A second skin: investigating the role of dress in identity formation
- Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Authors: Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in art , Clothing and dress in art , Clothing and dress Social aspects , Clothing and dress Psychological aspects , Self South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425322 , vital:72229
- Description: This thesis is a secondary component to an artistic practice-led process and as such, is guided by my own artistic practice in that way. In this body of work, I use myself as the main character or protagonist for the artworks that I have created. However, both the thesis and the exhibition also respond to social issues of identity beyond the personal and examines the construction of identity in a South African, and more specifically Makhanda context, as that is the larger context in which I am situated. The work itself is inspired by memories and experiences of feeling uncomfortable in my own (first) skin, and how I found that comfort in my second skin (dress). My professional art practice and my thesis are based on the concept of clothes as a second skin for human beings, specifically observing the ways in which we utilise dress to construct and express our identities. As such, this thesis is an attempt at understanding the relationship between clothes and the body through the lens of identity politics. Through the topics and artworks discussed in visual and textual analysis, this thesis intends to unpack the properties of dress as a complex medium individuals can utilise as a tool to construct their identity. This is partially achieved through the exploration of my own personal experiences of dress and of the spaces that shaped and mediated the construction of identity. Lastly, it is an attempt to understand the experiences of dress in parallel to the experience of the body/self, which consists of the world within and the one outside. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in art , Clothing and dress in art , Clothing and dress Social aspects , Clothing and dress Psychological aspects , Self South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425322 , vital:72229
- Description: This thesis is a secondary component to an artistic practice-led process and as such, is guided by my own artistic practice in that way. In this body of work, I use myself as the main character or protagonist for the artworks that I have created. However, both the thesis and the exhibition also respond to social issues of identity beyond the personal and examines the construction of identity in a South African, and more specifically Makhanda context, as that is the larger context in which I am situated. The work itself is inspired by memories and experiences of feeling uncomfortable in my own (first) skin, and how I found that comfort in my second skin (dress). My professional art practice and my thesis are based on the concept of clothes as a second skin for human beings, specifically observing the ways in which we utilise dress to construct and express our identities. As such, this thesis is an attempt at understanding the relationship between clothes and the body through the lens of identity politics. Through the topics and artworks discussed in visual and textual analysis, this thesis intends to unpack the properties of dress as a complex medium individuals can utilise as a tool to construct their identity. This is partially achieved through the exploration of my own personal experiences of dress and of the spaces that shaped and mediated the construction of identity. Lastly, it is an attempt to understand the experiences of dress in parallel to the experience of the body/self, which consists of the world within and the one outside. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
A study on visual inspection of citrus sorters in a packhouse in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Maher, Christopher Richard
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424256 , vital:72137
- Description: Background and Purpose. The South African citrus industry is a major global producer of citrus as well as the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. This industry provides employment to an estimated 112 000 workers in South Africa and is vital in providing economic opportunities to communities such as those in the Sunday’s River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa due to the low employment and education levels within this province. Citrus sorting is a visual inspection task that requires workers to sustain attention and remain vigilant for the duration of a working shift. Their role in the packhouse is to ensure that no defective products are packed for export or the local market and that the fruit meets the customers’ expectations. Since the demands of sorting citrus are poorly understood, this study attempted to assess the effect that sorting citrus has on vigilance performance as well as attempt to quantify perceived workload while taking into account different contextual factors that affect perceptions of this working task. Methods. This study was conducted within a citrus packhouse in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The sample was comprised of individuals employed by the packhouse as citrus sorters. In addition to a recruitment and information session, testing was conducted at three intervals during a working shift on four consecutive days. Each time, indicators of vigilance, such as correct responses, sensitivity, reaction time, false alarms and misses, were collected during a 5-minute computerised version of the Mackworth Clock-test, while perceived workload was assessed with the NASA-TLX scale, and sleepiness was recording using the WITS Sleepiness Scale. Furthermore, an open-ended question was asked to further understand factors affecting the ability of participants to concentrate during their task of sorting. Results. 18 participants consented to participate in this study. 16 of these individuals identified as female with an average age of 30 years (± 7). 83% of participants were of Black African descent and were isiXhosa speakers, while 17% of participants were of Coloured descent and Afrikaans speakers. This study found that performance, as measured by the percentage of correct responses, sensitivity and reaction time on the 5-minute long Mackworth Clock Test was not significantly affected as time-on-task for sorting citrus increased during a working shift, neither did performance on the vigilance test change as days of the week proceeded. However, ‘misses’ during the vigilance test were found to significantly decrease over the course of a working shift, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of this study. Perceived workload of sorting citrus, as well as perceived sleepiness, significantly increased with time-on-task during the course of a working shift. The major contributions for this increase in perceived workload while sorting citrus were derived from the Mental Demand and Physical Demand sub-scale for the NASA-TLX. However, responses from the open-ended question indicated that participants generally enjoyed their work, although there were factors, such as the nature of fruit and social set-up of work, that negatively affected this perception. Discussion. The results from this study contradicted the researcher’s expectations. It was anticipated that measures of correct responses and sensitivity would decrease and misses, and reaction time would increase with time-on-task for sorting citrus, yet vigilance indicators from the Mackworth Clock Test generally indicated no change in vigilance, and, according to “misses” even improved with time-on-task. A likely explanation for this is that the use of a 5-minute Mackworth Clock-test was unsuitable in this context, or rather, the time of this test was not long enough to induce a ‘vigilance decrement’. Furthermore, in order to administer this vigilance test, participants were taken off the production line and led to a testing room which most likely increased their levels of arousal, thus affecting performance on the vigilance test. However, even though perceived sleepiness was found to significantly increase over the course of a working shift, these data correlated poorly with the vigilance results, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of the study. Mental demand significantly increased, possibly due to the demand of attentional informational processing required for sorting, as well as various environmental factors present within the packhouse. Physical demand, too, significantly increased as workers were required to remain standing throughout their working task as well as to make use of their upper extremities to remove defective fruit. Correlation analyses showed significantly weak correlation for Mackworth Clock Test variables and sleepiness ratings to all other variables. NASA-TLX variables, however, generally showed significantly moderate correlations with one another. Conclusion. It remains unclear how vigilance changes and sustained attention while sorting citrus, since the experiment did not show changes in performance. This is largely attributed to the methodological set-up which could have increased arousal and therefore affected vigilance. It is recommended that future studies research vigilance and sustained attention during the sorting itself, rather than attempting to infer vigilance results from a computerised vigilance test. Perceived workload of sorting, however, increased over the course of a working shift due to significant increases in perceptions of the physical and mental demands of sorting. Future studies should address concerns relating to the physical demand of sorting. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to compare responses of day and night shift sorters to further understand how the relationship between these variables may change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maher, Christopher Richard
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424256 , vital:72137
- Description: Background and Purpose. The South African citrus industry is a major global producer of citrus as well as the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. This industry provides employment to an estimated 112 000 workers in South Africa and is vital in providing economic opportunities to communities such as those in the Sunday’s River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa due to the low employment and education levels within this province. Citrus sorting is a visual inspection task that requires workers to sustain attention and remain vigilant for the duration of a working shift. Their role in the packhouse is to ensure that no defective products are packed for export or the local market and that the fruit meets the customers’ expectations. Since the demands of sorting citrus are poorly understood, this study attempted to assess the effect that sorting citrus has on vigilance performance as well as attempt to quantify perceived workload while taking into account different contextual factors that affect perceptions of this working task. Methods. This study was conducted within a citrus packhouse in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The sample was comprised of individuals employed by the packhouse as citrus sorters. In addition to a recruitment and information session, testing was conducted at three intervals during a working shift on four consecutive days. Each time, indicators of vigilance, such as correct responses, sensitivity, reaction time, false alarms and misses, were collected during a 5-minute computerised version of the Mackworth Clock-test, while perceived workload was assessed with the NASA-TLX scale, and sleepiness was recording using the WITS Sleepiness Scale. Furthermore, an open-ended question was asked to further understand factors affecting the ability of participants to concentrate during their task of sorting. Results. 18 participants consented to participate in this study. 16 of these individuals identified as female with an average age of 30 years (± 7). 83% of participants were of Black African descent and were isiXhosa speakers, while 17% of participants were of Coloured descent and Afrikaans speakers. This study found that performance, as measured by the percentage of correct responses, sensitivity and reaction time on the 5-minute long Mackworth Clock Test was not significantly affected as time-on-task for sorting citrus increased during a working shift, neither did performance on the vigilance test change as days of the week proceeded. However, ‘misses’ during the vigilance test were found to significantly decrease over the course of a working shift, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of this study. Perceived workload of sorting citrus, as well as perceived sleepiness, significantly increased with time-on-task during the course of a working shift. The major contributions for this increase in perceived workload while sorting citrus were derived from the Mental Demand and Physical Demand sub-scale for the NASA-TLX. However, responses from the open-ended question indicated that participants generally enjoyed their work, although there were factors, such as the nature of fruit and social set-up of work, that negatively affected this perception. Discussion. The results from this study contradicted the researcher’s expectations. It was anticipated that measures of correct responses and sensitivity would decrease and misses, and reaction time would increase with time-on-task for sorting citrus, yet vigilance indicators from the Mackworth Clock Test generally indicated no change in vigilance, and, according to “misses” even improved with time-on-task. A likely explanation for this is that the use of a 5-minute Mackworth Clock-test was unsuitable in this context, or rather, the time of this test was not long enough to induce a ‘vigilance decrement’. Furthermore, in order to administer this vigilance test, participants were taken off the production line and led to a testing room which most likely increased their levels of arousal, thus affecting performance on the vigilance test. However, even though perceived sleepiness was found to significantly increase over the course of a working shift, these data correlated poorly with the vigilance results, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of the study. Mental demand significantly increased, possibly due to the demand of attentional informational processing required for sorting, as well as various environmental factors present within the packhouse. Physical demand, too, significantly increased as workers were required to remain standing throughout their working task as well as to make use of their upper extremities to remove defective fruit. Correlation analyses showed significantly weak correlation for Mackworth Clock Test variables and sleepiness ratings to all other variables. NASA-TLX variables, however, generally showed significantly moderate correlations with one another. Conclusion. It remains unclear how vigilance changes and sustained attention while sorting citrus, since the experiment did not show changes in performance. This is largely attributed to the methodological set-up which could have increased arousal and therefore affected vigilance. It is recommended that future studies research vigilance and sustained attention during the sorting itself, rather than attempting to infer vigilance results from a computerised vigilance test. Perceived workload of sorting, however, increased over the course of a working shift due to significant increases in perceptions of the physical and mental demands of sorting. Future studies should address concerns relating to the physical demand of sorting. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to compare responses of day and night shift sorters to further understand how the relationship between these variables may change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
Action Research reflecting the process of a collaborative, multi-theoretical group intervention with foster parents of children affected by childhood trauma
- Authors: Cahill, Susan Mary
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Foster parents Ireland , Foster home care Ireland , Attachment theory , Psychic trauma in children , Group psychotherapy , Parenting stress
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432297 , vital:72859 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432297
- Description: Children are received into the Care of the State in the Republic of Ireland due to chronic or acute maltreatment in their families of origin. Maltreatment may include neglect; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; exposure to domestic violence; or a combination of these. Resulting emotional and behavioural consequences may be challenging to foster parents who might experience stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue or burnout, which along with the child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties can result in placement breakdown. After reviewing the literature on fostering internationally and in Ireland, this study sought to determine the types and level of stress in a sample of foster parents and the types of challenging emotional and behavioural difficulties of their fostered children. Results revealed that foster parents found fostering stressful; factors included biological parents; organisational issues; and the child’s behaviour. According to the foster parents, nearly 60% of the foster children in this sample were showing high levels of emotional and behavioural distress. These difficulties differed according to age and gender. Adolescent Girls and Young Boys (5 – 11 years) were reported as having the most difficulties, including symptoms of behavioural and Conduct Disorder (CD). Symptoms associated with CD were reported in at least 40% of every age and gender category of children over five years. Further, this study outlines the development, facilitation and outcomes of a small group psychoeducational-reflective foster parenting Course, involving six separate groups of parents (n=38) each meeting for eight sessions. In this Course, foster children were conceptualised from a bio-psycho-social-ecological viewpoint, utilising theoretical concepts from Prenatal Development, Attachment and Trauma, pertaining to vulnerable children to illustrate the cumulative effects of adversities. Time for discussion and reflection on the material was structured into the Course. This combination of knowledge, practical skills, reflection and support for parents aimed to promote healing relationship-based practices for the child within their foster home. This multi-faceted study was grounded in Community Psychology, using mixed methods to gather data during action research processes, to reflect the different components of an action cycle. Ideas and modifications to the Course based on feedback from the foster parent participants’ experiences have been included. It is recommended that the Course be provided to other foster parents and audiences such as social workers, teachers and solicitors. Furthermore, suggestions are made regarding assessment, diagnosis and interventions for foster children and parents, based on a multidisciplinary consultancy model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cahill, Susan Mary
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Foster parents Ireland , Foster home care Ireland , Attachment theory , Psychic trauma in children , Group psychotherapy , Parenting stress
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432297 , vital:72859 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432297
- Description: Children are received into the Care of the State in the Republic of Ireland due to chronic or acute maltreatment in their families of origin. Maltreatment may include neglect; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; exposure to domestic violence; or a combination of these. Resulting emotional and behavioural consequences may be challenging to foster parents who might experience stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue or burnout, which along with the child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties can result in placement breakdown. After reviewing the literature on fostering internationally and in Ireland, this study sought to determine the types and level of stress in a sample of foster parents and the types of challenging emotional and behavioural difficulties of their fostered children. Results revealed that foster parents found fostering stressful; factors included biological parents; organisational issues; and the child’s behaviour. According to the foster parents, nearly 60% of the foster children in this sample were showing high levels of emotional and behavioural distress. These difficulties differed according to age and gender. Adolescent Girls and Young Boys (5 – 11 years) were reported as having the most difficulties, including symptoms of behavioural and Conduct Disorder (CD). Symptoms associated with CD were reported in at least 40% of every age and gender category of children over five years. Further, this study outlines the development, facilitation and outcomes of a small group psychoeducational-reflective foster parenting Course, involving six separate groups of parents (n=38) each meeting for eight sessions. In this Course, foster children were conceptualised from a bio-psycho-social-ecological viewpoint, utilising theoretical concepts from Prenatal Development, Attachment and Trauma, pertaining to vulnerable children to illustrate the cumulative effects of adversities. Time for discussion and reflection on the material was structured into the Course. This combination of knowledge, practical skills, reflection and support for parents aimed to promote healing relationship-based practices for the child within their foster home. This multi-faceted study was grounded in Community Psychology, using mixed methods to gather data during action research processes, to reflect the different components of an action cycle. Ideas and modifications to the Course based on feedback from the foster parent participants’ experiences have been included. It is recommended that the Course be provided to other foster parents and audiences such as social workers, teachers and solicitors. Furthermore, suggestions are made regarding assessment, diagnosis and interventions for foster children and parents, based on a multidisciplinary consultancy model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
African linguistic phenomenology as illustrated through the Setswana language
- Authors: Modisakeng, Lemogang
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425089 , vital:72208
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Modisakeng, Lemogang
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425089 , vital:72208
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
- Full Text:
African population prevalent genetic variations of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase as the 5-flourouracil cancer drug metabolizing enzyme: computational approaches towards pharmacogenomics studies
- Authors: Tendwa, Maureen Bilinga
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432263 , vital:72856 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432270
- Description: In an era of newly emerging cases of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, research is vital for both the medical and economic well-being of humanity. Pharmacogenomics has laidthegroundworkfor the identification of potential genes in cancer progression and treatment outcome investigations. Researchers are increasingly discovering heterogeneity in the efficacy and toxicity responses of drugmetabolizing enzymes (DMEs) in diverse patient populations receiving anti-cancer therapy. DMEs comprise of Phase I (Cytochrome P450s) and Phase II (glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenases (DPD)enzymes. The main cause of disparity in DME treatment outcomes is genetic variation,which causes missense mutations leading to structural and kinetic properties of the enzyme. These modifications have a deleterious impact on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs through multiple mechanisms. Presently, most cancer medicines are manufacturedin developed countries based on the genetic background of non-African subpopulations. Thus, these drugs may not be optimally effective or can cause adverse side effects. Even though heterogeneity in toxicity and efficacy of these drugs has been observed in African descent, the basis of this population variance remains partially understood. For instance,a deficiencyof DPD, the first-rate limiting metabolizing enzyme in the pyrimidinepathway, causes severe toxicity when exposed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. However, minimum studies have been conducted to unravel itsmolecular mechanismwhich may unravel the observed drug treatment outcomes.The aim of this pharmacogenomics study was to determine the underlying mechanism by which DPD missense mutations, which are associated with an African ancestry subpopulation, provoke dysfunctional 5-FU metabolism, resulting in drug toxicity. This knowledge will be critical in designing drug modulators to aid in the restoration of DPD function, a hallmark of precision medicine. Therefore, in the first part of the research we identified and reviewed the general role of Phase I and Phase II cancer drug metabolizing enzymes. We then used World Health Organization (WHO) essential medicine and drug.com to authenticate the usage of 5-FU as an anti-cancer treatment agent. The 3D structure and chemical structure of the agent was then downloaded from the Drug bank. Subsequently, Human Mutation Analysis - Variant Analysis PORtal (HUMA) and Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) were used to obtain data on DPD non-synonymous genetic variants. Additionally, the aggregate information of DPD missense mutations and their relation to human health were extracted from ClinVar and Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmKGB). This information, along with additional data from single nucleotide polymorphisms (dbSNP), 1000 Genomes Project and Exome Sequencing Project (ESP MAF) considering variants classified based on their minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.001, as well as research articles, consolidated information on missense mutations associated with African subpopulations. Finally, the wild type (WT) and detected mutation sequences were obtained from the Universal Protein Resources database (UniProt). However, because the 3D structure of human DPD was missing, the dimeric wild type (WT) human 3-dimensional (3D) structure was modeled via MODELLER using the pig’s structure as a template. PRIMO, HHpred, and the Protein Data Bank (PDB) were all used to locate the suitable template. As a result, six clinical (C29R, M166V, Y186C, S534N, I543V, and D949V) and thirteen non-clinical (S201R, K259E, D342N, D432N, S492L, R592Q, A664S, G674D, A721T, V732G, T768K, R886C, and L993R) mutations were discovered. Using AMBER tools, we then determined accurate force field parameters for each monomer of DPD protein's Fe2+ centers. Following the creation of each mutation model structure in Discovery Studio, the resulting AMBER force field parameters were inferred. For each model structure, a drug free (inactive/open-conformation) and drug bound (active/closed-conformation) model structure was created (WT and mutations). The model structures were validated using the consensus of three validation programs, namely ERRAT, PROCHECK, and ProSA. Similarly, the impact on structural functionalities was predicted by consensus from Variant Analysis Porta (VAPOR) web server, which include three support vector machines (SVM)-based tools; PhD-SNP, MUpro, and I-Mutation. After protonation in the H++ web server, the six clinical and thirteen non-clinical (six active site and seven non-active site) mutations identified were then exposed to 600 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The non-clinical data was divided into two categories to better understand the impact of the mutation based on its position in the protein: six catalytic-domain (R592Q, A664S, G674D, A721T, V732G, and T768K) and seven remote (S201R, K259E, D342N, D432N, S492L, R886C, and L993R) missense mutations. The post-MD analysis was done using the typical existing computational global investigations [RMSD, all versus all RMSD, RMSF, RG, hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) and dynamic cross correlation (DCC)]. In addition, we used in silico tools newly developed within the Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBI) group, such as comparative essential dynamics (ED)-principal component analysis and dynamic residue network (DRN) multi-metric [betweenness centrality (BC), closeness centrality (CC), degree of centrality (DC), eigen-centrality (EC) and Katz centrality (KC)] analysis algorithms. From the analysis, it was observed that the loop regions of the mutation proteins had increased loop flexibility, particularly around the catalytic loop, which could account for the enhanced asymmetric behavior of the mutation’s monomers compared to the WT. Notably, the A664S mutant showed relatively lower fluctuations, deviating from the observed heightened flexibility in other mutants. A general decrease in hydrogen bonds was observed in the 5-FU binding environment of the mutations compared to the WT. In particular, 5-FU contact analysis of the WT versus the mutation revealed a reduction in contact between core 5-FU binding residues and catalytic residues Cys671 and Ser670, which form hydrogen bonds that initiate DPD catalytic action. Additionally, BC was used to quantify the importance of a protein residue based on how often it acted as a bridge along the shortest paths between other residues. It reflected the potential control or influence a residue may have over communication between different parts of a protein structure. DC assesses the number of connections or interactions a residue had with other residues in the protein, indicating its overall connectivity within the structure. In both drug free and drug bound state, DPD data from the active site hubs' BC and DC revealed a dimeric asymmetric communication pathway per monomer involving a cluster of newly introduced hubs ensemble along the oxidoreduction conduit from NADPH to 5-FU. The two BC communication pathways were located more on the interior of the oxidoreduction conduit, while the two DC communication pathways were located on the exterior. In both cases, one pathway dominated the other. Partially lost function reported in mutation systems could be credited to the compensation communication response to the catalytic site via the least compromised routes. Similar patterns were observed in allosteric communication pathways to the active site induced by remote mutations. Mutations may have destabilized the active-loop and 5-FU binding environment, resulting in a compensatory mechanism seen by the addition of new hubs to the communication network. Surprisingly, EC hubs in the WT were found within the catalytic site domain, indicating that the region is important in 5-FU metabolism. EC measured the importance of a residue by considering both its own degree of connectivity and the degrees of connectivity with its neighboring residues, highlighting its significance in information flow and communication. Herein, EC hubs in mutant systems were found to lose this importance, with active site domain mutations suffering the most. This could explain why non-clinical catalytic domain mutations R592Q, A664S, and G674D, as well as clinical catalytic domain mutations S534N and I543V, experienced drug exit in one of their monomers during simulation. In contrast, there was no 5-FU exit in the non-clinical remote domain. Additionally, aside from the active site, KC hubs were also found around the cofactors, indicating that these components were equally important in DPD overall function. KC combines the concepts of both degree centrality and eigen-centrality, it incorporated both direct and indirect interactions to evaluate the importance of a residue, assigning higher centrality to residues that have connections to other highly central residues. Hence, providing a more comprehensive measure of influence within the protein network. More importantly, CC is known to measure how efficiently a residue can interact with other residues in the protein, considering the shortest path lengths. It indicates the proximity of a residue to others, suggesting its potential for information transfer or functional integration. CC revealed that the majority of persistent hubs were found within the protein-cores known as cold-spots. Overall, this study highlighted the communication pathways triggered by active site domain mutations, as well as the allosteric communication pathways triggered by each remote mutation in both drug free and drug bound states of the DPD enzyme. Both clinical and non-clinical mutations revealed each protein's adaptive compensation mechanism, which results in partial function loss. In each case, the communication network of the different monomers changed from inactive to activated DPD protein. Cold-spot areas were discovered to contain key persistent residues involved in protein function and stability. These areas have been proposed as potential targets for new or repurposed pharmacological modulators that can restore enzyme function. In the pursuit of precision medicine, it also lays the groundwork for detecting and explaining the molecular mechanisms of other drug metabolizing enzymes related to the African-descent subpopulation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tendwa, Maureen Bilinga
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432263 , vital:72856 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432270
- Description: In an era of newly emerging cases of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, research is vital for both the medical and economic well-being of humanity. Pharmacogenomics has laidthegroundworkfor the identification of potential genes in cancer progression and treatment outcome investigations. Researchers are increasingly discovering heterogeneity in the efficacy and toxicity responses of drugmetabolizing enzymes (DMEs) in diverse patient populations receiving anti-cancer therapy. DMEs comprise of Phase I (Cytochrome P450s) and Phase II (glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenases (DPD)enzymes. The main cause of disparity in DME treatment outcomes is genetic variation,which causes missense mutations leading to structural and kinetic properties of the enzyme. These modifications have a deleterious impact on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs through multiple mechanisms. Presently, most cancer medicines are manufacturedin developed countries based on the genetic background of non-African subpopulations. Thus, these drugs may not be optimally effective or can cause adverse side effects. Even though heterogeneity in toxicity and efficacy of these drugs has been observed in African descent, the basis of this population variance remains partially understood. For instance,a deficiencyof DPD, the first-rate limiting metabolizing enzyme in the pyrimidinepathway, causes severe toxicity when exposed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. However, minimum studies have been conducted to unravel itsmolecular mechanismwhich may unravel the observed drug treatment outcomes.The aim of this pharmacogenomics study was to determine the underlying mechanism by which DPD missense mutations, which are associated with an African ancestry subpopulation, provoke dysfunctional 5-FU metabolism, resulting in drug toxicity. This knowledge will be critical in designing drug modulators to aid in the restoration of DPD function, a hallmark of precision medicine. Therefore, in the first part of the research we identified and reviewed the general role of Phase I and Phase II cancer drug metabolizing enzymes. We then used World Health Organization (WHO) essential medicine and drug.com to authenticate the usage of 5-FU as an anti-cancer treatment agent. The 3D structure and chemical structure of the agent was then downloaded from the Drug bank. Subsequently, Human Mutation Analysis - Variant Analysis PORtal (HUMA) and Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) were used to obtain data on DPD non-synonymous genetic variants. Additionally, the aggregate information of DPD missense mutations and their relation to human health were extracted from ClinVar and Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmKGB). This information, along with additional data from single nucleotide polymorphisms (dbSNP), 1000 Genomes Project and Exome Sequencing Project (ESP MAF) considering variants classified based on their minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.001, as well as research articles, consolidated information on missense mutations associated with African subpopulations. Finally, the wild type (WT) and detected mutation sequences were obtained from the Universal Protein Resources database (UniProt). However, because the 3D structure of human DPD was missing, the dimeric wild type (WT) human 3-dimensional (3D) structure was modeled via MODELLER using the pig’s structure as a template. PRIMO, HHpred, and the Protein Data Bank (PDB) were all used to locate the suitable template. As a result, six clinical (C29R, M166V, Y186C, S534N, I543V, and D949V) and thirteen non-clinical (S201R, K259E, D342N, D432N, S492L, R592Q, A664S, G674D, A721T, V732G, T768K, R886C, and L993R) mutations were discovered. Using AMBER tools, we then determined accurate force field parameters for each monomer of DPD protein's Fe2+ centers. Following the creation of each mutation model structure in Discovery Studio, the resulting AMBER force field parameters were inferred. For each model structure, a drug free (inactive/open-conformation) and drug bound (active/closed-conformation) model structure was created (WT and mutations). The model structures were validated using the consensus of three validation programs, namely ERRAT, PROCHECK, and ProSA. Similarly, the impact on structural functionalities was predicted by consensus from Variant Analysis Porta (VAPOR) web server, which include three support vector machines (SVM)-based tools; PhD-SNP, MUpro, and I-Mutation. After protonation in the H++ web server, the six clinical and thirteen non-clinical (six active site and seven non-active site) mutations identified were then exposed to 600 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The non-clinical data was divided into two categories to better understand the impact of the mutation based on its position in the protein: six catalytic-domain (R592Q, A664S, G674D, A721T, V732G, and T768K) and seven remote (S201R, K259E, D342N, D432N, S492L, R886C, and L993R) missense mutations. The post-MD analysis was done using the typical existing computational global investigations [RMSD, all versus all RMSD, RMSF, RG, hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) and dynamic cross correlation (DCC)]. In addition, we used in silico tools newly developed within the Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBI) group, such as comparative essential dynamics (ED)-principal component analysis and dynamic residue network (DRN) multi-metric [betweenness centrality (BC), closeness centrality (CC), degree of centrality (DC), eigen-centrality (EC) and Katz centrality (KC)] analysis algorithms. From the analysis, it was observed that the loop regions of the mutation proteins had increased loop flexibility, particularly around the catalytic loop, which could account for the enhanced asymmetric behavior of the mutation’s monomers compared to the WT. Notably, the A664S mutant showed relatively lower fluctuations, deviating from the observed heightened flexibility in other mutants. A general decrease in hydrogen bonds was observed in the 5-FU binding environment of the mutations compared to the WT. In particular, 5-FU contact analysis of the WT versus the mutation revealed a reduction in contact between core 5-FU binding residues and catalytic residues Cys671 and Ser670, which form hydrogen bonds that initiate DPD catalytic action. Additionally, BC was used to quantify the importance of a protein residue based on how often it acted as a bridge along the shortest paths between other residues. It reflected the potential control or influence a residue may have over communication between different parts of a protein structure. DC assesses the number of connections or interactions a residue had with other residues in the protein, indicating its overall connectivity within the structure. In both drug free and drug bound state, DPD data from the active site hubs' BC and DC revealed a dimeric asymmetric communication pathway per monomer involving a cluster of newly introduced hubs ensemble along the oxidoreduction conduit from NADPH to 5-FU. The two BC communication pathways were located more on the interior of the oxidoreduction conduit, while the two DC communication pathways were located on the exterior. In both cases, one pathway dominated the other. Partially lost function reported in mutation systems could be credited to the compensation communication response to the catalytic site via the least compromised routes. Similar patterns were observed in allosteric communication pathways to the active site induced by remote mutations. Mutations may have destabilized the active-loop and 5-FU binding environment, resulting in a compensatory mechanism seen by the addition of new hubs to the communication network. Surprisingly, EC hubs in the WT were found within the catalytic site domain, indicating that the region is important in 5-FU metabolism. EC measured the importance of a residue by considering both its own degree of connectivity and the degrees of connectivity with its neighboring residues, highlighting its significance in information flow and communication. Herein, EC hubs in mutant systems were found to lose this importance, with active site domain mutations suffering the most. This could explain why non-clinical catalytic domain mutations R592Q, A664S, and G674D, as well as clinical catalytic domain mutations S534N and I543V, experienced drug exit in one of their monomers during simulation. In contrast, there was no 5-FU exit in the non-clinical remote domain. Additionally, aside from the active site, KC hubs were also found around the cofactors, indicating that these components were equally important in DPD overall function. KC combines the concepts of both degree centrality and eigen-centrality, it incorporated both direct and indirect interactions to evaluate the importance of a residue, assigning higher centrality to residues that have connections to other highly central residues. Hence, providing a more comprehensive measure of influence within the protein network. More importantly, CC is known to measure how efficiently a residue can interact with other residues in the protein, considering the shortest path lengths. It indicates the proximity of a residue to others, suggesting its potential for information transfer or functional integration. CC revealed that the majority of persistent hubs were found within the protein-cores known as cold-spots. Overall, this study highlighted the communication pathways triggered by active site domain mutations, as well as the allosteric communication pathways triggered by each remote mutation in both drug free and drug bound states of the DPD enzyme. Both clinical and non-clinical mutations revealed each protein's adaptive compensation mechanism, which results in partial function loss. In each case, the communication network of the different monomers changed from inactive to activated DPD protein. Cold-spot areas were discovered to contain key persistent residues involved in protein function and stability. These areas have been proposed as potential targets for new or repurposed pharmacological modulators that can restore enzyme function. In the pursuit of precision medicine, it also lays the groundwork for detecting and explaining the molecular mechanisms of other drug metabolizing enzymes related to the African-descent subpopulation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
An analysis of power relations, affiliation and individuation in selected coup, secession, and inaugural speeches of Nigerian leaders, 1960-2015
- Authors: Unegbu, Osondu Chukwuemeka
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432399 , vital:72867 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432399
- Description: This study examines the positioning of Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom (UK) in the language of news articles about diplomatic relations between the two countries published in two prominent Zimbabwean newspapers, The Herald and The Standard, between 2016 and 2020, using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and Legitimation Code Theory (LCT). Zimbabwe's present diplomatic discourses are a product of its colonial and post-independence history. This thesis places The Herald and The Standard within the larger context of the Zimbabwean media landscape as a state-owned and a privately owned newspaper, respectively. It contends that the two newspapers influence the positioning of Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom in public spheres where readers engage with the news concerning diplomatic ties. The research begins with a corpus-based examination of 42 news articles published between 2016 and 2020 in The Herald and The Standard. The investigation identified several angles through which Zimbabwe and the UK are positioned in the coverage. Zimbabwe is positioned through reference to its reform agenda, intentions for free and fair elections, and its diplomatic re-engagement drive. The UK is positioned as a source of development funding and new trade agreements, while improved diplomatic relations and the removal of restrictive measures against Zimbabwe are anticipated. Fine-grained analysis was conducted on four articles, two from each newspaper, selected to reflect the trends found in the corpus analysis. The fine-grained analyses showed how linguistic resources contributed to the positioning of the UK and Zimbabwe. Complementary analyses of these articles were conducted using LCT and SFL to describe how readers' knowledge of diplomatic relations is built using language in The Herald and The Standard. The study used the concepts of constellations and cosmologies from LCT to demonstrate how diplomatic knowledge is built in these news articles. In the articles, the constellations are related to policies such as Zimbabwe's reform agenda, people (diplomats and government officials) and moral judgments. Both newspapers contain both positive and negative positioning of Zimbabwe and the UK. However, The Standard is generally critical of removing the UK's sanctions on Zimbabwe and of the Zimbabwean government's reform agenda. Meanwhile, The Herald justifies Zimbabwe's Fast-track Land Reform Programme as resulting from Britain's refusal to fund a land redistribution programme as per the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement. The use of SFL's Appraisal framework helps to examine the linguistic resources used by The Herald and The Standard to describe the positioning of the two countries in relation to each other. Lexical strings help to establish diplomatic positioning in the news articles. These couple with Appraisal to accomplish individuation and affiliation. Affect and Judgement resources revealed the decisions taken by the UK to solve the conflict by encouraging the implementation of a reform agenda by Zimbabwe. Negative evaluation is consistently used to disalign with sanctions. The emerging patterns in the data show that diplomats representing the UK affiliate with Zimbabwe's stated economic and political reforms, and the government of Zimbabwe affiliates with the new trade agreement between Zimbabwe and the UK. At the same time, the UK diplomats individuate away from human rights abuses and the Fast-track Land Reform Programme. Affiliation strengthens confidence in diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and the UK because the emphasis is placed on restoring them despite the conditions attached. The Herald and The Standard position Zimbabwe as a reformed country ready to implement policies to improve citizens' lives and as a country violating human rights and the rule of law. They position the UK as asserting power over Zimbabwe, willing to resolve the crisis through its foreign policy, and credited for assisting Zimbabwe. This strengthens re-engagement in diplomatic relations and commercial trade between the UK and Zimbabwe. In light of these findings, Zimbabweans are encouraged to cultivate an awareness that enables them to reflect on the challenges associated with diplomatic discourses and the implications for critically analysing the re-engagement initiative. They can promote re-engagement by being cognisant of specific values portrayed in The Herald and The Standard and challenging these values in the light of policy transformation to revive the relations between the two countries. The re-engagement process requires a transformation in Zimbabwe's modus operandi to improve the country's positioning in the diplomatic relations between it and the UK. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Unegbu, Osondu Chukwuemeka
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432399 , vital:72867 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432399
- Description: This study examines the positioning of Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom (UK) in the language of news articles about diplomatic relations between the two countries published in two prominent Zimbabwean newspapers, The Herald and The Standard, between 2016 and 2020, using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and Legitimation Code Theory (LCT). Zimbabwe's present diplomatic discourses are a product of its colonial and post-independence history. This thesis places The Herald and The Standard within the larger context of the Zimbabwean media landscape as a state-owned and a privately owned newspaper, respectively. It contends that the two newspapers influence the positioning of Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom in public spheres where readers engage with the news concerning diplomatic ties. The research begins with a corpus-based examination of 42 news articles published between 2016 and 2020 in The Herald and The Standard. The investigation identified several angles through which Zimbabwe and the UK are positioned in the coverage. Zimbabwe is positioned through reference to its reform agenda, intentions for free and fair elections, and its diplomatic re-engagement drive. The UK is positioned as a source of development funding and new trade agreements, while improved diplomatic relations and the removal of restrictive measures against Zimbabwe are anticipated. Fine-grained analysis was conducted on four articles, two from each newspaper, selected to reflect the trends found in the corpus analysis. The fine-grained analyses showed how linguistic resources contributed to the positioning of the UK and Zimbabwe. Complementary analyses of these articles were conducted using LCT and SFL to describe how readers' knowledge of diplomatic relations is built using language in The Herald and The Standard. The study used the concepts of constellations and cosmologies from LCT to demonstrate how diplomatic knowledge is built in these news articles. In the articles, the constellations are related to policies such as Zimbabwe's reform agenda, people (diplomats and government officials) and moral judgments. Both newspapers contain both positive and negative positioning of Zimbabwe and the UK. However, The Standard is generally critical of removing the UK's sanctions on Zimbabwe and of the Zimbabwean government's reform agenda. Meanwhile, The Herald justifies Zimbabwe's Fast-track Land Reform Programme as resulting from Britain's refusal to fund a land redistribution programme as per the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement. The use of SFL's Appraisal framework helps to examine the linguistic resources used by The Herald and The Standard to describe the positioning of the two countries in relation to each other. Lexical strings help to establish diplomatic positioning in the news articles. These couple with Appraisal to accomplish individuation and affiliation. Affect and Judgement resources revealed the decisions taken by the UK to solve the conflict by encouraging the implementation of a reform agenda by Zimbabwe. Negative evaluation is consistently used to disalign with sanctions. The emerging patterns in the data show that diplomats representing the UK affiliate with Zimbabwe's stated economic and political reforms, and the government of Zimbabwe affiliates with the new trade agreement between Zimbabwe and the UK. At the same time, the UK diplomats individuate away from human rights abuses and the Fast-track Land Reform Programme. Affiliation strengthens confidence in diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and the UK because the emphasis is placed on restoring them despite the conditions attached. The Herald and The Standard position Zimbabwe as a reformed country ready to implement policies to improve citizens' lives and as a country violating human rights and the rule of law. They position the UK as asserting power over Zimbabwe, willing to resolve the crisis through its foreign policy, and credited for assisting Zimbabwe. This strengthens re-engagement in diplomatic relations and commercial trade between the UK and Zimbabwe. In light of these findings, Zimbabweans are encouraged to cultivate an awareness that enables them to reflect on the challenges associated with diplomatic discourses and the implications for critically analysing the re-engagement initiative. They can promote re-engagement by being cognisant of specific values portrayed in The Herald and The Standard and challenging these values in the light of policy transformation to revive the relations between the two countries. The re-engagement process requires a transformation in Zimbabwe's modus operandi to improve the country's positioning in the diplomatic relations between it and the UK. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
An examination of the use and value of support systems for people living with HIV/AIDS in Makhanda
- Authors: Gorham, Catherine Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Patients South Africa Makhanda , Social networks , Diseases Social aspects , Health services accessibility , Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432411 , vital:72868 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432411
- Description: Through the experiences of five people, this study asks how support systems develop, are used and are valued for those faced with the everyday challenges of living with HIV. Additional evidence is found in accounts from those identified as essential sources of support. These are primarily friends, sometimes family. This perspective is rounded out by insights gathered from those working in local organisations and in the analysis of services offered by the state. The three women and two men at the centre of this study live in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is characterised by extremes of poverty and wealth, reflected in low employment, expanding informal and low-income settlement areas but also in a high level of community activism and access to resources. Each of the five tested positive for HIV variously between 1998 and 2008. These years were pivotal in the development of the local and national epidemic. The rapid expansion of infection rates, contestation over forms of and access to treatment, followed by emphasis of a biomedical response, in equal measure bracket and cut across their experiences. To this point, research is less concerned with what individual experiences say about living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Preoccupations lie more generally with macro- or micro-level factors, with behaviour change, managing risk and so public health – not the processes linking individual circumstances and choices to opportunities and outcomes described by individual, community and structural, socio-economic contexts. Personal accounts and observations of a developing, community-based, local response to an unfolding epidemic are therefore considered against the analysis of available medical and nonmedical resources. This enables identification and investigation of social processes operating between proximal and distal conditions, determining possibilities for access to support. The focus of this study thus falls to the interrelations of structure, agency and action. It contributes to an empirical and theoretical understanding of what “support” is, what “coping” means and what unfolds where diagnosis with HIV disrupts and challenges existing ways of coping and forms of support. The accounts gathered for this study offer an “insider” perspective, focused on what follows from testing positive to identifying what resources hold significance. Connections between individual, community and society, through psycho-social, local and macro-level processes are explored. Along with the empirical study of individual accounts, the thesis offers a theoretical framework that uses a grounded-theory approach in conjunction with the tools of narrative analysis. These are critically adapted from a sociology of illness studies. Ideas of risk and response, of material and social capital, of the nature of HIV/AIDS as an experience that is inclusive of both chronic, everyday challenge and critical, life-threatening crisis disrupting a sense of time, biography and self, are brought together in the analysis. In this way the understanding of what support means, how it develops and is used (systematically or not), and of the links operating between structural and social conditions, individual agency and action, can be developed. What the thesis finds is that, beyond the medical system of hospitals and clinics, there is surprisingly little use of available resources. There is thus an absence of any systematic support for those faced with the physical, psychological, social and material impacts of HIV/AIDS. Given the nature of personal circumstances, embedded as they are within local conditions that reflect structural constraints of the broader economy and society, this should not be surprising. A system of support exists in only the most limited definition. Against this, what is novel in these findings is the role that psycho-social processes play in negotiating these conditions and how this works, determining what unfolds. A key finding is that it is more through chance than choice that people do find conventional forms of support. The reasons for this have to do not only with limitations to state and institutional capacity, but also with the impact on individuals of perceptions of themselves shaped by the impact of the epidemic and also the past. The result is that under the burden of HIV/AIDS, in the context of extreme inequalities and the absence of an adequate response from the state, already invisible individuals who do not “count” run the risk of becoming doubly invisible. It is through a process of personal adaptation in which shifts in identity and a sense of self are key that they must find their own way. This involves re-conceptualisations of identity, a sense of self and place in the world. The focus on five people and the community in which they live is a limit to the scope of study Yet it is this focus which allows for a new understanding of the social processes involved, and so the links operating between individuals and society. This is of significance beyond the study of HIV/AIDS alone, contributing to the broader sociological project of understanding what it means to “be human”. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gorham, Catherine Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Patients South Africa Makhanda , Social networks , Diseases Social aspects , Health services accessibility , Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432411 , vital:72868 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432411
- Description: Through the experiences of five people, this study asks how support systems develop, are used and are valued for those faced with the everyday challenges of living with HIV. Additional evidence is found in accounts from those identified as essential sources of support. These are primarily friends, sometimes family. This perspective is rounded out by insights gathered from those working in local organisations and in the analysis of services offered by the state. The three women and two men at the centre of this study live in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is characterised by extremes of poverty and wealth, reflected in low employment, expanding informal and low-income settlement areas but also in a high level of community activism and access to resources. Each of the five tested positive for HIV variously between 1998 and 2008. These years were pivotal in the development of the local and national epidemic. The rapid expansion of infection rates, contestation over forms of and access to treatment, followed by emphasis of a biomedical response, in equal measure bracket and cut across their experiences. To this point, research is less concerned with what individual experiences say about living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Preoccupations lie more generally with macro- or micro-level factors, with behaviour change, managing risk and so public health – not the processes linking individual circumstances and choices to opportunities and outcomes described by individual, community and structural, socio-economic contexts. Personal accounts and observations of a developing, community-based, local response to an unfolding epidemic are therefore considered against the analysis of available medical and nonmedical resources. This enables identification and investigation of social processes operating between proximal and distal conditions, determining possibilities for access to support. The focus of this study thus falls to the interrelations of structure, agency and action. It contributes to an empirical and theoretical understanding of what “support” is, what “coping” means and what unfolds where diagnosis with HIV disrupts and challenges existing ways of coping and forms of support. The accounts gathered for this study offer an “insider” perspective, focused on what follows from testing positive to identifying what resources hold significance. Connections between individual, community and society, through psycho-social, local and macro-level processes are explored. Along with the empirical study of individual accounts, the thesis offers a theoretical framework that uses a grounded-theory approach in conjunction with the tools of narrative analysis. These are critically adapted from a sociology of illness studies. Ideas of risk and response, of material and social capital, of the nature of HIV/AIDS as an experience that is inclusive of both chronic, everyday challenge and critical, life-threatening crisis disrupting a sense of time, biography and self, are brought together in the analysis. In this way the understanding of what support means, how it develops and is used (systematically or not), and of the links operating between structural and social conditions, individual agency and action, can be developed. What the thesis finds is that, beyond the medical system of hospitals and clinics, there is surprisingly little use of available resources. There is thus an absence of any systematic support for those faced with the physical, psychological, social and material impacts of HIV/AIDS. Given the nature of personal circumstances, embedded as they are within local conditions that reflect structural constraints of the broader economy and society, this should not be surprising. A system of support exists in only the most limited definition. Against this, what is novel in these findings is the role that psycho-social processes play in negotiating these conditions and how this works, determining what unfolds. A key finding is that it is more through chance than choice that people do find conventional forms of support. The reasons for this have to do not only with limitations to state and institutional capacity, but also with the impact on individuals of perceptions of themselves shaped by the impact of the epidemic and also the past. The result is that under the burden of HIV/AIDS, in the context of extreme inequalities and the absence of an adequate response from the state, already invisible individuals who do not “count” run the risk of becoming doubly invisible. It is through a process of personal adaptation in which shifts in identity and a sense of self are key that they must find their own way. This involves re-conceptualisations of identity, a sense of self and place in the world. The focus on five people and the community in which they live is a limit to the scope of study Yet it is this focus which allows for a new understanding of the social processes involved, and so the links operating between individuals and society. This is of significance beyond the study of HIV/AIDS alone, contributing to the broader sociological project of understanding what it means to “be human”. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
An exploration into how Grade 3 Foundation Phase teachers implement differentiated instructional practices in their mathematics classrooms
- Authors: Jack, Nomzamo Bridget
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Differentiated instruction , Inclusive education , Mathematics teachers Training of , English-medium instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424057 , vital:72120
- Description: Today’s teaching space is more diverse than before. As a result, differentiated instruction is considered helpful in supporting learner diversity. This teaching approach considers socio-cultural, multiple intelligences, and learning styles also termed learning preferences of learners. It is against this view that I wanted to investigate the implementation of differentiated instruction teaching practices in the Foundation Phase. This study explored differentiated teaching strategies and procedures in mathematics teaching, and I observed four Grade 3 teachers. The theoretical framework underlying this study was the theory of practice architectures. This study is located within an interpretivist paradigm within which I employed a case study research design. The collection of the data sets was through observations and semi-structured interviews. For an analysis of observations, I used a deductive approach. On the other hand, for the semi-structured interviews, I use an inductive approach to discover patterns and themes that I applied during the data analysis process. The validation process was done by giving interview transcripts and a summary of discussions to respondents to verify their responses and check for any misinterpretations. Rich data sets were analysed concerning the research questions, which were as follows: What are the current differentiated instruction teaching practices used by Grade 3 Mathematics teachers? How can the teachers’ differentiated instruction teaching practices be understood in terms of doings, sayings and relatings? How are differentiated instruction teaching practices made visible through the lens of the Theory of Practice Architecture? The findings from the study revealed that the use of learners’ everyday language influences their understanding of mathematics terminology. The study discovered that learners were more comfortable using English to make sense of mathematics terms instead of using isiXhosa, the Language of Learning and Teaching in the Foundation Phase. Additionally, linking learning to learners’ everyday English language enabled them to learn mathematics terms in a relaxed and non-threatening situation, while isiXhosa seemed to constrain learning. Further, the findings revealed that teachers were unclear about differentiated instruction. That was evident when they did not know the elements of differentiated instruction. Thus, the study recommends that teachers need to be supported through workshops to enable them to enact differentiated instruction in their teaching. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jack, Nomzamo Bridget
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Differentiated instruction , Inclusive education , Mathematics teachers Training of , English-medium instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424057 , vital:72120
- Description: Today’s teaching space is more diverse than before. As a result, differentiated instruction is considered helpful in supporting learner diversity. This teaching approach considers socio-cultural, multiple intelligences, and learning styles also termed learning preferences of learners. It is against this view that I wanted to investigate the implementation of differentiated instruction teaching practices in the Foundation Phase. This study explored differentiated teaching strategies and procedures in mathematics teaching, and I observed four Grade 3 teachers. The theoretical framework underlying this study was the theory of practice architectures. This study is located within an interpretivist paradigm within which I employed a case study research design. The collection of the data sets was through observations and semi-structured interviews. For an analysis of observations, I used a deductive approach. On the other hand, for the semi-structured interviews, I use an inductive approach to discover patterns and themes that I applied during the data analysis process. The validation process was done by giving interview transcripts and a summary of discussions to respondents to verify their responses and check for any misinterpretations. Rich data sets were analysed concerning the research questions, which were as follows: What are the current differentiated instruction teaching practices used by Grade 3 Mathematics teachers? How can the teachers’ differentiated instruction teaching practices be understood in terms of doings, sayings and relatings? How are differentiated instruction teaching practices made visible through the lens of the Theory of Practice Architecture? The findings from the study revealed that the use of learners’ everyday language influences their understanding of mathematics terminology. The study discovered that learners were more comfortable using English to make sense of mathematics terms instead of using isiXhosa, the Language of Learning and Teaching in the Foundation Phase. Additionally, linking learning to learners’ everyday English language enabled them to learn mathematics terms in a relaxed and non-threatening situation, while isiXhosa seemed to constrain learning. Further, the findings revealed that teachers were unclear about differentiated instruction. That was evident when they did not know the elements of differentiated instruction. Thus, the study recommends that teachers need to be supported through workshops to enable them to enact differentiated instruction in their teaching. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
An exploration of Black women’s motivations for pursuing sociology at Rhodes University
- Authors: Vezi, Indiphile Siyanda
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425220 , vital:72220
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vezi, Indiphile Siyanda
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425220 , vital:72220
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the funerary ritual crises caused by COVID-19 restrictions, and the pursuit of spirituality as a coping strategy amongst amaZulu living in the Midlands area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Sibisi, Ntokozo Penelope
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431498 , vital:72780
- Description: In 2020, South Africa faced a significant challenge as it grappled with approximately 500,000 COVID-19 infections, which accounted for over half of all reported cases across Africa. Living through a global pandemic such as COVID-19 had a dramatic and transformative impact on the arena of death for many South Africans, not only because of the number of deaths that have occurred globally due to COVID-19, but also how the bereaved living honour the dead. This study delves into a previously underreported facet of the pandemic's impact, focusing on the experiences of bereaved AmaZulu people who encountered profound disruptions in funerary rituals due to COVID-19 restrictions. The research aims to shed light on how spirituality may mitigate the challenges posed by these ritual constraints, drawing parallels with other ethnographies which have highlighted the importance of spirituality among the AmaZulu people of the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study employed a mixed method approach in generating quantitative and qualitative data. Data from 101 participants who responded to an online questionnaire were analysed using STATA. Additionally, ethnographic data with 9 participants, purposively sampled from the larger sample, was analysed using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, which ensured that their lived experiences of bereavement took centre stage. The findings of this study illuminate the regret experienced by participants who adapted to [government] bureaucratically-imposed funerals and medical care, revealing potential implications for future pandemic responses. This research underscores the significance of customary funerary rituals, urging compassionate public health responses that acknowledge their role amid mass deaths. It also highlights the interplay between spirituality, religion, and rituals, showcasing how these elements form an intricate web in the AmaZulu community. This study contributes to the broader understanding of death and COVID-19 in South Africa, where racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths have come to the forefront. It addresses the enduring trauma within Black communities and explores how the absence of funerary rituals can strain the psychological, emotional, and spiritual fabric of the bereaved. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Athropology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sibisi, Ntokozo Penelope
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431498 , vital:72780
- Description: In 2020, South Africa faced a significant challenge as it grappled with approximately 500,000 COVID-19 infections, which accounted for over half of all reported cases across Africa. Living through a global pandemic such as COVID-19 had a dramatic and transformative impact on the arena of death for many South Africans, not only because of the number of deaths that have occurred globally due to COVID-19, but also how the bereaved living honour the dead. This study delves into a previously underreported facet of the pandemic's impact, focusing on the experiences of bereaved AmaZulu people who encountered profound disruptions in funerary rituals due to COVID-19 restrictions. The research aims to shed light on how spirituality may mitigate the challenges posed by these ritual constraints, drawing parallels with other ethnographies which have highlighted the importance of spirituality among the AmaZulu people of the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study employed a mixed method approach in generating quantitative and qualitative data. Data from 101 participants who responded to an online questionnaire were analysed using STATA. Additionally, ethnographic data with 9 participants, purposively sampled from the larger sample, was analysed using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, which ensured that their lived experiences of bereavement took centre stage. The findings of this study illuminate the regret experienced by participants who adapted to [government] bureaucratically-imposed funerals and medical care, revealing potential implications for future pandemic responses. This research underscores the significance of customary funerary rituals, urging compassionate public health responses that acknowledge their role amid mass deaths. It also highlights the interplay between spirituality, religion, and rituals, showcasing how these elements form an intricate web in the AmaZulu community. This study contributes to the broader understanding of death and COVID-19 in South Africa, where racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths have come to the forefront. It addresses the enduring trauma within Black communities and explores how the absence of funerary rituals can strain the psychological, emotional, and spiritual fabric of the bereaved. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Athropology, 2023
- Full Text:
An investigation into fatigue prevalence amongst citrus packhouse sorters in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Robinson, Harry Jack
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Fatigue in the workplace , Packing-house workers South Africa Eastern Cape , Shift systems , Sleep-wake cycle , Drowsiness
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424312 , vital:72142
- Description: Background: South Africa is the second most influential exporter of citrus fruits internationally and holds a pivotal role in economic revenue for the country. Rural areas, such as the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, contribute to the country’s citrus production. Many women depend on citrus packhouses for employment as citrus sorters. As humans perceive certain defects in citrus fruits more accurately than machines, these sorters must identify and manually remove any fruit that does not conform with export requirements. Citrus sorters are exposed to numerous physical and cognitive stressors during the task while faced with organizational challenges, such as shift work and long working hours. Therefore, the potential for fatigue development is anticipated. Given the multifactorial nature of fatigue and the negative consequences it may have on workers, it also has the potential to impede the accuracy of the sorting performance. Stringent disciplinary action for the entire South African citrus industry may be of consequence if nonconforming or pest-infested fruit is missed by citrus sorters and exported to foreign countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fatigue among citrus sorters in a citrus packhouse in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape throughout a citrus harvesting season and to identify factors that may contribute towards fatigue development. Methods: The research design utilized a crosssectional, two-part approach that applied mixed methods. Part one was administered once-off, incorporating demographic, work-, and non-work-related questions. Part two was a self-developed repeated measures assessment comprising close-ended contextual questions, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Environmental and work output data were also recorded. Results: Citrus sorters (n= 35) recorded a mean MFIS score of 39.35 throughout the harvest season, which was above the prescribed fatigue threshold (38). However, there was no significant difference in fatigue ratings over time (p= 0.122). Day shift workers exceeded the fatigue threshold for the entire season compared to night shift workers, who only exceeded it in the last two weeks. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial subscales found no significant difference in fatigue scores, although physical fatigue recorded the highest scores across all weeks and displayed a significant difference over time. Overall, participants, on average, perceived to be “neither sleepy nor alert” over the season. However, eight participants (22%) recorded sleepiness scores ii exceeding the excessive sleepiness threshold of seven. Educational levels, health status, work-pace, and the number of family dependents significantly contributed to fatigue development, albeit a weak correlation. Discussion: Sorters were perceived to be fatigued from week three till the end of the study; however, there was no variation in fatigue scores over time. An accumulation of physical fatigue over time was revealed where prolonged standing, repetitive work, and irregular working postures may have contributed. Night shift workers did not receive the recommended hours of sleep (7-8 hours); hence, they registered greater sleepiness scores over the season than day shift workers. Environmental and work output recordings did not prove to have a significant influence on fatigue development, and neither did work experience or physical exercise. Conclusion: An amalgamation of numerous contributing factors within the work situation, private situation, and the individual influenced the development of fatigue, where there was no primary causal factor. Future studies should consider recording the accuracy of the sorting performance to acquire rich, objective data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Robinson, Harry Jack
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Fatigue in the workplace , Packing-house workers South Africa Eastern Cape , Shift systems , Sleep-wake cycle , Drowsiness
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424312 , vital:72142
- Description: Background: South Africa is the second most influential exporter of citrus fruits internationally and holds a pivotal role in economic revenue for the country. Rural areas, such as the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, contribute to the country’s citrus production. Many women depend on citrus packhouses for employment as citrus sorters. As humans perceive certain defects in citrus fruits more accurately than machines, these sorters must identify and manually remove any fruit that does not conform with export requirements. Citrus sorters are exposed to numerous physical and cognitive stressors during the task while faced with organizational challenges, such as shift work and long working hours. Therefore, the potential for fatigue development is anticipated. Given the multifactorial nature of fatigue and the negative consequences it may have on workers, it also has the potential to impede the accuracy of the sorting performance. Stringent disciplinary action for the entire South African citrus industry may be of consequence if nonconforming or pest-infested fruit is missed by citrus sorters and exported to foreign countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fatigue among citrus sorters in a citrus packhouse in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape throughout a citrus harvesting season and to identify factors that may contribute towards fatigue development. Methods: The research design utilized a crosssectional, two-part approach that applied mixed methods. Part one was administered once-off, incorporating demographic, work-, and non-work-related questions. Part two was a self-developed repeated measures assessment comprising close-ended contextual questions, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Environmental and work output data were also recorded. Results: Citrus sorters (n= 35) recorded a mean MFIS score of 39.35 throughout the harvest season, which was above the prescribed fatigue threshold (38). However, there was no significant difference in fatigue ratings over time (p= 0.122). Day shift workers exceeded the fatigue threshold for the entire season compared to night shift workers, who only exceeded it in the last two weeks. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial subscales found no significant difference in fatigue scores, although physical fatigue recorded the highest scores across all weeks and displayed a significant difference over time. Overall, participants, on average, perceived to be “neither sleepy nor alert” over the season. However, eight participants (22%) recorded sleepiness scores ii exceeding the excessive sleepiness threshold of seven. Educational levels, health status, work-pace, and the number of family dependents significantly contributed to fatigue development, albeit a weak correlation. Discussion: Sorters were perceived to be fatigued from week three till the end of the study; however, there was no variation in fatigue scores over time. An accumulation of physical fatigue over time was revealed where prolonged standing, repetitive work, and irregular working postures may have contributed. Night shift workers did not receive the recommended hours of sleep (7-8 hours); hence, they registered greater sleepiness scores over the season than day shift workers. Environmental and work output recordings did not prove to have a significant influence on fatigue development, and neither did work experience or physical exercise. Conclusion: An amalgamation of numerous contributing factors within the work situation, private situation, and the individual influenced the development of fatigue, where there was no primary causal factor. Future studies should consider recording the accuracy of the sorting performance to acquire rich, objective data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
Analysing equity and ethical dimensions of water governance challenges in the lower section of the upper Vaal River catchment, Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Tavengwa, Noleen Shamiso
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424199 , vital:72132
- Description: Poor water governance practices have been identified as one of the root causes of water problems confronting the South African water sector. This is evident in the lower section of the Upper Vaal River Catchment, where ineffective implementation of the regulatory measures has resulted in multiple incidents of illegal discharge of effluent from municipal wastewater treatment works, industrial and mining activities. Pollution and deterioration of water quality is a major challenge in the catchment; the Vaal River is severely polluted beyond acceptable standards and impacts negatively on other water users who have legitimate rights to the water resources. Pollution not only affects human activities and use, but also has negative impacts on ecological health and functionality. Poor water governance practices raise ethical implications for the rights to water for both social and ecological components. Although many water governance challenges in South Africa have implications that border on values and ethics, the relationship between these concepts has hardly been explored. In order to contribute towards filling this gap, this study explores water governance challenges and their ethical implications, and then analyse the equity dimensions of key water challenges among institutional actors in the lower section of the Upper Vaal WMA, Gauteng. The study uses a qualitative research approach which involves several methods of data collection: document analysis, workshops, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and participant observation. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis, and then applied an ethical framework to distil ethical implications of the identified water governance challenges. There are five water governance challenges that were identified, which are i) failure in the implementation of water legislation and regulations, ii) ineffective leadership and management, iii) cooperative governance and poor accountability, iv) decentralisation and ineffective participation, and v) finance, infrastructure, and technical capacity. The deterioration of water quality and pollution due to ineffective implementation of the regulatory system has ethical implications towards protection of the ecological system and sustainable management of the water resources for the present and future generation. Ineffective implementation of the regulatory measure also raises the issue of distributive equity between different water users and between current and future users. These implications are critical particularly when viewed from the perspective of systemic-relational ethical approach which posit that in social-ecological systems, all components ought to be treated with equal regards, and their inherent worth respected in order to maintain the unity of the SES. The idea of equal regards to the inherent worth of the component implies due respect, in ways that do not undermine the integrity of the entire system. The challenges identified in the system suggest that i) the right of the ecological system to water is undermined due to anthropogenic activities, which may in the long term undermine the functionality of the entire SES; ii) the right of the margined to access to water of the right quality is also undermined, and pollution costs is externalised. These are matters of ethics that thus deserved attention in policy and management considerations. The study analysed equity dimensions (distributive and procedural), targeting the key institutional water users (i.e., mines, industries, agriculture, municipalities, and the wastewater treatment works) in the lower section of the Upper Vaal River Catchment as equity candidates due to their activities that significantly impact the environment and the water resources. The cost of pollution caused by mining activities, industrial activities and the wastewater treatment works is externalised to other users who are not responsible for the pollution. In this regard study identified key drivers that raise concerns linked to distributive equity, which are ) pollution and water quality deterioration, ii) the legacies of mining activities, and iii) poor infrastructure maintenance, vandalism, and theft. Identifying these key drivers of distributive equity concerns is critical in ensuring that the water governance processes are designed in a way that stakeholders and actors reliant on water resources within the catchment have equitable and fair access without the effects of externalised costs from other actors. The identified water governance challenges in the catchment all borders on ethics, thus an ethical framework is crucial in tackling water related problems. The principles of ethics can be used as guidelines to decision-making process for the management and governance of water resources in South Africa. Therefore, implementing and incorporating principles of the systemic-relational ethics into policy making and water resources management will yield sustainable, efficient, and equitable use and management of water resources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tavengwa, Noleen Shamiso
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424199 , vital:72132
- Description: Poor water governance practices have been identified as one of the root causes of water problems confronting the South African water sector. This is evident in the lower section of the Upper Vaal River Catchment, where ineffective implementation of the regulatory measures has resulted in multiple incidents of illegal discharge of effluent from municipal wastewater treatment works, industrial and mining activities. Pollution and deterioration of water quality is a major challenge in the catchment; the Vaal River is severely polluted beyond acceptable standards and impacts negatively on other water users who have legitimate rights to the water resources. Pollution not only affects human activities and use, but also has negative impacts on ecological health and functionality. Poor water governance practices raise ethical implications for the rights to water for both social and ecological components. Although many water governance challenges in South Africa have implications that border on values and ethics, the relationship between these concepts has hardly been explored. In order to contribute towards filling this gap, this study explores water governance challenges and their ethical implications, and then analyse the equity dimensions of key water challenges among institutional actors in the lower section of the Upper Vaal WMA, Gauteng. The study uses a qualitative research approach which involves several methods of data collection: document analysis, workshops, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and participant observation. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis, and then applied an ethical framework to distil ethical implications of the identified water governance challenges. There are five water governance challenges that were identified, which are i) failure in the implementation of water legislation and regulations, ii) ineffective leadership and management, iii) cooperative governance and poor accountability, iv) decentralisation and ineffective participation, and v) finance, infrastructure, and technical capacity. The deterioration of water quality and pollution due to ineffective implementation of the regulatory system has ethical implications towards protection of the ecological system and sustainable management of the water resources for the present and future generation. Ineffective implementation of the regulatory measure also raises the issue of distributive equity between different water users and between current and future users. These implications are critical particularly when viewed from the perspective of systemic-relational ethical approach which posit that in social-ecological systems, all components ought to be treated with equal regards, and their inherent worth respected in order to maintain the unity of the SES. The idea of equal regards to the inherent worth of the component implies due respect, in ways that do not undermine the integrity of the entire system. The challenges identified in the system suggest that i) the right of the ecological system to water is undermined due to anthropogenic activities, which may in the long term undermine the functionality of the entire SES; ii) the right of the margined to access to water of the right quality is also undermined, and pollution costs is externalised. These are matters of ethics that thus deserved attention in policy and management considerations. The study analysed equity dimensions (distributive and procedural), targeting the key institutional water users (i.e., mines, industries, agriculture, municipalities, and the wastewater treatment works) in the lower section of the Upper Vaal River Catchment as equity candidates due to their activities that significantly impact the environment and the water resources. The cost of pollution caused by mining activities, industrial activities and the wastewater treatment works is externalised to other users who are not responsible for the pollution. In this regard study identified key drivers that raise concerns linked to distributive equity, which are ) pollution and water quality deterioration, ii) the legacies of mining activities, and iii) poor infrastructure maintenance, vandalism, and theft. Identifying these key drivers of distributive equity concerns is critical in ensuring that the water governance processes are designed in a way that stakeholders and actors reliant on water resources within the catchment have equitable and fair access without the effects of externalised costs from other actors. The identified water governance challenges in the catchment all borders on ethics, thus an ethical framework is crucial in tackling water related problems. The principles of ethics can be used as guidelines to decision-making process for the management and governance of water resources in South Africa. Therefore, implementing and incorporating principles of the systemic-relational ethics into policy making and water resources management will yield sustainable, efficient, and equitable use and management of water resources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
Analysis of the role and regulation of HOP1a and HOP1b splice variants in cancer biology
- Authors: Schwarz, Kelly
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432240 , vital:72854
- Description: Restricted access. Expected lease date in 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schwarz, Kelly
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432240 , vital:72854
- Description: Restricted access. Expected lease date in 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
Anonymous testimony and epistemic responsibility
- Authors: Ajiboro, Aderonke Adeyinka
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Anonymity , Assertion , Credibility , Truthfulness and falsehood , Responsibility , Testimony (Theory of knowledge)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432286 , vital:72858 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432286
- Description: In this thesis, I examine anonymous testimony in both offline (face-to-face) and online (internet and social media) interactions and the epistemic concerns it raises in relation to belief, knowledge, justification, and normative assessments of assertions. I discuss anonymous testimony as involving a relation between the hearer and the content of the testimony in comparison to ordinary cases where the speaker of an assertion is known. In anonymous testimony, the hearer has the burden of epistemic responsibility to arrive at a testimonial belief or arguably acceptance. The hearer is also accountable for the anonymous testimony in the event of re-assertion. I also assess the norms of assertion for anonymous testimony and argue that knowledge, truth, and belief norms that apply in cases where the speaker is known should not be applied to cases of anonymous speakers. Epistemologists have paid little attention to anonymous testimony and its implications on the norms of interaction. This is a study in the epistemology of testimony and it aims at providing further understanding of the epistemic responsibility of hearers of anonymous testimony. In Chapter One, I argue that anonymous testimony can be appropriately described as testimony; where the properties of an assertion to induce belief in the hearer are sufficient to describe the assertion as testimony. I examine the kinds of anonymity and the burden of epistemic responsibility for the hearer. I introduce basically anonymous testimony in offline and online contexts of interaction. A basically anonymous testimony occurs where, at the instance of receiving testimony and making an epistemic decision on it, the speaker is unidentifiable to the hearer. In Chapter Two, I discuss the kinds of epistemic attitudes hearers may have when they receive anonymous testimony. I discuss reductionism, antireductionism, and entitlement theory as accounts of the justification for believing testimony. I argue that acceptance is the appropriate attitude and the entitlement theory provides a basis for accepting anonymous testimony. I also argue that practical reasons are a sufficient to accept anonymous testimony. Also, I discuss the possibility that a hearer of anonymous testimony can make a wrongful presumption by assigning an identity to a person as the speaker of an anonymous testimony. This can cause harm to the ‘person’ of the presumed speaker such as an unwarranted credibility assessment of the person by other people in the community. I also argue that making a credibility assessment of a presumed speaker constitutes harm to a proper epistemic assessment of the content. In Chapter Three, I discuss the possibility of trust relations between an anonymous speaker and a hearer. I argue that the hearer is solely responsible for making an epistemic decision from anonymous testimony. I argue that anonymous testimony can be relevant to a hearer given the value of its content. In Chapter Four, I discuss the applicability of knowledge, truth, belief, reasonable to believe and supportive reasons norms for the re-assertion of anonymous testimony. Hence, I argue that the supportive reasons norm, which acknowledges acceptance of an assertion, the relevance of contexts, and admits both epistemic and practical reasons to make an assertion, should guide the re-assertion of anonymous testimony. I also argue that a hearer should be epistemically conscientiousness for responsible re-assertion of received anonymous testimony. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ajiboro, Aderonke Adeyinka
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Anonymity , Assertion , Credibility , Truthfulness and falsehood , Responsibility , Testimony (Theory of knowledge)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432286 , vital:72858 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432286
- Description: In this thesis, I examine anonymous testimony in both offline (face-to-face) and online (internet and social media) interactions and the epistemic concerns it raises in relation to belief, knowledge, justification, and normative assessments of assertions. I discuss anonymous testimony as involving a relation between the hearer and the content of the testimony in comparison to ordinary cases where the speaker of an assertion is known. In anonymous testimony, the hearer has the burden of epistemic responsibility to arrive at a testimonial belief or arguably acceptance. The hearer is also accountable for the anonymous testimony in the event of re-assertion. I also assess the norms of assertion for anonymous testimony and argue that knowledge, truth, and belief norms that apply in cases where the speaker is known should not be applied to cases of anonymous speakers. Epistemologists have paid little attention to anonymous testimony and its implications on the norms of interaction. This is a study in the epistemology of testimony and it aims at providing further understanding of the epistemic responsibility of hearers of anonymous testimony. In Chapter One, I argue that anonymous testimony can be appropriately described as testimony; where the properties of an assertion to induce belief in the hearer are sufficient to describe the assertion as testimony. I examine the kinds of anonymity and the burden of epistemic responsibility for the hearer. I introduce basically anonymous testimony in offline and online contexts of interaction. A basically anonymous testimony occurs where, at the instance of receiving testimony and making an epistemic decision on it, the speaker is unidentifiable to the hearer. In Chapter Two, I discuss the kinds of epistemic attitudes hearers may have when they receive anonymous testimony. I discuss reductionism, antireductionism, and entitlement theory as accounts of the justification for believing testimony. I argue that acceptance is the appropriate attitude and the entitlement theory provides a basis for accepting anonymous testimony. I also argue that practical reasons are a sufficient to accept anonymous testimony. Also, I discuss the possibility that a hearer of anonymous testimony can make a wrongful presumption by assigning an identity to a person as the speaker of an anonymous testimony. This can cause harm to the ‘person’ of the presumed speaker such as an unwarranted credibility assessment of the person by other people in the community. I also argue that making a credibility assessment of a presumed speaker constitutes harm to a proper epistemic assessment of the content. In Chapter Three, I discuss the possibility of trust relations between an anonymous speaker and a hearer. I argue that the hearer is solely responsible for making an epistemic decision from anonymous testimony. I argue that anonymous testimony can be relevant to a hearer given the value of its content. In Chapter Four, I discuss the applicability of knowledge, truth, belief, reasonable to believe and supportive reasons norms for the re-assertion of anonymous testimony. Hence, I argue that the supportive reasons norm, which acknowledges acceptance of an assertion, the relevance of contexts, and admits both epistemic and practical reasons to make an assertion, should guide the re-assertion of anonymous testimony. I also argue that a hearer should be epistemically conscientiousness for responsible re-assertion of received anonymous testimony. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
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Application of in vitro release testing (IVRT) to assess “sameness”/differences of topical clotrimazole formulations
- Wellington, Hannah Margaret Mary
- Authors: Wellington, Hannah Margaret Mary
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419599 , vital:71658
- Description: Embargoed. Possible release date early 2025 pending publications. , Thesis (MSC Pharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wellington, Hannah Margaret Mary
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419599 , vital:71658
- Description: Embargoed. Possible release date early 2025 pending publications. , Thesis (MSC Pharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
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Application of web design techniques and best practices in implementing web development, maintenance and enhancement of RUBi websites and web application systems
- Authors: Tshabalalala, Thulani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424688 , vital:72175
- Description: The popularity of the web has seen various fields, such as the sciences taking advantage of this resource to further their scientific endeavours. This has seen science groups moving into developing websites and web applications, and such a group is the Research Unit in Bioinformative (RUBi). With the use of the web, the development and maintenance of whatever web-related tools become inevitable, given the continuous changes in the web space. This continuous evolution of web development and maintenance will come with techniques, principles and standards which will not only enable faster development of web entities but also ensure that modern hardware, fulfilment of the requirements to use such hardware and modern concepts are incorporated into forming web tools that enable such progression. Furthermore, introducing the previously mentioned progress of the web becomes an essential part of its development and maintenance. This paper did implement the processes of progressing the web using the technique of documentation and version control systems. The web development for the COVIDRUG website was done for the Covidrug-Africa Consortium (COVIDRUG) using the Django webdevelopment framework. The RUBi website and the MDM-Task we band the Job Management System (JMS) web applications were maintained for the maintenance aspect. Archives brought value regarding the traceability it provides of the various web-related aspects. The development showed a website’s potential value, particularly for research groups. The maintenance carried out showed how different techniques and approaches could be used in different maintenance prospects to achieve set objectives. The development and maintenance resulted in websites and web applications that have the features stated in their respective maintenance plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tshabalalala, Thulani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424688 , vital:72175
- Description: The popularity of the web has seen various fields, such as the sciences taking advantage of this resource to further their scientific endeavours. This has seen science groups moving into developing websites and web applications, and such a group is the Research Unit in Bioinformative (RUBi). With the use of the web, the development and maintenance of whatever web-related tools become inevitable, given the continuous changes in the web space. This continuous evolution of web development and maintenance will come with techniques, principles and standards which will not only enable faster development of web entities but also ensure that modern hardware, fulfilment of the requirements to use such hardware and modern concepts are incorporated into forming web tools that enable such progression. Furthermore, introducing the previously mentioned progress of the web becomes an essential part of its development and maintenance. This paper did implement the processes of progressing the web using the technique of documentation and version control systems. The web development for the COVIDRUG website was done for the Covidrug-Africa Consortium (COVIDRUG) using the Django webdevelopment framework. The RUBi website and the MDM-Task we band the Job Management System (JMS) web applications were maintained for the maintenance aspect. Archives brought value regarding the traceability it provides of the various web-related aspects. The development showed a website’s potential value, particularly for research groups. The maintenance carried out showed how different techniques and approaches could be used in different maintenance prospects to achieve set objectives. The development and maintenance resulted in websites and web applications that have the features stated in their respective maintenance plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
Applying human factors and ergonomics system analysis methods to the V5-NRS Cessna 441 Conquest II aviation accident
- Authors: Fischer, Jordan Daena
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Ergonomics , Human engineering , Accident investigation , Aircraft accidents Investigation , AcciMap Approach , System theory , Study of complex systems
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424245 , vital:72136
- Description: Intro: Accidents are complex in nature with multiple contributing factors. The way in which accidents are investigated is important and using system-based analysis tools assists in understanding and mapping these contributing factors to learn from them. There has been an increase in the number of accidents that have occurred within the general aviation industry in South Africa and while accident investigations have been undertaken, these have not included the application of system-based analysis tools. This led to a collaboration between Rhodes University and the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority where it was agreed that two systems-based analysis tools will be applied to a previously investigated accident that occurred in 2015. Aims: The first aim of this thesis was to identify if, through the implementation of these systems-based tools, the systemic contributory factors could be determined using the existing report by the AIID. The second aim of this thesis was to identify if, using the two systems-based tools, the actors and levels involved in the accident could be identified and the third aim was to identify if the implementation of these tools generates the same or different recommendations to that of the AIID. Methods: The two systems-based analysis tools applied were AcciMap and Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (CAST). These tools were applied to the V5-NRS Cessna 441 Conquest II accident report which captured the details of how the aircraft flew into the Tygerberg mountain on its descent into the Cape Town International Airport in August 2015. Results: Through the application of these two systems-based analysis tools the major contributing factors elucidated throughout this analysis were: visual and lighting conditions, pilot experience, training, lack of terrain warning equipment, fatigue, inadequate oversight, and inadequate risk management. In line with these findings, the analysis revealed various actors across various levels (the crew; South African Air Traffic Control, the SACAA, WestAir (the operator) and the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority Through the elucidation of these factors at various levels, 14 to 15 different recommendations were generated which was more than the one recommendation that was generated by the AIID. Discussion: Even when applied to an existing report, both the CAST and Accimap tools were able to bring to light the systemic contributing factors to this accident and importantly, highlight the role that various actors and levels within the system had in this unfortunate event. Consistent with previous literature, most of the contributing factors were found at the lowest level (the crew in this case) and fewer, but key factors were identified at higher levels (management and regulator level). Importantly, the application of the systems tools facilitated a systematic and systemic analysis of this accident, which allowed for the generation of recommendations at all levels, not just at the operator level. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefits and importance behind implementing a systems-based analysis method to an accident as these tools generate more useful recommendations which allows for important lessons to be learned following accidents, with the intention of re-designing systems to prevent them from happening again. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fischer, Jordan Daena
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Ergonomics , Human engineering , Accident investigation , Aircraft accidents Investigation , AcciMap Approach , System theory , Study of complex systems
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424245 , vital:72136
- Description: Intro: Accidents are complex in nature with multiple contributing factors. The way in which accidents are investigated is important and using system-based analysis tools assists in understanding and mapping these contributing factors to learn from them. There has been an increase in the number of accidents that have occurred within the general aviation industry in South Africa and while accident investigations have been undertaken, these have not included the application of system-based analysis tools. This led to a collaboration between Rhodes University and the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority where it was agreed that two systems-based analysis tools will be applied to a previously investigated accident that occurred in 2015. Aims: The first aim of this thesis was to identify if, through the implementation of these systems-based tools, the systemic contributory factors could be determined using the existing report by the AIID. The second aim of this thesis was to identify if, using the two systems-based tools, the actors and levels involved in the accident could be identified and the third aim was to identify if the implementation of these tools generates the same or different recommendations to that of the AIID. Methods: The two systems-based analysis tools applied were AcciMap and Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (CAST). These tools were applied to the V5-NRS Cessna 441 Conquest II accident report which captured the details of how the aircraft flew into the Tygerberg mountain on its descent into the Cape Town International Airport in August 2015. Results: Through the application of these two systems-based analysis tools the major contributing factors elucidated throughout this analysis were: visual and lighting conditions, pilot experience, training, lack of terrain warning equipment, fatigue, inadequate oversight, and inadequate risk management. In line with these findings, the analysis revealed various actors across various levels (the crew; South African Air Traffic Control, the SACAA, WestAir (the operator) and the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority Through the elucidation of these factors at various levels, 14 to 15 different recommendations were generated which was more than the one recommendation that was generated by the AIID. Discussion: Even when applied to an existing report, both the CAST and Accimap tools were able to bring to light the systemic contributing factors to this accident and importantly, highlight the role that various actors and levels within the system had in this unfortunate event. Consistent with previous literature, most of the contributing factors were found at the lowest level (the crew in this case) and fewer, but key factors were identified at higher levels (management and regulator level). Importantly, the application of the systems tools facilitated a systematic and systemic analysis of this accident, which allowed for the generation of recommendations at all levels, not just at the operator level. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefits and importance behind implementing a systems-based analysis method to an accident as these tools generate more useful recommendations which allows for important lessons to be learned following accidents, with the intention of re-designing systems to prevent them from happening again. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with maize in South Africa, under conventional and conservation agricultural cultivation
- Maússe Sitoe, Sílvia Natal David
- Authors: Maússe Sitoe, Sílvia Natal David
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431846 , vital:72808
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
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- Authors: Maússe Sitoe, Sílvia Natal David
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431846 , vital:72808
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with wheat under conventional and conservation agricultural cultivation
- Authors: Dube, Makasithembe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431688 , vital:72796
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2024. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dube, Makasithembe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431688 , vital:72796
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2024. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
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Assessment of Pitman Model Capabilities in Modelling Surface Water-Groundwater Interactions in the Lake Sibaya Catchment, South Africa
- Authors: Ramatsabana, Phatsimo Pearl
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Hydrologic models South Africa Sibayi, Lake , Groundwater Management , Surface water management , Groundwater flow , Watershed management South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424188 , vital:72131
- Description: Difficulties arising from data scarcity, input data error or uncertainty, heterogeneous environments, lack of process understanding, and model structural uncertainty frequently constrain hydrological assessments of South African catchments. This research aimed to assess the usefulness of a “simpler” conceptual model for the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater. The idea is that, to leverage the limited available data and information, a compromise between model complexity and data availability is required, which improves the use of models to produce reliable hydrological systems assessments. The research methodology focused on catchment-scale lake-groundwater dynamics to explore the limits of the groundwater components of the modified Pitman model (Hughes, 2004) in this type of environment, thus, determining the potential for using this model for integrated water assessments in South Africa. The Pitman model (Pitman, 1973; Hughes, 2013) is one of the most widely accepted models regarding surface water hydrology in South Africa; however, the newly incorporated groundwater components (Hughes, 2004) have not been applied as extensively as the surface water components. There remains uncertainty regarding their capability to adequately simulate groundwater processes and accurately represent surface and groundwater interactions in some environments. The model was assessed based on how well simulated water balance variables accurately reflected available evidence and expected catchment response (objective 1). Secondly, the research identified and addressed uncertainties as regards the structure and application of the model’s groundwater interaction components (objective 2). The model was set up for the Lake Sibaya catchment, which is a predominantly groundwater-driven system and, thus, provides an important opportunity to interrogate different aspects of uncertainty in both the conceptualizing and quantifying interaction processes. The study’s overall conclusion is that the model performed satisfactorily as it was able to simulate the lake’s water balance correctly enough such that the influences of dominating components were sensibly reflected in variations in streamflow and lake volumes. The following key findings were noted; (i) the lake volume shows a continuous decline, (ii) the lake volume decreased with increasing development (forestry and abstractions) in the lake catchment, (iii) there is significant rainfall uncertainty in the study area and the model showed high sensitivity to rainfall differences, (iv) robust conceptual knowledge of local catchment conditions was valuable for reducing some of the data related uncertainty in the study area and for producing realistic model simulations, (v) the Pitman model (Hughes, 2013) updated GW components can provide a valuable tool for modelling integrated hydrological processes; nevertheless, when applying the model to specific environments, implicit approaches may be necessary to account for processes that are not fully represented in the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramatsabana, Phatsimo Pearl
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Hydrologic models South Africa Sibayi, Lake , Groundwater Management , Surface water management , Groundwater flow , Watershed management South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424188 , vital:72131
- Description: Difficulties arising from data scarcity, input data error or uncertainty, heterogeneous environments, lack of process understanding, and model structural uncertainty frequently constrain hydrological assessments of South African catchments. This research aimed to assess the usefulness of a “simpler” conceptual model for the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater. The idea is that, to leverage the limited available data and information, a compromise between model complexity and data availability is required, which improves the use of models to produce reliable hydrological systems assessments. The research methodology focused on catchment-scale lake-groundwater dynamics to explore the limits of the groundwater components of the modified Pitman model (Hughes, 2004) in this type of environment, thus, determining the potential for using this model for integrated water assessments in South Africa. The Pitman model (Pitman, 1973; Hughes, 2013) is one of the most widely accepted models regarding surface water hydrology in South Africa; however, the newly incorporated groundwater components (Hughes, 2004) have not been applied as extensively as the surface water components. There remains uncertainty regarding their capability to adequately simulate groundwater processes and accurately represent surface and groundwater interactions in some environments. The model was assessed based on how well simulated water balance variables accurately reflected available evidence and expected catchment response (objective 1). Secondly, the research identified and addressed uncertainties as regards the structure and application of the model’s groundwater interaction components (objective 2). The model was set up for the Lake Sibaya catchment, which is a predominantly groundwater-driven system and, thus, provides an important opportunity to interrogate different aspects of uncertainty in both the conceptualizing and quantifying interaction processes. The study’s overall conclusion is that the model performed satisfactorily as it was able to simulate the lake’s water balance correctly enough such that the influences of dominating components were sensibly reflected in variations in streamflow and lake volumes. The following key findings were noted; (i) the lake volume shows a continuous decline, (ii) the lake volume decreased with increasing development (forestry and abstractions) in the lake catchment, (iii) there is significant rainfall uncertainty in the study area and the model showed high sensitivity to rainfall differences, (iv) robust conceptual knowledge of local catchment conditions was valuable for reducing some of the data related uncertainty in the study area and for producing realistic model simulations, (v) the Pitman model (Hughes, 2013) updated GW components can provide a valuable tool for modelling integrated hydrological processes; nevertheless, when applying the model to specific environments, implicit approaches may be necessary to account for processes that are not fully represented in the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text: