Government support and sustainable small, medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ocean economy: a case of Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Grabcuts for image segmentation: a comparative study of clustering techniques
- Authors: Manzi, Nozuko Zuleika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Algorithms , Computer graphics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14494 , vital:39995
- Description: Image segmentation is the partitioning of a digital image into small segments such as pixels or sets of pixels. It is significant as it allows for the visualization of structures of interest, removing unnecessary information. In addition, image segmentation is used in many fields like, for instance healthcare for image surgery, construction, etc. as it enables structure analysis. Segmentation of images can be computationally expensive especially when a large dataset is used, thus the importance of fast and effective segmentation algorithms is realised. This method is used to locate objects and boundaries (i.e. foreground and background) in images. The aim of this study is to provide a comparison of clustering techniques that would allow the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm to be effective and inexpensive. The Grabcuts based method, which is an extension of the graph cut based method, has been instrumental in solving many problems in computer vision i.e. image restoration, image segmentation, object recognition, tracking and analysis. According to Ramirez,et.al [47], the Grabcuts approach is an iterative and minimal user interaction algorithm as it chooses a segmentation by iteratively revising the foreground and background pixels assignments. The method uses min-cut/ max-flow algorithm to segment digital images proposed by Boykov and Jolly [9]. The input of this approach is a digital image with a selected v region of interest (ROI). The ROI is selected using a rectangular bounding box. The pixels inside the bounding box are assigned to the foreground, while the others are assigned to the background. In this study, the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm designed by [48] with a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) based on the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques are developed and compared. In addition, the algorithms developed are allowed to run on the Central Processing Unit (CPU) under two scenarios. Scenario 1 involves allowing the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques to the Squared Euclidean distance measures to calculate the similarities and dissimilarities in pixels in an image. In scenario 2, the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques will use the City Block distance measure to calculate similarities as well as dissimilarities between pixels in a given image. The same images from the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and Benchmark 500 were used as input to the algorithms and the number of clusters, K, was varied from 2 to 5. It was observed that the Kmeans clustering technique outperformed the Kmedoids clustering technique under the two scenarios for all the test images with K varied from 2 to 5, in terms of runtime required. In addition, the Kmeans clustering technique obtained more compact and separate clusters under scenario 1, than its counterpart. On the other hand, the Kmedoids obtained more compact and separate clusters than the Kmeans clustering technique under scenario 2. The silhouette validity index favoured the smallest number of clusters for both clustering techniques as it suggested the optimal number of clusters for the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques under the two scenarios was 2. Although the Kmeans required less computation time than vi its counterpart, the generation of foreground and background took longer for the GMM based on Kmeans than it did for the GMM based on Kmedoids clustering technique. Furthermore, the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with a GMM based on the Kmedoids clustering technique was computationally less expensive than the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with a GMM based on the Kmeans clustering technique. This was observed to be true under both scenario 1 and 2. The Grabcuts for image with the GMM based on the Kmeans clustering techniques obtained slightly better segmentation results when the visual quality is concerned, than its counterpart under the two scenarios considered. On the other hand, the BFscores showed that the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with the GMM based on Kmedoids produces images with higher BF-scores than its counterpart when K was varied from 2 to 5 for most of the test images. In addition, most of the images obtained the majority of their best segmentation results when K=2. This was observed to be true under scenario 1 as well as scenario 2. Therefore, the Kmedoids clustering technique under scenario 2 with K=2 would be the best option for the segmentation of difficult images in BSDS500. This is due to its ability to generate GMMs and segment difficult images more efficiently (i.e. time complexity, higher BF-scores, more under segmented rather than over segmented images, inter alia.) while producing comparable visual segmentation results to those obtained by the Grabcuts for image segmentation: GMM-Kmeans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manzi, Nozuko Zuleika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Algorithms , Computer graphics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14494 , vital:39995
- Description: Image segmentation is the partitioning of a digital image into small segments such as pixels or sets of pixels. It is significant as it allows for the visualization of structures of interest, removing unnecessary information. In addition, image segmentation is used in many fields like, for instance healthcare for image surgery, construction, etc. as it enables structure analysis. Segmentation of images can be computationally expensive especially when a large dataset is used, thus the importance of fast and effective segmentation algorithms is realised. This method is used to locate objects and boundaries (i.e. foreground and background) in images. The aim of this study is to provide a comparison of clustering techniques that would allow the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm to be effective and inexpensive. The Grabcuts based method, which is an extension of the graph cut based method, has been instrumental in solving many problems in computer vision i.e. image restoration, image segmentation, object recognition, tracking and analysis. According to Ramirez,et.al [47], the Grabcuts approach is an iterative and minimal user interaction algorithm as it chooses a segmentation by iteratively revising the foreground and background pixels assignments. The method uses min-cut/ max-flow algorithm to segment digital images proposed by Boykov and Jolly [9]. The input of this approach is a digital image with a selected v region of interest (ROI). The ROI is selected using a rectangular bounding box. The pixels inside the bounding box are assigned to the foreground, while the others are assigned to the background. In this study, the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm designed by [48] with a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) based on the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques are developed and compared. In addition, the algorithms developed are allowed to run on the Central Processing Unit (CPU) under two scenarios. Scenario 1 involves allowing the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques to the Squared Euclidean distance measures to calculate the similarities and dissimilarities in pixels in an image. In scenario 2, the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques will use the City Block distance measure to calculate similarities as well as dissimilarities between pixels in a given image. The same images from the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and Benchmark 500 were used as input to the algorithms and the number of clusters, K, was varied from 2 to 5. It was observed that the Kmeans clustering technique outperformed the Kmedoids clustering technique under the two scenarios for all the test images with K varied from 2 to 5, in terms of runtime required. In addition, the Kmeans clustering technique obtained more compact and separate clusters under scenario 1, than its counterpart. On the other hand, the Kmedoids obtained more compact and separate clusters than the Kmeans clustering technique under scenario 2. The silhouette validity index favoured the smallest number of clusters for both clustering techniques as it suggested the optimal number of clusters for the Kmeans and Kmedoids clustering techniques under the two scenarios was 2. Although the Kmeans required less computation time than vi its counterpart, the generation of foreground and background took longer for the GMM based on Kmeans than it did for the GMM based on Kmedoids clustering technique. Furthermore, the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with a GMM based on the Kmedoids clustering technique was computationally less expensive than the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with a GMM based on the Kmeans clustering technique. This was observed to be true under both scenario 1 and 2. The Grabcuts for image with the GMM based on the Kmeans clustering techniques obtained slightly better segmentation results when the visual quality is concerned, than its counterpart under the two scenarios considered. On the other hand, the BFscores showed that the Grabcuts for image segmentation algorithm with the GMM based on Kmedoids produces images with higher BF-scores than its counterpart when K was varied from 2 to 5 for most of the test images. In addition, most of the images obtained the majority of their best segmentation results when K=2. This was observed to be true under scenario 1 as well as scenario 2. Therefore, the Kmedoids clustering technique under scenario 2 with K=2 would be the best option for the segmentation of difficult images in BSDS500. This is due to its ability to generate GMMs and segment difficult images more efficiently (i.e. time complexity, higher BF-scores, more under segmented rather than over segmented images, inter alia.) while producing comparable visual segmentation results to those obtained by the Grabcuts for image segmentation: GMM-Kmeans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Grasses as suitable targets for classical weed biological control
- Sutton, Guy F, Day, Michael D, den Breeyen, Alana, Goolsby, J A, Cristofaro, M, McConnachie, Andrew J, Paterson, Iain D
- Authors: Sutton, Guy F , Day, Michael D , den Breeyen, Alana , Goolsby, J A , Cristofaro, M , McConnachie, Andrew J , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417984 , vital:71499 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-019-09968-8"
- Description: Grasses are amongst the most abundant and environmentally damaging invasive weeds worldwide. Biological control is frequently employed as a sustainable and cost-effective management strategy for many weeds. However, grasses have not been actively pursued as targets for classical weed biological control due to a perceived lack of sufficiently specialised and damaging natural enemies to use as biological control agents. There are also concerns that the risk posed to economically important crop/pasture species and closely-related native species is too great to consider implementing biological control for invasive grasses. In this paper, we review the literature and demonstrate that grasses can possess suitably host-specific and damaging natural enemies to warrant consideration as potential biological control agents. The risk of grass biological control is no greater than for other weedy taxa if practitioners follow appropriately rigorous risk assessments protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sutton, Guy F , Day, Michael D , den Breeyen, Alana , Goolsby, J A , Cristofaro, M , McConnachie, Andrew J , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417984 , vital:71499 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-019-09968-8"
- Description: Grasses are amongst the most abundant and environmentally damaging invasive weeds worldwide. Biological control is frequently employed as a sustainable and cost-effective management strategy for many weeds. However, grasses have not been actively pursued as targets for classical weed biological control due to a perceived lack of sufficiently specialised and damaging natural enemies to use as biological control agents. There are also concerns that the risk posed to economically important crop/pasture species and closely-related native species is too great to consider implementing biological control for invasive grasses. In this paper, we review the literature and demonstrate that grasses can possess suitably host-specific and damaging natural enemies to warrant consideration as potential biological control agents. The risk of grass biological control is no greater than for other weedy taxa if practitioners follow appropriately rigorous risk assessments protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green entrepreneurship model utilising the system dynamics approach: A review
- Diale, D, Kanakana-Katumba, Mukondeleli G, Maladzhi, Rendani W
- Authors: Diale, D , Kanakana-Katumba, Mukondeleli G , Maladzhi, Rendani W
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450677 , vital:74973 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8978804"
- Description: Green entrepreneurship as a concept is still in its infancy stages around the globe. In order to assess the Green entrepreneurship ecosystem, the researchers adopted a systems dynamic approach to determine key variables that will enable the development of the system. A theoretical review was conducted through a literature review of which n=44 sources met the criteria that the researchers set for ecosystem or variables. Through review of data, the researchers discovered that ecosystem of green entrepreneurship needs to be viewed from meso, macro and micro level with key variables such as green entrepreneurial motives, start-up factors, green support mechanisms, performance and monitoring tools as well as barriers to environmental entrepreneurship. A virtual abstract simulation of system dynamics approach from the systematic review is also formulated in the current paper. Brief summary of findings are classified and explained. Recommendations for future research are also made towards the end of the research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Diale, D , Kanakana-Katumba, Mukondeleli G , Maladzhi, Rendani W
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450677 , vital:74973 , xlink:href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8978804"
- Description: Green entrepreneurship as a concept is still in its infancy stages around the globe. In order to assess the Green entrepreneurship ecosystem, the researchers adopted a systems dynamic approach to determine key variables that will enable the development of the system. A theoretical review was conducted through a literature review of which n=44 sources met the criteria that the researchers set for ecosystem or variables. Through review of data, the researchers discovered that ecosystem of green entrepreneurship needs to be viewed from meso, macro and micro level with key variables such as green entrepreneurial motives, start-up factors, green support mechanisms, performance and monitoring tools as well as barriers to environmental entrepreneurship. A virtual abstract simulation of system dynamics approach from the systematic review is also formulated in the current paper. Brief summary of findings are classified and explained. Recommendations for future research are also made towards the end of the research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green ship recycling as an alternative maritime industry for South Africa
- Authors: Nkalitshana, Malwande
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ships -- Recycling -- Environmental aspects , Ships -- Recycling -- South Africa Ships -- Scrapping
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41852 , vital:36603
- Description: Ship recycling is a process of partially or completely dismantling of a vessel for various reasons with an intention of recovering some or all the material of it, for re-use and reprocessing. During economic recession, ship owners sell or send their old vessels for scraping to the ship recycling facilities to get some money out of its materials. Vessels are also dismantled normally when they reach a certain age where their usefulness at sea has deteriorated. Ship recycling offers socio-economic and environmental benefits and can assist with developing the port infrastructure, shipping building and repairs. Green Ship recycling can also create employment and business opportunities. Furthermore, ships are made up of almost 90% of recyclable material and with that, recycling of ships can contribute on the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In terms of global participation in the ship recycling sector, Asian countries are dominating, and they account for more than 80%. The remaining 20% is accounted by other countries excluding those within the African continent, South Africa in particular. Despite the long-term benefits associated with this sector, South Africa’s participation is very minimal nor absent at all, though it has its triple challenges that could be minimized by this sector. In mitigating the health, safety and health issues that associated with this industry, South African has legal instruments which protect the safety and health conditions of workers, and furthermore it is a signatory into international organizations that regulates ship recycling industry. For it to participate in this sector, a collaborative and partnership between government institutions, academic and research institutions and private sector needs to be established. Through these collaborations and innovative research on green ship recycling, South Africa stands an increasing chance of realization of the objectives of its economic policy; National Development Plan. In addition to these collaborations, South Africa should rectify Hong Kong convention and domesticate it through formulating pieces of legislations that would regulate green ship recycling practices. Transnet as state owned company responsible for ports in South Africa, upon these collaborations and deliberations, should allocate a site for this industry within the port environment. Furthermore, through ship recycling, South Africa could attain its Objectives of growing the economy and increased job creation as envisaged in Operation Phakisa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nkalitshana, Malwande
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ships -- Recycling -- Environmental aspects , Ships -- Recycling -- South Africa Ships -- Scrapping
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41852 , vital:36603
- Description: Ship recycling is a process of partially or completely dismantling of a vessel for various reasons with an intention of recovering some or all the material of it, for re-use and reprocessing. During economic recession, ship owners sell or send their old vessels for scraping to the ship recycling facilities to get some money out of its materials. Vessels are also dismantled normally when they reach a certain age where their usefulness at sea has deteriorated. Ship recycling offers socio-economic and environmental benefits and can assist with developing the port infrastructure, shipping building and repairs. Green Ship recycling can also create employment and business opportunities. Furthermore, ships are made up of almost 90% of recyclable material and with that, recycling of ships can contribute on the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In terms of global participation in the ship recycling sector, Asian countries are dominating, and they account for more than 80%. The remaining 20% is accounted by other countries excluding those within the African continent, South Africa in particular. Despite the long-term benefits associated with this sector, South Africa’s participation is very minimal nor absent at all, though it has its triple challenges that could be minimized by this sector. In mitigating the health, safety and health issues that associated with this industry, South African has legal instruments which protect the safety and health conditions of workers, and furthermore it is a signatory into international organizations that regulates ship recycling industry. For it to participate in this sector, a collaborative and partnership between government institutions, academic and research institutions and private sector needs to be established. Through these collaborations and innovative research on green ship recycling, South Africa stands an increasing chance of realization of the objectives of its economic policy; National Development Plan. In addition to these collaborations, South Africa should rectify Hong Kong convention and domesticate it through formulating pieces of legislations that would regulate green ship recycling practices. Transnet as state owned company responsible for ports in South Africa, upon these collaborations and deliberations, should allocate a site for this industry within the port environment. Furthermore, through ship recycling, South Africa could attain its Objectives of growing the economy and increased job creation as envisaged in Operation Phakisa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green skills for agriculture A method for focusing demand analysis and prioritisation
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436026 , vital:73221 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This chapter is the second of the occupational demand studies that share insights about a methodology for determining green skills demand with a laminated approach and value chain anal-ysis. Based on research into skills for Climate Smart Agriculture (Cobban and Visser, 2017), it provides insight into the history and features of agriculture in South Africa that shape current skills needs. Drawing on one component of Cobban and Visser’s study, and employing a critical revision of the ‘climate smart’ framing, it shares findings about what green skills are needed for more sustainable poultry farming in which occupations to contextualise the discussion on methodology. This chapter contrasts the layered, in-depth green skills studies with approaches aiming for broader coverage and representivity, and illustrates the use of multi-criterion ‘hotspotting’ to prioritise among skills needs at strategic leverage points for social-ecological trans-formation. The case of the agricultural study illustrates the val-ue of smaller scale, in-depth studies that provide the occupa-tion level insights to inform skills planning and investment that is needed if agriculture is to sustain itself and all those it could – and should – benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436026 , vital:73221 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This chapter is the second of the occupational demand studies that share insights about a methodology for determining green skills demand with a laminated approach and value chain anal-ysis. Based on research into skills for Climate Smart Agriculture (Cobban and Visser, 2017), it provides insight into the history and features of agriculture in South Africa that shape current skills needs. Drawing on one component of Cobban and Visser’s study, and employing a critical revision of the ‘climate smart’ framing, it shares findings about what green skills are needed for more sustainable poultry farming in which occupations to contextualise the discussion on methodology. This chapter contrasts the layered, in-depth green skills studies with approaches aiming for broader coverage and representivity, and illustrates the use of multi-criterion ‘hotspotting’ to prioritise among skills needs at strategic leverage points for social-ecological trans-formation. The case of the agricultural study illustrates the val-ue of smaller scale, in-depth studies that provide the occupa-tion level insights to inform skills planning and investment that is needed if agriculture is to sustain itself and all those it could – and should – benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green skills research in South Africa
- Rosenberg, Eureta, Ramsarup, Preesha, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta , Ramsarup, Preesha , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436040 , vital:73222 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This book brings the diverse contributions offered in the different sections of this book together into a pathway for new policy development research, new forms of critical skills research and ongoing engagement with education and training system development. The chapter first provides a meta-reflection on the different types of green skills research that are needed to, in combination, make a stronger impact on the national system of skills research and planning. Secondly, the chapter makes a strong argument for aligning green skills research to the Sustainable Development Goals, and their critical and contextual articulation at national level, with emphasis on working with the cross-cutting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Target 4.7 that motivates for governments to include a focus on education and sustainable development across the lifelong learning system in order to enable and support learning and skills for enabling the other SDGs to be realised in practice. Lastly, the chapter considers the shift in the way that work is considered when political economy meets political ecology, and we argue that work transforms towards not only a productive focus, or a social focus, but also an ontologically grounded regenerative focus, much needed at the start of the twenty-first century.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta , Ramsarup, Preesha , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436040 , vital:73222 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This book brings the diverse contributions offered in the different sections of this book together into a pathway for new policy development research, new forms of critical skills research and ongoing engagement with education and training system development. The chapter first provides a meta-reflection on the different types of green skills research that are needed to, in combination, make a stronger impact on the national system of skills research and planning. Secondly, the chapter makes a strong argument for aligning green skills research to the Sustainable Development Goals, and their critical and contextual articulation at national level, with emphasis on working with the cross-cutting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Target 4.7 that motivates for governments to include a focus on education and sustainable development across the lifelong learning system in order to enable and support learning and skills for enabling the other SDGs to be realised in practice. Lastly, the chapter considers the shift in the way that work is considered when political economy meets political ecology, and we argue that work transforms towards not only a productive focus, or a social focus, but also an ontologically grounded regenerative focus, much needed at the start of the twenty-first century.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green skills research: Implications for systems, policy, work and learning
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Ramsarup, Presha
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Ramsarup, Presha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392875 , vital:68808 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279362
- Description: This chapter brings the diverse contributions offered in the different sections of this book together into a pathway for new policy development research, new forms of critical skills research and ongoing engagement with education and training system development. The chapter first provides a meta-reflection on the different types of green skills research that are needed to, in combination, make a stronger impact on the national system of skills research and planning. Secondly, the chapter makes a strong argument for aligning green skills research to the Sustainable Development Goals, and their critical and contextual articulation at national level, with emphasis on working with the cross-cutting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Target 4.7 that motivates for governments to include a focus on education and sustainable development across the lifelong learning system in order to enable and support learning and skills for enabling the other SDGs to be realised in practice. Lastly, the chapter considers the shift in the way that work is considered when political economy meets political ecology, and we argue that work transforms towards not only a productive focus, or a social focus, but also an ontologically grounded regenerative focus, much needed at the start of the twenty-first century.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Ramsarup, Presha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392875 , vital:68808 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279362
- Description: This chapter brings the diverse contributions offered in the different sections of this book together into a pathway for new policy development research, new forms of critical skills research and ongoing engagement with education and training system development. The chapter first provides a meta-reflection on the different types of green skills research that are needed to, in combination, make a stronger impact on the national system of skills research and planning. Secondly, the chapter makes a strong argument for aligning green skills research to the Sustainable Development Goals, and their critical and contextual articulation at national level, with emphasis on working with the cross-cutting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Target 4.7 that motivates for governments to include a focus on education and sustainable development across the lifelong learning system in order to enable and support learning and skills for enabling the other SDGs to be realised in practice. Lastly, the chapter considers the shift in the way that work is considered when political economy meets political ecology, and we argue that work transforms towards not only a productive focus, or a social focus, but also an ontologically grounded regenerative focus, much needed at the start of the twenty-first century.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green skills supply: Research from providers’ vantage point (s)
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436051 , vital:73223 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This chapter emerges from a need to consider the dynamics of supply side research for green skills from a providers’ vantage point. The chapter starts with the argument that environment and sustainability skills are cross institutional, cross sectoral and also inter- and transdisciplinary. The chapter notes that there are a wide variety and diversity of supply side studies that can offer perspective on the many dynamics of green skills supply and provisioning. Four cases have been selected and brought into view to illuminate the influence of context and history on designing curricula and the importance of reflexive curriculum review studies, whole institution approaches and transformative, transgressive forms of learning that move beyond the boundaries of single institutions. These studies are also brought into view to indicate the scope and depth of contextual, systemic and engaged research that is required to develop transformative orientations and perspectives on green skills supply, taking skills system supply beyond the traditional training needs analysis. The chapter argues that this is an important dimension of green skills research, if conceptualised within just transitions and transformations to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436051 , vital:73223 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429279362-13/synthesis-elaboration-critical-realist-methodology-green-skills-research-eureta-rosenberg
- Description: This chapter emerges from a need to consider the dynamics of supply side research for green skills from a providers’ vantage point. The chapter starts with the argument that environment and sustainability skills are cross institutional, cross sectoral and also inter- and transdisciplinary. The chapter notes that there are a wide variety and diversity of supply side studies that can offer perspective on the many dynamics of green skills supply and provisioning. Four cases have been selected and brought into view to illuminate the influence of context and history on designing curricula and the importance of reflexive curriculum review studies, whole institution approaches and transformative, transgressive forms of learning that move beyond the boundaries of single institutions. These studies are also brought into view to indicate the scope and depth of contextual, systemic and engaged research that is required to develop transformative orientations and perspectives on green skills supply, taking skills system supply beyond the traditional training needs analysis. The chapter argues that this is an important dimension of green skills research, if conceptualised within just transitions and transformations to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green skills supply: Research from providers’ vantage point(s)
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392895 , vital:68810 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279362
- Description: This chapter emerges from a need to consider the dynamics of supply side research for green skills from a providers’ vantage point. The chapter starts with the argument that environment and sustainability skills are cross institutional, cross sectoral and also inter- and transdisciplinary. The chapter notes that there are a wide variety and diversity of supply side studies that can offer perspective on the many dynamics of green skills supply and provisioning. Four cases have been selected and brought into view to illuminate the influence of context and history on designing curricula and the importance of reflexive curriculum review studies, whole institution approaches and transformative, transgressive forms of learning that move beyond the boundaries of single institutions. These studies are also brought into view to indicate the scope and depth of contextual, systemic and engaged research that is required to develop transformative orientations and perspectives on green skills supply, taking skills system supply beyond the traditional training needs analysis. The chapter argues that this is an important dimension of green skills research, if conceptualised within just transitions and transformations to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392895 , vital:68810 , ISBN 9780429279362 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279362
- Description: This chapter emerges from a need to consider the dynamics of supply side research for green skills from a providers’ vantage point. The chapter starts with the argument that environment and sustainability skills are cross institutional, cross sectoral and also inter- and transdisciplinary. The chapter notes that there are a wide variety and diversity of supply side studies that can offer perspective on the many dynamics of green skills supply and provisioning. Four cases have been selected and brought into view to illuminate the influence of context and history on designing curricula and the importance of reflexive curriculum review studies, whole institution approaches and transformative, transgressive forms of learning that move beyond the boundaries of single institutions. These studies are also brought into view to indicate the scope and depth of contextual, systemic and engaged research that is required to develop transformative orientations and perspectives on green skills supply, taking skills system supply beyond the traditional training needs analysis. The chapter argues that this is an important dimension of green skills research, if conceptualised within just transitions and transformations to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Solanum torvum (L) leaf extract and evaluation of the toxicological profile of the ZnO nanoparticles–hydrogel composite in Wistar albino rats
- Ezealisiji, Kenneth E, Siwe-Noundou, Xavier, Maduelosi, Blessing, Nwachukwu, Nkemakolam, Krause, Rui W M
- Authors: Ezealisiji, Kenneth E , Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Maduelosi, Blessing , Nwachukwu, Nkemakolam , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194015 , vital:45416 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40089-018-0263-1"
- Description: Current study reports a simple and one-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using an aqueous extract of Solanum torvum and evaluation of its toxicological profile (0.5% w/w and 1.0% w/w) in Wistar albino rats with respect to the biochemical index. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed to know the average size and stability of particles. Synthesized nanoparticles were stable, discreet, and mostly spherical, and size of particles was within the nanometre range. Biochemical markers of hepatic and renal functions were measured. Zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly decreased serum uric acid level (p less than 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner, while the serum alkaline phosphatase level was increased at the two test doses. The level of alanine transaminase was increased after exposure for 28 days (p less than 0.05). This study concludes that biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles-infused hydrogel applied dermatologically could affect hepatic and renal performance in rats, and there was an observed cumulative toxicological effect with time of exposure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ezealisiji, Kenneth E , Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Maduelosi, Blessing , Nwachukwu, Nkemakolam , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194015 , vital:45416 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40089-018-0263-1"
- Description: Current study reports a simple and one-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using an aqueous extract of Solanum torvum and evaluation of its toxicological profile (0.5% w/w and 1.0% w/w) in Wistar albino rats with respect to the biochemical index. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed to know the average size and stability of particles. Synthesized nanoparticles were stable, discreet, and mostly spherical, and size of particles was within the nanometre range. Biochemical markers of hepatic and renal functions were measured. Zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly decreased serum uric acid level (p less than 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner, while the serum alkaline phosphatase level was increased at the two test doses. The level of alanine transaminase was increased after exposure for 28 days (p less than 0.05). This study concludes that biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles-infused hydrogel applied dermatologically could affect hepatic and renal performance in rats, and there was an observed cumulative toxicological effect with time of exposure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Ground thermal regimes in Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica in 2016
- Authors: Masebe, Consliah Tebogo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Antarctica , Frozen ground -- Research -- Antarctica , Frozen ground -- Thermal properties -- Antarctica , Queen Maud Land , Earth temperature -- Antarctica , Soil temperature -- Antarctica -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95581 , vital:31173
- Description: Research shows that the climate of Antarctica is changing and, it is vital that the change is monitored to understand how it will affect global ecosystems. Since the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008, research in permafrost studies has grown. However, there are still existing gaps that impede complete understanding of Antarctic cold environments and landscape processes. Permafrost has been noted as one of the major controlling factors of the terrestrial ecosystem dynamics in Antarctica. However, the understanding of Antarctic permafrost, when compared to other cryospheric components, is limited, especially its thermal and physical properties, evolution, as well as links to pedogenesis, hydrology, geomorphic dynamics, and responses to global change. This project provided an understanding and insight to over-arching research that evaluates the state and status of permafrost and the active layer in Dronning Maud Land (DML) through examining short-term variations on ground thermal regimes. The main focus is on understanding the influence of synoptic, diurnal and seasonal events on the active layer in 2016. Analysis of available data shows that ground thermal regimes are influenced by variations in air temperature, pressure, wind speed and to some extent, relative humidity. Subsequently, ground thermal regimes also depend on soil physical characteristics including sediment particle size and bulk density. Furthermore, sediment particle size and bulk density have been found to have a great influence on thermal propagation rates as well as active layer depth; the higher the bulk density, the higher the thermal propagation rate and the lower the bulk density, the lower the thermal propagation rate. Conversely, a large proportion of bigger sediment particle size in soil corresponds with a higher thermal propagation rate and a large proportion of smaller sediment particle size in soil corresponds with a lower thermal propagation rate. Also, ground thermal regimes vary according to seasons. Ground temperatures are more variable in summer, while air temperatures are more variable in winter. The variability according to different seasons shows that the active layer responds to seasonal climatic variations. Additionally, the active layer also responds to synoptic and diurnal weather events.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Masebe, Consliah Tebogo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Antarctica , Frozen ground -- Research -- Antarctica , Frozen ground -- Thermal properties -- Antarctica , Queen Maud Land , Earth temperature -- Antarctica , Soil temperature -- Antarctica -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95581 , vital:31173
- Description: Research shows that the climate of Antarctica is changing and, it is vital that the change is monitored to understand how it will affect global ecosystems. Since the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008, research in permafrost studies has grown. However, there are still existing gaps that impede complete understanding of Antarctic cold environments and landscape processes. Permafrost has been noted as one of the major controlling factors of the terrestrial ecosystem dynamics in Antarctica. However, the understanding of Antarctic permafrost, when compared to other cryospheric components, is limited, especially its thermal and physical properties, evolution, as well as links to pedogenesis, hydrology, geomorphic dynamics, and responses to global change. This project provided an understanding and insight to over-arching research that evaluates the state and status of permafrost and the active layer in Dronning Maud Land (DML) through examining short-term variations on ground thermal regimes. The main focus is on understanding the influence of synoptic, diurnal and seasonal events on the active layer in 2016. Analysis of available data shows that ground thermal regimes are influenced by variations in air temperature, pressure, wind speed and to some extent, relative humidity. Subsequently, ground thermal regimes also depend on soil physical characteristics including sediment particle size and bulk density. Furthermore, sediment particle size and bulk density have been found to have a great influence on thermal propagation rates as well as active layer depth; the higher the bulk density, the higher the thermal propagation rate and the lower the bulk density, the lower the thermal propagation rate. Conversely, a large proportion of bigger sediment particle size in soil corresponds with a higher thermal propagation rate and a large proportion of smaller sediment particle size in soil corresponds with a lower thermal propagation rate. Also, ground thermal regimes vary according to seasons. Ground temperatures are more variable in summer, while air temperatures are more variable in winter. The variability according to different seasons shows that the active layer responds to seasonal climatic variations. Additionally, the active layer also responds to synoptic and diurnal weather events.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Growing up with a parent who has a mental illness: exploring the development of resilience
- Authors: Hannie, Robyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Applied , Developmental psychology Mentally ill -- Family relationships Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42320 , vital:36645
- Description: Mental illnesses are one of the world’s greatest health challenges and fall amongst the top ten contributing factors to disability. However, mental health has been one of the least prioritised health issues. Mental illness has major implications on the economy of the country, health services as well as on the quality of patients’ lives, their relatives and society. According to research studies, parental pathology has been identified as an adversarial life experience. Despite the risks associated with growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, some individuals still function well. Current understanding of resilience is that it is a dynamic bidirectional process that is influenced, developed or constructed by individuals in relation to their environment. The understanding of resilience in this context is crucial to foster the development of resilience in young people in similar contexts. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences and development of resilience in individuals raised by a parent who has a mental illness. It attempted to do so by conducting seven face-to-face individual interviews. Qualitative methods and specifically thematic analysis was utilised to explore participants’ development of resilience in the context of parental mental illness. The findings are represented by four broad themes: challenges of growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, social support, mental health literacy and coping strategies that helped to develop resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hannie, Robyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Applied , Developmental psychology Mentally ill -- Family relationships Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42320 , vital:36645
- Description: Mental illnesses are one of the world’s greatest health challenges and fall amongst the top ten contributing factors to disability. However, mental health has been one of the least prioritised health issues. Mental illness has major implications on the economy of the country, health services as well as on the quality of patients’ lives, their relatives and society. According to research studies, parental pathology has been identified as an adversarial life experience. Despite the risks associated with growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, some individuals still function well. Current understanding of resilience is that it is a dynamic bidirectional process that is influenced, developed or constructed by individuals in relation to their environment. The understanding of resilience in this context is crucial to foster the development of resilience in young people in similar contexts. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences and development of resilience in individuals raised by a parent who has a mental illness. It attempted to do so by conducting seven face-to-face individual interviews. Qualitative methods and specifically thematic analysis was utilised to explore participants’ development of resilience in the context of parental mental illness. The findings are represented by four broad themes: challenges of growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, social support, mental health literacy and coping strategies that helped to develop resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Happiness in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
He says, she says: ecosystem services and gender among indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon
- Cruz-Garcia, Gisella S, Cubillos, Martha V, Torres-Vitolas, Carlos, Harvey, Celia A, Shackleton, Charlie M, Schreckenberg, Kate, Willcock, Simon, Navarrete-Frías, Carolina, Sachet, Erwan
- Authors: Cruz-Garcia, Gisella S , Cubillos, Martha V , Torres-Vitolas, Carlos , Harvey, Celia A , Shackleton, Charlie M , Schreckenberg, Kate , Willcock, Simon , Navarrete-Frías, Carolina , Sachet, Erwan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: South Africa To be catalogued 1836-1909 Maps
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179627 , vital:43128 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2019.100921"
- Description: Although it has been hypothesized that men and women vary in the way they value ecosystem services, research on ecosystem services rarely incorporates a gender dimension. We conducted research with nine indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon to understand which ecosystem services men and women perceive as most important for their wellbeing and to rank them according to locally-defined criteria of importance. Participants identified a total of 26 ecosystem services and 20 different ranking criteria. Ecosystem services such as land for agricultural fields (a supporting service), and provision of fish and medicinal plants were equally important for both men and women. Wild fruits and resources to make handicrafts were more frequently mentioned by women, whereas timber, materials for making tools and coca leaves were more frequently mentioned by men. There were also differences in the criteria used to value ecosystem services, with 11 criteria mentioned by both men and women, five mentioned exclusively by women and another four only by men. Our results suggest that taking gender differences into account in ecosystem services assessments may result in the prioritization of different services in conservation and sustainable development programs, and may lead to different outcomes for ecosystem service provision and local livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cruz-Garcia, Gisella S , Cubillos, Martha V , Torres-Vitolas, Carlos , Harvey, Celia A , Shackleton, Charlie M , Schreckenberg, Kate , Willcock, Simon , Navarrete-Frías, Carolina , Sachet, Erwan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: South Africa To be catalogued 1836-1909 Maps
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179627 , vital:43128 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2019.100921"
- Description: Although it has been hypothesized that men and women vary in the way they value ecosystem services, research on ecosystem services rarely incorporates a gender dimension. We conducted research with nine indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon to understand which ecosystem services men and women perceive as most important for their wellbeing and to rank them according to locally-defined criteria of importance. Participants identified a total of 26 ecosystem services and 20 different ranking criteria. Ecosystem services such as land for agricultural fields (a supporting service), and provision of fish and medicinal plants were equally important for both men and women. Wild fruits and resources to make handicrafts were more frequently mentioned by women, whereas timber, materials for making tools and coca leaves were more frequently mentioned by men. There were also differences in the criteria used to value ecosystem services, with 11 criteria mentioned by both men and women, five mentioned exclusively by women and another four only by men. Our results suggest that taking gender differences into account in ecosystem services assessments may result in the prioritization of different services in conservation and sustainable development programs, and may lead to different outcomes for ecosystem service provision and local livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Health literacy test for limited literacy populations (HELT-LL): validation in South Africa
- Marimwe, Chipiwa, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Marimwe, Chipiwa , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156652 , vital:40035 , https://doi.org/10.1080/2331205X.2019.1650417
- Description: The majority of health literacy measures emanate from high-income countries and are inappropriate for use in limited literacy individuals who are usually excluded from participation in health literacy studies. There is currently no appropriate health literacy measure for the educationally diverse South African population. This study, which reports the validation of the Health Literacy Test for Limited Literacy individuals (HELT-LL), was conducted in primary health-care clinics with 210 isiXhosa-speaking patients with a maximum of 12 years of schooling. The HELT-LL has varied cognitive demands, assesses functional literacy skills as well as local burden of disease knowledge, and also includes self-reported questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Marimwe, Chipiwa , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156652 , vital:40035 , https://doi.org/10.1080/2331205X.2019.1650417
- Description: The majority of health literacy measures emanate from high-income countries and are inappropriate for use in limited literacy individuals who are usually excluded from participation in health literacy studies. There is currently no appropriate health literacy measure for the educationally diverse South African population. This study, which reports the validation of the Health Literacy Test for Limited Literacy individuals (HELT-LL), was conducted in primary health-care clinics with 210 isiXhosa-speaking patients with a maximum of 12 years of schooling. The HELT-LL has varied cognitive demands, assesses functional literacy skills as well as local burden of disease knowledge, and also includes self-reported questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Hearing silenced voices: a learning-centred approach to sustainable land rehabilitation and natural resource management
- Authors: Wolff, Margaret Gascoyne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Watershed management -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94958 , vital:31101
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid country with dysfunctional water management. The National Water Act encourages integrated water resource management and public participation in contributing to strategies for managing water within delineated areas. Various challenges hamper progress of integrated water resource management and meaningful participation by residents in catchments across the country. One of the challenges is the lack of knowledge about their role in water resource management. By viewing catchments as complex social-ecological systems, this case study investigates how to establish a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum (CMF) formation. The study addressed three sub-questions: What activity systems need to be prioritised for community participation in CMF formation? What existing learning can be identified within the activity systems? What are the sources for expansive social learning in and between the activity systems? The study draws on social learning theory, and on cultural historical activity theory as it offers a methodological approach to identifying a learning-centred approach to learning in a catchment context. Drawing on this theoretical framework, for research question 1, I identified five activity systems that are present in the study area, are partly representative of the people who live in the area, and are linked to land and water governance either through their positions as government employees within the sector, or the NLEIP in ways that influence communities’ lives and livelihoods. To address question 2, I ran learning-centred workshops and interviewed people who lived in the study area. Careful, respectful listening and participants’ use of home language created the safe space in which residents revealed that they know which water resources are important to protect and where breakdowns in communication happen. For question 3, I analysed the data from the workshops and interviews using a cultural historical activity theory framework to identify discursive manifestations of contradictions within and between activity systems which illuminate the potential for expansive social learning. This study recommends developing an understanding of the complex social-ecological context and prioritising co-learning and community participation in a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum formation. For this, there is need to develop in-depth insight into activity systems associated with water governance in local contexts. In this study I identified five of these activity systems, but the study points to a further range of activity systems that need to be considered for a learning-centred approach to be fully established. The study also found that communities are learning via engaging in the rehabilitation work, through engagements in workshops and within the municipal structures. Additionally, the study identified a number of contradictions that can provide sources of learning for taking an expansive learning approach further in CMF formation. Such an approach may provide the space to build bridges of trust between diverse knowledge systems, and has the potential to encourage sustainable co-operation in natural resource management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wolff, Margaret Gascoyne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Watershed management -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94958 , vital:31101
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid country with dysfunctional water management. The National Water Act encourages integrated water resource management and public participation in contributing to strategies for managing water within delineated areas. Various challenges hamper progress of integrated water resource management and meaningful participation by residents in catchments across the country. One of the challenges is the lack of knowledge about their role in water resource management. By viewing catchments as complex social-ecological systems, this case study investigates how to establish a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum (CMF) formation. The study addressed three sub-questions: What activity systems need to be prioritised for community participation in CMF formation? What existing learning can be identified within the activity systems? What are the sources for expansive social learning in and between the activity systems? The study draws on social learning theory, and on cultural historical activity theory as it offers a methodological approach to identifying a learning-centred approach to learning in a catchment context. Drawing on this theoretical framework, for research question 1, I identified five activity systems that are present in the study area, are partly representative of the people who live in the area, and are linked to land and water governance either through their positions as government employees within the sector, or the NLEIP in ways that influence communities’ lives and livelihoods. To address question 2, I ran learning-centred workshops and interviewed people who lived in the study area. Careful, respectful listening and participants’ use of home language created the safe space in which residents revealed that they know which water resources are important to protect and where breakdowns in communication happen. For question 3, I analysed the data from the workshops and interviews using a cultural historical activity theory framework to identify discursive manifestations of contradictions within and between activity systems which illuminate the potential for expansive social learning. This study recommends developing an understanding of the complex social-ecological context and prioritising co-learning and community participation in a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum formation. For this, there is need to develop in-depth insight into activity systems associated with water governance in local contexts. In this study I identified five of these activity systems, but the study points to a further range of activity systems that need to be considered for a learning-centred approach to be fully established. The study also found that communities are learning via engaging in the rehabilitation work, through engagements in workshops and within the municipal structures. Additionally, the study identified a number of contradictions that can provide sources of learning for taking an expansive learning approach further in CMF formation. Such an approach may provide the space to build bridges of trust between diverse knowledge systems, and has the potential to encourage sustainable co-operation in natural resource management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
High throughput screening, docking, and molecular dynamics studies to identify potential inhibitors of human calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV
- Beg, Anam, Khan, Faez I, Lobb, Kevin A, Islam, Asimul, Ahmad, Faizan, Hassan, M Imtaiyaz
- Authors: Beg, Anam , Khan, Faez I , Lobb, Kevin A , Islam, Asimul , Ahmad, Faizan , Hassan, M Imtaiyaz
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74587 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2018.1479310"
- Description: Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) is associated with many diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders and thus being considered as a potential drug target. Here, we have employed the knowledge of three-dimensional structure of CAMKIV to identify new inhibitors for possible therapeutic intervention. We have employed virtual high throughput screening of 12,500 natural compounds of Zinc database to screen the best possible inhibitors of CAMKIV. Subsequently, 40 compounds which showed significant docking scores (−11.6 to −10.0 kcal/mol) were selected and further filtered through Lipinski rule and drug likeness parameter to get best inhibitors of CAMKIV. Docking results are indicating that ligands are binding to the hydrophobic cavity of the kinase domain of CAMKIV and forming a significant number of non-covalent interactions. Four compounds, ZINC02098378, ZINC12866674, ZINC04293413, and ZINC13403020, showing excellent binding affinity and drug likeness were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate their mechanism of interaction and stability of protein-ligand complex. Our observations clearly suggesting that these selected ligands may be further employed for therapeutic intervention to address CAMKIV associated diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Beg, Anam , Khan, Faez I , Lobb, Kevin A , Islam, Asimul , Ahmad, Faizan , Hassan, M Imtaiyaz
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74587 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2018.1479310"
- Description: Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) is associated with many diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders and thus being considered as a potential drug target. Here, we have employed the knowledge of three-dimensional structure of CAMKIV to identify new inhibitors for possible therapeutic intervention. We have employed virtual high throughput screening of 12,500 natural compounds of Zinc database to screen the best possible inhibitors of CAMKIV. Subsequently, 40 compounds which showed significant docking scores (−11.6 to −10.0 kcal/mol) were selected and further filtered through Lipinski rule and drug likeness parameter to get best inhibitors of CAMKIV. Docking results are indicating that ligands are binding to the hydrophobic cavity of the kinase domain of CAMKIV and forming a significant number of non-covalent interactions. Four compounds, ZINC02098378, ZINC12866674, ZINC04293413, and ZINC13403020, showing excellent binding affinity and drug likeness were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate their mechanism of interaction and stability of protein-ligand complex. Our observations clearly suggesting that these selected ligands may be further employed for therapeutic intervention to address CAMKIV associated diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
HIV-related stigma in rural areas: a case of citrus farm workers based in Addo community in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mazorodze, Tasara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Discrimination -- Psychology HIV infections -- Psychology AIDS (Disease) -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41526 , vital:36501
- Description: While South Africa has recently joined the rest of the world in the race to achieve an AIDS free generation by the year of 2030, little has been done to develop the scientific interventions that address HIV-related stigma, which is one of the major barriers to the fight against HIV. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study in the South African context that seeks to assess the forms of HIV- related stigma in a local context and in a rural area in particular, where HIV related stigma research and interventions remains scant. This study acknowledges the dynamic, unique, multidimensional and sensitive nature of HIV-related stigma and, therefore, an explanatory mixed approach enabled the researcher to provide a comprehensive assessment of HIV-related stigma amongst the citrus farm workers who are based in Addo, Eastern Cape. Quantitative data was collected from 200 participants across five farms, whereas 50 employees across the 5 farms were also selected to take part in the focus group discussions. An assessment of the reliability and validity of local HIV-related stigma scales (Kalichman et al., 2005 personal stigma scale-English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans version and Visser et al. 2008 personal and attributed stigma scale-English version) and the UNAIDS (2012) HIV knowledge scale was conducted. The assessment showed that the reliability of these scales of measurement tend to vary according to context. In this study, the Kalichman et al., (2005) personal stigma scale (English version) scored a weaker reliability score (alpha=0.58). Thus, as the scale is not reliable for the rural context, it was not considered. Furthermore, quantitative findings show that citrus farm workers are characterised by lack of/ little knowledge about HIV, which results in the stigmatisation of people who are HIV positive in the form of symbolic, instrumental, personal and attributed stigma, as well as a fear of HIV disclosure. Findings also revealed that participants who display a high personal stigma score are likely to display a high attributed stigma score (r=0.47, p<0.00). This confirm the assumption of social identity theory that people tend to use stigma as a ‘protective function’ to protect their identity by labelling other people as ‘’deviant’ or ‘stigmatising’. This finding is particularly relevant in that it reveals that, while many people are aware that stigmatising people with HIV is not morally acceptable, they rather attribute stigmatising attitudes to their communities. Thus future studies need to consider emphasising the assessment of attributed stigma in a rural context. Quantitative findings also revealed that the effect of the following demographic variables, namely race (F=20.1, p=0.00), marital status (F=3.58, p=0.00), religion (F=7.17, p=0.03) and education (F=2.63, p=0.03) on HIV-related stigma was statistically significant. This provides proof that HIV-related interventions that were developed for the Addo community need to consider the above-mentioned demographics variables. The qualitative findings provided an in-depth analysis of the key quantitative findings. A lack of knowledge about HIV among participants was further confirmed by the following themes that were common during focus group discussions: misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention; false beliefs that healthy looking people cannot have HIV; HIV symptoms are clearly visible; and HIV can be transmitted through contact with people who are HIV positive. Possible causes of HIV-related stigma as revealed by the qualitative findings include; fear of death; the belief that HIV is a punishment for bad behaviour; and the fear of being isolated and rejected. The qualitative approach revealed other forms of HIV-related stigma that were not common in the quantitative studynamely; healthcare, employment and verbal stigma. The focus group discussions revealed the major reasons why a large number of the farm works may be reluctant to disclose their status, namely fear of the unknown and attributed stigma. The study concluded by offering recommendations for the designing and tailoring of HIV-related interventions in the rural context and in the citrus sector in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mazorodze, Tasara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Discrimination -- Psychology HIV infections -- Psychology AIDS (Disease) -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41526 , vital:36501
- Description: While South Africa has recently joined the rest of the world in the race to achieve an AIDS free generation by the year of 2030, little has been done to develop the scientific interventions that address HIV-related stigma, which is one of the major barriers to the fight against HIV. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study in the South African context that seeks to assess the forms of HIV- related stigma in a local context and in a rural area in particular, where HIV related stigma research and interventions remains scant. This study acknowledges the dynamic, unique, multidimensional and sensitive nature of HIV-related stigma and, therefore, an explanatory mixed approach enabled the researcher to provide a comprehensive assessment of HIV-related stigma amongst the citrus farm workers who are based in Addo, Eastern Cape. Quantitative data was collected from 200 participants across five farms, whereas 50 employees across the 5 farms were also selected to take part in the focus group discussions. An assessment of the reliability and validity of local HIV-related stigma scales (Kalichman et al., 2005 personal stigma scale-English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans version and Visser et al. 2008 personal and attributed stigma scale-English version) and the UNAIDS (2012) HIV knowledge scale was conducted. The assessment showed that the reliability of these scales of measurement tend to vary according to context. In this study, the Kalichman et al., (2005) personal stigma scale (English version) scored a weaker reliability score (alpha=0.58). Thus, as the scale is not reliable for the rural context, it was not considered. Furthermore, quantitative findings show that citrus farm workers are characterised by lack of/ little knowledge about HIV, which results in the stigmatisation of people who are HIV positive in the form of symbolic, instrumental, personal and attributed stigma, as well as a fear of HIV disclosure. Findings also revealed that participants who display a high personal stigma score are likely to display a high attributed stigma score (r=0.47, p<0.00). This confirm the assumption of social identity theory that people tend to use stigma as a ‘protective function’ to protect their identity by labelling other people as ‘’deviant’ or ‘stigmatising’. This finding is particularly relevant in that it reveals that, while many people are aware that stigmatising people with HIV is not morally acceptable, they rather attribute stigmatising attitudes to their communities. Thus future studies need to consider emphasising the assessment of attributed stigma in a rural context. Quantitative findings also revealed that the effect of the following demographic variables, namely race (F=20.1, p=0.00), marital status (F=3.58, p=0.00), religion (F=7.17, p=0.03) and education (F=2.63, p=0.03) on HIV-related stigma was statistically significant. This provides proof that HIV-related interventions that were developed for the Addo community need to consider the above-mentioned demographics variables. The qualitative findings provided an in-depth analysis of the key quantitative findings. A lack of knowledge about HIV among participants was further confirmed by the following themes that were common during focus group discussions: misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention; false beliefs that healthy looking people cannot have HIV; HIV symptoms are clearly visible; and HIV can be transmitted through contact with people who are HIV positive. Possible causes of HIV-related stigma as revealed by the qualitative findings include; fear of death; the belief that HIV is a punishment for bad behaviour; and the fear of being isolated and rejected. The qualitative approach revealed other forms of HIV-related stigma that were not common in the quantitative studynamely; healthcare, employment and verbal stigma. The focus group discussions revealed the major reasons why a large number of the farm works may be reluctant to disclose their status, namely fear of the unknown and attributed stigma. The study concluded by offering recommendations for the designing and tailoring of HIV-related interventions in the rural context and in the citrus sector in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
How do urban dwellers identify with features within urban green spaces in the Eastern Cape?
- Authors: Manyani, Amanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land use, Urban -- South Africa , Greenbelts -- South Africa , City planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95596 , vital:31174
- Description: Public urban green spaces contain natural and artificial features which play crucial roles in supporting urban social-ecological systems, a fact now recognized globally. The various natural and artificial features contained in public urban green spaces are said to be key contributors to the quality of life and well-being of urban dwellers. Nevertheless, this has been largely ignored in urban design in South Africa, especially in the poorer township and Reconstruction Development Program (RDP) areas. At the individual household and community levels within the poorer communities, the provision of green spaces and trees, as well as recreation facilities, is well below world standards, and much less than what is available in the more affluent areas of South African towns. Additionally, most research on the links between nature and human well-being in urban contexts comes from developed world contexts which adopt a westernized view of the relationship. Yet, in many societies of the Global South, including South Africa, worldviews and experiences of nature in green spaces and use of other recreational features takes on different meanings to those of the Global North. To show these differences, a combination of methods was used in this study, different types of green spaces were assessed and evaluated by structured observations so as to record the features present within the spaces. A survey of 360 households was conducted by targeting green space users and households within 100 metres from a green space. Results indicated that, across all the green space types, formal green spaces had a low cover of shrubs, trees and herbs whilst having high lawn cover. Furthermore, vegetation had poor rating across all the green spaces since the vegetation was either overgrown herbs, dense thickets of shrubs and mostly alien trees that were either diseased or forked. Similar to the disparity in the composition and structure of vegetation within the green spaces, there was a wide variability in the composition of recreational features and amenities across the green spaces. The formal green spaces had the most amenities like play equipment, shelter and seating. Informal green spaces and commonages had little or no recreational features available. The attributes of these spaces therefore influenced the reasons for visiting as more than 90 % of the respondents simply used the spaces for transit. With regards to attitudes and preferences towards particular features, they were emerging sense of strong negative feelings towards natural features. Most respondents emphasized the need for green spaces that are well laid out with maintained lawns, recreational facilities and open vegetation. Thus, the current design and available features within the studied urban green spaces do not meet local needs and aspirations and thus do not contribute to better well-being and quality of life as much as they could. Specifically, the various health benefits linked with being in contact with nature in the public green spaces were not evident in this study. The South African specific context in green space use, perception and people’s preferences is thus crucial for urban planning and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manyani, Amanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land use, Urban -- South Africa , Greenbelts -- South Africa , City planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95596 , vital:31174
- Description: Public urban green spaces contain natural and artificial features which play crucial roles in supporting urban social-ecological systems, a fact now recognized globally. The various natural and artificial features contained in public urban green spaces are said to be key contributors to the quality of life and well-being of urban dwellers. Nevertheless, this has been largely ignored in urban design in South Africa, especially in the poorer township and Reconstruction Development Program (RDP) areas. At the individual household and community levels within the poorer communities, the provision of green spaces and trees, as well as recreation facilities, is well below world standards, and much less than what is available in the more affluent areas of South African towns. Additionally, most research on the links between nature and human well-being in urban contexts comes from developed world contexts which adopt a westernized view of the relationship. Yet, in many societies of the Global South, including South Africa, worldviews and experiences of nature in green spaces and use of other recreational features takes on different meanings to those of the Global North. To show these differences, a combination of methods was used in this study, different types of green spaces were assessed and evaluated by structured observations so as to record the features present within the spaces. A survey of 360 households was conducted by targeting green space users and households within 100 metres from a green space. Results indicated that, across all the green space types, formal green spaces had a low cover of shrubs, trees and herbs whilst having high lawn cover. Furthermore, vegetation had poor rating across all the green spaces since the vegetation was either overgrown herbs, dense thickets of shrubs and mostly alien trees that were either diseased or forked. Similar to the disparity in the composition and structure of vegetation within the green spaces, there was a wide variability in the composition of recreational features and amenities across the green spaces. The formal green spaces had the most amenities like play equipment, shelter and seating. Informal green spaces and commonages had little or no recreational features available. The attributes of these spaces therefore influenced the reasons for visiting as more than 90 % of the respondents simply used the spaces for transit. With regards to attitudes and preferences towards particular features, they were emerging sense of strong negative feelings towards natural features. Most respondents emphasized the need for green spaces that are well laid out with maintained lawns, recreational facilities and open vegetation. Thus, the current design and available features within the studied urban green spaces do not meet local needs and aspirations and thus do not contribute to better well-being and quality of life as much as they could. Specifically, the various health benefits linked with being in contact with nature in the public green spaces were not evident in this study. The South African specific context in green space use, perception and people’s preferences is thus crucial for urban planning and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019