Thesis (M. Education) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between parental support and self-regulated learning behaviour of grade 12 learners. The study investigated support given to self-regulated learning of grade 12 learners. It gathered both quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher adopted the QUAN-qual model, which is also known as explanatory design. In this model quantitative data are collected first and are more heavily weighted than qualitative data. The quantitative method investigated the relationship between parental support and grade 12 learners’ self-regulated learning behaviour. It also investigated how parental support contributed to learner self-regulated learning behaviour. Qualitative research design explained strategies schools used to encourage positive parental support in their children’s self-regulated learning. It also explained why parents did not offer their support to their children’s education despite the fact that the South African School Act of 1996 encouraged them to do so. The population included grade 12 teachers and learners, as well as learners’ parents from different secondary schools in the Lejweleputswa district. The researcher administered questionnaires to 118 teachers and 218 learners, while 6 parents were interviewed. Teachers and learners were handed relevant questionnaires aimed at their level of participation in the survey. For quantitative data analysis the chi-square test was employed to test whether there were relationships between the variables. The study revealed that there was statistical significant relationship between parental support and learners’ self-regulated learning behaviour. Qualitative data was analysed making use of different analytical concepts used to guide researchers in qualitative data analysis. Although learners may acquire effective self-regulated learning strategies on their own, proper guidance from parents and teachers is very crucial, especially in the early stages of learning. The study established that regular general parent’s meetings, each term, help to facilitate improved learner performance. Amongst others, the researcher recommended that schools should introduce incentive for parental involvement in school matters.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / The aim of this study was to establish factors that contribute to poor learner discipline in the primary school. Although discipline has addressed in many schools, putting it through in the classroom is always another story. To address the issue of discipline, this article examines the factors that influence poor discipline in schools, in the Free State province and sought to suggest strategies that may be implemented to improve poor discipline in schools and sustain positive nation of discipline. Questionnaires were administered to educators and information gathered from responses. Both the literature study and empirical research revealed that there were factors which negatively influenced discipline in schools. Finally, several recommendations were made to rectify the current situation.

Thesis (M. Tech.(Somatology)) - Central University of Technology, Free state, 2013 / The role of the modern woman has drastically altered within the last 20 years. Aiming to find a balance and adequate time to address both family and work demands requires fine planning and compromise, most likely leading to a woman who is overstressed, fatigued, impatient and anxious. A fatigued body, induced by stress overload, may result in an elevation in blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate. These physiological alterations may predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease and a compromised immune system. Currently, the dynamics between physiological changes within the body and the influence of aromatherapy essential oils are not well defined or researched. Limited information is available to explain the influence of aromatherapy essential oils as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on female physiological parameters, specifically blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate. The aim of the research study firstly was to evaluate the physiological alterations in the female human body in response to aromatherapy Ylang ylang essential oil, and secondly, to determine the perceptions regarding the physiological and psychological abilities of the participants upon completion of the treatment course. The outcome of this study will contribute to the scientific knowledge of aromatherapy essential oils as a CAM therapy. A single blind, experimental case-control study design was followed. This research study recruited 36 voluntary female participants from the Bloemfontein area between the ages of 20 and 45 years. The 36 participants were divided equally into group A and B. Group A commenced with the face control (carrier oil only), followed by three face experimental treatments (Ylang ylang essential oil blend). Thereafter, the back control was conducted, followed by three back experimental treatments. Similarly, group B commenced with three back experimental treatments, followed by the back control. The three face experimental treatments followed and concluded with the face control. Demographic and post-treatment questionnaires were utilised to ascertain demographic data and any perceptive physiological and psychological changes. The blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate physiological parameters were measured by utilizing the Nihon Kodhen apparatus. Physical stress indicators such as elevated pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and breathing rate increased during stress were reduced at a quicker rate in aromatherapy treatments where Ylang ylang essential oil was present. Dermal application of Ylang ylang essential oil produced more prominent improvements when applied to the back area, indicating that a larger absorption surface provides superior improvements in the physical parameters. Most participants perceived an improvement in stress levels, concentration levels, energy levels and self esteem levels. In general, it seems probable that Ylang ylang essential oil had a positive effect on stress and had a reductive effect on some of the physiological parameters. The topic of complementary and alternative therapies is a diverse one. Various opinions, whether justifiable or not, are possibly influencing the public domain which has become directed at CAM therapies as alternatives to conventional medicine. The most evident and probable shortcoming in CAM therapy research lies in the lack of scientific research and evidence. Thus, more research is required in order to contribute to this field of study by adding knowledge and provide a better understanding of the topic. This study has contributed to the knowledge of CAM therapies.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Breastfeeding is a major source of childhood nutrition and protection, but with South Africa having one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world the risk of HIV transmission from mother to infant through breastfeeding becomes a major issue. Infant mortality due to malnutrition and infections is also of great concern. Exclusive breastfeeding and giving antiretroviral drugs to the HIV-infected mother and the HIV-exposed infant is one of the most significant ways to improve infant survival rates and reduce transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Whether HIV disease progression and its metabolic impact on the mother will affect the nutrient composition of breast milk is a question that arises. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between the stage of HIV disease, as measured by the immunological markers, and the nutrient composition of breast milk. The study population consisted of 60 HIV infected female volunteers who were divided into two groups. Milk and blood samples were obtained from 30 HIV-positive women that was not on any ARV treatment and from 30 HIV-positive women that was on ARV treatment. Their HIV status and treatment regime were obtained from their files. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire. Macro-nutrients that were measured included lactose, proteins, fat, total solids and the energy content of the breast milk. This was done on the MIRIS Human milk analyser. The micro-nutrients that were measured were calcium and phosphate on the DXC 800 chemistry analyser. Blood analysis was included to determine the stage of HIV disease progression in the HIV-positive mothers and comprised of a CD4/CD8+ T cell count, viral load and a full blood count. CD4/CD8+ T cells were determined using flowcytometry on the BD FACScalibur. The COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test was used for the determination of the viral load and the full blood count was done using a Sysmex XT2000i haematology analyser. When comparing the analysed haematological variables, the white blood cells and red blood cells indicated a significant difference between the two groups. Both of the groups were anaemic. The CD3+ T cell count was higher and the CD4+ T cell count was lower than the reference range in both groups. The median CD4+ T cells and HIV-1 viral load for the HIV with treatment group was higher than the HIV-infected without treatment group. The analyzed milk data yielded no p-value of great significance, suggesting that there was no statistically significant difference recorded of the measured nutrients between mothers receiving treatment and those who did not receive any treatment for HIV. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to determine if HIV disease progression would have an influence on the nutrients that were measured. For the HIV-infected without treatment group, a significant correlation was found between the HIV-1 viral load and percentage total solids in breast milk. For the HIV-infected with treatment group the only positive correlation was between the CD4+ T cell count and the percentage total solids and energy content of the breast milk. No strong positive correlation could be established between the immunological markers of HIV disease progression and the analysed nutrients in the breast milk. Taking this into consideration, HIV-positive mothers can breastfeed their babies even if their HIV status is at a more advance phase, but the emphasis should be placed on exclusive breastfeeding and getting the needed support to breastfeed.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Thirty-one years after the discovery and isolation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by French and American scientists, much progress has been made in basic research, clinical treatment, and public heath prevention. Although, much evidence of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV has been amassed since then, not much of it describes the effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk, by studying two groups of adult lactating respondents from the same socio-economic background, who were chosen randomly and participated voluntarily. The study population consisted of 60 breastfeeding mothers, divided into two groups of 30 mothers each. Group one represented the control group of HIV non-infected mothers whereas group two consisted of HIV-infected mothers who did not receive any treatment. After a registered medical nurse took blood and breast milk samples, analysis was done on ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) whole blood to determine the haematological and immunological parameters and breast milk was analyzed for nutrient composition. Standard laboratory operating procedures (SOP) were followed, throughout, to determine the parameters of the blood and breast milk samples. Results showed that associations between the socio-economic statuses (SES) of the two respondent groups could be established. Albeit differences were not significant, some were, however, detected in the number of people contributing to the household income of the respondents (p = 0.0051), their employment status (p < 0.0001) and the availability of water sources (p = 0.1124). It is believed that factors, such as the prevalence of HIV, if related to the different levels of SES may play an important role in the outcome of the health statuses of individuals at different levels of society. By implication, it is not the different levels of SES, but rather factors related to the different levels of SES that have an impact. Significant differences could be seen in the haematological variables between the two respondent groups: Red blood cell count (RBC) (p < 0.0001), hemoglobin (Hb) levels (p = 0.0119), hematocrit (Hct) (p = 0.0031), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = 0.0005), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (p = 0.0043) and monocyte count (p = 0.0275). These differences, however, were not significant to this study. Other differences that were significant were immunological parameters between the two respondent groups: CD4 cell count (p < 0.0001) and viral load, done only on the blood of the HIV-infected respondent group. The CD4 cell count is used as a guideline for the initiation of treatment for HIV-infected persons and is required to accurately assess the immune status of any patient at any given time. The viral load has long been established as a strong predictor of the rate of disease progression. The only significant difference in the breast milk composition was reflected in the following variables between the two groups: percentage (%) proteins (p < 0.0001) and calcium levels (p = 0.0081). The median and mean values of the percentage proteins were elevated in the subject group of mothers living with HIV, while calcium levels in the same group showed a decrease in both median and mean values. The lack of significant differences between the groups might be due to the small study population. If nothing else, this study highlights the need for further trials to evaluate the true effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental health)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Introduction Dairy farms in central South Africa produce a substantial amount of milk, which is sold in Bloemfontein, Free State. Large volumes of unpasteurized (raw) milk is collected on the dairy farms, which undergoes further processing before it reaches the consumer at the end of the production line. There is a large proportion of the population that, in most cases unknowingly, consumes raw milk that has bacterial counts substantially higher than legal standards. Poor quality unpasteurized milk is either sold as fresh milk in the informal market, or as dairy products, such as cheese, manufactured from unpasteurized milk. Consumers are therefore, in most cases, unaware of the poor quality dairy products they consume. Milk quality is usually assessed in terms of bacterial content, which include Escherichia coli, coliforms and total bacterial count. The bacterial quality of milk is influenced by a number of factors, including farming practices, structural design of the milking shed, herd health and quality of water used in the dairy. If the highest level of hygiene practices is maintained, contamination of the milk by pathogenic microorganisms will be controlled, however, any drop in the vigilance of hygiene practices could result in unacceptable high levels of pathogenic microorganisms resulting in poor quality raw milk. Poor quality raw milk will inevitably result in poor quality pasteurized milk, containing unacceptably high levels of pathogenic organisms, which will eventually reach the consumer. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of milk and influencing factors of milk produced on 83 dairy farms that supply milk intended for further processing to the greater Mangaung region, Central South Africa. Influencing factors investigated included, water quality and hygiene of milk contact surfaces, namely pulsator surfaces and milk pipeline surfaces. Methods Standard sampling procedures were followed when milk was sampled from bulk milk tanks, water at the point of use in the dairy, as well as collection of surface swabs. Escherichia coli, coliforms, total bacterial counts and somatic cell counts in milk were determined in terms of the regulations relating to milk and dairy products, and for water in terms of drinking water standards. These data were analysed and the factors that directly influence bacterial quality of milk were identified. Results 93% of the dairy farms displayed E. coli in their bulk milk containers, which did not comply with the legal standard. For coliforms, 86% of the milk samples did not comply with the legal standard. The total bacterial count of 85% of the milk samples did comply with the legal standard. The somatic cell count of 42% of the milk samples did not comply with the legal standard. The pulsator surfaces as well as the milk pipeline surfaces of 13% of the dairy farms displayed the presence of E. coli. 80% of the pulsator surfaces and 78% of the milk pipeline surfaces did comply with the legal standard pertaining to coliforms. The total bacterial count of pulsator surfaces revealed that 19% complied, whereas 29% of the milk pipeline surfaces complied with the legal standard. The water data further revealed that 31% of the dairy farms contained E. coli in the water used in the dairies. 63% of the dairy farms contained more than the allowable number of coliforms in their water. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences (p > 0.05) between the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and water; the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and milk pipeline surfaces; the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and pulsator surfaces and the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and the positioning of the cows in the milking shed. When milk quality indexes were calculated for all the farms, only four farms were classified with excellent milk, the remainder were all classified as producing poor quality milk. The hygiene quality indexes revealed that the hygiene practices on all the farms were not up to standard. Discussion and conclusion The study revealed that the milk produced for commercial processing and distribution in the greater Mangaung region of central South Africa was of poor quality. It is often mistakenly believed that the pasteurization process will remove all microorganisms from milk. As this is not the case, it is of major concern that milk delivered commercially is not of acceptable quality. Furthermore, it could be concluded that the quality of milk products from raw milk were also probably not of acceptable quality. The results further revealed that the possible contributing factors to the poor quality milk produced by the 83 commercial dairy farms were; poor quality water used in dairy sheds and contaminated milk contact surfaces. From this study it could be concluded that the overall status of milk production on the 83 commercial dairy farms studied, did not meet the standards required for milk quality, water quality and hygiene practices.

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.