http://hdl.handle.net/11189/1927 2026-08-12T15:27:03Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/10488 Title: Transforming practice: a study in health professions education Authors: Engel-Hills, Penelope Claire; Hudson, Lizel 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8133 Title: A model for promoting postgraduate success Authors: Engel-Hills, Penelope Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study was to deepen the understanding of what promotes postgraduate student success. DESIGN & METHOD: This study is located in the qualitative research paradigm. A case study approach using participant observation was used to gather textual data. The population was radiography students registered for a master of technology degree at CPUT. The sample included 8 part-time students registered in 2010. The data was submitted to analysis through thematic coding to identify common indicators of and challenges to success. Success in this study was determined as evidence of the achievement of academic milestones. RESULTS: The indicators of success and the challenges faced by the postgraduate students in this sub-set were found to be in an academic or a social context. These contexts were found to be inter-related and inter-dependent. CONCLUSION: Postgraduate students face academic challenges and require support to enhance their academic competence. However the impact of the social environment within which they are operating should not be underestimated. Enhanced supervisor/advisory strategies focussing on academic and social independence are required to promote postgraduate student success. A model to present this conceptual thinking will be presented. Although the study was conducted in radiography it has wider relevance given the recent decision to include a research study into medical specialist programmes in South Africa. Description: Conference Paper Abstract 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8129 Title: Biochemical markers for identifying risk factors for disability progression in multiple sclerosis Authors: Janse van Rensburg, S; Kotze, Maritha J.; Cronje, Frans J.; Davis, W; Moremi, K; Dashti, Jalali Sefid M; Gamieldien, Junaid; Geiger, D; Rensburg, M; Van Toorn, R.; De Klerk, M.J.; Hon, Gloudina Mary; Matsha, Tandi Edith; Hassan, Mogamat Shafick; Erasmus, Rajiv Abstract: Background. Current therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis (MS), based on immune modulation, have modest efficacy in the prevention of disability. Objective. Pathology supported genetic testing (PSGT) was used to identify risk factors for disability progression and to guide personalised intervention to improve disease outcome in MS. Methods. Patients with MS (N=130) were assessed using lifestyle and diet questionnaires, as well as biochemical tests to identify markers for disability progression. Disability status was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), ranging from 0 (no disability) to 10 (death due to MS). After following a personalised intervention programme that addressed the identified risk factors, patients were reassessed after 6 months, and again after 7 years. Results. At baseline, 30% of patients had non-anaemic iron deficiency, 65% had raised cholesterol values (>5.0 mmol/l), and 67% had high homocysteine levels. Vitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/ml) was found in 67% and vitamin D insufficiency (<50 ng/ml) in 81% of patients. In a pilot study with personalised intervention over 6 months, 12 compliant patients showed a significant improvement of 29.9% (the mean EDSS decreased from 3.50 to 2.45). After 7 years 12 compliant patients had a mean•}standard deviation (SD) EDSS of 1.4•}0.9. All of these patients scored ≤2.5, which is regarded as benign MS. Clinical improvement correlated with normalisation of blood parameters. Control subjects (n=12) who were not compliant, had a mean•}SD EDSS of 8.4•}1.5 after 7 years (difference significant, p<0.0001). Description: Abstract 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8128 Title: PIXE, RBS and SEM analysis to quantify the effect of Zr on Ti-alloy wires to be used as orthodontic material Authors: Ali, K; Mars, J; Atbayga, A; Gihwala, G Abstract: Recent developments in material science have presented newer archwire materials as well as improvements in the properties of existing ones. Proper selection and understanding of the biomechanical requirement of each case requires proper characterization studies on archwire alloys [1]. Use of orthodontic archwires has some disadvantages such as high surface roughness, which increases friction at the wire-brace interface during the wire sliding process [2]. The surface quality and the surface roughness of dental materials are of utmost importance; these properties determine the area of the contact surface and thus influence on the friction [3]. Two orthodontic archwires preformed rectangular beta titanium III orthodontic archwires (0.43 × 0.64 mm) and Timolium orthodontic archwires (0.040 × 0.64 mm). In addition, pure zirconium was deposited over the archwires. Several thin films of Zr were deposited over titanium orthodontic archwires. Determination of composition and surface roughness of orthodontic wires were performed with Particle-induced Xray emission (PIXE) [4] and Backscattering Spectrometry (BS). SEM analysis was performed to determine the major element composition. In this study the effects of the various thicknesses of the Zr layers deposited onto the Ti-alloy mires to improve the surface roughness of the archwire are investigated. Also reported is the strength of archwires before and after deposition with zirconium and immersion with artificial saliva. [1] Krishnan et. al. (2004) Angle Orthodontist, vol. 74 (6). pp. 825-31. [2] Kappert et. al. (1988). Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie, vol. 49 (4), pp. 358-367. [3] Tecco et. al. (2009). The Angle Orthodontist, vol. 79 (1), pp. 111-116. [4] Ryan et. al. (1995) NIMB, vol. 104, pp. 157-165. Description: Abstract 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z