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Whither state, private or public service broadcasting? : an analysis of the construction of news on ZBC TV during the 2002 presidential election campaign in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Dlamini, Tula
  • Date: 2013-07-16
  • Subjects: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Journalism -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Political campaigns -- Zimbabwe Elections -- Zimbabwe Television and politics -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008257
  • Description: The study sets out to examine the television coverage of the 2002 presidential campaign in Zimbabwe by examining the extent to which the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation fulfilled the mandate of public service broadcasting. The primary objective of this study is to assess how ZBC television newscasts mediated pluralistic politics in the coverage of the country's presidential election campaign, in line with the normative public sphere principles. The thesis comprises seven chapters organized, first, with an introductory chapter, which provides the general background of the study. The chapter offers the rationale for the focus on TV rather than other media fomls . There are two theoretical and contextual chapters in which the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods is explained and findings are presented. Finally, the conclusion offers recommendations about the form broadcasting might take to fulfil a public service mandate and these include the strengthening of the public service broadcasting model along normative public sphere principles. The findings of the analysed election newscasts confirm that ZBC television election news was constructed in favour of ZANU PF at the expense of voices from other social and political constituencies. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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The socio-economic contribution of non-timber forest product trade to households in four villages in Zomba and Machinga Districts, Malawi

  • Authors: Mahonya, Sophie Manchichi
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4787 , vital:20724
  • Description: The principal aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic contribution of nontimber forest product (NTFP) trade to households in Zomba and Machinga, southern Malawi. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through several methods, including a household survey using questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with individual traders, direct observations, and literature review. The quantitative data were analysed statistically using SPPS version 16.0 while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. NTFP trade was the third important source of cash income for 15% of the households, although the level of use, buying and selling of NTFPs varied across the four study villages. All households in all the study villages used firewood (100%), and most used thatch grass (94%), bamboo (96%), wood for building (92%), largely as construction materials. However, the percentage of households buying NTFPs was lower, with the maximum percentage of households being 50%. The percent of households engaged in selling at least one NTFP was lower still at 39%. Substantial cash incomes were generated from firewood and edible orchids sales which provided up to a maximum of Mk180,000, equivalent to US$456, per year. Households joined the trade mostly for an alternative source of cash income due to poverty and to meet basic needs when other options were not available or feasible. Cash income generated from NTFP trade acted as a safety net and a coping strategy when other avenues supporting livelihoods were not accessible. The socio-economic benefits derived from NTFP trade were associated with the quantities collected, sold, market forces influenced by the law of demand and supply. The small amounts of cash income generated by most households were important as they supplemented household cash needs. There was a strong association between NTFP trade as one of the important sources of cash income and the number of months a household had food from their own garden in a year. There was a significant relationship though weak between ranking of NTFP trade and livestock ownership by households. Value chain analysis was used as an analytical tool to understand the processes involved in NTFP trade. The value chains for the products under study were short, dominated by traders and some intermediaries. Most of the products were sold in local markets with little value addition. This study recommends that policy makers should integrate NTFPs into their development plans, emphasizing the establishment of management strategies that will enhance availability and sustainability of the resource. NTFPs contributed to the livelihoods of the households socially and economically through provision of food, cash income, energy for cooking, medicine and construction materials.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Prevalence of Group B streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus colonization in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Stofile, P Z
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
  • Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Quality indices of the Nahoon beach and canal in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Pathogenic bacteria -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Measurement Water -- Microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8122 , vital:31525
  • Description: Faecal indicator bacteria have long been recommended for usage in water quality monitoring of various water sources including surface water. A large number of people in different parts of the world often engage in recreational and other commercial activities at the various beaches along the coastal lines, most especially, during summer season and festive periods. It is generally assumed that beach water is safe all the times, however, there have been increasing reports of beach and other coastal water pollutions because of rising anthropogenic activities around coastal areas globally. The presence of pathogens in faecal contaminated beach water either directly or indirectly increases the risk of human exposure which may result in skin infections as well as the ingestion and transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms may gain entry into beach water directly from improperly treated final effluents released by wastewater treatment plants and from agricultural runoffs and/or faulty drainages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality indices of the Nahoon Beach and canal waters in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, the objectives of this study were as follow: to determine the seasonal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Nahoon beach and canal waters, to assess the microbiological quality of the beach water by assessing the prevalence of potentially E. coli and Enterococcus species, and to evaluate the antibiogram profile of the E. coli pathotypes and Enterococci species recovered from the beach water samples. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for a period of twelve months, during which on-site physicochemical analyses were carried out. Bacteriological assessment was performed using the membrane filtration technique and the necessary incubation conditions were followed. Identification of the target organisms was done by molecular based methods using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method. During the spring season (August to October) and periods of festive activities (December, January and March), it was observed that turbidity was at its highest, consequently, influencing total dissolved solids and a rise in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. Microbiological qualities assessed follow the order: Escherichia coli (101 – 103 CFU/100ml) and Enterococcus (101 – 102 CFU/100 ml). The results show that 41.2percent (107/260) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were positive for uidA gene. A total of 73 out of 107 (68.2percent) PCR-confirmed E. coli isolates were observed to belong to different pathotypes while 59percent (102/172) of the presumptive Enterococcus strains isolated were positive for SodA gene (Enterococcus spp.). Out of 102 enterococci isolates, 45 strains were identified as species (E. faecalis and E. faecium) and these were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The E. coli strains exhibited a frequency of 100percent resistance against ampicillin while the Enterococcus strains also showed 100percent resistance against vancomycin and linezolid. Target genes eae 11 (10.3percent); ipaH 14 (13.1percent); ibeA 48 (44.9percent) that encode pathogenicity in E. coli were successfully amplified by PCR suggesting that the isolates are potentially pathogenic strains whereas Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis 26 (25.5percent) and Enterococcus faecium 19 (18.6percent) were also identified in the water samples. In this study, the phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the E. coli isolates revealed that all 73 (100percent) of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin, 67 (91.8percent) were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime while about 61 (83.6percent) and 51 (69.9percent) were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin as well as trimethoprim respectively. About 21.9percent (16) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with 100percent being resistant to eight antibiotics whereas multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 14 (31percent) of the enterococci strains and the most predominant profile was the simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin. The results obtained in this study show that the beach water generally did not comply with the set guidelines. The results also suggest the possible survival and prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli as well as Enterococcus strains in the aquatic environment which may be a cause of concern for public health. Monitoring of the quality of surface water and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is of great importance and has clinical and human health significance. Nonetheless, this study underscores the need for more detailed study of other waterborne pathogens of health importance including enteric viruses to ascertain the safety of the beach for human use.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Development of a model of performance indicators required for the effective management of South African Universities and Technikons

  • Authors: Hutton, Wendy
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Management , Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Performance -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Management , Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Performance -- Measurement
  • Description: Research has been conducted on performance indicators in higher education institutions in a number of countries. However, in South Africa limited research in this field on a national level is available to the management of South African higher education institutions. The change in funding of these institutions has led to performance measurement becoming essential in order to justify the use of public funds. In order to obtain more relevant information about performance indicators in the South African context, a literature study was conducted to develop a questionnaire to test the concurrence of the importance of performance indicators in South African universities and technikons. The findings of the survey shows a high level of concurrence for the performance indicators identified in the literature study.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

Reconceptualising notions of South African Indianess : a personal narrative

  • Authors: Kunvar, Yogita
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: East Indians -- South Africa , East Indians -- South Africa -- Ethnic identity , East Indians -- Cultural assimilation -- South Africa , National characteristics, East Indian , East Indian diaspora , Identity (Psychology) , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1961-1994 , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1948-1994 , South Africa -- Race relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:2123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017767
  • Description: The theoretical challenge of conceptualising South African Indianess is suffused with a plethora of variables that suggest complexity. While being misleadingly homogenous, Indian identity encompasses a multitude of expressions. This thesis seeks to reconceptualise notions of South African Indianess through personal narrative. The research context is contemporary South Africa with a specific focus on Johannesburg’s East Rand Reef. Inspired by the dearth of literature on contemporary Indianess this study addresses the gap in the present discourse. Following the autoethnographic work of Motzafi-Haller (1997) and Narayan (1993) the thesis presents a layered narrative by juxtaposing the experiences of research participants with my own. Using multi-sited autoethnographic data the thesis explores the question of what it means to be Indian in relation to South Africa’s Apartheid past. By drawing on concepts in popular diaspora theory and critiquing their application, the thesis illustrates the inadequacies inherent in the definitions of diaspora and suggests a broader understanding of its application. Through exploring layers of Indianess the thesis illustrates the inherent complexity in reconceptualising South African Indianess. The study suggests that as a result of changing global and local flows, South African Indians are reconceptualising what it means to be South African Indian.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Perceived usefulness of agricultural information sought on-line and broadcast in rural Mozambique: a case study of two Community Multimedia Centres (CMCs)

  • Authors: Fuel, Isaias Carlos
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Radio in community development -- Mozambique Radio broadcasting -- Mozambique Radio stations -- Mozambique Digital media -- Mozambique Rural development -- Mozambique Agriculture -- Mozambique
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007240
  • Description: The wealth of information available on the Internet holds the potential to aid development in Africa. In order to be effective, such information needs to be contextualised to respond to local needs and practices. The combination of old and new media can support uptake and improve acceptance of new technologies in developing countries. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceived usefulness of agricultural information sought on-line and broadcast via community radio in the two Community Multimedia Centres (CMCs) of Namaacha and Murrombene, in rural Mozambique. The data was generated from focus group discussion, individual interview, document analysis, and observation involving farmers and radio presenters. The study has shown that on-line agricultural information responds to the needs of the farmers because it contributes to eliminate pests and help farmers to make decisions about their activities. The study has also shown that there is a communication gap between farmers, extension workers, and volunteer reporters working at the community radios of the two CMCs. Volunteers have no agricultural knowledge. The problem this creates manifests itself primarily when they try to translate on-line agricultural information from Portuguese into local languages. Farmers have difficulties expressing their problems. Extension workers are not available to act as experts and mediators between volunteers and farmers. A collaborative website focusing on locally relevant content was suggested as a possible improvement.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The design of Makana monument in Grahamstown: pathway of memory inspired by nature, mediating public and sacred space, as a regenerative mechanism of a forgotten place

  • Authors: Almon, Peta Pryor
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Monuments -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Historic buildings -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Historic sites -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Architecture and society -- History -- 21st century
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41283 , vital:36431
  • Description: Since 1994 the post-apartheid heritage discourse has become one of the primary tools to deal with culture, identity and citizenship in South Africa. It is one of the means by which a democratic national identity is being forged and the production of new monuments is the physical manifestation of this discourse. The South African landscape holds many suppressed or unarticulated histories; histories which are a function of socio-political and land battles throughout the years of colonisation and apartheid. In society, socio-political ideals are supported by daily practices, which in turn affect social structures. These structures and the values that they uphold, in turn are interned in the monument. The monument then radiates these through its physical form. Monuments are therefore a collective mirror from which society can position itself, expressing socio-political ideals that are reinforced by community actions. This treatise explores monument as a mechanism of social regeneration towards the vision of a democratic landscape. The treatise investigates the making of monuments by analysing philosophical positions, characteristics with the intention of extracting principles, and types of monuments. This was done in order to gain an understanding as to why monuments exist, the fundamental principles involved, and the architectural approaches to these. The work is centred around Grahamstown, focusing on heritage within the city. This heritage is explicitly represented in over seventy sites within the city. Through an analysis of these heritage sites, it became clear that there is an imbalance of represented histories; mainly favouring the colonial histories while the African histories remain unarticulated or poorly represented. This imbalance is testimony to the socio-political ideals over time which in turn affected the morphology of the city over time. This resulted in contrasting spatial structures; the colonial side of town structured by a grid plan centred on a major axial route from which the spatial hierarchy extends, and the township side which is characterised by a repetitive, non-hierarchical grid layout. The landscape of the city underpins this spatial layout where features are used to enforce socio-political ideals. The structuring elements of the landscape are crucial in this regard. Surrounding hills create a bowl condition in which the city is located which in turn is divided in half by a river reinforcing the two sides of the city. Two entry points into the city are demarcated by prominent hills, positioned directly opposite each other on either side of the city. Gunfire Hill on the west is accentuated by the 1820 Settlers Monument, while opposite to the east is Makana’s Kop surrounded by the township and remains unarticulated and known only by oral histories. This clear imbalance in the representation of histories is commonly characteristic in the South African landscape and settlement patterns. The treatise seeks to arrive at an architectural intervention that is a step towards reducing this imbalance, as well as representing these suppressed histories appropriately. Vincent Scully’s notion of architecture mimicking nature was used as a theoretical lens through which the approach to the architecure and landscape were viewed. Consequently, phenomenological ideas are used as an architectural approach which aims to integrate people, nature and heritage in the form of a monument. In line with this, African traditions and beliefs were investigated, specifically the inherent relationship between nature, human spirit and settlement. The proposal is the Makana Monument located on Makana’s Kop, maintining the principles of monuments while facilitating the social needs of the surrounding community within the township of Hlalani. The site is physically monumental in nature, due to its steep slope and prominent tree line. Presented with a naturally sacred site that is positoned at the centre of a community and contains significant history pertaining to Grahamstown. These themes became the informants of the design. The aim is to maintain the natural vertical prominence of the site by creating a building that gives definition through contrasting horizontal retaining walls positioned along the contour lines. Located at a crucial point on the slope, it mediates public and sacred space. Routes through and into the building are informed by the energies of existing desire lines of people’s pathways. The intention of the building is to give dignity to a sacred natural landscape, facilitate the needs of the community, and appropriately recognise the supressed heritage.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The effect of different seating conditions, in aircrafts, on passenger comfort and the use of cabin space

  • Authors: Olley, Emma-Jane
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/19734 , vital:22479
  • Description: Although aircraft cabin design has improved over the years, passengers continue to complain about sitting discomfort whilst flying. These complaints are often centred on the cramped and restricted seating conditions. Whilst passenger comfort is important, in order for airline companies to attract and retain customers, it is also important to design for cabin space needs. Denel Aviation intends to build a South African Regional Aircraft (SARA) that will fly point-to-point, linking regional centres and intends to design aircraft seats that not only optimise passenger comfort, but which also save cabin space. The aim of this investigation was two-fold. The first aim was to determine how aircraft backrest angle affected passenger comfort, ease of seat access, perceived restriction and legroom, with different seat pan angles and seat heights. The second aim was to determine whether passenger comfort was affected with the most preferred backrest angle for each seat pan angle and seat height. Determining how seat pan angle and seat height affect the preferred angle of the backrest was considered important as Denel intend to use aircraft seats with a non-adjustable backrest angle. For this study, 80 participants were recruited from Rhodes University and the general Grahamstown population. The participants consisted of 40 males and 40 females and were not limited by race, ethnicity or culture. The participants were classified into two age groups; 18-30 years of age and 31-60 years of age. Participant stature, body mass, BMI and lower leg length was recorded to determine the effect these factors had on sitting comfort when the participants were seated in different seating conditions. From the results obtained, it was found that, by altering seat height, seat pan angle, and backrest angle, passenger comfort can be optimised. Furthermore, it was found that certain combinations of seat height, seat pan angle and backrest angle are more beneficial with regards to saving aircraft cabin space. However, this means that a compromise needs to be found for SARA as passenger comfort needs to be optimised, whilst decreasing the use of cabin space to reduce costs.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antibacterial analysis of carvacrol based-hybrid analogues

  • Authors: Mbese, Zintle
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants Herbs -- Therapeutic use
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14527 , vital:39998
  • Description: he focus of this research was to synthesize and characterize carvacrol hybrid analogues. Twenty-one (21) carvacrol analogues were synthesized by reacting carvacrol with (1. 4- aminosalicylic acid, 2. ferrocene keto-butanoic acid, 3. Ferrocene butanoic acid, 4. succinic anhydride, 5. folic acid, 6. cinnamic acid, 7. leucovorin, 8. oleanolic acid, 9. artesunate, 10. cholesterol, 11. cholesterol succinate, 12. curcumin, 13. curcumin succinate, 14. zidovudine, 15. Zidovudine succinate, 16. 8-hydroxyquinoline, 17. 8-hydroxyquinoline succinate, 18. 2- (7-chloroquinolin-4-ylamino)ethyl 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl, 19. 2-(7-chloroquinolin-4- ylamino)ethyl 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl succinate, 20. 2-(2-(7-chloroquinolin-4- ylamino)ethoxy)ethyl 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl, 21. 2-(2-(7-chloroquinolin-4- ylamino)ethoxy)ethyl 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl succinate). The carvacrol analogues were characterized using FTIR, UHPLC-HRMS, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The antibacterial analysis was performed to evaluate the carvacrol analogues against bacterial strains. FTIR spectra of carvacrol analogues were found to exhibit peaks of C-O stretch and Ar-C in a range of 1014-1280 cm-1 and a range of 1414-1697 cm-1 which confirm the successful formation of esters. The proposed structures of carvacrol analogues were confirmed by the 1H- and 13C-NMR. The selected 1H-NMR signal for aromatic protons ranged at 6.00-8.95 ppm/δ. The selected 13C-NMR signal for ester carbon and aromatic carbons ranged at 160.0-175.0 ppm/δ and at 110.00-154.00 ppm/δ. The structures were also confirmed by UHPLC-HRMS. Carvacrol analogues exhibited the highest inhibitory effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative tested bacterial strains.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An exploratory study of inclusion of learners with visual impairment into mainstream schools : the learners' parents' and educators' perspectives

  • Authors: Ngxata, Ncediwe Gratia
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Blind -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Blind children -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children with visual disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mainstreaming in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape People with visual disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Parents of children with disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:5954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008096
  • Description: The study explores the experiences of inclusion of learners with visual impairment into mainstream schools in Mdantsane and Duncan Village in the Eastern Cape. The learners previously attended a special school away from home for the visually impaired in Port Elizabeth. The study delves into the barriers to inclusion as identified by the parents, educators and learners. A study of this nature was essential as many learners with visual impairment, are sent away to special schools on the grounds that they are unfit to attend mainstream schools when they could do well in mainstream schools when provided with appropriate support. As inclusive education is fairly new in South Africa, studies of this kind provide the Department of Education with some understanding of what the situation is with regard to the implementation of inclusive policies. The study attempts to establish from the participants what they think inclusive education is, the reason for introducing inclusive education, the barriers to inclusive education and the kind of support required to implement inclusive education in South Africa. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. A sample of educators, learners and parents was selected from two high schools and one primary school. Coding was used in data reduction and analysis. The study revealed that some learners, educators and parents are not totally against inclusive education as long as they could be provided with the necessary support. The study also revealed the excitement of learners and parents about attending nearby schools which are close to their homes. However two parents and learners are not satisfied due to lack of support and would rather go back to special school. The study ends with recommendations about how inclusive education could be intensified to ensure that learners with disabilities benefit from the mainstream schools. There is no doubt that this research study will be a strong contribution towards inclusive education initiatives particularly with regard to learners with visual impairment in the Eastern Cape Province.
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  • Date Issued: 2005

Promoting learning in science: a case study of the appropriateness and implications of group work

  • Authors: Ngcoza, Kenneth Mlungisi
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Group work in education Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Museums and schools -- South Africa Albany Museum (Grahamstown, South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003601
  • Description: This research project, using a qualitative case study methodology, reports on the appropriateness and implications of using group work in promoting cooperative learning in science. In this study, group work is seen as providing a social support mechanism for learning through interactive "hands-on" activities, designed to give learners opportunities to discuss and share ideas so that they can grasp science concepts. The Science Olympiad Project class composed of approximately thirty-six (36) learners formed the case study for this unit. The Science Olympiad Project is a project concerned with the promotion of science in the primary schools in Grahamstown. From this group, twenty two (22) learners (12 girls and 10 boys) were interviewed and kept journals. The Science Olympiad facilitator (a science teacher from one of the schools involved in the project) and two teachers who attended the science classes and whose learners are part of the project were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews, journals kept by the learners and the researcher (who was a participant observer and a co-facilitator), observations and discussions constituted sources of data for the research project. The analysis of data indicated that the learners found science during the Science Olympiad Project classes interesting and challenging. There were many benefits reported by the learners including the use of group work, the effect of "hands-on" activities, their attitudes and perceptions towards science and the role of excursions. Teachers found the learner-centred approaches adopted helped to encourage the learners to be actively involved in their own learning. One concern raised by the teachers was what would happen to those learners who have been identified as enthusiastic in science when they go to secondary schools. The implications of the results to improve and sustain the project are discussed.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

Practitioners' views of the Griffiths scales : informing the revision process

  • Authors: Samuel, Candice
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Griffiths Developmental Scales , Child development -- Testing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021062
  • Description: The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently in the process of revising the Griffiths Scales. When revising measures, obtaining practitioners’ views on the measure is common practice. The purpose of the present study was to explore the themes emerging from a group of practitioners surveyed on their opinions about the Griffiths Scales in order to inform the Griffiths Scales revision process. A qualitative, survey methodology was used. A survey questionnaire was designed and distributed by the ARICD to ascertain practitioners’ and researchers’ views on assessing child development, insights into practicalities and the usability of the Griffiths Scales, as well as their opinions on potential changes and improvements. Data were also gathered on the frequency, purpose and age range with which practitioners used the Griffiths Scales. The questionnaire was distributed to Registered Griffiths Scales Users (practitioners) via the ARICD members’ email distribution list. The practitioners and researchers were either current or past users of the Griffiths Scales. Eighty-five completed questionnaires were returned of which 52 were from current, regular users of the Griffiths Scales and 33 were from non-users. The data obtained from the 85 returned questionnaires were analysed in the present research study using thematic analysis to extract themes for both users and non-users of the Griffiths Scales. The results of the data analysis revealed four over-arching themes, namely, purpose and use of the Griffiths Scales; domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths Scales; psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the themed views of practitioners, recommendations were made regarding the support for the next revision cycle as well as strengths of the Griffiths Scales that should be retained and improvements and additions needed. It is hoped that these recommendations will guide aspects of the revision process. Consequently, the recommendations have been submitted to the Project Board.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Exhaustible resources and the hotelling rule : an empirical test of the hotelling rule's significance to gold production in South Africa

  • Authors: Mlambo, Courage
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Natural resources -- Mathematical models Econometrics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4738 , vital:28507
  • Description: The study sought to test the applicability of the Hotelling rule in South Africa. In environmental economics, the Hotelling rule has come to be a pillar of the exhaustible resources framework and in addition to this, it has presented essential insights into the consumption and extraction of non-renewable resources. Hotelling sought to address one important question which had been unanswered regarding the depletion of exhaustible resources: How much of the natural resource in question should be consumed presently and how much of it should be stocked up for future generations? The focus was to find a solution for those involved in the exploitation of natural resources to choose between the current value of the natural resource if extracted and sold and the future increased value of the asset if left unexploited. According to the Hotelling rule, the extraction path in competitive market economies will, under certain circumstances, be socially optimal. An extraction path that is not socially optimal compromises the welfare of future generations. The welfare of South Africa’s present population and more especially in the future will be greatly determined by the stock of natural resources available and the quality of the environment. Currently, the production processes deplete natural resources. Concern with the supposed increasing scarcity of gold in South Africa, and the possibility of running out of gold, has become a source of concern. South Africa’s gold reserves (gold in the ground that can be extracted profitably) are becoming depleted at an alarming rate. Most reserves are already exhausted; and the costs involved in mining lower-grade ore, and deposits located very deep in the ground, are becoming excessive. In light of this, this study sought to test the applicability of the Hotelling rule in South Africa. In order to empirically test the Hotelling rule, the study was guided by previous literature that had sought to test it. In this regard, the study used both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study has three data analysis chapters. The first two presented and examined the time series properties of gold prices, gold production and gold consumption. The third data analysis chapter examined the relationship between gold price and interest rates. In the first two data analysis chapters, visual inspection, growth rates, variance ratio tests and advanced unit root tests were used to examine the time series properties of gold prices, gold production and gold consumption. Results showed that the behaviour of the gold price series and gold production series in South Africa have a behaviour that is socially optimal. This is in line with the Hotelling rule. The rule predicts exponentially increasing resource prices and this result in mineral resources following the path of the positive trend. The positive trend is prompted by the increasing price reflecting the increasing scarcity of the resource. However, consumption trends were seen to be violating the Hotelling rule. The Hotelling rule predicts that the price increases until it eventually reaches the choke price, where the quantity demanded decreases to zero. However, in contrast to this, results showed that the demand for gold has been increasing instead of decreasing. This is not in line with the Hotelling rule. Furthermore the relationship between interest rate and gold price was negative and this suggested that the price of gold was not rising at the rate of the interest rate. The results of the study suggested that gold production is not following a social optimally path. The study recommended that the government come up with measures that prolong the lifespan of the gold reserves. These included research and development to promote technological innovations in the mining sector. This may make it possible for firms to access lower-grade ores. The study also recommended that since the Hotelling rule partly applied in the gold sector, there is a need to adopt some other theoretical measures that can ensure that the proceeds from the gold taxes are used in the most effective way.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2017

Biotechnology from bench to market: the design, scale-up and commercialisation strategy development of a disruptive bioprocess for potable ethanol production

  • Authors: Dhanani, Karim Colin Hassan
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55863 , vital:26750
  • Description: The capacity of research institutions to engage in technology transfer activities has important implications on both economic development and technological advancement. This thesis explores the developmental and commercialisation processes involved in the transfer of a potentially disruptive bioprocessing technology for beverage alcohol production. Ethanolic fermentation strategies are of interest due to their global economic importance and their potential to produce clean renewable fuels in the future. Currently used methods are both energetically wasteful and economically inefficient. To this end more effective bioprocessing methods and implementation strategies are required to enable commercially viable decentralised small-scale ethanol production. Perfusion reactors have a number of advantages over batch and other continuous fermentation strategies. This study aimed to develop and study the fermentative efficiency of a perfusion tower bioreactor system at the bench scale, and subsequently through a scale up process to a low level commercial capacity. An HPLC method was developed for the Simultaneous quantification of common fermentation analytes; this was used to determine bench scale fermentation efficacies over an operational period. At steady state the ethanol volumetric productivity of the bench scale bioreactor system was 3.40 g. L-1.h-1, the average yield of ethanol to consumed sugar was 0.467 g.g -1, with an average sugar conversion percentage of 96%. Results showed that the tower perfusion bioreactor was appropriate for high performance ethyl alcohol fermentations. This reactor design was then scaled up to pilot scale and then commercial scale ca pacity. Similar efficienCies were achieved with these larger systems. Based on the process performance data obtained, a commercialisation strategy was developed and market performance was projected. It was found that productivity rates per unit volume were favourable, and the bioreactor system was determined to be very cost effective for a decentralised ethanolic beverage manufacturing model.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

A framework for evaluating instructional design models resulting in a model for designing and developing computer based learning tools with GIS technologies

  • Authors: Stott, Deborah Ann
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction Geographic information systems Education, Secondary -- Computer network resources Educational innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1548 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003430
  • Description: With the increasing pressures and concerns in education regarding capability, lifelong learning, higher order cognitive skills, transdisciplinary education and so on, educators are seeking fresh ways to teach and new tools to support that teaching. In South Africa, Outcomes Based Education (OBE) has identified critical outcomes (skills) across all subject areas such as problem solving, teamwork, fostering critical thinking etc. as a way of responding to these pressures and concerns. But OBE has been criticised for lacking the necessary tools to develop these critical skills and to promote cross-discipline learning. One innovative way of offering transformative teaching, instruction and learning that may foster the development of these critical skills, particularly those concerned with critical thinking, is by using geographic information systems (GIS) technologies. The scope for using these technologies in secondary education is now being realised for teaching the more generic, cross-discipline skills described whereby students are learning not only about GIS but also with GIS. This realisation provides the opportunity to create flexible, computer-based learning materials that are rooted in authentic, real-world contexts, which aim to enhance the cognitive skills of the students. If these technologies can be used in an innovative way to develop critical outcomes and skills, a model needs to be defined to aid the design and development of learning materials using these technologies for use in schools. The primary aim of this study has been to develop such a model; a model which emphasises the development of real-world learning materials that develop higher-order thinking skills in learners. Another key product of this study is the submission of a comprehensive yet flexible framework for evaluating instructional design models found in the educational literature in order to determine if these design models can be used to develop learning materials forparticular contexts.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2005

Impediments to the implementation of employee health and wellness policy : a study of Social Development - Eastern Cape, Amathole District

  • Authors: Lutuli, Nondwe
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Health education|xGovernment policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5473 , vital:29269
  • Description: The White paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery no 1459 of 1997 stipulates that the wellbeing of employees needs to be accounted for. A directive to have employee health and wellness programmes established in all government departments was given by the director-general of the Department Public Service Administration in 2008. The Employee health and wellness programme is aimed at promoting and improving employee wellbeing, which is also linked to organizational wellness. The primary aim of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is to make a positive contribution towards maximum employee productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. Employee health assessment conducted by the Department of Social Development in 2006 and 2009 confirmed that South African organizations, including the Department of Social Development, experience high levels of employee poor health. Studies suggest that both employees and the employers need to pay attention to the improvement of employee health and wellness. In 2012, an integrated employee health and wellness policy was developed to improve the Department of Social Development employee wellness. The interest to conduct the study emanates from the researcher‟s own supposition that the policy has not been fully implemented, this deduction is based on the fact that, although the policy has four critical focus areas, some of these areas, such as counselling, are not rendered. Literature reviewed includes the process of policy implementation and description of employee health and wellness, benefits of employee health and wellness programme for both employees and employer. A mixed method study was conducted to explore the implementation of the employee health and wellness policy as a strategy to improve both employee and organizational wellness within the Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape - Amathole District. The population of the study included both DSD management and non-managerial employees from Amathole District; the study also includes the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Amathole District Municipality and South African Police Service (Mdantsane). Themes that were identified from qualitative data through semi- structured interviews by means of audio-recorder were triangulated through questionnaires and document analysis. Since the policy came into effect in 2012, results show that the implementation has been confronted with a number of challenges which include lack of support from the top management. Lack of buy in by DSD management has serious implications on the policy objectives; these include the inadequate distribution of capital, human and physical resources necessary to implement the policy. In order for the DSD to improve the implementation of employee health and wellness policy, the management needs to ensure that there is adequate provision of human and capital resources. Employees should be well-informed on policy guidelines and procedures and benefits to stimulate maximum utilisation. A decentralisation of implementation to Area offices is necessary to promote accessibility of services and prevent unnecessary delays in service delivery.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2017

Paranoid metaphors: an examination of the discursive, theoretical and sometimes personal, interaction between the psychoanalyst, Jacques Lacan, the surrealist, Salvador Dali, and the English poet, David Gascoyne

  • Authors: De Klerk, Eugene
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Paranoia , Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 , Dali, Salvador, 1904-1989 , Gascoyne, David, 1916-2001
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002234 , Paranoia , Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 , Dali, Salvador, 1904-1989 , Gascoyne, David, 1916-2001
  • Description: This thesis examines the historical interaction of the psychoanalyst, Jacques Lacan, the surrealist, Salvador Dali, and the English poet, David Gascoyne. It traces the discursive, and sometimes personal, relationship between these figures which led to a psychoanalytic-based conception of paranoia that impacted on both surrealism and the surrealist-inspired poetry and theory of David Gascoyne. Furthermore it seeks to identify the potential ramifications of this conception of paranoia, and the artistic practice it engendered, for literary, Marxist and psychoanalytic theory.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Aspects of the biology of the musselcracker, Sparodon Durbanensis, and the bronze bream, Pachymetopon grande, (Pisces : Sparidae), with notes on the Eastern Cape recreational rock-angling and spear fisheries

  • Authors: Clarke, John Ross
  • Date: 1988
  • Subjects: Sparidea -- South Africa Sparodon Durbanensis Bream fishing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001966
  • Description: The musselcracker, Soarodon durbanensis, and the bronze bream, Pachymetopon arande, are important components of rock-angling and spearfishing catches In the Eastern Cape. Aspects of their biology, including age and growth, reproduction, nursery areas and feeding, were Investigated to provide a basis for the rational exploitation of the resource. Both species are slow-growing and long-lived. Growth in S. durbanensls was described by the von Bertalanffy growth equation: Lt(mm) = 1021.2(1-e⁻°.°⁹°°⁽t ⁻° .⁷°⁹⁾). The von Bertalanffy growth model did not describe the total data set in P. grande, but by excluding the zero and one year old fish the data were described by: Lt(mm) = 461.1(1-e⁻°.¹⁵³⁽t ⁺¹.⁶⁴°⁾). Detailed histological examination of gonadal development showed that S. durbanensis and P. grande are rudimentary hermaphrodites. Both species had restricted breeding seasons which coincided with peak exploitation. Results indicated that both species are group spawners with pelagic eggs. Size at 50% maturity in S. durbanensis and P. grande was determined at 350 and 300mm fork length, respectively, corresponding to ages of 4.5 and 5.5 years. Intertidal pools functioned as nursery areas for S. durbanensis during the first year, whereas subtidal waters were more important for larger juveniles. P. grande juveniles were commonly observed on subtidal weed beds to a depth of 10m. A size-related change in the diet of S. durbanensis was observed. The juveniles were omnivorous, feeding predominantly on gastropods, echinoids and chlorophytes. The adults fed on a variety of large, reef-associated invertebrates. P. grande were omnivorous, with macroalgae being the principal dietary component. This species appears to utilise the storage and extracellular carbohydrates of the macroalgae. Results showed that macroalgal degradation by gut endosymbionts and the utilisation of macroalgal epibionts does not appear to occur in this species. A detailed analysis of catch composition and catch per unit of effort In the Port Elizabeth rock-angling fishery and the Eastern Cape spearfishery emphasised the recreational importance of S. durbanensis and P. grande. The localised distribution, slow growth and late maturation in both species results in their being susceptible to over-exploitation in these size-selective fisheries. Current legislation protecting these fish is discussed in relation to the findings of this study and additional management measures are proposed.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1988

Synthesis and structural studies of NiS and PdS nanoparticles/nanocomposites from dithiocarbamates single source precursors

  • Authors: Nqombolo, Azile
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
  • Identifier: vital:11359 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021326
  • Description: The main aim of this research is to synthesize Ni(II) and Pd(II) dithiocarbamate complexes and use them as single source precursors for the synthesis of NiS and PdS nanoparticles and metal sulphides potato starch nanocomposites. Four dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. The ligands were used to prepared homoleptic Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes of the dithiocarbamate ligands. The metal complexes were characterized with elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Conductivity measurements indicate that all the complexes are non-electrolytes in solution and results from the electronic spectra studies confirmed the proposed 4-coordinate square planar geometry around the metal ions. The nickel complexes showed d-d transitions around 477 nm while in the palladium complexes, no d-d transitions were observed but the compounds showed strong metal to ligand charge transfer transitions. From the FTIR spectra studies, it can be confirmed that the complexes were successfully synthesised because all peaks of interest were observed at expected regions from the literature. The νC-N was observed around 1469-1495 cm-1, νC=S around 1101-1188 cm-1 and νC-S around 738-1060 cm-1 for both Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes. νNi-S was observed around 375-543 cm-1 and νPd-S around 529-545 cm-1. The FTIR also confirmed that the dithiocarbamate ligands act as bidentate chelating ligands through the sulfur atoms. The complexes were used as single source precursors and thermolysed in hexadecylamine (HDA) at 220 °C to prepare four HDA-capped nickel sulfide nanoparticles and four palladium sulfide nanoparticles. The as-prepared nanoparticles were studied with optical absorption spectra, photoluminescence, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The optical studies results showed that NiS have large band gaps that are greater than that of the bulk, therefore they are found to be blue shifted relative to the bulk, which shows that they have small particle size and thus confirming their quantum confinement effect. PL spectra reveal that the emission peaks are red shifted compared to the absorption band edges of the nanoparticles. The XRD patterns confirmed the formation of cubic and rhombohedral phase for NiS nanoparticles and cubic phase for PdS nanoparticles. SEM images of both NiS and PdS show uniform surface morphology at low and high magnification with different shapes. EDS analyses confirmed the presence of Ni, S, and Pd in each of the spectrum indicating that the nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. TEM images showed that the synthesised nanoparticles have uniform and narrow size distribution with no agglomeration. The sizes of the NiS nanoparticles were found to be in the range of 12-38 nm for NiS1, 8-11 nm for NiS2, 9-16 nm for NiS3 and 4-9 nm for NiS4. The TEM images for the as-prepared PdS nanoparticles showed that the average crystallite sizes are 6.94-9.62 nm for PdS1, 8-11 nm for PdS2, 9-16 nm for PdS3 and 4-9 nm for PdS4 respectively. The nanoparticles were used to prepare potato starch nanocomposites and SEM images indicate that the surface morphology of starch polymer nanocomposites compose of potato starch and few particles in between the pores of the matrix, this is due to the small ratio of nanoparticles used.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016
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