An exploration of teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community Violence on learners at Lusikisiki
- Authors: Gwarubana, Nolufefe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Kerr-Soltis model -- Lusikisiki , Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -- Lusikisiki
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60144 , vital:63206
- Description: A significant number of children in the South African context are exposed to community violence and become traumatised. In South Africa, many learners bring trauma histories into the classroom. To attend to this problem, it is important to understand how Exposure to Community Violence (ECV) affects learners, how this exposure is manifested in the classroom, and how teachers and schools can best support and mitigate adverse outcomes for trauma-impacted learners. The study aimed to understand teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community violence on learners and the nature of the support that they offer to learners with trauma related to community violence. An exploratory design was used within which qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Data was gathered from Mkhankomo Full Service School, which is located in Lusikisiki. A maximum number of 10 teachers participated in the study and interviews were audio-recorded. Results of this study provide insight into the effects of community violence on the learners who were victims either directly or as witnesses. Based on thematic analysis, the results clearly showed that the effects of community violence were found to be mainly emotional, behavioural and psychological. All these effects were seen to affect the learners’ performance at school in the long run. In addition, the findings point to the teachers showing a willingness to support learners exposed to community violence, however, they felt ill-equipped to do so given that they had never worked with learners exposed to trauma. Also, in their attempts to support learners, teachers implemented support systems such as offering individual lessons to learners and additionally assuming supportive roles such as that of mentor and mother. Moreover, the findings indicated that teachers were not provided with any v training to help them work with learners exposed to trauma and their expectations for the Department of Basic Education to assist were not met. Consequently, the study provides an understanding of the effects of community violence on learners from the perspectives of teachers in the school. It also assists with information regarding teachers’ preparedness and ability to respond to learners’ chronic exposure to community violence. Furthermore, this study gives an understanding of teachers’ approach to supporting learners experiencing traumatic stress in the classroom. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Gwarubana, Nolufefe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Kerr-Soltis model -- Lusikisiki , Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -- Lusikisiki
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60144 , vital:63206
- Description: A significant number of children in the South African context are exposed to community violence and become traumatised. In South Africa, many learners bring trauma histories into the classroom. To attend to this problem, it is important to understand how Exposure to Community Violence (ECV) affects learners, how this exposure is manifested in the classroom, and how teachers and schools can best support and mitigate adverse outcomes for trauma-impacted learners. The study aimed to understand teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community violence on learners and the nature of the support that they offer to learners with trauma related to community violence. An exploratory design was used within which qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Data was gathered from Mkhankomo Full Service School, which is located in Lusikisiki. A maximum number of 10 teachers participated in the study and interviews were audio-recorded. Results of this study provide insight into the effects of community violence on the learners who were victims either directly or as witnesses. Based on thematic analysis, the results clearly showed that the effects of community violence were found to be mainly emotional, behavioural and psychological. All these effects were seen to affect the learners’ performance at school in the long run. In addition, the findings point to the teachers showing a willingness to support learners exposed to community violence, however, they felt ill-equipped to do so given that they had never worked with learners exposed to trauma. Also, in their attempts to support learners, teachers implemented support systems such as offering individual lessons to learners and additionally assuming supportive roles such as that of mentor and mother. Moreover, the findings indicated that teachers were not provided with any v training to help them work with learners exposed to trauma and their expectations for the Department of Basic Education to assist were not met. Consequently, the study provides an understanding of the effects of community violence on learners from the perspectives of teachers in the school. It also assists with information regarding teachers’ preparedness and ability to respond to learners’ chronic exposure to community violence. Furthermore, this study gives an understanding of teachers’ approach to supporting learners experiencing traumatic stress in the classroom. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An exploration of the benefits of information and communications technology for SMMEs in the Construction Industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Authors: Klassie, Unathi
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: information technology , Small business , Construction industry, Gauteng Province -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59726 , vital:62386
- Description: This paper explores the beneficial impact of ICT adoption on the performance of Small, Micro to Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, specifically in the construction sector. The population of the study comprises construction SMME owners and managers in Gauteng, South Africa. The objectives of this study are fourfold as follows. Firstly, it aims to determine the benefits of ICT for SMMEs in the construction industry in South Africa. Secondly, it aims to establish the challenges SMMEs face in ICT infrastructure systems. The third aim is to determine the barriers that impede SMMEs from adopting ICT. And fourthly it aims to recommend an ICT framework for the effectiveness and success of ICT infrastructure systems for SMMEs. The research consisted of data collection from 15 SMMEs in the construction industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa through the means of interviews. The study employed an interpretivist paradigm which necessitated a qualitative approach. The data was then analysed thematically. The study was motivated by a Technology-OrganisationEnvironment (TOE) framework. The study findings show that SMMEs profit greatly from the adoption of ICT in their battle for survival and expansion. ICT is one of the main resources that may be employed by organisations in this digital age, according to the Resource-Based Theory. The majority of respondents stated that ICT has improved performance and that tasks are completed more efficiently than before. According to the findings, sustained government help to extend broadband access for underprivileged groups, particularly in places underserved by private sector activities, is suggested. Government funding should be made available to assist SMMEs in developing ICT skills. This financing might be linked to organisations like SEDA to guarantee that new SMMEs are ascertained of the importance of ICT skills that will benefit their enterprises. To improve awareness of the benefits of ICT in the construction industry, training providers, NGOs, and government agencies must collaborate more closely. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Klassie, Unathi
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: information technology , Small business , Construction industry, Gauteng Province -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59726 , vital:62386
- Description: This paper explores the beneficial impact of ICT adoption on the performance of Small, Micro to Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, specifically in the construction sector. The population of the study comprises construction SMME owners and managers in Gauteng, South Africa. The objectives of this study are fourfold as follows. Firstly, it aims to determine the benefits of ICT for SMMEs in the construction industry in South Africa. Secondly, it aims to establish the challenges SMMEs face in ICT infrastructure systems. The third aim is to determine the barriers that impede SMMEs from adopting ICT. And fourthly it aims to recommend an ICT framework for the effectiveness and success of ICT infrastructure systems for SMMEs. The research consisted of data collection from 15 SMMEs in the construction industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa through the means of interviews. The study employed an interpretivist paradigm which necessitated a qualitative approach. The data was then analysed thematically. The study was motivated by a Technology-OrganisationEnvironment (TOE) framework. The study findings show that SMMEs profit greatly from the adoption of ICT in their battle for survival and expansion. ICT is one of the main resources that may be employed by organisations in this digital age, according to the Resource-Based Theory. The majority of respondents stated that ICT has improved performance and that tasks are completed more efficiently than before. According to the findings, sustained government help to extend broadband access for underprivileged groups, particularly in places underserved by private sector activities, is suggested. Government funding should be made available to assist SMMEs in developing ICT skills. This financing might be linked to organisations like SEDA to guarantee that new SMMEs are ascertained of the importance of ICT skills that will benefit their enterprises. To improve awareness of the benefits of ICT in the construction industry, training providers, NGOs, and government agencies must collaborate more closely. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An explorative study into the effect of Information Technology in streamlining the access to development finance, for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa
- Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Authors: Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Information Technology , Economic development--Finance , Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59600 , vital:62181
- Description: This study was concerned with exploring and describing a solution to optimise access to development finance for SMMEs in South Africa. SMMEs and entrepreneurs have long been identified as key drivers of economic development, job creation, and poverty elevation. In response to this and, in an effort to support SMMEs, the South African Government has established a number of development finance institutions with a specific mandate to support SMMEs by providing them with both financial and non-financial support. However, this much-needed support is constrained by several independent factors. The objective of the study was to identify information technologies that are currently available in the financial sector and explore how they can be integrated into development finance institutions (DFIs) and SMMEs to streamline their access to finance. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design, and utilised ten (10) embedded units of analysis. These respondents consisted of industry experts in the field of SMME finance, senior employees within the sampled developmental finance institutions, as well as experts in the financial technology sector. The findings of the study, through the views of the sampled industry experts and relevant literature reviewed, revealed that it can be collectively summarised that there is a need for information technology such as Fintech in the development finance and SMME sector in South Africa. It is evident that a need exists to streamline the current application process to access development finance for SMMEs looking for finance. There is a significant misalignment between the current demand for development finance by SMMEs and the magnitude of finance supplied by DFIs to SMMEs looking for finance. The study then concluded with practical recommendations for the streamlining of development finance by using relevant Fin tech solutions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Information Technology , Economic development--Finance , Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59600 , vital:62181
- Description: This study was concerned with exploring and describing a solution to optimise access to development finance for SMMEs in South Africa. SMMEs and entrepreneurs have long been identified as key drivers of economic development, job creation, and poverty elevation. In response to this and, in an effort to support SMMEs, the South African Government has established a number of development finance institutions with a specific mandate to support SMMEs by providing them with both financial and non-financial support. However, this much-needed support is constrained by several independent factors. The objective of the study was to identify information technologies that are currently available in the financial sector and explore how they can be integrated into development finance institutions (DFIs) and SMMEs to streamline their access to finance. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design, and utilised ten (10) embedded units of analysis. These respondents consisted of industry experts in the field of SMME finance, senior employees within the sampled developmental finance institutions, as well as experts in the financial technology sector. The findings of the study, through the views of the sampled industry experts and relevant literature reviewed, revealed that it can be collectively summarised that there is a need for information technology such as Fintech in the development finance and SMME sector in South Africa. It is evident that a need exists to streamline the current application process to access development finance for SMMEs looking for finance. There is a significant misalignment between the current demand for development finance by SMMEs and the magnitude of finance supplied by DFIs to SMMEs looking for finance. The study then concluded with practical recommendations for the streamlining of development finance by using relevant Fin tech solutions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An investigation into the psychological impact of unemployment and coping mechanisms amongst graduates in Pietermaritzburg
- Authors: Nkasa, Nonjabulo Fortunate
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60209 , vital:63539
- Description: Graduates expect to find employment after completing their tertiary qualifications, but they often face various challenges in finding employment. These challenges may be due to a variety of factors such as the type of qualification, structural changes in the economy, lack of experience, or the lack of relevant social networks. This has the potential to affect a graduate’s psychological well-being. The current study explored the psychological impact of unemployment in 100 unemployed graduates between 21 and 35 years of age in Pietermaritzburg. The study was quantitative and used two questionnaires, the GHQ-12 and a self-designed questionnaire, to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to obtain research participants. The Excel spreadsheet and a statistical software package called JASP (2020, version 0.12) was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that unemployment had a negative impact on the participants’ psychological well-being. Participants experienced feelings of high anxiety and depression, and felt stigmatised. Participants also felt shame and experienced lower self-esteem. Unemployment had a financial impact on participants, including financial dependency on family and friends. Some participants blamed themselves, the government system, and the education system for their unemployment. Participants reported to have a positive attitude towards employment, including remaining optimistic about their chances of finding employment. Participants used adaptive coping mechanisms, such as keeping a positive attitude, and maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as hiding their feelings. Further research needs to focus on psychological services that could assist unemployed graduates to find employment through building and maintaining their self-esteem and confidence which are key factors when initially seeking and obtaining work. Unemployment and its impact on psychological well-being has been shown to be to be a complex subject that requires intervention from different parties such as employers and health-care workers, as well as the education system. Keywords: Coping, graduates, psychological impact and unemployment , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Nkasa, Nonjabulo Fortunate
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60209 , vital:63539
- Description: Graduates expect to find employment after completing their tertiary qualifications, but they often face various challenges in finding employment. These challenges may be due to a variety of factors such as the type of qualification, structural changes in the economy, lack of experience, or the lack of relevant social networks. This has the potential to affect a graduate’s psychological well-being. The current study explored the psychological impact of unemployment in 100 unemployed graduates between 21 and 35 years of age in Pietermaritzburg. The study was quantitative and used two questionnaires, the GHQ-12 and a self-designed questionnaire, to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to obtain research participants. The Excel spreadsheet and a statistical software package called JASP (2020, version 0.12) was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that unemployment had a negative impact on the participants’ psychological well-being. Participants experienced feelings of high anxiety and depression, and felt stigmatised. Participants also felt shame and experienced lower self-esteem. Unemployment had a financial impact on participants, including financial dependency on family and friends. Some participants blamed themselves, the government system, and the education system for their unemployment. Participants reported to have a positive attitude towards employment, including remaining optimistic about their chances of finding employment. Participants used adaptive coping mechanisms, such as keeping a positive attitude, and maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as hiding their feelings. Further research needs to focus on psychological services that could assist unemployed graduates to find employment through building and maintaining their self-esteem and confidence which are key factors when initially seeking and obtaining work. Unemployment and its impact on psychological well-being has been shown to be to be a complex subject that requires intervention from different parties such as employers and health-care workers, as well as the education system. Keywords: Coping, graduates, psychological impact and unemployment , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An It risk management implementation strategy for a non-profit organisation in south africa
- Authors: Exner, Ulandi
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: ITIL (Information technology management standard) -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59370 , vital:62075
- Description: All organisations, for-profit or non-profit, have strategic objectives as their raison d’être. The achievement of these objectives is challenged by the occurrence and impact of unexpected events, commonly referred to as risks. The Digital Revolution in the late 70s introduced computers and the internet and opened up a whole new way of life. It also brought new challenges, namely IT risk. IT risk is business risk. Non-profit organisations, whose main priority is to maximise its available resources to serve the needs of their stakeholders and community, do not have adequate IT risk management practices in place because it is not top of mind for them. An effective IT risk management strategy provides several enhanced capabilities for organisations. Non-profit organisations have IT risk management standards, frameworks and methodologies to choose from, but these organisations do not have the required financial means and expertise or possibly the necessary appetite to implement these frameworks successfully. The primary objective of the study is to develop a proposed IT risk management implementation strategy for non-profit organisations to aid in the management of IT risk. The design science research paradigm was used for the study. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to understand the current landscape of a non-profit organisation in so far as their approach to managing IT risk. The findings of the literature review and mixed method research were used to develop a proposed IT risk implementation strategy. The evaluation of the implementation strategy in terms of its effectiveness and utility will form part of a future study. The proposed implementation strategy can be considered as an instrument for the NPO to aid in the management of IT risk. The conclusion of this study contributes to the field of IT risk research of non-profit organisations in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Exner, Ulandi
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: ITIL (Information technology management standard) -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59370 , vital:62075
- Description: All organisations, for-profit or non-profit, have strategic objectives as their raison d’être. The achievement of these objectives is challenged by the occurrence and impact of unexpected events, commonly referred to as risks. The Digital Revolution in the late 70s introduced computers and the internet and opened up a whole new way of life. It also brought new challenges, namely IT risk. IT risk is business risk. Non-profit organisations, whose main priority is to maximise its available resources to serve the needs of their stakeholders and community, do not have adequate IT risk management practices in place because it is not top of mind for them. An effective IT risk management strategy provides several enhanced capabilities for organisations. Non-profit organisations have IT risk management standards, frameworks and methodologies to choose from, but these organisations do not have the required financial means and expertise or possibly the necessary appetite to implement these frameworks successfully. The primary objective of the study is to develop a proposed IT risk management implementation strategy for non-profit organisations to aid in the management of IT risk. The design science research paradigm was used for the study. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to understand the current landscape of a non-profit organisation in so far as their approach to managing IT risk. The findings of the literature review and mixed method research were used to develop a proposed IT risk implementation strategy. The evaluation of the implementation strategy in terms of its effectiveness and utility will form part of a future study. The proposed implementation strategy can be considered as an instrument for the NPO to aid in the management of IT risk. The conclusion of this study contributes to the field of IT risk research of non-profit organisations in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Assessing Diabetes distress amongst type 2 Diabetic patients at the Mhlontlo sub-district healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo health District
- Authors: Mboniso, Veronica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Diabetes , Medical care , Primary health care -- OR Tambo Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60111 , vital:63096
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine condition that requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to its management to ensure patient well-being, although this can be challenging for various reasons. In addition, diabetes is a behavioural and emotionally demanding condition that could affect the psychosocial well-being of a patient. Diabetes distress is quite common in people living with diabetes, as they lose hope easily, especially when their diabetes is uncontrolled. The research study identified and described factors contributing to diabetes distress amongst type 2 diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo Health District. Probability sampling was used to select patients who were 18 years and older after approval from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and relevant authorisation was obtained. The study was conducted between August and October 2021, using a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which had been adapted from the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) created by Polonsky et al. (2005). A total of 136 diabetic patients completed the questionnaire, which comprised three sections: demographic information (Section A); the DDS-17 (Section B); and contributing factors to diabetes distress in diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics (Section C). The researcher conducted a pilot study in one of the clinics to check the feasibility of the questionnaire. After the data were collected, it was statistically analysed with the assistance of a statistician to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysed data revealed that most of the diabetic patients indicated that they found travelling far to fetch medication and standing in long queues at the clinic distressing. Therefore, they wanted the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme to be rolled out to bring medication to them. The results also revealed that the patients' diabetes distress was exacerbated by them having to travel to clinics in search of medication when their usual clinic had no adequate v stocks of medication. Another factor contributing to the patients’ diabetes distress was the lack of a doctor on site. The patients indicated that doctors should be available at the clinics, even periodically, to address problems that cannot be solved by nurses. The absence of haemoglucotest (HGT machines at clinics was another contributing factor to diabetes distress. Most of the patients in the study felt that they would manage their diabetes better if the government supplied these machines. The results informed various recommendations that might help the management of OR Tambo Health District to make changes and thus minimise the diabetes distress reported by its patients. However, the study had limitations, although it observed the principles of reliability and validity. Moreover, ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report, and the study adhered to the principles of informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence and distributive justice. , Thesis (MNur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Lifestyle Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mboniso, Veronica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Diabetes , Medical care , Primary health care -- OR Tambo Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60111 , vital:63096
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine condition that requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to its management to ensure patient well-being, although this can be challenging for various reasons. In addition, diabetes is a behavioural and emotionally demanding condition that could affect the psychosocial well-being of a patient. Diabetes distress is quite common in people living with diabetes, as they lose hope easily, especially when their diabetes is uncontrolled. The research study identified and described factors contributing to diabetes distress amongst type 2 diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo Health District. Probability sampling was used to select patients who were 18 years and older after approval from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and relevant authorisation was obtained. The study was conducted between August and October 2021, using a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which had been adapted from the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) created by Polonsky et al. (2005). A total of 136 diabetic patients completed the questionnaire, which comprised three sections: demographic information (Section A); the DDS-17 (Section B); and contributing factors to diabetes distress in diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics (Section C). The researcher conducted a pilot study in one of the clinics to check the feasibility of the questionnaire. After the data were collected, it was statistically analysed with the assistance of a statistician to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysed data revealed that most of the diabetic patients indicated that they found travelling far to fetch medication and standing in long queues at the clinic distressing. Therefore, they wanted the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme to be rolled out to bring medication to them. The results also revealed that the patients' diabetes distress was exacerbated by them having to travel to clinics in search of medication when their usual clinic had no adequate v stocks of medication. Another factor contributing to the patients’ diabetes distress was the lack of a doctor on site. The patients indicated that doctors should be available at the clinics, even periodically, to address problems that cannot be solved by nurses. The absence of haemoglucotest (HGT machines at clinics was another contributing factor to diabetes distress. Most of the patients in the study felt that they would manage their diabetes better if the government supplied these machines. The results informed various recommendations that might help the management of OR Tambo Health District to make changes and thus minimise the diabetes distress reported by its patients. However, the study had limitations, although it observed the principles of reliability and validity. Moreover, ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report, and the study adhered to the principles of informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence and distributive justice. , Thesis (MNur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Lifestyle Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Beauty from Ashes:short term postfire regeneration of dune fynbos -thicket vegetation in the South Eastern Cape floristic region
- Authors: Gcina, Sinenjongo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Fynbos ecology – Nelson Mandela University Campus Nature Reserve , Forest fires -- Prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59666 , vital:62319
- Description: Aim This study aims to provide an understanding and a description of the short-term postfire regeneration and ecology of the fynbos-thicket vegetation on a coastal dune system in the southeastern Cape Floristic Region. Another aim is to assess the recovery of the vegetation community by assessing the growth forms and the disturbance response across a range of species from thicket and fynbos communities and to provide a belowground bud bank classification for each of these species in the coastal dune systems. Location The study site was the Mandela University Reserve and the Noordhoek dune fields, situated in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, which is part of the south-eastern Cape Floristic Region. The study site hosts thicket-fynbos mosaic vegetation type that occurs in a Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystem (MCE). Methods Firstly, field observations and photographs of plant species were taken weekly to assess and identify the species that were emerging and persisting in the dune system in the first 12 months postfire. Phenological events of the species that emerged (e.g., flowering, fruiting, leaf growth, leaf yellowing, and leaf abscission) were also observed and reported on. Secondly, an excavation of 21 species (e.g., Jamesbrittenia microphylla, Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata) was conducted to classify the species into their belowground bud bank types. Results There was a rapid emergence of resprouters (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) in the first 12 months postfire. This was followed by their growth; primarily occurring after the rainfall events. The dominant resprouting species (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) entered the system two weeks after the fire. There was a significant difference in the time to the first emergence of the different regeneration groups postfire (P < 0.001): on average, obligate sprouters (OS) appeared 1 month after fire – two months earlier than facultative sprouters (FS) and four months earlier than non-sprouters (NS). There was no statistical evidence to suggest that the FS and non-sprouters NS emerged at different times postfire; however, most NS species were observed in the system 5 months after fire. 4 Exceptions were the NS species Pelargonium grossularoides and Mesembryanthemum aitonis, both annuals that emerged 1 month after fire. A wide range of OS species that appeared earlier in the system (e.g., Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata, and Lauridia tetragona) exhibit underground lateral growth with belowground bud banks (BBBs) from which they recover after disturbance. In total, six BBB types were recorded in this study, namely: bud-bearing root, rhizome, rhizophore, woody rhizome, stem tuber, and corms. The bud-bearing root from woody species was the dominant BBB in this system. Main conclusion The return of species that occurs in the first year after fire occurs rapidly in the first 2 months as resprouting species (primarily OS) appear in the system. Following this, the rate of return of species decreases as reseeding species (primarily NS) gradually reestablish and occupy the gaps in the dune fynbos-thicket vegetation. This study has shown that plant species in this ecosystem are adapted to fire disturbance as their populations are able to reestablish through various regeneration strategies, including resprouting from different types of BBB. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Gcina, Sinenjongo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Fynbos ecology – Nelson Mandela University Campus Nature Reserve , Forest fires -- Prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59666 , vital:62319
- Description: Aim This study aims to provide an understanding and a description of the short-term postfire regeneration and ecology of the fynbos-thicket vegetation on a coastal dune system in the southeastern Cape Floristic Region. Another aim is to assess the recovery of the vegetation community by assessing the growth forms and the disturbance response across a range of species from thicket and fynbos communities and to provide a belowground bud bank classification for each of these species in the coastal dune systems. Location The study site was the Mandela University Reserve and the Noordhoek dune fields, situated in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, which is part of the south-eastern Cape Floristic Region. The study site hosts thicket-fynbos mosaic vegetation type that occurs in a Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystem (MCE). Methods Firstly, field observations and photographs of plant species were taken weekly to assess and identify the species that were emerging and persisting in the dune system in the first 12 months postfire. Phenological events of the species that emerged (e.g., flowering, fruiting, leaf growth, leaf yellowing, and leaf abscission) were also observed and reported on. Secondly, an excavation of 21 species (e.g., Jamesbrittenia microphylla, Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata) was conducted to classify the species into their belowground bud bank types. Results There was a rapid emergence of resprouters (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) in the first 12 months postfire. This was followed by their growth; primarily occurring after the rainfall events. The dominant resprouting species (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) entered the system two weeks after the fire. There was a significant difference in the time to the first emergence of the different regeneration groups postfire (P < 0.001): on average, obligate sprouters (OS) appeared 1 month after fire – two months earlier than facultative sprouters (FS) and four months earlier than non-sprouters (NS). There was no statistical evidence to suggest that the FS and non-sprouters NS emerged at different times postfire; however, most NS species were observed in the system 5 months after fire. 4 Exceptions were the NS species Pelargonium grossularoides and Mesembryanthemum aitonis, both annuals that emerged 1 month after fire. A wide range of OS species that appeared earlier in the system (e.g., Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata, and Lauridia tetragona) exhibit underground lateral growth with belowground bud banks (BBBs) from which they recover after disturbance. In total, six BBB types were recorded in this study, namely: bud-bearing root, rhizome, rhizophore, woody rhizome, stem tuber, and corms. The bud-bearing root from woody species was the dominant BBB in this system. Main conclusion The return of species that occurs in the first year after fire occurs rapidly in the first 2 months as resprouting species (primarily OS) appear in the system. Following this, the rate of return of species decreases as reseeding species (primarily NS) gradually reestablish and occupy the gaps in the dune fynbos-thicket vegetation. This study has shown that plant species in this ecosystem are adapted to fire disturbance as their populations are able to reestablish through various regeneration strategies, including resprouting from different types of BBB. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Business cycle synchronization in SACU countries: a wavelet coherence analysis
- Authors: Khoza, Sithobile X
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic cycles , Synchronization -- (SACU) Countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60221 , vital:63844
- Description: The discussion on the viability of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as a monetary union has been ongoing for years. SACU is the oldest Customs Union in history, formed in 1910. Employing the Optimum Currency Areas (OCA) theory, the study examined SACU’s readiness for a single currency. There are several technical requirements needed to form an OCA, however, one of the most vital of these with regards to a country’s suitability to enter a currency union is Business Cycle Synchronization. Therefore, SACU’s readiness was tested by establishing Business Cycle synchronization between the 5 member states. Although Business Cycles Synchronization have not been proven, SACU countries have moved towards a complete monetary union because of increasing macroeconomic convergence. Our study using Wavelet analysis sets out to establish if there is a synchronization of Business cycles with SACU members. Cyclical components were isolated, from the real GDP growth rate of each country from 1981 to 2020, using the Hodrick-Prescott filter (HP), Band-Pass filter (BP), and the Christiano-Fitzgerald Filter (CF). In the 2 by 2 analysis, our wavelet coherence showed that SACU countries are synchronized with each other, while South Africa displayed its dominance in the union by showing significant synchronization with all the members of the union both in the short and long run. The Vector wavelet analysis results concluded that, as a group, SACU shows much higher degrees of synchronization. The group synchronization is statistically significant throughout the period of study. Furthermore, there is an indication of consistent synchronization, in the long and short run. Overall, the results of our study conclude that there is synchronization in the SACU countries. Therefore, SACU counties can form an OCA as they meet the desirably requirements. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Khoza, Sithobile X
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic cycles , Synchronization -- (SACU) Countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60221 , vital:63844
- Description: The discussion on the viability of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as a monetary union has been ongoing for years. SACU is the oldest Customs Union in history, formed in 1910. Employing the Optimum Currency Areas (OCA) theory, the study examined SACU’s readiness for a single currency. There are several technical requirements needed to form an OCA, however, one of the most vital of these with regards to a country’s suitability to enter a currency union is Business Cycle Synchronization. Therefore, SACU’s readiness was tested by establishing Business Cycle synchronization between the 5 member states. Although Business Cycles Synchronization have not been proven, SACU countries have moved towards a complete monetary union because of increasing macroeconomic convergence. Our study using Wavelet analysis sets out to establish if there is a synchronization of Business cycles with SACU members. Cyclical components were isolated, from the real GDP growth rate of each country from 1981 to 2020, using the Hodrick-Prescott filter (HP), Band-Pass filter (BP), and the Christiano-Fitzgerald Filter (CF). In the 2 by 2 analysis, our wavelet coherence showed that SACU countries are synchronized with each other, while South Africa displayed its dominance in the union by showing significant synchronization with all the members of the union both in the short and long run. The Vector wavelet analysis results concluded that, as a group, SACU shows much higher degrees of synchronization. The group synchronization is statistically significant throughout the period of study. Furthermore, there is an indication of consistent synchronization, in the long and short run. Overall, the results of our study conclude that there is synchronization in the SACU countries. Therefore, SACU counties can form an OCA as they meet the desirably requirements. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Caring behaviour of midwives who nurse woman during childbirth in Botswana
- Authors: Potokwane, Nancy Osupile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Midwives , Childbirth, Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59821 , vital:62437
- Description: Caring behaviour, which is defined as nurturing another to whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and responsibility, is fundamental to the psychosocial component of midwifery. Midwives ought to show respect, kindness and continuous psychosocial support during childbirth to women, who have the right to receive the highest possible standard of care and to be treated with dignity and respect before, during and after childbirth. However, an increasing number of complaints of the uncaring behaviour of midwives towards labouring women has indicated a problem that has not been fully researched. Therefore, the study aimed to identify and describe caring behaviours in the context of midwives in Botswana; determine the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours of midwives during childbirth; and make recommendations to midwives and unit managers based on Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring, which might lead to the optimisation of caring behaviour in Botswana midwives. A quantitative, descriptive research design was followed to answer the research questions, and a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which had been developed by the researcher based on the literature review, was used to capture data. A purposive sampling method was used to select 200 respondents working in maternity units in the Kgatleng and Greater Gaborone regional health districts in Botswana. The questionnaire was evaluated for reliability and validity to ensure that it consistently and accurately measured what it was intended to measure. A pilot study was conducted with 10 midwives who met the criteria for participation in the study to pre-test the feasibility of the questionnaire in preparation for the main study. In addition, ethical principles, such as informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality and beneficence were followed throughout the study. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was divided into three sections. Section A: Demographic attributes; Section B: Identification and description of the caring behaviour of midwives: Section C: Determination of the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours in midwifery. The data provided by the respondent’s answers to the questionnaires were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®): Version 27 with the assistance of a statistician, thereby generating descriptive and inferential statistics. v The results of the data analysis revealed that most of the respondents provided positive responses, thereby indicating caring behaviour in midwifery practice. However, several factors that inhibit the caring behaviour of midwives were identified, such as a shortage of staff, work overload, a poor working environment, the inconsistent selection of staff for professional development, a lack of equipment, the young age of some of the woman (less than 15 years), the parity of the woman (more than one child) and the negative behaviour of many of the women. Therefore, recommendations for midwives and unit managers based on the five processes of Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring were made that could be used to optimise midwifery care in Botswana. , Thesis (MNurs)-- Faculty of Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Potokwane, Nancy Osupile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Midwives , Childbirth, Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59821 , vital:62437
- Description: Caring behaviour, which is defined as nurturing another to whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and responsibility, is fundamental to the psychosocial component of midwifery. Midwives ought to show respect, kindness and continuous psychosocial support during childbirth to women, who have the right to receive the highest possible standard of care and to be treated with dignity and respect before, during and after childbirth. However, an increasing number of complaints of the uncaring behaviour of midwives towards labouring women has indicated a problem that has not been fully researched. Therefore, the study aimed to identify and describe caring behaviours in the context of midwives in Botswana; determine the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours of midwives during childbirth; and make recommendations to midwives and unit managers based on Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring, which might lead to the optimisation of caring behaviour in Botswana midwives. A quantitative, descriptive research design was followed to answer the research questions, and a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which had been developed by the researcher based on the literature review, was used to capture data. A purposive sampling method was used to select 200 respondents working in maternity units in the Kgatleng and Greater Gaborone regional health districts in Botswana. The questionnaire was evaluated for reliability and validity to ensure that it consistently and accurately measured what it was intended to measure. A pilot study was conducted with 10 midwives who met the criteria for participation in the study to pre-test the feasibility of the questionnaire in preparation for the main study. In addition, ethical principles, such as informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality and beneficence were followed throughout the study. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was divided into three sections. Section A: Demographic attributes; Section B: Identification and description of the caring behaviour of midwives: Section C: Determination of the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours in midwifery. The data provided by the respondent’s answers to the questionnaires were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®): Version 27 with the assistance of a statistician, thereby generating descriptive and inferential statistics. v The results of the data analysis revealed that most of the respondents provided positive responses, thereby indicating caring behaviour in midwifery practice. However, several factors that inhibit the caring behaviour of midwives were identified, such as a shortage of staff, work overload, a poor working environment, the inconsistent selection of staff for professional development, a lack of equipment, the young age of some of the woman (less than 15 years), the parity of the woman (more than one child) and the negative behaviour of many of the women. Therefore, recommendations for midwives and unit managers based on the five processes of Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring were made that could be used to optimise midwifery care in Botswana. , Thesis (MNurs)-- Faculty of Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Challenges faced by healthcare professionals in reporting near miss incidents in a hospital, at the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ntlanganiso, Lindiwe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Industrial accidents , Accident investigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27094 , vital:66276
- Description: Background Recording and investigation of NMIs can provide valuable information on monitoring and enhancing patient safety in the healthcare facilities. This in turn, can reduce the likelihood of medico-legal claims. Regardless of attempts to establish efficient incident reporting systems across the entire healthcare industry, underreporting of errors persists worldwide. Therefore, not only do near miss incidents serve as early warning signs of impending potential failure in the healthcare system, but they also provide a chance for patient safety improvement. With that in mind, this study was undertaken to investigate challenges faced by health care professionals in reporting near miss incidents at a hospital in the Amathole District, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for healthcare management and healthcare professionals on how to better manage NMIs, and by identifying the challenges faced by health care professionals and the impact they have on the quality of care at one state-funded district hospital. Setting The study was conducted with healthcare professionals at a district hospital in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods This study used a mixed method study design. Purposive and convenience sampling were used for participants’ selection for the study. Quantitative data was collected using the WHO Near-Miss Approach while individual and focus group interviews with healthcare professionals were carried out for collecting qualitative data. The maternity and neonatal intensive care units were identified as the two high-risk areas from which most medical negligence claims are lodged. The number of complications that occurred in each month of the year 2019 was determined by using components of the WHO near miss approach. The researcher adopted this approach to serve as a baseline assessment. Data was analysed using both Nvivo Version 10 and SPSS Version 20. Findings The challenges that healthcare professionals face in reporting near miss incidents at the study site included lack of knowledge about the reporting tool and system, inability to identify a near miss incident and healthcare professional attitudes and practices. The document review revealed that the NMIs are existent but not reported on the prescribed reporting system, a total of 210 actual incidents had occurred in the maternity and neonatal units of the hospital, which accounts for 62% of the 357 deliveries in the year 2019. Conclusion Based on the study result and findings, the healthcare system should shift towards a proactive rather than a reactive approach to medical and clinical errors. Continuously reducing the incidence of all patient safety incidents requires improved prevention strategies and effective strategies for recovery from possible medico-legal claims. The study further suggests that additional focus should be placed on NMI reporting and investigation so that operative improvement plans can be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. In essence, these improvement plans should be designed to progress patient care, reduce avoidable PSIs and reduce medico-legal claims. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Ntlanganiso, Lindiwe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Industrial accidents , Accident investigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27094 , vital:66276
- Description: Background Recording and investigation of NMIs can provide valuable information on monitoring and enhancing patient safety in the healthcare facilities. This in turn, can reduce the likelihood of medico-legal claims. Regardless of attempts to establish efficient incident reporting systems across the entire healthcare industry, underreporting of errors persists worldwide. Therefore, not only do near miss incidents serve as early warning signs of impending potential failure in the healthcare system, but they also provide a chance for patient safety improvement. With that in mind, this study was undertaken to investigate challenges faced by health care professionals in reporting near miss incidents at a hospital in the Amathole District, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for healthcare management and healthcare professionals on how to better manage NMIs, and by identifying the challenges faced by health care professionals and the impact they have on the quality of care at one state-funded district hospital. Setting The study was conducted with healthcare professionals at a district hospital in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods This study used a mixed method study design. Purposive and convenience sampling were used for participants’ selection for the study. Quantitative data was collected using the WHO Near-Miss Approach while individual and focus group interviews with healthcare professionals were carried out for collecting qualitative data. The maternity and neonatal intensive care units were identified as the two high-risk areas from which most medical negligence claims are lodged. The number of complications that occurred in each month of the year 2019 was determined by using components of the WHO near miss approach. The researcher adopted this approach to serve as a baseline assessment. Data was analysed using both Nvivo Version 10 and SPSS Version 20. Findings The challenges that healthcare professionals face in reporting near miss incidents at the study site included lack of knowledge about the reporting tool and system, inability to identify a near miss incident and healthcare professional attitudes and practices. The document review revealed that the NMIs are existent but not reported on the prescribed reporting system, a total of 210 actual incidents had occurred in the maternity and neonatal units of the hospital, which accounts for 62% of the 357 deliveries in the year 2019. Conclusion Based on the study result and findings, the healthcare system should shift towards a proactive rather than a reactive approach to medical and clinical errors. Continuously reducing the incidence of all patient safety incidents requires improved prevention strategies and effective strategies for recovery from possible medico-legal claims. The study further suggests that additional focus should be placed on NMI reporting and investigation so that operative improvement plans can be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. In essence, these improvement plans should be designed to progress patient care, reduce avoidable PSIs and reduce medico-legal claims. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Characterising termite mound spatial patterns in the Eastern Cape Karoo : applying drone remote sensing,GIS and spatial statistics
- Mngcele, Lizalise Sive Nqaba
- Authors: Mngcele, Lizalise Sive Nqaba
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Drone aircraft in remote sensing – Eastern Cape Karoo , Termites , Geographic information Systems – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59555 , vital:62169
- Description: The Eastern Cape Karoo in South Africa has been earmarked for potential Shale Gas development, which has necessitated the understanding of existing ecosystems to be quantiĄed pre-development, in order to have a baseline against which the exploration can be monitored. Termite mounds as baseline mechanisms, are known to be sensitive to ecosystem disturbance and because of their abundance in the exploration zone, have been studied as indicator species. They are both a surface and subsurface phenomena which makes them an ideal baseline monitoring mechanism. Termite mound height, basal circumference and geospatial data was collected against natural and anthropogenic factors: elevation, vegetation, water, soil, geology, human settlements and roads. Mound distributions were observed across four study sites, and seven plots, using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, an aerial and ground survey. Observed mound data on the drone and aerial survey was compared to that of the ground survey. Overall, the drone survey outperformed the aerial survey in recording accurate termite mound data. This was largely attributed to the scale of the study which gave the drone a competitive advantage. It allowed for drone data to be collected at 40 m altitude with an image resolution of 2-6 cm/pixel on each plot. In addition, drone detection accuracy was improved through the ability to generate digital surface models (DSMs) through point clouds and overlaying them with orthomosaics. Considering observed mound spatial point patterns, both the drone and aerial survey were more than 50% percent consistent with the ground survey, although the drone survey detected 28.57% more accurate mound spatial point patterns than the aerial survey. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mngcele, Lizalise Sive Nqaba
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Drone aircraft in remote sensing – Eastern Cape Karoo , Termites , Geographic information Systems – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59555 , vital:62169
- Description: The Eastern Cape Karoo in South Africa has been earmarked for potential Shale Gas development, which has necessitated the understanding of existing ecosystems to be quantiĄed pre-development, in order to have a baseline against which the exploration can be monitored. Termite mounds as baseline mechanisms, are known to be sensitive to ecosystem disturbance and because of their abundance in the exploration zone, have been studied as indicator species. They are both a surface and subsurface phenomena which makes them an ideal baseline monitoring mechanism. Termite mound height, basal circumference and geospatial data was collected against natural and anthropogenic factors: elevation, vegetation, water, soil, geology, human settlements and roads. Mound distributions were observed across four study sites, and seven plots, using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, an aerial and ground survey. Observed mound data on the drone and aerial survey was compared to that of the ground survey. Overall, the drone survey outperformed the aerial survey in recording accurate termite mound data. This was largely attributed to the scale of the study which gave the drone a competitive advantage. It allowed for drone data to be collected at 40 m altitude with an image resolution of 2-6 cm/pixel on each plot. In addition, drone detection accuracy was improved through the ability to generate digital surface models (DSMs) through point clouds and overlaying them with orthomosaics. Considering observed mound spatial point patterns, both the drone and aerial survey were more than 50% percent consistent with the ground survey, although the drone survey detected 28.57% more accurate mound spatial point patterns than the aerial survey. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Co-development of online violence against women and girls prevention interventions with school-going adolescents
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Prevention , Transformative communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60188 , vital:63214
- Description: Background: Violence against women and girls (VAWG)amongst adolescents remains a global public health problem. Globally, an estimated 24 per cent of girls aged 15-19 are reported to have experienced VAWG before the age of 20. Experience of VAWG has far reaching health and educational consequences. Thus, the prevention of VAWG needs to be a priority. In recent years, there has been an increase in web-based or online violence prevention interventions. However, these interventions are either secondary prevention interventions, or primary prevention interventions, focused on emergency or protective solutions. Current evidence indicates that group-based participatory violence prevention interventions are an important approach to the primary prevention of VAWG but there remains a gap in understanding if these interventions can be delivered online. Further, it remains unclear if co-development of group-based participatory violence prevention interventions with young people – which has been proposed to enhance contextualisation of interventions – can occur online. Goal and specific objectives: This study aimed to explore and understand the feasibility of co-developing an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention for adolescents. The specific objectives of this study were (i) from the perspective of experts understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, (ii) from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online and (iii) Undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents. ix Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was guided by the intervention development framework: 6 Essential Steps for Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID). Data were collected online using in-depth semi-structured interviews, with 20 experts sampled through convenience and snowball strategies and 18 purposively sampled adolescents, to achieve objectives one and two. This was then followed by a co-development process with high school-going adolescents (ages 18- 19 years) to achieve objective three. In the co-development process, the candidate worked with a small group of adolescents (four adolescents) for five sessions online, over a period of two weeks. In these sessions, the co-development team engaged in discussions on sexual violence, which resulted in creation of a problem tree and populated a theory of change table. Data were transcribed in English, verbatim and analysed using thematic network analyses. Findings: Findings for the first objective about understanding from the perspective of experts the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, showed experts identified several opportunities for these. Specifically, experts identified the potential of bringing these interventions to scale, which has been a challenge for in-person interventions, as well as accessing hard to reach groups, such as people in conflict settings, those on the move and people with limited mobility. However, experts felt there were many complex questions in the development of an online VAWG prevention intervention that needed resolving. Some of the challenges raised by experts included concerns of achieving privacy, trust, and safety online, which are central to achieving transformative communication. Experts also struggled to grapple with how a sense of community could be achieved online. There were also concerns amongst experts about material challenges such as access to devices, access to data and poor connectivity. x Interestingly, younger experts were more open to online participatory interventions than the more experienced experts. Findings for objective two “from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online”, young people reported they were keen and open to the idea of online group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions. They discussed how they enjoyed engaging in online groups and often experienced a sense of belonging in these groups. Yet, like the experts, school-going adolescents were concerned about safety, privacy, and trust in online groups. These concerns shaped adolescents’ willingness to disclose sensitive information online and ability to engage in open dialogue. Concern over privacy, trust and safety online also influenced adolescents’ choices over which apps to engage with, and with whom. Young people were active in thinking through and addressing how they dealt with safety, privacy and trust issues online. The third objective was “to undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents”, which was done over two weeks. A range of positive outcomes were identified. Firstly, young people enjoyed the level of autonomy and their depth of involvement in the process. They had come into the process anticipating being lectured to and were pleasantly surprised to find that their role was central, and they would drive the process. Secondly, adolescents were eager to be involved and appreciated being ‘heard’. This allowed for a more extensive exploration of their understanding on the topic, and development of the intervention activities that emerged. Thirdly, young people found it easy to build rapport online, both amongst each other, and with the facilitator, which made communication in the group easier. Importantly, this group of adolescents had their own laptops, or cell phones to use, and the project provided data for the young people to participate. However, there were also challenges to the process of coxi development. The central challenge was that young people and facilitator often slipped into a form of teacher-learner communication, driven by their prior histories of didactic education, which led the adolescents to ‘fearing’ to give ‘wrong’ responses. The facilitator also struggled on how to maintain adolescents’ autonomy of thought, while also incorporating ‘scientific evidence’ in the emerging intervention activities. Furthermore, the more talkative school-going adolescents took the centre stage in the discussions, with the quieter ones remaining quiet. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the feasibility of taking group-based participatory interventions online are possible, but this is shaped by a complex set of factors, that impact on the possibilities for transformative communication, and on the creation of safe social spaces – such as trust, privacy, safety. The central question is whether the theoretical constructs of transformative communication and safe social spaces are achievable online. A significant step in moving towards enabling transformative communication online will be addressing the issues of privacy, safety and trust. Careful training of facilitators around skills to facilitate group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions online is also recommended. The complexities of delivering online participatory interventions require careful consideration, and this needs to be developed and thought about in conjunction with school-going adolescents (the target group), to ensure that interventions resonate with their needs and requirements. Future directions in this research field are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Prevention , Transformative communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60188 , vital:63214
- Description: Background: Violence against women and girls (VAWG)amongst adolescents remains a global public health problem. Globally, an estimated 24 per cent of girls aged 15-19 are reported to have experienced VAWG before the age of 20. Experience of VAWG has far reaching health and educational consequences. Thus, the prevention of VAWG needs to be a priority. In recent years, there has been an increase in web-based or online violence prevention interventions. However, these interventions are either secondary prevention interventions, or primary prevention interventions, focused on emergency or protective solutions. Current evidence indicates that group-based participatory violence prevention interventions are an important approach to the primary prevention of VAWG but there remains a gap in understanding if these interventions can be delivered online. Further, it remains unclear if co-development of group-based participatory violence prevention interventions with young people – which has been proposed to enhance contextualisation of interventions – can occur online. Goal and specific objectives: This study aimed to explore and understand the feasibility of co-developing an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention for adolescents. The specific objectives of this study were (i) from the perspective of experts understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, (ii) from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online and (iii) Undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents. ix Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was guided by the intervention development framework: 6 Essential Steps for Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID). Data were collected online using in-depth semi-structured interviews, with 20 experts sampled through convenience and snowball strategies and 18 purposively sampled adolescents, to achieve objectives one and two. This was then followed by a co-development process with high school-going adolescents (ages 18- 19 years) to achieve objective three. In the co-development process, the candidate worked with a small group of adolescents (four adolescents) for five sessions online, over a period of two weeks. In these sessions, the co-development team engaged in discussions on sexual violence, which resulted in creation of a problem tree and populated a theory of change table. Data were transcribed in English, verbatim and analysed using thematic network analyses. Findings: Findings for the first objective about understanding from the perspective of experts the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, showed experts identified several opportunities for these. Specifically, experts identified the potential of bringing these interventions to scale, which has been a challenge for in-person interventions, as well as accessing hard to reach groups, such as people in conflict settings, those on the move and people with limited mobility. However, experts felt there were many complex questions in the development of an online VAWG prevention intervention that needed resolving. Some of the challenges raised by experts included concerns of achieving privacy, trust, and safety online, which are central to achieving transformative communication. Experts also struggled to grapple with how a sense of community could be achieved online. There were also concerns amongst experts about material challenges such as access to devices, access to data and poor connectivity. x Interestingly, younger experts were more open to online participatory interventions than the more experienced experts. Findings for objective two “from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online”, young people reported they were keen and open to the idea of online group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions. They discussed how they enjoyed engaging in online groups and often experienced a sense of belonging in these groups. Yet, like the experts, school-going adolescents were concerned about safety, privacy, and trust in online groups. These concerns shaped adolescents’ willingness to disclose sensitive information online and ability to engage in open dialogue. Concern over privacy, trust and safety online also influenced adolescents’ choices over which apps to engage with, and with whom. Young people were active in thinking through and addressing how they dealt with safety, privacy and trust issues online. The third objective was “to undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents”, which was done over two weeks. A range of positive outcomes were identified. Firstly, young people enjoyed the level of autonomy and their depth of involvement in the process. They had come into the process anticipating being lectured to and were pleasantly surprised to find that their role was central, and they would drive the process. Secondly, adolescents were eager to be involved and appreciated being ‘heard’. This allowed for a more extensive exploration of their understanding on the topic, and development of the intervention activities that emerged. Thirdly, young people found it easy to build rapport online, both amongst each other, and with the facilitator, which made communication in the group easier. Importantly, this group of adolescents had their own laptops, or cell phones to use, and the project provided data for the young people to participate. However, there were also challenges to the process of coxi development. The central challenge was that young people and facilitator often slipped into a form of teacher-learner communication, driven by their prior histories of didactic education, which led the adolescents to ‘fearing’ to give ‘wrong’ responses. The facilitator also struggled on how to maintain adolescents’ autonomy of thought, while also incorporating ‘scientific evidence’ in the emerging intervention activities. Furthermore, the more talkative school-going adolescents took the centre stage in the discussions, with the quieter ones remaining quiet. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the feasibility of taking group-based participatory interventions online are possible, but this is shaped by a complex set of factors, that impact on the possibilities for transformative communication, and on the creation of safe social spaces – such as trust, privacy, safety. The central question is whether the theoretical constructs of transformative communication and safe social spaces are achievable online. A significant step in moving towards enabling transformative communication online will be addressing the issues of privacy, safety and trust. Careful training of facilitators around skills to facilitate group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions online is also recommended. The complexities of delivering online participatory interventions require careful consideration, and this needs to be developed and thought about in conjunction with school-going adolescents (the target group), to ensure that interventions resonate with their needs and requirements. Future directions in this research field are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Comparison of in vitro activities of selected Ganoderma species in relation to skin diseases
- Authors: Van Aardt, Robin Kaylah
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Ganoderma diseases of plants -- South Africa , Macrophages
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61143 , vital:69766
- Description: Ganoderma species of macrofungi have been reported to have a multitude of medicinal properties, however, there is limited information on this genus in South Africa. The goal of this study was to compare biological activities of selected Ganoderma spp. in relation to skin diseases with emphasis on the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in vitro activities. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts prepared from six samples of G. lucidum [two commercial products (MG-LZ8 and Medi Mushroom Reishi extract), polar, antler, fruiting body and mycelium] and ten cultivated Ganoderma spp. were screened for bioactivities. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium (INT) assay against skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Cytotoxicity was determined using bisBenzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst/ PI) staining on the B16F10 melanoma cell line. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Immune modulatory effects included detection of phagocytic activity and phenotypic changes of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The phenotypic macrophage polarisation of the extracts on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells was tested by treating the cells with the extracts and measuring the fluorescence of cell surface markers. CD86 was used as indicator for the M1 phenotype and CD206 as a general marker for M2 phenotypes. The commercially available and cultivated G. lucidum extracts did not show antibacterial activity within the 0-2mg/mL concentration range tested. The commercially available MG-LZ8 G. lucidum extract expressed cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 21.26 µg/mL while the ethanolic conk fruiting body and mycelial G. lucidum extract showed a significant reduction in live cells, indicating anti-proliferative activity. G. destructans mycelial ethanol extract displayed anti-proliferative activity at a concentration of 200 μg/mL which shows great potential as a mycelial extract. All the G. lucidum extracts exhibited free radical scavenging abilities with the Ganoderma spp. showing little to no measurable activity. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp extracts had similar responses without inflammatory activity for the concentration ranges tested. The extracts did not increase macrophage phagocytic activity using the pHrodo™ Green E. coli iii BioParticles™ Conjugate. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp. extracts induced macrophage polarisation toward the M2 phenotype, with the G. lucidum antler and conk fruiting body extracts displaying significant activity. This study illustrates one of the first investigations of the bioactivity of indigenous Ganoderma spp.; G. destructans type and G. eickeri, spp. nov. identified by Coeztee et al (2015). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Van Aardt, Robin Kaylah
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Ganoderma diseases of plants -- South Africa , Macrophages
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61143 , vital:69766
- Description: Ganoderma species of macrofungi have been reported to have a multitude of medicinal properties, however, there is limited information on this genus in South Africa. The goal of this study was to compare biological activities of selected Ganoderma spp. in relation to skin diseases with emphasis on the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in vitro activities. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts prepared from six samples of G. lucidum [two commercial products (MG-LZ8 and Medi Mushroom Reishi extract), polar, antler, fruiting body and mycelium] and ten cultivated Ganoderma spp. were screened for bioactivities. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium (INT) assay against skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Cytotoxicity was determined using bisBenzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst/ PI) staining on the B16F10 melanoma cell line. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Immune modulatory effects included detection of phagocytic activity and phenotypic changes of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The phenotypic macrophage polarisation of the extracts on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells was tested by treating the cells with the extracts and measuring the fluorescence of cell surface markers. CD86 was used as indicator for the M1 phenotype and CD206 as a general marker for M2 phenotypes. The commercially available and cultivated G. lucidum extracts did not show antibacterial activity within the 0-2mg/mL concentration range tested. The commercially available MG-LZ8 G. lucidum extract expressed cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 21.26 µg/mL while the ethanolic conk fruiting body and mycelial G. lucidum extract showed a significant reduction in live cells, indicating anti-proliferative activity. G. destructans mycelial ethanol extract displayed anti-proliferative activity at a concentration of 200 μg/mL which shows great potential as a mycelial extract. All the G. lucidum extracts exhibited free radical scavenging abilities with the Ganoderma spp. showing little to no measurable activity. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp extracts had similar responses without inflammatory activity for the concentration ranges tested. The extracts did not increase macrophage phagocytic activity using the pHrodo™ Green E. coli iii BioParticles™ Conjugate. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp. extracts induced macrophage polarisation toward the M2 phenotype, with the G. lucidum antler and conk fruiting body extracts displaying significant activity. This study illustrates one of the first investigations of the bioactivity of indigenous Ganoderma spp.; G. destructans type and G. eickeri, spp. nov. identified by Coeztee et al (2015). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Converged data and sensing over optical fiber networks
- Authors: Shumane, Vela
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Optical fiber subscriber loops -- South Africa , Chemical detectors , Internet -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59968 , vital:62722
- Description: Internet connectivity, data and sensors have become increasingly important across all spheres of business and industry, especially in the mining sector. Recent years have seen deeper mining explorations as a result of the depletion of natural resources in shallow strata. Due to complex and unexpected geological conditions as well as significant ground stresses, deep stratum mining operations encounter a number of difficulties. It is essential that the mining industry be more innovative with their equipment and monitoring systems given the rise in expenses caused by energy consumption, concessions to surface integrity, worldwide freshwater shortage, as well as health and safety of miners. Any attempt to eliminate these mining consequences must start with early discovery. An effective plan to anticipate, prevent, or manage geohazards events must be in place because to these complex and unpredictably occurring geological circumstances. Due to their capacity to combine gigabits of data from remote locations within the mine to a centralized control centre, optical fiber offers a variety of distinctive advantages within the mining industry. In order to attain maximum productivity, modern and effective mining operations use enhanced control techniques and increasing mechanization. Additionally, optical fibers can be utilized in a mine to safely monitor seismic activity, methane, roof collapses, rock bursts, explosions, and dangerous underground mine settings. Multimode or multi-core fibers represent a particularly intriguing alternative for transmissions over small distances, especially for broad band local area networks like LANs, as they enable the use of affordable components. Due to the current state of these issues, there is a drive to create fiber optic communication links that can also function as distributed optical fiber sensors, where each point along the fiber can function as a continuous array of sensors. In this thesis, we suggested and experimentally demonstrated a converged solution for precise vibration sensing and high-speed data in mining applications. With wireless access for people and equipment inside cavities, the solution uses multimode fiber to link nearby mining cavities. To track vibrations and earth tremors causing rock falls, polarization-based vibration sensors over multimode fiber is used. With a modal dispersion penalty of just 1.6 dB, photonic data transmission across 100 m of multimode fiber is successfully accomplished. Successful 1.7 GHz wireless transmission across a distance of 1 m is demonstrated, and vibrations between 50 Hz and 1 kHz may be reliably detected to within 0.02 percent of the true value. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Shumane, Vela
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Optical fiber subscriber loops -- South Africa , Chemical detectors , Internet -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59968 , vital:62722
- Description: Internet connectivity, data and sensors have become increasingly important across all spheres of business and industry, especially in the mining sector. Recent years have seen deeper mining explorations as a result of the depletion of natural resources in shallow strata. Due to complex and unexpected geological conditions as well as significant ground stresses, deep stratum mining operations encounter a number of difficulties. It is essential that the mining industry be more innovative with their equipment and monitoring systems given the rise in expenses caused by energy consumption, concessions to surface integrity, worldwide freshwater shortage, as well as health and safety of miners. Any attempt to eliminate these mining consequences must start with early discovery. An effective plan to anticipate, prevent, or manage geohazards events must be in place because to these complex and unpredictably occurring geological circumstances. Due to their capacity to combine gigabits of data from remote locations within the mine to a centralized control centre, optical fiber offers a variety of distinctive advantages within the mining industry. In order to attain maximum productivity, modern and effective mining operations use enhanced control techniques and increasing mechanization. Additionally, optical fibers can be utilized in a mine to safely monitor seismic activity, methane, roof collapses, rock bursts, explosions, and dangerous underground mine settings. Multimode or multi-core fibers represent a particularly intriguing alternative for transmissions over small distances, especially for broad band local area networks like LANs, as they enable the use of affordable components. Due to the current state of these issues, there is a drive to create fiber optic communication links that can also function as distributed optical fiber sensors, where each point along the fiber can function as a continuous array of sensors. In this thesis, we suggested and experimentally demonstrated a converged solution for precise vibration sensing and high-speed data in mining applications. With wireless access for people and equipment inside cavities, the solution uses multimode fiber to link nearby mining cavities. To track vibrations and earth tremors causing rock falls, polarization-based vibration sensors over multimode fiber is used. With a modal dispersion penalty of just 1.6 dB, photonic data transmission across 100 m of multimode fiber is successfully accomplished. Successful 1.7 GHz wireless transmission across a distance of 1 m is demonstrated, and vibrations between 50 Hz and 1 kHz may be reliably detected to within 0.02 percent of the true value. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Cost control challenges in Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Ntete, Patrick
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Cost control, Eastern Cape , Health Department
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59799 , vital:62435
- Description: Cost control in the South African public health sector has become a major concern due to the amount of money that the government loses every financial year. If costs in the South African public health sector are not kept under control there might be catastrophic consequences. Regardless of the challenges in controlling costs in the health sector, scant studies have explored the cost control phenomenon, which is seen as a scientific management technique to control and lessen the cost of conducting business. Keeping costs under control in the health sector became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic when the budgetary burden on the health sector worsened. This study aimed to identify challenges to cost control in the Eastern Cape Department of Health and come up with recommendations on how the challenges can be addressed. The study followed a qualitative research approach and an interview schedule with open-ended questions was prepared to answer the research questions that were formulated. The research sample consisted of 13 employees of the Eastern Cape Department of Health with work experience ranging between 11 and 15 years to ensure credible data. The study’s findings revealed that the participants who were interviewed had an idea of the cost control concept; that cost containment committees help reduce costs by monitoring and evaluating expenditure to ensure that the funds that are spent result in added value; that cost control is an important concept in the health sector, as it ensures that expenditure is reduced and that the influx of undocumented immigrants exerts unexpected pressure on the health sector as these people are generally not taken into account when the budget is drawn up. Findings from the study could assist in formulating strategies that can be employed to improve cost control in the health sector, for example, immunisation and educating employees and management about cost control measures and how they can be implemented. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Ntete, Patrick
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Cost control, Eastern Cape , Health Department
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59799 , vital:62435
- Description: Cost control in the South African public health sector has become a major concern due to the amount of money that the government loses every financial year. If costs in the South African public health sector are not kept under control there might be catastrophic consequences. Regardless of the challenges in controlling costs in the health sector, scant studies have explored the cost control phenomenon, which is seen as a scientific management technique to control and lessen the cost of conducting business. Keeping costs under control in the health sector became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic when the budgetary burden on the health sector worsened. This study aimed to identify challenges to cost control in the Eastern Cape Department of Health and come up with recommendations on how the challenges can be addressed. The study followed a qualitative research approach and an interview schedule with open-ended questions was prepared to answer the research questions that were formulated. The research sample consisted of 13 employees of the Eastern Cape Department of Health with work experience ranging between 11 and 15 years to ensure credible data. The study’s findings revealed that the participants who were interviewed had an idea of the cost control concept; that cost containment committees help reduce costs by monitoring and evaluating expenditure to ensure that the funds that are spent result in added value; that cost control is an important concept in the health sector, as it ensures that expenditure is reduced and that the influx of undocumented immigrants exerts unexpected pressure on the health sector as these people are generally not taken into account when the budget is drawn up. Findings from the study could assist in formulating strategies that can be employed to improve cost control in the health sector, for example, immunisation and educating employees and management about cost control measures and how they can be implemented. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Development of a continuous flow process towards the synthesis of fluvastatin: a lipid lowering drug
- Authors: Singata, Mzuvukile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Drug development – South Africa , Drugs --Law and legislation , Pharmaceutical technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59587 , vital:62175
- Description: Access to pharmaceuticals in low to middle income countries affects not only the health of a nation, but also the economy. Global pandemics such as the SARS COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated this disparity. A potential solution to this crisis is an efficient and reliable means of local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Current manufacturing plants heavily rely on batch processes as their primary form of production. Batch production has been shown to have numerous disadvantages that impede the reliable production of drugs. Flow chemistry presents a possible solution to this impediment. Numerous advantages of flow chemistry make this technology a better and safer option for production; these include improved safety, faster reaction times and improved reaction control. In this research we present the use of flow chemistry towards the synthesis of fluvastatin, a lipid lowering drug for individuals that suffer from hypercholesterolemia, which is characterised by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein that is sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol. Chapter 1 provides a detailed description of the background to the problem of hypercholesterolemia; in this chapter the role of cholesterol in the body and how it can end up becoming a problem is outlined. An in-depth analysis of flow chemistry is provided and finally the problem statement, aims and objectives are presented. Chapter 2 give a detailed description of the instrumentation and chemicals used in the research. A description of experimental methodology towards the synthesis of all intermediates in batch and flow systems is provided. Chapter 3 provides all the data collected from the research and describes a multivariate optimization of the intermediates towards the synthesis of fluvastatin. The first intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (60%) and flow systems at an improved conversion of 98% in a residence time of 15 minutes. The second intermediate was also obtained in batch (32%) and using continuous flow systems at a conversion of 75% and a residence time of 25 minutes. The third intermediate was successfully cyclized in batch using ZnCl2 (50%) and via continuous flow using Amberlite IR120 in a packed column reactor at a residence time of 15 minutes at 95°C, to obtain a conversion of 98%. The final intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (62%) and in flow; it was obtained at 98% at a residence time of 15 minutes using continuous flow. Chapter 4 provides a conclusion of the study; it also provides a description of the future work and recommendations for this research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Development of a continuous flow process towards the synthesis of fluvastatin: a lipid lowering drug
- Authors: Singata, Mzuvukile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Drug development – South Africa , Drugs --Law and legislation , Pharmaceutical technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59587 , vital:62175
- Description: Access to pharmaceuticals in low to middle income countries affects not only the health of a nation, but also the economy. Global pandemics such as the SARS COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated this disparity. A potential solution to this crisis is an efficient and reliable means of local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Current manufacturing plants heavily rely on batch processes as their primary form of production. Batch production has been shown to have numerous disadvantages that impede the reliable production of drugs. Flow chemistry presents a possible solution to this impediment. Numerous advantages of flow chemistry make this technology a better and safer option for production; these include improved safety, faster reaction times and improved reaction control. In this research we present the use of flow chemistry towards the synthesis of fluvastatin, a lipid lowering drug for individuals that suffer from hypercholesterolemia, which is characterised by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein that is sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol. Chapter 1 provides a detailed description of the background to the problem of hypercholesterolemia; in this chapter the role of cholesterol in the body and how it can end up becoming a problem is outlined. An in-depth analysis of flow chemistry is provided and finally the problem statement, aims and objectives are presented. Chapter 2 give a detailed description of the instrumentation and chemicals used in the research. A description of experimental methodology towards the synthesis of all intermediates in batch and flow systems is provided. Chapter 3 provides all the data collected from the research and describes a multivariate optimization of the intermediates towards the synthesis of fluvastatin. The first intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (60%) and flow systems at an improved conversion of 98% in a residence time of 15 minutes. The second intermediate was also obtained in batch (32%) and using continuous flow systems at a conversion of 75% and a residence time of 25 minutes. The third intermediate was successfully cyclized in batch using ZnCl2 (50%) and via continuous flow using Amberlite IR120 in a packed column reactor at a residence time of 15 minutes at 95°C, to obtain a conversion of 98%. The final intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (62%) and in flow; it was obtained at 98% at a residence time of 15 minutes using continuous flow. Chapter 4 provides a conclusion of the study; it also provides a description of the future work and recommendations for this research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Development of a crumb rubber adsorbent for the sorption of lead and copper from waste water: Optimization of sorption in a binary component system
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Development of a therapeutic drug monitoring model for aminoglycosides at a private hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Swanepoel, Caro Mae
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Aminoglycosides -- Eastern Cape , Nephrotoxicity -- Eastern Cape , Drug Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60276 , vital:64291
- Description: Background: Aminoglycosides are highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) performed in patients receiving aminoglycosides can potentially reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance as well as aminoglycoside-induced toxicity and side effects. Primary Aim: The study aimed to identify TDM practices and subsequently develop a model for aminoglycoside TDM at a private hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methodology: Phase One involved the collection of data from the hospital’s database, using a purpose-designed data collection tool. Data from 135 eligible patients who received aminoglycoside therapy from June 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed. Data was captured, coded and analysed (using differential analysis). Semi-structured interviews were conducted (Phase Two) with three physicians and five pharmacists. Interview transcripts were coded using a combination of inductive and deductive coding techniques, followed by thematic analysis. The data was triangulated and used, together with recommendations from similar guidelines, to design a context-specific model for aminoglycoside TDM at the hospital. Results and Discussion: Results from Phases One and Two showed that TDM was not being performed correctly at the hospital. The overall incidence of aminoglycoside TDM was 19.26% (N = 135). The highest incidence of TDM occurred in ICU patients (n = 31; 51.61%). Drug monitoring was not consistently conducted in elderly (≥65 years) patients, or in those with signs of renal impairment; even though interviewed physicians and pharmacists identified elderly and renally impaired patients as “high risk” patients. Challenges regarding implementation of aminoglycoside TDM were explored. A lack of competent staff and time constraints were identified as major barriers to quality TDM services. Conclusion: The daily practices and TDM challenges at the site were considered during the design of the aminoglycoside TDM model, which can potentially facilitate better execution and monitoring practices for aminoglycosides at the private hospital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Swanepoel, Caro Mae
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Aminoglycosides -- Eastern Cape , Nephrotoxicity -- Eastern Cape , Drug Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60276 , vital:64291
- Description: Background: Aminoglycosides are highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) performed in patients receiving aminoglycosides can potentially reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance as well as aminoglycoside-induced toxicity and side effects. Primary Aim: The study aimed to identify TDM practices and subsequently develop a model for aminoglycoside TDM at a private hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methodology: Phase One involved the collection of data from the hospital’s database, using a purpose-designed data collection tool. Data from 135 eligible patients who received aminoglycoside therapy from June 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed. Data was captured, coded and analysed (using differential analysis). Semi-structured interviews were conducted (Phase Two) with three physicians and five pharmacists. Interview transcripts were coded using a combination of inductive and deductive coding techniques, followed by thematic analysis. The data was triangulated and used, together with recommendations from similar guidelines, to design a context-specific model for aminoglycoside TDM at the hospital. Results and Discussion: Results from Phases One and Two showed that TDM was not being performed correctly at the hospital. The overall incidence of aminoglycoside TDM was 19.26% (N = 135). The highest incidence of TDM occurred in ICU patients (n = 31; 51.61%). Drug monitoring was not consistently conducted in elderly (≥65 years) patients, or in those with signs of renal impairment; even though interviewed physicians and pharmacists identified elderly and renally impaired patients as “high risk” patients. Challenges regarding implementation of aminoglycoside TDM were explored. A lack of competent staff and time constraints were identified as major barriers to quality TDM services. Conclusion: The daily practices and TDM challenges at the site were considered during the design of the aminoglycoside TDM model, which can potentially facilitate better execution and monitoring practices for aminoglycosides at the private hospital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism: the case of selected SADC countries
- Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Effects of Lignin on the properties of reclaimed rubber /natural rubber blends
- Makhelema, Junith Matshidiso
- Authors: Makhelema, Junith Matshidiso
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lignin – South Africa , Tires – Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59744 , vital:62409
- Description: The environmental challenge posed by waste tyres is a serious global crisis from which South Africa is not isolated. The concept of tyre rubber reclamation into reusable rubber over the years has been on the increase, however, despite the environmental and economic advantages offered by the reclaiming process the main demerits of the resulting rubber include its relatively poor physical and mechanical properties when compared to newly manufactured rubber. The deterioration of these properties arises from the structural changes which occur during the reclaiming process. To overcome this disadvantage, reclaimed rubber can be blended with other rubbers such as natural rubber to compensate for its weak properties. However, there is stilll a limited industrial application of reclaimed/natural rubber blends due to their brittleness and relatively poor impact strength. By adding reinforcing fillers, the mechanical properties of the blends can be significantly improved. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of lignocellulosic materials as fillers, modifiers and reinforcements in polymeric materials. They are receiving attention because they are the most abundantly available raw materials on earth, and they offer greater versatility compared to inorganic fillers. Being the most abundant renewable agricultural derived lignocellulosic biomass after cellulose, and as far as polymer composites and blends are concerned, lignin has shown promise as a well-received and sustainable alternative to inorganic fillers due to its low-cost production and ability to improve on the biodegradability of polyolefins and minimise loss of ultimate mechanical properties of polymer matrices. The main aim of the research is to investigate the effect of lignin on the properties of reclaimed/natural rubber (RR/NR) blends for possible low-density and eco-friendly rubber materials. The motivation for the research arises from the global challenges that are connected to the dynamic increase of rubber wastes, especially in the form of used tyres and the potential availability of lignin from its annual production from the sugarcane pulp mills, which is regarded as waste. A mixture design of experiments was used to formulate different blends of lignin with reclaimed and natural rubber. The rubber blends and the lignin-rubber , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Makhelema, Junith Matshidiso
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lignin – South Africa , Tires – Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59744 , vital:62409
- Description: The environmental challenge posed by waste tyres is a serious global crisis from which South Africa is not isolated. The concept of tyre rubber reclamation into reusable rubber over the years has been on the increase, however, despite the environmental and economic advantages offered by the reclaiming process the main demerits of the resulting rubber include its relatively poor physical and mechanical properties when compared to newly manufactured rubber. The deterioration of these properties arises from the structural changes which occur during the reclaiming process. To overcome this disadvantage, reclaimed rubber can be blended with other rubbers such as natural rubber to compensate for its weak properties. However, there is stilll a limited industrial application of reclaimed/natural rubber blends due to their brittleness and relatively poor impact strength. By adding reinforcing fillers, the mechanical properties of the blends can be significantly improved. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of lignocellulosic materials as fillers, modifiers and reinforcements in polymeric materials. They are receiving attention because they are the most abundantly available raw materials on earth, and they offer greater versatility compared to inorganic fillers. Being the most abundant renewable agricultural derived lignocellulosic biomass after cellulose, and as far as polymer composites and blends are concerned, lignin has shown promise as a well-received and sustainable alternative to inorganic fillers due to its low-cost production and ability to improve on the biodegradability of polyolefins and minimise loss of ultimate mechanical properties of polymer matrices. The main aim of the research is to investigate the effect of lignin on the properties of reclaimed/natural rubber (RR/NR) blends for possible low-density and eco-friendly rubber materials. The motivation for the research arises from the global challenges that are connected to the dynamic increase of rubber wastes, especially in the form of used tyres and the potential availability of lignin from its annual production from the sugarcane pulp mills, which is regarded as waste. A mixture design of experiments was used to formulate different blends of lignin with reclaimed and natural rubber. The rubber blends and the lignin-rubber , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12