Overloading of heavy vehicles reduces pavement life and increases pavement life cycle costs. As part of Namibia's strategy to control heavy vehicle overloading on the road network, weighbridge facilities have been constructed at strategic locations on primary routes (trunk roads). The study analysed the extent of heavy vehicle overloading on Namibian trunk roads, as well as the effectiveness of existing overloading mitigation measures. The dataset comprised heavy vehicle loading information from the year 2015 to 2019, from ten static weighbridge facilities. The parameters investigated include overloading magnitude, the effect of overloading on road pavement life, and the effectiveness of current overload mitigation measures. The results showed that 13.3% of the vehicles weighed were overloaded, with a compounded decrease in overloading of approximately 0.5% per annum. Despite the overloading decrease, the study found that the estimated road service life was reduced by as much as nine years over the study period. High levels of weighbridge avoidance and poor stakeholder coordination in mitigating overloading were identified. The study recommends deploying high-speed weigh-in-motion systems, an increase in fines charged for overloading offenses, and developing a demerit point-based system for habitual offenders to strengthen mitigation measures.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the need for competency-based medical education has been emphasised. Each country needs a defined set of physiotherapy competencies from the associations and governing bodies OBJECTIVES: Our review aimed to map competencies of undergraduate physiotherapy education and propose a context-specific competency framework for Namibia METHOD: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and was reported using the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. Qualitative direct content analysis utilising the five main competency domains from the WHO Rehabilitation Competency Framework was adapted RESULTS: Five main competency domains were proposed: practice, professional growth and involvement, learning and development, management and leadership, and research. Nineteen potential competencies were identified, and each competency has a set of knowledge and skills activities that is expected of each student CONCLUSION: The proposed competencies still need to undergo expert consensus and content validation before they can be adopted and implemented in Namibia. Future studies can explore the perspectives and experiences of the faculty, students and clinicians on the current status of competency-based education of undergraduate physiotherapy programme in Namibia. Similarly, future studies can focus on possible assessment strategies that can be used for each competency and an evaluation framework for assessing milestones in student competencies from entry into clinical education to graduation CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The review proposed a context-specific competency framework for Namibia with a set of knowledge and skills activities that is expected of each student. The faculty can adopt these competencies and improve on their competency-based physiotherapy education

BACKGROUND: Although students in teacher education programmes in Namibia study through the medium of English, their academic language (AL) proficiency remains a challenge for most of them. In the Junior Primary Education programmes, they are not only required to master AL for their own studies, but they must also learn how to teach emergent academic AL in the primary school. AIM: This study aimed to address this dual challenge, a practitioner research study was undertaken to assess and compare students' AL proficiency skills in English cross sectionally in 2020. SETTING: The study was conducted online with (N = 78) student teachers at one of 12 campuses of the University of Namibia during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: A standardised test compiled by Uccelli et al. was administered to 78 randomly selected students to measure their core AL skills. RESULTS: The assessment results revealed distinct gaps in students' AL proficiency. In addition, the findings demonstrated a statistically significant variance in assessment outcomes across different year groups. CONCLUSION: The university, despite provision of several courses, has taken note that AL should ideally be integrated across the curriculum. CONTRIBUTION: The study revealed usable evidence about students' AL proficiency, indicating patterns across cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers' significant discretionary purchases of non-essential products, such as apparel, contribute to retail growth. In a turbulent retail environment, store atmospherics presents an innovative cost-effective solution to incorporate BOP consumers' unique motivations for desired apparel behavioural intentions to grow market share. AIM: This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding a systematic review of store atmospherics on urban BOP consumers' apparel behavioural intentions in an emerging African market. This study also proposes various purchase antecedents to attitudes, which drive apparel behavioural intentions. The moderation effect of age is investigated to understand the change in purchase antecedents related to attitudes among different urban BOP age groups. SETTING: Interviewer-administered surveys was conducted among urban BOP consumers in Namibia's main urban areas. METHOD: A sample of 881 respondents was selected by purposive, interlocking and convenience sampling methods. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) confirmed the significant relationships between all constructs in the proposed model. RESULTS: The systematic link between store atmospherics and urban BOP apparel behavioural intentions is primarily because of consumers' perceived value, trust and attitudes. Urban BOP consumers' perceived value, anticipatory emotions and attitudes are moderated by age. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study sheds light on the differences between young and old urban BOP consumers and how they differ or coincide with age groups in more affluent segments. In order to adequately segment the urban BOP market, apparel retailers should emphasise on affordability, quality, emotional goal attainment and trust in their store atmospherics. CONTRIBUTION: In the broad context of store atmospherics, this study specifically uses age categories as a lens to provide valuable insights concerning age differences in urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers' perception of store atmospherics which influences their apparel behavioural intentions. Further, this study solidifies that different age categories amongst urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers bring forth different behavioural intentions to which marketers should adapt their store atmospheric strategies.

BACKGROUND: Robust results-based monitoring and evaluation (M) systems allow government to track the progress and impact of development programmes. This article focused on the current M system as adopted for the Child Support Grant (CSG) programme of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW) in Namibia. OBJECTIVES: The article examined whether the adopted M processes and arrangements for the MGEPESW sufficiently track the outcomes for beneficiaries of the CSG programme to enable strategic decisions by the MGEPESW. METHOD: A desktop review of available literature on M systems was complemented by a review of strategic reports and programme documentation of the MGEPESW that sets out the current M arrangements. Further interviews with senior, middle and programme managers responsible for the implementation of the CSG programme assessed the suitability and gaps of these arrangements as well as the proposed recommendations to strengthen the existing M arrangements. RESULTS: The research found several gaps in current practice that hinders the MGEPESW and decision-makers in assessing the outcomes for child beneficiaries. CONCLUSION: Recommendations were offered to improve the current M system to better track the outcomes of the CSG programme. This included a refined theory of change, revised indicators and strengthened institutional arrangements. CONTRIBUTION: The improved results-based M system for the MGEPESW offers a comparative base for the implementation of results-based M systems for child-focused cash transfer programmes in similar contexts.

BACKGROUND: The need to examine teachers' learning activities in reading literacy instruction arises from concerns about reading proficiency levels in the Namibian Junior Primary phase, where reading literacy is a fundamental skill crucial for academic success. AIM: The study examined the learning activities used for reading literacy instruction in selected Namibian Junior Primary (JP) schools focused on Grade 3 teachers. SETTING: The study was conducted in selected Oshana region JP schools focused in three diverse classroom settings. METHODS: The study used secondary qualitative data that were collected by the Oshana Regional Directorate of Education through interviews and classroom observations to examine the teaching practices Grade 3 teachers were using for reading literacy instruction. The study explores the reading literacy practices of teachers that they have adapted from continuous professional development programs and ministerial policies. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the participants in this study were utilising a variety of learning activities to enhance reading literacy skills. These activities are phonological activities (phonics, phonological awareness activities, and the Jolly Phonics programme) and interactive activities (shared reading and reading corner activities) for reading literacy instruction. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, participants employed a range of methods to enhance reading instruction. They utilised phonological strategies like phonics and the Jolly Phonics programme to develop language skills, alongside interactive practices such as shared reading to improve fluency and foster a love for reading. CONTRIBUTION: The findings can inform educational policies, curriculum development, and initial teacher education programmes, ultimately improving reading literacy outcomes for learners in Namibia and beyond.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is among the top causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes of women of reproductive age towards cervical cancer services in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia. SETTING: The setting of this study was the Otjozondjupa region, one of the 14 regions of Namibia. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was used. The data were collected with a questionnaire from a stratified sample of 381 out of the 37066 study population of women of reproductive age across four districts of the region. Descriptive data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. RESULTS: The findings revealed that most respondents (83.1%) had an overall neutral attitude towards the screening, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer; they were not concerned about the risk of cervical cancer and would not practice health-seeking behaviours regarding cervical cancer services. CONCLUSIONS: The respondents were indifferent with regard to prevention, screening, and management services for cervical cancer, implying that they would not use available cervical cancer services. CONTRIBUTIONS: Attitudes of women of reproductive age towards cervical cancer services were highlighted. Subsequently, an educational programme for nurses to enhance the utilisation of cervical cancer services among women of reproductive age in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia, was developed. Guidelines were developed to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of the educational programme activities to enhance the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age.

BACKGROUND: A cardiac rehabilitation programme is a medically supervised intervention to assist patients in recovery after heart surgeries and to prevent potential complications. Nurses should have the knowledge, a positive attitudes, and good practices to improve patient quality of life during the recovery process. AIM: This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the nurses regarding cardiac rehabilitation for patients after heart valve surgery. SETTING: The study setting was Windhoek Central Hospital, Cardiac Unit, in Windhoek, Namibia. METHODS: A quantitative and descriptive research design was used for convenient non-probability sampling of (N = 23) nurses who consented to participate in the study. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive statistics were used and Fischer's Exact test for associations of variables was performed. RESULTS: The study results showed a high level of knowledge, good attitudes, and poor to fair practices toward cardiac rehabilitation. However, the respondents demonstrate a lack of knowledge about the indications, and benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, negative attitudes regarding counselling of patients on sexual activities, and poor practice regarding exercises and counseling of patients and caregivers on cardiac rehabilitation. Furthermore, there is a positive relationship between the respondents' older age, senior rank, and having been trained I cardiac conditions and their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding some core components of cardiac rehabilitation with P-value < 0.050. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a cardiac rehabilitation programme to improve nurses' attitudes and practices toward cardiac rehabilitation. CONTRIBUTION: Understanding the gap in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the nurses regarding cardiac rehabilitation would guide the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in the implementation of the cardiac rehabilitation for patients after heart valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among nursing students can impact patient care and outcomes. To address this, comprehensive STI education is crucial AIM: This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of nursing students regarding STI prevention and control SETTING: The research was conducted at a nursing training institution in Windhoek, Namibia METHODS: The research employed a cross-sectional design with 73 participants RESULTS: Outcomes revealed that 63.0% had satisfactory knowledge and 79.5% exhibited positive attitudes. A significant association was noted between knowledge and participants' sex. Male participants displayed poor knowledge (70%). No significant relationship existed between demographic characteristics and attitudes CONCLUSION: The study concluded lower than expected knowledge regarding STIs among nursing students that implicated patients' care CONTRIBUTION: Integrating STI education into nursing curricula can improve students' competences that enhance patients' care

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has been rising globally, and this is leading to an increase in other non-communicable diseases. The level of obesity knowledge among nurses may have an impact on how they treat and perceive obese patients AIM: The study aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses regarding obesity at private healthcare facilities located in Namibia's Oshana Region SETTING: A total of four private healthcare facilities in Namibia's Oshana area served as the study's sites METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional research design using proportional stratified random sampling was used to choose 250 respondents for the study. A questionnaire that respondents self-administered was used to gather the data. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were determined during a pilot study. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used for data analysis RESULTS: Of the participants, about two-fifths had a positive attitude (n = 112; 44.8%), slightly less than two-fifths had good practices (n = 96; 38.4%) and more than one-third had good knowledge (n = 97; 39%). There were differences in knowledge mean scores based on age, occupation, sex and educational level CONCLUSION: The results validate the necessity for healthcare facilities to implement nurse education and mentorship initiatives, as well as to recognise and reward nurses who effectively care for patients with obesity CONTRIBUTION: This study added literature on knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses in private healthcare facilities in Namibia, as well as factors that influence knowledge levels among the nurses

In the historical and current transformation discourses in South Africa and Namibia, the concept of decolonisation is no longer a mere abstract concept. Decolonisation is now a fundamental policy and regulatory imperative that is heavily centred on, among other things, the land question and debates around the historical as well as present-day use of indigenous cheap and unskilled labour in underpaid sectors of industry -particularly the mining sector. During the colonial era, as the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia expanded, a substantial number of migrant labourers and local workers entered the mines. To safeguard these mineworkers' legal rights, labour laws were passed. Despite the implementation of such labour laws, regular strikes were a feature of the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia at the time. In the post-colonial dispensation, the South African mining industry has been characterised by numerous strike actions, while in Namibia, widespread dissatisfaction with working conditions has been noted. This raises the question of whether or not South Africa and Namibia have made progress in defending mineworkers' labour rights. This question is critical when viewed through the lens of a post-colonial society governed by a constitutionalised labour law framework. While there has arguably been a noticeable improvement in mineworkers' employment conditions, labour-related inequities continue to characterise the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia in the post-colonial era. Profiteering, capitalism, safeguarding the security of tenure of foreign mining corporations, and the persistent need to ensure the ease of doing business in the mining sector appear to take precedence over defending mineworkers' rights. Thus, this article explores the labour rights discourse developed by South African and Namibian mineworkers, as well as the applicable labour legislation. A strong case is made for reconsidering the extent to which South African and Namibian labour laws have been decolonised. This is done in a manner that is attentive to investment security and sustainable growth of the mining sector in the two countries as well as the realisation of African mineworkers' fundamental labour rights.

High performance computing (HPC) refers to the practice of aggregating computing power of several computing nodes in a way that delivers much higher performance than one could achieve by a typical desktop computer in order to solve large problems in business, science, or engineering. The University of Namibia has so far received two HPC racks from the Centre for High Performance Computing in South Africa, of which one is operational. The primary use of the rack was foreseen to be human capacity development and awareness in HPC and to form part of Namibia's readiness in participating in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (AVN) projects, but is now also being used for research in multi-wavelength astronomy and beyond. This is one of the first HPC services set up and operated by an entirely African team. We perform tests to benchmark the computational power and data transfer capabilities of the system and find that each node, on average, has a peak performance power of 82.4+1.1 GFLOPS. We also summarise all the projects that have enlisted the HPC facility.

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the baseline characteristics and outcomes of 266 Namibian patients in the Global Registry of Rheumatic Heart Disease OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical findings and outcomes in a cohort of children and adults with rheumatic heart disease in Namibia METHODS: Prospective study of all patients with rheumatic heart disease at Windhoek Central Hospital between January 2010 and November 2012 RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were enrolled; median age was 22 years, 72.6% were <30 years old and 60.5% female. The majority (62.8%) had moderate-severe disease; 48.9% were in congestive cardiac failure. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis was used by 34.2%. Warfarin was used by 75.3% («=64/85) with clinical indications. Forty-seven (17.6%) had previous valve interventions, of whom 40 (15.0%) had mechanical valve replacements. Over a 2-year follow-up period 19.1% of patients died. Severe valve involvement at enrolment was independently associated with mortality (24.6% v. 5.1% in those without severe disease; hazard ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.50 -15.98). Sixty-five (29.8%) of the 218 without previous intervention had valvular intervention after enrolment CONCLUSIONS: In Namibia rheumatic heart disease affects young people who present with severe disease and have a high case fatality rate. Rates of secondary prevention were low. These findings have informed the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Namibia

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas dos casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) por COVID-19 em recém-nascidos (RNs) em 2020 e 2021, no Brasil, registrados no Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe). Métodos: As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, raça/cor, hospitalização, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), uso de suporte ventilatório, sinais e sintomas (febre, tosse, saturação de O2<95%, dispneia, desconforto respiratório, diarreia e vômitos), evolução (óbito ou cura), fatores de risco/comorbidades. As variáveis categóricas foram apresentadas em frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: Houve 1.649 registros de SRAG por COVID-19 em RNs, com predomínio de pardos nos dois anos. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram, respectivamente, em 2020 e 2021: desconforto respiratório (67,0 e 69,7%), febre (46,3 e 46,2%) e tosse (37,0 e 46,3%). Em 2020, 30,5% dos pacientes receberam suporte ventilatório invasivo, e 41,6% em 2021. Além disso, mais de 55% dos casos precisaram de internação em UTI, e acima de 16% morreram. Conclusão: Destaca-se a elevada proporção de casos que precisou de cuidados intensivos e que evoluíram para óbito.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of cases of COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Brazilian newborns (NBs) in 2020 and 2021, recorded in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe — SIVEP-Gripe). Methods: The variables analyzed were gender, race/skin color, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of ventilatory support, signs and symptoms (fever, cough, O2 saturation<95%, dyspnea, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and vomiting), progress (death or cure), risk factors/comorbidities. Categorical variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: We found 1,649 records of COVID-19 SARS in NBs, with a predominance of multiracial babies in both years. The most frequent symptoms in 2020 and 2021 were, respectively: respiratory distress (67.0 and 69.7%), fever (46.3 and 46.2%), and cough (37.0 and 46.3%). In 2020, 30.5% of patients received invasive ventilatory support; in 2021, this number was 41.6%. In addition, more than 55% of cases required ICU admission, and over 16% died. Conclusion: We emphasize the high proportion of cases that required intensive care and progressed to death.