<p>HIV/AIDS is the largest and most serious global epidemic in the recent times. To date, the epidemic has affected approximately 40 million people (range 33 &ndash / 46 million) of whom 67%, that is, an estimated 27 million people are in the Sub Saharan Africa. The Sub Saharan Africa is also reported to have the highest regional prevalence of 7.2% compared to an average of 2% in other regions. A medical cure for HIV/AIDS remains elusive but use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in improvement of quality and quantity of life as evidenced by the reduction of mortality and morbidity associated with the infection, hence longer and good quality life for HIV/AIDS patients on ART.</p>

The purpose of this study is to examine in detail how a computer education teacher utilizes an online learning environment. The study tries to explore how a computer education teacher uses information technologies in classroom instruction, which methods s/he uses during integration process of the online learning environment, how s/he solves the problems s/he faced and his/her expectations from an online learning environment. Furthermore, based on the experiences of the computer education teacher use of online learning environments by other subject area teachers were pursued. In this study, within the framework of qualitative research paradigm a case study was conducted in the form of action research. Qualitative research methods were used. A computer education teacher formed the participant of the study with attributes of matching with the purpose and according to predetermined criteria. Results revealed that the teacher used the online learning environment to support his instruction. Implementation section of the online learning environment was preferred mostly. Use of online learning environment enabled the teacher to spare much time for dealing with students individually, providing other information source, and increasing students&rsquo / interest. The teacher utilized the online learning environment for preparing and supporting instruction: Preparing and providing alternative examples, supporting the evaluation process, and assigning homework. Integration of online learning environment is affected by content of lesson, content provided by the environment, and learning materials. The teacher perceived that his students became aware of responsibility of their own learning, become aware of information can be reached from other sources and were much active and participating more to the lessons. The computer teacher perceived that other subject teachers needed technical support, showed lack of access to technology resources, and lack of learning materials to enhance their classroom instruction with technology.

<p>HIV/AIDS is the largest and most serious global epidemic in the recent times. To date, the epidemic has affected approximately 40 million people (range 33 &ndash / 46 million) of whom 67%, that is, an estimated 27 million people are in the Sub Saharan Africa. The Sub Saharan Africa is also reported to have the highest regional prevalence of 7.2% compared to an average of 2% in other regions. A medical cure for HIV/AIDS remains elusive but use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in improvement of quality and quantity of life as evidenced by the reduction of mortality and morbidity associated with the infection, hence longer and good quality life for HIV/AIDS patients on ART.</p>

The past centuries have been marked with massive land conversions from one land use category, usually natural vegetation, to another. The forces that drive these land use changes are complex and poorly understood. However, the study of land has been revolutionised by the introduction of spatial tools such as remote sensing and GIS that automate these complex issues and assist in the solutions of these geographic problems. Land use identification and classification techniques were used in conjunction with GIS to consistently and accurately extract and incorporate land use data from a series of remotely sensed images of Richards Bay Mineral's Zulti South Mineral lease. Eight land use types from Zulti South were identified and mapped from six different remotely sensed images taken at different time periods between the 21 st of September 1990 and the 1st of June 2001. This mapping technique was shown to have an accuracy of 87.6%. The data collated from this study enabled the monitoring and representation of the temporal and spatial differences in land use within a GIS. From the analysis carried in the GIS the land use dynamics within the lease could be quantified and modelled. The time series of the land use datasets indicated how much of the landscape is changing, what changes have occurred and where these changes are taking place. Accurate and timely mapping of land use provides vital information on the state of the mineral lease area and its environment, and facilitates the development of spatial trends from which predictions of land use and land use change can be made. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Magister Public Health - MPH / HIV/AIDS is the largest and most serious global epidemic in the recent times. To date, the epidemic has affected approximately 40 million people (range 33 - 46 million) of whom 67%, that is, an estimated 27 million people are in the Sub Saharan Africa. The Sub Saharan Africa is also reported to have the highest regional prevalence of 7.2% compared to an average of 2% in other regions. A medical cure for HIV/AIDS remains elusive but use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in improvement of quality and quantity of life as evidenced by the reduction of mortality and morbidity associated with the infection, hence longer and good quality life for HIV/AIDS patients on ART. / South Africa

Magister Public Health - MPH / Ensuring that routine health information systems provide good quality information for informed decision making and planning in health systems remain a major priority in several countries and health systems. The lack of use of health information or use of poor quality data in health care and systems results in inadequate assessments and evaluation of health care and result in weak and poorly functioning health systems. The Nigerian health system like in many developing countries has challenges with the building blocks of the health system with a weak Health Information System. Although the quality of data in the Nigerian routine health information system has been deemed poor in some reports and studies, there is little research based evidence of the current state of data quality in the country as well as factors that may influence data quality in routine health information systems. This study explored the data quality of routine health information generated from health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria, providing the state of data quality of the routine health information. This study was a cross sectional descriptive study taking a retrospective look at paper based and electronic data records in the National Health Management Information System in Nigeria. A mixed methodology approaches with quantitative to assess the quality of data within the health information system and qualitative methods to identify factors influencing the quality of health information at the health facilities in the district. Assessment of the quality of information was done using a structured evaluation tool looking at completeness, accuracy and consistency of routine health statistics generated at these health facilities. A multistage sampling method was used in the quantitative component of the research. For the qualitative component of the research, purposive sampling was done to select respondents from each health facility to describe the factors influencing data quality. The study found incomplete and inaccurate data in facility paper summaries as well as in the electronic databases storing aggregate information from the facility data.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand, 2016. / Information literacy is fundamental for lifelong learning, especially for the teaching profession, where information is critical for imparting knowledge to students who are expected to be creative, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. The study investigates the information literacy skills and personal abilities of secondary school teachers in Lagos, Nigeria and Durban, South Africa. The following research questions and hypotheses were pursued in the study: the teachers’ perceptions about the need for information literacy; the purposes for which they need information; the types of information resource they access for teaching purposes; the frequency of use of information resources; the search strategies employed in using online information resources; the level of teachers’ information self-concept; and metacognitive abilities employed in using information resources. The study also embarks on an analytical evaluation of information literacy in the contexts of the two cities of Lagos and Durban. A proposed conceptual model was also suggested to ensure the information literacy of teachers in secondary schools. The study was guided by null hypotheses and tested at a 0.05 level of significance, to ascertain whether there were any significant differences in teachers’ perceptions of the need for information literacy, and also whether there was any significant difference in the information literacy, frequency of use of information, information search strategy, and metacognitive abilities of teachers in Lagos and Durban. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm combining both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies largely through multi case study research design. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis that included a literature review. The target population was secondary school teachers in Lagos and Durban. The sample for the research was drawn from teachers in government secondary schools in Lagos and Durban. Lagos State has 20 local governments, and at the time of the research a total teacher population of 8 329. Durban is divided into four Circuits representing 16 wards. Excluding primary schools, independent schools and combined secondary schools, there are 41 secondary schools and 4 887 teachers. Face and content validity was achieved through the verification of and response to the research instruments by academics in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand. Dependability of the research instruments was achieved through a pilot survey that tested the instruments among 57 teacher-librarians at the University of Zululand. In addition, Cronbach alpha technique was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. The data collected for this research were subjected to reliability coefficient tests variable by variable. The outcome shows that the overall reliability coefficient, when all the items in the questionnaire were taken together, was .801 (r =.801). Therefore all the items in the questionnaire were found to be reliable, and hence the questionnaire was reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Interviews and observation were also used as instruments of data collection to triangulate and validate the research results obtained by the questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used in the first instance to purposively select samples from the two cities of Lagos and Durban in order to make comparisons. The second stage involved stratified random sampling, and the third stage applied simple random sampling. A sample of six local governments was selected from 20 in Lagos State, and referred to as primary sampling units (PSUs). Lagos State was divided into six educational districts (EDs). The first stage sampling involved selecting one local government out of three or four in each ED. The second stage sampling comprised a few secondary schools selected at random from all the schools in selected local governments, and the third stage was a selection of some teachers from all the teachers in the selected secondary schools. The selected local secondary schools were called secondary sampling units (SSUs). All the responding units in each SSU, i.e. the teachers, were given the questionnaires to fill in. Triangulation of three data gathering instruments enabled convergence measurement for confidence in the outcome of the research. Content analysis of the contextual setting relating to the information literacy environment in Nigeria and South Africa was done. The respondents were drawn from secondary school teachers in Lagos and Durban, with 368 valid questionnaires returned with useful responses, 193 (52.4%) in Lagos and 175 (47.6) in Durban. Eight librarians were also interviewed to validate the responses from the questionnaires, four in Lagos and four in Durban. The theoretical underpinning of this research was based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), which helps in understanding human-machine interface (HMI) through perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). The rationale for TAM is to present a foundation for ascertaining the impact of external variables on internal beliefs, personal abilities, attitude, mind-set and intention in attaining information literacy (IL) skills. This study evaluated the TAM’s main variables for information literacy acquisition such as perceived usefulness (the intention to use, user training, computer experience, system quality) and perceived ease of use (computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, ease of use, internet self-efficacy, efficacy of library use, computer anxiety, information anxiety, perceived enjoyment and objective usability, behaviour and intention). The study also contextualises the TAM by analysing and explaining how the variables are applied in relationship to IL among school teachers. The outcome provided a deeper understanding of how TAM applies to information communication and technology for development (ICT4D) in general and IL research in particular. The study revealed that teachers in Durban had a higher level of perception of the need for information literacy than their counterparts in Lagos. The inference from the study showed that teachers in the countries of study need information on a regular basis mainly for the purposes of teaching, and administrative and professional development. The study also showed that electronic information resources were infrequently used by the teachers. Regardless of government regulation stating the qualifications of school librarians, many of those employed in the two cities were not professionally qualified librarians. The study shows a significant level of decline in information literacy in relation to the ages of teachers. Younger teachers tend to possess a higher level of information literacy than their older colleagues, which makes in-service training imperative. Female teachers are significantly more information literate than their male counterparts. Many of the school libraries seem to have been afterthoughts, and the specifications for library building and planning were not observed as itemised by IFLA library building guidelines. The library environments showed that most of the facilities were not specifically built for the teachers, in terms of space and furniture. Interaction and collaboration between teachers and librarians is limited. The information in the literature review, and contextualisation of information literacy in Nigeria and South Africa present new insights. The study recommended that continuous training for teachers in information literacy is essential. School authorities should establish relationships between teachers and librarians, and employ qualified librarians capable of competently handling modern information facilities in the school library. The quality of library facilities should be improved for better information access and services, and encourage change in teacher’s perceptions about information literacy and services. Adequate funding for school libraries is essential to acquire resources and ensure maintenance. It is also recommended that librarians should receive regular education to cope with changes in information access, usage and services required in modern libraries.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-04T18:36:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Claudia Inacio da Silva Pirolo.pdf: 635321 bytes, checksum: 351ac5eb0ea8305b3439d9fd60175448 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-06-01 / To study art under Information Science optic with objective to identify the function of information in the public art formation. For that, was made a biography study to analyze the association between art and Information Science. The following concept was used: document, information treatment about the aesthetic art by the information system, offer and the demand of cultural artistic information. An empiric study about the behavior of the public was used to get the relation the use of information about the art to understanding the conditions about the aesthetic art. So, it can spread the understanding the conditions about the aesthetic art conditions when gave by information. / Estudo da arte sob a ?tica da Ci?ncia da Informa??o com o objetivo de identificar a fun??o da informa??o na forma??o do p?blico de arte. Para isso empreendeu-se uma pesquisa bibliogr?fica com o objetivo de analisar a associa??o da Arte e da Ci?ncia da Informa??o. Recorreu-se aos seguintes conceitos: documento, tratamento informacional da obra est?tica pelos sistemas de informa??o, oferta e a demanda de informa??o art?stica-cultural. Realizou-se um estudo emp?rico sobre o comportamento do p?blico em rela??o ? usabilidade da informa??o sobre a arte para interpretar a obra est?tica. Com isso expande-se a compreens?o das condi??es de recep??o da obra est?tica quando mediada pela informa??o.

Die Arbeit zielt darauf ab, ein tieferes Verständnis darüber zu schaffen, wodurch die Verwendung von Performance-Informationen in der öffentlichen Verwaltung bestimmt wird. Ausgehend von einer Literaturrecherche zu den wichtigsten theoretischen Erklärungen für die Verwendung von Performance-Informationen wird ein Analyseraster entwickelt, anhand dessen der Grad der Informationsverwendung in der Verwaltung operationalisiert wird. Anschließend wird eine Fallstudie über die Berliner Sozialhilfeverwaltung durchgeführt. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass verschiedene Verwaltungsakteure desselben Politikbereichs heterogene Präferenzen besitzen und sich folglich auch ihre Erwartungen an Performance-Informationen unterscheiden: Da beispielsweise die Sozialämter in den Berliner Bezirken hauptsächlich im „operativen Tagesgeschäft“ involviert sind, richtet sich ihr Hauptaugenmerk auf Kennzahlen, die diese Perspektive abdecken. Demgegenüber liegt etwa auf der Landesseite das Augenmerkt der Senatsverwaltung für Finanzen mehr auf den Kosteninformationen, da hier die Steuerung über die Globalsummenzuweisung an die Bezirke erfolgt. Es lassen sich verschiedene Indizien finden, um die Verwendung dieser Daten erklären zu können. Es wird festgestellt, dass der Schwerpunkt bislang eindimensional auf den Finanzdaten liegt. Die Verwendung lässt sich vor allem durch die subjektive politische Brisanz bestimmter Daten sowie durch die Einstellung der Führungskräfte gegenüber einer performance-basierten Steuerungsphilosophie erklären. / While there is a vast number of (often prescriptive) literature on the organization of performance management systems and the potential perils and pitfalls, little is known about how performance management is actually “lived” in the context of the German public administration. This contribution sheds light on the question how performance information is used in the social welfare administration of the German capital city of Berlin. After narrowing down the most important terms and concepts, a literature review on theoretical aspects on performance information use is carried out in order to develop an analytical framework. Afterwards, performance information use is illustrated with a case study whereby a triangulation of methods (analysis of official documents and expert interviews) is applied. The findings are that first and foremost financial information is used. It depends on the administrative level (central financial administration, central social administration and administration in the city districts) which kind of performance information actually is used most often. A further result is that the variance in the use of performance information can be explained best with the factor of available knowledge – both on professional and on technical side. Due to the severe financial situation Berlin is facing and because of an overrepresentation of cost accountants with a background in business studies, a chance for policy change is seen only to a very limited extent.

This thesis describes what happens when a group of high-school students practice their ability to reflect upon their learning (metacognitive training) and then solve tasks with information collected on the Internet. The overall aim of the thesis is to make an explorative investigation to find out if exercises of metacognitive type can support the use of information for high-school students in their work with the Internet. The dissertation also aims at making clear what significance certain pre-requisites have for metacognitive training, ie if the students attend vocationally or theoretically oriented programmes and the attitude of the teacher towards metacognitive exercises. There are a number of reasons why I have chosen to investigate the field of learning and information and communication technology (ICT). The use of the Internet to search for information in school work has increased. An important reason to investigate these issues is that the use of ICT in itself doesn´t seem to mean improved learning, according to existing research. A central question to study is where the pedagogical surplus value lies in the use of the Internet in school work? In the thesis it is argued that it is not enough to provide schools with computers and Internet connections, but that something more is needed in order to achieve a development in teaching with ICT. During one year 40 students in theoretically and vocationally oriented programmes are being monitored together with their English teachers, in four different actions. The collection of data was done exploratively by interviews, logbook notes, observations and the SOLO-taxonomy. The result is accounted for in four case studies. During the action the professionalism of the teacher in creating beneficial teaching environments, by contextualizing the metacognitive exercises to things that challenge the students' internal motivation, turned out to be central. Furthermore it was shown that the students in the vocationally oriented programmes had most use of developing their reflective ability.