Assessment of soil erosion based on clustered geoinformatics approaches: a case study of Tyume River Catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Mbatyoti, Siyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9736-5684
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Siyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9736-5684
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Soil erosion , Geoinformatics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22852 , vital:52969
- Description: This research centres on the holistic assessments of spatial and temporal dimensions of soil erosion zones based on the parameters of geomorphometry, hydro-statistics, and land use/cover dynamics. The study used a case study approach based on a clustered framework model of soil erosion parameters in the Tyume River basin in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The methods adopted for the investigation are, namely; non-parametric time-series assessment of streamflow dataset, semidecadal assessment of land use/cover (LU/C) dynamics, geospatial analysis of geomorphometric variables, vulnerability analysis of soil erosion zones, regression analysis of determination coefficient, and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The delineation of soil erosion zones was based on the integrated analysis of the parameters of geomorphometry, geology, hydrology, and land use/ cover. The result of the hydro-statistical analysis of the Tyume River reports a major decline in the inter-annual regime frequency of storm flow based on the Mann- Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope assessment in 1992 (p-value = 0.031), 1997 (p-value = 0.045), 2003 (p-value = 0.021), 2008 (p-value = 0.003), and 2016 (p-value = 0.002). The MK test depicted a recurrence of peak streamflow acceleration in every three years based on low-flow and highflow transition. The sensitivity of LU/C to temporal dynamics of streamflow trends shown by the coefficient of correlation of trends of the LU/C water bodies with streamflow semi-decadal acceleration indicates a moderately relevant relationship, R = 0.76. The temporal analysis of LU/C and hydro-statistical analysis shows that the Tyume basin was highly vulnerable to soil erosion by water in 1999, 2009, and 2019. The vulnerability of the Tyume River basin in 2019 is exceptional and this is due to the conversion of forested area (woodland) into a built-up environment and farmland, with a high vulnerability in 2019 due to the slump in the rate of change of woodland and precipitation, and the increase in the rate of built-up and agricultural activities. The soil erosion vulnerability mapping divides the river basin into the critical high, high, moderate, low, nonvulnerable zones that cover 40 km2, 135 km2, 209 km2, and 186 km2 respectively. Regression analysis shows that the areas of soil erosion in the Tyume basin are moderately represented by the model (R2 = 56) while the model performance assessment based on success rate and prediction rate estimation from the area under the ROC curve shows that the model is good, Area Under Curve of the ROC = 0.899, and 0.897. The analysis suggests that soil erosion is driven by the impact of land use/land cover change, particularly in areas of high drainage density. Significantly, high vegetation density played a vital role in lowering high-flow on the hill-slope and low topographic wetness area as well as in areas with erodible geologic properties. The study, therefore, recommends the advocacy of crop rotation method of agricultural practice in the highly critical areas of soil erosion and recommends the development of riparian forests around the Tyume River. The study provides important information for environmental stakeholders on degradable areas which may require the urgent implementation of sustainable development measures. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Siyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9736-5684
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Soil erosion , Geoinformatics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22852 , vital:52969
- Description: This research centres on the holistic assessments of spatial and temporal dimensions of soil erosion zones based on the parameters of geomorphometry, hydro-statistics, and land use/cover dynamics. The study used a case study approach based on a clustered framework model of soil erosion parameters in the Tyume River basin in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The methods adopted for the investigation are, namely; non-parametric time-series assessment of streamflow dataset, semidecadal assessment of land use/cover (LU/C) dynamics, geospatial analysis of geomorphometric variables, vulnerability analysis of soil erosion zones, regression analysis of determination coefficient, and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The delineation of soil erosion zones was based on the integrated analysis of the parameters of geomorphometry, geology, hydrology, and land use/ cover. The result of the hydro-statistical analysis of the Tyume River reports a major decline in the inter-annual regime frequency of storm flow based on the Mann- Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope assessment in 1992 (p-value = 0.031), 1997 (p-value = 0.045), 2003 (p-value = 0.021), 2008 (p-value = 0.003), and 2016 (p-value = 0.002). The MK test depicted a recurrence of peak streamflow acceleration in every three years based on low-flow and highflow transition. The sensitivity of LU/C to temporal dynamics of streamflow trends shown by the coefficient of correlation of trends of the LU/C water bodies with streamflow semi-decadal acceleration indicates a moderately relevant relationship, R = 0.76. The temporal analysis of LU/C and hydro-statistical analysis shows that the Tyume basin was highly vulnerable to soil erosion by water in 1999, 2009, and 2019. The vulnerability of the Tyume River basin in 2019 is exceptional and this is due to the conversion of forested area (woodland) into a built-up environment and farmland, with a high vulnerability in 2019 due to the slump in the rate of change of woodland and precipitation, and the increase in the rate of built-up and agricultural activities. The soil erosion vulnerability mapping divides the river basin into the critical high, high, moderate, low, nonvulnerable zones that cover 40 km2, 135 km2, 209 km2, and 186 km2 respectively. Regression analysis shows that the areas of soil erosion in the Tyume basin are moderately represented by the model (R2 = 56) while the model performance assessment based on success rate and prediction rate estimation from the area under the ROC curve shows that the model is good, Area Under Curve of the ROC = 0.899, and 0.897. The analysis suggests that soil erosion is driven by the impact of land use/land cover change, particularly in areas of high drainage density. Significantly, high vegetation density played a vital role in lowering high-flow on the hill-slope and low topographic wetness area as well as in areas with erodible geologic properties. The study, therefore, recommends the advocacy of crop rotation method of agricultural practice in the highly critical areas of soil erosion and recommends the development of riparian forests around the Tyume River. The study provides important information for environmental stakeholders on degradable areas which may require the urgent implementation of sustainable development measures. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investments into the Southern African Development Community Region: The case of financial sector development, institutional quality and financial openness
- Authors: Makalima, Sisonke
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa , International finance , Monetary policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21954 , vital:51855
- Description: The SADC region is a 15-member states grouping. Countries in the region have experienced low growth coupled with high levels of poverty and inequality. Attracting FDI to the region has been top priority. However, much is still to be realised. The study employed the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Empirical results show that financial sector development and financial openness are important determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The results also showed that institutional quality is also a very important variable in determining the inflow of FDI, even though its effect is conditional on financial sector development and financial openness. These results imply that countries with good institutional framework, as well as a developed financial sector and are financially open tend to attract more capital inflows in the form of FDI, thereby creating adequate conditions to boost private sector and investment abroad. Countries in the SADC region should therefore pursue policies which are aimed at improving the institutional framework, the level of financial sector development and further enhance the openness of their financial openness. , Thesis (MCom,) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Makalima, Sisonke
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa , International finance , Monetary policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21954 , vital:51855
- Description: The SADC region is a 15-member states grouping. Countries in the region have experienced low growth coupled with high levels of poverty and inequality. Attracting FDI to the region has been top priority. However, much is still to be realised. The study employed the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Empirical results show that financial sector development and financial openness are important determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The results also showed that institutional quality is also a very important variable in determining the inflow of FDI, even though its effect is conditional on financial sector development and financial openness. These results imply that countries with good institutional framework, as well as a developed financial sector and are financially open tend to attract more capital inflows in the form of FDI, thereby creating adequate conditions to boost private sector and investment abroad. Countries in the SADC region should therefore pursue policies which are aimed at improving the institutional framework, the level of financial sector development and further enhance the openness of their financial openness. , Thesis (MCom,) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Determinants of foreign direct investments into the Southern African Development Community Region: the case of financial sector development, institutional quality and financial openness.
- Authors: Makalima, Sisonke
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign (International law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21948 , vital:51856
- Description: The SADC region is a 15-member states grouping. Countries in the region have experienced low growth coupled with high levels of poverty and inequality. Attracting FDI to the region has been top priority. However, much is still to be realised. The study employed the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Empirical results show that financial sector development and financial openness are important determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The results also showed that institutional quality is also a very important variable in determining the inflow of FDI, even though its effect is conditional on financial sector development and financial openness. These results imply that countries with good institutional framework, as well as a developed financial sector and are financially open tend to attract more capital inflows in the form of FDI, thereby creating adequate conditions to boost private sector and investment abroad. Countries in the SADC region should therefore pursue policies which are aimed at improving the institutional framework, the level of financial sector development and further enhance the openness of their financial openness. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Makalima, Sisonke
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign (International law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21948 , vital:51856
- Description: The SADC region is a 15-member states grouping. Countries in the region have experienced low growth coupled with high levels of poverty and inequality. Attracting FDI to the region has been top priority. However, much is still to be realised. The study employed the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Empirical results show that financial sector development and financial openness are important determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The results also showed that institutional quality is also a very important variable in determining the inflow of FDI, even though its effect is conditional on financial sector development and financial openness. These results imply that countries with good institutional framework, as well as a developed financial sector and are financially open tend to attract more capital inflows in the form of FDI, thereby creating adequate conditions to boost private sector and investment abroad. Countries in the SADC region should therefore pursue policies which are aimed at improving the institutional framework, the level of financial sector development and further enhance the openness of their financial openness. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Disquieting high school learners’ indiscipline behaviour: A systematic review exploring the impact of learner indiscipline on learning and teacher’s impetus
- Vuyolwetu Soni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7306-0368
- Authors: Vuyolwetu Soni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7306-0368
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: High school students -- Conduct of life , School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23829 , vital:60913
- Description: High school teachers in South Africa have been voicing out their distress to the government, caused by the indiscipline of learners. The indiscipline became evident after the South African government scrapped punitive behaviour modification methods such as corporal punishment. Although the government had introduced alternative forms of behaviour modification, the teachers still maintain that these are not effective hence the rife indiscipline behaviour among high school learners. This study reviewed 14 articles on the impact of the alternative forms of punishment on high school learners’ indiscipline and the teachers’ motivation. Further, the studies highlight several factors involved in developing the learners’ indiscipline. This review indicates that high school learners’ indiscipline continues to be rife in South African schools and negatively affects high school teachers’ motivation. This is regardless of the government's introduction of alternative forms of punishment. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Vuyolwetu Soni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7306-0368
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: High school students -- Conduct of life , School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23829 , vital:60913
- Description: High school teachers in South Africa have been voicing out their distress to the government, caused by the indiscipline of learners. The indiscipline became evident after the South African government scrapped punitive behaviour modification methods such as corporal punishment. Although the government had introduced alternative forms of behaviour modification, the teachers still maintain that these are not effective hence the rife indiscipline behaviour among high school learners. This study reviewed 14 articles on the impact of the alternative forms of punishment on high school learners’ indiscipline and the teachers’ motivation. Further, the studies highlight several factors involved in developing the learners’ indiscipline. This review indicates that high school learners’ indiscipline continues to be rife in South African schools and negatively affects high school teachers’ motivation. This is regardless of the government's introduction of alternative forms of punishment. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Effectiveness of Government-Wide Monitoring and Evaluation system: case of the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Poti, Mthetheleli
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness--Evaluation. , Employees--Rating of. , Public administration--Evaluation.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22312 , vital:52018
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation have gained popularity due to the rising demand for the public sector to enhance both policy and project outcomes. A rising number of countries are pursuing outcomes orientation by establishing and enhancing their government's monitoring and evaluation system. The researcher discovered that the E.C DEDEAT lacks a thorough mechanism for monitoring and evaluating government performance and the effect of service delivery. As a result, the researcher set out to investigate the implementation of the GWM&E system. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data, and a content analysis was adopted to analyze data. The study revealed that South Africa had set various legislative frameworks to support monitoring and evaluation. There is a significant shift from traditional methods of accountability towards public sector monitoring and evaluation. While this is true, the study also found out that monitoring systems are still faced with various challenges within the department. Lastly, the study proffered recommendations on how public sector monitoring and evaluation can be enhanced. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Poti, Mthetheleli
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness--Evaluation. , Employees--Rating of. , Public administration--Evaluation.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22312 , vital:52018
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation have gained popularity due to the rising demand for the public sector to enhance both policy and project outcomes. A rising number of countries are pursuing outcomes orientation by establishing and enhancing their government's monitoring and evaluation system. The researcher discovered that the E.C DEDEAT lacks a thorough mechanism for monitoring and evaluating government performance and the effect of service delivery. As a result, the researcher set out to investigate the implementation of the GWM&E system. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data, and a content analysis was adopted to analyze data. The study revealed that South Africa had set various legislative frameworks to support monitoring and evaluation. There is a significant shift from traditional methods of accountability towards public sector monitoring and evaluation. While this is true, the study also found out that monitoring systems are still faced with various challenges within the department. Lastly, the study proffered recommendations on how public sector monitoring and evaluation can be enhanced. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Effects of climatic variability on maize productivity in South Africa from 1937-2018
- Awum Awum, Rudin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8740-6163
- Authors: Awum Awum, Rudin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8740-6163
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Crops and climate , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21410 , vital:48576
- Description: Climate is an important factor in agricultural production. The world is facing climate change and variability, which result in high temperatures, low rainfall patterns, shortage of water and persistent droughts. Climate change poses a significant threat to South Africa’s water resources, food security, health, infrastructure, ecosystem services and biodiversity. Negative impacts of climate variability on agriculture, especially on maize the staple crop, will worsen the food security status of the nation as most of South Africa’s maize crop is produced in summer and highly depends on rainfall. This study attempted to assess the impact of climate on maize production in South Africa using secondary time series data for the period 1937 to 2018. Rainfall and temperature were used as proxies for climate variability. The Granger Causality Model was used to examine the causal linkages between climatic variables (temperature or rainfall) and maize output in South Africa for the study period. The major outcome of the analysis was that there is a two-way causal relationship between maize production and temperature. The results also indicated that there is uni-directional causality between maize yield and rainfall. Furthermore, the Variance Decomposition Model was used to forecast the relationship between climatic elements and maize production in South Africa. The result showed that all variables have an effect on maize yield, with temperature having the least effect. The last objective of the study was to profile the maize output trend for the period from 1937 to 2018. The main findings from the analysis indicate that maize production in South Africa has a general upward slope. The study recommends that the government should intensify the provision of irrigation systems for the farmers in the most vulnerable areas to mitigate the climate change. Government should also embark on massive campaigns using a variety of media to create the needed public awareness on climate change and its impact on food security. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Awum Awum, Rudin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8740-6163
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Crops and climate , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21410 , vital:48576
- Description: Climate is an important factor in agricultural production. The world is facing climate change and variability, which result in high temperatures, low rainfall patterns, shortage of water and persistent droughts. Climate change poses a significant threat to South Africa’s water resources, food security, health, infrastructure, ecosystem services and biodiversity. Negative impacts of climate variability on agriculture, especially on maize the staple crop, will worsen the food security status of the nation as most of South Africa’s maize crop is produced in summer and highly depends on rainfall. This study attempted to assess the impact of climate on maize production in South Africa using secondary time series data for the period 1937 to 2018. Rainfall and temperature were used as proxies for climate variability. The Granger Causality Model was used to examine the causal linkages between climatic variables (temperature or rainfall) and maize output in South Africa for the study period. The major outcome of the analysis was that there is a two-way causal relationship between maize production and temperature. The results also indicated that there is uni-directional causality between maize yield and rainfall. Furthermore, the Variance Decomposition Model was used to forecast the relationship between climatic elements and maize production in South Africa. The result showed that all variables have an effect on maize yield, with temperature having the least effect. The last objective of the study was to profile the maize output trend for the period from 1937 to 2018. The main findings from the analysis indicate that maize production in South Africa has a general upward slope. The study recommends that the government should intensify the provision of irrigation systems for the farmers in the most vulnerable areas to mitigate the climate change. Government should also embark on massive campaigns using a variety of media to create the needed public awareness on climate change and its impact on food security. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Experiences of midwives regarding the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain interventions in Lejweleputswa District in Free State
- Parkies, Limakatso Elizabeth
- Authors: Parkies, Limakatso Elizabeth
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Pharmacology , Anesthesia in obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23567 , vital:58166
- Description: Due to the disabling effects of severe labour pains, labour pain management remains an important topic in midwifery and needs to be reviewed more often. According to studies, various pain relief options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are available to help women cope with pain, but midwives did not employ these techniques adequately because of various experiences. Studies further indicate that, though the limited number of these techniques were employed they were not effective on some women. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to explore and describe midwives’ experiences on pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain management in the Lejweleputswa District of the Free State Province. This study employed a qualitative, descriptive, explorative, and contextual design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The target population was midwives who work in the maternity wards of the institutions under study with three to five years’ experience in midwifery. Individual, face-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted; these were recorded for the researcher’s reference purposes, so as not to overlook important information. In addition, the researcher made use of field notes, recording in them what was heard, observed, felt, experienced, and thought during the interview. Ethical principles and trustworthiness were maintained throughout this study. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured throughout the interviews. The nine themes and 19 sub-themes that emerged during data analysis were discussed comprehensively. The findings indicate that midwives use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in managing labour pain. Some methods are effective in relieving pain for certain mothers, while other methods proved ineffective. Midwives administer Pethidine and Phenergan as per doctors’ prescription; non-pharmacological methods, such as back massage, deep breathing exercises, mobilisation, and warm baths or showers are also employed. Midwives provide pharmacological methods to all women in labour, and routinely employ non- pharmacological methods. Although the midwives are willing to manage patients’ pain, they face certain challenges, such as shortage of staff, increased workload, as well as inadequate resources. This leads to inadequate provision of non-pharmacological care. In conclusion, the midwives’ experiences were that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques were used for all labouring women and they had relaxing and calming effects on some women, resulting to them giving birth with ease, although for some they were not effective. In addition, the pharmacological interventions caused drowsiness to some women and babies. The findings will provide evidence-based information to the Free State Department of Health in order to assist policymakers and stakeholders in initiating and developing appropriate policies, guidelines, and interventions that can improve labour pain management. The Free State Department of Health should consider using other opioids and non-opioids in managing labour pain to broaden the scope of pain relief methods available to the midwives. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Parkies, Limakatso Elizabeth
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Pharmacology , Anesthesia in obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23567 , vital:58166
- Description: Due to the disabling effects of severe labour pains, labour pain management remains an important topic in midwifery and needs to be reviewed more often. According to studies, various pain relief options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are available to help women cope with pain, but midwives did not employ these techniques adequately because of various experiences. Studies further indicate that, though the limited number of these techniques were employed they were not effective on some women. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to explore and describe midwives’ experiences on pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain management in the Lejweleputswa District of the Free State Province. This study employed a qualitative, descriptive, explorative, and contextual design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The target population was midwives who work in the maternity wards of the institutions under study with three to five years’ experience in midwifery. Individual, face-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted; these were recorded for the researcher’s reference purposes, so as not to overlook important information. In addition, the researcher made use of field notes, recording in them what was heard, observed, felt, experienced, and thought during the interview. Ethical principles and trustworthiness were maintained throughout this study. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured throughout the interviews. The nine themes and 19 sub-themes that emerged during data analysis were discussed comprehensively. The findings indicate that midwives use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in managing labour pain. Some methods are effective in relieving pain for certain mothers, while other methods proved ineffective. Midwives administer Pethidine and Phenergan as per doctors’ prescription; non-pharmacological methods, such as back massage, deep breathing exercises, mobilisation, and warm baths or showers are also employed. Midwives provide pharmacological methods to all women in labour, and routinely employ non- pharmacological methods. Although the midwives are willing to manage patients’ pain, they face certain challenges, such as shortage of staff, increased workload, as well as inadequate resources. This leads to inadequate provision of non-pharmacological care. In conclusion, the midwives’ experiences were that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques were used for all labouring women and they had relaxing and calming effects on some women, resulting to them giving birth with ease, although for some they were not effective. In addition, the pharmacological interventions caused drowsiness to some women and babies. The findings will provide evidence-based information to the Free State Department of Health in order to assist policymakers and stakeholders in initiating and developing appropriate policies, guidelines, and interventions that can improve labour pain management. The Free State Department of Health should consider using other opioids and non-opioids in managing labour pain to broaden the scope of pain relief methods available to the midwives. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Exploration of the factors influencing the upscaling of medical male circumcision targets in selected hospitals in eThekwini District, South Africa
- Authors: Tshabalala, Sandile Clement
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Circumcision
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22005 , vital:51930
- Description: Medical male circumcision has been shown to reduce female to male HIV transmission. This study was designed to examine the underlying factors responsible for, or influencing, the inability of the health care system to achieve the MMC targets in selected hospitals in KZN. The objective of this study to was explore the challenges that lead to failure of the government to meet set targets, regarding the implementation of the MMC programme in the province of KZN, as perceived by the health care workers. Methodology A mixed quantitative and qualitative study where 150 questionnaires were used and in-depth open-ended interviews were conducted. Participants were from Clairwood and Wentworth hospitals in the district of eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Eighteen healthcare workers (nurse managers, doctors, nurses and counsellors) were purposively selected from the two hospitals. Results Findings showed that poor marketing of MMC, in line with the cultural and religious inclination of the catchment populations, had an effect on the targets. The fear of pain by the male clients came out as the biggest factor followed by the fear of having an HIV test done. The six weeks healing period before indulgence in sexual intercourse had a part to play in the reluctance of clients to do MMC. Some clients feared losing the ability to have an erection post MMC and would therefore not come for MMC. Other contributory factors for failure to reach targets included shortage of staff, poor mobilisation by the staff due to lack of training on how to mobilise and how to market MMC, lack of availability of mobilisation and marketing resources, inadequate and inequitable allocated of resources. Other factors include, lack of incentives for staff to stay in the programme or even within the Department, lack of training, cultural and religious beliefs in the community. The staff also felt that the MMC targets were too high. Notwithstanding, the staff members were willing to learn how to market MMC and to mobilise clients. Clients and community education on the importance of MMC and the combination of this process with good sexual behaviour would improve MMC uptake and reduce HIV prevalence and the incidence. Conclusions The fear of pain, fear to do HIV test and the fear to loose erection were the most prominent reasons why the males would not come for MMC procedure. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Tshabalala, Sandile Clement
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Circumcision
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22005 , vital:51930
- Description: Medical male circumcision has been shown to reduce female to male HIV transmission. This study was designed to examine the underlying factors responsible for, or influencing, the inability of the health care system to achieve the MMC targets in selected hospitals in KZN. The objective of this study to was explore the challenges that lead to failure of the government to meet set targets, regarding the implementation of the MMC programme in the province of KZN, as perceived by the health care workers. Methodology A mixed quantitative and qualitative study where 150 questionnaires were used and in-depth open-ended interviews were conducted. Participants were from Clairwood and Wentworth hospitals in the district of eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Eighteen healthcare workers (nurse managers, doctors, nurses and counsellors) were purposively selected from the two hospitals. Results Findings showed that poor marketing of MMC, in line with the cultural and religious inclination of the catchment populations, had an effect on the targets. The fear of pain by the male clients came out as the biggest factor followed by the fear of having an HIV test done. The six weeks healing period before indulgence in sexual intercourse had a part to play in the reluctance of clients to do MMC. Some clients feared losing the ability to have an erection post MMC and would therefore not come for MMC. Other contributory factors for failure to reach targets included shortage of staff, poor mobilisation by the staff due to lack of training on how to mobilise and how to market MMC, lack of availability of mobilisation and marketing resources, inadequate and inequitable allocated of resources. Other factors include, lack of incentives for staff to stay in the programme or even within the Department, lack of training, cultural and religious beliefs in the community. The staff also felt that the MMC targets were too high. Notwithstanding, the staff members were willing to learn how to market MMC and to mobilise clients. Clients and community education on the importance of MMC and the combination of this process with good sexual behaviour would improve MMC uptake and reduce HIV prevalence and the incidence. Conclusions The fear of pain, fear to do HIV test and the fear to loose erection were the most prominent reasons why the males would not come for MMC procedure. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Organophosphate flame retardant’s signatures in the Buffalo River Estuary and their removal using modified cyclodextrins
- Authors: Bika, Sinozuko Hope
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Water purification chemicals industry , Organic water pollutants , Rivers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27500 , vital:67363
- Description: The increasing scarcity of fresh and clean water in many places around the world is a major concern. Water is a basic need that must be availed to humans, plants and animals at any given time. It is a requirement that each human on earth should get between 20-50 L of fresh, clean and pure water a day. It is very difficult to keep up with this need due to drastic increase in global pollution by emerging contaminants. The increase is due to human activities, modern way of life, industrialization and improper disposal of materials that contain these OPFRs. Organophosphate flame retardants OPFRs are the organic pollutants considered in this study. OPFRs are semi volatile compounds SVOCs that are used in many industries as flame retardants and additives. They were developed because of environmental and health concerns of previously used brominated and chlorinated flame retardants FRs. They show acute toxicity and exhibit adverse effects such as neurotoxicity, they are also carcinogenic to humans and animals. In recent years, some researchers have started investigating the occurrence and distribution of OPFRs in South African rivers. The aim of this study was to identify signatures of OPFRs in the aquatic environment of Buffalo River Estuary, and soil from a nearby dumpsite: and to develop a method for their removal using modified cyclodextrins. In this study, the concentration of OPFRs were investigated in sediments and soil samples collected from Buffalo River Estuary. This estuary is located close to a major port in East London city in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Collection of samples was done across two seasons i.e. winter and spring. OPFRs in sediment and soil samples in this study were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. Solid-phase extraction SPE was employed for the cleanup of the extracts, in order to reduce potential matrix interference and also for sample purification. The congeners of interest in this study were Tris 2-Choroethyl phosphate TCEP and Tris 1,3-Dicloro-2-propyl phosphate (TDCP). Samples were air dried immediately on arrival at the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 ℃ and further processed for further analysis.The concentrations of OPFRs were determined using GC-μECD (gas chromatograph coupled with micro electron capture detector) from soil and sediments in that area and they were found high in winter compared to spring owing to high level of discharge of industrial and domestic waste into the aquatic system and also the nearby dumpsite. The total concentrationof OPFRs Ʃ 2OPFRs for sediments and soil for both seasons was 39935±7619 μg/g and 10376±601 μg/g, respectively. The dominant congener in the Buffalo River Estuary was TCEP. The ecological risk assessment was estimated for the study area, and TCEP moderate risk while TDCP presented low risk. From this study, it could be inferred that the Buffalo River Estuary and the nearby dumpsite in East London are polluted by emerging pollutants i.e. OPFRs. Hence, strict control measures should be put in place to monitor all activities contributing to such magnitude of pollution in the estuary, which is of great economic value to the country. Furthermore in this study, an insoluble and hydrophilic polymer EDTA-Cysteine-β-Cyclodextrin was prepared and synthesized for the remediation of OPFRs in soil and sediments. This newly developed method was tested for the removal of TDCP an OPFR congener and it was successful with an average removal rate of 77.49 percent. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Bika, Sinozuko Hope
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Water purification chemicals industry , Organic water pollutants , Rivers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27500 , vital:67363
- Description: The increasing scarcity of fresh and clean water in many places around the world is a major concern. Water is a basic need that must be availed to humans, plants and animals at any given time. It is a requirement that each human on earth should get between 20-50 L of fresh, clean and pure water a day. It is very difficult to keep up with this need due to drastic increase in global pollution by emerging contaminants. The increase is due to human activities, modern way of life, industrialization and improper disposal of materials that contain these OPFRs. Organophosphate flame retardants OPFRs are the organic pollutants considered in this study. OPFRs are semi volatile compounds SVOCs that are used in many industries as flame retardants and additives. They were developed because of environmental and health concerns of previously used brominated and chlorinated flame retardants FRs. They show acute toxicity and exhibit adverse effects such as neurotoxicity, they are also carcinogenic to humans and animals. In recent years, some researchers have started investigating the occurrence and distribution of OPFRs in South African rivers. The aim of this study was to identify signatures of OPFRs in the aquatic environment of Buffalo River Estuary, and soil from a nearby dumpsite: and to develop a method for their removal using modified cyclodextrins. In this study, the concentration of OPFRs were investigated in sediments and soil samples collected from Buffalo River Estuary. This estuary is located close to a major port in East London city in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Collection of samples was done across two seasons i.e. winter and spring. OPFRs in sediment and soil samples in this study were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. Solid-phase extraction SPE was employed for the cleanup of the extracts, in order to reduce potential matrix interference and also for sample purification. The congeners of interest in this study were Tris 2-Choroethyl phosphate TCEP and Tris 1,3-Dicloro-2-propyl phosphate (TDCP). Samples were air dried immediately on arrival at the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 ℃ and further processed for further analysis.The concentrations of OPFRs were determined using GC-μECD (gas chromatograph coupled with micro electron capture detector) from soil and sediments in that area and they were found high in winter compared to spring owing to high level of discharge of industrial and domestic waste into the aquatic system and also the nearby dumpsite. The total concentrationof OPFRs Ʃ 2OPFRs for sediments and soil for both seasons was 39935±7619 μg/g and 10376±601 μg/g, respectively. The dominant congener in the Buffalo River Estuary was TCEP. The ecological risk assessment was estimated for the study area, and TCEP moderate risk while TDCP presented low risk. From this study, it could be inferred that the Buffalo River Estuary and the nearby dumpsite in East London are polluted by emerging pollutants i.e. OPFRs. Hence, strict control measures should be put in place to monitor all activities contributing to such magnitude of pollution in the estuary, which is of great economic value to the country. Furthermore in this study, an insoluble and hydrophilic polymer EDTA-Cysteine-β-Cyclodextrin was prepared and synthesized for the remediation of OPFRs in soil and sediments. This newly developed method was tested for the removal of TDCP an OPFR congener and it was successful with an average removal rate of 77.49 percent. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Perceptions and determinants of genetically modified (GM) maize production among rural households: The case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality, South Africa
- Zamisa, Owethu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7303-4469
- Authors: Zamisa, Owethu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7303-4469
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods , Agricultural biotechnology , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22479 , vital:52343
- Description: Rural South Africa is faced with immense challenges including poverty, unemployment, low agriculture productivity, food and nutritional insecurity and inequalities. Against this background, enhancing rural agricultural productivity using proven technologies such as genetically modified (GM) maize production is suggested as a pathway to economic development and poverty reduction. Literature suggests that GM technology can increase crop yields, drought tolerance, reduced weeding labour costs and chemical spray costs. However, GM maize varieties available on the market currently were created to fit large-scale, capital-intensive, industrialised, and economically oriented agricultural systems. As a result, their uptake has been significantly slow especially in rural areas where several stakeholders are now questioning the potential of GM technology. With that background, this study aimed to understand determinants of gm maize production among rural farming households and their perceptions using the case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality. Specifically, the study sought to analyse types of maize varieties grown by rural households, associated yields, area allocation, rural households’ perceptions of GM maize, and to estimate factors that influence GM maize awareness, participation and intensity of production among this subsector. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a sample size of 400 households was randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The types of maize varieties grown by rural households, associated yields, area allocation and rural households’ perceptions of GM maize were analysed using descriptive statistics. Factors that influence GM maize awareness, participation, and intensity of production were estimated using a triple hurdle model where the 1st and 2nd hurdle were estimated using Probit regression, and 3rd hurdle a Tobit regression. The study revealed that landrace maize varieties are currently the most popular maize varieties grown by the majority of rural farming households from the study area producing higher yields (0.6t/ha) as compared to other hybrids (GM – 0.5t/ha, conventional hybrids -0.3t/ha and improved OPVs – 0.1t/ha). Descriptive statistics results also indicated that farming households from the study area allocated more land to landrace maize varieties (42percent) compared to other maize varieties (GM maize (30percent), hybrids (21percent) and improved OPVs (7percent) further supporting the notion that landrace maize varieties dominate the rural farming subsector. Perception results revealed that the majority (57percent) of the households perceived GM maize as an expensive variety which, however, has a potential to produce relatively higher yields than other hybrids on the market and eliminates several production problems (manual weeding, pest spraying) making farm management easier. Findings further indicate that the majority (52percent) of the farming households from the study area did not have sufficient knowledge of GM maize. Econometrics results revealed that GM maize awareness is negatively influenced by age and gender and positively influenced by marital status, employment status and number of years in school. Conditional on awareness of GM maize varieties, both participation and intensity of participation in GM maize production are positively influenced by land size, gender, group membership, size of arable land and negatively influenced by employment status and income. Against this background, the study concludes that farming households from the study area produced more compared to the other varieties. Furthermore, the study concludes that households get higher yields from landrace maize varieties and allocate more of their land to landrace maize production. In addition, the study also concludes that most rural farmers perceive participation in GM maize as beneficial especially towards elimination of farm management problems, produces higher yields, and makes farm management easier. Lastly, the study concludes that GM maize awareness is negatively influenced by age and gender and positively influenced by marital status, employment status and number of years in school. Both participation and intensity of participation in GM maize production are positively influenced by land size, gender, group membership, arable land and negatively influenced by employment status and income. The study recommends that priority should be given to these socio-economic and institutional factors and this may be addressed by targeting GM maize awareness campaigns and platforms more suited to female-headed, older, lowly educated and unemployed rural farming households. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Zamisa, Owethu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7303-4469
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods , Agricultural biotechnology , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22479 , vital:52343
- Description: Rural South Africa is faced with immense challenges including poverty, unemployment, low agriculture productivity, food and nutritional insecurity and inequalities. Against this background, enhancing rural agricultural productivity using proven technologies such as genetically modified (GM) maize production is suggested as a pathway to economic development and poverty reduction. Literature suggests that GM technology can increase crop yields, drought tolerance, reduced weeding labour costs and chemical spray costs. However, GM maize varieties available on the market currently were created to fit large-scale, capital-intensive, industrialised, and economically oriented agricultural systems. As a result, their uptake has been significantly slow especially in rural areas where several stakeholders are now questioning the potential of GM technology. With that background, this study aimed to understand determinants of gm maize production among rural farming households and their perceptions using the case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality. Specifically, the study sought to analyse types of maize varieties grown by rural households, associated yields, area allocation, rural households’ perceptions of GM maize, and to estimate factors that influence GM maize awareness, participation and intensity of production among this subsector. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a sample size of 400 households was randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The types of maize varieties grown by rural households, associated yields, area allocation and rural households’ perceptions of GM maize were analysed using descriptive statistics. Factors that influence GM maize awareness, participation, and intensity of production were estimated using a triple hurdle model where the 1st and 2nd hurdle were estimated using Probit regression, and 3rd hurdle a Tobit regression. The study revealed that landrace maize varieties are currently the most popular maize varieties grown by the majority of rural farming households from the study area producing higher yields (0.6t/ha) as compared to other hybrids (GM – 0.5t/ha, conventional hybrids -0.3t/ha and improved OPVs – 0.1t/ha). Descriptive statistics results also indicated that farming households from the study area allocated more land to landrace maize varieties (42percent) compared to other maize varieties (GM maize (30percent), hybrids (21percent) and improved OPVs (7percent) further supporting the notion that landrace maize varieties dominate the rural farming subsector. Perception results revealed that the majority (57percent) of the households perceived GM maize as an expensive variety which, however, has a potential to produce relatively higher yields than other hybrids on the market and eliminates several production problems (manual weeding, pest spraying) making farm management easier. Findings further indicate that the majority (52percent) of the farming households from the study area did not have sufficient knowledge of GM maize. Econometrics results revealed that GM maize awareness is negatively influenced by age and gender and positively influenced by marital status, employment status and number of years in school. Conditional on awareness of GM maize varieties, both participation and intensity of participation in GM maize production are positively influenced by land size, gender, group membership, size of arable land and negatively influenced by employment status and income. Against this background, the study concludes that farming households from the study area produced more compared to the other varieties. Furthermore, the study concludes that households get higher yields from landrace maize varieties and allocate more of their land to landrace maize production. In addition, the study also concludes that most rural farmers perceive participation in GM maize as beneficial especially towards elimination of farm management problems, produces higher yields, and makes farm management easier. Lastly, the study concludes that GM maize awareness is negatively influenced by age and gender and positively influenced by marital status, employment status and number of years in school. Both participation and intensity of participation in GM maize production are positively influenced by land size, gender, group membership, arable land and negatively influenced by employment status and income. The study recommends that priority should be given to these socio-economic and institutional factors and this may be addressed by targeting GM maize awareness campaigns and platforms more suited to female-headed, older, lowly educated and unemployed rural farming households. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Synthesis and evaluation of pyrene grafted onto zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of organic contaminants from wastewater
- Authors: Samuel, Zipho
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Land treatment of wastewater , Zinc oxide , Water pollution control industry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27754 , vital:69407
- Description: Drinking water scarcity is a global crisis even though water covers about three quarters of the earth. One of the major causes of this scarcity is water pollution, which is a result of human activities. This has been noticed and reported for a number of years but is still unsolved and intensifying. Hence, scientists are busy trying to find solutions to this global menace. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised via co-precipitation, a cost reasonable method and functionalized by grafting a pyrene ligand on its surface in order to provide a scaffold to which many other functionalities can be adsorbed. By so doing, the efficiency and capacity of bare nanoparticles is improved. The synthesised pyrene ligand was successfully characterised with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The adsorbent was characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The choice of zinc oxide nanoparticles as preferred adsorbent was due to their exceptional properties including large surface area, thermal and chemical stabilities. These properties are the reason zinc oxide nanoparticles possess high adsorption efficiency and capacity. The results of characterization indicated a decreased particle size and improved thermal stabilities of the pyrene grafted zinc oxide nanoparticles compared to the zinc oxide nanoparticles, showing that this material can be employed even at higher temperatures. The average particle size of the bare nanoparticles decreased from 290 to 181 nm after functionalization. Thermal stability increased from 550oC in the bare nanoparticles to 650oC in the functionalized nanoparticles. Characteristic reflections of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the XRD analysis were maintained even after functionalization However, diffractogram roughness was noticed for the functionalized nanoparticles due to the introduction of the amorphous layer from the ligand. This novel material was employed for the removal of an herbicide, simazine as well as two dyes, methyl violet and brilliant green from aqueous solutions by batch adsorption experiments. The kinetics and isotherm studies of the different adsorption processes were carried out by using three of the commonly used kinetic and isotherm models (pseudo-first order, intraparticle diffusion and pseudo-second order) and (Langmuir, Temkin isotherms and Freundlich) respectively. From all batch adsorption experiments conducted for simazine removal, the adsorbent showed effectiveness and high adsorption capacity for the removal of simazine. The highest observed efficiency and capacity were 71.3 percent and 137 mg/g respectively at pH equals 2, time equals 60 minutes, adsorbent dose equals 20 mg and adsorbate conc equals 0. 281 mg/L. Kinetics study for the adsorption of simazine favoured pseudo-first order. However, Langmuir isotherm could also be applicable to understand the adsorption process. The material also showed reusability potential of up to three cycles for this contaminant indicating that this material can be re-used. In the case of the removal of methyl violet from aqueous solution, the adsorbent showed a reasonable adsorption maximum capacity (qmax) (31.5 mg/g) at contact time equals 360 min, adsorbent dose approximately equals 40 mg, temperature equals 20 plus 2oC and pH equals 6.5, when compared to other adsorbents previously reported for the removal of methyl violet (MV) in literature. Kinetics and isotherm studies indicated that the process for the removal of this pollutant with this pyrene grafted onto zinc oxide nanoparticles proceeded via pseudo-first order (R2 equals 0.931) and Langmuir isotherm models (R2 equals 0.980) respectively. These results indicated that this material could serve as alternate material to already established materials for the removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the adsorbent also showed reusability potential for this contaminant. Similarly, the adsorbent showed high removal efficiency and capacity in all batch adsorption experiments for brilliant green (BG) adsorption. The highest adsorption efficiency of 88.8 percent was accomplished with 79.8 mg at pH 6.50 and temperature of 20 equals 2oC within 360 minutes. BG adsorption rate mechanism was best explained by the pseudo-first order kinetic model (R2 equals 0.903). Dye adsorption behaviour was best explained using Langmuir isotherm (R2 equals 0.980). Reusability of the adsorbent showed that the adsorbent is efficient after three runs. The overall results of adsorption by a way of comparison of the adsorption capacity of this novel material with respect to the contaminants is in this trend: brilliant green greater methyl violet greater simazine. This study indicates that this novel material can serve as new material for the removal of herbicides and dyes as well as vast variety of pollutants from wastewater considering its high adsorption efficiency and its recyclability. Thus, industries can explore the use of this material for the removal of varying pollutants from wastewater. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Samuel, Zipho
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Land treatment of wastewater , Zinc oxide , Water pollution control industry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27754 , vital:69407
- Description: Drinking water scarcity is a global crisis even though water covers about three quarters of the earth. One of the major causes of this scarcity is water pollution, which is a result of human activities. This has been noticed and reported for a number of years but is still unsolved and intensifying. Hence, scientists are busy trying to find solutions to this global menace. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised via co-precipitation, a cost reasonable method and functionalized by grafting a pyrene ligand on its surface in order to provide a scaffold to which many other functionalities can be adsorbed. By so doing, the efficiency and capacity of bare nanoparticles is improved. The synthesised pyrene ligand was successfully characterised with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The adsorbent was characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The choice of zinc oxide nanoparticles as preferred adsorbent was due to their exceptional properties including large surface area, thermal and chemical stabilities. These properties are the reason zinc oxide nanoparticles possess high adsorption efficiency and capacity. The results of characterization indicated a decreased particle size and improved thermal stabilities of the pyrene grafted zinc oxide nanoparticles compared to the zinc oxide nanoparticles, showing that this material can be employed even at higher temperatures. The average particle size of the bare nanoparticles decreased from 290 to 181 nm after functionalization. Thermal stability increased from 550oC in the bare nanoparticles to 650oC in the functionalized nanoparticles. Characteristic reflections of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the XRD analysis were maintained even after functionalization However, diffractogram roughness was noticed for the functionalized nanoparticles due to the introduction of the amorphous layer from the ligand. This novel material was employed for the removal of an herbicide, simazine as well as two dyes, methyl violet and brilliant green from aqueous solutions by batch adsorption experiments. The kinetics and isotherm studies of the different adsorption processes were carried out by using three of the commonly used kinetic and isotherm models (pseudo-first order, intraparticle diffusion and pseudo-second order) and (Langmuir, Temkin isotherms and Freundlich) respectively. From all batch adsorption experiments conducted for simazine removal, the adsorbent showed effectiveness and high adsorption capacity for the removal of simazine. The highest observed efficiency and capacity were 71.3 percent and 137 mg/g respectively at pH equals 2, time equals 60 minutes, adsorbent dose equals 20 mg and adsorbate conc equals 0. 281 mg/L. Kinetics study for the adsorption of simazine favoured pseudo-first order. However, Langmuir isotherm could also be applicable to understand the adsorption process. The material also showed reusability potential of up to three cycles for this contaminant indicating that this material can be re-used. In the case of the removal of methyl violet from aqueous solution, the adsorbent showed a reasonable adsorption maximum capacity (qmax) (31.5 mg/g) at contact time equals 360 min, adsorbent dose approximately equals 40 mg, temperature equals 20 plus 2oC and pH equals 6.5, when compared to other adsorbents previously reported for the removal of methyl violet (MV) in literature. Kinetics and isotherm studies indicated that the process for the removal of this pollutant with this pyrene grafted onto zinc oxide nanoparticles proceeded via pseudo-first order (R2 equals 0.931) and Langmuir isotherm models (R2 equals 0.980) respectively. These results indicated that this material could serve as alternate material to already established materials for the removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the adsorbent also showed reusability potential for this contaminant. Similarly, the adsorbent showed high removal efficiency and capacity in all batch adsorption experiments for brilliant green (BG) adsorption. The highest adsorption efficiency of 88.8 percent was accomplished with 79.8 mg at pH 6.50 and temperature of 20 equals 2oC within 360 minutes. BG adsorption rate mechanism was best explained by the pseudo-first order kinetic model (R2 equals 0.903). Dye adsorption behaviour was best explained using Langmuir isotherm (R2 equals 0.980). Reusability of the adsorbent showed that the adsorbent is efficient after three runs. The overall results of adsorption by a way of comparison of the adsorption capacity of this novel material with respect to the contaminants is in this trend: brilliant green greater methyl violet greater simazine. This study indicates that this novel material can serve as new material for the removal of herbicides and dyes as well as vast variety of pollutants from wastewater considering its high adsorption efficiency and its recyclability. Thus, industries can explore the use of this material for the removal of varying pollutants from wastewater. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
The contribution of efficient financial management on public health service delivery at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu Natal
- Authors: Msane, Sihlesabambo Londiwe
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Public health -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21882 , vital:51839
- Description: The aim of this research is to develop strategies that the DOH could put into place to improve its internal controls in financial management in order to contribute towards service delivery at Ngwelezane, Queen Nandi and Eshowe hospitals within King Cetshwayo District. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative study methods, however using one research instrument to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 37 financial managers in these three hospitals. Data analysis using content analysis (of qualitative data) and percentage frequency analysis (of quantitative date) yielded study findings. This study found that financial managers are fairly competent regarding ‘effective communication’, ‘team work’, and ‘financial leadership’; the study results did not show respondents’ clear comprehension of Auditor General findings and processes followed to implement the recommendations in order to assess internal controls; and findings also indicate that financial managers meet objectives of financial management through cash flow, budget forecasts and expenditure. Developing a framework that will guide and monitor the application of financial strategies with the aim of improving service delivery will involve enhancing financial managers’ knowledge of District and Institution Service Delivery Plans, allocating resources properly and efficiently during the budgeting exercise, establishing internal strategies to maximise accountability and transparency, having fraud prevention strategies in these institution, and putting measures in place to be able to forecast budgetary adverse. It is recommended that the Executive Management facilitates strategic break-away sessions for the financial managers to workshop them on practical ways to improve the efficiency of financial management on public health service delivery, as outlined in this study. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Msane, Sihlesabambo Londiwe
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Public health -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21882 , vital:51839
- Description: The aim of this research is to develop strategies that the DOH could put into place to improve its internal controls in financial management in order to contribute towards service delivery at Ngwelezane, Queen Nandi and Eshowe hospitals within King Cetshwayo District. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative study methods, however using one research instrument to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 37 financial managers in these three hospitals. Data analysis using content analysis (of qualitative data) and percentage frequency analysis (of quantitative date) yielded study findings. This study found that financial managers are fairly competent regarding ‘effective communication’, ‘team work’, and ‘financial leadership’; the study results did not show respondents’ clear comprehension of Auditor General findings and processes followed to implement the recommendations in order to assess internal controls; and findings also indicate that financial managers meet objectives of financial management through cash flow, budget forecasts and expenditure. Developing a framework that will guide and monitor the application of financial strategies with the aim of improving service delivery will involve enhancing financial managers’ knowledge of District and Institution Service Delivery Plans, allocating resources properly and efficiently during the budgeting exercise, establishing internal strategies to maximise accountability and transparency, having fraud prevention strategies in these institution, and putting measures in place to be able to forecast budgetary adverse. It is recommended that the Executive Management facilitates strategic break-away sessions for the financial managers to workshop them on practical ways to improve the efficiency of financial management on public health service delivery, as outlined in this study. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
The implementation of new public management principles towards effective service delivery in the Eastern Cape government
- Authors: Gwavu, Luzuko
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Performance--Management. , Public administration. , Performance--Evaluation.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21903 , vital:51841
- Description: New Public Management (NPM) is a new paradigm of public administration which highlights the failures and inadequacies of the public sector performance over time. NPM was developed in order to enhance performance and service delivery within the public sector through adopting principles of the public sector. The nature and process of the activities within the public sector and the traditional public administration have been seen as problematic. As such, the birth of NPM is grounded in the need to offer more efficient mechanisms for service delivery. This study aimed at assessing the implementation of NPM principles towards effective service delivery within the Eastern Cape government. The study was underpinned by the New Public Management Approach. A qualitative desktop review was adopted to find answers to research questions of the study. The data was evaluated qualitatively through thematic analysis. The study findings reveal that the Eastern Cape government is making strides to effectively implement NPM principles towards improving service delivery. The implemented principles are privatisation, managerialism, performance management, decentralisation and customer oriented. The effectiveness of strategies aimed at enhancing effective implementation of NPM principles for improved service delivery was also assessed. The findings show that the strategies are effective although there are some inherent issues that derail effective implementation. Poor reporting, corruption, poor management, shortage of trained managers and staff shortages were identified as challenges affecting effective implementation of NPM principles. The study recommends the need for effective implementation of anti-corruption policies as well as facilitating training and skills development. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Gwavu, Luzuko
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Performance--Management. , Public administration. , Performance--Evaluation.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21903 , vital:51841
- Description: New Public Management (NPM) is a new paradigm of public administration which highlights the failures and inadequacies of the public sector performance over time. NPM was developed in order to enhance performance and service delivery within the public sector through adopting principles of the public sector. The nature and process of the activities within the public sector and the traditional public administration have been seen as problematic. As such, the birth of NPM is grounded in the need to offer more efficient mechanisms for service delivery. This study aimed at assessing the implementation of NPM principles towards effective service delivery within the Eastern Cape government. The study was underpinned by the New Public Management Approach. A qualitative desktop review was adopted to find answers to research questions of the study. The data was evaluated qualitatively through thematic analysis. The study findings reveal that the Eastern Cape government is making strides to effectively implement NPM principles towards improving service delivery. The implemented principles are privatisation, managerialism, performance management, decentralisation and customer oriented. The effectiveness of strategies aimed at enhancing effective implementation of NPM principles for improved service delivery was also assessed. The findings show that the strategies are effective although there are some inherent issues that derail effective implementation. Poor reporting, corruption, poor management, shortage of trained managers and staff shortages were identified as challenges affecting effective implementation of NPM principles. The study recommends the need for effective implementation of anti-corruption policies as well as facilitating training and skills development. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Water governance and social equity in South Africa: a case study of Amathole District Municipality.
- Authors: Hutete, Clarity
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Municipal water supply
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21931 , vital:51844
- Description: South Africa has reformed its water governance to remedy the prominent disparities in water service provision that resulted from the legacy of apartheid. However, despite the new policy reforms and strategies adopted, inequities in water governance remain prevalent. Those residing in marginalised and poor rural areas are the most vulnerable and highly affected by this phenomenon. While this has been attributed to several factors, such as fragmentation of the water sector and lack of capacity, among other reasons, an analysis of the literature revealed that the absence of a water governance framework for social equity is highly prevalent in the context of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) where the research was conducted. Hence, the study's main objective was to develop a water governance framework for social equity that can be utilised to advise councils and policymakers on the attainment of social equity by water service providers at the local level. The study utilised the constructivist research philosophy by adopting a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research approach to address the research questions. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used to collect data. A total sample of thirty-four (n=34) participants was purposefully selected; twenty participants (n=20) participated in semi-structured interviews, while fourteen (n=14) participants were engaged through focus group discussions. Findings obtained from the thematic data analysis utilised revealed that while human rights principles and social equity values underpin South Africa’s water reforms, Amathole District Municipality is yet to fully absorb these foundational concepts into its water governance. The study revealed that this is largely attributed to a lack of meaningful participation, limited transparency and accountability in the processes and procedures of the municipality. Results also revealed that persistent inequities still exist in Amathole District Municipality as reflected by the unequal distribution of water services, inconsistency in services provision, lack of transparency and established procedures to guarantee procedural fairness and limited impact on interventions specifically in rural areas. Furthermore, the study revealed that the municipality’s efforts to address water inequities are highly undermined by various economic, environmental, socio- economic, and institutional governance factors. Therefore, the study recommended a Water Governance Framework for Social Equity (WGFSE) and proffered recommendations to enhance social equity for Amathole District Municipality and other municipalities with similar contexts. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Hutete, Clarity
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Municipal water supply
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21931 , vital:51844
- Description: South Africa has reformed its water governance to remedy the prominent disparities in water service provision that resulted from the legacy of apartheid. However, despite the new policy reforms and strategies adopted, inequities in water governance remain prevalent. Those residing in marginalised and poor rural areas are the most vulnerable and highly affected by this phenomenon. While this has been attributed to several factors, such as fragmentation of the water sector and lack of capacity, among other reasons, an analysis of the literature revealed that the absence of a water governance framework for social equity is highly prevalent in the context of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) where the research was conducted. Hence, the study's main objective was to develop a water governance framework for social equity that can be utilised to advise councils and policymakers on the attainment of social equity by water service providers at the local level. The study utilised the constructivist research philosophy by adopting a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research approach to address the research questions. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used to collect data. A total sample of thirty-four (n=34) participants was purposefully selected; twenty participants (n=20) participated in semi-structured interviews, while fourteen (n=14) participants were engaged through focus group discussions. Findings obtained from the thematic data analysis utilised revealed that while human rights principles and social equity values underpin South Africa’s water reforms, Amathole District Municipality is yet to fully absorb these foundational concepts into its water governance. The study revealed that this is largely attributed to a lack of meaningful participation, limited transparency and accountability in the processes and procedures of the municipality. Results also revealed that persistent inequities still exist in Amathole District Municipality as reflected by the unequal distribution of water services, inconsistency in services provision, lack of transparency and established procedures to guarantee procedural fairness and limited impact on interventions specifically in rural areas. Furthermore, the study revealed that the municipality’s efforts to address water inequities are highly undermined by various economic, environmental, socio- economic, and institutional governance factors. Therefore, the study recommended a Water Governance Framework for Social Equity (WGFSE) and proffered recommendations to enhance social equity for Amathole District Municipality and other municipalities with similar contexts. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03