Gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive at South African higher education institutions (HEIs). Based on a media statement (dated 6 October 2016) by the Department of Higher Education and Training, GBV programmes at HEIs need to be evidence-informed, responsive, contextually relevant, inclusive and person-centred. The present article aims to explore the nature of GBV programmes currently implemented at HEIs in South Africa. A rapid review of the literature, supported by qualitative interviews with representatives of South African HEIs with medical campuses, was conducted. Findings indicate that there is an urgent need to clearly define GBV and to mention it explicitly in policy documents. In addition, research evidence on the effectiveness of prevention and response interventions at HEIs in South Africa is lacking. Challenges highlighted by the HEIs that were surveyed include the lack of trust by staff and students in the response and action plans of the response/task teams at HEIs, uncertainty with regards to the roles of relevant stakeholders and sectors when reporting incidents, as well as insufficient information about what GBV is. This study is intended to provide a baseline for further research evaluating current GBV programmes on medical campuses at HEIs, and highlights the need for an evidence-informed framework of the key ingredients for effective GBV response and prevention programmes.

BACKGROUND: All medical laboratories must participate in proficiency testing (PT) programmes to ensure high-quality results. Proficiency testing samples mimic clinical samples; however, PT programmes for detection of bacteria in blood products are not routinely performed due to unavailability of matrix-equivalent samples OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and test a matrix-equivalent PT programme using blood products as the basis matrix METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 until June 2021, using 52 blood products comprising 36 pooled platelet and 16 red blood cell products at the South African National Blood Service PT laboratory in Gauteng. Products were manipulated into matrix-equivalent PT samples by spiking 42 products with known bacterial strains at specific concentrations and treating the remaining 10 products with preserving fluid containing antibiotics. The level of agreement between the researcher results and participating laboratories' results was assessed RESULTS: Of the prepared matrices, 568 out of 572 (99%) were stable for 30 days. Bacteria could correctly be identified in spiked samples for up to 23 days. Samples treated with preserving fluid remained negative until day 30. For spiked samples, an average of 98% agreement (153/156) was achieved between the three participating laboratories when compared with the researcher's results; 100% agreement was achieved for unspiked samples. The kappa scores obtained from all tested variables presented with scores between 0.856 and 1.000, and the p-value was < 0.001 throughout CONCLUSION: The developed PT matrix was therefore stable and suitable to be implemented in transfusion microbiology WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This study demonstrated that a stable microbiology PT programme using platelets and red blood cells can be developed for use on bacterial detection analysers and could help to close the gap presented by unavailability of a blood PT matrix for transfusion microbiology

Resumo O Brasil é um dos líderes mundiais no setor do agronegócio e essa liderança tende a impactar diretamente numa dependência crescente de insumos importados, especificamente, agroquímicos sintéticos. A nível de estado, em 2013, o Tocantins se destacava em primeiro lugar no ranking de consumidores de agroquímicos, contudo, esses produtos podem causar diversos problemas, como intoxicação ao homem, contaminação do ambiente e aumento da resistência de fitopatógenos. Um método alternativo ao uso de agroquímicos é o controle biológico, o qual busca a eliminação de pragas de forma natural, utilizando-se de organismos vivos chamados de Agentes de Controle Biológico (ACB). Atualmente, entre os organismos mais usados no controle biológico de pragas estão os fungos do gênero Trichoderma, isto, por possuir algumas características relevantes que os favorecem em termos de sobrevivência no ambiente, tais como: a alta capacidade de adaptação às condições ecológicas, potencial em colonizar a rizosfera das plantas, micoparasitismo, produção de metabólitos voláteis e não voláteis. Além disso, atua no crescimento e produtividade das plantas. Geralmente, o uso de Trichoderma favorece o controle de patógenos do solo, como: Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia e nematoides. Assim, a presente revisão visa demostrar a importância da utilização do Trichoderma no controle biológico, assim como apresentar um panorama e perspectivas das pesquisas desenvolvidas por pesquisados da região Centro-Oeste brasileiro e no estado do Tocantins.

Abstract Brazil is one of the world leaders in the agribusiness sector tending to directly influence a growing dependence on imported inputs, specifically synthetic agrochemicals. At the state level, in 2013, Tocantins stood out in first place in the ranking of agrochemical consumers, however, these products can cause several problems, such as poisoning to humans, environmental contamination, and increased resistance to phytopathogens. Biological control is an alternative to the use of agrochemicals towards eliminating pests naturally by using living organisms called Biological Control Agents (BCA). Currently, fungi of the Trichoderma genus are some of the most used organisms in biological pest control for their relevant characteristics that favor them in terms of survival in the environment, such as high capacity to adapt to ecological conditions, potential to colonize the rhizosphere of plants, mycoparasitism, production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In addition, it works on plant growth and productivity. In general, the use of Trichoderma favors the control of soil pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia, and nematodes. Thus, this review aims to demonstrate the importance of using Trichoderma in biological control, as well as to present an overview and perspectives of research developed by respondents in the Brazilian Midwest region and Tocantins state.

BACKGROUND: Sexual assault in South Africa has reached alarming proportions. Mental illness amongst offenders accused of rape is one of the complicating factors AIM: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical and forensic profile of alleged offenders accused of rape referred to a South African tertiary public psychiatric hospital for forensic evaluation, as well as describe the profile of the reported victims SETTING: Free State Psychiatric Complex (FSPC) Observation Ward, Bloemfontein, South Africa METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study compiled a sociodemographic, clinical and forensic profile of offenders accused of rape referred to the FSPC for forensic assessment between 2011 and 2015. The study population comprised 159 alleged offenders. Sociodemographic data, mental status, clinical diagnoses, comorbid substance use and forensic outcomes were collected from clinical files RESULTS: All accused offenders were male with a median age of 30 years. About half obtained primary school level education. Unemployment was common (37.3%) with 40% receiving government grants. Most accused offenders were single (78.0%). Clinically, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders were the most common diagnoses (30.8%), followed by intellectual disability (16.3%). Almost a third of the accused offenders did not suffer from any mental illness. Alcohol (20.1%) and cannabis use disorders (12.6%) were dominant comorbidities. After a 30-day evaluation period, 53.2% of alleged offenders were found competent to stand trial. The verdict of criminal responsibility was made for 43.7% of this sample CONCLUSION: This study contributes data on sociodemographics, psychiatric morbidities and comorbidities and forensic findings amongst alleged offenders of rape referred for forensic assessment

South Africa is in great need of improving the effectiveness of engineering and technical tuition and also enhancing technology transfer from universities to industry, the commercial sector and communities. These practices can create new job opportunities and increase the level of living standard of populations at all levels. This article highlights some models that were recently implemented at the School of Engineering of the University of South Africa in Johannesburg in order address these challenges. These included new on-line teaching methodologies with an emphasis on group work and project-based outcomes, new methodologies of work-integrated learning, the creation of an undergraduate-postgraduate dualism, a focus on innovation and product development at graduate level, and the creation of community entrepreneurship winter school programs. Measures as implemented contributed to an increase in enrolment rates 10 per cent over four years from the online teaching programmes in the diploma programme, enhanced placement of work integrated students, and eventually increased the graduation rate at graduate level by about 15 per cent over four years. Several new small companies have been created from winter school programmes.

The electrocution of large birds such as eagles and vultures when making simultaneous contact between a phase conductor and the top of a pole on medium voltage woodpole distribution lines is addressed. System (phase-to-phase) voltages of 11 kV, 22 kV and 33 kV are covered. This phenomenon has been investigated by measurement of the resistance of poles used in the field, as well as measurement of the impedance of recently deceased birds. This has previously been used to compile a simple electrical model for 22 kV systems. This paper compiles a detailed model that is used to estimate the risk posed to large birds by this mode of electrocution for all three voltage levels. The results show that only a few scenarios exist whereby a bird may be at risk, which ties in with field experience. Details of how the wood and bird resistance was measured are also included, as are details of calculations performed.

The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is the most widespread method for assessing water and solute transport across the peritoneal membrane. This study compared three methods: traditional PET (t-PET), mini-PET, and modified PET (mod-PET). Non-diabetic adults (n=21) who had been on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for at least three months underwent t-PET (glucose 2.5%-4 h), mini-PET (glucose 3.86%-1 h), and mod-PET (glucose 3.86%-4 h) to determine dialysate-to-plasma concentration ratio (D/P) for creatinine and dialysate-to-baseline dialysate concentration ratio (D/D0) for glucose. Agreement between methods regarding D/P creatinine and D/D0 glucose was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis. D/P creatinine differed between t-PET and mini-PET (P<0.001) and between mod-PET and mini-PET (P<0.01) but not between t-PET and mod-PET (P=0.746). The correlation of D/P creatinine with t-PET vs mod-PET was significant (r=0.387, P=0.009) but not that of t-PET vs mini-PET (r=0.088, P=0.241). Estimated bias was −0.029 (P=0.201) between t-PET and mod-PET, and 0.206 (P<0.001) between t-PET and mini-PET. D/D0 glucose differed between t-PET and mod-PET (P=0.003) and between mod-PET and mini-PET (P=0.002) but not between t-PET and mini-PET (P=0.885). The correlations of D/D0 glucose in t-PET vs mod-PET (r=−0.017, P=0.421) or t-PET vs mini-PET (r=0.152, P=0.609) were not significant. Estimated bias was 0.122 (P=0.026) between t-PET and mod-PET, and 0.122 (P=0.026) between t-PET and mini-PET. The significant correlation of D/P creatinine between t-PET and mod-PET suggested that the latter is a good alternative to t-PET. There was no such correlation between t-PET and mini-PET.

This research article profiles cotton technology in the Makhathini region, focusing on the extent to which it is available to support farmers Although Makhathini Farmers have produced cotton for more than 10 years at a subsistence level, and despite using the related technology extensively, the farmers' mission remains to produce cotton commercial. The technology mentioned in the study is available worldwide, as well as locally. The technology accessed is readily available to the local farmers. Representatives of 13 Farmers' Associations were interviewed and a response rate of 13/13 (100 percent) was obtained. The findings indicate overwhelming use of technology by the farmers. Yet an issue that is unresolved is why farmers are not producing at a commercial level despite the aid of technology.

'n Profiel van die katoen tegnologie gebruik in die Makhatini streek word aangespreek in hierdie navorsingsartikel. Die fokus van die artikel is gerig op die mate van ondersteuning beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Die klein boere verbou die afgelope 10 jaar katoen in die streek. Die verbouing van katoen is meer gerig op oorlewings boerdery, maar dit is 'n oogmerk van die boere om in die toekoms katoen op 'n kommersiële vlak te verbou. Die tegnologie waarna verwys word in die artikel is globaal sowel as plaaslik van toepassing in die verbouing van katoen en is vrylik beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Gestruktureerde onderhoude is met boere van 13 plaaslike boere verenigings gevoer en die navorser het daarin geslaag om 'n 100 persent terugvoer reaksie hiermee te verkry. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat boere in die streek tegnologie gebruik in die verbouing van katoen. Die onbeantwoorde vraag is dan waarom die verbouing van katoen nie op 'n kommersiële vlak plaasvind nie.

While various extreme wind studies have been undertaken for South Africa for the purpose of, amongst others, developing strong wind statistics, disaster models for the built environment and estimations of tornado risk, a general analysis of the strong wind hazard in South Africa according to the requirements of the National Disaster Management Centre is needed. The purpose of the research was to develop a national profile of the wind hazard in the country for eventual input into a national indicative risk and vulnerability profile. An analysis was undertaken with data from the South African Weather Service's long-term weather stations to quantify the wind hazard on a municipal scale, taking into account that there are more than 220 municipalities in South Africa. South Africa is influenced by various strong wind mechanisms occurring at various spatial and temporal scales. This influence is reflected in the results of the analyses which indicated that the wind hazard across South Africa is highly variable, spatially and seasonally. A general result was that the strong wind hazard is highest from the southwestern Cape towards the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape Province, and the southeastern parts of the coast as well as the eastern interior of the Eastern Cape Province. On a seasonal basis, the southern parts of the country showed similar magnitudes of relative wind hazard throughout the year. However, further north, a strong seasonal component was evident, with lowest risk of strong winds during autumn and winter, and highest risk in spring and summer when convective activity is strongest.

The integration of humorous material in language teaching can be instrumental in the development of emotional literacy, thereby fostering an aesthetic sensitivity in student teachers (as learners) in different social contexts. Texts containing humour can play a significant role in the development of learners' understanding and appreciation of a language, as well as the cultural heritage it embodies. Furthermore, it offers learners the opportunity to become creatively and imaginatively involved with oral, visual and written texts. The article illustrates how the application of humorous material in the teaching of Afrikaans is not only rooted in responsive education, but complies with the objectives of the South African teaching policy documents. By concentrating on a literature review of research studies, the authors point out the correlation between humour and various factors that influence learners' and students' affective behaviour in the context of the language classroom. Particular reference is made to research results indicating that the use of humour induces a more positive attitude, while also motivating students (as learners) to participate constructively in language activities. Attention is also paid to the relationship between different personality types (based on cognitive styte) and anxiety. Moreover, the established link between humour and anxiety justifies the inclusion of humorous texts to reduce language-related anxiety. Ultimately the research serves to support the authors' argument in favour of incorporating humorous material in the teaching of Afrikaans, while several (practical) teaching strategies are suggested. The authors hope to enhance the educational value by pursuing a holistic approach to language teaching.

Die aanwending van humoristiese tekste om emosionele geletterdheid by die onderrig van Afrikaans te integreer, kan bydra tot die ontwikkeling van taalonderwysstudente (as leerders) se estetiese sensitiwiteit in verskillende sosiale kontekste. Dit beteken dat studente deur middel van humoristiese tekste kan leer om begrip en waardering vir tale te toon, asook vir die kulturele erfenis wat daardeur oorgedra word. Verder bied dit aan die betrokke studente geleenthede om skeppend en verbeeldingryk met mondelinge, visuele en geskrewe tekste om te gaan. Die artikel illustreer hoe die integrasie van humoristiese tekste in die onderrig van Afrikaans nie alleen 'n teoretiese begronding in responsiewe onderwys het nie, maar in ooreenstemming is met die doelstellings van die Suid-Afrikaanse beleidsdokumente. Aan die hand van 'n literatuuroorsig konsentreer die outeurs van hierdie artikel op die verband tussen humor en verskeie faktore wat leerders se affektiewe belewenis binne die konteks van die taalklaskamer beïnvloed. Daarword op navorsingsresultate gefokus wat toon dat die gebruik van humoristiese tekste studente (as leerders) se houding en motivering om kreatief en konstruktief aan taalaktiwiteite deel te neem, kan verhoog. Aandag word ook gegee aan die verband tussen verskillende persoonlikheidstipes (op kognitiewe styl gebaseer) en humor. Die bewese verband tussen humor en angs regverdig ook die aanwending van humoristiese tekste om taalangs te verminder. Uiteindelik word met navorsingsteun gemotiveer waarom humoristiese tekste suksesvol in die onderrig van Afrikaans gebruik kan word en enkele (praktiese) onderrigidees word uitgelig. Met hierdie artikel hoop die outeurs om by te dra tot waarde-ontwikkeling deur middel van 'n holistiese benadering tot taalonderrig.