The effect of muscle type and freezing on the evolution of physico-chemical properties during processing of South African biltong and its final textural properties
- Authors: Ngwendu, Nwabisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Biltong Meat -- Quality -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12128 , vital:39154
- Description: The study investigated the effect of muscle type and freezing on evaluation of mass transfer during processing physico-chemical of South African biltong and its textural properties. In the first experimental phase of this study, mass transfers, physico-chemical and textural properties (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness) of commercially produced biltong from biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) (n=9) were measured. Biltong was dried at 30oC and 40% relative humidity until it had lost 50% of its initial weight. The initial moisture content, water activity (Aw) of BF muscles (74.3% and 0.992) were significantly lower compared those of ST muscles (75.4% and 0.994%). The fat content of BF (2.3%) muscles was higher (P<0.05) than in ST muscles (1.7%). The salt, weight and water gain for the BF muscle were 2.3%, -2.6% and -7.0% respectively and were significantly higher than those of ST muscles which were 2.1, -0.4 and -4.0, respectively. After drying, the moisture content, Aw, and pH were lower in BF (42.2, 0.886 and 5.29) than those of ST muscles (45.1, 0.911 and 5.42). The salt content was higher (P<0.05) in BF muscle than in ST. Among textural properties, hardness was significantly higher in biltong from the BF (233.0N), while the springiness was significantly lower compared to the ST muscle (178.2N). Therefore, it was concluded that the use of different muscles results in variation of biltong physicochemical characteristics. The second experiment investigated the effect of freezing and muscle type on mass transfers, lipid oxidation, physico-chemical and textural properties of biltong. In this experiment, the iii ST muscles were replaced with semimembranosus (SM) muscles. A total of 12 beef muscles were used, with six BF and six SM muscles frozen in a blast freezer at -40 oC till they reached -20oC; then they were transferred to -20oC for 14 days. The thawing loss for the BF and ST muscles was 1.3 and 2.4% respectively, but there were no significant (P>0.05) differences. The protein and salt content were significantly higher in frozen-thawed (24.3 and 0.13%) muscles than in fresh muscle (20.2 and 0.08%); whereas the fat content and pH were lower (P<0.05) in frozen-thawed (5.36) compared to fresh muscles (5.51). Between muscles, the moisture, salt content, and pH were higher in BF muscles than in SM muscles (73.2, 0.12% and 5.49). Aw was affected by the interaction between freezing and muscle type, with frozenthawed SM having lower Aw (0.990). During salting, salt, weight and water gain did not show any differences (P<0.05). There were no major significant differences after salting. There were lower TBARS and pH in frozen-thawed (1.5mgMDA/kg and 5.15) muscles than in fresh muscles (3.3mgMDA/kg and 5.19) as well as in SM muscles (1.8mgMDA/kg and 5.16) than in BF muscles (3.0mgMDA/kg and 5.19). The moisture was significantly lower in frozen-thawed SM (68.1%) than in fresh SM, BF and frozen-thawed BF (69.3,70.5 and 71.7%) after salting. On the final product, the interaction between muscle type and freezing affected the moisture content, TBARS, chewiness and the springiness of biltong, with the biltong from fresh SM (39.8%) having significantly lower moisture content compared frozenthawed BF and ST muscles as well fresh BF muscles (42.8% in average). The TBARS were higher in biltong from fresh BF muscles (5.1mgMDA/kg) compared to other muscles. Furthermore, the chewiness and springiness were higher (P<0.05) in biltong produced from SM frozen-thawed muscles (327.7N and 1.5). The WBSF was higher in biltong from the BF muscles (108.8N) than in the biltong from SM (80.1) but it was not affected by the freezing effect (P>0.05). Freezing did not show any major differences in biltong. iv The third experiment was conducted to determine the effect of freezing African buffalo carcasses on weight loss during salting, physico-chemical and textural properties of biltong. Five muscles (ST, SM, BF, LTL, and RF) were randomly selected from 30 carcasses (15 frozen-thawed and 15 fresh), cut along the grain, traditionally salted and dried at 26oC till they lost 45-50% of their initial weight. The salting weight loss was higher in frozen-thawed muscles (-1.45%) than in fresh muscles (-0.89%). The freezing treatment affected the physico-chemical properties of the biltong. The biltong produced from frozen-thawed muscles showed significantly higher protein and ash (47.6 and 7.6%) compared to fresh (43.9 and 7.1); whereas the moisture, fat, pH and Aw were lower (43.7, 2.1, 0.870 and 5.30, respectively) compared to those of biltong from fresh muscles (45.5%, 2.9%, 0.890 and 5.38). The moisture, pH and fat content were further affected by muscle type. The interactive effect was observed in salt content, with RF frozen-thawed showing higher salt content (8.2%) compared to all other muscles. The hardness and WBSF were significantly higher (P<0.05) in biltong frozen-thawed (204.1N and 135.0N) than in fresh muscles (146.2N and 113.1N). Moreover, the chewiness and springiness were affected (P<0.05) by muscle type, with RF muscle having higher springiness 0.89 and chewiness 171.1N than all the other muscles. Therefore, it can be concluded that freezing buffalo carcasses significantly influenced the quality characteristics of biltong. The fourth experiment studied the effect of drying methods on physico-chemical properties of traditional biltong produced from African buffalo muscles. The BF and SM muscles were randomly selected from 15 fresh carcasses, cut into strips, salted and divided into two batches per muscle. The first batch of each muscle type was dried in the ambient-air drier at 22oC average and the second batch in the cabinet drier at 26 oC till 45-50% weight loss. No differences (P>0.05) were observed in salting weight loss between the drying method and muscle type. The protein content was significantly higher in SM (46%) muscles compared to v BF (43%) but there was no effect (P>0.05) caused by the drying method. The interactions between the muscle type and drying method affected the fat content, with biltong from airdried BF muscles having significant lower (2.1%) fat content. There were no significant differences in other physico-chemical properties of biltong, with moisture content, salt, ash content, Aw and pH being 45.0%, 5.13%, 44.8%, 7.3%, 2.7%, 0.885 and 5.61 on average, respectively. Overall, the findings of the study show that freezing does have a significant effect on the final quality of biltong. However, it can be concluded that a significant effect on the physico-chemical properties of biltong depends on the changes of mass transfers during salting and drying.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of social capital on the performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES) in Makana Municipality
- Authors: Klaas, Anesipho
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Small business Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12373 , vital:39258
- Description: The small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are essential drivers to the social and economic growth. These enterprises have an essential role in employment creation and eradication of poverty in South Africa. SMMEs in South Africa are comprised of heterogeneous groups of businesses in various sectors including services, manufacturing and agriculture. This study investigated the effect of social capital on the performance of SMMEs. Thus, the primary objective of the study was is to investigate the impact of social capital on the performance of SMMEs in Makana Municipality, and the secondary objectives were to determine the effect of bonding social capital on the performance of SMMEs and determine the effect of bridging social capital on the performance of SMMEs. This study discovered that all three forms of social capital, namely: bonding, bridging and linking social capital have a positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. In order to collect data, the researcher distributed questionnaires to the sampled SMMEs in the towns within the Makana Municipality. All the questionnaires were completed by the respondents. The researcher did not interfere in this process but helped where necessary. Prior to the distribution of questionnaires, validity and reliability were ensured in order to eliminate problems in the questionnaires. A total of 126 questionnaires were distributed. To scale the responses in the questionnaires, Likert scale was used in this study. The sections in questionnaires were measuring the extent to which social capital contributes to the performance of SMMEs. Of the 126 questionnaires that were distributed, only 98 questionnaires were returned and used in this study. Thus, the response rate was 71% which is high. Because social capital affects the performance of SMMEs, this proves further the need for government to support these businesses. This study made a theoretical contribution to the literature on social capital and its important on the performance of SMMEs. The researcher recommends that all SMMEs across the world consider the effect of social capital on their performance. Given the importance of successful SMMEs in the growth of the country’s economy and, also the role they play in addressing the unemployment problem, it is recommended that all SMMEs consider the positive impact of social capital in their growth.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of technology acceptance model and trust on online banking in Zambia
- Authors: Hamusone, Collins Moonga
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internet banking -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Computer networks -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Information technology -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- Zambia , Consumer behavior -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163637 , vital:41063
- Description: The banking industry has been influenced by the evolution of technology and in the process , reduced the cost of transacting and increased the speed of service delivery. This global change has been driven by the development of alternative banking channels from the traditional brick and mortar walls to a utomated teller machines , phone - banking, and now the most recent phenomenon, online banking . The current study, conducted in Lusaka, Zambia investigated the adoption of online banking technology using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness and trust. T he two constructs perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness are known to be the most accurate subjective measurement scales for predicting user acceptance . T echnology Acceptance Model (TAM) is the most widely used model and theorizes that if a user fi nds the technology useful , it will influence the user’s attitude positively, thereby increasing the intention to use and finally allowing for adoption. In a cross - sectional survey of 478 participants, and using logistic regression, this study found that perceived usefulness , perceived ease of use and trust were positively associated with users’ intentions to adopt online banking , and these relationships were statistically significant. The findings from this study provide support for the theoretical model. The study further found no contradicting results, and this provides banks in Zambia with an opportunity to grow online banking as the consumer behaviour indicates a willingness and int ention to adopt the technology. The current study was limited to the urban areas of Lusaka which had a population of 3.2 million . Future research may also investigate the impact of culture on the adopti on of online banking technology .
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of top dressing treatments on stolon weaning and keeping quality on two potato cultivars in the Gamtoos river valley
- Authors: Murray, Roger Benjamin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Plants -- Effect of nitrates on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48522 , vital:40884
- Description: Potatoes are an important crop in the Eastern Cape, and in South Africa as a whole, as a nutritious staple food. For consumers, they provide a quality, relatively low-priced form of carbohydrate and, for farmers, they are a valuable cash crop. The nutritional requirements of Solanum tuberosum L., in particular its nitrogen (N) needs, during cultivation is an aspect warranting further research. The Eastern Cape is a prime potato-producing region and, as such, is an appropriate and logical choice in terms of a suitable location for the required study. Improper farming practices with regards to improper fertilizer application techniques can adversely affect yields, and excessive application of fertilizer is fundamentally economically unsound, adverse towards the environment and potentially detrimental to the crop. It is therefore imperative that nutrients – and nitrogen in particular – are available to the crop in the correct quantities at the correct time. The objective of this dissertation was to accurately identify the nitrogen fertilizer needs of potatoes – with specific emphasis on whether or not nitrogen affects stolon growth and development. The potato cultivar used in the research trial was Mondial, which is a cultivar well-established in the region. Nitrogen applications needed to be closely monitored with regards to the total seasonal amount of nitrogen applied, the timing of applications and the amount applied at each application. Meaningful data accumulated from this study will help farmers in the area to accurately assess the efficiency of their farming operations. Excessive or insufficient plant nutrition affects tuber bulking and quality. The objective was to accurately identify this “sweet spot” (i.e. the optimal measure and timing) with regards to fertilization, especially nitrogen, while also taking into account various other factors that affect healthy tuber development and stolon formation. The untested assertion that prompted this study was that too much nitrogen adversely affects the number of stolons – and therefore, the number of tubers, since tubers grow from the stolons. It is generally accepted that too little N will adversely affect yields and yield potential will not be achieved, and that too much N will adversely affect yields, incur unnecessary costs and potentially degrade the environment. Optimum nitrogen application quantities were therefore identified, along with points at which deviations from optimum yields occurred. There were 8 distinct treatment combinations – namely: a rate of 150kg/ha, 250kg/ha, 350kg/ha and 450kg/ha – of nitrogen (N) throughout the growing season, administered at 2 different timings (hereafter referred to as the Application Timings). The applications of nitrogen were administered as follows: Application Timing 1 (50% N at planting : 25% N as Topdressing 1 : 25% N as Topdressing 2) and Application Timing 2 (75% N at planting : 12.5% N as Topdressing 1 : 12.5% N as Topdressing 2). The findings suggest that while nitrogen played a role in increasing yield, there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that stolons were weaned by excessive amounts of nitrogen throughout the growing season. The results obtained from statistical analysis showed that, between Application Timing 1 (50%:25%:25%) and Application Timing 2 (75%:12.5%:12.5%), neither split application timing was superior to the other in terms of tuber yield or effect on the average number of stolons when data from all three plantings were combined. In some instances, high stolon numbers were observed in the high N application plots. The highest stolon count in a single data collection in Planting 1 was in the 450kg/ha App. 1 plots in the 3rd data collection. The highest stolon count in a single data collection in Planting 2 was in the 250kg/ha App. 2 plots in the 2nd data collection. The highest stolon count in a single data collection was in the 350kg/ha App. 2 plots in the 3rd data collection. The conjecture that excessive nitrogen causes stolon weaning in potatoes was not supported by the findings of the experiments conducted in the three trial plantings which constituted this research study.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of waste tyre pyrolysis-derived carbon black on the various properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber blends
- Authors: Ketelo, Sisonke
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rubber chemistry , Rubber Polymers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49115 , vital:41602
- Description: Disposal of waste tyres into landfills is common in developing countries, including South Africa. This behaviour is detrimental to human health as well as other living organisms and the environment itself. There are several recycling methods and processes that have been adopted in various countries to mitigate the situation. These include the recovery of materials such as rubber for re-use; shredding of tyres into small crumb particles for secondary applications in various industries such as civil engineering and the automotive sector; and commonly through heating tyres under a controlled environment to produce oil in a process called pyrolysis. The latter is of interest to the study, with a specific interest in valorization of the process’ resultant char/pyrolysis carbon black. In principle, this study considers the advancement of waste tyre material recovery by finding applications for pyrolysis-derived carbon black (pCB) recovered from waste tyres as it is one of the significant products of pyrolysis. The study involved investigating the effectiveness of pyrolysis-derived carbon black in its ability to improve the properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber blends for the conveyor belting industry and other related industries. The pyrolysis-derived carbon black was characterized and compared to commercial grades of carbon blacks on properties such as surface area, thermal stability, heat absorption, structure and morphology using various laboratory techniques such as XRD, XRF, TGA, BET, DSC and SEM. It was found that the properties of the unmodified pCB closely matched those of commercial carbon black grade N660. Through internal mixing, rubber compounds were prepared using 40 phr of pCB and of the selected carbon black grades. Improvements were observed in the mechanical properties of the polymer for application specifications, especially tensile properties and abrasion resistance. Pyrolysis-derived carbon black improved tensile properties to a similar magnitude as a reinforcing carbon black grade and produced similar cure times. Partial replacement of a commercial carbon black grade with pCB of 5 to 20 phr in NR/SBR yielded intermediate results. The unmodified pCB can be used to improve the physical properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber blends because it exhibits filler behaviour.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in tertiary institutions of higher learning: the case of the University of Forte Hare
- Authors: Chiwara, Emmanuel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: HIV infections AIDS (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18085 , vital:42228
- Description: This study explored the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in tertiary institutions in South Africa, and used the University of Forte Hare as a research domain. The study entailed making a cross-examination of the UFH HIV/AIDS programmes in an attempt to test the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in South African Universities. The study had three objectives, which were to establish the perceptions of the UFH stakeholders pertaining HIV/AIDS programmes; to document the HIV/AIDS programmes offered at UFH; and to determine the resources available to implement the HIV/AIDS Programmes at UFH. The study used mixed methods, that is, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used combined methods of data collection and instruments, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups interviews, key informants, and a questionnaire. The study adopted Structural Functionalist Theory. The researcher drew a sample of forty (40) participants from the UFH community. Thirty-three (33) student respondents were provided with questionnaire interview; while 5 (five) members of the staff; two (2) members of the UFH HIV/AIDS managers; and two (2) members of administration were interviewed. The study used a combination of both probability and non-probability sampling methods, specifically purposive sampling and systematic sampling methods to select the participants. The data was analyzed using a qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study established that there was inadequacy of financial and material resources to support the implementation of the programmes; inconsistency in condom distribution on campus; limited and unprofessional HIV/AID workers at the UFH campus; availability of various HIV/AIDS programme activities; adequate support structures but failing to be responsive towards HIV/AIDS; and adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge among the students.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South Africa manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Lionel Daveril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49830 , vital:41806
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005).
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South African manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Daveril Lionel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50546 , vital:42218
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005). In this study, emphasis will be placed on the issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy within the organisation.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The Effects of Alkaline Pretreatment on Agricultural Biomasses (Corn Cob and Sweet Sorghum Bagasse) and Their Hydrolysis by a Termite-Derived Enzyme Cocktail:
- Authors: Mafa, Mpho S , Malgas, Samkelo , Bhattacharya, Abhishek , Rashamuse, Konanani , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/160273 , vital:40430 , https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081211
- Description: Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) and corncob (CC) have been identified as promising feedstocks for the production of second-generation biofuels and other value-added chemicals. In this study, lime (Ca(OH)2) and NaOH pretreatment efficacy for decreasing recalcitrance from SSB and CC was investigated, and subsequently, the pretreated biomass was subjected to the hydrolytic action of an in-house formulated holocellulolytic enzyme cocktail (HEC-H). Compositional analysis revealed that SSB contained 29.34% lignin, 17.75% cellulose and 16.28% hemicellulose, while CC consisted of 22.51% lignin, 23.58% cellulose and 33.34% hemicellulose. Alkaline pretreatment was more effective in pretreating CC biomass compared to the SSB biomass.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of asymmetry in combination with reduced graphene oxide nanosheets on hydrazine electrocatalytic detection on cobalt phthalocyanines
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186023 , vital:44456 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.202060094"
- Description: New symmetric {tetrakis [4-(4-(5-chloro-1Hbenzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) phenoxy phthalocyaninato] Co (II) (CoTPc)} and low symmetry {tris tert butyl phenoxy mono [4-(4-(5-chloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) phenoxy phthalocyaninato]} Co (II) (CoMPc) were successfully synthesised and combined with reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONS) for electrocatalytic detection of hydrazine. Prior to electrocatalysis, the probes were characterised using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Chronoamperometry was used to determine catalytic rate constant and the limit of detection (LOD). CoMPc-rGONS gave catalytic rate constant and LOD of 1.37×106 M 1 s 1 and 0.82 μM respectively, rendering it a more suitable probe for hydrazine, due to low symmetry.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of directed financing on growth and performance of smallholder farmers in the Western Cape Province
- Authors: Deliwe, Peliwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47705 , vital:40328
- Description: Agriculture is of great significance in the South African economy as it contributes over 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounting for more than 10% of the formal sector employment. Although agriculture is seasonal, it is regarded as an intensive employment sector which plays a critical role on promoting empowerment and improving food security. The smallholder farming sector is the result of policies targeting the participation of previously disadvantaged individual (PDI’s) in the food economy, particularly through land use and ownership (Isdardi, Jordaan & van Schalkwyk, 2008: 1). Smallholder farmers are neither commercial farmers nor subsistence in nature but have become the focus of government’s efforts to achieve transformation within the broad agricultural sector.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of economic and political instability on decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe: a case study
- Authors: Katsinde, Tapfuiwa James
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conitions -- 1980- , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165610 , vital:41263
- Description: The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of economic and political instability on decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2017. Previous studies in Zimbabwe and elsewhere have shown that schools were negatively affected by economic and political instability. This study adds to this literature by using habitus as a conceptual framework. This was a qualitative study which made use of a multi-case research design. Data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. Eight research sites in the form of secondary schools in four districts were used. Data analysis was done using theoretical prepositions guided by research objectives and research questions. Data presentations was characterised by quotes of participants. Trustworthiness based on dependability, credibility, transferability and conformability formed the basis of quality assurance measures. The study revealed that economic and political instability had similar negative results in the field of secondary schools in the province. Economic instability negatively affected school activities which included teaching and learning, administration and development work. In addition economic instability affected individual secondary school actors psychologically. Economic instability affected relations among the secondary school actors by aggravating already existing contestations amongst actors. Similarly, political instability affected secondary school activities such as teaching and learning, school administration, development, donations and social benefits. Secondary school actors were individually affected psychologically and through physical abuse and the way they responded to political instability. The study has shown that decentralised secondary schools found it difficult to solve the problems introduced by economic and political instability especially when the instabilities occurred within the difficulties of the broader Zimbabwean context. It is therefore recommended that decentralised secondary schools should be assisted financially and with resources to withstand economic challenges. There is a need to protect secondary schools from political activities and activists as these have devastating effects on education if allowed to have a free reign. Further similar research is recommended for other provinces in the country.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of education on economic growth and global competitiveness: a statistical approach
- Authors: Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational attainment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147558 , vital:38649
- Description: This thesis investigates whether there is a relationship between education, economic growth and global competitiveness and whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Economic growth is defined as a country’s ability to improve the life of its average citizen based on the strength of its economy. As such, it is increasingly important for a country to assess the factors that contribute to the improvement of their economy, which will ultimately result in its economic growth. Global competitiveness is an indication of how countries are able to provide for their people internally, as well as participate in the international market. To this end, economic growth and global competitiveness are two proxies that can be used to demonstrate the economic wellbeing of a country. Considering that prosperity under economic growth and global competitiveness of a country are driven by its people, one of the aims of this thesis was to investigate whether there is a relationship between education and economic growth and global competitiveness. Considering the recent demand in free education in South Africa, it is also important to understand whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates at higher education institutions and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Bearing in mind the political past which has led to inequality in the country, it is important to understand which types of education contribute to the economy and which types need to be further supported in order to increase the country’s economic productivity. Therefore, an additional aim of the thesis was to determine the relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. To address the aforementioned aims, data were collected from various open access online repositories. All the data were collated and numerous general linear models were constructed and tested to determine the different relationships as per the two aims. The results reveal that secondary school education had the highest impact on economic growth and global competitiveness on a global scale. This could be attributed to the fact that secondary school graduates tend to make up the largest part of the general workforce and as such, would make up a substantial proportion of the economy. Regarding South Africa, the only significant relationships were between green cluster universities (universities that focus on both research and technical training) and global competitiveness. Overall average throughput rates in all academic institutions were low; this could indicate that perhaps there are issues within the higher education system itself that need to be addressed in order to increase the throughput rate. From a managerial perspective, the results of this research stress the importance for the government to further investigate this area of study, as the call for free education becomes more prominent. The low throughput rates seem to suggest that the government is spending substantial amounts of money on students who do not always complete their studies. More research needs to be done to assess the root of the problem in South Africa’s tertiary education system, in order to ensure that this aspect increases its positive contribution towards the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of invasive aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Plants -- Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on , Atmospheric carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140772 , vital:37917
- Description: There has been a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, from pre-industrial values of 280 ppm to more than 400 ppm currently, and this is expected to more than double by the end of the 21st century. Studies have shown that plants grown above 600 ppm tend to have an increased growth rate and invest more in carbon-based defences. This has important implications for the management of invasive alien plants, especially for the field of biological control which is mostly dependent on herbivorous insects. This is because insects reared on such plants have been shown to have reduced overall fitness. Nevertheless, most of the studies on potential changes in plant-insect interactions under elevated CO2 are based on agricultural systems, with only a limited number of these types of studies conducted on alien invasive weeds. However, climate change and invasive species are two of the most prevalent features of global environmental change. Therefore, this also warrants active research and experimental studies to better understand how these systems will be affected by future climates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of four invasive aquatic weeds (Azolla filiculoides, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, and Myriophyllum aquaticum). These species are a threat to natural resources in South Africa but are currently under successful control by their biological control agents (Stenopelmus rufinasus, Cyrtobagous salviniae, Neohydronomus affinis, and Lysathia n. sp.). To achieve this, the selected plant species were grown in a three-factor experimental design in winter (CO2 X nutrients X herbivory), and another two-factorial design in summer (CO2 X herbivory). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were set at ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (800 ppm), as per the predictions of the IPCC. As per my hypothesis, the results suggest that these species will become more challenging in future due to increased biomass production, asexual reproduction and a higher C: N ratio which is evident under high CO2 concentrations. Although the biological control agents were in some instances able to reduce this CO2 fertilisation effect, their efficacy was significantly reduced compared with the levels of control observed at ambient CO2. These results suggest that additional biological control agents and other management methods may be needed for continued control of these invasive macrophytes, both in South Africa and further afield where they are problematic.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The Effects of exchange rates on bilateral trade balances of SACU members states with their trading partners
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50371 , vital:42152
- Description: The fluctuations of exchange rates prevent countries from achieving stability in their external account records. Appreciation or depreciation has effects on international trade. This thesis examines the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations on bilateral trade balances focusing on the SACU region. There are several theories made to explain the relationship between exchange rate and trade balances. In examining this phenomenon, this thesis will unveil if the purchasing power parity theory, the Marshall-Lerner condition and the J-curve effect holds in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. This analysis is divided into three parts. The first part examines the stability of the exchange rate in the SACU countries in the long run as given by the purchasing power parity. To test for the Purchasing Power Parity theory, the recently developed powerful unit root test was applied with multiple smooth structural breaks of Omay (2015), based on a Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Form (FFFFF) on unique data of SACU countries covering the monthly period of 1995M01-2017M11. The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) results show that the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of all SACU members does not provide evidence for PPP theory. In terms of the real effective exchange rate (REER), the PPP condition holds in the case of South Africa only. Further unit root investigations were carried out using the panel data for all SACU members, NEER and REER. The FFFFF test results for panel data shows strong evidence of the PPP while the standard DF test rejects PPP theory in the SACU’s NEER. Both the standard DF and the FFFFF tests show strong evidence of PPP theory in the case of SACU’s REER. The second section of the analysis examines the Marshall-Lerner condition employing annual data from the period of 1980-2017. The import and export model were examined firstly in a time series format and then in a panel data format. The time series data was examined using the ARDL (PMG) model while the panel data used the panel ARDL, fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method and the Dynamic OLS (DOLS) method of estimation. The PMG/ARDL model shows no evidence to support the existence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the short run for all SACU members. However, only two out of five countries show evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the long run. There is strong evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia and Botswana in the long run using the PMG/ARDL model.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of liberalisation and regulation of cellphone companies from 2007 - 2018: a study of Buffalo city municipality
- Authors: Malobola, Nomvuyo Ursula Vuyokazi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Communications)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18153 , vital:42237
- Description: This study focuses on the effects of liberalisation and regulation of the telecommunications sector in South Africa. A qualitative research method was adopted and the researcher conducted focus group interviews with participants that were purposely selected to collect data from different suburbs around the Buffalo City Metropolitan area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The areas were Mdantsane, Selborne and Southernwood, which have large populations and obviously enjoy high cell phone usage. In addition, an in-depth interview was conducted with an official of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which is the monitoring body for telecommunications in South Africa. The findings of this study have shown that despite the airtime and data being expensive, the telecoms sector is critical to the people of South Africa, and the failure by the government to regulate and liberalise the telecoms sector has led to expensive cell phone charges on the public. As such, it can be noted that the majority of the urban poor, especially in the Buffalo City Metropolitan, endure expensive charges. More so, the study found that there has been frustrating slow progress of transformation of the telecommunications industry and associated key national policy objectives. In addition, the study also recognises that as a member of WTO South Africa had to adopt policies of globalisation or risk isolation should it operate outside it. In addition, this study revealed that in spite of the challenges that are related to regulation and liberalisation, progress can still be made in reducing price hikes, especially when strategic investments are made in the telecommunication sector in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth in South Africa (2003-2017)
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of vascular targeted bi-functionalized aunps on hepatic lipid metabolism of a diet-induced rats
- Authors: Singo, Dakalo Gladwell
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Bile acids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47072 , vital:39780
- Description: Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease in which the accumulation of excessive fat in the adipose tissue may interfere with the normal maintenance of a healthy state. However, there is only a limited number of drugs approved for the treatment of obesity. For this purpose, target therapies are receiving more attention as a preferred treatment to reduce the burden of chronic diseases which are associated with the current strategies. Nanotechnology is a highly promising field that offers a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system as a novel means of solving issues associated with the toxicity of conventional anti-obesity drugs. Vascular targeted nanotherapy (targeted bi-functionalized nanoparticles) as a strategy that can overcome the current available anti-obesity drugs. Aim: This study sought to understand the effects of nanotherapy in the hepatic lipid metabolism and secretion of bile acids Research focus: The effects of gold nanotherapy on the bile acid biosynthetic enzymes, transporters and lipogenic enzymes of rats that were on a high fat diet. Conclusion: The study shows low expression in the majority of genes responsible for bile acid synthesis and a lipogenic pathway; therefore, the effects of nanotherapy exhibit low toxicity in the hepatic lipid metabolism.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The establishment and rapid spread of Sagittaria Platyphylla in South Africa:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mpilonhle S , Coetzee, Julie A , Nxumalo, Menzi M , Lalla, Reshnee , Shabalala, Ntombifuthi , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149788 , vital:38884 , https://doi.org/10.3390/w12051472
- Description: Sagittaria platyphylla Engelm. (Alismataceae) is a freshwater aquatic macrophyte that has become an important invasive weed in freshwater systems in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and recently China. In South Africa, due to its rapid increase in distribution and ineffective control options, it is recognised as one of the country’s worst invasive aquatic alien plants. In this paper, we investigate the spread of the plant since its first detection in 2008, and the management strategies currently carried out against it. Despite early detection and rapid response programmes, which included chemical and mechanical control measures, the plant was able to spread both within and between sites, increasing from just one site in 2008 to 72 by 2019. Once introduced into a lotic system, the plant was able to spread rapidly, in some cases up to 120 km within 6 years, with an average of 10 km per year. The plant was successfully extirpated at some sites, however, due to the failure of chemical and mechanical control, biological control is currently being considered as a potential control option.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The experiences of youth after exiting the foster care system in South Africa: A case study of Kou-kamma Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Phillip, Malusi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Foster home care Social work with teenagers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18164 , vital:42238
- Description: There is a high number of children placed in foster care in the Eastern Cape compared to other provinces as of 2017, this proves that foster care is the most preferred form of substitute care in South Africa. Despite the revelations that foster care is the mostly practiced form of substitute care in South Africa, children do not remain forever in the foster care system. Every year, hundreds of young adults age out of the foster care system in South Africa when they officially become adults at or around their 18th birthday. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of youth who have exited the foster care system in Kou-kamma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. A qualitative research method was employed. The study made use of 26 participants, 21 youth who exited the foster care system were purposively selected from all six wards of Kou-kamma Municipality and six social workers were also purposively selected from three child welfare organizations in Kou-kamma Municipality. An interview guide was developed for both sets of participants and they were individually interviewed. The findings show that youth who have been exited from the foster care system experience a series of challenges after they have exited, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol as a negative coping mechanism, unplanned pregnancy, lack of support to enter tertiary education institutions, and financial challenges., Furthermore, the findings indicate that the youth developed coping strategies including working as seasonal workers on fruit farms of the langkloof and in the tourism and forestry of the Tsitsikamma. The youth also reported receiving support from their partners and former foster parents. Support services after the exit from the social service organizations was found to be non-existent and also the fact that social workers were facing a vii number of challenges in their quest to fulfil their roles. Some of these challenges include lack of resources, heavy caseloads, poor remuneration and inadequate office space which led to sharing. It is evident from the study that former foster youth in Koukamma are not exempted, they too encounter a lot of challenges after exiting the foster care system, more especially at the early stage of the exit with no form of support at all from child welfare organizations, they are made to find their own way in life as they are regarded as adults. It is recommended that a multi- stakeholder approach inclusive of different stakeholders needs to be adopted.
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- Date Issued: 2020