EXTENDED CURRICULUM PROGRAMME EVOLUTION: A ROAD MAP TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS?

Published ArticleThe extended curriculum programme (ECP) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Bloemfontein, South Africa, consists of six different instructional programmes. These programmes have been developed for Biomedical Technology, Clinical Technology, Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Radiography and Somatology. This article provides an overview of the progress and development of the health sciences ECP at CUT as a proposed road map to academic success for a specific group of students. To obtain an objective picture of the health sciences ECP students’ success, the assessment results of all the students registered between 2007 and 2012 were retrieved and analysed retrospectively. An increase in articulation was noted from 2010 to 2012 (i.e., from 70% to 84.4%) and an average articulation percentage of 80 per cent was achieved from 2007 to 2012. These figures indicated a successful transition from the ECP to the mainstream programmes. Moreover, 58 per cent of ECP students who registered in 2007 successfully completed their national diplomas in the extended timeframe. This group also delivered three B-Tech candidates and one student registered for a master’s degree. The students’ emotional growth and personal development were also prominent, as observed by the mainstream lecturers. The support offered to students in the current ECP includes a mentorship programme with a qualified psychologist, supplemental instruction (SI) and the sponsorship of all textbooks and registration fees for the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and First Aid training

Enkele Bedenkinge oor die Vervangingsprocédé as Literêre Handgreep

In this article the author voices some objections against the so called substitution procédé as method in understanding the poetry of Breytenbach. This method was devised by Cloete and followed up by Lombard in her doctoral study and in article(s).The author is adamant that the substitution procédé is unnecessary for the understanding of Breytenbach’s poem “Klanke vir daeraad” (sounds for break of day). Furthermore; this method spurs a naive logic that actually hinders the understanding and can lead to far-fetched interpretation. In conclusion the reader is made aware of the pitfall of “reception” and that substitution actually distorts the text.</jats:p

Familiarity bias and physiological responses in contagious yawning by dogs support link to empathy

In humans, the susceptibility to yawn contagion has been theoretically and empirically related to our capacity for empathy. Because of its relevance to evolutionary biology, this phenomenon has been the focus of recent investigations in nonhuman species. In line with the empathic hypothesis, contagious yawning has been shown to correlate with the level of social attachment in several primate species. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) have also shown the ability to yawn contagiously. To date, however, the social modulation of dog contagious yawning has received contradictory support and alternative explanations (i.e., yawn as a mild distress response) could explain positive evidence. The present study aims to replicate contagious yawning in dogs and to discriminate between the two possible mediating mechanisms (i.e., empathic vs. distress related response). Twenty-five dogs observed familiar (dog’s owner) and unfamiliar human models (experimenter) acting out a yawn or control mouth movements. Concurrent physiological measures (heart rate) were additionally monitored for twenty-one of the subjects. The occurrence of yawn contagion was significantly higher during the yawning condition than during the control mouth movements. Furthermore, the dogs yawned more frequently when watching the familiar model than the unfamiliar one demonstrating that the contagiousness of yawning in dogs correlated with the level of emotional proximity. Moreover, subjects’ heart rate did not differ among conditions suggesting that the phenomenon of contagious yawning in dogs is unrelated to stressful events. Our findings are consistent with the view that contagious yawning is modulated by affective components of the behavior and may indicate that rudimentary forms of empathy could be present in domesticated dogs

Free radicals produced by the oxidation of gallic acid: An electron paramagnetic resonance study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is found in a wide variety of plants; it is extensively used in tanning, ink dyes, as well as in the manufacturing of paper. The gallate moiety is a key component of many functional phytochemicals. In this work electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR) was used to detect the free radicals generated by the air-oxidation of gallic acid.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that gallic acid produces two different radicals as a function of pH. In the pH range between 7-10, the spectrum of the gallate free radical is a doublet of triplets (a^H= 1.00 G, a^H= 0.23 G, a^H= 0.28 G). This is consistent with three hydrogens providing hyperfine splitting. However, in a more alkaline environment, pH >10, the hyperfine splitting pattern transforms into a 1:2:1 pattern (a^H(2) = 1.07 G). Using D₂O as a solvent, we demonstrate that the third hydrogen (<it>i.e</it>. a^H= 0.28 G) at lower pH is a slowly exchanging hydron, participating in hydrogen bonding with two oxygens in <it>ortho </it>position on the gallate ring. The p<it>K</it>_aof this proton has been determined to be 10.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This simple and novel approach permitted the understanding of the prototropic equilibrium of the semiquinone radicals generated by gallic acid, a ubiquitous compound, allowing new insights into its oxidation and subsequent reactions.</p

First steps towards a fast-neutron therapy planning program

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Monte Carlo code GEANT4 was used to implement first steps towards a treatment planning program for fast-neutron therapy at the FRM II research reactor in Garching, Germany. Depth dose curves were calculated inside a water phantom using measured primary neutron and simulated primary photon spectra and compared with depth dose curves measured earlier. The calculations were performed with GEANT4 in two different ways, simulating a simple box geometry and splitting this box into millions of small voxels (this was done to validate the voxelisation procedure that was also used to voxelise the human body).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In both cases, the dose distributions were very similar to those measured in the water phantom, up to a depth of 30 cm. In order to model the situation of patients treated at the FRM II MEDAPP therapy beamline for salivary gland tumors, a human voxel phantom was implemented in GEANT4 and irradiated with the implemented MEDAPP neutron and photon spectra. The 3D dose distribution calculated inside the head of the phantom was similar to the depth dose curves in the water phantom, with some differences that are explained by differences in elementary composition. The lateral dose distribution was studied at various depths. The calculated cumulative dose volume histograms for the voxel phantom show the exposure of organs at risk surrounding the tumor.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In order to minimize the dose to healthy tissue, a conformal treatment is necessary. This can only be accomplished with the help of an advanced treatment planning system like the one developed here. Although all calculations were done for absorbed dose only, any biological dose weighting can be implemented easily, to take into account the increased radiobiological effectiveness of neutrons compared to photons.</p

Efficacy of tissue brushing as measured by the prosthodontic tissue index

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of brushing the oral mucosa supporting complete dentures with a soft brush to see if this treatment would reduce inflammation. The oral mucosa health status of 60 patients was monitored for 120 days using the PTI to measure inflammation. For comparison the patients were divided into two groups, and every effort was made to balance the groups for those variables that may effect inflammation. The patients were also compared with themselves. The experiment consisted of three phases; Phase 1 established baseline data, and Phases 2 and 3 were information-gathering sessions. Each patient received brushing instructions at the start of the brushing test period and additional brushing instruction during a reinforcement session after 30 days. Tissue brushing did reduce the inflammation index of the oral mucosa examined.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/74782/1/j.1754-4505.1984.tb00150.x.pd

Aligning agri-environmental subsidies and environmental needs: A comparative analysis between the US and EU

The global recognition of modern agricultural practices' impact on the environment has fuelled policy responses to ameliorate environmental degradation in agricultural landscapes. In the US and the EU, agri-environmental subsidies (AES) promote widespread adoption of sustainable practices by compensating farmers who voluntarily implement them on working farmland. Previous studies, however, have suggested limitations of their spatial targeting, with funds not allocated towards areas of the greatest environmental need. We analysed AES in the US and EU –specifically through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and selected measures of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)– to identify if AES are going where they are most needed to achieve environmental goals, using a set of environmental need indicators, socio-economic variables moderating allocation patterns, and contextual variables describing agricultural systems. Using linear mixed models and linear models we explored the associations among AES allocation and these predictors at different scales. We found that higher AES spending was associated with areas of low soil organic carbon and high greenhouse gas emissions both in the US and EU, and nitrogen surplus in the EU. More so than successes, however, clear mismatches of funding and environmental need emerged – AES allocation did not successfully target areas of highest water stress, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and nutrient runoff. Socio-economic and agricultural context variables may explain some of these mismatches; we show that AES were allocated to areas with higher proportions of female producers in the EU but not in the US, where funds were directed towards areas with less tenant farmers. Moreover, we suggest that the potential for AES to remediate environmental issues may be curtailed by limited participation in intensive agricultural landscapes. These findings can help inform refinements to EQIP and EAFRD allocation mechanisms and identify opportunities for improving future targeting of AES spending

Self-Directed Learning

This scholarly book provides an in-depth analysis of self-directed learning (SDL) within contexts of curriculum, praxis, and scholarship. The book presents original research from multiple authors, which provides diverse perspectives and methodologies for enhancing understanding of SDL. It primarily focuses on incorporating SDL into curriculum development and emphasises the significance of scholarly research in designing effective curricula. The book explores the integration of technology in learning and adapts instructional strategies to meet the evolving demands of higher education and school environments. Inspired by constructivism, socio-constructivism and context-based learning theories, the text presents practical strategies for educators. Key topics include the implications of artificial intelligence, strategies for reducing procrastination, fostering SDL in homeschooling, enhancing SDL attributes, preparing teachers for self-direction, facilitating curriculum transformation, and incorporating indigenous knowledge. The book also covers teaching climate change education and integrating educational robotics. Self-Directed Learning: Curriculum implementation, praxis and scholarship in context is invaluable for scholars and researchers in education, providing empirical findings and practical insights to inspire further research. It aims to equip learners with 21st-century skills, preparing them for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution