Ocean structures and dynamics of two open bays on the eastern Agulhas Bank
- Authors: Dlomo, Xolisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53607 , vital:45680
- Description: Upwelling, bay-scale currents, fronts and mixing in Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay occur over both short and long time periods. These physical ocean dynamics drive the temporal and spatial distribution of nutrients in the bays, there by influencing primary and secondary production. Thermal gradients and fronts are driven by the wind and open ocean influences, such as the Agulhas Current, daily and seasonal variations in solar radiation, long and short period waves, air-sea fluxes, coastal trapped waves and terrestrial freshwater inflow. These phenomena are poorly understood along this part of the coastline and were the focus of this study. I investigated the dominant temperature scales of variability in both bays, to determine which isotherm is best suited to describe temperature fluctuations and thermocline spatiotemporal variability in and between the two bays. I investigated upwelling spatiotemporal variability in the two bays and tested whether upwelling occurs at the opposite sides of the bays with a change in wind direction. Thereafter studied the occurrence and drivers of winter upwelling events. The wind-driven current spatiotemporal variability and correlations were investigated at the extremities of the two bays. The daily, intra-seasonal and yearly variation in temperature structures in Algoa Bay and St. Francis Bay were mainly driven by the local winds, coastal topography, and bathymetry. The most suitable isotherm to describe thermal fluctuations and variability in Algoa Bay shallower sites was 16.5 °C and its mean depth was 16.2 m. The best isotherm for the deeper sites in Algoa Bay was 15.7 °C with a depth of 33.1 m. The average temperature and depth of the best isotherm to describe thermal fluctuations in St. Francis Bay for the shallower sites was15.80 °C and 16.83 m, and for the deeper sites it was 15.10 °C and 32.08 m. Algoa Bay showed an average cooling trend of -0.000172 °C per year, whereas in St. Francis Bay a warming average trend of 0.0188 °C per year was observed over the study period often and six years, respectively. The wind, Coriolis Effect and Ekman Transport were the main external forces that influenced upwelling throughout the year. Since the available mesoscale indices for upwelling intensity lack the resolution needed to characterize and compare inner-shelf upwelling regimes at small spatial scales, I developed a new local, quantitative index of thermal variability. Index calculations were based on hourly records of in site depth-averaged temperatures, measured at 6 sites in St. Francis Bay and at 8 sites in Algoa Bay. Using the Multivariate Upwelling Zone Index of Cooling (MUZIC) I found that Woody Cape and Blue Horizon Bay had the highest upwelling intensity in Algoa Bay and St. Francis Bay, respectively. The other sites were ordinated and ranked according to their upwelling rates and intensity. Evidence of wind-driven winter upwelling was found to be a common occurrence in both bays. There was no obvious current seasonality observed, however, strong spectral signals in the period of a weather band (4 –7 days) were present. Current structures were generally positively correlated with wind variations in both bays. Thus, when westerly/easterly winds blew the overall surface current direction was eastward/westward. I observed a pronounced current spatiotemporal variability that was driven by local winds. The Bird Island surface currents in Algoa Bay were strongly correlated at 0–lag day with the winds, however, in Cape Recife the strongest correlations were usually observed at 1–lag day highlighting the spatiotemporal influence of wind regimes on current structures in Algoa Bay. Bird Island current speeds were higher and had an obvious bimodal directional variation (south westward /north eastward) compared to Cape Recife currents, which generally had a slower current speed with a strong west-north westward direction. In St. Francis Bay, the Schoenmakerskop surface currents showed weak positive correlation with winds at 0–lag day, however, stronger negative correlations were observed at 4–lag days. The current surface speeds in Schoenmakerskop were the lowest and varied directionally between north-north eastward and south-south eastward. The basic data requirements (i.e. SST/ UTR and ADCP time series) and the simplicity of the calculations make these indices a useful tool to apply to a large number of sites nationally and internationally, and to examine the generality of community and population-level responses to physical forcing. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dlomo, Xolisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53607 , vital:45680
- Description: Upwelling, bay-scale currents, fronts and mixing in Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay occur over both short and long time periods. These physical ocean dynamics drive the temporal and spatial distribution of nutrients in the bays, there by influencing primary and secondary production. Thermal gradients and fronts are driven by the wind and open ocean influences, such as the Agulhas Current, daily and seasonal variations in solar radiation, long and short period waves, air-sea fluxes, coastal trapped waves and terrestrial freshwater inflow. These phenomena are poorly understood along this part of the coastline and were the focus of this study. I investigated the dominant temperature scales of variability in both bays, to determine which isotherm is best suited to describe temperature fluctuations and thermocline spatiotemporal variability in and between the two bays. I investigated upwelling spatiotemporal variability in the two bays and tested whether upwelling occurs at the opposite sides of the bays with a change in wind direction. Thereafter studied the occurrence and drivers of winter upwelling events. The wind-driven current spatiotemporal variability and correlations were investigated at the extremities of the two bays. The daily, intra-seasonal and yearly variation in temperature structures in Algoa Bay and St. Francis Bay were mainly driven by the local winds, coastal topography, and bathymetry. The most suitable isotherm to describe thermal fluctuations and variability in Algoa Bay shallower sites was 16.5 °C and its mean depth was 16.2 m. The best isotherm for the deeper sites in Algoa Bay was 15.7 °C with a depth of 33.1 m. The average temperature and depth of the best isotherm to describe thermal fluctuations in St. Francis Bay for the shallower sites was15.80 °C and 16.83 m, and for the deeper sites it was 15.10 °C and 32.08 m. Algoa Bay showed an average cooling trend of -0.000172 °C per year, whereas in St. Francis Bay a warming average trend of 0.0188 °C per year was observed over the study period often and six years, respectively. The wind, Coriolis Effect and Ekman Transport were the main external forces that influenced upwelling throughout the year. Since the available mesoscale indices for upwelling intensity lack the resolution needed to characterize and compare inner-shelf upwelling regimes at small spatial scales, I developed a new local, quantitative index of thermal variability. Index calculations were based on hourly records of in site depth-averaged temperatures, measured at 6 sites in St. Francis Bay and at 8 sites in Algoa Bay. Using the Multivariate Upwelling Zone Index of Cooling (MUZIC) I found that Woody Cape and Blue Horizon Bay had the highest upwelling intensity in Algoa Bay and St. Francis Bay, respectively. The other sites were ordinated and ranked according to their upwelling rates and intensity. Evidence of wind-driven winter upwelling was found to be a common occurrence in both bays. There was no obvious current seasonality observed, however, strong spectral signals in the period of a weather band (4 –7 days) were present. Current structures were generally positively correlated with wind variations in both bays. Thus, when westerly/easterly winds blew the overall surface current direction was eastward/westward. I observed a pronounced current spatiotemporal variability that was driven by local winds. The Bird Island surface currents in Algoa Bay were strongly correlated at 0–lag day with the winds, however, in Cape Recife the strongest correlations were usually observed at 1–lag day highlighting the spatiotemporal influence of wind regimes on current structures in Algoa Bay. Bird Island current speeds were higher and had an obvious bimodal directional variation (south westward /north eastward) compared to Cape Recife currents, which generally had a slower current speed with a strong west-north westward direction. In St. Francis Bay, the Schoenmakerskop surface currents showed weak positive correlation with winds at 0–lag day, however, stronger negative correlations were observed at 4–lag days. The current surface speeds in Schoenmakerskop were the lowest and varied directionally between north-north eastward and south-south eastward. The basic data requirements (i.e. SST/ UTR and ADCP time series) and the simplicity of the calculations make these indices a useful tool to apply to a large number of sites nationally and internationally, and to examine the generality of community and population-level responses to physical forcing. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Optimization of liposomes for enhanced stability against degradation by gastrointestinal fluid content
- Authors: Scholtz, Carla Chleo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54117 , vital:46305
- Description: Motivation: Liposomes are nanoparticulate carriers consisting of a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core. Their application as drug carrier systems arises from their unique physiochemical structure, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their biphasic nature is significant in the delivery of peptide and protein drug molecules as it is thus able to encompass both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Liposomes are actively being used for drug delivery intravenously. These formulations have been successful in reducing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy. However, the intravenous route poses many challenges and is not the preferred route of administration amongst patients. The oral route of administration is non-invasive, and administration is of ease, therefore it is the preferred route of administration amongst patients, especially those with complex medicine regimes. Problem: The gastrointestinal tract is a harsh environment. In order for liposomes to maintain their integrity during their course they require a level of stability against gastric and intestinal fluids and its associated constituents such as gastric and pancreatic enzymes, low pH and bile acid. Methodology: Based on recommendations extrapolated from literature, the incorporation of a bile salt, sodium glycocholate, into liposomes in conjunction with coating the surface with chitosan was selected as the optimization strategies to enhance the stability of liposomes against degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Bilosomes with encapsulated calce in were produced using the thin-film hydration method and coated with chitosan. An in vitrocalce in release assay was conducted in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids which presented with in vivo conditions in terms of pH and enzymes and additional constituents such as a bile salt. Stability was determined by the extent of digestion within the simulated fluids with time. Results: Characterization results suggested that the addition of chitosan and sodium glycocholate to the liposomal formulation has significant effects on the physiochemical properties. The colloidal dispersions could not retain their stability during storage which was noticeable during HRTEM. Despite optimization of the liposomes, in vitro studies showed significant release in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with majority release seen in the presence of pepsin and pancreatic, at low pH and in the presence of bile acid. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Scholtz, Carla Chleo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54117 , vital:46305
- Description: Motivation: Liposomes are nanoparticulate carriers consisting of a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core. Their application as drug carrier systems arises from their unique physiochemical structure, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their biphasic nature is significant in the delivery of peptide and protein drug molecules as it is thus able to encompass both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Liposomes are actively being used for drug delivery intravenously. These formulations have been successful in reducing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy. However, the intravenous route poses many challenges and is not the preferred route of administration amongst patients. The oral route of administration is non-invasive, and administration is of ease, therefore it is the preferred route of administration amongst patients, especially those with complex medicine regimes. Problem: The gastrointestinal tract is a harsh environment. In order for liposomes to maintain their integrity during their course they require a level of stability against gastric and intestinal fluids and its associated constituents such as gastric and pancreatic enzymes, low pH and bile acid. Methodology: Based on recommendations extrapolated from literature, the incorporation of a bile salt, sodium glycocholate, into liposomes in conjunction with coating the surface with chitosan was selected as the optimization strategies to enhance the stability of liposomes against degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Bilosomes with encapsulated calce in were produced using the thin-film hydration method and coated with chitosan. An in vitrocalce in release assay was conducted in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids which presented with in vivo conditions in terms of pH and enzymes and additional constituents such as a bile salt. Stability was determined by the extent of digestion within the simulated fluids with time. Results: Characterization results suggested that the addition of chitosan and sodium glycocholate to the liposomal formulation has significant effects on the physiochemical properties. The colloidal dispersions could not retain their stability during storage which was noticeable during HRTEM. Despite optimization of the liposomes, in vitro studies showed significant release in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with majority release seen in the presence of pepsin and pancreatic, at low pH and in the presence of bile acid. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Optimizing herbicide-use for the killing of eucalypt stumps
- Authors: Mavhungu, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53857 , vital:46023
- Description: The South Africa (SA) forest industry relies on plantations of exotic forestry trees (Pinus, Acacia and Eucalyptus) to fulfil its timber requirements. With 52.0% of the afforested land in South Africa planted to various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Of the total area planted to eucalypts in SA, 75 000 ha is re-established annually by means of silvicultural regimes and operations matched to site productivity, desired end-product and method of regeneration. Unlike other commercially grown tree species, eucalypt species have the ability to coppice after felling. Coppicing is a common form of regeneration in South African forestry as it allows the plantation owner the option of a second timber rotation without replanting. However, if any factors affecting coppicing are compromised, and the site is to be replanted, then it is important to kill the stumps before replanting as rapid initial growth of the coppice shoots will require earlier control than that associated with normal weeding operations. Over time, various methods of woody plant control have been proposed and tested, with most of these making use of herbicides as opposed to the repeated manual removal of coppice regrowth. Globally, most industries subscribe to standards associated with sustainable production (economic, environmental and social) against which they are measured. Within SA, 80% of the forests are certified though either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or International Standards Organisation (ISO) which recommend the identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ chemicals; the promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods for pest management as an element of an integrated pest and vegetation management strategy; and the appropriate use of chemicals that are used. To test the current recommendations for killing eucalypt stumps to include other species, the potential of reducing herbicides used, and the influence of time after application on the survival of eucalypt stumps, two trials were initiated at Entabeni plantation (Venda, Limpopo) and one at Wilgeboom plantation (Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga) between 2018 and 2020. Extending eucalypt cut-stump control practices: Most of the trial work on killing of eucalypts in SA has been conducted on Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus macarthurii, with all grown on shorter pulpwood rotations. To extend current recommendation to include Eucalyptus cloeziana (grown on a longer rotation for poles), a trial was established in 2018 at Entabeni plantation (Limpopo Province) to quantify the interaction between Application method (basal-frill; cut-surface; foliar) and Herbicide (no herbicide applied; Roundup; Garlon; Roundup + Garlon) for the killing of 12 year-old stumps following harvesting. Assessments were carried out at 1, 3 and 6 months following application and included Stump survival, Stump quarter with coppice and Coppice heath. Relative to the control plots (100% survival), all herbicides tested were equally effective, 70–90% of the stumps killed. This study confirms previous research regarding the killing of eucalypt stumps. Roundup, Garlon or a combination of two, when applied according to label recommendations to a stump as a basal-frill or cut-surface application (within 30 minutes of felling) resulted in 70-90% of the stumps killed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mavhungu, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53857 , vital:46023
- Description: The South Africa (SA) forest industry relies on plantations of exotic forestry trees (Pinus, Acacia and Eucalyptus) to fulfil its timber requirements. With 52.0% of the afforested land in South Africa planted to various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Of the total area planted to eucalypts in SA, 75 000 ha is re-established annually by means of silvicultural regimes and operations matched to site productivity, desired end-product and method of regeneration. Unlike other commercially grown tree species, eucalypt species have the ability to coppice after felling. Coppicing is a common form of regeneration in South African forestry as it allows the plantation owner the option of a second timber rotation without replanting. However, if any factors affecting coppicing are compromised, and the site is to be replanted, then it is important to kill the stumps before replanting as rapid initial growth of the coppice shoots will require earlier control than that associated with normal weeding operations. Over time, various methods of woody plant control have been proposed and tested, with most of these making use of herbicides as opposed to the repeated manual removal of coppice regrowth. Globally, most industries subscribe to standards associated with sustainable production (economic, environmental and social) against which they are measured. Within SA, 80% of the forests are certified though either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or International Standards Organisation (ISO) which recommend the identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ chemicals; the promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods for pest management as an element of an integrated pest and vegetation management strategy; and the appropriate use of chemicals that are used. To test the current recommendations for killing eucalypt stumps to include other species, the potential of reducing herbicides used, and the influence of time after application on the survival of eucalypt stumps, two trials were initiated at Entabeni plantation (Venda, Limpopo) and one at Wilgeboom plantation (Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga) between 2018 and 2020. Extending eucalypt cut-stump control practices: Most of the trial work on killing of eucalypts in SA has been conducted on Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus macarthurii, with all grown on shorter pulpwood rotations. To extend current recommendation to include Eucalyptus cloeziana (grown on a longer rotation for poles), a trial was established in 2018 at Entabeni plantation (Limpopo Province) to quantify the interaction between Application method (basal-frill; cut-surface; foliar) and Herbicide (no herbicide applied; Roundup; Garlon; Roundup + Garlon) for the killing of 12 year-old stumps following harvesting. Assessments were carried out at 1, 3 and 6 months following application and included Stump survival, Stump quarter with coppice and Coppice heath. Relative to the control plots (100% survival), all herbicides tested were equally effective, 70–90% of the stumps killed. This study confirms previous research regarding the killing of eucalypt stumps. Roundup, Garlon or a combination of two, when applied according to label recommendations to a stump as a basal-frill or cut-surface application (within 30 minutes of felling) resulted in 70-90% of the stumps killed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of Nelson Mandela University social sciences post-graduate students on the decolonization of the social sciences modules
- Authors: Manduluka, Lubabalo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54481 , vital:46603
- Description: This research project is motivated by the students 2015-2016 higher education student protest that called for the decolonization of higher education institutions. It is widely accepted that for university module to serve students properly, it should be relevant to students it should be and must be localised. The research study considered the perceptions of post-graduate students on the decolonization of social sciences modules from the Nelson Mandela University. The objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the perception of post-graduate students based within the School of Social Sciences on the decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University at South campus. To come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some to the challenges faced by tertiary institutions on decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University. The geographical area of the university is Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, Summerstrand, and the study was done on the south campus of the Nelson Mandela University. This study attempts to shed some light on the decolonization and Africanization of the modules through the lenses of post-graduate students. Literature is utilized to get a broader understanding of the concept of decolonization. The study also suggests how the university curriculum can be Africanized so that it can be more inclusive to African students and more relevant to African students. Interviews with post-graduate students are used as guideline to get a better understanding of how the modules affect them and the solutions to their concerns emerging from colonized modules. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Manduluka, Lubabalo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54481 , vital:46603
- Description: This research project is motivated by the students 2015-2016 higher education student protest that called for the decolonization of higher education institutions. It is widely accepted that for university module to serve students properly, it should be relevant to students it should be and must be localised. The research study considered the perceptions of post-graduate students on the decolonization of social sciences modules from the Nelson Mandela University. The objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the perception of post-graduate students based within the School of Social Sciences on the decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University at South campus. To come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some to the challenges faced by tertiary institutions on decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University. The geographical area of the university is Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, Summerstrand, and the study was done on the south campus of the Nelson Mandela University. This study attempts to shed some light on the decolonization and Africanization of the modules through the lenses of post-graduate students. Literature is utilized to get a broader understanding of the concept of decolonization. The study also suggests how the university curriculum can be Africanized so that it can be more inclusive to African students and more relevant to African students. Interviews with post-graduate students are used as guideline to get a better understanding of how the modules affect them and the solutions to their concerns emerging from colonized modules. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Plastic particle characterization and concentrations found in the river and marine water environment of Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53874 , vital:46025
- Description: Only 12% of the world's published plastic research includes references to Africa despite it being a significant contributor to the global plastic waste and mismanagement problem (~88.5% of Africa's plastic waste is mismanaged). Ocean plastics are transported from land by rivers to the sea. However, source contextualization is complex. Many African rivers predominantly run alongside human settlements that host informal waste dumpsites. In this study a simple cost effective, easily deployed, consistent and replicable survey methodology was employed. The study quantified macro plastic in three rivers discharging into Algoa Bay, South Africa. The results indicated that industrial Swartkops and metropolitan Baakens Rivers both illustrate moderate plastic pollution (>3000 plastic particles/day), with the relatively natural Sundays River to showing minimal evidence of river macroplastic (<100 plastic particles/day). The types of plastic were noted using the RIMMEL app (premier African implementation), enabling proportional comparison of different plastic litter types to be completed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Oceanography Department,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53874 , vital:46025
- Description: Only 12% of the world's published plastic research includes references to Africa despite it being a significant contributor to the global plastic waste and mismanagement problem (~88.5% of Africa's plastic waste is mismanaged). Ocean plastics are transported from land by rivers to the sea. However, source contextualization is complex. Many African rivers predominantly run alongside human settlements that host informal waste dumpsites. In this study a simple cost effective, easily deployed, consistent and replicable survey methodology was employed. The study quantified macro plastic in three rivers discharging into Algoa Bay, South Africa. The results indicated that industrial Swartkops and metropolitan Baakens Rivers both illustrate moderate plastic pollution (>3000 plastic particles/day), with the relatively natural Sundays River to showing minimal evidence of river macroplastic (<100 plastic particles/day). The types of plastic were noted using the RIMMEL app (premier African implementation), enabling proportional comparison of different plastic litter types to be completed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Oceanography Department,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Post-apartheid geographies of studentification at Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53758 , vital:45759
- Description: This study takes the concept of studentification from its British conception to the post-apartheid African city, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where the Nelson Mandela University is situated. Studentification refers to the mass arrival of students in university cities and towns and the economic, infrastructural, geographic and sociopolitical changes that the settlements of these students make overtime to such cities and towns. For the case of Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, this study identified four major areas that are engulfed by studentification and sought to understand how this phenomenon takes shape in them. The study extends the existing terms and languages used to comprehend studentification by introducing a viewpoint of how it emerges in an African post-apartheid city. This is a city that has deindustrialised and has also experienced a capital flight out of its city centre since the 1970s. These declining economic indicators over decades have left the city to decay and experience high rates of unemployment, poverty and housing displacements. But, the post-1994 massification of the South African higher education system introduced new micro-economies for the city mainly through the emergence of student accommodation as a thriving business opportunity in the city in light of increased university enrolments. However, the economic injection brought by student accommodation in this city that has been deindustrialising remains minimal in having the necessary power to turnaround the city’s fortunes and transform the urban space towards a developmental path. This socioeconomic problem is also compounded by the presence of a weak arm of the state (particularly local government) that is unable to play an active role in driving capital flows to deliver tangible urban development. As a result, the university emerges as one of the active public actors in the renewal efforts of the city even though this is not its primary mandate. Thus, the process of studentification in this case takes place in a context defined by a declining higher education political economy and a weak city planning regime. As a result, these factors leave studentification to be vulnerable to being impacted by old colonial-apartheid structures of the city and the economic shortfalls of post-apartheid urban South Africa that have produced a precarious urban space where the private property market and the illicit economy have a stronger hand in determining the power relations that emerge in the city space. Studentification in this African city is expressed in four major geographies: (1) the Summerstrand suburb that is nearest to the University’s main urban campuses, (2) the Central CBD that has experienced capital flight and currently has tall buildings that are former offices of apartheid commerce which have been converted to student accommodation, (3) the deindustrialised and abandoned manufacturing sites at the North End margins of the city which have also been converted to student accommodation, and (4) the Zwide township, an underprivileged black community that is close to the former black Missionvale campus of the University – this is the furthest student accommodation area in the city. The study examines these student communities that emerge out of these four identified areas of the urban space and it also underscores the genre of the political, social, and economic relations of each of these four geographies and their interconnectedness. The study found that the South African post-apartheid city is characterised by an urban model and a university campus design that is a structural outcome of colonisation, apartheid spatial planning, and racial capitalism that still has continuing legacies today. As a result, these four geographies of studentification in the city are historical, racial and economic outcomes of urban power relations that originate from colonialism. Key defining features of studentification in each of these four areas were identified and analysed to illustrate that the South African account of studentification resembles the city’s apartheid legacy and these untransformed urban structures get further compounded by the country’s underfunded higher education massification strategy, its declining economic indicators and a weak state that has ‘soft’ planning and governance systems that are unable to decisively impact the trajectory of socioeconomic development in this university city. These intersecting forces translate into precarious day-to-day student life experiences and structural complications for the governance of the University and the city. These socioeconomic misfortunes also handicap the potential of the city to renew through a studentification economy. Henri Lefebvre’s Production of Space Theory was utilised to frame the study. Methodologically, the study utilised qualitative narrative interviews and document interpretation. This is the first doctoral thesis written about the concept of studentification in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53758 , vital:45759
- Description: This study takes the concept of studentification from its British conception to the post-apartheid African city, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where the Nelson Mandela University is situated. Studentification refers to the mass arrival of students in university cities and towns and the economic, infrastructural, geographic and sociopolitical changes that the settlements of these students make overtime to such cities and towns. For the case of Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, this study identified four major areas that are engulfed by studentification and sought to understand how this phenomenon takes shape in them. The study extends the existing terms and languages used to comprehend studentification by introducing a viewpoint of how it emerges in an African post-apartheid city. This is a city that has deindustrialised and has also experienced a capital flight out of its city centre since the 1970s. These declining economic indicators over decades have left the city to decay and experience high rates of unemployment, poverty and housing displacements. But, the post-1994 massification of the South African higher education system introduced new micro-economies for the city mainly through the emergence of student accommodation as a thriving business opportunity in the city in light of increased university enrolments. However, the economic injection brought by student accommodation in this city that has been deindustrialising remains minimal in having the necessary power to turnaround the city’s fortunes and transform the urban space towards a developmental path. This socioeconomic problem is also compounded by the presence of a weak arm of the state (particularly local government) that is unable to play an active role in driving capital flows to deliver tangible urban development. As a result, the university emerges as one of the active public actors in the renewal efforts of the city even though this is not its primary mandate. Thus, the process of studentification in this case takes place in a context defined by a declining higher education political economy and a weak city planning regime. As a result, these factors leave studentification to be vulnerable to being impacted by old colonial-apartheid structures of the city and the economic shortfalls of post-apartheid urban South Africa that have produced a precarious urban space where the private property market and the illicit economy have a stronger hand in determining the power relations that emerge in the city space. Studentification in this African city is expressed in four major geographies: (1) the Summerstrand suburb that is nearest to the University’s main urban campuses, (2) the Central CBD that has experienced capital flight and currently has tall buildings that are former offices of apartheid commerce which have been converted to student accommodation, (3) the deindustrialised and abandoned manufacturing sites at the North End margins of the city which have also been converted to student accommodation, and (4) the Zwide township, an underprivileged black community that is close to the former black Missionvale campus of the University – this is the furthest student accommodation area in the city. The study examines these student communities that emerge out of these four identified areas of the urban space and it also underscores the genre of the political, social, and economic relations of each of these four geographies and their interconnectedness. The study found that the South African post-apartheid city is characterised by an urban model and a university campus design that is a structural outcome of colonisation, apartheid spatial planning, and racial capitalism that still has continuing legacies today. As a result, these four geographies of studentification in the city are historical, racial and economic outcomes of urban power relations that originate from colonialism. Key defining features of studentification in each of these four areas were identified and analysed to illustrate that the South African account of studentification resembles the city’s apartheid legacy and these untransformed urban structures get further compounded by the country’s underfunded higher education massification strategy, its declining economic indicators and a weak state that has ‘soft’ planning and governance systems that are unable to decisively impact the trajectory of socioeconomic development in this university city. These intersecting forces translate into precarious day-to-day student life experiences and structural complications for the governance of the University and the city. These socioeconomic misfortunes also handicap the potential of the city to renew through a studentification economy. Henri Lefebvre’s Production of Space Theory was utilised to frame the study. Methodologically, the study utilised qualitative narrative interviews and document interpretation. This is the first doctoral thesis written about the concept of studentification in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention in Africa: an examination of South Africa’s role in conflict resolution in the Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Protean career management of independent music creatives in Gqeberha : narratives of practice
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Quantifying variability of emissions of greenhouse gas (CO2& CH4) across selected soils and agricultural practices
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Re-imagining Afrikaner masculinity through conceptual fashion design
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Real-time feedback model for supporting individualised learning of programming students
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Studies on seed germination and response to fertilization of Amaranthus accessions collected in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Authors: Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54112 , vital:46307
- Description: Studies were conducted at Döhne Agricultural Development Institute (D.A.D.I.), geographically located between latitude 32°31'34.077"S and longitude 27°27'37.473"E in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape Province from summer 2018 until autumn 2019.The objectives were to determine seed germination and seedling vigour of four local Amaranthus accessions and to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth, yield and nutrient composition. In the germination studies, herein referred to as Experiment 1,laboratory assessments were laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times to test seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigour of four Amaranthus accessions namely: A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus 1, A. Hybridus and A. Retroflexus 2. Data collection included germination percentage, radicle length, co-efficient of velocity of germination and seedling vigour. A.Retroflexus2 gave the highest germination percentage in summer (85%) and autumn (87.75%).Seed weight resulted in the highest germination percentage and was observed to have shown a high positive correlation of {R2=0.91} in summer and{R2=0.92} in autumn respectively. The highest seedling vigour (p<0.001) in summer was attained from A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2.In the greenhouse in summer, the highest emergence percentage was observed from A. Hypochondriacus(93.00%), whilst in autumn it was A.Retroflexus2 (88.38%).A. Retroflexus1 was the least performer in both seasons. In summer, A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2 resulted in very high seedling vigour. In autumn A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus2 and A. Hybridus resulted in high seedling vigour and A. Retroflexus1 in moderate seedling vigour. The relationship observed between seed weight and seedling vigour showed a negative (inverse)correlation in summer {R2=0.58} and autumn {R2=0.62}.In Experiment 2, seedlings of A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus 2were transplanted in 5litrebasal perforated plastic pots which were filled with soil. The experimental layout was a CRD replicated four times. The treatments were: control (no amendment), goat manure, cattle manure and NPK fertilizer. Growth performance data were collected for plant height, the number of leaves and stem girth. In summer, when goat manure was applied both accessions resulted in the tallest plants (78.80cm) yet A. Retroflexus 2 and vA. Hypochondriacus gave the greatest stem girthand highest number of leaves respectively. In autumn, the tallest plants and highest number of leaves were observed from A. Retroflexus 2fertilized with NPK and the greatest stem girth was observed from A. Hypochondriacus fertilized with goat manure. The interaction of fertilization and accessions resulted in A. Retroflexus 2 fertilized with goat manure generating the greatest fresh shoot biomass (137.27g plant-1) and the least from the control. Both accessions fertilized with goat manure attained the greatest dry leaf biomass. Insummer, A.Retroflexus2 outperformed A. Hypochondriacus in calcium content despite the treatments. Unfertilized A. Retroflexus2 produced leaves with high potassium. Both unfertilized accessions showed the highest magnesium content. All A. Retroflexus2 treatments outperformed A. Hypochondriacus treatments on iron content except the control. The summer season was the best in terms of growth and yield of the tested accessions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54112 , vital:46307
- Description: Studies were conducted at Döhne Agricultural Development Institute (D.A.D.I.), geographically located between latitude 32°31'34.077"S and longitude 27°27'37.473"E in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape Province from summer 2018 until autumn 2019.The objectives were to determine seed germination and seedling vigour of four local Amaranthus accessions and to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth, yield and nutrient composition. In the germination studies, herein referred to as Experiment 1,laboratory assessments were laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times to test seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigour of four Amaranthus accessions namely: A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus 1, A. Hybridus and A. Retroflexus 2. Data collection included germination percentage, radicle length, co-efficient of velocity of germination and seedling vigour. A.Retroflexus2 gave the highest germination percentage in summer (85%) and autumn (87.75%).Seed weight resulted in the highest germination percentage and was observed to have shown a high positive correlation of {R2=0.91} in summer and{R2=0.92} in autumn respectively. The highest seedling vigour (p<0.001) in summer was attained from A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2.In the greenhouse in summer, the highest emergence percentage was observed from A. Hypochondriacus(93.00%), whilst in autumn it was A.Retroflexus2 (88.38%).A. Retroflexus1 was the least performer in both seasons. In summer, A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2 resulted in very high seedling vigour. In autumn A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus2 and A. Hybridus resulted in high seedling vigour and A. Retroflexus1 in moderate seedling vigour. The relationship observed between seed weight and seedling vigour showed a negative (inverse)correlation in summer {R2=0.58} and autumn {R2=0.62}.In Experiment 2, seedlings of A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus 2were transplanted in 5litrebasal perforated plastic pots which were filled with soil. The experimental layout was a CRD replicated four times. The treatments were: control (no amendment), goat manure, cattle manure and NPK fertilizer. Growth performance data were collected for plant height, the number of leaves and stem girth. In summer, when goat manure was applied both accessions resulted in the tallest plants (78.80cm) yet A. Retroflexus 2 and vA. Hypochondriacus gave the greatest stem girthand highest number of leaves respectively. In autumn, the tallest plants and highest number of leaves were observed from A. Retroflexus 2fertilized with NPK and the greatest stem girth was observed from A. Hypochondriacus fertilized with goat manure. The interaction of fertilization and accessions resulted in A. Retroflexus 2 fertilized with goat manure generating the greatest fresh shoot biomass (137.27g plant-1) and the least from the control. Both accessions fertilized with goat manure attained the greatest dry leaf biomass. Insummer, A.Retroflexus2 outperformed A. Hypochondriacus in calcium content despite the treatments. Unfertilized A. Retroflexus2 produced leaves with high potassium. Both unfertilized accessions showed the highest magnesium content. All A. Retroflexus2 treatments outperformed A. Hypochondriacus treatments on iron content except the control. The summer season was the best in terms of growth and yield of the tested accessions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Synthesis and characterization of iron doped sodium and potassium titanates using the pechini sol-gel method
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The aesthetics of hegemony: a speculative design proposal exploring the convergence of surveillance capitalism and brain-computer interface technologies in the future
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The benefits of community music on individuals in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The effect of silicon on palladium migration in pyrolytic carbon and graphite
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53665 , vital:45684
- Description: The pebble-bed reactor (PBR) is a graphite-moderated, gas-cooled high temperature nuclear reactor design and it is one of six nuclear reactor concepts included in the Generation IV initiative. Pebble-bed reactors use spherical fuel elements (called pebbles) which consist of pyrolytic graphite (which acts as the moderator) and contain thousands of micro-fuel particles called tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles. These TRISO fuel particles consist of a fissile material (such as U235 in oxide or carbide form) surrounded by a carbon buffer layer, a pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer, a silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic layer for structural integrity and metallic fission product containment, and an outer PyC layer. The PBR is claimed to be a passively safe design. The commercial development of the first pebble bed reactor was that of the German AVR reactor (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor) developed during the 1960s. The AVR design was later updated and marketed by a company called HTR. In 1999 the South African electricity company ESKOM obtained the right to access the HTR engineering database that included details of the Siemens/Interatom HTR-Module design. ESKOM worked with HTR on a new design and dubbed it the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). The PBMR Co. Ltd. was formed in 1999 and mandated to license and build PBMR reactors. One of the safety considerations which emerged from research is that of metal fission product release from the TRISO fuel particles. Ag110m is a radioactive metallic fission product found to have been released from intact TRISO particles. The release of this Ag isotope is of particular concern because it is highly gamma active and has a half-life of approximately 250 days, resulting in unsafe environments for maintenance workers of PBRs. During the past four decades, many different mechanisms for Ag transport in SiC and release from TRISO particles have been proposed. A promising more recent mechanism suggests that the metallic fission product palladium (Pd) plays a significant role in the transport and release of Ag from intact TRISO particles. In this mechanism Ag transport in irradiated TRISO particle fuel takes place in the presence of the fission product Pd. The Pd reacts with the SiC layer and penetrates the SiC layer along grain boundaries to form a silicide layer which provides a rapid diffusion path for Ag in the SiC. The presence of thin silicide layers in irradiated TRISO particles was subsequently confirmed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53665 , vital:45684
- Description: The pebble-bed reactor (PBR) is a graphite-moderated, gas-cooled high temperature nuclear reactor design and it is one of six nuclear reactor concepts included in the Generation IV initiative. Pebble-bed reactors use spherical fuel elements (called pebbles) which consist of pyrolytic graphite (which acts as the moderator) and contain thousands of micro-fuel particles called tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles. These TRISO fuel particles consist of a fissile material (such as U235 in oxide or carbide form) surrounded by a carbon buffer layer, a pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer, a silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic layer for structural integrity and metallic fission product containment, and an outer PyC layer. The PBR is claimed to be a passively safe design. The commercial development of the first pebble bed reactor was that of the German AVR reactor (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor) developed during the 1960s. The AVR design was later updated and marketed by a company called HTR. In 1999 the South African electricity company ESKOM obtained the right to access the HTR engineering database that included details of the Siemens/Interatom HTR-Module design. ESKOM worked with HTR on a new design and dubbed it the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). The PBMR Co. Ltd. was formed in 1999 and mandated to license and build PBMR reactors. One of the safety considerations which emerged from research is that of metal fission product release from the TRISO fuel particles. Ag110m is a radioactive metallic fission product found to have been released from intact TRISO particles. The release of this Ag isotope is of particular concern because it is highly gamma active and has a half-life of approximately 250 days, resulting in unsafe environments for maintenance workers of PBRs. During the past four decades, many different mechanisms for Ag transport in SiC and release from TRISO particles have been proposed. A promising more recent mechanism suggests that the metallic fission product palladium (Pd) plays a significant role in the transport and release of Ag from intact TRISO particles. In this mechanism Ag transport in irradiated TRISO particle fuel takes place in the presence of the fission product Pd. The Pd reacts with the SiC layer and penetrates the SiC layer along grain boundaries to form a silicide layer which provides a rapid diffusion path for Ag in the SiC. The presence of thin silicide layers in irradiated TRISO particles was subsequently confirmed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of institutional cultures on student’s wellbeing among postgraduate students: the case of Nelson Mandela University in South Africa
- Authors: Lebelo, Mpho Tiny
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55402 , vital:51990
- Description: Increasingly, students across the world in various tertiary institutions are faced with many challenges ranging from financial difficulties, accommodation, academic exclusion and many other challenges. Subsequently, the students’ academic performance suffers due to these challenges. This thesis therefore aims to focus on the perspectives of the post-graduate students at the Nelson Mandela University regarding the notion of wellbeing. This thesis attempts to uses a sociological indigenous perspective of wellbeing of “impilo” in describing well-being. Therefore, the thesis uses wellness as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges faced by postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University. The thesis was conducted in Port Elizabeth, at Nelson Mandela University campus of Summerstrand focusing on post-graduate students in faculty of humanities. A qualitative research design and qualitative digital ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent themes around notions of well-being and experiences of changing university culture in the responses. The thesis main findings reveal the impact of how the changing university institutional culture impacts post-graduate student’s wellbeing.The research found that students are affected by institutional cultures and this is narrated through their experience of university life and their reflections on #MustFall movements. The participants have detailed how the cultures in the university have a greater impact on the well-being on student because the university is more than just a place of learning but their home. The participants also detailed new colloquial ways of describing well-being using the term “inerves” and “umgowo” are general ways of describing their well-being. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge in the context of post-graduate students experience and conception of well-being in the South African higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Lebelo, Mpho Tiny
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55402 , vital:51990
- Description: Increasingly, students across the world in various tertiary institutions are faced with many challenges ranging from financial difficulties, accommodation, academic exclusion and many other challenges. Subsequently, the students’ academic performance suffers due to these challenges. This thesis therefore aims to focus on the perspectives of the post-graduate students at the Nelson Mandela University regarding the notion of wellbeing. This thesis attempts to uses a sociological indigenous perspective of wellbeing of “impilo” in describing well-being. Therefore, the thesis uses wellness as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges faced by postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University. The thesis was conducted in Port Elizabeth, at Nelson Mandela University campus of Summerstrand focusing on post-graduate students in faculty of humanities. A qualitative research design and qualitative digital ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent themes around notions of well-being and experiences of changing university culture in the responses. The thesis main findings reveal the impact of how the changing university institutional culture impacts post-graduate student’s wellbeing.The research found that students are affected by institutional cultures and this is narrated through their experience of university life and their reflections on #MustFall movements. The participants have detailed how the cultures in the university have a greater impact on the well-being on student because the university is more than just a place of learning but their home. The participants also detailed new colloquial ways of describing well-being using the term “inerves” and “umgowo” are general ways of describing their well-being. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge in the context of post-graduate students experience and conception of well-being in the South African higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of institutional cultures on student’s wellbeing among postgraduate students: the case of Nelson Mandela University in South Africa
- Authors: Lebelo, Mpho
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54450 , vital:46549
- Description: Increasingly, students across the world in various tertiary institutions are faced with many challenges ranging from financial difficulties, accommodation, academic exclusion and many other challenges. Subsequently, the students’ academic performance suffers due to these challenges. This thesis therefore aims to focus on the perspectives of the post-graduate students at the Nelson Mandela University regarding the notion of wellbeing. This thesis attempts to uses a sociological indigenous perspective of wellbeing of “impilo” in describing well-being. Therefore, the thesis uses wellness as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges faced by postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University. The thesis was conducted in Port Elizabeth, at Nelson Mandela University campus of Summerstrand focusing on post-graduate students in faculty of humanities. A qualitative research design and qualitative digital ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent themes around notions of well-being and experiences of changing university culture in the responses. The thesis main findings reveal the impact of how the changing university institutional culture impacts post-graduate student’s wellbeing. The research found that students are affected by institutional cultures and this is narrated through their experience of university life and their reflections on #MustFall movements. The participants have detailed how the cultures in the university have a greater impact on the well-being on student because the university is more than just a place of learning but their home. The participants also detailed new colloquial ways of describing well-being using the term “inerves” and “umgowo” are general ways of describing their well-being. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge in the context of post-graduate students experience and conception of well-being in the South African higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Lebelo, Mpho
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54450 , vital:46549
- Description: Increasingly, students across the world in various tertiary institutions are faced with many challenges ranging from financial difficulties, accommodation, academic exclusion and many other challenges. Subsequently, the students’ academic performance suffers due to these challenges. This thesis therefore aims to focus on the perspectives of the post-graduate students at the Nelson Mandela University regarding the notion of wellbeing. This thesis attempts to uses a sociological indigenous perspective of wellbeing of “impilo” in describing well-being. Therefore, the thesis uses wellness as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges faced by postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University. The thesis was conducted in Port Elizabeth, at Nelson Mandela University campus of Summerstrand focusing on post-graduate students in faculty of humanities. A qualitative research design and qualitative digital ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent themes around notions of well-being and experiences of changing university culture in the responses. The thesis main findings reveal the impact of how the changing university institutional culture impacts post-graduate student’s wellbeing. The research found that students are affected by institutional cultures and this is narrated through their experience of university life and their reflections on #MustFall movements. The participants have detailed how the cultures in the university have a greater impact on the well-being on student because the university is more than just a place of learning but their home. The participants also detailed new colloquial ways of describing well-being using the term “inerves” and “umgowo” are general ways of describing their well-being. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge in the context of post-graduate students experience and conception of well-being in the South African higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of specialized browsing species in a lowland fynbos and renosterveld ecosystem
- Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12