Methods to improve the effective implementation of organisational codes of conduct
- Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Authors: Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6541 , vital:21105
- Description: This research explores methods to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Misconduct is a common phenomenon in the business environment, even in the face of increased regulation, and the adoption of codes of conduct by organisations. This impacts negatively on organisations’ reputations, results in financial loss, and has a negative impact on the sustainability of businesses. While researchers suggest that codes of conduct should reduce misconduct and improve the ethical culture of organisations, mixed research results suggest codes of conduct are not always effective. While research into code of conduct effectiveness proliferates, seldom does such research take a holistic approach to understanding effectiveness of codes of conduct. Models proposed to better research code of conduct effectiveness, such as Kaptein and Schwartz’ (2008) integrated research model, do not present guidelines for better developing and implementing codes of conduct. Therefore the primary research objective was to develop a benchmarking framework which could provide insight into factors that could influence code of conduct effectiveness, and provide guidelines on how these factors should be influenced and accounted for to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Content of codes of conduct can play an important part in code of conduct effectiveness, yet they vary enormously in terms of provisions, language, tone, style, design. Some are directional or rules based, others aspirational, or values based. Bettcher, Deshpandé, Margolis and Paine (2005) developed the Global Business Standards Codex that depicted the most commonly found provisions in organisations they surveyed. A secondary research objective was therefore to apply this codex to the evaluation of participating organisations codes of conduct, and in so doing, evaluate the suitability of the codex as a benchmarking framework for the content of the code of conduct. Adopting a grounded theory methodological approach and code of conduct content analysis, the researcher investigated nine of South Africa’s largest multinational organisations in order to understand the factors influencing their code of conduct effectiveness better. The research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of codes of conduct, their effectiveness, and provides practical guidelines on improving their effectiveness. This is achieved by 1) presenting nine formulae for an effective code of conduct; 2) detailing a multi-dimensional model that can facilitate the effectiveness of codes of conduct; and 3) improving the codex developed by Bettcher et al. (2005) on the content of codes of conduct with the proposed code of conduct architecture criterion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6541 , vital:21105
- Description: This research explores methods to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Misconduct is a common phenomenon in the business environment, even in the face of increased regulation, and the adoption of codes of conduct by organisations. This impacts negatively on organisations’ reputations, results in financial loss, and has a negative impact on the sustainability of businesses. While researchers suggest that codes of conduct should reduce misconduct and improve the ethical culture of organisations, mixed research results suggest codes of conduct are not always effective. While research into code of conduct effectiveness proliferates, seldom does such research take a holistic approach to understanding effectiveness of codes of conduct. Models proposed to better research code of conduct effectiveness, such as Kaptein and Schwartz’ (2008) integrated research model, do not present guidelines for better developing and implementing codes of conduct. Therefore the primary research objective was to develop a benchmarking framework which could provide insight into factors that could influence code of conduct effectiveness, and provide guidelines on how these factors should be influenced and accounted for to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Content of codes of conduct can play an important part in code of conduct effectiveness, yet they vary enormously in terms of provisions, language, tone, style, design. Some are directional or rules based, others aspirational, or values based. Bettcher, Deshpandé, Margolis and Paine (2005) developed the Global Business Standards Codex that depicted the most commonly found provisions in organisations they surveyed. A secondary research objective was therefore to apply this codex to the evaluation of participating organisations codes of conduct, and in so doing, evaluate the suitability of the codex as a benchmarking framework for the content of the code of conduct. Adopting a grounded theory methodological approach and code of conduct content analysis, the researcher investigated nine of South Africa’s largest multinational organisations in order to understand the factors influencing their code of conduct effectiveness better. The research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of codes of conduct, their effectiveness, and provides practical guidelines on improving their effectiveness. This is achieved by 1) presenting nine formulae for an effective code of conduct; 2) detailing a multi-dimensional model that can facilitate the effectiveness of codes of conduct; and 3) improving the codex developed by Bettcher et al. (2005) on the content of codes of conduct with the proposed code of conduct architecture criterion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Microbial water quality of treated water and raw water sources in the Harare area, Zimbabwe
- Chirenda, Tatenda G, Srinivas, Sunitha C, Tandlich, Roman
- Authors: Chirenda, Tatenda G , Srinivas, Sunitha C , Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76206 , vital:30520 , http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v41i5.12
- Description: Microbial water quality is an essential aspect in the provision of potable water for domestic use. The provision of adequate amounts of safe water for domestic purposes has become difficult for most municipalities mandated to do so in Zimbabwe. Morton-Jaffray Treatment Plant supplies potable water to Harare City and areas surrounding Harare. This study investigated microbial water quality and the impact of microbial water quality related disasters in the area supplied by the Morton Jaffray Treatment Plant. Questionnaires were distributed to household owners in Harare who receive their water from the Municipality and those who use alternate water supplies. Candidates were randomly selected from their workplace. The raw water quality of Manyame River and its tributaries was assessed. Treated water in households was assessed for microbial quality using hydrogen sulphide test and heterotrophic bacteria plate count. Raw water sources were found to be contaminated by faecal matter. Household water sources tested negative for faecal contamination but positive for heterotrophic bacteria. CFU quantities ranged from 1 to 452 CFU/m. for all samples. The WHO guidelines for domestic water sources state that water used for domestic purposes should not be contain than 100 CFU/m.. Public perceptions of water quality ranged from eunsafef to ehighly contaminatedf. A decrease in the level of aesthetic appeal resulted in residents resorting to alternative sources such as wells and rivers for their domestic water. The current state of treated water was suitable for domestic use. Pathogen monitoring of domestic water is recommended using the hydrogen sulphide test and R2A agar test.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Chirenda, Tatenda G , Srinivas, Sunitha C , Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76206 , vital:30520 , http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v41i5.12
- Description: Microbial water quality is an essential aspect in the provision of potable water for domestic use. The provision of adequate amounts of safe water for domestic purposes has become difficult for most municipalities mandated to do so in Zimbabwe. Morton-Jaffray Treatment Plant supplies potable water to Harare City and areas surrounding Harare. This study investigated microbial water quality and the impact of microbial water quality related disasters in the area supplied by the Morton Jaffray Treatment Plant. Questionnaires were distributed to household owners in Harare who receive their water from the Municipality and those who use alternate water supplies. Candidates were randomly selected from their workplace. The raw water quality of Manyame River and its tributaries was assessed. Treated water in households was assessed for microbial quality using hydrogen sulphide test and heterotrophic bacteria plate count. Raw water sources were found to be contaminated by faecal matter. Household water sources tested negative for faecal contamination but positive for heterotrophic bacteria. CFU quantities ranged from 1 to 452 CFU/m. for all samples. The WHO guidelines for domestic water sources state that water used for domestic purposes should not be contain than 100 CFU/m.. Public perceptions of water quality ranged from eunsafef to ehighly contaminatedf. A decrease in the level of aesthetic appeal resulted in residents resorting to alternative sources such as wells and rivers for their domestic water. The current state of treated water was suitable for domestic use. Pathogen monitoring of domestic water is recommended using the hydrogen sulphide test and R2A agar test.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Microbiological analyses of beef slaughtering process and meat safety knowledge of handlers at selected high and low thoughput abattoirs
- Authors: Nyamakwere, Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Meat industry and trade -- Quality control Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2238 , vital:27712
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate meat hygiene practices among meat handlers and microbiological analysis of beef carcasses, slaughtermen hands, equipment and water from low throughput (LTA) and high throughput (HTA) abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In stage one of the study, the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes towards meat safety and personal hygiene of slaughtermen were assessed. Forty workers directly involve in beef cattle slaughtering process were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, it contained questions on some of the most important meat safety cues such as knowledge, attitudes, personal hygiene and handling practices. Cross tabulation and Chi-square Test of Association were performed to examine the relationships between the demographic information and the knowledge regarding meat safety using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Overall, a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices and a satisfactory level of knowledge were observed. Workers from a HTA yielded comparatively better statistically significant scores. Moreover, knowledge and practices of respondents were significantly associated (P<0.05) due to educational level and professional training. The second stage of the study involved evaluating the level to which cattle carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water were contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and aerobic colony counts (ACC) at different stages during the slaughter process (skinning, evisceration, carcass slitting, inspection, washing and packing). Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a LTA (n= 240) and HTA (n= 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) carcass mean scores than LTA after skinning and evisceration. Specific abattoir hygiene differences were noted from washed and chilled carcasses. Salmonella was not detected across all sampled slaughter process stages. In addition, the equipment had bacterial load ranging from 10 to 4 CFU/cm2 for LTA, whereas in HTA this was found to be 7 to 3 CFU/cm2. The bacterial counts for slaughtermen hands were estimated to be 15 to 8 CFU/cm2 in HTA and 10 to 5 CFU/cm2 in LTA. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area (skinning and evisceration) yielded more bacterial counts compared to those in the clean area (slitting, inspection, washing and packing) from both abattoirs. For all the sampled carcasses, equipment and slaughtermen hands, HTA yielded comparatively higher (P<0.05) bacterial counts than the LTA. Although the results showed a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices, some aspects such as routine medical examination, health certificates and professional training of slaughtermen still need to be improved. Therefore, these findings show that slaughtermen, equipment and water can be sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyamakwere, Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Meat industry and trade -- Quality control Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2238 , vital:27712
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate meat hygiene practices among meat handlers and microbiological analysis of beef carcasses, slaughtermen hands, equipment and water from low throughput (LTA) and high throughput (HTA) abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In stage one of the study, the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes towards meat safety and personal hygiene of slaughtermen were assessed. Forty workers directly involve in beef cattle slaughtering process were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, it contained questions on some of the most important meat safety cues such as knowledge, attitudes, personal hygiene and handling practices. Cross tabulation and Chi-square Test of Association were performed to examine the relationships between the demographic information and the knowledge regarding meat safety using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Overall, a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices and a satisfactory level of knowledge were observed. Workers from a HTA yielded comparatively better statistically significant scores. Moreover, knowledge and practices of respondents were significantly associated (P<0.05) due to educational level and professional training. The second stage of the study involved evaluating the level to which cattle carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water were contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and aerobic colony counts (ACC) at different stages during the slaughter process (skinning, evisceration, carcass slitting, inspection, washing and packing). Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a LTA (n= 240) and HTA (n= 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) carcass mean scores than LTA after skinning and evisceration. Specific abattoir hygiene differences were noted from washed and chilled carcasses. Salmonella was not detected across all sampled slaughter process stages. In addition, the equipment had bacterial load ranging from 10 to 4 CFU/cm2 for LTA, whereas in HTA this was found to be 7 to 3 CFU/cm2. The bacterial counts for slaughtermen hands were estimated to be 15 to 8 CFU/cm2 in HTA and 10 to 5 CFU/cm2 in LTA. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area (skinning and evisceration) yielded more bacterial counts compared to those in the clean area (slitting, inspection, washing and packing) from both abattoirs. For all the sampled carcasses, equipment and slaughtermen hands, HTA yielded comparatively higher (P<0.05) bacterial counts than the LTA. Although the results showed a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices, some aspects such as routine medical examination, health certificates and professional training of slaughtermen still need to be improved. Therefore, these findings show that slaughtermen, equipment and water can be sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Midwives' experiences of high stress levels due to emergency childbirths in Namibia Regional Hospital
- Authors: Ndikwetepo, Monika Ndaudika
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Namibia , Medical personnel -- Job stress -- Namibia , Childbirth -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10073 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021162
- Description: Many midwives throughout the world experienced high stress levels when they deal with emergency childbirths. Midwifery professionals experience certain unique stressors, such as midwives being responsible for the care of women when they are giving birth. Complications of childbirth may occur during labour leading to the life of the baby and the mother being threatened. Situations such as this leave midwives experiencing high levels of stress for which they often do not have effective coping mechanisms. When the stress is not managed, it may lead to burnout. When burnout occurs the midwives present with physical and psychological symptoms of stress, grief for the loss and lack of motivation, which results in staff turnover and a fear of working in a maternity ward. Consequently, patient care may be compromised as some midwives became apathetic and develop unacceptable attitudes toward their patients. Such behavior led to poor work performances, maternity services that are not woman-friendly and women seeing the maternity ward as a place where they are treated in rude and unfriendly manner which increased the chances of adverse childbirth outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of midwives who have to cope with stress associated with emergency childbirths. This information was used to develop the guidelines to help midwives to cope with the high stress associated with emergency childbirths. The researcher used a phenomenological, qualitative approach. The study was explorative, as little was known on this topic in the Namibian context and it was also descriptive and contextual. Purposive and convenient sampling was used to select the research sample. The research population was all the midwives working in the maternity ward of a Namibian regional hospital, who met the inclusion criteria. Data gathering was done using semi-structured interviews. Once data saturation occurred, interviewing stopped. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were followed to create meaning from the data collected. An independent coder assisted with the coding process to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Literature control was done after data collection to support and strengthen the study’s findings. Trustworthiness, as suggested by using Lincoln & Guba’s model of trustworthiness, included truth-value/credibility, applicability/transferability, consistency/dependability and neutrality/conformability was implemented. Ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were ensured by obtaining permission to conduct the research from relevant authorities and from University structures, obtaining consent from the participants before the interviews, voluntary participation and right to withdraw from the study, privacy, confidentiality and dissemination of the results. Three main themes and sub-themes were identified namely: Midwives experienced significant stressors associated with emergency childbirth situations. Midwives experienced mixed emotions about dealing with emergency childbirth situations Midwives shared their views regarding their support needs associated with emergency childbirth situations. Recommendations for nursing education, clinical midwifery and for further research were made. Four guidelines were developed based on the study findings as well as literature related to these findings, to help the midwives to cope with high stress levels associated with emergency childbirths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ndikwetepo, Monika Ndaudika
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Namibia , Medical personnel -- Job stress -- Namibia , Childbirth -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10073 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021162
- Description: Many midwives throughout the world experienced high stress levels when they deal with emergency childbirths. Midwifery professionals experience certain unique stressors, such as midwives being responsible for the care of women when they are giving birth. Complications of childbirth may occur during labour leading to the life of the baby and the mother being threatened. Situations such as this leave midwives experiencing high levels of stress for which they often do not have effective coping mechanisms. When the stress is not managed, it may lead to burnout. When burnout occurs the midwives present with physical and psychological symptoms of stress, grief for the loss and lack of motivation, which results in staff turnover and a fear of working in a maternity ward. Consequently, patient care may be compromised as some midwives became apathetic and develop unacceptable attitudes toward their patients. Such behavior led to poor work performances, maternity services that are not woman-friendly and women seeing the maternity ward as a place where they are treated in rude and unfriendly manner which increased the chances of adverse childbirth outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of midwives who have to cope with stress associated with emergency childbirths. This information was used to develop the guidelines to help midwives to cope with the high stress associated with emergency childbirths. The researcher used a phenomenological, qualitative approach. The study was explorative, as little was known on this topic in the Namibian context and it was also descriptive and contextual. Purposive and convenient sampling was used to select the research sample. The research population was all the midwives working in the maternity ward of a Namibian regional hospital, who met the inclusion criteria. Data gathering was done using semi-structured interviews. Once data saturation occurred, interviewing stopped. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were followed to create meaning from the data collected. An independent coder assisted with the coding process to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Literature control was done after data collection to support and strengthen the study’s findings. Trustworthiness, as suggested by using Lincoln & Guba’s model of trustworthiness, included truth-value/credibility, applicability/transferability, consistency/dependability and neutrality/conformability was implemented. Ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were ensured by obtaining permission to conduct the research from relevant authorities and from University structures, obtaining consent from the participants before the interviews, voluntary participation and right to withdraw from the study, privacy, confidentiality and dissemination of the results. Three main themes and sub-themes were identified namely: Midwives experienced significant stressors associated with emergency childbirth situations. Midwives experienced mixed emotions about dealing with emergency childbirth situations Midwives shared their views regarding their support needs associated with emergency childbirth situations. Recommendations for nursing education, clinical midwifery and for further research were made. Four guidelines were developed based on the study findings as well as literature related to these findings, to help the midwives to cope with high stress levels associated with emergency childbirths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Midwives' experiences regarding the utilization of partographs in a Namibian Regional Hospital
- Authors: Fernandes, Diina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Namibia , Labor (Obstetrics) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021158
- Description: Labour has been characterized as the most dangerous journey a woman undertakes. The reason being, that although it is a natural process, many labouring women suffer complications during labour and childbirth including prolonged or obstructed labour. These complications can result in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The partograph is a monitoring tool that can provide a continuous pictorial overview and is essential to monitor and manage labour. It is recommended by the WHO for use universally by midwives while monitoring labour. However partographs are poorly utilized and most parameters on the partograph are not monitored and findings after reviewing a labouring woman are not documented on the partograph. It is unclear how midwives working in Namibian Health services experience and utilize the partograph during the monitoring of a woman in labour. These may be the factors that hinder the effective utilization of the partograph. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of midwives regarding the utilization of the partograph for monitoring a labouring woman in a Namibian regional hospital in order to develop guidelines based on the findings to improve the use of the partograph by midwives in order to improve the management of labour. The research design was qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual in nature. The research population consisted of midwives working in a regional hospital in Namibia. A purposive and convenient sampling method was used to select participants. Specific inclusion criteria were met and consent was obtained from the participants and from the Regional Health Directorate Management of the hospital where the research was conducted. Interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer within the Department of Health to ensure an unbiased viewpoint. Data were collected by means of semi-structured in depth interviews with a guide, using an audio tape recorder. Field notes were used to record non- verbal communication. As soon as data were saturated, the interviews were stopped. They were then transcribed, verbatim and analysed using the Tesch’s approach as described in (Creswell, 2009:186). The service of an independent coder was utilized to ensure trustworthiness. Trustworthiness was further ensured by using the strategies suggested by Lincoln and Guba’s model, namely credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical considerations were honoured throughout by adhering to ethical principles during the study. These included ensuring that the participants` rights were respected, they were not harmed and fairness were ensured. On completion of the data analysis a literature control was conducted and existing literature was compared to the findings in order to identify similarities and differences and to verify whether the literature supported the findings. Four main themes that emerged during data analysis are: Theme 1.Midwives found it a positive experience to use the partograph when caring for a woman in labour. Theme 2. When a midwife experienced problems in using the partograph, it may lead to detrimental outcomes. Theme 3. Utilizing the partograph evoked differing emotions in midwives. Theme 4. Midwives` knowledge and skills in the utilization of the partograph should be updated regularly. By describing the lived experienced of midwives in the maternity ward on the use of the partograph, the midwives had a positive attitude to using the partograph, but they also found it difficult to utilize the instrument as was directed by the (WHO) due to challenges experienced such as: unrealistic staff/patient ratio, shortage of staff, time consuming, insufficient knowledge and skills among midwives and lack of appropriate equipment. There is a specific need to prevent further negative emotions by addressing the challenges experienced. Based on the findings, guidelines for partograph utilization which aimed at improving the midwifery care were developed. Recommendations were made regarding midwifery education, clinical midwifery care and midwifery research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fernandes, Diina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Namibia , Labor (Obstetrics) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021158
- Description: Labour has been characterized as the most dangerous journey a woman undertakes. The reason being, that although it is a natural process, many labouring women suffer complications during labour and childbirth including prolonged or obstructed labour. These complications can result in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The partograph is a monitoring tool that can provide a continuous pictorial overview and is essential to monitor and manage labour. It is recommended by the WHO for use universally by midwives while monitoring labour. However partographs are poorly utilized and most parameters on the partograph are not monitored and findings after reviewing a labouring woman are not documented on the partograph. It is unclear how midwives working in Namibian Health services experience and utilize the partograph during the monitoring of a woman in labour. These may be the factors that hinder the effective utilization of the partograph. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of midwives regarding the utilization of the partograph for monitoring a labouring woman in a Namibian regional hospital in order to develop guidelines based on the findings to improve the use of the partograph by midwives in order to improve the management of labour. The research design was qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual in nature. The research population consisted of midwives working in a regional hospital in Namibia. A purposive and convenient sampling method was used to select participants. Specific inclusion criteria were met and consent was obtained from the participants and from the Regional Health Directorate Management of the hospital where the research was conducted. Interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer within the Department of Health to ensure an unbiased viewpoint. Data were collected by means of semi-structured in depth interviews with a guide, using an audio tape recorder. Field notes were used to record non- verbal communication. As soon as data were saturated, the interviews were stopped. They were then transcribed, verbatim and analysed using the Tesch’s approach as described in (Creswell, 2009:186). The service of an independent coder was utilized to ensure trustworthiness. Trustworthiness was further ensured by using the strategies suggested by Lincoln and Guba’s model, namely credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical considerations were honoured throughout by adhering to ethical principles during the study. These included ensuring that the participants` rights were respected, they were not harmed and fairness were ensured. On completion of the data analysis a literature control was conducted and existing literature was compared to the findings in order to identify similarities and differences and to verify whether the literature supported the findings. Four main themes that emerged during data analysis are: Theme 1.Midwives found it a positive experience to use the partograph when caring for a woman in labour. Theme 2. When a midwife experienced problems in using the partograph, it may lead to detrimental outcomes. Theme 3. Utilizing the partograph evoked differing emotions in midwives. Theme 4. Midwives` knowledge and skills in the utilization of the partograph should be updated regularly. By describing the lived experienced of midwives in the maternity ward on the use of the partograph, the midwives had a positive attitude to using the partograph, but they also found it difficult to utilize the instrument as was directed by the (WHO) due to challenges experienced such as: unrealistic staff/patient ratio, shortage of staff, time consuming, insufficient knowledge and skills among midwives and lack of appropriate equipment. There is a specific need to prevent further negative emotions by addressing the challenges experienced. Based on the findings, guidelines for partograph utilization which aimed at improving the midwifery care were developed. Recommendations were made regarding midwifery education, clinical midwifery care and midwifery research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Minding your own game : self-regulation and psychological momentum among golfers
- Authors: Kingma, Graham
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Golf -- Strategic aspects , Golf -- Psychological aspects , Athletes , Self-control , Golfers -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017883
- Description: Psychological momentum (PM) is often regarded as an important phenomenon that influences athlete performance. Nevertheless, conceptualisations of PM are criticised for being speculative, vague and impractical for scientific inquiry. In contrast, self-regulation is a long-standing, well researched concept used to explain performance outcomes, yet not clearly integrated in current PM conceptualisations. Hence, this thesis explores self-regulation relative to PM. Golf was considered to be an appropriate context for the empirical inquiries on the basis that it serves as a metaphor for managing life’s challenges. Three studies were conducted. The first study entailed a systematic conceptual analysis of PM based on previous conceptualisations and studies in relevant scientific literature. Self-regulatory processes were identified among the key psychological mechanisms and moderators related to PM. The second study aimed to identify key self-regulation strategies in PM experiences among 16 golfers. A mixed method approach including novel “walk-along” and “think aloud” data collection techniques was used. An inductive thematic analysis yielded a comprehensive typology golfing strategies. Nevertheless, the study did not find consistent strategy patterns in positive or negative PM phases. The third study explored the self-regulation of identity (ego-regulation) in relation to PM phases. A staggered multiple-baseline single-case research methodology was used with five golfers (three professionals and two amateurs). Ego-regulation was manipulated through a mindfulness-based schema mode program tailored to golf (Mindfulness for Golf; MFG). Pre-, mid- and post-intervention data showed positive changes among the participants on two dimensions of PM as well as performance outcomes. Overall the results suggest that golfers use idiosyncratic self-regulation processes to facilitate performance, but these are not directly linked to PM phases. Nonetheless, there are promising indications that enhancing ego-regulation through the MFG program facilitates positive momentum among golfers. Based on the results of the studies in this thesis, and for the sake of scientific parsimony and pragmatism, it is recommended that self-regulation models incorporating motivation are used to explain momentum in athletic activity. In this view, PM has the function of describing, not influencing, goal-driven performance
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kingma, Graham
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Golf -- Strategic aspects , Golf -- Psychological aspects , Athletes , Self-control , Golfers -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017883
- Description: Psychological momentum (PM) is often regarded as an important phenomenon that influences athlete performance. Nevertheless, conceptualisations of PM are criticised for being speculative, vague and impractical for scientific inquiry. In contrast, self-regulation is a long-standing, well researched concept used to explain performance outcomes, yet not clearly integrated in current PM conceptualisations. Hence, this thesis explores self-regulation relative to PM. Golf was considered to be an appropriate context for the empirical inquiries on the basis that it serves as a metaphor for managing life’s challenges. Three studies were conducted. The first study entailed a systematic conceptual analysis of PM based on previous conceptualisations and studies in relevant scientific literature. Self-regulatory processes were identified among the key psychological mechanisms and moderators related to PM. The second study aimed to identify key self-regulation strategies in PM experiences among 16 golfers. A mixed method approach including novel “walk-along” and “think aloud” data collection techniques was used. An inductive thematic analysis yielded a comprehensive typology golfing strategies. Nevertheless, the study did not find consistent strategy patterns in positive or negative PM phases. The third study explored the self-regulation of identity (ego-regulation) in relation to PM phases. A staggered multiple-baseline single-case research methodology was used with five golfers (three professionals and two amateurs). Ego-regulation was manipulated through a mindfulness-based schema mode program tailored to golf (Mindfulness for Golf; MFG). Pre-, mid- and post-intervention data showed positive changes among the participants on two dimensions of PM as well as performance outcomes. Overall the results suggest that golfers use idiosyncratic self-regulation processes to facilitate performance, but these are not directly linked to PM phases. Nonetheless, there are promising indications that enhancing ego-regulation through the MFG program facilitates positive momentum among golfers. Based on the results of the studies in this thesis, and for the sake of scientific parsimony and pragmatism, it is recommended that self-regulation models incorporating motivation are used to explain momentum in athletic activity. In this view, PM has the function of describing, not influencing, goal-driven performance
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Mindset change as a mechanism for enhancing the employability of low-skilled persons
- Authors: Warner, Tarryn-Lee
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employability , Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4332 , vital:20586
- Description: This research paper investigates whether a holistic approach to skills training which challenges cultural norms and perceptions regarding the relationship between work and self-reliance, as employed by Siya-Sebenza, results in a change of mindset and work ethic. This paper evaluates the strength of this holistic approach to skills training and assesses whether it has a marked effect on the mindset and attitudes of graduates regarding issues of self-reliance, motivation and understanding their role in their employment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Warner, Tarryn-Lee
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employability , Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4332 , vital:20586
- Description: This research paper investigates whether a holistic approach to skills training which challenges cultural norms and perceptions regarding the relationship between work and self-reliance, as employed by Siya-Sebenza, results in a change of mindset and work ethic. This paper evaluates the strength of this holistic approach to skills training and assesses whether it has a marked effect on the mindset and attitudes of graduates regarding issues of self-reliance, motivation and understanding their role in their employment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Mips2C: programming from the machine up
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439226 , vital:73557 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CS2-arch-C/Cs2MIPS2C.pdf
- Description: WHY THIS BOOK? Some years ago I took part in a panel discussion titled “Programming Early Considered Harmful” at the SIGCSE 2001 conference [Hitchner et al. 2001]. Once of those present was Yale Patt, whom I had met briefly on a sabbatical at University of Michigan, where he was at the time a professor working in computer architecture. His role on the panel was to proselytise his book, Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits and gates to C and beyond [Patt and Patel 2013], which introduced programming from the low level up. I found the idea intriguing particularly as I also was concerned with the problem that students tend to stick with the first thing they learn. If my concern was correct, it should be better to start with the programming model you want them to internalize, rather than start with machine level programming. Nonenetheless, I am always open to new ideas, and when the opportunity presented itself to run a computer organization course followed by a C course, I decided to try the idea for myself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439226 , vital:73557 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CS2-arch-C/Cs2MIPS2C.pdf
- Description: WHY THIS BOOK? Some years ago I took part in a panel discussion titled “Programming Early Considered Harmful” at the SIGCSE 2001 conference [Hitchner et al. 2001]. Once of those present was Yale Patt, whom I had met briefly on a sabbatical at University of Michigan, where he was at the time a professor working in computer architecture. His role on the panel was to proselytise his book, Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits and gates to C and beyond [Patt and Patel 2013], which introduced programming from the low level up. I found the idea intriguing particularly as I also was concerned with the problem that students tend to stick with the first thing they learn. If my concern was correct, it should be better to start with the programming model you want them to internalize, rather than start with machine level programming. Nonenetheless, I am always open to new ideas, and when the opportunity presented itself to run a computer organization course followed by a C course, I decided to try the idea for myself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Mitochondrial STAT3 and reactive oxygen species: a fulcrum of adipogenesis?
- Kramer, Adam H, Kadye, Rose, Houseman, Pascalene S, Prinsloo, Earl
- Authors: Kramer, Adam H , Kadye, Rose , Houseman, Pascalene S , Prinsloo, Earl
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431674 , vital:72795 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21623996.2015.1084084"
- Description: The balance between cellular lineages can be controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular differentiation into adipocytes is highly dependent on the production of ROS to initiate the process through activation of multiple interlinked factors that stimulate mitotic clonal expansion and cellular maturation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription family of signaling proteins have accepted roles in adipogenesis and associated lipogenesis. Non-canonical mitochondrial localization of STAT3 and other members of the STAT family however opens up new avenues for investigation of its role in the aforementioned processes. Following recent observations of differences in mitochondrially localized serine 727 phosphorylated STAT3 (mtSTAT3-pS727) in preadipocytes and adipocytes, here, we hypothesize and speculate further on the role of mitochondrial STAT3 in adipogenesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kramer, Adam H , Kadye, Rose , Houseman, Pascalene S , Prinsloo, Earl
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431674 , vital:72795 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21623996.2015.1084084"
- Description: The balance between cellular lineages can be controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular differentiation into adipocytes is highly dependent on the production of ROS to initiate the process through activation of multiple interlinked factors that stimulate mitotic clonal expansion and cellular maturation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription family of signaling proteins have accepted roles in adipogenesis and associated lipogenesis. Non-canonical mitochondrial localization of STAT3 and other members of the STAT family however opens up new avenues for investigation of its role in the aforementioned processes. Following recent observations of differences in mitochondrially localized serine 727 phosphorylated STAT3 (mtSTAT3-pS727) in preadipocytes and adipocytes, here, we hypothesize and speculate further on the role of mitochondrial STAT3 in adipogenesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Modelling stock return volatility dynamics in selected African markets
- Authors: King, Daniel , Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396104 , vital:69150 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2014.11.008"
- Description: This paper examines whether accounting for structural changes in the conditional variance process, through the use of Markov-switching models, improves estimates and forecasts of stock return volatility over those of the more conventional single-state (G)ARCH models, within and across selected African markets for the period 2002–2012. In the univariate portion of the paper, the performances of various Markov-switching models are tested against a single-state benchmark model through the use of in-sample goodness-of-fit and predictive ability measures. In the multivariate context, the single-state and Markov-switching models are comparatively assessed according to their usefulness in constructing optimal stock portfolios. Accounting for structural breaks in the conditional variance process, conventional GARCH effects remain important in capturing heteroscedasticity. However, those univariate models including a GARCH term perform comparatively poorly when used for forecasting purposes. In the multivariate study, the use of Markov-switching variance–covariance estimates improves risk-adjusted portfolio returns relative to portfolios constructed using the more conventional single-state models. While there is evidence that some Markov-switching models can provide better forecasts and higher risk-adjusted returns than those models which include GARCH effects, the inability of the simpler Markov-switching models to fully capture heteroscedasticity in the data remains problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: King, Daniel , Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396104 , vital:69150 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2014.11.008"
- Description: This paper examines whether accounting for structural changes in the conditional variance process, through the use of Markov-switching models, improves estimates and forecasts of stock return volatility over those of the more conventional single-state (G)ARCH models, within and across selected African markets for the period 2002–2012. In the univariate portion of the paper, the performances of various Markov-switching models are tested against a single-state benchmark model through the use of in-sample goodness-of-fit and predictive ability measures. In the multivariate context, the single-state and Markov-switching models are comparatively assessed according to their usefulness in constructing optimal stock portfolios. Accounting for structural breaks in the conditional variance process, conventional GARCH effects remain important in capturing heteroscedasticity. However, those univariate models including a GARCH term perform comparatively poorly when used for forecasting purposes. In the multivariate study, the use of Markov-switching variance–covariance estimates improves risk-adjusted portfolio returns relative to portfolios constructed using the more conventional single-state models. While there is evidence that some Markov-switching models can provide better forecasts and higher risk-adjusted returns than those models which include GARCH effects, the inability of the simpler Markov-switching models to fully capture heteroscedasticity in the data remains problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Modification and application of the decentralised wastewater treatment technology for greywater treatment to reduce water needs
- Authors: Ngqwala, Nosiphiwe Patience
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193509 , vital:45338
- Description: Water is a scarce resource that is being acknowledged as a limiting factor to further social- economic growth and development. Demand for freshwater is increasing with corresponding increases in human population, industrial and agricultural activities. Alternative sources, such as greywater and rainwater are often polluted. Though greywater can be used for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, it still requires some measures of treatment to improve its quality. To improve on greywater quality to facilitate its reuse, decentralised wastewater treatment technologies carry a great potential as complementary and alternative means of wastewater management particularly in peri-urban areas. Five research goals are addressed in this thesis: (i) to monitor the performance of Fly Ash Lime Filter Tower (FLFT) in the treatment of greywater; (ii) to modify the Fly Ash Lime Filter Tower in the treatment of greywater in order to reduce the pH of the greywater, and improved on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and coliform counts; (iii) to investigate the potential of the reuse of greywater for irrigation; (iv) to undertake a techno analysis of the FLFT system for commercial use; and (v) to evaluate the use of hydrogen-sulphide (H2S) test kit to monitor faecal contamination of various water sources using a multidisciplinary approach. The modification of the FLFT indicated good treatment efficiency, reducing the concentrations of COD, chlorides, nitrates, ammonia and sulphate by 82.6%, 60.4%, 72.9%, 60.5%, and 53.9%, respectively; while the average pH was at 8.3. Greywater contains nutrients that are beneficial to the growth of most plants. Growth variables included biomass, stem height, number of leaves and number of vegetables harvested. Soil analysis showed no effects of the treated greywater on soil physico-chemical and microbial quality with bulk density 2.0g/cm3, average pH 7.4, total phosphorus 0.16mg/L 8, faecal coliform 0.3 CFU/100 ml. The tomatoes had high biomass and dry weight (150 g; 33g) than beetroot (35 g; 15 g). Crops irrigated with greywater significantly grew faster compared with those irrigated with tap water. The community approach highlighted the value of knowledge management in greywater reuse. It highlighted the importance of creating an institutional knowledge in water management using the H2S kit. The techno-economic analysis was used to evaluate key factors and the activities that are relevant to develop a sustainable FLFT in order to gain insights into the possibility of developing, and incorporating a business model framework to support decision making in value creation and value capturing during the research and the scaling up of the system. By this, a long term perspective to accomplish sustainable FLFT service businesses can be achieved. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngqwala, Nosiphiwe Patience
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193509 , vital:45338
- Description: Water is a scarce resource that is being acknowledged as a limiting factor to further social- economic growth and development. Demand for freshwater is increasing with corresponding increases in human population, industrial and agricultural activities. Alternative sources, such as greywater and rainwater are often polluted. Though greywater can be used for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, it still requires some measures of treatment to improve its quality. To improve on greywater quality to facilitate its reuse, decentralised wastewater treatment technologies carry a great potential as complementary and alternative means of wastewater management particularly in peri-urban areas. Five research goals are addressed in this thesis: (i) to monitor the performance of Fly Ash Lime Filter Tower (FLFT) in the treatment of greywater; (ii) to modify the Fly Ash Lime Filter Tower in the treatment of greywater in order to reduce the pH of the greywater, and improved on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and coliform counts; (iii) to investigate the potential of the reuse of greywater for irrigation; (iv) to undertake a techno analysis of the FLFT system for commercial use; and (v) to evaluate the use of hydrogen-sulphide (H2S) test kit to monitor faecal contamination of various water sources using a multidisciplinary approach. The modification of the FLFT indicated good treatment efficiency, reducing the concentrations of COD, chlorides, nitrates, ammonia and sulphate by 82.6%, 60.4%, 72.9%, 60.5%, and 53.9%, respectively; while the average pH was at 8.3. Greywater contains nutrients that are beneficial to the growth of most plants. Growth variables included biomass, stem height, number of leaves and number of vegetables harvested. Soil analysis showed no effects of the treated greywater on soil physico-chemical and microbial quality with bulk density 2.0g/cm3, average pH 7.4, total phosphorus 0.16mg/L 8, faecal coliform 0.3 CFU/100 ml. The tomatoes had high biomass and dry weight (150 g; 33g) than beetroot (35 g; 15 g). Crops irrigated with greywater significantly grew faster compared with those irrigated with tap water. The community approach highlighted the value of knowledge management in greywater reuse. It highlighted the importance of creating an institutional knowledge in water management using the H2S kit. The techno-economic analysis was used to evaluate key factors and the activities that are relevant to develop a sustainable FLFT in order to gain insights into the possibility of developing, and incorporating a business model framework to support decision making in value creation and value capturing during the research and the scaling up of the system. By this, a long term perspective to accomplish sustainable FLFT service businesses can be achieved. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Modification and application of the decentralised wastewater treatment technology for greywater treatment to reduce water needs
- Authors: Ngqwala, Nosiphiwe P
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103714 , vital:32290
- Description: Expected release date-April 2017
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngqwala, Nosiphiwe P
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103714 , vital:32290
- Description: Expected release date-April 2017
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Molecular systematics and biology of two closely related blowflies : Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina
- Authors: Williams, Kirstin Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lucilia sericata , Lucilia cuprina
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017812
- Description: The greenbottle blowflies, Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are very difficult to distinguish on the basis of their external morphology. The literature suggests that these two species may be interbreeding. Sequencing two nuclear (28S rRNA and Period) and one mitochondrial (COI) gene indicated that there has been an ancient hybridization event and that mtDNA of L. sericata has become fixed in a lineage of L. cuprina through mtDNA introgression, possibly involving Wolbachia infection. This has implications for identifications of these species based on mtDNA alone. No study has shown explicitly that hybrids of L. sericata and L. cuprina can be identified morphologically. Morphological characters used to identify L. sericata and L. cuprina were scored and tested using specimens of both species and known hybrids. Discriminant function analysis of the characters successfully separated the specimens into three unambiguous groups – L. sericata, L. cuprina and hybrids. This is the first evidence that hybrids of these two species can be identified from physical characteristics.Lucilia sericata and L. cuprina have medical, veterinary and forensic importance. Knowing their distribution in South Africa would allow more effective management and utilisation of these flies. Their predicted geographic distributions in South Africa were modelled using maximum entropy analysis of selected climatic variables. The most important environmental variables in modelling their distributions were magnitude of monthly rainfall and the magnitude of the monthly maximum temperature for L. sericata, and the seasonal variation in monthly mean humidity and magnitude of monthly rainfall for L. cuprina. Both species have a widespread distribution in South Africa and one therefore cannot identify specimens of these flies by locality of capture alone.Luciliinae is a diverse and geographically widespread subfamily containing four genera - Hemipyrellia, Lucilia, Dyscritomyia and Hypopygiopsis – that all contain parasitic species ranging from saprophages to obligate parasites. The phylogenetic relationships between these genera are unclear. The 28S rRNA, COI and Period genes of 14 species of Lucilia and Hemipyrellia were partially sequenced and analysed together with 11sequences from GenBank and the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). Lucilia sericata and L. cuprina were shown to be sister-species. Three cases of paraphylly were identified within Lucilia that affects identification of these species using mtDNA alone. Hemipyrellia consistently caused Lucilia to be paraphyletic when it was included in analyses, so Hemipyrellia should be synonymized with Lucilia. The relationships of Dyscritomyia and Hypopygiopsis to Lucilia are unclear and further studies are required. No geographic pattern was found within the different forms of parasitism within this group, but the different degrees of parasitism were phylogenetically clustered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Williams, Kirstin Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lucilia sericata , Lucilia cuprina
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017812
- Description: The greenbottle blowflies, Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are very difficult to distinguish on the basis of their external morphology. The literature suggests that these two species may be interbreeding. Sequencing two nuclear (28S rRNA and Period) and one mitochondrial (COI) gene indicated that there has been an ancient hybridization event and that mtDNA of L. sericata has become fixed in a lineage of L. cuprina through mtDNA introgression, possibly involving Wolbachia infection. This has implications for identifications of these species based on mtDNA alone. No study has shown explicitly that hybrids of L. sericata and L. cuprina can be identified morphologically. Morphological characters used to identify L. sericata and L. cuprina were scored and tested using specimens of both species and known hybrids. Discriminant function analysis of the characters successfully separated the specimens into three unambiguous groups – L. sericata, L. cuprina and hybrids. This is the first evidence that hybrids of these two species can be identified from physical characteristics.Lucilia sericata and L. cuprina have medical, veterinary and forensic importance. Knowing their distribution in South Africa would allow more effective management and utilisation of these flies. Their predicted geographic distributions in South Africa were modelled using maximum entropy analysis of selected climatic variables. The most important environmental variables in modelling their distributions were magnitude of monthly rainfall and the magnitude of the monthly maximum temperature for L. sericata, and the seasonal variation in monthly mean humidity and magnitude of monthly rainfall for L. cuprina. Both species have a widespread distribution in South Africa and one therefore cannot identify specimens of these flies by locality of capture alone.Luciliinae is a diverse and geographically widespread subfamily containing four genera - Hemipyrellia, Lucilia, Dyscritomyia and Hypopygiopsis – that all contain parasitic species ranging from saprophages to obligate parasites. The phylogenetic relationships between these genera are unclear. The 28S rRNA, COI and Period genes of 14 species of Lucilia and Hemipyrellia were partially sequenced and analysed together with 11sequences from GenBank and the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). Lucilia sericata and L. cuprina were shown to be sister-species. Three cases of paraphylly were identified within Lucilia that affects identification of these species using mtDNA alone. Hemipyrellia consistently caused Lucilia to be paraphyletic when it was included in analyses, so Hemipyrellia should be synonymized with Lucilia. The relationships of Dyscritomyia and Hypopygiopsis to Lucilia are unclear and further studies are required. No geographic pattern was found within the different forms of parasitism within this group, but the different degrees of parasitism were phylogenetically clustered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Monetary policy transparency in Sub-Saharan Africa evidence and lessons
- Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Montane Wetlands of the South African Great Escarpment : plant communities and environmental drivers
- Authors: Janks, Matthew Richard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mountain plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland plants -- Effect of altitude on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018917
- Description: Wetlands provide a number of valuable functions to both the surrounding environment and society. The anaerobic conditions created by flooding in wetlands provide a habitat that supports unique assemblages of plant life. High altitude wetlands are amongst the most species-rich in South Africa. They house a number of rare species and play a vital role in the supply of water to lower lying areas. These are some of the reasons that mountain wetlands are of high conservation value. A phytosociological study was undertaken on the high altitude wetlands of the Great Escarpment with the aim of classifying the plant communities and identifying the environmental drivers of plant community patterns within these ecosystems. Data collection was focused in the Eastern Cape and was supplemented with data from existing studies to gain a more complete understanding of the wetlands of the Great Escarpment of South Africa. Using the Braun-Blanquet approach, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Indicator Species Analysis; five broad wetland groups were identified, comprised of 33 individual plant communities and 81 indicator species. Multivariate analysis, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that the effects of altitude, such as temperature and rainfall, are the most significant large-scale drivers of vegetation patterns. Smaller scale drivers include wetness and soil nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, electrical conductivity, sodium, and organic content. The identification of indicator species served to reveal potentially important wetland species across different areas of the Great Escarpment. The effects of altitude on plant community patterns highlights the susceptibility of the high altitude specific communities to upward temperature zone shifts resulting from global warming. Other threats include livestock trampling, water extraction, and land use change for agricultural purposes. The relative absence of alien species in these wetlands gives an indication of their pristine condition and therefore their importance as a reference from which they may be monitored. A large proportion of the wetlands studied here occur outside protected areas, and given the rate of wetland loss in South Africa, it is important that continued effective land management is practiced to ensure that these ecosystems are conserved in the future .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Montane Wetlands of the South African Great Escarpment : plant communities and environmental drivers
- Authors: Janks, Matthew Richard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mountain plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland plants -- Effect of altitude on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018917
- Description: Wetlands provide a number of valuable functions to both the surrounding environment and society. The anaerobic conditions created by flooding in wetlands provide a habitat that supports unique assemblages of plant life. High altitude wetlands are amongst the most species-rich in South Africa. They house a number of rare species and play a vital role in the supply of water to lower lying areas. These are some of the reasons that mountain wetlands are of high conservation value. A phytosociological study was undertaken on the high altitude wetlands of the Great Escarpment with the aim of classifying the plant communities and identifying the environmental drivers of plant community patterns within these ecosystems. Data collection was focused in the Eastern Cape and was supplemented with data from existing studies to gain a more complete understanding of the wetlands of the Great Escarpment of South Africa. Using the Braun-Blanquet approach, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Indicator Species Analysis; five broad wetland groups were identified, comprised of 33 individual plant communities and 81 indicator species. Multivariate analysis, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that the effects of altitude, such as temperature and rainfall, are the most significant large-scale drivers of vegetation patterns. Smaller scale drivers include wetness and soil nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, electrical conductivity, sodium, and organic content. The identification of indicator species served to reveal potentially important wetland species across different areas of the Great Escarpment. The effects of altitude on plant community patterns highlights the susceptibility of the high altitude specific communities to upward temperature zone shifts resulting from global warming. Other threats include livestock trampling, water extraction, and land use change for agricultural purposes. The relative absence of alien species in these wetlands gives an indication of their pristine condition and therefore their importance as a reference from which they may be monitored. A large proportion of the wetlands studied here occur outside protected areas, and given the rate of wetland loss in South Africa, it is important that continued effective land management is practiced to ensure that these ecosystems are conserved in the future .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Morphologically similar, coexisting hard corals (Porites lobata and P. solida) display similar trophic isotopic ratios across reefs and depths
- Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah G, McQuaid, Christopher D, Hill, Jaclyn M
- Authors: Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah G , McQuaid, Christopher D , Hill, Jaclyn M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444598 , vital:74253 , https://doi.org/10.1071/MF14248
- Description: Recent studies using stable isotope analysis in scleractinian corals have highlighted strong inter- and intra-specific variability in isotopic ratios, but few have excluded the effects of morphology, which affects resource acquisition, potentially confounding this with metabolic differences among species. Differences in the stable isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) ratios of the coral host tissue and photosymbionts of two co-existing, morphologically similar Porites corals (P. lobata and P. solida) were examined across nested spatial scales (inter-reefs and intra-reef) and across depths in Zanzibar, Tanzania. There were few differences between species in either coral host or photosymbiont isotopic ratios, but the two tissues showed different spatial patterns. Photosymbionts showed variation only in their δ13C ratios, which differed among reefs, but not by depth. In contrast, the coral hosts differed in δ13C and δ15N values among reefs and also by depth. Within-reef differences among sites occurred only for photosymbionts at one reef. The absence of differences in isotopic ratios between the two Porites species across reefs and depths, confirms that highly related and morphologically similar scleractinian corals may occupy similar ecosystem niches, metabolising resources in a similar fashion. This suggests that resource partitioning among corals, and subsequent isotopic variability, is most likely driven by resource acquisition, rather than being inherently species-specific.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah G , McQuaid, Christopher D , Hill, Jaclyn M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444598 , vital:74253 , https://doi.org/10.1071/MF14248
- Description: Recent studies using stable isotope analysis in scleractinian corals have highlighted strong inter- and intra-specific variability in isotopic ratios, but few have excluded the effects of morphology, which affects resource acquisition, potentially confounding this with metabolic differences among species. Differences in the stable isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) ratios of the coral host tissue and photosymbionts of two co-existing, morphologically similar Porites corals (P. lobata and P. solida) were examined across nested spatial scales (inter-reefs and intra-reef) and across depths in Zanzibar, Tanzania. There were few differences between species in either coral host or photosymbiont isotopic ratios, but the two tissues showed different spatial patterns. Photosymbionts showed variation only in their δ13C ratios, which differed among reefs, but not by depth. In contrast, the coral hosts differed in δ13C and δ15N values among reefs and also by depth. Within-reef differences among sites occurred only for photosymbionts at one reef. The absence of differences in isotopic ratios between the two Porites species across reefs and depths, confirms that highly related and morphologically similar scleractinian corals may occupy similar ecosystem niches, metabolising resources in a similar fashion. This suggests that resource partitioning among corals, and subsequent isotopic variability, is most likely driven by resource acquisition, rather than being inherently species-specific.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Movement behaviour of alien largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in the estuarine headwater region of the Kowie River, South Africa
- Murray, Taryn S, Magoro, Mandla L, Whitfield, Alan K, Cowley, Paul D
- Authors: Murray, Taryn S , Magoro, Mandla L , Whitfield, Alan K , Cowley, Paul D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443194 , vital:74087 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1079141
- Description: The movement behaviour of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in the estuarine headwater region of the Kowie River, South Africa, was investigated using passive acoustic telemetry. Ten adult fish were tagged and released in four discrete pools below a weir that precluded possible upriver migration. Their residency and movement patterns were monitored using 27 moored acoustic receivers spanning both riverine and estuarine habitats between January and November 2013. Small-scale movements ranging from 50 to 400 m occurred between pools in the headwater region, where tagged fish remained resident (did not leave their tagging pool) during the warmer (summer) months. The onset of autumn and winter correlated with declining water temperatures and half of the tagged largemouth bass made downstream excursions into the slightly warmer upper reaches of the estuary. The penetration of these alien piscivores into estuarine headwaters potentially provide additional predator pressure on the juveniles of migratory estuary-associated native marine fish species, which utilise these areas as nurseries. The presence of the alien fish in South African estuarine headwaters may impair the migration of juvenile fishes between the estuarine and freshwater environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Murray, Taryn S , Magoro, Mandla L , Whitfield, Alan K , Cowley, Paul D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443194 , vital:74087 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1079141
- Description: The movement behaviour of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in the estuarine headwater region of the Kowie River, South Africa, was investigated using passive acoustic telemetry. Ten adult fish were tagged and released in four discrete pools below a weir that precluded possible upriver migration. Their residency and movement patterns were monitored using 27 moored acoustic receivers spanning both riverine and estuarine habitats between January and November 2013. Small-scale movements ranging from 50 to 400 m occurred between pools in the headwater region, where tagged fish remained resident (did not leave their tagging pool) during the warmer (summer) months. The onset of autumn and winter correlated with declining water temperatures and half of the tagged largemouth bass made downstream excursions into the slightly warmer upper reaches of the estuary. The penetration of these alien piscivores into estuarine headwaters potentially provide additional predator pressure on the juveniles of migratory estuary-associated native marine fish species, which utilise these areas as nurseries. The presence of the alien fish in South African estuarine headwaters may impair the migration of juvenile fishes between the estuarine and freshwater environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Movement behaviour of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in a South African impoundment
- Howell, Dylan H, Cowley, Paul D, Childs, Amber-Robyn, Weyl, Olaf L F
- Authors: Howell, Dylan H , Cowley, Paul D , Childs, Amber-Robyn , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443893 , vital:74169 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1040837
- Description: The objectives of this study were to describe movements and area use patterns of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in relation to abiotic factors (water temperature, river inflow and water level). The study was conducted in the Kubusi arm of Wriggleswade Dam, Eastern Cape, South Africa where nine largemouth bass (310–385 mm FL) were surgically implanted with individually coded acoustic transmitters and monitored for nine months (May 2010 to January 2011) using an array of five moored acoustic data-logging receivers. The daily position occupied by largemouth bass was significantly affected by water temperature (P0.001) and river inflow (P0.001), whereas water level had no effect. Largemouth bass spent little or no time in the shallow river inlet areas when water temperature was 12.5 °C, but as water temperature increased, their utilisation of shallow areas increased significantly. The results from this study demonstrate the importance of environmental factors, particularly water temperature, on the movement of largemouth bass.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Howell, Dylan H , Cowley, Paul D , Childs, Amber-Robyn , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443893 , vital:74169 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1040837
- Description: The objectives of this study were to describe movements and area use patterns of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in relation to abiotic factors (water temperature, river inflow and water level). The study was conducted in the Kubusi arm of Wriggleswade Dam, Eastern Cape, South Africa where nine largemouth bass (310–385 mm FL) were surgically implanted with individually coded acoustic transmitters and monitored for nine months (May 2010 to January 2011) using an array of five moored acoustic data-logging receivers. The daily position occupied by largemouth bass was significantly affected by water temperature (P0.001) and river inflow (P0.001), whereas water level had no effect. Largemouth bass spent little or no time in the shallow river inlet areas when water temperature was 12.5 °C, but as water temperature increased, their utilisation of shallow areas increased significantly. The results from this study demonstrate the importance of environmental factors, particularly water temperature, on the movement of largemouth bass.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Movement patterns of Lichia amia (Teleostei Carangidae) results from a long-term cooperative tagging project in South Africa
- Dunlop, Stuart W, Mann, Bruce Q, Cowley, Paul D, Murray, Taryn S, Maggs, Jade Q
- Authors: Dunlop, Stuart W , Mann, Bruce Q , Cowley, Paul D , Murray, Taryn S , Maggs, Jade Q
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443970 , vital:74175 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1058724
- Description: Understanding fish movement patterns and migrations is important for fisheries management as well as the identification and conservation of critical habitats. Data collected by the Oceanographic Research Institute's Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP) were used to describe the large-scale movement patterns of Lichia amia along the South African coastline. A total of 10 762 L. amia were tagged between 1984 and 2012, of which 744 (7%) were recaptured. Most tagging effort, mainly on juvenile and subadult individuals, took place along the south-eastern (i.e. Eastern Cape) and south-western (i.e. Western Cape) regions of the country during summer. Conversely, more L. amia were tagged and recaptured (mostly adults) during winter and spring (July to November) along the north-east coast (i.e. KwaZulu-Natal). Movements (dispersal distance in kilometres) by juveniles were restricted and largely confined to estuaries within the south-eastern and south-western regions of the country. There was a significant effect of fish size on distance moved (ANOVA: p0.001), with evidence of a distinct seasonal (winter) longshore migration by adults to KwaZulu-Natal. The consequences of juvenile residency in estuarine habitats and high recapture rate of adults during a directed, seasonal spawning migration are discussed in light of improving current fisheries management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dunlop, Stuart W , Mann, Bruce Q , Cowley, Paul D , Murray, Taryn S , Maggs, Jade Q
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443970 , vital:74175 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1058724
- Description: Understanding fish movement patterns and migrations is important for fisheries management as well as the identification and conservation of critical habitats. Data collected by the Oceanographic Research Institute's Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP) were used to describe the large-scale movement patterns of Lichia amia along the South African coastline. A total of 10 762 L. amia were tagged between 1984 and 2012, of which 744 (7%) were recaptured. Most tagging effort, mainly on juvenile and subadult individuals, took place along the south-eastern (i.e. Eastern Cape) and south-western (i.e. Western Cape) regions of the country during summer. Conversely, more L. amia were tagged and recaptured (mostly adults) during winter and spring (July to November) along the north-east coast (i.e. KwaZulu-Natal). Movements (dispersal distance in kilometres) by juveniles were restricted and largely confined to estuaries within the south-eastern and south-western regions of the country. There was a significant effect of fish size on distance moved (ANOVA: p0.001), with evidence of a distinct seasonal (winter) longshore migration by adults to KwaZulu-Natal. The consequences of juvenile residency in estuarine habitats and high recapture rate of adults during a directed, seasonal spawning migration are discussed in light of improving current fisheries management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Multi linear regression-based modeling and performance monitoring of flat plate solar collector outlet temperature in Alice, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nothando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar collectors Solar water heaters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12676 , vital:39298
- Description: In a period of rapidly increasing energy demand, the exploitation of abundantly available solar energy is imperative. Temperate climates like South Africa show good potential for utilizing solar-driven technologies such as solar water heaters. These systems offer an attractive alternative over conventional water geysers as a means to supply hot water for residential use. In South Africa, the solar water heater industry is growing rapidly as the government offers incentives manufactures and consumers. This necessitates the determination of performance of these systems through experimental analysis as well as performance prediction. This study evaluated the summer and winter performance of a flat plate, thermosyphon solar water heater under climatic conditions encountered in Alice, South Africa by considering the collector outlet temperature. The performance and weather data obtained were used to develop a multi linear regression (MLR) model for each season. MLR is a simple and easily applicable modelling approach which uses a set of input and output data to determine the model coefficients of a linear relation of two or more variables. The collector outlet temperature was correlated with solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and collector inlet temperature since these variables have a direct impact on the collector temperature rise. Results from the performance showed that the collector performs well, attaining temperatures up to 87.2oC during the summer season and 70oC during winter season. The summer and winter percentage mean absolute error for the whole monitoring period were 4.07 percent and 6.2 percent respectively which indicate that MLR can be successfully applied to predict collector outlet temperatures in both seasons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nothando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar collectors Solar water heaters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12676 , vital:39298
- Description: In a period of rapidly increasing energy demand, the exploitation of abundantly available solar energy is imperative. Temperate climates like South Africa show good potential for utilizing solar-driven technologies such as solar water heaters. These systems offer an attractive alternative over conventional water geysers as a means to supply hot water for residential use. In South Africa, the solar water heater industry is growing rapidly as the government offers incentives manufactures and consumers. This necessitates the determination of performance of these systems through experimental analysis as well as performance prediction. This study evaluated the summer and winter performance of a flat plate, thermosyphon solar water heater under climatic conditions encountered in Alice, South Africa by considering the collector outlet temperature. The performance and weather data obtained were used to develop a multi linear regression (MLR) model for each season. MLR is a simple and easily applicable modelling approach which uses a set of input and output data to determine the model coefficients of a linear relation of two or more variables. The collector outlet temperature was correlated with solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and collector inlet temperature since these variables have a direct impact on the collector temperature rise. Results from the performance showed that the collector performs well, attaining temperatures up to 87.2oC during the summer season and 70oC during winter season. The summer and winter percentage mean absolute error for the whole monitoring period were 4.07 percent and 6.2 percent respectively which indicate that MLR can be successfully applied to predict collector outlet temperatures in both seasons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015