High-resolution hydraulic modelling as an approach to planning rehabilitation interventions in unchanneled valley-bottom palmiet wetlands: a case study of the Kromme River
- Authors: Langner, Wiebke
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424610 , vital:72168
- Description: This study employs high-resolution hydraulic modelling techniques to inform the planning of rehabilitation interventions in unchanneled valley-bottom palmiet wetlands, using the upper Kromme River wetlands as a case study. It investigates the impact of geomorphic processes on the morphology of the valley, how changes in valley morphology affect the flow characteristics (velocity, stream power, depth) of the river, and how these changes affect the geomorphic dynamics of the wetlands. An aerial LiDAR survey was conducted for a 23km-long reach of the upper Kromme River where the wetlands are situated. A high-resolution (5 m) DTM was created from the LiDAR data to examine the valley morphology. Focusing on three major wetland basins, the relationship between valley morphology and geomorphic processes was examined using high-resolution imagery that accompanied the LiDAR survey and Google Satellite imagery. The hydraulic modelling software HEC-RAS was used to investigate the spatial variation in velocity, stream power, and water depth down the surveyed length of the river. The model outputs provide insight into the effect of valley morphology on flow characteristics. The river appears to have a graded longitudinal profile, such that there is a systematic reduction in slope down its length. Water flowing down the river works, through the processes of erosion and deposition, to control the longitudinal slope, channel planform, and geometry to create a valley with a gentle longitudinal slope (approximately 1%) and a broad, near-horizontal valley-bottom in the mountainous landscape of the Cape Fold Mountains. The overall form of the Kromme River valley and wetlands is primarily a consequence of repeated cycles of cutting and filling. Tributary alluvial fans control the initiation of gully erosion in the wetlands, but their effect is diminished in a downstream direction. Despite a 10-fold increase in discharge down the 23km length of river for a given flood magnitude, there is no significant increase in flow velocity, stream power, or depth in a downstream direction. Consequently, the kinetic energy of the water in the lower wetland basin is surprisingly low. These conditions favour the establishment of palmiet. Flows in eroded reaches are much higher than in non-eroded reaches where discharge is spread across a broad valley bottom. In terms of palmiet establishment and regeneration, this means that areas dominated by depositional processes are best suited to the establishment of palmiet. Based on this information, optimal sites to trial new wetland rehabilitation strategies that employ palmiet were selected. This work supports the importance of understanding the role of geomorphology in wetland structure and dynamics when approaching wetland rehabilitation and is likely to be more sympathetic to natural processes than current interventions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Langner, Wiebke
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424610 , vital:72168
- Description: This study employs high-resolution hydraulic modelling techniques to inform the planning of rehabilitation interventions in unchanneled valley-bottom palmiet wetlands, using the upper Kromme River wetlands as a case study. It investigates the impact of geomorphic processes on the morphology of the valley, how changes in valley morphology affect the flow characteristics (velocity, stream power, depth) of the river, and how these changes affect the geomorphic dynamics of the wetlands. An aerial LiDAR survey was conducted for a 23km-long reach of the upper Kromme River where the wetlands are situated. A high-resolution (5 m) DTM was created from the LiDAR data to examine the valley morphology. Focusing on three major wetland basins, the relationship between valley morphology and geomorphic processes was examined using high-resolution imagery that accompanied the LiDAR survey and Google Satellite imagery. The hydraulic modelling software HEC-RAS was used to investigate the spatial variation in velocity, stream power, and water depth down the surveyed length of the river. The model outputs provide insight into the effect of valley morphology on flow characteristics. The river appears to have a graded longitudinal profile, such that there is a systematic reduction in slope down its length. Water flowing down the river works, through the processes of erosion and deposition, to control the longitudinal slope, channel planform, and geometry to create a valley with a gentle longitudinal slope (approximately 1%) and a broad, near-horizontal valley-bottom in the mountainous landscape of the Cape Fold Mountains. The overall form of the Kromme River valley and wetlands is primarily a consequence of repeated cycles of cutting and filling. Tributary alluvial fans control the initiation of gully erosion in the wetlands, but their effect is diminished in a downstream direction. Despite a 10-fold increase in discharge down the 23km length of river for a given flood magnitude, there is no significant increase in flow velocity, stream power, or depth in a downstream direction. Consequently, the kinetic energy of the water in the lower wetland basin is surprisingly low. These conditions favour the establishment of palmiet. Flows in eroded reaches are much higher than in non-eroded reaches where discharge is spread across a broad valley bottom. In terms of palmiet establishment and regeneration, this means that areas dominated by depositional processes are best suited to the establishment of palmiet. Based on this information, optimal sites to trial new wetland rehabilitation strategies that employ palmiet were selected. This work supports the importance of understanding the role of geomorphology in wetland structure and dynamics when approaching wetland rehabilitation and is likely to be more sympathetic to natural processes than current interventions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2023
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of bank debt financing on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia
- Paulus, Panduleni Hambeleleni
- Authors: Paulus, Panduleni Hambeleleni
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Business enterprises Finance , Small business Namibia , Small and medium enterprises , Stakeholder management , Debt financing (Corporations)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419176 , vital:71622
- Description: Globally, SMEs are valued for their contribution to economic growth and development as well as for driving employment. To succeed, small firms require support especially in terms of obtaining funding and financial services that can enable them to meet day to day operational needs. Commercial banks play an important role for the financing of SMEs as small firms generally depend on bank loans to obtain external finance. However, despite the support and contribution, very little attention is given to the actual forms of finance used by small and medium-sized enterprises, the available finance made by lending institutions or investors and the relation between the use of the said debt finance and enterprise performance. Furthermore, several research studies carried out focusing on the effect of debt financing on performance of firms are inconsistent. Thus, this study sought to determine the effectiveness of bank debt finance on the growth of SMEs in Namibia. To achieve the objective of the study, it was important to have it rooted in the pragmatism paradigm; followed by both the deductive and inductive approaches. Interviews were conducted with the six SME owners and structured questionnaires were completed by the seven staff of the selected bank. The study used thematic analysis to analyze primary data from interviews by following three steps namely: reducing the data referred to as coding, analyzing data by creating patterns, and generating themes and drawing conclusion. Data from self-administered questionnaires was populated and textually analyzed aided by tables. The main findings of the study were that: (1) debt financing contributed to the growth and performance of SMEs as all firms under the study who made use of debt had experienced growth in terms of generated profits and acquired assets, (2) during the assessment and approving process, the bank looked at various lending factors and that collateral was not considered as prime to accessing funding, (3) the SMEs were not sufficiently funded and that there was no appropriate funding option for SMEs, (4) in terms of relationships, there was a lack of engagement and support between the bank and the SMEs. The support received from the bank was only in terms of lending. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Paulus, Panduleni Hambeleleni
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Business enterprises Finance , Small business Namibia , Small and medium enterprises , Stakeholder management , Debt financing (Corporations)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419176 , vital:71622
- Description: Globally, SMEs are valued for their contribution to economic growth and development as well as for driving employment. To succeed, small firms require support especially in terms of obtaining funding and financial services that can enable them to meet day to day operational needs. Commercial banks play an important role for the financing of SMEs as small firms generally depend on bank loans to obtain external finance. However, despite the support and contribution, very little attention is given to the actual forms of finance used by small and medium-sized enterprises, the available finance made by lending institutions or investors and the relation between the use of the said debt finance and enterprise performance. Furthermore, several research studies carried out focusing on the effect of debt financing on performance of firms are inconsistent. Thus, this study sought to determine the effectiveness of bank debt finance on the growth of SMEs in Namibia. To achieve the objective of the study, it was important to have it rooted in the pragmatism paradigm; followed by both the deductive and inductive approaches. Interviews were conducted with the six SME owners and structured questionnaires were completed by the seven staff of the selected bank. The study used thematic analysis to analyze primary data from interviews by following three steps namely: reducing the data referred to as coding, analyzing data by creating patterns, and generating themes and drawing conclusion. Data from self-administered questionnaires was populated and textually analyzed aided by tables. The main findings of the study were that: (1) debt financing contributed to the growth and performance of SMEs as all firms under the study who made use of debt had experienced growth in terms of generated profits and acquired assets, (2) during the assessment and approving process, the bank looked at various lending factors and that collateral was not considered as prime to accessing funding, (3) the SMEs were not sufficiently funded and that there was no appropriate funding option for SMEs, (4) in terms of relationships, there was a lack of engagement and support between the bank and the SMEs. The support received from the bank was only in terms of lending. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
Enforced sojourn: Zimbabwean dispensation, special and exemption permits
- Authors: Maziyanhanga, Zvikomborero
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Citizenship , Immigrants South Africa , Residence permit , Foreign workers, Zimbabwean South Africa , Discrimination , Emigration and immigration law South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408913 , vital:70537
- Description: This thesis investigates Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa. Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa dates back to the early 2000s. This thesis uses a combination of theories to interrogate and discuss the Zimbabwe special permits and some of the post-apartheid government’s amendments to the South African Citizenship Act and other immigration policies. Some of the theories that theoretically underpin this research project’s methodology include Marxism, Pan-Africanism, Liberalism and culture-based theories. This thesis interrogates the discursive strategies these permits draw on to frame and understand Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. This study has found that these permits use similar operating logic as the White South African governments used the migrant labour system to exploit Blacks from all of Southern Africa in the 20th century. For instance, the migrant labour system used during apartheid made all Blacks in South Africa “guest workers” who could be deported at the government’s whim. The apartheid government used racist pass laws to regulate the movement of Black people in South Africa, whereas the post-apartheid government uses Zimbabwean special permits to regulate the movement of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The pass laws were fundamentally racist, and their ultimate objective was to reinforce the idea of White citizenship, whereas the Zimbabwe special permits are not racist. Their colonial similarity, however, lies in how they make Zimbabwean migrants perpetual migrants in South Africa and the various ways in which they cast Zimbabweans as not deserving of South African citizenship. These special permits force Zimbabwe migrants to become “guest workers” who build the post-apartheid economy and then return home when they are no longer “useful” to the economy. This thesis concludes that the post-apartheid Zimbabwe special permits achieve analogous objectives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maziyanhanga, Zvikomborero
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Citizenship , Immigrants South Africa , Residence permit , Foreign workers, Zimbabwean South Africa , Discrimination , Emigration and immigration law South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408913 , vital:70537
- Description: This thesis investigates Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa. Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa dates back to the early 2000s. This thesis uses a combination of theories to interrogate and discuss the Zimbabwe special permits and some of the post-apartheid government’s amendments to the South African Citizenship Act and other immigration policies. Some of the theories that theoretically underpin this research project’s methodology include Marxism, Pan-Africanism, Liberalism and culture-based theories. This thesis interrogates the discursive strategies these permits draw on to frame and understand Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. This study has found that these permits use similar operating logic as the White South African governments used the migrant labour system to exploit Blacks from all of Southern Africa in the 20th century. For instance, the migrant labour system used during apartheid made all Blacks in South Africa “guest workers” who could be deported at the government’s whim. The apartheid government used racist pass laws to regulate the movement of Black people in South Africa, whereas the post-apartheid government uses Zimbabwean special permits to regulate the movement of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The pass laws were fundamentally racist, and their ultimate objective was to reinforce the idea of White citizenship, whereas the Zimbabwe special permits are not racist. Their colonial similarity, however, lies in how they make Zimbabwean migrants perpetual migrants in South Africa and the various ways in which they cast Zimbabweans as not deserving of South African citizenship. These special permits force Zimbabwe migrants to become “guest workers” who build the post-apartheid economy and then return home when they are no longer “useful” to the economy. This thesis concludes that the post-apartheid Zimbabwe special permits achieve analogous objectives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
South African traditional healers’ perceptions and treatment of the symptoms of depression
- Authors: Augustine, Daniella Joan
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Depression, Mental South Africa , Mental illness South Africa , Depression, Mental Treatment , Traditional healers of South Africa , Symptoms , Depression, Mental Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408789 , vital:70525
- Description: While depression is experienced worldwide, the World Health Organization indicated that over 80% of this disease burden is found in low- and middle-income countries, with 16% of depressive disorder cases being found in Africa. Specifically, in South Africa, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder is 9.7%. Research conducted on traditional healing estimates that as high as 80% of black individuals in South Africa choose to consult traditional healers. Although there was initial consensus that the use of traditional healers reflected a lack of access to alternative resources, more recent research has however indicated that traditional healers are consulted even when psychiatric facilities and medication are available. Research has illustrated that many patients that chose to consult traditional healers do so as a result of their shared beliefs, and traditional healers' ability to understand the cultural frameworks underlying illness. The current study investigated how traditional healers in the Eastern Cape perceive and treat phenomena currently understood as the symptoms of depression and how these understandings can be incorporated into collaborations between Western medicine and traditional healing practice. A qualitative research design was used to examine the perspectives and treatment methods of isiXhosa traditional healers in the Eastern Cape. Four healers participated in the study. Key findings indicated that there is no single cause or definition of the phenomenon of depression by healers. Causality is greatly attributed to spiritual causes and ancestors play a key role in guiding the diagnosis and multiple treatment interventions employed by healers to treat the experience of depression. Finally, all traditional healers expressed a willingness to collaborate and work with the Western healthcare system, however, they indicated a strong need for greater recognition as a valid healthcare system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Augustine, Daniella Joan
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Depression, Mental South Africa , Mental illness South Africa , Depression, Mental Treatment , Traditional healers of South Africa , Symptoms , Depression, Mental Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408789 , vital:70525
- Description: While depression is experienced worldwide, the World Health Organization indicated that over 80% of this disease burden is found in low- and middle-income countries, with 16% of depressive disorder cases being found in Africa. Specifically, in South Africa, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder is 9.7%. Research conducted on traditional healing estimates that as high as 80% of black individuals in South Africa choose to consult traditional healers. Although there was initial consensus that the use of traditional healers reflected a lack of access to alternative resources, more recent research has however indicated that traditional healers are consulted even when psychiatric facilities and medication are available. Research has illustrated that many patients that chose to consult traditional healers do so as a result of their shared beliefs, and traditional healers' ability to understand the cultural frameworks underlying illness. The current study investigated how traditional healers in the Eastern Cape perceive and treat phenomena currently understood as the symptoms of depression and how these understandings can be incorporated into collaborations between Western medicine and traditional healing practice. A qualitative research design was used to examine the perspectives and treatment methods of isiXhosa traditional healers in the Eastern Cape. Four healers participated in the study. Key findings indicated that there is no single cause or definition of the phenomenon of depression by healers. Causality is greatly attributed to spiritual causes and ancestors play a key role in guiding the diagnosis and multiple treatment interventions employed by healers to treat the experience of depression. Finally, all traditional healers expressed a willingness to collaborate and work with the Western healthcare system, however, they indicated a strong need for greater recognition as a valid healthcare system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
Implications of changing land use and introducing extralimital giraffe on vegetation in the subtropical thicket, South Africa
- Authors: Trafford, Bronwyn Kate
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422356 , vital:71935
- Description: Land use change has increased in southern Africa as many livestock farms convert to game reserves, to restore degraded and overgrazed lands. This leads to a change in herbivore communities with potential positive and negative consequences for vegetation and landscape productivity. This study aimed to look at the effect of land use change and subsequent herbivore community changes, on thicket vegetation structure, composition, and landscape productivity. To attain the study objectives, data were collected from four game reserves and their adjacent livestock farms within the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. These sites were selected because they are within the Subtropical Thicket biome (similar vegetation) and were once used for livestock farming. At each study site, vegetation composition and structure were assessed using a unique bush clump sampling technique along fence line contrasts. Six plots were sampled at each site, three plots on the game reserve lands and three plots on the adjacent livestock farmlands during the dry (July/August 2020) and wet (January/February 2021) seasons. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), in-situ leaf area index (LAI) and the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR), were used to assess vegetation productivity between the two land use types. Additionally, diet of an extralimital herbivore, giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), was assessed during contrasting seasons (dry and wet) to infer the role this species might have on these landscapes. The diet of giraffes was assessed through field observations, recording plant species that giraffes were feeding on. Floristic results showed that there were no differences in vegetation structure, species composition and richness between the two land types. There was no difference in the overall diversity of plant species on the game reserves than in the adjacent livestock farms. The primary productivity was greater on the game reserves compared to the livestock farms. Field observations of giraffe feeding showed that they fed predominantly on Vachellia karroo followed by Searsia longispina. Their diets did not differ between the two seasons. My study provides an insight into the effects of changing land use and this information can be used to infer the extent to which these changes might have on restoration of degraded landscape and how land use changes may be effective in restoring the degraded thicket vegetation caused by overgrazing and overstocking of domestic livestock. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Trafford, Bronwyn Kate
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422356 , vital:71935
- Description: Land use change has increased in southern Africa as many livestock farms convert to game reserves, to restore degraded and overgrazed lands. This leads to a change in herbivore communities with potential positive and negative consequences for vegetation and landscape productivity. This study aimed to look at the effect of land use change and subsequent herbivore community changes, on thicket vegetation structure, composition, and landscape productivity. To attain the study objectives, data were collected from four game reserves and their adjacent livestock farms within the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. These sites were selected because they are within the Subtropical Thicket biome (similar vegetation) and were once used for livestock farming. At each study site, vegetation composition and structure were assessed using a unique bush clump sampling technique along fence line contrasts. Six plots were sampled at each site, three plots on the game reserve lands and three plots on the adjacent livestock farmlands during the dry (July/August 2020) and wet (January/February 2021) seasons. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), in-situ leaf area index (LAI) and the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR), were used to assess vegetation productivity between the two land use types. Additionally, diet of an extralimital herbivore, giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), was assessed during contrasting seasons (dry and wet) to infer the role this species might have on these landscapes. The diet of giraffes was assessed through field observations, recording plant species that giraffes were feeding on. Floristic results showed that there were no differences in vegetation structure, species composition and richness between the two land types. There was no difference in the overall diversity of plant species on the game reserves than in the adjacent livestock farms. The primary productivity was greater on the game reserves compared to the livestock farms. Field observations of giraffe feeding showed that they fed predominantly on Vachellia karroo followed by Searsia longispina. Their diets did not differ between the two seasons. My study provides an insight into the effects of changing land use and this information can be used to infer the extent to which these changes might have on restoration of degraded landscape and how land use changes may be effective in restoring the degraded thicket vegetation caused by overgrazing and overstocking of domestic livestock. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
Selection of DNA aptamers against Cancer-Targeting Murine Antibodies
- Authors: Nisbet, Laura Jade
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422426 , vital:71941
- Description: Access restricted. Access embargoed until 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nisbet, Laura Jade
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422426 , vital:71941
- Description: Access restricted. Access embargoed until 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2023
- Full Text:
An African language in the public sphere – the use of isiZulu on Yilungelo Lakho online platforms
- Authors: Bramdeo, Aasra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Zulu language , News Web sites South Africa , South African Broadcasting Corporation , Facebook (Firm) , Social media and journalism South Africa , Public sphere South Africa , Mass media and language South Africa , Yilungelo Lakho
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405919 , vital:70219
- Description: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is mandated as the public broadcaster to provide news content in all South Africa’s official languages. While this has been a challenge on traditional broadcast platforms, online resources, such as social media pages, present an opportunity for the SABC to support the creation and sharing of content in African languages. With relatively little national news and current affairs content available online in indigenous languages, this study investigates the way that SABC News online offerings in the isiZulu language have the potential to contribute to public debates in terms of Habermas’ concept of a public sphere and its adaptation to the online domain, taking into consideration scholarly critiques of its suitability in the African context. The SABC News Current Affairs programme Yilungelo Lakho serves as a case study to examine the potential for the SABC to share African-language news content online. The programme is broadcast primarily in the Nguni languages, and the online audience on Facebook often choose to respond in isiZulu or other African languages. Semi-structured indepth interviews were conducted with three members of the production team and three contributors to the Facebook page. A textual analysis of Facebook posts across 13 episodes, with a total of 497 comments from 306 online contributors highlights the manner in which online interaction promotes or hampers the inclusion of isiZulu speakers in SABC News and Current Affairs discussions, rational deliberation on the SABC Current Affairs programme, and fragmentation and overlap across different online platforms. While multilingual interactions on the Yilungelo Lakho Facebook page make for complex curation, the findings suggest the need for African language content to support public discussions and point to an opportunity for the public broadcaster to fulfil its mandate. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bramdeo, Aasra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Zulu language , News Web sites South Africa , South African Broadcasting Corporation , Facebook (Firm) , Social media and journalism South Africa , Public sphere South Africa , Mass media and language South Africa , Yilungelo Lakho
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405919 , vital:70219
- Description: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is mandated as the public broadcaster to provide news content in all South Africa’s official languages. While this has been a challenge on traditional broadcast platforms, online resources, such as social media pages, present an opportunity for the SABC to support the creation and sharing of content in African languages. With relatively little national news and current affairs content available online in indigenous languages, this study investigates the way that SABC News online offerings in the isiZulu language have the potential to contribute to public debates in terms of Habermas’ concept of a public sphere and its adaptation to the online domain, taking into consideration scholarly critiques of its suitability in the African context. The SABC News Current Affairs programme Yilungelo Lakho serves as a case study to examine the potential for the SABC to share African-language news content online. The programme is broadcast primarily in the Nguni languages, and the online audience on Facebook often choose to respond in isiZulu or other African languages. Semi-structured indepth interviews were conducted with three members of the production team and three contributors to the Facebook page. A textual analysis of Facebook posts across 13 episodes, with a total of 497 comments from 306 online contributors highlights the manner in which online interaction promotes or hampers the inclusion of isiZulu speakers in SABC News and Current Affairs discussions, rational deliberation on the SABC Current Affairs programme, and fragmentation and overlap across different online platforms. While multilingual interactions on the Yilungelo Lakho Facebook page make for complex curation, the findings suggest the need for African language content to support public discussions and point to an opportunity for the public broadcaster to fulfil its mandate. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
An ethnomedical study of the role and impact of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment of women living with endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
Molecular identification of potential ciprofloxacin degrading bacteria and determination of its possible breakdown intermediates in rivers, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ncgauzele, Zenande Rose
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403003 , vital:69913
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncgauzele, Zenande Rose
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403003 , vital:69913
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
Variables associated with run out opportunities in cricket: coaches’ perceptions versus video analyses of the Indian Premier League 2018/2019 seasons
- Authors: Sholto-Douglas, Robert
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Indian Premier League , Cricket Coaching , Video analysis , Fielding , Run out
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365014 , vital:65670
- Description: The purpose of this investigation was to add a scientific element to the understanding of run out opportunities in T20 (twenty/twenty) formats, which would in turn, provide recommendations to players and coaches around the topic of run outs. Due to a lack of research in this field, the study was two-fold, as there is little research known on this topic. Firstly, surveying experienced coaches on what they would expect to take place during run out opportunities from different areas of the field in a T20 game. Secondly, the study looked at what happened during successful and unsuccessful run outs from different areas of the field in two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. The aim of the study was to determine what variables, within an area of fielding, led to a successful or non-successful run out from different zones in the field. Coaches were required to fill out a survey which asked them to give their expectations on run out opportunities during a T20 competition. The data from the questionnaire would be used to gain a greater understanding of the way coaches understand different characteristics of run outs and whether this matched the findings of the second part of this study. The second part of the study investigated run out opportunities in two consecutive IPL seasons, based on video footage, looking at how different variables impacted successful or marginally missed run out opportunities in different areas of the field and at different times of the game. The areas were put into four different zones. Zone 1 being close to the batter, zone 2 being in the inner ring, zone 3 being on the edge of the ring and zone 4 being boundary fielders. Most of the coaches believed that in zone 1 of the field, the bowler would have the most opportunities, where in fact, based on the video footage, these fell to the wicket-keeper. In zone 2 there were a larger range of fielding positions (10) that run outs fell to when analysing video footage. The coaches supported this by often naming the same fielding positions. There was a divide in zone 3. Most run out opportunities from the video footage came to extra cover, where most coaches didn’t believe that would be the case and rather mentioned mid-off and mid-on. When analysing video footage in zone 4, it had two fielding positions (long on and deep mid-wicket) make up the majority of run out chances in this area and these two positions were quoted by most of the coaches as having the most run out opportunities fall to them. Throughout the findings, as concluded from the video footage, there were some results that matched the coaches’ expectation and some results where findings from the video footage differed from the coaches’ expectations. These findings are all useful. Firstly, it validates coaching practices. Secondly, it provides coaches with greater insight as to where they aren’t getting it correct in their fielding training. In conclusion, this study found that although coaches perceptions, for the most part, matched what took place on the field, there were instances where we saw the opposite action take place. This has important practical implications for coaching and practice. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sholto-Douglas, Robert
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Indian Premier League , Cricket Coaching , Video analysis , Fielding , Run out
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365014 , vital:65670
- Description: The purpose of this investigation was to add a scientific element to the understanding of run out opportunities in T20 (twenty/twenty) formats, which would in turn, provide recommendations to players and coaches around the topic of run outs. Due to a lack of research in this field, the study was two-fold, as there is little research known on this topic. Firstly, surveying experienced coaches on what they would expect to take place during run out opportunities from different areas of the field in a T20 game. Secondly, the study looked at what happened during successful and unsuccessful run outs from different areas of the field in two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. The aim of the study was to determine what variables, within an area of fielding, led to a successful or non-successful run out from different zones in the field. Coaches were required to fill out a survey which asked them to give their expectations on run out opportunities during a T20 competition. The data from the questionnaire would be used to gain a greater understanding of the way coaches understand different characteristics of run outs and whether this matched the findings of the second part of this study. The second part of the study investigated run out opportunities in two consecutive IPL seasons, based on video footage, looking at how different variables impacted successful or marginally missed run out opportunities in different areas of the field and at different times of the game. The areas were put into four different zones. Zone 1 being close to the batter, zone 2 being in the inner ring, zone 3 being on the edge of the ring and zone 4 being boundary fielders. Most of the coaches believed that in zone 1 of the field, the bowler would have the most opportunities, where in fact, based on the video footage, these fell to the wicket-keeper. In zone 2 there were a larger range of fielding positions (10) that run outs fell to when analysing video footage. The coaches supported this by often naming the same fielding positions. There was a divide in zone 3. Most run out opportunities from the video footage came to extra cover, where most coaches didn’t believe that would be the case and rather mentioned mid-off and mid-on. When analysing video footage in zone 4, it had two fielding positions (long on and deep mid-wicket) make up the majority of run out chances in this area and these two positions were quoted by most of the coaches as having the most run out opportunities fall to them. Throughout the findings, as concluded from the video footage, there were some results that matched the coaches’ expectation and some results where findings from the video footage differed from the coaches’ expectations. These findings are all useful. Firstly, it validates coaching practices. Secondly, it provides coaches with greater insight as to where they aren’t getting it correct in their fielding training. In conclusion, this study found that although coaches perceptions, for the most part, matched what took place on the field, there were instances where we saw the opposite action take place. This has important practical implications for coaching and practice. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
“Around Hip Hop” : rethinking and reconstructing urban youth identities in South Africa - a case study of Fingo Village, Makhanda
- Authors: Futshane, Luniko
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Hip-hop South Africa Makhanda , Urban youth South Africa Makhanda , Youth development South Africa Makhanda , Social change , Multiculturalism , Black Consciousness Movement of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406760 , vital:70305
- Description: The main objective of this thesis is to investigate how conscious hip hop culture is used to reconstruct and influence urban youth identities in South Africa, in the case of Fingo Village, Makhanda. In addition, it aims to understand how the South African conscious hip hop scene, appropriated from the West, can be used to shape the identities of the urban youth, instead of the materialistic commercial/mainstream gangsta rap that is currently dominating popular culture and media today. Kellner’s (1995: 10) multicultural critical approach is appropriate for this thesis, as it “provides a critical multiculturalist politics and media pedagogy that aims to make people sensitive to the relations of power and domination which are encoded in cultural texts, such as those of television and film, or new technologies and media such as Internet, and social networking”. Moreover, in the words of Cvetkovich and Kellner (cited in Dolby, 2010:11), this dissertation “investigates the increasing influence of global popular culture and its possibility to equip the urban youth with new sources of identification”, as well as opportunities for social change. In Makhanda, rappers, community activists, B-Boy crews, graffiti artists, spoken-word poets, photographers, and journalists all assembled in Fingo Village for the social event Around Hip Hop, at the multipurpose Fingo square, between 2011 and 2019. Today, Around Hip Hop is an arts based organization that produces hip hop mixtapes, short documentaries, and educational events aimed at creating a cross-cultural exchange and increasing awareness of South African politics. Around Hip Hop has hosted various events, dialogues, and performances where hip hop is used as a cultural expression, which continuously creates spaces for the urban youth to rethink and reconstruct their identities; not only as artists, but as audience members as well. Events, such as The Return of the Cypher, Intyatyamo Elityeni, and Business beyond Fingo Festival all form part of Around Hip Hop. The Return of the Cypher is an open music event, where rappers, usually gathered in a circular formation with one or more artists performing in the middle, showcase their skills. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight local hip hop artists in Makhanda, in order to investigate how conscious hip hop is used to rethink and reconstruct urban youth identities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Futshane, Luniko
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Hip-hop South Africa Makhanda , Urban youth South Africa Makhanda , Youth development South Africa Makhanda , Social change , Multiculturalism , Black Consciousness Movement of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406760 , vital:70305
- Description: The main objective of this thesis is to investigate how conscious hip hop culture is used to reconstruct and influence urban youth identities in South Africa, in the case of Fingo Village, Makhanda. In addition, it aims to understand how the South African conscious hip hop scene, appropriated from the West, can be used to shape the identities of the urban youth, instead of the materialistic commercial/mainstream gangsta rap that is currently dominating popular culture and media today. Kellner’s (1995: 10) multicultural critical approach is appropriate for this thesis, as it “provides a critical multiculturalist politics and media pedagogy that aims to make people sensitive to the relations of power and domination which are encoded in cultural texts, such as those of television and film, or new technologies and media such as Internet, and social networking”. Moreover, in the words of Cvetkovich and Kellner (cited in Dolby, 2010:11), this dissertation “investigates the increasing influence of global popular culture and its possibility to equip the urban youth with new sources of identification”, as well as opportunities for social change. In Makhanda, rappers, community activists, B-Boy crews, graffiti artists, spoken-word poets, photographers, and journalists all assembled in Fingo Village for the social event Around Hip Hop, at the multipurpose Fingo square, between 2011 and 2019. Today, Around Hip Hop is an arts based organization that produces hip hop mixtapes, short documentaries, and educational events aimed at creating a cross-cultural exchange and increasing awareness of South African politics. Around Hip Hop has hosted various events, dialogues, and performances where hip hop is used as a cultural expression, which continuously creates spaces for the urban youth to rethink and reconstruct their identities; not only as artists, but as audience members as well. Events, such as The Return of the Cypher, Intyatyamo Elityeni, and Business beyond Fingo Festival all form part of Around Hip Hop. The Return of the Cypher is an open music event, where rappers, usually gathered in a circular formation with one or more artists performing in the middle, showcase their skills. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight local hip hop artists in Makhanda, in order to investigate how conscious hip hop is used to rethink and reconstruct urban youth identities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
English additional language student teachers’ development of oral strategic competence and confidence
- Authors: Meyers, Rozanne Elanore
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Student teaching South Africa , Communicative competence South Africa , Oral communication , Native language and education , Language arts , Verbal ability , Multilingual education
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263613 , vital:53643
- Description: This case study sought to understand how oral strategic and discourse competence and confidence developed in student teachers using English, their additional language, firstly as a tool of learning and secondly, as a medium of instruction in education environments. Within the broad qualitative approach an interpretive framework was adopted using multiple data collection tools. This was in order to privilege detailed accounts of participants’ experiences. Namely, unstructured interviews, drawings, observational checklists, and selfassessment questionnaires. Participants’ oral strategic and discourse competence were assessed using an observation checklist as they presented micro-teaching lessons. Additionally, participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire, reflecting on their oral competence after conducting their micro-teaching lessons. These perceptions were confirmed through a discussion of drawings that illustrated how they perceived themselves during lectures when they had to use English during oral interaction with lecturers and fellow students. Finally, unstructured interviews were conducted after participants completed their micro-teaching lessons and after participants had completed their drawings. The raw data from the four tools were analysed using a thematic approach. Main themes and categories were analysed and discussed to provide answers to the research questions. Data correlated the attitude of participants towards English and their level of oral confidence and competence. The main findings were that students were motivated to develop their oral English competence because they believed it was an important skill for teachers to possess. This motivation also proved to be a leading factor in participants’ competence despite the negative emotions they identified during spoken exchanges. Furthermore, the analysis found that collaborating with fellow students in making meaning of oral communication during lectures, increased students’ oral competence and their confidence because they were communicating in smaller groups. However, in certain situations, collaborating with students also decreased their confidence. Findings indicated that reciprocal facial expressions and the body language of those who engaged orally with the student teachers, increased their oral confidence as it served as an indication to them that they were understood. Based on these findings, recommendations are made regarding interactions during lectures for teacher training programmes in Higher Education in South Africa, for lecturers and lecturing practices, and curriculum designers in the South African Department of Education. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyers, Rozanne Elanore
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Student teaching South Africa , Communicative competence South Africa , Oral communication , Native language and education , Language arts , Verbal ability , Multilingual education
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263613 , vital:53643
- Description: This case study sought to understand how oral strategic and discourse competence and confidence developed in student teachers using English, their additional language, firstly as a tool of learning and secondly, as a medium of instruction in education environments. Within the broad qualitative approach an interpretive framework was adopted using multiple data collection tools. This was in order to privilege detailed accounts of participants’ experiences. Namely, unstructured interviews, drawings, observational checklists, and selfassessment questionnaires. Participants’ oral strategic and discourse competence were assessed using an observation checklist as they presented micro-teaching lessons. Additionally, participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire, reflecting on their oral competence after conducting their micro-teaching lessons. These perceptions were confirmed through a discussion of drawings that illustrated how they perceived themselves during lectures when they had to use English during oral interaction with lecturers and fellow students. Finally, unstructured interviews were conducted after participants completed their micro-teaching lessons and after participants had completed their drawings. The raw data from the four tools were analysed using a thematic approach. Main themes and categories were analysed and discussed to provide answers to the research questions. Data correlated the attitude of participants towards English and their level of oral confidence and competence. The main findings were that students were motivated to develop their oral English competence because they believed it was an important skill for teachers to possess. This motivation also proved to be a leading factor in participants’ competence despite the negative emotions they identified during spoken exchanges. Furthermore, the analysis found that collaborating with fellow students in making meaning of oral communication during lectures, increased students’ oral competence and their confidence because they were communicating in smaller groups. However, in certain situations, collaborating with students also decreased their confidence. Findings indicated that reciprocal facial expressions and the body language of those who engaged orally with the student teachers, increased their oral confidence as it served as an indication to them that they were understood. Based on these findings, recommendations are made regarding interactions during lectures for teacher training programmes in Higher Education in South Africa, for lecturers and lecturing practices, and curriculum designers in the South African Department of Education. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
An investigation into the force-EMG relationship for static and dynamic exertions
- Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
Assessing the density and distribution of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Roberts, Peter Jean
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Spotted hyena Home range South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Spotted hyena Habitat South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Animal population density South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Scouting cameras , Home range (Animal geography) , Spatially-explicit mark recapture (SECR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/292681 , vital:57006
- Description: Protected areas are becoming increasingly isolated refugia for large carnivores and are critical for their survival. Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) have, for centuries, been ‘managed’ as problem causing animals and their conservation has been largely overlooked. To preserve a population, it is paramount to understand its distribution and abundance through reliable and cost-effective monitoring techniques. My study estimated the density of spotted hyaenas and their use of space in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa. I compared camera trap by-catch data and call-up surveys between 2013–2018 to assess spotted hyaena densities. The camera trap data estimated an average of 16.72 (SD: ±2.22) hyaenas per 100 km2 between 2013–2018, with an annual estimated high of 19.01 in 2018 and a low of 12.77 in 2015. The call-up surveys consistently produced lower estimates than those obtained from the camera trap data. These results highlight the importance of calibrating the response probability factor for call-up surveys to maintain precision. The space use of spotted hyaenas was analysed using the photo-capture data obtained during the same six-year period, to produce individual 100% Minimum Convex Polygon’s (MCPs). Seven clan territories were identified from individual female home ranges that overlapped by more than 66% of their MCPs. Territory sizes were similar to historical estimates for the park, with averages of 13.96 (SD: ±6.48) km2 in Hluhluwe and 34.61 (SD: ±23.87) km2 in iMfolozi. My study successfully used by-catch camera data to calculate annual density estimates and investigate the spatial use patterns for spotted hyaenas in HiP. I demonstrate that this approach is cost-effective and reliable for calculating density estimates. Conservation practitioners should take heed of the advancements in technology and analytical capacity now available to them to improve monitoring efforts. My study specifically calls for collaborative efforts to use existing camera trap data to improve regional estimates and population trends of spotted hyaenas across their range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roberts, Peter Jean
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Spotted hyena Home range South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Spotted hyena Habitat South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Animal population density South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Scouting cameras , Home range (Animal geography) , Spatially-explicit mark recapture (SECR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/292681 , vital:57006
- Description: Protected areas are becoming increasingly isolated refugia for large carnivores and are critical for their survival. Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) have, for centuries, been ‘managed’ as problem causing animals and their conservation has been largely overlooked. To preserve a population, it is paramount to understand its distribution and abundance through reliable and cost-effective monitoring techniques. My study estimated the density of spotted hyaenas and their use of space in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa. I compared camera trap by-catch data and call-up surveys between 2013–2018 to assess spotted hyaena densities. The camera trap data estimated an average of 16.72 (SD: ±2.22) hyaenas per 100 km2 between 2013–2018, with an annual estimated high of 19.01 in 2018 and a low of 12.77 in 2015. The call-up surveys consistently produced lower estimates than those obtained from the camera trap data. These results highlight the importance of calibrating the response probability factor for call-up surveys to maintain precision. The space use of spotted hyaenas was analysed using the photo-capture data obtained during the same six-year period, to produce individual 100% Minimum Convex Polygon’s (MCPs). Seven clan territories were identified from individual female home ranges that overlapped by more than 66% of their MCPs. Territory sizes were similar to historical estimates for the park, with averages of 13.96 (SD: ±6.48) km2 in Hluhluwe and 34.61 (SD: ±23.87) km2 in iMfolozi. My study successfully used by-catch camera data to calculate annual density estimates and investigate the spatial use patterns for spotted hyaenas in HiP. I demonstrate that this approach is cost-effective and reliable for calculating density estimates. Conservation practitioners should take heed of the advancements in technology and analytical capacity now available to them to improve monitoring efforts. My study specifically calls for collaborative efforts to use existing camera trap data to improve regional estimates and population trends of spotted hyaenas across their range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
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