T-Cell Subsets Predict Mortality in Malnourished Zambian Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy.

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are creditedTo estimate the prognostic value of T-cell subsets in Zambian patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), and to assess the impact of a nutritional intervention on T-cell subsets.This work was supported by European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership grant # IP.2009.33011.004; trial foods were prepared and supplied by Nutriset, Malauney, Franc

Growth and health outcomes at school age in HIV-exposed, uninfected Zambian children: follow-up of two cohorts studied in infancy.

BACKGROUND: Early growth and health of HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children is poorer than that of their HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) counterparts but there is little information about longer term effects of early HIV exposure. We previously recruited two cohorts of HEU and HUU Zambian infants and documented the poorer infant growth and health of the HEU compared to the HUU children. We followed up HEU and HUU children from these cohorts when they were school-aged and compared their growth, health, biochemical markers of acute or chronic disease, and school grades. METHODS: We recruited 111 HEU and 279 HUU children aged 6-12 years. We measured anthropometry, determined health by questionnaire and clinical examination, viewed the child's most recent school report, and measured blood pressure, haemoglobin (Hb), HbA1c, glucose, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Anthropometric measures were lower among HEU than HUU children, significantly so for hip circumference (age- and sex-adjusted difference -1.74 cm; 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.24, -0.24; P = 0.023) and mid-upper-arm circumference (adjusted difference -0.63 cm, 95% CI -1.23, -0.04; P = 0.037) and with borderline effects for body mass index, thigh circumference and subscapular skinfolds. HEU children had significantly lower total, trunk, and limb fat percentages. All anthropometric and body composition differences became non-significant after adjustment for sociodemographic variables which differed between HEU and HUU children. More HEU than HUU children reported minor illnesses and were prescribed medication at the time of visit. There were no differences in biochemical markers between groups. HEU children had lower math grades than HUU children even after adjustment for socioeconomic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although HEU children were smaller and had lower percent fat than HUU children, this appeared to be due mainly to their poorer socioeconomic status. Reasons for lower school grades require further research

Appetite testing in HIV-infected African adults recovering from malnutrition and given antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The Nutritional Support for Africans Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (NUSTART) trial was designed to determine whether nutritional support for malnourished HIV-infected adults starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) can improve early survival. Appetite is related to health outcomes in this population, but the optimal appetite metric for field use is uncertain. We evaluated two measures of appetite with the goal of improving understanding and treatment of malnutrition in HIV-infected adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study embedded in a clinical trial of vitamin and mineral-fortified, v. unfortified, lipid-based nutritional supplements. SETTING: HIV clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania and Lusaka, Zambia. SUBJECTS: Malnourished (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) HIV-infected adults starting ART. RESULTS: Appetite measurements, by short questionnaire and by weight of maize porridge consumed in a standardized test, were compared across time and correlated with changes in weight. Appetite questionnaire scores, from polychoric correlation, and porridge test results were normally distributed for Tanzanians (n 187) but clustered and unreliable for Zambians (n 297). Among Tanzanian patients, the appetite score increased rapidly from referral for ART, plateaued at the start of ART and then increased slowly during the 12-week follow-up. Change in appetite questionnaire score, but not porridge test, correlated with weight change in the corresponding two-week intervals (P=0.002) or over the whole study (P=0.05) but a point estimate of hunger did not predict weight change (P=0.4). CONCLUSIONS: In Tanzania change in appetite score correlated with weight change, but single point measurements did not. Appetite increases several weeks after the start of ART, which may be an appropriate time for nutritional interventions for malnourished HIV-infected adults

A Practical and Theoretical Approach to Social Venturing Entrepreneurship

Research in social venturing entrepreneurship promoted by Professor Gert Van Dijk is gaining ground. The concept of social venturing entrepreneurship is not new. It is rooted in entrepreneurship as described by classical authors like Von Mises, Kirzner, Schumpter Knight and social reformer like Raiffeisen. It is anchored in new institutional and behavioral economics and exit strategy theory. A social venturing entrepreneur is a creator of effective social change in the context of economic, social and political conditions. Social venturing entrepreneur masters the skills of networking and lobbying. A social venturing entrepreneur is recognized by the social venturing and co-operative entrepreneurship business model they employ to execute their teleology. Social venturing entrepreneurship has advantages above conventional entrepreneurship as it has reintroduced the concept as entrepreneurship as a calling. They aim to empower the stakeholders for whom they setup the social venture and exit when the stakeholders are able to self-manage the enterprise. This chapter explains the commonly used concepts, ontologies, the social venturing entrepreneur’s social venturing and co-operative business model, the economic theories and conceptual framework and practical application from appreciative inquiry point of view

The role of pulp chemistry in the flotation recovery of Nchanga underground copper ore

Bibliography: leaves 87-96.Nchanga concentrator treats vanous ores mined from around Chingola namely: Nchanga open pit, Luano open pit and Underground. About 30% of the copper ore (3% TCu) treated arises from the underground mine and the rest (70%) from the open pits (1.00 - 2.90% TCu). Cobalt ore is mined from the open pit at a grade of 1.30-1.80% Cu and 0.20-0.80% Co. The copper ore is a complex mixture of sulphide and oxide minerals and processing consists of sulphide flotation followed by sulphidisation and an oxide flotation step. The work reported in this study involves that ofthe underground copper ore only

Pre-emptive Use of Force in Self-Defence Under International Law

Pre-emptive use of force in self-defence is one of the most controversial areas under International Law. States attack each other even if the attack appears more distant. The Right of self-defence can only be invoked against an armed attack. Pre-emptive use of force allows states to use coercive measures against perceived future threats. This type of self-defence is used by the states prior to an armed attack which is contrary to the UN Charter. The defending states do not follow the requirement of necessity and proportionality when using force. The Research Questions were to what extent Pre-emptive use of force under International Law is legal and to what extent Pre-emptive use of force in self-defence is stipulated under the United Nations Charter. The objectives were to examine if Pre-emptive use of force under International Law is Legal and to examine if Pre-emptive Use of force in self-defence is stipulated under the United Charter. The study findings based on Primary Data have shown that Pre-emptive use of force in self-defence is not legal under the UN Charter 1945. Also, it was found that Pre-emptive use of force in self-defence under international Law is not stipulated anywhere in the United National Charter of 1945. Also, it was found that the UN Charter does not allow states to defend themselves in pre-emption of an armed attack where there is no actual armed attack or imminent threat. The study recommends that Pre-emptive use of force in self-defence could now be appropriate due to advanced technology, like Artificial Intelligence and cyber attacks. Also threats of terrorism and non-state Actors. The UN Charter should be amended to copy modernized warfar

A critical analysis of ‘submit to the governing authority’ (RM 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia

This study focuses on a critical analysis of the usage of 'submit to the governing authority' (Romans 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia. The study deals with the role ordinary citizens in Zambia play in keeping their political leadership accountable, or otherwise, by looking at how biblical texts in Zambia are used in the democratic dispensation. In Zambia, Romans 13:1-7 is widely used to support the political status quo; any political government that comes into power is assumed to have been ushered in by the will of God. Hence, in some circles it is assumed that whatever these leaders say or do is divinely proclaimed, therefore, criticising them is tantamount to fighting the will of God. African Pentecostal preachers are widely accused of being the ones championing this kind of teaching. Thus, the research questions; how do African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7? Is their interpretation of the text legitimate? In my view, the way scriptures are interpreted, coupled with the consciousness drawn thereof, they influence citizens actions and decisions. Therefore, the way in which an understanding of Romans 13:1-7 by African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia is arrived at and grounded is the concern this study has thoroughly investigated. In Chapter 2, a summary is given on how some selected scholars have interpreted and analysed Romans 13:1-7, using different lenses and approaches. This history of interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 will then be used to identify the research gap that will be addressed in the study. In Chapter 3 a discussion on the theoretical perspectives of this study has been given. The chapter begins with a discussion on the meaning of social-scientific criticism (SSC), and an overview or description of social-scientific criticism. Secondly, in this chapter a detailed discussion on “African enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” theories have been given. The description of the above-mentioned theoretical perspectives is necessary because it will be against this understanding of the approach that the understanding and interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 among African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia will be undertaken. In Chapter 4 an analysis of Romans 13:1-7 is presented in order to uncover its possible original intended (contextual) meaning and purpose. This is done by discussing the socio-cultural-, economic- and political situation in which Paul’s letter to the Romans was applicable. In order to achieve this, the study engages with social-scientific models and theories that are designed to unlock the meaning entrenched in ancient texts. Chapter 5 provides an overview on the role African Pentecostals play in the Zambian political dispensation. The Chapter has given a brief history of Pentecostalism and African Pentecostalism respectively. Furthermore, the chapter paints a vivid picture of the church and state relationship championed by African Pentecostals in Zambia. Additionally, the Chapter attempts to outline the impact of such church and state relations model on the democratic dispensation of the country. Chapter 6 provides an overview on how some selected African Pentecostal preachers understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7. Using “enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” analytical lenses, the chapter analyses how these selected preachers interpret and understand Romans 13:1-7 and how such interpretation and understanding impacts on the democratization of the country: Zambia. Chapter 7 outlines the findings of the study, as well as recommendations for further research.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019.Biblical and Religious StudiesPhDUnrestricte

Determinants of divestiture choice in South Africa

This research report investigates the determinants of divestiture choice in South Africa. In addition, it examines how the determinants are influenced by the period studied. There are three periods of interest, being the full sample period, the prefinancial crisis period and the post financial crisis period. The determinants of divestiture choice have not been investigated from a South African perspective by prior studies. This report therefore contributes to the literature by exploring a new context. The South African context is unique because of differing laws and regulations as well as socio-economic factors specific to countries in developing markets. This report makes a further contribution by updating the literature on determinants of divestiture choice as post financial crisis data is included in the data set. The research is based on a sample of 102 divestiture transactions (78 spin-offs and 24 sell-offs) over the period 1998 to 2017. Logistic regression is used to ascertain the determinants of divestiture choice using pre-divestiture data of the parent company. The results show that financial performance as measured by return on equity (ROE) and liquidity as measured by the current ratio are significant determinants of divestiture choice over the full sample period (1998 to 2017). The higher the firm’s financial performance, the higher the likelihood of divestiture through spin-off. Contrary to expectation, it was found that the higher the liquidity of the firm, the higher the likelihood of divestiture through sell-off. Financial distress, director ownership, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and effective taxation rates are not found to be significant factors in determining divestiture choice over the entire period of study. Financial performance is found to be a significant determinant of divestiture choice over the pre-financial crisis period (1998 to 2006). The results for this period show that the higher the firm’s financial performance, the higher the likelihood of divestiture through spin-off. The remaining factors are not found to be significant for the prefinancial crisis period. No factors were found to be significant over the post financial crisis period (2009 to 2017). These findings imply that determinants of divestiture choice are not uniform for South Africa and the United States; nor for differing time periods in the South African context. This implies that divestiture determinants vary depending on the context and the economic cycle studied

The institutional dynamics of participatory slum-upgrading processes: the case of Langrug informal settlement

Since the 1990s, South Africa has faced a high rate of urbanization and increasing formation of informal settlements. However, the focus of urban planning has not changed to accommodate new urban trends. The current dominant practice of urban planning, still rooted in the global North realism, reflects an increasing discord between current approaches and growing problems of poverty, inequality, informality, rapid urbanisation and socio-spatial fragmentation. Traditional urban planning approaches and state-led direct settlement interventions have arguably served to exclude the urban poor with a marked failure to sustainably address the problem of informal settlements. This research examines the case of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, and argues that the concept of coproduction is an alternative dynamic model that could be used to achieve inclusive and sustainable urban environments. Re-organising institutional relationships would arguably lead to a more successful service production approach and engagement between the state and the urban poor. I use the lens of coproduction to assess partnership-based in-situ community-driven informal settlement interventions. The research uses the Langrug informal settlement upgrading programme as a case study to analyse the institutional arrangements and to examine power relations in a context-specific coproduction process. The research uses semi-structured interviews, field observations and secondary data to examine the nature of the partnership, institutional relations, scope and approach of the Langrug upgrade programme. The study concludes that the Langrug upgrade programme depicts a typical coproduction arrangement where many institutions are collaborating to improve the living conditions of the urban poor in Langrug. Further, the study establishes that the success of this partnership depends on on-going effective management of power and institutional dynamics and low-level conflicts. The study recommends that the Slum Dwellers International (SDI) alliance needs to build stronger grassroots structures in Stellenbosch to increase local capacity in community mobilisation and advocacy. Besides the need to incorporate the media, the partnership must improve the communication system among partners and stakeholders to avoid mistrust and ensure productive state-society engagement. Finally, more comparative case research needs to be done to consolidate arguments on the concept of coproduction vis-à-vis planning practice in the global South

An Investigation into the Applications of Total Quality Management on Government Funded Road Projects in Zambia A Case Study: The Kitwe-Ndola Dual carriageway

The construction industry plays a vital role in the economic development of any country. The road sector in Zambia has been taken as the major drive in the effective transportation of goods and services from one area to another within the country and beyond. The general aim of the study was to establish the causes of poor quality road projects, quality shortfalls and schedule overruns in the Zambian road sector on government funded road projects. The research took a case study of the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway. This road directly serves a population of three towns and beyond, namely Ndola, Kitwe and Luanshya. The escalations on Costs, Schedule overruns and quality shortfalls have a negative effect on the performance of the road sector in enhancing economic growth of a country. The research was conducted by use of closed ended type of questionnaires. These were delivered and collected by hand by the author himself to and from the respondents. The results from the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway confirmed that the project had cost escalations of 7.2% with a schedule overrun of 72.2%. Cost and schedule overruns were seen on other projects investigated. From the findings, the study identified lack of contractor experience, material shortages, project scope changes, poor project planning, high labour costs and insufficient tendering information and site conditions as the major causes of Cost overruns. Further the study identified changes in initial designs, low labour productivity, wrong material estimates, decision making delays and unforeseen ground conditions as the major causes of schedule overruns. On quality shortfalls, the study identified lack of material testing, late consultant engagements, wrong estimates and inadequate specifications as the major causes of quality shortfalls. The study concluded that although there are levels on the usage of Total Quality Management principles on government funded road projects, however there are no formal systems that have been set up to implement the use of Total Quality Management. It was also established that the project team members lack training and education in the management of projects. Appropriate training and education for project personnel should be enhanced couple with supplier involvement. The study also recommended the use of Quality groups in the implementation of Total Quality Management usage on Road construction projects