals. The study also revealed that schools did not have a formal induction and mentoring programme and as a result, there were not enough induction and mentoring opportunities for new principals in their first year as principals. It was also found that no monitoring and evaluation was done due to lack of formal programmes in the schools. It is recommended that a policy for the induction and mentoring programme be formulated in schools. Those responsible for inducting and mentoring newly appointed principals must ensure that the programme is properly managed in order for it to succeed. The induction and mentoring programme should be thoroughly planned in order to meet the needs of the newly appointed principals. Before implementing any programme it is essential that the training needs of newly appointed principals are identified. These needs should then be prioritised in relation to the needs they are intended to serve. The induction programme should have carefully formulated objectives so that the programme can address the needs of newly appointed principals appropriately. It is important therefore that this programme be monitored at all times in order to ascertain whether it is meeting the objectives of the programme. The induction and mentoring programme for newly appointed principals should be evaluated at the end in order to determine the success and impact of the programme on newly appointed principals.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Agriculture)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / ntroduction: Good quality Eucalyptus is of importance to South Africa’s pulp and paper industry. Limited land is available for forestry, therefore Eucalyptus with genotypes for good pulp and paper qualities, particularly hybrids, are bred and cloned via cuttings. Although these Eucalyptus clones keep the favourable genotypes in the population, many have difficulty with rooting. Research has shown that rhizobacteria can improve rooting. Thus, one strategy to enhance the rooting of cuttings is to use rhizobacterial preparations. The aim of this study was to characterise rhizobacterial communities of Eucalyptus hybrid and species and identify possible plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Materials and methods: Rhizospheric samples were collected from Eucalyptus hybrids and species. The rhizobacterial communities were characterised using fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DGGE fragments were further sequenced to identify rhizobacteria. Results and discussion: FAME analysis successfully achieved a broad characterisation of the Eucalyptus hybrid and species rhizobacterial communities based on their fatty acid composition. Myristic acid (C14:0) was the most abundant fatty acid. DGGE profiles gave a molecular profile of the Eucalyptus hybrid and species rhizobacterial communities based on their DNA composition. Nitrosomona eutropha was present in all samples which illustrates a nitrogen-rich environment. Adhaenbacter aquaticus was unique to the better rooting Eucalyptus hybrid GU111. Conclusion: This study provided some insight into the diversity of rhizobacterial communities of Eucalyptus hybrids and species. Possible PGPR were identified and the observation made that the nature of the soil environment changes with the aging of the associated host. These findings allow further investigation into the formulation of potential rhizobacterial preparations for rooting enhancement of Eucalyptus cuttings.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014 / In the battle to sustain and produce quality food that is safe and affordable, the limited legislative and regulatory environment continues to allow opportunities for food to become contaminated during processing. The degree of contamination distributed over the final food product (including meat products) depends upon several factors that include knowledge and behaviour of the food handlers, equipment, the hygiene habits of personnel, and the monitoring that takes place at food processing plants (including butcheries). The current study was conducted in five selected butcheries (forming 15% of the registered butcheries at the time the study was conducted) in the Mangaung Metropolitan municipal area, purposely targeting the ones registered with the municipality. The hygiene practices of meat handlers were assessed (through self-administered questionnaires) because meat is a perishable product that requires labour intensive processing for production of quality products. Thus, mishandling by food handlers may create and maintain conditions favourable to microbial contamination. Furthermore, the study assessed and characterised microbial contamination on working surfaces and utensils through swabs as well as bioluminescence instrument [Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP) Hygiena] for cleanness of the working environment. Concomitant to the above, meat handlers’ hands and aprons were also assessed for possible microbial contamination as well as their characterisation. Lastly, aerosolised microbes [through an air sampler (Surface Air System) SAS Super 90] were also collected for iv quantification and identification during working hours as airborne microbes can settle on working surfaces and/or utensils as a result of movement of workers and other related working processes. Statistical points such as correlations, standard deviations, group standard deviations as well as significant differences were captured per respective chapter where necessary. Data reported in this study is over 3 month period with two weeks intervals during sampling and thus reported as either weekly or rounds between sampling periods. The results of the current study indicate that the food safety objectives are negligibly achieved, indicating a need for proper food safety training which is audit based. On administration of a questionnaire, food handlers showed poor knowledge of food safety awareness coupled with poor attitude and behaviour in terms of food safety. The five butchery premises were further examined regarding the airborne and surface microbial loads, as well as that of the food handlers’ hands, during processing. The microbial loads in the air appeared to comply with the suggested limits at all the sampled butcheries. Microbial loads on meat contact surfaces showed levels conforming to the South African standard or guideline of 1 × 102 cfu.m-2. Total Coliforms on hands and on aprons were compared to the general microbial target value of <2.5 cfu.m-2 as suggested by literature. In this study, Matrix Laser Desorption Time of Flight Mass Spectrophotometer (MALDI-TOF MS) was found to be an accurate, rapid and cost effective method towards v identifying of foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria including yeast. Moreover, in recent years South Africa’s meat scandals have increased consumer awareness and the demand for food safety. Section 11 of the Meat Safety Act (Act no. 40 of 2000) stipulates that every abattoir must utilize an independent inspection service appointed by the department of agriculture to ensure that meat of high quality and wholesomeness is produced. However, once the meat and meat products leave the abattoir, they are under the jurisdiction of the local authorities who rely only on visual assessment as opposed to microbiological inspection in the maintenance of their hygiene and quality. Despite the high incidence of foodborne illnesses in both developed and developing countries; South African data on foodborne illness incidents is still insufficient. This could be attributed to the fact that in South Africa, legislation governing the acceptable standards of the levels of microbiota in the air and on food handlers’ hands is still inadequate. Additionally, lack of obligatory usage of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures in the meat premises poses a risk for economic productivity. In conclusion, the identification of airborne bacteria in the butcheries strongly suggests that in the planning of the existing establishments, the building layout, control of the traffic flow of personnel, the durability and imperviousness of floors, the ventilation system and the placement of the equipment were not carefully considered. This may play a role in the prevalence and proliferation of airborne microbes as the resulting establishments provide an environment conducive to the breeding of microbes. vi In regard to swabs, it was concluded that floors may present a high point of contamination possibly through aerosolization of microbial communities. Moreover, cleaning materials and hygiene practices need to be reviewed. The results of the administered questionnaire showed that food handlers should be sufficiently trained with regard to food quality management tools such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems and food safety. The evaluation of meat contact surfaces for organic soils to determine their cleanliness using the rapid ATP bioluminescence testing can be convenient for everyone involved in the food chain since visual and touch inspection cannot be conclusive enough to meet regulatory requirements in terms of microbial counts.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / The objective of this research study was to quantify the differences in average daily gain (ADG), back fat thickness (BFT), eye muscle area (EMA), fat thickness (FT) on different body parts, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body dimensions (by means of body measurements) of Dorper lambs exposed to supplemented light. For this study 120 Dorper lambs (115 ± 10 days old) weighing (29.76 ± 5.01kg) were used. The lambs were randomly divided into three homogeneous groups (20 castrated and 20 intact males). The three groups were then exposed to different levels of supplemented light at 145 lux (16h, 24h and normal photoperiod). The animals were fed ad libitum with pellets containing 9.5 MJ ME/kg DM and 12% CP in open pens. The animals were weighed every 7 days while ultrasound scanning of the EMA and the BFT was done at the beginning and the end of the 35 day trial. The ADG, FCR and feed intake (FI) were calculated at the end of the trial. Linear body measurements including shoulder height, body length and heart girth were taken at day 1 and day 35 respectively. All the animals were slaughtered at the end of the trail. The carcasses were then weighed, graded and the FT was measured with a caliper. The final results of the study showed that no significant differences between the three treatment groups (consisting of wethers and rams) in terms of body measurements, ultrasound scanning ADG and FCR could be detected. However, a significant difference was found between the wethers and the rams in the whole trial for ADG. The ADG of the rams exposed to 16 hours of supplemented light was significantly better than the normal photoperiod and the 24 hour light supplementation group.