The endocannabinoid system in inflammatory bowel system
- Authors: Ababio, Frank James Kweku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Inflammatory bowel diseases , Gastrointestinal system , Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020338
- Description: Crohnâs disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) constitute the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are disorders of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden. IBD patients with long-standing intestinal inflammation are more prone to developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Until now, none of the existing IBD treatments is able to heal the mucosal ulcerations satisfactorily. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises of endogenous cannabinoid ligands, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes, has been implicated in gut homeostasis, visceral sensation, inflammation and gastrointestinal motility. Available studies in rodent models of IBD suggest that enhancing the ECS tone may reduce inflammation and improve mucosal integrity. This evidence indicates that the components of the ECS seem well positioned to exert a protective role in IBD and also to offer a great opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. Despite the role of the ECS in the gut, the presence and function of the components of the ECS is not well characterised in human IBD. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the state of the major components of the ECS in human IBD and to establish whether IBD is associated with any changes of the components of the ECS. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes for endocannabinoid biosynthesis PLC, âLRATâ, NAPE-PLD and DAGL, and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes FAAH and MAGL were analysed from colonic tissue samples of CD, UC and control patients by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to determine the relative mRNA expression of the above genes. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression of PLC, LRAT, and NAPE-PLD were unchanged in both CD and UC, whiles DAGL mRNA was decreased in UC but was unchanged in CD. The endocannabinoid degradation enzymes, FAAH mRNA expression was also unchanged in CD but decreased in UC, whereas the mRNA expression of MAGL was significantly decreased in both CD and UC. NAPE-PLD/FAAH and DAGL/MAGL ratios, an estimation of the balance of AEA and 2-AG levels, showed that AEA and 2-AG levels could be increased and unchanged, respectively, in IBD. The mRNA expression of CB1 was significantly decreased in CD and UC whilst CB2 mRNA expression was unchanged in both forms of IBD. The study demonstrated that the components of the ECS which were investigated were present in colonic tissues of both IBD patients and healthy individuals, but they appear to be off balance in CD and UC patients. The decreased CB1 receptors in IBD patients could be an important modifier in the disease and could also provide a possible pathoaetiological mechanism linking IBD and CRC. Although these findings look promising, more studies with larger sample size are required to characterise the components of the ECS in human IBD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ababio, Frank James Kweku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Inflammatory bowel diseases , Gastrointestinal system , Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020338
- Description: Crohnâs disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) constitute the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are disorders of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden. IBD patients with long-standing intestinal inflammation are more prone to developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Until now, none of the existing IBD treatments is able to heal the mucosal ulcerations satisfactorily. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises of endogenous cannabinoid ligands, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes, has been implicated in gut homeostasis, visceral sensation, inflammation and gastrointestinal motility. Available studies in rodent models of IBD suggest that enhancing the ECS tone may reduce inflammation and improve mucosal integrity. This evidence indicates that the components of the ECS seem well positioned to exert a protective role in IBD and also to offer a great opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. Despite the role of the ECS in the gut, the presence and function of the components of the ECS is not well characterised in human IBD. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the state of the major components of the ECS in human IBD and to establish whether IBD is associated with any changes of the components of the ECS. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes for endocannabinoid biosynthesis PLC, âLRATâ, NAPE-PLD and DAGL, and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes FAAH and MAGL were analysed from colonic tissue samples of CD, UC and control patients by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to determine the relative mRNA expression of the above genes. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression of PLC, LRAT, and NAPE-PLD were unchanged in both CD and UC, whiles DAGL mRNA was decreased in UC but was unchanged in CD. The endocannabinoid degradation enzymes, FAAH mRNA expression was also unchanged in CD but decreased in UC, whereas the mRNA expression of MAGL was significantly decreased in both CD and UC. NAPE-PLD/FAAH and DAGL/MAGL ratios, an estimation of the balance of AEA and 2-AG levels, showed that AEA and 2-AG levels could be increased and unchanged, respectively, in IBD. The mRNA expression of CB1 was significantly decreased in CD and UC whilst CB2 mRNA expression was unchanged in both forms of IBD. The study demonstrated that the components of the ECS which were investigated were present in colonic tissues of both IBD patients and healthy individuals, but they appear to be off balance in CD and UC patients. The decreased CB1 receptors in IBD patients could be an important modifier in the disease and could also provide a possible pathoaetiological mechanism linking IBD and CRC. Although these findings look promising, more studies with larger sample size are required to characterise the components of the ECS in human IBD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Cost comparison between repackaging bulk oral solid medicines and purchasing manufacturer-prepared patient-ready packs in the public sector in South Africa
- Authors: Abahamye, Aloysius
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Packaging -- Cost control , Business logistics -- Costs , Drugs -- Packaging , Manufacturing processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020596 , Drugs -- Packaging
- Description: In an attempt to have medicines available in patient-ready packs (PRPs) prior to the dispensing process, the provincial medicine depots in South Africa have, for many years, been repackaging bulk medicines into PRPs. Notwithstanding the fact that bulk medicine packages may have been the only packages available from the manufacturers to service the Primary Health Care (PHC) sector, the main aim of this process was to ensure that medicines were available in PRPs for dispensing to patients, thus, minimising the time spent on each prescription by the pharmacist, pharmacistâs assistant or Nurse. Currently, some medicines are being procured in PRPs from the manufacturers, whereas others are still procured in bulk packs which must be repackaged into PRPs. After a thorough literature search, it was established that, up until this point in time, no studies have been performed to compare costs of repackaged medicines from bulk packs with costs of medicines procured from manufacturers in PRPs. There was very scanty literature comparing the use of medicines procured either in PRPs or bulk packs. However, literature on cost comparison between repackaging and purchasing of commercially available manufacturer-prepared PRPs was not identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abahamye, Aloysius
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Packaging -- Cost control , Business logistics -- Costs , Drugs -- Packaging , Manufacturing processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020596 , Drugs -- Packaging
- Description: In an attempt to have medicines available in patient-ready packs (PRPs) prior to the dispensing process, the provincial medicine depots in South Africa have, for many years, been repackaging bulk medicines into PRPs. Notwithstanding the fact that bulk medicine packages may have been the only packages available from the manufacturers to service the Primary Health Care (PHC) sector, the main aim of this process was to ensure that medicines were available in PRPs for dispensing to patients, thus, minimising the time spent on each prescription by the pharmacist, pharmacistâs assistant or Nurse. Currently, some medicines are being procured in PRPs from the manufacturers, whereas others are still procured in bulk packs which must be repackaged into PRPs. After a thorough literature search, it was established that, up until this point in time, no studies have been performed to compare costs of repackaged medicines from bulk packs with costs of medicines procured from manufacturers in PRPs. There was very scanty literature comparing the use of medicines procured either in PRPs or bulk packs. However, literature on cost comparison between repackaging and purchasing of commercially available manufacturer-prepared PRPs was not identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Genetic and biological characterisation of a novel South African Plutella xylostella granulovirus (PlxyGV) isolate
- Authors: Abdulkadir, Fatima
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Diamondback moth , Diamondback moth -- Control -- South Africa , Plutellidae -- Control -- South Africa , Baculoviruses , Cruciferae -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013059
- Description: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is an important pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. The prolonged use of synthetic chemical insecticides as a primary means of control has resulted in the development of resistance in pest populations. In addition, the pest has also evolved resistance to the bacterial insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis which is also widely used as a method of control. Baculoviruses are considered as effective alternatives to conventional methods of control when incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. These viruses target the larval stages of insects, are generally host-specific and are safe for use in the environment. This study aimed to isolate a baculovirus from a laboratory-reared P. xylostella colony, characterise it genetically and then evaluate its virulence against neonate and fourth instar larvae. A laboratory colony of P. xylostella was established using pupae and asymptomatic larvae collected from a cabbage plantation outside Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The colony flourished in the laboratory due to prime conditions and availability of food. The duration of development from egg to adult was determined by observation and imaging of the various life stages. The mean developmental time from egg to adult was observed to be 14.59 ± 0.21 days. The population of the insects increased rapidly in number leading to overcrowding of the insect colony, and hence appearance of larvae with viral symptoms. Occlusion bodies (OBs) were extracted from symptomatic larval cadavers and purified by glycerol gradient centrifugation. Analysis of the purified OBs by transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of a granulovirus which was named PlxyGV-SA. The virus isolate was genetically characterised by restriction endonuclease analysis of the genomic DNA, and PCR amplification and sequencing of selected viral genes. The complete genome sequence of a Japanese P. xylostella granulovirus isolate, PlxyGV-Japan, has been deposited on the GenBank database providing a reference strain for comparison with DNA profiles and selected gene sequences of PlxyGV-SA. BLAST analysis of the granulin gene confirmed the isolation of a novel South African PlxyGV isolate. Comparison of the restriction profiles of PlxyGV-SA with profiles of PlxyGV-Japan and other documented PlxyGV profiles obtained by agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that PlxyGV-SA is a genetically distinct isolate. The data obtained from the sequencing and alignment of ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (egt), late expression factor 8 (lef-8) and late expression factor 9 (lef-9) genes with those of PlxyGV-Japan also showed that PlxyGV-SA is a genetically different isolate. In order to determine the biological activity of PlxyGV-SA against neonate and fourth instar P. xylostella larvae, surface dose bioassays were conducted. The median lethal concentration of the virus required to kill 50% (LCâ â) and 90% (LCââ) of the larvae was estimated by feeding insects with a range of doses. In addition, the time to kill 50% of the larvae (LTâ â) was determined by feeding insects with the LCââ concentration. Larval mortality was monitored daily until pupation. The data obtained from the dose response assays were subjected to probit analysis using Proban statistical software. The time response was determined using GraphPad Prism software (version 6.0). The LCâ â and LCââ values for the neonate larvae were 3.56 Ă 10â” and 1.14 Ă 10â· OBs/ml respectively. The LTâ â was determined to be 104 hours. The neonate larvae were found to be more susceptible to infection than the fourth instar larvae with the same virus concentration. The concentrations used for the neonate larvae assay did not have a significant effect on the fourth instar as no mortality was recorded. This is the first study to describe a novel South African PlxyGV isolate and the results suggest that PlxyGV-SA has significant potential for development as an effective biopesticide for the control of P. xylostella in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abdulkadir, Fatima
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Diamondback moth , Diamondback moth -- Control -- South Africa , Plutellidae -- Control -- South Africa , Baculoviruses , Cruciferae -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013059
- Description: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is an important pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. The prolonged use of synthetic chemical insecticides as a primary means of control has resulted in the development of resistance in pest populations. In addition, the pest has also evolved resistance to the bacterial insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis which is also widely used as a method of control. Baculoviruses are considered as effective alternatives to conventional methods of control when incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. These viruses target the larval stages of insects, are generally host-specific and are safe for use in the environment. This study aimed to isolate a baculovirus from a laboratory-reared P. xylostella colony, characterise it genetically and then evaluate its virulence against neonate and fourth instar larvae. A laboratory colony of P. xylostella was established using pupae and asymptomatic larvae collected from a cabbage plantation outside Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The colony flourished in the laboratory due to prime conditions and availability of food. The duration of development from egg to adult was determined by observation and imaging of the various life stages. The mean developmental time from egg to adult was observed to be 14.59 ± 0.21 days. The population of the insects increased rapidly in number leading to overcrowding of the insect colony, and hence appearance of larvae with viral symptoms. Occlusion bodies (OBs) were extracted from symptomatic larval cadavers and purified by glycerol gradient centrifugation. Analysis of the purified OBs by transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of a granulovirus which was named PlxyGV-SA. The virus isolate was genetically characterised by restriction endonuclease analysis of the genomic DNA, and PCR amplification and sequencing of selected viral genes. The complete genome sequence of a Japanese P. xylostella granulovirus isolate, PlxyGV-Japan, has been deposited on the GenBank database providing a reference strain for comparison with DNA profiles and selected gene sequences of PlxyGV-SA. BLAST analysis of the granulin gene confirmed the isolation of a novel South African PlxyGV isolate. Comparison of the restriction profiles of PlxyGV-SA with profiles of PlxyGV-Japan and other documented PlxyGV profiles obtained by agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that PlxyGV-SA is a genetically distinct isolate. The data obtained from the sequencing and alignment of ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (egt), late expression factor 8 (lef-8) and late expression factor 9 (lef-9) genes with those of PlxyGV-Japan also showed that PlxyGV-SA is a genetically different isolate. In order to determine the biological activity of PlxyGV-SA against neonate and fourth instar P. xylostella larvae, surface dose bioassays were conducted. The median lethal concentration of the virus required to kill 50% (LCâ â) and 90% (LCââ) of the larvae was estimated by feeding insects with a range of doses. In addition, the time to kill 50% of the larvae (LTâ â) was determined by feeding insects with the LCââ concentration. Larval mortality was monitored daily until pupation. The data obtained from the dose response assays were subjected to probit analysis using Proban statistical software. The time response was determined using GraphPad Prism software (version 6.0). The LCâ â and LCââ values for the neonate larvae were 3.56 Ă 10â” and 1.14 Ă 10â· OBs/ml respectively. The LTâ â was determined to be 104 hours. The neonate larvae were found to be more susceptible to infection than the fourth instar larvae with the same virus concentration. The concentrations used for the neonate larvae assay did not have a significant effect on the fourth instar as no mortality was recorded. This is the first study to describe a novel South African PlxyGV isolate and the results suggest that PlxyGV-SA has significant potential for development as an effective biopesticide for the control of P. xylostella in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Parents' experiences of monitoring their adolescents' compliance with diversion orders
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020090
- Description: The increased incidence of children committing crime and the realisation that the existing legislature dealing with offenders failed to cater for the rights and needs of child offenders gave rise to the introduction of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. This Act enables the South African criminal justice system to deal with children in a manner appropriate to their developmental stage. One of the initiatives introduced by the Act is termed âdiversionâ, where children are diverted from the criminal justice system into restorative developmental programmes, offered by organisations such as NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders). Their parents or guardians are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring their compliance with the diversion order in terms of Section 24(5) of the aforementioned Act. The monitoring responsibility assigned to the parents of diverted adolescents prompted the research question and aim of this study, namely to explore parentsâ experiences in monitoring their adolescentsâ compliance with diversion orders and to identify service needs in supporting parents in fulfilling their role as stipulated in the Act. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the parents or guardians of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years that had been diverted to NICRO between June 2011 and June 2012. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected parents, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of parentsâ monitoring experiences of their adolescentsâ compliance with diversion orders. The study revealed that most parents experienced their role as an additional responsibility; they needed access to counseling and information on the child justice process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020090
- Description: The increased incidence of children committing crime and the realisation that the existing legislature dealing with offenders failed to cater for the rights and needs of child offenders gave rise to the introduction of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. This Act enables the South African criminal justice system to deal with children in a manner appropriate to their developmental stage. One of the initiatives introduced by the Act is termed âdiversionâ, where children are diverted from the criminal justice system into restorative developmental programmes, offered by organisations such as NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders). Their parents or guardians are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring their compliance with the diversion order in terms of Section 24(5) of the aforementioned Act. The monitoring responsibility assigned to the parents of diverted adolescents prompted the research question and aim of this study, namely to explore parentsâ experiences in monitoring their adolescentsâ compliance with diversion orders and to identify service needs in supporting parents in fulfilling their role as stipulated in the Act. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the parents or guardians of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years that had been diverted to NICRO between June 2011 and June 2012. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected parents, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of parentsâ monitoring experiences of their adolescentsâ compliance with diversion orders. The study revealed that most parents experienced their role as an additional responsibility; they needed access to counseling and information on the child justice process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Impacts of climate change on food security in southern Ghana : a community perspective
- Authors: Aboagye, Dickson Danso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- Ghana , Climatic changes -- Ghana , Food security -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020166
- Description: This study will examine the impacts of climate change on food security in Southern Ghana. Southern Ghana reveals that the district suffers post- harvest losses of about 8 percent of all cereals which hinders Ghanaâs food security. Ghana still faces food insecurity due to high temperatures and low rainfall. This research therefore seeks to investigate what local communities of Southern Ghana are doing to address food insecurity problems with the advent of climate change. Several objectives to achieve this goal involves to identify factors hindering food security in Southern Ghana and to evaluate the extent that climate change has affected food security. A qualitative research approach was used by the researcher to come up with community strategies which this research seeks to address. Various conclusions such as community demand for support from the local government, sustainable irrigation programs, availability of pipe-borne water and environmental education were put in place, as possible solutions to the persisting food security problems in Southern Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Aboagye, Dickson Danso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- Ghana , Climatic changes -- Ghana , Food security -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020166
- Description: This study will examine the impacts of climate change on food security in Southern Ghana. Southern Ghana reveals that the district suffers post- harvest losses of about 8 percent of all cereals which hinders Ghanaâs food security. Ghana still faces food insecurity due to high temperatures and low rainfall. This research therefore seeks to investigate what local communities of Southern Ghana are doing to address food insecurity problems with the advent of climate change. Several objectives to achieve this goal involves to identify factors hindering food security in Southern Ghana and to evaluate the extent that climate change has affected food security. A qualitative research approach was used by the researcher to come up with community strategies which this research seeks to address. Various conclusions such as community demand for support from the local government, sustainable irrigation programs, availability of pipe-borne water and environmental education were put in place, as possible solutions to the persisting food security problems in Southern Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Political and religious identities : an exploration of changing identities amongst religious leaders in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Religion and politics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Identification (Religion)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020087
- Description: The political transition from the oppressive apartheid system to post-apartheid South Africa has brought considerable change to the political climate. As a result of this transition, political and religious identities were also affected. This study explores the changing identities amongst religious leaders particularly in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The research has also explored how the advent of democracy has affected the political perspectives of these religious leaders who were ministering during apartheid. A qualitative research approach was used to frame the study, which employed an exploratory research design so as to understand the current political identities of these religious leaders. The sample of the study was purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. As a means of collecting data in-depth interviews were conducted. The themes emanating from the study were recognised as being: - Church leaders reflecting on the political climate apparent in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth - Church leaders reflect reasons for limited political action from certain segments of the community sighting fear and poverty as central tenets. - Church leaders reveal close link between the church and politics during the apartheid period - The activities of the church in opposing the apartheid structure - Participants reflect on the role of Church leaders specifically during this period. - Church leaders articulate their disappointment in the political environment since 1994. - Church leaders reflect how race has affected the political climate since 1994 - The changing role of the church since 1994 - The growing silence on current political issues since 1994 Based on the identified themes conclusions could be drawn on the current political and religious identities of religious leaders compared to those adopted during the apartheid period. The outcome showed that religious leaders within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are disappointed in the current political government but despite this have remained silent on political issues unlike the visible activism and vocal upheaval waged against the apartheid system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Religion and politics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Identification (Religion)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020087
- Description: The political transition from the oppressive apartheid system to post-apartheid South Africa has brought considerable change to the political climate. As a result of this transition, political and religious identities were also affected. This study explores the changing identities amongst religious leaders particularly in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The research has also explored how the advent of democracy has affected the political perspectives of these religious leaders who were ministering during apartheid. A qualitative research approach was used to frame the study, which employed an exploratory research design so as to understand the current political identities of these religious leaders. The sample of the study was purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. As a means of collecting data in-depth interviews were conducted. The themes emanating from the study were recognised as being: - Church leaders reflecting on the political climate apparent in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth - Church leaders reflect reasons for limited political action from certain segments of the community sighting fear and poverty as central tenets. - Church leaders reveal close link between the church and politics during the apartheid period - The activities of the church in opposing the apartheid structure - Participants reflect on the role of Church leaders specifically during this period. - Church leaders articulate their disappointment in the political environment since 1994. - Church leaders reflect how race has affected the political climate since 1994 - The changing role of the church since 1994 - The growing silence on current political issues since 1994 Based on the identified themes conclusions could be drawn on the current political and religious identities of religious leaders compared to those adopted during the apartheid period. The outcome showed that religious leaders within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are disappointed in the current political government but despite this have remained silent on political issues unlike the visible activism and vocal upheaval waged against the apartheid system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Relative contribution of wild foods to individual and household food security in the context of increasing vulnerability due to HIV/AIDS and climate variability
- Abu-Basutu, Keitometsi Ngulube
- Authors: Abu-Basutu, Keitometsi Ngulube
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Wild foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Food -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4774 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010864 , Wild foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Food -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Wild foods are an integral component of the household food basket, yet their quantified contribution to food security relative to other sources in the context of HIV/AIDS, climate change and variability remains underexplored. This study was carried out in Willowvale and Lesseyton which are rural communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Willowvale is a relatively remote, medium-rainfall coastal community, while Lesseyton is a peri-urban low rainfall inland community. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from 78 HIV/AIDS afflicted households with 329 individuals and 87 non-afflicted households with 365 individuals in the two study sites. Households were visited quarterly over 12 months to assess food acquisition methods, dietary intake and quality, and levels of food security, and to determine strategies employed by households to cope with droughts. The wild foods investigated were wild meat, wild birds, wild fish, wild mushrooms, wild leafy vegetables and wild fruits. Diets were moderately well-balanced and limited in variety, with cereal items contributing 52 % to total calorie intake. Mid-upper arm circumference measurements showed that all respondents were adequately nourished. The bulk of the food consumed by households was purchased, with supplementation from own production, wild vegetables and wild fruits. In Willowvale, wild vegetables comprised 46 % of overall vegetable consumption for afflicted households and 32 % for non-afflicted households, while own fruit production comprised 100 % of fruit consumption. In Lesseyton, wild vegetables comprised only 6 % and 4 % of vegetable consumption for afflicted and non-afflicted households, while wild fruit comprised 63 % and 41 % for afflicted and non-afflicted households. More than 80 % of respondents from both afflicted and non-afflicted households had sufficient daily kilocalories, although the majority of afflicted households felt they were food insecure and sometimes collected wild foods as one of their multiple coping strategies. Hunting and gathering of wild foods was associated with site, household affliction status, gender, age and season. More than 80 % of respondents ate wild vegetables and said they were more drought tolerant than conventional vegetables, making them the most consumed wild food and approximately 16 % of respondents ate wild birds, making them the least consumed wild food. Approximately 14 % of respondents from afflicted households in Willowvale sold wild fish, whilst 34 % of respondents from afflicted households and 7 % from non-afflicted households sold wild fruits in Lesseyton. Strategies adopted by households to cope with droughts were different between the two study sites, and households in Willowvale used a wider range of strategies. Given the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS coupled with the drawbacks of climate change and variability on food security, wild foods represent a free and easy way for vulnerable households to obtain food.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abu-Basutu, Keitometsi Ngulube
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Wild foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Food -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4774 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010864 , Wild foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Chronically ill -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Food -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Wild foods are an integral component of the household food basket, yet their quantified contribution to food security relative to other sources in the context of HIV/AIDS, climate change and variability remains underexplored. This study was carried out in Willowvale and Lesseyton which are rural communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Willowvale is a relatively remote, medium-rainfall coastal community, while Lesseyton is a peri-urban low rainfall inland community. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from 78 HIV/AIDS afflicted households with 329 individuals and 87 non-afflicted households with 365 individuals in the two study sites. Households were visited quarterly over 12 months to assess food acquisition methods, dietary intake and quality, and levels of food security, and to determine strategies employed by households to cope with droughts. The wild foods investigated were wild meat, wild birds, wild fish, wild mushrooms, wild leafy vegetables and wild fruits. Diets were moderately well-balanced and limited in variety, with cereal items contributing 52 % to total calorie intake. Mid-upper arm circumference measurements showed that all respondents were adequately nourished. The bulk of the food consumed by households was purchased, with supplementation from own production, wild vegetables and wild fruits. In Willowvale, wild vegetables comprised 46 % of overall vegetable consumption for afflicted households and 32 % for non-afflicted households, while own fruit production comprised 100 % of fruit consumption. In Lesseyton, wild vegetables comprised only 6 % and 4 % of vegetable consumption for afflicted and non-afflicted households, while wild fruit comprised 63 % and 41 % for afflicted and non-afflicted households. More than 80 % of respondents from both afflicted and non-afflicted households had sufficient daily kilocalories, although the majority of afflicted households felt they were food insecure and sometimes collected wild foods as one of their multiple coping strategies. Hunting and gathering of wild foods was associated with site, household affliction status, gender, age and season. More than 80 % of respondents ate wild vegetables and said they were more drought tolerant than conventional vegetables, making them the most consumed wild food and approximately 16 % of respondents ate wild birds, making them the least consumed wild food. Approximately 14 % of respondents from afflicted households in Willowvale sold wild fish, whilst 34 % of respondents from afflicted households and 7 % from non-afflicted households sold wild fruits in Lesseyton. Strategies adopted by households to cope with droughts were different between the two study sites, and households in Willowvale used a wider range of strategies. Given the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS coupled with the drawbacks of climate change and variability on food security, wild foods represent a free and easy way for vulnerable households to obtain food.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Integrating information and communications technology (ICT) into teaching and learning: the case of mathematics, science and technology education in one higher education institution
- Authors: Addam, Billey Bright Kwadwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Educational teaching -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019736 , Educational teaching -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into teaching and learning within one Higher Education institution. The main question driving the study was: How is ICT integrated in the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology education (MSTE) in a Bachelor of Education programme? This is a case study of lecturers and students in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. It makes use of questionnaires, interviews, field notes and document analyses to collect data. MSTE lecturers and students were assumed to be well versed in ICT usage and, therefore, well placed to assess its integration into teaching and learning. There were five main findings: First, that Mathematics, Science and Technology Education lecturers showed some ambivalence in their ontological and epistemological orientation to using ICT. Some leaned towards the instruction paradigm and used ICT as a tool for the transmission of knowledge; others leaned towards the learning paradigm, showing an awareness of the need to elicit discovery through ICT. Secondly, that lecturersâ understanding of ICT integration was oriented towards teaching and learning from technologies rather than with technologies. Thirdly, that processes of âpedagogical evolutionâ were taking place, in terms of which there was a gradual but perceptible shift in the teaching and learning practice of both students and lecturers. Fourthly, there was no evidence to show that lecturers used ICT to promote innovative and creative teaching; in fact, students appeared to be more creative in using ICT resources, than lecturers. Fifthly, and finally, lecturers did not assign ICT-based tasks that promote conceptual understanding. They assigned tasks that asked students to extract and reproduce information from computers, without demonstrating understanding. When used in this way, ICT can, in fact, be de-skilling. From these findings, it can be concluded that ICT integration cannot be understood without exploring the ontological and epistemological orientations, as well as the theoretical orientations, at play in the teaching and learning situation. It is on the basis of these that people, that is, lecturers and students, make use of, ICTs to achieve desired goals. It is therefore recommended that, for the improvement of integration, there should be a greater emphasis on developing and sharing pedagogical expertise concerning ICT use in teaching and learning. It is recommended that a country-wide research survey should be undertaken, based on probability sampling and focussing on pedagogical issues in ICT integration in teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Addam, Billey Bright Kwadwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Educational teaching -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019736 , Educational teaching -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into teaching and learning within one Higher Education institution. The main question driving the study was: How is ICT integrated in the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology education (MSTE) in a Bachelor of Education programme? This is a case study of lecturers and students in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. It makes use of questionnaires, interviews, field notes and document analyses to collect data. MSTE lecturers and students were assumed to be well versed in ICT usage and, therefore, well placed to assess its integration into teaching and learning. There were five main findings: First, that Mathematics, Science and Technology Education lecturers showed some ambivalence in their ontological and epistemological orientation to using ICT. Some leaned towards the instruction paradigm and used ICT as a tool for the transmission of knowledge; others leaned towards the learning paradigm, showing an awareness of the need to elicit discovery through ICT. Secondly, that lecturersâ understanding of ICT integration was oriented towards teaching and learning from technologies rather than with technologies. Thirdly, that processes of âpedagogical evolutionâ were taking place, in terms of which there was a gradual but perceptible shift in the teaching and learning practice of both students and lecturers. Fourthly, there was no evidence to show that lecturers used ICT to promote innovative and creative teaching; in fact, students appeared to be more creative in using ICT resources, than lecturers. Fifthly, and finally, lecturers did not assign ICT-based tasks that promote conceptual understanding. They assigned tasks that asked students to extract and reproduce information from computers, without demonstrating understanding. When used in this way, ICT can, in fact, be de-skilling. From these findings, it can be concluded that ICT integration cannot be understood without exploring the ontological and epistemological orientations, as well as the theoretical orientations, at play in the teaching and learning situation. It is on the basis of these that people, that is, lecturers and students, make use of, ICTs to achieve desired goals. It is therefore recommended that, for the improvement of integration, there should be a greater emphasis on developing and sharing pedagogical expertise concerning ICT use in teaching and learning. It is recommended that a country-wide research survey should be undertaken, based on probability sampling and focussing on pedagogical issues in ICT integration in teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The design of quantum dots and their conjugates as luminescent probes for analyte sensing
- Authors: Adegoke, Oluwasesan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Quantum dots Anolytes Luminescent probes Luminescence spectroscopy Phthalocyanines Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010866
- Description: The design and applications of quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent probes for analyte sensing is presented. Cadmium based thiol-capped QDs were employed as probe for the detection of analytes. Comparative studies between core CdTe and core-shell CdTe@ZnS QDs showed that the overall sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor was dependent on the nature of the capping agent and the QDs employed, hence making CdTe@ZnS QDs a more superior sensor than the core. To explore the luminescent sensing of QDs based on the fluorescence âturn ONâ mode, L-glutathione-capped CdTe QDs was conjugated to 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide (4AT) to form a QDs-4AT conjugate system. The QDs-4AT nanoprobe was highly selective and sensitive to the detection of bromide ion with a very low limit of detection. Subsequently, metallo-phthalocyanines (MPcs) were employed as host molecules on the surface of QDs based on the covalent linking of the QDs to the MPc. Elucidation of the reaction mechanism showed that the fluorescence âturn ONâ effect of the QDs-MPc probe in the presence of the analyte was due to axial ligation of the analytes to the Pc ring. Studies showed that the type of substituent attached to the MPc ring influenced the overall sensitivity of the probe. Additionally, a comparative investigation using newly synthesized phthalocyanine and triaza-benzcorrole complexes was conducted when these complexes were conjugated to CdSe@ZnS QDs for analyte sensing. Results showed that the triaza-benzcorrole complex can be employed as a host-molecule sensor but displayed a lower sensitivity for analyte sensing in comparison to the phthalocyanine complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Adegoke, Oluwasesan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Quantum dots Anolytes Luminescent probes Luminescence spectroscopy Phthalocyanines Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010866
- Description: The design and applications of quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent probes for analyte sensing is presented. Cadmium based thiol-capped QDs were employed as probe for the detection of analytes. Comparative studies between core CdTe and core-shell CdTe@ZnS QDs showed that the overall sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor was dependent on the nature of the capping agent and the QDs employed, hence making CdTe@ZnS QDs a more superior sensor than the core. To explore the luminescent sensing of QDs based on the fluorescence âturn ONâ mode, L-glutathione-capped CdTe QDs was conjugated to 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide (4AT) to form a QDs-4AT conjugate system. The QDs-4AT nanoprobe was highly selective and sensitive to the detection of bromide ion with a very low limit of detection. Subsequently, metallo-phthalocyanines (MPcs) were employed as host molecules on the surface of QDs based on the covalent linking of the QDs to the MPc. Elucidation of the reaction mechanism showed that the fluorescence âturn ONâ effect of the QDs-MPc probe in the presence of the analyte was due to axial ligation of the analytes to the Pc ring. Studies showed that the type of substituent attached to the MPc ring influenced the overall sensitivity of the probe. Additionally, a comparative investigation using newly synthesized phthalocyanine and triaza-benzcorrole complexes was conducted when these complexes were conjugated to CdSe@ZnS QDs for analyte sensing. Results showed that the triaza-benzcorrole complex can be employed as a host-molecule sensor but displayed a lower sensitivity for analyte sensing in comparison to the phthalocyanine complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Computational studies, synthesis and characterization of ruthenium (ii) anticancer complexes
- Authors: Adeniyi, Adebayo Azeez
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015577
- Description: This thesis is centred on the application of Ru-based complexes as a promising alternative to cis-platin in cancer chemotherapy. Cis-platin is known to be the most prescribed chemotherapy which has more than 70% application in cancer cases especially the testicular cancer. An insight is provided in Chapter One and Two into the literatures reports on the application of Ru(II)-based complexes in cancer chemotherapy. In order to address some of the pressing challenges in rational design of Ru-based anticancer complexes, section 3.3 and 3.4 deal with efforts to elucidate the complication of their chemistry and instability while in section 3.5 efforts are made to find solution to the lack of proper knowledge of their targets using different theoretical approaches as presented in Chapter Three. In addition to the theoretical study, this thesis also comprises of the synthesis of the bis-pyrazole derivatives type of ligands and the derivatives of their Ru(II)-based complexes as provided in Chapter Four and Five respectively. Also the computational methods were used to elucidate the structural and spectroscopic properties of the synthesised ligands and their Ru(II)-based complexes. The geometrical and electronic properties are studied in relation to the stability and the reported anticancer activities of Ru(II)-based complexes in section 3.3. In subsection 3.3.1, several quantum properties including the natural energy decomposition analysis (NEDA) and quantum theory of atoms in a molecule (QTAIM) are computed on three models of RAPTA-C complexes using DFT with hybrid functional and basis set with ECP and without ECP. The higher stability of Carbo-RAPTA-C and Oxalo-RAPTA-C over RAPTA-C comes from the lower exchange repulsion and higher polarization contributions to their stability which gives insight into experimental observation. A similar study was carried out in subsection 3.3.2 on half-sandwich Ru(II)-based anticancer complexes with ïš6-toluene and ïš6-trifluorotoluene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Adeniyi, Adebayo Azeez
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015577
- Description: This thesis is centred on the application of Ru-based complexes as a promising alternative to cis-platin in cancer chemotherapy. Cis-platin is known to be the most prescribed chemotherapy which has more than 70% application in cancer cases especially the testicular cancer. An insight is provided in Chapter One and Two into the literatures reports on the application of Ru(II)-based complexes in cancer chemotherapy. In order to address some of the pressing challenges in rational design of Ru-based anticancer complexes, section 3.3 and 3.4 deal with efforts to elucidate the complication of their chemistry and instability while in section 3.5 efforts are made to find solution to the lack of proper knowledge of their targets using different theoretical approaches as presented in Chapter Three. In addition to the theoretical study, this thesis also comprises of the synthesis of the bis-pyrazole derivatives type of ligands and the derivatives of their Ru(II)-based complexes as provided in Chapter Four and Five respectively. Also the computational methods were used to elucidate the structural and spectroscopic properties of the synthesised ligands and their Ru(II)-based complexes. The geometrical and electronic properties are studied in relation to the stability and the reported anticancer activities of Ru(II)-based complexes in section 3.3. In subsection 3.3.1, several quantum properties including the natural energy decomposition analysis (NEDA) and quantum theory of atoms in a molecule (QTAIM) are computed on three models of RAPTA-C complexes using DFT with hybrid functional and basis set with ECP and without ECP. The higher stability of Carbo-RAPTA-C and Oxalo-RAPTA-C over RAPTA-C comes from the lower exchange repulsion and higher polarization contributions to their stability which gives insight into experimental observation. A similar study was carried out in subsection 3.3.2 on half-sandwich Ru(II)-based anticancer complexes with ïš6-toluene and ïš6-trifluorotoluene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs in primary schools in Fort beafort district :Towards a rights based approach to education
- Authors: Adewumi, Toyin Mary
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Inclusive education Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5873 , vital:29413
- Description: The implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs as stipulated in the Education White Paper 2001has been an issue of concern for South African schools. This study sheds light on the implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs in the selected primary schools in the Fort Beaufort District in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research approach that integrated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, and document analysis. A total number of 30 teachers completed the questionnaires. The researcher conducted interviews with ten principals and eight teachers. She also held interviews with four education district officials and one provincial official. Data were analysed by statistical and non-statistical procedures. The study revealed that the inclusion policy is being implemented in the selected schools. However, there are challenges that are being encountered. Firstly, some teachers have not received adequate training with regards to inclusive education policy. Staff development workshops put in place to address this challenge are minimal, and there is not enough joint effort being established by the different stakeholders with regards to support and monitoring the implementation process. Despite the challenges that accompany implementation of inclusion of learners with special education needs, as well as the difficult working conditions, this study reveals that there are pockets of good practice of inclusion policy in some of the selected schools in the Fort Beaufort District. For instance, it was found that teachers implement inclusion of learners with special education needs, even though the majority of them do not have qualifications in special education. It was also revealed that teachers used learner-centred teaching methods to accommodate all learners, which include group and individual teaching, group demonstration, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and practical activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Adewumi, Toyin Mary
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Inclusive education Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5873 , vital:29413
- Description: The implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs as stipulated in the Education White Paper 2001has been an issue of concern for South African schools. This study sheds light on the implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs in the selected primary schools in the Fort Beaufort District in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research approach that integrated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, and document analysis. A total number of 30 teachers completed the questionnaires. The researcher conducted interviews with ten principals and eight teachers. She also held interviews with four education district officials and one provincial official. Data were analysed by statistical and non-statistical procedures. The study revealed that the inclusion policy is being implemented in the selected schools. However, there are challenges that are being encountered. Firstly, some teachers have not received adequate training with regards to inclusive education policy. Staff development workshops put in place to address this challenge are minimal, and there is not enough joint effort being established by the different stakeholders with regards to support and monitoring the implementation process. Despite the challenges that accompany implementation of inclusion of learners with special education needs, as well as the difficult working conditions, this study reveals that there are pockets of good practice of inclusion policy in some of the selected schools in the Fort Beaufort District. For instance, it was found that teachers implement inclusion of learners with special education needs, even though the majority of them do not have qualifications in special education. It was also revealed that teachers used learner-centred teaching methods to accommodate all learners, which include group and individual teaching, group demonstration, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and practical activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Structural bioinformatics analysis of the Hsp40 and Hsp70 molecular chaperones from humans
- Authors: Adeyemi, Samson Adebowale
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Structural bioinformatics , Molecular chaperones , Heat shock proteins , Protein-protein interactions , Biomolecules
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020962
- Description: HSP70 is one of the most important families of molecular chaperone that regulate the folding and transport of client proteins in an ATP dependent manner. The ATPase activity of HSP70 is stimulated through an interaction with its family of HSP40 co-chaperones. There is evidence to suggest that specific partnerships occur between the different HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms. While some of the residues involved in the interaction are known, many of the residues governing the specificity of HSP40-HSP70 partnerships are not precisely defined. It is not currently possible to predict which HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms will interact. We attempted to use bioinformatics to identify residues involved in the specificity of the interaction between the J domain from HSP40 and the ATPase domain from the HSP70 isoforms from humans. A total of 49 HSP40 and 13 HSP70 sequences from humans were retrieved and used for subsequent analyses. The HSP40 J domains and HSP70 ATPase domains were extracted using python scripts and classified according to the subcellular localization of the proteins using localization prediction programs. Motif analysis was carried out using the full length HSP40 proteins and Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) was performed to identify conserved residues that may contribute to the J domain â ATPase domain interactions. Phylogenetic inference of the proteins was also performed in order to study their evolutionary relationship. Homology models of the J domains and ATPase domains were generated. The corresponding models were docked using HADDOCK server in order to analyze possible putative interactions between the partner proteins using the Protein Interactions Calculator (PIC). The level of residue conservation was found to be higher in Type I and II HSP40 than in Type III J proteins. While highly conserved residues on helixes II and III could play critical roles in J domain interactions with corresponding HSP70s, conserved residues on helixes I and IV seemed to be significant in keeping the J domain in its right orientation for functional interactions with HSP70s. Our results also showed that helixes II and III formed the interaction interface for binding to HSP70 ATPase domain as well as the linker residues. Finally, data based docking procedures, such as applied in this study, could be an effective method to investigate protein-protein interactions complex of biomolecules.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Adeyemi, Samson Adebowale
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Structural bioinformatics , Molecular chaperones , Heat shock proteins , Protein-protein interactions , Biomolecules
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020962
- Description: HSP70 is one of the most important families of molecular chaperone that regulate the folding and transport of client proteins in an ATP dependent manner. The ATPase activity of HSP70 is stimulated through an interaction with its family of HSP40 co-chaperones. There is evidence to suggest that specific partnerships occur between the different HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms. While some of the residues involved in the interaction are known, many of the residues governing the specificity of HSP40-HSP70 partnerships are not precisely defined. It is not currently possible to predict which HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms will interact. We attempted to use bioinformatics to identify residues involved in the specificity of the interaction between the J domain from HSP40 and the ATPase domain from the HSP70 isoforms from humans. A total of 49 HSP40 and 13 HSP70 sequences from humans were retrieved and used for subsequent analyses. The HSP40 J domains and HSP70 ATPase domains were extracted using python scripts and classified according to the subcellular localization of the proteins using localization prediction programs. Motif analysis was carried out using the full length HSP40 proteins and Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) was performed to identify conserved residues that may contribute to the J domain â ATPase domain interactions. Phylogenetic inference of the proteins was also performed in order to study their evolutionary relationship. Homology models of the J domains and ATPase domains were generated. The corresponding models were docked using HADDOCK server in order to analyze possible putative interactions between the partner proteins using the Protein Interactions Calculator (PIC). The level of residue conservation was found to be higher in Type I and II HSP40 than in Type III J proteins. While highly conserved residues on helixes II and III could play critical roles in J domain interactions with corresponding HSP70s, conserved residues on helixes I and IV seemed to be significant in keeping the J domain in its right orientation for functional interactions with HSP70s. Our results also showed that helixes II and III formed the interaction interface for binding to HSP70 ATPase domain as well as the linker residues. Finally, data based docking procedures, such as applied in this study, could be an effective method to investigate protein-protein interactions complex of biomolecules.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the role of child and youth care centres in the implementation of South Africaâs childrenâs act
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Childrenâs Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Childrenâs Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Childrenâs Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Childrenâs Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Investigating student readiness for tertiary education
- Authors: Agherdien, Nuraan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: College preparation programs -- South Africa , Students, Transfer of , College student orientation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020593
- Description: Many tertiary institutions are confronted with the challenge of unprepared students. This epidemic is largely due to factors in and out of individualsâ control. These factors include academic proficiency, course-student match, support and integration, financial stability, preparation, personal circumstances and engagement. The main objective of this study is therefore threefold: Firstly, to describe what student readiness entails; secondly to understand why there is a lack of readiness among first-year Human Resource Management students, and thirdly, to identify and improve upon interventions that prepare students for tertiary education. For this study student readiness refers to the ability of students to meet the basic requirements to successfully enrol for a course without remedial assistance and to successfully complete their studies in the recommended timeframe. The target population of this study focussed on students who registered on a full-time basis for the National Diploma in Human Resource Management for the academic year 2014 (n=117). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students and an open-ended questionnaire additionally to the lecturers who teach first-year Human Resource Management students. The study was subjected to various statistical techniques such as Cronbachâs alpha, t-tests, Pearson moment product correlation and Cohenâs d. In doing so an improved insight into student readiness and success was developed. The main findings of the study indicated that there is a relationship between the type of schooling and readiness factors as statistical significance was noted. In addition, students who scored high on readiness factors were more likely to succeed in tertiary education. Moreover the number of interventions students is exposed to positively influence student readiness and success. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge which relates to the broader educational environment in South Africa and provides recommendations to address student readiness and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agherdien, Nuraan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: College preparation programs -- South Africa , Students, Transfer of , College student orientation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020593
- Description: Many tertiary institutions are confronted with the challenge of unprepared students. This epidemic is largely due to factors in and out of individualsâ control. These factors include academic proficiency, course-student match, support and integration, financial stability, preparation, personal circumstances and engagement. The main objective of this study is therefore threefold: Firstly, to describe what student readiness entails; secondly to understand why there is a lack of readiness among first-year Human Resource Management students, and thirdly, to identify and improve upon interventions that prepare students for tertiary education. For this study student readiness refers to the ability of students to meet the basic requirements to successfully enrol for a course without remedial assistance and to successfully complete their studies in the recommended timeframe. The target population of this study focussed on students who registered on a full-time basis for the National Diploma in Human Resource Management for the academic year 2014 (n=117). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students and an open-ended questionnaire additionally to the lecturers who teach first-year Human Resource Management students. The study was subjected to various statistical techniques such as Cronbachâs alpha, t-tests, Pearson moment product correlation and Cohenâs d. In doing so an improved insight into student readiness and success was developed. The main findings of the study indicated that there is a relationship between the type of schooling and readiness factors as statistical significance was noted. In addition, students who scored high on readiness factors were more likely to succeed in tertiary education. Moreover the number of interventions students is exposed to positively influence student readiness and success. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge which relates to the broader educational environment in South Africa and provides recommendations to address student readiness and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Urban agriculture for sustainable livelihood : a case study of migrants' women in Johannesburg
- Authors: Agho, Njenyuei Gideon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020980
- Description: This research examines how urban agriculture contributes to the sustainable livelihood of migrantsâ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg. The study focuses on the Cameroonian women community living in Turffontein. It explores the significant process of migration into the Republic of South Africa and the inspiration behind the choice of urban agriculture in the inner city of Johannesburg by women. The research report assesses the impact of urban agriculture on sustainable livelihood in the life of Cameroonian women living in Turffontein. It also examines the constraints encountered by these Cameroonians women in Turffontein in the practice of urban agriculture for sustainable livelihood. The findings of this study reveal that urban agriculture is used as a strategy for sustainable livelihood to a lot of Cameroonian migrantsâ women living in Turffontein. The study has also shown how through urban agriculture these migrantsâ women have been able to raise substantial income to support their respective families both in South Africa and in Cameroon. The study is based on a purposeful sample of Cameroonian migrantsâ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg practicing urban agriculture. It uses a mixed method of approach with a transect walk to the area where this women practice the urban agriculture. It also included an in-depth face to face interactive interview and written sources such as journals, books and research reports where combined to gather relevant data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agho, Njenyuei Gideon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020980
- Description: This research examines how urban agriculture contributes to the sustainable livelihood of migrantsâ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg. The study focuses on the Cameroonian women community living in Turffontein. It explores the significant process of migration into the Republic of South Africa and the inspiration behind the choice of urban agriculture in the inner city of Johannesburg by women. The research report assesses the impact of urban agriculture on sustainable livelihood in the life of Cameroonian women living in Turffontein. It also examines the constraints encountered by these Cameroonians women in Turffontein in the practice of urban agriculture for sustainable livelihood. The findings of this study reveal that urban agriculture is used as a strategy for sustainable livelihood to a lot of Cameroonian migrantsâ women living in Turffontein. The study has also shown how through urban agriculture these migrantsâ women have been able to raise substantial income to support their respective families both in South Africa and in Cameroon. The study is based on a purposeful sample of Cameroonian migrantsâ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg practicing urban agriculture. It uses a mixed method of approach with a transect walk to the area where this women practice the urban agriculture. It also included an in-depth face to face interactive interview and written sources such as journals, books and research reports where combined to gather relevant data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Balanced scorecard components as predictors of service performance management in first bank Nigeria plc 2009 â 2014
- Authors: Agomuonso, Clara Udochi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017866
- Description: Many institutions and organizations are set up to with a right motive but fail to actualize their vision. This cuts across both public and private institutions across the globe. A financial institution is selected for this research because of its sensitivity; hence getting it right with a delicate institution like a financial organization will assist usage of this monitoring system by other institutions. Modern banking in Nigeria started in 1892 with the free banking era which ended when the Banking Ordinance of 1952 was promulgated. First Bank was the pioneer bank that was established in Nigeria in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa. The establishment of the First Bank of Nigeria predates the birth of the Nigerian nation as a sovereign entity. The bank which was registered as the bank of British West Africa in 1894 has therefore evolved along the path of political, social and economic changes and developments of Nigeria from the colonial period to independence and the experience of post-independence. It thus shared, in the process of its growth, the tidal experiences of the nation which, in retrospect, were sources of strength (Ndekwu, 1994).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agomuonso, Clara Udochi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017866
- Description: Many institutions and organizations are set up to with a right motive but fail to actualize their vision. This cuts across both public and private institutions across the globe. A financial institution is selected for this research because of its sensitivity; hence getting it right with a delicate institution like a financial organization will assist usage of this monitoring system by other institutions. Modern banking in Nigeria started in 1892 with the free banking era which ended when the Banking Ordinance of 1952 was promulgated. First Bank was the pioneer bank that was established in Nigeria in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa. The establishment of the First Bank of Nigeria predates the birth of the Nigerian nation as a sovereign entity. The bank which was registered as the bank of British West Africa in 1894 has therefore evolved along the path of political, social and economic changes and developments of Nigeria from the colonial period to independence and the experience of post-independence. It thus shared, in the process of its growth, the tidal experiences of the nation which, in retrospect, were sources of strength (Ndekwu, 1994).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessment of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli o157:h7 in the final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants in Amahlathi Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ajibade, Adefisoye Martins
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016166 , Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Description: The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 â 7.6), TDS (107 â 171 mg/L), EC (168 â 266 ÎŒS/cm), Temperature (15 â 24oC), NO3- (0 â 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 â 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 â 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 â 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 â 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 â 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 â 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 â 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 â 2.7 Ă 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 â 9.3 Ă 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gramâs staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ajibade, Adefisoye Martins
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016166 , Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Description: The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 â 7.6), TDS (107 â 171 mg/L), EC (168 â 266 ÎŒS/cm), Temperature (15 â 24oC), NO3- (0 â 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 â 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 â 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 â 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 â 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 â 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 â 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 â 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 â 2.7 Ă 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 â 9.3 Ă 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gramâs staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Teachers' perceptions of behavioural problems manifested by Grade 11 and 12 learners in three Namibian schools
- Authors: Akawa, Ester Anna Nelago
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- Namibia School children -- Namibia -- Attitudes Learning disabilities -- Social aspects Behavior disorders in children -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Children with social disabilities -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Emotional problems of children -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Teachers -- Job stress -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1962 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010868
- Description: In Namibia today few learners with behavioural and learning problems are within special schools as most are placed within the mainstream school system. Placing these learners within the mainstream system is part of the policy of Inclusive Education (IE) because it argues that this would benefit these learners and also save resources. IE is concerned with addressing barriers to learning and behavioural problems are regarded as one of these barriers. IE argues for a series of new approaches to the diagnosis and response to learners with behavioural problems. This poses challenges for teachers in mainstream schools. Teachers are at the forefront of this situation as they are usually the first to observe and experience the behavioural problems in the schools and are expected to respond appropriately. They find this situation both challenging and problematic. This research explores a sample of teachersâ perceptions of learnersâ behavioural problems. To collect in-depth information, this study followed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, supplemented with observation and document analysis. The study consisted of fifteen respondents: three principals, three teacher counsellors and nine teachers from the three selected schools. This study illuminates the types of behaviour that teachers encounter, the impact of these behaviours, the factors seen as contributing to these behaviours, and how teachers and the school system deal with these behaviours. In addition the study applies Bronfenbrennerâs bioecological model (1992) to explain how the behaviours manifested by Grade 11 and 12 learners, and identified as problematic by teachers, are part of an interconnected nested social system. The results from the study indicate the manifestation of behavioural problems to be common occurrences in secondary schools are evident, amongst others, through fighting, bullying, substance abuse, truancy, and disrespect of teachers and authority. The teachers pointed to the prevalence of these problems as well as the serious impact such problems have on these learners, their fellow learners, and on the teachers. The teachers identified a complex array of what they saw as contributing factors located within the school, peer groups, family and home circumstances, the local community, as well within the national education policy, the economy and society. The study points to some specific, as well as broader, lessons and opportunities for action both for those managing the education system at the national level and for schools and teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Akawa, Ester Anna Nelago
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- Namibia School children -- Namibia -- Attitudes Learning disabilities -- Social aspects Behavior disorders in children -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Children with social disabilities -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Emotional problems of children -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Teachers -- Job stress -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1962 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010868
- Description: In Namibia today few learners with behavioural and learning problems are within special schools as most are placed within the mainstream school system. Placing these learners within the mainstream system is part of the policy of Inclusive Education (IE) because it argues that this would benefit these learners and also save resources. IE is concerned with addressing barriers to learning and behavioural problems are regarded as one of these barriers. IE argues for a series of new approaches to the diagnosis and response to learners with behavioural problems. This poses challenges for teachers in mainstream schools. Teachers are at the forefront of this situation as they are usually the first to observe and experience the behavioural problems in the schools and are expected to respond appropriately. They find this situation both challenging and problematic. This research explores a sample of teachersâ perceptions of learnersâ behavioural problems. To collect in-depth information, this study followed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, supplemented with observation and document analysis. The study consisted of fifteen respondents: three principals, three teacher counsellors and nine teachers from the three selected schools. This study illuminates the types of behaviour that teachers encounter, the impact of these behaviours, the factors seen as contributing to these behaviours, and how teachers and the school system deal with these behaviours. In addition the study applies Bronfenbrennerâs bioecological model (1992) to explain how the behaviours manifested by Grade 11 and 12 learners, and identified as problematic by teachers, are part of an interconnected nested social system. The results from the study indicate the manifestation of behavioural problems to be common occurrences in secondary schools are evident, amongst others, through fighting, bullying, substance abuse, truancy, and disrespect of teachers and authority. The teachers pointed to the prevalence of these problems as well as the serious impact such problems have on these learners, their fellow learners, and on the teachers. The teachers identified a complex array of what they saw as contributing factors located within the school, peer groups, family and home circumstances, the local community, as well within the national education policy, the economy and society. The study points to some specific, as well as broader, lessons and opportunities for action both for those managing the education system at the national level and for schools and teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Toward a culture of engagement: leveraging the enterprise social network
- Authors: Alistoun, Garth
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa Business communication -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa -- Case studies Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies Human capital -- Management Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010869
- Description: This research aims to provide a theory of enterprise social networking that generates and/or sustains a culture of employee engagement within a chosen South African private sector company. Based on an extensive review of interesting literature and the application of a grounded theory process in a chosen case, this research work provides a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing employee engagement together with an explanatory theoretical framework that makes the theory more practical. Employee engagement is defined as âthe harnessing of organisation memberâs selves to their work roles; in engagement people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively, and emotionally during role performances.â This research regards employee engagement as a three part concept composed of a trait (personality/cognitive) aspect, a state (emotional) aspect, and a behavioural aspect. Research has shown that employee engagement has an unequivocal positive impact on business outcomes, such as profitability, business performance, employee retention and productivity. Employee engagement can be regarded as a culture if it is abundant within the organizationâs employee population. Gatenby et al. (2009) propose that employee engagement is fostered by creating the desire and opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues, managers and the wider organisation. This standpoint is supported by Kular et al. (2008) who state that the âkey drivers of employee engagement identified include communication, opportunities for employees to feed their views upward and thinking that their managers are committed to the organisation.â Further indicators of employee engagement include strong leadership (particularly in the form of servant leadership), accountability, a positive and open organisational culture, autonomy, and opportunities for development. One of the key facets of employee engagement is connection. A complementary definition of social media, an umbrella under which enterprise social networks fall, is that â(it) is more of a relationship channel, a connection channel. Each and every tweet, update, video, post, is a connection point to another human being. And itâs the other human being who will determine your worth to them.â Social media provides participants with access to a larger pool of resources and relationships than they would normally have access to. This enlarged relationship/resource pool is a result of expanding human and social capital enabled through social media tools. In order to produce a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing a culture of employee engagement a rigorous grounded theory methodology coupled with a case study methodology was applied. The case study methodology was used to identify a suitable research site and interesting participants within the site while the grounded theory process was used to produce both qualitative and quantitative data sets in a suitability rigorous fashion. The corroborative data was then used to discover and define the emergent theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Alistoun, Garth
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa Business communication -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa -- Case studies Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies Human capital -- Management Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010869
- Description: This research aims to provide a theory of enterprise social networking that generates and/or sustains a culture of employee engagement within a chosen South African private sector company. Based on an extensive review of interesting literature and the application of a grounded theory process in a chosen case, this research work provides a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing employee engagement together with an explanatory theoretical framework that makes the theory more practical. Employee engagement is defined as âthe harnessing of organisation memberâs selves to their work roles; in engagement people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively, and emotionally during role performances.â This research regards employee engagement as a three part concept composed of a trait (personality/cognitive) aspect, a state (emotional) aspect, and a behavioural aspect. Research has shown that employee engagement has an unequivocal positive impact on business outcomes, such as profitability, business performance, employee retention and productivity. Employee engagement can be regarded as a culture if it is abundant within the organizationâs employee population. Gatenby et al. (2009) propose that employee engagement is fostered by creating the desire and opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues, managers and the wider organisation. This standpoint is supported by Kular et al. (2008) who state that the âkey drivers of employee engagement identified include communication, opportunities for employees to feed their views upward and thinking that their managers are committed to the organisation.â Further indicators of employee engagement include strong leadership (particularly in the form of servant leadership), accountability, a positive and open organisational culture, autonomy, and opportunities for development. One of the key facets of employee engagement is connection. A complementary definition of social media, an umbrella under which enterprise social networks fall, is that â(it) is more of a relationship channel, a connection channel. Each and every tweet, update, video, post, is a connection point to another human being. And itâs the other human being who will determine your worth to them.â Social media provides participants with access to a larger pool of resources and relationships than they would normally have access to. This enlarged relationship/resource pool is a result of expanding human and social capital enabled through social media tools. In order to produce a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing a culture of employee engagement a rigorous grounded theory methodology coupled with a case study methodology was applied. The case study methodology was used to identify a suitable research site and interesting participants within the site while the grounded theory process was used to produce both qualitative and quantitative data sets in a suitability rigorous fashion. The corroborative data was then used to discover and define the emergent theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The origin of endorheic pans on the African erosion surface North of Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Alistoun, Judith Robyn
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011048
- Description: Pans on the African Erosion Surface near Grahamstown are small features, which, perhaps due to their small size have been neglected by researchers. From the outset the striking difference of these pans relative to other pans in southern Africa, is that the host rock is silcrete, a highly resistant rock well known as being associated with deeply weathered plateaus. The dominant origin theory for pans in southern Africa was developed by Goudie and Thomas (1985), and focuses on mechanisms relating to erosion and deflation. This model does not fit in well with the pans that have formed on substrate that has largely been unaffected by erosion in recent geological history (thousands to 10 000 years). As such this study examined the role of prolonged chemical weathering of Dwyka Tillite, that has led to the formation of silcrete. The hypothesis was that such deep weathering is responsible for local scale volume changes, which have in turn led to the formation of a depression. The centre of the pan indicated the highest concentration of AlâOâ and kaolinite at mid depths, and their concentrations decreased vertically away from these depths, and laterally towards the margins of the pan. Similar results were noted for SiOâ, while CaO and MgO (and calcite and dolomite) were highest at mid depths along the margins of the pan, and decreased laterally toward the centre of the pan. Results indicated that there was a positive relationship in the centre of the pan between: - the degree of chemical weathering and volume losses, - relative elevation of the pan and volume changes. Geochemically and mineralogically, there was a link between the high concentrations of Ca and Mg carbonates and volume gains in the margin of the pans. It is proposed that transpiration of vegetation along the margin of the pan caused the lateral movement of solutes, and the selective exclusion of these solutes by plants was associated with carbonate precipitation, leading to the creation of local relief. These results provide evidence to suggest that weathering and precipitation processes occurring over geological time scales are responsible for minor scale relief features, whose origin has been mistakenly attributed to deflation processes occurring over hundreds to thousands of years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Alistoun, Judith Robyn
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011048
- Description: Pans on the African Erosion Surface near Grahamstown are small features, which, perhaps due to their small size have been neglected by researchers. From the outset the striking difference of these pans relative to other pans in southern Africa, is that the host rock is silcrete, a highly resistant rock well known as being associated with deeply weathered plateaus. The dominant origin theory for pans in southern Africa was developed by Goudie and Thomas (1985), and focuses on mechanisms relating to erosion and deflation. This model does not fit in well with the pans that have formed on substrate that has largely been unaffected by erosion in recent geological history (thousands to 10 000 years). As such this study examined the role of prolonged chemical weathering of Dwyka Tillite, that has led to the formation of silcrete. The hypothesis was that such deep weathering is responsible for local scale volume changes, which have in turn led to the formation of a depression. The centre of the pan indicated the highest concentration of AlâOâ and kaolinite at mid depths, and their concentrations decreased vertically away from these depths, and laterally towards the margins of the pan. Similar results were noted for SiOâ, while CaO and MgO (and calcite and dolomite) were highest at mid depths along the margins of the pan, and decreased laterally toward the centre of the pan. Results indicated that there was a positive relationship in the centre of the pan between: - the degree of chemical weathering and volume losses, - relative elevation of the pan and volume changes. Geochemically and mineralogically, there was a link between the high concentrations of Ca and Mg carbonates and volume gains in the margin of the pans. It is proposed that transpiration of vegetation along the margin of the pan caused the lateral movement of solutes, and the selective exclusion of these solutes by plants was associated with carbonate precipitation, leading to the creation of local relief. These results provide evidence to suggest that weathering and precipitation processes occurring over geological time scales are responsible for minor scale relief features, whose origin has been mistakenly attributed to deflation processes occurring over hundreds to thousands of years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014