Assessing law enforcement's ability to fight cybercrime in South Africa
- Authors: Moleko, Tsepo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- South Africa Law enforcement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11470 , vital:26929
- Description: Cybercrime is the use of technology to support or directly facilitate a criminal activity, with logon credentials being the main information asset targeted during a cybercrime. The one time passwords used by banks to protect their clients from cybercrime are also under attack by cybercriminals. The Internet has made it easy to commit cybercrime, with perpetrators experiencing virtually no risk with huge returns. Individual cybercrime cases are sometimes small in nature, which means that the police can be reluctant to commit the resources necessary to investigate every incident. There is a distinct lack of resources, skills, knowledge and training in relation to identifying, understanding and responding to the growing threat of cybercrime. This research addresses how to solve these issues in South Africa in order for cybercrime to be tackled effectively and for perpetrators to be prosecuted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Moleko, Tsepo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- South Africa Law enforcement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11470 , vital:26929
- Description: Cybercrime is the use of technology to support or directly facilitate a criminal activity, with logon credentials being the main information asset targeted during a cybercrime. The one time passwords used by banks to protect their clients from cybercrime are also under attack by cybercriminals. The Internet has made it easy to commit cybercrime, with perpetrators experiencing virtually no risk with huge returns. Individual cybercrime cases are sometimes small in nature, which means that the police can be reluctant to commit the resources necessary to investigate every incident. There is a distinct lack of resources, skills, knowledge and training in relation to identifying, understanding and responding to the growing threat of cybercrime. This research addresses how to solve these issues in South Africa in order for cybercrime to be tackled effectively and for perpetrators to be prosecuted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing public administration implications of the use and disposal of agro-chemicals in A2 farms in Zimbabwe : a case study of Chirumhanzu District
- Authors: Matunhu, Viola
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural chemicals , Hazardous waste treatment facilities , Pesticide waste
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26481 , vital:65471
- Description: This study is concerned with use and disposal of agro-chemical in A2 farms in Zimbabwe with specific reference to Chirumhanzu District. The study is located in the field of public administration. A transformational mixed research design was employed in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the field data. The study involved farm employees in 21 A2 farms that use agro-chemicals to enhance farm productivity. Non probability sampling techniques were employed to select the participating farms. Interviews, questionnaires, literature search, and observation where the main data collection instruments. A total of 150 purposively selected employees drawn from 21 participating farms participated in the study. The findings of this empirical study, which uses the terms I, the researcher, and the study interchangeably, were that there is poor use and management of agro-chemicals in the area. Most farm employees do not adhere to instructions on use and disposal of the chemicals and there is a weak monitoring and evaluation of the use and disposal of agro-chemicals on the farms. Yet, most of these chemicals are carcinogens. Farm employees need to be trained on personal and public health implications of poor management of agro-chemicals. Labels on containers that store chemicals need to be written in both English and vernacular, which is not the case in the district. Labels on most of the chemicals on the farms studied are written in English and technical terms are used. Although, most of the employees on the farms are literate, they find it difficult to understand the jargon on labels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Matunhu, Viola
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural chemicals , Hazardous waste treatment facilities , Pesticide waste
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26481 , vital:65471
- Description: This study is concerned with use and disposal of agro-chemical in A2 farms in Zimbabwe with specific reference to Chirumhanzu District. The study is located in the field of public administration. A transformational mixed research design was employed in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the field data. The study involved farm employees in 21 A2 farms that use agro-chemicals to enhance farm productivity. Non probability sampling techniques were employed to select the participating farms. Interviews, questionnaires, literature search, and observation where the main data collection instruments. A total of 150 purposively selected employees drawn from 21 participating farms participated in the study. The findings of this empirical study, which uses the terms I, the researcher, and the study interchangeably, were that there is poor use and management of agro-chemicals in the area. Most farm employees do not adhere to instructions on use and disposal of the chemicals and there is a weak monitoring and evaluation of the use and disposal of agro-chemicals on the farms. Yet, most of these chemicals are carcinogens. Farm employees need to be trained on personal and public health implications of poor management of agro-chemicals. Labels on containers that store chemicals need to be written in both English and vernacular, which is not the case in the district. Labels on most of the chemicals on the farms studied are written in English and technical terms are used. Although, most of the employees on the farms are literate, they find it difficult to understand the jargon on labels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing symptoms of eutrophication in estuaries
- Authors: Lemley, Daniel Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Estuarine eutrophication -- South Africa , Water quality -- South Africa , Ecological integrity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3427 , vital:20429
- Description: Water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries reflect activities within the entire upstream catchment. Much emphasis has been placed on the response of estuaries to anthropogenic stressors through the use of monitoring programmes. Key to the success of these programmes is the use of indicators as they transform data into useful information. The ultimate aim of this study was to identify eutrophic symptoms in selected estuaries in the Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA) using a multi-metric classification method. The study sites included the permanently open Duiwenhoks, Goukou, Gouritz, and Kaaimans estuaries, as well as the temporarily open/closed Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Great Brak, Gwaing, and Goukamma estuaries. Initially, the “pressure” associated with all the estuaries in the Gouritz WMA was determined (e.g. total daily nutrient loads and changes in river inflow affecting flushing time) using long-term flow and water quality monitoring data provided by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). Subsequently, the “state” of the selected estuaries was assessed using a variety of indicators, including: inorganic nutrients (~ N and P), phytoplankton, epiphytes and microphytobenthos. Estuaries with longer flushing time suggested greater vulnerability to eutrophication. For example, the Gwaing (281.11 kg DIN d-1; 78.85 kg DIP d-1) and Hartenbos (38.33 kg DIN d-1; 21.51 kg DIP d-1) estuaries generally received the highest daily inorganic nutrient loads. However, at the time of sampling, the Hartenbos Estuary had a longer flushing time (i.e. weeks) compared to the Gwaing Estuary (i.e. couple of days). Field data confirmed the greater vulnerability to eutrophication associated with longer flushing times, as the indicators measured in the Hartenbos Estuary exceeded all the proposed ‘thresholds’ of a eutrophic system (~ overall ‘Poor’ condition). The Great Brak Estuary (~ overall ‘Fair’ condition) provided an interesting example where eutrophic symptoms were only detected when assessing the microalgal primary producers (i.e. high biomass and low diversity). Furthermore, the need to distinguish between naturally and anthropogenically induced symptoms was highlighted. One such scenario was noted in the Kaaimans Estuary, where its natural hydro-morphological characteristics (i.e. steep banks, low river inflow, and deep/narrow channel) led to the possible exaggeration of its overall eutrophic condition, i.e. received a ‘Fair’ rather than ‘Good’ rating, arising from ‘Poor’ ratings for dissolved oxygen and benthic diatom diversity. Overall, this study demonstrated the importance of adopting a holistic approach when assessing the condition and trophic status of estuaries. Studies such as these allow for the detection of vulnerable and degraded systems, which can provide important information with regards to the identification of management priorities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Lemley, Daniel Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Estuarine eutrophication -- South Africa , Water quality -- South Africa , Ecological integrity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3427 , vital:20429
- Description: Water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries reflect activities within the entire upstream catchment. Much emphasis has been placed on the response of estuaries to anthropogenic stressors through the use of monitoring programmes. Key to the success of these programmes is the use of indicators as they transform data into useful information. The ultimate aim of this study was to identify eutrophic symptoms in selected estuaries in the Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA) using a multi-metric classification method. The study sites included the permanently open Duiwenhoks, Goukou, Gouritz, and Kaaimans estuaries, as well as the temporarily open/closed Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Great Brak, Gwaing, and Goukamma estuaries. Initially, the “pressure” associated with all the estuaries in the Gouritz WMA was determined (e.g. total daily nutrient loads and changes in river inflow affecting flushing time) using long-term flow and water quality monitoring data provided by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). Subsequently, the “state” of the selected estuaries was assessed using a variety of indicators, including: inorganic nutrients (~ N and P), phytoplankton, epiphytes and microphytobenthos. Estuaries with longer flushing time suggested greater vulnerability to eutrophication. For example, the Gwaing (281.11 kg DIN d-1; 78.85 kg DIP d-1) and Hartenbos (38.33 kg DIN d-1; 21.51 kg DIP d-1) estuaries generally received the highest daily inorganic nutrient loads. However, at the time of sampling, the Hartenbos Estuary had a longer flushing time (i.e. weeks) compared to the Gwaing Estuary (i.e. couple of days). Field data confirmed the greater vulnerability to eutrophication associated with longer flushing times, as the indicators measured in the Hartenbos Estuary exceeded all the proposed ‘thresholds’ of a eutrophic system (~ overall ‘Poor’ condition). The Great Brak Estuary (~ overall ‘Fair’ condition) provided an interesting example where eutrophic symptoms were only detected when assessing the microalgal primary producers (i.e. high biomass and low diversity). Furthermore, the need to distinguish between naturally and anthropogenically induced symptoms was highlighted. One such scenario was noted in the Kaaimans Estuary, where its natural hydro-morphological characteristics (i.e. steep banks, low river inflow, and deep/narrow channel) led to the possible exaggeration of its overall eutrophic condition, i.e. received a ‘Fair’ rather than ‘Good’ rating, arising from ‘Poor’ ratings for dissolved oxygen and benthic diatom diversity. Overall, this study demonstrated the importance of adopting a holistic approach when assessing the condition and trophic status of estuaries. Studies such as these allow for the detection of vulnerable and degraded systems, which can provide important information with regards to the identification of management priorities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the health and safety management of SMME's in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Quantoi, Phoebus Llewellyn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Small business -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3842 , vital:20468
- Description: The prosperity of small micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s) in the construction industry is vital for the improvement of the South African economy. Unfortunately, the poor safety record of this industry negatively affects the sustainability of SMME’s and augments the loss of human lives. Owners and managers of SMME’s in the construction industry are usually financially fragile and unaware of the direct and an indirect cost associated with injuries that may result in potential profit loss and ultimately, bankruptcy. The construction industry continues to lead with high levels of fatalities and injuries compared to other industrial sectors. High levels of non-compliance with health and safety legislation in the construction industry necessitate creative interventions to improve health and safety standards. The objective of the research was to establish to what extent SMME’s comply with health and safety in the construction industry. Research was done by means of a survey questionnaire and the findings concluded that government laws are appropriate however the enforcing of such law needs attention. Furthermore, most owners are aware of the required legislation but the competitive nature allude that “that shortcuts are taken”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Quantoi, Phoebus Llewellyn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Small business -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3842 , vital:20468
- Description: The prosperity of small micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s) in the construction industry is vital for the improvement of the South African economy. Unfortunately, the poor safety record of this industry negatively affects the sustainability of SMME’s and augments the loss of human lives. Owners and managers of SMME’s in the construction industry are usually financially fragile and unaware of the direct and an indirect cost associated with injuries that may result in potential profit loss and ultimately, bankruptcy. The construction industry continues to lead with high levels of fatalities and injuries compared to other industrial sectors. High levels of non-compliance with health and safety legislation in the construction industry necessitate creative interventions to improve health and safety standards. The objective of the research was to establish to what extent SMME’s comply with health and safety in the construction industry. Research was done by means of a survey questionnaire and the findings concluded that government laws are appropriate however the enforcing of such law needs attention. Furthermore, most owners are aware of the required legislation but the competitive nature allude that “that shortcuts are taken”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the impact of the transition from MIDP to APDP in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the role of civil society in poverty alleviation : a case study of Amathole District, (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2161 , vital:27618
- Description: The purpose of this study is to conduct an assessment of the role of civil society organizations with regards to poverty alleviation. The study is conducted in Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province. The sample for the study is constituted by 3 civic society organizations (CSO), which are located in 3 local municipalities; namely, Amahlathi (Ikhwezi Women Support Center), Mbhashe (Nyhwara Home Base), and Mnquma (We Care Ministries) Local Municipalities. In terms of the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 officers from these civic society organizations. Concerning the research design, a combination of a qualitative and quantitative research approach was used. Concerning the findings of the study, the following points were noted: the different forms of interventions by civic society organizations, poverty eradication strategies, challenges that were experienced by civic society organizations, and the logical framework versus unexpected changes. It is probably safe to make mention that CSOs in the Eastern Cape portray a positive attitude and willingness to learn to manage the organizations better. The continuing support from the Department of Social Development will go a long way to assist the CSOs to become sustainable, in the context of management and efficient running of these organizations. The study thus concluded that specific benefactor-beneficiary dynamics are crucial for the success of any anti-poverty intervention. A greater need for the robust pro-poor social policy, availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and local entrepreneurial potential do not in themselves bring about success; they must operate in a certain way and be supported by certain principles and commitment for them to become powerful proper vehicle for alleviating poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2161 , vital:27618
- Description: The purpose of this study is to conduct an assessment of the role of civil society organizations with regards to poverty alleviation. The study is conducted in Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province. The sample for the study is constituted by 3 civic society organizations (CSO), which are located in 3 local municipalities; namely, Amahlathi (Ikhwezi Women Support Center), Mbhashe (Nyhwara Home Base), and Mnquma (We Care Ministries) Local Municipalities. In terms of the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 officers from these civic society organizations. Concerning the research design, a combination of a qualitative and quantitative research approach was used. Concerning the findings of the study, the following points were noted: the different forms of interventions by civic society organizations, poverty eradication strategies, challenges that were experienced by civic society organizations, and the logical framework versus unexpected changes. It is probably safe to make mention that CSOs in the Eastern Cape portray a positive attitude and willingness to learn to manage the organizations better. The continuing support from the Department of Social Development will go a long way to assist the CSOs to become sustainable, in the context of management and efficient running of these organizations. The study thus concluded that specific benefactor-beneficiary dynamics are crucial for the success of any anti-poverty intervention. A greater need for the robust pro-poor social policy, availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and local entrepreneurial potential do not in themselves bring about success; they must operate in a certain way and be supported by certain principles and commitment for them to become powerful proper vehicle for alleviating poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the role of social transfers in curbing household food insecurity in Harare rural district, Zimbabwe
- Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Authors: Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe Food security -- Zimbabwe Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12205 , vital:39197
- Description: Purpose – Empirical work on the career development processes of vulnerable groups such as refugees is beginning to receive currency within the academic literature. However, little is known about the intersection of factors such as gender and structural constraints on such processes especially within developing countries such as South Africa. The purpose of this study was to explore the career development processes of women refugees in South Africa. Design/methodology/ approach – A qualitative research approach through narrative inquiry was used. Snowball sampling was employed to select the 20 women refugees who took part in this research. The study location was the city of Port Elizabeth located in the Eastern Cape Province. The three levels of meaning-making incorporated in previous narrative research was utilised to analyse the data. Findings Results show that women refugees are more concerned with a short-term desire to survive and acquire basic commodities than a long-term focus to advance and develop their careers. This is mainly compounded by constraints personal to the individual and those in the environment. Finally, the results illustrate that career development processes of women refugees are affected by the inextricably intertwined factors associated with their gender, immigration status as well as person-environmental factors. Practical implications – The research suggests strategies that policy makers in South Africa and other developing nations that are hosting refugees can use to assist women not just their career development but also their lived experiences. Originality/value – This study extends and advances literature on the career development issues of vulnerable groups such as women refugees especially in developing nations such as South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe Food security -- Zimbabwe Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12205 , vital:39197
- Description: Purpose – Empirical work on the career development processes of vulnerable groups such as refugees is beginning to receive currency within the academic literature. However, little is known about the intersection of factors such as gender and structural constraints on such processes especially within developing countries such as South Africa. The purpose of this study was to explore the career development processes of women refugees in South Africa. Design/methodology/ approach – A qualitative research approach through narrative inquiry was used. Snowball sampling was employed to select the 20 women refugees who took part in this research. The study location was the city of Port Elizabeth located in the Eastern Cape Province. The three levels of meaning-making incorporated in previous narrative research was utilised to analyse the data. Findings Results show that women refugees are more concerned with a short-term desire to survive and acquire basic commodities than a long-term focus to advance and develop their careers. This is mainly compounded by constraints personal to the individual and those in the environment. Finally, the results illustrate that career development processes of women refugees are affected by the inextricably intertwined factors associated with their gender, immigration status as well as person-environmental factors. Practical implications – The research suggests strategies that policy makers in South Africa and other developing nations that are hosting refugees can use to assist women not just their career development but also their lived experiences. Originality/value – This study extends and advances literature on the career development issues of vulnerable groups such as women refugees especially in developing nations such as South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the role of social transfers in curbing household food insecurity in Harare rural district, Zimbabwe
- Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Authors: Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe Rural poor -- Zimbabwe Food security -- Zimbabwe Social security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1939 , vital:27586
- Description: One of the major problems obstructing international development is the issue of food security. Solutions for this global concern have not yet been found. This research sought to explore the role of social transfers in curbing household food insecurity. Social transfers are regular services or donations which are offered by the government or/and other institutions such as non-governmental organisations to vulnerable households. This exploratory study administered structured interviews, incorporating the Household Hunger Scale, Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning indicator and self designed questions soliciting general household information, to Harare rural residents. The population was divided into clusters and a simple random sampling was used to select three clusters, Mufakose, Glen Norah and Warren Park, thereafter, systematic random sampling was employed within selected clusters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyabvudzi, Tatenda Gaudencia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe Rural poor -- Zimbabwe Food security -- Zimbabwe Social security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1939 , vital:27586
- Description: One of the major problems obstructing international development is the issue of food security. Solutions for this global concern have not yet been found. This research sought to explore the role of social transfers in curbing household food insecurity. Social transfers are regular services or donations which are offered by the government or/and other institutions such as non-governmental organisations to vulnerable households. This exploratory study administered structured interviews, incorporating the Household Hunger Scale, Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning indicator and self designed questions soliciting general household information, to Harare rural residents. The population was divided into clusters and a simple random sampling was used to select three clusters, Mufakose, Glen Norah and Warren Park, thereafter, systematic random sampling was employed within selected clusters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment in higher education: reframing traditional understandings and practices
- Clarence, Sherran, Quinn, Lynn, Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Authors: Clarence, Sherran , Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Book , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59534 , vital:27624
- Description: The case studies in this publication provide examples of lecturers who have considered the role of assessment in their courses carefully. All of them have engaged with matters related to assessment as part of the formal courses or qualifications offered by staff of the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL) at Rhodes University. In these courses lecturers are encouraged to reflect critically on their current assessment practices, engage with some of the literature and research on assessment in higher education, and then re-conceptualise their assessment methods and approaches. These case studies were drawn from the assignments and portfolios that they completed as part of the summative assessment for the courses they attended. The purpose of the case studies is pedagogic and to illustrate a range of assessment practices and principles. For the sake of clarity some of the details have been omitted or slightly changed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Clarence, Sherran , Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Book , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59534 , vital:27624
- Description: The case studies in this publication provide examples of lecturers who have considered the role of assessment in their courses carefully. All of them have engaged with matters related to assessment as part of the formal courses or qualifications offered by staff of the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL) at Rhodes University. In these courses lecturers are encouraged to reflect critically on their current assessment practices, engage with some of the literature and research on assessment in higher education, and then re-conceptualise their assessment methods and approaches. These case studies were drawn from the assignments and portfolios that they completed as part of the summative assessment for the courses they attended. The purpose of the case studies is pedagogic and to illustrate a range of assessment practices and principles. For the sake of clarity some of the details have been omitted or slightly changed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of bioflocculant production by two marine bacteria isolated from the bottom sediment of marine Algoa Bay
- Authors: Ntozonke, Ncedo
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021290
- Description: Bioflocculants are polymers, mostly, of microbial origin which floc out suspended particles from liquid medium. The ability of these biopolymers to remove suspended particles from solutions is termed bioflocculation, and the efficiency of flocculation activities depends on the characteristics of the flocculants. In comparison with conventionally used flocculants, bioflocculants have the advantage of being safe (no toxic effects known), biodegradable and harmlessness to the environment. The study assessed production of bioflocculant by two marine bacteria from the bottom sediment of marine environment. The 16S rDNA was used for identification, and the two bacteria species were identified as Enterococcus hirae and Bacillus thuringiensis. Factors affecting the production and activity of the bioflocculants produced by these two organisms were studied. The bacteria optimally produced bioflocculant with fructose (91.7%) and urea (91%) as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Mg2+ (87%) and Ca2+ (86%), likewise, served as best cation sources on the production of the bioflocculant at pH 5(93%). Additionally, the flocculating activity of the bioflocculant increased with the addition of Mg2+ (81%) and Na+ (81%), and the highest flocculating activity was at pH 5 of the kaolin clay. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows that the bioflocculant is a glycoprotein. The second bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) produced bioflocculant optimally when the media had mixed nitrogen sources (Urea, ammonium chloride and tryptone (67%)) and glucose (85.65%) as a sole carbon source, also Ca2+ (74.6%) was the best cation that induced the production of bioflocculant. After purification, the bioflocculant flocculated optimally in alkaline pH 12 (81%) in the presence of Mn2+ (73%) and Ca2+ (72.8%). Chemical analysis of the bioflocculant revealed it to be a polysaccharide. Both bioflocculants flocculate efficiently and can be used to replace synthetic flocculants in water treatment, wastewater, in downstream processing, and processing of food and chemicals and other industrial uses of flocculants. Challenges though (i) are to develop conditions for large scale production of the bioflocculant, (ii) to do further characterization of the both bioflocculants (iii) to assess the bioflocculants for treatments of water/wastewater, and to apply it in various industrial processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntozonke, Ncedo
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021290
- Description: Bioflocculants are polymers, mostly, of microbial origin which floc out suspended particles from liquid medium. The ability of these biopolymers to remove suspended particles from solutions is termed bioflocculation, and the efficiency of flocculation activities depends on the characteristics of the flocculants. In comparison with conventionally used flocculants, bioflocculants have the advantage of being safe (no toxic effects known), biodegradable and harmlessness to the environment. The study assessed production of bioflocculant by two marine bacteria from the bottom sediment of marine environment. The 16S rDNA was used for identification, and the two bacteria species were identified as Enterococcus hirae and Bacillus thuringiensis. Factors affecting the production and activity of the bioflocculants produced by these two organisms were studied. The bacteria optimally produced bioflocculant with fructose (91.7%) and urea (91%) as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Mg2+ (87%) and Ca2+ (86%), likewise, served as best cation sources on the production of the bioflocculant at pH 5(93%). Additionally, the flocculating activity of the bioflocculant increased with the addition of Mg2+ (81%) and Na+ (81%), and the highest flocculating activity was at pH 5 of the kaolin clay. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows that the bioflocculant is a glycoprotein. The second bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) produced bioflocculant optimally when the media had mixed nitrogen sources (Urea, ammonium chloride and tryptone (67%)) and glucose (85.65%) as a sole carbon source, also Ca2+ (74.6%) was the best cation that induced the production of bioflocculant. After purification, the bioflocculant flocculated optimally in alkaline pH 12 (81%) in the presence of Mn2+ (73%) and Ca2+ (72.8%). Chemical analysis of the bioflocculant revealed it to be a polysaccharide. Both bioflocculants flocculate efficiently and can be used to replace synthetic flocculants in water treatment, wastewater, in downstream processing, and processing of food and chemicals and other industrial uses of flocculants. Challenges though (i) are to develop conditions for large scale production of the bioflocculant, (ii) to do further characterization of the both bioflocculants (iii) to assess the bioflocculants for treatments of water/wastewater, and to apply it in various industrial processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of the effects of stream channel incision on soil water levels, soil morphology and vegetation in a wetland in the Hogsback area, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Omar, Mohamed Yussuf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hydrology Wetland Soil Formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3132 , vital:28264
- Description: Wetland degradation in the form of channel incisioning can significantly alter the hydrological functioning of a wetland. In this study in a small headwater wetland in the Hogsback area, Eastern Cape Province, the impact of channel incisioning on soil water levels and soil morphology was examined. A good correlation (R2 = 0.89) exists between the depth of channel incisioning and average water table depths in most of the 21 installed piezometers. In localised cases the upslope supply of water was in equilibrium with drainage from the piezometers. Although all the studied soils show hydromorphic characteristics, those continuously saturated close to the surface exhibit redox accumulations in oxygen supplying macropores, whereas gleyic colour patterns occur deeper in soils where the water table has been lowered by channel incision. The nature and occurrence of different hydromorphic soil indicators observed confirm the contribution of soil morphology as a valuable indicator of long-term average soil water conditions. The study evaluates the effects of hydrological processes on plant species composition and distribution in a Hogsback wetland. Twenty-four circular plots with a radius of 2 m were established between March and August 2013. Within each sample plot, the habitat information and species present were recorded including Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance value for each and every species present in the plot. Plant species were identified in the field and the unknown plant species were collected, pressed, oven-dried and identified at the National Herbarium, South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria and Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University, Grahamstown. A total of 39 taxa belonging to 19 families and 34 genera were recorded from the Hogsback wetland. Of the documented taxa, three were exotic and three endemic to South Africa, indicating diversity and dynamic nature of Hogsback wetland flora. Plant families with the highest number of species were: Poaceae (11 species), Asteraceae (5 species), Onagraceae and Cyperaceae with 3 taxa each. The low number of exotic plant species in Hogsback wetland (three taxa in total) indicates limited anthropogenic influence. Unique species recorded in Hogsback wetlands are three species that are endemic to South Africa, namely, Alchemilla capensis, Helichrysum rosum and Lysimachia nutans. Five main floristic associations were identified from the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis whilst Detrenched .Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified four groups. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicates that edaphic factors, particularly in an area covered with water, erosion category, organic matter content and water table depth were the most important environmental variables measured accounting for the vegetation pattern present in the Hogsback wetland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Omar, Mohamed Yussuf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hydrology Wetland Soil Formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3132 , vital:28264
- Description: Wetland degradation in the form of channel incisioning can significantly alter the hydrological functioning of a wetland. In this study in a small headwater wetland in the Hogsback area, Eastern Cape Province, the impact of channel incisioning on soil water levels and soil morphology was examined. A good correlation (R2 = 0.89) exists between the depth of channel incisioning and average water table depths in most of the 21 installed piezometers. In localised cases the upslope supply of water was in equilibrium with drainage from the piezometers. Although all the studied soils show hydromorphic characteristics, those continuously saturated close to the surface exhibit redox accumulations in oxygen supplying macropores, whereas gleyic colour patterns occur deeper in soils where the water table has been lowered by channel incision. The nature and occurrence of different hydromorphic soil indicators observed confirm the contribution of soil morphology as a valuable indicator of long-term average soil water conditions. The study evaluates the effects of hydrological processes on plant species composition and distribution in a Hogsback wetland. Twenty-four circular plots with a radius of 2 m were established between March and August 2013. Within each sample plot, the habitat information and species present were recorded including Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance value for each and every species present in the plot. Plant species were identified in the field and the unknown plant species were collected, pressed, oven-dried and identified at the National Herbarium, South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria and Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University, Grahamstown. A total of 39 taxa belonging to 19 families and 34 genera were recorded from the Hogsback wetland. Of the documented taxa, three were exotic and three endemic to South Africa, indicating diversity and dynamic nature of Hogsback wetland flora. Plant families with the highest number of species were: Poaceae (11 species), Asteraceae (5 species), Onagraceae and Cyperaceae with 3 taxa each. The low number of exotic plant species in Hogsback wetland (three taxa in total) indicates limited anthropogenic influence. Unique species recorded in Hogsback wetlands are three species that are endemic to South Africa, namely, Alchemilla capensis, Helichrysum rosum and Lysimachia nutans. Five main floristic associations were identified from the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis whilst Detrenched .Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified four groups. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicates that edaphic factors, particularly in an area covered with water, erosion category, organic matter content and water table depth were the most important environmental variables measured accounting for the vegetation pattern present in the Hogsback wetland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of the quality indices and prevalence of Escherichia coli pathotypes in selected rivers of Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria
- Authors: Titilawo, Osuolale Yinka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021274
- Description: Surface waters are important freshwater sources used for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational activities, and the availability of good quality freshwater is indispensable for preventing water-borne diseases and improving quality of life especially in communities that lack pipe-borne water. Water samples were collected from ten rivers at different locations in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 12 physicochemical parameters, counts of total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates (n=300) were assessed for the presence of 10 virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli strains causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The recovered Escherichia coli isolates were elucidated for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method and the resistant isolates were further profiled for their genotypic antimicrobial resistance by polymerase chain reaction technique. The physicochemical qualities ranged as follows: pH (6.9 - 7.6), temperature (26 – 29 ºC), turbidity (2.28 – 9.46 NTU), electrical conductivity (229 – 581 μS/cm), nitrate (0.03 – 0.05 mg/L), nitrite (0.00 – 0.01 mg/L), sulphate (3.33 – 20.33 mg/L), chloride ions (7.83 – 27.33 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.23 – 5.57 mg/L), total dissolved solids (56 – 184 mg/L), total hardness (78 – 519 mg/L) and alkalinity (50.67 – 146.67 mg/L). Statistical analysis showed that pH, temperature, electrical conductivities, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, total hardness and alkalinity were significantly different (P < 0.05), whereas turbidity and sulphate were not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from each parameter with respect to sampling sites. While the VG lt for enterotoxigenic E. coli had the highest prevalence of 45%, the enteropathogenic E. coli genes eae and bfp were detected in 6% and 4% of the isolates respectively. The VGs stx1 and stx2 specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli pathotypes were equally detected in 7% and 1% of the isolates respectively. Also, the VG eagg harboured by enteroaggregative pathotype and diffusely-adherent E. coli VG daaE were detected in 2% and 4% of the isolates respectively and enteroinvasive E. coli VG ipaH was not detected. In addition, the VGs papC for uropathogenic and ibeA for neonatal meningitis were frequently detected in 19% and 3% of isolates respectively. While all the isolates tested were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin and gatilofloxacin, others were variously susceptible, and resistant as follows; ciprofloxacin (96%), kanamycin (95%), neomycin (92%), streptomycin (84%), chloramphenicol (73%), nalidixic acid (66%), nitrofuratoin (64%), gentamycin (63%), doxycycline (58%), cefepime (57%), tetracycline (49%) and cephalothin (42%). Conversely, all the isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, and high levels of resistance were equally observed against amoxycillin (59%), ampicilin (57%) and cefuroxime (40%). Cefepime, cephalothin, cefuroxime, nalidixic acid, nitrofuratoin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline were not significantly different in their effect against the isolates from all locations (P > 0.05), whereas the resistance profile of the isolates against gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, sulphamethoxazole, ampicillin and amoxicillin were significantly different (P < 0.05). Amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, meropenem, imipenem and gatilofloxacin were statistically excluded from the analysis since all tested isolates showed total susceptibility to these antimicrobials. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.50 to 0.80 for all the sampling locations and exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Prevalence and distributions of the 19 resistance determinants assessed were obtained as follows; [sulfonamides (sulI (8%), sulII (41%)], [beta-lactams; (ampC 22%; blaTEM, (21%), blaZ (18%),], [tetracyclines (tetA (24%), tetB (23%), tetC (18%), tetD (78%), tetK (15%), tetM, (10%)], [phenicols; (catI (37%), catII (28%), cmlA1 (19%)] and [aminoglycosides; (aacC2 (8%), aphA1 (80%), aphA2 (80%), aadA (79%) and strA (38%)]. The Pearson chi square exact test revealed many strong significant associations among ampC, blaTEM, blaZ and tetA genes with some determinants screened. In the same vein, a grand total of 366 resistance gene fingerprints were spotted across the sampling locations and among the resistant pathotypes, the modal prevalent gene prints were found among the ETEC strains in 148 (40%), being the predominant pathotype observed, followed by UPEC strains 80 (22%) while the lowest was the least occurring EAEC pathotype 14 (4%). While some physicochemical parameters exceeded prescribed standards for drinking water, some fell within. The total coliforms obtained in all the sampling sites were above the acceptable limits. Findings reveal the presence of diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic E. coli in the selected rivers and suggest a potential public health risk as the rivers are important resources for domestic, recreational and livelihood usage by their host communities. The multiple drug resistance indexing signifies isolates and pathotypes of high antimicrobial usage origin. An increase in the antimicrobial resistance signatures towards conventionally used antibiotics as observed in this study necessitates for safe water supply, adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in water-bodies. Generally, results from this study indicate that the river waters are not suitable for consumption, domestic or recreational use and re-echo the importance of safeguarding the freshwater resources of Southwestern Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Titilawo, Osuolale Yinka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021274
- Description: Surface waters are important freshwater sources used for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational activities, and the availability of good quality freshwater is indispensable for preventing water-borne diseases and improving quality of life especially in communities that lack pipe-borne water. Water samples were collected from ten rivers at different locations in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 12 physicochemical parameters, counts of total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates (n=300) were assessed for the presence of 10 virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli strains causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The recovered Escherichia coli isolates were elucidated for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method and the resistant isolates were further profiled for their genotypic antimicrobial resistance by polymerase chain reaction technique. The physicochemical qualities ranged as follows: pH (6.9 - 7.6), temperature (26 – 29 ºC), turbidity (2.28 – 9.46 NTU), electrical conductivity (229 – 581 μS/cm), nitrate (0.03 – 0.05 mg/L), nitrite (0.00 – 0.01 mg/L), sulphate (3.33 – 20.33 mg/L), chloride ions (7.83 – 27.33 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.23 – 5.57 mg/L), total dissolved solids (56 – 184 mg/L), total hardness (78 – 519 mg/L) and alkalinity (50.67 – 146.67 mg/L). Statistical analysis showed that pH, temperature, electrical conductivities, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, total hardness and alkalinity were significantly different (P < 0.05), whereas turbidity and sulphate were not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from each parameter with respect to sampling sites. While the VG lt for enterotoxigenic E. coli had the highest prevalence of 45%, the enteropathogenic E. coli genes eae and bfp were detected in 6% and 4% of the isolates respectively. The VGs stx1 and stx2 specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli pathotypes were equally detected in 7% and 1% of the isolates respectively. Also, the VG eagg harboured by enteroaggregative pathotype and diffusely-adherent E. coli VG daaE were detected in 2% and 4% of the isolates respectively and enteroinvasive E. coli VG ipaH was not detected. In addition, the VGs papC for uropathogenic and ibeA for neonatal meningitis were frequently detected in 19% and 3% of isolates respectively. While all the isolates tested were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin and gatilofloxacin, others were variously susceptible, and resistant as follows; ciprofloxacin (96%), kanamycin (95%), neomycin (92%), streptomycin (84%), chloramphenicol (73%), nalidixic acid (66%), nitrofuratoin (64%), gentamycin (63%), doxycycline (58%), cefepime (57%), tetracycline (49%) and cephalothin (42%). Conversely, all the isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, and high levels of resistance were equally observed against amoxycillin (59%), ampicilin (57%) and cefuroxime (40%). Cefepime, cephalothin, cefuroxime, nalidixic acid, nitrofuratoin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline were not significantly different in their effect against the isolates from all locations (P > 0.05), whereas the resistance profile of the isolates against gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, sulphamethoxazole, ampicillin and amoxicillin were significantly different (P < 0.05). Amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, meropenem, imipenem and gatilofloxacin were statistically excluded from the analysis since all tested isolates showed total susceptibility to these antimicrobials. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.50 to 0.80 for all the sampling locations and exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Prevalence and distributions of the 19 resistance determinants assessed were obtained as follows; [sulfonamides (sulI (8%), sulII (41%)], [beta-lactams; (ampC 22%; blaTEM, (21%), blaZ (18%),], [tetracyclines (tetA (24%), tetB (23%), tetC (18%), tetD (78%), tetK (15%), tetM, (10%)], [phenicols; (catI (37%), catII (28%), cmlA1 (19%)] and [aminoglycosides; (aacC2 (8%), aphA1 (80%), aphA2 (80%), aadA (79%) and strA (38%)]. The Pearson chi square exact test revealed many strong significant associations among ampC, blaTEM, blaZ and tetA genes with some determinants screened. In the same vein, a grand total of 366 resistance gene fingerprints were spotted across the sampling locations and among the resistant pathotypes, the modal prevalent gene prints were found among the ETEC strains in 148 (40%), being the predominant pathotype observed, followed by UPEC strains 80 (22%) while the lowest was the least occurring EAEC pathotype 14 (4%). While some physicochemical parameters exceeded prescribed standards for drinking water, some fell within. The total coliforms obtained in all the sampling sites were above the acceptable limits. Findings reveal the presence of diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic E. coli in the selected rivers and suggest a potential public health risk as the rivers are important resources for domestic, recreational and livelihood usage by their host communities. The multiple drug resistance indexing signifies isolates and pathotypes of high antimicrobial usage origin. An increase in the antimicrobial resistance signatures towards conventionally used antibiotics as observed in this study necessitates for safe water supply, adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in water-bodies. Generally, results from this study indicate that the river waters are not suitable for consumption, domestic or recreational use and re-echo the importance of safeguarding the freshwater resources of Southwestern Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of the spatial and temporal variations in periphyton communities along a small temperate river system: A multimetric and stable isotope analysis approach
- Dalu, Tatenda, Bere, Taurai, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Bere, Taurai , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124249 , vital:35580 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.05.028
- Description: Periphyton community structure and stable isotope values have been identified as potential indicators of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution, an increasingly important challenge in aquatic systems. The aim of the study was to assess the spatio-temporal changes in periphyton characteristics to identify potential anthropogenic nitrogen pollution sources such as agricultural and sewage discharge within the Kowie River catchment, South Africa. Periphyton was collected once a season from five sites between September 2012 and May 2013. Diversity indices, multimetric and stable isotope analyses were employed for describing the spatial and temporal dynamics of periphyton community assemblages. Water depth, salinity, resistivity, oxygen reduction potential, nitrates, water velocity and conductivity were the major factors affecting periphyton community structure. Eighty-seven periphyton taxa belonging to 43 genera were recorded throughout the study sites and periods. Periphyton species richness, abundance and stable isotope signatures differed significantly among sites but not among seasons. The lower sections of the Kowie River were polluted by anthropogenic sources as indicated by the high periphytic isotopic nitrogen values (7.9–15.2‰) compared to the pristine upstream sites (4–8‰). We recommend that researchers use a combination of community structure and stable isotope measurements to monitor the periphyton in lotic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Bere, Taurai , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124249 , vital:35580 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.05.028
- Description: Periphyton community structure and stable isotope values have been identified as potential indicators of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution, an increasingly important challenge in aquatic systems. The aim of the study was to assess the spatio-temporal changes in periphyton characteristics to identify potential anthropogenic nitrogen pollution sources such as agricultural and sewage discharge within the Kowie River catchment, South Africa. Periphyton was collected once a season from five sites between September 2012 and May 2013. Diversity indices, multimetric and stable isotope analyses were employed for describing the spatial and temporal dynamics of periphyton community assemblages. Water depth, salinity, resistivity, oxygen reduction potential, nitrates, water velocity and conductivity were the major factors affecting periphyton community structure. Eighty-seven periphyton taxa belonging to 43 genera were recorded throughout the study sites and periods. Periphyton species richness, abundance and stable isotope signatures differed significantly among sites but not among seasons. The lower sections of the Kowie River were polluted by anthropogenic sources as indicated by the high periphytic isotopic nitrogen values (7.9–15.2‰) compared to the pristine upstream sites (4–8‰). We recommend that researchers use a combination of community structure and stable isotope measurements to monitor the periphyton in lotic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assignment of spin and parity to states in the nucleus ¹⁹⁶T1
- Authors: Uwitonze, Pierre Celestin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nuclear spin , Particles (Nuclear physics) -- Chirality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017903
- Description: This work presents a study of high-spin states in the nucleus ¹⁹⁶Tl via γ-spectroscopy. ¹⁹⁶Tl was produced via the ¹⁹⁷Au(⁴He,5n) ¹⁹⁶Tl reaction at a beam energy of 63 MeV. The γ-γ coincidence measurements were performed using the AFRODITE γ-spectrometer array at iThemba LABS. The previous level scheme of ¹⁹⁶Tl has been extended up to an excitation of 4071 keV including 24 new γ-ray transitions. The spin and parity assignment to levels was made from the directional correlation of oriented nuclei (DCO) and linear polarization anisotropy ratios. An analysis of the B(M1)/B(E2) ratios was found to be consistent with the configuration of πh₉/₂♁vi₁₃/₂ for the ground state band. Although no chiral band was found in ¹⁹⁶TI and ¹⁹⁸TI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Uwitonze, Pierre Celestin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nuclear spin , Particles (Nuclear physics) -- Chirality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017903
- Description: This work presents a study of high-spin states in the nucleus ¹⁹⁶Tl via γ-spectroscopy. ¹⁹⁶Tl was produced via the ¹⁹⁷Au(⁴He,5n) ¹⁹⁶Tl reaction at a beam energy of 63 MeV. The γ-γ coincidence measurements were performed using the AFRODITE γ-spectrometer array at iThemba LABS. The previous level scheme of ¹⁹⁶Tl has been extended up to an excitation of 4071 keV including 24 new γ-ray transitions. The spin and parity assignment to levels was made from the directional correlation of oriented nuclei (DCO) and linear polarization anisotropy ratios. An analysis of the B(M1)/B(E2) ratios was found to be consistent with the configuration of πh₉/₂♁vi₁₃/₂ for the ground state band. Although no chiral band was found in ¹⁹⁶TI and ¹⁹⁸TI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assisting in-service grade R teachers to nurture the holistic development of the five to seven year old child through music : a participatory approach
- Authors: Cloete, Erna Petronella
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School music -- Instruction and study -- South Africa , Early childhood education , Music -- Instruction and study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021177
- Description: Music’s significant contribution to the holistic development of the young learner is uncontested and confirmed by views of seminal scholars, such as Nzewi 2003, Reimer 2003, Nussbaum 2001, Elliot 1994 and Merriam 1964, amongst others. As such, music education supports basic values of self-growth, self-knowledge and enjoyment. This study argues for the vital importance of music education in Grade R in the South African schooling system where teachers can successfully implement the curriculum. In post-apartheid multicultural and multi-musical South Africa music education in Grade R is the sole responsibility of the generalist Grade R teacher. However, due to inadequate training and minimal, unproductive in-service initiatives, the vast majority of Reception Year teachers assumingly do not have the required competences to teach music in a way that maximally enhances the holistic development of their learners. Findings revealed that teachers exhibited limited, if any, musical knowledge and per se, they are insufficiently skilled in the effective delivery of the curriculum in terms of music. This study acknowledges the need to equip in-service Grade R teachers with the required competences to effectively implement the national school and teach music with confidence. The lack of successful and effective continuing professional teacher development initiatives from the Department of Education and Department of Basic Education to assist Grade R teachers in teaching music, was a serious concern to me. This concern reinforced the motivation to embark on this project. In this thesis, I report on an intervention strategy aimed at enabling three Grade R practitioners at one peri- urban township school in the Eastern Cape to improve their music education competencies. These three Coloured ladies only held a Certificate in Early Childhood Development, rating at an NQF level 4 and 5. None of these practitioners had any prior music experience in music training, music making or music teaching. I utilised a Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR). PALAR combines research with development and is thus highly suitable when addressing multifaceted problems in rapidly changing environments, such as South Africa. In my study, the participants were thus actively involved in identifying problems and creating solutions. A number of collaborative interactions and qualitative data generation strategies such as Focus Group Interviews, Observations, Drawing, Interviews, Narrative Inquiry, Case Study and Reflective Journals were implemented. Findings indicated that the practitioners experienced transformation on both a professional and personal level as they discovered and tapped into their own innate musical competences. This enabled them to explore ways to teach music that enhanced the holistic development of their learners, developing them physically, cognitively emotionally, socially, and musically. Learners likewise benefitted from the intervention as they experienced social cohesion in a multicultural classroom and gained the fruits of music’s remedial impact and therapeutic value in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Cloete, Erna Petronella
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School music -- Instruction and study -- South Africa , Early childhood education , Music -- Instruction and study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021177
- Description: Music’s significant contribution to the holistic development of the young learner is uncontested and confirmed by views of seminal scholars, such as Nzewi 2003, Reimer 2003, Nussbaum 2001, Elliot 1994 and Merriam 1964, amongst others. As such, music education supports basic values of self-growth, self-knowledge and enjoyment. This study argues for the vital importance of music education in Grade R in the South African schooling system where teachers can successfully implement the curriculum. In post-apartheid multicultural and multi-musical South Africa music education in Grade R is the sole responsibility of the generalist Grade R teacher. However, due to inadequate training and minimal, unproductive in-service initiatives, the vast majority of Reception Year teachers assumingly do not have the required competences to teach music in a way that maximally enhances the holistic development of their learners. Findings revealed that teachers exhibited limited, if any, musical knowledge and per se, they are insufficiently skilled in the effective delivery of the curriculum in terms of music. This study acknowledges the need to equip in-service Grade R teachers with the required competences to effectively implement the national school and teach music with confidence. The lack of successful and effective continuing professional teacher development initiatives from the Department of Education and Department of Basic Education to assist Grade R teachers in teaching music, was a serious concern to me. This concern reinforced the motivation to embark on this project. In this thesis, I report on an intervention strategy aimed at enabling three Grade R practitioners at one peri- urban township school in the Eastern Cape to improve their music education competencies. These three Coloured ladies only held a Certificate in Early Childhood Development, rating at an NQF level 4 and 5. None of these practitioners had any prior music experience in music training, music making or music teaching. I utilised a Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR). PALAR combines research with development and is thus highly suitable when addressing multifaceted problems in rapidly changing environments, such as South Africa. In my study, the participants were thus actively involved in identifying problems and creating solutions. A number of collaborative interactions and qualitative data generation strategies such as Focus Group Interviews, Observations, Drawing, Interviews, Narrative Inquiry, Case Study and Reflective Journals were implemented. Findings indicated that the practitioners experienced transformation on both a professional and personal level as they discovered and tapped into their own innate musical competences. This enabled them to explore ways to teach music that enhanced the holistic development of their learners, developing them physically, cognitively emotionally, socially, and musically. Learners likewise benefitted from the intervention as they experienced social cohesion in a multicultural classroom and gained the fruits of music’s remedial impact and therapeutic value in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Audit committee effectiveness in an Eastern Cape provincial department
- Authors: Koranteng, Isaac
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Audit committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4045 , vital:20507
- Description: The discussion on the extent to which audit committees perform the oversight function of financial governance is important. This is particularly so in the Eastern Cape where the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 1999 has not significantly improved financial management. The deteriorating financial management environment of provincial departments impacts negatively on service delivery and is therefore a matter of great concern to the political administrators at both national and provincial levels. The objective of this study is to determine how effective audit committees are in Eastern Cape provincial departments and how this translates into good financial governance and, ultimately, improved service delivery. To achieve this objective, a literature review of the link between audit committee effectiveness, accountability and corporate governance in the public sector was conducted. It was found that audit committees in the public sector have similar responsibilities to that of the private sector and lack of accountability in the public sector impacts negatively on service delivery. A second literature review was conducted to highlight the current state of public financial management in South Africa and how this has had an impact on financial management in Eastern Cape provincial departments. A qualitative research methodology was applied because the researcher is of the opinion that the research question asked is more interpretive than predictive. An interview survey was conducted in which senior management officials were selected from provincial departments and interviewed using semi-structured questions. The research study concluded, that provincial departments in the Eastern Cape have all established audit committees in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) National Treasury regulations. These committees are however ineffective. Ineffectiveness is as a result of, among other factors, lack of stability in accounting officer and chief financial officer positions. Secondly, senior management have not been made to account for the persistent negative audit outcomes in their departments. The research recommends that the political leadership of the province should ensure stability in leadership, particularly in the position of accounting officer and the chief financial officer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Koranteng, Isaac
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Audit committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4045 , vital:20507
- Description: The discussion on the extent to which audit committees perform the oversight function of financial governance is important. This is particularly so in the Eastern Cape where the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 1999 has not significantly improved financial management. The deteriorating financial management environment of provincial departments impacts negatively on service delivery and is therefore a matter of great concern to the political administrators at both national and provincial levels. The objective of this study is to determine how effective audit committees are in Eastern Cape provincial departments and how this translates into good financial governance and, ultimately, improved service delivery. To achieve this objective, a literature review of the link between audit committee effectiveness, accountability and corporate governance in the public sector was conducted. It was found that audit committees in the public sector have similar responsibilities to that of the private sector and lack of accountability in the public sector impacts negatively on service delivery. A second literature review was conducted to highlight the current state of public financial management in South Africa and how this has had an impact on financial management in Eastern Cape provincial departments. A qualitative research methodology was applied because the researcher is of the opinion that the research question asked is more interpretive than predictive. An interview survey was conducted in which senior management officials were selected from provincial departments and interviewed using semi-structured questions. The research study concluded, that provincial departments in the Eastern Cape have all established audit committees in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) National Treasury regulations. These committees are however ineffective. Ineffectiveness is as a result of, among other factors, lack of stability in accounting officer and chief financial officer positions. Secondly, senior management have not been made to account for the persistent negative audit outcomes in their departments. The research recommends that the political leadership of the province should ensure stability in leadership, particularly in the position of accounting officer and the chief financial officer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Automated statistical audit system for a government regulatory authority
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Azawan: precolonial musical culture and Saharawi nationalism in the refugee camps of the Hamada Desert in Algeria
- Authors: Amoros, Luis Gimenez
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59710 , vital:27641 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i1.1225
- Description: This article analyses Saharawi music as performed for the refugee community in the camps. I argue that the construction and evolution of Saharawi music in the camps is divided into two main areas: nationalism in relation to the decolonisation of Western Sahara, and maintenance of cultural values in Saharawi music found in the historical retention of the Haul modal system originating in precolonial Saharawi culture. Local audiences use the term Azawan to define the combination of nationalist sentiments and retention of their precolonial musical culture in Saharawi music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Amoros, Luis Gimenez
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59710 , vital:27641 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i1.1225
- Description: This article analyses Saharawi music as performed for the refugee community in the camps. I argue that the construction and evolution of Saharawi music in the camps is divided into two main areas: nationalism in relation to the decolonisation of Western Sahara, and maintenance of cultural values in Saharawi music found in the historical retention of the Haul modal system originating in precolonial Saharawi culture. Local audiences use the term Azawan to define the combination of nationalist sentiments and retention of their precolonial musical culture in Saharawi music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Bacterial degradation of fossil fuel waste in aqueous and solid media
- Authors: Edeki, Oghenekume Gerald
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54565 , vital:26588
- Description: The generation of environmental pollutants worldwide is mainly due to over reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. As a result of the negative impacts of these pollutants on the health of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, global attention has been directed towards ways of containing this problem. Biodegradation of fossil fuel is one of the most effective methods used to remediate contaminated systems. However with regard to coal waste, much of what is known is based on the ability of fungal species to biosolubilize this material under enrichment conditions in a laboratory setting. For effective biodegradation as a remediation technique, there is an immediate need to source, isolate, enrich and incorporate other microorganisms such as bacteria into bioremediation technologies. The goal of this dissertation was to isolate bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated environments and to demonstrate competence for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation which was achieved using a combination of analytical methods such as spectrophotometry, FT-IR, SEM and GC-MS. Screening for biodegradation of coal and petroleum hydrocarbon waste resulted in the isolation of 75 bacterial strains of which 15 showed good potential for use in developing remedial biotechnologies. Spectrophotometric analysis of bacteria both in coal and petroleum hydrocarbons (all in aqueous media) revealed a high proliferation of bacteria in these media suggesting that these microbes can effectively utilize the various substrates as a source of carbon. The isolated bacteria effectively degraded and converted waste coal to humic and fulvic acids; products required to enrich coal mine dumps to support re-vegetation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the attachment of bacteria to waste coal surfaces and the disintegration of coal structures while FT-IR analysis of extracted humic-like substances from biodegraded waste coal revealed these to have the same functional groups as commercial humic acid. Specific consortia which were established using the isolated bacterial strains, showed greater potential to biodegrade coal than did individual isolates. This was evident in experiments carried out on coal and hydrocarbons where the efficient colonization and utilization of these substrates by each bacterial consortium was observed due to the effect of added nutrients such as algae. The biodegradation of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons (diesel and BTEX) was also achieved using the 15 bacterial isolates. GC-MS analysis of extracted residual PHC from aqueous and solid media revealed rapid breakdown of these contaminants by bacteria. Different bacterial consortia established from the individual isolates were shown to be more efficient than single isolates indicating that formulated consortia are the biocatalysts of choice for fossil fuel biodegradation. This study represents one of the most detailed screenings for bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated sites and the isolation of strains with potential to biodegrade coal and petroleum hydrocarbon wastes. Several consortia have been developed and these show potential for further development as biocatalysts for use in bioremediation technology development. An evaluation of efficiency of each established bacterial consortium for biodegradation in a commercial and/or industrial setting at pilot scale is now needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Edeki, Oghenekume Gerald
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54565 , vital:26588
- Description: The generation of environmental pollutants worldwide is mainly due to over reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. As a result of the negative impacts of these pollutants on the health of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, global attention has been directed towards ways of containing this problem. Biodegradation of fossil fuel is one of the most effective methods used to remediate contaminated systems. However with regard to coal waste, much of what is known is based on the ability of fungal species to biosolubilize this material under enrichment conditions in a laboratory setting. For effective biodegradation as a remediation technique, there is an immediate need to source, isolate, enrich and incorporate other microorganisms such as bacteria into bioremediation technologies. The goal of this dissertation was to isolate bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated environments and to demonstrate competence for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation which was achieved using a combination of analytical methods such as spectrophotometry, FT-IR, SEM and GC-MS. Screening for biodegradation of coal and petroleum hydrocarbon waste resulted in the isolation of 75 bacterial strains of which 15 showed good potential for use in developing remedial biotechnologies. Spectrophotometric analysis of bacteria both in coal and petroleum hydrocarbons (all in aqueous media) revealed a high proliferation of bacteria in these media suggesting that these microbes can effectively utilize the various substrates as a source of carbon. The isolated bacteria effectively degraded and converted waste coal to humic and fulvic acids; products required to enrich coal mine dumps to support re-vegetation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the attachment of bacteria to waste coal surfaces and the disintegration of coal structures while FT-IR analysis of extracted humic-like substances from biodegraded waste coal revealed these to have the same functional groups as commercial humic acid. Specific consortia which were established using the isolated bacterial strains, showed greater potential to biodegrade coal than did individual isolates. This was evident in experiments carried out on coal and hydrocarbons where the efficient colonization and utilization of these substrates by each bacterial consortium was observed due to the effect of added nutrients such as algae. The biodegradation of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons (diesel and BTEX) was also achieved using the 15 bacterial isolates. GC-MS analysis of extracted residual PHC from aqueous and solid media revealed rapid breakdown of these contaminants by bacteria. Different bacterial consortia established from the individual isolates were shown to be more efficient than single isolates indicating that formulated consortia are the biocatalysts of choice for fossil fuel biodegradation. This study represents one of the most detailed screenings for bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated sites and the isolation of strains with potential to biodegrade coal and petroleum hydrocarbon wastes. Several consortia have been developed and these show potential for further development as biocatalysts for use in bioremediation technology development. An evaluation of efficiency of each established bacterial consortium for biodegradation in a commercial and/or industrial setting at pilot scale is now needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Baculovirus-based strategies for the management of insect pests: a focus on development and application in South Africa
- Knox, Caroline M, Moore, Sean D, Luke, Garry, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Knox, Caroline M , Moore, Sean D , Luke, Garry , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416829 , vital:71389 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2014.949222"
- Description: There is growing concern among governments, scientists, agricultural practitioners and the general public regarding the negative implications of widespread synthetic chemical pesticide application for the control of crop pests. As a result, baculovirus biopesticides are gaining popularity as components of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes in many countries despite several disadvantages related to slow speed of kill, limited host range and complex large scale production. In South Africa, baculoviruses are incorporated into IPM programmes for the control of crop pests in the field, and recent bioprospecting has led to the characterisation of several novel isolates with the potential to be formulated as commercial products. This contribution will provide an overview of the use of baculoviruses against insect pests in South Africa, as well as research and development efforts aimed at broadening their application as biocontrol agents. Challenges faced by researchers in developmental projects as well as potential users of baculoviruses as biopesticides in the field are also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Knox, Caroline M , Moore, Sean D , Luke, Garry , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416829 , vital:71389 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2014.949222"
- Description: There is growing concern among governments, scientists, agricultural practitioners and the general public regarding the negative implications of widespread synthetic chemical pesticide application for the control of crop pests. As a result, baculovirus biopesticides are gaining popularity as components of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes in many countries despite several disadvantages related to slow speed of kill, limited host range and complex large scale production. In South Africa, baculoviruses are incorporated into IPM programmes for the control of crop pests in the field, and recent bioprospecting has led to the characterisation of several novel isolates with the potential to be formulated as commercial products. This contribution will provide an overview of the use of baculoviruses against insect pests in South Africa, as well as research and development efforts aimed at broadening their application as biocontrol agents. Challenges faced by researchers in developmental projects as well as potential users of baculoviruses as biopesticides in the field are also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015