The development and institutionalisation of knowledge and knowledge-sharing practices relating to the management of healthcare risk waste in a home-based care setting
- Authors: Masilela, Mapula Priscilla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical wastes -- Management -- South Africa -- West Rand , Medical wastes -- Government policy -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- Government policy -- South Africa -- West Rand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/13142 , vital:21807
- Description: Improperly managed healthcare risk waste is associated with environmental degradation due to its potential to pollute air, land and water; it also poses a public health threat due to risks to community members (adults and children) who may find themselves exposed to waste that has been disposed of improperly. Despite these obvious environmental health risks, there is little information or legislative guidance on how to effectively manage the healthcare risk waste generated by community health workers who move from house to house and do not operate out of a fixed clinic with formal waste management facilities. This poses a challenge for municipal environmental health practitioners who are mandated to ensure compliance and to monitor the management of healthcare risk waste by community home-based care facilities. This educational study looks at how the knowledge held by environmental health practitioners influences knowledge-sharing practices and management of healthcare risk waste by community health workers, and how these knowledge-sharing practices can be developed and institutionalised. The study takes an interventionist approach within the social constructionist tradition. Cultural- Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and expansive learning provide the theoretical and methodological framework to surface systemic tensions and contradictions affecting knowledgesharing and healthcare risk waste management practices. A series of Change Laboratory Workshops using the Developmental Work Research methodology enabled a twenty-seven month expansive learning process with selected municipal employees and community health workers in a small South African city. The study found that employees (such as environmental health practitioners and waste inspectors) working in municipal activity systems knew very little about the forms and functions of community home-based care facilities in their municipality. As such, their knowledge-sharing practices about the management of healthcare risk waste were restricted and generally unsystematic, which in turn contributed to inappropriate and often haphazard healthcare risk waste management practices by community health workers. As an interventionist project, the study concluded that the participatory, expansive learning process it initiated had built knowledge-sharing networks, enabled professional boundary crossing and potentially institutionalised better knowledge-sharing practices relevant to the effective management of healthcare risk waste.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Masilela, Mapula Priscilla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical wastes -- Management -- South Africa -- West Rand , Medical wastes -- Government policy -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- West Rand , Environmental health -- Government policy -- South Africa -- West Rand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/13142 , vital:21807
- Description: Improperly managed healthcare risk waste is associated with environmental degradation due to its potential to pollute air, land and water; it also poses a public health threat due to risks to community members (adults and children) who may find themselves exposed to waste that has been disposed of improperly. Despite these obvious environmental health risks, there is little information or legislative guidance on how to effectively manage the healthcare risk waste generated by community health workers who move from house to house and do not operate out of a fixed clinic with formal waste management facilities. This poses a challenge for municipal environmental health practitioners who are mandated to ensure compliance and to monitor the management of healthcare risk waste by community home-based care facilities. This educational study looks at how the knowledge held by environmental health practitioners influences knowledge-sharing practices and management of healthcare risk waste by community health workers, and how these knowledge-sharing practices can be developed and institutionalised. The study takes an interventionist approach within the social constructionist tradition. Cultural- Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and expansive learning provide the theoretical and methodological framework to surface systemic tensions and contradictions affecting knowledgesharing and healthcare risk waste management practices. A series of Change Laboratory Workshops using the Developmental Work Research methodology enabled a twenty-seven month expansive learning process with selected municipal employees and community health workers in a small South African city. The study found that employees (such as environmental health practitioners and waste inspectors) working in municipal activity systems knew very little about the forms and functions of community home-based care facilities in their municipality. As such, their knowledge-sharing practices about the management of healthcare risk waste were restricted and generally unsystematic, which in turn contributed to inappropriate and often haphazard healthcare risk waste management practices by community health workers. As an interventionist project, the study concluded that the participatory, expansive learning process it initiated had built knowledge-sharing networks, enabled professional boundary crossing and potentially institutionalised better knowledge-sharing practices relevant to the effective management of healthcare risk waste.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a co-ordinated communication campaign to enhance participation in netball: applicable to schools in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Opperman, Ansu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sports -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Communication in sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mass media and sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19828 , vital:28977
- Description: Public relations play an intricate role in communication development strategies within sport, especially netball. The objective of the research is to create a communication campaign incorporated in a public relations programme in aid of the development of netball in Port Elizabeth schools. The significance of the research is to create an understanding of the challenges faced by the learners to participate in netball and to develop the sport. The development of players at a young age is not up to standard when compared to countries where netball is already a professional sport. There is a lack of communication between the different stakeholders, namely the players, coaches and external publics. Qualitative research methods were implemented where primary and secondary data was used to conduct the research. Focus groups were utilised to gather primary data from netball players and coaches. These interviews proved that communication gaps do exist between the different stakeholders of school and netball. An introduction about netball will be discussed. Literature about public relations and communication will be presented. The research methodology will be presenting the research design and research methods used to conduct the research. Characteristics of the schools used in the interviews will be discussed. The research analysis, findings and discussions will present a guideline to be implemented by schools to enhance communication and therefore help develop netball. The research will then be concluded and summarised. Limitations to the study will be discussed as well as recommendations for further study on the topic. Communication plays an important role when trying to build mutual beneficial relationships between the various stakeholders. The results in this research bring to the conclusion that effective communication is needed to enhance and develop netball to ultimately become a professional sport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Opperman, Ansu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sports -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Communication in sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mass media and sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19828 , vital:28977
- Description: Public relations play an intricate role in communication development strategies within sport, especially netball. The objective of the research is to create a communication campaign incorporated in a public relations programme in aid of the development of netball in Port Elizabeth schools. The significance of the research is to create an understanding of the challenges faced by the learners to participate in netball and to develop the sport. The development of players at a young age is not up to standard when compared to countries where netball is already a professional sport. There is a lack of communication between the different stakeholders, namely the players, coaches and external publics. Qualitative research methods were implemented where primary and secondary data was used to conduct the research. Focus groups were utilised to gather primary data from netball players and coaches. These interviews proved that communication gaps do exist between the different stakeholders of school and netball. An introduction about netball will be discussed. Literature about public relations and communication will be presented. The research methodology will be presenting the research design and research methods used to conduct the research. Characteristics of the schools used in the interviews will be discussed. The research analysis, findings and discussions will present a guideline to be implemented by schools to enhance communication and therefore help develop netball. The research will then be concluded and summarised. Limitations to the study will be discussed as well as recommendations for further study on the topic. Communication plays an important role when trying to build mutual beneficial relationships between the various stakeholders. The results in this research bring to the conclusion that effective communication is needed to enhance and develop netball to ultimately become a professional sport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a good governed costing management model for Mandela Bay Development Agency projects within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal boundaries
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a translucent low fired porcelain casting slip using South African raw materials
- Authors: Ruiters, Mellaney Bualin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Arts -- Research -- South Africa , Pottery -- Research -- South Africa , Ceramics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20004 , vital:29026
- Description: The purpose of the research was to develop a translucent low fired porcelain casting slip using South African raw materials, due to the ever increasing electricity tariffs in South Africa as well as the physical deterioration put on the elements and brickwork in electric kilns when fired to traditional porcelain temperatures. Traditional porcelain bodies that can be purchased from South African suppliers are required to be fired to between 12000C and 13000C. The commercially prepared porcelains when tested produced white vitrified bodies but were lacking in translucency. Local ceramic artists are therefore compelled to import their porcelains from overseas suppliers if they require a white translucent porcelain but this is still requires a firing temperature well above 12000C. It has been shown that by using South African ceramic raw materials and adjusting a Parian ceramic formula using a selected frit; a low fired translucent porcelain can be made that matures below 12000C. The addition of paper fibres to the non-plastic porcelain was necessary to reduce the high shrinkage rate and prevented the clay from cracking and tearing in the firing process. With the further adjustments to the formula by the addition of calcium triphosphate true white translucent porcelain was produced. Without this last adjustment the porcelain would be an off-white colour due to the impurities found in the South African ceramic raw materials which are mainly contaminated with iron oxide. It was found that the following formula produced a white translucent porcelain which vitrified at 11900C and satisfies the original concept in the title stated above.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ruiters, Mellaney Bualin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Arts -- Research -- South Africa , Pottery -- Research -- South Africa , Ceramics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20004 , vital:29026
- Description: The purpose of the research was to develop a translucent low fired porcelain casting slip using South African raw materials, due to the ever increasing electricity tariffs in South Africa as well as the physical deterioration put on the elements and brickwork in electric kilns when fired to traditional porcelain temperatures. Traditional porcelain bodies that can be purchased from South African suppliers are required to be fired to between 12000C and 13000C. The commercially prepared porcelains when tested produced white vitrified bodies but were lacking in translucency. Local ceramic artists are therefore compelled to import their porcelains from overseas suppliers if they require a white translucent porcelain but this is still requires a firing temperature well above 12000C. It has been shown that by using South African ceramic raw materials and adjusting a Parian ceramic formula using a selected frit; a low fired translucent porcelain can be made that matures below 12000C. The addition of paper fibres to the non-plastic porcelain was necessary to reduce the high shrinkage rate and prevented the clay from cracking and tearing in the firing process. With the further adjustments to the formula by the addition of calcium triphosphate true white translucent porcelain was produced. Without this last adjustment the porcelain would be an off-white colour due to the impurities found in the South African ceramic raw materials which are mainly contaminated with iron oxide. It was found that the following formula produced a white translucent porcelain which vitrified at 11900C and satisfies the original concept in the title stated above.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of biodegradable aerogel scaffolds for the generation of vascularised 3D adipose tissue models
- Authors: Makhene, Lebohang
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59245 , vital:27492
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makhene, Lebohang
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59245 , vital:27492
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of techniques for the identification of novel viruses associated with acute infantile gastroenteritis in South Africa
- Authors: Jaquet, Brittany J
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gastroenteritis in children -- Treatment , Gastroenteritis in children -- Treatment -- South Africa , Antiviral agents , Viral vaccines , Rotaviruses , Virus diseases in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/38013 , vital:24725
- Description: Gastroenteritis is a serious disease affecting both children and adults globally, but is more predominant in children with over half a million deaths reported each year. The leading cause of this disease is rotavirus, which accounts for 38% of all hospitalised cases. There has, however, been a significant decrease in the number of deaths associated with rotavirus worldwide since the introduction of the two vaccines, Rotarix® and RotaTeq®. A large number of cases are therefore either associated with other viruses, such as norovirus, Aichi virus (AiV) or Saffold virus (SAFV), or are of unknown aetiology. This study thus aims to develop techniques for the identification of viruses associated with gastroenteritis. Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) was used to develop the sample preparation, transmission electron microscopy and RT-PCR techniques used in this study. This virus was chosen as a replication system using baby hamster kidney cells can be used to create high concentrations of viral particles from which RNA can be extracted preventing the waste of the limited samples. The virus particles are also similar in size and morphology to the viruses to be identified in this study, as it belongs to the same family. After sample preparation, TEM analysis showed the presence of small, round, non-enveloped virus particles in the TMEV sample. Due to the low concentration of virus particles, PEG precipitation was performed using both 0.15 M and 0.25 M NaCl and 8% (w/v) PEG 6000. TEM analysis then showed an increase in viral particle concentration, with the highest concentration observed at 0.25 M NaCl and 8% PEG 6000. RNA was successfully extracted and RT-PCR assays were performed for both the VP1 and 2B coding regions of TMEV. A method for creating a positive control for the RT-PCR assay was developed by the in vitro transcription of RNA from pTMEV, which contains the cDNA of TMEV. The RNA was then used as the template for the 2B two-step RT-PCR assay. A product of 412 bp was successfully amplified from the in vitro transcribed RNA and the sensitivity of the RT-PCR assay was determined. Using a Norovirus GII positive stool sample provided by Maureen Taylor, a nested RT-PCR assay was developed for the NoV GII N/S domain using a previously-published primer set and cycling parameters. A 342 bp product was successfully amplified from the RNA extracted from the stool sample and cloned into pGEM®-T Easy to produce pNoVGII. Using the plasmid containing the AiV 5’UTR and the PCR amplicon for AiV 3CD, RT-PCR assays were developed for AiV 5’UTR and partial 3CD. The RT-PCR assays produced a 1008 bp product for AiV 5’UTR and 266 bp for AiV 3CD, which were cloned into pGEM®-T Easy to produce pAiV5’UTR and pAiV3CD, respectively. Using in vitro transcribed RNA from pNoVGII, pAiV5’UTR, pAiV3CD and pSAFV, which contains the SAFV cDNA, positive controls were developed for the RT-PCR assays for NoV GII, AiV 5’UTR, AiV 3CD and SAFV 2C. The sensitivity of these assays was determined. The samples chosen for this study include wastewater collected from the Belmont Valley water treatment plant, oysters suspected to be infected with viruses collected from Port Elizabeth, South Africa and 30 stool samples from symptomatic patients. With the methods developed using TMEV, the wastewater, oysters and 30 stool samples were filter-sterilised, concentrated and screened by TEM. All samples showed the presence of virus particles. RNA was successfully extracted and the wastewater, oyster and 30 stool samples were screened for NoV GII using the NoV GII RT-PCR assay. The wastewater, oysters and 11 of the stool samples produced the 342 bp NoV GII PCR product and BLAST analysis determined the nucleotide sequences to be NoV GII.4. This shows that this study was able to develop sample preparation techniques and TEM analysis for selected samples and RT-PCR assays for NoV GII, AiV and SAFV. The NoV GII RT-PCR assay was successfully used for the screening of the wastewater, oysters and 30 stool samples for NoV GII. Due to the high number of gastroenteritis cases with unknown aetiology in South Africa, the development of techniques for the identification of NoV, AiV, SAFV and other viruses is very important. The identification of these viruses will allow for better surveillance, treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Jaquet, Brittany J
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gastroenteritis in children -- Treatment , Gastroenteritis in children -- Treatment -- South Africa , Antiviral agents , Viral vaccines , Rotaviruses , Virus diseases in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/38013 , vital:24725
- Description: Gastroenteritis is a serious disease affecting both children and adults globally, but is more predominant in children with over half a million deaths reported each year. The leading cause of this disease is rotavirus, which accounts for 38% of all hospitalised cases. There has, however, been a significant decrease in the number of deaths associated with rotavirus worldwide since the introduction of the two vaccines, Rotarix® and RotaTeq®. A large number of cases are therefore either associated with other viruses, such as norovirus, Aichi virus (AiV) or Saffold virus (SAFV), or are of unknown aetiology. This study thus aims to develop techniques for the identification of viruses associated with gastroenteritis. Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) was used to develop the sample preparation, transmission electron microscopy and RT-PCR techniques used in this study. This virus was chosen as a replication system using baby hamster kidney cells can be used to create high concentrations of viral particles from which RNA can be extracted preventing the waste of the limited samples. The virus particles are also similar in size and morphology to the viruses to be identified in this study, as it belongs to the same family. After sample preparation, TEM analysis showed the presence of small, round, non-enveloped virus particles in the TMEV sample. Due to the low concentration of virus particles, PEG precipitation was performed using both 0.15 M and 0.25 M NaCl and 8% (w/v) PEG 6000. TEM analysis then showed an increase in viral particle concentration, with the highest concentration observed at 0.25 M NaCl and 8% PEG 6000. RNA was successfully extracted and RT-PCR assays were performed for both the VP1 and 2B coding regions of TMEV. A method for creating a positive control for the RT-PCR assay was developed by the in vitro transcription of RNA from pTMEV, which contains the cDNA of TMEV. The RNA was then used as the template for the 2B two-step RT-PCR assay. A product of 412 bp was successfully amplified from the in vitro transcribed RNA and the sensitivity of the RT-PCR assay was determined. Using a Norovirus GII positive stool sample provided by Maureen Taylor, a nested RT-PCR assay was developed for the NoV GII N/S domain using a previously-published primer set and cycling parameters. A 342 bp product was successfully amplified from the RNA extracted from the stool sample and cloned into pGEM®-T Easy to produce pNoVGII. Using the plasmid containing the AiV 5’UTR and the PCR amplicon for AiV 3CD, RT-PCR assays were developed for AiV 5’UTR and partial 3CD. The RT-PCR assays produced a 1008 bp product for AiV 5’UTR and 266 bp for AiV 3CD, which were cloned into pGEM®-T Easy to produce pAiV5’UTR and pAiV3CD, respectively. Using in vitro transcribed RNA from pNoVGII, pAiV5’UTR, pAiV3CD and pSAFV, which contains the SAFV cDNA, positive controls were developed for the RT-PCR assays for NoV GII, AiV 5’UTR, AiV 3CD and SAFV 2C. The sensitivity of these assays was determined. The samples chosen for this study include wastewater collected from the Belmont Valley water treatment plant, oysters suspected to be infected with viruses collected from Port Elizabeth, South Africa and 30 stool samples from symptomatic patients. With the methods developed using TMEV, the wastewater, oysters and 30 stool samples were filter-sterilised, concentrated and screened by TEM. All samples showed the presence of virus particles. RNA was successfully extracted and the wastewater, oyster and 30 stool samples were screened for NoV GII using the NoV GII RT-PCR assay. The wastewater, oysters and 11 of the stool samples produced the 342 bp NoV GII PCR product and BLAST analysis determined the nucleotide sequences to be NoV GII.4. This shows that this study was able to develop sample preparation techniques and TEM analysis for selected samples and RT-PCR assays for NoV GII, AiV and SAFV. The NoV GII RT-PCR assay was successfully used for the screening of the wastewater, oysters and 30 stool samples for NoV GII. Due to the high number of gastroenteritis cases with unknown aetiology in South Africa, the development of techniques for the identification of NoV, AiV, SAFV and other viruses is very important. The identification of these viruses will allow for better surveillance, treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development, implementation and evaluation of a mental skills training programme for rowers at Rhodes University
- Authors: Wentworth, Tara E
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5247 , vital:20797
- Description: In the ever increasingly competitive world of sport, there is a pressing need for training methods that have the potential to improve the performance of athletes. It is for this reason that practices associated with sport psychology (such as mental skills training) have increased in popularity. This desire for improved performance has seen a rising number of athletes seeking out the assistance of sport psychology methods. In this research, a mental skills training (MST) programme was developed and implemented into the training regime of Rhodes University rowers in Grahamstown, South Africa. The process of this research adhered to the Organisational Development Process Model’s format. Information collected from focus groups and performance profiling were utilised to design a MST programme tailored to the context of this group of athletes. This programme was implemented over one month and comprised of theoretical and practical sessions focussing on the topics of goalsetting, arousal regulation and imagery. After the programme had been completed, the participants evaluated the process in the form of individual interviews and were required to repeat the initial performance profile exercise. The results gathered from the various assessment and evaluation measures were used to compare and add to existing literature regarding MST and related disciplines. The benefits and effects of the programme have been detailed, and recommendations have been made which could possibly answer to the limitations of this research. These recommendations could provide insight into the manner in which MST programmes could possibly be more effectively implemented in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Wentworth, Tara E
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5247 , vital:20797
- Description: In the ever increasingly competitive world of sport, there is a pressing need for training methods that have the potential to improve the performance of athletes. It is for this reason that practices associated with sport psychology (such as mental skills training) have increased in popularity. This desire for improved performance has seen a rising number of athletes seeking out the assistance of sport psychology methods. In this research, a mental skills training (MST) programme was developed and implemented into the training regime of Rhodes University rowers in Grahamstown, South Africa. The process of this research adhered to the Organisational Development Process Model’s format. Information collected from focus groups and performance profiling were utilised to design a MST programme tailored to the context of this group of athletes. This programme was implemented over one month and comprised of theoretical and practical sessions focussing on the topics of goalsetting, arousal regulation and imagery. After the programme had been completed, the participants evaluated the process in the form of individual interviews and were required to repeat the initial performance profile exercise. The results gathered from the various assessment and evaluation measures were used to compare and add to existing literature regarding MST and related disciplines. The benefits and effects of the programme have been detailed, and recommendations have been made which could possibly answer to the limitations of this research. These recommendations could provide insight into the manner in which MST programmes could possibly be more effectively implemented in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development, manufacture and characterisation of niosomes intended to deliver nevirapine to the brain
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65257 , vital:28715
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65257 , vital:28715
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The disciplinarisation and professionalisation of development finance in South Africa
- Authors: Dobbin, Jeremy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15270 , vital:28198
- Description: It has not been previously argued whether development finance can or should be regarded as a distinguishable academic discipline in its own right. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth understanding of the current perceptions and misconceptions of development finance within the South African financial sector, which have not been formally captured or analysed previously. The research is important in determining the magnitude of contemporary interest in, and the emphasis of, development finance as a means of developing society. Furthermore, public perception influences the funding of future development finance research, the emerging theoretical framework and disciplinarity, access to education and training in the subject area, the level of student participation and enrolment in development finance courses and qualifications, as well as the supply of skilled practitioners. To accomplish the research objectives, an extensive literature review was conducted so as to provide a theoretical framework for the empirical study. Subsequently, self-administrable questionnaires were distributed to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 319 individuals who have decision-making experience within the South African financial sector. Thirty-one respondents completed the questionnaire and the results were examined by means of non-probabilistic frequency distribution and qualitative analysis, where appropriate. Pervasive disagreement was found to exist among the respondents regarding a number of key issues, including the definition and characteristics of development finance, in addition to its pedagogy, professionalisation, and disciplinarity. A substantial majority of respondents agreed that there is a shortage of development finance experts in South Africa and that local universities should begin to offer students an undergraduate degree majoring in development finance specifically. It is recommended that in order for future development finance research, pedagogy, and practice to be more meaningful, greater conceptual clarity and more consistent usage of terminology and subject boundaries should be employed by stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dobbin, Jeremy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15270 , vital:28198
- Description: It has not been previously argued whether development finance can or should be regarded as a distinguishable academic discipline in its own right. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth understanding of the current perceptions and misconceptions of development finance within the South African financial sector, which have not been formally captured or analysed previously. The research is important in determining the magnitude of contemporary interest in, and the emphasis of, development finance as a means of developing society. Furthermore, public perception influences the funding of future development finance research, the emerging theoretical framework and disciplinarity, access to education and training in the subject area, the level of student participation and enrolment in development finance courses and qualifications, as well as the supply of skilled practitioners. To accomplish the research objectives, an extensive literature review was conducted so as to provide a theoretical framework for the empirical study. Subsequently, self-administrable questionnaires were distributed to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 319 individuals who have decision-making experience within the South African financial sector. Thirty-one respondents completed the questionnaire and the results were examined by means of non-probabilistic frequency distribution and qualitative analysis, where appropriate. Pervasive disagreement was found to exist among the respondents regarding a number of key issues, including the definition and characteristics of development finance, in addition to its pedagogy, professionalisation, and disciplinarity. A substantial majority of respondents agreed that there is a shortage of development finance experts in South Africa and that local universities should begin to offer students an undergraduate degree majoring in development finance specifically. It is recommended that in order for future development finance research, pedagogy, and practice to be more meaningful, greater conceptual clarity and more consistent usage of terminology and subject boundaries should be employed by stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The ecological impacts of pollution on a river ecosystem: a community index and stable isotope approach
- Authors: Gininda, Simphiwe Linah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Pollution -- Bloukrans River , Water quality -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Makhanda , South African Scoring System , Sewage disposal in rivers, lakes, etc. -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Agricultural pollution -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7993 , vital:21331
- Description: For decades, urbanized rivers have been modified to meet the needs of constantly expanding human populations in many countries around the world. The Bloukrans River in Grahamstown is one of the polluted and structurally modified urban rivers in South Africa, and there is no published information regarding its water quality and ecological status. Water quality is threatened by human activities including the disposal of treated and raw sewage, livestock farming, and agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the ecological status of the river by assessing its biological, chemical, and physical components in relation to man-mediated activities. Biological responses of macroinvertebrates were used to assess changes in water quality through space and time based on the South African Scoring System version 5 and the Average Score per Taxon water quality indices. The results showed poor water quality due to high nitrate and ammonium concentrations derived from sewage, and channel modifications by agricultural activities and dumping of solid waste. Channel width, water depth, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and ammonium concentrations were the main drivers of macroinvertebrate distribution patterns and had the most influence on the variability in macroinvertebrates taxa richness, diversity and abundance. Diatoms were also used to assess water quality, specifically to indicate the trophic status of the river based on changes in the Trophic Diatom Index. The results suggested that the Bloukrans River was eutrophic during the course of this study. However, the trophic status varied with freshwater input, resulting in mesotrophic conditions during flooding and eutrophication in dry seasons. Changes in pH, phosphate concentration, water velocity (current speed), and temperature influenced the distribution of diatoms in the Bloukrans River. However, only pH was important at the community level and significantly influenced diatom abundances. Stable nitrogen isotope ratios (S15N) of autotrophs and primary and secondary consumers revealed noticeable differences between tissues of organisms exposed to treated sewage and those without any exposure. The S15N values in biota occurring above the sewage treatment discharge point were low, and those collected below the sewage point were higher. Although fertilizer derived nitrogen is generally depleted in 15N, agriculture-derived nitrogen could not be excluded as a possible source since animals at the sample site that was most affected by agricultural activities had the highest S15N values. This study provided valuable information on the ecological status of the Bloukrans River and identified the major activities associated with reduced biodiversity and water quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gininda, Simphiwe Linah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Pollution -- Bloukrans River , Water quality -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Makhanda , South African Scoring System , Sewage disposal in rivers, lakes, etc. -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Agricultural pollution -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7993 , vital:21331
- Description: For decades, urbanized rivers have been modified to meet the needs of constantly expanding human populations in many countries around the world. The Bloukrans River in Grahamstown is one of the polluted and structurally modified urban rivers in South Africa, and there is no published information regarding its water quality and ecological status. Water quality is threatened by human activities including the disposal of treated and raw sewage, livestock farming, and agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the ecological status of the river by assessing its biological, chemical, and physical components in relation to man-mediated activities. Biological responses of macroinvertebrates were used to assess changes in water quality through space and time based on the South African Scoring System version 5 and the Average Score per Taxon water quality indices. The results showed poor water quality due to high nitrate and ammonium concentrations derived from sewage, and channel modifications by agricultural activities and dumping of solid waste. Channel width, water depth, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and ammonium concentrations were the main drivers of macroinvertebrate distribution patterns and had the most influence on the variability in macroinvertebrates taxa richness, diversity and abundance. Diatoms were also used to assess water quality, specifically to indicate the trophic status of the river based on changes in the Trophic Diatom Index. The results suggested that the Bloukrans River was eutrophic during the course of this study. However, the trophic status varied with freshwater input, resulting in mesotrophic conditions during flooding and eutrophication in dry seasons. Changes in pH, phosphate concentration, water velocity (current speed), and temperature influenced the distribution of diatoms in the Bloukrans River. However, only pH was important at the community level and significantly influenced diatom abundances. Stable nitrogen isotope ratios (S15N) of autotrophs and primary and secondary consumers revealed noticeable differences between tissues of organisms exposed to treated sewage and those without any exposure. The S15N values in biota occurring above the sewage treatment discharge point were low, and those collected below the sewage point were higher. Although fertilizer derived nitrogen is generally depleted in 15N, agriculture-derived nitrogen could not be excluded as a possible source since animals at the sample site that was most affected by agricultural activities had the highest S15N values. This study provided valuable information on the ecological status of the Bloukrans River and identified the major activities associated with reduced biodiversity and water quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The economic impact of special economic zones: the case of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Murota, Richard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- Zimbabwe , Export processing zones -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19354 , vital:28857
- Description: his study seeks to establish the impact of SEZs in Zimbabwe. Precisely, the study intends to establish whether the creation of economic zones resulted in increase in exports and attracting foreign direct investment. The study used times series data covering the period from 1995 to 2010. Using a conceptual framework adopted from Wang (2009), regression analysis of data using tax as the indicator of incentives was carried out. Firstly, data was transformed into natural logarithms for removal of data asymmetries given the wide variations of some of the variables. The data were subjected to ADF and PP tests for stationarity. The result showed that variables closely follow the normal distribution, a condition necessary for econometric modelling of time series data. The Johansen test was used to check for co-integration and validated that variables were not co-integrated. Analysis of the data revealed that tax incentives had an insignificant impact on both exports and FDIs in Zimbabwe, implying that SEZs did not have any positive effect on exports or FDI. The impulse response and variation decomposition tests were carried out to check responses of exports and FDI to shocks in taxes showed insignificant responses. The empirical results validated that there was no significant relationship between incentives and exports. This means that exports did not increase as expected. Based on these research findings, it can be concluded that special economic zones in Zimbabwe do not have an impact on exports. Regarding FDIs, the empirical results validated that the tax incentives placed on the scheme had an insignificant relationship with FDI inflows. This means that FDI inflows did not increase because of the introduction of the EPZ scheme. Similarly, based on these research findings, it can be concluded that special economic zones’ incentives do not support significant inflows of FDI into Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe is re-introducing the SEZ scheme it is recommended that the country should enact investor friendly laws, reduce bureaucracy, create an enabling economic environment and exploit its comparative advantages if it is to optimize on the initiative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Murota, Richard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- Zimbabwe , Export processing zones -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19354 , vital:28857
- Description: his study seeks to establish the impact of SEZs in Zimbabwe. Precisely, the study intends to establish whether the creation of economic zones resulted in increase in exports and attracting foreign direct investment. The study used times series data covering the period from 1995 to 2010. Using a conceptual framework adopted from Wang (2009), regression analysis of data using tax as the indicator of incentives was carried out. Firstly, data was transformed into natural logarithms for removal of data asymmetries given the wide variations of some of the variables. The data were subjected to ADF and PP tests for stationarity. The result showed that variables closely follow the normal distribution, a condition necessary for econometric modelling of time series data. The Johansen test was used to check for co-integration and validated that variables were not co-integrated. Analysis of the data revealed that tax incentives had an insignificant impact on both exports and FDIs in Zimbabwe, implying that SEZs did not have any positive effect on exports or FDI. The impulse response and variation decomposition tests were carried out to check responses of exports and FDI to shocks in taxes showed insignificant responses. The empirical results validated that there was no significant relationship between incentives and exports. This means that exports did not increase as expected. Based on these research findings, it can be concluded that special economic zones in Zimbabwe do not have an impact on exports. Regarding FDIs, the empirical results validated that the tax incentives placed on the scheme had an insignificant relationship with FDI inflows. This means that FDI inflows did not increase because of the introduction of the EPZ scheme. Similarly, based on these research findings, it can be concluded that special economic zones’ incentives do not support significant inflows of FDI into Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe is re-introducing the SEZ scheme it is recommended that the country should enact investor friendly laws, reduce bureaucracy, create an enabling economic environment and exploit its comparative advantages if it is to optimize on the initiative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of an exercise programme on the health and well-being of people living with HIV in a rural community of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Lotter, Jennifer
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Exercise -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects , HIV infections -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18211 , vital:28589
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 11-week combined progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise programme on the health and well-being of a group of participants sampled from an HIV positive rural population. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilised quantitative research methods. A total number of 37 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n=19) based on their willingness to participate in the exercise intervention and the remainder were assigned to the control group (CG) (n=17). The experimental group participated in an 11-week intervention programme which entailed exercising twice a week for the duration of 60 minutes. The intervention entailed a low cost exercise programme which consisted of aerobic exercises (walking, jogging and stepping) and progressive resistance exercises (own body weight, core exercises and light free weight training). The following variables were measured pre-, mid- and post- intervention, namely: health related fitness components, quality of life, physical activity levels and relevant blood variables. An analysis of data was conducted utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome of the analyses indicated that the EG did not reveal significantly better post-intervention results than the CG in respect of any of the variables assessed. The CG remained sedentary during the intervention period and revealed either an increase in, or maintenance of the initial scores. The slight variation could have been attributed to the decrease in sample size at mid – and post – testing. At the post-intervention testing phase the majority of the participants available for testing were those who were working and healthy. However, it can be concluded that the overall aims and objectives of the study were achieved despite the attrition of participants during the study and that the subsequent outcome of the study was not expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lotter, Jennifer
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Exercise -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects , HIV infections -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18211 , vital:28589
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 11-week combined progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise programme on the health and well-being of a group of participants sampled from an HIV positive rural population. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilised quantitative research methods. A total number of 37 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n=19) based on their willingness to participate in the exercise intervention and the remainder were assigned to the control group (CG) (n=17). The experimental group participated in an 11-week intervention programme which entailed exercising twice a week for the duration of 60 minutes. The intervention entailed a low cost exercise programme which consisted of aerobic exercises (walking, jogging and stepping) and progressive resistance exercises (own body weight, core exercises and light free weight training). The following variables were measured pre-, mid- and post- intervention, namely: health related fitness components, quality of life, physical activity levels and relevant blood variables. An analysis of data was conducted utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome of the analyses indicated that the EG did not reveal significantly better post-intervention results than the CG in respect of any of the variables assessed. The CG remained sedentary during the intervention period and revealed either an increase in, or maintenance of the initial scores. The slight variation could have been attributed to the decrease in sample size at mid – and post – testing. At the post-intervention testing phase the majority of the participants available for testing were those who were working and healthy. However, it can be concluded that the overall aims and objectives of the study were achieved despite the attrition of participants during the study and that the subsequent outcome of the study was not expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of carbohydrate on dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, fed pelleted diets
- Authors: Mabasa, Nyiko Charity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Carbohydrates in animal nutrition , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Argyrosomus japonicus , Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Feeding and feeds , Argyrosomus -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/44895 , vital:25450
- Description: The dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, is an emerging commercial marine aquaculture species in South Africa. Attributes such as market acceptance, fast growth rates, tolerance to sibling density, acceptance of pelleted feed and adaptability to intensive aquaculture conditions make it a good candidate. Feed, the largest running cost in most aquaculture operations, is a limiting factor in dusky kob production as its nutritional requirements are not well understood. The present project formed part of a research program to develop a locally produced, least cost and sustainable feed that will support the growth and health of dusky kob. The approximate protein and energy requirements for kob fed formulated feeds have been established in earlier research, but the ability of kob to utilize carbohydrates as an energy source has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of dusky kob to utilize graded levels of carbohydrate (pregelatinized maize starch - PGMS) in pelleted diets. The research objectives were to determine the effect of dietary carbohydrate levels on:i) growth and feed utilization; ii) post prandial blood glucose levels; and iii) general fish health, gut bacterial composition and liver glycogen content of juvenile dusky kob. Hatchery reared juvenile dusky kob (5 g) were acclimatized in a recirculating experimental aquaculture system at the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University. They were fed trout crumble starter feed for three weeks before the start of the feeding experiment. Five diets containing 4.1, 8.2, 16.4 and 24.6% carbohydrate, hereafter referred to as 4.1C, 8.2C, 16.4C and 24.6C respectively, were formulated with pregelatinized maize starch as a carbohydrate source and fishmeal as the main protein source. Fish were fed these diets twice daily at 3.85% body weight per day for three months. Specific growth rates and feed conversion rations differed significantly between the four dietary treatments. Growth rate increased with increasing carbohydrate up to 16.4%, after which a significant decline was observed. Diet 16.4C produced the highest specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.84 ± 0.05% body weight/day, and the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.28 ± 0.08. While the lowest specific growth rate and highest feed conversion ratio of 0.79 ± 0.05 and 2.14 ± 0.13 respectively, were found for diet 24.6C. A third order polynomial regression, using SGR, determined the optimum carbohydrate inclusion for dusky kob to be 16.72%. The general structure of the liver was similar between all fish fed the dietary treatments and all fish liver samples displayed a certain degree of lipid vacuolization of the hepatocytes. Evidence of starvation was observed in the livers of fish fed diet 24.6C. However, no differences in the amount of liver glycogen were observed. Gut bacterial composition did not differ among the different diets or between the different sections of the gut. Differences were however observed in the diversity of the bacterial community structure at the start (when they were fed commercial trout feed) and end of the experimental period (after being fed a fishmeal-maize diet). The rate at which glucose was cleared from the blood differed significantly between diets. The low carbohydrate diets (i.e. diet 4.1C and 8.2C) showed a steady rate of glucose removal from the blood over a 48 h experimental period. Sharp increases in blood glucose concentration were observed in diet 16.4C and diet 24.6C, with highest glucose concentrations of 7.18 ± 1.81 and 8.05 ± 2.35 mmol/l respectively, observed 24 h after feeding. The blood glucose concentration of the fish fed diet 16.4C however returned to resting glucose concentration after 48 h, while that of the fish fed diet 24.6C did not. The results demonstrated that the level of dietary carbohydrate inclusion has a significant effect on the growth and health of the fish. The optimum carbohydrate inclusion in dusky kob diets is indicated to be 16.7%, which gave the best growth rate and maximum protein sparing effect without adverse effects on fish health. These findings are important for diet formulation and producing ‘least-cost’ diets for dusky kob farming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mabasa, Nyiko Charity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Carbohydrates in animal nutrition , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Argyrosomus japonicus , Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Feeding and feeds , Argyrosomus -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/44895 , vital:25450
- Description: The dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, is an emerging commercial marine aquaculture species in South Africa. Attributes such as market acceptance, fast growth rates, tolerance to sibling density, acceptance of pelleted feed and adaptability to intensive aquaculture conditions make it a good candidate. Feed, the largest running cost in most aquaculture operations, is a limiting factor in dusky kob production as its nutritional requirements are not well understood. The present project formed part of a research program to develop a locally produced, least cost and sustainable feed that will support the growth and health of dusky kob. The approximate protein and energy requirements for kob fed formulated feeds have been established in earlier research, but the ability of kob to utilize carbohydrates as an energy source has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of dusky kob to utilize graded levels of carbohydrate (pregelatinized maize starch - PGMS) in pelleted diets. The research objectives were to determine the effect of dietary carbohydrate levels on:i) growth and feed utilization; ii) post prandial blood glucose levels; and iii) general fish health, gut bacterial composition and liver glycogen content of juvenile dusky kob. Hatchery reared juvenile dusky kob (5 g) were acclimatized in a recirculating experimental aquaculture system at the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University. They were fed trout crumble starter feed for three weeks before the start of the feeding experiment. Five diets containing 4.1, 8.2, 16.4 and 24.6% carbohydrate, hereafter referred to as 4.1C, 8.2C, 16.4C and 24.6C respectively, were formulated with pregelatinized maize starch as a carbohydrate source and fishmeal as the main protein source. Fish were fed these diets twice daily at 3.85% body weight per day for three months. Specific growth rates and feed conversion rations differed significantly between the four dietary treatments. Growth rate increased with increasing carbohydrate up to 16.4%, after which a significant decline was observed. Diet 16.4C produced the highest specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.84 ± 0.05% body weight/day, and the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.28 ± 0.08. While the lowest specific growth rate and highest feed conversion ratio of 0.79 ± 0.05 and 2.14 ± 0.13 respectively, were found for diet 24.6C. A third order polynomial regression, using SGR, determined the optimum carbohydrate inclusion for dusky kob to be 16.72%. The general structure of the liver was similar between all fish fed the dietary treatments and all fish liver samples displayed a certain degree of lipid vacuolization of the hepatocytes. Evidence of starvation was observed in the livers of fish fed diet 24.6C. However, no differences in the amount of liver glycogen were observed. Gut bacterial composition did not differ among the different diets or between the different sections of the gut. Differences were however observed in the diversity of the bacterial community structure at the start (when they were fed commercial trout feed) and end of the experimental period (after being fed a fishmeal-maize diet). The rate at which glucose was cleared from the blood differed significantly between diets. The low carbohydrate diets (i.e. diet 4.1C and 8.2C) showed a steady rate of glucose removal from the blood over a 48 h experimental period. Sharp increases in blood glucose concentration were observed in diet 16.4C and diet 24.6C, with highest glucose concentrations of 7.18 ± 1.81 and 8.05 ± 2.35 mmol/l respectively, observed 24 h after feeding. The blood glucose concentration of the fish fed diet 16.4C however returned to resting glucose concentration after 48 h, while that of the fish fed diet 24.6C did not. The results demonstrated that the level of dietary carbohydrate inclusion has a significant effect on the growth and health of the fish. The optimum carbohydrate inclusion in dusky kob diets is indicated to be 16.7%, which gave the best growth rate and maximum protein sparing effect without adverse effects on fish health. These findings are important for diet formulation and producing ‘least-cost’ diets for dusky kob farming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of different seating conditions, in aircrafts, on passenger comfort and the use of cabin space
- Authors: Olley, Emma-Jane
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/19734 , vital:22479
- Description: Although aircraft cabin design has improved over the years, passengers continue to complain about sitting discomfort whilst flying. These complaints are often centred on the cramped and restricted seating conditions. Whilst passenger comfort is important, in order for airline companies to attract and retain customers, it is also important to design for cabin space needs. Denel Aviation intends to build a South African Regional Aircraft (SARA) that will fly point-to-point, linking regional centres and intends to design aircraft seats that not only optimise passenger comfort, but which also save cabin space. The aim of this investigation was two-fold. The first aim was to determine how aircraft backrest angle affected passenger comfort, ease of seat access, perceived restriction and legroom, with different seat pan angles and seat heights. The second aim was to determine whether passenger comfort was affected with the most preferred backrest angle for each seat pan angle and seat height. Determining how seat pan angle and seat height affect the preferred angle of the backrest was considered important as Denel intend to use aircraft seats with a non-adjustable backrest angle. For this study, 80 participants were recruited from Rhodes University and the general Grahamstown population. The participants consisted of 40 males and 40 females and were not limited by race, ethnicity or culture. The participants were classified into two age groups; 18-30 years of age and 31-60 years of age. Participant stature, body mass, BMI and lower leg length was recorded to determine the effect these factors had on sitting comfort when the participants were seated in different seating conditions. From the results obtained, it was found that, by altering seat height, seat pan angle, and backrest angle, passenger comfort can be optimised. Furthermore, it was found that certain combinations of seat height, seat pan angle and backrest angle are more beneficial with regards to saving aircraft cabin space. However, this means that a compromise needs to be found for SARA as passenger comfort needs to be optimised, whilst decreasing the use of cabin space to reduce costs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Olley, Emma-Jane
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/19734 , vital:22479
- Description: Although aircraft cabin design has improved over the years, passengers continue to complain about sitting discomfort whilst flying. These complaints are often centred on the cramped and restricted seating conditions. Whilst passenger comfort is important, in order for airline companies to attract and retain customers, it is also important to design for cabin space needs. Denel Aviation intends to build a South African Regional Aircraft (SARA) that will fly point-to-point, linking regional centres and intends to design aircraft seats that not only optimise passenger comfort, but which also save cabin space. The aim of this investigation was two-fold. The first aim was to determine how aircraft backrest angle affected passenger comfort, ease of seat access, perceived restriction and legroom, with different seat pan angles and seat heights. The second aim was to determine whether passenger comfort was affected with the most preferred backrest angle for each seat pan angle and seat height. Determining how seat pan angle and seat height affect the preferred angle of the backrest was considered important as Denel intend to use aircraft seats with a non-adjustable backrest angle. For this study, 80 participants were recruited from Rhodes University and the general Grahamstown population. The participants consisted of 40 males and 40 females and were not limited by race, ethnicity or culture. The participants were classified into two age groups; 18-30 years of age and 31-60 years of age. Participant stature, body mass, BMI and lower leg length was recorded to determine the effect these factors had on sitting comfort when the participants were seated in different seating conditions. From the results obtained, it was found that, by altering seat height, seat pan angle, and backrest angle, passenger comfort can be optimised. Furthermore, it was found that certain combinations of seat height, seat pan angle and backrest angle are more beneficial with regards to saving aircraft cabin space. However, this means that a compromise needs to be found for SARA as passenger comfort needs to be optimised, whilst decreasing the use of cabin space to reduce costs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of fire management on chemical and physical properties of rangelands
- Authors: Magomani, Matimba Israel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rangelands -- Fire management Soil ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6191 , vital:29506
- Description: The use of fire in rangeland has become standard practice for decades; however, there is no shared understanding of how fire affects soil properties. The exact relationship between fire and soil properties is still yet to be understood. The differences in fire frequency, fire intensity, fire severity, the period between fire and sampling resulted in contradictory results amongst studies. A long-term trial at the University of Fort Hare provides a valuable experimental layout for fire research. The trial was established in 1980 with the aim of investigating the effect of burning frequency on vegetation species composition and biomass production. The objective of this study was however to determine the effect of fire management on soil chemical and physical properties under the long-term burning experiment. The treatments of the study site were: no burn (K), annual (B1), biennial (B2), triennial (B3), quadrennial (B4) and sexennial (B6) burns. A line intercept sampling technique was used to collect the soil samples from the surface (0 to 75 mm) for both chemical and physical analysis. All Burning treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased the bulk density (Db), soil pH, total cations, Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca), but reduced the soil porosity and exchangeable acidity when compared to the control. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water conducting macroporosity (WCM) and total nitrogen were reduced under more frequent burning treatments (B1, B2), as compared to less frequent burning treatments (B3, B4, B6). The aggregate stability showed an opposite trend. Total organic carbon (TOC) was reduced only under annual burning treatment. Burning frequencies did not impact the extractable Phosphorus (p), Potassium (K), Sodium, soil water repellency and water content significantly (P > 0.05). The risk associated with annual burning showed in this study might facilitate processes such as overflow that lead to soil degradation. Triennial burning in rangeland ecosystem supports soil conservation practices. Further studies that measure the quality of rangeland in triennial burning is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Magomani, Matimba Israel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rangelands -- Fire management Soil ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6191 , vital:29506
- Description: The use of fire in rangeland has become standard practice for decades; however, there is no shared understanding of how fire affects soil properties. The exact relationship between fire and soil properties is still yet to be understood. The differences in fire frequency, fire intensity, fire severity, the period between fire and sampling resulted in contradictory results amongst studies. A long-term trial at the University of Fort Hare provides a valuable experimental layout for fire research. The trial was established in 1980 with the aim of investigating the effect of burning frequency on vegetation species composition and biomass production. The objective of this study was however to determine the effect of fire management on soil chemical and physical properties under the long-term burning experiment. The treatments of the study site were: no burn (K), annual (B1), biennial (B2), triennial (B3), quadrennial (B4) and sexennial (B6) burns. A line intercept sampling technique was used to collect the soil samples from the surface (0 to 75 mm) for both chemical and physical analysis. All Burning treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased the bulk density (Db), soil pH, total cations, Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca), but reduced the soil porosity and exchangeable acidity when compared to the control. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water conducting macroporosity (WCM) and total nitrogen were reduced under more frequent burning treatments (B1, B2), as compared to less frequent burning treatments (B3, B4, B6). The aggregate stability showed an opposite trend. Total organic carbon (TOC) was reduced only under annual burning treatment. Burning frequencies did not impact the extractable Phosphorus (p), Potassium (K), Sodium, soil water repellency and water content significantly (P > 0.05). The risk associated with annual burning showed in this study might facilitate processes such as overflow that lead to soil degradation. Triennial burning in rangeland ecosystem supports soil conservation practices. Further studies that measure the quality of rangeland in triennial burning is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya
- Authors: Top, Wuor Chuol Both
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Kenya -- Econometric models , Unemployment -- Effect of inflation on -- Kenya Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya Unemployment -- Kenya Kenya -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21329 , vital:29478
- Description: Since the establishment of the Central Bank of Kenya in 1966, monetary policymakers have been changing their policy instruments over the years in an attempt to bring inflation and unemployment rates to the desirable level. This study investigates the effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya over the period 1991 to 2016. This study employs the Johansen co-integration and vector error correction technique so as to identify the long-run and short-run dynamics among the variables. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Perron test for stationarity in the time series is applied. The findings of this study suggest that both short-run and long-run relationships exist among the variables, namely inflation rate, unemployment rate, money supply, real interest rate and exchange rate. The main findings of this study show that monetary policy has a significant effect on inflation in the long-run, while it has little tangible effect on unemployment in the long-run. Among the three monetary policy instruments used in this study, money supply is shown to have the most influential effect on the level of inflation in Kenya. The two monetary policy instruments, real interest rate and exchange rate, have been proved to have little influence on unemployment. This study recommends that the optimum approach for monetary policymakers to adopt towards controlling inflation in Kenya is to implement a monetarytargeting framework ‘...where money supply is controlled...’ in order to affect prices in the economy. Concerning unemployment, this study recommends that the monetary policymakers formulate a policy that encourages investors to lend or invest their money at a rate which increases employment or reduces unemployment. This study also recommends that the best approach the CBK/monetary policymakers could adopt to reduce unemployment in Kenya would be to implement a policy that encourages depreciation in the Kenya shillings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Top, Wuor Chuol Both
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Kenya -- Econometric models , Unemployment -- Effect of inflation on -- Kenya Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya Unemployment -- Kenya Kenya -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21329 , vital:29478
- Description: Since the establishment of the Central Bank of Kenya in 1966, monetary policymakers have been changing their policy instruments over the years in an attempt to bring inflation and unemployment rates to the desirable level. This study investigates the effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya over the period 1991 to 2016. This study employs the Johansen co-integration and vector error correction technique so as to identify the long-run and short-run dynamics among the variables. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Perron test for stationarity in the time series is applied. The findings of this study suggest that both short-run and long-run relationships exist among the variables, namely inflation rate, unemployment rate, money supply, real interest rate and exchange rate. The main findings of this study show that monetary policy has a significant effect on inflation in the long-run, while it has little tangible effect on unemployment in the long-run. Among the three monetary policy instruments used in this study, money supply is shown to have the most influential effect on the level of inflation in Kenya. The two monetary policy instruments, real interest rate and exchange rate, have been proved to have little influence on unemployment. This study recommends that the optimum approach for monetary policymakers to adopt towards controlling inflation in Kenya is to implement a monetarytargeting framework ‘...where money supply is controlled...’ in order to affect prices in the economy. Concerning unemployment, this study recommends that the monetary policymakers formulate a policy that encourages investors to lend or invest their money at a rate which increases employment or reduces unemployment. This study also recommends that the best approach the CBK/monetary policymakers could adopt to reduce unemployment in Kenya would be to implement a policy that encourages depreciation in the Kenya shillings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of phosphorus fertilizer application on growth, biomass and nutritive value of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) varieties in Alice, South Africa
- Authors: Mpabanga, Nkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Phosphatic fertilizers Soil fertility Plants -- Effect of phosphorus on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6180 , vital:29501
- Description: Low soil fertility has been identified to be among the major causes of low pasture quantity and quality. Scarcity of high quality forage mainly during the dry season threatens animal productivity in some areas of South Africa, thus the need for identifying livestock feed alternatives. Pigeon pea is a woody legume that has continually been an important shrub in agroforestry and can provide protein-rich livestock feed during times of shortage. Soil fertility to support the production of pigeon pea can be enhanced by application of fertilisers. Therefore, this study was carried out firstly, to determine the effect of phosphorus fertiliser on the growth performance and biomass production of three pigeon pea varieties, and secondly, to investigate the influence of phosphorus application on the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of three pigeon pea varieties. The field experiment was done at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice, South Africa. The factors investigated were three pigeon pea varieties namely Chitedze 1, Chitedze 2 and CIMMYT 1 and three phosphorus fertiliser application rates of 0, 40 and 60 kg P/ha. The study was a 3× 3 factorial experiment set up in a randomised complete block design and was replicated three times. The growth performance attributes evaluated in this study include the number of branches, plant height and root collar diameter. Root collar diameter was not significantly (p>0.05) different among the pigeon pea varieties and phosphorus levels. Likewise, the application of phosphorus was not significant (p>0.05) on plant height and the number of branches of all the varieties. However, when P level was varied, there were significant differences among the varieties, and so were the interaction (p<0.05) between variety and phosphorus on plant height and the number of branches. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference among the phosphorus levels on the fresh leaf yield of Chitedze 1 and Chitedze 2, but phosphorus application at 40 kg P/ha increased the fresh leaf yield of CIMMYT 1. Phosphorus application at 60 kg P/ha increased (p<0.05) the dry matter content of Chitedze 1 and Chitedze 2. Furthermore, the results of the trial show that the application of 40 kg P/ha and 60 kg P/ha increased (p<0.05) the dry matter yield of the varieties CIMMYT 1 and Chitedze 2, respectively. The effects of phosphorus application on the nutrient composition of the three pigeon pea varieties varied. The composition of hemicellulose of all the varieties was significantly (p<0.05) increased by the application of 40 kg P/ha. Conversely, the concentration of crude protein, phosphorus, copper and iron, and the calcium to phosphorus ratio of all the pigeon pea varieties was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by phosphorus application and there was no interactive effect of variety and phosphorus. The proximate compositions of fat, total non-structural carbohydrates, ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose, neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen of the pigeon pea varieties varied significantly (p<0.05) at different phosphorus application levels. There was an interactive (p<0.05) effect of variety and the level of phosphorus on the concentration of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium, zinc, manganese, and the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio. The digestible dry matter, dry matter intake and the relative feed value were significantly (p<0.05) different among the pigeon pea varieties at varying phosphorus levels. The anti-nutrient composition of Chitedze 2 was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by phosphorus application but the concentration of phenols and saponins of Chitedze 1 was significantly (p<0.05) increased when 60 kg P/ha was applied, but these anti-nutrients were reduced (p<0.05) for CIMMYT 1 at 60 kg P/ha. It can be concluded that phosphorus application influences the biomass production and chemical composition while the optimum phosphorus level vary among the pigeon pea varieties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mpabanga, Nkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Phosphatic fertilizers Soil fertility Plants -- Effect of phosphorus on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6180 , vital:29501
- Description: Low soil fertility has been identified to be among the major causes of low pasture quantity and quality. Scarcity of high quality forage mainly during the dry season threatens animal productivity in some areas of South Africa, thus the need for identifying livestock feed alternatives. Pigeon pea is a woody legume that has continually been an important shrub in agroforestry and can provide protein-rich livestock feed during times of shortage. Soil fertility to support the production of pigeon pea can be enhanced by application of fertilisers. Therefore, this study was carried out firstly, to determine the effect of phosphorus fertiliser on the growth performance and biomass production of three pigeon pea varieties, and secondly, to investigate the influence of phosphorus application on the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of three pigeon pea varieties. The field experiment was done at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice, South Africa. The factors investigated were three pigeon pea varieties namely Chitedze 1, Chitedze 2 and CIMMYT 1 and three phosphorus fertiliser application rates of 0, 40 and 60 kg P/ha. The study was a 3× 3 factorial experiment set up in a randomised complete block design and was replicated three times. The growth performance attributes evaluated in this study include the number of branches, plant height and root collar diameter. Root collar diameter was not significantly (p>0.05) different among the pigeon pea varieties and phosphorus levels. Likewise, the application of phosphorus was not significant (p>0.05) on plant height and the number of branches of all the varieties. However, when P level was varied, there were significant differences among the varieties, and so were the interaction (p<0.05) between variety and phosphorus on plant height and the number of branches. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference among the phosphorus levels on the fresh leaf yield of Chitedze 1 and Chitedze 2, but phosphorus application at 40 kg P/ha increased the fresh leaf yield of CIMMYT 1. Phosphorus application at 60 kg P/ha increased (p<0.05) the dry matter content of Chitedze 1 and Chitedze 2. Furthermore, the results of the trial show that the application of 40 kg P/ha and 60 kg P/ha increased (p<0.05) the dry matter yield of the varieties CIMMYT 1 and Chitedze 2, respectively. The effects of phosphorus application on the nutrient composition of the three pigeon pea varieties varied. The composition of hemicellulose of all the varieties was significantly (p<0.05) increased by the application of 40 kg P/ha. Conversely, the concentration of crude protein, phosphorus, copper and iron, and the calcium to phosphorus ratio of all the pigeon pea varieties was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by phosphorus application and there was no interactive effect of variety and phosphorus. The proximate compositions of fat, total non-structural carbohydrates, ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose, neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen of the pigeon pea varieties varied significantly (p<0.05) at different phosphorus application levels. There was an interactive (p<0.05) effect of variety and the level of phosphorus on the concentration of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium, zinc, manganese, and the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio. The digestible dry matter, dry matter intake and the relative feed value were significantly (p<0.05) different among the pigeon pea varieties at varying phosphorus levels. The anti-nutrient composition of Chitedze 2 was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by phosphorus application but the concentration of phenols and saponins of Chitedze 1 was significantly (p<0.05) increased when 60 kg P/ha was applied, but these anti-nutrients were reduced (p<0.05) for CIMMYT 1 at 60 kg P/ha. It can be concluded that phosphorus application influences the biomass production and chemical composition while the optimum phosphorus level vary among the pigeon pea varieties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of pula devaluation on non-mining export sector in Botswana
- Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Authors: Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Devaluation of currency -- Botswana Inflation (Finance) -- Botswana , Foreign exchange rates -- Botswana Developing countries -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18080 , vital:28574
- Description: This dissertation investigates the effects of exchange rate devaluation on non-mining exports in Botswana over the period 1984-2012 and the exchange rate pass-through effect to consumer prices. The economy of Botswana is significantly dependent on mineral exports, particularly the diamond. The dominance and over-reliance on diamond exports in the economy has led to low levels of economic diversification. Bank of Botswana has over the years devalued the pula, in attempt to stimulate growth of non-mining export industries and to enhance non-mining export competitiveness. However, raising export competitiveness this way may be inflationary and have no significant effect on non-mining exports. The study investigates the existence of cointegration between real effective exchange rate and the non-mining exports using the Johansen method of cointegration. The vector error correction model is used, to examine the short-run dynamics of the model. The results suggest that a positive long-run relationship exists between real effective exchange rate and Botswana’s non-mining exports. The results of the exchange rate pass-through suggest that nominal exchange rate has a short term relationship with consumer prices in Botswana. However this relationship does not hold over the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Devaluation of currency -- Botswana Inflation (Finance) -- Botswana , Foreign exchange rates -- Botswana Developing countries -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18080 , vital:28574
- Description: This dissertation investigates the effects of exchange rate devaluation on non-mining exports in Botswana over the period 1984-2012 and the exchange rate pass-through effect to consumer prices. The economy of Botswana is significantly dependent on mineral exports, particularly the diamond. The dominance and over-reliance on diamond exports in the economy has led to low levels of economic diversification. Bank of Botswana has over the years devalued the pula, in attempt to stimulate growth of non-mining export industries and to enhance non-mining export competitiveness. However, raising export competitiveness this way may be inflationary and have no significant effect on non-mining exports. The study investigates the existence of cointegration between real effective exchange rate and the non-mining exports using the Johansen method of cointegration. The vector error correction model is used, to examine the short-run dynamics of the model. The results suggest that a positive long-run relationship exists between real effective exchange rate and Botswana’s non-mining exports. The results of the exchange rate pass-through suggest that nominal exchange rate has a short term relationship with consumer prices in Botswana. However this relationship does not hold over the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017