Microstructural based creep life assessment of 1CrMov Turbine rotor steels after long-term service
- Nyembe, Hlanganani Siphelele
- Authors: Nyembe, Hlanganani Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Materials – Creep –South Africa , Steel -- Creep
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61380 , vital:70622
- Description: Creep-resistant 1CrMoV steels are used for high-pressure turbine rotors in fossil fuel power stations operating at steam temperatures up to 565 °C in the creep regime. The upper bainitic microstructure of 1CrMoV rotors changes when exposed to high temperature service over long periods. The aim of this study was to relate these microstructural changes for service exposed 1CrMoV rotor steels to the remaining creep life as determined using existing methods. Analytical electron microscopy was used to quantitatively study the microstructural evolution of service-exposed 1CrMoV steel rotors. 1CrMoV rotor steel samples were characterised in the initial state, and three long-term (272 h to 300 kh) service exposed states. Detailed microstructural investigations were conducted to analyse the cavities; bainitic laths and packets; dislocations; carbide phases and their size, population, composition. The creep life fractions were estimated using conventional life assessment methods based on creep cavitation and hardness. The creep life fraction consumed of the rotors, estimated based on the creep cavities and hardness data, ranged from ~0.5 to 1. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to analyse the bainitic packets, laths, misorientations, and dislocations, which showed that the bainitic lath surface area to volume (SV) correlated with service time. The precipitates were extracted from the Fe-matrix using extraction replication and were further investigated using transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). STEM-EDS and TKD identified M3C, MC, M2C, M7C3, and M23C6 (M = Fe, Cr, Mo, V, Mn) in the 1CrMoV steels. STEM-EDS measurements revealed that Fe/Cr ratios in M3C decreased from 4.5 (initial state) to 2.5 (>272 kh). The Fe/Cr and Fe/Mo ratios in overall carbides decreased from 5 and 10 (initial state) to 1 and 2 (>272 kh), respectively. The TKD analysis indicated that the relative phase proportion of M2C and M7C3 carbides, relative to the total extracted carbides, is positively correlated with service exposure. These microstructural features correlate with the creep life fraction consumed and could potentially be used as another indicator of the remnant creep life. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nyembe, Hlanganani Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Materials – Creep –South Africa , Steel -- Creep
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61380 , vital:70622
- Description: Creep-resistant 1CrMoV steels are used for high-pressure turbine rotors in fossil fuel power stations operating at steam temperatures up to 565 °C in the creep regime. The upper bainitic microstructure of 1CrMoV rotors changes when exposed to high temperature service over long periods. The aim of this study was to relate these microstructural changes for service exposed 1CrMoV rotor steels to the remaining creep life as determined using existing methods. Analytical electron microscopy was used to quantitatively study the microstructural evolution of service-exposed 1CrMoV steel rotors. 1CrMoV rotor steel samples were characterised in the initial state, and three long-term (272 h to 300 kh) service exposed states. Detailed microstructural investigations were conducted to analyse the cavities; bainitic laths and packets; dislocations; carbide phases and their size, population, composition. The creep life fractions were estimated using conventional life assessment methods based on creep cavitation and hardness. The creep life fraction consumed of the rotors, estimated based on the creep cavities and hardness data, ranged from ~0.5 to 1. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to analyse the bainitic packets, laths, misorientations, and dislocations, which showed that the bainitic lath surface area to volume (SV) correlated with service time. The precipitates were extracted from the Fe-matrix using extraction replication and were further investigated using transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). STEM-EDS and TKD identified M3C, MC, M2C, M7C3, and M23C6 (M = Fe, Cr, Mo, V, Mn) in the 1CrMoV steels. STEM-EDS measurements revealed that Fe/Cr ratios in M3C decreased from 4.5 (initial state) to 2.5 (>272 kh). The Fe/Cr and Fe/Mo ratios in overall carbides decreased from 5 and 10 (initial state) to 1 and 2 (>272 kh), respectively. The TKD analysis indicated that the relative phase proportion of M2C and M7C3 carbides, relative to the total extracted carbides, is positively correlated with service exposure. These microstructural features correlate with the creep life fraction consumed and could potentially be used as another indicator of the remnant creep life. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Modelling the dynamics of Breast Cancer disease with hormone therapy and surgery controls
- Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine, Mbava,Willard
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Perceptions about the role of social entrepreneurship in the provision of employment in South Africa: A case study of buffalo city Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Perceptions of mental illness among the residents of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: The influence of culture and religion on their coping strategies.: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Sikrweqe, Odwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Mental illness , Mental illness--Religious aspects , Mental illness-- Culture aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60445 , vital:65507
- Description: Mental illness has become a global concern, with consequences that may result in a mental health pandemic. Studies conducted on mental illness suggest that religious and cultural beliefs not only affect the expression of mental illness, but also the diagnosis and treatment of mental conditions. South Africa is a country imbued with cultural and religious diversity, which creates different groupings of people, holding diverse beliefs regarding mental illness. In many contexts, supernatural beliefs, traditional healing and indigenous medicines and treatments are considered in the treatment of the symptoms associated with mental illnesses, especially on contexts where there is a reliance on religio-cultural beliefs. Even though there has been a significant increase in the contribution to research focusing on mental health in diverse contexts, much of this research has focused on subjective experiences. Little to no information is available on population-based studies in South Africa regarding mental illness in diverse contexts, thus limiting the generalisation of findings related to cultural and religious influences on mental illness. This dearth of information further limits the development of psychological interventions. The study aimed to explore how mental illness is perceived by the participants and thereafter explored the influence of culture and religion in coping with mental illness by the residents of the Eastern Cape. The study was quantitative in nature and adopted an exploratory-descriptive design. The researcher made use of a questionnaire as a research tool and QuestionPro was utilized as a platform. A convenience sampling technique was utilised. In ensuring rigour of the study, the researcher ensured maximal validity (accurate representation of the data) and reliability (ability to repeat the research procedure). Ethical principles have been adhered to as per the principles on the Belmont Report, to ensure safety of the participants and this includes anonymity, confidentiality and the right to withdraw from participation in the study. Data has been analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A sample size of 101 participants from the general population of residents of the Eastern Cape completed the online survey. The results of the study revealed that the residents of the Eastern Cape have substantial knowledge pertaining the cause of mental illness and indicated both positive and negative attitudes towards the mentally ill and possess coping strategies to deal with a mental illness. In addition, the results show that there is a relation between religion/culture and coping with a mental illness by the participants of the study. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of public education efforts that understand and respect people's cultural diversity, as well as teamwork among traditional and medical professionals. Future studies should focus on the use of discourse analysis to better investigate indigenous groups' conceptions of mental illness and their views about its aetiology and treatment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sikrweqe, Odwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Mental illness , Mental illness--Religious aspects , Mental illness-- Culture aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60445 , vital:65507
- Description: Mental illness has become a global concern, with consequences that may result in a mental health pandemic. Studies conducted on mental illness suggest that religious and cultural beliefs not only affect the expression of mental illness, but also the diagnosis and treatment of mental conditions. South Africa is a country imbued with cultural and religious diversity, which creates different groupings of people, holding diverse beliefs regarding mental illness. In many contexts, supernatural beliefs, traditional healing and indigenous medicines and treatments are considered in the treatment of the symptoms associated with mental illnesses, especially on contexts where there is a reliance on religio-cultural beliefs. Even though there has been a significant increase in the contribution to research focusing on mental health in diverse contexts, much of this research has focused on subjective experiences. Little to no information is available on population-based studies in South Africa regarding mental illness in diverse contexts, thus limiting the generalisation of findings related to cultural and religious influences on mental illness. This dearth of information further limits the development of psychological interventions. The study aimed to explore how mental illness is perceived by the participants and thereafter explored the influence of culture and religion in coping with mental illness by the residents of the Eastern Cape. The study was quantitative in nature and adopted an exploratory-descriptive design. The researcher made use of a questionnaire as a research tool and QuestionPro was utilized as a platform. A convenience sampling technique was utilised. In ensuring rigour of the study, the researcher ensured maximal validity (accurate representation of the data) and reliability (ability to repeat the research procedure). Ethical principles have been adhered to as per the principles on the Belmont Report, to ensure safety of the participants and this includes anonymity, confidentiality and the right to withdraw from participation in the study. Data has been analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A sample size of 101 participants from the general population of residents of the Eastern Cape completed the online survey. The results of the study revealed that the residents of the Eastern Cape have substantial knowledge pertaining the cause of mental illness and indicated both positive and negative attitudes towards the mentally ill and possess coping strategies to deal with a mental illness. In addition, the results show that there is a relation between religion/culture and coping with a mental illness by the participants of the study. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of public education efforts that understand and respect people's cultural diversity, as well as teamwork among traditional and medical professionals. Future studies should focus on the use of discourse analysis to better investigate indigenous groups' conceptions of mental illness and their views about its aetiology and treatment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Personal branding as a market tool
- Authors: Botha, Alylin
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personal Branding , marketing tool
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60993 , vital:69591
- Description: Personal Branding is deemed as an unavoidable aspect of entrepreneurship and social acceptance. Individuals should establish, develop, maintain and take advantage of a Personal Brand. The benefits of a Personal Brand should be embraced and used to market themselves and highlight their uniqueness. The aim is to investigate the relationship between Professional Life, Social Media Presence, Values, Competencies, Communication as the independent variables and Personal Branding as the dependent variable. It was concluded that there are important factors that positively influence Interpersonal Personal Brand as well as Intellectual Personal Brand, which are the two components that make up Personal Brand. There is limited research on the factors that influence Personal Branding in South Africa. Through literature review, factors were identified and used to form a conceptual model. This model was tested to measure their relationship with Personal Branding. An online questionnaire was distributed to MBA students, family and friends who made up the study’s respondents. The results obtained after conducting correlation and ChiSquare tests were used to determine the relationship between the identified factors with Personal Branding. This study explores how individuals can use Personal Branding as a marketing tool. These individuals include those who want to create or further expand their current Personal Brand and use it as a marketing tool. This treatise explored the factors needed to be considered for Personal Branding a marketing tool for individuals. Personal Branding can be used at the beginning of a career, during a transition of a career or even when wanting to explore a new career. Personal Brand was initially considered the only factor. However, this study concludes that Personal Branding is made of up of two components: Interpersonal Personal Branding as well as Intellectual Personal Branding. The findings concluded that independent factors, Professional Life, Values, Competencies and Communication all have a positive significant influence on Personal Branding as a whole, as well as the components it is made up of, Interpersonal Personal Branding and Intellectual Personal Branding. The independent factor Social Media Presence positively influences Interpersonal Personal Branding only. v This study makes theoretical contributions by broadening the definition of Personal Branding. The study defines the research methodologies for Personal Branding which could be used for future studies. The Associative Network Theory in relevance to Personal Branding is explored. The practical contribution of this research includes a hypothesised model which was tested. This study should be repeated to include a bigger sample size that is more equally distributed within South Africa. Additionally, for future studies, it would be recommended to incorporate the development of Personal Branding as an independent factor to measure its effect on Personal Branding. Another recommendation for further research is to conduct research on policies, which can be put forward to assist with the managing of Personal Branding for entrepreneurs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Botha, Alylin
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personal Branding , marketing tool
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60993 , vital:69591
- Description: Personal Branding is deemed as an unavoidable aspect of entrepreneurship and social acceptance. Individuals should establish, develop, maintain and take advantage of a Personal Brand. The benefits of a Personal Brand should be embraced and used to market themselves and highlight their uniqueness. The aim is to investigate the relationship between Professional Life, Social Media Presence, Values, Competencies, Communication as the independent variables and Personal Branding as the dependent variable. It was concluded that there are important factors that positively influence Interpersonal Personal Brand as well as Intellectual Personal Brand, which are the two components that make up Personal Brand. There is limited research on the factors that influence Personal Branding in South Africa. Through literature review, factors were identified and used to form a conceptual model. This model was tested to measure their relationship with Personal Branding. An online questionnaire was distributed to MBA students, family and friends who made up the study’s respondents. The results obtained after conducting correlation and ChiSquare tests were used to determine the relationship between the identified factors with Personal Branding. This study explores how individuals can use Personal Branding as a marketing tool. These individuals include those who want to create or further expand their current Personal Brand and use it as a marketing tool. This treatise explored the factors needed to be considered for Personal Branding a marketing tool for individuals. Personal Branding can be used at the beginning of a career, during a transition of a career or even when wanting to explore a new career. Personal Brand was initially considered the only factor. However, this study concludes that Personal Branding is made of up of two components: Interpersonal Personal Branding as well as Intellectual Personal Branding. The findings concluded that independent factors, Professional Life, Values, Competencies and Communication all have a positive significant influence on Personal Branding as a whole, as well as the components it is made up of, Interpersonal Personal Branding and Intellectual Personal Branding. The independent factor Social Media Presence positively influences Interpersonal Personal Branding only. v This study makes theoretical contributions by broadening the definition of Personal Branding. The study defines the research methodologies for Personal Branding which could be used for future studies. The Associative Network Theory in relevance to Personal Branding is explored. The practical contribution of this research includes a hypothesised model which was tested. This study should be repeated to include a bigger sample size that is more equally distributed within South Africa. Additionally, for future studies, it would be recommended to incorporate the development of Personal Branding as an independent factor to measure its effect on Personal Branding. Another recommendation for further research is to conduct research on policies, which can be put forward to assist with the managing of Personal Branding for entrepreneurs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Play-based approaches in teaching and learning in selected early childhood development centres in Buffalo City
- November-Mbebe, Faith Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-785X
- Authors: November-Mbebe, Faith Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-785X
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- Activity programs , Play
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26042 , vital:64785
- Description: This study endeavoured to investigate the perspectives of principals and practitioners working in selected early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Buffalo Municipal District in the Eastern Cape, on the use of play-based techniques in educational and pedagogical practices of 3 to 4 years age group. Although most practitioners are aware of the significance of play-based learning, many report experiencing challenges when attempting to incorporate play-based strategies into their teaching of, and lessons aimed at, young children ages 3 to 4 years. For the purpose of ECD, it is recommended that the teaching of, and learning by, young children take the form of play (NCF, DBE, 2015). In this particular research undertaking, a qualitative design approach was adopted. A descriptive case study approach with semi-structured interviews as the key method of data generation was used to study play-based approaches between practitioners and children ages birth to four years at three ECD centres located within the Buffalo City Municipality District. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the three principals of the ECD centres and six practitioners, during the data-collection phase. Recording of the interviews was done then they were transcribed and thematic coding employed before the data were analysed for themes. The study participants’ responses revealed that the insufficient professional training of practitioners, on play-based approaches, presented a challenge. Play as a way of teaching and developing young children is further hampered by a variety of issues such as poor infrastructure, unqualified practitioners, funding of the ECD centres and lack of relevant resources prevalent in the ECD sector. As the findings indicate, government intervention will facilitate the training of practitioners for in-depth knowledge and understanding of play methodology in ECD, while the sector will benefit from additional funding and infrastructure provision as this has impact on indoor and outdoor play-based activities, as well as the appointment of qualified human resources instead of job seekers. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: November-Mbebe, Faith Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-785X
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- Activity programs , Play
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26042 , vital:64785
- Description: This study endeavoured to investigate the perspectives of principals and practitioners working in selected early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Buffalo Municipal District in the Eastern Cape, on the use of play-based techniques in educational and pedagogical practices of 3 to 4 years age group. Although most practitioners are aware of the significance of play-based learning, many report experiencing challenges when attempting to incorporate play-based strategies into their teaching of, and lessons aimed at, young children ages 3 to 4 years. For the purpose of ECD, it is recommended that the teaching of, and learning by, young children take the form of play (NCF, DBE, 2015). In this particular research undertaking, a qualitative design approach was adopted. A descriptive case study approach with semi-structured interviews as the key method of data generation was used to study play-based approaches between practitioners and children ages birth to four years at three ECD centres located within the Buffalo City Municipality District. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the three principals of the ECD centres and six practitioners, during the data-collection phase. Recording of the interviews was done then they were transcribed and thematic coding employed before the data were analysed for themes. The study participants’ responses revealed that the insufficient professional training of practitioners, on play-based approaches, presented a challenge. Play as a way of teaching and developing young children is further hampered by a variety of issues such as poor infrastructure, unqualified practitioners, funding of the ECD centres and lack of relevant resources prevalent in the ECD sector. As the findings indicate, government intervention will facilitate the training of practitioners for in-depth knowledge and understanding of play methodology in ECD, while the sector will benefit from additional funding and infrastructure provision as this has impact on indoor and outdoor play-based activities, as well as the appointment of qualified human resources instead of job seekers. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Pleistocene vertebrate trace fossils from the Cape south coast of South Africa: inferences and implications
- Authors: Helm, Charles William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- Pleistocene , Vertebrates, Fossil -- South Africa , Paleontology -- Pleistocene
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60589 , vital:65942
- Description: Palaeoichnology, the study of fossil tracks and traces, has had a relatively late start on the Cape south coast of South Africa. Since its inception in 2007 the Cape south coast ichnology project has led to the identification of 326 Pleistocene vertebrate ichnosites in aeolianites (cemented dunes) and cemented foreshore deposits between the community of Arniston in the west and the Robberg Peninsula in the east, a distance of approximately 350 kilometres. As a result, significant palaeoevironmental, palaeocological and palaeoanthropological inferences have been made. This thesis brings together this corpus of work, and attempts to answer the question of how ichnology can inform the understanding of the Cape south coast Pleistocene environment, and how the trace fossil record can complement the body fossil record. Achieving this objective involves the development of a definitive regional account. This includes descriptions of the regional geological context, Quaternary sea-level changes, and the state of knowledge of the region’s Pleistocene palaeoenvironment, palaeoanthropology, and body fossil record, along with an understanding of the roles of substrate and taphonomy in regional ichnology. A discussion of geochronology includes the age results from specimens submitted for dating through optically stimulated luminescence – dated deposits range in age from Marine Isotope Stage 11 through Marine Isotope Srage 3. The body of the thesis is formed by systematic descriptions of the vertebrate ichnosites, accompanied by interpretation and comments. Three databases have been compiled: ichnosites, photographs, and photogrammetry images. In synthesizing this data, four underlying questions are addressed: what is the global relevance of the Cape south coast ichnosites, how can these studies complement the vertebrate body fossil record, how can they contribute to the understanding of Pleistocene palaeoenvironments and palaeocology, and how can they contribute to palaeoanthropology? The Cape south coast is of global ichnological importance. Unanticipated findings which augment the sparse reptilian body fossil record include tracks and traces of crocodiles, monitor lizards, very large tortoises (the first of their kind in the global record), and hatchling sea turtles. Two new ichnogenera have been erected to describe the sea turtle tracks, each containing a new ichnospecies: ustralochelichnus agulhasii and Marinerichnus latus. Avian ichnosites are the oldest in southern v Africa, and include the presence of tracks of larger-than-expected birds, which may represent large chronosubspecies or may suggest the possibility of extinctions which are not evident from the body fossil record. Unique examples of the non-hominin mammalian ichnosites include sand-swimming traces that resemble those of the ‘Namib mole’: as a result a new ichnogenus (Natatorichnus) has been erected, containing two ichnospecies, N. subarenosa and N. sulcatus. The first elephant trunk-drag impressions and the first pinniped ichnosites in the global record have been identified. The role of elephant tracks as precursors to coastal potholes was previously unsuspected. Equid tracksites indicate a widespread presence of the extinct giant Cape horse (Equus capensis). The identification of a giraffe tracksite represents a major range extension. In particular, tracks and traces of giraffe, crocodiles, breeding sea turtles, and sand-swimming golden moles have significant palaeoenvironmental implications. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Helm, Charles William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- Pleistocene , Vertebrates, Fossil -- South Africa , Paleontology -- Pleistocene
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60589 , vital:65942
- Description: Palaeoichnology, the study of fossil tracks and traces, has had a relatively late start on the Cape south coast of South Africa. Since its inception in 2007 the Cape south coast ichnology project has led to the identification of 326 Pleistocene vertebrate ichnosites in aeolianites (cemented dunes) and cemented foreshore deposits between the community of Arniston in the west and the Robberg Peninsula in the east, a distance of approximately 350 kilometres. As a result, significant palaeoevironmental, palaeocological and palaeoanthropological inferences have been made. This thesis brings together this corpus of work, and attempts to answer the question of how ichnology can inform the understanding of the Cape south coast Pleistocene environment, and how the trace fossil record can complement the body fossil record. Achieving this objective involves the development of a definitive regional account. This includes descriptions of the regional geological context, Quaternary sea-level changes, and the state of knowledge of the region’s Pleistocene palaeoenvironment, palaeoanthropology, and body fossil record, along with an understanding of the roles of substrate and taphonomy in regional ichnology. A discussion of geochronology includes the age results from specimens submitted for dating through optically stimulated luminescence – dated deposits range in age from Marine Isotope Stage 11 through Marine Isotope Srage 3. The body of the thesis is formed by systematic descriptions of the vertebrate ichnosites, accompanied by interpretation and comments. Three databases have been compiled: ichnosites, photographs, and photogrammetry images. In synthesizing this data, four underlying questions are addressed: what is the global relevance of the Cape south coast ichnosites, how can these studies complement the vertebrate body fossil record, how can they contribute to the understanding of Pleistocene palaeoenvironments and palaeocology, and how can they contribute to palaeoanthropology? The Cape south coast is of global ichnological importance. Unanticipated findings which augment the sparse reptilian body fossil record include tracks and traces of crocodiles, monitor lizards, very large tortoises (the first of their kind in the global record), and hatchling sea turtles. Two new ichnogenera have been erected to describe the sea turtle tracks, each containing a new ichnospecies: ustralochelichnus agulhasii and Marinerichnus latus. Avian ichnosites are the oldest in southern v Africa, and include the presence of tracks of larger-than-expected birds, which may represent large chronosubspecies or may suggest the possibility of extinctions which are not evident from the body fossil record. Unique examples of the non-hominin mammalian ichnosites include sand-swimming traces that resemble those of the ‘Namib mole’: as a result a new ichnogenus (Natatorichnus) has been erected, containing two ichnospecies, N. subarenosa and N. sulcatus. The first elephant trunk-drag impressions and the first pinniped ichnosites in the global record have been identified. The role of elephant tracks as precursors to coastal potholes was previously unsuspected. Equid tracksites indicate a widespread presence of the extinct giant Cape horse (Equus capensis). The identification of a giraffe tracksite represents a major range extension. In particular, tracks and traces of giraffe, crocodiles, breeding sea turtles, and sand-swimming golden moles have significant palaeoenvironmental implications. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Professional Registration in the engineering industry: The impacts and relevancy
- Authors: Dlamini, Lunika Sibusiso
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Industrial engineering , Professional Engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61154 , vital:69789
- Description: In this treatise paper, the focus is on the understanding the relationship between professional registration in engineering, and the success of projects within the engineering sector. It is assumed that if a projects completion time exceeded its due date, or expenses overran the budget, or outcomes did not satisfy a company's predetermined performance criteria, the project was assumed to be a failure. (Belassi & Tukel, 1996) We know that projects in recent rimes have become ever more complex, and their critical factors of success and failure have been previously researched (Belassi & Tukel, 1996) (Jha & Iyer, 2006) , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Dlamini, Lunika Sibusiso
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Industrial engineering , Professional Engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61154 , vital:69789
- Description: In this treatise paper, the focus is on the understanding the relationship between professional registration in engineering, and the success of projects within the engineering sector. It is assumed that if a projects completion time exceeded its due date, or expenses overran the budget, or outcomes did not satisfy a company's predetermined performance criteria, the project was assumed to be a failure. (Belassi & Tukel, 1996) We know that projects in recent rimes have become ever more complex, and their critical factors of success and failure have been previously researched (Belassi & Tukel, 1996) (Jha & Iyer, 2006) , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
South African plantation forest nursery pesticide -use: current status, pesticide identification for management, and screening of fungicides for pathogen control
- Authors: Opperman, Ilke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forest insects –Control – South Africa , Pesticides -- Environmental aspects , Pest management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61370 , vital:70618
- Description: Forest nurseries are exposed to many challenges during the production of plant material, with pests and pathogens two of the most important. Management of pests and diseases require the use of multiple methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies in an integrated nursery pest management plan (IPM). In most nurseries, where hygiene practices and biological controls do not prevent the presence of pests and pathogens, they are managed through the use of pesticides. Forestry companies are regulated by both Government and Forestry Certification bodies. These include South African legislation pertaining to pesticides regulated by the Registrar Act 36 of 1947, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). A limited number of pesticides, with an even more limited range of active ingredients, and not targeting all known plantation forestry pests/pathogens, are currently registered for use against pests and pathogens in plantation forestry in South Africa. Many of these have been in use for more than a decade, posing a serious risk in terms of resistance build-up. There is a major need for the identification and testing of additional/alternative products (biological natural or synthetic) for use against the range of pests and pathogens that occur on the various plantation tree species and hybrid combinations that are raised in nurseries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Opperman, Ilke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forest insects –Control – South Africa , Pesticides -- Environmental aspects , Pest management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61370 , vital:70618
- Description: Forest nurseries are exposed to many challenges during the production of plant material, with pests and pathogens two of the most important. Management of pests and diseases require the use of multiple methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies in an integrated nursery pest management plan (IPM). In most nurseries, where hygiene practices and biological controls do not prevent the presence of pests and pathogens, they are managed through the use of pesticides. Forestry companies are regulated by both Government and Forestry Certification bodies. These include South African legislation pertaining to pesticides regulated by the Registrar Act 36 of 1947, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). A limited number of pesticides, with an even more limited range of active ingredients, and not targeting all known plantation forestry pests/pathogens, are currently registered for use against pests and pathogens in plantation forestry in South Africa. Many of these have been in use for more than a decade, posing a serious risk in terms of resistance build-up. There is a major need for the identification and testing of additional/alternative products (biological natural or synthetic) for use against the range of pests and pathogens that occur on the various plantation tree species and hybrid combinations that are raised in nurseries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Technology acceptance model perceptions of operational staff on the implementation of advanced radiography equipment
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The analysis of social networking sites usage by the public relations management students from Walter Sisulu University: Buffalo city campus (Chiselhurst site)
- Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
- Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
- Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government: the case of Raymond Mhlaba local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Local government , community development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61431 , vital:70641
- Description: The notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Local government , community development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61431 , vital:70641
- Description: The notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The design and synthesis of novel fluorescent coumarin-based derivatives as chemosensory for the application of toxic metal ion detection
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The development of a framework to assess the key factors that may impact the future price of weaners (cattle) in South Africa
- Authors: Deyzel, George Ernest
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cattle -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61108 , vital:69761
- Description: The global livestock production systems are changing due to a variety of factors, which have an impact on the price of red meat. The supply of weaners (cattle) is affected by a number of factors including the type of production system, feed costs, diseases and weather conditions. The demand for weaners (cattle) is affected by factors including, amongst various others, consumers’ perception of quality, value for money, health benefits, economic profile, expandable income, urbanisation and socio-economic factors. These factors are complex and interrelated in terms of their potential impact on weaner prices and have a significant influence on production and investment decisions in the industry. This study used quantitative research to investigate the relationship between the factors influencing the price of weaners (cattle). For the purpose of data collection, a closed ended questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. This study was done using non-probability sampling. The sampling method used in this study is referred to as snowball sampling, which is a process using networks. The data was analysed to conclude which factors are impacting the price of weaners (cattle) the most. The results show that the supply factors of weaners are experiencing increasing pressure with changing weather conditions, input costs and animal diseases. The demand factors such as quality, currency and population are increasing the complexity, which implies the market is changing from a producer orientated market to a consumer orientated market. The study provides a framework to predict future prices of weaners, which is expected to influence both production and investment decisions which contribute toward the sustainability of the industry. The study recommends that the South African weaner (cattle) industry has experienced a significant increase in demand, both locally and globally. Meeting this growing demand has its own complexity that limits weaner farmers’ supply of weaners. The market is changing from a producer orientated to a consumer orientated perspective, which will force the supply chain to keep up with the changing consumer factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Deyzel, George Ernest
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cattle -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61108 , vital:69761
- Description: The global livestock production systems are changing due to a variety of factors, which have an impact on the price of red meat. The supply of weaners (cattle) is affected by a number of factors including the type of production system, feed costs, diseases and weather conditions. The demand for weaners (cattle) is affected by factors including, amongst various others, consumers’ perception of quality, value for money, health benefits, economic profile, expandable income, urbanisation and socio-economic factors. These factors are complex and interrelated in terms of their potential impact on weaner prices and have a significant influence on production and investment decisions in the industry. This study used quantitative research to investigate the relationship between the factors influencing the price of weaners (cattle). For the purpose of data collection, a closed ended questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. This study was done using non-probability sampling. The sampling method used in this study is referred to as snowball sampling, which is a process using networks. The data was analysed to conclude which factors are impacting the price of weaners (cattle) the most. The results show that the supply factors of weaners are experiencing increasing pressure with changing weather conditions, input costs and animal diseases. The demand factors such as quality, currency and population are increasing the complexity, which implies the market is changing from a producer orientated market to a consumer orientated market. The study provides a framework to predict future prices of weaners, which is expected to influence both production and investment decisions which contribute toward the sustainability of the industry. The study recommends that the South African weaner (cattle) industry has experienced a significant increase in demand, both locally and globally. Meeting this growing demand has its own complexity that limits weaner farmers’ supply of weaners. The market is changing from a producer orientated to a consumer orientated perspective, which will force the supply chain to keep up with the changing consumer factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of Cannabis extract on the morphological and metabolic characteristics of various fat depots in diet-induced Obese and STZ-induced male wistar rats
- Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Rats as laboratory animals , Diabetes in practice , Cannabis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61282 , vital:70044
- Description: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Rats as laboratory animals , Diabetes in practice , Cannabis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61282 , vital:70044
- Description: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development
- Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of operations and management on the reliability of rural water supply maintenance at Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Clock, Kulile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water supply -- Amathole
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61045 , vital:69688
- Description: The growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Clock, Kulile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water supply -- Amathole
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61045 , vital:69688
- Description: The growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The enforcement of settlement of agreements and arbitration awards
- Authors: Thathoba, Portia Chwayita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Settlements (Law) , Arbitration and award -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60696 , vital:66366
- Description: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) recognises settlement agreements and arbitration awards as mechanisms by which the rights of parties in troubled employment relationships can be asserted. Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body empowered to make and pronounce on such rights through settlement agreements and arbitration awards. The CCMA caters for those earning within the stipulated ministerial threshold falling outside the existing bargaining forums. However, not much empirical evidence is available to indicate the challenges experienced by parties when attempting to enforce those CCMA rulings to get defaulters to comply. South African law accepts settlement agreements as part of dispute resolution mechanism, but the experience of some who hold settlement agreements is such that they are exposed to prejudice when they are required to have the settlement agreement converted to arbitration awards which essentially requires alteration of the very settlement agreed upon. The broad objective of taking matters to the CCMA for resolution with the possibility of having them resolved at conciliation phase cannot be achieved if a settlement agreement is not worth the paper written on and must be made an arbitration award for enforceability. The two are not the same, nor should they be made to be and trying to give them a similar status for enforceability purposes brings about a myriad of unintended challenges. While it could be argued that there also exists section 158 (1) (c) of the LRA if the requirements of section 142A are challenging, it could also be said that such a provision is inaccessible to indigent individuals who may only be able to invoke that provision at the mercy of legal practitioners willing to take cases pro bono for those parties to even stand a chance at enforcing compliance with a settlement agreement that was entered into voluntarily. Such a system allows for employers to bail out on settlement agreements without consequence make a mockery of the CCMA. To a serious degree, this suggest lack of certainty on the part of CCMA and its ability to bring matters to finality which is an important element to realisation of justice. This study sought to examine the way settlement agreements and arbitration awards are enforced, with dedicated focus on the requirement that must be satisfied in order to have force and effect. With the above in mind, chapter one dealt with how settlement agreements and arbitration awards are given force and effect through the LRA as envisaged in section 142A. The chapter explored challenges brought by the enforcement process and what that may mean to the objectives intended by the legislation. Chapter two encapsulates the framework under which the CCMA operates and enforces its decisions, a framework envisaged to be less formal and non-legalistic for the expedient resolution of labour disputes. Chapter three touches on the challenges met with section 143 implementation and highlights some case law prior and after the LRA amendments. Lastly chapter four looked into the enforcement of international or foreign arbitration awards within the South African context given the affiliation with international organisations such as International Labour Organisation (ILO). While it may be good for South Africa to align herself with international practices, it is worth noting that South Africa is still developing in international arbitration as a mode of alternative dispute resolution, but its prevalence as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism is without a doubt increasing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Thathoba, Portia Chwayita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Settlements (Law) , Arbitration and award -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60696 , vital:66366
- Description: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) recognises settlement agreements and arbitration awards as mechanisms by which the rights of parties in troubled employment relationships can be asserted. Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body empowered to make and pronounce on such rights through settlement agreements and arbitration awards. The CCMA caters for those earning within the stipulated ministerial threshold falling outside the existing bargaining forums. However, not much empirical evidence is available to indicate the challenges experienced by parties when attempting to enforce those CCMA rulings to get defaulters to comply. South African law accepts settlement agreements as part of dispute resolution mechanism, but the experience of some who hold settlement agreements is such that they are exposed to prejudice when they are required to have the settlement agreement converted to arbitration awards which essentially requires alteration of the very settlement agreed upon. The broad objective of taking matters to the CCMA for resolution with the possibility of having them resolved at conciliation phase cannot be achieved if a settlement agreement is not worth the paper written on and must be made an arbitration award for enforceability. The two are not the same, nor should they be made to be and trying to give them a similar status for enforceability purposes brings about a myriad of unintended challenges. While it could be argued that there also exists section 158 (1) (c) of the LRA if the requirements of section 142A are challenging, it could also be said that such a provision is inaccessible to indigent individuals who may only be able to invoke that provision at the mercy of legal practitioners willing to take cases pro bono for those parties to even stand a chance at enforcing compliance with a settlement agreement that was entered into voluntarily. Such a system allows for employers to bail out on settlement agreements without consequence make a mockery of the CCMA. To a serious degree, this suggest lack of certainty on the part of CCMA and its ability to bring matters to finality which is an important element to realisation of justice. This study sought to examine the way settlement agreements and arbitration awards are enforced, with dedicated focus on the requirement that must be satisfied in order to have force and effect. With the above in mind, chapter one dealt with how settlement agreements and arbitration awards are given force and effect through the LRA as envisaged in section 142A. The chapter explored challenges brought by the enforcement process and what that may mean to the objectives intended by the legislation. Chapter two encapsulates the framework under which the CCMA operates and enforces its decisions, a framework envisaged to be less formal and non-legalistic for the expedient resolution of labour disputes. Chapter three touches on the challenges met with section 143 implementation and highlights some case law prior and after the LRA amendments. Lastly chapter four looked into the enforcement of international or foreign arbitration awards within the South African context given the affiliation with international organisations such as International Labour Organisation (ILO). While it may be good for South Africa to align herself with international practices, it is worth noting that South Africa is still developing in international arbitration as a mode of alternative dispute resolution, but its prevalence as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism is without a doubt increasing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of leadership on service delivery in the department of employment and labour, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Maleiba, Olivia
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership , Transformational Leadership , Batho Pele Principles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61636 , vital:71821
- Description: The aim of the public sector is to deliver effective and efficient services whilst reducing these delivery costs (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2007). In addressing this aim of public service delivery, the objective of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on service delivery in a specific public sector. The researcher utilised a non-experimental correlation research design where the participants were entry level officials from region six within the National Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape, who reported to the first level of management (supervisors/team leaders). A probability sampling design with a cluster sampling method was used, wherein the population was grouped and a cluster was chosen. The sample consisted of officials who delivered services to the public at an entry administrative level either in a direct role or a supporting role. These officials reported to the first line of leadership in the hierarchy (supervisors/team leaders). Questionnaires were used as the primary source of data collection to solicit data from participants and obtain feedback on leadership behaviour on operational and service delivery issues in the workplace. The data was processed by statistical calculations of the mean, median, mode and standard deviation. The Cronbach Alpha as a test of internal validity, was used to test for reliability and validity. The findings of the study revealed that the department strived to improve leadership and service delivery in rendering public service which will naturally contribute to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan and the fulfilment of the organisational mandate (South Africa National Planning Commission, 2012). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Maleiba, Olivia
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership , Transformational Leadership , Batho Pele Principles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61636 , vital:71821
- Description: The aim of the public sector is to deliver effective and efficient services whilst reducing these delivery costs (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2007). In addressing this aim of public service delivery, the objective of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on service delivery in a specific public sector. The researcher utilised a non-experimental correlation research design where the participants were entry level officials from region six within the National Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape, who reported to the first level of management (supervisors/team leaders). A probability sampling design with a cluster sampling method was used, wherein the population was grouped and a cluster was chosen. The sample consisted of officials who delivered services to the public at an entry administrative level either in a direct role or a supporting role. These officials reported to the first line of leadership in the hierarchy (supervisors/team leaders). Questionnaires were used as the primary source of data collection to solicit data from participants and obtain feedback on leadership behaviour on operational and service delivery issues in the workplace. The data was processed by statistical calculations of the mean, median, mode and standard deviation. The Cronbach Alpha as a test of internal validity, was used to test for reliability and validity. The findings of the study revealed that the department strived to improve leadership and service delivery in rendering public service which will naturally contribute to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan and the fulfilment of the organisational mandate (South Africa National Planning Commission, 2012). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of site characteristics on growth and wood properties of Pinus radiata and Pinus elliottii in the Southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions of South Africa
- Authors: Sigcau, Chulumanco
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- Environmental aspects , Pine – Growth -- South Africa , Pinus radiata
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61234 , vital:69828
- Description: The intensive nature of plantation forestry in South Africa requires efficiency and financial viability in production systems, amidst a complex growing environment subjected to changing macro-climatic patterns. The success of plantation forestry operations depends, amongst others, on our understanding of tree growth and wood formation patterns in response to variable growing conditions in both space and time. This study was conducted on the two most commonly used species in the southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions, i.e., Pinus radiata and P. elliottii. The region is regarded as highly suitable for plantation forestry in terms of climatic conditions, but soil characteristics pose several challenges due to nutritional disorders and poor drainage. The study focused on investigating the influence of both soil and climatic conditions on the growth and Wood Density properties of the two species, and to establish functional relationships where possible. The two species showed comparable growth rates at the reference age of 13 years on the range of sites sampled in the study area. An analysis of variance showed greater differences in Site Index between than within sample plots, pointing towards the possible influence of site on growth variation. Correlations between climatic variables and the growth of both species were generally weak and contradictory. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. It is proposed that the general favourable climatic profile of the region and hydromorphic nature of soils reduce the chances of significant correlations between variables influencing moisture availability and tree growth. The analysis of correlations between soil parameters and tree growth revealed some influence of soil organic C and Na on the growth of P. elliottii. This is discussed in terms of our understanding of the influence of soil parent material and soil ecology. The absence of any correlations between soil chemical parameters and the growth of P. radiata was conspicuous. This is in contradiction with earlier studies on the species in the region and can possibly be explained in terms of the site-specific fertilizing policy of the industry, as well as the less diverse range of sites sampled than in the past, which can mask or reduce nutrient limitations for tree growth. However, P. radiata did show a high level of sensitivity towards effective soil depth. Site-quality prediction models are proposed for the two species, but with variable application value due to the limited options of significant control variables that can be considered for inclusion in the models. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sigcau, Chulumanco
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- Environmental aspects , Pine – Growth -- South Africa , Pinus radiata
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61234 , vital:69828
- Description: The intensive nature of plantation forestry in South Africa requires efficiency and financial viability in production systems, amidst a complex growing environment subjected to changing macro-climatic patterns. The success of plantation forestry operations depends, amongst others, on our understanding of tree growth and wood formation patterns in response to variable growing conditions in both space and time. This study was conducted on the two most commonly used species in the southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions, i.e., Pinus radiata and P. elliottii. The region is regarded as highly suitable for plantation forestry in terms of climatic conditions, but soil characteristics pose several challenges due to nutritional disorders and poor drainage. The study focused on investigating the influence of both soil and climatic conditions on the growth and Wood Density properties of the two species, and to establish functional relationships where possible. The two species showed comparable growth rates at the reference age of 13 years on the range of sites sampled in the study area. An analysis of variance showed greater differences in Site Index between than within sample plots, pointing towards the possible influence of site on growth variation. Correlations between climatic variables and the growth of both species were generally weak and contradictory. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. It is proposed that the general favourable climatic profile of the region and hydromorphic nature of soils reduce the chances of significant correlations between variables influencing moisture availability and tree growth. The analysis of correlations between soil parameters and tree growth revealed some influence of soil organic C and Na on the growth of P. elliottii. This is discussed in terms of our understanding of the influence of soil parent material and soil ecology. The absence of any correlations between soil chemical parameters and the growth of P. radiata was conspicuous. This is in contradiction with earlier studies on the species in the region and can possibly be explained in terms of the site-specific fertilizing policy of the industry, as well as the less diverse range of sites sampled than in the past, which can mask or reduce nutrient limitations for tree growth. However, P. radiata did show a high level of sensitivity towards effective soil depth. Site-quality prediction models are proposed for the two species, but with variable application value due to the limited options of significant control variables that can be considered for inclusion in the models. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04