An investigation into the force-EMG relationship for static and dynamic exertions
- Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Stock market volatility during times of crisis: a comparative analysis of the conditional volatilities of JSE stock indices during the 2007/08 global financial crisis and COVID-19
- Authors: Wang, Zixiao
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stock exchanges , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , COVID-19 (Disease) Economic aspects , Economic forecasting , Stock exchanges and current events , GARCH model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284603 , vital:56078
- Description: This research analyses the comparative behaviour of stock market volatility during two crises. The goal of this research is to determine whether assumed cyclical and defensive sectors have either retained or revealed their expected properties during both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 by analysing sectoral volatility amid these two crises. Understanding how volatility changes amid crises helps to determine whether the volatility assumptions of diversified investment portfolios for both defensive and cyclical sectors still held given the different causes of each crisis. In turn, this knowledge can assist with risk management and portfolio allocation in stock market investments. The study can also contribute towards the enhancement of financial markets’ resistance against systemic risks through portfolio diversification, and aid government decision-making targeted at tackling the weaknesses of different economic sectors especially in times of overall economic weakness. This research makes use of the GARCH model to analyse a group of daily time series that consists of eleven sectoral indices and one benchmark index, all based on the South African stock markets. These observed series are categorised into two full sample periods, one designated to the Global Financial Crisis (January 2006 to May 2009) and the other for COVID-19 (January 2018 to May 2021). These are further divided into two sets of sub-sample periods, each made up of a pre-crisis and during-crisis. Furthermore, the dummy variables representing the occurrence of structural breaks are inserted into the full sample periods’ conditional variance equations. This is aimed at capturing the asymmetrical impact of the crises themselves on all observed series. Based on the movement of volatility persistency from pre-crisis to during-crisis for both crises, the results show that, firstly, Health Care and Consumer Goods are considered defensive Sectors. Secondly, Banks, Basic Materials, Chemicals, Telecommunications, and Financials are considered cyclical Sectors. Thirdly, Automobiles & Parts, Consumer Services, and Technology are considered indeterminable Sectors due to the inconsistent behaviour of these sectors’ volatility persistency throughout the sub-sample periods of both crises. Overall, according to the average volatility persistency, the observed series for COVID-19’s full sample period are generally less volatile than those of the GFC. However, the sub-sample periods suggest that the observed series for both pre-crisis and during-crisis periods of COVID-19 are more volatile than those same sub-samples of the Global Financial Crisis. Being able to analyse the characteristics of stock market sectors is crucial for risk management and optimal portfolio allocation of stock market investments. This can be achieved through portfolio diversification by investing in a variety of stocks, both cyclical and defensive, and adjusted over time based the needs of stock market investors. Diversified portfolios do not only serve the interests of individual investors, but can also enhance the financial markets’ overall resistance against systemic risks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Wang, Zixiao
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stock exchanges , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , COVID-19 (Disease) Economic aspects , Economic forecasting , Stock exchanges and current events , GARCH model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284603 , vital:56078
- Description: This research analyses the comparative behaviour of stock market volatility during two crises. The goal of this research is to determine whether assumed cyclical and defensive sectors have either retained or revealed their expected properties during both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 by analysing sectoral volatility amid these two crises. Understanding how volatility changes amid crises helps to determine whether the volatility assumptions of diversified investment portfolios for both defensive and cyclical sectors still held given the different causes of each crisis. In turn, this knowledge can assist with risk management and portfolio allocation in stock market investments. The study can also contribute towards the enhancement of financial markets’ resistance against systemic risks through portfolio diversification, and aid government decision-making targeted at tackling the weaknesses of different economic sectors especially in times of overall economic weakness. This research makes use of the GARCH model to analyse a group of daily time series that consists of eleven sectoral indices and one benchmark index, all based on the South African stock markets. These observed series are categorised into two full sample periods, one designated to the Global Financial Crisis (January 2006 to May 2009) and the other for COVID-19 (January 2018 to May 2021). These are further divided into two sets of sub-sample periods, each made up of a pre-crisis and during-crisis. Furthermore, the dummy variables representing the occurrence of structural breaks are inserted into the full sample periods’ conditional variance equations. This is aimed at capturing the asymmetrical impact of the crises themselves on all observed series. Based on the movement of volatility persistency from pre-crisis to during-crisis for both crises, the results show that, firstly, Health Care and Consumer Goods are considered defensive Sectors. Secondly, Banks, Basic Materials, Chemicals, Telecommunications, and Financials are considered cyclical Sectors. Thirdly, Automobiles & Parts, Consumer Services, and Technology are considered indeterminable Sectors due to the inconsistent behaviour of these sectors’ volatility persistency throughout the sub-sample periods of both crises. Overall, according to the average volatility persistency, the observed series for COVID-19’s full sample period are generally less volatile than those of the GFC. However, the sub-sample periods suggest that the observed series for both pre-crisis and during-crisis periods of COVID-19 are more volatile than those same sub-samples of the Global Financial Crisis. Being able to analyse the characteristics of stock market sectors is crucial for risk management and optimal portfolio allocation of stock market investments. This can be achieved through portfolio diversification by investing in a variety of stocks, both cyclical and defensive, and adjusted over time based the needs of stock market investors. Diversified portfolios do not only serve the interests of individual investors, but can also enhance the financial markets’ overall resistance against systemic risks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Fabrication and characterization of ciprofloxacin loaded niosomes for transtympanic delivery
- Authors: Mhlanga, Asavela
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Liposomes , Ciprofloxacin , Quinolone antibacterial agents , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Drug stability , Lamellarity , Niosomes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290715 , vital:56777
- Description: Ciprofloxacin (CPH) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bone, joint, and skin infections. It is commercially available as an extended-release tablet and as a cream dosage form. CPH is a bactericidal active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of the fluoroquinolone drug class. It inhibits deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication by inhibiting bacterial DNA topoisomerase and DNA gyrase enzymes. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, pale skin, and may increase the risk of tendinitis, which could be a major concern. CPH is, according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), classified as a BCS class IV drug exhibiting low oral bioavailability, low solubility, and intestinal permeability. CPH was chosen as a good candidate for the study because of its stability in solutions, its low molecular weight (331.4 g/mol), and its moderate lipophilicity (log P = 0.28) [16]. The use of conventional ear drops in the ear is effective, avoids hepatic first metabolism and extensive protein binding and may reduce adverse effects as a low dose may be used to achieve a therapeutic effect. However, conventional ear drops and oral antibiotics have a long onset of action and have to be taken/applied in short intervals. For convenience and assurance of a long residence time in the ear, CPH may be delivered by using a niosomal formulation, a liquid at room temperature, to allow administration into the ear without the need to constantly apply the ear drops for long periods of time. A simple, rapid, precise, accurate, reproducible, and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method using ultraviolet (UV) detection for the quantitation of CPH was developed and optimized using a central composite design (CCD). The method was validated using International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate, and specific for the analysis of CPH. Since the method is specific, it was used to quantify CPH in commercial and experimental formulations and monitor CPH released during in-vitro release testing. The compatibility of CPH and potential excipients was investigated during preformulation studies using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to identify and select suitable excipients for use during formulation development activities. No apparent interactions were evident between CPH, and the excipients tested. The probe sonication method was used to manufacture CPH loaded niosomes using different surfactants/surfactant combinations, and a combination of Tween® 80: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was found to be the best composition in terms of both entrapment efficiency and Zeta potential. The limits for the independent input variables used for the manufacture included amplitude, sonication time, and amount of cholesterol were determined. Design of experiments (DOE) was used to design the study. The input variables investigated included amplitude, amount of cholesterol, and sonication time. The output or responses monitored included Zeta potential, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency. Non-ionic surfactant systems are predominantly stabilized by steric stabilization, and there is only a minor electrostatic element from adsorbed hydroxyl ions. With the inclusion of SLS it is to be expected that Zeta potential will be a contributing factor. DOE using Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) in addition to Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were used for the optimization of the formulation. The optimized formulation had a composition of 1 g cholesterol, 1 g of Tween® 80, 1 g of SLS and was prepared at an amplitude of 11.294 % with a sonication time of 3.304 minutes. The formulation exhibited zero-order release kinetics and had an average pH of 7.45. The formulation was stored at 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ and was assessed for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, Zeta potential, colour, lamellarity, and PDI every 7 days for 4 weeks. The lead formulation stored at 4 ℃ was more stable than the formulation at 25 ℃ in terms of entrapment efficiency, PDI and vesicle size during the 4-week period. CPH loaded niosomes for transtympanic delivery in the treatment of otitis media were developed and optimized. The technology exhibits sustained release of CPH and has the potential for further development and optimization. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mhlanga, Asavela
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Liposomes , Ciprofloxacin , Quinolone antibacterial agents , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Drug stability , Lamellarity , Niosomes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290715 , vital:56777
- Description: Ciprofloxacin (CPH) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bone, joint, and skin infections. It is commercially available as an extended-release tablet and as a cream dosage form. CPH is a bactericidal active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of the fluoroquinolone drug class. It inhibits deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication by inhibiting bacterial DNA topoisomerase and DNA gyrase enzymes. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, pale skin, and may increase the risk of tendinitis, which could be a major concern. CPH is, according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), classified as a BCS class IV drug exhibiting low oral bioavailability, low solubility, and intestinal permeability. CPH was chosen as a good candidate for the study because of its stability in solutions, its low molecular weight (331.4 g/mol), and its moderate lipophilicity (log P = 0.28) [16]. The use of conventional ear drops in the ear is effective, avoids hepatic first metabolism and extensive protein binding and may reduce adverse effects as a low dose may be used to achieve a therapeutic effect. However, conventional ear drops and oral antibiotics have a long onset of action and have to be taken/applied in short intervals. For convenience and assurance of a long residence time in the ear, CPH may be delivered by using a niosomal formulation, a liquid at room temperature, to allow administration into the ear without the need to constantly apply the ear drops for long periods of time. A simple, rapid, precise, accurate, reproducible, and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method using ultraviolet (UV) detection for the quantitation of CPH was developed and optimized using a central composite design (CCD). The method was validated using International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate, and specific for the analysis of CPH. Since the method is specific, it was used to quantify CPH in commercial and experimental formulations and monitor CPH released during in-vitro release testing. The compatibility of CPH and potential excipients was investigated during preformulation studies using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to identify and select suitable excipients for use during formulation development activities. No apparent interactions were evident between CPH, and the excipients tested. The probe sonication method was used to manufacture CPH loaded niosomes using different surfactants/surfactant combinations, and a combination of Tween® 80: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was found to be the best composition in terms of both entrapment efficiency and Zeta potential. The limits for the independent input variables used for the manufacture included amplitude, sonication time, and amount of cholesterol were determined. Design of experiments (DOE) was used to design the study. The input variables investigated included amplitude, amount of cholesterol, and sonication time. The output or responses monitored included Zeta potential, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency. Non-ionic surfactant systems are predominantly stabilized by steric stabilization, and there is only a minor electrostatic element from adsorbed hydroxyl ions. With the inclusion of SLS it is to be expected that Zeta potential will be a contributing factor. DOE using Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) in addition to Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were used for the optimization of the formulation. The optimized formulation had a composition of 1 g cholesterol, 1 g of Tween® 80, 1 g of SLS and was prepared at an amplitude of 11.294 % with a sonication time of 3.304 minutes. The formulation exhibited zero-order release kinetics and had an average pH of 7.45. The formulation was stored at 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ and was assessed for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, Zeta potential, colour, lamellarity, and PDI every 7 days for 4 weeks. The lead formulation stored at 4 ℃ was more stable than the formulation at 25 ℃ in terms of entrapment efficiency, PDI and vesicle size during the 4-week period. CPH loaded niosomes for transtympanic delivery in the treatment of otitis media were developed and optimized. The technology exhibits sustained release of CPH and has the potential for further development and optimization. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Pharmacists’ attitudes and perception of using pictograms as a communication tool in practice
- Authors: Okeyo, Sam Juma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Picture-writing South Africa , Communication in public health South Africa , Pharmacists South Africa Attitudes , Health literacy South Africa , Patient education South Africa , Structural equation modeling , Theory of planned behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290693 , vital:56775
- Description: Pictograms, when used in conjunction with verbal and written information, are known to be effective in improving comprehension and recall of medicines information and in supporting communication between healthcare professionals and patients. However, pictograms are seldom used in routine pharmacy practice, and little is known about pharmacists’ opinions of pictograms and their intention to possibly incorporate pictograms into routine practice. This study aimed to investigate pharmacists’ opinions relating to pictograms as a communication tool, and, by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), to explore their intention to use pictograms in pharmacy practice as well as the barriers to their use. The quantitative study design involved a two-phase approach. Phase 1 was a descriptive, cross-sectional online national survey of pharmacists. The 70-item, four-section survey was primarily based on the constructs of TPB, which included attitude, intention, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. The last survey section recruited pharmacists for a follow-up Phase 2 survey. Following a pilot study, the survey was emailed to all pharmacists registered with the South African Pharmacy Council. Descriptive statistics for survey items were generated. Pearson correlation investigated the correlation between participant characteristics, familiarity with pictograms and use of pictograms in practice. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) determined if there was a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control with intention to use pictograms. A total of 426 pharmacists responded to the Phase 1 survey. Most pharmacists were familiar with the term ‘pictogram’; however, over three-quarters of pharmacists had never observed pictograms being routinely used in a pharmacy setting. When presented with pictograms designed for a low health literate population, most pharmacists thought the design and overall look of the pictograms would be easy for most patients in South Africa to understand (71.6 ± 24.0). Two-thirds of pharmacists (65.0 ± 30.6), felt that pictograms should be used for all patient populations. More than 85% of pharmacists agreed that pictograms should be used for dosage instructions, auxiliary or additional information, warnings, and storage instructions. However, fewer (58-68%) felt that indication, side effects and risk communication information should be accompanied by pictograms. Pharmacists demonstrated positive attitudes towards using pictograms in practice (mean = 4.2 ± 0.9; range: 1 - 5), while perceived behavioural control (mean = 3.0 ± 1.2; range: 1 - 5), subjective norm (mean = 3.8 ± 1.0; range 1 - 5) and intention (mean = 3.3 ± 1.0; range 1 - 5) were all neutral. Attitude (β = -0.25, p < 0.117), however, was not a significant predictor of intention while perceived behavioural control (β = -0.83, p < 0.000) presented with a significant negative correlation with intention. Subjective norm (β = 0.57, p <0.000) was the strongest predictor of intention. Scale reliability ranged from 0.770 to 0.865 for the TPB constructs. Phase 2 aimed to expand on, and further investigate Phase 1 findings relating to current and intended pharmacist behaviour and opinions concerning pictogram usage. As Phase 2 looked to investigate issues in greater depth, questions included open-ended response options. The survey link was emailed to all pharmacists who had voluntarily offered to participate in Phase 2. Frequency data for all questions were generated, and content analysis was undertaken for the free-response comments offered by pharmacists. A total of 35 pharmacists responded to the Phase 2 survey. Most pharmacists who routinely used pictograms initiated their use with support from pharmacists’ colleagues (8/12) and their supervisor/manager (6/7). Pharmacists who stated their intention to use pictograms anticipated receiving support from their pharmacists' colleagues (18/23) and manager/supervisor (15/23). All 12 pharmacists who were routinely using pictograms reported a positive effect on patient communication, with almost all having encountered no negative aspects of using pictograms (11/12). Almost all pharmacists intending to use pictograms could foresee benefits from their use (22/23). Misinterpretation of pictograms was a prevalent barrier common to both pharmacists routinely using pictograms and to those intending to use pictograms. Increased workload was regarded as a prevalent barrier only by pharmacists intending to use pictograms. This study was the first national study of pharmacists to investigate their opinion of pictograms and their use and to adopt a theoretical approach to consider pharmacist intention to use pictograms in routine pharmacy practice. Pharmacists generally expressed positive attitudes to pictograms but showed inadequate understanding of pictogram use. Pharmacists using pictograms reported the positive effect of pictograms on their patient communication, whereas those planning to use pictograms could foresee the benefits of using pictograms despite regarding increased workload as a barrier. As the strongest predictor of intention was subjective norm, this construct should therefore be targeted to motivate pharmacists to adopt the use of pictograms. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Okeyo, Sam Juma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Picture-writing South Africa , Communication in public health South Africa , Pharmacists South Africa Attitudes , Health literacy South Africa , Patient education South Africa , Structural equation modeling , Theory of planned behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290693 , vital:56775
- Description: Pictograms, when used in conjunction with verbal and written information, are known to be effective in improving comprehension and recall of medicines information and in supporting communication between healthcare professionals and patients. However, pictograms are seldom used in routine pharmacy practice, and little is known about pharmacists’ opinions of pictograms and their intention to possibly incorporate pictograms into routine practice. This study aimed to investigate pharmacists’ opinions relating to pictograms as a communication tool, and, by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), to explore their intention to use pictograms in pharmacy practice as well as the barriers to their use. The quantitative study design involved a two-phase approach. Phase 1 was a descriptive, cross-sectional online national survey of pharmacists. The 70-item, four-section survey was primarily based on the constructs of TPB, which included attitude, intention, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. The last survey section recruited pharmacists for a follow-up Phase 2 survey. Following a pilot study, the survey was emailed to all pharmacists registered with the South African Pharmacy Council. Descriptive statistics for survey items were generated. Pearson correlation investigated the correlation between participant characteristics, familiarity with pictograms and use of pictograms in practice. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) determined if there was a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control with intention to use pictograms. A total of 426 pharmacists responded to the Phase 1 survey. Most pharmacists were familiar with the term ‘pictogram’; however, over three-quarters of pharmacists had never observed pictograms being routinely used in a pharmacy setting. When presented with pictograms designed for a low health literate population, most pharmacists thought the design and overall look of the pictograms would be easy for most patients in South Africa to understand (71.6 ± 24.0). Two-thirds of pharmacists (65.0 ± 30.6), felt that pictograms should be used for all patient populations. More than 85% of pharmacists agreed that pictograms should be used for dosage instructions, auxiliary or additional information, warnings, and storage instructions. However, fewer (58-68%) felt that indication, side effects and risk communication information should be accompanied by pictograms. Pharmacists demonstrated positive attitudes towards using pictograms in practice (mean = 4.2 ± 0.9; range: 1 - 5), while perceived behavioural control (mean = 3.0 ± 1.2; range: 1 - 5), subjective norm (mean = 3.8 ± 1.0; range 1 - 5) and intention (mean = 3.3 ± 1.0; range 1 - 5) were all neutral. Attitude (β = -0.25, p < 0.117), however, was not a significant predictor of intention while perceived behavioural control (β = -0.83, p < 0.000) presented with a significant negative correlation with intention. Subjective norm (β = 0.57, p <0.000) was the strongest predictor of intention. Scale reliability ranged from 0.770 to 0.865 for the TPB constructs. Phase 2 aimed to expand on, and further investigate Phase 1 findings relating to current and intended pharmacist behaviour and opinions concerning pictogram usage. As Phase 2 looked to investigate issues in greater depth, questions included open-ended response options. The survey link was emailed to all pharmacists who had voluntarily offered to participate in Phase 2. Frequency data for all questions were generated, and content analysis was undertaken for the free-response comments offered by pharmacists. A total of 35 pharmacists responded to the Phase 2 survey. Most pharmacists who routinely used pictograms initiated their use with support from pharmacists’ colleagues (8/12) and their supervisor/manager (6/7). Pharmacists who stated their intention to use pictograms anticipated receiving support from their pharmacists' colleagues (18/23) and manager/supervisor (15/23). All 12 pharmacists who were routinely using pictograms reported a positive effect on patient communication, with almost all having encountered no negative aspects of using pictograms (11/12). Almost all pharmacists intending to use pictograms could foresee benefits from their use (22/23). Misinterpretation of pictograms was a prevalent barrier common to both pharmacists routinely using pictograms and to those intending to use pictograms. Increased workload was regarded as a prevalent barrier only by pharmacists intending to use pictograms. This study was the first national study of pharmacists to investigate their opinion of pictograms and their use and to adopt a theoretical approach to consider pharmacist intention to use pictograms in routine pharmacy practice. Pharmacists generally expressed positive attitudes to pictograms but showed inadequate understanding of pictogram use. Pharmacists using pictograms reported the positive effect of pictograms on their patient communication, whereas those planning to use pictograms could foresee the benefits of using pictograms despite regarding increased workload as a barrier. As the strongest predictor of intention was subjective norm, this construct should therefore be targeted to motivate pharmacists to adopt the use of pictograms. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Exploring the entrepreneurial intention of students in one Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Authors: Kenye-Duma, Ayanda Rachel
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship South Africa , Intention , Entrepreneurship Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa , Students Attitudes , Social entrepreneurship , Social capital (Sociology) , Unemployment South Africa , Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284514 , vital:56070
- Description: This study was interpretive and qualitatively explored students' entrepreneurial intentions at Rhodes University. It was conducted to understand entrepreneurship among students. Understanding students' entrepreneurship is critical as entrepreneurship is touted as a reasonable response to alleviate the high unemployment in South Africa. The study explored how students became entrepreneurs (or how their entrepreneurship intentions were formed) and the factors that enhanced (enablers and barriers) and inhibited them. The significance of living with and after COVID-19, youth and graduate unemployment alleviation places entrepreneurship development by institutions of higher learning, governments and private sector in the centre of economic recovery. The establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) in 2016, highlights the commitment of the South African government, for Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to engage more in entrepreneurship and do more research to understand how students become entrepreneurs and unravel the challenges. Understanding students' entrepreneurship intentions can facilitate a supportive environment for students entrepreneurship. With “very little research about student entrepreneurship at this university” being the guiding research problem, the aim was to gain insight into the entrepreneurship intention of university students by exploring factors that influence students to become entrepreneurs. The study employed Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour to explore the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in terms of the underlying attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. The students who participated in the study fell into three categories of entrepreneurial intention: (i) Intending to start a business, (ii) starting a business, and (ii) those who were already operating a business. All the participants, irrespective of their stage of entrepreneurial intention, demonstrated a positive attitude and self-efficacy. All participants showed self-efficacy by identifying barriers and taking positive steps to overcome them. The main barriers were access to funding, capital, training, business opportunities with the university and lack of interaction with established entrepreneurs. The results demonstrated the close interplay of attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control in students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Social recognition of entrepreneurship, social capital, education and role models contributed to positive attitudes, and social norms influenced students’ entrepreneurial intentions. A supportive environment was found to be critical for nurturing entrepreneurship intentions. The study recommends a supportive climate cultivated by Rhodes University to promote entrepreneurship. The supportive environment must include the elevation of entrepreneurship in prominent offices of the university, strengthening entrepreneurship societies and interactions with established entrepreneurs, and engagement with the private sector to contribute and promote entrepreneurship among students. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Kenye-Duma, Ayanda Rachel
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship South Africa , Intention , Entrepreneurship Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa , Students Attitudes , Social entrepreneurship , Social capital (Sociology) , Unemployment South Africa , Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284514 , vital:56070
- Description: This study was interpretive and qualitatively explored students' entrepreneurial intentions at Rhodes University. It was conducted to understand entrepreneurship among students. Understanding students' entrepreneurship is critical as entrepreneurship is touted as a reasonable response to alleviate the high unemployment in South Africa. The study explored how students became entrepreneurs (or how their entrepreneurship intentions were formed) and the factors that enhanced (enablers and barriers) and inhibited them. The significance of living with and after COVID-19, youth and graduate unemployment alleviation places entrepreneurship development by institutions of higher learning, governments and private sector in the centre of economic recovery. The establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) in 2016, highlights the commitment of the South African government, for Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to engage more in entrepreneurship and do more research to understand how students become entrepreneurs and unravel the challenges. Understanding students' entrepreneurship intentions can facilitate a supportive environment for students entrepreneurship. With “very little research about student entrepreneurship at this university” being the guiding research problem, the aim was to gain insight into the entrepreneurship intention of university students by exploring factors that influence students to become entrepreneurs. The study employed Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour to explore the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in terms of the underlying attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. The students who participated in the study fell into three categories of entrepreneurial intention: (i) Intending to start a business, (ii) starting a business, and (ii) those who were already operating a business. All the participants, irrespective of their stage of entrepreneurial intention, demonstrated a positive attitude and self-efficacy. All participants showed self-efficacy by identifying barriers and taking positive steps to overcome them. The main barriers were access to funding, capital, training, business opportunities with the university and lack of interaction with established entrepreneurs. The results demonstrated the close interplay of attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control in students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Social recognition of entrepreneurship, social capital, education and role models contributed to positive attitudes, and social norms influenced students’ entrepreneurial intentions. A supportive environment was found to be critical for nurturing entrepreneurship intentions. The study recommends a supportive climate cultivated by Rhodes University to promote entrepreneurship. The supportive environment must include the elevation of entrepreneurship in prominent offices of the university, strengthening entrepreneurship societies and interactions with established entrepreneurs, and engagement with the private sector to contribute and promote entrepreneurship among students. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A laboratory simulation investigating the impact of sunglass tint on the catching performance of cricket fielders
- Authors: Nellemann, Stacy Amanda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sunglasses , Cricket Physiological aspects , Cricket players , Glare , Vision , Contrast sensitivity (Vision) , Fielders (Cricket)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291281 , vital:56839
- Description: Background: Sunglasses are popularly worn by outdoor athletes such as cricketers. They are primarily worn to preserve ocular health due to the length of time exposed to the sun’s glare on the field. More recently, sunglasses are now worn for their purported performance-enhancing benefits supposedly allowing athletes to “see clearly, react faster and perform with confidence”. Fielders typically wear sunglasses, but it is rare to see the bowler or the batter wearing sunglasses although they are exposed to the same conditions. If sunglasses provide visual clarity for better reaction time, it is assumed this would also be beneficial for both batsmen and bowlers alike. It is interesting that although fielding plays a key role in the winning of a match, it has received very little research in comparison to the areas of batting and bowling. Research concerning sunglasses in the past has been concerned with its effect on ocular parameters such as colour vision and contrast sensitivity, with minimal research on their effect on performance, specifically on how different colour tints may affect performance such as catching in fielding. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the catching performance of fielders when wearing three different colour tints of sunglasses. Methods: Thirty male cricketers currently playing for Rhodes University or country districts sides in Makhanda, South Africa, who were non-habitual sunglass wearers were recruited for this study. An optician administered a pre-screening test to ensure participants did not have any visual defects that would affect the results, determining who was eligible to continue with the research project. Twenty-five participants qualified with a further four withdrawing during the experimentation phase due to personal reasons. Eligible participants were required to complete four testing sessions on separate days thereafter in which they wore a different colour tint at each session (clear, blue, G30 and red). These tints were randomised among participants. Participants were required to catch 18 balls projected from a bowling machine in each session. The number of balls caught as well as the quality of catch was recorded. At the end of the fourth session, participants were presented with a questionnaire investigating their subjective experience of the protocol and preference for any particular colour of lens. Results: Statistically significant results were found between the different colour lenses for the ocular parameters of contrast sensitivity and stereopsis tested by the optician. The red lens was found to be the best for contrast sensitivity with the blue lens performing the worst on this test. With regard to stereopsis, the G30 lens was the worst, with the red lens performing the best. The performance measures resulted in no significant difference between the different colour lenses both concerning the total number of catches taken as well as the quality of catch taken. The same result was found irrespective of the colour of lens used in each session. Data gathered from the questionnaire regarding visual comfort and target visibility resulted in the red lens being rated statistically worse than the other three conditions. In terms of personal preference, the G30 lens was rated statistically as the best coloured lens. Conclusion: It can be concluded that objectively there is no difference in performance between the three coloured lenses. Although from an ocular perspective, the red lens was expected to perform the best in terms of catching performance, there was no difference. Subjectively there was a strong preference among the players for the G30 lens with players strongly disliking the red lens. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Nellemann, Stacy Amanda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sunglasses , Cricket Physiological aspects , Cricket players , Glare , Vision , Contrast sensitivity (Vision) , Fielders (Cricket)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291281 , vital:56839
- Description: Background: Sunglasses are popularly worn by outdoor athletes such as cricketers. They are primarily worn to preserve ocular health due to the length of time exposed to the sun’s glare on the field. More recently, sunglasses are now worn for their purported performance-enhancing benefits supposedly allowing athletes to “see clearly, react faster and perform with confidence”. Fielders typically wear sunglasses, but it is rare to see the bowler or the batter wearing sunglasses although they are exposed to the same conditions. If sunglasses provide visual clarity for better reaction time, it is assumed this would also be beneficial for both batsmen and bowlers alike. It is interesting that although fielding plays a key role in the winning of a match, it has received very little research in comparison to the areas of batting and bowling. Research concerning sunglasses in the past has been concerned with its effect on ocular parameters such as colour vision and contrast sensitivity, with minimal research on their effect on performance, specifically on how different colour tints may affect performance such as catching in fielding. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the catching performance of fielders when wearing three different colour tints of sunglasses. Methods: Thirty male cricketers currently playing for Rhodes University or country districts sides in Makhanda, South Africa, who were non-habitual sunglass wearers were recruited for this study. An optician administered a pre-screening test to ensure participants did not have any visual defects that would affect the results, determining who was eligible to continue with the research project. Twenty-five participants qualified with a further four withdrawing during the experimentation phase due to personal reasons. Eligible participants were required to complete four testing sessions on separate days thereafter in which they wore a different colour tint at each session (clear, blue, G30 and red). These tints were randomised among participants. Participants were required to catch 18 balls projected from a bowling machine in each session. The number of balls caught as well as the quality of catch was recorded. At the end of the fourth session, participants were presented with a questionnaire investigating their subjective experience of the protocol and preference for any particular colour of lens. Results: Statistically significant results were found between the different colour lenses for the ocular parameters of contrast sensitivity and stereopsis tested by the optician. The red lens was found to be the best for contrast sensitivity with the blue lens performing the worst on this test. With regard to stereopsis, the G30 lens was the worst, with the red lens performing the best. The performance measures resulted in no significant difference between the different colour lenses both concerning the total number of catches taken as well as the quality of catch taken. The same result was found irrespective of the colour of lens used in each session. Data gathered from the questionnaire regarding visual comfort and target visibility resulted in the red lens being rated statistically worse than the other three conditions. In terms of personal preference, the G30 lens was rated statistically as the best coloured lens. Conclusion: It can be concluded that objectively there is no difference in performance between the three coloured lenses. Although from an ocular perspective, the red lens was expected to perform the best in terms of catching performance, there was no difference. Subjectively there was a strong preference among the players for the G30 lens with players strongly disliking the red lens. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The geology, mineralogy, structure and economic aspects of the pegmatite-hosted Swanson Tantalum Deposit, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Bond market integration in the Common Monetary Area (CMA)
- Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A framework for the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation: case studies from South Africa
- Authors: Browne, Michelle
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Wetland restoration South Africa , Wetland management South Africa , Ecosystem management South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Ecosystem management Economic aspects South Africa , Wetland restoration Cost effectiveness South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263560 , vital:53638 , DOI 10.21504/10962/263561
- Description: Wetlands are recognised as having the potential to contribute long-term benefits to society; wetland rehabilitation is undertaken to recover these benefits in response to widespread wetland degradation. Increasingly, there have been calls to value the benefits of wetland rehabilitation to justify further investment. Such is the case in South Africa. Furthermore, recent global agendas and targets for ecosystem restoration, such as the declaration of the Decade of Restoration 2021-2030, suggest increasing pressure on governments to implement rehabilitation and imply a concomitant increase in decision-making regarding where and how to rehabilitate. In response to these information needs, this thesis explores the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation through a narrative review of the foundational theory of values and valuation, a quantitative review of applied wetland rehabilitation economic valuation studies, and the evaluation of five wetland rehabilitation projects from South Africa. Projects were selected as case studies to represent various rehabilitation goals and explore different contexts (urban-rural; beneficiary groups), the timing of the evaluation (ex ante, ex post) and value types and valuation methods. The final chapter of the thesis integrates the case study experiences with the findings of the theoretical research components to propose a framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilitation, which can be applied in South Africa, and more generally, to further demonstrate the values of wetland rehabilitation, and as a tool to guide wetland rehabilitation decision-making. While initially grounded in mainstream economics, the research led into a number of fields including philosophy, social-ecological systems and social-ecological relations thinking, several environmental science areas and livelihood and human well-being frameworks. A deeper look into economic theory and history revealed an evolution of thinking on the meaning of ‘value’ and view of ‘nature’ and numerous critiques of standard neoclassical economics. From the insights gained and the case study experiences, this thesis argues that the neoclassical economic perspective, especially combined with a monetary metric, is too restrictive, and arguably too abstract in its assumptions of human behaviour and reliance on mathematical models, as an overarching framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilition. This is not to suggest that standard economic valuation concepts and methods cannot be useful, as the research case studies illustrated, but rather that wetland valuation must be approached from a value pluralism perspective. To this end, the proposed framework offers a way to think beyond, or in addition to, standard economic approaches in articulating the values of wetland rehabilitation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Browne, Michelle
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Wetland restoration South Africa , Wetland management South Africa , Ecosystem management South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Ecosystem management Economic aspects South Africa , Wetland restoration Cost effectiveness South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263560 , vital:53638 , DOI 10.21504/10962/263561
- Description: Wetlands are recognised as having the potential to contribute long-term benefits to society; wetland rehabilitation is undertaken to recover these benefits in response to widespread wetland degradation. Increasingly, there have been calls to value the benefits of wetland rehabilitation to justify further investment. Such is the case in South Africa. Furthermore, recent global agendas and targets for ecosystem restoration, such as the declaration of the Decade of Restoration 2021-2030, suggest increasing pressure on governments to implement rehabilitation and imply a concomitant increase in decision-making regarding where and how to rehabilitate. In response to these information needs, this thesis explores the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation through a narrative review of the foundational theory of values and valuation, a quantitative review of applied wetland rehabilitation economic valuation studies, and the evaluation of five wetland rehabilitation projects from South Africa. Projects were selected as case studies to represent various rehabilitation goals and explore different contexts (urban-rural; beneficiary groups), the timing of the evaluation (ex ante, ex post) and value types and valuation methods. The final chapter of the thesis integrates the case study experiences with the findings of the theoretical research components to propose a framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilitation, which can be applied in South Africa, and more generally, to further demonstrate the values of wetland rehabilitation, and as a tool to guide wetland rehabilitation decision-making. While initially grounded in mainstream economics, the research led into a number of fields including philosophy, social-ecological systems and social-ecological relations thinking, several environmental science areas and livelihood and human well-being frameworks. A deeper look into economic theory and history revealed an evolution of thinking on the meaning of ‘value’ and view of ‘nature’ and numerous critiques of standard neoclassical economics. From the insights gained and the case study experiences, this thesis argues that the neoclassical economic perspective, especially combined with a monetary metric, is too restrictive, and arguably too abstract in its assumptions of human behaviour and reliance on mathematical models, as an overarching framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilition. This is not to suggest that standard economic valuation concepts and methods cannot be useful, as the research case studies illustrated, but rather that wetland valuation must be approached from a value pluralism perspective. To this end, the proposed framework offers a way to think beyond, or in addition to, standard economic approaches in articulating the values of wetland rehabilitation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Soil and vegetation recovery following Acacia dealbata clearing in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: implications for ecological restoration
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A conceptual IT governance framework to guide the development of interoperable health information systems
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Assessing the density and distribution of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Roberts, Peter Jean
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Spotted hyena Home range South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Spotted hyena Habitat South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Animal population density South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Scouting cameras , Home range (Animal geography) , Spatially-explicit mark recapture (SECR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/292681 , vital:57006
- Description: Protected areas are becoming increasingly isolated refugia for large carnivores and are critical for their survival. Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) have, for centuries, been ‘managed’ as problem causing animals and their conservation has been largely overlooked. To preserve a population, it is paramount to understand its distribution and abundance through reliable and cost-effective monitoring techniques. My study estimated the density of spotted hyaenas and their use of space in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa. I compared camera trap by-catch data and call-up surveys between 2013–2018 to assess spotted hyaena densities. The camera trap data estimated an average of 16.72 (SD: ±2.22) hyaenas per 100 km2 between 2013–2018, with an annual estimated high of 19.01 in 2018 and a low of 12.77 in 2015. The call-up surveys consistently produced lower estimates than those obtained from the camera trap data. These results highlight the importance of calibrating the response probability factor for call-up surveys to maintain precision. The space use of spotted hyaenas was analysed using the photo-capture data obtained during the same six-year period, to produce individual 100% Minimum Convex Polygon’s (MCPs). Seven clan territories were identified from individual female home ranges that overlapped by more than 66% of their MCPs. Territory sizes were similar to historical estimates for the park, with averages of 13.96 (SD: ±6.48) km2 in Hluhluwe and 34.61 (SD: ±23.87) km2 in iMfolozi. My study successfully used by-catch camera data to calculate annual density estimates and investigate the spatial use patterns for spotted hyaenas in HiP. I demonstrate that this approach is cost-effective and reliable for calculating density estimates. Conservation practitioners should take heed of the advancements in technology and analytical capacity now available to them to improve monitoring efforts. My study specifically calls for collaborative efforts to use existing camera trap data to improve regional estimates and population trends of spotted hyaenas across their range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Roberts, Peter Jean
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Spotted hyena Home range South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Spotted hyena Habitat South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Animal population density South Africa Hluhluwe Game Reserve , Scouting cameras , Home range (Animal geography) , Spatially-explicit mark recapture (SECR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/292681 , vital:57006
- Description: Protected areas are becoming increasingly isolated refugia for large carnivores and are critical for their survival. Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) have, for centuries, been ‘managed’ as problem causing animals and their conservation has been largely overlooked. To preserve a population, it is paramount to understand its distribution and abundance through reliable and cost-effective monitoring techniques. My study estimated the density of spotted hyaenas and their use of space in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa. I compared camera trap by-catch data and call-up surveys between 2013–2018 to assess spotted hyaena densities. The camera trap data estimated an average of 16.72 (SD: ±2.22) hyaenas per 100 km2 between 2013–2018, with an annual estimated high of 19.01 in 2018 and a low of 12.77 in 2015. The call-up surveys consistently produced lower estimates than those obtained from the camera trap data. These results highlight the importance of calibrating the response probability factor for call-up surveys to maintain precision. The space use of spotted hyaenas was analysed using the photo-capture data obtained during the same six-year period, to produce individual 100% Minimum Convex Polygon’s (MCPs). Seven clan territories were identified from individual female home ranges that overlapped by more than 66% of their MCPs. Territory sizes were similar to historical estimates for the park, with averages of 13.96 (SD: ±6.48) km2 in Hluhluwe and 34.61 (SD: ±23.87) km2 in iMfolozi. My study successfully used by-catch camera data to calculate annual density estimates and investigate the spatial use patterns for spotted hyaenas in HiP. I demonstrate that this approach is cost-effective and reliable for calculating density estimates. Conservation practitioners should take heed of the advancements in technology and analytical capacity now available to them to improve monitoring efforts. My study specifically calls for collaborative efforts to use existing camera trap data to improve regional estimates and population trends of spotted hyaenas across their range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Trace element and sulphur isotope variations of sulphides in the Koperberg Suite, O’okiep Copper District, Namaqualand, South Africa: implications for formation of sulphides and the role of crustal sulphur assimilation
- Authors: Marima, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sulfur Isotopes , Magmatism South Africa Namaqualand , Sulfides , Koperberg Suite (South Africa) , Copper sulfide , Sulfur Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291117 , vital:56820
- Description: The major economic copper sulphide deposits hosted in the late Mesoproterozoic intrusions of the Koperberg Suite in the O’okiep Copper District immediately overlie sulphur-bearing paragneisses of the Khurisberg Subgroup in an otherwise low-sulphur granitic basement. The dominant sulphide assemblage (chalcopyrite and bornite) hosted in the Koperberg Suite is also atypical of the intermediate solid solution (iss) assemblage (chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite) observed in most Cu-Ni magmatic sulphide deposits. This study presents sulphur isotope and in-situ trace element analysis of sulphides from the Koperberg Suite and the Khurisberg Subgroup with the view of placing constraints on the role of sulphide-bearing supracrustal metasedimentary of the Khurisberg Subgroup as a source of additional sulphur in the genesis of these deposits, and ore-forming (sulphide formation) processes which result in trace element variations registered by sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite. The high concentrations (up to 2100 ppm) of monosulphide solid solution (mss)-incompatible trace elements (e.g., Te, Se, Bi, Ag, Pb), and the depletion in Ni and Co (<40 ppm) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite are instead consistent with the derivation of such sulphides from a Cu-rich sulphide melt which segregated from a Ni-rich sulphide melt prior to magma emplacement in the middle crust, in agreement with one of the petrogenetic models for the Koperberg Suite proposed in the existing literature. The low S/Se ratios ( ̴650-10300) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite and the high S/Se ratios ( ̴18800-56000) registered by the main sulphide phase (pyrite) in the Khurisberg Subgroup argues against crustal contamination of the Koperberg Suite magmas by the Khurisberg Subgroup. The S/Se and Cu/S ratios of coexisting bornite and chalcopyrite hosted in the Koperberg Suite are positively correlated with the bornite modal abundance in the Koperberg Suite. Such trends are interpreted to be consistent with progressive oxidation of sulphide melt, a process which results in the crystallisation of iss-bornite assemblage and/or replacement of iss with bornite due to the enrichment of Cu and depletion in S of the sulphide melt. The oxidation of sulphide melt is likely to have been effectuated by the fractional crystallisation of mss in a prior sulphide melt segregation event and/or the fractional crystallisation of Fe2+-dominated silicate phases. Fractionation of the Cu-rich melt sulphide melt (segregated from mss) also tends to enrich the residual sulphide melts in Se. Thus, the chalcopyrite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴1300-10200 observed in the less basic rocks in the Koperberg Suite (leucodiorites and leuconorites) is interpreted to have formed from the least evolved sulphide melt, whereas the bornite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴650-5500 observed in the more mafic members of the Koperberg Suite (orthopyroxenites and norites) is interpreted to have formed from the most evolved sulphide melt. The ẟ34S isotopic signatures in sulphides of the Koperberg Suite (-1.4 to +1.91‰) and the proposed contaminant, the Khurisberg Subgroup (-1.2 to +3.5‰), overlap with the those of the Koperberg Suite below the Khurisberg Subgroup (+0.74‰) and typical mantle-derived magmatic rocks (0 ± iv 2‰). Hence, the sulphur isotope variations are inconclusive as an indicator of possible crustal sulphur assimilation into the intruding mantle magma. However, considering the trace element systematics and the sulphur isotope data, the Koperberg magmas likely attained sulphur saturation at deeper crustal levels. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Marima, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sulfur Isotopes , Magmatism South Africa Namaqualand , Sulfides , Koperberg Suite (South Africa) , Copper sulfide , Sulfur Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291117 , vital:56820
- Description: The major economic copper sulphide deposits hosted in the late Mesoproterozoic intrusions of the Koperberg Suite in the O’okiep Copper District immediately overlie sulphur-bearing paragneisses of the Khurisberg Subgroup in an otherwise low-sulphur granitic basement. The dominant sulphide assemblage (chalcopyrite and bornite) hosted in the Koperberg Suite is also atypical of the intermediate solid solution (iss) assemblage (chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite) observed in most Cu-Ni magmatic sulphide deposits. This study presents sulphur isotope and in-situ trace element analysis of sulphides from the Koperberg Suite and the Khurisberg Subgroup with the view of placing constraints on the role of sulphide-bearing supracrustal metasedimentary of the Khurisberg Subgroup as a source of additional sulphur in the genesis of these deposits, and ore-forming (sulphide formation) processes which result in trace element variations registered by sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite. The high concentrations (up to 2100 ppm) of monosulphide solid solution (mss)-incompatible trace elements (e.g., Te, Se, Bi, Ag, Pb), and the depletion in Ni and Co (<40 ppm) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite are instead consistent with the derivation of such sulphides from a Cu-rich sulphide melt which segregated from a Ni-rich sulphide melt prior to magma emplacement in the middle crust, in agreement with one of the petrogenetic models for the Koperberg Suite proposed in the existing literature. The low S/Se ratios ( ̴650-10300) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite and the high S/Se ratios ( ̴18800-56000) registered by the main sulphide phase (pyrite) in the Khurisberg Subgroup argues against crustal contamination of the Koperberg Suite magmas by the Khurisberg Subgroup. The S/Se and Cu/S ratios of coexisting bornite and chalcopyrite hosted in the Koperberg Suite are positively correlated with the bornite modal abundance in the Koperberg Suite. Such trends are interpreted to be consistent with progressive oxidation of sulphide melt, a process which results in the crystallisation of iss-bornite assemblage and/or replacement of iss with bornite due to the enrichment of Cu and depletion in S of the sulphide melt. The oxidation of sulphide melt is likely to have been effectuated by the fractional crystallisation of mss in a prior sulphide melt segregation event and/or the fractional crystallisation of Fe2+-dominated silicate phases. Fractionation of the Cu-rich melt sulphide melt (segregated from mss) also tends to enrich the residual sulphide melts in Se. Thus, the chalcopyrite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴1300-10200 observed in the less basic rocks in the Koperberg Suite (leucodiorites and leuconorites) is interpreted to have formed from the least evolved sulphide melt, whereas the bornite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴650-5500 observed in the more mafic members of the Koperberg Suite (orthopyroxenites and norites) is interpreted to have formed from the most evolved sulphide melt. The ẟ34S isotopic signatures in sulphides of the Koperberg Suite (-1.4 to +1.91‰) and the proposed contaminant, the Khurisberg Subgroup (-1.2 to +3.5‰), overlap with the those of the Koperberg Suite below the Khurisberg Subgroup (+0.74‰) and typical mantle-derived magmatic rocks (0 ± iv 2‰). Hence, the sulphur isotope variations are inconclusive as an indicator of possible crustal sulphur assimilation into the intruding mantle magma. However, considering the trace element systematics and the sulphur isotope data, the Koperberg magmas likely attained sulphur saturation at deeper crustal levels. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The challenges and opportunities in ESG integration in investment activities for private equity firms/funds in South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Cuma Velile
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business South Africa , Investments Moral and ethical aspects South Africa , Private equity South Africa , Investments Environmental aspects South Africa , Investments Social aspects South Africa , Investments Law and legislation South Africa , United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284493 , vital:56068
- Description: Responsible Investing (RI) is an investment strategy that considers not only the economic but also the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the investment analysis and post-investment activities. The consideration of ESG issues is aimed at generating long-term risk-adjusted financial returns and a positive social and environmental impact. This research seeks to contribute to the study of responsible investment (RI), as it relates to private equity investments, an area not well researched. This research also seeks to contribute to the academic literature on responsible institutional investment in South Africa; the opportunities it presents to optimise portfolios, as well as the means with which the challenges faced in integrating ESG factors in investment activities may be overcome. More specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the integration of ESG factors in the investment process were investigated through the experiences of a small sample of South African private equity firms. The sample of private equity firms that participated in this research are signatories of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). Representatives of the participating firms were interviewed in line with the qualitative research design and the post-positivist paradigm of this research. The research design and paradigm are chosen to explore the experiences of practitioners in their integration of ESG issues in the investment process. This research shows that the challenges to ESG integration for the private equity firms considered have remained largely consistent over the last ten years. The challenges include industry skills and knowledge gap and the lack of reliable and comparable ESG data at the portfolio company level. The Opportunities presented, by adopting responsible investing as an investment strategy, are rooted in protecting the downside (risk management) and in finding new value creation opportunities. In summary, it was found that the participating firms continue to face significant capacity challenges in overcoming the challenges to mainstreaming ESG in investment processes. Further research may explore whether the challenges and opportunities that persist from the findings of this research are pervasive throughout the entire sector and whether innovative ways have been found to overcome the challenges have been found by private equity firms that are not signatories of the UNPRI. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Dube, Cuma Velile
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business South Africa , Investments Moral and ethical aspects South Africa , Private equity South Africa , Investments Environmental aspects South Africa , Investments Social aspects South Africa , Investments Law and legislation South Africa , United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284493 , vital:56068
- Description: Responsible Investing (RI) is an investment strategy that considers not only the economic but also the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the investment analysis and post-investment activities. The consideration of ESG issues is aimed at generating long-term risk-adjusted financial returns and a positive social and environmental impact. This research seeks to contribute to the study of responsible investment (RI), as it relates to private equity investments, an area not well researched. This research also seeks to contribute to the academic literature on responsible institutional investment in South Africa; the opportunities it presents to optimise portfolios, as well as the means with which the challenges faced in integrating ESG factors in investment activities may be overcome. More specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the integration of ESG factors in the investment process were investigated through the experiences of a small sample of South African private equity firms. The sample of private equity firms that participated in this research are signatories of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). Representatives of the participating firms were interviewed in line with the qualitative research design and the post-positivist paradigm of this research. The research design and paradigm are chosen to explore the experiences of practitioners in their integration of ESG issues in the investment process. This research shows that the challenges to ESG integration for the private equity firms considered have remained largely consistent over the last ten years. The challenges include industry skills and knowledge gap and the lack of reliable and comparable ESG data at the portfolio company level. The Opportunities presented, by adopting responsible investing as an investment strategy, are rooted in protecting the downside (risk management) and in finding new value creation opportunities. In summary, it was found that the participating firms continue to face significant capacity challenges in overcoming the challenges to mainstreaming ESG in investment processes. Further research may explore whether the challenges and opportunities that persist from the findings of this research are pervasive throughout the entire sector and whether innovative ways have been found to overcome the challenges have been found by private equity firms that are not signatories of the UNPRI. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Mediating transition to household electricity conservation through co-designing in Makhanda, South Africa
- Authors: Mutumbi, Uzziah
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Households Energy consumption South Africa Makhanda , Renewable energy sources South Africa , Consumer behavior South Africa Makhanda , Energy conservation South Africa Makhanda Citizen participation , Low-income consumers South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291262 , vital:56838
- Description: Households consume up to 20% of total global electricity consumption, hence they are important role players in efforts for promoting sustainable consumption. Research on electricity-use behaviour and effectiveness of interventions is important for informing intervention strategies. However, relative to developed countries, research on this subject is lacking in developing countries, where electricity access is limited, and a substantial proportion of households are energy poor. The main goal of this study was to examine reported electricity-use behaviour and the effects of co-designed interventions on household electricity consumption in low-income households in Makhanda, South Africa, using a field-based experiment. Findings from self-reported electricity-use practices showed mixed results, with households reporting both good electricity-use behaviour (e.g., cooling down hot food before refrigeration) and wasteful actions (e.g., leaving appliances on standby). Results showed that electricity-use behaviour was influenced by socio-psychological values including universalism, benevolence, hedonism, and power. Over the intervention period, households exposed to co-designed electricity-saving interventions showed mean electricity savings of about 5.5%, while households in the Partial Treatment and Control group showed increased electricity consumption. Socio-demographic factors such as age and psychological factors (involvement and perceived behavioural control) were very important determinants of household consumption. Broadly, the findings empirically validate the impact of collective problem formulation and co-designing interventions in promoting sustainable actions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mutumbi, Uzziah
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Households Energy consumption South Africa Makhanda , Renewable energy sources South Africa , Consumer behavior South Africa Makhanda , Energy conservation South Africa Makhanda Citizen participation , Low-income consumers South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291262 , vital:56838
- Description: Households consume up to 20% of total global electricity consumption, hence they are important role players in efforts for promoting sustainable consumption. Research on electricity-use behaviour and effectiveness of interventions is important for informing intervention strategies. However, relative to developed countries, research on this subject is lacking in developing countries, where electricity access is limited, and a substantial proportion of households are energy poor. The main goal of this study was to examine reported electricity-use behaviour and the effects of co-designed interventions on household electricity consumption in low-income households in Makhanda, South Africa, using a field-based experiment. Findings from self-reported electricity-use practices showed mixed results, with households reporting both good electricity-use behaviour (e.g., cooling down hot food before refrigeration) and wasteful actions (e.g., leaving appliances on standby). Results showed that electricity-use behaviour was influenced by socio-psychological values including universalism, benevolence, hedonism, and power. Over the intervention period, households exposed to co-designed electricity-saving interventions showed mean electricity savings of about 5.5%, while households in the Partial Treatment and Control group showed increased electricity consumption. Socio-demographic factors such as age and psychological factors (involvement and perceived behavioural control) were very important determinants of household consumption. Broadly, the findings empirically validate the impact of collective problem formulation and co-designing interventions in promoting sustainable actions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06