Evaluating the trophic ecology and feeding habits of three divergent lineages of Sandelia bainsii (Teleostei: Anabantidae), from the Eastern Cape Rivers using stable isotope analysis
- Authors: Nkomo, Thulisile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364984 , vital:65667
- Description: Despite supporting a disproportionately large fraction of the global biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems are ranked as the most highly threatened habitats on the planet, ahead of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Many regions are still characterised by limited knowledge regarding the taxonomy and ecology of freshwater fish taxa. The need for ecological information is increasingly becoming important due to the discovery of new species and unique lineages, which require conservation management. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the trophic ecology and feeding habits of the three recently described and divergent Sandelia bainsii lineages, namely Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Kowie’ from the Great Fish River, Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Keiskamma’ found in the Keiskamma River, and Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Buffalo’ confined to the Buffalo River system in the Amathole-Winterberg freshwater ecoregion in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Based on the allopatric distribution and the generalist feeding habits of these lineages, this thesis postulated that these three lineages were likely to show similar trophic ecology patterns, different dietary composition and as a result would have variable trophic positioning in the different river systems. Therefore, the primary objectives were to use stable isotope analysis to (1) evaluate the food web patterns of the river systems where the three S. bainsii lineages occurred, and (2) determine dietary source contributions for the three lineages using isotope mixing models. The results revealed general variability and significant differences in the δ13C and δ¹⁵N values for the different basal resources, macroinvertebrates and fish community across the different headwater streams. Within and across the different rivers, the S. bainsii lineages exhibited variable isotopic niche sizes, which appeared to coincide with the variation in the isotopic composition of the individual communities. Furthermore, these lineages did not exhibit any discernible patterns in their interspecific interactions in different habitats. This suggests that these lineages’ isotopic niche patterns were largely influenced by spatial differences in both trophic resources and probable interactions with contraspecifics. Assessment of trophic positions of S. bainsii lineages showed that the three lineages had higher trophic positions than other co-occurring species at most sites, except in the Buffalo River. This suggest that the different lineages were generally top predators in the different river systems. Although S. ‘bainsii Buffalo’ had a lower trophic position compared to other co-occurring species, its trophic position was generally characterised by high uncertainty, indicating that this lineage was likely influenced by the occurrence of diet sources that had highly variable stable isotope values. Findings from stable isotope mixing models revealed that the diet sources varied from the dominance of either single diet source in the Fairburn and Tyume 1 River to the importance of multiple prey sources from the Lushington and Kat River system. This suggests that despite being a top predator at most sites, the diet sources for the different lineages were highly variable. The patterns observed in this study did not appear to be attributed to species divergence possibly caused by allopatric speciation, but rather differences in food web characteristics of the river systems, as well as the lineages interspecific relationships and their generalized feeding strategies. Understanding the trophic dynamics of these lineages will assist in implementing effective conservation strategies and policies dealing with narrowly distributed species that are threatened by habitat fragmentation and invasion of piscivorous fish. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nkomo, Thulisile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364984 , vital:65667
- Description: Despite supporting a disproportionately large fraction of the global biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems are ranked as the most highly threatened habitats on the planet, ahead of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Many regions are still characterised by limited knowledge regarding the taxonomy and ecology of freshwater fish taxa. The need for ecological information is increasingly becoming important due to the discovery of new species and unique lineages, which require conservation management. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the trophic ecology and feeding habits of the three recently described and divergent Sandelia bainsii lineages, namely Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Kowie’ from the Great Fish River, Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Keiskamma’ found in the Keiskamma River, and Sandelia sp. ‘bainsii Buffalo’ confined to the Buffalo River system in the Amathole-Winterberg freshwater ecoregion in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Based on the allopatric distribution and the generalist feeding habits of these lineages, this thesis postulated that these three lineages were likely to show similar trophic ecology patterns, different dietary composition and as a result would have variable trophic positioning in the different river systems. Therefore, the primary objectives were to use stable isotope analysis to (1) evaluate the food web patterns of the river systems where the three S. bainsii lineages occurred, and (2) determine dietary source contributions for the three lineages using isotope mixing models. The results revealed general variability and significant differences in the δ13C and δ¹⁵N values for the different basal resources, macroinvertebrates and fish community across the different headwater streams. Within and across the different rivers, the S. bainsii lineages exhibited variable isotopic niche sizes, which appeared to coincide with the variation in the isotopic composition of the individual communities. Furthermore, these lineages did not exhibit any discernible patterns in their interspecific interactions in different habitats. This suggests that these lineages’ isotopic niche patterns were largely influenced by spatial differences in both trophic resources and probable interactions with contraspecifics. Assessment of trophic positions of S. bainsii lineages showed that the three lineages had higher trophic positions than other co-occurring species at most sites, except in the Buffalo River. This suggest that the different lineages were generally top predators in the different river systems. Although S. ‘bainsii Buffalo’ had a lower trophic position compared to other co-occurring species, its trophic position was generally characterised by high uncertainty, indicating that this lineage was likely influenced by the occurrence of diet sources that had highly variable stable isotope values. Findings from stable isotope mixing models revealed that the diet sources varied from the dominance of either single diet source in the Fairburn and Tyume 1 River to the importance of multiple prey sources from the Lushington and Kat River system. This suggests that despite being a top predator at most sites, the diet sources for the different lineages were highly variable. The patterns observed in this study did not appear to be attributed to species divergence possibly caused by allopatric speciation, but rather differences in food web characteristics of the river systems, as well as the lineages interspecific relationships and their generalized feeding strategies. Understanding the trophic dynamics of these lineages will assist in implementing effective conservation strategies and policies dealing with narrowly distributed species that are threatened by habitat fragmentation and invasion of piscivorous fish. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Orthographic knowledge in isiXhosa and its relation to phonological processing, letter-sound knowledge, reading and spelling
- Authors: Daries, Mikaela Ann
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xhosa language Orthography and spelling , Phonological awareness , Psycholinguistics , Oral reading Usage , Literacy South Africa , Reading Phonetic method
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406703 , vital:70300
- Description: Despite international research confirming its importance, writing and related metalinguistic skills have often been neglected in comparison to reading in literacy research (Cunningham et al., 2001; Castles & Coltheart, 2004; Nag, 2007; Roman et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2017). On a national level there are very few studies that have explored the writing aspect of literacy in South Africa, and none that has investigated orthographic knowledge in a Southern Bantu language, such as isiXhosa. In an attempt to address this gap, this thesis explores orthographic knowledge and its components in isiXhosa. In particular, it seeks to investigate the unique predictors of word specific and general orthographic knowledge as well as their role for reading and spelling in isiXhosa while controlling for phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and letter-sound knowledge. Furthermore, the thesis attempts to situate its findings within the main premises of the self-teaching hypothesis and dual route approach to orthographic processing in order to contribute to linguistic theories of reading with cross-linguistic evidence (Jorm & Share, 1983; Share & Jorm, 1987; Share, 1995; Grainger & Ziegler, 2011). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 isiXhosa home language third grade learners in which word specific and general orthographic knowledge tasks were specifically designed. These tasks were administered along with oral reading fluency (ORF), spelling, PA, RAN, and letter-sound knowledge. The findings revealed that letter-sound knowledge and PA contributed the largest variance towards both word specific and general orthographic knowledge. Further, word specific orthographic knowledge and letter-sound knowledge were the only significant predictors of spelling. Similarly, both word specific and letter-sound knowledge were significant predictors of reading, along with RAN and general orthographic knowledge. Quantile linear regression analyses revealed that word specific orthographic knowledge was a robust predictor of spelling and letter-sound knowledge was a robust predictor of reading across ability levels confirming the importance for word specific orthographic knowledge for spelling and letter-sound knowledge for reading in isiXhosa. In relation to the two reading theories considered in this thesis, the findings reflect similarities between the assertions of the self-teaching hypothesis and current thesis with suggestions made for further inquiry. The dual route approach to orthographic processing provides insights into the potential processing of orthographic information while reading in isiXhosa. The findings of this study confirm the importance of orthographic knowledge for reading and spelling for languages with transparent orthographies such as isiXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Daries, Mikaela Ann
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xhosa language Orthography and spelling , Phonological awareness , Psycholinguistics , Oral reading Usage , Literacy South Africa , Reading Phonetic method
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406703 , vital:70300
- Description: Despite international research confirming its importance, writing and related metalinguistic skills have often been neglected in comparison to reading in literacy research (Cunningham et al., 2001; Castles & Coltheart, 2004; Nag, 2007; Roman et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2017). On a national level there are very few studies that have explored the writing aspect of literacy in South Africa, and none that has investigated orthographic knowledge in a Southern Bantu language, such as isiXhosa. In an attempt to address this gap, this thesis explores orthographic knowledge and its components in isiXhosa. In particular, it seeks to investigate the unique predictors of word specific and general orthographic knowledge as well as their role for reading and spelling in isiXhosa while controlling for phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and letter-sound knowledge. Furthermore, the thesis attempts to situate its findings within the main premises of the self-teaching hypothesis and dual route approach to orthographic processing in order to contribute to linguistic theories of reading with cross-linguistic evidence (Jorm & Share, 1983; Share & Jorm, 1987; Share, 1995; Grainger & Ziegler, 2011). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 isiXhosa home language third grade learners in which word specific and general orthographic knowledge tasks were specifically designed. These tasks were administered along with oral reading fluency (ORF), spelling, PA, RAN, and letter-sound knowledge. The findings revealed that letter-sound knowledge and PA contributed the largest variance towards both word specific and general orthographic knowledge. Further, word specific orthographic knowledge and letter-sound knowledge were the only significant predictors of spelling. Similarly, both word specific and letter-sound knowledge were significant predictors of reading, along with RAN and general orthographic knowledge. Quantile linear regression analyses revealed that word specific orthographic knowledge was a robust predictor of spelling and letter-sound knowledge was a robust predictor of reading across ability levels confirming the importance for word specific orthographic knowledge for spelling and letter-sound knowledge for reading in isiXhosa. In relation to the two reading theories considered in this thesis, the findings reflect similarities between the assertions of the self-teaching hypothesis and current thesis with suggestions made for further inquiry. The dual route approach to orthographic processing provides insights into the potential processing of orthographic information while reading in isiXhosa. The findings of this study confirm the importance of orthographic knowledge for reading and spelling for languages with transparent orthographies such as isiXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Knowledge of and concern about global biodiversity loss vs local biodiversity loss in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot (MPA)
- Authors: Toyisi, Zanele Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365025 , vital:65671
- Description: Biodiversity forms the basis of the ecosystem services that society depends on. However, humanity has caused an increase in the extinction rates up to 100 times higher than that of evolutionary background levels. Recent studies found that biodiversity conservation becomes successful when it is grounded in local support. Support for conservation of biodiversity depends on peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity, their attitudes and awareness of the number of species that are present and that are threatened with extinction. However, some studies have shown that the public has little knowledge about the concept of biodiversity and have poor biodiversity identification skills. There is growing concern that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss than what is happening around them locally. The notion that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss rather than local, has not been deeply studied. Most studies have been in developed countries, with limited studies in developing countries and countries that have high diversity such as South Africa. Having accurate knowledge about biodiversity and the environment is said to be the key predictor of intention to change behaviour in relation to biodiversity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the knowledge and concern (if any) people have of biodiversity at global and local scales. More so, it set out to determine how familiar people are with the term biodiversity, what they consider as forces leading to biodiversity decline, the level of concern that they have for biodiversity loss and if knowledge and concern is influenced by demographic profiles. To achieve this aim, a total of 220 random interviews were conducted in three towns within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot in South Africa. The results show that respondents are familiar with the term biodiversity. There was a strong relationship between having heard of the term and the ability to define it with 55 % of the respondents aware of it and able to define it. Respondents had moderate knowledge general knowledge related to biodiversity. Gender, education and childhood background did play a role in the knowledge of biodiversity. Women had more knowledge about biodiversity than men, highly educated respondents knew more and the youth knew more than older respondents. The results of this study found that there were no respondents who could not name any local species from South Africa. However, things changed at global level with 32 % of the participants unable to name species at global level. Endangered species are still relatively unknown, as the majority of respondents could not name any at district (84 %) or at global level (61 %). Charismatic species were known the most by respondents as 52 % mentioned them at national level and 59 % at global level. This study also assessed if there is concern for biodiversity loss. The results showed that there is concern for biodiversity with 71 % of the respondents in support for conservation and 60 % of the respondents willing to donate towards conservation. This study found that reasons for conservation related to the level of products consumed directly from the environment. Those that supported conservation for use values consumed more products from the environment than those who were in support for non-use values. Furtherly, this study found that women were more concerned about biodiversity loss than men. Highly educated respondents were more concerned and the youth was not. Furtherly, this study found that knowledge about biodiversity loss corelated with concern. For example, women had more knowledge and were more concerned about biodiversity loss. Overall, this study has shown that there is some knowledge and concern that people have about biodiversity and its loss. This can assist the relevant policy makers and researchers to know where intervention is needed to increase the knowledge that people have of biodiversity loss and which aspects of biodiversity people are most concerned about. This is so that new policies and conservation measures can include what is appealing to the local people so that support for conservation can be built and accepted by local people. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Toyisi, Zanele Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365025 , vital:65671
- Description: Biodiversity forms the basis of the ecosystem services that society depends on. However, humanity has caused an increase in the extinction rates up to 100 times higher than that of evolutionary background levels. Recent studies found that biodiversity conservation becomes successful when it is grounded in local support. Support for conservation of biodiversity depends on peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity, their attitudes and awareness of the number of species that are present and that are threatened with extinction. However, some studies have shown that the public has little knowledge about the concept of biodiversity and have poor biodiversity identification skills. There is growing concern that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss than what is happening around them locally. The notion that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss rather than local, has not been deeply studied. Most studies have been in developed countries, with limited studies in developing countries and countries that have high diversity such as South Africa. Having accurate knowledge about biodiversity and the environment is said to be the key predictor of intention to change behaviour in relation to biodiversity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the knowledge and concern (if any) people have of biodiversity at global and local scales. More so, it set out to determine how familiar people are with the term biodiversity, what they consider as forces leading to biodiversity decline, the level of concern that they have for biodiversity loss and if knowledge and concern is influenced by demographic profiles. To achieve this aim, a total of 220 random interviews were conducted in three towns within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot in South Africa. The results show that respondents are familiar with the term biodiversity. There was a strong relationship between having heard of the term and the ability to define it with 55 % of the respondents aware of it and able to define it. Respondents had moderate knowledge general knowledge related to biodiversity. Gender, education and childhood background did play a role in the knowledge of biodiversity. Women had more knowledge about biodiversity than men, highly educated respondents knew more and the youth knew more than older respondents. The results of this study found that there were no respondents who could not name any local species from South Africa. However, things changed at global level with 32 % of the participants unable to name species at global level. Endangered species are still relatively unknown, as the majority of respondents could not name any at district (84 %) or at global level (61 %). Charismatic species were known the most by respondents as 52 % mentioned them at national level and 59 % at global level. This study also assessed if there is concern for biodiversity loss. The results showed that there is concern for biodiversity with 71 % of the respondents in support for conservation and 60 % of the respondents willing to donate towards conservation. This study found that reasons for conservation related to the level of products consumed directly from the environment. Those that supported conservation for use values consumed more products from the environment than those who were in support for non-use values. Furtherly, this study found that women were more concerned about biodiversity loss than men. Highly educated respondents were more concerned and the youth was not. Furtherly, this study found that knowledge about biodiversity loss corelated with concern. For example, women had more knowledge and were more concerned about biodiversity loss. Overall, this study has shown that there is some knowledge and concern that people have about biodiversity and its loss. This can assist the relevant policy makers and researchers to know where intervention is needed to increase the knowledge that people have of biodiversity loss and which aspects of biodiversity people are most concerned about. This is so that new policies and conservation measures can include what is appealing to the local people so that support for conservation can be built and accepted by local people. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The 2019 SASBO Bank Workers’ Strike in South Africa: unpacking labour responses to the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Authors: Moyo, Wisdom Ntandoyenkosi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Industry 4.0 , Fourth Industrial Revolution , Banks and banking South Africa , SASBO , Labor unions South Africa , Strikes and lockouts Bank employees South Africa , Working class South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406774 , vital:70306
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a global phenomenon, affecting workers and trade unions worldwide with the increased automation, including digitisation, of work. Although the 4IR has often been presented as an impersonal technological force that society must just accept, it is in fact rooted in the evolution of capitalist society: it is the latest in a series of industrial revolutions and restructurings of the labour process. These are systemic occurrences, based in class struggles around the extension of management control of every part of work, and replacing workers with machinery; it must then be seen in the context of a history of Taylorism, Fordism and neo-Fordism, and their local expressions, such as racial Fordism in South Africa. The roll-out and the socio-economic effects of the 4IR are therefore shaped by inequality and power, and look to be dire for the working-class in a South Africa that already has record unemployment rates. In the local banking sector, the 4IR has been associated with a wave of retrenchments and branch closures. Faced with this situation, the South African Society of Bank Officials (SASBO), the biggest and oldest union in the finance sector, then with around 73 000 members, tried to hold a mass strike in late 2019. Blocked by the Labour Court, this would have been the union’s biggest strike in a century. It followed from a longer campaign by SASBO to halt job losses, ensure redeployment and reskilling for affected bank workers, and win an agreement for these aims with the banks. The union undertook research on the 4IR and sought to win support from banks, as well as government departments and other unions, for an alternative, worker-friendly roll-out of the 4IR. The decision to strike took place after extensive engagements with banks and stakeholders like government failed, the banks proceeding with retrenchments: the union faced an unprecedented challenge and was on the defensive. This dissertation maps SASBO’s campaign around the 4IR, using the Power Resources Approach (PRA), and assesses its approach. It also tries to show how an analysis of a moderate, older white-collar union like SASBO enriches South African labour studies. A qualitative methodology was used in this research to understand the issue at hand, using documents and semi-structured interviews with SASBO National Executive Committee members. The key findings are that the 4IR will not spare white-collar jobs and presents an unprecedented challenge to unions. There is an urgent need for union revitalisation, including new ways to organise effective responses to technological change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Moyo, Wisdom Ntandoyenkosi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Industry 4.0 , Fourth Industrial Revolution , Banks and banking South Africa , SASBO , Labor unions South Africa , Strikes and lockouts Bank employees South Africa , Working class South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406774 , vital:70306
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a global phenomenon, affecting workers and trade unions worldwide with the increased automation, including digitisation, of work. Although the 4IR has often been presented as an impersonal technological force that society must just accept, it is in fact rooted in the evolution of capitalist society: it is the latest in a series of industrial revolutions and restructurings of the labour process. These are systemic occurrences, based in class struggles around the extension of management control of every part of work, and replacing workers with machinery; it must then be seen in the context of a history of Taylorism, Fordism and neo-Fordism, and their local expressions, such as racial Fordism in South Africa. The roll-out and the socio-economic effects of the 4IR are therefore shaped by inequality and power, and look to be dire for the working-class in a South Africa that already has record unemployment rates. In the local banking sector, the 4IR has been associated with a wave of retrenchments and branch closures. Faced with this situation, the South African Society of Bank Officials (SASBO), the biggest and oldest union in the finance sector, then with around 73 000 members, tried to hold a mass strike in late 2019. Blocked by the Labour Court, this would have been the union’s biggest strike in a century. It followed from a longer campaign by SASBO to halt job losses, ensure redeployment and reskilling for affected bank workers, and win an agreement for these aims with the banks. The union undertook research on the 4IR and sought to win support from banks, as well as government departments and other unions, for an alternative, worker-friendly roll-out of the 4IR. The decision to strike took place after extensive engagements with banks and stakeholders like government failed, the banks proceeding with retrenchments: the union faced an unprecedented challenge and was on the defensive. This dissertation maps SASBO’s campaign around the 4IR, using the Power Resources Approach (PRA), and assesses its approach. It also tries to show how an analysis of a moderate, older white-collar union like SASBO enriches South African labour studies. A qualitative methodology was used in this research to understand the issue at hand, using documents and semi-structured interviews with SASBO National Executive Committee members. The key findings are that the 4IR will not spare white-collar jobs and presents an unprecedented challenge to unions. There is an urgent need for union revitalisation, including new ways to organise effective responses to technological change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A review of the Siyakhula Living Lab’s network solution for Internet in marginalized communities
- Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Authors: Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Information and communication technologies for development , Information technology South Africa , Access network , User experience , Local area networks (Computer networks) South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364943 , vital:65664
- Description: Changes within Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the past decade required a review of the network layer component deployed in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), a long-term joint venture between the Telkom Centres of Excellence hosted at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University in South Africa. The SLL overall solution for the sustainable internet in poor communities consists of three main components – the computing infrastructure layer, the network layer, and the e-services layer. At the core of the network layer is the concept of BI, a high-speed local area network realized through easy-to deploy wireless technologies that establish point-to-multipoint connections among schools within a limited geographical area. Schools within the broadband island become then Digital Access Nodes (DANs), with computing infrastructure that provides access to the network. The review, reported in this thesis, aimed at determining whether the model for the network layer was still able to meet the needs of marginalized communities in South Africa, given the recent changes in ICT. The research work used the living lab methodology – a grassroots, user-driven approach that emphasizes co-creation between the beneficiaries and external entities (researchers, industry partners and the government) - to do viability tests on the solution for the network component. The viability tests included lab and field experiments, to produce the qualitative and quantitative data needed to propose an updated blueprint. The results of the review found that the network topology used in the SLL’s network, the BI, is still viable, while WiMAX is now outdated. Also, the in-network web cache, Squid, is no longer effective, given the switch to HTTPS and the pervasive presence of advertising. The solution to the first issue is outdoor Wi-Fi, a proven solution easily deployable in grass-roots fashion. The second issue can be mitigated by leveraging Squid’s ‘bumping’ and splicing features; deploying a browser extension to make picture download optional; and using Pihole, a DNS sinkhole. Hopefully, the revised solution could become a component of South African Government’s broadband plan, “SA Connect”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Information and communication technologies for development , Information technology South Africa , Access network , User experience , Local area networks (Computer networks) South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364943 , vital:65664
- Description: Changes within Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the past decade required a review of the network layer component deployed in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), a long-term joint venture between the Telkom Centres of Excellence hosted at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University in South Africa. The SLL overall solution for the sustainable internet in poor communities consists of three main components – the computing infrastructure layer, the network layer, and the e-services layer. At the core of the network layer is the concept of BI, a high-speed local area network realized through easy-to deploy wireless technologies that establish point-to-multipoint connections among schools within a limited geographical area. Schools within the broadband island become then Digital Access Nodes (DANs), with computing infrastructure that provides access to the network. The review, reported in this thesis, aimed at determining whether the model for the network layer was still able to meet the needs of marginalized communities in South Africa, given the recent changes in ICT. The research work used the living lab methodology – a grassroots, user-driven approach that emphasizes co-creation between the beneficiaries and external entities (researchers, industry partners and the government) - to do viability tests on the solution for the network component. The viability tests included lab and field experiments, to produce the qualitative and quantitative data needed to propose an updated blueprint. The results of the review found that the network topology used in the SLL’s network, the BI, is still viable, while WiMAX is now outdated. Also, the in-network web cache, Squid, is no longer effective, given the switch to HTTPS and the pervasive presence of advertising. The solution to the first issue is outdoor Wi-Fi, a proven solution easily deployable in grass-roots fashion. The second issue can be mitigated by leveraging Squid’s ‘bumping’ and splicing features; deploying a browser extension to make picture download optional; and using Pihole, a DNS sinkhole. Hopefully, the revised solution could become a component of South African Government’s broadband plan, “SA Connect”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Bitcoin's potential for use as a hedge against adverse market conditions in South Africa
- Authors: Faba, Yonela
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Bitcoin , Hedging (Finance) , Cryptocurrencies , Macroeconomics , Accounting and price fluctuations , Economic forecasting South Africa , Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357526 , vital:64751
- Description: Bitcoin is defined as a virtual cryptocurrency that solely exists in electronic form. Bitcoin was first introduced in 2009 by a programmer or a group of programmers who used the alias; Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a decentralised, digital, partially anonymous currency that is not backed by any government or legal entity, and it is not redeemable for gold or any other commodity. The adoption of Bitcoin has been steadily growing over the years, with the earliest adopters being WikiLeaks and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Ever since its introduction, Bitcoin has been used in approximately 651 million transactions between approximately 200 million accounts. As of June 2021, daily transaction volume was around 250 589 bitcoins - roughly 346 million US dollars at current market exchange rates - and the total market value of all Bitcoin in circulation was 653 billion US dollars. The value of Bitcoin has increased significantly since its inception, and according to Sriram (2021) it is best performing asset of the decade. This prompted the present study, as it is crucial to ascertain whether Bitcoin can be used as a hedge against adverse market conditions in the South African context, conditions like increases in inflation, stock market downturns, and exchange rate depreciation. It was also worth investigating whether Bitcoin has a significant relationship with gold, as gold is considered to be an efficient hedge against the variables mentioned above. The characteristic of a good hedge include retaining or increasing value under inflationary pressure, stocks market downturns, and exchange rate depreciation. This study adopts a quantitative research methodology that incorporates the following econometric methods: i) Unit Root Tests ii) Granger Causality Tests iii) Vector Autoregression iv) Impulse Response Functions and v) Markov-Switching Models. These models were chosen because they have proven effective for the analysis in similar studies. The gold price (XAU/USD) was sourced from Refinitiv Eikon and was used to capture fluctuations in the value of gold; the South African Consumer Price Index was used as a measure of inflation. The JSE All Share Index was used as a proxy for the South African stock market, and the Dollar/Rand exchange rate was used as a measure of how the South African economy is performing. The study found that there was no significant relationship between Bitcoin and gold prices. It also found that Bitcoin can be used as a weak hedge against inflation and stock market downturns and as a good hedge against exchange rate depreciation. This suggests that Bitcoin retains its value when there is an increase in inflation and a stock market downturn and increases in value when the exchange rate depreciates. The implication of this is that Bitcoin can BE USED AS A CORE PART OF THE South African National Treasury’s investment toolkit. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Faba, Yonela
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Bitcoin , Hedging (Finance) , Cryptocurrencies , Macroeconomics , Accounting and price fluctuations , Economic forecasting South Africa , Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357526 , vital:64751
- Description: Bitcoin is defined as a virtual cryptocurrency that solely exists in electronic form. Bitcoin was first introduced in 2009 by a programmer or a group of programmers who used the alias; Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a decentralised, digital, partially anonymous currency that is not backed by any government or legal entity, and it is not redeemable for gold or any other commodity. The adoption of Bitcoin has been steadily growing over the years, with the earliest adopters being WikiLeaks and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Ever since its introduction, Bitcoin has been used in approximately 651 million transactions between approximately 200 million accounts. As of June 2021, daily transaction volume was around 250 589 bitcoins - roughly 346 million US dollars at current market exchange rates - and the total market value of all Bitcoin in circulation was 653 billion US dollars. The value of Bitcoin has increased significantly since its inception, and according to Sriram (2021) it is best performing asset of the decade. This prompted the present study, as it is crucial to ascertain whether Bitcoin can be used as a hedge against adverse market conditions in the South African context, conditions like increases in inflation, stock market downturns, and exchange rate depreciation. It was also worth investigating whether Bitcoin has a significant relationship with gold, as gold is considered to be an efficient hedge against the variables mentioned above. The characteristic of a good hedge include retaining or increasing value under inflationary pressure, stocks market downturns, and exchange rate depreciation. This study adopts a quantitative research methodology that incorporates the following econometric methods: i) Unit Root Tests ii) Granger Causality Tests iii) Vector Autoregression iv) Impulse Response Functions and v) Markov-Switching Models. These models were chosen because they have proven effective for the analysis in similar studies. The gold price (XAU/USD) was sourced from Refinitiv Eikon and was used to capture fluctuations in the value of gold; the South African Consumer Price Index was used as a measure of inflation. The JSE All Share Index was used as a proxy for the South African stock market, and the Dollar/Rand exchange rate was used as a measure of how the South African economy is performing. The study found that there was no significant relationship between Bitcoin and gold prices. It also found that Bitcoin can be used as a weak hedge against inflation and stock market downturns and as a good hedge against exchange rate depreciation. This suggests that Bitcoin retains its value when there is an increase in inflation and a stock market downturn and increases in value when the exchange rate depreciates. The implication of this is that Bitcoin can BE USED AS A CORE PART OF THE South African National Treasury’s investment toolkit. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Exploring the lexical and semantic access afforded by novice and experienced Namibian physical science teachers’ talk during electricity and magnetism lessons
- Authors: Muzambani, Efraim Hiamueze
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Knowledge, Theory of , Education, Secondary Aims and objectives Namibia , Science Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Systemic functional linguistics , Lexical density , Electricity Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Magnetism Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405346 , vital:70163
- Description: Challenges to learners’ meaning-making in the topic of electricity and magnetism contributes to underperformance in grade 10 Physical Science in Namibian schools. Teacher talk in content-based classrooms not only contributes to learners’ language development (Gibbons, 2003), but also facilitates meaning-making and cumulative knowledge-building (Halliday, 1999). However, it is possible that there are differences between the classrooms talk of novice and experienced Namibian Physical Science teachers. An understanding of differences between experienced and novice Namibian science teacher talk could inform teacher training and professional development and potentially help improve learners’ meaning-making in topics such as electricity and magnetism. However, no study could be found in the Namibian context which explored whether novice and experienced teacher talk afforded similar semantic and lexical access to meaning-making. This research gap provided a strong rationale for undertaking the study reported in this thesis. The study sought to investigate the extent to which novice and experienced grade 10 Namibian Physical Science teachers’ classroom talk provides semantic and lexical access to learners for the topic of electricity and magnetism. The research is informed by Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). Research has shown that the two theories are complementary and can be used to characterize teachers’ pedagogical practices (Maton, 2014). A quantitative case study methodology was followed in this study with LCT’s semantic density and SFL’s lexical density as analytical tools to analyze the two teachers’ classroom talk. The results from a t-test for semantic density show that there is a significant difference in the means for “semantic density waving” criterion (t-value of -2.331; p-value for 2 tail test at 95% level of 0.0040) and for the “linking downward escalators or single references” criterion (t-value of 4.649; p-value for 2 tail test at 95% level of 0.001) of teacher talk by the teachers. The overall results for semantic density indicate that the experienced teacher affords better epistemological access through semantic waves than the novice teacher, whereas the novice teacher affords better epistemological access through semantic range and semantic flow. In terms of lexical density, both teachers afforded similar access, characterized by their talk veering towards the level of information density associated with written text. The study makes a methodological contribution to science education research through its characterization of novice and experienced teachers’ talk in terms of semantic waves and lexical density. This study also provides empirical insight into the differences between language use by novice and experienced Namibian Physical Science teachers, which can inform the work of educational institutions, advisory and inspectorate services in the ministry of education, and school managers. Relevant Namibian stakeholders are encouraged to consider including the topics of semantic density and lexical density, in continuous professional development programmes towards improving the meaning-making affordances of science teachers’ talk. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Muzambani, Efraim Hiamueze
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Knowledge, Theory of , Education, Secondary Aims and objectives Namibia , Science Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Systemic functional linguistics , Lexical density , Electricity Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Magnetism Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405346 , vital:70163
- Description: Challenges to learners’ meaning-making in the topic of electricity and magnetism contributes to underperformance in grade 10 Physical Science in Namibian schools. Teacher talk in content-based classrooms not only contributes to learners’ language development (Gibbons, 2003), but also facilitates meaning-making and cumulative knowledge-building (Halliday, 1999). However, it is possible that there are differences between the classrooms talk of novice and experienced Namibian Physical Science teachers. An understanding of differences between experienced and novice Namibian science teacher talk could inform teacher training and professional development and potentially help improve learners’ meaning-making in topics such as electricity and magnetism. However, no study could be found in the Namibian context which explored whether novice and experienced teacher talk afforded similar semantic and lexical access to meaning-making. This research gap provided a strong rationale for undertaking the study reported in this thesis. The study sought to investigate the extent to which novice and experienced grade 10 Namibian Physical Science teachers’ classroom talk provides semantic and lexical access to learners for the topic of electricity and magnetism. The research is informed by Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). Research has shown that the two theories are complementary and can be used to characterize teachers’ pedagogical practices (Maton, 2014). A quantitative case study methodology was followed in this study with LCT’s semantic density and SFL’s lexical density as analytical tools to analyze the two teachers’ classroom talk. The results from a t-test for semantic density show that there is a significant difference in the means for “semantic density waving” criterion (t-value of -2.331; p-value for 2 tail test at 95% level of 0.0040) and for the “linking downward escalators or single references” criterion (t-value of 4.649; p-value for 2 tail test at 95% level of 0.001) of teacher talk by the teachers. The overall results for semantic density indicate that the experienced teacher affords better epistemological access through semantic waves than the novice teacher, whereas the novice teacher affords better epistemological access through semantic range and semantic flow. In terms of lexical density, both teachers afforded similar access, characterized by their talk veering towards the level of information density associated with written text. The study makes a methodological contribution to science education research through its characterization of novice and experienced teachers’ talk in terms of semantic waves and lexical density. This study also provides empirical insight into the differences between language use by novice and experienced Namibian Physical Science teachers, which can inform the work of educational institutions, advisory and inspectorate services in the ministry of education, and school managers. Relevant Namibian stakeholders are encouraged to consider including the topics of semantic density and lexical density, in continuous professional development programmes towards improving the meaning-making affordances of science teachers’ talk. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
M.M. Hala: Memoirs of an Umkhonto WeSizwe Cadre
- Authors: Hala, Mzimasi Mike
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: African National Congress , Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) , Anti-apartheid movements South Africa , Anti-apartheid activists South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1948-1994 , Hani, Chris, 1942-1993 , Holomisa, Bantu, 1955- , Bisho massacre
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406785 , vital:70307
- Description: Born in Komani (Queenstown) in 1959 and detained for Congress of South African Students (COSAS) activities while still at school, Mzimasi Mike Hala departed South Africa via Swaziland in 1981 and joined uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK). Trained in Angola, Cuba and East Germany, he commanded Cacuso camp in Angola, until redeployed to South Africa in 1987 to work underground in Venda and Cape Town. Following the unbanning of the liberation movements in 1990, he was appointed Commander of MK’s Transkei Region, where he was in charge of Chris Hani’s personal security. For reasons of space, the memoir does not proceed beyond his integration into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and second-in-command of SANDF Group 46 in Mthatha. Besides its value as a primary source of previously undocumented information, the thesis seeks to bridge the gap between the academic literature on MK and the lived experience of MK soldiers. Having considered both the academic literature and the published MK memoirs in Chapter One, the thesis refers back to the literature in narrative chapters Two to Five. Consolidating its findings in its conclusion, the final chapter is divided into three sections: the political culture of MK, MK gender dynamics and the consequences of the political merger of the “exiles,” including MK, and the “inziles” who subsequently came to dominate the ANC. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Hala, Mzimasi Mike
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: African National Congress , Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) , Anti-apartheid movements South Africa , Anti-apartheid activists South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1948-1994 , Hani, Chris, 1942-1993 , Holomisa, Bantu, 1955- , Bisho massacre
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406785 , vital:70307
- Description: Born in Komani (Queenstown) in 1959 and detained for Congress of South African Students (COSAS) activities while still at school, Mzimasi Mike Hala departed South Africa via Swaziland in 1981 and joined uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK). Trained in Angola, Cuba and East Germany, he commanded Cacuso camp in Angola, until redeployed to South Africa in 1987 to work underground in Venda and Cape Town. Following the unbanning of the liberation movements in 1990, he was appointed Commander of MK’s Transkei Region, where he was in charge of Chris Hani’s personal security. For reasons of space, the memoir does not proceed beyond his integration into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and second-in-command of SANDF Group 46 in Mthatha. Besides its value as a primary source of previously undocumented information, the thesis seeks to bridge the gap between the academic literature on MK and the lived experience of MK soldiers. Having considered both the academic literature and the published MK memoirs in Chapter One, the thesis refers back to the literature in narrative chapters Two to Five. Consolidating its findings in its conclusion, the final chapter is divided into three sections: the political culture of MK, MK gender dynamics and the consequences of the political merger of the “exiles,” including MK, and the “inziles” who subsequently came to dominate the ANC. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Teachers’ narratives of their experience of teaching Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) -affected children in mainstream schooling
- Authors: Makasi-Simukonda, Mihlali
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders South Africa Buffalo City , Inclusive education South Africa Buffalo City , Teachers of children with disabilities South Africa Buffalo City , Children of prenatal alcohol abuse South Africa Buffalo City Social conditions , Social constructionism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406183 , vital:70246
- Description: This study considers the experiences of teachers working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)-affected children in mainstream schooling. FASD refers to a range of conditions in children resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Prevalence rates in South Africa are said to be among the highest in the world. There is a paucity of research on FASD-affected children in the Eastern Cape. This study was thus conducted in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). Teachers told stories of their experiences of teaching undiagnosed FASD-affected children in mainstream schooling. The stories reveal the quality of life for children in classrooms and socio-contextual influences of their experiences at school, as well as the responsibilisation of teachers in these settings. This qualitative research is situated within a social constructionism paradigm. The social model of disability was utilised as a theoretical framework for this study to represent the systemic barriers against which FASD-affected learner support in the mainstream school can be conceptualised. A sample of five (5) Black female teachers were interviewed. Data gathering was done by conducting telephonic interviews using the single question inducing narrative, known as SQUIN. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted for the purpose of identifying themes within the data collected. Four superordinate themes emerged from the data, viz. narratives of FASD-affected learners, narratives of parental involvement, narratives of the role of teachers and narratives of stakeholder support. This study reveals a significant level of responsibilisation of teachers. Teachers appear to play a bigger role than just being teachers and they positioned themselves as playing a parental role in relation to FASD-affected learners. FASD-affected learners were positioned as “the problem” in the mainstream classroom whereas the environment is a disabling factor to FASD-affected learners. There is a need for a holistic approach in working with FASD-affected learners from all relevant stakeholders. Key recommendations are made for effective inclusion of FASD-affected learners in mainstream schooling. Future research recommendations include repeating this study in a different geographical area, a focus on senior phase learners and/or a more diverse sample. The findings assist in the development of policies of inclusive education in mainstream schooling and supportive strategies to enhance the developmental trajectory of FASD-affected children. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Makasi-Simukonda, Mihlali
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders South Africa Buffalo City , Inclusive education South Africa Buffalo City , Teachers of children with disabilities South Africa Buffalo City , Children of prenatal alcohol abuse South Africa Buffalo City Social conditions , Social constructionism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406183 , vital:70246
- Description: This study considers the experiences of teachers working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)-affected children in mainstream schooling. FASD refers to a range of conditions in children resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Prevalence rates in South Africa are said to be among the highest in the world. There is a paucity of research on FASD-affected children in the Eastern Cape. This study was thus conducted in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). Teachers told stories of their experiences of teaching undiagnosed FASD-affected children in mainstream schooling. The stories reveal the quality of life for children in classrooms and socio-contextual influences of their experiences at school, as well as the responsibilisation of teachers in these settings. This qualitative research is situated within a social constructionism paradigm. The social model of disability was utilised as a theoretical framework for this study to represent the systemic barriers against which FASD-affected learner support in the mainstream school can be conceptualised. A sample of five (5) Black female teachers were interviewed. Data gathering was done by conducting telephonic interviews using the single question inducing narrative, known as SQUIN. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted for the purpose of identifying themes within the data collected. Four superordinate themes emerged from the data, viz. narratives of FASD-affected learners, narratives of parental involvement, narratives of the role of teachers and narratives of stakeholder support. This study reveals a significant level of responsibilisation of teachers. Teachers appear to play a bigger role than just being teachers and they positioned themselves as playing a parental role in relation to FASD-affected learners. FASD-affected learners were positioned as “the problem” in the mainstream classroom whereas the environment is a disabling factor to FASD-affected learners. There is a need for a holistic approach in working with FASD-affected learners from all relevant stakeholders. Key recommendations are made for effective inclusion of FASD-affected learners in mainstream schooling. Future research recommendations include repeating this study in a different geographical area, a focus on senior phase learners and/or a more diverse sample. The findings assist in the development of policies of inclusive education in mainstream schooling and supportive strategies to enhance the developmental trajectory of FASD-affected children. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Design, synthesis, manufacture, characterization and evaluation of lipid nanocapsules in chitosan-iota-carrageenan based hydrogel scaffold as a potential anti-Covid-19 drug delivery system
- Authors: Mukubwa, Grady Kathondo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nanocapsules Design , Hydrogel , COVID-19 (Disease) , Characterization , Drug delivery systems
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364955 , vital:65665
- Description: Covid-19 is a deadly viral disease that has been rampant around the world since 2019. Although the successful introduction of the vaccine has reduced the spread of covid-19, new cases and deaths are still being recorded. To date, no specific curative antiviral treatment has been approved for covid-19. However, many existing antiviral drugs have been and are still being studied against covid-19 and some of them, such as Remdesivir, have shown promise and could be repurposed to treat this infection. Unfortunately, antiviral drugs are prone to resistance as most of them have poor biopharmaceutical properties, including low solubility, permeability and bioavailability, which could hinder any clinical success. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based delivery systems have made it possible to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of many drugs, especially those of poorly water-soluble drugs, by formulating them as lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Thus, in order to contribute to the fight against covid-19, this work aimed to develop Lipid Nanocapsules (LNC), based on some natural raw materials, which could improve the biopharmaceutical properties of antiviral drugs. In addition, since covid-19 infection is mainly respiratory, this work also aimed to fabricate a targeted delivery system based on a hydrogel capable of entrapping LNC and ensuring their efficient deposition and release in the lungs. The LNC consisted of a mixture of medium-chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil), crude soy lecithin, tween 80, NaCl and water, while the hydrogel consisted of a chitosan-grafted-iota carrageenan-grafted-poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) system (CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA)). Efavirenz (EFV), a drug with very low water solubility that has recently been demonstrated to have the potential to influence sars-cov-2 life cycle through different targets (3CLP, RdRp, Hellicase, 3’to5’exonuclease, 2’-O-ribose methyltransferase and EndoRNAse), was chosen as the model drug to evaluate the developed delivery system. The combination of LNP and hydrogel results in a delivery system known as the LNP-hydrogel composite, an emerging area of research in the field of drug delivery. To date, no research has reported the design and fabrication of an LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel composite that could effectively deliver an antiviral drug to the lungs in addition to its advantages in terms of biological activities. Prior to the design of experiment, EFV solubility was assessed in water, labrafac lipophile 1349 and MCT oil. After that, the Design Expert Software version 13 was used to design the different experiments performed in this work. The I-optimal mixture design of experiments was performed for both LNC preparation and CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel synthesis to study the impact of raw materials on the characteristics of these delivery systems. LNC were prepared using the phase inversion method while the free radical precipitation graft copolymerization method was used to synthesize hydrogel. In order to build polynomial models that could predict the amount of drug both LNC and CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel can entrap, a D-optimal (custom) randomized design was performed. Moreover, various characterization techniques were used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the developed delivery systems. Thereafter, drug release studies were performed using a 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution adjusted to either pH 4 or 7. Solubility studies revealed that EFV was more soluble in labrafac lipophile 1349 and in MCT oil than in water; therefore, given its affordability, MCT oil was used for the LNC formulation. The design of experiment carried out allowed the construction of polynomial models that could predict, on the one hand, the droplet size, the polydispersity index and the Zeta potential of LNC, which were respectively around 50nm, below 0.2 and below -33. On the other hand, the model could predict the swelling capacity of the synthesized hydrogel, which was optimised to about 30,000% (300 g of water to 1 g of hydrogel). This turned out to be influenced by the proportion of polymers, the ratio of monomers as well as the concentration of the cross-linking agent. In addition, the characterization techniques further supported the improvement of EFV solubility by highlighting its conversion into its amorphous state after encapsulation in LNC. They also confirmed successful synthesis of CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel. LNC were able to encapsulate about 87% of EFV while the synthesized CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel entrapped around 53% of EFV encapsulated in LNC. While LNC were able to release 42% and 27% of EFV after 74 hours in a 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution (SLS) at pH 7 and pH 4 respectively, the LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel composite released about 50% and 40% of the drug after 9 days in the same release medium. Interestingly, the chemical integrity of the drug was preserved throughout the manufacturing process up to after its release, suggesting that the developed LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel composite could be used as a novel potential anticovid-19 drugs delivery system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mukubwa, Grady Kathondo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nanocapsules Design , Hydrogel , COVID-19 (Disease) , Characterization , Drug delivery systems
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364955 , vital:65665
- Description: Covid-19 is a deadly viral disease that has been rampant around the world since 2019. Although the successful introduction of the vaccine has reduced the spread of covid-19, new cases and deaths are still being recorded. To date, no specific curative antiviral treatment has been approved for covid-19. However, many existing antiviral drugs have been and are still being studied against covid-19 and some of them, such as Remdesivir, have shown promise and could be repurposed to treat this infection. Unfortunately, antiviral drugs are prone to resistance as most of them have poor biopharmaceutical properties, including low solubility, permeability and bioavailability, which could hinder any clinical success. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based delivery systems have made it possible to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of many drugs, especially those of poorly water-soluble drugs, by formulating them as lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Thus, in order to contribute to the fight against covid-19, this work aimed to develop Lipid Nanocapsules (LNC), based on some natural raw materials, which could improve the biopharmaceutical properties of antiviral drugs. In addition, since covid-19 infection is mainly respiratory, this work also aimed to fabricate a targeted delivery system based on a hydrogel capable of entrapping LNC and ensuring their efficient deposition and release in the lungs. The LNC consisted of a mixture of medium-chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil), crude soy lecithin, tween 80, NaCl and water, while the hydrogel consisted of a chitosan-grafted-iota carrageenan-grafted-poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) system (CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA)). Efavirenz (EFV), a drug with very low water solubility that has recently been demonstrated to have the potential to influence sars-cov-2 life cycle through different targets (3CLP, RdRp, Hellicase, 3’to5’exonuclease, 2’-O-ribose methyltransferase and EndoRNAse), was chosen as the model drug to evaluate the developed delivery system. The combination of LNP and hydrogel results in a delivery system known as the LNP-hydrogel composite, an emerging area of research in the field of drug delivery. To date, no research has reported the design and fabrication of an LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel composite that could effectively deliver an antiviral drug to the lungs in addition to its advantages in terms of biological activities. Prior to the design of experiment, EFV solubility was assessed in water, labrafac lipophile 1349 and MCT oil. After that, the Design Expert Software version 13 was used to design the different experiments performed in this work. The I-optimal mixture design of experiments was performed for both LNC preparation and CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel synthesis to study the impact of raw materials on the characteristics of these delivery systems. LNC were prepared using the phase inversion method while the free radical precipitation graft copolymerization method was used to synthesize hydrogel. In order to build polynomial models that could predict the amount of drug both LNC and CS-iCar-p (AAm-Co-AA) hydrogel can entrap, a D-optimal (custom) randomized design was performed. Moreover, various characterization techniques were used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the developed delivery systems. Thereafter, drug release studies were performed using a 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution adjusted to either pH 4 or 7. Solubility studies revealed that EFV was more soluble in labrafac lipophile 1349 and in MCT oil than in water; therefore, given its affordability, MCT oil was used for the LNC formulation. The design of experiment carried out allowed the construction of polynomial models that could predict, on the one hand, the droplet size, the polydispersity index and the Zeta potential of LNC, which were respectively around 50nm, below 0.2 and below -33. On the other hand, the model could predict the swelling capacity of the synthesized hydrogel, which was optimised to about 30,000% (300 g of water to 1 g of hydrogel). This turned out to be influenced by the proportion of polymers, the ratio of monomers as well as the concentration of the cross-linking agent. In addition, the characterization techniques further supported the improvement of EFV solubility by highlighting its conversion into its amorphous state after encapsulation in LNC. They also confirmed successful synthesis of CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel. LNC were able to encapsulate about 87% of EFV while the synthesized CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel entrapped around 53% of EFV encapsulated in LNC. While LNC were able to release 42% and 27% of EFV after 74 hours in a 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution (SLS) at pH 7 and pH 4 respectively, the LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel composite released about 50% and 40% of the drug after 9 days in the same release medium. Interestingly, the chemical integrity of the drug was preserved throughout the manufacturing process up to after its release, suggesting that the developed LNC-CS-iCar-p (AAm-co-AA) hydrogel composite could be used as a novel potential anticovid-19 drugs delivery system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A social history of midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, 1893 - 1960
- Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Authors: Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Midwifery Nigeria Ibadan , Nigeria History 1900-1960 , Nigeria Politics and government To 1960 , Nigeria Social conditions To 1960 , Maternal health services Nigeria Ibadan , Ibadan (Nigeria) Colonial influence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408716 , vital:70519 , DOI 10.21504/10962/408716
- Description: This thesis examines the introduction and development of western medical practices in colonial spaces with particular reference to midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1893 to 1960. This has become necessary because of the importance placed on childbirth and maternal healthcare in the twentieth century. The trends and changes in midwifery and midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan are seen as reflections of other transformations in British African colonies at large. The study begins with a detailed historical analysis of the major metropolitan and local factors that informed the introduction and development of Western obstetrics in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria. It proceeds to examine the development of Western midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan; highlighting the contributions of the Ibadan people to the development of Western midwifery practices and emphasizing policies affecting development, and implementation of Western obstetrics. The thesis goes further to reveal the prejudiced nature of colonial medical policies, and the ways it shaped various responses especially from rural folks who were particularly marginalized since the 1920s when maternal healthcare policies was implemented in the urban areas till the 1950s when a reformed policy for rural medical service scheme was introduced to the rural folks. Thus, influencing the ways they imagined and appropriated ideas of western obstetrics alongside African traditional midwifery practices. The idea is to demonstrate in this thesis the extent to which the precincts in colonial medical policies, most especially the establishment of maternity hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, and the institutionalization of western obstetrics, inspired critical and ingenious responses from colonial doctors, colonial officials, the missionaries, patients, African trained midwives, traditional medical practitioners and the African population in general. Placing all of these historical events within a wider context, this thesis borrows insights from the social history of medicine in an attempt to reconstruct the colonial medical practices in Ibadan, Nigeria, through the sites of midwifery practices and maternal welfare services from 1893 to 1960. This is in addition to its dependence on a comparatively rich, but skewed historical evidence, including a plethora of annual medical reports, official reports of the department of medical and sanitary services, official correspondences within the colonial government in Ibadan and Nigeria, and between the colonial government and the colonial office in the United Kingdom. Details of African responses to medical policies were garnered from oral testimonies, newspaper publications and correspondences between the African public and the colonial government in Ibadan. In exploring this historical evidence, the thesis reveals very interesting details of colonial perceptions about African health and their underlining motives for introducing western medical ideas, the various medical schemes and policies used in driving colonial interest and the ways Africans imagined, re-imagined, and appropriated Western medical practices. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Midwifery Nigeria Ibadan , Nigeria History 1900-1960 , Nigeria Politics and government To 1960 , Nigeria Social conditions To 1960 , Maternal health services Nigeria Ibadan , Ibadan (Nigeria) Colonial influence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408716 , vital:70519 , DOI 10.21504/10962/408716
- Description: This thesis examines the introduction and development of western medical practices in colonial spaces with particular reference to midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1893 to 1960. This has become necessary because of the importance placed on childbirth and maternal healthcare in the twentieth century. The trends and changes in midwifery and midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan are seen as reflections of other transformations in British African colonies at large. The study begins with a detailed historical analysis of the major metropolitan and local factors that informed the introduction and development of Western obstetrics in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria. It proceeds to examine the development of Western midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan; highlighting the contributions of the Ibadan people to the development of Western midwifery practices and emphasizing policies affecting development, and implementation of Western obstetrics. The thesis goes further to reveal the prejudiced nature of colonial medical policies, and the ways it shaped various responses especially from rural folks who were particularly marginalized since the 1920s when maternal healthcare policies was implemented in the urban areas till the 1950s when a reformed policy for rural medical service scheme was introduced to the rural folks. Thus, influencing the ways they imagined and appropriated ideas of western obstetrics alongside African traditional midwifery practices. The idea is to demonstrate in this thesis the extent to which the precincts in colonial medical policies, most especially the establishment of maternity hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, and the institutionalization of western obstetrics, inspired critical and ingenious responses from colonial doctors, colonial officials, the missionaries, patients, African trained midwives, traditional medical practitioners and the African population in general. Placing all of these historical events within a wider context, this thesis borrows insights from the social history of medicine in an attempt to reconstruct the colonial medical practices in Ibadan, Nigeria, through the sites of midwifery practices and maternal welfare services from 1893 to 1960. This is in addition to its dependence on a comparatively rich, but skewed historical evidence, including a plethora of annual medical reports, official reports of the department of medical and sanitary services, official correspondences within the colonial government in Ibadan and Nigeria, and between the colonial government and the colonial office in the United Kingdom. Details of African responses to medical policies were garnered from oral testimonies, newspaper publications and correspondences between the African public and the colonial government in Ibadan. In exploring this historical evidence, the thesis reveals very interesting details of colonial perceptions about African health and their underlining motives for introducing western medical ideas, the various medical schemes and policies used in driving colonial interest and the ways Africans imagined, re-imagined, and appropriated Western medical practices. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Rural households’ perceptions of an invasive alien species rosa rubiginosa l. (rosehip) and the role it plays in rural livelihoods in Lesotho
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato Violet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Rose hips Lesotho , Invasive plants Lesotho , Rural poor Lesotho , Probit model , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403069 , vital:69919
- Description: Despite the vast research on the negative impacts of invasive alien species on the environment, these species remain part of the rural communities due to their numerous livelihood uses. Thus, more research is required, focusing mainly on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This study investigated the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) and its contribution to rural communities as an invasive alien species. Four community councils, Pitseng, Matlameng, Limamarela and Mphorosane in the Leribe District Lesotho, were assessed. The study followed the pragmatism paradigm. The contribution of rosehip to rural livelihoods was analysed by comparing income from rosehip with other income sources. The study used simple random sampling and snowball sampling to select a representative of 160 respondents. The primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, SPSS and Stata statistical package programs were used for statistical analyses. The results showed that rosehip's livelihood benefits, its negative impacts, the length of time it has been available in the area, and its abundance highly influence the social, economic and environmental perception of rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that although the income from rosehip is extremely low and available for only three months of the year, the income plays an important part to the poorer households who have no other income sources. The study found that the main reason for engagement in rosehip harvesting despite its challenging nature was unemployment. The study also revealed that rosehip is part of the risk-reducing strategy or income diversification. Some households used it to complement other sources of income, such as agricultural production. Rosehip trade, if well-controlled, has the potential to alleviate rural poverty by creating job opportunities, providing a source of household income, and acting as a safety net in the face of shocks such as limited job opportunities and food shortages. In conclusion, households’ perceptions of rosehip have proven that rosehip is a valuable resource that provides a supplementary income that contributes towards alleviating poverty in Lesotho’s rural communities. The study recommends the private sector to establish and manages small agro-processing industries focusing on products used daily. The study also encourages environmental education and indigenous knowledge among community members, which would include knowledge and recognition of invasive alien species and their potential benefits and threats. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato Violet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Rose hips Lesotho , Invasive plants Lesotho , Rural poor Lesotho , Probit model , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403069 , vital:69919
- Description: Despite the vast research on the negative impacts of invasive alien species on the environment, these species remain part of the rural communities due to their numerous livelihood uses. Thus, more research is required, focusing mainly on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This study investigated the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) and its contribution to rural communities as an invasive alien species. Four community councils, Pitseng, Matlameng, Limamarela and Mphorosane in the Leribe District Lesotho, were assessed. The study followed the pragmatism paradigm. The contribution of rosehip to rural livelihoods was analysed by comparing income from rosehip with other income sources. The study used simple random sampling and snowball sampling to select a representative of 160 respondents. The primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, SPSS and Stata statistical package programs were used for statistical analyses. The results showed that rosehip's livelihood benefits, its negative impacts, the length of time it has been available in the area, and its abundance highly influence the social, economic and environmental perception of rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that although the income from rosehip is extremely low and available for only three months of the year, the income plays an important part to the poorer households who have no other income sources. The study found that the main reason for engagement in rosehip harvesting despite its challenging nature was unemployment. The study also revealed that rosehip is part of the risk-reducing strategy or income diversification. Some households used it to complement other sources of income, such as agricultural production. Rosehip trade, if well-controlled, has the potential to alleviate rural poverty by creating job opportunities, providing a source of household income, and acting as a safety net in the face of shocks such as limited job opportunities and food shortages. In conclusion, households’ perceptions of rosehip have proven that rosehip is a valuable resource that provides a supplementary income that contributes towards alleviating poverty in Lesotho’s rural communities. The study recommends the private sector to establish and manages small agro-processing industries focusing on products used daily. The study also encourages environmental education and indigenous knowledge among community members, which would include knowledge and recognition of invasive alien species and their potential benefits and threats. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigation of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the role transition from specialists to team leaders
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Identification and characterisation of microbial communities and their metabolic potential in meltwater ponds, Western Dronning Mau Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Sunet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365723 , vital:65779
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected release date early 2024. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Sunet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365723 , vital:65779
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected release date early 2024. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Exploring extensive reading in cultivating positive attitudes and reading comprehension with Grade 8 Learners: a case study in a selected Namibian secondary school
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Sylviana
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Reading comprehension Namibia , High school students Books and reading Namibia , High school students Attitudes , Fluency (Language learning) Namibia , Motivation in education Namibia , Affective education Namibia , Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403092 , vital:69921
- Description: Extensive reading, otherwise known as “reading for pleasure”, “recreational reading” or “voluntary reading”, appears to be absent in the Namibian society, especially within public educational institutions. With the reformed Education System, the Namibian Curriculum for Basic Education makes room for a reading period in a 7-day cycle, from grade 1 to 11, in which all learners are expected to engage in a sustained silent reading (SSR) of interesting material of their choice. Nevertheless, such a period seems to be insufficient for engaging learners in an enjoyable reading experience, which could possibly create a positive attitude towards reading as well as enhance their reading skills of comprehension and reading fluency, possibly resulting in a habit of individual SSR. This research intended to explore an out-of-school, extensive reading program, over the period of one year, in the hope of cultivating Grade 8 learners’ positive attitude toward reading, in a selected secondary school in the township of Katutura, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. This one-year study, in which eight Grade 8 learners participated, focused on English only reading, as it is the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). Operating within the interpretivist paradigm, the research adopted a qualitative approach, using a single case study to explore how participants make meaning of their experiences and attitudes toward ER. Qualitative data was collected through pre- and post-questionnaires and document analysis of learners’ reading journals as well as the researcher’s reflective journal. The research site was purposively and conveniently selected. The study drew on Krashen’s, input and affective filter hypotheses as the driving theory of this study, which according to some scholars, is the main second language acquisition theory applied in ER research. Findings of this study suggest that ER programs have a positive impact on learners’ attitudes towards reading as well as on their reading comprehension, even in poorly resourced schools in previously disadvantaged communities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Sylviana
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Reading comprehension Namibia , High school students Books and reading Namibia , High school students Attitudes , Fluency (Language learning) Namibia , Motivation in education Namibia , Affective education Namibia , Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403092 , vital:69921
- Description: Extensive reading, otherwise known as “reading for pleasure”, “recreational reading” or “voluntary reading”, appears to be absent in the Namibian society, especially within public educational institutions. With the reformed Education System, the Namibian Curriculum for Basic Education makes room for a reading period in a 7-day cycle, from grade 1 to 11, in which all learners are expected to engage in a sustained silent reading (SSR) of interesting material of their choice. Nevertheless, such a period seems to be insufficient for engaging learners in an enjoyable reading experience, which could possibly create a positive attitude towards reading as well as enhance their reading skills of comprehension and reading fluency, possibly resulting in a habit of individual SSR. This research intended to explore an out-of-school, extensive reading program, over the period of one year, in the hope of cultivating Grade 8 learners’ positive attitude toward reading, in a selected secondary school in the township of Katutura, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. This one-year study, in which eight Grade 8 learners participated, focused on English only reading, as it is the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). Operating within the interpretivist paradigm, the research adopted a qualitative approach, using a single case study to explore how participants make meaning of their experiences and attitudes toward ER. Qualitative data was collected through pre- and post-questionnaires and document analysis of learners’ reading journals as well as the researcher’s reflective journal. The research site was purposively and conveniently selected. The study drew on Krashen’s, input and affective filter hypotheses as the driving theory of this study, which according to some scholars, is the main second language acquisition theory applied in ER research. Findings of this study suggest that ER programs have a positive impact on learners’ attitudes towards reading as well as on their reading comprehension, even in poorly resourced schools in previously disadvantaged communities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Dual and targeted photodynamic therapy ablation of bacterial and cancer cells using phthalocyanines and porphyrins in the presence of carbon-based nanomaterials
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365945 , vital:65804 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962//365946
- Description: Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and porphyrins bearing substituents that possess antibacterial/anticancer properties are used as photosensitizers (PS) for the first time in the work. For targeting specificity and improved photoactivity, the PSs were afterward functionalized with carbon nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) via covalent conjugation (amide or ester bonds) or by non-covalent conjugation (π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions). Furthermore, the PSs-DNDs nanoconjugates were conjugated to either chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CSAg) via amide bonds or to the bare silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the silver- nitrogen affinity. The as-synthesized nanoconjugates were also fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods together with thermal analysis. The potential photocytotoxicity of the complexes alone and their nanoconjugates against S. aureus and/or E. coli planktonic and biofilm cultures has been evaluated in vitro. Compared to the non- quaternized PSs, the cationic analogs exhibited a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log10 reduction values above 9 in the viable count using a concentration of ca. 1.25 μM following 30 min exposure to light (Light dose: 943 J/cm2 for Pcs and 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins). Whereas, at a concentration of ca. 100 μM the cationic PSs showed complete eradication of biofilms upon 30 min exposure to light. As a result of conjugation to carbon-based nanomaterials and silver nanoparticles, the compounds proved to be more effective as they exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities on the multi-drug resistant bacteria strains due to synergetic effect, compared to PSs alone. This suggests that the newly prepared nanohybrids (PS concentration ca. 100 μM) could be used as potential antimicrobial agents in the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The target nanoconjugates showed all the advantages of two different groups existing on a single entity. In light of the potential advantages of combined chemotherapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), this work reports for the first time the use of PACT-ciprofloxacin (CIP) dual therapy using selected indium quaternized PSs which showed higher photoactivity with complete eradication of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria biofilms at concentrations of 8 μM of PS versus 2 μg/mL of the antibiotic following 15 min irradiation time (light dose: 471 J/cm2 for Pcs and fluence: 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins) on S. aureus. Whereas the total killing of E. coli was obtained when combining 8 or 16 μM of PS combined with 4 μg/mL of CIP. The combined treatment resulted in the complete eradication of the matured biofilms with the highest log10 reduction values of 7.05 and 7.20 on S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Used as a model, positively charged dimethylamino-chalcone Pcs also exhibited interesting photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. Additionally, the TD-B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculations were run on the dimethylaminophenyl- porphyrins to compare the singlet excitation energies of quaternized and non-quaternized porphyrins in vacuo. the study shows excellent agreement between time-dependent density- functional theory (TD-DFT) exciting energies and the experimental S1>S0 excitation energies. The small deviation observed between the calculated and experimental spectra arises from the solvent effect. The excitation energies observed in these UV-Vis spectra mostly originated from electron promotion between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for the less intense band and the HOMO-1 for the most intense band of the ground states to the lower unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the excited states. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365945 , vital:65804 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962//365946
- Description: Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and porphyrins bearing substituents that possess antibacterial/anticancer properties are used as photosensitizers (PS) for the first time in the work. For targeting specificity and improved photoactivity, the PSs were afterward functionalized with carbon nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) via covalent conjugation (amide or ester bonds) or by non-covalent conjugation (π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions). Furthermore, the PSs-DNDs nanoconjugates were conjugated to either chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CSAg) via amide bonds or to the bare silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the silver- nitrogen affinity. The as-synthesized nanoconjugates were also fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods together with thermal analysis. The potential photocytotoxicity of the complexes alone and their nanoconjugates against S. aureus and/or E. coli planktonic and biofilm cultures has been evaluated in vitro. Compared to the non- quaternized PSs, the cationic analogs exhibited a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log10 reduction values above 9 in the viable count using a concentration of ca. 1.25 μM following 30 min exposure to light (Light dose: 943 J/cm2 for Pcs and 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins). Whereas, at a concentration of ca. 100 μM the cationic PSs showed complete eradication of biofilms upon 30 min exposure to light. As a result of conjugation to carbon-based nanomaterials and silver nanoparticles, the compounds proved to be more effective as they exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities on the multi-drug resistant bacteria strains due to synergetic effect, compared to PSs alone. This suggests that the newly prepared nanohybrids (PS concentration ca. 100 μM) could be used as potential antimicrobial agents in the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The target nanoconjugates showed all the advantages of two different groups existing on a single entity. In light of the potential advantages of combined chemotherapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), this work reports for the first time the use of PACT-ciprofloxacin (CIP) dual therapy using selected indium quaternized PSs which showed higher photoactivity with complete eradication of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria biofilms at concentrations of 8 μM of PS versus 2 μg/mL of the antibiotic following 15 min irradiation time (light dose: 471 J/cm2 for Pcs and fluence: 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins) on S. aureus. Whereas the total killing of E. coli was obtained when combining 8 or 16 μM of PS combined with 4 μg/mL of CIP. The combined treatment resulted in the complete eradication of the matured biofilms with the highest log10 reduction values of 7.05 and 7.20 on S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Used as a model, positively charged dimethylamino-chalcone Pcs also exhibited interesting photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. Additionally, the TD-B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculations were run on the dimethylaminophenyl- porphyrins to compare the singlet excitation energies of quaternized and non-quaternized porphyrins in vacuo. the study shows excellent agreement between time-dependent density- functional theory (TD-DFT) exciting energies and the experimental S1>S0 excitation energies. The small deviation observed between the calculated and experimental spectra arises from the solvent effect. The excitation energies observed in these UV-Vis spectra mostly originated from electron promotion between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for the less intense band and the HOMO-1 for the most intense band of the ground states to the lower unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the excited states. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
In silico substrate binding profiling for SARS-COV-2 main protease (mpro) using hexapeptide substrates
- Authors: Zabo, Sophakama
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365566 , vital:65760
- Description: COVID-19, as a disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a pandemic has had a devastating effect on the world. There are limited effective measures that control the spread and treatment of COVID-19 illness. The homodimeric cysteine main protease (Mpro) is crucial to the life cycle of the virus, as it cleaves the large polyproteins 1a and 1ab into matured, functional non-structural proteins. The Mpro exhibits high degrees of conservation in sequence, structure and specificity across coronavirus species, making it an ideal drug target. The Mpro substrate-binding profiles remain, despite the resolution of its recognition sequence and cleavage points (Leu-Gln↓(Ser/Ala/Gly)). In this study, a series of hexapeptide sequences containing the appropriate recognition sequence and cleavage points were generated and screened against the Mpro to study these binding profiles, and to further be the basis for efficiency-driven drug design. A multi-conformer hexapeptide substrate library comprising optimised 81000 models of 810 unique sequences was generated using RDKit within the context of python. Terminal capping with ACE and NMe was effected using SMILES and SMARTS matching. Multiple hexapeptides were complexed with chain B of crystallographic Mpro (PDS ID: 6XHM), following the validation of chain B for this purpose using AutoDock Vina at high levels of exhaustiveness (480). The resulting Vina scores ranged between -8.7 and -7.0 kcal.mol-1, and the reproducibility of best poses was validated through redocking. Ligand efficiency indices were calculated to identify substrate residues with high binding efficiency at their respective positions, revealing Val (P3), Ala (P1′); and Gly and Ala (P2′ and P3′) as leading efficient binders. Binding efficiencies were lowered by molecular weight. Substrate recognition was assessed by mapping of binding subsites, and Mpro specificity was evaluated through the resolution of intermolecular interaction at the binding interface. Molecular dynamics simulations for 20 ns were performed to assess the stability and behaviour of 132 Mpro systems complexed with KLQ*** substrates. Principal component analysis (PCA), was performed to assess II protein motions and conformational changes during the simulations. A strategy was formulated to classify and evaluate relations in the Mpro PCA motions, revealing four main clades of similarity. Similarity within a clade (Group 2) and dissimilarity between clades were confirmed. Trajectory visualisation revealed complex stability, substrate unbinding and dimer dissociation for various Mpro systems. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Zabo, Sophakama
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365566 , vital:65760
- Description: COVID-19, as a disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a pandemic has had a devastating effect on the world. There are limited effective measures that control the spread and treatment of COVID-19 illness. The homodimeric cysteine main protease (Mpro) is crucial to the life cycle of the virus, as it cleaves the large polyproteins 1a and 1ab into matured, functional non-structural proteins. The Mpro exhibits high degrees of conservation in sequence, structure and specificity across coronavirus species, making it an ideal drug target. The Mpro substrate-binding profiles remain, despite the resolution of its recognition sequence and cleavage points (Leu-Gln↓(Ser/Ala/Gly)). In this study, a series of hexapeptide sequences containing the appropriate recognition sequence and cleavage points were generated and screened against the Mpro to study these binding profiles, and to further be the basis for efficiency-driven drug design. A multi-conformer hexapeptide substrate library comprising optimised 81000 models of 810 unique sequences was generated using RDKit within the context of python. Terminal capping with ACE and NMe was effected using SMILES and SMARTS matching. Multiple hexapeptides were complexed with chain B of crystallographic Mpro (PDS ID: 6XHM), following the validation of chain B for this purpose using AutoDock Vina at high levels of exhaustiveness (480). The resulting Vina scores ranged between -8.7 and -7.0 kcal.mol-1, and the reproducibility of best poses was validated through redocking. Ligand efficiency indices were calculated to identify substrate residues with high binding efficiency at their respective positions, revealing Val (P3), Ala (P1′); and Gly and Ala (P2′ and P3′) as leading efficient binders. Binding efficiencies were lowered by molecular weight. Substrate recognition was assessed by mapping of binding subsites, and Mpro specificity was evaluated through the resolution of intermolecular interaction at the binding interface. Molecular dynamics simulations for 20 ns were performed to assess the stability and behaviour of 132 Mpro systems complexed with KLQ*** substrates. Principal component analysis (PCA), was performed to assess II protein motions and conformational changes during the simulations. A strategy was formulated to classify and evaluate relations in the Mpro PCA motions, revealing four main clades of similarity. Similarity within a clade (Group 2) and dissimilarity between clades were confirmed. Trajectory visualisation revealed complex stability, substrate unbinding and dimer dissociation for various Mpro systems. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Socio-historical analysis of organisational change: a case study of Zimbabwe Posts (Zimpost), 2010–2020
- Kambarami-Zengeni, Faith Chipo
- Authors: Kambarami-Zengeni, Faith Chipo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422518 , vital:71954 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422518
- Description: Postal organisations play an important role in the provision of basic communication services. In Zimbabwe, post offices have a large physical distribution network of over 240 post offices country-wide to make communication services accessible to the populace. However, e-substitution has threatened mail business significantly. Postal operators globally are experiencing declining mail volumes in the face of advanced information and communication technologies. The overall goal of this thesis was to undertake a socio-historical analysis of organisational change at ZimPost using Taylorism, Fordism and post-Fordism as broad ideal types to explain how industry evolves in different phases of capitalism. National politics and economics play an integral role in how Taylorism, Fordism and post-Fordism assumed at ZimPost. Studies on these broad organising types have mainly focused on private sector organisations. However, this thesis argues that these analytical paradigms are also valid in public sector organisations, but they will unfold differently given the context in which change is experienced. Using a qualitative approach, the study established that the 1980s and 1990s can best be described as the ‘golden years’ of postal services in Zimbabwe, characterised by mass production and mass consumption of postal products and services. At that time the Posts and Telecommunications Corporation enjoyed a monopoly of postal services in the country. The stable market share, competitive salaries for postal workers, increased unionisation and a fairly stable economy enabled a Fordist regime of accumulation to develop. The cycle broke down when the mode of regulation was weakened by national economic and political changes towards the late 1990s. PTC started to experience a decline in the consumption of postal products. The decline was also attributed to increased competition from smaller private courier operators that could provide specialised services to a market with changing needs. With increased competition, the advancement of information, and communication technologies, mail volumes dwindled. This period can best be described as the crisis of Fordism at ZimPost. In the year 2000, the government unbundled the posts and telecommunications corporation to create four companies including Zimbabwe Posts. This was perceived as one of the most radical organisational changes in the history of postal services in Zimbabwe. More organisational changes took place at ZimPost that can best be described as characteristics of post-Fordism. These changes were attempts by ZimPost to remain relevant in light of the economic, political and technological changes taking place in the country. The postal operator introduced customised products in the form of agency services, supported by increased use of information and communication technologies in the post office. Organisational changes at ZimPost were shaped mainly by the economic and political environment in which they took place. Organisational change is complex, changes do not follow a linear pattern, they are processual. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Kambarami-Zengeni, Faith Chipo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422518 , vital:71954 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422518
- Description: Postal organisations play an important role in the provision of basic communication services. In Zimbabwe, post offices have a large physical distribution network of over 240 post offices country-wide to make communication services accessible to the populace. However, e-substitution has threatened mail business significantly. Postal operators globally are experiencing declining mail volumes in the face of advanced information and communication technologies. The overall goal of this thesis was to undertake a socio-historical analysis of organisational change at ZimPost using Taylorism, Fordism and post-Fordism as broad ideal types to explain how industry evolves in different phases of capitalism. National politics and economics play an integral role in how Taylorism, Fordism and post-Fordism assumed at ZimPost. Studies on these broad organising types have mainly focused on private sector organisations. However, this thesis argues that these analytical paradigms are also valid in public sector organisations, but they will unfold differently given the context in which change is experienced. Using a qualitative approach, the study established that the 1980s and 1990s can best be described as the ‘golden years’ of postal services in Zimbabwe, characterised by mass production and mass consumption of postal products and services. At that time the Posts and Telecommunications Corporation enjoyed a monopoly of postal services in the country. The stable market share, competitive salaries for postal workers, increased unionisation and a fairly stable economy enabled a Fordist regime of accumulation to develop. The cycle broke down when the mode of regulation was weakened by national economic and political changes towards the late 1990s. PTC started to experience a decline in the consumption of postal products. The decline was also attributed to increased competition from smaller private courier operators that could provide specialised services to a market with changing needs. With increased competition, the advancement of information, and communication technologies, mail volumes dwindled. This period can best be described as the crisis of Fordism at ZimPost. In the year 2000, the government unbundled the posts and telecommunications corporation to create four companies including Zimbabwe Posts. This was perceived as one of the most radical organisational changes in the history of postal services in Zimbabwe. More organisational changes took place at ZimPost that can best be described as characteristics of post-Fordism. These changes were attempts by ZimPost to remain relevant in light of the economic, political and technological changes taking place in the country. The postal operator introduced customised products in the form of agency services, supported by increased use of information and communication technologies in the post office. Organisational changes at ZimPost were shaped mainly by the economic and political environment in which they took place. Organisational change is complex, changes do not follow a linear pattern, they are processual. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Inadequate menstrual health management and human rights
- Authors: Hartley, Gemma-Maé
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422506 , vital:71953
- Description: Various human rights bodies have suggested that Inadequate Menstrual Health Management (MHM) could contribute to violations of human rights or, at the very least, is connected to the fulfilment of human rights. Despite recognition of this, there has not been thorough analysis of whether inadequate MHM is a violation of human rights, particularly in political discussions on the philosophy of human rights. Using a liberal cosmopolitan framework, this thesis attempts to bridge this gap and, ultimately, to argue that inadequate MHM constitutes a violation of human rights. This assertion brings with it various complications due to the heavily contested nature of human rights, their correlative duties, and the requirements for a lack of fulfilment to be considered a violation. I address each complication in turn. I argue that the traditional approach to human rights violations fails to consider the various ways that human rights are violated in our contemporary, globalised world. I suggest that structural violations of human rights should not be ruled out, particularly when we consider severe poverty and its by-products. Ultimately, the question of inadequate MHM is concerned with the content of human rights. If inadequate MHM were a violation, it would be a violation of women’s socio-economic rights. However, both group rights and socio-economic rights are contested. This thesis therefore justifies these rights. Group-differentiated rights are argued to be necessary for substantive equality. This is particularly the case when we consider the various risks women face simply because they are women. Women therefore need special protections and provisions for their human rights to be fulfilled. Socio-economic rights are necessary for the well-being and dignity of individuals everywhere. We can justify them even if they are costly, vague, and demanding on states, as critics argue they are. Therefore, if we can accept socio-economic rights and women’s rights, we can argue that inadequate MHM is a structural violation of human rights. Thinking about inadequate MHM in this way means we can respond to it with a level of urgency. This has the potential to improve the well-being, development, and dignity of women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Hartley, Gemma-Maé
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422506 , vital:71953
- Description: Various human rights bodies have suggested that Inadequate Menstrual Health Management (MHM) could contribute to violations of human rights or, at the very least, is connected to the fulfilment of human rights. Despite recognition of this, there has not been thorough analysis of whether inadequate MHM is a violation of human rights, particularly in political discussions on the philosophy of human rights. Using a liberal cosmopolitan framework, this thesis attempts to bridge this gap and, ultimately, to argue that inadequate MHM constitutes a violation of human rights. This assertion brings with it various complications due to the heavily contested nature of human rights, their correlative duties, and the requirements for a lack of fulfilment to be considered a violation. I address each complication in turn. I argue that the traditional approach to human rights violations fails to consider the various ways that human rights are violated in our contemporary, globalised world. I suggest that structural violations of human rights should not be ruled out, particularly when we consider severe poverty and its by-products. Ultimately, the question of inadequate MHM is concerned with the content of human rights. If inadequate MHM were a violation, it would be a violation of women’s socio-economic rights. However, both group rights and socio-economic rights are contested. This thesis therefore justifies these rights. Group-differentiated rights are argued to be necessary for substantive equality. This is particularly the case when we consider the various risks women face simply because they are women. Women therefore need special protections and provisions for their human rights to be fulfilled. Socio-economic rights are necessary for the well-being and dignity of individuals everywhere. We can justify them even if they are costly, vague, and demanding on states, as critics argue they are. Therefore, if we can accept socio-economic rights and women’s rights, we can argue that inadequate MHM is a structural violation of human rights. Thinking about inadequate MHM in this way means we can respond to it with a level of urgency. This has the potential to improve the well-being, development, and dignity of women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Exploring primary school mathematics teachers use of gamification in formative assessment: a case study
- Authors: Simelane, Thando
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405412 , vital:70169
- Description: Technology integration has gained much influence with the emergence of technological tools in educational areas. The vast resources and opportunities that technologies and the Internet have brought new approaches, strategies, and tools to assess learners' performance in many subject areas. Teachers have many computer/mobile device applications and learning management systems. Most teachers are trying new ways of integrating technology into the mathematics classroom to increase the quality of teaching and learning. Thus, this study explored how primary school mathematics teachers use Kahoot as a formative assessment tool. The study adopted an exploratory case study underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. It was conducted in a primary school in the Shiselweni Region in Swaziland. The participants were ten mathematics teachers teaching different grades at the school. Data was generated using observations, workshops, structured questionnaires, journal reflections and focus group interviews. The theoretical and analytical framework that underpinned this study was a combination of Davis' (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Mishra & Koehler's (2006) Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. The study results showed that the perceptions and attitudes of primary school mathematics teachers towards using Kahoot generally appear to be positive. The study also revealed that all the participants found Kahoot helpful and perceived it as easy to use. The study found that the provision of technical support for teachers; and financial support for schools to implement technology use in the classroom were enabling factors for using Kahoot as a formative assessment technology. Constraining factors were lack of high-speed internet connectivity; and lack of basic technological knowledge for using Kahoot in formative assessment. The study concluded that Kahoot increases learner motivation, engagement, attention, enjoyment, and knowledge retention. This study recommended the integration of Kahoot gamification into the mathematics curriculum.The study recommends that there is a need for schools to initiate the presence of technologies in mathematics classrooms and encourage teachers to integrate technologies assessment and teaching. The study suggest future research to explore use of Kahoot as a formative assessment technology in resource-constrained schooling contexts using multiple cases. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Simelane, Thando
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405412 , vital:70169
- Description: Technology integration has gained much influence with the emergence of technological tools in educational areas. The vast resources and opportunities that technologies and the Internet have brought new approaches, strategies, and tools to assess learners' performance in many subject areas. Teachers have many computer/mobile device applications and learning management systems. Most teachers are trying new ways of integrating technology into the mathematics classroom to increase the quality of teaching and learning. Thus, this study explored how primary school mathematics teachers use Kahoot as a formative assessment tool. The study adopted an exploratory case study underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. It was conducted in a primary school in the Shiselweni Region in Swaziland. The participants were ten mathematics teachers teaching different grades at the school. Data was generated using observations, workshops, structured questionnaires, journal reflections and focus group interviews. The theoretical and analytical framework that underpinned this study was a combination of Davis' (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Mishra & Koehler's (2006) Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. The study results showed that the perceptions and attitudes of primary school mathematics teachers towards using Kahoot generally appear to be positive. The study also revealed that all the participants found Kahoot helpful and perceived it as easy to use. The study found that the provision of technical support for teachers; and financial support for schools to implement technology use in the classroom were enabling factors for using Kahoot as a formative assessment technology. Constraining factors were lack of high-speed internet connectivity; and lack of basic technological knowledge for using Kahoot in formative assessment. The study concluded that Kahoot increases learner motivation, engagement, attention, enjoyment, and knowledge retention. This study recommended the integration of Kahoot gamification into the mathematics curriculum.The study recommends that there is a need for schools to initiate the presence of technologies in mathematics classrooms and encourage teachers to integrate technologies assessment and teaching. The study suggest future research to explore use of Kahoot as a formative assessment technology in resource-constrained schooling contexts using multiple cases. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14