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1
Lim Tung, Odile Juliette. "Organic Food Certification in South Africa: A Private Sector Mechanism in Need of State Regulation?" Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad 19 (October 24, 2016): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a584.
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Organic production targets the development of a sustainable cultivation system and a variety of high-quality products with emphasis on environmental protection, biodiversity and high standards of animal protection. In South Africa, the organic sector pioneered private practices and systems in small informal groups to guide the public and private sectors on environmental and sustainability issues. A private certification system for organic products is applicable in the country consisting of network certification and third-party certification in collaboration with foreign and locally-based certification organisations. Local producers also use self-declaratory vendor claims associated with organic labels. A State auditor mechanism is nonetheless applicable with respect to the use of the term “free range” on labels for meat products. South African National Standards (SANS 1369) on Organic Agricultural Production and Processing (OAPP) have been drafted by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) but the final version has not yet been made public. There is presently no specific legislation on organic products in the country but draft regulations (under the Agricultural Product Standards Act) on the control and sale of organic products which have not yet been promulgated. With mainly a private organic food certification system, to what extent do South African organic food products respect rules of organic production? This paper looks into the organic food regulation in South Africa and examines how far this private sector mechanism for organic food certification is in need of State regulation.
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Nyakala, Kgashane Stephen, Thinandavha Thomas Munyai, Jan-Harm Pretorius, and Andre Vermeulen. "Significant Factors Influencing Quality Assurance Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Construction Projects in South Africa." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 11, no. 2(J) (May 13, 2019): 30–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v11i2(j).2816.
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Although implementing quality assurance (QA) processes in construction play an important role in the South African economy has been acknowledged. However, constructions SMEs are faced with difficulties in improving rural road infrastructure and high-quality roads. Additionally, past research has failed to reach consensus on the construction process and socioeconomic settings in previously disadvantaged areas in South Africa, including the factors influencing negatively the performance of such factors. This research examines what factors facilitate or inhibit the success of construction SMEs and what actions can be taken to being distressed construction SMEs under control. The study adopted a quantitative research approach in which a three-section questionnaire was administered to 160 purposively chosen road- building experts in a South African construction SMEs. The questionnaire was structured into three parts, which sought the participants’ profile, identified the quality assurance practices (QAPs) incorporated in the construction SMEs’ road building programmes, and identified the factors that negatively influence the implementation of QA processes. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Furthermore, to determine the reliability of the various constructs, mean scores, descriptive statistics and standard deviations were obtained. The empirical findings established eight QAPs that were reliable and valid for implementation processes that can control or minimise their causes of poor quality in projects undertaken by construction SMEs, level of skill acquisition; project planning and control techniques; project construction design; process implementation and process improvement; financial management; organisational structures; involvement of people; and quality standards and measurements. The eight factors attained high Cronbach Alpha values above the recommended 0.70 which indicates high internal consistencies among the sub-scales. Findings from this study should be useful to managers in similar environments may use the results of this study as either diagnostic tools or as a reference benchmark for strategic interventions in solving construction projects related problems. Furthermore, the researchers also recommend that these practices are for quality assurance in construction projects undertaken by SMEs in South Africa.
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DZINGIRAYI, GARIKAYI, and LISE KORSTEN. "Assessment of Primary Production of Horticultural Safety Management Systems of Mushroom Farms in South Africa." Journal of Food Protection 79, no. 7 (July 1, 2016): 1188–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-356.
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ABSTRACT Growing global consumer concern over food safety in the fresh produce industry requires producers to implement necessary quality assurance systems. Varying effectiveness has been noted in how countries and food companies interpret and implement food safety standards. A diagnostic instrument (DI) for global fresh produce industries was developed to measure the compliancy of companies with implemented food safety standards. The DI is made up of indicators and descriptive grids for context factors and control and assurance activities to measure food safety output. The instrument can be used in primary production to assess food safety performance. This study applied the DI to measure food safety standard compliancy of mushroom farming in South Africa. Ten farms representing almost half of the industry farms and more than 80% of production were independently assessed for their horticultural safety management system (HSMS) compliance via in-depth interviews with each farm's quality assurance personnel. The data were processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and are represented in frequency tables. The diagnosis revealed that the mushroom farming industry had an average food safety output. The farms were implementing an average-to-advanced HSMS and operating in a medium-risk context. Insufficient performance areas in HSMSs included inadequate hazard analysis and analysis of control points, low specificity of pesticide assessment, and inadequate control of suppliers and incoming materials. Recommendations to the industry and current shortcomings are suggested for realization of an improved industry-wide food safety assurance system.
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Laban, Tracey Leah, Pieter Gideon van Zyl, Johan Paul Beukes, Ville Vakkari, Kerneels Jaars, Nadine Borduas-Dedekind, Miroslav Josipovic, Anne Mee Thompson, Markku Kulmala, and Lauri Laakso. "Seasonal influences on surface ozone variability in continental South Africa and implications for air quality." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 18, no. 20 (October 29, 2018): 15491–514. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15491-2018.
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Abstract. Although elevated surface ozone (O3) concentrations are observed in many areas within southern Africa, few studies have investigated the regional atmospheric chemistry and dominant atmospheric processes driving surface O3 formation in this region. Therefore, an assessment of comprehensive continuous surface O3 measurements performed at four sites in continental South Africa was conducted. The regional O3 problem was evident, with O3 concentrations regularly exceeding the South African air quality standard limit, while O3 levels were higher compared to other background sites in the Southern Hemisphere. The temporal O3 patterns observed at the four sites resembled typical trends for O3 in continental South Africa, with O3 concentrations peaking in late winter and early spring. Increased O3 concentrations in winter were indicative of increased emissions of O3 precursors from household combustion and other low-level sources, while a spring maximum observed at all the sites was attributed to increased regional biomass burning. Source area maps of O3 and CO indicated significantly higher O3 and CO concentrations associated with air masses passing over a region with increased seasonal open biomass burning, which indicated CO associated with open biomass burning as a major source of O3 in continental South Africa. A strong correlation between O3 on CO was observed, while O3 levels remained relatively constant or decreased with increasing NOx, which supports a VOC-limited regime. The instantaneous production rate of O3 calculated at Welgegund indicated that ∼40 % of O3 production occurred in the VOC-limited regime. The relationship between O3 and precursor species suggests that continental South Africa can be considered VOC limited, which can be attributed to high anthropogenic emissions of NOx in the interior of South Africa. The study indicated that the most effective emission control strategy to reduce O3 levels in continental South Africa should be CO and VOC reduction, mainly associated with household combustion and regional open biomass burning.
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Lerotholi, Lefa, Sushil Chaudhary, Weiyang Chen, Clinton Veale, Sandra Combrinck, and Alvaro Viljoen. "Identification, Isolation and Determination of Biomarkers for Quality Control of Bush Tea (Athrixia phyllicoides)." Planta Medica 84, no. 12/13 (April 13, 2018): 902–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/a-0594-9527.
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Abstract Athrixia phylicoides, known as “bush tea”, grows abundantly in South Africa. An infusion of the leaves is used as a beverage and to treat a multitude of health conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical variation within A. phylicoides and to identify characteristic compounds for quality control. Samples from 12 locations in South Africa were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the aligned ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry data indicated two groups on the resulting dendrogram, representing 48 samples. Five marker compounds, identified through visual inspection and the construction of a discriminant analysis model, were evident on the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS profiles. Four of these compounds were isolated and identified, three as hydroxy methoxyflavones and the fourth as a coumarate, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array method was developed and validated for the determination of the marker compounds using the isolates as standards. The limits of detection for the four compounds ranged from 0.92 – 2.50 µg/mL. Their recoveries at three concentration levels (1.00, 10.0, and 100 µg/mL) were between 97.0 and 101%, while acceptable intra- and inter-day precision was obtained as reflected by percentage relative standard deviation values below 2.24%. The concentrations of all the marker compounds were found to be higher in samples corresponding to Group 1 of the dendrogram than in those from Group 2. This may be attributable to differences in altitude, climate, and some edaphic factors. Identification of these marker compounds will make a valuable contribution towards the quality control and sustainable commercialisation of bush tea.
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Morakinyo, Oyewale Mayowa, Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola, and Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu. "Ambient Gaseous Pollutants in an Urban Area in South Africa: Levels and Potential Human Health Risk." Atmosphere 11, no. 7 (July 16, 2020): 751. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/atmos11070751.
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Urban air pollution from gaseous pollutants is a growing public health problem in many countries including South Africa. Examining the levels, trends and health risk of exposure to ambient gaseous pollutants will assist in understanding the effectiveness of existing control measures and plan for suitable management strategies. This study determined the concentration levels and non-cancer risk of CO, SO2, NO2, and O3 at an industrial area in Pretoria West, South Africa. We utilised a set of secondary data for CO, NO2, SO2, and O3 that was obtained from a monitoring station. Analysis of the hourly monitored data was done. Their non-cancer risk (HQ) was determined using the human health risk assessment model for different age categories. The annual levels of NO2 (39.442 µg/m3), SO2 (22.464 µg/m3), CO (722.003 µg/m3) and the 8-hour concentration of CO (649.902 µg/m3) and O3 (33.556 µg/m3) did not exceed the South African National Ambient Air Quality Standards for each pollutant. The HQ for each pollutant across exposed groups (except children) was less than 1. This indicates that the recorded levels could not pose non-cancer risk to susceptible individuals.
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Soni, Faeeza, Warren Maroun, and Nirupa Padia. "Perceptions of justice as a catalyst for whistle-blowing by trainee auditors in South Africa." Meditari Accountancy Research 23, no. 1 (April 13, 2015): 118–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/medar-01-2014-0004.
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Purpose – This study aims to use organisational justice theory to examine variations in the propensity of trainee auditors in South Africa to blow the whistle internally on misconduct by an engagement leader. Design/methodology/approach – Three vignettes describing high and low states of distributive, procedural and interactive justice are presented to a sample of trainee auditors. A questionnaire is used to gauge the likelihood of trainees blowing the whistle after taking into account a number of control variables. Preliminary results are analysed using parametric t-tests and one-way ANOVA’s. Findings – The study finds that the likelihood of trainee auditors reporting an engagement leader for misconduct increases when there is a high level of distributive, interactional and procedural justice. Gender, age, seniority, the importance of religion and performance ratings does not appear to have an effect on the propensity to whistle-blowing. Research limitations/implications – The growing importance of an effective mechanism for reporting malfeasance is reflected in both the academic and professional literature. Prior research has found that ensuring high levels of organisational justice is one means of promoting whistle-blowing in a professional setting. This paper argues that the same applies to trainee auditors. In turn, this suggests that audit firms wanting to implement sound audit quality control practices should be mindful of how their whistle-blowing policies are implemented and perceived by their junior staff. Originality/value – This paper is the first to apply organisational justice theory in a South African setting with specific reference to trainee auditors. As such, it makes an important contribution to the literature on whistle-blowing. The findings should also be of interest to the audit profession when seeking to implement effective quality control and monitoring systems, as required by the relevant professional standards.
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Strauss, Carrie A., Jeffrey A. Kotzen, Ans Baeyens, and Irma Maré. "Oncothermia in HIV-Positive and -Negative Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients in South Africa." Conference Papers in Medicine 2013 (May 26, 2013): 1–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/293968.
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Aim. Investigate the clinical, economic, and cellular effects of the addition of oncothermia to standard treatment for HIV-positive and -negative locally advanced cervical cancer patients in public healthcare in South Africa. Objectives. Evaluate the effect that the addition of oncothermia has on local disease control, progression-free survival, overall survival at 2 years, treatment toxicity, quality of life, economic impact, and HIV status of participants. Radiobiology investigations will evaluate thermoradiosensitivity and the molecular markers for thermoradiosensitivity. Methodology. Phase III randomised clinical trial involving 236 HIV-negative and -positive stage IIb-III locally advanced cervical cancer patients. Treatment includes cisplatin, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy. The study group will receive oncothermia treatments. Participants will be monitored for two years after completion of treatment. Hypothesis. The addition of oncothermia to standard treatment protocols will result in improved clinical response without increasing treatment toxicity in HIV-positive patients or raising healthcare costs.
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Motsuku, L., E. Chokunonga, M. Sengayi, E. Singh, L. Khoali, and M. Borok. "Strengthening African Population-Based Cancer Registration Through Regional Mentorship: UICC Fellowship Experience at Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 65s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.68200.
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Background: South Africa (SA) recently established an urban population-based cancer registry in Ekurhuleni metropolitan district in Gauteng Province. The Ekurhuleni Population-Based Cancer Registry (EPBCR) aims to inform cancer policy and comprehensive cancer control programs. The registry covers 3.5 million residents including public/private, rural/urban patients and a mix of the multiethnic SA population. The first complete year's data will be published in April 2018. It is crucial that high-quality data collected by newly established registries are comparable regionally and globally. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) fellowship provides a practical opportunity for South African National Cancer Registry staff to learn from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (ZNCR), a well-established population-based registry in the region. Aim: To enhance the SA EPBCR through observation and application of methods for population-based cancer registration used at the ZNCR. Methods: A desktop review of published and unpublished articles/reports of the ZNCR was conducted. Semi-structured informal interviews were conducted with registry staff to understand data processes from case finding to reporting. Representative data sources were visited to understand case-finding processes. Results: The ZNCR was established in 1985 through a collaborative research agreement between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Its activities are overseen by a 17-member constituted multidisciplinary advisory committee. The registry staff comprise one registrar, one executive assistant (EA) and four health information assistants (HIA). The process of ensuring quality data are guided by the African Cancer Registry Network and the International Association of Cancer Registries standards for population-based cancer registries. The ZNCR uses a combination of active and passive case-finding methods where HIAs have unrestricted access to patient information in private and public sectors such as hospitals, pathology laboratories, radiotherapy centers and death registries. HIAs conduct patient interviews for accurate demographics and to complete missing information. Cases are coded according to International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-V3 and Canreg software is used for data entry, quality control and analysis. The hard copies are stored in locked cabinets in offices with restricted access. The data are then used for reporting and research. Conclusion: The support of government, commitment of advisory committee volunteers, highly trained and experienced staff are key elements behind the success of ZNCR. Strict adherence to international practices for population-based cancer registration has enabled ZNCR to produce high-quality data for research and cancer programs. The processes used by ZNCR will be customised and implemented at EPBCR.
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Opara, Ikechukwu Kingsley, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Candice Kelly, and Umezuruike Linus Opara. "Quantification of On-Farm Pomegranate Fruit Postharvest Losses and Waste, and Implications on Sustainability Indicators: South African Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 9 (May 6, 2021): 5168. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13095168.
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While there is a growing body of scientific knowledge on improved techniques and procedures for the production and handling of quality pomegranate fruit to meet market demand, little is known about the magnitude of losses that occur at the farm and post-farmgate. This study revealed the amount of pomegranate fruit lost on the farm and the causes of loss and estimated the impacts of losses. The direct measurement method, which involved sorting and counting of individual fruit, was used since physical identification of the causes of fruit losses on individual fruit was necessary for data collection. Furthermore, qualitative data were collected by physical observation during harvesting and interaction with farm workers. At the case study farm in Wellington, Western Cape Province of South Africa, a range of 15.3–20.1% of the harvested crop was considered lost, as the quality fell below marketable standards for retail sales. This amounted to an average of 117.76 tonnes of pomegranate fruit harvested per harvest season in the case study farm, which is removed from the value chain and sold mainly at a low value for juicing and other purposes and translates to an estimated R10.5 million ($618,715.34) economic loss to the farmer. Environmental factors are the main causes of on-farm fruit losses. In the three pomegranate cultivars studied, sunburn and crack were identified as the leading cause of fruit loss, accounting for about 43.9% of all on-farm fruit losses. The lost fiber, carbohydrate, protein, iron and ascorbic acid contents associated with lost fruit were estimated to meet the daily recommended nutrition intake of 2, 9, 4, 2 and 24 people, respectively. Strategies to control and reduce pomegranate fruit losses and waste at the farm level should focus on environmental factors and mechanical damage since they account for the highest sources of fruit losses. This will ensure improved revenue to farmers, sustainable use of natural resources, reduction of the environmental impacts of the fruit industry, and more availability of quality fruit for nutritional security.
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Makelane, Hlamulo Reply. "The Impact of Environmental Management Plans on Firms’ Compliance with Governmental Regulations and Environmental Laws." Environmental Management and Sustainable Development 5, no. 1 (December 14, 2015): 30. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/emsd.v5i1.8402.
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<p class="emsd"><span lang="EN-GB">Many developed and developing countries have enacted environmental laws and regulations to control water quality and the environment. However, human activities, such as agriculture, urban and industrial development, mining, and recreation, significantly alter the quality of natural environments and their potential use. The compliance of firms with environmental laws is of great concern to scientists, governments, and regulatory agencies. The presence of hazardous chemicals in water resources even in small amounts may cause massive environmental damage. Thus, governments pass environmental laws and regulations to monitor human activity and enforce compliance with environmental standards. This study investigates the potential to improve firms’ compliance with environmental standards by implementing an environmental management plan (EMP) within a public firm and a private firm in South Africa. EMP implementation is required to mitigate and manage environmental risk. This study asks the following research question: To what extent does EMP implementation enhance a firm’s compliance to environmental laws and regulations? Further, to what extent are the specific characteristics of a firm associated with various EMP categories? The study used methods of inspection, observation, impact assessment, implementation, and monitoring to answer the research question. In both firms under study, the results showed no compliance with environmental law during initial site inspection and impact assessment. However, the implementation of EMPs in both firms improved compliance with environmental laws to nearly one hundred percent. As a result, EMPs were successfully implemented and monitored, improving the firms’ compliance with environmental laws and reducing negative environmental impacts to an insignificant level.</span></p>
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Von Blottnitz, H. "A comparison of air emissions of thermal power plants in South Africa and 15 European countries." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 17, no. 1 (February 1, 2006): 72–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2006/v17i1a3292.
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Data recorded in the recently established European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) is potentially useful for benchmarking of the environmental performance of industrial activity against European practice. Entries in the category of large power plants in the reporting year 2001 for 15 European Union (EU) countries were evaluated to estimate total and fuel specific emissions of NOx, SO2, particulate matter, and CO2. Since the EPER data quality is unknown and since it records only absolute values for emissions and thus does not allow for an eco-efficiency analysis, environmental or sustainability reports made available online by a subset of the operators were sourced to compile a set of specific emissions (per kWh of electricity generated) for the major fossil fuel types, viz. natural gas, fuel oil, coal and lignite. With a few exceptions, notably for PM10 for eight countries and NOx in one case, the large power plant data reported to the EPER is shown to be sufficiently representative of fossil-fuel based generation of electricity and is trustworthy. The fuel mix differs considerably, and together with the varying standard of pollution control technologies, this results in a wide variation in the combustion-related environmental burdens of the generated electricity. Emissions data for South African thermal electricity generation was sourced from Eskom’s 2000 environmental report; in absolute terms they are the highest in this comparison, and in specific terms amongst the three highest per unit of electricity generated from coal.
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Van Zyl, G. D., M. G. Henderson, and H. G. Fourie. "Optimizing Low-Volume Road Network Performance Through Improved Management, Design, and Construction." Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 1819, no. 1 (January 2003): 299–305. http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1819b-38.
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The Provincial Administration of the Western Cape in South Africa is responsible for 18,900 km of proclaimed roads, of which 10,500 km are unsurfaced. A formal gravel road management system has been in operation since 1989 that assists in prioritizing projects for regraveling and upgrading gravel roads to surfaced standards. Because of fund limitations for upgrading gravel roads to surfaced roads, there is a need to optimize performance of the gravel road network and maximize use of knowledge and latest research results for southern Africa. Staff shortages and loss of in-house expertise made external assistance necessary to improve service to road users. Processes formalized, implemented, and planned for this purpose included ( a) upgrading the gravel road management system to quantify benefits, prioritize activities, and select maintenance and improvement measures; ( b) appointing consulting engineers in each district to help manage borrow pits, materials design, training, construction supervision and quality control, maintenance planning and control, and performance monitoring; ( c) communication about project priorities, construction programs, work methods, construction team performance, and activity costs; and ( d) development of an operational web-enabled system to manage all activities related to unsurfaced roads. Within 1 year, a remarkable difference in gravel road performance was observed without a significant reduction in productivity. Total transportation costs were lowered with only a marginal increase in agency costs. Continuous communication among system operators, design engineers, project managers, and construction teams is considered one of the most important aspects in optimizing performance of the Western Cape low-volume road network. This study highlights the most important changes in management, systems, design, and construction and the practical innovations responsible for the successes achieved as a potentially valuable aid to those involved with providing and maintaining low-volume roads.
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Avula, Bharathi, Yan-Hong Wang, Rahul S. Pawar, Yatin J. Shukla, Brian Schaneberg, and Ikhlas A. Khan. "Determination of the Appetite Suppressant P57 in Hoodia gordonii Plant Extracts and Dietary Supplements by Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LC-MSD-TOF) and LC-UV Methods." Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL 89, no. 3 (May 1, 2006): 606–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jaoac/89.3.606.
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Abstract Hoodia gordonii is traditionally used in South Africa for its appetite suppressant properties. P57AS3 (P57), an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside, is the only reported active constituent from this plant as an appetite suppressant. Effective quality control of these extracts or products requires rapid methods to determine P57 content. New methods of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and LC-UV for analysis of P57 from H. gordonii have been developed. The quantitative determination of P57 was achieved with a Phenomenex Gemini (Torrance, CA) reversed-phase column using gradient mobile phase of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% acetic acid. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, and limits of detection and quantification. Good results were obtained in terms of repeatability (relative standard deviation <5.0%) and recovery (98.5103.5%). The developed methods were applied to the determination of P57 for H. gordonii plant samples, one related genus (Opuntia ficus-indica), and dietary supplements that claim to contain H. gordonii.
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Heine, Martin, Brittany Leigh Fell, Ashleigh Robinson, Mumtaz Abbas, Wayne Derman, and Susan Hanekom. "Patient-centred rehabilitation for non-communicable disease in a low-resource setting: study protocol for a feasibility and proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial." BMJ Open 9, no. 4 (April 2019): e025732. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025732.
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IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Even though NCD disproportionally affects low-to-middle income countries, these countries including South Africa, often have limited capacity for the prevention and control of NCDs. The standard evidence-based care for the long-term management of NCDs includes rehabilitation. However, evidence for the effectiveness of rehabilitation for NCDs originates predominantly from high-income countries. Despite the disproportionate disease burden in low-resourced settings, and due to the complex context and constraints in these settings, the delivery and study of evidence-based rehabilitation treatment in a low-resource setting is poorly understood. This study aims to test the design, methodology and feasibility of a minimalistic, patient-centred, rehabilitation programme for patients with NCD specifically designed for and conducted in a low-resource setting.Methods and analysisStable patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and/or diabetes mellitus will be recruited over the course of 1 year from a provincial day hospital located in an urban, low-resourced setting (Bishop Lavis, Cape Town, South Africa). A postponed information model will be adopted to allocate patients to a 6-week, group-based, individualised, patient-centred rehabilitation programme consisting of multimodal exercise, exercise education and health education; or usual care (ie, no care). Outcomes include feasibility measures, treatment fidelity, functional capacity (eg, 6 min walking test), physical activity level, health-related quality of life and a patient-perspective economic evaluation. Outcomes are assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline, postintervention and 8-week follow-up. Mixed-method analyses will be conducted to inform future research.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Health Research and Ethics Council, Stellenbosch University (M17/09/031). Information gathered in this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, as well as local stakeholders.Trial registration numberPACTR201807847711940; Pre-results.
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Ombeni, Justin Birhashwirwa, Lilly Nabintu Peru, Theodore Mushambanyi Munyuli, Antoine Aksanti Lwango, Tresor Bahihima Mwangi, Fideline Tchombe Nabintu, Espoir Mulumeoderwa Izuba, and Marcellin Ndaye Betu. "The BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF STREET FOODS VENDED IN BUKAVU CITY: POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS TO CONSUMERS OF SOUTH KIVU PROVINCE, EASTERN D.R. CONGO." Bacterial Empire 1, no. 1 (September 7, 2018): 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.36547/be.2018.1.1.13-21.
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Foods vended in roadsides of our African cities is a reality and constitute a major problem of public health starting the multiplicity and diversity of microbial flora that they carry. To address these challenges, this study was performed to control the hygienic quality of street foods vended in urban zones of Bukavu city in South Kivu province, DR Congo and assess the potential health risks to consumers. This prospective study was conducted among street vending food from vendors in three urban zone of Bukavu city. A total of 80 food samples compressing boiled meat (16), roast fish (18), sausages (21), fresh milk (13) and loaf (12) from 320 vendors were purchased and analyzed. Standard microbiological methods NF ISO 7218: 1996 were used for isolation, enumeration and identification of bacteria. Investigations into the point of sale and microbiological test results revealed the presence of a perpetual contamination risk by vendor categories. All street food samples tested are contaminated to varying degrees by bacteria, including: FMAT, total coliforms with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. with Negative Staphylococci Coagulase and Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella with species Salmonella enterica, represent a great risk of street food poisoning for over 350 consumers per month. The mean bacterial counts in these foods expressed to CFU/10g of each food collected exceed the standards set by the Codex Alimentarius, significant and highly statistically significant according different categories of vendors and sampling sites (p<0.0001). Samples collected from vendors in Kadutu urban zone (the most popular and unhealthy in the city) are more contaminated. Dishes that are not subjected to heating during preparation have the highest microbial load. This is the case of fresh milk where the total mesophilic flora is of order of 106 CFU/10g. This is also the case of street food which, after cooking are exposed for a long time at room temperature: boiled meat and sausages contain an uncountable amount of bacteria. Total coliforms, and Salmonella sp. are more loaded in boiled meat, fresh milk and sausages. Many Staphylococcus sp. are in the loaf. Much (77%) contaminated dishes are from ambulant vendors than other distributors, followed by semi-stationary and stationary vendors respectively (p<0.001). Contamination of street food in Bukavu is multifactorial and hygiene vendors contribute significantly to contamination factor, including unhygienic managers, dirty environment and poor water quality. Hence, sustainable development of communities through good hygiene practices in street foods handling. The government should thus strengthen health checks at street food and ensure their hygienic quality before consumption by the population in order to prevent these diseases and improve health of consumers.
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Yan, F., E. Winijkul, D. G. Streets, Z. Lu, T. C. Bond, and Y. Zhang. "Global emission projections for the transportation sector using dynamic technology modeling." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions 13, no. 9 (September 5, 2013): 23373–419. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acpd-13-23373-2013.
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Abstract. In this study, global emissions of gases and particles from the transportation sector are projected from the year 2010 to 2050. The Speciated Pollutant Emission Wizard (SPEW)-Trend model, a dynamic model that links the emitter population to its emission characteristics, is used to project emissions from on-road vehicles and non-road engines. Unlike previous models of global emission estimates, SPEW-Trend incorporates considerable details on the technology stock and builds explicit relationships between socioeconomic drivers and technological changes, such that the vehicle fleet and the vehicle technology shares change dynamically in response to economic development. Emissions from shipping, aviation, and rail are estimated based on other studies so that the final results encompass the entire transportation sector. The emission projections are driven by four commonly-used IPCC scenarios (A1B, A2, B1, and B2). We project that global fossil-fuel use (oil and coal) in the transportation sector will be in the range of 3.0–4.0 Gt across the four scenarios in the year 2030. Corresponding global emissions are projected to be 101–138 Tg of carbon monoxide (CO), 44–54 Tg of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 14–18 Tg of total hydrocarbons (THC), and 3.6–4.4 Tg of particulate matter (PM). At the global level, a common feature of the emission scenarios is a projected decline in emissions during the first one or two decades (2010–2030), because the effects of stringent emission standards offset the growth in fuel use. Emissions increase slightly in some scenarios after 2030, because of the fast growth of on-road vehicles with lax or no emission standards in Africa and increasing emissions from non-road gasoline engines and shipping. On-road vehicles and non-road engines contribute the most to global CO and THC emissions, while on-road vehicles and shipping contribute the most to NOx and PM emissions. At the regional level, Latin America and East Asia are the two largest contributors to global CO and THC emissions in the year 2010; this dominance shifts to Africa and South Asia in the future. By the year 2050, for CO and THC emissions, non-road engines contribute the greatest fraction in Asia and the Former USSR, while on-road vehicles make the largest contribution in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East; for NOx and PM emissions, shipping controls the trend in most regions. These forecasts include a formal treatment of the factors that drive technology choices in the global vehicle sector and therefore represent a more realistic projection of what future emissions are likely to be. These results have important implications for emissions of gases and aerosols that influence air quality, human health, and climate change.
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Yan, F., E. Winijkul, D. G. Streets, Z. Lu, T. C. Bond, and Y. Zhang. "Global emission projections for the transportation sector using dynamic technology modeling." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 14, no. 11 (June 10, 2014): 5709–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-5709-2014.
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Abstract. In this study, global emissions of gases and particles from the transportation sector are projected from the year 2010 to 2050. The Speciated Pollutant Emission Wizard (SPEW)-Trend model, a dynamic model that links the emitter population to its emission characteristics, is used to project emissions from on-road vehicles and non-road engines. Unlike previous models of global emission estimates, SPEW-Trend incorporates considerable detail on the technology stock and builds explicit relationships between socioeconomic drivers and technological changes, such that the vehicle fleet and the vehicle technology shares change dynamically in response to economic development. Emissions from shipping, aviation, and rail are estimated based on other studies so that the final results encompass the entire transportation sector. The emission projections are driven by four commonly-used IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scenarios (A1B, A2, B1, and B2). With global fossil-fuel use (oil and coal) in the transportation sector in the range of 128–171 EJ across the four scenarios, global emissions are projected to be 101–138 Tg of carbon monoxide (CO), 44–54 Tg of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 14–18 Tg of non-methane total hydrocarbons (THC), and 3.6–4.4 Tg of particulate matter (PM) in the year 2030. At the global level, a common feature of the emission scenarios is a projected decline in emissions during the first one or two decades (2010–2030), because the effects of stringent emission standards offset the growth in fuel use. Emissions increase slightly in some scenarios after 2030, because of the fast growth of on-road vehicles with lax or no emission standards in Africa and increasing emissions from non-road gasoline engines and shipping. On-road vehicles and non-road engines contribute the most to global CO and THC emissions, while on-road vehicles and shipping contribute the most to NOx and PM emissions. At the regional level, Latin America and East Asia are the two largest contributors to global CO and THC emissions in the year 2010; this dominance shifts to Africa and South Asia in the future. By the year 2050, for CO and THC emissions, non-road engines contribute the greatest fraction in Asia and the former USSR, while on-road vehicles make the largest contribution in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East; for NOx and PM emissions, shipping controls the trend in most regions. These forecasts include a formal treatment of the factors that drive technology choices in the global vehicle sector and therefore represent a robust and plausible projection of what future emissions may be. These results have important implications for emissions of gases and aerosols that influence air quality, human health, and climate change.
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de Wet, Jenny. "Quality control of indexes in South Africa." Indexer: The International Journal of Indexing 34, no. 4 (December 2016): 172–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.3828/indexer.2016.53.
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Velaphi, Sithembiso, Daiva Yee, Mohammed Dabhelia, Firdose Nakwa, Reenu Thomas, Alison Van Kwawegen, Mahlori Mkhabele, et al. "Improving Neonatal Survival Through Preventing Infections in Resource-Constrained Environment: A Quality Improvement Project." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 41, S1 (October 2020): s288. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.862.
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Background: A recent study using minimally invasive tissue sampling at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), a public tertiary-care hospital in South Africa, reported that 70% of preterm neonatal deaths were due to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Based on these findings, CHBAH in collaboration with the CDC conducted an infection prevention and control (IPC) assessment and identified IPC gaps: limited training and mentorship of staff, medication preparation near the patient zone, and inadequate equipment cleaning and a high infection rates. We implemented a program from February 2019 to February 2020 to address these identified gaps, with the aim of reducing the neonatal sepsis rate. Methods: We focused our interventions on 3 essential activities in the neonatal wards: (1) conducting medication compounding in a safe environment with dedicated trained clinical pharmacy personnel; (2) improving cleaning and reprocessing of medical equipment through use of dedicated ward assistants; and (3) improving infection control–related behavior of frontline healthcare staff through on-site IPC mentorship and training. We captured data on process measures including medication errors and hand hygiene and outcome measures. We also looked at rates of infection, defined as positive cultures from blood and CSF per 1,000 patient days. Results: A NICU satellite pharmacy was established in February 2019 and was managed by a lead pharmacist and pharmacy assistants. Following the intervention, medication errors were reduced from 17% in March to 2% in September; nursing staff previously dedicated to medication preparation were able to spend more time in patient care. Furthermore, 4 full-time ward-assistants were hired in February 2019, and equipment is now cleaned using a standardized protocol in a dedicated cleaning area. A dedicated IPC team was assembled in January 2019 to develop standard operating procedures and conduct frequent trainings with healthcare personnel on IPC practices. Since these trainings were implemented, hand hygiene compliance improved from 25% to 48% over a 4-month period. There has been no significant change in blood/CSF infection rates from before implementation (2018): 17.7 per 1,000 patient days (95% CI, 16.7–18.8) compared to rate of 19.1 per 1,000 patient days (95% CI, 17.7–20.6) after implementation (March–September 2019), with a rate ratio of 1.08 (95% CI, 0.98–1.19). Conclusions: The impact of this program was demonstrated through process improvements and reduction in medication errors. However, to date there has been no change in the overall infection rates, suggesting that additional IPC interventions are needed or that other factors are contributing to the high infection rates.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
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Tanue, Elvis Asangbeng, Dickson Shey Nsagha, Nana Njamen Theophile, and Jules Clement Nguedia Assob. "Improving Retention in Care and Promoting Adherence to HIV Treatment: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of Mobile Phone Text Messaging." JMIR Research Protocols 9, no. 8 (August 27, 2020): e15680. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/15680.
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Background The World Health Organization has prioritized the use of new technologies to assist in health care delivery in resource-limited settings. Findings suggest that the use of SMS on mobile phones is an advantageous application in health care delivery, especially in communities with an increasing use of this device. Objective The main aim of this trial is to assess whether sending weekly motivational text messages (SMS) through mobile phones versus no text messaging will improve retention in care and promote adherence to treatment and health outcomes among patients receiving HIV treatment in Fako Division of Cameroon. Methods This is a multisite randomized controlled single-blinded trial. Computer-generated random block sizes shall be used to produce a randomization list. Participants shall be randomly allocated into the intervention and control groups determined by serially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. The 156 participants will either receive the mobile phone text message or usual standard of care. We hypothesize that sending weekly motivational SMS reminders will produce a change in behavior to enhance retention; treatment adherence; and, hence, health outcomes. Participants shall be evaluated and data collected at baseline and then at 2, 4, and 6 months after the launch of the intervention. Text messages shall be sent out, and the delivery will be recorded. Primary outcome measures are retention in care and adherence to treatment. Secondary outcomes are clinical (weight, body mass index), biological (virologic suppression, tuberculosis coinfection), quality of life, treatment discontinuation, and mortality. The analysis shall be by intention-to-treat. Analysis of covariates shall be performed to determine factors influencing outcomes. Results Recruitment and random allocation are complete; 160 participants were allocated into 3 groups (52 in the single SMS, 55 in the double SMS, and 53 in the control). Data collection and analysis are ongoing, and statistical results will be available by the end of August 2019. Conclusions The interventions will contribute to an improved understanding of which intervention types can be feasible in improving retention in care and promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry in South Africa PACTR201802003035922; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3035 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15680
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Uys, M. S., and J. H. Diener. "Orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapy in South Africa." South African Journal of Physiotherapy 52, no. 4 (November 30, 1996): 79–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v52i4.619.
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To ensure effective patient care, all members of the health team should review professional competency and standards of service provision. A questionnaire was sent to all members of the orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists group (OMTG) to establish their qualification and skills, and the scope of practice of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) physiotherapists. It included a short self and peer review. The results of this study urge the NEC of the OMTG to address pertinent issues that were raised: post-graduate study, international trends, research, dissemination of knowledge, quality assurance, professional image and prophylactic programmes in a primary health care system.
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Muller, Marie. "Standard for clinical/nursing unit management in South Africa." Health SA Gesondheid 5, no. 1 (October 23, 2000): 45–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v5i1.20.
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The nursing unit manager is responsible and accountable for quality management of a clinical unit to facilitate quality nursing/midwifery care and education. The unit manager requires practice guidelines on nursing unit management, reflecting excellence and presented in the form of standards and criteria in the form of a user-friendly instrument.
*Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.
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Ndaba, Harina, Michael Harber, and Warren Maroun. "Audit quality implications of regulatory change in South Africa." Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies 11, no. 3 (March 31, 2021): 477–507. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jaee-11-2020-0290.
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PurposeThis paper explores how technical constructions of audit practice are influenced by mandatory audit firm rotation (MAFR) regulations. The paper responds to calls for additional research on how external regulation influences audit quality and supplements the predominately quantitative research dealing specifically with firm rotation and its relevance for audit quality.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from South Africa which is the latest jurisdiction to adopt MAFR (from 2017). Detailed interviews with 49 participants comprising 24 audit partners and 25 non-auditors are conducted to explore how MAFR can impact audit quality. For this purpose, audit quality is defined according to a schematic developed interpretively and based on professional auditing standards and the prior research on audit quality.FindingsThere is no guarantee that MAFR will bolster auditors' independence or contribute to a more thorough audit approach. On the contrary, the effort required by incoming audit firms to gain an understanding of new clients coupled with material tendering costs is expected to decrease the profitability of audit engagements with adverse implications for audit quality. A loss of client experience and staff retention challenges may contribute further to a decline in audit quality. There may be some improvements to audit practice when an incumbent firm's work is going to be scrutinised by a new auditor but audit methodologies, including the nature and extent of testing performed, are not expected to change significantly because of MAFR. In this way, the regulation may be a symbolic response to a perceived decline in audit quality and auditor independence rather than part of an effective strategy to encourage more rigorous audit practice for the benefit of the users of financial statements.Originality/valueThe current paper provides one of the first exploratory accountants of how MAFR is expected to impact audit practice and, in turn, audit quality. The research responds to the call for more field-work studies on the mechanics of the audit process by engaging directly with practitioners instead of relying on inferential testing of broad audit quality surrogates. The study also makes an important empirical contribution by providing primary evidence on how external regulation influences audit practice from a seldom studied African perspective.
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Dickson, Kim Eva, Joanne Ashton, and Judy-Marie Smith. "Does setting adolescent-friendly standards improve the quality of care in clinics? Evidence from South Africa." International Journal for Quality in Health Care 19, no. 2 (February 2, 2007): 80–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzl070.
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Machingaidze, Shingai, Babalwa Zani, Amber Abrams, Solange Durao, Quinette Louw, Tamara Kredo, Karen Grimmer, and Taryn Young. "Series: Clinical Epidemiology in South Africa. Paper 2: Quality and reporting standards of South African primary care clinical practice guidelines." Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 83 (March 2017): 31–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.09.015.
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Chellan, Jamila, and Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya. "An audit tool for relicensing inspection for private hospitals in eThekwini district, South Africa." African Health Sciences 20, no. 2 (July 22, 2020): 936–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i2.49.
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Background: South Africa is moving towards National Health Insurance (NHI), which aims to provide access to universal health coverage for all South Africans. The NHI will only accredit and contract eligible health facilities that meet nationally approved quality standards in the public and private sector. Detailed tools for measuring compliance with the National Core Standards (NCS) and Batho Pele principles have been developed and implemented in the public sector. To date and since its implementation in the public sector, very little is known about the national audit tool and the method used to evaluate quality and patient safety standards in private hospitals in eThekwini district.
Objective: The aim of the study was to develop an audit tool for relicensing inspection of private hospitals in eThekwini district based on the clinical domains of the NCS and Batho Pele principles.
Methodology: An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used with a qualitative first phase involving 24 nurse managers through purposive sampling. This was followed by a quantitative phase in which a structured questionnaire was administered to 270 nurses who were randomly sampled for the study from 4 hospitals.
Results: The results revealed that the NCS and the Batho Pele principles are not fully implemented or evaluated in the se- lected hospitals in eThekwini district.
Conclusion: These findings were significant and denoted the need for a standardised clinical audit tool for private hospitals in eThekwini district.
Keywords: Audit tool; best practices; patient care; patient rights;, support services.
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Stainbank, Lesley, and Devi Dutt Tewari. "Professional accounting education programmes in South Africa and India." Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies 4, no. 1 (February 25, 2014): 97–116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jaee-12-2011-0056.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a contextual analysis of the professional accounting education programmes in South Africa and India by benchmarking both programmes to the International Education Standards (IESs) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology is a qualitative archival approach extracting information from secondary data (Statements of Membership Obligations’ compliance questionnaires available on the IFAC web site and information from the web sites of the relevant professional accountancy bodies). Findings – With regards to the IESs, the study found that both countries comply with the standards, although important differences occur. In South Africa, most of the education takes place during the university phase; and while both countries cover the content requirements, India covers the acquisition of professional skills more formally; ethics is taught and examined in both countries; both countries require a three year training contract; both countries have a final examination but the content of the examinations are different; and South Africa requires more continuous professional development than India. These findings, when related to India's and South Africa's relative positions on certain of the Global Competitiveness Indices may indicate that India could learn from the South African accountancy education model in order to strengthen the Indian position with regards to auditing and reporting standards. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the study is that it did not investigate the quality of the relative education programmes and it benchmarks both programmes at a single point in time. Practical implications – India could strengthen its accounting profession by implementing some of the South African aspects of its education model. South African could consider adopting the flexibility in the entry requirements in the Indian education model in order to increase the number of accountants in South Africa. These findings may also be useful to other developing countries to identify practices which could be adopted if suitable in their respective countries. Originality/value – The study is original as accountancy education programmes in India and South Africa have not been contrasted before. In view of their similar colonial background and the fact that both countries are major economic and political forces in their respective regions, the value of this study is that it provides useful and relevant information to India, South Africa and other countries with similar economic and social backgrounds.
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Edlund, Karl Kilbo, Felicia Killman, Peter Molnár, Johan Boman, Leo Stockfelt, and Janine Wichmann. "Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5 and PM2.5-Bound Trace Elements in Thohoyandou, South Africa." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 3 (February 2, 2021): 1359. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031359.
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We assessed the health risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ambient air pollution and its trace elemental components in a rural South African community. Air pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. PM2.5 samples were previously collected, April 2017 to April 2018, and PM2.5 mass determined. The filters were analyzed for chemical composition. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) health risk assessment method was applied. Reference doses were calculated from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, South African National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and US EPA reference concentrations. Despite relatively moderate levels of PM2.5 the health risks were substantial, especially for infants and children. The average annual PM2.5 concentration was 11 µg/m3, which is above WHO guidelines, but below South African NAAQS. Adults were exposed to health risks from PM2.5 during May to October, whereas infants and children were exposed to risk throughout the year. Particle-bound nickel posed both non-cancer and cancer risks. We conclude that PM2.5 poses health risks in Thohoyandou, despite levels being compliant with yearly South African NAAQS. The results indicate that air quality standards need to be tightened and PM2.5 levels lowered in South Africa.
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Liu, Fei, Bryan N. Duncan, Nickolay A. Krotkov, Lok N. Lamsal, Steffen Beirle, Debora Griffin, Chris A. McLinden, Daniel L. Goldberg, and Zifeng Lu. "A methodology to constrain carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants using satellite observations of co-emitted nitrogen dioxide." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 20, no. 1 (January 3, 2020): 99–116. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-99-2020.
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Abstract. We present a method to infer CO2 emissions from individual power plants based on satellite observations of co-emitted nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which could serve as complementary verification of bottom-up inventories or be used to supplement these inventories. We demonstrate its utility on eight large and isolated US power plants, where accurate stack emission estimates of both gases are available for comparison. In the first step of our methodology, we infer nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from US power plants using Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) NO2 tropospheric vertical column densities (VCDs) averaged over the ozone season (May–September) and a “top-down” approach that we previously developed. Second, we determine the relationship between NOx and CO2 emissions based on the direct stack emissions measurements reported by continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) programs, accounting for coal quality, boiler firing technology, NOx emission control device type, and any change in operating conditions. Third, we estimate CO2 emissions for power plants using the OMI-estimated NOx emissions and the CEMS NOx∕CO2 emission ratio. We find that the CO2 emissions estimated by our satellite-based method during 2005–2017 are in reasonable agreement with the US CEMS measurements, with a relative difference of 8 %±41 % (mean ± standard deviation). The broader implication of our methodology is that it has the potential to provide an additional constraint on CO2 emissions from power plants in regions of the world without reliable emissions accounting. We explore the feasibility by comparing the derived NOx∕CO2 emission ratios for the US with those from a bottom-up emission inventory for other countries and applying our methodology to a power plant in South Africa, where the satellite-based emission estimates show reasonable consistency with other independent estimates. Though our analysis is limited to a few power plants, we expect to be able to apply our method to more US (and world) power plants when multi-year data records become available from new OMI-like sensors with improved capabilities, such as the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), and upcoming geostationary satellites, such as the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring Pollution (TEMPO) instrument.
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Ingham, L. A., T. Jones, and A. Maneschijn. "Considerations for flight testing of UAVs in South African airspace." Aeronautical Journal 110, no. 1114 (December 2006): 803–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0001924000001676.
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South Africa has strategic requirements for tasks such as maritime patrol and border control. Research on UAVs should be done in order to design, certify and operate UAVs in civil airspace to satisfy these requirements. If principles such as ‘equivalence’, initially proposed by Eurocontrol are to be adopted in South Africa, it then follows that similar standards used by manned aircraft should be used by UAVs. Similarly, because the process of creating UAV regulations has not kept up with the pace of UAV development, and because dedicated UAV regulations do not yet exist in South Africa, UAVs must be tested and evaluated in order to prove compliance with comparable manned aircraft regulations in the foreseeable future until regulations are created or modified to accommodate UAVs. Given the airspace restrictions, and lack of applicable standards and regulations, proper flight testing of UAVs can become a very specialised task. Most test techniques applied to testing of manned aircraft are fortunately equally applicable to UAVs. This is a research-based paper that provides guidance to flight testers, UAV developers and research organisations wishing to execute tests in South Africa by suggesting a number of considerations for testing of UAVs.
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Braune, M. J., and A. Wood. "Best management practices applied to urban runoff quantity and quality control." Water Science and Technology 39, no. 12 (June 1, 1999): 117–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1999.0537.
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South Africa currently has one of the highest rates of urbanisation in the world causing a significant increase in surface water runoff. This, in turn, causes increased flooding and a significant decrease in water quality due primarily to the accumulation of pollutants. The need exists to manage urban stormwater runoff on an integrated catchment basis, thereby reducing the negative impact of urbanisation on the environment and quality of life. In this paper, details on how existing problem areas can be identified and ranked, the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the impacts of urbanisation on the environment and the effectiveness of BMP's are discussed and illustrated, based on expertise gained from studies in South Africa as well as visits to the USA and Australia.
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Ramashia, S. E., T. Tangulani, M. E. Mashau, and N. Nethathe. "Microbiological quality of different dried insects sold at Thohoyandou open market, South Africa." Food Research 4, no. 6 (August 23, 2020): 2247–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.4(6).233.
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Edible insects have long been consumed as part of the diet of many Asian, African and South American cultures. The study sought to determine the microbial quality of dried insects (mopane worms, termites and stink bugs) sold around Thohoyandou markets, South Africa. For the study, 45 samples of dried mopane worms, termites and stink bugs were purchased from street vendors. About fifteen samples for each dried set of insects were randomly purchased and subjected to microbial analyses such as coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, total plate count, yeasts and moulds count. The results revealed that street vendors were not following good standards of food safety and hygiene. They need training and awareness on how to handle the food products sold at the open market. During the study, we found that the mopane worms had the highest coliforms count of 1.9964±0.02 log10 CFU/g. Termites had the highest E. coli, S. aureus and total plate count of 1.9907±0.05, 2.2562±0.02 and 6.3564±1.10 log10 CFU/ g. Termites and stink bugs had the highest amount of Salmonella spp. (1.9827±0.03 log10 CFU/g). Stink bugs had the highest yeast and mould count ranging from 1.9804±0.14 to 1.9491±0.56 log10 CFU/g as compared to other insects. The outcome of this study will be used to teach vendors about good food safety and hygiene measures. The study results are also useful in determining whether these edible insects sold at the market are microbiologically safe for human consumption.
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Cohen, Tamara, and Luendree Moodley. "Achieving "decent work" in South Africa?" Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad 15, no. 2 (May 25, 2017): 319. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2012/v15i2a2490.
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The fundamental goal of the International Labour Organisation is the achievement of decent and productive work for both women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The South African government has pledged its commitment to the attainment of decent work and sustainable livelihoods for all workers and has undertaken to mainstream decent work imperatives into national development strategies. The four strategic objectives of decent work as identified by the ILO are: i) the promotion of standards and rights at work, to ensure that worker's constitutionally protected rights to dignity, equality and fair labour practices, amongst others, are safeguarded by appropriate legal frameworks; (ii) the promotion of employment creation and income opportunities, with the goal being not just the creation of jobs but the creation of jobs of acceptable quality; (iii) the provision and improvement of social protection and social security, which are regarded as fundamental to the alleviation of poverty, inequality and the burden of care responsibilities; and (iv) the promotion of social dialogue and tripartism. This article considers the progress made towards the attainment of these decent work objectives in South Africa, using five statistical indicators to measure such progress namely: (i) employment opportunities; (ii) adequate earnings and productive work; (iii) stability and security of work; (iv) social protection; and (v) social dialogue and workplace relations. It concludes that high levels of unemployment and a weakened economy in South Africa have given rise to a growing informal sector and an increase in unacceptable working conditions and exploitation. The rights of workers in the formal sector have not filtered down to those in the informal sector, who remains vulnerable and unrepresented. Job creation initiatives have been undermined by the global recession and infrastructural shortcomings and ambitious governmental targets appear to be unachievable, with youth unemployment levels and gender inequalities remaining of grave concern. Social protection programmes fail to provide adequate coverage to the majority of the economically active population. Social dialogue processes and organisational structures fail to accommodate or represent the interests of the informal sector. Until these problems are overcome, the article concludes, it remains unlikely that decent work imperatives will be attained.
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Cubadda, Francesco. "Preface." Pure and Applied Chemistry 82, no. 2 (January 1, 2010): iv. http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/pac20108202iv.
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Diet is the main source of trace elements, and exposure to dietary trace elements has a direct impact on the health of hundreds of millions worldwide. Insufficient intake of essential trace elements is a global issue. Deficiencies of iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium result in millions of people being affected by various diseases, with very serious consequences in those countries where malnutrition is widespread. On the other hand, the impact of toxic element species such as inorganic arsenic and methylmercury on entire populations has come to the fore again as a priority for both the scientific community and health authorities. The presence of trace elements in feeds, either as contaminants or as nutritional or zootechnical additives, and their transfer across the food chain to humans also raises questions within the scientific community and regulators.Different facets of trace elements, from essentiality to toxicity, were addressed throughout the 3rd International IUPAC Symposium on Trace Elements in Food (TEF-3). The meeting was organized by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and held on 1-3 April 2009 in Rome, Italy. The objective was to gather experts with different backgrounds to discuss all aspects of trace elements in food in relation to human health, with special emphasis on biological effects of elements. The main topics included essentiality, toxicity, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, speciation, sources and transfer in the food chain, effects of processing, food and feed fortification, supplementation, international legislation and standards, analytical developments, analytical quality assurance and reference materials. In accordance with practice in previous events of this series (Warsaw, 2000, and Brussels, 2004), TEF-3 provided a forum for the exchange of new ideas and experiences in trace element research, and a basis for influencing policy, advisory practice, and risk-management tools to protect public health.Over 200 participants, representing some 40 countries, joined the event. In addition to the 15 invited lectures, delegates from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America enriched this edition with 20 oral and about 130 poster contributions. TEF-3 actually resulted in a lively interdisciplinary symposium on current and emerging research and development efforts.Special emphasis was placed on the following topics:- analytical techniques for element speciation studies in food and food supplements- reliability and quality control of analytical data on trace elements in foodstuffs- detection, characterization, and potential health risks of inorganic nanoparticles- arsenic speciation and toxicology- gender differences in susceptibility to toxic trace elements in food- exposure assessment of toxic element species- assessment of risks and benefits of the organic forms of trace elements as feed additives- metabolism of metal(loid)s by intestinal microorganisms- absorption and metabolism of iron, zinc, and other essential elements- use of stable isotopes to study trace mineral metabolism- selenium and iodine speciation and biological effectsAdvancements in the above-mentioned areas were discussed, and special attention was paid to the means in order to prevent adverse health effects on those individuals and populations most vulnerable to trace-element inadequacies, excesses, or imbalances.The following collection of papers based upon authoritative lectures presented at TEF-3 addresses many of the topics discussed during the symposium. Overall, it provides an excellent overview of the state of the art in the area of trace elements in food and sheds light on future challenges and subjects of research.Francesco CubaddaConference Chair
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Alexander, W. V., and A. Wood. "Experimental Investigations into the Use of Emergent Plants to Treat Sewage in South Africa." Water Science and Technology 19, no. 10 (October 1, 1987): 51–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1987.0097.
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South Africa is a relatively water-short country which has many rural communities with water-borne sewage infrastructures requiring low technology treatment facilities. In order to protect the water resources of the country the authorities have set high standards for effluent quality (COD < 75 mg/l, NH3 < 10 mg/l, E. coli < 1000 and in some areas P < 1 mg/l). Traditionally, oxidation ponds have been used in these applications but have not been able to consistently meet the required standards and recently interest has been shown in artificial wetlands as a low technology means of solving the problem. As a result several experimental projects are at present being initiated in South Africa, both as primary and secondary treatment for domestic sewage and also as a tertiary treatment to remove nitrogen, phosphorus and E. coli from conventional sewage plant effluents. The designs of these experimental projects are described in the paper and it is hoped that data will be available for presentation at the seminar.
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Husser, T. O., and F. V. Hessman. "USING OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE AND OPEN STANDARDS FOR OPERATING ROBOTIC TELESCOPES." Revista Mexicana de Astronomía y Astrofísica Serie de Conferencias 51 (April 13, 2019): 15–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.22201/ia.14052059p.2019.51.04.
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The University of G¨ottingen, the McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas at Austin, and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) operate two robotic telescopes called MONET at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas (MONET/North), and at the SAAO in Sutherland, South Africa (MONET/South). After problems with our original observation control system and some difficulties with another one, we decided to build our own system, initially providing only the minimally required functionality, but allowing for easy extensibility. A decision was made to build on open standards and open source software only, so that we can use existing and well-tested technologies. In this paper we will describe our efforts to implement such an open observation control system using HTTP and XMPP. Furthermore, we will discuss possibilities for connecting multiple telescopes via VOEvents and RTML.
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Thornton, J. A., P. H. McMillan, and P. Romanovsky. "Perceptions of Water Pollution in South Africa: Case Studies from Two Water Bodies (Hartbeespoort Dam and Zandvlei)." South African Journal of Psychology 19, no. 4 (December 1989): 199–204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/008124638901900403.
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A questionnaire survey of over 3 000 recreational users of inland waters in the greater Pretoria and Cape Town areas was conducted during 1987/8 for the purpose of quantifying, as far as possible, the perceptions of the public towards water quality and water pollution in South Africa. Respondents indicated that excessive aquatic plant growth and other visually aesthetic factors were the principal determinants of water quality, regardless of demographic background. These results are comparable to results obtained in similar studies in north America and appear to be indicative of a rising awareness of environmental issues in South Africa. There was a general willingness among respondents to meet the higher costs associated with the achievement of improved standards of water quality and the elimination of the perceived problems enumerated above.
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Pretorius, R. W. "Quality improvement in higher education: a critical review, with reference to South Africa." Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie 23, no. 4 (September 23, 2004): 104–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/satnt.v23i4.200.
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In view of the controversy which characterises systems for quality assurance in higher education worldwide, this article provides a critical review of the theory and practice of quality in the higher education sector. The state of affairs in South Africa is also reviewed, with the focus on the new system for quality assurance which is currently being implemented. Despite good intentions, however, the new system in South Africa tends to be over-burocratic, with limited potential for deepseated change and quality improvement as a result of the focus on accountability rather than on continuous improvement. Real improvement is an internally driven process, which cannot be achieved through burocratic measurement and control. In line with what has been experienced internationally, this article argues that a more flexible approach to the meaning of quality in the context of higher educaction is required in South Africa. Apart from defining and assuring quality, this approach should also be directed at its improvement. However, the point of departure has to be quality improvement, and not quality assurance and control.
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Langenhoven, Lizanne, Pieter Barnardt, Alfred I. Neugut, and Judith S. Jacobson. "Phenotype and Treatment of Breast Cancer in HIV-Positive and -Negative Women in Cape Town, South Africa." Journal of Global Oncology 2, no. 5 (October 2016): 284–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2015.002451.
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Purpose An estimated 5.9 million people in South Africa are infected with HIV. Because antiretroviral therapy has made infection with HIV a treatable, chronic condition, HIV-infected individuals are now surviving to middle and older age. We investigated the implications of HIV status for breast cancer in South Africa. Methods We compared clinical and demographic characteristics of women newly diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, from January 2010 to December 2011 by HIV status. We then compared HIV-positive patients with HIV-negative controls, matched 2:1 on age and ethnicity, with respect to chemotherapy regimens, toxicities, completion of systemic chemotherapy, and changes in CD4 cell count. Results Of 586 women with breast cancer, 31 (5.3%) were HIV positive, 420 (71.7%) were HIV negative, and 135 (23%) were untested for HIV. Women with HIV were younger than other women (P < .001). The groups did not differ in regard to stage at presentation, histologic subtype, tumor grade, nodal involvement, or hormone receptor positivity. More than 84% of patients who initiated systemic chemotherapy, regardless of HIV status, completed it without serious toxicity. Among HIV-positive patients receiving chemotherapy, the mean baseline CD4 cell count was 477 cells/µL (standard deviation, 160 cells/µL), and the mean nadir was 333 cells/µL (standard deviation, 166 cells/µL). Conclusion HIV-infected women were younger at breast cancer diagnosis than HIV-negative women but otherwise similar in phenotype and completion of chemotherapy. Longer term follow-up is needed to evaluate the effects of HIV, antiretroviral therapy, and chemotherapy on the survival and quality of life of patients with breast cancer.
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E.M. El Zu, Ibtisam, Voughon Gabriechise ., and Q. Johnson . "Study on Some Quality Control Measures of Pasteurized Milk of the Western Cape, South Africa." International Journal of Dairy Science 2, no. 4 (September 15, 2007): 372–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/ijds.2007.372.379.
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Meier, Corinne, Eleanor Lemmer, and Demet Gören Niron. "Problems and Prospects in Early Childhood Education Provisioning in Turkey and South Africa." Journal of Asian and African Studies 52, no. 4 (August 5, 2015): 444–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0021909615595989.
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The benefits of early childhood development (ECD) programmes are strongly supported by evidence of reduced school dropout and repetition rates. However, the literature on ECD is primarily grounded in research based in the United States (US); in the light of this gap in the literature, this paper provides a comparative overview of ECD policy and practice from outside of the US, namely in South Africa and Turkey. As a theoretical framework the paper has followed the World Bank’s Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER)-ECD Analytical Framework. Findings indicate that both countries have established an enabling policy environment for ECD but implementation and the setting of and compliance to standards for quality is still emerging, in spite of massive strides made in this field during the past fifteen years.
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Keen, S., and K. Altieri. "The health benefits of attaining and strengthening air quality standards in Cape Town." Clean Air Journal 26, no. 2 (December 3, 2016): 22–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2410-972x/2016/v26n2a9.
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The link between pollution and poor health and mortality has been established globally. Developing countries carry most of the burden of ill health from air pollution, and urban centres like the City of Cape Town even more so. Effective air quality management to protect human health relies on the attainment of air quality standards. This study uses the Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) along with a locally derived exposure-response function and air quality monitor data to investigate whether the consistent attainment of current or more stringent air quality standards would avoid loss of life. The results show that attaining the PM10 24-hour mean South Africa National Standard limit and the PM10 and SO2 24-hour mean World Health Organisation guidelines in Cape Town reduces levels of pollutants and does reduce excess risk of mortality in Cape Town.
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Minnaar, Ulrich John, Brandon Peterson, Hennie Mostert, Johan Rens, and Gerhard Botha. "Power quality grid code compliance for renewable power plants in South Africa." IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution 13, no. 1 (January 8, 2019): 137–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2018.5549.
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Zhao, Zheng Rong, and Hong Xia Yang. "Construction Quality Control of Dynamic Compaction Method Treatment Collapsible Loess Foundation." Advanced Materials Research 594-597 (November 2012): 1149–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.594-597.1149.
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Through the field test data comprehensive analysis, the construction parameters of dynamic compaction can be obtained.The comparison of the before and after dynamic compaction reinforcement effect shows that the collapsible loess foundation after the dynamic compaction treatment, the soil dry density increases by approximately 10%, void ratio reduces by about 15%,bearing capacity increases by 15% or more and collapsible disappears. According to the construction practice of large-scale dynamic compaction method in the south line of Jinan around the city expressway, discusses the key problems should be noted during the construction process and treatment methods of special sections, quality testing methods and evaluation standards.
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van Vliet, H. R., S. J. Swart, and D. J. Roux. "National and regional surface water quality assessment in the Republic of South Africa." Water Science and Technology 30, no. 10 (November 1, 1994): 25–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1994.0508.
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Concern over the deteriorating quality of South African surface water resources in the past several decades has resulted in a number of fundamental changes in the approach to national water quality management, the most significant being a shift from a point-source control approach to a more complex and information-intensive receiving-water-quality based strategy. These changes highlighted the urgent need for a new focus on the development of a balanced and integrated strategy for the national and regional assessment of water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. An overview of the current developments, direction and strategies for water quality assessment of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, is presented.
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Maroun, Warren, and Jill Atkins. "Whistle-blowing by external auditors in South Africa." Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal 27, no. 5 (June 2, 2014): 834–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/aaaj-11-2012-1154.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how notions of disciplinary power manifest themselves in audit regulatory developments. When it comes to research on the relationship between audit quality and regulation, much of the prior scholarly work has kept to the positivist tradition of quantitative analysis under the guise of “economic rationality”. In contrast, this research takes an interpretive approach to provide an alternate and unique perspective, using motifs of Foucauldian power and control to illuminate the operation of external regulation in a South African setting. The paper examines what may be loosely described as a mandatory whistle-blowing duty imposed on external auditors. Design/methodology/approach – Detailed interviews with some of South Africa's leading corporate governance experts are used to highlight the disciplinary effect of an auditor's duty to bring reportable irregularities to the attention of an independent regulator. Findings – Blowing the whistle on irregularities contributes, not only to increasing the information made available to stakeholders, but to creating a valid expectation of auditors serving the public interest by enhancing a sense of transparency and accountability. Elements of resistance to panoptic-like control are, however, also present suggesting that, in part, the regulation may simply be creating the illusion of active reporting. Research limitations/implications – The research relies on a relatively small sample of subject experts and does not provide a complete account of regulatory developments taking place in South Africa and abroad. Additional research on the role of whistle-blowing in an external audit setting is needed focusing particularly on similarities and variations in interpretations of reporting by auditors from the perspective of more diverse stakeholder groups. Practical/implications – Mandatory reporting of irregularities by auditors can provided additional useful information for stakeholders and may contribute to demands for more effective reporting by auditors. Social implications – Arms-length regulation of the audit profession should not be seen only as a means of improving audit quality and the utility of audit reports. Powerful social forces are also. This research demonstrates how laws and regulations have a potential disciplinary effect on the audit profession that contributes to a restoration of confidence in the audit process after it is best by scandals, even if motifs of power and control are somewhat illusionary. Originality/value – This research addresses the need for more detailed analysis of precisely how mechanisms of accountability and transparency operate in the broader corporate governance arena. The paper also contributes to the calls for more detailed, context-specific studies of audit. Finally, this paper is one of the first to employ a critical theoretical perspective on audit in an African setting, responding to the need for contextual, methodological and theoretical eclecticism in the area of corporate governance research.
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Chamane, Nkosinothando, Desmond Kuupiel, and Tivani Phosa Mashamba-Thompson. "Stakeholders’ Perspectives for the Development of a Point-of-Care Diagnostics Curriculum in Rural Primary Clinics in South Africa—Nominal Group Technique." Diagnostics 10, no. 4 (April 1, 2020): 195. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10040195.
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Poor knowledge and adherence to point-of-care (POC) HIV testing standards have been reported in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a high HIV prevalent setting. Improving compliance to HIV testing standards is critical, particularly during the gradual phasing out of lay counsellor providers and the shifting of HIV testing and counselling duties to professional nurses. The main objective of this study was to identify priority areas for development of POC diagnostics curriculum to improve competence and adherence to POC diagnostics quality standards for primary healthcare (PHC) nurses in rural South Africa. Method: PHC clinic stakeholders were invited to participate in a co-creation workshop. Participants were purposely sampled from each of the 11 KwaZulu-Natal Districts. Through the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), participants identified training related challenges concerning delivery of quality point of care diagnostics and ranked them from highest to lowest priority. An importance ranking score (scale 1–5) was calculated for each of the identified challenges. Results: Study participants included three PHC professional nurses, one TB professional nurse, one HIV lay councilor, one TB assistant and three POC diagnostics researchers, aged 23–50. Participants identified ten POC diagnostics related challenges. Amongst the highest ranked challenges were the following:absence of POC testing Curriculum for nurses, absence of training of staff on HIV testing and counselling as lay counsellor providers are gradually being phased out,. absence of Continuous Professional Development opportunities and lack of Staff involvement in POC Management programs. Conclusion: Key stakeholders perceived training of PHC nurses as the highest priority for the delivery of quality POC diagnostic testing at PHC level. We recommend continual collaboration among all POC diagnostics stakeholders in the development of an accessible curriculum to improve providers’ competence and ensure sustainable quality delivery of POC diagnostic services in rural PHC clinics.
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Bullard, G. K., R. J. Roughley, and D. J. Pulsford. "The legume inoculant industry and inoculant quality control in Australia: 1953 - 2003." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, no. 3 (2005): 127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea03159.
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Fifty years have passed since the first commercial inoculants were manufactured in Australia. Before 1953, various Government Agencies supplied mostly agar cultures with New South Wales Department of Agriculture issuing the first peat-based inoculants. There are no data to indicate the quality of these inoculants, but in the early commercial cultures rhizobia were often outnumbered by contaminants and field failures were widespread. A comprehensive system of quality control was developed from discussions between CSIRO and the University of Sydney. Succeeding quality control bodies have continued on the basis of the original scheme. It set inoculant standards, approved and supplied mother cultures to manufacturers annually, tested all batches of peat inoculants before sale and sampled inoculants at the point of sale. In this paper we describe the history of Australian legume inoculants, list the commercial firms and key people involved and the period during which they were active. We tabulate the strains involved, indicate the period of their use and highlight some of the problems encountered with them and with inoculant production. We indicate the personnel who have been particularly active in the quality control of inoculants, the funding bodies who have supported the work and stress the reliance of the control laboratories on the help of many agricultural scientists in Australia. An important part of the control scheme has been the implementing of standards without resort to legislation. This has depended on the cooperation of the manufacturers involved and has allowed flexibility in applying the standards.
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Stringer, Beverley, Karen Lowton, Nicola James, and Bern-Thomas Nyang'wa. "Capturing patient-reported and quality of life outcomes with use of shorter regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis: mixed-methods substudy protocol, TB PRACTECAL-PRO." BMJ Open 11, no. 9 (September 2021): e043954. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043954.
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IntroductionPeople living with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis currently have few options for effective treatment and cure. Regimens that are available are toxic, may involve injections and take up to 2 years to complete treatment, with success rates as low as 50%. The TB-PRACTECAL trial is evaluating shorter, more tolerable regimens of oral drugs; we detail the substudy within this trial, PRACTECAL-PRO, which aims to evaluate patient experiences and perspectives on treatment, to understand outcomes more fully.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a mixed-methods evaluation within both investigational and standard of care arms within the TB-PRACTECAL trial, using sequential quality of life (QoL) surveys and in-depth interviews. Data collection involves the Short Form 12 (SF-12) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), collected at up to four fixed timepoints, from baseline, to up to 12 months later. Healthy volunteers will be surveyed to establish locally relevant controls. We will also purposively sample participants for qualitative data collection and analysis, to provide rich explanation of QoL scores. The study will be implemented in all six TB-PRACTECAL study sites in Uzbekistan, South Africa and Belarus. QoL surveys will be scored and analysed according to SF-12 and SGRQ developers’ manuals. Differences between scores at baseline and later timepoints will be evaluated as well as graphical exploration of group score trajectories of investigational and standard of care arms.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Médecins Sans Frontières Ethics Review Board. Local ethics approval has been obtained in Uzbekistan, Belarus and South Africa. Results of the substudy will be shared with local health authorities, the WHO and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03942354; Pre-results.