The management of chacma baboons and humans in a peri-urban environment: a case study from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's George Campus
- Authors: Botes, Peet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships , Animal behavior , Human beings , Bestiality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5135 , vital:20812
- Description: Conflicts between humans and baboons (Papio ursinus) have become a significant management challenge on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMUs) George Campus, which is located in peri-urban George in the Garden Route, of the Western Cape of South Africa. Current management policy, although required to be ‘scientifically’ based, largely relies on studies done outside the Garden Route. This study addresses the question of how the management of human-baboon relations could be improved on the campus. A case study was undertaken which aimed at addressing the cohabitation of baboons and humans on the NMMU campus, specifically human-baboon resource selection and interaction. The research methodology and the related analytical tools were primarily quantitative but were supplemented by some qualitative data drawn from interviews. Data collected was used to determine landscape features acting as Keystone Resource Areas (KRAs) for both humans and baboons on the campus. Relationships between the frequency and location of negative interactions, and resident-baboon distribution on the campus were also determined. Two key findings emerged from the research. First, residences, non-residence buildings and waste disposal stations act as KRAs for both humans and baboons. Second, the frequency of negative interaction correlates with the time spent by residents and baboons at residences, where common negative interactions between baboons and humans are known to occur. It is postulated that cohabitation on the NMMU George Campus is causing the habituation of baboons, a loss of fear of humans and association of humans with high energy foods. As a result, present cohabitation contributes to negative human-baboon relations in the George area. To ensure sustainable co-existence between humans and baboons on the George Campus, management should implement zonation and wildlife monitoring to reverse the loss of baboon fear of humans and better limit the availability of human-derived foods. In addition, management should consider giving stakeholders co-management roles to foster and facilitate knowledge and responsibility partnerships, and subsequently correct any misunderstandings related to human-baboon relations on the campus. Recommendations for further research include sampling beyond campus boundaries to compensate for regional variations in baboon behaviour and the biophysical environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botes, Peet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships , Animal behavior , Human beings , Bestiality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5135 , vital:20812
- Description: Conflicts between humans and baboons (Papio ursinus) have become a significant management challenge on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMUs) George Campus, which is located in peri-urban George in the Garden Route, of the Western Cape of South Africa. Current management policy, although required to be ‘scientifically’ based, largely relies on studies done outside the Garden Route. This study addresses the question of how the management of human-baboon relations could be improved on the campus. A case study was undertaken which aimed at addressing the cohabitation of baboons and humans on the NMMU campus, specifically human-baboon resource selection and interaction. The research methodology and the related analytical tools were primarily quantitative but were supplemented by some qualitative data drawn from interviews. Data collected was used to determine landscape features acting as Keystone Resource Areas (KRAs) for both humans and baboons on the campus. Relationships between the frequency and location of negative interactions, and resident-baboon distribution on the campus were also determined. Two key findings emerged from the research. First, residences, non-residence buildings and waste disposal stations act as KRAs for both humans and baboons. Second, the frequency of negative interaction correlates with the time spent by residents and baboons at residences, where common negative interactions between baboons and humans are known to occur. It is postulated that cohabitation on the NMMU George Campus is causing the habituation of baboons, a loss of fear of humans and association of humans with high energy foods. As a result, present cohabitation contributes to negative human-baboon relations in the George area. To ensure sustainable co-existence between humans and baboons on the George Campus, management should implement zonation and wildlife monitoring to reverse the loss of baboon fear of humans and better limit the availability of human-derived foods. In addition, management should consider giving stakeholders co-management roles to foster and facilitate knowledge and responsibility partnerships, and subsequently correct any misunderstandings related to human-baboon relations on the campus. Recommendations for further research include sampling beyond campus boundaries to compensate for regional variations in baboon behaviour and the biophysical environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effective management of customer orders received by a pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Optimisation of clearcoat viscosity
- Authors: Bukula, Nwabisa Asanda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Coating processes , Automobiles -- Bodies -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4814 , vital:20707
- Description: Modern automobiles are painted with basecoat, technology which is either metallic, solid colour or pearlescent. This requires protection from chemicals, scratching, weathering and UV light by applying a protective top coat (clearcoat) over the basecoat. For the clearcoat to cure into a hard protective shell it undergoes an irreversible crosslinking process. This usually takes place over the first four to five hours, depending on the formulation and weather conditions. The speed of crosslinking can be enhanced by temperature. Pot life is important as it can affect the overall quality of the painted surface. If crosslinking occurs too quickly, before the clearcoat is applied onto the surface, the clearcoat cannot be used to produce a good quality finish. The “expired” mixture is thus discarded. If used, the quality of the finished product cannot be guaranteed to last, and the paintwork may have to be redone. This often means removing the underlying paint and primer as well with the clearcoat film. Besides the time lost, the discarded clearcoat mixture often lands in the landfill, polluting ground water and the environment. It is thus important from the point of view of both the environment preservation and waste management, that as much clearcoat as possible is used without being wasted. It was proven in an earlier study (BSc Hon Formulation Science Treatise, 2011) that adding eugenol to a clearcoat mixture after crosslinking had started could reduce its viscosity, which is an indicator of crosslinking progress. Crosslinking subsequently resumed at a lower rate than in traditional blends. If stored away from oxygen and high temperatures, this blend could maintain optimum viscosity indefinitely. In this follow up study an optimum formulation was developed using D - optimal experimental design. It sought to extend the pot life to avoid waste to spray painters while saving the environment from pollution. The formulation that gave the desired viscosity after five hours of pot life was adopted. It was hypothesised that the optimum formulated clearcoat mixture would have a longer pot life than its traditional counterparts, and that it would perform just as well as the traditional clearcoat mixtures. To study the rate of crosslinking (disappearance of functional groups and appearance of the urethane bond), FTIR spectrometry was performed on a mixture produced from the optimized formula in comparison to that of a traditional mixture (the control). The rate of disappearance of functional groups was found to be lower in the eugenol mixture than in the control mixture. After six hours, eugenol was added into the control mixture, and this seemed to reduce the viscosity with the re-emergence of functional groups in the mixture. After 24 hours of crosslinking, an FTIR scan was done on the solid sample and this revealed that the eugenol mixture had crosslinked fully, with no detectable functional groups in the sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bukula, Nwabisa Asanda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Coating processes , Automobiles -- Bodies -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4814 , vital:20707
- Description: Modern automobiles are painted with basecoat, technology which is either metallic, solid colour or pearlescent. This requires protection from chemicals, scratching, weathering and UV light by applying a protective top coat (clearcoat) over the basecoat. For the clearcoat to cure into a hard protective shell it undergoes an irreversible crosslinking process. This usually takes place over the first four to five hours, depending on the formulation and weather conditions. The speed of crosslinking can be enhanced by temperature. Pot life is important as it can affect the overall quality of the painted surface. If crosslinking occurs too quickly, before the clearcoat is applied onto the surface, the clearcoat cannot be used to produce a good quality finish. The “expired” mixture is thus discarded. If used, the quality of the finished product cannot be guaranteed to last, and the paintwork may have to be redone. This often means removing the underlying paint and primer as well with the clearcoat film. Besides the time lost, the discarded clearcoat mixture often lands in the landfill, polluting ground water and the environment. It is thus important from the point of view of both the environment preservation and waste management, that as much clearcoat as possible is used without being wasted. It was proven in an earlier study (BSc Hon Formulation Science Treatise, 2011) that adding eugenol to a clearcoat mixture after crosslinking had started could reduce its viscosity, which is an indicator of crosslinking progress. Crosslinking subsequently resumed at a lower rate than in traditional blends. If stored away from oxygen and high temperatures, this blend could maintain optimum viscosity indefinitely. In this follow up study an optimum formulation was developed using D - optimal experimental design. It sought to extend the pot life to avoid waste to spray painters while saving the environment from pollution. The formulation that gave the desired viscosity after five hours of pot life was adopted. It was hypothesised that the optimum formulated clearcoat mixture would have a longer pot life than its traditional counterparts, and that it would perform just as well as the traditional clearcoat mixtures. To study the rate of crosslinking (disappearance of functional groups and appearance of the urethane bond), FTIR spectrometry was performed on a mixture produced from the optimized formula in comparison to that of a traditional mixture (the control). The rate of disappearance of functional groups was found to be lower in the eugenol mixture than in the control mixture. After six hours, eugenol was added into the control mixture, and this seemed to reduce the viscosity with the re-emergence of functional groups in the mixture. After 24 hours of crosslinking, an FTIR scan was done on the solid sample and this revealed that the eugenol mixture had crosslinked fully, with no detectable functional groups in the sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The use of conceptual costume design to express the emotional trajectory of the play sounds of South End
- Authors: Chingosho, Vimbai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fashion -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Costume design -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11449 , vital:26926
- Description: The aim of this study is to illustrate how, in the design of costumes, adopting design elements used to produce conceptual fashion can create conceptual costumes that have the ability to express emotions. The play Sounds of South End (2013) contains such qualities; therefore it has been selected to illustrate how the mood and emotional trajectory of a play can be interpreted through symbolism. The play illustrates the life before and after the forced removals during the apartheid (1960s and 1970s), of a fictional family, the Dietrichs, who live in South End, a suburb in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A focus on the nature of emotional changes experienced by the family has been used to determine the overall mood of the play, leading to a translation of the shifting mood through a collection of conceptual costumes. The final collection was exhibited as an installation artwork that is an interpretation of the altering moods and emotions that occur in the life of the Dietrich family as the play unfolds. The conceptual costumes have been constructed to imbue the narrative of the play with deep meaning by using symbolic elements, such as colour, texture and weight, to suggest the emotional trajectory within the play. The eight costumes portray the interrelated gradual decline and resultant deterioration of human relations experienced by the Dietrichs, from a contented state of harmonious living to a wounded state of despair.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chingosho, Vimbai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fashion -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Costume design -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11449 , vital:26926
- Description: The aim of this study is to illustrate how, in the design of costumes, adopting design elements used to produce conceptual fashion can create conceptual costumes that have the ability to express emotions. The play Sounds of South End (2013) contains such qualities; therefore it has been selected to illustrate how the mood and emotional trajectory of a play can be interpreted through symbolism. The play illustrates the life before and after the forced removals during the apartheid (1960s and 1970s), of a fictional family, the Dietrichs, who live in South End, a suburb in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A focus on the nature of emotional changes experienced by the family has been used to determine the overall mood of the play, leading to a translation of the shifting mood through a collection of conceptual costumes. The final collection was exhibited as an installation artwork that is an interpretation of the altering moods and emotions that occur in the life of the Dietrich family as the play unfolds. The conceptual costumes have been constructed to imbue the narrative of the play with deep meaning by using symbolic elements, such as colour, texture and weight, to suggest the emotional trajectory within the play. The eight costumes portray the interrelated gradual decline and resultant deterioration of human relations experienced by the Dietrichs, from a contented state of harmonious living to a wounded state of despair.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Engendering the meaningful use of electronic medical records: a South African perspective
- Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A study of lanthanide complexes with di-2-pyridyl ligands
- Authors: Coetzee, Louis-Charl Cloete
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rare earth metals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4731 , vital:20659
- Description: The ligands di(2-pyridyl) ketone (DPK) and cis-1,2 di(2-pyridyl) ethylene (DPE) are N,N,Odonor ligands that can undergo nucleophilic addition and become more flexible for coordination. The reaction between the lanthanide thiocyanate salt and DPK gave rise to seven novel complexes of the general formula [Ln(NCS)3(DPKOH)3], where Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy and Ho. 1H NMR spectroscopy verified that the ligand underwent nucleophilic addition upon coordination. This was further confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy which showed a shift in the absorption bands due to conjugation of electrons within the pyridyl ring upon coordination. UV-Vis spectroscopy was also utilised to test the covalent character of the neodymium and holmium complexes. X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy showed that three DPK ligands coordinated bidentately through a pyridinic nitrogen and a hydroxyl oxygen, while three isothiocyanato molecules completed the coordination environment around each metal. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction also revealed that these complexes are isostructural, ninecoordinate and the polyhedron which encloses each ion is of trigonal tricapped prismatic shape with D3h symmetry. Micro-analysis on all the complexes, except lanthanum and holmium confirmed the molecular formulae produced from the crystallographic data of each complex. The reaction between the lanthanide thiocyanate salt and DPE produced poor quality crystals which could not be detected by X-ray diffraction. The lanthanide salts used for this reaction were lanthanum, neodymium, europium, dysprosium and holmium. Upon coordination, conductivity measurements detected the presence of lanthanide ions in each solution. 1H NMR and IR spectroscopic studies showed that the ethylenic moiety of DPE underwent nucleophilic addition upon coordination. UV-Vis spectroscopy further confirmed nucleophilic addition upon coordination due to shifts in absorption bands. IR spectroscopy verified the possibility of a bidentate coordination to each metal through a pyridinic nitrogen and a hydroxyl oxygen as well as a monodentate coordination through isothiocyanato ligands. A micro-analysis on all the complexes provided the molecular formulae that can best fit each complex. The effect of the solvent molecules on the bonding parameters of the lanthanum complex was investigated. An analysis of the results produced from crystallographic data revealed the presence of intermolecular forces which interacted and stabilised the complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coetzee, Louis-Charl Cloete
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rare earth metals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4731 , vital:20659
- Description: The ligands di(2-pyridyl) ketone (DPK) and cis-1,2 di(2-pyridyl) ethylene (DPE) are N,N,Odonor ligands that can undergo nucleophilic addition and become more flexible for coordination. The reaction between the lanthanide thiocyanate salt and DPK gave rise to seven novel complexes of the general formula [Ln(NCS)3(DPKOH)3], where Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy and Ho. 1H NMR spectroscopy verified that the ligand underwent nucleophilic addition upon coordination. This was further confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy which showed a shift in the absorption bands due to conjugation of electrons within the pyridyl ring upon coordination. UV-Vis spectroscopy was also utilised to test the covalent character of the neodymium and holmium complexes. X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy showed that three DPK ligands coordinated bidentately through a pyridinic nitrogen and a hydroxyl oxygen, while three isothiocyanato molecules completed the coordination environment around each metal. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction also revealed that these complexes are isostructural, ninecoordinate and the polyhedron which encloses each ion is of trigonal tricapped prismatic shape with D3h symmetry. Micro-analysis on all the complexes, except lanthanum and holmium confirmed the molecular formulae produced from the crystallographic data of each complex. The reaction between the lanthanide thiocyanate salt and DPE produced poor quality crystals which could not be detected by X-ray diffraction. The lanthanide salts used for this reaction were lanthanum, neodymium, europium, dysprosium and holmium. Upon coordination, conductivity measurements detected the presence of lanthanide ions in each solution. 1H NMR and IR spectroscopic studies showed that the ethylenic moiety of DPE underwent nucleophilic addition upon coordination. UV-Vis spectroscopy further confirmed nucleophilic addition upon coordination due to shifts in absorption bands. IR spectroscopy verified the possibility of a bidentate coordination to each metal through a pyridinic nitrogen and a hydroxyl oxygen as well as a monodentate coordination through isothiocyanato ligands. A micro-analysis on all the complexes provided the molecular formulae that can best fit each complex. The effect of the solvent molecules on the bonding parameters of the lanthanum complex was investigated. An analysis of the results produced from crystallographic data revealed the presence of intermolecular forces which interacted and stabilised the complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Factors affecting the acceptance and meaningful use of picture archive and communication systems by referring clinicians in private practice
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating the effects of mopane worms (Imbrasia belina) on nutrients, Venetia-Limpopo Nature Reserve, South Africa
- De Swardt, Donovan Barry, O’Connor, Tim
- Authors: De Swardt, Donovan Barry , O’Connor, Tim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Phytophagous insects -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Mopane worm -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9273 , vital:26558
- Description: Ecologists have long been aware that large mammalian herbivores can alter ecosystem functioning in various ways, for example through changing where they defecate and urinate, which consequently affects nutrient cycling. The effects of herbivorous insects on ecosystems, however, have received limited attention until recently. Insects are capable of mass outbreaks, they can consume large volumes of vegetative material and can deposit large quantities of dung (frass), one example being the mopane worm, Imbrasia belina. This study looked at the effect of mopane worm frass on soil fertility in the mopane veld of the Venetia-Limpopo Nature Reserve and neighbouring Haakdoring farm. It found that mopane worms are capable of altering soil nutrient dynamics beneath the trees where they are browsing in three ways. Firstly, they increase the potential amount of nutrients deposited when compared with that deposited through conventional leaf litter. Secondly, they alter the rate of nutrient recycling by depositing nutrients in frass which decomposes more rapidly than conventional leaf litter. Lastly, they increase the amounts of potassium and phosphorus in the soil. While there is no conclusive data from this study that the mopane veld would become extinct if mopane worms were harvested to extinction, it has shown that there is relatively little evidence on how herbivorous insects could affect ecosystem functioning in the landscapes in which they occur. Further research is recommended that investigates how mopane worms influence soil fertility in more detail and over multiple geographical locations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: De Swardt, Donovan Barry , O’Connor, Tim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Phytophagous insects -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Mopane worm -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9273 , vital:26558
- Description: Ecologists have long been aware that large mammalian herbivores can alter ecosystem functioning in various ways, for example through changing where they defecate and urinate, which consequently affects nutrient cycling. The effects of herbivorous insects on ecosystems, however, have received limited attention until recently. Insects are capable of mass outbreaks, they can consume large volumes of vegetative material and can deposit large quantities of dung (frass), one example being the mopane worm, Imbrasia belina. This study looked at the effect of mopane worm frass on soil fertility in the mopane veld of the Venetia-Limpopo Nature Reserve and neighbouring Haakdoring farm. It found that mopane worms are capable of altering soil nutrient dynamics beneath the trees where they are browsing in three ways. Firstly, they increase the potential amount of nutrients deposited when compared with that deposited through conventional leaf litter. Secondly, they alter the rate of nutrient recycling by depositing nutrients in frass which decomposes more rapidly than conventional leaf litter. Lastly, they increase the amounts of potassium and phosphorus in the soil. While there is no conclusive data from this study that the mopane veld would become extinct if mopane worms were harvested to extinction, it has shown that there is relatively little evidence on how herbivorous insects could affect ecosystem functioning in the landscapes in which they occur. Further research is recommended that investigates how mopane worms influence soil fertility in more detail and over multiple geographical locations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Trends in the game industry in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ferreira, Janene
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Wildlife management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5451 , vital:20846
- Description: The game industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa and consequently, during recent years, a growing number of stock farms have been converted to game farms. All forms of utilization within the game industry play a vital role with regards to sustainability and simultaneously contributing a significant boost to the national economy. It is therefore important to ensure that game ranchers are as well-informed as possible in their decision-making, as well as in assessing their outputs and endeavours. However, the information available on the game industry in the Eastern Cape is limited. This research study therefore focuses on the emerging trends in the game industry in the province. The objectives of the research are to examine various pertinent factors associated with the game industry, investigate the trends and discuss whether these trends have any implications for future purposes. The research commenced with a literature review, as well as information from earlier survey studies of the Eastern Cape game industry. For the current study, a replicate survey was conducted throughout the Eastern Cape, involving as many game ranchers as possible, and data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The dilemma confronting the black wildebeest in the Eastern Cape was thoroughly investigated, together with farmers’ opinions and trends for the future of the species. It was important to include this particular aspect in the research, as at the time of the survey, widespread concerns were expressed with regards to new legislation which emerged during that time. The research cast light on several aspects associated with the industry which could positively assist game ranchers towards improved management and planning, as well as provide guidelines for future development purposes. Furthermore, the research identified crucial issues that should receive immediate attention from stakeholders across the industry as well as government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ferreira, Janene
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Wildlife management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5451 , vital:20846
- Description: The game industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa and consequently, during recent years, a growing number of stock farms have been converted to game farms. All forms of utilization within the game industry play a vital role with regards to sustainability and simultaneously contributing a significant boost to the national economy. It is therefore important to ensure that game ranchers are as well-informed as possible in their decision-making, as well as in assessing their outputs and endeavours. However, the information available on the game industry in the Eastern Cape is limited. This research study therefore focuses on the emerging trends in the game industry in the province. The objectives of the research are to examine various pertinent factors associated with the game industry, investigate the trends and discuss whether these trends have any implications for future purposes. The research commenced with a literature review, as well as information from earlier survey studies of the Eastern Cape game industry. For the current study, a replicate survey was conducted throughout the Eastern Cape, involving as many game ranchers as possible, and data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The dilemma confronting the black wildebeest in the Eastern Cape was thoroughly investigated, together with farmers’ opinions and trends for the future of the species. It was important to include this particular aspect in the research, as at the time of the survey, widespread concerns were expressed with regards to new legislation which emerged during that time. The research cast light on several aspects associated with the industry which could positively assist game ranchers towards improved management and planning, as well as provide guidelines for future development purposes. Furthermore, the research identified crucial issues that should receive immediate attention from stakeholders across the industry as well as government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Physicians' perspectives on personal health records: a descriptive study
- Authors: Harmse, Magda Susanna
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6876 , vital:21156
- Description: A Personal Health Record (PHR) is an electronic record of a patient’s health-related information that is managed by the patient. The patient can give access to other parties, such as healthcare providers and family members, as they see fit. These parties can use the information in emergency situations, in order to help improve the patient’s healthcare. PHRs have an important role to play in ensuring that a patient’s complete health history is available to his healthcare providers at the point of care. This is especially true in South Africa, where the majority of healthcare organizations still rely on paper-based methods of record-keeping. Research indicates that physicians play an important role in encouraging the adoption of PHRs amongst patients. Whilst various studies have focused on the perceptions of South African citizens towards PHRs, to date no research has focused on the perceptions of South African physicians. Considering the importance of physicians in encouraging the adoption of PHRs, the problem being addressed by this research project thus relates to the lack of information relating to the perceptions of South African physicians of PHRs. Physicians with private practices at private hospitals in Port Elizabeth, South Africa were surveyed in order to determine their perceptions towards PHRs. Results indicate perceptions regarding benefits to the physician and the patient, as well as concerns to the physician and the patient. The levels of trust in various potential PHR providers and the potential uses of a PHR for the physician were also explored. The results of the survey were compared with the results of relevant international literature in order to describe the perceptions of physicians towards PHRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Harmse, Magda Susanna
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6876 , vital:21156
- Description: A Personal Health Record (PHR) is an electronic record of a patient’s health-related information that is managed by the patient. The patient can give access to other parties, such as healthcare providers and family members, as they see fit. These parties can use the information in emergency situations, in order to help improve the patient’s healthcare. PHRs have an important role to play in ensuring that a patient’s complete health history is available to his healthcare providers at the point of care. This is especially true in South Africa, where the majority of healthcare organizations still rely on paper-based methods of record-keeping. Research indicates that physicians play an important role in encouraging the adoption of PHRs amongst patients. Whilst various studies have focused on the perceptions of South African citizens towards PHRs, to date no research has focused on the perceptions of South African physicians. Considering the importance of physicians in encouraging the adoption of PHRs, the problem being addressed by this research project thus relates to the lack of information relating to the perceptions of South African physicians of PHRs. Physicians with private practices at private hospitals in Port Elizabeth, South Africa were surveyed in order to determine their perceptions towards PHRs. Results indicate perceptions regarding benefits to the physician and the patient, as well as concerns to the physician and the patient. The levels of trust in various potential PHR providers and the potential uses of a PHR for the physician were also explored. The results of the survey were compared with the results of relevant international literature in order to describe the perceptions of physicians towards PHRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating the effectiveness of microcatchments at enhancing transplant performance in Nama-Karoo riparian ecosystem restoration
- Jackson, Andrew St. John, Wigley, Benjamin, Schumann, Bonnie, Currie, Bianca
- Authors: Jackson, Andrew St. John , Wigley, Benjamin , Schumann, Bonnie , Currie, Bianca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Arid regions agriculture , Environmental degradation , Range ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7469 , vital:21782
- Description: Globally agricultural rangelands have been subjected to degradation through over-utilization. The loss of productivity of agricultural rangelands around the world has led to the development of methods to restore the productivity of these areas. In South Africa, extensive areas of the Nama-Karoo have been degraded or transformed due in part to unsustainable agricultural activities. The development of restoration methods which are easily implementable and financially viable could increase the probability of stakeholders implementing restoration activities on privately owned land. The removal of the degrading factor is not sufficient to reverse the degradative trend in dryland environments. Active measures must be implemented to arrest the degradation cascade. The climatic conditions of the rangelands of South Africa are limiting to plant performance and the favourable conditions are sporadic. The translocation of plants should be combined with the amelioration of the local conditions. This study tested the restoration technique of microcatchments in association with plant translocation. The effects of microcatchments and planting combinations which were best suited to the survival and performance of the transplants were determined through a field trail. The results showed that microcatchments created microsites which were conducive to transplant survival and growth, including nutrient accumulation and increased soil moisture. The success of the method was dependent on the planting combination used. Plants which are adapted to inundation and the saline conditions of the site performed better. Plants which were older at the time of translocation had higher survival rates than younger transplants. In the conditions of this site, planting adjacent to the microcatchments was necessary to avoid inundation induced mortalities. The environmental conditions of the Nama-Karoo necessitate the coordination of restoration activities with the predicted favourable conditions in order to improve the success of restoration activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jackson, Andrew St. John , Wigley, Benjamin , Schumann, Bonnie , Currie, Bianca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Arid regions agriculture , Environmental degradation , Range ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7469 , vital:21782
- Description: Globally agricultural rangelands have been subjected to degradation through over-utilization. The loss of productivity of agricultural rangelands around the world has led to the development of methods to restore the productivity of these areas. In South Africa, extensive areas of the Nama-Karoo have been degraded or transformed due in part to unsustainable agricultural activities. The development of restoration methods which are easily implementable and financially viable could increase the probability of stakeholders implementing restoration activities on privately owned land. The removal of the degrading factor is not sufficient to reverse the degradative trend in dryland environments. Active measures must be implemented to arrest the degradation cascade. The climatic conditions of the rangelands of South Africa are limiting to plant performance and the favourable conditions are sporadic. The translocation of plants should be combined with the amelioration of the local conditions. This study tested the restoration technique of microcatchments in association with plant translocation. The effects of microcatchments and planting combinations which were best suited to the survival and performance of the transplants were determined through a field trail. The results showed that microcatchments created microsites which were conducive to transplant survival and growth, including nutrient accumulation and increased soil moisture. The success of the method was dependent on the planting combination used. Plants which are adapted to inundation and the saline conditions of the site performed better. Plants which were older at the time of translocation had higher survival rates than younger transplants. In the conditions of this site, planting adjacent to the microcatchments was necessary to avoid inundation induced mortalities. The environmental conditions of the Nama-Karoo necessitate the coordination of restoration activities with the predicted favourable conditions in order to improve the success of restoration activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The rationale of using standard costing in manufacturing organisations in the Eastern Cape when modern alternatives are available
- Authors: Januarie, Xavier Sebastian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- Accounting , Managerial accounting , Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6838 , vital:21153
- Description: This paper investigates the rationale of using standard costing in modern manufacturing organisations. Researchers argue that standard costing does not easily fit in with the modern idea of continuous improvement. The benefits and limitations of standard costing and other modern alternative approaches in Eastern Cape manufacturing organisations are examined. Furthermore the factors affecting the accuracy of standards are investigated. Lastly, it is concluded that standard costing is used in Eastern Cape manufacturing organisations and those organisations using standard costing have considered the benefits and limitations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Januarie, Xavier Sebastian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- Accounting , Managerial accounting , Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6838 , vital:21153
- Description: This paper investigates the rationale of using standard costing in modern manufacturing organisations. Researchers argue that standard costing does not easily fit in with the modern idea of continuous improvement. The benefits and limitations of standard costing and other modern alternative approaches in Eastern Cape manufacturing organisations are examined. Furthermore the factors affecting the accuracy of standards are investigated. Lastly, it is concluded that standard costing is used in Eastern Cape manufacturing organisations and those organisations using standard costing have considered the benefits and limitations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Factors affecting the role of management accounting in manufacturing organisations in Namibia and in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Kangala, Hendrina
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Managerial accounting -- Namibia , Managerial accounting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8318 , vital:26324
- Description: Manufacturing is one of the important sectors needed to improve the economies of Namibia and South Africa. However, the manufacturing sectors of both countries are not performing as planned. Management accounting is one of the requirements needed for a successful organisation. With the aim of reducing costs, improving decision making, profits and customer satisfaction, the main role of management accounting in manufacturing companies of Namibia and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is to control cost, forecast and budget, make decisions, report internally, improve profits and manage working capital. This study used an online survey to examine the factors that affect the effectiveness of management accounting in executing this role. The findings of the study revealed that management accounting is affected by the external environment, developments in technology and customer satisfaction. It also found that organisational structure, relationships with stakeholders and management accounting reporting were internal factors affecting management accounting. Specific skills like numerical and analytical skills were also identified as important to the role of management accounting. Based on contingency and role theories, this research aims to find those factors which can be controlled to improve the effectiveness of management accounting systems in manufacturing organisations, and as a result improve the success of those organisations on which these systems are contingent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kangala, Hendrina
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Managerial accounting -- Namibia , Managerial accounting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8318 , vital:26324
- Description: Manufacturing is one of the important sectors needed to improve the economies of Namibia and South Africa. However, the manufacturing sectors of both countries are not performing as planned. Management accounting is one of the requirements needed for a successful organisation. With the aim of reducing costs, improving decision making, profits and customer satisfaction, the main role of management accounting in manufacturing companies of Namibia and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is to control cost, forecast and budget, make decisions, report internally, improve profits and manage working capital. This study used an online survey to examine the factors that affect the effectiveness of management accounting in executing this role. The findings of the study revealed that management accounting is affected by the external environment, developments in technology and customer satisfaction. It also found that organisational structure, relationships with stakeholders and management accounting reporting were internal factors affecting management accounting. Specific skills like numerical and analytical skills were also identified as important to the role of management accounting. Based on contingency and role theories, this research aims to find those factors which can be controlled to improve the effectiveness of management accounting systems in manufacturing organisations, and as a result improve the success of those organisations on which these systems are contingent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Scoping of a commercial micro reformer for the production of hydrogen
- Authors: Koorts, Waldo Pieter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Hydrogen as fuel , Fuel processors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8175 , vital:25942
- Description: Hydrogen has gained interest as fuel recently as the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment can no longer be ignored. Hydrogen, which produces no pollutants, forms the feed for cleaner fuel cells systems currently in use. Fuel cells, although not as economically viable as fossil fuels, have found a foothold in the energy market in various markets like power backup and use in remote locations. Production of hydrogen is still largely done via fossil fuel reforming and this technology has received renewed interest for use with fuel cells in the form of micro- reformers or fuel processors. This study entailed the performance benchmarking of a so called Best-in-Class commercial micro reformer (as available in 2010), the 1 kW WS FLOX Reformer, and was undertaken under the auspices of the national HySA programme. The study’s focus was primarily on reformate output quality (carbon monoxide concentration), and start up time, thermal efficiency and hydrogen output (15 SCLM). The reformer consisted of a combustion section encased in an outer reforming section consisting of three reactors in series, steam reforming, water gas shift and selective methanation. As-provided temperature control is simplified though the use of only one temperature setpoint in the combustion chamber and temperature control in the CO clean up stages obtained through means of heat transfer with incoming water being evaporated. Combustion takes place through flame combustion or by means of the supplier’s patented FLOX (flameless oxidation) combustion. The purchased FLOX Reformer assembly was integrated into a fully automated unit with all balance of plant components as well as microGC and flue gas analysis for measurement of outlet conditions. The FLOX Reformer was tested at multiple combustion temperatures, combustion flowrates, reforming loads and steam-to-carbon ratios to obtain a wide set of benchmark data. From the testing it was found that the reformer was able to produce the necessary 15 SCLM hydrogen with a carbon monoxide purity of less than 10 ppm as required in fuel cells for all testing if the reaction temperatures were within the recommended limits. Intermediary water gas shift analysis showed methane and carbon monoxide conversion in the reforming and water gas shift stages to be identical to thermodynamic equilibrium conversion – 95% and higher for all temperatures. iii Selective methanation conversion obtained was 99%, but not always at equilibrium conversion due to increased selective methanation temperatures, where carbon dioxide methanation was also observed at the higher temperatures. Temperature control through heat exchange with incoming water in the CO removal stages was found to be less than ideal as the temperature inside these stages fluctuated dramatically due to inaccuracies in the water pump and a lagged response to flowrate changes. Startup times of less than an hour was observed for multiple combustion flowrates and the reformer boasts a standby function to reduce this to less than half an hour. The thermal efficiency was independently confirmed and tested and found to be higher than 70 % for flame combustion and on par with other commercially available fuel processors. The suppliers trademark FLOX combustion only reaching 65% due to decreased combustion efficiency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Koorts, Waldo Pieter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Hydrogen as fuel , Fuel processors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8175 , vital:25942
- Description: Hydrogen has gained interest as fuel recently as the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment can no longer be ignored. Hydrogen, which produces no pollutants, forms the feed for cleaner fuel cells systems currently in use. Fuel cells, although not as economically viable as fossil fuels, have found a foothold in the energy market in various markets like power backup and use in remote locations. Production of hydrogen is still largely done via fossil fuel reforming and this technology has received renewed interest for use with fuel cells in the form of micro- reformers or fuel processors. This study entailed the performance benchmarking of a so called Best-in-Class commercial micro reformer (as available in 2010), the 1 kW WS FLOX Reformer, and was undertaken under the auspices of the national HySA programme. The study’s focus was primarily on reformate output quality (carbon monoxide concentration), and start up time, thermal efficiency and hydrogen output (15 SCLM). The reformer consisted of a combustion section encased in an outer reforming section consisting of three reactors in series, steam reforming, water gas shift and selective methanation. As-provided temperature control is simplified though the use of only one temperature setpoint in the combustion chamber and temperature control in the CO clean up stages obtained through means of heat transfer with incoming water being evaporated. Combustion takes place through flame combustion or by means of the supplier’s patented FLOX (flameless oxidation) combustion. The purchased FLOX Reformer assembly was integrated into a fully automated unit with all balance of plant components as well as microGC and flue gas analysis for measurement of outlet conditions. The FLOX Reformer was tested at multiple combustion temperatures, combustion flowrates, reforming loads and steam-to-carbon ratios to obtain a wide set of benchmark data. From the testing it was found that the reformer was able to produce the necessary 15 SCLM hydrogen with a carbon monoxide purity of less than 10 ppm as required in fuel cells for all testing if the reaction temperatures were within the recommended limits. Intermediary water gas shift analysis showed methane and carbon monoxide conversion in the reforming and water gas shift stages to be identical to thermodynamic equilibrium conversion – 95% and higher for all temperatures. iii Selective methanation conversion obtained was 99%, but not always at equilibrium conversion due to increased selective methanation temperatures, where carbon dioxide methanation was also observed at the higher temperatures. Temperature control through heat exchange with incoming water in the CO removal stages was found to be less than ideal as the temperature inside these stages fluctuated dramatically due to inaccuracies in the water pump and a lagged response to flowrate changes. Startup times of less than an hour was observed for multiple combustion flowrates and the reformer boasts a standby function to reduce this to less than half an hour. The thermal efficiency was independently confirmed and tested and found to be higher than 70 % for flame combustion and on par with other commercially available fuel processors. The suppliers trademark FLOX combustion only reaching 65% due to decreased combustion efficiency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The drivers of customer satisfaction at National Dairy Equipment (NDE)
- Authors: Laubscher, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction Quality of products , SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13085 , vital:27150
- Description: National Dairy Equipment (Pty) Ltd (NDE) is a privately owned stockist and distributor of stainless steel products and is a respected player in the South African stainless steel industry. NDE operates from within all four major cities in South Africa namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The organisation, with its wide range of corrosion resistant products, serves industries such as the architecture and construction, automotive, catering, and food and beverage industry. With the stainless steel industry growing in terms of the number of competitors, NDE performs a number of functions in order to achieve customer satisfaction. The general purpose of the study was to indentify the attributes that would act as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Five attributes were identified namely, Service quality, Trust and commitment, Product quality, Commercial aspects and Reliability. The results of this study could assist managers at NDE in improving service delivery to customers. The literature study provided an overview of overall customer satisfaction and possible measurement models for customer satisfaction. Measurement models included, SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Two-factor theory, the Kano model and the Three-factor model. The latter proved to be of particular importance to the study as the model was used to classify the identified drivers into basic, performance and excitement factors. Furthermore, a literature review was provided based on each of the identified potential drivers of customer satisfaction. The empirical data needed to complete the study was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by sales representatives at NDE. A total of 320 useable questionnaires were received. The study revealed the following: each of the five proposed attributes had a positive relationship with overall customer satisfaction,thus all five attributes were confirmed as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Commercial aspects and Reliability were classified as basic satisfiers. Trust and commitment was classified as a performance satisfier, and Service quality was identified as the only excitement satisfier. Product quality did not receive any classification. All importance mean scores were higher than the corresponding satisfaction mean scores. This study contributed to the existing body of literature and is seemingly the first of its kind in the South African stainless steel industry. The study is also the first to attempt the measurement of overall customer satisfaction levels at NDE. The methodology used in the current study can be applied to stainless steel industries internationally, in order to verify whether the confirmed drivers would also act as drivers of satisfaction in a similar industry elsewhere in the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Laubscher, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction Quality of products , SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13085 , vital:27150
- Description: National Dairy Equipment (Pty) Ltd (NDE) is a privately owned stockist and distributor of stainless steel products and is a respected player in the South African stainless steel industry. NDE operates from within all four major cities in South Africa namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The organisation, with its wide range of corrosion resistant products, serves industries such as the architecture and construction, automotive, catering, and food and beverage industry. With the stainless steel industry growing in terms of the number of competitors, NDE performs a number of functions in order to achieve customer satisfaction. The general purpose of the study was to indentify the attributes that would act as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Five attributes were identified namely, Service quality, Trust and commitment, Product quality, Commercial aspects and Reliability. The results of this study could assist managers at NDE in improving service delivery to customers. The literature study provided an overview of overall customer satisfaction and possible measurement models for customer satisfaction. Measurement models included, SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Two-factor theory, the Kano model and the Three-factor model. The latter proved to be of particular importance to the study as the model was used to classify the identified drivers into basic, performance and excitement factors. Furthermore, a literature review was provided based on each of the identified potential drivers of customer satisfaction. The empirical data needed to complete the study was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by sales representatives at NDE. A total of 320 useable questionnaires were received. The study revealed the following: each of the five proposed attributes had a positive relationship with overall customer satisfaction,thus all five attributes were confirmed as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Commercial aspects and Reliability were classified as basic satisfiers. Trust and commitment was classified as a performance satisfier, and Service quality was identified as the only excitement satisfier. Product quality did not receive any classification. All importance mean scores were higher than the corresponding satisfaction mean scores. This study contributed to the existing body of literature and is seemingly the first of its kind in the South African stainless steel industry. The study is also the first to attempt the measurement of overall customer satisfaction levels at NDE. The methodology used in the current study can be applied to stainless steel industries internationally, in order to verify whether the confirmed drivers would also act as drivers of satisfaction in a similar industry elsewhere in the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
User experience factors for mobile banking adoption: South African case study
- Authors: Louw, Jacques Gerrit
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39207 , vital:35059
- Description: Smartphone devices are driving the transformation of online banking to satisfy the needs and desires of the consumer. This has led South African commercial banks to launch mobile banking applications on smartphones to enhance the growth of the economy and to provide more opportunities to improve the deprived sector of the economy, at acceptable rates. Moreover, opportunities exist for revenue growth, such as the delivery of greater real-time access to products and the offering of a wide variety of banking services. South African commercial banks could realise opportunities for economical and revenue growth should they focus on specific criteria that could enhance mobile banking adoption. Such criteria could not until recently, be realised by commercial banks in South Africa as the adoption rate of mobile banking remained low at 9%. Numerous South African studies have attempted to determine factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. There is, however, a lack of South African studies attempting to identify user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product, to perform a specific task in a specific environment. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. Consequently, the importance of designing for a positive user experience opens up the potential for identifying potential user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The user experience factors identified in this study infer their components from the user experience aspect of persuasive design and its elements, namely persuasion and trust, that led to the emergence of scarcity, reciprocation and security factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. A case study was employed to confirm the factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The findings from the case study and the extensive literature review culminated in a set of user experience factors that in future could enhance the adoption of mobile banking in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Louw, Jacques Gerrit
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39207 , vital:35059
- Description: Smartphone devices are driving the transformation of online banking to satisfy the needs and desires of the consumer. This has led South African commercial banks to launch mobile banking applications on smartphones to enhance the growth of the economy and to provide more opportunities to improve the deprived sector of the economy, at acceptable rates. Moreover, opportunities exist for revenue growth, such as the delivery of greater real-time access to products and the offering of a wide variety of banking services. South African commercial banks could realise opportunities for economical and revenue growth should they focus on specific criteria that could enhance mobile banking adoption. Such criteria could not until recently, be realised by commercial banks in South Africa as the adoption rate of mobile banking remained low at 9%. Numerous South African studies have attempted to determine factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. There is, however, a lack of South African studies attempting to identify user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product, to perform a specific task in a specific environment. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. Consequently, the importance of designing for a positive user experience opens up the potential for identifying potential user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The user experience factors identified in this study infer their components from the user experience aspect of persuasive design and its elements, namely persuasion and trust, that led to the emergence of scarcity, reciprocation and security factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. A case study was employed to confirm the factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The findings from the case study and the extensive literature review culminated in a set of user experience factors that in future could enhance the adoption of mobile banking in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Factors that influence the sustainability of rural crop production community projects in the Umzimvubu District
- Authors: Majiki, Fezeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8089 , vital:24991
- Description: Maize production is the main cropping activity in the Umzimvubu district. This cereal crop is the staple food for the Eastern Cape’s rural communities and accounts for nearly 95 per cent of the crops cultivated in dry-land cropping programmes. Food security in rural areas has been a major concern for the South African government. In attempts to mitigate hunger and poverty, the government has initiated rural development maize production projects. The primary objectives of the projects were to achieve sustainable livelihoods and rural development for the poor. The projects were expected to improve the quality of rural life and provide basic nutritional requirements of the community. Historically the rural poor have had to fend for themselves through subsistence farming in adverse environments. Input costs for farming have become increasingly expensive; this resulted in major challenges for subsistence farming. The crop production projects initiated in the Umzimvubu district have not been sustainable and have fallen short of addressing the needs of the various communities. The study aims to identify the factors that influence the sustainability of the crop production projects in the Umzimvubu district. A triangulation research method was used to provide multiple viewpoints to examine the data; this allows for greater accuracy of the research. The mixed method approach in which the researcher collects and analyses data integrates the findings and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The quantitative research methodology provided the demographics and biographical data on the participants. The qualitative research methodology concentrated on the focus group discussions that gave an insight into the participants' views, perceptions and concerns. Focus groups were used to examine the factors influencing the sustain-ability of the projects and to explore how these projects are perceived and under-stood by the community and people working on the projects. The research interest is not only in what the project beneficiaries think, but also in why they think as they do. The main data collection was obtained from the focus groups and individual face-to-face interviews with the beneficiaries of the crop projects in the Umzimvubu district. It was found that the farming areas required rehabilitation, were susceptible to erosion and degradation, and lacked adequate land use practices. The beneficiaries of the cropping programmes had small amounts of other crops growing in their individual household gardens for household use in conjunction with the maize received from the maize programmes. The income made from selling maize from the programmes was insignificant and did not contribute substantially to the household needs, as the communities in these projects were still failing to secure adequate food requirements. The maize yields do not substantiate the monetary investment from the beneficiaries. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the beneficiaries do not receive consistent income from the programmes. The participants consisted of large households comprising mainly elderly people who depended on social grants as a regular source of income. These elderly were burdened with taking care of their grandchildren, whose parents were employed in either urban areas or unemployed and formed part of the household. The unemployed young adults also depended on child support grants for income. The maize harvested had to be shared between a large number of community members and the livestock. The findings also suggested that there was dependency on outside contractors for cultivation and other practices. The study found that most of the beneficiaries felt disempowered, as they had not been involved in the decision-making process. Furthermore, policy-makers failed to acknowledge existing indigenous knowledge and practices of the rural communities (i.e. inter-cropping and green mealie harvesting). Indigenous practices should be included into the programmes instead of compelling beneficiaries to adhere to new forms of cultivation. The communities introduction to new large-scale and challenging, highly technological methods resulted in most of the communities being fully dependent on government support and guidance. Training and the empowerment of beneficiaries are imperative. Rural people should be included in development of strategies and the role of the women should be given more recognition. It should be acknowledged that rural households are diverse and that the model cannot apply to each village or community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Majiki, Fezeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8089 , vital:24991
- Description: Maize production is the main cropping activity in the Umzimvubu district. This cereal crop is the staple food for the Eastern Cape’s rural communities and accounts for nearly 95 per cent of the crops cultivated in dry-land cropping programmes. Food security in rural areas has been a major concern for the South African government. In attempts to mitigate hunger and poverty, the government has initiated rural development maize production projects. The primary objectives of the projects were to achieve sustainable livelihoods and rural development for the poor. The projects were expected to improve the quality of rural life and provide basic nutritional requirements of the community. Historically the rural poor have had to fend for themselves through subsistence farming in adverse environments. Input costs for farming have become increasingly expensive; this resulted in major challenges for subsistence farming. The crop production projects initiated in the Umzimvubu district have not been sustainable and have fallen short of addressing the needs of the various communities. The study aims to identify the factors that influence the sustainability of the crop production projects in the Umzimvubu district. A triangulation research method was used to provide multiple viewpoints to examine the data; this allows for greater accuracy of the research. The mixed method approach in which the researcher collects and analyses data integrates the findings and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The quantitative research methodology provided the demographics and biographical data on the participants. The qualitative research methodology concentrated on the focus group discussions that gave an insight into the participants' views, perceptions and concerns. Focus groups were used to examine the factors influencing the sustain-ability of the projects and to explore how these projects are perceived and under-stood by the community and people working on the projects. The research interest is not only in what the project beneficiaries think, but also in why they think as they do. The main data collection was obtained from the focus groups and individual face-to-face interviews with the beneficiaries of the crop projects in the Umzimvubu district. It was found that the farming areas required rehabilitation, were susceptible to erosion and degradation, and lacked adequate land use practices. The beneficiaries of the cropping programmes had small amounts of other crops growing in their individual household gardens for household use in conjunction with the maize received from the maize programmes. The income made from selling maize from the programmes was insignificant and did not contribute substantially to the household needs, as the communities in these projects were still failing to secure adequate food requirements. The maize yields do not substantiate the monetary investment from the beneficiaries. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the beneficiaries do not receive consistent income from the programmes. The participants consisted of large households comprising mainly elderly people who depended on social grants as a regular source of income. These elderly were burdened with taking care of their grandchildren, whose parents were employed in either urban areas or unemployed and formed part of the household. The unemployed young adults also depended on child support grants for income. The maize harvested had to be shared between a large number of community members and the livestock. The findings also suggested that there was dependency on outside contractors for cultivation and other practices. The study found that most of the beneficiaries felt disempowered, as they had not been involved in the decision-making process. Furthermore, policy-makers failed to acknowledge existing indigenous knowledge and practices of the rural communities (i.e. inter-cropping and green mealie harvesting). Indigenous practices should be included into the programmes instead of compelling beneficiaries to adhere to new forms of cultivation. The communities introduction to new large-scale and challenging, highly technological methods resulted in most of the communities being fully dependent on government support and guidance. Training and the empowerment of beneficiaries are imperative. Rural people should be included in development of strategies and the role of the women should be given more recognition. It should be acknowledged that rural households are diverse and that the model cannot apply to each village or community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Urban agriculture and access to microfinance in Snake Park, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Makoni, Charmaine Tafadzwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe -- Finance , Economic development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8099 , vital:24993
- Description: The role that urban farming plays in the food supply of cities and towns to compliment rural agriculture is increasingly gaining traction. In Zimbabwe, urban agriculture has equally become an important contributor of urban food, particularly for low income households. Urban agriculture is increasingly being viewed as a viable measure to ameliorate urban food insecurity. In spite of the important role it serves in the urban landscape, it is yet to attain political legitimacy and more importantly to gain recognition from the formal financial economy. This in turn has limited the contribution that the urban agriculture can make towards poverty alleviation and inequality for the urban poor. Access to finance and lines of credit for the urban poor can have a significant impact towards not only their agricultural productivity but also their ability to weather economic shocks. This study therefore sought to investigate factors that limit access of small scale urban farmers to agricultural microcredit. The findings of this study are derived from qualitative and quantitative data collected from small scale urban farmers in Snake Park and key informant interviews conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study establishes that the lack of information on credit opportunities, loan apathy and too high interest rates were some of the reasons divulged by farmers in not seeking credit from financial institutions. The results reveal that married women have an added constraint to accessing finance by virtue of husband being head of the house, mean that they hold power to cede assets as collateral. The findings from the financial institution indicated that though the majority of firms focused on large scale commercial farming ventures, some did offer microcredit for small scale urban farmers. The results also showed that though collateral facilitated access to credit and finance for urban agriculture, proven business record, group solidarity (a form of guarantee) and character were equally important. The study recommends amongst others that farmers form groups and embark on savings schemes. Added to this, bankers and farmer associations need to meet to arrive at realistic forms of security for small loans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Makoni, Charmaine Tafadzwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe -- Finance , Economic development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8099 , vital:24993
- Description: The role that urban farming plays in the food supply of cities and towns to compliment rural agriculture is increasingly gaining traction. In Zimbabwe, urban agriculture has equally become an important contributor of urban food, particularly for low income households. Urban agriculture is increasingly being viewed as a viable measure to ameliorate urban food insecurity. In spite of the important role it serves in the urban landscape, it is yet to attain political legitimacy and more importantly to gain recognition from the formal financial economy. This in turn has limited the contribution that the urban agriculture can make towards poverty alleviation and inequality for the urban poor. Access to finance and lines of credit for the urban poor can have a significant impact towards not only their agricultural productivity but also their ability to weather economic shocks. This study therefore sought to investigate factors that limit access of small scale urban farmers to agricultural microcredit. The findings of this study are derived from qualitative and quantitative data collected from small scale urban farmers in Snake Park and key informant interviews conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study establishes that the lack of information on credit opportunities, loan apathy and too high interest rates were some of the reasons divulged by farmers in not seeking credit from financial institutions. The results reveal that married women have an added constraint to accessing finance by virtue of husband being head of the house, mean that they hold power to cede assets as collateral. The findings from the financial institution indicated that though the majority of firms focused on large scale commercial farming ventures, some did offer microcredit for small scale urban farmers. The results also showed that though collateral facilitated access to credit and finance for urban agriculture, proven business record, group solidarity (a form of guarantee) and character were equally important. The study recommends amongst others that farmers form groups and embark on savings schemes. Added to this, bankers and farmer associations need to meet to arrive at realistic forms of security for small loans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Perceptions and practices of small-scale piggery farmers towards animal welfare in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Maqhajana, Mzwanele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Animal welfare -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8079 , vital:24719
- Description: There has been an increasing concern about animal welfare in small-scale farming as the farmers' agricultural practices shift towards intensive agriculture. It has become important to comprehend how small-scale farmers perceive and practice animal welfare relative to production and market integration. To solve the research problem, the research emphasis was on assessing the following practices; procedures adopted by the small-scale farmers, welfare levels verses industry equirements for market integration; determinants affecting small-scale perceptions and attitudes towards animal welfare and how has animal welfare affected farm development and production. The research focus for this study was to investigate the linkage between perceptions and this process. In order to achieve a more in-depth understanding of the study while also ensuring its validity and correctness a triangulation research method was applied, which consisted of a quantitative and qualitative method approach. The focus groups and structured research interview questions were used as the main data collections instruments. The study consisted of sixty-two piggery small-scale farmers from three areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole. The study found that there was a disparity between the perceptions and practice of small-scale farmers. Farmers perceived their practices as acceptable. However, on most of the farms the pigs were farmed in an unhygienic environment, had limited handling facilities, the farmers had unconventional methods to handle the pigs; there was poor support from technical services, many of the farmers never administered animal welfare evaluations and applied questionable feeding practices. The study also indicated that less than 15% had suitable facilities to accommodate suitable reproduction and piglet care. The researcher recommended the following interventions to improve animal welfare approaches with small-scale farmers in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole: Training and information campaigns to improve small-scale piggery farmers' perception and knowledge of animal welfare, as well as market standards and requirements. Strengthening the relationship between the small-scale piggery farmers and animal welfare stakeholders. Including active engagement between small scale piggery farmers and the Department of Rural Development, Agrarian Reform and Urban Agriculture Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Encouraging farmers to strive for stronger markets to facilitate better income and care of animals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Maqhajana, Mzwanele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Animal welfare -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8079 , vital:24719
- Description: There has been an increasing concern about animal welfare in small-scale farming as the farmers' agricultural practices shift towards intensive agriculture. It has become important to comprehend how small-scale farmers perceive and practice animal welfare relative to production and market integration. To solve the research problem, the research emphasis was on assessing the following practices; procedures adopted by the small-scale farmers, welfare levels verses industry equirements for market integration; determinants affecting small-scale perceptions and attitudes towards animal welfare and how has animal welfare affected farm development and production. The research focus for this study was to investigate the linkage between perceptions and this process. In order to achieve a more in-depth understanding of the study while also ensuring its validity and correctness a triangulation research method was applied, which consisted of a quantitative and qualitative method approach. The focus groups and structured research interview questions were used as the main data collections instruments. The study consisted of sixty-two piggery small-scale farmers from three areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole. The study found that there was a disparity between the perceptions and practice of small-scale farmers. Farmers perceived their practices as acceptable. However, on most of the farms the pigs were farmed in an unhygienic environment, had limited handling facilities, the farmers had unconventional methods to handle the pigs; there was poor support from technical services, many of the farmers never administered animal welfare evaluations and applied questionable feeding practices. The study also indicated that less than 15% had suitable facilities to accommodate suitable reproduction and piglet care. The researcher recommended the following interventions to improve animal welfare approaches with small-scale farmers in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole: Training and information campaigns to improve small-scale piggery farmers' perception and knowledge of animal welfare, as well as market standards and requirements. Strengthening the relationship between the small-scale piggery farmers and animal welfare stakeholders. Including active engagement between small scale piggery farmers and the Department of Rural Development, Agrarian Reform and Urban Agriculture Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Encouraging farmers to strive for stronger markets to facilitate better income and care of animals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Biological activities of selected South African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections
- Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016