Photosynthetic and growth responses of C3 and C4 grasses to short- duration sunflecks and resultant consequences for their performance in understory environments
- Authors: Adams, Claire Elizabeth
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Understory plants -- Effect of light on , Grasses -- Effect of light on -- South Africa , Erharta -- Effect of light on , Brachiara -- Effect of light on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5016 , vital:20753
- Description: Low C4 grass species abundance in understory environments is thought to be as a result of their high-light requirements, lack of photosynthetic advantage relative to C3 species in cooler environments, and an inability to adequately utilise sunflecks. This study sets out to investigate this theory, hypothesizing that C3 grass species outperform C4 grass species under the canopy, not as a result of quantum efficiency temperature effects, but as a result of C4 species inability to utilize short-duration sunflecks. Short sunflecks could result in a breakdown in assimilate movement between the mesophyll (MSC) and bundle sheath (BSC) cells. The role of BSC leakiness, stomata and PSII efficiency on the ability of C3 and C4 Alloteropsis semialata to utilize short-duration sunflecks was investigated using gaseous exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques, while the growth of both subspecies under a simulated flecking-light environment tested whether these measured responses translated into effects on growth. As C3 grasses are known to possess higher levels of stomatal conductance in relation to C4 species, results showed that C3 A. semialata was able to utilize short-duration sunflecks as a result of increased stomatal conductance and an ability to induce photosynthesis under various light flecking conditions. In contrast, C4 A. semialata was unable to utilize sunflecks possibly as a result of energetic limitations of the carboxylation mechanism (PSII) and not because of increased bundle sheath leakiness. These photosynthetic responses translated into growth differences when both types were grown in an artificially flecking light environment. The photosynthetic differences noted for C3 and C4 A.semialata were also evident in shade adapted understory grasses; Erharta erecta (C3), Dactylotenium australe (C4) and Brachiaria chusqueoides (C4). As photosynthetic induction was marginally more rapid in all species relative to A. semialata it suggests some degree of adaptation in shade grasses, however the inability of the C4 species to utilise short sunflecks remained. As a result, it was hypothesized that C3 shade adapted E. erecta and C4 B. chusqueoides, co-inhabiting the same forest understory, are able to do so because of differences in light micro-environments associated with each species. However, canopy openness and light profiles determined for theses micro-climates showed no differences and that both species have persisted within a relatively stable understory environment. The coexistence was possible as the understory was supplied with a significant proportion of its daily light in flecks sufficiently long as to not compromise C4 productivity. A survey of 10 species of grasses under various canopy densities and in the open showed a strong negative linear relationship between canopy openness and the rate at which photosynthesis was induced by flecking light, which has not been shown before. This did not result from the phylogenetic relationship between species and could be shown for a single species (E. erecta) growing in a range of light environments. This demonstrates that C4 grasses, despite adaptation, would be limited from sunfleck environments if a significant proportion of the daily light available consists of flecks of short-duration. The generation of such environments may occur as a result of woody thickening and could help explain the observed decline in C4 grasses under these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Adams, Claire Elizabeth
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Understory plants -- Effect of light on , Grasses -- Effect of light on -- South Africa , Erharta -- Effect of light on , Brachiara -- Effect of light on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5016 , vital:20753
- Description: Low C4 grass species abundance in understory environments is thought to be as a result of their high-light requirements, lack of photosynthetic advantage relative to C3 species in cooler environments, and an inability to adequately utilise sunflecks. This study sets out to investigate this theory, hypothesizing that C3 grass species outperform C4 grass species under the canopy, not as a result of quantum efficiency temperature effects, but as a result of C4 species inability to utilize short-duration sunflecks. Short sunflecks could result in a breakdown in assimilate movement between the mesophyll (MSC) and bundle sheath (BSC) cells. The role of BSC leakiness, stomata and PSII efficiency on the ability of C3 and C4 Alloteropsis semialata to utilize short-duration sunflecks was investigated using gaseous exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques, while the growth of both subspecies under a simulated flecking-light environment tested whether these measured responses translated into effects on growth. As C3 grasses are known to possess higher levels of stomatal conductance in relation to C4 species, results showed that C3 A. semialata was able to utilize short-duration sunflecks as a result of increased stomatal conductance and an ability to induce photosynthesis under various light flecking conditions. In contrast, C4 A. semialata was unable to utilize sunflecks possibly as a result of energetic limitations of the carboxylation mechanism (PSII) and not because of increased bundle sheath leakiness. These photosynthetic responses translated into growth differences when both types were grown in an artificially flecking light environment. The photosynthetic differences noted for C3 and C4 A.semialata were also evident in shade adapted understory grasses; Erharta erecta (C3), Dactylotenium australe (C4) and Brachiaria chusqueoides (C4). As photosynthetic induction was marginally more rapid in all species relative to A. semialata it suggests some degree of adaptation in shade grasses, however the inability of the C4 species to utilise short sunflecks remained. As a result, it was hypothesized that C3 shade adapted E. erecta and C4 B. chusqueoides, co-inhabiting the same forest understory, are able to do so because of differences in light micro-environments associated with each species. However, canopy openness and light profiles determined for theses micro-climates showed no differences and that both species have persisted within a relatively stable understory environment. The coexistence was possible as the understory was supplied with a significant proportion of its daily light in flecks sufficiently long as to not compromise C4 productivity. A survey of 10 species of grasses under various canopy densities and in the open showed a strong negative linear relationship between canopy openness and the rate at which photosynthesis was induced by flecking light, which has not been shown before. This did not result from the phylogenetic relationship between species and could be shown for a single species (E. erecta) growing in a range of light environments. This demonstrates that C4 grasses, despite adaptation, would be limited from sunfleck environments if a significant proportion of the daily light available consists of flecks of short-duration. The generation of such environments may occur as a result of woody thickening and could help explain the observed decline in C4 grasses under these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Fathers' involvement in the social development of children under six years: a social capital perspective and implications for early childhood development in the East London Education District
- Authors: Adams, Clyde Glenith Graham
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child development-- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Father and child -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5116 , vital:29077
- Description: The experiences of twenty fathers were explored to understand the involvement in the social development of children under six years. The main research question that guided the study was: what are fathers’ experiences with involvement in the social development of their children under the age of six years and what implications do these have for early childhood development? A social capital perspective was followed. The qualitative data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was then analysed qualitatively. Results show that although most of the respondents could not give a definition of the concept of social development, they, however, understood the importance of parents playing a role in the development of a child. Fathers understood their role as supportive, nurturing and being there for their children. Fathers also understood their basic role as being the provider and protector. They also perceived their role as being authoritative and see themselves as the main disciplinarians. Results reveal that most schools do not offer programs specifically designed to encourage fathers to participate. Most importantly, results indicate that fathers’ interest in a variety of sporting activities, information sharing and talking about challenges both the schools as well as fathers face, are some of the ways fathers would like to be involved. Findings also indicate that although fathers acknowledged the role of the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) as mainly that of financial contributor in order to facilitate the skills development as well as that of information dissemination. However, fathers who took part in the study did not understand how the DoBE skills development agenda is envisaged for fathers. Notwithstanding, the respondents were quite clear that a father has an influential role to play in their children’s development. It also emerged that the greater the involvement, the more positive the influence on the child’s development. This study concludes that the presence of fathers in children’s lives is known to contribute significantly to their chances of experiencing positive developmental outcomes. Although the father-child relationship’s influences on children’s social competence have received increased attention in general, research on fathers’ understanding of their roles, involvement with their children as well as challenges confronting them with their involvement is scant. Based this the above, a number of recommendations have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Adams, Clyde Glenith Graham
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child development-- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Father and child -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5116 , vital:29077
- Description: The experiences of twenty fathers were explored to understand the involvement in the social development of children under six years. The main research question that guided the study was: what are fathers’ experiences with involvement in the social development of their children under the age of six years and what implications do these have for early childhood development? A social capital perspective was followed. The qualitative data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was then analysed qualitatively. Results show that although most of the respondents could not give a definition of the concept of social development, they, however, understood the importance of parents playing a role in the development of a child. Fathers understood their role as supportive, nurturing and being there for their children. Fathers also understood their basic role as being the provider and protector. They also perceived their role as being authoritative and see themselves as the main disciplinarians. Results reveal that most schools do not offer programs specifically designed to encourage fathers to participate. Most importantly, results indicate that fathers’ interest in a variety of sporting activities, information sharing and talking about challenges both the schools as well as fathers face, are some of the ways fathers would like to be involved. Findings also indicate that although fathers acknowledged the role of the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) as mainly that of financial contributor in order to facilitate the skills development as well as that of information dissemination. However, fathers who took part in the study did not understand how the DoBE skills development agenda is envisaged for fathers. Notwithstanding, the respondents were quite clear that a father has an influential role to play in their children’s development. It also emerged that the greater the involvement, the more positive the influence on the child’s development. This study concludes that the presence of fathers in children’s lives is known to contribute significantly to their chances of experiencing positive developmental outcomes. Although the father-child relationship’s influences on children’s social competence have received increased attention in general, research on fathers’ understanding of their roles, involvement with their children as well as challenges confronting them with their involvement is scant. Based this the above, a number of recommendations have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a juvenile detention centre for Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Adams, Eduan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Youth centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Juvenile detention homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23969 , vital:30650
- Description: Out of a total of 236 active correctional centres across South Africa, only 5.5% of these cater to the needs of juvenile offenders, and none of these are located within the immediate Port Elizabeth area. This means that in their already fragile state, children from Port Elizabeth and the immediate surrounding areas are sent away from their families and support base to serve their sentence. Therefore, a need for a Juvenile Detention Centre within the Port Elizabeth area was realized. In this treatise an investigative study of existing Juvenile Detention Centres was carried out to which an understanding of the building typology, nature of the site and technical requirements was formulated. The site selected in Schauderville conforms to the site selection criteria established, and enhances the link to Nerina One Stop Child Justice Centre. The primary focus of the study was to design a building to provide secure residential care for juvenile offenders, offering a range of programmes to assist their rehabilitation back into society. The outcome, is presented as a set of architectural drawings and a model(s).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adams, Eduan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Youth centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Juvenile detention homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23969 , vital:30650
- Description: Out of a total of 236 active correctional centres across South Africa, only 5.5% of these cater to the needs of juvenile offenders, and none of these are located within the immediate Port Elizabeth area. This means that in their already fragile state, children from Port Elizabeth and the immediate surrounding areas are sent away from their families and support base to serve their sentence. Therefore, a need for a Juvenile Detention Centre within the Port Elizabeth area was realized. In this treatise an investigative study of existing Juvenile Detention Centres was carried out to which an understanding of the building typology, nature of the site and technical requirements was formulated. The site selected in Schauderville conforms to the site selection criteria established, and enhances the link to Nerina One Stop Child Justice Centre. The primary focus of the study was to design a building to provide secure residential care for juvenile offenders, offering a range of programmes to assist their rehabilitation back into society. The outcome, is presented as a set of architectural drawings and a model(s).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Case study of the educational experiences of four teenage mothers in two high schools in the Buffalo City Metropole
- Authors: Adams, Hermie E
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/468 , Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide phenomenon. World Health Organisation (2009) reports that teenage mothers between the ages of 15-19 years account for 11% of births recorded worldwide. In South Africa it has been estimated that teenagers aged 17-19 account for 93% of all teenage pregnancies. A large proportion of these adolescents return to school after giving birth. Research has shown that there is a great deal of controversy about not only pre-marital sex, but also concerning whether teenage mothers should be allowed back in school at all. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the lived experiences of teenage mothers in schools with particular reference to how they cope with school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. A case study of four teenage mothers who returned to school after giving birth was carried out. In-depth phenomenological interviewing designed to elicit the voices of the selected adolescents was done. There were five main findings. First, all four teenagers were minors, under the age of 18 when they gave birth. Two of them were even under the statutory age of consent. Second, upon return to school, teenage mothers experienced stigmatisation from peers and teachers and this forced them to continually negotiate their dual identities as mothers and learners. Third, teenage mothers experienced psychological emotions of stress; low self-esteem; shame and depression. Fourth, they also had sociological experiences in the form of material, financial and social support from family and friends. In some cases they experienced rejection from peers and abandonment by boyfriends who had made them pregnant. Some educators discriminated against and ridiculed teenage mothers. Fifth, teenage mothers reorganised their lives after childbirth and established routines that enabled them to cope with the demands of school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. iii The study concludes that, although viewed with scepticism by sections of the community and some educators, and given that some pregnancies are a result of abuse and unequal power relations between men and women in society, the policy of allowing teenage mothers back to school after giving birth gives them another chance to re-focus their lives. It is recommended that the voices of teenage mothers who return to school after childbirth should be taken into account to inform any planning for future policies on teenage pregnancy by schools and the state. It is further recommended that all educators should also be trained to be able to assist the teenage mothers instead of alienating them. There should also be counselling services available for the teenage mothers to enable them to deal with psychological and sociological problems they might encounter. For further research, students from different backgrounds should be the target of similar research. Another area of research should focus on academic performance of teenage mothers who return to school after giving birth. Lastly, there should be research that seeks to link what is taught in the Life Orientation curriculum and voices of teenage mothers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Adams, Hermie E
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/468 , Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide phenomenon. World Health Organisation (2009) reports that teenage mothers between the ages of 15-19 years account for 11% of births recorded worldwide. In South Africa it has been estimated that teenagers aged 17-19 account for 93% of all teenage pregnancies. A large proportion of these adolescents return to school after giving birth. Research has shown that there is a great deal of controversy about not only pre-marital sex, but also concerning whether teenage mothers should be allowed back in school at all. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the lived experiences of teenage mothers in schools with particular reference to how they cope with school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. A case study of four teenage mothers who returned to school after giving birth was carried out. In-depth phenomenological interviewing designed to elicit the voices of the selected adolescents was done. There were five main findings. First, all four teenagers were minors, under the age of 18 when they gave birth. Two of them were even under the statutory age of consent. Second, upon return to school, teenage mothers experienced stigmatisation from peers and teachers and this forced them to continually negotiate their dual identities as mothers and learners. Third, teenage mothers experienced psychological emotions of stress; low self-esteem; shame and depression. Fourth, they also had sociological experiences in the form of material, financial and social support from family and friends. In some cases they experienced rejection from peers and abandonment by boyfriends who had made them pregnant. Some educators discriminated against and ridiculed teenage mothers. Fifth, teenage mothers reorganised their lives after childbirth and established routines that enabled them to cope with the demands of school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. iii The study concludes that, although viewed with scepticism by sections of the community and some educators, and given that some pregnancies are a result of abuse and unequal power relations between men and women in society, the policy of allowing teenage mothers back to school after giving birth gives them another chance to re-focus their lives. It is recommended that the voices of teenage mothers who return to school after childbirth should be taken into account to inform any planning for future policies on teenage pregnancy by schools and the state. It is further recommended that all educators should also be trained to be able to assist the teenage mothers instead of alienating them. There should also be counselling services available for the teenage mothers to enable them to deal with psychological and sociological problems they might encounter. For further research, students from different backgrounds should be the target of similar research. Another area of research should focus on academic performance of teenage mothers who return to school after giving birth. Lastly, there should be research that seeks to link what is taught in the Life Orientation curriculum and voices of teenage mothers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating long-term host-parasite dynamics in odontocetes in Southern Africa
- Authors: Adams, Inge Alison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biological invasions -- Environmental aspects , Cetacea -- Indian Ocean , Ecological disturbances
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23437 , vital:30543
- Description: Cetaceans are a very diverse family and globally, various aspects about their biology have been studied, including infection by parasites. Twenty-five dolphin species can be found in the South African subregion and very little information is available detailing which parasites are infecting them. Parasite samples have been collected opportunistically since the 1970’s from dolphins incidentally caught in shark nets off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline as well as from dolphins stranded along the Eastern Cape coastline. These samples have been stored in the Graham Ross Marine Mammal Collection at the Port Elizabeth Museum and samples belonging to eight odontocete species have been used in the present analysis. These eight species are: the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea), the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), the Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis), the Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) and the Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps). This study aims to investigate which parasites are infecting odontocetes in Southern Africa. Secondly, this study aims to investigate whether any trends in infection exist between sexes, age groups, cause of death and over time. Eighteen parasite species were found to infect odontocetes in Southern Africa. Two could only be identified to family level, seven to genus level and eight to species level. Only one parasite, a trematode, could not be identified and several parasite species were new host records for the subregion. Results showed that the prevalence of parasitic infection has increased over the last four decades, prompting questions regarding the health of our oceans. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate which parasite species are found in these eight odontocete species in Southern Africa. This baseline data will contribute greatly to other types of research involving parasites and provides us with information regarding the health of our ocean.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adams, Inge Alison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biological invasions -- Environmental aspects , Cetacea -- Indian Ocean , Ecological disturbances
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23437 , vital:30543
- Description: Cetaceans are a very diverse family and globally, various aspects about their biology have been studied, including infection by parasites. Twenty-five dolphin species can be found in the South African subregion and very little information is available detailing which parasites are infecting them. Parasite samples have been collected opportunistically since the 1970’s from dolphins incidentally caught in shark nets off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline as well as from dolphins stranded along the Eastern Cape coastline. These samples have been stored in the Graham Ross Marine Mammal Collection at the Port Elizabeth Museum and samples belonging to eight odontocete species have been used in the present analysis. These eight species are: the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea), the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), the Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis), the Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) and the Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps). This study aims to investigate which parasites are infecting odontocetes in Southern Africa. Secondly, this study aims to investigate whether any trends in infection exist between sexes, age groups, cause of death and over time. Eighteen parasite species were found to infect odontocetes in Southern Africa. Two could only be identified to family level, seven to genus level and eight to species level. Only one parasite, a trematode, could not be identified and several parasite species were new host records for the subregion. Results showed that the prevalence of parasitic infection has increased over the last four decades, prompting questions regarding the health of our oceans. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate which parasite species are found in these eight odontocete species in Southern Africa. This baseline data will contribute greatly to other types of research involving parasites and provides us with information regarding the health of our ocean.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of school-based interventions on attention and academic performance of primary schoolchildren from lower socioeconomic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The cultural determinants of success in Indian owned family businesses
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of the attitudes of South African Police Service management with respect to the viability of computer-assisted training in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Adams, Leinadu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Data processing , Education -- Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Police training -- South Africa , Police -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1410 , Education -- South Africa -- Data processing , Education -- Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Police training -- South Africa , Police -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Description: The South African Police Service (SAPS) as a constituent part of the public service was established to deliver a specific category of services to the public. These services have to conform to requirements that are prescribed by various legislative provisions to promote effective and efficient delivery of public services. The implications of these provisions that are pursued by the study firstly, refer to the emphasis of government on the enhancement of public service delivery, with due consideration given to cost effectiveness and efficiency. Secondly, it refers to government's realisation of the important impact of education, development and training (EDT) on the competency of public service officials with an emphasis on the utilisation of information technology to enhance the effectiveness of EDT. Consequently, the study explores the viability of the utilisation of information technology as a measure to assist EDT interventions within the SAPS of the Eastern Cape Province to equip members of the institution to better fulfil their functions and duties. In this respect the study commenced to ascertain the levels of computer literacy of role-players, access to the appropriate facilities and what the general attitude in the organisation would be towards the utilisation of such an intervention. It was found that the computer literacy levels of role-players may be perceived as a problematic issue in this regard. However, access to suitable facilities was found to be more than sufficient for this intention. Furthermore, role-players agreed that information technology could be optimally applied in the EC SAPS for the mentioned use, thereby portraying an optimistic attitude towards the use thereof to harmonise EDT in the SAPS. The aim of the study has been to develop a model that will incorporate the use of information technology, given the strengths and weaknesses of the SAPS to enhance EDT and learning in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Adams, Leinadu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Data processing , Education -- Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Police training -- South Africa , Police -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1410 , Education -- South Africa -- Data processing , Education -- Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Police training -- South Africa , Police -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Description: The South African Police Service (SAPS) as a constituent part of the public service was established to deliver a specific category of services to the public. These services have to conform to requirements that are prescribed by various legislative provisions to promote effective and efficient delivery of public services. The implications of these provisions that are pursued by the study firstly, refer to the emphasis of government on the enhancement of public service delivery, with due consideration given to cost effectiveness and efficiency. Secondly, it refers to government's realisation of the important impact of education, development and training (EDT) on the competency of public service officials with an emphasis on the utilisation of information technology to enhance the effectiveness of EDT. Consequently, the study explores the viability of the utilisation of information technology as a measure to assist EDT interventions within the SAPS of the Eastern Cape Province to equip members of the institution to better fulfil their functions and duties. In this respect the study commenced to ascertain the levels of computer literacy of role-players, access to the appropriate facilities and what the general attitude in the organisation would be towards the utilisation of such an intervention. It was found that the computer literacy levels of role-players may be perceived as a problematic issue in this regard. However, access to suitable facilities was found to be more than sufficient for this intention. Furthermore, role-players agreed that information technology could be optimally applied in the EC SAPS for the mentioned use, thereby portraying an optimistic attitude towards the use thereof to harmonise EDT in the SAPS. The aim of the study has been to develop a model that will incorporate the use of information technology, given the strengths and weaknesses of the SAPS to enhance EDT and learning in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A discourse analysis of the construction of gendered relationships in grade 10-12 Life Orientation textbooks in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Adams, Luvo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Life skills -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5532 , vital:29315
- Description: School-based sexuality education has been the subject of research in the social sciences and pedagogical spheres globally. In South Africa, growing interest among social scientists in the topic, were ignited by the introduction of sexuality education as a compulsory part of Life Orientation (LO) by the late 1990s. However, the implementation of LO has been problematic. Reviewed literature in the current study, reveals how the dominance of the heterosex discourse is foregrounded in LO content on gender and sexuality. The current study was aimed at examining the construction of gendered relationships in LO textbooks. The study sampled LO textbooks for Grades 10-12, learners in these grades are between the mean ages 16-18 years. This group is the target group, because they are legally afforded the right to consent to sexual activity with peers, within the same age bracket. Conducted from a social constructionist perspective, the current study employed qualitative methods of inquiry (textual analysis). Against the backdrop of heterosexuality as norm, it was the aim of the current study to understand the subject positions made available for female learners to construct themselves, within the discursive spaces in LO content. Findings suggest that two discourses namely: the heterosex discourse and the discourse of danger and disease, dominate in LO content on gender and sexuality. This leads to the construction of gendered relationships a s inherently heterosexual, leading to the marginalisation of relationships that fall outside of the norm. The female learner is positioned as a passive-victim, incapable of exercising sexual agency, while young men are positioned as inherently more powerful members of the intimate relationships or dangerous sexual predators. In the discourse of danger and disease, she is also positioned as a potential victim but the focus is on equipping her with skills, in a way which positioned her as an active-resistor in refusing sexual activity; and being in control of decision-making on issues of safety in relationships. The implications of these contradictions, is that they focus on the individual and disallow her taking up of sexual agency, and disregard the context in which she has to do so.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Adams, Luvo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Life skills -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5532 , vital:29315
- Description: School-based sexuality education has been the subject of research in the social sciences and pedagogical spheres globally. In South Africa, growing interest among social scientists in the topic, were ignited by the introduction of sexuality education as a compulsory part of Life Orientation (LO) by the late 1990s. However, the implementation of LO has been problematic. Reviewed literature in the current study, reveals how the dominance of the heterosex discourse is foregrounded in LO content on gender and sexuality. The current study was aimed at examining the construction of gendered relationships in LO textbooks. The study sampled LO textbooks for Grades 10-12, learners in these grades are between the mean ages 16-18 years. This group is the target group, because they are legally afforded the right to consent to sexual activity with peers, within the same age bracket. Conducted from a social constructionist perspective, the current study employed qualitative methods of inquiry (textual analysis). Against the backdrop of heterosexuality as norm, it was the aim of the current study to understand the subject positions made available for female learners to construct themselves, within the discursive spaces in LO content. Findings suggest that two discourses namely: the heterosex discourse and the discourse of danger and disease, dominate in LO content on gender and sexuality. This leads to the construction of gendered relationships a s inherently heterosexual, leading to the marginalisation of relationships that fall outside of the norm. The female learner is positioned as a passive-victim, incapable of exercising sexual agency, while young men are positioned as inherently more powerful members of the intimate relationships or dangerous sexual predators. In the discourse of danger and disease, she is also positioned as a potential victim but the focus is on equipping her with skills, in a way which positioned her as an active-resistor in refusing sexual activity; and being in control of decision-making on issues of safety in relationships. The implications of these contradictions, is that they focus on the individual and disallow her taking up of sexual agency, and disregard the context in which she has to do so.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Possibilities for multilingualism: a critical case study with selected financial information systems (FIS) students
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An international marketing framework for Ford South Africa in Nigeria
- Authors: Adams, Pedro Duan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Export marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3869 , vital:20471
- Description: Africa is seen as the last investment frontier and according to literature will have a GDP of $1.5 trillion by the year 2016 and a population that is double the size of Europe. The rapid expansion of infrastructure and construction in African countries, such as Mozambique and Zambia has increased the demand for commercial vehicles. This has sparked unparalleled marketing opportunities for automotive manufacturers and the continent is fast attracting major players in this sector. The international marketing literature still lacks detailed studies and research into the marketing deliberations and trades in Africa. Therefore, according literature a greater representation of African culture within the international marketing literature would provide relevance and richness in the global market place and offer greater insight to organisations who are seeking to invest and expand their businesses in Africa. The management issue here is to comprehend the diversity and vastness of this region and putting together all spheres to ensure growth and creating brand loyalty. The key challenge here is for management to be able to grasp and understand not only the various cultures but also the way of doing business in such a vastly different region. It is therefore imperative for Ford Motor Company to fully understand these factors so as to take full advantage associated with entering a market early which is commonly referred as first-mover-advantage. A case in point is when General Motors entered the Chinese automotive industry in 1997 when the Chinese market was relatively small. General Motors’ enthusiasm and commitment back in 1997 was driven by a belief that China would ultimately become an economic powerhouse and emerge as one of the world’s largest automotive markets. By the year 2010 China was one of the world’s biggest automotive markets and General Motors was a dominant force in this market. Africa has all the key elements for the growth and development of a robust automotive market. By studying past experiences and outcomes from empirical studies on international marketing with emphasis on the automotive industry, it will be possible to draw lessons and experience about the potential growth of the automotive sector on the African continent. This study will also be of great significance to other automotive manufacturers and suppliers looking to expand their business and market share across Africa due to the increase of the middle class. Therefore creative strategies and thinking of how to circumvent challenges in the African cultural environment, creativity in managing bureaucracy and due diligence about business and investment opportunities will uncover unprecedented volumes of profitable business that lies untapped on the African continent. Data from the quantitative study suggest that culture, political environment, country-of-origin, competition and country infrastructure in Nigeria, are essential factors to the development of a successful international marketing strategy for Ford South Africa. This study therefore concludes that Ford Motor Company of South Africa can utilize this framework in order to gain greater market share and ultimately success in Nigeria. Recommendations were also made for future research studies that can contribute to the international marketing literature with emphasis on the African market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Adams, Pedro Duan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Export marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3869 , vital:20471
- Description: Africa is seen as the last investment frontier and according to literature will have a GDP of $1.5 trillion by the year 2016 and a population that is double the size of Europe. The rapid expansion of infrastructure and construction in African countries, such as Mozambique and Zambia has increased the demand for commercial vehicles. This has sparked unparalleled marketing opportunities for automotive manufacturers and the continent is fast attracting major players in this sector. The international marketing literature still lacks detailed studies and research into the marketing deliberations and trades in Africa. Therefore, according literature a greater representation of African culture within the international marketing literature would provide relevance and richness in the global market place and offer greater insight to organisations who are seeking to invest and expand their businesses in Africa. The management issue here is to comprehend the diversity and vastness of this region and putting together all spheres to ensure growth and creating brand loyalty. The key challenge here is for management to be able to grasp and understand not only the various cultures but also the way of doing business in such a vastly different region. It is therefore imperative for Ford Motor Company to fully understand these factors so as to take full advantage associated with entering a market early which is commonly referred as first-mover-advantage. A case in point is when General Motors entered the Chinese automotive industry in 1997 when the Chinese market was relatively small. General Motors’ enthusiasm and commitment back in 1997 was driven by a belief that China would ultimately become an economic powerhouse and emerge as one of the world’s largest automotive markets. By the year 2010 China was one of the world’s biggest automotive markets and General Motors was a dominant force in this market. Africa has all the key elements for the growth and development of a robust automotive market. By studying past experiences and outcomes from empirical studies on international marketing with emphasis on the automotive industry, it will be possible to draw lessons and experience about the potential growth of the automotive sector on the African continent. This study will also be of great significance to other automotive manufacturers and suppliers looking to expand their business and market share across Africa due to the increase of the middle class. Therefore creative strategies and thinking of how to circumvent challenges in the African cultural environment, creativity in managing bureaucracy and due diligence about business and investment opportunities will uncover unprecedented volumes of profitable business that lies untapped on the African continent. Data from the quantitative study suggest that culture, political environment, country-of-origin, competition and country infrastructure in Nigeria, are essential factors to the development of a successful international marketing strategy for Ford South Africa. This study therefore concludes that Ford Motor Company of South Africa can utilize this framework in order to gain greater market share and ultimately success in Nigeria. Recommendations were also made for future research studies that can contribute to the international marketing literature with emphasis on the African market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A study of a class of invariant optimal control problems on the Euclidean group SE(2)
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Matrix groups Lie groups Extremal problems (Mathematics) Maximum principles (Mathematics) Hamilton-Jacobi equations Lyapunov stability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006060
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to study a class of left-invariant optimal control problems on the matrix Lie group SE(2). We classify, under detached feedback equivalence, all controllable (left-invariant) control affine systems on SE(2). This result produces six types of control affine systems on SE(2). Hence, we study six associated left-invariant optimal control problems on SE(2). A left-invariant optimal control problem consists of minimizing a cost functional over the trajectory-control pairs of a left-invariant control system subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Each control problem is lifted from SE(2) to T*SE(2) ≅ SE(2) x se (2)*and then reduced to a problem on se (2)*. The maximum principle is used to obtain the optimal control and Hamiltonian corresponding to the normal extremals. Then we derive the (reduced) extremal equations on se (2)*. These equations are explicitly integrated by trigonometric and Jacobi elliptic functions. Finally, we fully classify, under Lyapunov stability, the equilibrium states of the normal extremal equations for each of the six types under consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Matrix groups Lie groups Extremal problems (Mathematics) Maximum principles (Mathematics) Hamilton-Jacobi equations Lyapunov stability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006060
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to study a class of left-invariant optimal control problems on the matrix Lie group SE(2). We classify, under detached feedback equivalence, all controllable (left-invariant) control affine systems on SE(2). This result produces six types of control affine systems on SE(2). Hence, we study six associated left-invariant optimal control problems on SE(2). A left-invariant optimal control problem consists of minimizing a cost functional over the trajectory-control pairs of a left-invariant control system subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Each control problem is lifted from SE(2) to T*SE(2) ≅ SE(2) x se (2)*and then reduced to a problem on se (2)*. The maximum principle is used to obtain the optimal control and Hamiltonian corresponding to the normal extremals. Then we derive the (reduced) extremal equations on se (2)*. These equations are explicitly integrated by trigonometric and Jacobi elliptic functions. Finally, we fully classify, under Lyapunov stability, the equilibrium states of the normal extremal equations for each of the six types under consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Contributions to the study of a class of optimal control problems on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4)
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64826 , vital:28608
- Description: In this thesis we investigate a class of invariant optimal control problems, and their associated quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems, on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4). Specifically, we are concerned with the class of left-invariant control affine systems. We begin by classifying all cost-extended systems on SO(3) under cost equivalence. (Cost-extended systems are closely related to optimal control problems.) A classification of all quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the (minus) Lie-Poisson space so(3)*, under affine equivalence, is also obtained. For the normal forms obtained in our classification (of Hamilton-Poisson systems) we investigate the (Lyapunov) stability nature of the equilibria using spectral and energy-Casimir methods. For a subclass of these systems, we obtain analytic expressions for the integral curves of the associated Hamiltonian vector fields in terms of (basic) Jacobi elliptic functions. The explicit relationship between the classification of cost-extended systems on SO(3) and the classification of quadratic Hamilton- Poisson systems on so(3)* is provided. On SO(4), a classification of all left-invariant control affine systems under L-equivalence is obtained. We then determine which of these representatives are controllable, thus obtaining a classification under detached feedback equivalence. We also obtain a partial classification of quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the Lie-Poisson space so(4)*. An investigation of the stability nature of the equilibria for a subclass of these systems is also done. Several illustrative examples of optimal control problems on the orthogonal group SO(3) are provided. More specifically, we consider an optimal control problem corresponding to a representative of our classification (of cost-extended system) for each possible number of control inputs. For each of these problems, we obtain explicit expressions for the extremal trajectories on the homogeneous space S2 by projecting the extremal trajectories on the group SO(3). The examples provided show how our classifications of cost-extended systems and Hamilton-Poisson systems can be used to obtain the optimal controls and the extremal trajectories corresponding to a large class of optimal control problems on SO(3). An example of a four-input optimal control problem on SO(4) is also provided. This example is provided to show how the solutions of certain problems on SO(4) can be related to the solutions of certain optimal control problems on SO(3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64826 , vital:28608
- Description: In this thesis we investigate a class of invariant optimal control problems, and their associated quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems, on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4). Specifically, we are concerned with the class of left-invariant control affine systems. We begin by classifying all cost-extended systems on SO(3) under cost equivalence. (Cost-extended systems are closely related to optimal control problems.) A classification of all quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the (minus) Lie-Poisson space so(3)*, under affine equivalence, is also obtained. For the normal forms obtained in our classification (of Hamilton-Poisson systems) we investigate the (Lyapunov) stability nature of the equilibria using spectral and energy-Casimir methods. For a subclass of these systems, we obtain analytic expressions for the integral curves of the associated Hamiltonian vector fields in terms of (basic) Jacobi elliptic functions. The explicit relationship between the classification of cost-extended systems on SO(3) and the classification of quadratic Hamilton- Poisson systems on so(3)* is provided. On SO(4), a classification of all left-invariant control affine systems under L-equivalence is obtained. We then determine which of these representatives are controllable, thus obtaining a classification under detached feedback equivalence. We also obtain a partial classification of quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the Lie-Poisson space so(4)*. An investigation of the stability nature of the equilibria for a subclass of these systems is also done. Several illustrative examples of optimal control problems on the orthogonal group SO(3) are provided. More specifically, we consider an optimal control problem corresponding to a representative of our classification (of cost-extended system) for each possible number of control inputs. For each of these problems, we obtain explicit expressions for the extremal trajectories on the homogeneous space S2 by projecting the extremal trajectories on the group SO(3). The examples provided show how our classifications of cost-extended systems and Hamilton-Poisson systems can be used to obtain the optimal controls and the extremal trajectories corresponding to a large class of optimal control problems on SO(3). An example of a four-input optimal control problem on SO(4) is also provided. This example is provided to show how the solutions of certain problems on SO(4) can be related to the solutions of certain optimal control problems on SO(3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating the devolution of decision-making in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Adams, Sandiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006783 , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The research investigates the devolution of decision-making at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research sets out to investigate the extent to which the Municipality offers resources to its politically elected representatives and whether the support enables a devolution that includes local citizens in decision-making. The study was demarcated within the NMBM, using an empirical survey, a population group composed of councillors and officials who work very closely with politicians in mobilizing the community in public participation. The data collection tool of choice for the study was a selfadministered questionnaire, supplemented by document analysis, unstructured interviews and the researcher’s observations. The purpose of the study is to investigate reasons why devolution is not having the desired results at NMBM, Investigate and find alternatives to how devolved decision-making can be enhanced, using the viable local political process at the NMBM and similar municipalities. The study argues from a theoretical base of good governance and public participation. The findings made were inter alia: Politicians in public office are not using the resources at their disposal optimally; tussles amongst politicians and with officials do have a negative effect on devolved decision-making; and vandalism and closing down of ward council offices are not purely a reflection of a ward councillor’s failure to account to the constituency, and the ward committee system at NMBM has not since 2009. The recommendation is that deliberate efforts need to be made to establish democratically elected ward committees in all sixty wards of NMBM. The establishment of ward committees has to be a joint effort between political office bearers, the broader political landscape and officials as previous efforts have failed to produce legitimate structures. The politicians and officials need to work together to win over public opinion and community buy-in towards the establishment of ward committees that are representative and functional.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Adams, Sandiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006783 , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The research investigates the devolution of decision-making at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research sets out to investigate the extent to which the Municipality offers resources to its politically elected representatives and whether the support enables a devolution that includes local citizens in decision-making. The study was demarcated within the NMBM, using an empirical survey, a population group composed of councillors and officials who work very closely with politicians in mobilizing the community in public participation. The data collection tool of choice for the study was a selfadministered questionnaire, supplemented by document analysis, unstructured interviews and the researcher’s observations. The purpose of the study is to investigate reasons why devolution is not having the desired results at NMBM, Investigate and find alternatives to how devolved decision-making can be enhanced, using the viable local political process at the NMBM and similar municipalities. The study argues from a theoretical base of good governance and public participation. The findings made were inter alia: Politicians in public office are not using the resources at their disposal optimally; tussles amongst politicians and with officials do have a negative effect on devolved decision-making; and vandalism and closing down of ward council offices are not purely a reflection of a ward councillor’s failure to account to the constituency, and the ward committee system at NMBM has not since 2009. The recommendation is that deliberate efforts need to be made to establish democratically elected ward committees in all sixty wards of NMBM. The establishment of ward committees has to be a joint effort between political office bearers, the broader political landscape and officials as previous efforts have failed to produce legitimate structures. The politicians and officials need to work together to win over public opinion and community buy-in towards the establishment of ward committees that are representative and functional.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation of the challenges and their impacts as experienced by experts at the forensic pathology services in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Adams, Terry
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forensic pathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40213 , vital:35985
- Description: This study focuses on the challenges facing the workers at the Port Elizabeth Forensic Pathology Services in Gelvandale and Mount Road stations. The study follow a qualitative approach which include among others, individual interviews using an interview guide containing questions. Observation has also been used as a research tool to observe at the two stations. To supplement the above research techniques, scholarly published journal articles and books were consulted to corroborate what might have transpired in other studies similar to this one. The concept backlog has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges facing the workers in this study and relevant literature has been consulted. The research finding has been outlined and finally recommendations has been made with the view of addressing some of the problems encountered by the workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adams, Terry
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forensic pathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40213 , vital:35985
- Description: This study focuses on the challenges facing the workers at the Port Elizabeth Forensic Pathology Services in Gelvandale and Mount Road stations. The study follow a qualitative approach which include among others, individual interviews using an interview guide containing questions. Observation has also been used as a research tool to observe at the two stations. To supplement the above research techniques, scholarly published journal articles and books were consulted to corroborate what might have transpired in other studies similar to this one. The concept backlog has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges facing the workers in this study and relevant literature has been consulted. The research finding has been outlined and finally recommendations has been made with the view of addressing some of the problems encountered by the workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Comparative phytochemical analyses of Aloe Ferox Mill. found in Eastern and Western Cape provinces in South Africa
- Authors: Adams, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013114 , Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adams, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013114 , Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the potential immunogenicity of various extracts of the South African bont tick Amblyomma hebraeum
- Authors: Adamson, Deborah Jane
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Amblyomma -- South Africa , Ticks -- South Africa , Ticks -- Control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015640
- Description: Rabbits and goats were inoculated with crude, membrane-associated and soluble components extracted from unengorged adult females and nymphs of the bont tick Amblyomma hebraeum. Inoculation provided some protection against nymphal infestation, however it had little effect on adult feeding. Histological examination of adults fed on inoculated hosts showed evidence of gut damage. Skin provocation testing with tick extracts elicited a Type I immediate hypersensitivity which was influenced by antihistamine. A delayed skin reaction was also evident. Whether this was attributable to Type III Arthus reaction or Type IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity was not determined. A comparative histological study of sites of tick extract injection, on inoculated and naive hosts, demonstrated the role of eosinophils in the hosts response to tick feeding. Serological examination revealed elevated anti-A hebraeum lgG titres following inoculation. These titres were found to decrease in the ten weeks after inoculation, despite the hosts being repeatedly infested with A hebraeum. Although the IgG titres of naive control hosts increased after each tick infestation, they failed to reach the titres achieved through inoculation. Western blot analysis of serum from inoculated hosts recognized most of the A. hebraeum proteins against which it was screened.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Adamson, Deborah Jane
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Amblyomma -- South Africa , Ticks -- South Africa , Ticks -- Control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015640
- Description: Rabbits and goats were inoculated with crude, membrane-associated and soluble components extracted from unengorged adult females and nymphs of the bont tick Amblyomma hebraeum. Inoculation provided some protection against nymphal infestation, however it had little effect on adult feeding. Histological examination of adults fed on inoculated hosts showed evidence of gut damage. Skin provocation testing with tick extracts elicited a Type I immediate hypersensitivity which was influenced by antihistamine. A delayed skin reaction was also evident. Whether this was attributable to Type III Arthus reaction or Type IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity was not determined. A comparative histological study of sites of tick extract injection, on inoculated and naive hosts, demonstrated the role of eosinophils in the hosts response to tick feeding. Serological examination revealed elevated anti-A hebraeum lgG titres following inoculation. These titres were found to decrease in the ten weeks after inoculation, despite the hosts being repeatedly infested with A hebraeum. Although the IgG titres of naive control hosts increased after each tick infestation, they failed to reach the titres achieved through inoculation. Western blot analysis of serum from inoculated hosts recognized most of the A. hebraeum proteins against which it was screened.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
Maintenance management systems of on-campus student hostels at Nigerian universities
- Authors: Adamu, Anita Dzikwi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School buildings -- Maintenance and repair , Dormitories -- Nigeria , Nigeria -- Student housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020168
- Description: Most universities have long recognised the importance and contribution of on-campus hostels to the learning process. In so doing, most of these institutions have provided and maintained building facilities for academic purposes (teaching and research). Hostels are integral components of most campuses of Nigerian universities, and they are part of the built assets of the institutions in terms of both administration and maintenance management. Currently, there is little understanding of the maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings in both the public and the private universities. Moreover, there is a dearth of research evidence demonstrating that there is an appreciable difference in the maintenance management systems of the Federal, State and private universities in Nigeria. This research aimed at establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and State governments and the Private Sector, relative to stipulated criteria for best practice.The qualitative method of research inquiry that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was employed in the investigations. The research activities included a comprehensive review of the related literature and study of selected cases. The North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research. Ten universities were purposefully selected for the study, and they include three Federal, four state and three private universities. The nature and differences in the research questions necessitated generating different forms of data. The questions that were related to the maintenance management systems for the hostels in place at the universities were addressed with the outcomes of interviews with the hostel managers. The questions that were about the structures and current conditions of the hostel buildings at the three categories of universities were addressed with data that were generated from condition assessments of the facilities and physical observations with the aid of cameras. The study reveals apparent deteriorated and unhealthy conditions of most of the on-campus hostels at the public universities, while those of the private universities are satisfactory. The research also found that the maintenance management systems in use at all the universities are reactive and lack proper planning and coordination of maintenance activities. There is no significant difference in the maintenance management systems of hostels at the public and the private universities and the systems have major negative impact on the conditions of the buildings and their performances. The research has developed a conceptual model for the study of maintenance management informed by the theoretical framework. The model considered the impact of the external environmental factors on the management and maintenance of the hostels. Secondly, the interrelationships of strategic and performance management with maintenance management in developing an effective maintenance management system were established. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and, State governments and the Private Sector. The maintenance management model developed in the study is recommended to maintenance management departments as a guide for effective maintenance of the built facilities in their institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Adamu, Anita Dzikwi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School buildings -- Maintenance and repair , Dormitories -- Nigeria , Nigeria -- Student housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020168
- Description: Most universities have long recognised the importance and contribution of on-campus hostels to the learning process. In so doing, most of these institutions have provided and maintained building facilities for academic purposes (teaching and research). Hostels are integral components of most campuses of Nigerian universities, and they are part of the built assets of the institutions in terms of both administration and maintenance management. Currently, there is little understanding of the maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings in both the public and the private universities. Moreover, there is a dearth of research evidence demonstrating that there is an appreciable difference in the maintenance management systems of the Federal, State and private universities in Nigeria. This research aimed at establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and State governments and the Private Sector, relative to stipulated criteria for best practice.The qualitative method of research inquiry that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was employed in the investigations. The research activities included a comprehensive review of the related literature and study of selected cases. The North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research. Ten universities were purposefully selected for the study, and they include three Federal, four state and three private universities. The nature and differences in the research questions necessitated generating different forms of data. The questions that were related to the maintenance management systems for the hostels in place at the universities were addressed with the outcomes of interviews with the hostel managers. The questions that were about the structures and current conditions of the hostel buildings at the three categories of universities were addressed with data that were generated from condition assessments of the facilities and physical observations with the aid of cameras. The study reveals apparent deteriorated and unhealthy conditions of most of the on-campus hostels at the public universities, while those of the private universities are satisfactory. The research also found that the maintenance management systems in use at all the universities are reactive and lack proper planning and coordination of maintenance activities. There is no significant difference in the maintenance management systems of hostels at the public and the private universities and the systems have major negative impact on the conditions of the buildings and their performances. The research has developed a conceptual model for the study of maintenance management informed by the theoretical framework. The model considered the impact of the external environmental factors on the management and maintenance of the hostels. Secondly, the interrelationships of strategic and performance management with maintenance management in developing an effective maintenance management system were established. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and, State governments and the Private Sector. The maintenance management model developed in the study is recommended to maintenance management departments as a guide for effective maintenance of the built facilities in their institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A framework for cloud computing adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises : a case of the Accra - Tema metropolis in Ghana
- Authors: Adane, Martin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Ghana Small business -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13803 , vital:39713
- Description: Cloud computing adoption and usage is important to achieving business competition. This is done by making it a competitive tool for firms. The adoption of cloud computing enables firms to achieve greater business competency, improve performance, and allows them to maintain their competitive advantage. Since its emergence, there has been a surge in the adoption of cloud computing with research into its adoption primarily concentrated on bigger firms. However, a major characteristic of cloud computing is the anticipated possibilities it holds for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs typically operate differently from larger firms and are not limited by resource constraints. For SMEs, the reduction in the financial burden normally associated with the adoption of new technologies is a significant benefit of cloud computing due to their financial constraints. In Ghana, SMEs mostly use obsolete technologies and have a slow response towards new technologies. Thus, they are unable to harness the numerous opportunities technology presents to them to stay competitive. Cloud computing is still regarded as a new technology in the business world, therefore research that focuses on its adoption by SMEs to help them stay competitive is minimal. Available research on cloud computing in Ghana does not provide clear guidelines for ensuring a successful adoption process and the continued use of cloud computing services. This study seeks to investigate how a framework can assist SMEs in their use of cloud computing in the Accra-Tema metropolis of Ghana. A knowledge of the factors associated with adoption decisions and those that significantly influence the decision are required to ensure a successful adoption process. The empirical data was gathered using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews developed from literature and administered to users and potential users of cloud computing. The questionnaire and interviews primarily investigate key adoption factors and the findings are reported in this research study. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding issues that affect the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing services by SMEs. The findings show that the adoption of cloud computing can improve information management practices within SMEs. The findings also reveal that several factors need to be considered in the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing to ensure a successful adoption process. An initial cloud computing adoption model was proposed based on the empirical findings. Key adoption factors of the initial adoption model include adoption benefits and drivers, concerns and barriers, adoption interventions, and information management in the cloud. computing adoption framework. The proposed adoption framework aims to assist SMEs to adopt and use cloud computing services and make them relevant in the global market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Adane, Martin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Ghana Small business -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13803 , vital:39713
- Description: Cloud computing adoption and usage is important to achieving business competition. This is done by making it a competitive tool for firms. The adoption of cloud computing enables firms to achieve greater business competency, improve performance, and allows them to maintain their competitive advantage. Since its emergence, there has been a surge in the adoption of cloud computing with research into its adoption primarily concentrated on bigger firms. However, a major characteristic of cloud computing is the anticipated possibilities it holds for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs typically operate differently from larger firms and are not limited by resource constraints. For SMEs, the reduction in the financial burden normally associated with the adoption of new technologies is a significant benefit of cloud computing due to their financial constraints. In Ghana, SMEs mostly use obsolete technologies and have a slow response towards new technologies. Thus, they are unable to harness the numerous opportunities technology presents to them to stay competitive. Cloud computing is still regarded as a new technology in the business world, therefore research that focuses on its adoption by SMEs to help them stay competitive is minimal. Available research on cloud computing in Ghana does not provide clear guidelines for ensuring a successful adoption process and the continued use of cloud computing services. This study seeks to investigate how a framework can assist SMEs in their use of cloud computing in the Accra-Tema metropolis of Ghana. A knowledge of the factors associated with adoption decisions and those that significantly influence the decision are required to ensure a successful adoption process. The empirical data was gathered using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews developed from literature and administered to users and potential users of cloud computing. The questionnaire and interviews primarily investigate key adoption factors and the findings are reported in this research study. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding issues that affect the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing services by SMEs. The findings show that the adoption of cloud computing can improve information management practices within SMEs. The findings also reveal that several factors need to be considered in the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing to ensure a successful adoption process. An initial cloud computing adoption model was proposed based on the empirical findings. Key adoption factors of the initial adoption model include adoption benefits and drivers, concerns and barriers, adoption interventions, and information management in the cloud. computing adoption framework. The proposed adoption framework aims to assist SMEs to adopt and use cloud computing services and make them relevant in the global market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Strategies to facilitate the use of birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana
- Authors: Adatara, Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternity nursing -- Ghana , Neonatal nursing -- methods Delivery (Obstetrics) Midwifery -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23415 , vital:30541
- Description: Increasing skilled attendance during childbirth is well established in literature to play a significant role in averting the many preventable maternal deaths that occur in developing countries such as Ghana.Inadequate utilisation of skilled birth care services in Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to be a major hindrance to efforts aimed at improving the health of women, especially during delivery. There is low utilisation of birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to develop strategies that could facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method to explore and describe women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase One of this study described the research population, sampling method, data collection and analysis to obtain women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services. In this study, data were collected and analysed from the research population. The research population consisted of women who utilised skilled birth care attendants or unskilled care attendants during child birth. The data collection method used was individual interviews. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the steps suggested by Tesch to identify themes and sub-themes. The study identified three themes and sub-themes: Theme 1: Experiences of participants related to the use of skilled birth care attendants; Theme 2: Participants expressed their reasons for choosing a home birth; Theme 3: Participants offered suggestions to improve skilled birth care at healthcare facilities. The findings in Phase one of this study formed the basis for the development of the strategies in Phase three. Phase Two of the research design focused on the development of a conceptual framework based on the research findings and utilized to develop strategies which skilled birth attendant may use to facilitate the use of skilled birth care services by women in the rural areas of Ghana where there is low utilisation of birth services provided by skilled birth attendants. The conceptual framework of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach was used to provide a guide and a link between the different concepts in the research study. Phase Three of this study focused on the development of strategies that will facilitate an increased in the labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. The data obtained was used to developed three strategies such as collaboration, education and training, supportive supervision as well as community mobilisation and participation to guide skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care services during childbirth. The WHO Health for All model, the theoretical model underpinning this study, also guided the development of the strategies to facilitate labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. Recommendations regarding the implementation of a national collaborative, education and supportive supervision policies on a macro level are made, as well as recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. It is therefore concluded that the researcher succeeded in achieving the purpose for this study because the strategies which are understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to skilled birth care in rural areas has been developed for use by skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adatara, Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternity nursing -- Ghana , Neonatal nursing -- methods Delivery (Obstetrics) Midwifery -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23415 , vital:30541
- Description: Increasing skilled attendance during childbirth is well established in literature to play a significant role in averting the many preventable maternal deaths that occur in developing countries such as Ghana.Inadequate utilisation of skilled birth care services in Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to be a major hindrance to efforts aimed at improving the health of women, especially during delivery. There is low utilisation of birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to develop strategies that could facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method to explore and describe women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase One of this study described the research population, sampling method, data collection and analysis to obtain women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services. In this study, data were collected and analysed from the research population. The research population consisted of women who utilised skilled birth care attendants or unskilled care attendants during child birth. The data collection method used was individual interviews. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the steps suggested by Tesch to identify themes and sub-themes. The study identified three themes and sub-themes: Theme 1: Experiences of participants related to the use of skilled birth care attendants; Theme 2: Participants expressed their reasons for choosing a home birth; Theme 3: Participants offered suggestions to improve skilled birth care at healthcare facilities. The findings in Phase one of this study formed the basis for the development of the strategies in Phase three. Phase Two of the research design focused on the development of a conceptual framework based on the research findings and utilized to develop strategies which skilled birth attendant may use to facilitate the use of skilled birth care services by women in the rural areas of Ghana where there is low utilisation of birth services provided by skilled birth attendants. The conceptual framework of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach was used to provide a guide and a link between the different concepts in the research study. Phase Three of this study focused on the development of strategies that will facilitate an increased in the labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. The data obtained was used to developed three strategies such as collaboration, education and training, supportive supervision as well as community mobilisation and participation to guide skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care services during childbirth. The WHO Health for All model, the theoretical model underpinning this study, also guided the development of the strategies to facilitate labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. Recommendations regarding the implementation of a national collaborative, education and supportive supervision policies on a macro level are made, as well as recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. It is therefore concluded that the researcher succeeded in achieving the purpose for this study because the strategies which are understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to skilled birth care in rural areas has been developed for use by skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018