Interaction of graphene quantum dots with 4-acetamido-2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-oxyl free radicals
- Achadu, Ojodomo John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189031 , vital:44810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-015-1712-0"
- Description: We report on the interaction of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidineoxyl (4-acetamido-TEMPO) free radicals. The GQDs were N and S, N doped. The fluorescence quantum yields were higher for the doped GQDs compared to the undoped. The interaction is assessed by spectrofluorimetric, steady state/time resolved fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Fluorescence quenching was observed upon the addition of 4-acetamido-TEMPO to the GQDs. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism was suggested as the plausible mechanism involved in the fluorescence quenching in which 4-acetamido-TEMPO acted as the electron acceptor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189031 , vital:44810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-015-1712-0"
- Description: We report on the interaction of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidineoxyl (4-acetamido-TEMPO) free radicals. The GQDs were N and S, N doped. The fluorescence quantum yields were higher for the doped GQDs compared to the undoped. The interaction is assessed by spectrofluorimetric, steady state/time resolved fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Fluorescence quenching was observed upon the addition of 4-acetamido-TEMPO to the GQDs. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism was suggested as the plausible mechanism involved in the fluorescence quenching in which 4-acetamido-TEMPO acted as the electron acceptor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Workplace forums and the enhancement of collective bargaining
- Authors: Silo, Zama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
- Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Silo, Zama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
- Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Children’s Grants and Social Security Communities in the Eastern Cape : The Case of Nqabarha Administrative Area
- Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungay
- Date: 2013-01
- Subjects: Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grants in aid , Social Security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23159 , vital:55664
- Description: This study examines the impact of children’s grants on household access to food, education and health care. In the face of increased poverty and socio-economic inequalities, social grants are a critical poverty alleviation intervention implemented by the government of South Africa. The children’s grants are offered as part of the social security system which is provided for in the Republic of South Africa Constitution of 1996 and the Social Assistance Act of 2004. The basic needs conceptual framework is the lens informing the focus of the study. Among other major findings, the study reveals that (a) childrens grants play a critical role in improvement of access to food, health care and education, (b) childrens grants are used as collateral, to access short term loans, and (c) social networks and home gardens play a significant role in aiding children’s grants to ensure household access to food, education and health care. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-01
- Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungay
- Date: 2013-01
- Subjects: Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grants in aid , Social Security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23159 , vital:55664
- Description: This study examines the impact of children’s grants on household access to food, education and health care. In the face of increased poverty and socio-economic inequalities, social grants are a critical poverty alleviation intervention implemented by the government of South Africa. The children’s grants are offered as part of the social security system which is provided for in the Republic of South Africa Constitution of 1996 and the Social Assistance Act of 2004. The basic needs conceptual framework is the lens informing the focus of the study. Among other major findings, the study reveals that (a) childrens grants play a critical role in improvement of access to food, health care and education, (b) childrens grants are used as collateral, to access short term loans, and (c) social networks and home gardens play a significant role in aiding children’s grants to ensure household access to food, education and health care. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-01
Estimating activity patterns in camera trap studies, and the overlap between domestic and indigenous ungulates
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The application of the doctrine of common purpose to the joint possession of firearms
- Authors: Mnono, Zimbini
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Firearms--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51197 , vital:43225
- Description: According to the South African criminal justice system, where two or more people in a joint unlawful enterprise associate to commit a crime with only one participant carrying a firearm, the principles of joint possession are used to secure successful prosecution of the participants for joint possession of the firearm. However, up to date, the State is yet to see a conviction based on the application of these principles. S v Khambule marks the first case in which the doctrine of common purpose was used to secure a conviction of multiple accused for the crime of joint possession of firearms. The case has become outdated law following the Supreme Court of Appeal decision in S v Mbuli where the court found that the doctrine could not be applied to circumstance crimes such as joint possession of firearms. Both cases have received enormous criticism from academics and in subsequent judgments. One main criticism relates to whether the failure to apply the doctrine of common purpose is consistent with the current law and constitutional freedoms, such as the right to be free from all forms of violence and the right to equal benefit of the law. The purpose of the dissertation is to evaluate the jurisprudence on the application of the doctrine of common purpose to the joint possession of firearms. The evaluation includes an analysis of the principles of joint possession in the context of constitutional rights as well as contributions made by academics such as Burchell. The commonpurpose doctrine does not extend to joint possession of firearms. This is as a result of firstly, the absence of causation from the definitional elements of the crime; secondly, the mental aspect of possession; thirdly, the principles of joint possession as the basis of liability for joint possession of firearms; and lastly due to the nature of the crime of joint possession of firearms, being a circumstance crime. The paper recommends the extension of the doctrine of common purpose to joint possession of firearms. The recommendation is based on the following arguments. Firstly, the mental aspect of possession relates to the description of the article and not fault. Secondly, the doctrine is and has always been intended to criminalise joint wrongdoings. Thirdly, the extension of the doctrine of common purpose to joint possession of firearms is consistent with the presumption of possession in terms of the Firearm Controls Act. Lastly, the expansion enhances constitutional rights and fulfils the duty of the State to make South Africa less vulnerable to firearms. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mnono, Zimbini
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Firearms--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51197 , vital:43225
- Description: According to the South African criminal justice system, where two or more people in a joint unlawful enterprise associate to commit a crime with only one participant carrying a firearm, the principles of joint possession are used to secure successful prosecution of the participants for joint possession of the firearm. However, up to date, the State is yet to see a conviction based on the application of these principles. S v Khambule marks the first case in which the doctrine of common purpose was used to secure a conviction of multiple accused for the crime of joint possession of firearms. The case has become outdated law following the Supreme Court of Appeal decision in S v Mbuli where the court found that the doctrine could not be applied to circumstance crimes such as joint possession of firearms. Both cases have received enormous criticism from academics and in subsequent judgments. One main criticism relates to whether the failure to apply the doctrine of common purpose is consistent with the current law and constitutional freedoms, such as the right to be free from all forms of violence and the right to equal benefit of the law. The purpose of the dissertation is to evaluate the jurisprudence on the application of the doctrine of common purpose to the joint possession of firearms. The evaluation includes an analysis of the principles of joint possession in the context of constitutional rights as well as contributions made by academics such as Burchell. The commonpurpose doctrine does not extend to joint possession of firearms. This is as a result of firstly, the absence of causation from the definitional elements of the crime; secondly, the mental aspect of possession; thirdly, the principles of joint possession as the basis of liability for joint possession of firearms; and lastly due to the nature of the crime of joint possession of firearms, being a circumstance crime. The paper recommends the extension of the doctrine of common purpose to joint possession of firearms. The recommendation is based on the following arguments. Firstly, the mental aspect of possession relates to the description of the article and not fault. Secondly, the doctrine is and has always been intended to criminalise joint wrongdoings. Thirdly, the extension of the doctrine of common purpose to joint possession of firearms is consistent with the presumption of possession in terms of the Firearm Controls Act. Lastly, the expansion enhances constitutional rights and fulfils the duty of the State to make South Africa less vulnerable to firearms. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development
- Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Knowledge, attitude and perception of uninitiated adolescents towards customary male initiation practices in selected schools in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Igaba, Nelson Kibiribiri
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Circumcision , HIV infections -- Prevention , Initiation rites
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26896 , vital:66061
- Description: Background: Based on evidence that Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus- HIV transmission by 60percent, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing VMMC programs in countries with a high HIV prevalence, considering the unique sociocultural and economic dynamics of each setting. However, in South Africa (SA), multiple tribes including the AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape (EC) province practice Customary Male Initiation (CMI) also known as Ulwaluko as a rite of passage of males from boyhood to manhood, and this involves circumcision. In recent years, this practice has been riddled with deaths of initiates, admissions to hospital, amputation of penis, assaults, drug and alcohol, and crime. Hence, this study aimed at understanding the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of uninitiated adolescents towards the CMI practice in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), EC to aid in developing strategies to solve current challenges. Methods: Between June and December 2021, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in selected schools within BCM, in the EC, using a quantitative research approach. The study population included adolescent males aged 15 to 19 years who had not attended CMI. Applying a multistage random sampling technique, three (3)BCM towns (Bhisho, King William Town-KWT and East London-EL) and the Mdantsane township (MT) were selected and further the schools from which consenting pupils were enrolled into the study. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire which was captured on excel and analysed using STATA version 16.1. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages. Bivariate and multivariate regression was used to determine factors associated with a level of knowledge, attitude, and perception towards CMI and VMMC. The odds ratio with a 95percent confidence interval was calculated. A p–value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 297 participants that responded 251 (84.51percent) were between the ages of 15-19 years and had not undergone circumcision or CMI. These were included in this analysis. Majority of participants 181 (72.11percent, 95percent CI 66.21-77.33) lacked knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of HIV acquisition. More than three quarters of participants 195 (77.69percent, 95percent CI 72.09-83.87) showed absence of knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of STIs. Close to all participants 244 (97.21percent, 95percent CI 94.25-98.67) indicated that they would choose CMI over VMMC due to cultural reason. More than three quarters of participants 193 (76.89percent, 95percent CI 71.24-81.72) agreed that CMI/Ulwaluko proves manhood. The presence of knowledge on the benefits of VMMC was positively dependent on the location where a participants lived (uOR 2.32, 95percent CI 1.09-4.97, p-value 0.029) and access to internet more than once a week (uOR 3.44, 95percent CI 1.14-10.43, p-value 0.029. The choice for CMI over VMMC was positively associated with participants living in Mdantsane Township than those living in urban areas (Coef. 1.55, 95percent CI 0.77-2.33, p-value 0.001). Conclusion: This study found lack of knowledge on benefits of VMMC, laws governing and on risks associated with CMI/Ulwaluko practices among uninitiated adolescents. The study further found that CMI/Ulwaluko was still highly regarded despite current challenges and most adolescents would choose CMI/Ulwaluko over VMMC. There is urgent need to integrate VMMC services into CMI/Ulwaluko to include health education on benefits of VMMC, infection prevention and control, male circumcision by trained medical personnel and education on laws governing CMI/Ulwaluko. These interventions should also target uninitiated adolescents. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Igaba, Nelson Kibiribiri
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Circumcision , HIV infections -- Prevention , Initiation rites
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26896 , vital:66061
- Description: Background: Based on evidence that Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus- HIV transmission by 60percent, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing VMMC programs in countries with a high HIV prevalence, considering the unique sociocultural and economic dynamics of each setting. However, in South Africa (SA), multiple tribes including the AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape (EC) province practice Customary Male Initiation (CMI) also known as Ulwaluko as a rite of passage of males from boyhood to manhood, and this involves circumcision. In recent years, this practice has been riddled with deaths of initiates, admissions to hospital, amputation of penis, assaults, drug and alcohol, and crime. Hence, this study aimed at understanding the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of uninitiated adolescents towards the CMI practice in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), EC to aid in developing strategies to solve current challenges. Methods: Between June and December 2021, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in selected schools within BCM, in the EC, using a quantitative research approach. The study population included adolescent males aged 15 to 19 years who had not attended CMI. Applying a multistage random sampling technique, three (3)BCM towns (Bhisho, King William Town-KWT and East London-EL) and the Mdantsane township (MT) were selected and further the schools from which consenting pupils were enrolled into the study. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire which was captured on excel and analysed using STATA version 16.1. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages. Bivariate and multivariate regression was used to determine factors associated with a level of knowledge, attitude, and perception towards CMI and VMMC. The odds ratio with a 95percent confidence interval was calculated. A p–value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 297 participants that responded 251 (84.51percent) were between the ages of 15-19 years and had not undergone circumcision or CMI. These were included in this analysis. Majority of participants 181 (72.11percent, 95percent CI 66.21-77.33) lacked knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of HIV acquisition. More than three quarters of participants 195 (77.69percent, 95percent CI 72.09-83.87) showed absence of knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of STIs. Close to all participants 244 (97.21percent, 95percent CI 94.25-98.67) indicated that they would choose CMI over VMMC due to cultural reason. More than three quarters of participants 193 (76.89percent, 95percent CI 71.24-81.72) agreed that CMI/Ulwaluko proves manhood. The presence of knowledge on the benefits of VMMC was positively dependent on the location where a participants lived (uOR 2.32, 95percent CI 1.09-4.97, p-value 0.029) and access to internet more than once a week (uOR 3.44, 95percent CI 1.14-10.43, p-value 0.029. The choice for CMI over VMMC was positively associated with participants living in Mdantsane Township than those living in urban areas (Coef. 1.55, 95percent CI 0.77-2.33, p-value 0.001). Conclusion: This study found lack of knowledge on benefits of VMMC, laws governing and on risks associated with CMI/Ulwaluko practices among uninitiated adolescents. The study further found that CMI/Ulwaluko was still highly regarded despite current challenges and most adolescents would choose CMI/Ulwaluko over VMMC. There is urgent need to integrate VMMC services into CMI/Ulwaluko to include health education on benefits of VMMC, infection prevention and control, male circumcision by trained medical personnel and education on laws governing CMI/Ulwaluko. These interventions should also target uninitiated adolescents. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
pH study of the electrocatalytic SO2 detection at a glassy carbon electrode modified with iron (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine
- Thamae, Mamothibe, Westbroek, Philippe, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Thamae, Mamothibe , Westbroek, Philippe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/304786 , vital:58490 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-002-0914-8"
- Description: The electrocatalytic determination of SO2 is studied as a function of pH at a glassy carbon electrode modified with iron(II)tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([Fe(II)TSPc]4−). It was found in the literature that depending on pH, SO2·xH2O, HSO3 − and/or SO3 2− are the main compounds in solution, that these compounds behave differently at the electrode surface, and that the condition of the electrode surface is stable over the entire pH-range. The use of SO2(g) or sodium sulfite as starting material did result in identical curves except in the pH range from 7.5–9.0. A possible explanation could be given by proposing that SO2·xH2O is very unstable in the presence of SO3 2−. In strongly acidic medium, SO2·xH2O is the main compound, which can be oxidized as well as reduced with exchange of two electrons. HSO3 − is the main compound at pH = 4 and can also be oxidized and reduced with exchange of, respectively, two and four electrons. In alkaline solution sulfite is the main compound and can only be oxidized, also under exchange of two electrons. Detection limits are in the range of 4.0 ± 0.1 × 10−5 and 7.5 ± 0.1 × 10−5 mol L−1, dependent of pH and of the type of reaction (oxidation or reduction) used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Thamae, Mamothibe , Westbroek, Philippe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/304786 , vital:58490 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-002-0914-8"
- Description: The electrocatalytic determination of SO2 is studied as a function of pH at a glassy carbon electrode modified with iron(II)tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([Fe(II)TSPc]4−). It was found in the literature that depending on pH, SO2·xH2O, HSO3 − and/or SO3 2− are the main compounds in solution, that these compounds behave differently at the electrode surface, and that the condition of the electrode surface is stable over the entire pH-range. The use of SO2(g) or sodium sulfite as starting material did result in identical curves except in the pH range from 7.5–9.0. A possible explanation could be given by proposing that SO2·xH2O is very unstable in the presence of SO3 2−. In strongly acidic medium, SO2·xH2O is the main compound, which can be oxidized as well as reduced with exchange of two electrons. HSO3 − is the main compound at pH = 4 and can also be oxidized and reduced with exchange of, respectively, two and four electrons. In alkaline solution sulfite is the main compound and can only be oxidized, also under exchange of two electrons. Detection limits are in the range of 4.0 ± 0.1 × 10−5 and 7.5 ± 0.1 × 10−5 mol L−1, dependent of pH and of the type of reaction (oxidation or reduction) used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Characterization of polymeric film of a new manganese phthalocyanine complex octa-substituted with 2-diethylaminoethanethiol, and its use for the electrochemical detection of bentazon
- Akinbulu, Isaac A, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Akinbulu, Isaac A , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/262568 , vital:53534 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.07.074"
- Description: Manganese acetate octakis-(2-diethyaminoethanethiol) phthalocyanine (AcMnODEAETPc) was newly synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Solution electrochemistry of the complex showed three redox processes assigned to MnIIIPc−1/MnIIIPc−2, MnIIIPc−2/MnIIPc−2 and MnIIPc−2/MnIIPc−3 species. The new molecule was polymerized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form thin films of different thickness, giving poly-10-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE and poly-30-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, where 10, 20 and 30 represent the number of voltammetry scans during polymerization. Three distinct redox processes were observed on the modified electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution, pH 5, which confirmed the formation of the polymer. The current signal due to the herbicide, bentazon, was dependent on film thickness; the best signal was obtained on poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE while poly-10-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE gave the least signal. However, the signals due to the herbicide were better on the different films compared to the bare electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique revealed that differences in film thickness offered different charge transfer resistances, Rct, hence difference in current signals for bentazon oxidation were observed on these films. A Tafel slope of 77 mV/decade, obtained for the herbicide on poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, denotes a fast one electron transfer followed by a slow chemical step in the electro-oxidation of bentazon. The voltammetry signals of the herbicide on the films indicated the likely involvement of ring-based redox processes in the detection of the herbicide. A plot of background corrected current response, on this film, versus the concentration of bentazon was linear within the range 50–750 μM with a detection limit of 2.48 × 10−7 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Akinbulu, Isaac A , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/262568 , vital:53534 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.07.074"
- Description: Manganese acetate octakis-(2-diethyaminoethanethiol) phthalocyanine (AcMnODEAETPc) was newly synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Solution electrochemistry of the complex showed three redox processes assigned to MnIIIPc−1/MnIIIPc−2, MnIIIPc−2/MnIIPc−2 and MnIIPc−2/MnIIPc−3 species. The new molecule was polymerized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form thin films of different thickness, giving poly-10-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE and poly-30-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, where 10, 20 and 30 represent the number of voltammetry scans during polymerization. Three distinct redox processes were observed on the modified electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution, pH 5, which confirmed the formation of the polymer. The current signal due to the herbicide, bentazon, was dependent on film thickness; the best signal was obtained on poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE while poly-10-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE gave the least signal. However, the signals due to the herbicide were better on the different films compared to the bare electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique revealed that differences in film thickness offered different charge transfer resistances, Rct, hence difference in current signals for bentazon oxidation were observed on these films. A Tafel slope of 77 mV/decade, obtained for the herbicide on poly-20-AcMnODEAETPc-GCE, denotes a fast one electron transfer followed by a slow chemical step in the electro-oxidation of bentazon. The voltammetry signals of the herbicide on the films indicated the likely involvement of ring-based redox processes in the detection of the herbicide. A plot of background corrected current response, on this film, versus the concentration of bentazon was linear within the range 50–750 μM with a detection limit of 2.48 × 10−7 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Electrocatalytic activity of symmetric and asymmetric Co(II) and Mn(III) porphyrins in the presence of graphene quantum dots towards the oxidation of hydrazine
- Authors: Jokazi, Mbulelo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Electrocatalysis , Hydrazine , Quantum dots , Graphene , Porphyrins
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362894 , vital:65372
- Description: The influence of metal porphyrins in electro-oxidation of hydrazine is explored. A series of symmetric and asymmetric porphyrins alone and in the presence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are employed in this work. Tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin--GQDs, and manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin@GQDs are the symmetric porphyrins. The asymmetric porphyrin and composites are 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs, and cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs. These complexes were synthesized and characterized accordingly and applied for electrocatalysis. The electrocatalytic experiments were carried out using glassy carbon electrode and the modification was through drop-dry method. The porphyrin and GQDs synthesized were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The modified electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy. The introduction of metal ion in the center of the porphyrin improved electrocatalysis. The presence of push-pull substituents in the porphyrin lowered the oxidation potential and improved the catalysis. The presence of GQDs improved catalysis in both symmetric and asymmetric porphyrin compared to individual components. Cobalt porphyrins showed better activity than manganese porphyrin. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Jokazi, Mbulelo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Electrocatalysis , Hydrazine , Quantum dots , Graphene , Porphyrins
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362894 , vital:65372
- Description: The influence of metal porphyrins in electro-oxidation of hydrazine is explored. A series of symmetric and asymmetric porphyrins alone and in the presence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are employed in this work. Tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin--GQDs, and manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin@GQDs are the symmetric porphyrins. The asymmetric porphyrin and composites are 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs, and cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs. These complexes were synthesized and characterized accordingly and applied for electrocatalysis. The electrocatalytic experiments were carried out using glassy carbon electrode and the modification was through drop-dry method. The porphyrin and GQDs synthesized were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The modified electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy. The introduction of metal ion in the center of the porphyrin improved electrocatalysis. The presence of push-pull substituents in the porphyrin lowered the oxidation potential and improved the catalysis. The presence of GQDs improved catalysis in both symmetric and asymmetric porphyrin compared to individual components. Cobalt porphyrins showed better activity than manganese porphyrin. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Optimization of an intranasal levodopa nanocrystalline formulation for delivery to the brain
- Authors: Kakono, Chiedza
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/420709 , vital:71771
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Probable release date in 2025. , Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Kakono, Chiedza
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/420709 , vital:71771
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Probable release date in 2025. , Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Usable Security Heuristics for Instant Messaging Application Development
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Craig Michael
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58506 , vital:59655
- Description: As instant messaging (IM) applications have become more popular, the privacy and security concerns associated with their usage has become ever more relevant. As with many software programs, IM applications have a history of security vulnerabilities. Although IM application usage is globally increasing, it has been found that currently no generally recognised standards exist to aid IM application developers when developing the usability of the security features they implement. The problem is further exacerbated as research suggests that typical users have neither the requisite understanding of the available IM security features, nor the capacity to make full use of those protection features. The primary objective of this study is to create a set of usable security heuristics to assist developers of instant messaging applications to consider the usability of the security features implemented in these applications. This primary objective is further divided into several secondary objectives, which collectively aim to address the proposed problem. Therefore, the secondary objectives are to determine IM security risks and their related implications on users; to identify and investigate existing security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices for mobile application development; to map the identified security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices to IM applications; and to develop a prototype to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. First, a comprehensive literature study is used to determine and understand the information security threats relevant to IM applications, how IM applications operate, the security features implemented by IM applications and the potential impact the relevant information security threats could have on IM application users. Thereafter, a further literature review and content analysis are used to identify and investigate existing heuristics, guidelines, standards, and best practices for mobile application development. The findings from the content analysis, in combination with the previously identified threats to IM applications, are then mapped to IM applications, and a preliminary set of usable security heuristics for IM application development is established. This preliminary set of usable security heuristics undergoes multiple iterations of refinement to establish the proposed set of usable security heuristics for IM application development. Furthermore, an expert review is conducted to validate the proposed set of usable security heuristics from the perspectives of security, usability, and mobile application development. In addition, the expert review was also used to determine the efficacy, utility, and quality of the proposed usable security heuristics. To further validate the proposed heuristics, a proof-of-concept prototype is used, in addition to the expert review, to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed set of usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. Such a set of usable security heuristics would be useful for IM application developers and would result in the vi improved implementation of usable security, leading to an improvement in the security of IM applications. The proposed set of usable security heuristics therefore adds a further contribution to this research area, providing a solid foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Craig Michael
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58506 , vital:59655
- Description: As instant messaging (IM) applications have become more popular, the privacy and security concerns associated with their usage has become ever more relevant. As with many software programs, IM applications have a history of security vulnerabilities. Although IM application usage is globally increasing, it has been found that currently no generally recognised standards exist to aid IM application developers when developing the usability of the security features they implement. The problem is further exacerbated as research suggests that typical users have neither the requisite understanding of the available IM security features, nor the capacity to make full use of those protection features. The primary objective of this study is to create a set of usable security heuristics to assist developers of instant messaging applications to consider the usability of the security features implemented in these applications. This primary objective is further divided into several secondary objectives, which collectively aim to address the proposed problem. Therefore, the secondary objectives are to determine IM security risks and their related implications on users; to identify and investigate existing security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices for mobile application development; to map the identified security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices to IM applications; and to develop a prototype to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. First, a comprehensive literature study is used to determine and understand the information security threats relevant to IM applications, how IM applications operate, the security features implemented by IM applications and the potential impact the relevant information security threats could have on IM application users. Thereafter, a further literature review and content analysis are used to identify and investigate existing heuristics, guidelines, standards, and best practices for mobile application development. The findings from the content analysis, in combination with the previously identified threats to IM applications, are then mapped to IM applications, and a preliminary set of usable security heuristics for IM application development is established. This preliminary set of usable security heuristics undergoes multiple iterations of refinement to establish the proposed set of usable security heuristics for IM application development. Furthermore, an expert review is conducted to validate the proposed set of usable security heuristics from the perspectives of security, usability, and mobile application development. In addition, the expert review was also used to determine the efficacy, utility, and quality of the proposed usable security heuristics. To further validate the proposed heuristics, a proof-of-concept prototype is used, in addition to the expert review, to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed set of usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. Such a set of usable security heuristics would be useful for IM application developers and would result in the vi improved implementation of usable security, leading to an improvement in the security of IM applications. The proposed set of usable security heuristics therefore adds a further contribution to this research area, providing a solid foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A Systematic Visualisation Framework for Radio-Imaging Pipelines
- Authors: Andati, Lexy Acherwa Livoyi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Radio interferometers , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- Data processing -- Software , Jupyter
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177338 , vital:42812
- Description: Pipelines for calibration and imaging of radio interferometric data produce many intermediate images and other data products (gain tables, etc.) These often contain valuable information about the quality of the data and the calibration, and can provide the user with valuable insights, if only visualised in the right way. However, the deluge of data that we’re experiencing with modern instruments means that most of these products are never looked at, and only the final images and data products are examined. Furthermore, the variety of imaging algorithms currently available, and the range of their options, means that very different results can be produced from the same set of original data. Proper understanding of this requires a systematic comparison that can be carried out both by individual users locally, and by the community globally. We address both problems by developing a systematic visualisation framework based around Jupyter notebooks, enriched with interactive plots based on the Bokeh and Datashader visualisation libraries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Electronics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Andati, Lexy Acherwa Livoyi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Radio interferometers , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- Data processing -- Software , Jupyter
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177338 , vital:42812
- Description: Pipelines for calibration and imaging of radio interferometric data produce many intermediate images and other data products (gain tables, etc.) These often contain valuable information about the quality of the data and the calibration, and can provide the user with valuable insights, if only visualised in the right way. However, the deluge of data that we’re experiencing with modern instruments means that most of these products are never looked at, and only the final images and data products are examined. Furthermore, the variety of imaging algorithms currently available, and the range of their options, means that very different results can be produced from the same set of original data. Proper understanding of this requires a systematic comparison that can be carried out both by individual users locally, and by the community globally. We address both problems by developing a systematic visualisation framework based around Jupyter notebooks, enriched with interactive plots based on the Bokeh and Datashader visualisation libraries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Electronics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Design of pH Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Catecholamine Neurotransmitters Detection and the Screening Off of Ascorbic Acid
- Tshenkeng, Keamogetse Tebogo Charlotte
- Authors: Tshenkeng, Keamogetse Tebogo Charlotte
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Catecholamines , Electrochemical sensors , Neurotransmitters , Vitamin C , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Cobalt (II) tetra-(3-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine (CoTCPhOPc)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176921 , vital:42772
- Description: This study presents the synthesis of cobalt (II) tetra-(3-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine (CoTCPhOPc) through the cyclotetramerization of 4-(3-carboxyphe-noxy)phthalonitrile and its full characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The CoTCPhOPc was then immobilized onto phenylethylamino (PEA) pre-grafted gold electrode surface, Au-PEA using amide coupling reaction through a reaction with NHS and DCC to obtain Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. This yielded pH sensitive thin films due to the terminal carboxylic acid (–COOH) functional groups. Electrochemical and surface characterization was conducted to confirm the modification of the bare Au with PEA thin film (Au-PEA) and amide coupling of CoTCPhOPc (Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc). The Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc electrode was shown to possess pH selective properties towards negatively charged [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and positively charged [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ redox probes. Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc electrode surface enabled the detection of catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) and the screening off of ascorbic acid by means of pH sensitive functional groups. Bare Au and Au-PEA electrodes exhibited electro-oxidation and electroreduction of catecholamine neuro-transmitters and ascorbic acid at higher potentials compared to Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. There was no electro-oxidation or electroreduction of ascorbic acid at Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. For Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc, excellent electrocatalytic oxidation with the limit of detection (LoD) determined using 3σ was found to be 1.32 (0.95), 2.11 (1.78) and 3.08 μM for electro-oxidation and electroreduction (in brackets) of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine respectively. The limit of quantification (LoQ) was determined using 10σ and found to be 4.41 (3.17), 7.02 (5.93) and 10.3 μM electro-oxidation and electroreduction (in brackets) for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine respectively. The Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc thin film was shown to screen off ascorbic acid as no electrocatalytic oxidation was observed for up to 100.0 μM concentration. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Tshenkeng, Keamogetse Tebogo Charlotte
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Catecholamines , Electrochemical sensors , Neurotransmitters , Vitamin C , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Cobalt (II) tetra-(3-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine (CoTCPhOPc)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176921 , vital:42772
- Description: This study presents the synthesis of cobalt (II) tetra-(3-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine (CoTCPhOPc) through the cyclotetramerization of 4-(3-carboxyphe-noxy)phthalonitrile and its full characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The CoTCPhOPc was then immobilized onto phenylethylamino (PEA) pre-grafted gold electrode surface, Au-PEA using amide coupling reaction through a reaction with NHS and DCC to obtain Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. This yielded pH sensitive thin films due to the terminal carboxylic acid (–COOH) functional groups. Electrochemical and surface characterization was conducted to confirm the modification of the bare Au with PEA thin film (Au-PEA) and amide coupling of CoTCPhOPc (Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc). The Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc electrode was shown to possess pH selective properties towards negatively charged [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and positively charged [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ redox probes. Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc electrode surface enabled the detection of catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) and the screening off of ascorbic acid by means of pH sensitive functional groups. Bare Au and Au-PEA electrodes exhibited electro-oxidation and electroreduction of catecholamine neuro-transmitters and ascorbic acid at higher potentials compared to Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. There was no electro-oxidation or electroreduction of ascorbic acid at Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc. For Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc, excellent electrocatalytic oxidation with the limit of detection (LoD) determined using 3σ was found to be 1.32 (0.95), 2.11 (1.78) and 3.08 μM for electro-oxidation and electroreduction (in brackets) of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine respectively. The limit of quantification (LoQ) was determined using 10σ and found to be 4.41 (3.17), 7.02 (5.93) and 10.3 μM electro-oxidation and electroreduction (in brackets) for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine respectively. The Au-PEA-CoTCPhOPc thin film was shown to screen off ascorbic acid as no electrocatalytic oxidation was observed for up to 100.0 μM concentration. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Barriers and reasons for exercise of rural and urban overweight and obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mrwebi, Thembani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Obesity--Prevention , Public health--Exercise
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22522 , vital:52388
- Description: It is documented that obesity is highly prevalent across rural and urban groups in industrialised and underdeveloped countries. This problem is an alarming issue as community members remain unsure about avoiding risking their health. Various health surveys reveal that obesity has increased among communities in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality in the Eastern Cape, and it has consequently made communities vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. The researcher explored factors and barriers of exercise for rural and urban obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. This study was descriptive and explorative, utilising a questionnaire for gathering information. A purposive sample of 80 members from the two selected communities completed the questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed to identify factors that motivate physical activity and barriers to physical activity. It was discovered that all evaluated members were fully aware of the harmful repercussions of being overweight or obese. Nevertheless, only a tiny percentage of those who took part in the study decided to live a healthier lifestyle because of their obesity. Constructive motivating factors included increasing their self-image, enhancing their wellbeing, and getting highly involved in active and regular exercise. Negative motivators included finding it challenging to fit into old clothes and the worry of developing obesity-related diseases. Respondents noted the following impediments in regular exercises and physical activities; African cultural values, limited operational hours of physical activity facilities, insufficient time, and a lack of enthusiasm. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mrwebi, Thembani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Obesity--Prevention , Public health--Exercise
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22522 , vital:52388
- Description: It is documented that obesity is highly prevalent across rural and urban groups in industrialised and underdeveloped countries. This problem is an alarming issue as community members remain unsure about avoiding risking their health. Various health surveys reveal that obesity has increased among communities in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality in the Eastern Cape, and it has consequently made communities vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. The researcher explored factors and barriers of exercise for rural and urban obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. This study was descriptive and explorative, utilising a questionnaire for gathering information. A purposive sample of 80 members from the two selected communities completed the questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed to identify factors that motivate physical activity and barriers to physical activity. It was discovered that all evaluated members were fully aware of the harmful repercussions of being overweight or obese. Nevertheless, only a tiny percentage of those who took part in the study decided to live a healthier lifestyle because of their obesity. Constructive motivating factors included increasing their self-image, enhancing their wellbeing, and getting highly involved in active and regular exercise. Negative motivators included finding it challenging to fit into old clothes and the worry of developing obesity-related diseases. Respondents noted the following impediments in regular exercises and physical activities; African cultural values, limited operational hours of physical activity facilities, insufficient time, and a lack of enthusiasm. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Re-industrialisation of the Nelson Mandela Metropole regional economy
- Authors: Sipuka, Msingathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic growth , Economic development -- Nelson Mandela
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58190 , vital:58675
- Description: The main assumption underlying this study is that structural change brings about growth and in turn translates to poverty reduction through the expansion of labour absorbing economic sectors and employment in higher productivity non-primary sectors. Since labour productivity in non-primary sectors is higher, the large-scale migration of labour out of primary activity should raise labour incomes and result in poverty reducing growth. Economic growth driven by structural change in income and employment should therefore aid and promote poverty reduction. Notwithstanding the important role of the national sphere of government in setting the industrial policy framework in the country, this research places emphasis on the role and contribution of regional economies in translating active industrial policy into implementation and development results. In South Africa the rise in poverty can be partially attributed to an economy that is not growing at the required rates needed to, among others, create the necessary employment opportunities at scale. The ability to adequately respond to these national development challenges depends on key economic regions in the country unlocking growth in several economic sectors, in particular the manufacturing sector which is described as labour-intensive and with a high multiplier effect on the economy. To this end, the capacity of regional governments working with regional stakeholders to plan, coordinate, implement and provide oversight over integrated regional industrialisation strategies and implementation plans becomes pivotal. Equally, the Nelson Mandela Metropole, which is the geographic area of focus for this study, has identified and prioritised the growth of the manufacturing sector as one of its economic priorities, reflecting its ambition of driving a programme of re-industrialisation and positioning the region as one of the country’s industrial centres. The main proposition of this study is that the Nelson Mandela Metropole, like other regional economies in the country, is not able to drive the programme of re-industrialisation. The reason for this inability is that it does not have a coherent framework of levers that are at the disposal of regional governments and regional stakeholders to design and implement a programme of re-industrialisation within the ii context of a globalised economy but that takes into consideration national peculiarities of the manufacturing sector. The fact that the regions do not have an integrated regional implementation plan for reviving the manufacturing sector creates an eco-system where there is limited coordination of the actions of different role players, in turn limiting collaboration within the region. The research has identified a gap in the literature between the two areas that impact on this study, namely, industrial development and regional economic development. The study navigates the literature across these two areas to emerge with a synthesised framework of strategic enablers for industrialisation at a regional level. These strategic enablers can be used by regional governments to develop an integrated regional framework to drive the industrialisation programme at this level. With specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropole, the study used a mixed methods research approach to assess regional actors’ views on the strategic enablers identified through the literature. A survey was employed to extract data from manufacturing enterprises in the region on the perceived constraints to the growth of the manufacturing sector. The quantitative data were complemented by qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with key regional informants. The results of the study reveal some of the general weaknesses that confront the region as it pursues regional industrialisation. Importantly, the study uses the identified regional strategic enablers to develop a framework that can be used by regional actors to design an implementation plan. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Sipuka, Msingathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic growth , Economic development -- Nelson Mandela
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58190 , vital:58675
- Description: The main assumption underlying this study is that structural change brings about growth and in turn translates to poverty reduction through the expansion of labour absorbing economic sectors and employment in higher productivity non-primary sectors. Since labour productivity in non-primary sectors is higher, the large-scale migration of labour out of primary activity should raise labour incomes and result in poverty reducing growth. Economic growth driven by structural change in income and employment should therefore aid and promote poverty reduction. Notwithstanding the important role of the national sphere of government in setting the industrial policy framework in the country, this research places emphasis on the role and contribution of regional economies in translating active industrial policy into implementation and development results. In South Africa the rise in poverty can be partially attributed to an economy that is not growing at the required rates needed to, among others, create the necessary employment opportunities at scale. The ability to adequately respond to these national development challenges depends on key economic regions in the country unlocking growth in several economic sectors, in particular the manufacturing sector which is described as labour-intensive and with a high multiplier effect on the economy. To this end, the capacity of regional governments working with regional stakeholders to plan, coordinate, implement and provide oversight over integrated regional industrialisation strategies and implementation plans becomes pivotal. Equally, the Nelson Mandela Metropole, which is the geographic area of focus for this study, has identified and prioritised the growth of the manufacturing sector as one of its economic priorities, reflecting its ambition of driving a programme of re-industrialisation and positioning the region as one of the country’s industrial centres. The main proposition of this study is that the Nelson Mandela Metropole, like other regional economies in the country, is not able to drive the programme of re-industrialisation. The reason for this inability is that it does not have a coherent framework of levers that are at the disposal of regional governments and regional stakeholders to design and implement a programme of re-industrialisation within the ii context of a globalised economy but that takes into consideration national peculiarities of the manufacturing sector. The fact that the regions do not have an integrated regional implementation plan for reviving the manufacturing sector creates an eco-system where there is limited coordination of the actions of different role players, in turn limiting collaboration within the region. The research has identified a gap in the literature between the two areas that impact on this study, namely, industrial development and regional economic development. The study navigates the literature across these two areas to emerge with a synthesised framework of strategic enablers for industrialisation at a regional level. These strategic enablers can be used by regional governments to develop an integrated regional framework to drive the industrialisation programme at this level. With specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropole, the study used a mixed methods research approach to assess regional actors’ views on the strategic enablers identified through the literature. A survey was employed to extract data from manufacturing enterprises in the region on the perceived constraints to the growth of the manufacturing sector. The quantitative data were complemented by qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with key regional informants. The results of the study reveal some of the general weaknesses that confront the region as it pursues regional industrialisation. Importantly, the study uses the identified regional strategic enablers to develop a framework that can be used by regional actors to design an implementation plan. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Biton’s Lost Siege Engine: Experimental archaeology in Classical Studies
- Authors: Rademan, David John
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pergamum (Extinct city) , Dimensional analysis , Engineering History To 168 B.C. , Fluid mechanics History To 168 B.C. , Byzantine literature History and criticism , Siege warfare History To 168 B.C. , Biton of Pergamon , Isidorus of Abydos , Poliorcetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192330 , vital:45216
- Description: This thesis entails an examination of several problems inherent in placing a technical treatise by the Hellenistic Greek engineer, Biton of Pergamon, at a siege of 156-154BCE, with a view to galvanising the existing case of previous scholarship through a combined approach of literary, textual, geographical, and technical analysis. Particular focus is given to the following problems: technical errors in current translations of the treatise of Biton; technical considerations in scholars’ reproductions of a particular engine in the treatise; an assessment of the practical implications of the treatise in situ at the physical site of the ancient city of Pergamon in the second century BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings and surveys; assessment of those implications by way of historical records of similar conflicts from the Hellenistic period; and suggesting a procedure of dimensional analysis for testing a hypothesis regarding the feasibility of the ancient engineer’s recommended engines as a stand-in for the city’s original defenses, in a manner that harmonises the methodologies of historicism and experimental archaeology with sound and appropriate modern engineering practice from the field of Fluid Mechanics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Rademan, David John
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pergamum (Extinct city) , Dimensional analysis , Engineering History To 168 B.C. , Fluid mechanics History To 168 B.C. , Byzantine literature History and criticism , Siege warfare History To 168 B.C. , Biton of Pergamon , Isidorus of Abydos , Poliorcetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192330 , vital:45216
- Description: This thesis entails an examination of several problems inherent in placing a technical treatise by the Hellenistic Greek engineer, Biton of Pergamon, at a siege of 156-154BCE, with a view to galvanising the existing case of previous scholarship through a combined approach of literary, textual, geographical, and technical analysis. Particular focus is given to the following problems: technical errors in current translations of the treatise of Biton; technical considerations in scholars’ reproductions of a particular engine in the treatise; an assessment of the practical implications of the treatise in situ at the physical site of the ancient city of Pergamon in the second century BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings and surveys; assessment of those implications by way of historical records of similar conflicts from the Hellenistic period; and suggesting a procedure of dimensional analysis for testing a hypothesis regarding the feasibility of the ancient engineer’s recommended engines as a stand-in for the city’s original defenses, in a manner that harmonises the methodologies of historicism and experimental archaeology with sound and appropriate modern engineering practice from the field of Fluid Mechanics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Impact of press freedom on reportage of corruption in the Nigerian oil and gas industry : a comparative content analysis of four Nigerian Newspapers
- Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Authors: Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Newspapers -- Nigeria , Freedom of the press , Mass media -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21805 , vital:51787
- Description: A free press is pivotal to eradication of corruption in the society as the press remains the most powerful channel of communication that cut across all publics. Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the impact of press freedom on reportage of corruption in the oil and gas industry through a content analysis of four Nigerian newspapers (The Punch, Vanguard, Guardian and Nigerian Tribune). The study adopted a mixed research method involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected and analysed through content analysis of the selected newspapers while the qualitative data collected through interview of the respective newspaper correspondents were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that 534 stories were published on corruption in the Nigerian oil and gas sector by all the newspapers within the study period (July 2018-June 2019), with the Punch having the highest magnitude of stories (n = 196, 36.70percent) while Nigerian Tribune had the highest number of stories reported on its front and back pages (n = 143, 92.25percent). However, Guardian had the highest number of full-paged stories (n = 15, 20percent) whereas the Punch and Nigerian Tribune adopted the widest range of publication formats with news being the most dominant format employed by all the dailies (n = 462, 86.52percent). Although, all the newspapers employed more episodic frame (n = 432, 80.89percent) than thematic frame (n = 93,17.41percent), framing analysis revealed oil theft, vandalism, alleged-fraud, environmental consequences and economic consequences as the major frames used in the coverage of stories on corruption in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Thematic analysis showed that the newspaper correspondents did not have access to adequate information on corruption in the sector while journalists in the country are still being subjected to intimidation, arrest and imprisonment. These findings suggest that the selected newspapers gave prominence to reportage of corruption in the oil and gas sector in country, which implies that the newspapers are fulfilling their agenda-setting roles and social responsibility in the society. Nevertheless, the level of press freedom in Nigeria has partly affected the reportage of corruption in the oil and gas sector of the country as this has restricted the use of investigative reporting occasioned by the lack of access to classified information on corruption and envisaged harm by potential sources and journalists. Nevertheless, this study proposes an anticorruption-media model, which focuses on the significance of the media as an anticorruption agent in a developing country. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Newspapers -- Nigeria , Freedom of the press , Mass media -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21805 , vital:51787
- Description: A free press is pivotal to eradication of corruption in the society as the press remains the most powerful channel of communication that cut across all publics. Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the impact of press freedom on reportage of corruption in the oil and gas industry through a content analysis of four Nigerian newspapers (The Punch, Vanguard, Guardian and Nigerian Tribune). The study adopted a mixed research method involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected and analysed through content analysis of the selected newspapers while the qualitative data collected through interview of the respective newspaper correspondents were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that 534 stories were published on corruption in the Nigerian oil and gas sector by all the newspapers within the study period (July 2018-June 2019), with the Punch having the highest magnitude of stories (n = 196, 36.70percent) while Nigerian Tribune had the highest number of stories reported on its front and back pages (n = 143, 92.25percent). However, Guardian had the highest number of full-paged stories (n = 15, 20percent) whereas the Punch and Nigerian Tribune adopted the widest range of publication formats with news being the most dominant format employed by all the dailies (n = 462, 86.52percent). Although, all the newspapers employed more episodic frame (n = 432, 80.89percent) than thematic frame (n = 93,17.41percent), framing analysis revealed oil theft, vandalism, alleged-fraud, environmental consequences and economic consequences as the major frames used in the coverage of stories on corruption in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Thematic analysis showed that the newspaper correspondents did not have access to adequate information on corruption in the sector while journalists in the country are still being subjected to intimidation, arrest and imprisonment. These findings suggest that the selected newspapers gave prominence to reportage of corruption in the oil and gas sector in country, which implies that the newspapers are fulfilling their agenda-setting roles and social responsibility in the society. Nevertheless, the level of press freedom in Nigeria has partly affected the reportage of corruption in the oil and gas sector of the country as this has restricted the use of investigative reporting occasioned by the lack of access to classified information on corruption and envisaged harm by potential sources and journalists. Nevertheless, this study proposes an anticorruption-media model, which focuses on the significance of the media as an anticorruption agent in a developing country. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
The role of strategic leadership in strategy implementation: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the perceptions and attitudes of University of Fort Hare students towards seeking psychological counselling services
- Authors: Pantshwa, Siziphiwe
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Counseling , Helping behavior , Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23809 , vital:60807
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and examine the perceptions and attitudes of Fort Hare students towards seeking psychological help. It provided an understanding of factors that influence the help-seeking behaviours of university students. The study used an explorative qualitative approach in collecting data to find problems frequently encountered by students, their preferred sources of help for those problems, and their attitudes towards seeking psychological help. The sample was selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Six participants, undergraduate and post-graduate students from the University of Fort Hare, East London campus, participated in the study. The data was collected in face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews in which participants were questioned orally. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collected from the semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis. Social constructionism as a meta-theory and Ecosystems theory provided the theoretical underpinning for the interpretation of the study. The study results revealed that close friends and family members were the preferred sources of help chosen by students. Five significant problems were experienced by students. Financial issues, difficulty adjusting to the university environment, academic stress, being away from home and managing time were at the top list of the challenges experienced by students. The factors that inhibited -seeking for psychological help were social stigma, access to a psychologist, financial constraints, and viewing a psychologist as a stranger. However the study further found that students had a positive attitude toward professional psychological help. This indicates a slight shift from previous studies, which reported negative attitudes among university students. Participants also reported on the influence of their socio-cultural background, the opinions held by their family and community members towards seeking psychological help. This study recommends specific interventions in which seeking psychological help can be reinforced, such as holding workshops to psycho-educate students about the benefits of using counselling services and the negative implications of not seeking professional help when experiencing psychological distress. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
- Authors: Pantshwa, Siziphiwe
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Counseling , Helping behavior , Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23809 , vital:60807
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and examine the perceptions and attitudes of Fort Hare students towards seeking psychological help. It provided an understanding of factors that influence the help-seeking behaviours of university students. The study used an explorative qualitative approach in collecting data to find problems frequently encountered by students, their preferred sources of help for those problems, and their attitudes towards seeking psychological help. The sample was selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Six participants, undergraduate and post-graduate students from the University of Fort Hare, East London campus, participated in the study. The data was collected in face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews in which participants were questioned orally. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collected from the semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis. Social constructionism as a meta-theory and Ecosystems theory provided the theoretical underpinning for the interpretation of the study. The study results revealed that close friends and family members were the preferred sources of help chosen by students. Five significant problems were experienced by students. Financial issues, difficulty adjusting to the university environment, academic stress, being away from home and managing time were at the top list of the challenges experienced by students. The factors that inhibited -seeking for psychological help were social stigma, access to a psychologist, financial constraints, and viewing a psychologist as a stranger. However the study further found that students had a positive attitude toward professional psychological help. This indicates a slight shift from previous studies, which reported negative attitudes among university students. Participants also reported on the influence of their socio-cultural background, the opinions held by their family and community members towards seeking psychological help. This study recommends specific interventions in which seeking psychological help can be reinforced, such as holding workshops to psycho-educate students about the benefits of using counselling services and the negative implications of not seeking professional help when experiencing psychological distress. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09