Household socio-economic characteristics and their effect on livelihood strategy preferences in Shawbury, Qumbu
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Spatial and seasonal distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants and phenolic derivatives along the course of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Improving singlet oxygen generating abilities of phthalocyanines
- Nwahara, Nnamdi, Britton, Jonathan, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188943 , vital:44800 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2017.1313975"
- Description: Glutathione-capped graphene quantum dots (GQDs@GSH) were covalently linked to folic acid (FA). Aluminum tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (ClAlTSPc) was then adsorbed on the GQDs@GSH-FA conjugate to form GQDs@GSH-FA/ClAlTSPc or on GQDs@GSH and pristine GQDs alone to form GQDs@GSH/ClAlTSPc and GQDs/ClAlTSPc, respectively. We report for the first time on the photophysicochemical behavior of the resulting nanoconjugates. The fluorescence quantum yields of pristine GQDs, GQDS@GSH, or GQDs@GSH-FA conjugate were quenched upon non-covalent interaction (π–π) with ClAlTSPc. There was an increase in triplet quantum yields from 0.38 for ClAlTSPc alone to 0.60, 0.75, and 0.73 when ClAlTSPc was linked to pristine GQDs, GQDs@GSH, and GQDs@GSH-FA, respectively. The singlet oxygen quantum yields also increased from 0.37 for ClAlTSPc alone to 0.42 (for ClALTSPc with pristine GQDs), 0.52 (for ClAlTSPc with GQDs@GSH), and 0.54 (for ClAlTSPc with GQDs@GSH-FA). Thus, the present work may lead to a new generation of carbon-based nanomaterial photodynamic therapy agents with overall performance superior to conventional agents in terms of singlet oxygen generation, water dispersibility, and biocompatibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188943 , vital:44800 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2017.1313975"
- Description: Glutathione-capped graphene quantum dots (GQDs@GSH) were covalently linked to folic acid (FA). Aluminum tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (ClAlTSPc) was then adsorbed on the GQDs@GSH-FA conjugate to form GQDs@GSH-FA/ClAlTSPc or on GQDs@GSH and pristine GQDs alone to form GQDs@GSH/ClAlTSPc and GQDs/ClAlTSPc, respectively. We report for the first time on the photophysicochemical behavior of the resulting nanoconjugates. The fluorescence quantum yields of pristine GQDs, GQDS@GSH, or GQDs@GSH-FA conjugate were quenched upon non-covalent interaction (π–π) with ClAlTSPc. There was an increase in triplet quantum yields from 0.38 for ClAlTSPc alone to 0.60, 0.75, and 0.73 when ClAlTSPc was linked to pristine GQDs, GQDs@GSH, and GQDs@GSH-FA, respectively. The singlet oxygen quantum yields also increased from 0.37 for ClAlTSPc alone to 0.42 (for ClALTSPc with pristine GQDs), 0.52 (for ClAlTSPc with GQDs@GSH), and 0.54 (for ClAlTSPc with GQDs@GSH-FA). Thus, the present work may lead to a new generation of carbon-based nanomaterial photodynamic therapy agents with overall performance superior to conventional agents in terms of singlet oxygen generation, water dispersibility, and biocompatibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew
- Authors: Paulus, Demetria
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17637 , vital:22266
- Description: Physical Science is one of the subjects in which learners perform poorly in most Namibian schools. For instance, in ║Kharas region where the study was conducted, from 2010 to 2016, the overall performance has ranged between 20-40%. Furthermore, according to the results analysis report from the Directorate of National, Examination and Assessments (DNEA), from 2012 to 2016, the ||Kharas region was ranked 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 10th in the regional rankings. From the Examiner’s reports, the most poorly answered questions in the National Senior Certificate examinations are those that require learners to explain and show understanding. Additionally, the reports highlighted that learners lack practical skills or lack exposure to experiments and demonstrations to enhance their understanding (Namibia, 20142015). It is against this background that this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew. In particular, the study addressed the following sub-questions:1) what are Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge during Science lessons? 2) What factors influence Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge? 3) How do Grade 11 Physical Science teachers teach experimental techniques conventionally- fermentation and distillation? 4) How does the inclusion of a practical demonstration on making Ombike enable or constrain Grade 11 Physical Science teachers when explaining concepts on experimental techniques - fermentation and distillation? Thus, the focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm whose focus is on understanding people’s worldviews. Within the interpretive paradigm, a mixed methods (Quant-QUAL methods) case study approach was employed in two sequential phases with Physical Science teachers at one secondary school in Keetmanshoop. Data were collected using document analysis (to strengthen my context). In the first phase, a questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 17 Physical Science teachers. Additionally, I conducted interviews with two Physical Science teachers from one Secondary School in Keetmanshoop who were selected based on their expertise, teaching experience and their qualifications. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency tables and graphs. For phase two, lesson and the practical demonstration observations were videotaped and transcribed inductively. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory with a focus on the mediation of learning, social interactions and learner engagement within the learners’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in conjunction with Shulman’s (1987) theory on pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the Physical Science teachers were aware of and supported the inclusion of IK; on the other hand the teachers indicated some challenges that come with IK integration. Some teachers acknowledged the importance of IK, such as the enhancement of understanding, proving of theories, and arousal of interest and context relevance. However, some teachers felt that there are misconceptions in IK that can be carried into the classroom, IK resources like textbooks are not available, and IK is not integrated in the syllabus and examinations and lack of teacher training inter alia.The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture especially the Division of Curriculum Planning and Development (NIED) needs to explicitly include IK in the Syllabus documents and suggest the inclusion of IK in the textbooks to the publishers to address these challenges. In order to enhance the teaching and learning with IK in Science, it is critical that teachers’ training workshops are conducted and IK resources are designed so that IK integration can be successfully implemented. For that to happen, it is recognized that the teachers’ PCK should be regularly upgraded through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the Subject Advisors (SA) so that the teachers are consistently guided on appropriate teaching methodologies and pedagogies about the inclusion of IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Paulus, Demetria
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17637 , vital:22266
- Description: Physical Science is one of the subjects in which learners perform poorly in most Namibian schools. For instance, in ║Kharas region where the study was conducted, from 2010 to 2016, the overall performance has ranged between 20-40%. Furthermore, according to the results analysis report from the Directorate of National, Examination and Assessments (DNEA), from 2012 to 2016, the ||Kharas region was ranked 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 10th in the regional rankings. From the Examiner’s reports, the most poorly answered questions in the National Senior Certificate examinations are those that require learners to explain and show understanding. Additionally, the reports highlighted that learners lack practical skills or lack exposure to experiments and demonstrations to enhance their understanding (Namibia, 20142015). It is against this background that this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew. In particular, the study addressed the following sub-questions:1) what are Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge during Science lessons? 2) What factors influence Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge? 3) How do Grade 11 Physical Science teachers teach experimental techniques conventionally- fermentation and distillation? 4) How does the inclusion of a practical demonstration on making Ombike enable or constrain Grade 11 Physical Science teachers when explaining concepts on experimental techniques - fermentation and distillation? Thus, the focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm whose focus is on understanding people’s worldviews. Within the interpretive paradigm, a mixed methods (Quant-QUAL methods) case study approach was employed in two sequential phases with Physical Science teachers at one secondary school in Keetmanshoop. Data were collected using document analysis (to strengthen my context). In the first phase, a questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 17 Physical Science teachers. Additionally, I conducted interviews with two Physical Science teachers from one Secondary School in Keetmanshoop who were selected based on their expertise, teaching experience and their qualifications. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency tables and graphs. For phase two, lesson and the practical demonstration observations were videotaped and transcribed inductively. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory with a focus on the mediation of learning, social interactions and learner engagement within the learners’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in conjunction with Shulman’s (1987) theory on pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the Physical Science teachers were aware of and supported the inclusion of IK; on the other hand the teachers indicated some challenges that come with IK integration. Some teachers acknowledged the importance of IK, such as the enhancement of understanding, proving of theories, and arousal of interest and context relevance. However, some teachers felt that there are misconceptions in IK that can be carried into the classroom, IK resources like textbooks are not available, and IK is not integrated in the syllabus and examinations and lack of teacher training inter alia.The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture especially the Division of Curriculum Planning and Development (NIED) needs to explicitly include IK in the Syllabus documents and suggest the inclusion of IK in the textbooks to the publishers to address these challenges. In order to enhance the teaching and learning with IK in Science, it is critical that teachers’ training workshops are conducted and IK resources are designed so that IK integration can be successfully implemented. For that to happen, it is recognized that the teachers’ PCK should be regularly upgraded through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the Subject Advisors (SA) so that the teachers are consistently guided on appropriate teaching methodologies and pedagogies about the inclusion of IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of experimental design for the development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the quantitation of captopril
- Mukozhiwa, S Y, Khamanga, Sandile M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Mukozhiwa, S Y , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183828 , vital:44073 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2017.7071"
- Description: A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method for the quantitation of captopril (CPT) using UV detection was developed. Influence of electrolyte concentration and system variables on electrophoretic separation was evaluated and a central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the method. Variables investigated were pH, molarity, applied voltage and capillary length. The influence of sodium metabisulphite on the stability of test solutions was also investigated. The use of sodium metabisulphite prevented degradation of CPT over 24 hours. A fused uncoated silica capillary of 67.5cm total and 57.5 cm effective length was used for analysis. The applied voltage and capillary length affected the migration time of CPT significantly. A 20 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 7.0 was used as running buffer and an applied voltage of 23.90 kV was suitable to effect a separation. The optimized electrophoretic conditions produced sharp, well-resolved peaks for CPT and sodium metabisulphite. Linear regression analysis of the response for CPT standards revealed the method was linear (R2 = 0.9995) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. The limits of quantitation and detection were 5 and 1.5 μg/mL. A simple, rapid and reliable CZE method has been developed and successfully applied to the analysis of commercially available CPT products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mukozhiwa, S Y , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183828 , vital:44073 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2017.7071"
- Description: A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method for the quantitation of captopril (CPT) using UV detection was developed. Influence of electrolyte concentration and system variables on electrophoretic separation was evaluated and a central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the method. Variables investigated were pH, molarity, applied voltage and capillary length. The influence of sodium metabisulphite on the stability of test solutions was also investigated. The use of sodium metabisulphite prevented degradation of CPT over 24 hours. A fused uncoated silica capillary of 67.5cm total and 57.5 cm effective length was used for analysis. The applied voltage and capillary length affected the migration time of CPT significantly. A 20 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 7.0 was used as running buffer and an applied voltage of 23.90 kV was suitable to effect a separation. The optimized electrophoretic conditions produced sharp, well-resolved peaks for CPT and sodium metabisulphite. Linear regression analysis of the response for CPT standards revealed the method was linear (R2 = 0.9995) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. The limits of quantitation and detection were 5 and 1.5 μg/mL. A simple, rapid and reliable CZE method has been developed and successfully applied to the analysis of commercially available CPT products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Gang and gang related incidents in selected correctional centres in the Eastern Cape : a behaviour analysis
- Authors: Fitz, Lincoln Gustav
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Prison gangs -- South Africa Corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prisons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9297 , vital:34319
- Description: Institutional gangs, also known as the numbers gangs, have become a serious threat to the effective administration of correctional facilities in South Africa. Prior the 1980s, these gangs were active only in correctional centres, but due to modern trends in criminal activity and the gangs’ extensive drug operations, they have become active within communities too. The numbers gangs have a national network that controls activities in all correctional centres across South Africa; this network operates effectively and independently of geographical areas. The numbers gangs contribute a large proportion of all disciplinary offences (e.g., assault, smuggling, escape, sodomy, etc.) that take place in South African correctional centres. The purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural dynamics of selected correctional centres, in order to understand the extent to which institutional gangs control and manipulate the correctional environment. The study also focussed on the individual-level characteristics of inmates as a contributing factor for deviant behaviour. The social processes that manifest in institutional misconduct and violence in correctional centres have been explained in the literature according to three theoretical perspectives; namely, the importation, deprivation and situational contextual perspectives. To develop a better understanding of the phenomenon of gang activities in correctional centres, this study is grounded in the Social Structure and Social Learning theory to explore the individual, social and cultural dynamics of the centre, making reference to these three perspectives. A mixed research design, comprising both qualitative and quantitative aspects, characterised the methodology used in this study. The data informing the study consisted of primary data (observations, interviews and questionnaires) and secondary data (source documents), with 151 inmates and several centre officials in three Eastern Cape correctional centres participating. This study was substantial for several reasons. It confirmed the findings of prior studies with respect to personal and social characteristics that inmates import into correctional centres, and, in addition, it expanded the existing literature with respect to how and why inmates import their deviant behaviour into correctional centres. It further brought a new element to the field of criminology, in identifying the demographic characteristics of inmates that contribute towards institutional gang membership and violence in correctional centres. The study also expanded upon prior findings regarding risk factors associated with institutional gang membership by developing a prediction model to predict possible gang membership prior to and after incarceration. Finally, this is the first known empirical study to examine the social and cultural contexts of gang membership in correctional centres in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Fitz, Lincoln Gustav
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Prison gangs -- South Africa Corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prisons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9297 , vital:34319
- Description: Institutional gangs, also known as the numbers gangs, have become a serious threat to the effective administration of correctional facilities in South Africa. Prior the 1980s, these gangs were active only in correctional centres, but due to modern trends in criminal activity and the gangs’ extensive drug operations, they have become active within communities too. The numbers gangs have a national network that controls activities in all correctional centres across South Africa; this network operates effectively and independently of geographical areas. The numbers gangs contribute a large proportion of all disciplinary offences (e.g., assault, smuggling, escape, sodomy, etc.) that take place in South African correctional centres. The purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural dynamics of selected correctional centres, in order to understand the extent to which institutional gangs control and manipulate the correctional environment. The study also focussed on the individual-level characteristics of inmates as a contributing factor for deviant behaviour. The social processes that manifest in institutional misconduct and violence in correctional centres have been explained in the literature according to three theoretical perspectives; namely, the importation, deprivation and situational contextual perspectives. To develop a better understanding of the phenomenon of gang activities in correctional centres, this study is grounded in the Social Structure and Social Learning theory to explore the individual, social and cultural dynamics of the centre, making reference to these three perspectives. A mixed research design, comprising both qualitative and quantitative aspects, characterised the methodology used in this study. The data informing the study consisted of primary data (observations, interviews and questionnaires) and secondary data (source documents), with 151 inmates and several centre officials in three Eastern Cape correctional centres participating. This study was substantial for several reasons. It confirmed the findings of prior studies with respect to personal and social characteristics that inmates import into correctional centres, and, in addition, it expanded the existing literature with respect to how and why inmates import their deviant behaviour into correctional centres. It further brought a new element to the field of criminology, in identifying the demographic characteristics of inmates that contribute towards institutional gang membership and violence in correctional centres. The study also expanded upon prior findings regarding risk factors associated with institutional gang membership by developing a prediction model to predict possible gang membership prior to and after incarceration. Finally, this is the first known empirical study to examine the social and cultural contexts of gang membership in correctional centres in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Boast and bellow, giggle or chatter: gender and verbs of speech in children's fiction
- Authors: Hunt, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/139279 , vital:37722 , ISBN no ISBN , https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/corpus/events/2017/cl2017/index.aspx
- Description: Continued gender inequality and gendered representations in the media, broadly construed, remain of concern because of the dialectic relationship between language and society. One source of gender cues is fiction written for and consumed by children. The characters encountered in the pages of a popular book constitute the stuff of identity building and may become role models for thousands of young and impressionable readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Hunt, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/139279 , vital:37722 , ISBN no ISBN , https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/corpus/events/2017/cl2017/index.aspx
- Description: Continued gender inequality and gendered representations in the media, broadly construed, remain of concern because of the dialectic relationship between language and society. One source of gender cues is fiction written for and consumed by children. The characters encountered in the pages of a popular book constitute the stuff of identity building and may become role models for thousands of young and impressionable readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
New morphological information on, and species of placoderm fish Africanaspis (Arthrodira, Placodermi) from the Late Devonian of South Africa
- Gess, Robert W, Trinajstic, Kate M
- Authors: Gess, Robert W , Trinajstic, Kate M
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72701 , vital:30101 , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173169
- Description: Here we present a new species of placoderm fish, Africanaspis edmountaini sp. nov., and redescribe Africanaspis doryssa on the basis of new material collected from the type locality of Africanaspis. The new material includes the first head shields of Africanaspis doryssa in addition to soft anatomy for both taxa. Hitherto Africanaspis was entirely described from trunk armour and no record of body and fin outlines had been recorded. In addition the first record of embryonic and juvenile specimens of Africanaspis doryssa is presented and provides a growth series from presumed hatchlings to presumed adults. The presence of a greater number of juveniles compared to adults indicates that the Waterloo Farm fossil site in South Africa represents the first nursery site of arthrodire placoderms known from a cold water environment. The preservation of an ontogenetic series demonstrates that variation within the earlier known sample, initially considered to have resulted from ontogenetic change, instead indicates the presence of a second, less common species Africanaspis edmountaini sp. nov. There is some faunal overlap between the Waterloo Farm fossil site and faunas described from Strud in Belgium and Red Hill, Pennsylvania, in north America, supporting the concept of a more cosmopolitan vertebrate fauna in the Famennian than earlier in the Devonian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gess, Robert W , Trinajstic, Kate M
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72701 , vital:30101 , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173169
- Description: Here we present a new species of placoderm fish, Africanaspis edmountaini sp. nov., and redescribe Africanaspis doryssa on the basis of new material collected from the type locality of Africanaspis. The new material includes the first head shields of Africanaspis doryssa in addition to soft anatomy for both taxa. Hitherto Africanaspis was entirely described from trunk armour and no record of body and fin outlines had been recorded. In addition the first record of embryonic and juvenile specimens of Africanaspis doryssa is presented and provides a growth series from presumed hatchlings to presumed adults. The presence of a greater number of juveniles compared to adults indicates that the Waterloo Farm fossil site in South Africa represents the first nursery site of arthrodire placoderms known from a cold water environment. The preservation of an ontogenetic series demonstrates that variation within the earlier known sample, initially considered to have resulted from ontogenetic change, instead indicates the presence of a second, less common species Africanaspis edmountaini sp. nov. There is some faunal overlap between the Waterloo Farm fossil site and faunas described from Strud in Belgium and Red Hill, Pennsylvania, in north America, supporting the concept of a more cosmopolitan vertebrate fauna in the Famennian than earlier in the Devonian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed beyond its second phase inversion temperature
- Authors: Mthwesi, Zuko
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/46077 , vital:25577
- Description: Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed at 1000 ºC for 10 minutes has been studied. The aim was to study mechanisms of thermoluminescence in annealed synthetic quartz and to discuss the results in terms of the physics of point defects. The sample was irradiated with a beta dose of 10 Gy of beta radiation and then heated at a linear heating rate of 1 ºC.s-1 up to 500 ºC. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve consists of three glow peaks. Peak I at 74 0C (main peak) with high intensity as compared to the other two peaks. Peak II at 144 ºC is more intense than peak III at 180 ºC. This study was on the main peak (MP) at 74 ºC and peak III at 180 ºC. Kinetic analysis was carried out to determine the trap depth E, frequency factor s and the order of kinetics b of both peaks using the initial rise, peak shape, variable heating rate, glow curve deconvolution and isothermal TL methods. The values of kinetic parameters obtained were around 0.7 to 1.0 eV for trap depth and in the interval of 108 to 1015 s-¹ for frequency factor for both peaks. The effect of heating rate from 0.5 to 5 ºC.s-¹ on the TL peak intensity and peak temperature was observed. Also the effect of thermal quenching was observed at high heating rates. Since the TL glow curve has overlapping TL peaks, the Tm-Tstop method from 54 ºC up to 64 ºC and E -Tstop methods were introduced where a first order single peak was observed. Phototransfered thermoluminescence (PTTL) was investigated and characterized by three peaks. First PTTL peak I at 72 ºC, peak II at 134 ºC and peak III at 176 ºC. Analysis was carried out on peaks I and III for the effect of dose dependence from 20-200 Gy. Thermal fading was observed on PTTL peaks I and III, after storage time of 30 minutes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mthwesi, Zuko
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/46077 , vital:25577
- Description: Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed at 1000 ºC for 10 minutes has been studied. The aim was to study mechanisms of thermoluminescence in annealed synthetic quartz and to discuss the results in terms of the physics of point defects. The sample was irradiated with a beta dose of 10 Gy of beta radiation and then heated at a linear heating rate of 1 ºC.s-1 up to 500 ºC. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve consists of three glow peaks. Peak I at 74 0C (main peak) with high intensity as compared to the other two peaks. Peak II at 144 ºC is more intense than peak III at 180 ºC. This study was on the main peak (MP) at 74 ºC and peak III at 180 ºC. Kinetic analysis was carried out to determine the trap depth E, frequency factor s and the order of kinetics b of both peaks using the initial rise, peak shape, variable heating rate, glow curve deconvolution and isothermal TL methods. The values of kinetic parameters obtained were around 0.7 to 1.0 eV for trap depth and in the interval of 108 to 1015 s-¹ for frequency factor for both peaks. The effect of heating rate from 0.5 to 5 ºC.s-¹ on the TL peak intensity and peak temperature was observed. Also the effect of thermal quenching was observed at high heating rates. Since the TL glow curve has overlapping TL peaks, the Tm-Tstop method from 54 ºC up to 64 ºC and E -Tstop methods were introduced where a first order single peak was observed. Phototransfered thermoluminescence (PTTL) was investigated and characterized by three peaks. First PTTL peak I at 72 ºC, peak II at 134 ºC and peak III at 176 ºC. Analysis was carried out on peaks I and III for the effect of dose dependence from 20-200 Gy. Thermal fading was observed on PTTL peaks I and III, after storage time of 30 minutes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A customer retention framework for the port of Ngqura container commodity
- Authors: Myoli, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Customer loyalty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Harbors -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Shipping -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14179 , vital:27440
- Description: The maritime sector plays an important role in economies across the globe. Ports in particular are the backbone of the economy of countries endowed with shorelines as they facilitate foreign trade through the importation and exportation of goods to and from their domestic markets. South Africa’s latest addition to its complimentary ports system, the Port of Ngqura, is positioned as a container transshipment hub and a gateway port to Africa with its world-class infrastructure and deep-water container berths at 18 metres, the deepest on the African continent. Ports, whose main mandate is the container commodity, struggle to retain customers as the container industry is a fickle one. As a result, the retention of transshipment container cargo customers remain a challenge for ports. In recent years, ports have to compete more aggressively for their participation in major logistics networks and these days, the ports of the same region are increasingly competing with each other. There are clusters of ports with the same type of supply located within a region competing with other clusters of ports in other regions. The main objective of this study was to propose a customer retention framework for the Port of Ngqura to be used as part of the marketing strategy to possibly retain customers, grow market share and to increase profits. The study focused on the effect of components such as value proposition, customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty on customer retention. After the exercise of testing statistical reliability, the researcher established that the measuring instrument for the component of value proposition was deemed unreliable and therefore, does not necessarily lead to customer retention for the Port of Ngqura. Nunnally (1978) recommends that instruments used in basic research have reliability of 0.70 or higher. The Cronbach Alpha score for the value proposition measuring scale was 0.41, which is below the recommended 0.70. The measuring instruments of the remaining four components of customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty as influencers of customer retention proved to be reliable due to the Cronbach Alpha score being above the recommended 0.70 for all four measuring instruments. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of customer retention and more importantly, how the mentioned reliable four components affect customer retention at the Port of Ngqura. Recommendations were presented by the author on how to integrate the components of customer retention into a retention framework that can contribute to the profitability of the port. The findings of this study led to the recommendation of the need for the Port of Ngqura to firstly, incorporate customer retention into overall marketing strategy and to thus be aggressive as customer relationship building is crucial in retaining customers and growing market share in today’s competitive port environment. Secondly, the port needs to segment its target customers, it is recommended that the target market be well defined, understood and segmented based on industry (shipping line, clearing and forwarding agency, fruit, automotive or wool) and amount of volumes and revenue brought to the Port of Ngqura. Thirdly, leadership involvement as at the strategic level of Transnet Group and Transnet National Ports Authority, executive leaders need to be involved in the implementation of customer retention for marketing of the port as they are the ones that have a high delegation of authority when it comes to decision making. It is also recommended that the measurement of success be clearly defined and linked to the objectives for the implementation of customer retention. The marketers and the Port of Ngqura, using customer relationship strategies, should devise ways of measuring loyalty to the port and the brand, the reputation of the port, service quality and customer satisfaction. Employee training is the most critical recommendation as they must be well trained and equipped to execute their duties, they must be knowledgeable about the maritime industry as well as the business of their customers, fully understand their customers’ needs and have customer empathy. Ports can also improve service quality by focusing on port and terminal efficiency by conducting benchmark studies with high ranked ports like the Port of Singapore as they are known for high levels of efficiency in the market. By improving service quality, the port will improve customer satisfaction and achieve customer loyalty and ultimately, retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Myoli, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Customer loyalty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Harbors -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Shipping -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14179 , vital:27440
- Description: The maritime sector plays an important role in economies across the globe. Ports in particular are the backbone of the economy of countries endowed with shorelines as they facilitate foreign trade through the importation and exportation of goods to and from their domestic markets. South Africa’s latest addition to its complimentary ports system, the Port of Ngqura, is positioned as a container transshipment hub and a gateway port to Africa with its world-class infrastructure and deep-water container berths at 18 metres, the deepest on the African continent. Ports, whose main mandate is the container commodity, struggle to retain customers as the container industry is a fickle one. As a result, the retention of transshipment container cargo customers remain a challenge for ports. In recent years, ports have to compete more aggressively for their participation in major logistics networks and these days, the ports of the same region are increasingly competing with each other. There are clusters of ports with the same type of supply located within a region competing with other clusters of ports in other regions. The main objective of this study was to propose a customer retention framework for the Port of Ngqura to be used as part of the marketing strategy to possibly retain customers, grow market share and to increase profits. The study focused on the effect of components such as value proposition, customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty on customer retention. After the exercise of testing statistical reliability, the researcher established that the measuring instrument for the component of value proposition was deemed unreliable and therefore, does not necessarily lead to customer retention for the Port of Ngqura. Nunnally (1978) recommends that instruments used in basic research have reliability of 0.70 or higher. The Cronbach Alpha score for the value proposition measuring scale was 0.41, which is below the recommended 0.70. The measuring instruments of the remaining four components of customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty as influencers of customer retention proved to be reliable due to the Cronbach Alpha score being above the recommended 0.70 for all four measuring instruments. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of customer retention and more importantly, how the mentioned reliable four components affect customer retention at the Port of Ngqura. Recommendations were presented by the author on how to integrate the components of customer retention into a retention framework that can contribute to the profitability of the port. The findings of this study led to the recommendation of the need for the Port of Ngqura to firstly, incorporate customer retention into overall marketing strategy and to thus be aggressive as customer relationship building is crucial in retaining customers and growing market share in today’s competitive port environment. Secondly, the port needs to segment its target customers, it is recommended that the target market be well defined, understood and segmented based on industry (shipping line, clearing and forwarding agency, fruit, automotive or wool) and amount of volumes and revenue brought to the Port of Ngqura. Thirdly, leadership involvement as at the strategic level of Transnet Group and Transnet National Ports Authority, executive leaders need to be involved in the implementation of customer retention for marketing of the port as they are the ones that have a high delegation of authority when it comes to decision making. It is also recommended that the measurement of success be clearly defined and linked to the objectives for the implementation of customer retention. The marketers and the Port of Ngqura, using customer relationship strategies, should devise ways of measuring loyalty to the port and the brand, the reputation of the port, service quality and customer satisfaction. Employee training is the most critical recommendation as they must be well trained and equipped to execute their duties, they must be knowledgeable about the maritime industry as well as the business of their customers, fully understand their customers’ needs and have customer empathy. Ports can also improve service quality by focusing on port and terminal efficiency by conducting benchmark studies with high ranked ports like the Port of Singapore as they are known for high levels of efficiency in the market. By improving service quality, the port will improve customer satisfaction and achieve customer loyalty and ultimately, retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Solvent effect on the third-order nonlinear optical properties of α-and β-tertbutyl phenoxy-substituted tin (IV) chloride phthalocyanines
- Louzada, Marcel, Britton, Jonathan, Nyokong, Tebello, Khene, Samson M
- Authors: Louzada, Marcel , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello , Khene, Samson M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188910 , vital:44797 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.7b07349"
- Description: This paper investigates the third-order nonlinear optical properties of 4α-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato dichlorotin(IV) (α-SnOtBpPc) and 4β-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato dichlorotin(IV) (β-SnOtBpPc) in different organic solvents. The third-order susceptibilities of α-SnOtBpPc and βSnOtBpPc are reported in different solvents, using Z-scan techniques with 10 ns laser pulses at 532 nm. Their nonlinear absorption coefficient and absorption cross sections were also determined. The molecular imaginary components of the secondorder hyperpolarizability Im[γ] of α-SnOtBpPc and β-SnOtBpPc were found to be 2.60 × 10−31 and 2.94 × 10−31 esu (tetrahydrofuran), 2.12 × 10−31 and 2.54 × 10−31 esu (chloroform), 3.06 × 10−31 and 2.54 × 10−31 esu (dichloromethane), and 1.27 × 10−31 and 1.50 × 10−31 esu (toluene), respectively. This study found that substitution at the α position has an effect of lowering the two-photon (2PA) cross section value for α-SnOtBpPc compared to that for β-SnOtBpPc, with values of 64.30 and 456.65 GM, respectively. The large 2PA cross section observed in β-SnOtBpPc is attributed to the decreased energy difference between the virtual state and the LUMO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Louzada, Marcel , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello , Khene, Samson M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188910 , vital:44797 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.7b07349"
- Description: This paper investigates the third-order nonlinear optical properties of 4α-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato dichlorotin(IV) (α-SnOtBpPc) and 4β-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato dichlorotin(IV) (β-SnOtBpPc) in different organic solvents. The third-order susceptibilities of α-SnOtBpPc and βSnOtBpPc are reported in different solvents, using Z-scan techniques with 10 ns laser pulses at 532 nm. Their nonlinear absorption coefficient and absorption cross sections were also determined. The molecular imaginary components of the secondorder hyperpolarizability Im[γ] of α-SnOtBpPc and β-SnOtBpPc were found to be 2.60 × 10−31 and 2.94 × 10−31 esu (tetrahydrofuran), 2.12 × 10−31 and 2.54 × 10−31 esu (chloroform), 3.06 × 10−31 and 2.54 × 10−31 esu (dichloromethane), and 1.27 × 10−31 and 1.50 × 10−31 esu (toluene), respectively. This study found that substitution at the α position has an effect of lowering the two-photon (2PA) cross section value for α-SnOtBpPc compared to that for β-SnOtBpPc, with values of 64.30 and 456.65 GM, respectively. The large 2PA cross section observed in β-SnOtBpPc is attributed to the decreased energy difference between the virtual state and the LUMO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Buchu and Bobotie in the Boland : culinary heritage in Franschhoek, Western Cape
- Authors: Deavin, Candace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food habits -- South Africa -- Franschhoek -- Cross-cultural studies Plants, Edible -- South Africa -- Franschhoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22254 , vital:29923
- Description: From a confit tomato and potato tumbleweed with buchu to a cured snoek terrine rolled in wilde kruie and Cape bobotie puff pastry with blatjang, chefs that mix indigenous plants and local cuisine with European inspiration and training have proved popular in Franschhoek’s restaurants. In this boland town, the particular constructions of heritage through food, not only showcases regional flavours, but gestures towards the search for an elusive place-based ‘South African’ cuisine that is seen to be rooted in the land. Harkening back to old culinary practices and drawing from their own heritages, Franschhoek’s chefs are foraging, butchering, gathering, growing, fermenting, pickling and cooking over open fires with renewed vigour as they attempt to ground their cuisine, and indeed, themselves, in the soil around them. This thesis considers how, through the culinary repertoire of chefs in Franschhoek, food is constructed as heritage. Within this I look at what heritages are considered desirable, how food’s sensory and symbolic properties are used to their full potential, and who is behind these constructions of culinary heritage. Following on from this, I explore postcolonial and post-apartheid anxieties of place and belonging, as well as desired and emergent identities that are expressed through this culinary heritage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Deavin, Candace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food habits -- South Africa -- Franschhoek -- Cross-cultural studies Plants, Edible -- South Africa -- Franschhoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22254 , vital:29923
- Description: From a confit tomato and potato tumbleweed with buchu to a cured snoek terrine rolled in wilde kruie and Cape bobotie puff pastry with blatjang, chefs that mix indigenous plants and local cuisine with European inspiration and training have proved popular in Franschhoek’s restaurants. In this boland town, the particular constructions of heritage through food, not only showcases regional flavours, but gestures towards the search for an elusive place-based ‘South African’ cuisine that is seen to be rooted in the land. Harkening back to old culinary practices and drawing from their own heritages, Franschhoek’s chefs are foraging, butchering, gathering, growing, fermenting, pickling and cooking over open fires with renewed vigour as they attempt to ground their cuisine, and indeed, themselves, in the soil around them. This thesis considers how, through the culinary repertoire of chefs in Franschhoek, food is constructed as heritage. Within this I look at what heritages are considered desirable, how food’s sensory and symbolic properties are used to their full potential, and who is behind these constructions of culinary heritage. Following on from this, I explore postcolonial and post-apartheid anxieties of place and belonging, as well as desired and emergent identities that are expressed through this culinary heritage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Treatment of anaerobically digested brewery effluent in high rate algal ponds: an understanding of the microbial community structure in the ponds and the underlying mechanisms responsible for nutrient removal from the effluent
- Authors: Mogane, Mmathabo Lucretia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brewing industry -- Waste disposal -- South Africa , Breweries -- Waste displosal -- South Africa , Algae culture -- South Africa , Water -- Purification -- South Africa , Sewage lagoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5026 , vital:20754
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mogane, Mmathabo Lucretia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brewing industry -- Waste disposal -- South Africa , Breweries -- Waste displosal -- South Africa , Algae culture -- South Africa , Water -- Purification -- South Africa , Sewage lagoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5026 , vital:20754
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Bush clumps as indicators of thresholds of change in Arid Thicket mosaic piospheres
- Authors: Schmidt, Anton George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation Ecological processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20811 , vital:29403
- Description: In the literature, Arid Thicket transformation by domestic meso-herbivores is purported to follow a state-and-transition model, whereby the ecosystem is initially resilient to herbivory until some threshold is crossed, where after there is a rapid shift to a new alternative stable state. My study represents a first attempt to verify this hypothesis by searching for evidence of stable ecosystem states separated by structural, functional and degradation thresholds in Pruim-Spekboomveld, a variation of Arid Thicket found in the southern Cape of South Africa. In this variation, thicket bush clumps ranging in size from approximately 1 m2 to 100 m2 are interspersed in a matrix of Succulent Karoo vegetation. I correlate structural and functional attributes of the thicket bush clumps and the soil environment beneath them (indicators of ecosystem function) to distance from artificial watering points in four piosphere treatments that have had a different rangeland management history. I mostly fit linear, exponential and sigmoid regression models to my data and use Akaike’s Information Criterion to select the best fitting model. When analysing data on changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, I additionally fit Generalized Additive Models to the data to take into account more complex predicted patterns of change. Furthermore, I compare the end regions of my data in the piosphere treatments to each other and to similar data collected in a transformed and untransformed reference site. I use both the pattern and extent of transformation within and between the treatments and the reference sites, to verify the existence of stable states and structural, functional and degradation thresholds. I also subject my entire dataset to multivariate analysis using ordination and permutation procedures, in an attempt to corroborate my results from the univariate analysis and to assess the response of bush clump community composition to herbivory. My results indicate that at the scale of a bush clump, a threshold reduction in species richness, functional type diversity, succulent shrub redundancy and cover, palatable shrub cover and bush clump leaf mass below 1.5 m occurs in regions intensively used by domestic meso-herbivores. Furthermore, at the landscape scale there is a threshold reduction in canopy tree cover and bush clump density. In addition to these structural threshold changes, results from a Landscape Function Analysis indicate that soil nutrient cycling, soil water infiltration and soil stability thresholds are crossed at the landscape scale. The soil nutrient cycling threshold is affirmed by soil chemical analyses which indicate that the most rested treatment in the study area has low carbon and nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the keystone species, Portulacaria afra, is unable to re-establish itself in any of the treatments. High pH and potassium levels in all the treatments, relative to the untransformed reference site, indicate that Portulacaria afra (which prefers moderate soil conditions) is unlikely to re-establish in the study area. This finding suggests that all my treatments have crossed a degradation threshold and therefore represent an alternative stable state to the untransformed reference site. My multivariate analysis supports this finding and further indicates that the sampling zones within 25 m of the watering points in the most utilized treatments have crossed a second degradation threshold. This finding is supported by my results that indicate that structural and function thresholds (related to the size, density and ability of bush clumps to capture and retain soil resources) have been crossed. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of base cations in these sampling zones, relative to the untransformed reference site, affirm the crossing of a degradation threshold. My results on the changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, support the growing body of evidence in the literature that suggests that increases in the variance of ecosystem processes and services are important indicators of impending ecological thresholds. In general, my findings support the prediction in the literature that domestic meso-herbivore induced transformation of Arid Mosaic Thicket will follow a state-andtransition model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Schmidt, Anton George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation Ecological processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20811 , vital:29403
- Description: In the literature, Arid Thicket transformation by domestic meso-herbivores is purported to follow a state-and-transition model, whereby the ecosystem is initially resilient to herbivory until some threshold is crossed, where after there is a rapid shift to a new alternative stable state. My study represents a first attempt to verify this hypothesis by searching for evidence of stable ecosystem states separated by structural, functional and degradation thresholds in Pruim-Spekboomveld, a variation of Arid Thicket found in the southern Cape of South Africa. In this variation, thicket bush clumps ranging in size from approximately 1 m2 to 100 m2 are interspersed in a matrix of Succulent Karoo vegetation. I correlate structural and functional attributes of the thicket bush clumps and the soil environment beneath them (indicators of ecosystem function) to distance from artificial watering points in four piosphere treatments that have had a different rangeland management history. I mostly fit linear, exponential and sigmoid regression models to my data and use Akaike’s Information Criterion to select the best fitting model. When analysing data on changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, I additionally fit Generalized Additive Models to the data to take into account more complex predicted patterns of change. Furthermore, I compare the end regions of my data in the piosphere treatments to each other and to similar data collected in a transformed and untransformed reference site. I use both the pattern and extent of transformation within and between the treatments and the reference sites, to verify the existence of stable states and structural, functional and degradation thresholds. I also subject my entire dataset to multivariate analysis using ordination and permutation procedures, in an attempt to corroborate my results from the univariate analysis and to assess the response of bush clump community composition to herbivory. My results indicate that at the scale of a bush clump, a threshold reduction in species richness, functional type diversity, succulent shrub redundancy and cover, palatable shrub cover and bush clump leaf mass below 1.5 m occurs in regions intensively used by domestic meso-herbivores. Furthermore, at the landscape scale there is a threshold reduction in canopy tree cover and bush clump density. In addition to these structural threshold changes, results from a Landscape Function Analysis indicate that soil nutrient cycling, soil water infiltration and soil stability thresholds are crossed at the landscape scale. The soil nutrient cycling threshold is affirmed by soil chemical analyses which indicate that the most rested treatment in the study area has low carbon and nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the keystone species, Portulacaria afra, is unable to re-establish itself in any of the treatments. High pH and potassium levels in all the treatments, relative to the untransformed reference site, indicate that Portulacaria afra (which prefers moderate soil conditions) is unlikely to re-establish in the study area. This finding suggests that all my treatments have crossed a degradation threshold and therefore represent an alternative stable state to the untransformed reference site. My multivariate analysis supports this finding and further indicates that the sampling zones within 25 m of the watering points in the most utilized treatments have crossed a second degradation threshold. This finding is supported by my results that indicate that structural and function thresholds (related to the size, density and ability of bush clumps to capture and retain soil resources) have been crossed. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of base cations in these sampling zones, relative to the untransformed reference site, affirm the crossing of a degradation threshold. My results on the changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, support the growing body of evidence in the literature that suggests that increases in the variance of ecosystem processes and services are important indicators of impending ecological thresholds. In general, my findings support the prediction in the literature that domestic meso-herbivore induced transformation of Arid Mosaic Thicket will follow a state-andtransition model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs
- Authors: Boniwe, Sihlangule
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14598 , vital:27800
- Description: The situation in South Africa throws up a trickier and more unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not fully connected with the urban systems (spatially, socially, or structurally) and is certainly disconnected from the rural economy. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements. Conceptually, they are relics of the country’s special past, but the policies of post-apartheid South Africa have inadvertently kept their contemporary reality alive. In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to the slums in much of the developing world, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. This paper undertakes to understand the growth strategies of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa. This paper also undertakes to investigate the perceived influence of education, government policies, access to funding, market constraints, crime and social norms on the development or perceived growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs. Propositions are made and tested through conducting interviews with individuals involved with the dynamics presented by this subject on a day to day basis. Evidence collected is interpreted into knowledge and finally recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Boniwe, Sihlangule
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14598 , vital:27800
- Description: The situation in South Africa throws up a trickier and more unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not fully connected with the urban systems (spatially, socially, or structurally) and is certainly disconnected from the rural economy. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements. Conceptually, they are relics of the country’s special past, but the policies of post-apartheid South Africa have inadvertently kept their contemporary reality alive. In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to the slums in much of the developing world, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. This paper undertakes to understand the growth strategies of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa. This paper also undertakes to investigate the perceived influence of education, government policies, access to funding, market constraints, crime and social norms on the development or perceived growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs. Propositions are made and tested through conducting interviews with individuals involved with the dynamics presented by this subject on a day to day basis. Evidence collected is interpreted into knowledge and finally recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for secure cloud-based personal health records
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of local economic development in job creation in Dimbaza Township
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18069 , vital:28573
- Description: The study investigated the role of local economic development in job creation in the Dimbaza Township. Despite a plethora of policy provisions to give strategic direction for the implementation of local economic development in the Republic of South Africa, in the general and local government spheres in particular, local economic development has not benefited local people in terms of creating job opportunities as envisaged. The study consulted the legislative framework governing local economic development (LED) in the Republic of South Africa, investigated the implementation of LED and how it benefited local citizens as well as the cause of failure of the LED intervention strategies, and also provided recommendation to enhance the implementation of local economic development. Scholarly articles provided valuable insights on the centrality of local economic development in socio-economic development. A qualitative approach was used to enable the researcher to explain local economic development and show how it influenced job creation and well-being of the local citizens of the Dimbaza Township. Purposive sampling was chosen as the method to select cases that were informative for this study and to create an understanding of the research problem. Respondents mainly included the ward committee members and ward councillors, who are instrumental in the implementation of local economic development in their respective wards. Self-administered interviewing schedules were used to glean information and to obtain the views, opinions and ideas about the extent of the challenges regarding the topic of discussion. The study found that, despite policy interventions on LED, unemployment levels remained persistently high due to the poor conceptualisation and understanding of LED, the lack of adequate funding and support and the reduction of LED stature from job creation to poverty alleviation projects. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) institutionalisation of LED, (b) strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships, (c) development of a coherent LED strategy, (d) improving stakeholder capacity and participation so that intervention strategies are not externally imposed, (e) strengthening accountability and responsibility, (f) provision of adequate funding for LED interventions, and (g) the establishment of a local economic development agency (LEDA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18069 , vital:28573
- Description: The study investigated the role of local economic development in job creation in the Dimbaza Township. Despite a plethora of policy provisions to give strategic direction for the implementation of local economic development in the Republic of South Africa, in the general and local government spheres in particular, local economic development has not benefited local people in terms of creating job opportunities as envisaged. The study consulted the legislative framework governing local economic development (LED) in the Republic of South Africa, investigated the implementation of LED and how it benefited local citizens as well as the cause of failure of the LED intervention strategies, and also provided recommendation to enhance the implementation of local economic development. Scholarly articles provided valuable insights on the centrality of local economic development in socio-economic development. A qualitative approach was used to enable the researcher to explain local economic development and show how it influenced job creation and well-being of the local citizens of the Dimbaza Township. Purposive sampling was chosen as the method to select cases that were informative for this study and to create an understanding of the research problem. Respondents mainly included the ward committee members and ward councillors, who are instrumental in the implementation of local economic development in their respective wards. Self-administered interviewing schedules were used to glean information and to obtain the views, opinions and ideas about the extent of the challenges regarding the topic of discussion. The study found that, despite policy interventions on LED, unemployment levels remained persistently high due to the poor conceptualisation and understanding of LED, the lack of adequate funding and support and the reduction of LED stature from job creation to poverty alleviation projects. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) institutionalisation of LED, (b) strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships, (c) development of a coherent LED strategy, (d) improving stakeholder capacity and participation so that intervention strategies are not externally imposed, (e) strengthening accountability and responsibility, (f) provision of adequate funding for LED interventions, and (g) the establishment of a local economic development agency (LEDA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Prevalence of Group B streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus colonization in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Critical success factors of effective performance appraisal and the latter's effect on employee engagement
- Authors: Tseana, Tloutsana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of Employee motivation -- Research , Performance standards Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21395 , vital:29511
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate what the critical elements were for an employee performance appraisal system (EPA) to be effective and successful and whether the latter would enhance employee engagement. The study hypothesised that three elements, namely the level of trust in the appraiser, communication by the appraiser and the level of training of the appraiser would be critical to achieve an effective EPA. Effective performance appraisal is known to benefit organisations by helping them measure performance, motivate employees and most commonly help to make HR related administrative decisions, such as promotions and rewards. The study was conducted in a national public entity, which is constituted and mandated in terms of the PPEC Act, No 9 of 1983, to perform cold chain services and also under the APS Act, No.119 of 1990. The organisation studied also delivers inspection and food safety services for perishable products as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The research adopts a survey approach where self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the employees to measure their opinions of the measured elements of the employee performance appraisal (EPA). The surveys were issued to a total of 150 employees within the organisation and a total of 82 usable surveys were returned. The findings of the study revealed that the employees were generally satisfied with the level of competency, training of, and trust in, the appraiser, but there was still work to be done in improving the system and making it more successful and rewarding. Communication by the appraiser was found to be not significantly related to the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tseana, Tloutsana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of Employee motivation -- Research , Performance standards Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21395 , vital:29511
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate what the critical elements were for an employee performance appraisal system (EPA) to be effective and successful and whether the latter would enhance employee engagement. The study hypothesised that three elements, namely the level of trust in the appraiser, communication by the appraiser and the level of training of the appraiser would be critical to achieve an effective EPA. Effective performance appraisal is known to benefit organisations by helping them measure performance, motivate employees and most commonly help to make HR related administrative decisions, such as promotions and rewards. The study was conducted in a national public entity, which is constituted and mandated in terms of the PPEC Act, No 9 of 1983, to perform cold chain services and also under the APS Act, No.119 of 1990. The organisation studied also delivers inspection and food safety services for perishable products as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The research adopts a survey approach where self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the employees to measure their opinions of the measured elements of the employee performance appraisal (EPA). The surveys were issued to a total of 150 employees within the organisation and a total of 82 usable surveys were returned. The findings of the study revealed that the employees were generally satisfied with the level of competency, training of, and trust in, the appraiser, but there was still work to be done in improving the system and making it more successful and rewarding. Communication by the appraiser was found to be not significantly related to the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017